October 2016

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

We are delighted to bring you our October 2016 issue of HispanicLife Magazine.

OCTOBER 2016

Volume 7, Issue 6

Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com

Here are some great reads for this month; enjoy: • DRI - “Pumpkins, Pumpkins”, pg 5 • Isbel Jimenez (‘Hero’), pg 7 • Rhea Lana’s of Abilene, pg 13 • Walking Through Cancer Together, pg 15 (Hendrick Medical Center • COVER STORY) • ATEMS & ACU Partnership, pg 19 • HSU’s Study Abroad Program, pg 31 • Lessons in Compassion, pg 41 (Abilene Regional Medical Center) • Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, pg 47 • La Mejor 92.1 FM, pg 53

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

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

Is Refinancing Right for You? Many homeowners have refinanced their mortgages in recent years, and it’s not too late for those who didn’t to consider doing so, as well. After all, we’re still in an environment with historically low interest rates.

When you refinance, you take out a new mortgage on your home, typically at a lower interest rate.

That can decrease the size of your monthly payments — potentially by hundreds of dollars. Refinancing also allows you to increase the amount of the loan to pay for home improvements or to pay off debts. (Be careful, though: If you’re paying off unsecured credit card debt with mortgage money, you’re now using your home as collateral.)

Another smart refinancing move is to get a 15-year loan instead of a 30-year one. You’ll likely get a lower interest rate, and while your payments may not drop much or at all, you’ll get your loan paid off sooner and will spend far less in interest payments. (Alter-

natively, get a new 30-year loan, but plan to make some extra payments to shorten the life of your loan.)

When mortgage shopping, look up avail-

you plan to be in the house long enough for the point-driven savings to outweigh the points paid and the closing costs of the new loan.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Mini-Art Show Open Oct. 7th-28th Mike Lanier Fine Art Studio 13 brings back one of their most popular shows - The Studio 13 Mini-Art Show.

When is refinancing smart? One rule of thumb is when you can get a new mortgage at an interest rate 1 percentage point lower than your current one. That may save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.

The show will be open Friday, October 7th October 28th and feature lots of fun mini- size pieces of art.

Before deciding, read and learn more at sites such as mtgprofessor.com and federalreserve.gov/pubs/refinancings/default. htm.

Reception: Friday, October 14th from 6-8 p.m. at Studio 13, 909 N. 13th Street

able loans and interest rates, and assess the costs built into each one. (Sites such as Bankrate.com can help, and be sure to check with your current lender, too.) Consider what “points,” if any, you might want to pay. A point, equal to 1 percent of the value of your loan, is what you can pay upfront to lower the interest rate. Make sure

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

This is your opportunity to pick up a one of a kind signed art piece from one of their talented artists at a fantastic price.

SAVING IS NOW AS EASY AS SPENDING First Financial Bank is proud to offer WOW checking accounts. These accounts come with some great features. You’ll get to enjoy discounts on shopping, dining and travel, roadside assistance, and identity theft protection. It’s just another way we put You First.

MEMBER FDIC

325-627-7200 | FFIN.COM Discounts for shopping, dining and travel, roadside assistance and id theft protection are not FDIC-insured.

Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | COMMUNITY | 5

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins!

By Jo Ann Wilson, Director of Special Events, Disability Resources, Inc.

On September 28th, a huge truckload of pumpkins arrived at Disability Resources, Inc. and over 150 volunteers unloaded thousands of pumpkins onto the DRI grounds.

There are large pumpkins, small pumpkins, mini pumpkins, pie pumpkins and decorative gourds for sale…all sizes and all prices…there are pumpkins for everyone!

of pumpkins were sold! Last year’s sales were so successful that THREE 18

The DRI Pumpkin Patch opened on October 1st, and will run through the whole month of October, including weekends.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 10am – 7pm, and Sunday 1pm – 7pm.

The pumpkins are grown on a Navajo Indian reservation near Farmington, New Mexico. The crop is very good this year.

The Pumpkin Patch is decorated with bales of hay, scarecrows, flowers and giant pumpkins.

Several areas are set up for taking pictures. New additions this year are themed photo boards which are sure to be the perfect props for memorable pictures.

You can enjoy story time on weekdays as well as an old-fashioned hayride around the DRI campus. Group tours can also be arranged.

All this is FREE of charge.

Over 12,000 visitors and 65 school groups visited the patch last year. Over 70 TONS

You’ll want to come spend the day at the patch on Saturday, October 22, for a new and fun addition to the event. Our first “Fun Festival” held in conjunction with the pumpkin patch will include food trucks and special games for children.

Prices will vary for the food and the special games that day.

Funds raised from the DRI pumpkin patch will support DRI’s ministry of providing residential care, vocational training, and recreational activities to individuals with developmental disabilities.

wheeler truckloads of pumpkins have been ordered to be delivered throughout October this year, guaranteeing a constant fresh supply.

Everyone is invited to come and visit the patch at 3602 North Clack.

Call the DRI office at 325-677-6815 for more information or to schedule a group tour.

6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

Boo at the Zoo tickets on sale now

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

By Kelly Thompson | Abilene Zoo

Advance tickets now are on sale for the Abilene Zoo’s biggest event of the year: Boo at the Zoo. The popular Halloween party will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Businesses, churches and clubs will host treat stops throughout the zoo, allowing little ghosts and goblins to gather goodies throughout the grounds.

“It takes hundreds of volunteers to throw a party this big, and we are always surprised by the creativity,” said event Chairman Claudia Diltz. “Everyone brings great ideas and festive spirits. It’s merry not scary.”

A sweet addition this year will be an area dubbed Trick or Treat town, where young guests can play games, enjoy snacks or burn off sugar while hopping in one of the zoo’s three bounce houses. Costume contests will take place in the pavilion every 30 minutes, while judges also will award prizes to the best treat stop displays.

Jimmy Hall began his career with the Abilene Fire Department in March of 1994. He is certified as a Firefighter Advanced, HazMat Technician, and EMT-Intermediate. Jimmy currently serves on our HazMat Team at station 5 on B shift.

EMPLOYMENT ADS

To underscore the zoo’s mission to encourage conservation, trick-or-treaters are urged to bring their own reusable treat bags to collect candy.

Tickets for Boo at the Zoo cost $5 for everyone three and older. Advance tickets cost $4.50 and can be picked up every day at the Zoo Store and at all Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union locations, as well as La Voz 93.3 radio or HispanicLife Magazine.

Merchants or organizations interested in hosting a treat stop at Boo at the Zoo can call Events Coordinator Flavia Fernandes at 325-437-4914 or email flavia.fernandes@abilenetx.com.

Alameda Trunk-or-Treat Alameda Community Center 650 Corsicana Avenue |6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Families are welcome to decorate their trunks in a family-friendly manner and hand out candy to kids in the neighborhood.

Jeff Waggoner joined the Abilene Fire Department in August of 1997. He is currently certifed as an EMT-Intermediate, a Firefighter Advanced, and Fire Instructor II. Jeff is assigned as the driver on Engine 1 C shift.

Call 325-701-9505 info@hispaniclifemedia.com

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

Big Country man receives Carnegie Hero medal for saving woman from fire

By Will Jensen | KTXS

A Big Country man is getting national recognition for saving a woman’s life -- he’s receiving the Carnegie Hero medal after pulling a woman from her burning home last September.

Isbel Jimenez was eating a

bowl of cereal at about 3 a.m. when he looked outside his Breckenridge home and saw the fire, but when he heard the screams, he knew he had to take action.

It turns out his neighbor was inside and unconscious. Her boyfriend was screaming for help outside of the burning house.

her arm and grabbed her. All I could do is drag her to the window and push her out.”

The Carnegie Hero medal is given to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. It’s been awarded to heroes since 1904.

“The criteria are stringent and largely

The Breckenridge fire chief said there’s no question she would have died if Jimenez didn’t pull her out.

We caught up with Jimenez -or Izzy, as he is known -- on the job in Abilene. He’s a cement finisher by day, and he was still taking in the news of the award.

“I guess I’m still kind of numb,” Jimenez said. “I’m not really sure how to take it. I mean I feel really honored and I’m just really happy all is well right now.”

He recalled the morning of the fire and said he was initially going to capture the blaze on video before he heard the screams. “[I] put my phone in my pocket, rushed back in, got me some rubber boots and rubber gloves and jumped the fence, and it just happened,” Jimenez said. “After that it was just pure adrenaline.”

Jeannette Marshall, 60, was unconscious inside the house. Jimenez said he couldn’t unchanged from our inception, and I think see or breathe, and he had to take a break to it’s very inspiring for people to be made go outside and catch a breath. aware of the actions of those heroes,” said Eric Zahren, the executive director of the The second time he went inside, he felt her.

Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Hero Fund Com“I felt her on the floor,” Jimenez said. “I felt mission.

Marshall was still too upset to talk about the incident, but her daughter sent us this statement.

“I’m truly grateful for Mr. Jimenez saving my mother’s life when others couldn’t,” Lisa Marin said. “It takes a courageous person to do such a selfless act knowing he was risking his own life to rescue my mother. I can look at my mother everyday thanking God that she is still with our family. I don’t know what I would have done if I would have lost my mother that night. My heart would have been shattered because she’s my best friend. I’m truly grateful for Mr. Jimenez because I still have my mom here with me.

Mr. Jimenez deserves recognition for his heroic actions in saving my mother’s life that night. Without him our family wouldn’t have our mother/nanny, and we will forever be grateful for Mr. Jimenez.”

Jimenez said he doesn’t consider himself a hero but understands how others might. He said he’d do it again.

“I believe in helping each other out,” Jimenez said.

He said he plans to visit Marshall this weekend and said he’ll give her a big hug.

The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission hands out medals four times a year.

The executive director said about a quarter of those honorees sacrifice their lives while trying to save the lives of others.

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Youth Basketball All Stars League

Get in the Game! The City of Abilene Recreation Division is accepting registrations for the Youth Basketball All-Stars League.

The league is open to boys and girls ages 6 and 7.

The entry fee is $65 per person with the fee including team uniform. Registration ends on Sunday, November 13th. Register

by October 14 and save $10 at www.abilenetx.com/ signup!

For more information, call (325) 676-6217 or visit www.abilenetx.com/parksandrec.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

‘Tiny House’Village to Provide for Abilene Patients

By BigCountryHomePage.com

A local nonprofit ministry is building a village of tiny houses that will provide lowcost, temporary housing for chronically ill patients receiving treatment in Abilene.

Pick us up at Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9

Thank you to the Abilene Community and

surrounding areas that participated in our Community Drive with their donations! A special shout out to The Country Giant 106.9, KRBC TV / KTAB-TV and 95.1 The Wolf.

“There is no Happiness in Having or in Getting, but only in Giving!”.....

Houses for Healing is a part of Sonrise Ministries, and their, “mission is to care for the sick by providing low cost, temporary housing to those who are receiving long-term medical treatment away from home.”

MY FATHER’S KITCHEN

“We pray for a total of 20 houses to serve the 20 surrounding communities around Abilene, TX. Each house will be for the primary benefit of a targeted community and each of the targeted communities is A press release from Houses for Healing a neighbor to Abilene,” according to the minsays, “the groundbreaking ceremony will istries’ website. consist of a time of prayer and dedication for the first two tiny houses to be built for the Visit www.housesforhealing.com/home for more information on Houses for Healing. purpose of caring for the sick.”

Houses for Healing held a groundbreaking ceremony for their first tiny house project on the 3000 block of North Hickory Street on September 15, 2016.

Hannah Wiginton from New Horizons received our fourth donation of household necessities.

Geradine Heisey-Dalton from My Father’s Kitchen received our fifth donation of household necessities.

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11

CPS Visitation Rooms Remodeled with Support from Community Foundation of Abilene

By Brittany Wade | CPS Staff Liaison

The Taylor County Child Welfare Board broke ground on its Visitation Room Remodel Project this past weekend with the support of the Community Foundation of Abilene.

The Board works to protect abused and neglected children in Taylor County as well as help families where children are at-risk of being abused and neglected. Over 32 volunteers attended the event with a combined 108 service hours, coming from organizations such as Dyess AFB, Beltway Baptist Church, Junior League of Abilene and CASA.

Protective Services for 12 years.

This remodel will directly impact the lives of children in our community who need it most.

A great number of in kind items such as paint, supplies, toys and furniture were generously donated by industry sponsors as well. “I am so excited to know the children and their families are going to have an inviting place to spend time and interact together,” explained Vizion Danette Jackson, Child Welfare Board Event Chair and former employee of Child

While children are in CPS care, families have the opportunity to visit their children regularly in special visitation rooms at the CPS offices on Vine Street. What started as a dream for the Board Members to create a safe and welcoming space for children undergoing trauma became reality with the support of so many community partners.

Volunteers began by emptying each of the three rooms of worn-out items and worked through the weekend to completely renovate with new paint, toys, furniture, etc.

Abilene Community Foundation awarded a special Field of Interest grant to make this possible. Special thanks to Reynolds Childhood Furniture, Beltway Boots on the Ground, Dyess AFB, Junior League, Kiwanis of Abilene, Turnkey Storage, Home Depot, International Book Project and El Chico Restaurant for their additional support. And a very big thanks to Taylor County’s Commissioners who are continuously instrumental to the success of the Child Welfare Board’s mission.

About the Taylor County Child Welfare Board The Child Welfare Board is composed of citizens appointed by Taylor County Commissioners to help protect abused and neglected children in the county and help families where children are at-risk of being abused and neglected. We work to help Child Protective Services in its mission and to help caseworkers in their work. A diverse group of board members share their talents and expertise and actively advocate for the protection of children. Programs of the Child Welfare Board include Emergency Funding for CPS children, Miracle on Vine Street, multiple donation drives and awareness events such as National Adoption Day. In FY2015, 5,100 in kind resources were distributed to over 844 local children with a value of over $21,303 through the Bluebonnet resource room.

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

More Bang for Your Buck at Rhea Lana’s

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

By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine

As children grow up, their clothes tend to grow smaller. All parents have been there – purchasing new clothes only to have their child outgrow them a few months later. Rhea Lana’s the nation’s premier children’s consignment event venue started for that very reason.

through October 26 at 841 North Judge Ely. Local mom’s can participate as a consignor, shopper or volunteer.

As a consignor, mom’s from the Abilene area can enter children’s items online to be sold at the event. Consignors will receive 70-80% of their

“It’s a mom to mom company,” Barbara Camp, Rhea Lana’s of Abilene Franchise Owner said. “We try to make it easy for moms to make some extra money with the clothes their children have outgrown and offer affordable clothing to others at the same time.”

“Volunteers are an immense help,” Barbara said.

“We have a great time with our volunteers. We really get to know each other and look forward to catching up every year.”

Rhea Lana’s gives back to the community by accepting leftover children’s items as donations. Consignors can choose to donate their items that didn’t sell instead of picking them up after the event.

Rhea Lana’s is across the nation with multiple events in 25 states. Similar to a pop-up shop, Rhea Lana’s hosts children consignment events for moms in a given area.

The items are donated to the Christian Service Center of Abilene and the Hendrick Home for Children.

Foster parents in the area are also able to come shop the donations free of charge.

Barbara along with her two daughters Katie Lawhon and Jessica Banks franchised Rhea Lana’s in Abilene.

The mom and daughter team is thrilled to serve the families of Abilene. At the event, children’s clothing (newborn to teen sizes), maternity items, baby equipment, children’s furniture, and toys will all be for sale.

pass. Usually volunteers are consignors and shoppers, but anyone is welcome. Volunteers help straighten up the event and facilitate the sorting process after the event is over.

items’ earnings, plus an early pre-sale shopping pass.

“Our database has been open for about a month,” Barbara said. “People who want to consign with us can go ahead and start entering their items in online”

“It is wonderful to be able to offer this in Abilene,” Barbara said. “Everybody wants their children to be dressed nicely and look their best. Moms are able to do that here at a third of the retail cost. It allows everybody Anyone in Abilene can come out and shop the to dress their kids nicely and show them off.” event. Moms-to-be and military mom’s can register online to receive a pre-sale pass where they For the past four years they have hosted a will be among the first eyes to shop the event.

Rhea Lana’s event in the spring and fall.

This year’s fall event will begin October 23 Volunteers will also receive a special pre-sale

“To me that is my favorite part,” Barbara said. “Our consignors are very, very generous. Last season, we donated over $10,000 worth of clothes and toys to our three charities. It was wonderful.”

There are lots of ways to get involved in the event. Local businesses can register as vendors or to be featured in the event’s goody bag. For more information about how to get involved, email Barbara at Barbara@rhealana.com. To register as a consignor or volunteer, visit abilene. rhealana.com or like Rhea Lana’s of Abilene on Facebook.

“Come out and shop,” Barbara said. “We are thrilled to be able to provide a way for parents to buy affordable clothing for their children.”

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

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

Pick us up at Primetime Family Entertainment, Sears Rec Center & Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15

Walking Through Cancer Together

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Imagine the word “cancer” coming out of your doctor’s mouth. What runs through your mind? A thousand questions you can hardly find words for. Then imagine a medical professional introduces herself to you as your own personal navigator through this experience. She will help you find the resources you need, answer your questions, be on hand for all your procedures, even educate your family on just what you’re dealing with.

It sounds like a dream. But that’s exactly what’s happening at the Hendrick Breast Institute. Melissa Boyd, coordinator; Andrea Wilson, imaging nurse navigator and McKenzie Turner, nurse navigator, help women through their breast cancer journey, even if they are not Hendrick patients.

The Breast Institute opened in 2014 and was accredited through the National Accredited Program for Breast Centers associated with the American College of Surgeons in 2015. It is the only accredited breast institute within 150 miles of Abilene.

“We worked hard for it,” says Melissa, who is a registered nurse. Part of her role is making sure the accreditation standards are followed. She calls Andrea “the boots on the ground.”

Andrea, a licensed vocational nurse, works with patients who are having a screening mammogram or whose mammogram results require a biopsy. She became a nurse because she grew up in the neighborhood around Hendrick Medical Center and saw the need

for medical care in the Hispanic community.

She feels strongly about encouraging Hispanic women to seek care early.

“There’s no reason anyone should go without a mammogram,” Melissa says. The Hope Fund, supported in part by Hendrick’s annual Bunco for Breast Cancer event, provides financial help for those who need it.

Andrea is with the patient through the process until after biopsy results arrive. If the biopsy comes back benign, Andrea follows the patient to make sure mammograms continue. If the biopsy shows breast cancer, McKenzie takes over.

“I go with them through their journey,” McKenzie says. “Whether it’s chemo first or radiation or surgery, I educate them and their family about that. I help them with wigs and bras and scarves and hats, whatever they need. If they don’t have insurance we help them access Medicaid for breast cancer.”

Andrea and McKenzie both give patients their cell phone numbers and encourage calls whenever the patient has a question.

“We tell them to call us anytime,” says Andrea, “and they do. Whether we’re at work or at Disney World.”

Because of financial need, one patient had to fill a prescription two or three pills at a time.

“It was that or eat,” Melissa says.

Hendrick Breast Institute

Open House

October 27 5-7:30 pm Vera West Women’s Center 1850 Hickory • Refreshments, •Door Prizes

For more information call

670-HOPE.

How to Contact Nurse Navigators: Hendrick Breast Institute Vera West Women’s Center 1850 Hickory St. 325-670-HOPE (4673)

http://hendrickhealth.org/Women/ Hendrick-Breast-Institute.aspx

The Hendrick Breast Institute staff contacted a hospital social worker who referred the patient to the local Social Security office. After reviewing her case, Social Security discovered she was eligible for an increase in benefits. A mail order pharmacy could provide her medication three months at a time at a lower cost.

A breast cancer survivor from another community called the Institute for advice. She’d had a double mastectomy twelve years ago and regretted what might have been a rash decision but didn’t know what could be done.

“Insurance covers reconstruction in the case of a cancer diagnosis,” Melissa says, “even twelve years later. She told me she never would have known that.”

All three staff members are certified Nurse Navigators through the National Consortium of Breast Centers and are required to take continuing education to keep their certifications.

“In big cities,” says McKenzie, “you only have access to a Nurse Navigator by phone. What makes us unique is that we are able to give that physical touch, to hug them, pray for them.”

The Hendrick Breast Institute staff feels blessed to work with women through their cancer journey. But the blessings clearly run both ways to patients who receive the compassion and care they give.

16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

2016 Bunco for Breast Cancer Tournament

Tuesday, October 11 6:00 p.m. Taylor County Expo Center Coliseum All proceeds benefit The Hope Fund which allows women, regardless of ability to pay, access to mammography and breast imaging services at no cost. Early detection can mean the difference between life and death, and the Hope Fund is committed to ensuring all women have access to life-saving mammograms. Since 2001, The Hope Fund has provided over 4,000 mammograms for women unable to afford the procedure. Register at www.ehendrick.org/bunco

Pops at the Pond

Friday, October 28th 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free Hardin-Simmons University

Bring lawn chairs, a blanket, a picnic basket and enjoy an October evening outside as music and theatre students perform hits from Broadway and beyond. Expect to be entertained by music from new musicals as well as classic favorites. Presented by the HSU Theatre Department and School of Music.

Put Fall and Winter to Work for Your Trees

By Dennis Miller | Abilene Public Library

Free Program offered Tuesday, October 11th at 6:30 p.m.

Abilene Public Library downtown “Put Fall and Winter to Work for Your Trees” will be presented as a free program at the Abilene Public Library the evening of Tuesday, October 11 by local Master Arborist and business owner Bruce Kreitler.

The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s second floor auditorium at 202 Cedar Street.

Owner of Broken Willow Tree Service in Abilene, Kreitler will provide a number of tips on fall and winter tree care and planting, and how a little effort in the off season can reap significant spring and summer benefits.

“Fall and winter may be the times of year we interact the least with our outdoor living areas,” suggests Kreitler. “After leaf drop when we think of our trees the least, there are a lot of things we can do to and for them better done when they are the least active. It’s also the best time of year to do things in the areas surrounding established trees.”

The presenter is an internationally award winning Board Certified Master Arborist, a certified Texas Master Naturalist and certified by the Texas Forest Service for dealing with oak wilt.

He will be available to answer questions one on one following the presentation.

Taylor-County Public Health District Offers Free Services to Women The Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District and Healthy Texas Women are partnering to offer free services to women. Women who qualify with the criteria below will receive family planning, annual exams, health screens, and birth control methods free of charge: · U.S. Citizen or Legal Immigrant · Gross family income at or below 200% FPL · No health insurance · Women 15 – 44 years of age One of the following is needed for auto-qualification: · MEDICAID for you or your children · WIC Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children · SNAP food benefits/stamps · TANF Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Must have proof of qualification of any of the above services for your first appointment for free service.

Appointments available within 2 weeks or less. For more information, please visit www.healthytexaswomen.org/ or call 325-676-6634 for appointment.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Stamford to Bring Back Iconic Grand Theatre

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

By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine

The Grand Theatre marquee will light up downtown Stamford once again. The Development Corporation of Stamford recently acquired the 350-seat movie theatre and plans are in place for a community non-profit organization to reopen the theatre in the spring of 2017.

“The Grand Theatre was a place for the families of Stamford to enjoy a little bit of culture and entertainment in our town, and we are excited about the opportunity to bring it back,” said Gary Decker, the Grand Theatre committee chairman.

the most complete renovation of its time. Updates to the historic neon marquee and sign are already underway, with improvements to the lobby area, A/C and heating, seating and projection equipment to come.

The Development Corporation of Stamford has put together a committee to facilitate the reopening and make the theatre self-sustaining. The committee is currently working to raise the $250,000 needed to reopen the theatre. The committee will raise at least $75,000 from community donations, with the addiThe Grand was a center for social life in tional funds coming from grants and other Stamford for 75 years until its closing in 2011 sources. due to technology changing in movie theatres.

It was renovated several times throughout its “I am excited that the project is truly a comhistory, most recently in 1994, a renovation munity effort – by the people for the people,” that was possible due to community dona- says committee member Johnna Page. “I betions. lieve the Grand will be an asset not only for Stamford but for the surrounding towns as Before reopening once again, the Grand The- well. With help from local business owners, atre will undergo possibly past and present Stamford citizens and the

larger community as a whole, the community project will be a reality.”

Those interested in participating in the renovation and reopening can give a tax-deductible donation to the project by visiting the GoFundMe page that has been set up at gofundme.com/grandstamford or by contacting a committee member. Donors will be recognized through a donor recognition program.

For more information on how to donate or to arrange your donation, please email us at grandtheatrestamford@gmail.com or visit our website at www.grandtheatrestamford.com.

You can also contact the committee to vol-

unteer by emailing us, or keep up with the project’s progress by liking the theatre’s Facebook page at facebook.com/grandtheatrestamford.

“Through the community’s help, the donations received, the companies who have pledged materials, this project will become a reality,” says Kelly Williamson, a committee member who is leading the construction phase. “We are excited to see the impact that this will have on our kids, our families and our community. We won’t let this iconic piece of Stamford be lost to our history.”

18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Fundraiser Supports Family of Young Cancer Victim

By Dan Carpenter | a special to Abilene Reporter News

Melissa Gibson normally flies back to her hometown when it’s time for a hairstyle, but this time, she opted to visit a salon in Abilene, and trust her hair to a stylist she had never seen before.

nie and Brian by participating, and it’s not required that they get a haircut to donate,” she said. “I have a God-given talent, and I want to use that ability to bless someone else.”

Myers said she was thankful — albeit sur“I was born and raised in New York City, prised — when Wenske contacted her about and have had the same stylist for years,” said the fundraiser, especially since the two didn’t Gibson, who came to The know each other.

Special Touch Salon on Tuesday and let owner “I was — and am — exKelsey Wenske cut and tremely grateful,” said style her hair as part of the Myers. “To know that Haircuts for Baylee fundher (Baylee’s) short life raiser. “I learned about touched so many people, the fundraiser through and to know that someone a group that Stephanie who didn’t know her or us (Myers, Baylee Myers’ was willing to give up part mother) and I are both of her livelihood to help part of. This is something out is humbling. The enI can do to show them my tire community has been support and love.” very supportive and giving, and for that, we will Wenske has owned The always be grateful.”

Special Touch since June, and launched the fundGibson said the fundraiser raiser Monday as a way shows support for the to help the Myers family, family. who lost four-year-old Baylee on Sept. 13 after “As a community, we an eight-month battle need to surround them with cancer. with love so they don’t have to worry as much,” “I don’t know the famshe said. “They’ve been ily personally, but I was through a lot, and this is touched by what I was one way people can rally Kelsey Wenske, owner of The Special Touch seeing on the Facebook salon, styles Melissa Gibson’s hair. Wenske around them.” page,” said Wenske, who and the other stylists are doing a fundraiser has two girls of her own. to benefit the family of 4-year-old Baylee My- Baylee was diagnosed who died Sept. 13 after an eight-month “After I learned Baylee ers with a rare form of cancer battle with cancer. had passed away, I got toin January and underwent gether with all my stylists, and asked them if five rounds of chemotherapy and two stem they’d be willing to do a fundraiser, donating cell transplants. After the second transplant the proceeds to the Myers family.” she contracted a virus in her lungs from which she did not recover. While she was Wenske said she believes the fundraiser is a being treated at Cook Children’s Medical way to help the Myers family, and after ask- Center in Fort Worth, members of her church, ing permission from Stephanie to use Bay- Beltway Park, rallied behind the family and lee’s name and photo, got everything lined provided a home to stay in. up.

“People can feel like they’re helping Stepha-

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 19

STEM students float a boat ATEMS, ACU partnership hopes to build interest in programs

By Abilene Independent School District

The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math & Science, in partnership with the Abilene Christian University Department of Engineering, is excited to host the 1st Annual ATEMS Cardboard Boat Invitational @ ACU. The culminating event will occur on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. in the ACU pool located within the Royce and Pam Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

The Cardboard Boat Invitational, which consists of both an AISD middle school division and an ATEMS High School division, will challenge students to engineer their own boats using only cardboard, duct tape, and glue over a span of four weeks. The preparation will also include up to seven one-hour build dates on their own campuses followed by a final build day at the ACU Bennett Engineering Lab.

honored as the Division Champion.

In preparation for this exciting event, a group of math, science, and engineering teachers from ATEMS worked together during the summer to build their own boat and then test-

ed their boat at ACU on Aug. 19. The test was a huge success, with the teacher-constructed boat proving to be quite sea-worthy!

The purpose of the Cardboard Boat Invitational is multifaceted. This event provides an opportunity to build student interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through a hands-on teambased project. It introduces or reinforces several STEM concepts to the students including linear measurement, volume, nets, displacement, and buoyancy as well as teamwork, cooperation, and planning.

ATEMS teachers Ashley West and Allison Stanley paddle to shore.

This engineering process will include students researching, designing and building their boats, and then testing them in the ACU pool through races and durability challenges.

The winners of each of the chalTeachers form a huddle, from left with Tracy Long, reaching from the deck; lenges will be recognized, then the top team in each division will be Allison Stanley, Ashley West, Julee Isenhower, Larry Haney and Stephen Valdez.

Finally, this event unites students, teachers, college mentors, and university professors in a common purpose, thereby developing relationships and creating a bridge from the middle school science and math class-rooms through the high schools and culminating in the university experience.

For more information about STEM education and ATEMS, please contact the Cardboard Boat Project Coordinator, Mr. Larry Haney, or ATEMS Principal, Dr. Ketta Garduno.

Saturday, Oct 29, 2016

9 a.m. - noon | 1725 ACU Drive | Abilene, TX Cost: $20 Topics will include:

• Attracting songbirds to your garden • Monarchs & Milkweeds • Tips for photographing nature Presented by:

20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

McMurry University names Weldon Crowley as 2016 Distinguished Alumnus

By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University

In recognition of his many contributions to higher education and his years of service to his alma mater, McMurry University has named Dr. Weldon Crowley ‘57 of Georgetown, Texas, as its Distinguished Alumnus for 2016. He will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Dinner at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, as part of McMurry’s Homecoming festivities.

Dr. Crowley concluded a distinguished career in education upon his retirement from Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, in 1997, by being named “Professor Emeritus”.

Dr. Crowley views teaching as his “ministry”.

As an alumnus of McMurry University, he has constantly sought to further the mission of the institution and improve and facilitate the opportunity for young people to achieve a quality, higher education at McMurry through financial support to the University, alumni fund raising and student recruitment.

He has directly served McMurry University as a member of the Board of Trustees for nine years. As a trustee, he has been involved in all aspects of the work of the Board. He chaired the search committee for a new president, leading to Dr. Sandra Harper being hired as McMurry’s current president.

Dr. Crowley graduated from McMurry University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957.

He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University in 1961 and a PhD in EarlyModern European History from the University of Iowa in 1967. During his time at Drew Univ. he was ordained in the United Methodist Church as an elder and served a church there.

He again served a church while at the University of Iowa.

In 1966, Dr. Crowley joined the University of the Pacific (UOP) as a professor of history.

In his second year, he was named department chair. Shortly thereafter he was invited to join

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

other UOP faculty in establishing Callison College – a UOP “cluster” college – which would emphasize non-Western studies and include a year of study abroad in an Asian culture (India). During the inaugural academic year of study abroad (1968-1969), he and his family accompanied 66 students to Bangalore, India, where the students completed their sophomore year of study. Dr. Crowley was responsible for working with the faculty and administration of the University of Bangalore in the integration of this course of study within their university in this highly successful program.

He is a member of the First United Methodist Church, Georgetown, and has spoken in churches and at the Southwestern Chapel. In retirement, Dr. Crowley also taught at Senior University in Georgetown, a non-credit subscribed activity for senior citizens interested in learning about specific subjects and supported by Southwestern University, with over 500 people taking courses. As an ordained United Methodist minister and a professor, he has spent many hours as a counselor, conducted both marriage and baptism ceremonies for family members, friends and former students and performed funeral services for family and friends.

In 1976, Dr. Crowley was invited to join the faculty of Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, where he held the endowed Lucy King Brown Chair in the history department for the next 21 years. He was the department chair for most of his tenure, until he implemented a rotational system for the position. The University conveyed upon him its Outstanding Teacher Award. With the exception of one year, his entire teaching career was with United Methodist institutions.

Returning to Texas in 1976, he has attended nearly every McMurry homecoming event since.

Financially, he has personally supported the university by initiating the establishment in 1997 of the annual Gordon and Lola Bennett award for teaching excellence and through donations to the University’s fund raising campaigns. As a member and former President of the Kiva Exes Association, he encourages its members to financially support the institution through donations to the KEA sponsored Arnold Richards Faculty/Staff Development Fund, the KEA Ramsey/LeMay student scholarship fund and through direct donations to the University.

Dr. Crowley helped organize the first MLK March in Georgetown, in cooperation with Southwestern University and local churches.

He has annually participated in the march and commemoration service since its inception in 1984, one year after Pres. Reagan declared it law and two years before it became a national holiday.

Dr. Crowley has no doubt whatsoever that McMurry was a “life-changer” for him. He is married to Patricia Bennett Crowley ’58. They have two children, Lisa who is married to Elliot and Greg who is married to Holly as well as two grandchildren, Ethan and Ben.

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

MAKING MEET

A+ DIFFERENCE

MANDI JOINER DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Reagan Elementary TITLE – Kindergarten Teacher YEARS WITH AISD – Two years WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I grew up in Cleburne, TX and attended Texas A&M University.

TELLS US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY Nine years ago, I married David, who is an Abilene High graduate, and we are blessed with four beauti-ful nieces. Both of my parents started their teach-ing/coaching careers in Abilene in the mid-seventies. They are the reason I became a teacher, and I’m proud to follow in their footsteps.

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF • After getting married abroad, David and I have had many fortunate opportunities to spend our holidays traveling, experiencing foreign cultures and seeing the world’s natural wonders.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? • My students are continually encouraged to work hard and do their best.

At times they get frustrated, but they keep trying.

Eventually, they look up at me with wide eyes and say, “I did it!” I love to see my Kinder-garten students experience this excitement for learning!

WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “Mandi Joiner leads by example. She sets high expectations for her students through innovative, interesting lessons. A world traveler, Mrs. Joiner’s students are issued “passports” to travel and learn about other countries and cultures. Her classroom is a model for 21st cen-tury learning and a global society.” - Chris Halifax, Principal, Reagan Elementary

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Graduate of First Environmental Class Returns to Join TSTC Team

22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

By Debra Gonzalez | Texas State Technical College

Purcell broke into the environmental field while working at a law office in Shreveport, La. A friend of hers joined the Environmental Technology The Albany, Texas resident began teaching program at TSTC and in the Environmental Technology program persuaded her to come at the start of the fall 2016 semester, and she along. said the program has grown quite a bit since “I thought I would like its inception. to work toward environ“When we started, we had one classroom and mental law, because I all of our equipment was in a closet,” Purcell wanted to stay with the said. “To come here now to this lab they’ve law aspect,” Purcell said. built for the students and all of the different “So we joined the program together. Once I types of equipment, the opportunities are in- graduated and got to experience a different credible. They train at every level possible so field, I decided I was going to stay away from they can be able to go out there and say, ‘hey, the law aspect of it because I enjoyed being I’ve trained on that. I’ve learned that. I want outside and doing things for the community.” to be part of that.’”

Teresa Purcell was a pioneer, studying as part of the first cohort in the Environmental Technology program at Texas State Technical College in Breckenridge. Now, Purcell has come full circle to teach that same program.

Purcell wanted to join the TSTC team for the camaraderie and to help guide students.

Before working at TSTC, Purcell worked as a field chemist in Dallas, an environmental tech in Abilene, a senior environmental tech in Iraq and, most recently, a project manager in Port Arthur.

“When I went through the program, the staff and my classmates were like a second family,” she said. “They were caring, always there for you no matter what.

I wanted to become part of the team because I know they help the students succeed. We guide them in the direction they need to go. I just felt like TSTC was an opportunity to be able to give back to students and share my knowledge and experience with them.”

Purcell’s favorite part of teaching at TSTC is doing hands-on work with the students.

“We’ve started quite a few projects here in the classroom, and being able to show them how to do this is great,” Purcell said. “What I’ve heard is that we’re the talk of the campus because of the things we’re doing here.

They’re excited about the things we’re doing. It makes me feel good. Twenty years ago I never thought I’d be here doing this.”

For more information on TSTC’s Environmental Technology program, visit tstc.edu.

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

Abilene High Senior Named National Merit Semifinalist

By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, AISD

95 Chevy Tahoe ................................... SALE $1900 02 Buick Century................................. SALE $1950 02 Chevy Impala ................................. SALE $1950 99 Chevy Tahoe ................................... SALE $1950 99 Ford Expedition ............................. SALE $2950 02 Chevy Impala ......................................SALE $2950 02 Buick Park Avenue .............................SALE $2950 03 Ford Taurus ..........................................SALE $2950 05 Dodge Grand Caravan .......................SALE $2950 03 Chevy Impala ......................................SALE $2950 06 Ford Explorer ................................. SALE $2950 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee ................... SALE $2995 06 Nissan Altima ................................. SALE $3950 04 Chevy E/Cab ................................... SALE $3950 03 Dodge Caravan .............................. SALE $3950 03 Ford Expedition ............................. SALE $3950 02 GMC Yukon ..................................... SALE $3950 04 Dodge Short/Wide ........................ SALE $3995 03 Nissan Altima ................................. SALE $3995 05 GMC Envoy ..................................... SALE $4750 02 Chevy Suburban ............................ SALE $4950 02 Toyota Avalon ................................ SALE $4950 05 Chevy Equinox ............................... SALE $4950 02 Lincoln Navigator .......................... SALE $5950 04 Dodge Quad Cab ........................... SALE $5950 05 Jeep Liberty.................................... SALE $5950

Abilene High School student Kyle Curnutt plication, his academic record, and details of has been named a National Merit Semifinal- school and community activities, leadership ist, an honor awarded to less than one percent abilities, honors and awards. of the nation’s graduating seniors in the Class of 2017.

Currently ranked first in his class, Curnutt was named an Curnutt, who last year received Abilene Reporter-News Gold a perfect score on his ACT colLevel Star Student last spring. lege entrance exam, is one of At AHS, he is three-year letapproximately 16,000 semifiterman of the Eagle golf team, nalists in the annual National and a member of the Key Merit Scholarship program and Club, Student Council, Nawill continue in the competitional Honor Society and UIL tion for major Merit scholarAcademic Math team. He also ships. He was one of about 1.6 participates in Abilene Commillion students who entered munity Foundation’s Future the competition by taking the Philanthropists youth organiPreliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship zation and the Fellowship of Christian AthQualifying Test in 2005. The nationwide pool letes. of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Curnutt has plans to study mechanical or biochemical engineering in college and is still About 90 percent of semifinalists are ex- considering Stanford, Georgia Tech, Texas pected to attain finalist standing, and about A&M, Colorado School of Mines and Texas half of the finalists will win a National Merit Tech.

Scholarship. To become a finalist, Curnutt must submit a comprehensive scholarship ap- He is the son of Casey and Mindi Curnutt.

LEE ELEMENTARY RIBBON CUTTING

On Sept. 15, the Lee Elementary community celebrated the expanded and renovated school’s grand re-opening with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. As part of the 2013 Bond program, the Lee campus received a new 15-classroom wing and administrative offices, a new fitness room for physical education, a renovated cafeteria and kitchen, new driveways and parking lots, covered entry ways, and safety and security upgrades.

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

5 Abilene ISD Students Named National Merit Commended Students

By Abilene Independent School District

Griffin Jones, Cooper – Jones, son Five more Abilene ISD seniors have joined semifinalist Kyle Curnutt as honorees in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Abilene High seniors Louisa Lee, Lauren Pybus and Rylan Shewmaker, and Cooper High students Griffin Jones and Colin Kappel have been named Commended Students for placing among the top of the 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 program. Although they will not continue in the competition, their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test rank among the highest 5% of high school seniors nationwide.

of Alan and Shari Jones, is extremely active in fine arts while still maintaining his high academic standing. He is involved in the Red, Rhythm & Blues singing ensemble, theatre and is president of the concert choir and the International Thespian Society. He has been named a Texas Music Educators Association Music Scholar. In addition, he is a member of the National Honor Society and Calculus Club. He is active in his church’s choir and praise band and wants to pursue a degree in musical theater at Abilene Christian University, Oklahoma City University or Texas State University.

Curnutt, an Abilene High senior, was named last month as a National Semifinalist and will continue to vie for Finalist standing. Curnutt’s score ranked among the top 1% of U.S. se- Colin Kappel, Cooper – Kappel, who became an Eagle Scout in 2015, is involved in niors. a wide range of activities on the CHS camThe six students were recognized on Monday, pus. He is a three-time Oct. 10, at the Regular Meeting of the Abilene All-Region performer ISD Board of Trustees. A reception at One in orchestra, and serves AISD Center was held in their honor at 5:15 as an officer for both p.m., followed by the board meeting at 6 p.m. the orchestra and the campus chapter of Here are profiles of AISD’s National Merit FFA. The son of Jana 2017 honorees: and Mark Kappel, he serves as a member of the National Honor SoNational Merit Semifinalists ciety and the UIL Social Studies and Current Kyle Curnutt, Abilene High – Event teams. He was named a Star Student by Currently ranked first in his class, Curnutt was the Abilene Reporter-News as a junior, and he named an Abilene Reporter-News Star Stu- is a volunteer in his church youth group and dent last spring. At AHS, he is a three-year let- a beau for the Abilene Philharmonic Guild. terman of the Eagle golf team, and a member He plans to attend Texas A&M University to of the Key Club, Student Council, National study biomedical science and then veterinary Honor Society and UIL Academic Math team. medicine.

He also participates in Abilene Community Foundation’s Future Philanthropists youth Louisa Lee, Abilene High – Lee has also excelled in both organization and the Fellowship of Christian academics and fine arts Athletes. Curnutt has plans to study mechaniduring her high school cal or biochemical engineering in college and career, including beis still considering Stanford, Georgia Tech, coming an National AP Texas A&M, Colorado School of Mines and Scholar and a member Texas Tech. He is the son of Casey and Mindi of the National Honor Curnutt.

Society. Her activities include performCommended Students ing with the Pure Gold

show choir, acting as captain of the varsity cheerleaders, and serving as an officer in both the AHS theater and choir programs. The daughter of Brandon and Molly Lee, she is a belle for the Abilene Philharmonic Guild and wants to pursue a career in theater or broadcast journalism. She is considering Syracuse University, Northwestern University, Penn State University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas.

Lauren Pybus, Abilene High

– Pybus, daughter of Kenneth and Amy Pybus, has plans to pursue both music and science. Her college plans include studying biology or music, and she wants to either conduct research in genetics/ microbiology or pursue a career in music as a composer, teacher or performer. She is a National AP Scholar, an Abilene ReporterNews Star Student, and an officer for both the National Honor Society and orchestra.

Rylan Shewmaker, Abilene High – In college, this National AP Scholar

with Distinction plans to pursue a double major in biology and international relations. The daughter of Jennifer and Stephen Shewmaker says her dream schools are the University of Chicago and Notre Dame University, and she is also considering the University of Texas. She would someday like to be involved in environmental conservation on an international scale, and she also is interested in journalism. Her high school leadership positions include lieutenant governor of Key Club International and president of the AHS orchestra. As a junior she was named an Abilene Reporter-News Star Student.

61 new teachers surprised with a Gift Grant

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

Get your Business Degree

By Abilene Independent School District

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.

• CONVENIENT • AFFORDABLE • ACHIEVABLE •

At the 2016-17 New Teacher Ori-entation on Aug. 9-10, the Abilene Education Foundation provided 61 new-to-the-profession teachers with the Judy Dudley Memorial GIFT (Giving Incentives for First-time Teachers) Grant to AISD employees.

meeting. Mr. Dudley encouraged the teachers to give their best and reminded them of the honorable profession they have chosen.

The grant is named in memory of long-time teacher Judy Dudley. Grant funds are for additional classroom ma-terials to enhance those provided by the school dis-trict and are funded by the Martha Scott Carlson En-dowed Fund for AEF GIFT Grants (held at the Com-munity Foundation of Abilene by Laura Dyer) and Mike Dudley.

Ms. Carlson, a former teacher, gave the first donation for the GIFT Grants in 2008.

Retired teacher and AEF board member Mike Dudley presents a Gift Grant check to two new-to-the-profession teachers.

APPLY TODAY!

online.mcm.edu/now

800-460-2392 | 325-793-4945

The AEF provided the “brand new” teachers with a check for $150 to help offset the cost of setting up a classroom.

He thanked them for choosing AISD as the place to share their gift of teaching.

Mike Dudley, retired teacher and AEF board member, made the an-nouncement at the

This is the eighth year AEF has been able to assist new teachers in this manner.

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

ACU News

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Theatre alum strives to stay true to her faith

By ACU News

Jasmin Richardson (’09) transforms into many characters as she presents herself on Broadway, cruise ships and most recently as the face of Clinique. But while she takes on each role, Jasmin stays genuine – faithful to herself and her convictions in the everchanging world of performing arts.

“Acting is just honesty in the given circumstances,” Jasmin said.

After graduating from ACU in 2009, she performed on a cruise ship for two years. She then moved to New York City and began auditioning for Broadway roles.

Since then, she has traveled the world as the lead in national and international tours of Memphis and Dreamgirls.

“It just doesn’t fit with my beliefs, and they don’t serve any purpose,” she said.

Genuine faith and honesty may have meant turning down some roles, but through her honesty, Jasmin gained a role she hadn’t expected.

In 2014, she auditioned with a friend for a Clinique advertising campaign. All Jasmin and her friend had to do for the audition was say what they liked about the company’s makeup.

“It was all about being ourselves, how you are with your girlfriends,” she said.

In addition to her roles in Broadway musical tours, Jasmin recently booked a Lifetime TV show episode.

While she constantly Jasmin’s training at ACU Jasmin’s career has included lead roles plays different roles and helped her understand in national and international tours of embodies different peocircumstances and conDreamgirls and Memphis. ple, her foundation of text of the characters she played so she could perform at her best. She honesty remains unshaken, allowing her to stay said her professors gave her the basic tools true to herself so she can stay true to the stories to be truthful, whether acting on stage or on she tells. camera. She turned down several roles in shows that were provocative or crass solely for entertainment value.

IRS or IRA Certificates IRA OR IRS of Deposit?

IÕd like to talk to you about two investment opportunities. One is called an IRA the other is called the IRS. ThereÕs a good chance youÕre already investing in the IRS program. What I recommend is taking some of the money youÕve been givingÉ you know whoÉand use it to open an IRA. Call us today.

South 1st - Abilene 325-674-1885

VALLEY

Buffalo N A T I Gap O N ARd L -BAbilene ANK 325-695-1885

A better way to bank.

234 E. Main St • (555) 204-2389 • ValleyNB.com

www.go2fbt.com

Judge Ely - Abilene 325-673-1885 ValleyNB

McMurry University hosts Marx in Soho on Oct. 11

Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27

By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University

McMurry University 200 performances of will host the one-man Zinn’s play from Maine show Marx in Soho at to California. A farrier 7 p.m. Tuesday, Octoby trade, Bob began his ber 11, in McMurry’s acting career in 1995, Ryan Little Theatre. choosing to use his talThe performance is ent to contribute to the free to the public. education and engageIn the one-man ment of students and show starring accitizens. tor Bob Weick, Karl Marx launches into a For more information, passionate, funny and please contact Dr. Robmoving defense of his life and political ideas ert Wallace at 325-793-3895. in Howard Zinn’s brilliant, timely play. The play is an excellent introduction to Marx’s life, his analysis of society, and his passion CALL US TO ADVERTISE for radical change. Marx uses current news (325) 701-9505 and events to show how his ideas still reso209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 nate.

Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com Weick, the celebrated actor and Barrymore Award nominee, has presented over

4401 Ridgemont • Abilene, TX 1010 E Overland Trail • Abilene, TX

bwwabilene.com

28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HSU Celebrates Investiture of President Eric Bruntmyer

By Linnea Kirgan, Coordinator of Media Relations and Social Media, Hardin-Simmons University

It was an historic day marked by prayer, joy, and excitement for the future as Eric Bruntmyer was invested as the 16th president of Hardin-Simmons University.

Some 2,000 people filled Behrens Auditorium to witness the historic event, which officially marked the beginning of Bruntmyer’s tenure. Bruntmyer took office on June 1, 2016, succeeding Dr. Lanny Hall.

The Investiture ceremony formally invested Bruntmyer with the symbols and responsibilities of his office. The symbols include the University Mace, which represents the enduring dream of the founders of HSU, and the University Medallion, which represents the authority with which the Board of Trustees entrusts the president.

The Investiture ceremony took place during the University’s Quasquicentennial Anniversary, celebrating 125 years since HSU’s foundation agreement was adopted in 1891.

The scene outside Behrens prior to the event showcased some of the school’s traditions. Investiture guests were greeted by the Cowboy Band, the Six White Horses, and the HSU Spurs team.

embrace its new First Family.

“Receive them well. They’re a dynamic young family. They’re going to bless you and be a blessing to this community,” he said.

He spoke to a Biblical passage referring to the Christian life being similar to a race that God has designed.

a shout out to the freshmen class and the women’s soccer team, which had recently won a game against Dallas Baptist University. He also thanked his family and the previous HSU presidents before beginning his remarks.

He shared the vision of one of the school’s earlier benefactors, James Simmons, who wanted the University to reflect Christ’s love. Simmons often referred to the school as “Christlieb,” or The College of Christ’s Love.

Bruntmyer recognized the efforts of the earliest Abilene leaders, such as Judge K.K. Leggett, Theo Vogel, George Phillips, and E.T. Ambler, who provided funds, land, and support to the school Finally, he appealed to students, staff, faculty, donors, and alumni to make an offering toward the school’s vision.

“Each person gathered in this place has an important and unique offering to give toward continuing our work for those who will come after we are long gone,” he said. “Our actions today join the enduring 125-year legacy of HardinSimmons and the connection of Christ’s love that binds us will propel us deep into the future.”

Dr. Don Wiliford, dean of the Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary, offered the closing prayer.

Dr. Michael Waters, chairman of the HSU Board of Trustees and the PresiInvestiture Ceremony 2016, President Bruntmyer, Dr. Lanny Hall, The event featured some 20 delegates dential Search Committee, opened the Dr. W. Craig Turner, and Dr. Jesse Fletcher. representing other educational instievent. Referencing a favorite Psalm tutions including the presidents from of former HSU President Edwin Skiles, Waters beDBU, Abilene Christian University, and many othgan with, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us ers. Dr. Virginia Boyd Connally ’33, HSU’s oldest rejoice and be glad in it.” known graduate at 103, attended the ceremony as well.

He said when HSU was founded, Benjamin Harrison was president of the US and James Hogg was “God wants us to live an authentic life,” Wiles said. governor of Texas. “What a great history we have, “God is an expert in designing race courses that ac- The Dyess AFB Color Guard performed the Presen125 plus years of education enlightened by faith.” tually fit who you are. And that means God has done tation of Colors to begin the event. that not just for Eric Bruntmyer, he’s done that for The Investiture Prayer was led by Dr. David Hard- every one of us. It’s our responsibility to find that Dustin Tatro, an HSU alumni ‘11/’13, served as the age, executive director of the Texas Baptists, and course and find our way on it and then, once we’re organist and Dr. Melody Rich, an associate professor of voice, served as the soloist during the InvestiDr. Phil Christopher, the Senior Pastor of the First on it, to run and run with endurance.” ture. Dr. Robert Tucker, dean of the College of Fine Baptist Church of Abilene, performed the reading of 1st Corinthians Ch. 13.

Dr. Waters and Dr. Brisco presented Bruntmyer with Arts, led several songs during the event. the Presidential Medallion. Bruntmyer accepted the Dr. Thomas Brisco introduced Dr. Dennis Wiles, se- university symbols, surrounded by his family and Later in the day, Bruntmyer received a proclamation nior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Arlington. by three former presidents of the University: Drs. from the City of Abilene presented by Mayor Norm Archibald. He also received a proclamation from Wiles, the pastor of the Bruntmyers’ church, spoke Hall, W. Craig Turner, and Jesse Fletcher.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office. about his many positive experiences with the family in Arlington and called for the HSU community to Before beginning his remarks, Bruntmyer gave

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

30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

Dyess Elementary Unveils Historical Marker

By Abilene Independent School District

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

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

Dyess Elementary School’s annual Constitu- Col. David Benson, Commander of the 7th tion Day flag-raising ceremony took on extra Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, offered remarks, significance in 2016. and AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young also welcomed the large audience of students, On Sept. 16, the Dyess Elementary annual families, military personnel and veterans. tribute to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution also included the of- The Constitution turned 290 years old in ficial unveiling of a permanent State of Texas 2016.

Historical Marker on campus grounds. The marker commemorates that Dyess Elementary was the first school in Abilene ISD to be integrated on Jan. 21, 1963. The Texas Historical Commis-sion approved the historical marker last year, and the campus hosted a dedica-tion ceremony in the spring.

After the raising of the flags by the 5th grade color guard, more than 500 students led guests in reciting the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags.

The pledges were followed by the singing the “The Star Spangled Banner” to honor the 202nd anniversary of our National Anthem, which was written on Sept. 14, 1814.

• Full Service Medical & Surgical Facilities • State-of-the-Art Laser Surgery & Monitoring Equipment • Small Animal Hospital Facilities • Video Ear Scope • Geriatric Health Screening Available • Dental Care • Full In-House Lab For 1-Hour and 24-Hour Coggins Testing • K Laser Therapy (Laser Treatment) • Pain Management • Wound Healing • Rehabilitation

7550 Hwy. 83-84 South Monday-Friday 8-12:30, 2-6pm

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

HSU’s Study Abroad Program Grows by 35 Percent

By Linnea Kirgan | Hardin-Simmons University

More students are turning to HSU’s International Studies Study Abroad program seeking a global component to their college experience.

Dr. Allan Landwer, director of HSU’s academic study abroad program, said the program grew 35 percent over last year and gave credit for the significant increase primarily to positive word-of-mouth by participating students.

geared toward biology students.

Other destinations offered through the Study Abroad program, its partnerships and affiliations, and faculty-led initiatives include Israel, Greece, Hong Kong, Salzburg and Vienna, Austria; Salamanca, Spain; Florence, Italy; and Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Students today increasingly recognize the need to be globally literate, whether they plan to pursue graduate school, missions, medical work, or simply enjoy traveling.

Scholarships are available through a generous endowment given to the University and earmarked for student travel in Europe. Scholarship funds for students traveling outside of the EU are also available. Students can keep their regular scholarships while adding an additional study abroad scholarship, making the experience more affordable.

“Some students, if they’re thrifty, may find London is as affordable as Abilene, which is impossible to do any other way” he said.

Some of the program’s most frequent flyers are International students who come to the US and want to travel the world during their educational experience.

“We’re part of a global society. You can’t live in a bubble in 2016,” he said, adding that students who are culturally literate and informed often find greater career success and success in graduate school and on mission trips.

Steven Barnas, a recent HSU International student who participated in the Salzburg and London programs, said he had a great experience during his back-to-back travel semesters and would recommend it to other students. Studying abroad, he said, helps students open up their minds, learn how to adjust to another culture, and learn the basics of traveling. International students may also have a level of Visa requirements to work through when they travel, he said.

In addition, Landwer said more faculty initiated and led trips and better online marketing have contributed to the program’s gain. HSU Study Abroad social media accounts operated

by Landwer showcase students on location and work as virtual postcards for the program.

The HSU Study Abroad program offers opportunities worldwide that last from several weeks to a full academic year. (Learn more details about it here: http://www.hsutx.edu/ academics/international/.)

The fast-paced flagship London program includes academic classes, theater trips, sightseeing, and a 10-day trip through the UK traveling to Scotland and Wales, he said.

trips and helps to make scholarships available to students.

In Salzburg, he lived with a host family for a semester and also completed an internship with an accounting firm that counted toward his business degree. The experience allowed him to learn the customs and cultures of the area, such as biking around the city and eating the regional cuisine, and feel like a local.

The Salzburg program allows students to live with a host family or in the dorms, and the program’s Australian offerings offer classes at one of two colleges: Macquarie University or Australian Catholic University.

In summer 2016, Dr. Coleman Patterson brought his leadership studies students to explore and study in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Nancy Kucinski traveled to Salzburg in 2016 with her doctoral leadership students. HSU undergraduates students also studied at Salzburg College in spring semester 2016.

A Costa Rican option allows for study at a field station operated by Texas A&M and is

Landwer, who is also an HSU biology professor, said he supports faculty-led study abroad

“I wish I could do it again,” he said.

Landwer said if a student is interested in studying in a country that is not currently offered, he will research partnership opportunities and do his best to make it a reality.

“If we don’t have our own program, I can support you by going to one that we’re affiliated with and you can earn credit that way,” he said.

www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine

32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, First Financial Banks & SBDC | FAITH & FAMILY | 33

What to Do if Your Teen Is Hanging Out With the Wrong Crowd

By Amy Morin, LCSW | VeryWell

Watching your teen develop friendships with peers who are considered to be in the “wrong crowd” can be terrifying. In less serious cases, the wrong crowd may include teens who don’t take school seriously or who don’t exhibit good manners. In more serious instances, the wrong crowd may constitute teens who drink alcohol, skip school, and behave like juvenile delinquents.

It can be frustrating and terrifying for parents to learn that their teen wants to spend time with peers who aren’t exactly upstanding citizens.

If your teen has started hanging out with the wrong crowd, it’s important to take a proactive approach to addressing the issue.

Stay Calm

Peers can be influential, but parents still have a bigger influence on teens. So before you begin imagining disastrous scenarios, remind yourself that a few minutes with the wrong crowd won’t erase the years of values you’ve instilled in your teen.

It is appropriate to be concerned, however.

Certain behaviors – like drinking, smoking, or even cheating – spread like wildfire among groups of friends. When groups of friends participate in problematic behavior – including self-injury or illegal activity- these behaviors become normalized. Eventually, teens can become desensitized to the seriousness of them and the likelihood that they’ll join in increases.

Discuss Your Concerns

Talk to your teen about your concerns.

Instead of saying, “I don’t like your friends,” or naming specific people that you disapprove of, discuss the behavior that you’re

concerned about. Try saying, “I’m concerned Avoid forbidding your teen from spendthat some of your friends skip school some- ing time with certain friends. Doing so will times.” likely only backfire for several reasons. First, you can’t control who your child talks to at Be upfront in sharing that you think that some school. Also, today’s teens communicate via bad behavior could influence your teen’s be- social media and other electronic messages. havior.

Trying to prevent any contact will likely only invite rebellion and sneaking around.

Also, teens – like many adults – want something more when they can’t have it. Thinking that certain friends are “banned” may only increase a teen’s desire to hang out with those friends, even if it means sneaking around to do so.

Consider allowing your teen to spend time with friends when it is under your supervision or in a safe environment. For example, allow your teen to invite peers into your home. But, discuss the rules and make it clear that Also discuss other potential issues – such as teens who break the rules being guilty by association. For example, if might not be welcomed back into your home. your teen is with a group of peers who steal from a store, your teen could be charged with Seek Professional Help When Neca crime as well. essary Sometimes spending time with the wrong Keep the communication about the subject crowd can influence good kids to behave ongoing. Avoid nagging or lecturing. Instead, badly. If you’re seeing changes in your child’s ask questions that encourage your teen to behavior that are alarming, seek professional discuss the issue. For example, ask, “How help. do you feel about the fact that some of your friends got caught drinking?”

A trained mental health professional can help uncover the reasons why your child is hangEstablish Rules and Set Limits ing out with the wrong crowd. Poor self-esIf your teen is hanging out with questionable teem, identity issues, or a lack of social skills characters, it’s important to establish clear can all contribute to a teen getting involved rules and limits. Discuss the consequences with kids who make poor choices. A therapist ahead of time so your teen understands what can assist a teen with recognizing the potenwill happen if the rules are broken. tial problems associated with spending time in specific social circles and therapy can often help teens make better choices.

Free Women’s Self Defense Clinic

Thursday, October 20 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Team Chip Tae Kwon Do Centers 2218 S 14th St • Abilene, Texas Team Chip is offering it’s montly FREE service to the community for women ages 12 and up! Teaching techniques for safety and self defense!

Be sure to wear workout attire (long shorts/ pants, t-shirt) and be prepared to learn!!

34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Find Ways to Make Them “Ours”

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

I want to talk to you about step parenting in this column. I have received numerous messages asking for advice on how to parent his bio kids.

and as you become more sure of the ways you and your husband want to parent, then you will be able to slowly step in and step parent.

Many of you are beating your heads against a wall trying to be this amazing wife and step mom - building a strong marriage as well as setting up a new home and creating stability and security for his kids.

The same is true for your husband and your bio kids. Work on your marriage and then slowly draw your husband into his new role of being a step dad. You draw more bees with honey - so be sweet and go slow. You can get stung if you go in with arms flailing, bossiness and loudness.

Some of you are having difficulty letting your husband parent your bio kids. You have raised them a certain way and now that you are married again, it’s hard to turn over your children to someone else to help parent - or even listen to their advice or opinions.

But this is what you signed up for. This is the blended family. This is taking “his” and “yours” and finding ways to make them “ours.”

I’m going to give you a strategy to maybe make the journey a little less frustrating. So here goes: just be you.

Your husband fell in love with you because of your personality, your smile, the way you laugh, the way you make him feel special. He did not fall in love with you because he figured you’d be the perfect step mom.

He probably wasn’t thinking too much of his kids at all when he started dating you and pursuing you. Love happens that way much of the time; we are just drawn to certain people and then we figure we will work out the kinks in due time.

I encourage you to quit trying to be Wonder Woman and just be his woman! Allow time to build your relationship with your man - respect him, serve him, flirt with him.

As you build and strengthen your marriage, the parenting part of the relationship will slowly develop as well. Ask his opinions on discipline and consequences. Ask him how he would like for you to handle specific child situations that come up.

If you are not comfortable with handling things his way, then wait until he is available to talk and then let him handle the issue. As the kids become more comfortable with their new family,

Jeremiah 9:23-24 reads, “This is what the Lord says: The wise man must not boast in his wisdom; the strong man must not boast in his strength; the wealthy man must not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this, that he understands and knows Me — that I am Yahweh, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration.”

Just as these verses have instructed us to walk in humility, do the same in your blended family. We can certainly boast in the Lord - of His righteousness and good works but in our families - our relationships - we gain more by giving up our pride and entitlements.

Blessings in Your Blending! ___________________________________ Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@ BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom).

Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www. theblendedfamilymom.com).

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

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

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

Stories of Courage and Faith:

Jim and Jill Kelly to speak at Global Samaritan’s annual fall event Oct. 25

By Global Samaritan Resources

Jim and Jill Kelly have an incredible story of About Global Samaritan courage and faith woven around the loss of Global Samaritan began in 1999 with a very their son and Jim’s two bouts with cancer. simple mission: Collect surplus goods and share them with people in need. We started in the back Jim and Jill will share their story at Global of a truck. Today we have shipped goods to Samaritan’s annual fall event October 25 at people in need in more than 30 countries on five the Teague Special Events Center, Abilene continents.

Christian University. They have appeared na-

TAYLOR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

tionally on Oprah, Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, and were also featured in a recent ESPN 30 for 30 film. They have appeared in USA Today, People, Exceptional Parent Magazine and numerous other publications.

Global Samaritan has provided millions of US Dollars of humanitarian aid, water purification and disaster relief. We have partnered directly with thousands of people worldwide. Global Samaritan Resources has been a 501(c)3 Texas Corporation since 2006.

Jim is an NBC NFL Analyst; Former Super Bowl Quarterback of the NFL Buffalo Bills; and Founder of Hunter’s Hope. Jill is a New York Times bestselling author and recently co-authored Kelly Tough with daughter Erin.

Today we have a 55,000 square foot warehouse in Abilene, Texas filled by families, individuals, businesses, corporations, schools and churches who donate out of their surplus.

Global Samaritan Resources has invited Jim and Jill Kelly to Abilene to inspire and challenge us and to share their profound testimony of trust in God. All proceeds will benefit Global Samaritan Resources and the Hunter’s Hope Foundation.

Individual Tickets are $50. Sponsorships and passes to the receiving line and photos with Jim and Jill are available. Call 325.676.9991 ext. 712 or visit www.globalsamaritan.org.

In addition to shipping the goods we collect, we store and arrange shipments for mission teams, churches and other organizations that bring their goods to our warehouse. We handle all the logistics. What does logistics mean? It is the management of getting goods from their point of origin to their place of destination. But when logistics is receiving, storing, and shipping material for people in need, “logistics” means hope.

TRUST. ANOTHER PRECIOUS RESOURCE WE’RE COMMITTED TO PRESERVING. switch. We also must have information you can trust, whether it’s about local renewable energy options or ways to lower your bill. For more, visit Taylorelectric.com.

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Making the Most of LongDistance Fathering

By AllProDad.com

Many years ago Major League Baseball pitcher Terry Mulholland was selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the AllStar Game. Mulholland planned to reject the invitation and pass up a chance to pitch in the summer classic. Why? Because Terry is also a father. He’s a long-distance dad who saw the three-day break as a chance to catch up with his young son, Tyler. They’d planned a fatherson fishing trip, and Terry was determined to keep his word. As it turned out, Mulholland’s manager gave him another day off, so he was able to pitch in the game and then fly to Arizona to take Tyler fishing.

The Prickly Pear Food & Wine Festival October 22nd

Join at the historic downtown strip in Coleman, Texas. Prickly Pear Food & Wine Festival will be a unique showcase of food and wine, arts and crafts, live music and entertainment, and a 5k run.

Join us for live music from Justin McFarland/Peregrino, The Two Tones, Garner Sloan, Jake Martin, Sun City, Coffey Anderson, and the headliner--a very special appearance by Texas favorite--Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros.

The Prickly Pear Food & Wine Festival will feature local chefs pairing cactus inspired cuisines with award winning Texas wines. There will be over 40 food, beverage, and arts and crafts vendors at the festival; as well as an assortment of entertainment vendors.

You don’t want to miss this amazing event ! To learn more and to buy your tickets, visit our website: http://www. colemanpricklypear.com/ info@signalfredericksburg.com 1 830-433-5225

dren’s mother. Your kids’ sense of confusion and insecurity will be minimized by a civil, cooperative relationship between their parents.

“3-legged tables”

There’s a simple plan for effective fathering which we call the I-CANs: Involvement, Consistency, Awareness, and Nurturance. Together they encompass everything that strong fathers do. For a divorced or long-distance dad, the problem of no access has placed you at a disadvantage. How can you possibly be highly involved in your kids’ lives?

There are such men who are recognized for wanting to be successful in the eyes of their kids, despite the distance. But for many long-distance dads, life is anything but glorious.

Sometimes it seems you receive nothing but contempt from society at large. If you are divorced, here’s how to make the most of fathering from a distance.

No access!

The one obstacle all non-custodial fathers must hurdle is access: seeing your children at any time and participating in the daily happenings of their lives.

For many single dads, there’s nothing you wouldn’t give to have free access to your children. You must look at the men out there who do live with their children- but aren’t really involved in their lives- and just shake your head.

The movie Mrs. Doubtfire helped to surface a lot of these complex, difficult emotions.

And your situation has only been made worse by the unfortunate legacy associated with single fathers. Those men who are irresponsible and inconsistent with their kids, who are bitter and unforgiving toward their ex-wives, and who deserve the term “Deadbeat Dad” have helped to create an atmosphere of distrust toward all single fathers. No matter how committed you may be to your children, you’d be wise to realize from the beginning that it’s going to take time to earn back the trust that other men have squandered, whether you’re dealing with judges, social workers, or ex-wives.

Divorce naturally brings distrust between a man and woman. But even though she’s no longer your legal spouse, she’s still your chil-

A four-legged table is sturdy-much more so than one with three legs or two. In the same way, the four I-CANs make for sturdy, confident fathering. But if your situation has taken you away from your kids, losing that one leg (Involvement) may cause your “table” to wobble or even collapse. That’s no reason to give up; it’s a call to work even harder to bolster the other three legs-Consistency, Awareness, and Nurturance.

Work especially hard on consistency; be regular and predictable in your emotions, your schedule, and in keeping promises. Your consistency will be most apparent in communication, support payments, and being prompt and reliable during visitation. Maintain an awareness: get feedback as often as you can about your children. Talk to teachers and coaches, and keep track of each child’s individual needs and concerns. Make sure you physically nurture them when you’re with them, but also do it verbally as often as you can. Instead of being lavish with new toys or other gifts, shower them with displays and words of affection. Affirm your kids for who they are and

for what they were created to be.

You can’t make up for lost time.

Maybe you’re just beginning to realize the power and the rewards of being a good father.

Maybe you feel you’ve let them down in the past. It happens to every dad, and it’s natural to want to make it up to them somehow.

That’s a good instinct to have. Unfortunately, it’s easy to channel that healthy resolve into wild extravaganzas with your kids to try to make things right.

So maybe you take them to baseball games and amusement parks and load them down with pennants, stuffed animals, junk food, and a lot of confusion. Kids love these activities, but such “blow-outs” are only one side of a huge pendulum swing. A month of not hearing from their father and then POW. It can really shake kids up.

All children need regular and predictable contact with their father (Consistency!).

An encouraging phone call once a week is more beneficial to them than four trips to Disney World strewn throughout the year. And think of your child’s mother: it’s hard to bring a child back down to earth after a week with dad filled with amusement parks and Pizza Hut. What do you want your child to remember about your relationship during these years? A roller coaster ride? A grand slam home run?

Or, would you rather have him remember many times with you, and none of them really stick out in his mind because the events themselves weren’t important. He simply cherished the chance to spend time getting to know his dad.

How would your kids define fatherhood? As a series of erratic, confusing phone calls? Broken promises? What Mom mutters about under her breath? They desperately need you to redefine fatherhood for them, because someday they may either become a dad or be married to one, and they’ll think of the influential men in their lives. If you’ve done your best to stay involved in their lives, they’ll think of you. And if you’ve been faithful and made the most of a tough situation, they’ll have a wealth of memories which will bring confidence and strength as they grow up, marry, and bring up their own children.

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

Top 5 Marriage Secrets from Seasoned Veterans

By AllProDad.com

I learned my first marriage secret from a seasoned veteran right after getting royally beaten at racquetball. I was 24 years-old, full of energy, full with confidence, and full of member to remind myself to be loving and myself! kind today,” Kevin said. “Life is so hectic I must stay ahead of the curve.” “Bingo,” Sally My opponent was pushing 60. To be honest, added; “If I don’t tell myself I’m choosing I was embarrassed at how easy the game was Kevin every day, then I’m not really honorgoing to be. “I’m going to run circles around ing my vows or my commitment.” this dude,” I thought. I was right, but not in the way I anticipated.

3. It is better to give than to receive.

(David and Peggy celebrated 50 years in The match was a classic “Overconfident kid 2014) “There’s a Bible verse that talks about meets seasoned veteran.” Bill knew his way trying to outdo one another when it comes to around. Sure, I ran circles; but I ran around honor and affection (Romans 12:10),” Peggy the court, endlessly, while Bill stood in a said. “David and I have this unspoken comsmall zone in the middle. He moved a little to petition going. We figure that if our main inhis left, took a step forward, leaned a shade to terest is the happiness of the other, then selfhis right, then came back. ishness won’t have any room.”

By the time it was over, I’d been roundly thrashed by “Mr. Experience.”

4. Service is the foundation of success.

(Steve and Alex have been married over 30 years). “Her need is my opportunity,” Steve said. “So I bring her coffee every morning, I do things for her all the time, I’m always looking for opportunities. I’m not looking for equal treatment,” he said. “It’s about putting This year it’s been 35-years for us. Some of my love into practice.”

Bill’s tips are still at play. Plus we’ve learned some “seasoned veteran” secrets of our own. 5. Never, ever stop dating.

(From the heart of two 65 year-old romanTo really make your marriage thrive, listen to tics). “We ‘go out’ once a week. Money or these Top 5 Marriage Secrets from Seasoned no money, we find something special to do Veterans. together. I always ask her. She always says yes. Sometimes it’s just a long walk on the 1. The children do not come first. beach and ice cream. Sometimes it’s a fancy (From a couple 5 years into their HAPPY restaurant. Always it’s special. We never take empty nest) “We almost lost one another it for granted…ever.” putting the kids first. The idea was that we’d catch up with each other later. But there is no later if you lose each other along the way. BeCALL US TO ADVERTISE sides, the best gift any parents can give kids (325) 701-9505 is a mom and dad who are still crazy about each other.”

209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Afterwards we talked about the game, my game, his 35-year going strong marriage, my brand-new life as a husband, and some of his secrets to a happy marriage.

2. Love is a daily choice.

(From a couple married 15 years with three kids). “First thing in the morning I try to re-

Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

The 5 T’s That Will Tell Your Story

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Mark Merrill Helping Families Love Well

Have you done any work on your obituary, recently?

I don’t mean writing it ahead of time, as some people do, leaving humorous or poignant messages to be published upon their death. I’m talking about working on things that matter now. You see, the way you live today will determine what your family will write about and talk about after you have died.

3. T is for Treasure.

Contrary to what some believe, God does not say that money is the root of all evil.

He says the love of money is. Money in itself is neutral; it’s how we use it or let it use us that makes the difference. As a husband and father, I have a duty to be responsible financially, providing security and a future for the ones I love. But I also have a duty to be I have got a lot of living to do yet. I still have many a good steward of the money that has been entrusted dreams and goals for my life, my marriage, my family, to me and my family. my work. But I am also aware that the years ahead of me are fewer than the ones behind me. So I need to be intentional about how I live in the time that remains.

When I leave this world, my story—like yours—will be told largely through 5 Ts. Consider them with me, and see how your obituary is shaping up…

Everything I have comes from God, ultimately. I know that my net worth is not based on what is in my bank account or what I get, but rather on what I give…what I give of my time, talent and treasure.

I want to be generous with what I receive, giving to those in need. I like what NFL coach Tony 1. T is for Time. There is no more significant wisely Dungy has to say in regards to thinking about work single indicator of what is really important in our and money. lives than what we give our time to. When it comes to time, we are all on an equal footing. We each have 4. T is for Title. This is not about what may be on 24 hours a day, 168 hours a week. How are you usyour business card or any letters you may have after ing that time? your name. It’s more about the role or the position you have been placed in.

Work is important, of course, but it’s not the only thing that matters. You’ve never heard of anyone on Take a piece of paper and jot down a list of all the their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at “hats” you wear. You may be surprised how many the office, have you? Rather, they talk about regretthere are. You may be a husband, father, son, wife, ting not investing more time in relationships. So mom, daughter, sibling, friend, neighbor, church track your time for a week, noting how many hours member, Little League coach, or mentor. Each of and minutes you give to things like work, hobbies, these positions has different responsibilities, obligasocial media, and television. The results may surtions, and opportunities. Where do you need to step prise you, and prompt some adjustments. up your game?

2. T is for Talent. Like many guys, I compare 5. T is for Testimony. This is what you share myself to others. How do I shape up compared to

with others by your words and actions. First words. their professional status, their house, their bank acWhat are the things you talk about most with peocount? Comparison can cause discontentment. If ple: the weather, cars, clothes, money, hobbies, or I’m always focused on what someone else has inportfolios? Or do you make a point to go deeper, to stead of what I’ve got, I’ll never be happy. speak about things that really matter—faith, truth, and love? Do you build others up? Do you give them God created me uniquely with specific gifts. So, I hope for the future? should not aim to be like someone else. I just need to be me. Am I exercising my gifts and abilities to their Second, actions. Am I the real deal? Am I actually fullest extent? Am I seeking to develop them? And modeling with my actions the things I espouse with am I using them to benefit and bless others or just my lips? Do I “walk the talk”? for personal gain, pleasure, and comfort? I can only have a life worth meaning if I give it away.

Reflecting on these 5 Ts is helping me as I look ahead.

They are helping me on the journey of life. They are helping me to finish strong.

El evento Anual Hombres Fuertes y con Estilo está celebrando su Décimo Aniversario

By Luisa Trujillo, M.Ed. | Case Manager/Certified Advocate | Regional Victim Crisis Center

Hombres Fuertes y con Estilo es un evento lugar en 1949 ACU Drive, en el Centro de de premiación con Pasarela de Moda Mascu- Conferencias McCaleb; en el Hunter Wellina (incluye comida) come Center de La Universidad Cristiana de Donde hombres hon- Abilene. estos, comprensivos, y dignos de confianza Para información de los Boletos y Donacioson reconocidos por nes visite: http://regionalvictimcrisiscenter. poner sus virtudes al org/howyoucanhelp.html Donde además enservicio de los demás contrará información sobre cómo ser volunaquí en el área del tario para ayudar a victimas del crimen. Tu Big County. Lo más apoyo a este gran evento Ayudara a RVCC importante a brindar servicios graLos Hombres que recibirán es que éstos tuitos a víctimas, niños y el Premio Jay Hatcher, Men hombres son verdaderos modelos Adultos, de abuso sexual of Strenght and Style serán: a seguir, por prestar sus servicios y violencia. Además, profesionales y participan en proproveer programas de Sheriff Ricky Bishop gramas para el bienestar de los prevención en las esJimmy Defoor demás en nuestra comunidad. cuelas y otros grupos en Mike Fouts la comunidad.

Jim Hicks Col Michael Miller Tú también puedes participar Mike Perry apoyando el Programa de RVCC; ¡Gracias por Apoyar a Chris Proctor, DDS y como ellos ayudar a mejorar la RVCC y sus Programas Tim Thompson calidad de vida de las víctimas del en contra de la violencia!

Will Tippen delito. Participa este 5 de octubre Paul Watts, DO de 2016, en el evento que tendrá

Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 39

Two Factors of Good Sex

40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

The Adventures of Bella & Harry: SUNDAY, OCT 16, 2 p.m.

By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today

Good sex is always intentional. A husband and wife may be naturally attracted to each other, but that doesn’t mean a healthy sexual relationship will happen automatically. Passion ebbs and flows in a relationship.

Romance comes and goes. The honeymoon ends, and when that happens, a couple has to work at it.

Sex is more than just physical effort. The physical element may be obvious, but sex also has spiritual and emotional factors.

The spiritual component of sex: God created sex, which makes it a spiritual act as well as a physical act. Sex requires intimacy, and the greatest type of intimacy is spiritual intimacy.

That surprises some people, but research suggests that the most sexually satisfied people in the world are married Christians. That’s because, for Christians, marriage is more than just a piece of paper. It is an act of the spirit of God. Many people look at marriage as a type of contract, in which people protect their rights and limit their responsibilities. But the Bible describes marriage as a covenant. Covenant means “to cut,” and in the Bible, a covenant always required a sacrifice. Unlike a contract, it surrenders our rights and assumes responsibilities.

That’s why a covenant is permanent until death.

That’s why we promise to stay married for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness or in health.

Biblically, every covenant has a seal and sign, and God created sex to be the seal and sign for the covenant of marriage. We seal that covenant by consum-

mating a marriage. Throughout the married relationship, sexual intimacy is the fullest expression of that sacrificial covenant.

That’s the reason the best sex occurs when spouses put each other’s interests ahead of their own. A sacrificial attitude leads to amazing sex.

The emotional component of sex: Emotional connection between a husband and wife is also essential to a healthy sexual relationship. That relationship can become strong through emotional validation.

I once spoke to a man who was complaining to me about the lack of intimacy in his marriage. He mentioned something his wife has recently said to him. I asked how he responded. “I just laughed at her,” he said.

In other words, he didn’t validate anything she had to say. Even if he didn’t quite understand what she needed from him, he should have listened and acknowledged that her words were important. Even if he didn’t agree, he needed to validate how she felt.

Women need verbal affection. They need to know that they are being heard. Instead, this woman walked away hurt because her husband refused to see things from her perspective.

And he wondered why they had problems with intimacy! I told him that he needed to be responsive to her outside the bedroom if he wanted her to be responsive to him inside the bedroom.

Husbands and wives need to sit down with each other on a regular basis and open up with each other. Share.

Listen. Talk about how you feel. Become a safe place for each other to become vulnerable. That emotional connection is crucial to sexual intimacy.

Great sex isn’t just two bodies rubbing together. Between a husband and wife, sex is a physical act that reflects a spiritual covenant and an emotional connection. That’s how God created it—and he designed it to be spectacular.

SILVER LEVEL SEASON UNDERWRITERS Dian Graves Owen Foundation Cypress Street Station Restaurant KRBC/KTAB Television Mall of Abilene PLATINUM LEVEL Abilene Reporter-News Community Foundation of Abilene Cumulus Radio Greathouse Foundation Hispanic Life Magazine

La Voz 93.3 FM Shelton Family Foundation Townsquare Media United Supermarkets

GOLD LEVEL Abilene Pediatric Dental Associates, PLLC Lee Orthodontics Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union Dr. Hector Garcia Marrero Chick-fil-A Abilene North Security Title Company Carl Childers Advised Donor Fund at the The Eleven09 House Community Foundation of Abilene The Mill Wine Bar & Event Venue Choice Media Third Street Printing & Sign Co. Dodge Jones Foundation TMI - Creative Media Services

Abilene Regional Medical Center Animal Health and Medical Center Condley and Company, L.L.P. First Abilene Federal Credit Union Phil & Jane Guitar Ralph & Jill Heaven Hendrick Health System Nikki’s Swirl Shoppe Piano Man Mike Schuler Schlotzsky’s Deli Stamford American/Noteworthy Nick & Susan Steele

BRONZE LEVEL Adams Pediatrics Anthony Raborn Construction Dr. & Mrs. Jay Capra CBS Insurance, LLP ENT Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center Family Vision Associates First Bank Texas First Financial Bank Beverly & Russell Guthrie Greg & Hollye JaklewiczJeff & Jill Keim Little Giant Kidz Marti Wade Photography Sandip & Mishi Mathur Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Abilene Mike & Sheila Warren

Buy tickets online at CPASABILENE.org or call (325) 677-1161 Paramount theatre, 352 cypress street

Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Mr Gatti’s Pizza, Long John Silver’s & Alfredo’s | HEALTH | 41

Lessons in Compassion Dr. Charisse Ward came to Abilene partly to escape cold weather, but she brought a tradition of caring with her.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Dr. Charisse Ward says, “Medicine came very naturally for me. My grandmother was a nurse and nursing in the islands is very different. There were a lot of home visits and midwifery and I became very comfortable at the bedside.”

Dr. Ward came to Abilene in August to open her practice in Interventional Cardiology at Abilene Regional Medical Center. She is originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and attended Boston University Medical School.

After graduation she joined the Navy.

“My family simply could not afford the expense of a medical education,” she says, “and I was worried about student debt.” The Navy funded her education and she cared for military and their families for five years at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

While stationed in Georgia she studied at Emory University for a Master’s degree in Public Health, which focuses on health care for the community as well as for individuals.

“I enjoyed my work,” Dr. Ward says, “and I’m very proud of my military service.”

After leaving the Navy, she sought more training at Yale University, where she studied and provided care in internal medicine, general cardiology, advanced heart and transplant medicine, peripheral vascular disease and interventional cardiology.

“When I decided to leave Yale, I interviewed in several places and had competitive job offers but chose Abilene,” she says. “I wanted some place warmer than Connecticut with a great community. I really love the community in Abilene and I have a lot of respect for the cardiologists I work with. I feel at home here.”

On a recent weekend, even though she wasn’t terventional Cardiology can often prevent limb on call, Dr. Ward visited one of her patients in amputation. the Intensive Care Unit was reminded of why Abilene feels like home.

“There are cardiologists all over but I don’t think a lot are committed to limb salvage,” she says.

“The patient’s family was talking about dig- “If you have lower extremity disease and you’ve ging a pit and roasting a pig,” she says. “We had bypass or cannot have bypass, I want you do the very same to know there are options thing at home out there.” whenever we have a wedding When she’s not at work, or celebration.”

Dr. Ward is finishing up a book she has written on peripheral vascular disease. She also creates apps for Apple and Android products, writing the computer code herself. Some of her apps are for cardiologists and she’s now working on one for patients.

“I’ve always been interested in computers,” she says, “I did a lot of reading and started out making apps for businesses to schedule appointments.

Now it’s gotten so easy you can even create a game without knowing how to code.”

She visits her family in the Virgin Islands regularly and they come to visit her at least once a year. Her dad worked as a heavy equip- Her favorite thing about her work is the opportument operator and her mom as a teacher. nity to end suffering.

“They are very hard working, salt of the earth “There’s such a difference after people are on the kind of people,” she says. right medication and have had an intervention.

Some people I care for have already scheduled Interventional Cardiology once meant primar- an amputation and we are able to save that limb ily opening blocked coronary arteries. Now and allow them to stay in their home,” she says. more and more less invasive procedures are available to treat cardiovascular disease in- Dr. Ward has come a long way from learning becluding opening leg vessels and carotid ar- side manner by watching her grandmother. She teries. It can often help elderly and fragile is using those lessons in compassion to serve patients who could not endure an open chest Abilene in a way that will make the community surgery. If there’s one thing about her work and its members much healthier.

Dr. Ward wants people to know, it’s that In-

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103

Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

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

Brenda Ann Alvarado, 49, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016.

Mrs. Alvarado was born September 17, 1966, in San Angelo, Texas. Brenda was a devoted mother, daughter, and friend. She enjoyed laughing and supported everyone around her. Brenda enjoyed dancing and having fun and had a knack for all things artsy. She was an unselfish, loving individual. Brenda helped everyone she came across. She knew no stranger and if you knew Brenda you knew love. She was a warrior sent from God, fought the good fight and is now with our creator.

Brenda Ann Alvarado is survived by her husband, Victor Alvarado, her daughters Victoria Ann Alvarado and Rosalinda Guzman, her son, Victor Alfredo Alvara-

HispanicLife Media

a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... do, her granddaughter, Olivia Grace Wise, her mother Linda Reina and grandmother Victoria Fernandez, and brother Max Nuñez, and uncle, Horacio Reina.

Mrs. Alvarado was preceded in death by her father, Fred Carrasco; her adopted father, Ervey Fernandez; and an infant daughter, Miracle Angel Alvarado.

Juanita Martha Ortega, 75, passed away Friday, September 23, 2016 at a local hospital.

Mrs. Ortega was born February 08, 1941, in Roscoe, Texas to Cipriano and Simona Castro. Juanita was a member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. She was a Guadalupana, but not active here in Abilene.

She retired as a Teacher’s Aid from Kendly School.

Juanita was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she will be missed.

Survivors include two sons, Alex Ortega (Mary) and Albert Ortega (Laura); a daughter, Diana Adkins-Reynolds (Donald), all of Abilene; two brothers, Richard Castro (Niome) of San Angelo and Frank Castro of Burleson, Texas; eight sisters, Mary Vargas of Abilene, Cruz Dias (Louis) of Sweetwater, Theresa Baldivia

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

(Jesse) of Sweetwater, Angelina Soto of Austin, Maggie Ybarra of Lubbock, Victoria Castro of Abilene and Julie Lopez (Mike) of Abilene; nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Survivors include a brother, John Wigfall and wife, Dorothy of Abilene; a sister, Mavis Sampson of Denver, Colorado; her grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends,

Mrs. Ortega was preceded in death by her parents Cipriano and Simona Castro; her loving husband of 42 years, Alejandro Ortega, Sr.; a granddaughter, Tracy Ortega; three brothers; and three brother-in-laws.

Iva Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Williams Sr.; parents, Marion and Bertha Reeves; a son, Herman Williams Jr.; three brothers, David, Marion and Edroy Wigfall; six sisters, Estella Mae Langley, Helen Saul, Rachel McNealy, Bertha McCowan, Thelma Judkins and baby sister, Oma Jean Wigfall.

Iva Jo Williams, 89, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at a local hospital.

Iva Jo Williams was born February 18, 1927, in Nugent, Texas to the late, Marion and Bertha Reeves Wigfall; however, she was raised in Abilene, Texas. Jo did domestic work for more than 30 years.

An avid lover of agriculture, Iva Jo loved gardening and raising animals such as rabbits and chickens. In addition, she loved antiques and could be found traveling to gather trinkets and other treasures that became special Christmas gifts for many! To pass time, she enjoyed cooking with her family and friends, especially Sunday dinners. Her favorite saying was “ If ya hungry, come and eat, I got plenty food!” This was always followed with her signature laugh!

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

5 Fast Tips for Preventing Colds

By Jaimie Dalessio Clayton | Everyday Health

If you feel constantly surrounded by a chorus of coughs and sneezes — at work, at the grocery store, or even at home — you’re not alone. Here are five things you can do to avoid catching a cold.

system going strong. Cold and flu season runs in tandem with candy season — from Halloween to Easter. So make an effort to fill your plate with vegetables at lunch and dinner, and snack on fruit throughout the day.

1. Wash your hands. Do so often, es- 4. Exercise. We know it’s no longer swimpecially after using the bathroom or touching inanimate objects, like bathroom faucets and door handles, in public places. Also, try to stop touching your face. It sounds silly, but the average American touches their eyes,

suit season, but do your best to stay moving during the cooler months. Regular exercise is another immune-system booster, which can prevent cold bugs you do catch from making you sick.

nose, mouth, or face every 20 seconds, according to Gregory Poland, MD, director of the Vaccine Research Group at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., allowing germs easily access into the body.

5. Try zinc lozenges. If you feel a cold

coming on despite your best efforts to stave off germs, research has shown that zinc lozenges might shorten cold duration. “They bind to the viral particles and help prevent some of the replication,” says Michael Ben2. Go to bed early. You need plenty of ninger, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic. “It sleep to keep your immune system in tip-top won’t prevent you from getting a cold, but it shape this time of year. may make your cold less severe and last not quite as long.”

3. Eat healthy food with plenty of vitamins. This will also keep your immune

44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene Artist Finds Purpose Painting Murals

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Abbey Bowling | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

Red roses intertwine across the whitewashed bricks, accompanied by the hashtag #PrayForRosie stenciled in neat, block letters; just a few streets away, a sunset splashes against the side of a building, adding a pop of color to the otherwise dreary structure.

ally brought her to a breaking point.

“One day, I decided life was just too short for that way of thinking,” Cal said. “I quit my job and had a burning passion to do something to make up for the time I had lost, and that scared me. I wanted to do something big.”

If you’ve driven downtown recently, you’ve probably seen the two new murals that sprung up seemingly overnight – Abilene resident Calina Mishay Johnson is the artist behind those beautiful murals in the heart of the city. Even though she’s been painting professionally for five years, it took her a while to get to this point.

With the responsibilities of getting her masters and working full-time, she wasn’t able to create for two years, so when she quit, she had two years worth of stored passion and creative energy that needed to be used. That’s when she

Abilene artist Calina Mishay Johnson poses in front of one of her murals downtown. Abilene artist Calina Mishay Johnson poses in front of one of her murals downtown.

“I actually dropped out of my first abstract painting class because I didn’t understand how to paint like that,” Cal said.

“It wasn’t until much later, after many hardships and pain, did I find my style that I have today. I learned a tough came up with the idea for the mural project. lesson: sometimes to be an artist it helps to have a story to tell, even if it hurts.”

“I began to paint because I was at my rock bottom,” Cal said. “I didn’t care what the painting After starting as an art major, she graduated looked like, if it was pretty or good. I needed with a general studies degree from Midwest- to paint for my sanity. It was therapy, it was ern State, and then went back to school for her real and it was emotional. Painting allowed masters at Hardin Simmons University. She me to be vulnerable and tell my story, which completed her masters in 2014 and started in return helped me heal and spoke to others.” working an office job, but felt too much nega- She painted her first mural just three months tivity from disgruntled coworkers that eventu- ago in Haskell, but the first mural in Abilene

was the painting on North 4th and Walnut, titled, “Into the Sun.” It includes the vibrant colors of a sunset and a man, falling backwards with an open briefcase, which she completed earlier this month. The inspiration for that mural came from her favorite muralist, Banksy, because she “wanted to do something in honor of him.

Even though it’s not as good as his, I still wanted to try.” She completed the second Abilene mural of the roses on North 2nd and Plum about a week ago, after the owner of the building contacted her and asked her to paint something for his daughter. Like any artist knows, putting artwork on display can be scary and intimidating, but Cal said she’s always excited to see how the community will react.

“It’s exciting to see, like are people going to hate it? Are they going to love it? Are they going to tear it apart? Are they going to accept it?”

As she grew older and developed both as a person and an artist, she realized that she wasn’t even painting for herself anymore – which was the continued on page 15

Mockingbird Movies: “Spare Parts”

Oct. 10 at 6:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library • Movie Summary: Four Hispanic high school students form a robotics club.

With no experience, 800 bucks, used car parts and a dream, this rag tag team goes up against the country’s reigning robotics champion, MIT.

Peliculas en Español: “McFarland USA”

Oct. 13 at 5:30PM, Main Library • Sinopsis de la Pelicula: Jim White se mueve a su familia tras perder su último trabajo como un entrenador de fútbol. Ve que algunos de los estudiantes valen a partir de un equipo a campo través y convierte siete estudiantes sin esperanza en uno de los mejores equipos a campo través.

Family Flix: “Goosebumps”

Oct. 15 at 3:00PM, Main Library • Movie Summary: Based on the popular juvenile series, a teen teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer’s imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.

Teen Flix: “World War Z”

Oct. 18 at 6:00PM, Main Library • Movie Summary: Former U.N. employee traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.

Mockingbird Movies: “Hotel Transylvania 2”

Oct. 22 at 2:30PM, Mockingbird Branch Library • Movie Summary: Dracula and his friends try to bring out the monster in his half-human, half-vampire grandson in order to keep Mavis from leaving the hotel.

Morning Mingle Movie: “Hello, My Name is Doris”

Nov. 2 at 10:00AM, South Branch Library • Movie Summary: A self-help seminar inspires a 60-something woman to romantically pursue her younger co-worker..

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

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

“Abilene artist” continued from page 14

sole reason she had first picked up the paint brush so many years ago.

“I lost my fear of failure, because it was bigger than me,” she said.

“It was about inspiring others to dream big, too, to never give up on life and become bitter and sad. You always, always have another choice, if you’re brave enough to go for it.”

Cal keeps busy with her family – she has three kids and her husband, Kevin, is a B1 pilot at Dyess Air Force Base and also helps paint the murals – and her job with Integrated Behavior Solutions, where she’s a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working with autistic children.

But in the midst of everything, she still finds the time to make Abilene a little more colorful.

She’ll be selling T-shirts and taking donations from Sept. 3 to Nov. 1, and hopes to inspire the younger, college-age population to participate and support the art scene in Abilene.

For more information, check out the Palette of Purpose Facebook page. Other towns have also noticed her work and are starting to reach out to her about painting more murals outside of Abilene.

The site of her next big project will be a threestory tall mural on North 3rd and Pine, which she’ll start in October. But in the meantime, she’s about to launch a fundraiser – called Art Bomb – with the Palette of Purpose organization to fund artists to paint murals downtown.

“I hope people feel a part of themselves in what I do,” she said. “I hope it inspires people to be fearless of failure. Go big, everyone fails. So what? Life is beautiful and people are amazing if you can align yourself with what you were created to do and use it to benefit others.”

46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON FAST, EASY ACCESS WITH NEW

EYEPRINT ID

TM

Eyeprint ID For Mobile Devices -

The Ultimate Selfie!

The eyes have it...when you want quick, easy and highly secure access to your account using ATFCU’s mobile apps. No more passwords to remember or juggling your phone to enter your thumbprint. Use the camera on your mobile device to scan your eyes and future logins will be simpler than a selfie.

• Haven’t heard of this before? That’s because ATFCU is the first in the area to offer this state-of-the-art, biometric technology.

• Eyes a little blurry this morning? Not a problem for Eyeprint ID. • Wear glasses? That's not a problem either. Eyeprint ID will recognize your eyes with or without glasses.

Can't you Just See Yourself Using This?

Go to our website for more details or to set up your Eyeprint ID log-in. It will only take the blink of an eye... but don't blink!

PMS 280 (Blue) - C=100 M=72 Y=0 K-18

PMS 341 (Green) - C=93 M=26 Y=77 K-12 PMS 186 (Red) - C=22 M=100 Y=67 K-8

FONT: Lithos Pro Bold & Lithos Pro Regular

325-677-2274 800-677-6770 abileneteachersfcu.org

ATFCU Eye-D Ad 4-16.indd 1

• 3849 Antilley Road • 2801 N. 6th Street • 2555 Buffalo Gap Road • 1181 E. N. 10th Street • 349 N. Mockingbird (drive-thru only)

4/29/16 3:35 PM

Pick us up at Armando’s Mex Rest, Communities of Abilene FCU & Los Arcos Mex Rest | BUSINESS | 47

An Even Better Bakery Alfonso Hernandez, Jr. has come to town to run the family business at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Alfonso Hernandez Bakery has the same name but a different Alfonso is in charge now. Alfonso, Jr. arrived in Abilene from Dallas about eighteen months ago to take over the business from his dad, Alfonso, Sr., who retired.

Alfonso, Jr. graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010.

He worked as a supervisor for a manufacturing company in Dallas for about three years before making the move to Abilene.

While still living in Bryan he met his wife, Denise. They are expecting their first baby, a girl, in November.

“Our goals are great customer service and fast service,” Alfonso says. “That’s what I tell all my employees.” The bakery employs about “Everything is fresh and thirteen people, both full-time and part-time. homemade,” Alfonso, Jr. says. “We don’t reheat anyThe bakery is much more than a bakery, serv- thing. That was one of my ing breakfast beginning at 6:30 am and lunch dad’s rules. It gives the food until 3:00 pm seven days a week at 601 But- more taste and flavor.” ternut. Breakfast burritos are the most popular item, but Alfonso, Jr. has added a number of Alfonso, Jr. also consults his mom, who he says is a “great cook” for tips to improve the dishes to the menu. dishes.

One of the first changes was to create a window between the kitchen and the front counter The restaurant is a real family affair. Alfonso, to facilitate faster service. Alfonso Jr. and De- Sr. comes in regularly and plays guitar on the nise took tasty looking photos of menu items weekends. He also presents a magic show for that now hang next to the window, so custom- the kids. Denise is studying for her Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of ers can see exactly what they’re ordering.

Texas at Arlington but still finds time to help “My Dad started this business from scratch,” with the bakery’s administration. says Alfonso, Jr. “It was already a stable business so I’m just here making it better and up- “My favorite thing is building relationships with customers,” Alfonso, Jr. says. “My manudating.” facturing job was just loud noise in a big buildAlfonso Hernandez Bakery also partners with ing. But I’m a people person. I like to talk to Arrowhead Delivery. A customer can call Ar- customers and I get to meet a lot of people.” rowhead to order, Arrowhead relays the order to the Bakery, picks up the meal, and delivers You can tell by standing at the front counter that the Hernandez family believes in helpit to the customer’s door. ing others. Several bins stand by to accept

donations for various causes. Alfonso Hernandez Bakery also donates to churches and schools, often by purchasing ads in printed programs.

Sometimes they even donate food items for charitable events.

Alfonso, Jr. handles the Facebook page at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery as well as radio advertising. The Facebook page informs customers when special dishes are available with posts of delectable looking baked goods and families enjoying their meals. Alfonso says daily specials will soon appear.

If you need any more evidence for the tasty food, here’s one. Several local restaurants buy their tortillas from Alfonso Hernandez Bakery.

“We have the best breakfast burritos in town,” says Alfonso, Jr. “Carne guisada is the most popular. If they haven’t tried it, they need to come.”

Alfonso, Jr. hopes to expand the restaurant to other locations, possibly the Dallas-Fort Worth area. But right now, the locally-owned family business with delicious food sits right down the street from you. Check it out.

48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum celebrated their 15th Anniversary on October 5, 2016 with a Ribbon Cutting by the Redcoats.

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

4 Insider Tricks to Sell Your Home on a Tight Timeline

By DaveRamsey.com

Selling your home can be stressful under normal circumstances. But add a deadline to the mix, and your blood pressure spikes just thinking about it.

Perhaps the clock’s ticking because your company transferred you to a new city or you’re following your dream to a new state. Maybe you’re selling your childhood home because your mom requires around-the-clock nursing care now.

Whatever the reason, you’re in luck: Now’s a great time to sell! According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, 32% of recent home sales were on the market for less than a month.

If other homeowners can do it, you can too! Sell your home in record time with these simple tips.

Accentuate the Positive • Staging spotlights your home’s best features while downplaying its problem areas.

It starts with cleaning and decluttering and can include painting and rearranging furniture, among other tasks. The goal is to create a welcoming environment that’s easy for buyers to see as their own.

You can hire a professional stager or do it yourself. Either way, it’s well worth your time and money. A recent study by the Real Estate Staging Association found that homes that were staged before being listed sold in an average of 23 days. That’s 90% faster than those that sat on the market for several months before being staged!

Homes that were staged before being listed sold in an average of 23 days. That’s 90% faster than those that sat on the market for several months before being staged!

Use Knockout Photos • Today’s buyers rely heavily on the Internet in their search for the perfect home, and photos play a big role in capturing their attention. According to a study in the Journal of Real Estate Research, photos

are the first thing buyers go to in the MLS listing and where they spend most of their time.

That’s why it’s important to put your best face forward. Save your smartphone camera for family snapshots. This job calls for a professional— preferably with a wide-angle lens! Schedule your photo shoot for a time of day when the sun casts the perfect light on your home and make sure every room looks catalog-ready.

Price It Right • This is no time to put your emotions in the driver’s seat. If you really want to move the needle, you’ve got to price your home to sell. It doesn’t matter how much you paid for it eight years ago or what you owe on your mortgage. Your home is worth what buyers will pay, plain and simple.

Price it too high, and buyers will pass it up without ever stepping through the door.

Price it too low, and you’ll give it away to the first taker. Work with an experienced real estate agent to find a happy medium so you don’t lose time or money.

Your agent can help you set a competitive price by comparing recent sales of homes in your area.

It doesn’t matter how much you paid for your home eight years ago or what you owe on your mortgage. Your home is worth what buyers will pay, plain and simple.

Hire a Mover and Shaker • Don’t waste your time on an agent who only sells a handful of homes a year. It takes more than a sign in your yard to sell your home fast. You need a pro with a plan, and a short deadline calls for the best in the business!

A true pro knows there’s strength in numbers and brings a creative mind and a mile-long contacts list to expose your home to as many buyers as possible. Look for a high-octane agent who closes a minimum of 35 home transactions per year and has at least four years of real estate experience.With the right agent, you can get top dollar for your home even when time is short.

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

50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Mutual Benefits of Feeding Employees

EAT AND BE HAPPY

By Sandra J Hastings | Hastings Professional Business Services, Hastingspbs.com

1. Increased Employee Morale •

Companies that provided meals have higher overall employee satisfaction ratings. And when employees are happy, their productivity increases.

2. Stronger Connections Between Employees • When employees from differ-

ent departments sit down in the same place to eat every day, this helps them form stronger, more positive connections with each other. Interactions with other employees and with management are easier to come by in this setting, and mealtime conversations lead to connections between colleagues who otherwise wouldn’t interact.

3. Increased Productivity •

As mentioned above, a happy worker is more productive, but free lunches can have a more direct impact on employee productivity. Instead of leaving work and spending time waiting in line for fast food, your employees can chat about business with their coworkers over a leisurely, healthy meal. Many studies show that eating healthier foods leads to more activity and concentration when workers are at their desks.

4. Healthier Workforce •

When your employees are healthy, they can cost their employer less. They miss fewer days, have better productivity, and health insurance costs are lower. This means when you provide healthy meals it can be a win-win situation for you and your staff. The option of a square meal for your employees can make a significant difference in their overall health.

5. Tax Benefits • Even with these five great

benefits to the employer, it may be hard to justify the expense. However, the money businesses spend on lunches can often be tax deductible.

There are some requirements that need to be met but, in general, when an employer provides lunch, snacks, and/or drinks to their employees on the premises, these costs can be fully deducted. It doesn’t even count as employee income for tax purposes.

Does your company feed you? If not, you might send this article to your manager or boss to see if they can take a hint. Good luck

Why You Need Car Insurance

By Be Empowered

Whether you just started driving or have been doing it for years, there’s a very high probability that you will be involved in an accident someday. In fact, studies show that there are over 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year, so let that sink in before telling yourself “I’m a good driver – it’ll never happen to me!” Studies also show that roughly 1 in 8 drivers are not insured, which can jeopardize your car, lifestyle and savings account if you’re not careful. It’s important to understand just how necessary it is to make sure you’re covered before you hit the road. Here are the top 5 reasons why you need car insurance!

jury protection, it can help cover any injuries that you or your passengers endured from the crash. These medical bills from any hospital visit, surgery or on-site aid will be paid for by your insurance company and will ultimately save you a lot of money and trouble.

Non-Accident Protection – Unfortu-

nately, accidents aren’t the only bad things that happen to car owners. There’s always a chance that your car will get stolen, vandalized or damaged by Mother Nature. In any of these cases, insurance companies will cover the losses you sustained and will help turn your unfortunate situation around.

To Protect Your Wallet – If you find Supply Legal Protection – Victims of yourself at fault in an accident, then you’re most likely going to be held accountable for paying the cost of damages. These damages can include a driver’s injuries, damages to the car or property and legal fees, which probably won’t be cheap in most instances. With liability coverage, the insurance company will help you pay for a good chunk of these costs so that you’re not dead in the water financially.

It’s the Law – Almost every state has laws in place that require drivers to have a set amount of insurance, including the great state of Texas. At the very minimum, this insurance can be in the form of liability coverage that helps pay for damage to property or other drivers. If you’re caught driving without coverage, you can face some hefty fines and a suspended license.

Protect Yourself and Others – Car ac-

cidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time – no matter who’s in your vehicle.

Sometimes you can get in a wreck with another driver who doesn’t have insurance, which leaves you paying for any expenses. If you have liability coverage and personal in-

accidents will try to squeeze as much money out of you as they can, which sometimes leads to lawsuits. However, if you have car insurance, it can give you a safe cushion between legal claims and your savings. Efficient lawyers usually come with significant expense and having the right insurance can provide the right protection you need at an affordable price.

If you’re looking for the right insurance coverage, give us a call to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.

HispanicLife Media

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

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

Abilene Recognized With State’s Highest Honor for Economic Development

By Develop Abilene | Abilene Industrial Foundation

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) announced the recipients of its annual Community Economic Development Awards (CEDA) for 2016 with Abilene at the top of the list. The awards will be presented at a special luncheon to be held Thursday, October 20th at the TEDC’s Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The CEDA program recognizes exceptional contributions of TEDC member cities toward the economic vitality of their communities and the State of Texas through creativity, leadership, and partnership in the achievement of business retention, business recruitment and community improvement.

Small Business Development

Small Business Development Center

SEMINARS

October 11, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm Topic: Adding To My Profit October 17, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm Topic: How to Start a Small Business Place: Abilene Public Library 202 Cedar St. Abilene, TX 79601 October 18, 2016 6:00pm – 8:00pm Topic: Are You Positioned to Win a Government Contract?

Appts are available on a first come first serve basis - 1pm-3pm Oct. 18th & Oct. 19th

October 25, 2016 - 6:00pm – 8:00pm Topic: Cost Accounting Workshop will be held at the Texas Tech SBDC Abilene, Training Room.

749 Gateway Street, Ste. #301 Building C. Seating is Limited.

Please call and reserve your spot today.

325-670-0300

2016 CEDA Recipients Population 100,001+: Abilene Population 40,001 to 100,000: New Braunfels Population 15,001 to 40,000: Seguin and Terrell Population 5,001 - 15,000: Athens Abilene was awarded the State’s highest recognition, competing against seven other communities in the 100,000 plus population category including Tyler, Round Rock, Frisco, Pasadena, Brownsville, Lubbock and San Antonio.

“There were some big names in the 100,000 plus category. I am elated that our economThe CEDA committee received applications ic development program in Abilene has refrom 30 member communities across the state ceived this award. This is a really big win for and awarded them by population. Nominees Abilene,” said Mayor Norm Archibald. were judged on five criteria for a specific economic development project that included: Abilene was nominated based on its successful innovativeness, transferability, community efforts to bring Prairie Dog Pet Products to the commitment and leverage, measured objec- community. “This $30 million, 215 employee project involved all of our partners including tives, and secondary benefits. the Abilene Industrial Foundation, Abilene Chamber of Com“Our Community merce, Workforce Solutions, and Economic Developthe City of Abilene. Prairie Dog ment Award is one Pet Foods represents a successof the ways in which ful collaborative effort to bring our organization honors the excellent work done by our com- capital investment and quality jobs to our communities, their leaders, and their economic munity,” said Kent Sharp, CEO for the DCOA. development professionals,” noted John Osborne, 2016 Chair of the Texas Economic De- “I know the effort our staff and all of our economic development partners have put into this velopment Council. project this last year,” said Dave Copeland, “Each community nominated achieved excel- Chairman of the Development Corporation of lence in economic development and substan- Abilene. “This is the first time in the 21 year tially improved the economic base of their history of the CEDA that Abilene has received respective regions. The recipient communities this distinguished honor.” in each population category were recognized for extraordinary accomplishments in meet- “This is an incredible recognition for Abilene ing the criteria set forth in the nomination pro- and a testament to all we have to offer new business,” said Justin Jaworski of the Abilene cess,” Osborne added.

Industrial Foundation.

The TEDC provides information, education and legislative services to its members to fos- Prairie Dog Pet Products is currently finishing ter the expansion of existing businesses, the out construction on a building at Five Points location of new firms and the development of Business Park. The building is owned by the strategies that promote a positive business cli- DCOA and played a crucial role in recruiting mate in Texas. With more than 850 members, the pet product maker to Abilene. The project TEDC is the largest state economic develop- is expected to be fully operational in early 2017. ment association in the nation.

52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

7 random things that are proven to boost productivity

By HLNtv.com

Did you know certain colors and scents could help you through your workday? There plenty of other little random things you can do to give yourself a boost during a long grind.

candle with one of these scents. If you’re in an office, keep some hand cream, a small bottle of essential oil or a decorative soap around to sniff (no, you won’t look weird).

Don’t down a big lunch -- According to 1. Listen to instrumental or nature-in- 4.

Entrepreneur.com, eating a large lunch can spired music -- A fascinating study out of the University of Birmingham in England make you feel sluggish. shows what kind of music makes us most Get your protein productive. Songs that have a clear beat, include natural sounds and contain minimal lyrics are all great choices.

5.

2.

in -- Of course, you’ve gotta eat.

Reach for some almonds, Greek yogurt, beef jerky or other highprotein snacks to give you energy without making you uncomfortably full.

Paint your walls -- Color experts say each type of job could Use the twobenefit from a minute rule -different color.

This tip comes Creative workers from Inc.com: If should surround a task can be acthemselves with complished in yellow. Jobs that require a lot of mental work are best per- two minutes or less, do it immediately! That formed in blue. Workers in active jobs are way you’ll never have to think about it again. stimulated by red.

Step away from your desk -- If you can, Sniff lemons or cinnamon -- Aroma- Entrepreneur.com recommends eating lunch therapy experts have pinpointed some busy- outside of the office. You don’t need to spend boosting scents: Lemon, rosemary, cinnamon an hour at the steakhouse, just somewhere and peppermint. If you work at home, burn a where you can refresh.

6.

3.

7.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Use the Radio to Grow Your Business

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

New radio station La Mejor 92.1/105.9 FM serves businesses and community members.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Ramon Moreno is not a big city guy. He’s of years to find a reasonable way to get into from Merkel. But he can bring big city results radio but that was our motivation.” to your business through advertising on La Mejor 92.1/105.9 FM. La Mejor 92.1/105.9 FM hit the airwaves in November 2015 and now employs ten people.

When Ramon moved back to Abilene after about twenty years away, he recognized “We had no experience in the radio business a great opportunity. As the owner of a local so we knew we were going to have growing Spanish nightclub, he realized that his patrons preferred Mexican Regional music.

“Mexican Regional encompasses multiple genres,” he says. “Norteno, Banda, Cumbia, Mariachi and more. Seventy percent of Hispanics can find the music they want with Mexican Regional and our listeners range from eighteen to fifty-five years old.”

After college Ramon worked in San Antonio business for ten years, then moved to Dallas to work in advertising for Verizon. That’s where he met his wife Nery. He excelled as outside sales consultant promoting to sales manager after one year. Three years later, in 2008, he was promoted again to General Sales Manager overseeing sales for Verizon in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

In December of 2012 when he was forty-three, they found out they were expecting their first child.

“We loved it there,” he said, “but we hadn’t had the opportunity to come home very often.

When we found out we were pregnant, we wanted to move closer to family.”

They chose Abilene because Ramon believes there is a great deal of opportunity here. He and Nery own Chelsea Street Pub in the Abilene Mall and La Nueva Luna Bar. “We were promoting bands through the nightclub,” Ramon says, “but there wasn’t really a radio station to reach out to this big Hispanic market. While at Verizon, I was fortunate to be in markets where the main focus was capitalizing on the Hispanic market. It took a couple

after but do not really understand how reach the majority of the Hispanic market. Even though the music, entertainment and celebrities keep things interesting, he really prefers meeting business owners and educating them on how to reach this market not only through radio, but multiple medias and ideas that he learned in his former career. A lawyer from Dallas was one of Ramon’s first clients in 2003 with Verizon that had tremendous growth through the 10 years of working with him. Juan Hernandez, the same lawyer, was one of the first clients at La Mejor 92.1/105.9.

“What I have found is that most business owners see advertising as an expense, not an investment,” Ramon says. “I try to take them back and remember where their thought process was when started their business and ask ‘What were your dreams?’ ‘What were your goals?’

‘What’s your story?’ Most entrepreneurs go into business with high hopes of taking control of their lives and financial future. Many lose sight of that with the day to day challenges of running a business and fail to focus on the things that can truly help them grow like advertising.”

If you’re looking for an opportunity for your business to reach new customers in a new market, Ramon pains,” Ramon says. “Our basic strategy was would be glad to help you craft an advertising simple. (1) develop a great product to attract plan. You can reach him by email at ramon@ listeners (2) Tell local businesses about this lamejorabilene.com. product as a great avenue to reach the huge Hispanic market especially in this area.

When Ramon is not working at one of his La Mejor doesn’t help just one business at a businesses, he spends time with Nery and time. It also provides for the Abilene com- their kids R.J. III, age three; Marco, age seven munity. In its first ten months of existence the months and stepdaughter Vianka, age fourteen. radio station has sponsored a Christmas event that served 1,000 children, a two-day Cinco “At the end of the day,” Ramon says, “we all de Mayo festival attended by 2,500, a back to just want to do well for our families.” school back pack give away for 100 students and a Latino Fest for over 1,000 people.

La Mejor 92.1/105.9 FM may be new in the area but it won’t be long before it will be well Ramon’s favorite thing about his work is to known for helping businesses and helping the help provide solution for businesses who are community.

Doug Peters and incoming Chamber Chair, Yvonne Batts, presented current Chamber Chair, Charlie Black, with an appreciation plaque at the last Chamber Board meeting.

54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

6 Things to Do If Your Credit Card Balances Are Creeping Up

By MSN Money

About half of all Americans use their credit cards strictly as a method of payment, avoiding interest charges by paying each statement balance in full. The other half will frequently (or always) carry a balance on their credit cards. And while most credit card users will tell themselves that they have their debt under control, some will eventually become worried when their balances keep growing.

2. Increase Your Monthly Payments •

Since it’s considered unsecured debt, credit card interest rates are usually higher than other types of financing such as car loans and mortgages. And since credit card interest payments are never tax-deductible, letting your balance

3. Make Your Payments Sooner • Just be-

One of the worst mistakes that you can make with your credit cards is to only pay the minimum balance. When you pay just the minimum, it can take years to pay off your credit card debt, even if you don’t make any new charges. In fact, you should be paying as much as you can in order to lower your interest charges and pay down your balance as soon as possible. cause your statement shows a due date a few weeks in the future, doesn’t mean that you should wait that long to make your payment. Credit card interest is calculated based on your average daily balance, so you will save money by making your payments as soon as you can.

4. Make More than One Payment Each Month • Another way to pay down

grow can be extremely costly. Furthermore, having a high credit card balance will raise your debt-to-credit ratio, and can hurt your credit score. With a lower credit score, you will receive less favorable interest rates when applying for other financing.

Therefore, it’s vital that you control your credit card balances before they begin to control your personal finances.

If your credit card balances are creeping up and it’s starting to creep you out, consider these six things.

1. Go On a Diet • Eating less won’t nec-

essarily help you cut your credit card balance (unless you eat at restaurants a lot), but it can make sense to go on a spending diet. Start by cutting out all unnecessary expenditures, while postponing essential purchases for as long as possible. Then, look for ways to save money on all your essential purchases.

your credit balances faster is to make multiple payments each month. For example, you could choose to make a payment twice a month after you receive your paycheck, or anytime you receive a significant amount of cash. When you do this, you will reduce your average daily balance with each payment, which will lower your interest charges.

5. Use a Different Method of Payment •

By design, credit cards make it easy to spend money you don’t have, which enables some people to get carried away. If this is happening to you, it might be time to store your credit cards in a secure place and temporarily start using cash, checks or debit cards.

Some people put their cards in their sock drawer, but others will lock them in their safe or even freeze them in a block of ice.

6. Consider a Balance Transfer • The big-

gest problem with a high credit card balance is the interest charges that you face. Thankfully, there are credit cards that offer 0% annual percentage rate (APR) promotional financing on balance transfers that last from as little as six months to as long as 21 months. When you open a new credit card account with one of these offers, you can transfer your existing balances to that account and avoid interest charges during its promotional financing period.

When the promotional financing expires, the standard interest rate will apply to any unpaid balance.

Just be aware that most credit cards with 0% APR promotional financing offers will apply a 3% to 5% balance transfer fee to the new balance.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

TCU Energy Institute for Mineral and Royalty Owners Being Held at McMurry University

By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University

The Energy Institute at Texas Christian University (TCU) is conducting a three-day training program for mineral and royalty owners in Abilene and West Central Texas. The program is being held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday, October 18-20, in Radford Auditorium Bishops Hall on the McMurry campus.

The first course, The Foundation of Energy Law in Texas, will be held on October 18. The second course will be Leasing the Mineral Estate on October 19. The final course is Critical Issues after Production Begins on October 20.

The ROP instructor is Glen Webb, an experienced attorney and mineral owner who lives in the Abilene area.

The non-degreed, adult education program is aimed at mineral owners who want to level the playing field and get everything that they are entitled to when they interact with oil and gas companies. The Royalty Owner Program is open to new or prospective royalty owners, who want to master the basics of mineral ownership.

The program is $1375 (discounted) rate for all three days or $525 per day, which includes all materials, handouts, snacks, and lunches. The program is sponsored by the Texas Bar and offers MLE/CLE/CE credits.

For more information or to register, call 1-800255-1261 or go to energyinstitute.tcu.edu.

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

Is Starting a Business Right for You? Monday, October 17, 2016 • 6:30 p.m. • FREE Main Library Auditorium, 202 Cedar St. Launching a new business that will be successful over the long term is certainly not for everyone, but for those focused on a vision, proper financial backing and the time and energy to devote to it, success and great personal satisfaction are achievable.

“Is Starting a Business Right for You?” will be presented as a program free to the public at the Abilene Public Library the evening of Monday, October 17 by the director of the Texas Tech University Small Business Development Center in Abilene.

Judy Wilhelm will explore reasons for starting one’s own business, how to determine the market potential for a product or service and explain the importance of financial planning. She will delve into the “management trinity” areas of activity for a business: financial, managerial and marketing. She will talk about how to avoid the common pitfalls with proper planning and knowledge.

“Whether to start one’s own business or not will without question be one of the most important decisions a person will ever make with significant financial ramifications either positively or negatively ,” according to the speaker. “There are numerous critical issues to consider before making that leap.”

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

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

Buy Now...Pay Later NO CREDIT CHECK FINANCING & LAYAWAY AVAILABLE

90

While Supplies Last

DAYS SAME AS CASH

Elation Memory Foam Queen Set $399 King Set $499

Gallery Warehouse Furniture

10383441

GREAT SAVINGS!

l l i t S l l i W You y e n o M e Hav ! r i a F e h T For

Sofa & Love Seat ABILENE 1158 Butternut 1205 S. Danville

599

$

Bedroom Set Includes Headboard, Dresser, Mirror & Night Stand

499

$

299

Dining Room $

www.gallerywarehousefurniture.com SAN ANGELO 329 West Washington

EARLY At Heartland Mall

SNYDER 2912 College

SWEETWATER 502 Broadway