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Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
NOVEMBER 2016
Volume 7, Issue 7
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
It’s the month of Thanksgiving and we are beyond grateful for all of Gods bountiful blessings. Take some time to reflect and give thanks for what you have and for what is to come. In the month of November, of course this particular year, we welcome a new president elect, Mr. Donald Trump. Many divided issues, many opinions, tons of facts and the lists go on and on. Our encourangement to you is not to fall into the trap of going back and forth with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. It doens’t serve us any purpose to talk in a negative manner about either of the candidates. Talking trash and filth about either one
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep
SALES DEPARTMENT David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2016 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
of them, or their families, or our friends is a waste of time. Not only is it uncalled for , but it tears down and disrepects one another. If we fall into this trap, we only allow bitterness, resentment, selfishness, unforgiveness, a judgemental and condescending attitude/tongue take control of our lives. Which in turn will dominate us and hurt us in a negative way. Don’t give into your flesh; and yes it’s tempting, but we must resist, stay strong and give it God. Give thanks for the good and discard the bad. Be blessed this season and enjoy our features this month: • It Runs In The Family (Larry Jones), pg 5 • Mission Thanksgiving - Arrow Ford, pg 12-13 • Local Thanksgiving Event in Danger, pg 15 (The Taylor County Veterans Services Office) • Blue Santa, pg 17 • Spread The Word (ACU), pg 19 • Workforce Solutions (WOW Event), pg 31 • Tribute to Casey Alan Goldman, pg 33 • Navigating Care for Loves Ones, pg 41 (West TX Rehab / Hospice of The Big Country) • Losing Sight, But Not Slowing Down, pg 45 Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends…. David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Local Pastors Ride Along with Abilene Police for New Program By Lindsey Ragas | KTXS-12
Rev. James Webbs experienced life as a police officer as part of a new program with the Abilene Police Department called Pastors on Patrol. Webbs cruised the street with APD Officer Jordan Brown Thursday morning for a ride along. “We sit on the outside and look in, but we don’t know what [police officers] have to go through and the danger they put themselves in everyday to protect us,” Webbs said.
Webbs said this ride along helped him understand what poWebbs volunteered for the Pastors on Patrol lice officers do to protect citizens. program to get a better idea of what it takes to protect the public. “So now when I see police riding down the street, I understand what he’s going through and the danger he’s goDuring the ride along, Brown said he realized ing through because I rode with him,” Webbs said during their goals aren’t that different. the ride along. “Whatever problem he gets in, I’m going to have the same problem.” “It’s striking to me,” Brown said. “Our jobs, our callings are really similar, just dealing On Sunday, Webbs will share his experience during mornwith people and life problems and we get to ing worship at New Fellowship Baptist Church. talk to so many different people.”
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | COMMUNITY | 5
It Runs in the Family By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
With each generation, a family passes on more than just a last name. For the Jones family, that is work ethic. Through working in construction with his father, Larry Jones it together.” developed a strong work ethic and understood the value of hard work. Jones is someone Smith can always “He is the hardest working guy I have ever count on to get a job met,” Tim Smith Firehouse Fitness owner done. Whether it is for Harris and Abilene real estate investor said. “He has Acoustics or a job on the side, it a very strong work ethic that you don’t see from people these days.” will be a job well done.
Jones started off in the construction business as an eleven-year-old boy going to work with his father in Chicago, IL. In the U.S. Army, Jones severed as an engineer where he grew his construction experience before finally moving to Abilene in 1980.
“He is just consistent and responsible,” Smith said. “He has always been able to get to any job or any task I have. He is always up for it.” Even though Jones has been in construction for most of his life, he said he’s not done with it yet, and there is always more experience to gain.
Since then, Jones has worked with several construction businesses but now works for Harris Acoustics. Jones met Smith while working on one of Smith’s many real estate projects. He gradually started doing more projects on the side for Smith where they have developed a close relationship.
“One man in construction can never think he knows it all, because things change,” Jones said. “You can always learn something new. It is ongoing. They are forever building something.”
“He really enjoys the crazy and off-thewall projects I come up with,” Smith said.
Jones’ two sons have grown up learning the value of hard work by working in construction with their father, as well. His sons have other passions they are pursuing outside of construction. However, they will take the Jones name with them. Plus, the strong work ethic and value of hard work that comes along with it.
One of Smith’s latest projects is turning the old Abilene Boy’s Club building downtown into his family’s home. In the past, Smith turned a vacant fire station into a fitness center, now Firehouse Fitness. “In construction you always have to go by blueprints,” Jones said. “When you can get away from blueprints and freehand the work, that’s when it becomes a challenge. We take what’s in his head and what I can do with my hands and put
Larry Jones pauses work for a quick pic with his son Byron at the Smith Residence.
Over the years, Jones has built a lot of buildings, offices and homes. Perhaps the most treasured thing he has built though, is the Jones name and what it embodies for another generation.
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Happy Wife, Happy Life Comedian to Headline Benefit for Christian Homes
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
By Sherri Statler | Christian Homes & Family Services
One of the original “Apostles of Comedy,” Jeff Allen, will be the featured entertainer for A Time to Laugh, a dinner and comedy show benefiting Christian Homes & Family Services, a maternity care, adoption and foster care ministry based in Abilene. The November 14 event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center.
ditional foster care worker to the ministry’s staff,” said Statler. “We are licensing new foster families just as quickly as we can, and every one of our foster homes is full. We rarely have a vacancy for more than a week.” Statler said the new staff member will focus on recruiting, training, and licensing new foster families, many of whom hope to adopt if the foster children cannot be returned to their biological families.
Allen is a former self-proclaimed, hard-living atheist who found Jesus and then found his calling entertaining audiences with clean fun about life’s toughest lessons. He is regarded as one of the premium clean comedians working today with most of his comedy based on everyday family life including marriage, raising children and teenagers, and ultimately enjoying grandchildren.
“It’s the saddest of situations for these children,” said Statler. “Still, it is so good to see the Christian community stepping up to care for children who are orphans, if even for a short while.”
“Our dinner is just one week after the election,” said Sherri Statler, President of Christian Homes & Family Services. “Some people may be packing their bags for the inauguration, others planning to throw their own hat in the ring in 2020. Either way, we thought laughter is something we all could use a little more of. It is, after all, Biblical.”
Christian Homes & Family Services’ vision is a Christian home for every child. The ministry changes lives and builds Christian families by caring for young women with unplanned pregnancies with the free support they need to give their babies life and, if they choose, adoption into loving Christian homes or by providing foster homes to children who have been abused and neglected. The ministry provides free services including housing, medical, legal, and counseling to women with unplanned pregnancies.
In addition to Allen’s performance, the Bill and Wilma McMillan Award established by Bruce and Charlotte Davis in 2014 to honor foster parents for their love, sacrifice and dedication to standing in the gap for children will be presented to two of the ministry’s foster parents. “Foster care is exploding,” said Statler. “Drug use, particularly meth, is destroying families” and results in children being removed from homes that aren’t safe and placed in safe, stable, and loving homes to call their own even if the situation is temporary. “The proceeds from the dinner will be used to add an ad-
Tickets and more information is available by phone at 325677-2205 or at www.ChristianHomes.com.
Allen has appeared on every cable comedy network in the U.S. including Comedy VH1, Odyssey Channel, and Family Net with his one-hour special Happy Wife, Happy Life. He’s been featured at the Grand Ole Opry, the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, and the Montreal Just for Laughs International Comedy Festival. He also headlined his own national comedy tour, Jeff Allen & Friends: Funny People of Faith. Jeff also has been the featured performer at two National Prayer Breakfasts and was a featured performer for George W. Bush’s inauguration.
Free seminar offers help for those coping with grief during the holidays Saturday, Nov. 12th | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hendrick Medical Center’s Shelton Building, 2000 Pine St.
For those who have lost a loved one, the holiday season can be a painful reminder of their loss. However, there are steps people can take to give the holidays a new meaning and experience healing. Topics at the seminar include: baHendrick Hospice Care and Elmwood Memorial Park and Funeral Home are of- sic grief information, ways to care for yourself during the holidays, exploring fering an opportunity to learn about healing during the holidays at Grief and coping strategies, ideas for honoring a loved one and finding spiritual strength. the Holidays: Grieving, Remembering & Celebrating, Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The seminar will be held in Hendrick Medical Center’s Aux- Grief and the Holidays is offered as a free community service. For more information or to iliary Conference Center on the second floor of the Shelton Building, 2000 Pine St. make a reservation, call Hendrick Hospice Care at 325-670-6999 or 1-800-622-8516.
Bankers Deploy to Serve Communities
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
By Dan Carpenter | Special to The Abilene Reporter-News
While government offices and banks were closed Monday, it was no holiday for more than 600 First Financial Bank employees, as they spread out for their first-ever Day of Service to support there communities.
out about the Groceries on Wheels program as she was coming into the United on Judge Ely to do some other shopping. “One of the volunteers handed me a list of items they needed for the pantry, and I picked up a few extra things while I was shopping,” she said. “It seems as though there is always a need, and I was happy to support the cause in a small way.”
“Although the bank is known for being active in the community, this is the first time we’ve attempted anything on this scale,” said Marelyn Shedd, president of the bank’s Abilene Region. “There are service projects going on in every community we serve through our 69 locations companywide.”
Shedd said it was very gratifying to see the bank’s employees come together to help the community and serve.
Those locations run from Hereford in the Panhandle to Orange in deep southeast Texas. In Abilene, employees started the day at the Rose Park Senior Center, then fanned out across the city to take on a variety of projects that included landscaping, painting and serving lunch. Another group headed to the 5000 block of Congress Avenue and North 9th Street to do yard and cleanup work for homes of those involved with the Foster Grandparents program, while still others took up positions at four United Supermarkets locations to collect groceries for the Meals on Wheels “Groceries on Wheels” program.
“I am proud of everyone,” she said. “This has been great team building, and it was wonderful to see their commitment to the community. “All of our projects Monday centered on needs We are also very appreciative of our other in our senior community,” she added. “It has community partners who came alongside to been a blessing to be able to give back to them help us today.” in this way.” the Meals on Wheels office.
“We love being more than just a bank in the communities we serve,” said Shedd. “We often are able to identify needs when others can’t, and that makes us all feel great.” Shedd said that she anticipated between seven and 10 pickup loads of groceries had been donated Monday and would be delivered to Kristin Marczynski, of Abilene, said she found
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMTParamedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
Lt. Ben Cotton began his career with the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2009. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic, Fire Instructor I, Basic Wildland Firefighter, and EMT-Paramedic. Ben is assigned to station 1, engine 1 on B shift. He will soon be promoted to Captain. Congratulations to Lt. Cotton.
Firefighter Hondo 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.
TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE
Women Veterans Program to host Roll Call Nov. 10 – 12 in Abilene By Sherry Byard | Veterans Employer Liaison, Texas Veterans Commission
The Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Women Veterans Program and the Disabled American Veterans – Chapter 36 will be cohosting the ‘Women Veterans Roll Call: Life Beyond the Oath’ in Abilene, November 10 through November 12. The Roll Call is the centerpiece event for this year’s Abilene Celebrates Veterans Week.
cess the Roll Call Speak Easy. Friday is a full day, 8:30 am to 3:30 p.m., at the First Baptist Family Life Center. The conference features information from several veteran serving organizations, workshops on key top-
The Veterans Day Parade begins at 11 in downtown Abilene. The Roll Call picks up again at the Family Life Center with a family BBQ lunch with guest speaker Jamie Thomas. Thomas will share her story of finding the help her family needed which included helping get a bill passed in the last session of the Texas Legislature. The conference wraps up with more workshops and special pampering for some lucky women veterans.
Unfortunately, many women who served in the military do not consider themselves veterans, and oftentimes do not apply for the benefits they have earned. This means that women veterans across Texas are missing out on opportunities to further their education with the G.I. Bill or Hazelwood Act, get assistance in finding meaningful careers though veteran employment services, or to receive training and support in starting their own business. They often do not have access to affordable healthcare because of a lack of information.
During the event, representatives from TVC programs as well as other local resources will be on hand to help women veterans learn how to apply for benefits, get assistance in employment, entrepreneurship, education, claims and healthcare and connect with mentors and other veterans.
The Texas Women Veterans Roll Call is free but participants need to register. To register for the event and get more details on what is planned, visit http:// www.tvc.texas.gov/TexasWomen-Veterans-Roll-Call. aspx. It is open to all women who have or are serving in the U.S. military. All activities will take place in downtown Abilene. The conference hotel is the MCM Elegante. Guests are reminded to ask for the conference rate. The Abilene Roll Call kicks off with a reception on Thursday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Center for Contemporary Arts, as part of the Red, White and You ArtWalk. Those registered for the conference will receive details on how to ac-
On Saturday morning, women veterans will have an opportunity to meet their legislators and have a cup of coffee at Monks Coffee Shop. They will also have a variety of alternative therapy sessions available to them at the Center for Contemporary Arts.
With approximately 180,000 women veterans, Texas has the largest population of women veterans in the country. The Women Veterans Program works to connect these veterans with the local, state, and federal benefits they are entitled to. ics for women veterans, and time to interact with each other. Debra M. Morotini, Recovery Care Coordinator for the Air Force Recovery Care Program is the keynote speaker for the luncheon. In addition, there will be children’s activities, professional headshots, and opportunities for women veterans to record video stories of their service.
For more information, contact Geri Massey at (325) 660-6348 or Carrie Sconza at (512) 463-8312. For more information on the Women Veterans Program, please contact Anna Baker at 512-463-0519 or via email at anna.baker@tvc.texas.gov.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Mercado Connects Business to Hispanic Community
HispanicLife Media
. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505
By Dan Carpenter | Special to Abilene Reporter-News
It took Pete Torres six years to get to the Busi- exhibitors when it started, to more than 100 toness Mercado on Saturday at the Abilene day. Civic Center, but he said it was “worth it” to finally get there. “The businesses that take part in this are loyal, passionate and love to have fun,” said Barfield, “As a small-business owner, I didn’t have the who noted that an estimated 3,000 people were staff to be able to support us having a presence expected to attend the free event Saturday. “It’s at the event,” said Torres, owner of Mr. Rooter all about fiesta and family, and everyone is havPlumbing in Abilene. “Finally being able to ing a great time.” participate was huge. I am so thankful for my team. The reception we’ve received, and the Brian Lomas, of Snyder, said he and his wife traffic that has come by the booth today has and three children came to the event to get inbeen fantastic.” formation and find out more about what Abilene has to offer. “We found out about the event from my wife’s aunt,” Lomas said. “It has been really fun and informative. I’m glad we made the drive over from Snyder.” Sammy Garcia, a local insurance agent, said Business Mercado also shows Abilene the power of the Hispanic buying community.
Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News Ballet Folklorico del Big Country performs for the crowd during Business Mercado on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at the Abilene Civic Center.
This was the ninth year for the annual Business Mercado (“market”), hosted by the Abilene Hispanic Business Council. Linda Barfield, chair of the council, said the event is a showcase of business products and services with the intent of building a bridge with the Hispanic consumer.
“Business Mercado promotes leadership, it helps build bridges between the Hispanic community and the rest of the city in a fun, market-style atmosphere,” said Garcia, who has participated in the Mercado every year. “You see a lot of families out here, and that is an important part of our culture. In addition, there is a lot of top-notch entertainment here this year, including the Texas Tech Mariachis.”
In addition to exhibitor booths, there was a display of information, photographs and articles from the Hispanic Heritage Display committee.
“They hope to eventually have a permanent home for all this information,” Barfield said. “For now, we are thankful to the Abilene Public “The Business Mercado is open to all busi- Library for providing display space.” nesses interested in connecting with the Hispanic market,” she said. “The high-energy, family-friendly event spotlighted the HisCALL US TO ADVERTISE panic culture in Abilene with mariachis, Bal(325) 701-9505 let Folklorico and other family fun activities 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 throughout the day.” Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com Barfield said the Mercado has grown from 20
Dinner & Show with the Original
Apostle of Comedy
Jeff Allen
November 14, 2016 Abilene Civic Center
www.ChristianHomes.com
325-677-2205
Benefting
Abilene Zoo Breaks Attendance Record
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
By Kelly Thompson | Marketing & Development Coordinator, Abilene Zoo
The Abilene Zoo’s 50th year won the gold. More than 249,600 guests visited the zoological gardens in fiscal 2016, setting an all-time record for annual attendance and bringing almost 33,000 more guests than the previous year. “What’s also amazing is that we did this during one of the rainiest years in recent memory,” said Director Bill Gersonde. “Zoo attendance is always affected by weather days, but we’ve enjoyed our rain-drenched gardens while entertaining excellent crowds.” Certainly, the long-awaited Giraffe Safari opening in late April was a driving force for visitors, along with the zoo’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the recent birth of a giraffe calf. More than half of zoo guests – about 53 percent – came to the Abilene Zoo from other cities throughout the state, while 47 percent were locals. Memberships also have grown this year, with more than 2,500 families joining the zoo, many from nearby cities like San Angelo and Midland. What’s more, the zoo’s wild bird rehabilitation program treated and released a record number of native birds this year – nearly 400 animals. Also new this season was the zoo’s Quarters for Conservation initiative, which allocated 25 cents from each gate admission toward animal conservation. Admission to the zoo has always included support for animal preservation, but the Quarters for Conservation kiosk helps guests visualize and participate
in that process. Visitors selected their favorite of three Texas-based programs to devote their quarters -- and then tossed symbolic washers into the corresponding wishing well for that animal program. Many donated pocket change, too. Those votes now have been tallied, and guests overwhelmingly chose ocelots as their favor-
ite this year: The Zoological Society will gift $10,000 to the Friends of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in South Texas, a group that works to save ocelots and their diminishing habitat. The Turtle Survival Alliance will receive a $5,000 donation; while Friends of the Attwater’s Prairie Chickens will receive $2,500. Representatives from these groups will visit Abilene next week to meet with staff, tour the zoo’s programs and pick up the donations. Three new animal conservation groups now are highlighted at the kiosk, allowing guests to donate to endangered African vultures, rhinoceros or lions. About the Abilene Zoo: Since its founding in 1966, the Abilene Zoo has stood as a place of learning and adventure, where visitors make memories, share the joy of discovery and become inspired to preserve wildlife. Situated on 16 acres in the award-winning Grover Nelson Park, the zoo has more than 1000 animals of 270 species from around the globe. The zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Last admittance is 4 p.m. The zoo is open until 9 p.m. each Thursday all summer, with last admittance at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 3-12, $6 for seniors aged 60 and older. Members are admitted free. www. abilenezoo.org. 325-676-6085. Mission Statement: The Abilene Zoo is a place of learning and adventure, where families make memories, share the joy of discovery and become inspired to preserve wildlife.
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Arrow Ford Celebrates The 18th Year of Mission Thanksgivng
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Employees come together to share what it means to them By HispanicLife Magazine | Arrow Ford Jerry Lindquester – Accessory Sales | 1 and ½ years of service • Mission Thanksgiving means comfort and warmth to the community and sharing when we have good stock items to the needy. Armando Calderon – Sales Consultant | 18 years of service • I’ve been here at Arrow Ford since 1998, which reminds me that I’ve been here ever since Mission Thanksgiving began. This event signifies where the community comes together and we get the opportunity help in every way we can. Whether it’s donating clothing, money, or even our time. It’s been awesome and a blessing to be able to participate every year and I’m I looking forward to doing it for years to come!
feel blessed to be able to put on the event and it’s all for the glory of God! Maria Carducci – Leasing Manager | 23 years of service • Something that I remember about Mission Thanksgiving, and I’ll never forget, it was probably the second or third year we did it. Jim, the guy that played Santa Claus, him and I went to the side of a van which was full of kids. There was an old lady inside and she opened her window and handed me a sock full of pennies. She then proceeded to get off the car and went to the other side of the van and opened the door where a small child was. She had the child remove his shoes and she handed them to me and said, “Please give these to a little boy who doesn’t have any shoes”. That’s what Mission Thanksgiving means to me. Selflessness…
me is being able to give to someone who doesn’t have. To bless others with what God has blessed one with and to be able to see a smile on their face whenever they do receive a gift from someone else, when they least expect it. The blessing of seeing a family or a person have a Thanksgiving dinner when they don’t have anything. It’s a joy when you get to see a homeless person receive a jacket! That’s what Mission Thanksgiving means to me. When you’re able to reach out to someone that doesn’t have anyone when everyone turns against you. Just the ability to pour into the community and share your love.
sion Thanksgiving works, because Abilene really knows how to give back. David Hobbs – Parts Counter Salesman | 11 years of service • Mission Thanksgiving is a chance to give back to the community and help out the people that are in need. Becky Jones – Service Advisor | 10 years of service • This event is an amazing event that Arrow Ford puts on every year. People are so giving and kind. Just the fact of being able to see everyone come together in the community along with Arrow Ford to help others is a huge blessing. Many are not as fortunate as us and need a lot more than we need. It’s a major blessings and so amazing to see so many give and give and give! It’s really special!
Mike Row – Parts Manager | 31 years of service • Mission Thanksgiving is a special way to help our community and help people who are having tough times to live a better life. Mike Crawford – Part Counter Sales | 15 years of service • Mission Thanksgiving is a great way to get out and help the community that actually needs the help. It comes from the heart; not looking for recogni- Malcom Johnson – Sales Representative | 7 Tay Harris – Accounts tion, just doing it because years of service • It’s an awesome time of the year, because we are able Receivable Dept. | 11 there is a need. to give back to the comyears of service • Mismunity and help people sion Thanksgiving to me David Merritt – Part that are in need of help. means that the Lord has Sales | 21 years of sales Knowing that at any blessed everyone by be• Well, to be honest, I had time, any of us can be in ing able to give of what Paul Martinez – Assisnot really thought about that same particular posithey have. It’s an event tant Service Manager | what Mission Thanksgivtion. The opportunity of that is full of love. All the 24 years of service • I’ve ing means until now. But also being a pastor gives great and wonderful volunteers that come out been involved in a lot of for me, it signifies what me the ability of seeing are absolutely willing to help in every way they Mission Thanksgiving Abilene does for its compeople in our commucan. They feel blessed to help and in turn we events over the years. What it really means to munity. That’s why MisAdam Keidl – Sales Associate | 4 years years of service • The big thing that is important to me about Mission Thanksgiving is the one day that you don’t have to sell cars. One can devote their entire day by helping and serving somebody else like the poor and helpless of Abilene; working for a bigger and greater cause I would say.
Kyle Kevil – Sales Manager | 8 years of service • Mission Thanksgiving for me is a time for us to give back to the community in more ways than one. For us to give personally of what we have; clothing, food, anything that we can bring, plus the service of actually being able to work in the mission out here with our fellow employees and community. It brings into focus what the Thanksgiving season is really all about for me and my family. We know that Thanksgiving is more than just giving thanks, but it’s also a season for giving back. It makes us all aware of all the issues within our community and give us the opportunity to take care of people the best way we can.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Love & Care Ministries 18th Annual
Mission Thanksgiving November 18th, 2016
Over the past 17 years, the community of Abilene has been extraordinary and incredibly gracious in giving at Mission Thanksgiving. Please take a look at what our community did in 2015. Even with the overwhelming response, all food donations were distributed in 4½ months and all clothing and miscellaneous donations were distributed within 11 months. Our community successfully filled 12 semi-trailers (total). These trailers included many items such as:
• 5 Clothing trailers / Clothing, Jeans, Socks, Underwear (men and woman), Shoes, Thermal underwear, Coats
• 3.5 Food/Drink trailers / Non-perishable
food, Frozen meats, Bottled water, and Soft drinks
• 3.5 Miscellaneous trailers / Sleeping
bags, Blankets, Bedding, Winter gloves, Toboggans and travel size personal hygiene items - plus toys for Christmas
• Over $190,000 was raised, with thousands of vehicles driving through Arrow Ford to donate in just one day.
We pray that this year will be just as great as last year because Love & Care Ministries is on track to feed 450,000 meals, give 100,000 articles of clothing, and provide over 12,000 showers this year. This is very important to us, but the most important thing Love & Care does is share the love of Jesus Christ with each person we meet. This year’s Mission: Thanksgiving will be held on Friday, November 18th at Arrow Ford, 4001 South 1st Street from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. One of the ways families and businesses can help is by becoming a community “Sponsor.” Sponsors have given anywhere from $500 to $10,000, but always remember that any donation, big or small, is a blessing to those we serve. Each sponsor who gives $500 or more has their business mentioned on 12 radio stations and KTXS TV throughout the day.
Thank you for being a wonderful blessing, Mark Hewitt Founder & Executive Director
“Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
nity that are really in need. I would say that this event is a real blessing to our area; something that a lot of places don’t have or offer. I really like Arrow because we do Mission Thanksgiving and many other things as such for our community. I would say that many other communities over look and don’t do and that why this event is a real blessing. Makes me proud to work here! Patricia Frerich – Payroll HR | 4 years of service • This will be my 4th time to serve at Mission Thanksgiving. I’ll never forget the first year that I was here. Everyone was talking about Mission Thanksgiving and I had not ever heard of it before. That particular year, we had it out front and looked out and it was wet and freezing cold. I looked out and there was so many trucks and cars all backed up with people. There was probably about 500 people out there volunteering in the freezing cold and throughout the entire day. I’m sure they were freezing to death and it was all they could do but to go in for a minute to get warm, but they still worked so hard and we had so many people that came by and gave of what they had even in the nasty weather. It’s pretty special and I love Mission Thanksgiving! Brittany Garza – Service Cashier | 9 years of service • Mission Thanksgiving signifies giving back to the less fortunate and realizing that not all blessings are about material things. When I get to see how thankful people are for the things that we take for granted on a daily basis.
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Thanksgiving Day Event in Danger
Pick us up at Primetime Family Entertainment, Sears Rec Center & Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
“Sometimes families will come in a group from a family reunion or a Thanksgiving reunion,” says Marcus. “You can tell because they’re all wearing matching t-shirts. We have kids as young as nine or ten volunteering. They can learn at an early age how important it is to support your community and give back.”
For the past sixteen years, the VSO has hosted a dinner on Thanksgiving Day, feeding as many as 1,500 people plus delivering meals to 200 to 300 homebound Abilenians. This year the Thanksgiving Day Dinner is scheduled at the Civic Center from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Marcus knows from personal experience what it’s like to be far from home and hoping for some holiday cheer. He joined the Army under the delayed en-
However, if sponsorship funds do not arrive soon, there may be no dinner. The event costs about $10.00 per person for a total of around $12,000 and only $4,000 has come in. The event was originally intended for veterans and their families but opened up to include anyone in Abilene who needs a meal. Donations have come from businesses and individuals at every level and any amount will help. “The dinner is very beneficial to the community,” says Bryan Massey, Assistant Veterans Services Officer. “It includes widows, widowers, homeless people, military who are stationed here and can’t go home or anyone who can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner. It shows them their community cares.” Feeding those who need a holiday meal is not the only benefit from the Thanksgiving Day Dinner. It’s an opportu- listment plan while he was a senior in high nity for people to socialize, meet new friends school. and share stories. “I waited until I was eighteen, so my mom “At the dinner you see people sitting together couldn’t say no,” he admits who are from different eras,” Marcus Romero, Veterans Service Officer, says. “It feels Two weeks after graduation he headed for balike being in a family.” sic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then spent three months in Vilseck, Germany, eight Since the VSO staff of four cannot produce a months in war ravaged Kosovo and a year in meal for 1,500 on their own, 200 to 300 vol- Iraq as a Forward Observer for artillery, givunteers are vital to the effort. Volunteer jobs ing cannon operators the coordinates for their include setting up furniture, serving food, aim. bussing tables and cleaning up. “I tell people the easiest way to understand
what I did is to watch the movie Windtalkers with Nicholas Cage,” Marcus says. “What he did in the movie is what I did in real life.” Originally from Hamlin,
Marcus has been with the VSO for two years but since he started the job in September of 2014 this will be his third Thanksgiving Day Dinner. “I usually don’t see the attendees,” Marcus says. “I’m in the back warming up turkeys. But one day I went out for a glass of tea and a gentleman asked me if he could have a plate. I said, ‘Of course.’ He acted like I’d given him a million dollars.” A million dollars is not the goal for the Thanksgiving Day Dinner. The goal is to make a veteran feel appreciated or ensure a lonely, elderly person enjoys some company. You can help make that happen. Here’s how:
Relief House Manager/Direct Care • Assist Resident in Personal Care, Medication Supervision, Meal Preparation and Household Tasks. • Documentation and Communication Skills A Must • HS Grad or Equivalent • Prior Experience Preferred, But Not Required • Wage of $10.50 to $11.69 DOE
For more information or to donate visit the Veterans Service Office in the
Apply In Person: 3602 N. Clack • Abilene, TX 79601 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Taylor Country Plaza at 400 Oak Street or call the office at (325) 674-1328.
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If you knew someone who had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving dinner, you’d try to help. If you had a friend who had served in the military and needed to be thanked, you’d show that appreciation. The Taylor County Veterans Services Office (VSO) will give you a chance to do both of those things this month.
16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Blue Santa
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
You can help the Abilene Police Department help kids. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
BLUE SANTA Sgt. Ismael Jaimes helps children shop for toys and Christmas gifts.
Operation Blue Santa is not a program to help Santa Claus overcome his post-holiday depression. It’s a program our Abilene Police Department officers, who dress in blue, use to help kids in need.
mas gifts. This year the goal is eighty children with a maximum of 100. A Spirit Night fund-raiser will be held at Chic-Fil-a North, 1750 TX-351 on Monday, November 14 from 5-8 pm. A portion of the meal proceeds will be donated if diners mention Operation Blue Santa when they order.
“Operation Blue Santa is a nationwide program,” says Officer Brian Poynor. “We adopted it for the first time in Abilene last year.”
The program doesn’t only help Abilene kids who otherwise would have no Christmas. It also blesses the officers who participate. If you visit the Facebook page at Abilene Operation Blue Santa, you can read the thoughts of Officer Chance Wideman on his experience shopping with a little girl for Christmas 2015. Here is part of what he wrote:
Most of the children are nominated for Operation Blue Santa through their schools by teachers, administrators and counselors. Abilene Police Department officers can also nominate children they may have encountered on the job. Businesses and individual as well as various fund-raisers provide an amount for each child to spend. Every child is paired with an officer in uniform to shop for their gifts.
“There have been so many times while I was working that I would interact with children on calls or at tragic scenes, and while we were sometimes able to meet a child’s needs or bring them some hope in that dark time, all too often we had to leave or attend to other issues first. I saw this [Operation Blue Santa] as an opportunity to put the child first, and bring some light into their lives as well as positively impact the family. “
“The idea is for them to get gifts for themselves,” says Sgt. Ismael Jaimes, “but they also want to share with their parents and brothers and sisters.” In 2015 Sgt. Jaimes was paired with a sixyear-old boy. They used the young man’s funds on a choosing basket full of gifts that he and his little brother would use and enjoy. Then Sgt. Jaimes purchased flowers and candy out of his own pocket for their mother to make sure she was included. HEB and United grocery stores donated enough food for each family to take home a box including a ham, a turkey and plenty of sides for holiday meals. “We’re hoping to add a hygiene kit this year,” says Officer Poynor. “Toothpaste, toothVisit www.abilenebluesanta.org brushes, things like that. We want them to for information on: go home with a lot more than just gifts.” A Board of Directors made up of officers and spouses oversees Operation Blue Santa locally. Currently serving are K-9 Officer Joshua New, Megan Allred, Motor Officer David Thompson and Rachel Slaymaker. The Operation Blue Santa Steering Committee includes Adam Becker, Cory Davis, Kristen Hogue, Jonathan Merrick, Brian Poynor, Kenneth Robinson, Shelley Scott, Joshua Ward and Chance Wideman. Last year sixty children were paired with a police officer in uniform to shop for Christ-
• Sponsor levels and benefits • How to help with cash donations and gifts of wrapping supplies • How to buy tickets for the raffles starting Nov. 7.
There will be 7 winners drawn. Prizes include:
Glock G43 9mm Pistol, Mossberg Patriot .308 Winchester BoltAction Rifle with Vortex Scope, Yildiz Texas Edition 12 Gauge Break-Action O/U Shotgun, Yeti Roadie Cooler, The Medspa at Hendrick retreat package, Allure Photography family photo session and a custom hat from 5D Hats plus boots from Cavenders.
Drawing on December 10th
“We do this because we love our community,” says Sgt. Jaimes. “We want to be a part of it and this is another way to show our appreciation for the way people show appreciation for us day in and day out. Without our community, we couldn’t do this.” Like all of us, Sgt. Jaimes is grateful that Abilene doesn’t suffer struggle with the violence and hatred between police and citizens that many cities do. That blessing comes at least in part from the compassion of officers for the needy and helpless shown through Operation Blue Santa.
18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 19
Spreading the Word ACU student shares her love of Biblical text By ACU News
As a Haitian immigrant majoring in Bible in Abilene, Texas, Gloria (Paul ’14) Hagood faced a challenge more difficult than the Greek intensive courses she took. “But I never back down from a challenge,” she said. “If anything, that’s going to make me want to do it more.” Despite financial challenges, as well as being a female in a traditionally male field of study, Hagood persevered to develop her passions. With encouragement from her family, her husband, Lavell (’15), and faculty in the College of Biblical Studies, Hagood earned her undergraduate degree in biblical text and plans to graduate with her Master’s of Divinity in 2018. Hagood’s family immigrated to the U.S. when she was 5 years old. Her parents tell her stories of how they didn’t speak English when they arrived and found jobs washing dishes in restaurants. Now her father works as a U.S. postal carrier, and her mother is able to stay at home. “My parents always worked hard,” Hagood said. “I get my resilience and desire to keep going from them.” Hagood and her twin sister both wanted to go to college far from Bordentown, N.J., where they grew up. They chose ACU for the small classes and Christian environment. While her sister studied education, Hagood was drawn toward the Bible department, inspired by her future husband’s experience taking ministry classes. After taking a class with Old Testament scholar Dr. Glenn Pemberton, Hagood decided to major in Biblical text.
“I just love the challenge and the mystery with languages,” she said. “Learning so much about the Ancient Near East really expanded my mind, and I wanted to figure out more.” Although she loved the first Greek course she took, she was nervous to take Greek II, a more intense course. Because her professors encouraged her, she took the class with boldness, and her character grew stronger from the experience, she said. She treasures the close mentoring relationships she developed with professors such Pemberton and Dr. Jeanine Reese, associate chair of the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry and director for the Center for Women in Christian Service. “She knows who she is in Christ, and in that regard she is her own person,” Reese said. “She’s so smart, insightful and wise.” Hagood’s goal is to one day teach the truths she’s learned at an institution like ACU and to make an impact on the African-American community. But she didn’t wait until graduation to begin making an impact. She joined a female covenant group led by Reese, which involved memorizing Scripture, participating in weekly spiritual challenges and serving the community. She worked with Treadaway Kids, an ACU ministry in which
students serve low-income neighborhood children. She also volunteers with Minter Lane Church of Christ’s young adult ministry and concentrates on building relationships. She applies what she learns in her classes, teaching them the Biblical text she loves. In summer 2016, she teamed up with her husband and former ACU track athlete Paris Robertson to operate a speed training camp. The Summer Blaze 2K16 speed camp allowed students ages 7-18 to sharpen their skills on the ACU track. Hagood and her husband endured the West Texas summer heat every afternoon for six weeks to teach the young athletes the book of Proverbs. “I enjoy being able to give them that teaching in a way they can understand and apply, allowing them to see the beauty within the text,” she said. “She is a force to be reckoned with now and in the future,” Reese said.
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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
TSTC Employer Spotlights Offer Job Preparation, Careers By Debra Gonzalez | Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College aims for its students to get in, get out and get a job. One way the college is working toward fulfilling this goal is by hosting employer spotlight events at each of its 10 campuses.
“These spotlights begin that shift from the student mindset to that of a professional candidate,” she said. “These events are an important tool that the Talent Management department uses for building the future workforce.”
Employer spotlights are unique, personal Chavarria also recognized the significance of demonstrations where industry employers are the exercise. brought in to teach students about their company and, often, hire new employees. “I took it very seriously,” Chavarria said. “The night before, I got my dress clothes - some “These spotlights are an interactive show- khakis and a nice button-up shirt - and ironed case of a company’s culture them. I went over some interand values, current openings, viewing procedures online, beand even salary structure and cause I knew I would have the employee benefits,” said Julia opportunity to interview with Humphrey, Director of Talthem. I got my notes ready with ent Management for TSTC what questions I would want in West Texas. “The setting to ask the employers when usually begins as a company they’re there. I prepared mypresentation, but also offers self. The day and night before students the opportunity to I was pretty much living like I ask questions and really get a was already there.” better understanding of what it takes to get a job in that inHe began the day dressed for dustry. Employment partners success and well-prepared. welcome these recruiting opportunities and may also re- Aaron Chavarria, a fifth semester “I was very confident, but did I Energy student, is one of four view resumes, conduct inter- Wind students who were hired at the Nex- expect to walk out with a job? tEra employer spotlight. views and make employment No,” Chavarria said. “I thought offers.” I had a great opportunity to have a follow-up interview in the future, but One company who participates in TSTC’s em- I didn’t think they would hire me on the spot.” ployer spotlight program is NextEra Energy Resources. NextEra employs approximately Chavarria is thankful and relieved to have 5,000 people in 25 states and Canada. Last reached his end goal ahead of schedule. month, the company visited with eight Wind Energy Technology students at TSTC and “The instructors mentioned to us when we made four job offers at their employer spot- started that there would be a light at the end light event. Aaron Chavarria, who graduates in of the tunnel. For the longest time, for three December, was one of the students hired. He semesters and going into your fourth, that light will begin working as a Technician III in Pan- isn’t there. You begin to feel antsy and anxhandle, Texas, in three to four weeks. ious. Once you see that light, like mine with NextEra, when I actually got offered the job, “I’ll be performing basic maintenance and it was a big sigh of relief knowing that everytroubleshooting procedures,” Chavarria said. thing I worked for over the last 15 months paid “The first thing I’ll be doing when I get there off. That’s what I came to school for and it’s is training. They will send me to a two-week truly worth it.” boot camp in Woodward, Oklahoma, to train me on their standards.” For more information on TSTC and the college’s Talent Management resources, visit Humphrey believes that employer spotlights www.tstc.edu. are an important exercise.
MAKING
MEET
A+ DIFFERENCE
JULIE HARRIS NAME: Julie Harris SCHOOL: Mann Middle School TITLE: Girls Athletic Coordinator, Physical Education Teacher, Coach YEARS WITH AISD: 16 years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I was born and raised in Abilene. I went to Bowie Elementary, Jefferson Middle School and graduated from Cooper High School in 1991. I graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree and, later, in 2005, with a Masters in Recreation and Sports Management. TELLS US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I have been married to my husband and best friend, Justin, for five years. I have a son, Tyler who will graduate from Baylor University in December, and a son, Jaxon, who is a kindergartner at Ward Elementary. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I played college volleyball for four years at Hardin-Simmons University. I enjoy going to Ruidoso every summer with my family. My family loves the game of baseball, and we hope to go to every baseball stadium in the United States. My current principal, Mrs. Walker was my 9th grade volleyball coach at Cooper. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? As a middle school PE teacher and coach, I get to help students learn about living a healthy and active lifestyle. Being in the gym is a bit different than being a classroom
teacher, but I love working with children every day and feeling like I am making a difference in their lives. I also enjoy when my former students come back to see me and tell me all about their accoplishments and achievements. It truly makes me proud to see my hard work and dedication to my students reflect on their lives. WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “Kind, encouraging, believing the best, dedicated: those are words that describe Coach Harris. As our Girls’ Athletic Coordinator, coach and teacher, she does more than “her job” by investing in the lives of her students. Students in PE and her teams receive coaching on skills as well as life and working together. Julie is a quiet leader who will thoughtfully ask if anything needs to be done or simply “gets it done” without asking as she notices needs on campus. We have a wonderful faculty at Mann, and Coach Harris’ heart and dedication is a great example for students and staff.” - Kathryn Walker, Principal, Mann Middle School
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Yee-Haw! Bowie’s Reading Rodeo is a hit
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By Abilene ISD
The stars came out on Oct. 19 for the 14th year of “Reading Rodeo” at Bowie Elementary School. At the popular annual event sponsored by the Abilene chapter of Altrusa International, community celebrity readers shared their favorite children’s books and stories with Bowie students. Among the VIP readers were police officers, firefighters, paramedics, a retired Dyess Air Force Base pilot, local TV and media personalities, business representatives, AISD administrators, school board trus-tees and retired educators. In addition, the starting quarterback and head cheerleader for the Cooper Cougars served as readers, and the Chick-fil-A Cow mascot made a guest appearance. The event culminated with a parade of storybook characters through the campus hall-ways. Altrusa is an international women’s service organization dedicated to promoting literacy and serving communities. As a “Make a Difference Day” project 14 years ago, the local chapter began “Reading Rodeo” at Bowie. Now, each year members also donate books and flash cards to every Bowie student, and four years ago, they expanded their effort by providing children’s dictionaries
Principal Tina Jones and assistant principal Kevin Wellborn as the White Rabbit and The Mad Hatter from “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
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Cooper High School Tower Garden brings fresh food straight to table
Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
By Abilene Independent School District
For most families, there’s a gap between what we should eat and what we actually eat every day. It is our job as Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers to educate our youth on how easy it really is to close this gap.
of healthy meals straight from the Tower to our classroom tables!
They will develop skills for better nutrition as they use cutting-edge technology to grow fresh fruits and vegetables and better prepare to take FACS Course Guidelines include teaching advantage of career opportunities both locally about technology used in the food industry, and across the U.S. current trends throughout the community and This year, there are over 200 students state, how to guide young children that will be able to see how closely Sciin healthy eating, and incorporating ence, Mathematics, and Nutrition go green methods into daily living. hand in hand. Gardening and locally grown proWe are expecting an induce (locavore), especially by famicrease in consumption of lies and restaurants, has been trendfresh fruits and vegetables ing with no sign of slowing-down for not only by those stuthe past five years. dents, but hopefully their families as well. Cooper High’s FACS students will be pro-vided with hands-on opportuThe plan will be for stunities to sharpen their knowledge and dents to explore and exskills in the kitchen, but we would perience the fresh fruits like to elevate this experience far beand vegetables from the yond their imagination. Tower Garden here at school and, in turn, share The Tower Garden will allow students to per- the extra produce at home with their families. sonally invest in the growing of seedlings, planting and harvesting of fresh, vine-ripened It will be the experience of a lifetime - an expevegetables and fruits, and creating a variety rience that students will get to be a part of right here at CHS for years to come!
00 Buick Century.................................... SALE $950 00 Ford Expedition ............................. SALE $1800 02 GMC Yukon ..................................... SALE $3950 03 Ford Expedition ............................. SALE $3950 03 Dodge Caravan .............................. SALE $3950 06 Ford Explorer ......................................SALE $2950 03 Chevy Impala ......................................SALE $2950 05 Dodge Grand Caravan .......................SALE $2950 04 Chevy E/Cab ........................................SALE $3950 99 Chevy Tahoe ........................................SALE $1950 02 Chevy Impala ................................. SALE $1950 02 Buick Century................................. SALE $1950 02 Toyota Avalon ................................ SALE $4950 02 Chevy Suburban ............................ SALE $4950 05 Dodge Durango ............................. SALE $4995 04 Chevy Tahoe, 3rd row ................... SALE $5995 02 Dodge Quad Cab ........................... SALE $5950 08 Dodge Quad Cab ........................... SALE $6995 05 Jeep Liberty .................................... SALE $5950 04 Dodge Quad Cab ........................... SALE $5950 03 Ford Taurus ..................................... SALE $2950 02 Buick Park Avenue ........................ SALE $2950 99 Ford Expedition ............................. SALE $2950 02 Chevy Impala ................................. SALE $2950 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee ................... SALE $2995 06 Nissan Altima ................................. SALE $3995 06 Dodge Durango ............................. SALE $3995 03 Nissan Altima ................................. SALE $3995 04 Dodge Short/Wide ........................ SALE $3995 05 GMC Envoy ..................................... SALE $4750 05 Chevy Equinox ............................... SALE $4950 05 Chevy Equinox ............................... SALE $5950
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Crockett Early Head Start focuses on the family By Abilene Independent School District
Crockett Early Head Start (CEHS) serves children from birth to three years of age, teen parents, low-income families and children with disabilities. EHS is a federally funded program that focuses on parent success, self-sufficiency, and education of the young child. Four Master Family Advocates, act as case managers/social workers for each family. Families are assigned a Family Advocate who maintains monthly contact to ensure that their basic needs are met, that they are employed or enrolled in school, and that they are working toward their goals. The Family Advocate provides a variety of support and monitoring services, such as; high school guidance, college and career counseling, emergency assistance referrals, crisis support services, prenatal/parenting education, life skills education and more.
Families set personal goals and school readiness goals for their child with their Advocate, who then monitors their progress and offers individualized support services, advisement and referrals to help parents reach those goals. Crockett EHS “CONNECTS” with the community by maintaining over 75 community partnerships to assist families in meeting their needs. Community agencies are invited to speak at monthly Parent Meetings in order to educate parents about the services available to them. This year’s meetings aim to educate families about Child Abuse Prevention, Nutrition/Budgeting Services, Healthy Relationships and Domestic Violence Support, Substance Abuse Prevention and Support, and Bully Prevention. Crockett holds two Summer Socializations each year to maintain contact with families during June and July and to offer age-appropriate learning activities for the children.
There are many individuals throughout our viewing area that do not have a jacket/coat to wear during the winter months. As you know, West Texas winters have a way of packing some mighty cold wind and brutal conditions. Help us provide a jacket or coat to someone who greatly needs it. We are helping … one jacket at a time! You can drop off new or gently used jackets/coats at any of the A-town Cleaner’s locations listed below. Thanks so much for helping out!! Jackets will be donated to New Horizons and other West Texas organizations that meet the needs of individuals in our area. Drop off locations: 3180 S. Treadaway Blvd. | Abilene • 289 N. Judge Ely | Abilene • 2654 Industrial Blvd. | Abilene
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Student Spotlight:
HSU Student Presents Research to St. Jude’s By Grace Mitchell Hardin-Simmons University
This summer, Hardin-Simmons University senior biochemistry and molecular biology major Katherine Do presented bioremediation research at the National Un- She works in the Holland School of Science and dergraduate Research Symposium at St. Jude’s Mathematics as a teaching assistant for a freshChildren’s Research Center in Memphis, TN. man biology class. “It was cool to see what kind of careers open up with a degree in science and to learn more about St. Jude,” Do said. “Students from across the nation came and got to tour the St. Jude campus. I made an oral presentation and a poster presentation.” Do conducted her research for the conference with Dr. Hennigan and Dr. Garner. She explained the basics of bioremediation to decrease pollution caused by fracking. “Basically, we are using microbes to degrade crude oil in places like west Texas. When you put high pressure water into ground, you’re releasing contaminated water which hurts wildlife. We worked on using microbes that are suitable and clean up the environment,” Do said.
“I feel like Sid Rich is my second apartment because of how much time I spend there. I take my classes and work there. I enjoy getting to meet the underclassmen in the biology class. That’s been a great experience,” Do said. She also works in Centralized Tutoring once a week. “I help with all sciences and math, and I basically help run Centralized Tutoring. I help make it run smoothly as a connection between students and tutors,” she said. Do also spends much of her free time volunteering with the International Refugee Committee. “The IRC is an organization to help refugees from around the world settle into their new lives in Abilene. I volunteered with the reading program they had,” Do said.
After graduation, Do plans to get her M.D. and Ph.D. through a dual program at McGovern “Each volunteer would pick up a family member Medical School. She hopes to continue medical and spend about two hours with the kids, helpresearch as a physician-scientist. ing them read and learn English. It was really cool to see them develop.” “I am a part of the Holland Research Society because I wanted to see how science can work An interesting fact about Do is that she once met outside of the textbook. Research is a great way Will Smith. to do that,” Do said. “I was over at my cousin’s husband’s house, and She is involved in other campus organizations he was consulting with Will Smith for the movie as the president of Gamma Beta Phi Honors So- Focus. We had dinner and talked. It was cool,” ciety, a member of the TriBeta Biology Honors Do said. Society and a member of the Pre-Health Club. Do grew up in Orange County California before “I chose to do Pre-Health Club because it gave moving to Grand Prairie, TX. me the opportunity as a freshman to meet upperclassmen who had the same career goals as me. I saw it as a pre-networking opportunity and to see where I could be in x amount of years,” Do said.
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
ATEMS Senior Recognized as National Hispanic Scholar By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, Abilene Independent School District
Luis Martinez of the Academy of Tech-
nology, Engineering, Math & Science has been recognized as a 2016-17 National Hispanic Scholar by the College Board. The National Hispanic Recognition Program awards the recognition to about 5,000 out of more than 250,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors who take the PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. Students who score among the best in their region and achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher are designated as Scholars. Martinez, son of Luis Martinez, becomes the seventh Abilene ISD student to be Luis Martinez honored in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Kyle Curnutt of Abilene High School is continuing in the competition as a National Semifinalist. Five other seniors received Commended status: Louisa Lee, Lauren Pybus and Rylan Shewmaker of AHS, and Griffin Jones and Colin Kappel of Cooper High School. Martinez is involved in Robotics and the National Honor Society at ATEMS. He is considering Angelo State University and the University of Texas as college choices. Martinez states that he intends to study biomedical engineering and biomolecular chemistry.
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McMurry To Add Softball In 2018
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
By Dave Bayer
The traditional spring sports season will get a little more exciting for McMurry University faithful starting in 2018, as the school announced on October 19 that the sport of softball would be added to its women’s intercollegiate programs, beginning next school year. The addition of softball will bring to 20 the number of sports sponsored by the War Hawks.
“The American Southwest Conference congratulates McMurry University on bringing softball to its intercollegiate athletics program,” said Amy Carlton, ASC commissioner. “The War Hawks addition provides women an avenue to continue academic pursuits while participating in a sport they enjoy within one of the top NCAA Division III softball conferences.”
Softball sponsorship in the ASC will grow to 13 teams and becomes the seventh conference championship sport to be supported at every “Softball is one of the most popular sports in member institution. the state of Texas. In fact, nearly 34,000 girls Women’s soccer, men’s are competing at the high school level. It’s a great fit at McMurry, because we know that there is an abundance of talent right here in our back yard. We are also excited about the type of scholar-athlete softball will attract. According to NCAA data, softball players are some of the most academically successful. Finally, the addition of this important program will help us take another step in the right direction from a Title IX standpoint. This addition is long overdue.”
sus McMurry will count toward ASC standings and the War Hawks will be eligible for the regular-season conference title in addition to individual awards. McMurry will remain ineligible for the conference tournament until it reaches NCAA Division III active member status (expected in 2018-19). The 2018 season will also celebrate the 20th year of ASC softball and the conference tournament.
“This is another example of McMurry Momentum,” McM Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson said. “The University is growing in students, in programs, and now also in athletics opportunities.
The plan is to hire a head coach by this coming January 2017 to begin recruiting for the following school year and build a schedule. The War Hawks will - initially - play their home games on a local city of Abilene facility and, by the third year, build an on-campus field. Beyond that, upgrade projects will include press box facilities, permanent seating and team areas/offices.
and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, and baseball are ASC sports sponsored by all ASC members. By conference rule and with full member sponsorship of softball, the ASC Softball Championship Tournament format will shift to eight-team double-elimination with the 2018 tournament. When it begins play in 2017-18, game ver-
In its first season in 2018, in addition to the regular season ASC conference crown, McM softball would be eligible to compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association’s regional and national championships. Currently, McMurry hold dual affiliation with the NCCAA and NCAA Division III. In the state of Texas there are 33,920 high school girls competing in softball at the UIL level. It is one of the most popular high school sports in the state. It is also one of the most popular intercollegiate sports in this region at the Division III level. Further, there are
364,103 girls competing in softball in the United States. Only basketball, track & field, and volleyball have more female participants than softball in Texas. Currently, McMurry is the only Division III program in the state of Texas that does not offer softball. Between the American Southwest Conference and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference there are 19 of 21 institutions that sponsor softball. Expanding on softball’s presence in Division III, it is also worth noting that there are only 27 of 443 DIII institutions nationwide that do not participate in softball. In most cases, climate is the deterring factor. “It’s exciting to think about building a program from the ground up,” Ferguson said. “Those opportunities do not come often in the life of a university. We are blessed to have tremendous supporters in the form of donors, alumni, and University administrators who allow us to dream big and enjoy growth.”
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A New Face to Learning
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Emerging technology brings new possibilities to Johnston By Stephen Rektenwald | Instructional Technology Coordinator, AISD
As you prowl around Johnston Elementary, you will find Jaguars immersed in learning using technology. Completion of the new Johnston Elementary coincided with new possibilities in educational technology. The new hub spaces for each grade level came with modular furniture, grade level appropriate books, and new technology equipment giving a new face to learning.
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Multiple carts of Chromebooks in each hub allow teachers and students the flexibility to use the devices on demand without the requirement of scheduling “lab time.” From Kindergarten to 5th grade, students use the Chromebooks to access programs such as BrainPop, Learning.com, Istation, Think Through Math, Google docs, Accelerated Reader, library databases, Reading A-Z/RAZ-Kids and many book, he had a perplexed expression and said, “Learning, so I can be a better leader.” more.
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Teachers have embraced the use of the hub as a flexible learning environment where students can check out and read books right outside their classroom door and participate in library and technology TEKS activities.
If you have the opportunity, go prowl around Johnston and see their Jaguars using technology and other educational resources to learn to be a better leader.
Johnston is the first school in Abilene ISD to use Chromebooks in place of laptops/desktops for student use. When one student was asked what he was doing on the Chrome-
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Pick us up at Texas Cosmetology School, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
Col. Mike Kenny, Dominic Rhodes join Cooper Hall of Fame By Abilene Independent School District
A longtime leader of the Junior Air Force ROTC program and a star athlete who went on to become a Super Bowl champion were the newest inductees into the Cooper High School Hall of Fame.
ing Cross, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He and his wife, Allyson, have two children, David and Heather.
Col. Mike Kenny and Dominic Rhodes were introduced as the 80th and 81st members Dominic Rhodes, Class of 1997 of the Hall of Fame during Cooper High’s Rhodes led the Cougars on an improbable Homecoming activities. run to the Class 5A state championship game in 1996 with the second Col. Mike Kenny, best single-season rushfaculty member, ing total in Cougar his1997-2010 tory with 2,183 yards. After a distinguished career in the Air Force, He is the school’s allCol. Kenny spent 13 time playoff rushing years as senior instrucleader with 1,202 yards tor for Cooper’s Junior and the single-season AFROTC unit. Before playoff rushing leader he retired from the Air with 1,085 yards. Rhodes Force in 1996, he was stands as fourth on the in charge of the Nuclear all-time Cougar rushing Section for Supreme Headquarters Allied list with 3,102 yards. Powers Europe. He was responsible for the Nuclear Forces for 16 nations. He was also After finishing his college career at Midthe Group Commander for two B-1 Wings, western State, Rhodes signed with the Indiaand was in charge of the Congressional man- napolis Colts as a free agent in 2001. In his dated GAO certification of the B-1 Aircraft. first season, he set a NFL record for singleseason rushing yards by an undrafted rookie He has testified before Congress on the safety with 1,104 yards. of the B-1 Aircraft. In Super Bowl XLI, he rushed for over 100 He was the aero demonstration pilot for both yards to help the Indianapolis Colts to a Suthe FB-111 and the B-1 and has performed in per Bowl title. air shows worldwide under his pilot call sign, “Airshow.” Since his retirement from the NFL, Rhodes has established the “Rhodes to Success” nonCol. Kenny has distinguished himself with a profit organization, an organization designed Legion of Merit award, a Distinguished Fly- to create positive pathways for youth.
30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Wildcats Inscribe Final Beam for New Stadium Press Box By Chris Wilner | KTXS
A special moment for ACU happened on Monday afternoon, as the final beam to the new oncampus football stadium press box was raised in position. But before construction crews fit it into place, students, faculty, and coaches had a chance to sign their name on it, with messages of faith and encouragement in being a part of this historical moment for the University and Wildcat Athletics.
Even head football coach Ken Collums The beam was then lifted at 2:30 p.m. by etched his name into what will be his team’s crane and put in place at the top of the strucnew home. ture, marking a significant milestone in the construction of ACU’s first on-campus foot“That means you’re getting close to getting ball venue in more than 50 years. things set and then everything goes around it,” Collums said after putting his mark on Wildcat Stadium is scheduled to open in Fall the new stadium. “It’s just an exciting time 2017 and host its first game Sept. 16 with the around here because we’re going to a classy Wildcats taking on Southland Conference foe stadium to play in and it’s going to be the Houston Baptist University. classiest one in our league.”
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Pick us up at Golden Chick, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
Workforce Solutions Presents the 3rd Annual World of Work Youth Expo By Garolyn Jergins | Career Consultant, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board
Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Four students have also been selected to of the next generation of workers. This event is pleased to announce the World of Work serve as Student Ambassadors for the event also serves as a great marketing opportunity (WOW) Youth Expo will be held at the and they are: Jax Bellar (Baird HS), Ladawn for local businesses! Booth registration is only Abilene Civic Center on Wednesday, No- Brock (Cooper HS), Jaden Cerda (Baird HS), $50.00 and includes a table, chairs, electricity, vember 16th, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Over and Jamimea Wilson (Abilene HS). Student wifi, continental breakfast, and 2 lunches. There 2,300 8th-12th grade students from 35 are also sponsorship opportunities schools will be attendance. Parents available that provide additional are also welcome at the event any time perks! after 10:00am. The goal of the WOW Youth Expo is to make students aware If you are interested in your orgaof opportunities for high-growth, nization participating, please conhigh-wage, high-demand careers in tact Garolyn Jergins or register at this region while offering multiple edwww.workforcesystem.org/WOW. ucational avenues. Some of the industries represented will include: health Questions may be directed to Gascience, technology, public safety, rolyn Jergins, Career Consultant business, manufacturing, and human for the Workforce Solutions of services. Local organizations focused West Central Texas Board, at (325) on helping youth, the military, as well 795-4327. E-mail requests should Wed., November 16th - 9am to 2pm • Abilene Civic Center as colleges and technical schools will be sent to wow@workforcesysalso be in attendance. tem.org. Ambassadors serve as the face of the event This is not a hiring event; this is an opportu- by participating in promotional media inter- The Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board is one of 28 boards in the state charged with oversight and nity for students to learn about the necessary views as well as leaders during the event. policy-making responsibility for workforce and training skills, training and certifications they will need in order to be hired by local businesses. An essential aspect of the event is having a programs in a nineteen county region. Additional information on the Board’s economic development efforts or The WOW Youth Expo will also feature a wide variety of employers serve as exhibi- services for business customers may be obtained by calling keynote speaker, Mr. Lamarr Womble with tors in order to expose the students to the the Workforce Board at (325) 795-4200 or by visiting the “Define Your Passion”, engaging exhibitors, numerous options available to them. We en- website at www.workforcesystem.org. Equal Opportunity and mock interviews for junior and senior courage big businesses, small businesses, Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon students. There is no cost for schools, stu- entrepreneurs, tradespeople to professional request, to individuals with disabilities. Relay Svc: 711 dents, or parents to participate. services staff to join us in building a pipeline
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32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Get your Business Degree McMurry University offers an online bachelor’s degree in business that fits your life and goals. The McMurry Online Degree program will provide you with a quality education and the real-world skills employers are demanding and help you thrive in today’s complex business world. Admission to the program requires students to be at least 24 years old and not enrolled at McMurry for the last two full semesters. The online courses are offered every eight weeks, and most students will take two courses during each term. Tuition for the program is very affordable and financial aid is available for students who qualify.
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Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, First Financial Banks & SBDC | FAITH & FAMILY | 33
A Tribute to Casey Alan Goldman An inspiration, an amazing father, husband, friend mentor and leader By The Dream Center | Abilene, Texas
Casey Alan Goldman, 36, of Abilene, TX passed away on October 18th at Hendrick Hospital. Casey is survived by his wife Kristin, son Blake Benjamin, and daughter Allie Madisyn. Casey graduated high school in 1998 in Mt. Vernon, IN. He received his associate’s degree in electronics from ITT Techinal Institute in Evansville, IN.
Kristin became staff at the ADC. Casey advanced the administrative side of the Abilene Dream Center in a year and a half to a new level. Casey became a certified minister on April 11, 2016.
Casey arrived at the Dream Center in Abilene on March 7, 2013. He gave his life to the Lord on March 10, 2013. God restored his health and delivered him from life controlling issues. God began to use him to minister to the other students in the home who came from a broken background. He quickly became a student leader. During this time God also began restoring his family. He graduated from the Abilene Dream Center in December of 2013 and went back home to Indiana. After arriving in Indiana, Casey got plugged in at HarvestTime Temple and became youth pastor. Their youth grew from six to sixty kids in just six months. In March of 2014, God called Casey and his family to Abilene, Texas. Casey and his wife
August 31, 1980 - October 18th, 2016
He was currently serving the Abilene Dream Center and Life Church as an Administrator. In October of 2016, he became associate pastor of Life Church. During his time serving at the Abilene Dream Center and Life Church he
impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of lives, ministering to the broken, and helping them establish a relationship with Jesus Christ. He was an inspiration to so many. He was an amazing father, husband, friend, mentor, and leader.
34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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“Battles of The Blending” By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
I hear this statement so often: “Our new blended family would be just fine if it weren’t for the ex-wife.” This, of course, is not a completely true statement, but it does seem to drive discomfort, discontent and malice into a family trying to find their “new normal.” I want to speak to any mom out there listening that has children in a step family. Whether you are the bio mom and your kids have a step mom, or you are the step mom dealing with the bio mom. Let me lay it all out for you. First of all ... the original marriage/relationship ended and you had a part in the demise. Ouch! Yes, either you picked the wrong guy right at the start, or you didn’t push for counseling, mentoring or coaching; or you decided this relationship just wasn’t worth the effort anymore. Your first husband may have been horrible; maybe he just couldn’t keep a job, maybe he didn’t know how to be faithful to you; whatever the reasons, both of you decided to form a relationship and then that relationship crumbled. So you move on in life. The problem comes in now trying to find where the kids fit. Your work schedule and your ex-husband’s work schedule seem to clash. Who takes the kids to soccer? Who pays for the dentist? Who gets the kids for Christmas this year? What a nightmare! Now let’s add in an extra ingredient: your exhusband’s new girlfriend or wife. Things just escalated out of control! You do not want her to touch your kids. She has no rights to pick them up or take them to a doctor and don’t even think about disciplining your kids! Not a good situation. But let me remind you that the divorce happened and life moves on. You can’t expect to not ever be in a relationship again - and that goes for your ex-husband as well. God created us to be in relationship.
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We, unfortunately, mess that up in every way possible. So here you stand looking at two possible roads to take. The first road is the one of revenge and misery. Along this road you find much time being spent hating your ex- and his new wife. You spend much energy trying to find fault and demanding things be done your way. You have even bashed your ex- in front of your children, causing them total emotional chaos because they are supposed to love and trust this man they call their daddy. The road
want the very best for them?” Yes, you have to put away your judgements, your pride, and your catty comments. But I also know that you would step in front of a moving vehicle to protect your child - so take the higher road. As far as us step moms go, please remember to let your husband and the bio mom adjust to you and ease you into helping parent and be a part of their children’s lives. I suggest you continue to allow your hubby and his ex to work together to solve issues. Through time, you will be integrated into the mix. Don’t bad mouth his ex-, but listen to him and then offer to help brainstorm ways to work together for the sake of the kiddos.
of revenge can certainly make your life miserable, and your children’s lives miserable. Misery can turn a woman bitter and bitterness can turn a woman ugly.
I would also suggest a mediator. I know you probably went to court and have a divorce decree that settles many issues, but don’t get stymied in the little things. Seek someone who can help all involved to find the best solutions. This whole “musical chairs of marriage” that our society plays more and more these days can be a mystery. But as women, created with souls that nurture, love and encourage, we can certainly find a way to maneuver in this realm of the blended family.
Let me show you the map to the second road - the higher road.
Blessings in your Blending! ____________________________________
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Yes, even the ex- and his new woman. So this requires civility, patience and kindness, which will certainly diminish the anger wrinkles on your forehead; but it will also make the adjustment for you children so much easier. The focus is the kids now. The question becomes, “How do we work together to make sure the kids know we both love them and
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).
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
10 Common Communication Breakdowns in a Marriage By AllProDad.com
I write and speak about marriage for a living. It’s my job and it’s my ministry. So, what I’m about to say is hard, but I’m hoping it helps somebody. A few months ago, my wife and I were having a really tough time in our marriage. I’m talking tough to the point where we were questioning some of the things we teach, the things I’ve written about, and the things we speak about. We just couldn’t come to a resolve. So, we called for help. We called on a couple who are our marriage mentors, and occasional crisis marriage counselors. After several text messages and a couple phone calls, the husband shared his thoughts about the problems we’d been having: communication. We were terrible at communicating. And if we didn’t change it our marriage was going to continue to struggle. The same goes for your marriage. As your communication goes so goes your marriage. Here are 10 common communication breakdowns in marriage.
1. Not really listening. - The biggest prob-
lem to communication is just not listening. Many of our communication problems would go away if we just intently listened to one another.
2. Speaking before thinking. - Guilty!
I’m guilty! So many times I say things as a reaction, and those times it usually doesn’t go well. Take your time and think before speaking and responding to your wife.
3. Only talking about what you want to talk about. - I call this throwing up on her.
Sometimes I just overload her with things I’m dealing with not caring to hear what she’s dealing with. Too many of those conversations and you might be calling your marriage mentors for help as well.
4. Raising your voice. - You can help your-
self in this area when you think before speaking as mentioned above. You may need to take a breather to gather yourself, but raising your voice doesn’t serve you or your wife well.
5. Negative non-verbal communica-
tion. - Your non-verbal communication —
facial expressions, gestures, etc — will impact your conversations as well. Maybe you didn’t say anything wrong, but you sure did say something wrong with your negative body language, which can be received worse.
6. Speaking in superlatives. - You al-
ways. You never. Every single time. Ever uttered those words? There are few things, if any, that your wife always does, never does, or does every single time. Using these words can be harmful to your marriage.
7. Degrading your spouse. - This should
go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Never ever degrade your spouse. You should look to build her up, to encourage her, to love her as you love yourself. Degrading her has no place in your marriage.
8. Playing the blame game. - If a mis-
communication or a mistake is made don’t let your first instinct be blaming your wife (even if it is her fault.) The blame game or pointing fingers doesn’t work. You are one. That means you both have a joint responsibility in whatever happened. Talk through it together, find the learning opportunity for her and for you.
9. Seeking to be understood first rather than to understand. - Strive to know
what she is thinking, what she is feeling, what she is dealing with. Before you try to get her to understand you, first understand her and her point of view. It just may change your point of view before you even share it.
10. Bringing up the past. - Do not keep
score and do not bring up your past victories or your wives past losses (mistakes). There is no positive purpose in that. It is a losing strategy when it comes to communication in marriage.
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
What to Do When Your Kids Are Texting Instead of Talking By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Recently, I wrote about Why Are Your Kids Texting Not Talking? In this post, I’d like to look at some important steps you can take to improve communication between you and your child or grandchild and get beyond texting to actual talking and relationship building.
Discuss how your family values working on relationships with family, friends, and people all around you face-to-face, not just through technology.
Develop a statement that expresses your family’s commitment to following your established Sit down with your guidelines in a certain way (e.g. respected, child and gently help them to understand why heard, and loved, etc.). this issue is going to be addressed.
Set the Scene •
Set Guidelines •
Review the reasons listed in my previous post Decide the ways you’ll use and not use technolmentioned above, and ask your children which, ogy in your home. if any, are true of them. Speak candidly, but kindEstablish rules regarding the usage of social ly, about those struggles.
media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Be willing to recognize that you may struggle other online activities. with some of the very same issues. Make specific times or areas of your house Discuss together what some of the long-term tech-free zones. Agree on whether or not to consequences might be for all of you: poor com- have phones in the bedroom, at the dinner munication skills, shallow relationships, an in- table or other areas of the home. For example, ability to function in jobs or community, and phones are allowed at the dinner table during fractured family relationships now and in the meals and Internet access is not allowed in the bedrooms. future.
Set Values •
Discuss as a family what your values and priorities are and how they will that will impact your decisions, guidelines, and limitations.
Create a space for isolating smartphones and tablets, etc. Have a basket to hold electronics during tech-free times or when entering techfree zones. For example, place one by the dining room table during mealtimes.
Do this as a team. Let your family know that the guidelines you’re looking to create are to be de- No matter what procedures your family agrees veloped and shared by everyone in the family, on, remember to do so with patience and grace. not just the kids. Talk with, not at, your kids and give them some say in the process.
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How to Share with and Trust Your Spouse
38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
God revealed his laws regarding marriage in Genesis 2:24-25, and one of those foundational truths is the Law of Purity. “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed.”
lose the ability to trust. That’s when you hide with Karen, that everything I did would imyour differences and cover up your sensitive pact her. areas. As soon as I asked for her forgiveness, those When Karen and I first married, I was verbal- fig leaves began to come off her heart. It was ly abusive and dominant. I hurt her so badly a process. It didn’t happen overnight. But bewith the things I said that she covered her fore long she began to tell me things I didn’t heart, figuratively speaking, with fig leaves. know about her. This took place before sin entered the Garden Because I was so insensitive, she refused to of Eden. Did you know the One day, several months name Eden means “pleasure later, she shared with me and delight”? God didn’t something specific about just create marriage, but He the way she was feeling. put Adam and Eve in a place made for their pleasure. “How long has that been going on?” I asked. She When He created Adam and told me she had felt that Eve, He created them naked. way for years. It was total That’s significant. news to me. After The Fall, the first married couple decided they didn’t want to be naked in front of each other. They were ashamed, and tried to hide. They used fig leaves to cover their genitals. Think about the symbolism of this. The genitals are where men and women are most different. They are also the place where men and women are most sensitive. These are the areas that, originally, God thought should be exposed. But Adam and Eve covered them up.
“Why didn’t you tell me that before?” “I couldn’t trust you,” she said. All of us are more sensitive than we care to admit. We cannot trust our heart of hearts to someone who won’t take responsibility for their behavior. Only then can we both be “naked and unashamed.” When the let me in to the most sensitive parts of her fig leaves come off, we expose ourselves life. mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically—without shame. As a result, she closed herself off from me. She didn’t trust me. We didn’t talk on a deep That is when true intimacy happens in a marlevel, or have any real intimacy. We didn’t riage. know each other.
When you’re living your marriage in purity, you can expose your differences without fear or shame. You can open up about the most sensitive areas of your life and your marriage Eventually, the Lord brought me back to Him without concern. and I repented. From that point, I began living according to the Law of Purity. I realized But when you have sin in your life—and that I had to be careful with my marriage and when you’re sinning against each other—you
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6 Things Teens Say and How You Should Respond By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Dealing with a moody adolescent and their hormones can challenge the best parents’ patience and wisdom. When your teen says something that makes you bristle, it’s all too easy to get drawn into an argument or a battle of wills rather than deal with what’s going on beneath the surface. So instead of seeing each of these common teenage comments as a criticism or a challenge to your authority, try to view them as an opportunity to engage your angry teenager in conversation and help them grow. Sometimes a teen will say this as a tactic to get out of doing something like chores or homework. Other times they use it because they really believe that something really is unfair or unjust. Children often equate fairness with sameness or equality. For example, they might think because their 17-yearold brother has a curfew of 11pm that they, a 14-year-old, should have the same curfew. So help them explore the issue at hand. Start by asking questions like why do you think you should have the same curfew as your older brother? Have you earned that right? Perhaps then share that their brother had an earlier curfew at their age.
1.“It’s not fair.”
First, you may want to clarify who they mean by “everyone,” and whether they know that for a fact? Ask whether you should check with their friends’ parents? Use this as an opportunity to discuss your values as a family and the different values and standards other families may have, and why. Share with them how much you love them and if you are not letting them do something, let them know that you are making this decision because you want what’s best for them.
2.“everyone else is allowed to....”
3.“This sucks.”
tions like, “So why do you feel that way?” “What would you suggest instead?” The key here is to get to their heart and understand why they are feeling that way.
4.“you can’t make me.”
Instead of getting into a verbal confrontation by responding with an, “Oh yes I can!” The better way would be to agree with them by saying, “You’re right, I can’t make you. It’s your choice; you have the freedom to choose.” Then go on to share that if they make the choice not to do it, there will be consequences. Those consequences may be a natural result of them not doing something or may be consequences imposed by you. Typically this isn’t offered as an acceptance of what you say, rather it’s about dismissing what you say as irrelevant, closing down further discussion. That may be because their emotions are flooded. So ask them how they are feeling. Are they angry, frustrated, or disappointed? Then be sure to listen and ask follow-up questions.
5.“whatever.”
Hurtful as this is to hear, bite your lip. Simply snapping back “Don’t ever talk to 6.“i hate me like that again” is not goyou.” ing to help. It may make you feel better momentarily, but it will just shut them down and confirm all their beliefs about how unreasonable you are. Ask them what they hate and why? Assure them that it’s okay to have strong feelings, but they do need to be responsible and respectful in the way they handle and express them. And remind them that you love them no matter what. In all of these exchanges, always be looking to really see things from your teens’ point of view. It could be that even though they are expressing themselves poorly, they have a point we need to hear.
This one makes me cringe Above all, try to keep the communication chanand I can understand how nels open. Even a surly teen is better than a silent, a parent can engage in a simmering, or sullen one. battle with their teen when they hear it. However, a better way may be to ask their teen ques-
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MEDICARE
SAVINGS PROGRAM
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) assists people with limited incomes and resources to pay some or all of Medicare’s premiums and may pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. There are four MSPs. If you qualify for one, you automatically qualify for EXTRA HELP paying for the costs of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Contact the Area Agency on Aging at 325-793-8417 for more information.
All publications funded solely or in part by MIPPA funds, shall include express acknowledgement, “This publication has been created or produced by (insert DADS/AAA/ADRC name) with financial assistance, in whole or in part, through funds from the Administration for Community Living”. The SHIP (only for AAA use) and AAA/ADRC logo should also be included on the publication. Just to avoid assumptions, MIPPA funding can only be used to print materials that cover MIPPA topics: MSP, LIS, Medicare prevention & wellness, etc. All publications that use the SHIP logo should also be submitted to DADS Help Desk for approval before printing and distribution. For promotional items, a reference to MIPPA and the funding purpose should be included on all items. Depending on the space available you should include MIPPA specific taglines or references such as “Medicare Savings Programs”, “Low-Income Subsidies”, etc. and when space is limited it should at least include “MIPPA Program.” All items should also include the AAA/ADRC logo or written name as well as the contact phone number for your agency. All promotional items should be submitted to the DADS Help Desk for review and approval before purchasing. Please contact us if you have any questions about these requirements.
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Navigating Care for Loved Ones By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
Caring for a loved one is one of the hardest tasks in life families are called to do. Hospice of the Big Country is there to help by providing relief for families.
“People don’t want to talk about death because they know it is the ultimate outcome,” Martha said, “but when you have a team of nurses who can come in and explain what is going on, and support from social workers, volunteers and “Families have someone they can count on to chaplains it makes it a little easier.” care for their loved one,” Martha Diaz Hospice of the Big Country social worker said. Under hospice care, families are able to be fam“A wife can be more of a wife to that patient, ilies again. Time together can be spent visiting, instead of the caregiver because we are there telling stories or doing things their loved one to provide physical, emotional and spiritual enjoys. care in the home.” Hospice of the Big Country is a part of West Texas Rehabilitation Center for families who have a loved one who is terminally ill. What likely comes to mind are patients with cancer, but there are numerous illnesses and diseases that can lead to hospice care. “Sometimes families have run out of curative treatment options and want to focus on their loved one living out their life as comfortable as possible,” Martha said. Hospice focuses on caring and not curing a patient wherever they consider home. Home can be a house, hospital, nursing home or assisted living. Hospice care provides non-aggressive treatment for pain and symptom management. “Our main goal is for our patients to live a comfortable, pain-free life for as long as possible,” Martha said. “We don’t hasten death and we don’t prolong life.” Families are surrounded by a team of individuals to achieve that goal for their loved one, which includes medical directors, nurses, social workers, nurse aides, volunteers, chaplains and a bereavement coordinator.
is safe and helps them, we are all for it.” Hospice care helps patients feel as good as possible, given their condition, to be able to do the things they once enjoyed. Another concern of families is paying for hospice care services. Hospice of the Big Country is a nonprofit organization under West Texas Rehabilitation Center. Therefore, they are able to take on patients no matter their ability to pay. “We don’t bill for services directly to our patients,” Diaz said. “We are very proud to say that we don’t deny anybody care based on their ability to pay.” Medications related to the patient’s diagnosis and medical equipment are covered under hospice care. Plus, part of the services of hospice social workers is to help patients and families get the available resources they need.
For more information about hospice care, call Hospice of the Big Country at 325-793-5450 or visit www. “We really like to work with westtexasrehab. families and meet their goals of org/hospice. Just care,” Diaz said. “We don’t want because you call to cross any boundaries. It is their doesn’t mean you loved one and the family knows have to be enwhat is best.” rolled. It is free to Despite popular belief, hospice call and ask quescare does not limit the activities tions, or to receive of patients. Whatever patients feel up to they a consultation. Spanish speakers can also speak can go and do. Hospice care doesn’t mean pa- to Martha who is fluent in Spanish. tients are refined to their homes. “We like for families to be as informed as pos“If they feel good enough, they are able to go sible,” Diaz said, “so they can make a wise decitake a walk outside, sit on their front porch, or sion about wanting hospice care.” go grocery shopping,” Diaz said. “As long as it
42 | HEALTH | 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
Antonio “Tony” J. Ramirez My father had a dream and we are all living it. We’re here for the better life that he envisioned was possible. He traveled from Mexico to the U.S. alone and barely anything in his pockets and not knowing much English to ask for help. But that didn’t stop him from his passion to do and be a better man. He did his citizenship alone while working hard and buying a his first home for his family. He held his head high and knew he did it alone. He made impossible become possible. This is our family it began with us but will not die with our us. Dad made sure that everyone he loved also shared his dream. We must come together or death Will make sure we do. We’re not rich or famous we have all the pain none of the fame. We do have something that lives on that’s family and our name.
HispanicLife Media
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... He is survived by his two sons, Juan Ricardo Ramirez , Xavier Ramirez; and his only daughter, Priscilla Betty Ramirez. Followed by 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with number 6 on the way. He is joined by His love, wife Maria Sylvia Ramirez and two sons, Ray Ramirez and Tony Ramirez, Jr. Now He and wife, the two ‘ol love birds can finally be together. Casey Alan Goldman, 36, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at a local hospital with loving family at his side. Mr. Goldman was born August 31, 1980, in Evanville, Indiana. Casey graduated high school in 1998 in Mt. Vernon, IN. He received his associate’s degree in electronics from ITT Technical Institute, Evansville, IN. Casey was currently serving the Abilene Dream Center and Life Church as an Administrator. Casey was also a certified minister, serving as the associate pastor at Life Church. Casey is survived by his loving wife, Kristin; son, Blake Benjamin; daughter, Allie Madisyn; his father, Larry Goldman (Beverly); mother, Kitty Hayes; brother,
Ted Goldman (Michelle); mother-in-law, Vickie Roberts; father-in-law, Jeff Roberts (Debbie); sister-in-law, Jamie Bourne (Eric); half brother-in-law, Caleb Roberts; nieces; and a nephew. The family would like to thank the Abilene Dream Center and Life Church for the outpouring of love. Deborah Ann Williams, 55, passed away October 10, 2016. Mrs. Williams was born August 21, 1961, in Abilene, Texas to William Louis Fitzpatrick and Estella Lombes. Our mother was a woman like no other, she was dedicated and hard working. Deborah enjoyed caring of Dr. Jack Ramsey and his family for many years . She gave us life, nurtured, taught, dressed, fought for us and at the same time shouted with a kiss that we knew was unconditional. There are truly not enough words to describe just how important she was to us and how powerful of an influence she will continue to be in our lives, we will miss and love you forever and never forget you mother. Survivors include her husband Billy Williams of
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Abilene; her parents, J.E. Malone Johnson and Estella Fitzpatrick of Abilene; a son, Travan Wilson (Jonisha) of Abilene; three daughters, Nayteria Valencia (Robert) of Abilene, Kamisha Wilson (Demodrick Garrett) of Abilene and Antwonett Richardson of Abilene; two brothers, Anthony George Lyons of Abilene and Tony Fitzpatrick of Abilene; two sisters, Janie Samuels (Jessie Walton) of Abilene and Renee Vinson of Lueders; and ten grandchildren. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Knox; grandmother, Annie Mae Turner; and nephew, Anthony Valtez Waller, Jr. Honored to be pallbearers include Terronce Conner, Dezy Jones, John Lyons, Anthony Lyons, Jessie Walton, and Tony Fitzpatrick. Honorary pallbearers were Travan Hunter, Robert Valencia, Jerome Joiner, and Joe Rushin.
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Abilene Physician Designs App to Help Patients Track Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose By Scott Kirk | Special to The Abilene Reporter-News
Monitoring your blood pressure and blood glucose levels can help you manage your diabetes or even keep from becoming diabetic altogether — and an Abilene physician has developed an app that makes keeping track much easier. Charisse Ward, an interventional cardiologist at Abilene Regional Medical Center, plans to roll out the app, Cardio Tracker, this month. The app, which will be available for iPhone, will be free.
quicker access to the data, particularly in cases when a patient moves and has to find a new primary care provider. Patients can email the information to their doctor, saving the need to schedule a visit. The idea behind the app, Ward said, is that if people have an easy way to monitor their medical informa-
“I couldn’t in good conscience charge for an app that is designed to help people,” said Ward, who joined the ARMC staff in August.
Ward said the first two apps were developed while she was serving a fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut. “I developed (the programs) out of necessity,” she said. The apps were rolled out in June, and already doctors all over the world have downloaded them. Cardio Tracker will have a much broader audience. Ward said the app will not only allow patients to monitor their own health but also will give doctors
She said her family wasn’t nearly as impressed with the fact that she had created an app as it was with her being accepted to Yale. Ward, a native of the Virgin Islands, went to medical school at Boston University after getting her degree in science at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas. She served in the Navy before completing her residency at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2006-2009. She followed that with several fellowships, including in ones in advanced heart failure/heart transplants and interventional cardiology. Ward described her interest in cardiology and peripheral vascular disease and intervention as almost a mission.
This isn’t the first time Ward has designed a medical app, although Cardio Tracker is the first she has designed for the general public. Her other two, InterventionalProLog and EPProcedureLog, were designed specifically for doctors. Those apps cost 99 cents to download, with the proceeds being used to help veterans. Ward is a former Navy officer.
savvy,” she said. “My whole family is.”
“I think there’s a calling to this particular field,” she said.
tion and get it to their physician, they might be much more likely to stay on top of their medical conditions. Ward said the information will be password-sensitive and is in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations. “That’s the most difficult thing to do, to make sure the information is secure,” Ward said. “The app was pretty easy to design. This will help them to seek treatment sooner.” Ward, as it turns out, knows her way around a computer better than most. “I’ve always been computer
One aspect of her work is limb salvage, going in below the knee to open up blood vessels. Saving a limb not only improves the quality of a person’s life but could very well save the person’s life down the line, she said, because the trauma of losing a limb puts a tremendous strain on a person’s heart. “Saving the limb is saving the life,” Ward said.
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Losing Sight But Not Slowing Down By West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
In
2005
when
Lighthouse
employee
Manuel Zavala decided to move his fam-
ily to Texas, he never dreamed his life would take an unexpected turn. “I woke up one day and it appeared to look like a spider was in my eye.” After consulting a doctor, he was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy—a condition that can cause blood vessels in the retina to leak fluid or hemorrhage, destroying vision—and he now suffers from macular degeneration, which will cause him to gradually lose his eyesight. “Hearing those words from a doctor is pretty life changing. Now what happens? Learning to live with my condition required me to make many adjustments, one of the most challenging aspects of losing my vision is not being able to drive.” Texas law states a person with 20/50 vision is prohibited from driving without special aids and Manuel’s vision is 20/400. A construction worker by trade, Manuel was concerned how he would support his family. After a period of depression and frustration, he contacted Division for Blind Services in San Angelo. He started working at the Base Supply Store at Goodfellow as a cashier, but as his eyesight deteriorated he was having trouble operating the cash register and took a job at the Lighthouse to work on the production floor. Manuel worked on the production floor in hand assembly. He excelled in this position and was promoted to material handler.
Manuel Zavala (above middle) meeting customers at the Base Supply Center, Goodfellow AFB vendor show.
The Lighthouse is very passionate about upward mobility so with our encouragement, Manuel enrolled online and in December When a position became available for a prod- graduated with a high school diploma. uct development assistant, Manuel was selected. He was nervous because he had never “This was a great accomplishment for me, I had an office job before. never thought I would have the opportunity to graduate from high school.” He is currently Manuel enrolled in Hadley Institute for the enrolled in Howard College and working on Blind and Visually Impaired. Hadley pro- a degree in business and plans to finish his vides distance education programs for indi- degree at Angelo State University. viduals who are blind or visually impaired. He enrolled in basic office classes: typing, He wants to continue to work at the LightExcel and other programs. house and use the skills he has learned to help
the Lighthouse to continue to be successful. Despite his eyesight remaining stable over the last few years, he understands the real possibility of losing more of his sight as he gets older. “I don’t want to say I am prepared, I don’t want to lie to you, no one is prepared to go blind, but I do realize it’s something that can eventually happen. That’s why I live my life to the fullest now.” “I live happy. I have a great wife and kids that are very supportive of me. I love my job at the Lighthouse and want to continue to help make it a success.”
46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene Regional Medical Center Offers Patients a New Heart Failure Monitoring System
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By Panissa Dor Williams | Marketing and PR Manager, ARMC
Abilene Regional Medical Center is now helping doctors and patients with heart failure (HF) manage their health with a tiny, implantable wireless monitoring sensor. The CardioMEMS HF System is the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitoring device that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital readmissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure. The CardioMEMS HF System features a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery (PA) during a non-surgical procedure to directly measure PA pressure. Increased PA pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes, which are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. The new system allows patients to transmit daily sensor readings from their homes to their health care providers allowing for personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. “I am happy to be able to bring this to Abilene and the Big Country. This innovative technology and its ability to treat and improve outcomes for heart failure patients,” said David McCain, M.D. board certified interventional cardiologist who performed the first CardioMEMS procedure in the region. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 5.1 million Americans have heart failure, with 670,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced quality of life and face a higher risk of death. The CardioMEMS sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require batteries. Once implanted via a minimally invasive surgery, the wireless sensor sends pressure readings to an external patient electronic system. There is no pain or sensation for the patient during the readings. The CardioMEMS HF System allows the patients to transmit critical information about their heart failure status to a clinician on a regular basis, without the need for additional clinic or hospital visits. This provides clinicians with the ability to detect worsening heart failure sooner and adjust treatment to reduce the likelihood that
the patient will need to be hospitalized. Data from a clinical trial showed that the CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37 percent. The CHAMPION trial studied the effectiveness of the CardioMEMS HF System in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification System class III heart failure patients who had been hospitalized for heart failure in the previous 12 months. Results of the trial demonstrated a statistically significant 28 percent reduction in the rate of heart failure hospitalizations at six months, and 37 percent reduction in heart failure hospitalizations during an average follow-up duration of 15 months. Roughly 1.4 million patients in the U.S. have NYHA Class III heart failure, and historically these patients account for nearly half of all heart failure hospitalizations. Even with patients selfmonitoring body weight and blood pressure, 25 percent of heart failure patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, and half of heart failure patients are readmitted within six months. According to the American Heart Association, the estimated direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the U.S. for 2012 was $31 billion and that number is expected to more than double by 2030. “Abilene Regional Medical Center is committed to provide advanced cardiac care to people in the Big Country and West Texas. We were the first hospital to perform a heart catheterization, cardiac stent and many other firsts, this is just another example of our commitment to improving patient care and investing in innovative medical technology such as the CardioMEMS HF System,” said Mike Murphy, Chief Executive Officer. The CardioMEMS HF System, from global medical device manufacturer St. Jude Medical, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for commercial use in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.heartfailureanswers.com/.
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Hiring Red, White and You 5th Annual Veterans Job Fair to be held November 10th By Steve Collins | Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board
Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, Texas Veterans Commission, along with other partners are again proud to sponsor the 5th annual statewide “Hiring Red, White & You” Veterans Hiring Fair. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 10th, at the Taylor County Expo Center (Round Bldg.) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The hiring fair is designed to assist veterans, service members and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Veterans have transferrable skills and credentials necessary to fill those technical positions currently needed by our regional employers. This year’s event has already attracted major employers, who are seeking skilled individuals, dedicated to advancing their careers, and understand the importance of “Teamwork”. Registered employers will be representing a wide range of available careers and job opportunities, which include law enforcement, border patrol agents, Texas State Troopers, security/correctional officers, mainte- specialist, physical/occupational speech theranance engineer, lab technicians, planning pists, welders, diesel mechanics, and truck and development director, air traffic control driving opportunities. In addition to employer
opportunities, there will be participating agencies, providing information on educational opportunities, support, along with veteran benefit information. Veterans, service members, or their spouses and individuals, who plan to attend, should review and update their resume with any certifications, technical training, diploma or licensure. Needing assistance in updating that resume or need to brush-up on those important interviewing skills? Career Specialists or a Veterans Representative will be glad to assist you with these issues. Contact: Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, 500 Chestnut, Suite 1100, Abilene, Tx. or call 325.795.4200 for more information. We ask for veterans to pre-register for the event by going to our website www.workforcesystem. org/veteranfair. There is no cost to participate/attend for either employers or job seekers. All job seekers are welcome.
Anson Tiger Sports Pics: Elissa Lozoya
48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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6 Things You Need to Know When Buying Home Insurance
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By Gina Roberts-Grey | Realtor.com
Whether you’ve just begun searching for a new place or you’re waiting to close on your dream home, one important aspect of moving you can’t ignore is insuring your investment. Enter the homeowner’s best friend: the homeowners insurance policy. Just like any other kind of insurance, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all policy. Home insurance policy costs typically depend on the home’s location and age, the size of the deductible, and the coverage level. You’ll have to look at these and other variables to figure out what kind of home insurance is right for you—and how much you’ll shell out for it.
1. It’s all about location, location, location - Along with size, construction type, 2. You might want flood insurand overall condition of the house, location ance—even if you think you don’t plays a big role in the cost of insurance and types need it. Damage from flooding isn’t covof policies available. But unlike home buyers, insurance companies aren’t checking out school districts, awesome nearby restaurants, or your commute time.
ered by typical home insurance policies. Any home located in an area prone to flooding requires separate flood insurance to cover these kinds of claims. (Flood insurance is available from the federal government’s National Flood But others factors do come into play. Homes Insurance Program as well as a handful of located near highly rated, permanently staffed specialty insurers.) fire departments (and even fire hydrants), for example, may cost less to insure, says Loretta Don’t live in a flood zone? Don’t assume Worters, vice president of communications for you’re off the hook. Flood insurance may be the Insurance Information Institute. a smart option for any homeowner, regardless of zoning—and if you’re not in a high-risk And of course, proximity to the coastline is also zone, you can probably snag some lower preweighed heavily. You’re likely going to pay a miums. pretty penny for that idyllic spot near the coast. “Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the “Because of the increased risk of catastrophic U.S. involve flooding,” Worters says. “Howweather events resulting in claims, it will gener- ever, 25% to 30% of all paid losses for floodally cost more to insure,” Worters says. ing are in areas not officially designated as special flood hazard zones.” On top of a higher policy cost, coastal home insurance policies could include a separate hurri- 3. That goes for earthquake insurcane or windstorm deductible based on the fees ance, too. Californians aren’t the only ones to rebuild a home. who have to worry about earthquakes—in fact as many as 39 states have experienced
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tremors, according to data from the Insurance live there. Whether you’ve just begun your Information Institute. And the resulting dam- home search or lived in your home for years, age usually isn’t covered by traditional home it’s never too late to get familiar with your insurance policies. home’s claim history—and how it might be affecting your homeowners insurance rates. Homeowners need to purchase an addition to their home insurance policy to cover any It’s all summed up in a nifty database called earthquake-related claims. The cost varies the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exby location, insurer, and the type of structure change, or CLUE. Essentially the equivalent being covered as well as age of the building, of a credit report for your home, the CLUE Worters says. contains all kinds of records of insurance claims on the house.
a free report from database giant LexisNexis.
lous swimming pool and hot tub. Yay for you! We’d love to come over—but before we do, you should look into bumping up your liability insurance.
filed for the property in the past five years could cause your rates to inch upward, even if you didn’t own the home at the time of the claim.
Liability coverage is the part of a home insurance policy that may pay court costs or other expenses if you’re found responsible for an accident, such as someone drowning or suffering a serious injury after doing a cannonball into the shallow end of your pool.
But take heart, dear home buyer—not all prior claims have a negative effect.
ductible you can afford because most people only file a claim every eight to 10 years,” Worters says. “A higher deductible saves money year after year and encourages only using insurance in catastrophic situations when it’s truly necessary. And that also helps keep your costs affordable.”
6. A high deductible can really pay off. It should come as no surprise that you’ll
want to shop around before committing to a policy. Compare the rates, deductibles, and coverage options of at least two to three companies to make sure you have adequate coverage for your situation. Pro tip: Pay close attention to the size of your deductible.
4. Have a pool? Dive into extra protection - Ahh, your new home has a fabu- That’s important to know because a claim “It’s recommended to opt for the highest de-
“Some recent claims can have a positive impact, because replacing a roof damaged by a windstorm could make the house more desirable to an insurance company,” Worters says.
Another option: You can purchase an umbrella liability policy to provide a level of pro- If you’re looking to buy a home and want tection not typically available with standard a copy of the CLUE report, check with the home insurance policies. sellers (only the owner of a property may access its CLUE report). There’s no guarantee 5. Your home’s claim history mat- they’ll fork it over, but there’s no harm in askters—even from when you didn’t ing. If you already own the home, you can get
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ABILENE ISD Student Nutrition. Now Hiring Part-Time. 5 Days a Week - No late nights. Apply online at: AbileneISD.org
The Abilene Business Council hosted its most recent seminar for members on How Do I Sell to Local Hospitals. Abilene Regional Medical and Hendrick Health System both had representatives available to answer questions from Chamber members.
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50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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$393,485 grant will fund improvements to the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene By Brittany Eck | Press Secretary, Commissioner George P. Bush, Texas General Land Office
Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairman George P. Bush is proud to announce that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded the VLB two grants totaling $1,193,134 for the Texas State Veterans Cemeteries in Abilene and Killeen. “One of the great privileges of serving as Texas Land Commissioner is overseeing one of our state’s veterans programs,” Commissioner Bush said. “The work the Veterans Land Board quietly does every day is important to all Texans: taking care of our veterans and their families through every stage of life. These funds provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs will go a long way to help the VLB honor our veterans who chose their final resting place to be at one of our VLB cemeteries in Abilene and Killeen.” The first grant is for $393,485, which will fund 100 percent of allowable costs associated with the improvement of the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. The grant will cover the construction of 6,700 linear feet of perimeter and security fencing, as well as supporting infrastructure. The project will develop approximately two additional acres of cemetery lands and provide continued service for 27,520 veterans and their eligible family members. The Abilene cemetery includes a covered, open-air structure for committal services, visitors’ center, computer kiosk for locating specific graves or interments, assembly area for special occasions, avenue of flags and memorial walkway for future monuments. The second grant, for $799,649, will fund 100 percent of allowable costs associated with the second expansion of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. The grant will cover the construction of a memorial walk and wall, screen walls, scattering garden, landscaping, irrigation and supporting infrastructure. The entire project will develop
approximately one acre. The cemetery in Killeen is located on 174 acres that were previously a part of Fort Hood and donated to the State of Texas by the federal government. The construction of the cemetery was made possible through a coordination of area Veterans groups, the city of Killeen, the federal government, and the VLB. Initially, the cemetery provided 7,620 gravesites on 31 acres. The first expansion project, completed in May 2015, was a $5 million year-long renovation effort that added 4,000 new burial crypts, installed concrete support sleeves for headstones, replaced capstones on the columbaria, and added new turf and landscape features including bushes and trees.
Veterans Cemeteries.
“We are excited about these grant awards, which will support our efforts of maintaining these hallowed grounds in a manner that sends a clear message of gratitude to our Texas Veterans and their families,” said Eric Brown, Deputy Director of the Texas State
The VLB manages four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries exclusively for Veterans, their spouses and dependent children. The cemeteries are located in Abilene, Corpus Christi, Killeen and Mission. They were constructed through a partnership between the State of Texas and the VA, and complement the four national cemeteries in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and El Paso. These cemeteries are special resting places, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. The sacrifices they laid upon the altar of freedom will never be diminished nor forgotten. Burial benefits at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are identical to those at Federal VA cemeteries.
Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
Jeff Hubbard Raises Bulls Just for Kicks By Gary Bomar
Jeff Hubbard of Rising Star has found a unique niche in the beef cattle business, that is the raising and training of bucking bulls for the rodeo industry. “It is typical cattle production, but with an emphasis on the genetics of performance in the rodeo arena,” said Hubbard. He gives credit to his father, Charlie Hubbard, former manager of the Abilene Christian University Farm, for his basic beef production knowledge. “The rodeo knowledge comes from time spent at the TNT arena in Jones County, under the guidance of Mitch and Mark Terrell,” he said. This 1995 Abilene Cooper High graduate did make his mark in the rodeo world by winning the world champion saddle bronc title while competing in the American Junior Rodeo Association circuit. His foundation herd of cattle has the influence of the famed bucking bull, Houdini. Walking through his herd, Hubbard can quote blood lines and pedigrees with ease, citing the performance of each cow. In addition to knowing the history of the cattle, management is outstanding with all cattle in great body condition. While docile in the pasture, the cattle are a challenge in the corral. Therefore, he does not use artificial insemination or embryo transfer. But is presently looking to the
new technology of “in vitro” fertilization From experience, Hubbard can evaluate visually, and determine if, in his words, the calf has a “lot of buck” in it. “They are not show cattle,” Hubbard said. “I look at the top line and if it slopes, then it has potential.” As his calves are weaned, then they are evaluated in several bucking bull competitions. A special device is placed on the shoulders where a contestant would ride. Named a “dummy,” the weighted device has a release button that can be remotely activated. They keep the “device” on his back, the standard 8-second ride, thus the bull is actually learning the time element. There are three major divisions of bucking bull competition. The futurity for 2-year-old bulls, derby for 3-year-old bulls, and the classic division is as they turn 4-year-old. In the past, Hubbard’s bulls have won many of these contests throughout the nation. “Light Switch” is a perfect example. This young bull owned by Hubbard has the potential to become one of the major bucking bulls in the industry. His bulls are mainly sold online to major rodeo producers. Since rodeo bulls have unique names, when asked how the names are chosen, Hubbard laughs, “Most of them come from listening to Country and Western songs.”
52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Easy Cash Saving Tips to Get You Ready for the Holidays By DaveRamsey.com
Let’s time travel into your future. It’s the second week of December and you’re cozied up on the couch waiting for your favorite Christmas movie to start. You’re packing on pounds just smelling the “real butter flavor” Orville Redenbacher loaded into your microwave popcorn. And you’re trying to keep your normally well-behaved dog from eating the entire bag while your head is turned. Basically, everything is perfect. Here’s what you’re not doing: You’re not stressed about how you’re going to pay for Christmas. Because you already saved up for the potlucks, the presents, and a few extra trips to the movie theatre. This relaxing scenario could be a part of your holiday future. All it takes is a little planning. Save the cash you need for Christmas with these eight easy money tips. The sooner you start, the sooner you can dive into that popcorn.
1. Seal up budget leaks. Even if you’ve
been budgeting for a while, try an online tool like EveryDollar to make sure you are actually budgeting down to zero (it does the math for you!). Then be sure you’re actually sticking to your budget by tracking your spending all month long. When you know where your money is going, you’ll find that way less of it slips away!
2. Temporarily freeze your spending. We spend a lot of money “here and there”
on nonessentials like impulse Ben and Jerry’s or a new pair of Beats headphones. Instead of spending $100 on random stuff, try a spending freeze. That means you don’t buy any nonessential items for a whole week, month, etc. Simply raid your pantry or fridge for dessert ideas, avoid Target and Costco like the plague, and wait on whatever you need. Not spending money is the best way to save it.
up and your food is ready and waiting when you are.
4. Buy more generics. Most of us buy some
generics, but why not make the shift to buy mostly generics? See how much you can save, especially when it comes to paper towels, cleaners, pantry staples and certain medicines. According to Consumer Reports, buying generic over-thecounter drugs can save you up to 72% per purchase. Worth it.
5. Pack your lunch. Eating out for lunch
costs Americans roughly $35 per week, according to an Accounting Principals survey. Believe it or not, packing a lunch takes way less effort than calling your order in, driving there, waiting, paying, picking it up, and driving back. And you could save $140 a month in the process. That’s our idea of super-saving.
6. Brew your own coffee. Your daily drive-
thru coffee is probably costing you somewhere in the neighborhood of $80 each month. Instead of paying a friendly barista to fill up a giant paper cup for you, grab some high-quality beans and a nice travel mug. Then, turn on the coffeepot and sip away the savings.
7. Switch insurance. Yes, now! If you’re
looking to save hundreds on your insurance costs, consider purchasing your coverage through an independent agent. That way, the agent’s loyalty is to you, the customer, not to a specific insurance provider. If a company’s policy isn’t a good fit, they won’t try to get you to buy it just for the commission. Their top priority is finding you a deal!
8. Sell stuff online. We all have stuff we
could sell, but we just don’t take the time to actually do it. Pick a date on your calendar to devote yourself to a what-can-I-sell? scavenger hunt. Get the whole family involved if you want. Then give yourself a few hours to search, a few hours to shine up your stuff, and a few hours to post it all. Six hours could land you a nice wad of cash.
3. Fire up the Crock-Pot. Heading out Christmas doesn’t have to be full of money stress. to a restaurant with your entire gang (plus tax and tip) can cost $50 in a hurry. Replace one restaurant outing a week with your slow cooker and you’ll easily save $200. Just think: You’ll be enjoying tons of amazing holiday meals in the next few months, so it’s not that big of sacrifice. Plus, Crock-Pot cooking is a win-win because there’s just one pot to clean
In fact, we think it should be full of laughter, joy and celebration. Make your family’s future brighter this year by saving money for Christmas before you spend it. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show!
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, Wholly Cow Burgers & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
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Tax tips for a new business owner 54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Tom Cooney and Crystal Faulkner | MCM CPAs & Advisors
Question: I launched my own business employment taxes). earlier this year as an owner/employee. I know there will be additional tax considerations and would like to understand what those are sooner than later. What I should I consider as I begin planning for the 2017 tax year?
Answer: First of all,
congratulations to you on planning ahead. Most people don’t begin thinking about their tax return until the new year (and many not until spring), so bravo! And you are right – there are several things you should consider for your upcoming tax return as a businessowner employee. Many entrepreneurs launch their companies from the front lines as an employee. So you certainly are not alone. It’s also not uncommon for owners to stay in that role, working with their staff members to grow the business and guide its strategic direction. However, owner-employees face a variety of distinctive tax planning challenges.
In the case of C corporations, the entity’s income is taxed at the corporate level and only income you receive as salary is subject to employment taxes, and, if applicable, the additional Medicare tax. Nevertheless, if the overall tax paid by both the corporation and you individually would be less, you may prefer to take more income as salary (which is deductible at the corporate level) as opposed to dividends (which are considered to be subject to double taxation because they aren’t deductible at the corporate level, and are taxed at the shareholder level).
The self-employed If you are self-em-
ployed (as a sole proprietor, partner or LLC member treated as either of them), your business earning are subject to self-employment taxes. This means your employment tax liability typically doubles because you must pay both the employee and employer portions of these taxes. However, the IRS has taken some sting out of the cost because the employer portion of selfemployment taxes paid (6.2 percent for Social Security tax and 1.45 percent for Medicare tax) is deductible above the line on your personal individual return.
Partnerships and LLCs If you are a As a self-employed taxpayer, you may benefit partner in a partnership or a member of a limited liability company (LLC) that has elected to be disregarded or treated as a partnership, the entity’s income (and deductions) flow through to you and will be taxed on your individual income tax return. Trade or business income that flows through to you for income tax purposes likely will be subject to selfemployment taxes—even if the income isn’t actually distributed to you. You’ll also need to assess whether the additional Medicare tax on earned income will apply to you. Doing so will involve complex calculations and determinations.
Corporations For S corporations, even
though all the entity’s income flows through to you for income tax purposes, only income you receive as salary is subject to employment taxes and, if applicable, the additional Medicare tax. To reduce these taxes, you may want to keep your salary relatively – but not unreasonably – low and increase your distributions of company income (which generally isn’t taxed at the corporate level or subject to
from other above-the-line deductions as well. You can deduct 100 percent of health insurance costs for yourself, your spouse and your dependents, up to your net income from the business. You also can deduct contributions to a retirement plan. We think retirement plan contributions are the best type of deductions since Uncle Sam is giving you a tax break for setting money aside for your retirement. Of course, if you have employees you may need to include them in your retirement plan. Be sure to consult with a knowledgeable professional on your retirement plan options. Above-the-line deductions are particularly valuable because they reduce your adjusted gross income, which can trigger certain additional taxes and phase-outs of many tax breaks.
Ideal strategies Owning and working for
your own company can be incredibly fulfilling. But tax planning is extra important when you take on this role. Please consult with a CPA or tax professional for help in identifying the ideal strategies for your unique situation.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Meals on Wheel Plus Receives Two $10,000.00 Challenge Grants
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
5K Christmas Lane Family Run Thursday, December 1 - 6:30 PM
$30 Single Entry* Registration includes 1 Runner, 1 T-shirt and 2 glow sticks.
By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels, Plus
Two organizations, who have a great interest in Meals on Wheels, have each offered a $10,000.00 grant to not only raise money for the organization, but also recruit new volunteers. They each will match, dollar for dollar, all donations received between now and December 15, 2016 if Meals on Wheels also recruits 25 new volunteers for each challenge. That is $20,000.00 and 50 new volunteers. The deadline is December 15, 2016. “Our success depends on your involvement,” said Betty Bradly, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Plus. “If you are already delivering meals, tell your friends and co-workers about your experience, bring them with you on your route, and encourage them to begin delivering a route of their own.” She went on to say “If you are not currently a volunteer or have volunteered in the past, please consider signing up now. A staff member, or experienced volunteer, will accompany you the first time you deliver and provide training, so you will be comfortable and
confident when you begin delivering.” Every weekday, Meals on Wheels Plus volunteers deliver more than 1,060 meals, along with friendly visits and safety checks to those who need them most. As important as the meal delivered is, the fact that for many meal recipients, the volunteer who delivers it is the only person they will see that day. The delivery is not just about nutrition; it is about the moments of human connection that enrich the client and the volunteer alike. Each weekday Meals on Wheels Plus relies on an army of volunteers to deliver meals between 10:45 am and 1:00 pm. If you are interested in donating, or in delivering meals you may go to www.mealsonwheelsplus.com to make an on-line donation and as well as learn more about volunteering. You may mail a check to P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX, 79604. Or call 325-672-5050 or come by 717 North 10th Street – Abilene to sign up to deliver meals..
$65 Family Entry* Registration includes 4 Runners, (2 Adults & 2 children under the age of 14) 2 adult and 2 children’s t-shirts and 8 glow sticks. Additional children - $10 each.
FIRST RESPONDERS/MILITARY DISCOUNT! $5 Discount for ALL Actively serving – Military, Fire Fighters and Police Officers.
*Registration after 11/14/16 - $35/$70. T-shirt not guaranteed if registered after 11/14/16
The Christmas Lane Family Fun Run 5k is the 2nd LARGEST 5k in the Abilene Area! Thanks for helping us achieve that recognition!
26th Annnual ‘Christmas Lane’ Abilene State Supported Living Center 2501 Maple Street • 6pm to 10pm
Lighted outdoor Christmas displays as well as an indoor display that includes animated dolls and figures.
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