Issuu

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

OCTOBER 2017

Volume 8, 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 ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2017 HispanicLIfe Media

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Isn’t it amazing to know that we are already in the last part of the year of 2017! Yes, with only 90 days till the near year, but, let’s not focus on that right now; let us take advantage of the days ahead. A time to celebrate birthdays, anniversarys, an upcoming weddding, not to mention the holidays. Yes, the holidays are upon us and are quickly approaching with intensity already. You go a store and there are already Thanksgiving and Christmas decor everywhere - unbelievable! But no worries, no need stay focused on that right now. Make an effort to focus on others, rather than yourself. Be a good listener and help out whenever you can. You will reap the rewards later in life. Visit an old friend or send a card to someone randomly; they will be so surprised! Taking the time to serve others, is always something that is rewarding and makes a lasting impact on others. Give of your time, your money and your talents - you won’t regret it. Plus, your rewards are being stored up in heaven; think about it! Don’t wait for tomorrow to make the memories you can make today, because tomorrow is not promised. Have a great month and as always…. First God, then Family and finally Friends….

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

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Concert Band Invites Audience to a Night at the Movies By Grace Mitchell | University Marketing Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University

The HSU Concert Band will be performing music from various film composers at their first concert of the season, At the Movies! The fun begins Tuesday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Behrens Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. The concert will feature selections from film composers Miklos Rozsa, Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams, and others. It will include recognizable music from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek, Raiders of the Lost Ark, James Bond, Silverado, and more.

To add to the evening’s theme, the School of Music is inviting concert attendees to dress up as a character from their favorite movie. “This is our first concert of the season, and we hope to attract a big audience,” said Dr. Wayne F. Dorothy, Professor of Music and Director of Bands. “We’ll be performing a lot of iconic film music so everyone will recognize what we’re playing. It will be a great time for everyone.”

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

Fun and Flavor at the Business Mercado On October 14 you can experience a Fiesta in celebration of the Hispanic culture and the community of Abilene.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Kim Bosher, director of events for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce promises a “fun, vibrant and energy-filled day” at the Business Mercado on Saturday. Kim works with the Hispanic Business Council, currently chaired by Linda Barfield, to plan and bring off the daylong fiesta. In fact, Fiesta is the theme of the Business Mercado this year.

community. For the first time this year a war veteran will also be spotlighted. For 2017 that veteran is Michael Hernandez who served in Vietnam. A display will honor Hernandez and Hispanic Heritage Month.

If your family owns or is considering the addition of a pet, another new Mercado opportunity will appeal to you. The American Kennel Club will host a “pet responsibility” area where children can meet service dogs and their owners and learn what owning an animal requires from feeding to exercising to loving.

A collaboration between the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) Business Mercado volunteers make up the planand Business Mercado also brings a new ac- ning committee. That committee is divided into This year’s Mercado has a lot of success to tivity, “Storybook Saturday.” Every family four groups that each handle a different aspect of build on. Last year saw an increase in the event. A total of about thirty-five attendance to about 3,000 and the expeople participate. Service groups hibitor booths sold out. In spite of the from all three universities, and the addition of new booths this year, only Dyess We Care group also help out. two are still available. Erma Rodriguez, co-anchor at KTAB Telemundo and Susan Holland with Linda’s office at Communities of Rebound Sports and Physical TheraAbilene Federal Credit Union overflows py serve as chair and co-chair. with decorations and printed pieces for the 2017 Fiesta, which also marks the Entertainment for the day includes Hispanic Business Council’s 10th annithe Texas Tech Mariachi Los Mataversary. Sponsors include Arrow Ford, dores, the Abilene Christian UniTelemundo Abilene and Happy State versity Flying Cats gymnastic team, Our history is the foundation to our future Bank. Ballet Folklorico Big Country, Martinez Elementary School Choir, “Our purpose is to celebrate Hispanic Ballet Folklorico St. Vincent and culture and bridge the gap between local Preachers of Praise choir. Abilene businesses and Hispanic consumers,” saturday Convention 9 am - 3 pm she says. “Our recognition of Hispanic “Not only can vendors meet people,” october 14 Opening Ceremony 8:30 am Center Heritage Month, September 15 through Linda says, “and shake hands with October 15 is part of the celebration.” their customers, you can enjoy the FUN! boothFood! free: Family that visitsEnjoy the Telemundo Abilene will beautiful sounds, colors and ambiance of Hispanic Ballet Hispanic Heritage National Hispanic Heritage Week began in receive Children’s a $5.00 Games voucher to readings by bestculture and a fiesta. And it’s all under one roof.” Folklórico! & Activities Display 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and selling and nationally known author/illustrawas expanded by President Ronald Reagan tors MarlaTexas Frazee, Shannon and Mark The Fiesta begins on Saturday, October 14 at the TechDavid Mariachi Los Matadores cdfConvention Center at 8:30 am with the in 1988 to a thirty-day period according to the www.abilenechamber.com Teague from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Bubbles, face Abilene website, www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov. painting, art activities and visits by costumed Opening Ceremony and runs until 3:00 pm. Don’t characters will follow. The Abilene Public Li- miss your chance for fun, food, education, prizes and Business Mercado annually recognizes a brary will host a showing of the movie The entertainment. You’ll also learn about businesses Dyess airman or woman who has contributed Boss Baby, based on Frazee’s book, at 1:00 and services you had no idea existed. Entry is free. to the good of their country and to the Abilene pm.

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HispanicLife Media

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Meals on Wheels Plus Receives $30,000 Challenge Grant By Betty Bradley | Executive Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.

Family Flix: “Hocus Pocus” October 14 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: After three centuries, three witch sisters are resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night, and it is up to two teens, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to the witches’ reign of terror once and for all. Saturday Matinee: “Transformers: The Last Knight” October 14 at 2:00PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: Autobots and Decepticons are at war, with humans on the sidelines. Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving our future lies buried in the secrets of the past, in the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Weekend Walk-In Flix: “The Mummy” October 15 at 3:00PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: An ancient princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension. Teen Flix After Hours: “Wonder Woman” October 20 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny. BATurday Afternoon Movie: “Batman vs. Two-Face” October 21 at 2:00PM South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Former Gotham City District Attorney Harvey Dent, one side of his face scarred by acid, goes on a crime spree based on the number ‘2’. All of his actions are decided by the flip of a defaced, two-headed silver dollar. Family Flix: “Goosebumps” October 21 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. Weekend Walk-In Flix: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” October 22 at 3:00PM South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Peter Parker tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and must confront a new menace prowling the skies of New York City. Classic Cinema: “Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho” October 27 at 10:30AM Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer’s client, goes on the run, and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. Saturday Matinee: “Beetlejuice” October 28 at 10:30AM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: A couple of recently deceased ghosts contract the services of a “bioexorcist” in order to remove the obnoxious new owners of their house. Family Films: “Open Season: Scared Silly” October 28 at 2:30PM Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: Elliot, Boog and all of the beloved woodland creatures are back in a brand new comedy adventure. Weekend Walk-In Flix: “Baby Driver” October 29 at 3:00PM. South Branch Library. Movie Summary: After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. Fright Flix: “The Conjuring” October 30 at 5:30PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Halloween Horror: “Rings” October 30 at 6:00PM, Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: A young woman finds herself on the receiving end of a terrifying curse that threatens to take her life in seven days. Fright Flix: “Misery” October 31 at 5:30PM, South Branch Library Movie Summary: After a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.

The Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Charitable Foundation in Austin has offered to match dollar-for-dollar all donations made to Meals on Wheels Plus, up to $30,000, to serve meals to people on the waiting list. Meals on Wheels Plus currently receives Title XX funds through the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. It covers part of the cost of meals for a number of low-income people. But funding is limited and there is a waiting list of people who need free meals under Title XX. All donations received will be eligible for the waiting list matching funds grant, which will provide meals for someone who is hungry, elderly, and/or disabled, in the Abilene, Hawley, Eula, Potosi, Winters, Ballinger and Rowena area. “This Challenge Grant is an exciting opportunity, and it couldn’t come at a more critical moment”, said

Betty Bradly, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Plus. She went on to say “Meals on Wheels Plus is enduring a difficult time. A growing aging population — along with rising prices of food, utilities, and medical care, puts more seniors and adults with disabilities at risk. Every day we deliver more than 1,000 meals and the requests for meals arrive every day.” Meals on Wheels Plus serves the frailest, most vulnerable and physically impaired adult neighbors throughout the Abilene area and much of Runnels County, and often provides the only nutritious meal and human contact they will receive in a day. Please send contributions to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. - P. 0. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604. You may also donate on-line at www.mealsonwheelsplus.com. Please be sure to add the word “waiting list” when making your donation.

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

Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.

SPOTLIGHT

Firefighter Jesse Jennings joined the Abilene Fire Department in May of 2013. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic and a EMTParamedic. He currently is assigned to Station 1 on A shift.

Firefighter Kegan Carey joined the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic and he is a Licensed Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 4 on B shift.

BRIDGE TO EXCELLENCE

Building a Bridge Between Our Community and Traditional Health Care By Andra Cobb | Big Country AHEC

The Big Country Area Health Education Center (BCAHEC) has been funded to train and host Abilene’s first Community Health Worker (CHW) Program. The new CHW Program will build a bridge between our community and traditional health care. CHWs play a unique role in the community by providing health education for chronic diseases, guidance on how to navigate the health care system, referrals to medical care and social services, advocacy for the patient and follow-up care to ensure compliance with treatment recommendations. Beginning in January 2018, BCAHEC will hire and train two individuals from the community to become certified CHWs to work in conjunction with the Hendrick Hospital Nurse Navigator. Currently, the Nurse Navigator is working with 10 identified patients to assist and provide strategies to achieve long-term goals that will improve their overall health status. “After working several months as a Nurse Navigator, I truly see the need for CHWs in our community,” said Tam Luedtke, Hendrick Medical Center Nurse Navigator. “A CHW fills in the gaps and provides additional support to the patient. By working one-onone with patients, the CHW can teach them the skills and guide them toward the resources needed to make better, more informed decisions about their health behaviors and choices.” Integration into the community will begin by identifying appropriate CHW candidates guided by suggestions from an established neighborhood advocacy group. The CHW will become an integral part of the Abilene community to improve community health, particularly with disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals. Through education, social support, and advocacy, CHWs work to build individual and community capacity and self-reliance. Financial support for the CHW Program has been provided by the Dodge Jones Foundation, Hendrick Medical Center, United Way of Abilene, and Big Country AHEC. Program support will be provided by the West Texas Area Health Education Center’s CHW Workforce Development Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, West Central Texas Council of Governments, City of Abilene, and Hendrick Medical Center. Community Health Worker Programs are evidence based, innovative, and truly tailored to the communities they serve. By looking at the needs of our community, BCAHEC is creating a bridge between a patient’s needs, services and resources that are available, education support and patient advocacy. Our community will be impacted by better health, better quality of service, lower costs, greater job opportunities and the ability to connect with hard to reach populations. Big Country AHEC is the regional office of the West Texas Area Health Education Center hosted by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Since 2005, Big Country AHEC has been committed to improving the health of all Big Country residents by providing youth an introduction into health careers, support for existing health care professionals and clinical training for students who are in health professions.

VA and Abilene Police Issue Walgreens Team Warning After Suspected Overdoses Kill Up to Provide Flu 3 People in 11 Hours Vaccinations to CRITICAL AND TIME SENSITIVE Veterans INFORMATION By Mary Cooksey | United Way of Abilene

On October 6th, 2017 between the hours of 1:45am and 12:41 pm, there have been three death investigations, likely related to drug overdoses, in Abilene. A fourth person survived thanks to quick medical attention and admitted to using heroin prior to the medical distress. All three deceased persons were located at different locations and at different times. The three deceased victims were: #1: 56 year old white female #2: 22 year old male #3: 52 year old white male (boyfriend of #1) The fourth victim, a 34 year old white female, survived the incident and is being treated at a local hospital. Names of the deceased may be released at a later time. These cases are all under investigation. There is no readily apparent cause of death, which typically indicates some type of overdose in the absence of any other medical condition. While that is an assumption at this point, we believe it is of vital importance to this community to communicate this information immediately. Two of the victims were in a dating relationship and there is no other known connection between the victims at this time. The timeframe of the narcotics purchases and the location of the purchases are being investigated, however we will not be able to answer further questions at this time. If you have purchased any illicit narcotics in Abilene, please do not consume it. Your life could be at immediate risk. If anyone has information related to these incidents, please contact the Abilene Police Department at 325-673-8331 or Crime Stoppers at 325676-TIPS. Respectfully, Sgt. Lynn Beard Abilene Police Department

Flu Season is here! Veterans protect yourselves and get a NO COST flu shot! The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with Walgreens Pharmacies nationwide to allow all veterans who are currently enrolled in the VA healthcare system to be able walk into any of the over 8000 Walgreens nationally (and the Duane Reade pharmacies in the New York metropolitan area) to receive a vaccination at no cost. Vaccinations will be available through March 31, 2018. Veterans wishing to receive the no cost vaccination simply need to present a Veterans Identification Card and a photo ID, at any participating Walgreens to receive the vaccination. The Group ID is: VAFLU In addition, after the Walgreens pharmacist administers the vaccine Walgreens will transmit that information securely to VA where it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record. VA is committed to keeping Veteran patients healthy, and during this flu season, vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. No matter where you live, visit your local VA clinic or Walgreens to get a no cost flu shot. • To find your local VA, visit va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp. • To locate a Walgreens store near you, call 800-WALGREENs (800-925-4733), or go to com/findastore. • To learn more about the partnership, call 1-877-771-8537 or visit https://www. va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/ veterans/immunization.asp . • To get more information on flu and flu vaccine, visit publichealth.va.gov/flu or www.cdc.gov/flu.

New Library Makerspace Opens in October

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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By Heather Carter | Abilene Public Library

If you have an interest in building things and working on craft projects, you’ll be excited to learn the Main Library will be opening our new makerspace in October! We’ve been teasing information about the room since the Spring, and in two weeks you’ll find out what the new makerspace, called The Creation Station, is all about. What’s a makerspace? These workshop areas have been a popular feature in many library systems and offer a workspace for the community to utilize. No two makerspaces are alike as each are designed to offer equipment and tools to create a wide range of items.

• PolyPrinter (3D Printer) • Cricut Explorer Air 2 Machine • Sizzix Big Shot Pro Machine • Tool Kits • Sewing Machines • Jewelry Tool Kits When the makerspace opens, we’ll do so And More by initially granting access to the public on Mondays through Fridays from 2PM to 5PM. To use The Creation Station, we’ll require paServices will be located in the basement of trons to complete an orientation class. Two the Main Library, and the room will come sessions will be offered in October on Monequipped with great equipment including: day, October 2 at 4:00PM and Monday, Oc-

tober 16 at 10:00AM. Participants will learn about the equipment available for use, policies, safety guidelines, and more to orient themselves to this new featured space. Additional sessions will be hosted in future months. Space will be limited to 20 individuals, so contact Heather Carter at 325-676-6029 to signup. We will also offer a video version of the course in the future to make it more accessible to patrons. Additional courses will be offered by library staff on using specialized equipment including a Cricut Design Space Class for using the specialized die-cut machine, as well as a Tinker CAD Design Class to orient yourself in creating your own 3D projects for printing out. We encourage everyone to check out this new service at your Abilene Public Library in October, and as time progresses, we’ll continue to add more services to meet community needs. If you have questions, contact Heather Carter at 325-676-6029

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

Big Hearts:

90-Year-Old Abilene Man Continues to Minister By Brittany Pelletz | KTAB News

When you reach the age of 90, you’ve seen and done a lot in your life. But, an Abilene man proves turning 90 is no reason to give up your passion.

ISE O ADVERT CALL US T) 701-9505 5 (32

The experience brings new meaning to Roland’s life. “It’s a rewarding experience. To go into a room to find someone that’s really depressed. They’re ill or they wouldn’t be here. And I can go in there and in just a few moments, I get to talking to them and try and lift them out of that depression. Get them to smile,” Williams says.

Roland Williams, an Abilene resident says, “We came here because of necessity, really.” But, home is where the heart is and for Roland, who recently lost his wife Gloria after almost 69 years of marriage, home is at Wesley Court; a senior living community in Abilene.

Harding adds, “I just think he has the biggest heart in Texas.”

Shortly after moving in, Roland recognized a need, “I had been going down the hallway and had not found anyone visiting with the residents.” That wasn’t okay with him. So with permission, Roland changed that. He is the facility’s volunteer chaplain.

That’s why Harding nominated Roland Williams for Big Hearts in the Big Country.

Cheryl Harding, the Executive Director at Wesley Court says, “He brings them comfort through his visits and his prayers. I know he makes a huge impact here because I hear it from the other residents.” “I pastored for over 20 years. I’m 90 years of age now and to bless Wesley Court, they gave me an opportunity to continue my ministry,” says Williams.

way.”

Williams responds, “It humbles me. Because I don’t feel like I have done enough to be worthy of that recognition. It does, it creates me. It’s just a thrill. It helps my life. I know that I don’t have many more years on earth. I’m 90 years of age and I’m living those days in a wonderful

Williams also leads the Sunday School class at Wesley Court. He started it after some residents expressed interest and couldn’t necessarily leave the facility to go to a church.

Free U.S. Citizenship Classes Offered at North Abilene Church

U.S. citizenship classes are being offered for free at a North Abilene Church. The San Angelo Dioceses is organizing the classes and are offered in English and Spanish. They are accredited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The classes started Thursday evening and will continue on a weekly basis through the rest of school year from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The church can also help with legal services like filling out applications and revising peoples’ case for up to $125. In some cases the legal service can also be for free.

Nelly Diaz, organizer with the San Angelo Diocese said, “ If you need to see what our credentials are, they are in the internet. You can go into immigration and our names are in there that we can do the legal work for these people who are needing immigration paperwork [done].” Diaz also says they help people from 30 different nations in the Big Country and Concho Valley. Saint Vincent Palotti Catholic Church is located at 2525 Westview St.

BASIC RIDER COURSE October 21 – October 22

ASI Motorcycle Riding/Safety School, 6750 US Highway 277 S, Abilene, Texas 79606 Abilene Safety Instruction is the ONLY motorcycle Training in Taylor County. We offer certified riding and safety training for the novice as well as the experienced motorcycle rider. To attend the Basic Rider (licensing requirement) Course: Participants UNDER 25 years of age MUST have either a learner’s permit or a license to operate a motor vehicle, per Texas State Law! Also, any participant under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian sign their paperwork the first day of class, or make arrangements to sign it prior to class. Completion of the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) will earn you big discounts on your motorcycle insurance. Other benefits: Completion of the BRC will waive the driver’s test for a motorcycle endorsement, either course qualifies the graduate for the Texas helmet law exemption (although helmet usage is highly recommended anytime on a motorcycle….. It’s all about staying alive!), and the courses can be used for ticket dismissal. This is THE driving school for motorcyclists. Come learn to ride on our bikes. Call 325-672-3484 or visit abilenesafety.com to schedule a class.

Nature Park Coming To Kirby Lake

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

By Nathan Greve | BigCountryHomePage.com

In an increasingly connected world, many are becoming disconnected from nature. The City of Abilene has a new way to bring all those people back outside.

Another fisherman on Kirby Lake, Virgil Ashlock, is excited for a new generation to start taking in the nature surrounding the lake. He remembers his start, when his father and uncles taught him to fish. He says that education Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas needs to start somewhere. “If you don’t teach it donated $200,000 to build a brand new nature to them, they’re not going to know it. Nobody park near the shores of Kirby Lake. To start, else is going to teach it to them.” the City plans on using this money to cater to children who are seven years old and younger, Both men have plenty of ideas for what they giving them fun and education. would like to see in a nature park. While the first phase of the project is planned out, Kirby Lake is already a popular place for fish- Abilene Director of Community Services Lesli ing and bird watching. Some of the people Andrews says that she hopes to hear “continuwho enjoy spending time at the lake said that ous feedback and input from the people.” they’re excited to see the changes. Andrews also mentions that cards have been Chris Claypool is one of the people fishing given to some of those who are fishing on Kirby. He’s recently moved from Califor- Kirby Lake to get their opinions for the future. nia, and has fallen in love with the beauty of West Texas. He’s a fan of the idea:”I grew up The first phase will concentrate of a walking with Boy Scouts and stuff and we need to get path, but future plans call for an elevated walkkids away from the TV, away from the video way to see treetop ecosystems, natural playgames, social media, and see what’s out here. ground elements, and bird watching outposts. Coming from California, you’re coming to Heaven, compared to Southern California. And these kids need to get out here and see DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 this.” (325) 70

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Statewide Genealogy Event Comes to APL

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

By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library

ics accessible at 27 participating libraries and genealogical societies across the state. Programming includes something for everyone. • Orphan Train Riders: Tracks to Texas & Beyond, All Aboard 1854 to 1929 with Paula Perkins kicks off the event at 11 am – 11:50 am. • Beginner’s Guide to Documenting Your Family History with LaToya Devezin of the Austin History Center from noon - 1:30 pm can get you started or refresh you knowledge. • Discover Local History through a Regional Depository with Laura Saegert of the Texas State Library & Archives from 1:40 – 2:40 pm will address TSLAC’s regional deposi-

tory program. • My Texans during the Republic with Sharon Farnsworth from 2:50 – 3:50 pm answers questions about your Texas Republic era ancestors. • Connecting Your DNA Matches with Diahan Southard from 4:00-5:00 pm. DNA is a hot topic, so don’t miss out! • Researching Your Czech Immigrant Ancestor’s Background in the Old Fatherland with Dr. Miroslav Koudelka from the Czech Republic from 6:00-7:00 pm. • Get the Scoop on Your Ancestors with Newspapers with Lisa Louise Cooke from 7:10-8:10 pm. • Discovering Your WWI Ancestor: Sources & Resources with Earl Pogue from 8:20-9:30 pm winds up the evening. Attendees may come and go to individual programs of interest throughout the day until 6 p.m. when the library closes. At that time, no new attendees will be admitted to the library. Abilene Public Main Library is located at 202 Cedar St. For more information, contact Janis C. Test at 325-676-6017 or via e-mail at janis. test@abilenetx.com.

170488-1017

In celebration of October as Family History Month, the Abilene Public Library will join the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT) for a collaborative event on October 20th from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Main Library downtown in the auditorium. The GNT is a state-wide initiative to connect libraries and provide educational and research opportunities, and is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library. The GNT will provide a series of eight live streamed programs with up-to-date top-

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and more Pumpkins! By Holly Holmes, Director of Special Events, Disability Resources, Inc.

On October 3rd, a huge truckload of pumpkins will arrive at Disability Resources, Inc. and over 250 volunteers and the amazing Folks of DRI will be unloading 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!

October, including weekends. Hours are MondaySaturday 10am – 7pm, and Sunday 1pm – 7pm. 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.

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. We have several new additions this year are themed photo boards which are sure to be the perfect props for memorable pictures. You will want to come take pictures year after year. You can enjoy story time on weekdays as well as an old-fashioned hayride around the DRI campus. Group tours can also

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. be arranged. All this is FREE of charge. Over 13,000 visitors and 70 school groups visited the patch last year. Over 70 TONS of pumpkins were sold! The DRI Pumpkin Patch will open on October 4tht, and will run through the whole month of

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

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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

Hiring Red White and You

Regional Hiring Fair will be Thursday, November 9th By Steve Collins | Business Resource Consultant, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, Texas Veterans Commission, along with other partners are again proud to sponsor the 6th annual statewide “Hiring Red, White & You Veterans Hiring Fair. This year’s event will be held on November 9th, at the Taylor County Expo Center (Round Bldg.) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The hiring fair is designed to assist veterans, service members and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Veterans have the transferrable skills and credentials necessary to fill those technical positions currently needed by our regional employers. This year’s event has already attracted major employers, who are seeking skilled individuals, dedicated to advancing their careers, and understand the importance of “Teamwork”. Registered employers will be representing a wide range of available careers and job opportunities, which include law enforcement, border patrol agents, maintenance engineers, lab technicians, planning and development director, welders, diesel mechanics, heavy equipment operators, aircraft mechanics, wind technicians, healthcare opportunities/ LVNs, RNs, lab technicians, and truck driving opportunities. In addition to employer opportunities, there will be participating

agencies, providing information on educational opportunities, support, along with veteran benefit information. Veterans, service members, or their spouses and individuals, who plan to attend, should review and update their resume with any certifications, technical training, diploma or licensure. Needing assistance in updating that resume or need to brush-up on those important interviewing skills? Career Specialists or a Veterans Representative will be glad to assist you with these issues. Contact: Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, 500 Chestnut, Suite 1100, Abilene, Tx. or call 325.795.4200 for more information. We ask for veterans to pre-register for the event by going to our website www. workforcesystem.org/veteranfair . Our website will also provide a complete listing of all employers, who have registered to attend. There is no cost to participate/ attend for either employers or job seekers. All job seekers are welcome.

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

Storybook Saturday at Business Mercado! The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in partnership with the Hispanic Business Council, NCCIL and the Abilene Public Library presents “Storybook Saturday” on Oct. 14 from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. From 10:30-11:30 AM, enjoy book readings, followed by book signing by best-selling authors/ illustrators Mark Teague, David Shannon and Marla Frazee! From 11:30-12:30 PM, enjoy bubbles, face painting, art activity, characters, and the Storybook Garden Audio Tour. Cost to attend is $5 per family Register online or call 677-1161 for more details. Proceeds benefit the AdamsonSpalding Storybook Garden Growing Abilene one character at a time! Business Mercado is inside the Abilene Convention Center 9 AM-3 PM. Free! At 1 PM, visit the Abilene Public Library Downtown Branch to watch “The Boss Baby” movie based on Marla Frazee’s book. The movie is free to attend! Sign your children up for their FIRST LIBRARY CARD! Fill out an Abilene Public Library card application. Take it to the library with proof of residency and receive a special prize. There is no minimum age to get a card.

2017 Big Country Half Marathon Saturday, October 14th

Join us for a scenic run of Abilene for the Big Country Half Marathon on Saturday, October 14th. This race, sponsored by the City of Abilene Recreation Division, includes 13.1 miles of beautiful Abilene! Cross this bucket list item off by yourself or relay with a partner. The cost is $25 per person and $40 per team, an additional $5 will be added to entry fees for day of registration. The first 100 entries will receive a complimentary t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for teams and individuals in different age divisions. The race begins at Shotwell Stadium at 7:00 A.M. Register today at www.abilenetx.com/signup! For more information, email us at parksandrec@abilenetx.com or visit www.abilenetx. com/parksandrec.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Meals on Wheels and 7- Eleven “Pocket Change” Campaign Oct. 1-31 By Rob Chastain | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.

For the second year in a row, 7-Eleven is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Meals on Wheels Plus. This year’s campaign is called “pocket change “, and gives 7-Eleven customers the opportunity to donate their pocket change to Meals on Wheels when paying for their items at checkout. Canisters have been placed by all cash registers to make it easy to donate. “This was a very successful fundraiser last year, and we are hoping this year will be even better” said Betty Bradley, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Plus. She went on to say “it would be very difficult to have a successful outcome without the hard work of the 7-Eleven staff and the generosity of their patrons.”

Meet Heather Pate. We’d like you to meet Heather Pate. Heather has been on our team for almost a year and she’s responsible for our social media, marketing, and so much more.... From Heather: When I was asked to share a special memory of my time at Perini Ranch this immediately came to my mind. My husband is stationed at Dyess AFB. A week before he was scheduled to be deployed, the Perini Ranch crew arranged a perfect date night for us at Perini Ranch Steakhouse. As soon as we walked in the doors everyone was Amazing! They even took our picture in front of the iconic Neon sign that I have photographed many times. The service was amazing, the food outstanding, and the attention to detail was something I will never forget. After my husband deployed, the support didn’t stop there. My co-workers and bosses helped assemble care packages for my husband and his squadron. Linda Curtis made vacuumed sealed brownies for the squadron, everyone chipped in and sent them personalized cookies, and have sent cards with words of support and encouragement while helping fill packages to the brim with goodies and toiletries. I can’t express how much I have appreciated everything everyone at Perini Ranch has done for me and my family. As Lisa & Tom tell me every time I thank them, “we are here for you, you are a part of our family now.” And, I feel so fortunate and blessed to be a part of such a great family... The Perini Ranch Family!

Youth Basketball Registration Open Oct. 1 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 player which includes team uniform. Registration begins October 1st and ends on Friday, November 17th. Register today at www.abilenetx. com/signup! For more information, email us at leagues@abilenetx.com or visit www.abilenetx.com/parksandrec.

Our history is the foundation to our future

Abilene Convention Center

saturday october 14

9 am - 3 pm Opening Ceremony 8:30 am

Enjoy free: Family FUN!

Food!

Ballet Hispanic Heritage Children’s Games Folklórico! & Activities Display

Texas Tech Mariachi Los Matadores Contact Kim Bosher for more information at 325.677.7241 cdf

16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Sean T. Adams, 46, Abilene Christian University’s Young Alumnus of the Year for 2012, died Sept. 14, 2017, in Austin, Texas, at age 46. A memorial service will be held Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. at Westover Hills Church of Christ (8332 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas 78759). Born May 24, 1971, in Oakland, California, Adams graduated from Fairfield (California) High School, where he starred in track and field, basketball and baseball. He earned a B.B.A. degree in finance and an M.B.A. (’98) from ACU, where he was an accomplished sprinter on Wildcat track and field teams that won two NCAA Division II national championships and finished runner-up in five others. He also was named Academic All-America. Adams was best known for a sportswriting career he began at orangebloods.com, the website covering Longhorn athletics for The University of Texas at Austin. He became a frequent contributor on the Longhorn

a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... Network, Inside Texas, ESPN, FOX Sports, FOX 7 Austin, CBS and the NFL Network. He was co-host of “The Bottom Line” on Austin’s 1300 AM The Zone. He became a popular motivational speaker who emphasized the importance of teamwork, specializing in helping people of all ages reach their own unique potential in business, sports and life. He was a keynote speaker at the 2011 NCAA Convention. Adams authored two books, Sports for Life: Daily Sports Themes for Life Success (2006) and It’s Okay to Be Crazy (2010). He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Adams. Among survivors are his mother, Carolyn Adams; his wife, Karen (Vann ’96); a son, Damon; and a daughter, Alexis. Alicia Garcia, 86, of Abilene, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 at a local hospital. She was born on Sept. 22, 1930 in Lubbock, Texas to the late Maria Lopez Garcia and Domingo Garcia (the original owner of El Fenix Café). Alicia was a kind, loving , generous, compassionate and above all else a God fearing woman. As a young adult, she worked at the Down Towner and First State Bank in Abilene,Texas, where she raised her family and enjoyed cooking for them. Alicia touched many lives with her kind and beautiful soul, leaving an everlasting impression on many hearts and lives. She will be truly missed by all that knew her.

Alicia is survived by her son, Greg Garcia Jr. and wife, Becky; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Garcia and husband, Jeff Freeman Walters; grandchildren, Albert Garcia Jr. and wife, Leslie, Gregory Garcia III, Marcus Anthony Garcia and Justin Garcia; great grandchildren, Christian , Ashley and Arabella Rae Garcia; her siblings, Estella Moreno, Belia Ovalle, Beckie Osorio, Ruben Garcia, Maria Luisa Salazar, Domingo Garcia Jr., Olivia Velez, Dora Lopez and Theresa Sanchez; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mrs. Garcia is preceded in death by her parents, Domingo and Maria Garcia; her husband, Gregorio Moreno Garcia Sr.; a son, Alberto Garcia Sr.; her step mothers, Guadalupe Tobias and Maria Luisa Garcia; two brothers, Joe and Cleto Garcia; and two sisters, Virginia Taylor and Esther Zera. Amadeo Jimenez Jr., 73, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2017 at a local hospital. Mr. Jimenez was born June 06, 1944, in Abilene, Texas to Amadeo Sr. and Paula Chavez Jimenez. Amadeo served honorably in the U.S. Army from August 23, 1965 through May 27, 1967. He served during the Vietnam Era and was always proud to be a veteran. Amadeo was a self employed plumber for many years. He moved to Abilene ten years ago coming from California, where he had lived most of his life. Amadeo enjoyed dancing, fishing, country music (his favorite song was Proud to

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

be an American), family gatherings and a member of the DAV. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone if he could. Amadeo was a great brother, uncle and friend, we will miss him. Survivors include five sisters, Lupe Flores, Susie Herevia, Esther Silva, Pauline Jimenez and Betty Davila and 14 nieces and nephews. Mr. Jimenez was preceded in death by his parents, Amadeo and Paula Jimenez Sr.; three sisters, Carmen Chavez, Emilia Castro, Dora Jimenez; and one brother, Jose Jimenez.

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

BACKYARD MARKET FALL FESTIVAL 2257 Industrial Blvd, 3:30-9PM Come out for an afternoon and evening of fun! Bring the kids. There will be shopping, activities for kids, live music, food trucks, and more!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

FALL FESTIVAL Lee Orthodontics, 3002 S. Clack St. 6-8PM Inflatables, food trucks and lots of candy!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

BOO AT THE ZOO Abilene Zoo, 10 AM-6:30PM Dress up your little beasts and bring them out to the zoo for a day of trickor-treating, costume contests, games, and animal fun! Gates open at 10 a.m. Advance tickets sold in the Zoo Store for $4.50; $5 at the gate. FALL-O-WEEN FESTIVAL & GLOW RUN The Abilene Dream Center and Life Church, Arthur Sears Park 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM - FAMILY FESTIVAL - FREE Candy, games, bouncehouses, Photo Areas, DJ and more! 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Pre-Glow PARTY 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - GLOW RUN!! - Free of charge. For all ages. *All participants must register. To Register go to abilenedreamcenter.com. RECREATION DIVISION FALL FESTIVAL Daniel’s Recreation Center, 541 N. 8th St. 6-9PM • A fun and safe alterna-

tive to trick-or-treating that will feature carnival games, food, air castles, cake walk, costume contest and face painting. For more information, please visit www.abilenetx.com/parksandrec. HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK Hosted by Abilene State Park Texas Parks and Wildlife 6-8pm. $5 per car 150 Park Road 32, Tuscola, Texas

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

FALL FESTIVAL Trinity Baptist Church, 871 Woodlawn Dr. (1 block north of Abilene High) 4-6PM Bring the whole family and join Trinity Baptist Church and the YMCA of Abilene for a FREE fun filled Fall Festival! We will have games, prizes, a trunk or treat, bounce houses, food and more! Costumes are allowed.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30

MALL-O-WEEN Mall of Abilene, 6-8PM •Costume Contest (free and open to children ages 0-12 yrs.) at Women’s Dillard’s Courtyard ◦Age categories of 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12 ◦1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes awarded in each age category •Games •Prizes •Trick or treating at participating mall retailers

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31

TRUNK OR TREAT Arrow Ford, 4001 S. 1st, 5-7PM A fun night of candy and games! It’s free to the public!

18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Dyess aircrew recognized for meritorious service during Operation NEW NORMAL

Five of the original Operation NEW NORMAL aircrew members pose for a photograph in front of a C-130J Super Hercules at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 30, 2017. The aircrew members were awarded the General James H. Doolittle Trophy from Air Mobility Command for extremely meritorious service when they led the first-ever, president directed Operation NEW NORMAL in July 2016. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Emily Copeland)

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Johnston Elementary’s Design Wins Statewide Award By Scott McLean | Associate Superintendent for Operations

Just over three years ago, an article appeared in this space which described the process of designing a new elementary school campus from scratch. It mentioned some of the questions architects asked to determine what we, as users, wanted from the new facility. Questions such as, “What does learning look like today and what do you think it will look like in the future?” and “Is there space in a traditional school building that is unoccupied for significant portions of the day and can that space be repurposed or used somehow in daily instruction?”. The responses to these questions, along with an understanding of the attributes of today’s students, helped contribute to the design of one of the district’s newest facilities, Johnston Elementary, which recently won statewide recognition in the TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture. The TASA/TASB Exhibit of School Architecture showcases new and renovated Texas schools and celebrates excellence in the planning and design of learning environments. School construction projects are eligible to be awarded Stars of Distinction as recognition in one or more Areas of Distinction which include Design, Value, Sustainability, Community, Planning and School Transformation. The Johnston Elementary design received Stars of Distinction in the School Transformation, Planning and Value categories which places it among the elite school designs to be featured at the upcoming TASA/TASB convention in Dallas in October.

the culmination of the 2013 Bond Program. The recent ribbon cutting at the Long Early Learning Center represented delivery of the last remaining project identified in the 2013 Master Facilities Plan. Since approval of the bond referendum on November 5, 2013 until today, a period of less than 48 months, the district has opened four new schools, improved the safety and security conditions at each campus while increasing accessibility within each campus, renovated and improved auditoriums at the high schools and middle schools, significantly reduced the number of portables The TASA/TASB recognition coincides with throughout the district, increased the presence

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of technology in the classroom and improved the paving and circulation around every campus. These facility improvements would not have been possible without the support of the Abilene community along with the cooperation and participation of district staff for which we should be very thankful. Undoubtedly, this support, cooperation and participation will be needed again. Several 1950’s and 1960’s vintage schools are still in service in AISD and in spite of recent and past improvements, some are nearing the end of their life cycle. The Johnston Elementary design achieved statewide recognition from educators and those in charge of educating students for its potential to provide effective delivery of instruction to 21st Century learners. It may or may not prove to be a template for future AISD facilities but it should inspire and encourage us to deliver relevant and effective learning spaces for every AISD student.

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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Dr. Robert Hunter of ACU Honored with Prestigious Award By BigCountryHomePage.com

The Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT) has renamed its highest award in honor of Dr. Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, Abilene Christian University’s vice president emeritus. Since 1990, ICUT – of which Abilene Christian University and all other private colleges and universities in Texas are members – has on occasion conferred the Founders Award. The award has always represented the highest honor the association can confer, with the name recalling the small group of visionary college presidents that filed Articles of Incorporation founding ICUT in 1965. This group’s vision for ICUT saw it becoming the voice of Texas’ fully accredited private colleges and universities, especially in the public arena. The Board of Directors does not present this award annually, but only when they believe a nominee merits this recognition. During ICUT’s annual meeting on Sept. 10, Hunter was honored for his contributions to the founding of ICUT by having the award renamed the “Robert D. Hunter Founders Award.”

“Dr. Hunter was instrumental in building ICUT into what it has become today: an association that effectively advocates for private, regionally-accredited higher education institutions in Texas,” said ICUT president Ray Martinez. “ Dr. Hunter’s early contributions to the 52-year success of ICUT cannot be overstated: as the association’s part-time executive vice president in the early 1970s, Dr. Hunter helped to pass legislation establishing the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant Program (TEG), which has enabled generations of college students with financial need to attend independent Texas institutions. The ICUT Board of Directors wanted to honor Dr. Hunter’s contributions in a special way and we felt that renaming the ICUT Founders Award – our sector’s highest honor – in Dr. Hunter’s name was the appropriate way to do so. We hope his tireless dedication inspires future recipients of the Robert D. Hunter Founders Award for decades to come.” Hunter, for whom the ACU Hunter Welcome Center is named, is a past recipient and ICUT board member. He served on the Texas House of Representatives from 1986-2007.

Live Music with Midnight Blue, Food/Dessert Trucks, friends and family, and small town fellowship. Tickets now available ellerhall.com Advance Adult & Youth (12-17) $8/$4 Door $10/$5 Children under 12 Free (No alcohol)

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

MAKING MEET

A+ DIFFERENCE

NIKKI KITTLEY DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Counselor at Thomas Elementary, the BEST school in the whole world! YEARS WITH AISD:24 years. I started my career at Alta Vista Elementary as a Blue Rooster! WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? I am from the tiny town of Rule, Texas. After graduation, I came to Abilene to attend Abilene Christian University. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I married my high school sweetheart, Danny Kittley (an attendance officer at AHS), and we have three sons. They are products of the AISD and attended Taylor, Thomas, Franklin, Craig, and AHS. All three graduated from Abilene High School – Go Eagles! Luke and his wife Jensen have my four grandchildren: Jett, Jones, Jane, and Joli. Ben, a Texas Tech alum, is married to Jordan and lives in Abilene. Nate is a senior at ACU. I have two boxers: Holly and Mama. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I’m completely obsessed with football – both college and pro. I pretty much plan my life around the football schedule during this time of the year. My teams are the Red Raiders, Fighting Irish, Cowboys and Texans. My bucket list includes going to the NCAA Football Championship and the Super Bowl. As for baseball, I also want to go to Fenway Park and the College World Series. MLB World Series, you might ask? Been there, done that….TWICE! Boom. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB: Hands down, my favorite part of my job is being with the kids. They are open, honest, and want someone to show them they care. I love building relationships and figuring out what motivates them. I get hugs – LOTS of hugs. I get to be a helper. How cool is that? I get paid to be a helper! I get to celebrate many things each and ev-

ery day: when someone learns to write their name, when they make a new friend, when they learn their math facts, when they walk quietly in a straight line, when they understand what personal space means, when they can find their lunch ticket by themselves, when their parent gets out of jail, when they remember their homework, when they get a new puppy, when they lose a tooth, when they walk to class all by themselves, when they learn a new dance for the talent show, when they get an award for laps on the track, when they get a new school job, and the list goes on and on. My dad taught me to find something to celebrate each day. Luckily, if I forget, I have 500 little ones to remind me. J WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “Nikki Kittley has a heart for children and leads by example. Her goal is to meet with every student at Thomas during the first few weeks of school to form a relationship with them. She conducts small group sessions in her office during lunch. Nikki always has a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Thomas Elementary is blessed to have her as a part of our faculty.” – Cindy Hay, principal, Thomas Elementary

22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene Education Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients

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By Abilene Independent School District

The Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) tion Scholarship, John McCabe Memorial announced the names of the 2017 AEF Scholarship, Rising Phoenix Scholarship, Scholarship recipients at a ceremony May Royce Curtis Excellence in Education En16 at the Star Family dowed Scholarship of Dealers Dealership and Young Masters Showroom. Juried Art Exhibition. A total of $47,000 was awarded in scholarships to 37 students from Abilene High School, Cooper High School, ATEMS High School and Woodson Center for Excellence. Scholarships are funded through AEF, AHS & CHS Alumni, Citizens Bank of Abilene, various Donor Directed Scholarships, Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation, Johnny Ortega, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, Michele Scott Memorial Scholarship, Cougar Na-

If the AEF scholarship recipient decides to attend a local college or university, he or she also has the opportunity to double their scholarship award. Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, and Cisco College have all generously committed to match the AEF scholarship amount, within certain guidelines, in the studentâ€™s financial aid package with the university or college funded financial aid.

McMurry University offers online degrees in business and nursing that fit your life and goals. The online degree programs are transfer-friendly, convenient and affordable. McMurry University is your community to flourish academically, personally and professionally.

For more information contact your online enrollment counselor Caroline Park at 325-793-4710 or park.caroline@mcm.edu and begin your path to success.

online.mcm.edu Tiare Peters

River Young

Victoria Dunnam

The recipients of the 2017 AEF scholarships were presented at the Star Family of Dealers Dealership Showroom.

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

At the Helm:

De Leon Seeks Campus and Community Unity

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

By Jonathan Raitz | The Optimist

at that,” Root said. “Just thinking about Lees personality just being really gregarious, just being a natural leader. He led all these events at Notre Dame. He’s just really good at bringing people together.”

The Here and Now

This December it will be three years since Director of Athletics Lee De Leon moved to Abilene to take the helm of the Department of Athletics. At 32, he would become the youngest Div. 1 athletic director in the country – an accomplishment shattering his initial goal of obtaining this type of job before he was 40.

It didn’t take De Leon long to agree either, when Root shared those thoughts with him.

Now as students, faculty, fans and the Abilene community as a whole await the grand opening of Wildcat Stadium, De Leon said this was the best decision he has ever made. “It’s been the best decision of my life to come here and I couldn’t be happier here at ACU,” De Leon said. “You know, when I got here, I wasn’t sure how I’d be accepted. I’m not an ACU alum, I’m not a member of the Church of Christ – I was a little nervous about that – but man I feel like the people of ACU have really loved me and welcomed me and embraced me.” Although Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium is what many people might first associate with De Leon’s tenure here, the program has now completed the fully Div. 1 transition under him and the student-athlete number has grown to over 400. However, De Leon said he has been fortunate to capitalize on momentum garnered before him.

“I remember exactly where I was standing outside my dorm, I remember it like it was yesterday and I thought about it for about 2.5 seconds, and said ‘Ok! That sounds awesome!’” De Leon said. And now over a decade later, it comes as no surprise to Root that Lee is in the position he is now. “Lee really embodies not being intimidated by any challenge,” Root said. “He’s just really, really bold and I think a lot of his success can be attributed to his faith and how he’s trusted the Lord to open up doors for him to climb up the ranks to be an athletic director.”

Director of athletics, Lee De Leon flashes the ‘WC’, something that has become synonymous to his ‘Go Wildcats’ greeting. (Photo by Max Preston)

player and I went to Notre Dame thinking I could walk on to the program there and I tried out on the first day of school and immediately got cut,” De Leon said. “So here I was at Notre Dame with no chance of playing Div. 1 athletics and decided you know what – how Root also gave insight as to why De Leon is so can I still be involved with industry, be in- passionate about mending the bridge between volved with this passion of mine that is col- student-athletes and the rest of the student body. “Jared [Mosley] really set me up for success lege sports?” He has a really cool perspective as an athletic and had the train moving in the right direction,” De Leon said. “I felt like it was my job Then De Leon met Matt Root. The two met director, because he has a student body perspecto capitalize on the momentum that had been in the dorms at Notre Dame Root’s freshman tive,” Root said. “He was the ultimate fan in year, De Leon’s sophomore year. Root was college. Any sports event that was going on he created and to tell our story nationally.” a scholarship football player at Notre Dame, wanted to go to it, he just followed them all. Lee And it’s safe to say ACU is on its way to be- and began attending the same small group as really embodies and has such a heart for school ing known nationally. Less than a year after De Leon, where the two became close friends.. spirit and the college coming together and the sports teams kind of representing the student his arrival, De Leon signed a five-year partnership with Nike, making ACU just the fifth “Lee is a really outgoing, really good, re- body.” school in Texas to do so. And just last spring, ally friendly guy,” Root said. “He was a huge ACU Athletics inked a 10-year deal with IMG Notre Dame sports fan. He was real passion- It’s that perspective that De Leon hopes to bring College, a worldwide sports marketing and ate about his relationship with Christ and I to the rest of the community. was a freshman just kind of trying to find my promotional firm. way, wasn’t a strong a believer and he helped Moving Forward This year’s freshmen won’t remember it, but Although the partnerships, new stadiums, me.” many others will remember the emptiness of new sports and fully Div. 1 eligibility have highlighted the last three years for De Leon, But it wasn’t long after the two got to know Shotwell Stadium on game days. But if De Leon has anything to say about it, he wants more than he said he never forgets where the journey each other that Root helped him. just the ACU community to be apart of the new began. “Growing up around sports as a kid, I actually era Wildcat Athletics. had a close friend whose dad was an athletic Beginning of a Journey “In high school I was a pretty avid soccer director, and I thought Lee would be perfect

“We need to do better with the community of Abilene. And we’re trying to do that, we’re trying to think of ways we can do that,” De Leon said. De Leon said he and his staff want the new stadium and many of the improvements to come in the future to be a used by the community. “One of the ways I think we can do that is through Wildcat Stadium and opening it up to the community. There’s only going to be five ACU home games per year we want to use it throughout the year. I think it can be a rallying place for the entire community as well.” Because De Leon said it’s not just the football team winning on the scoreboard that makes the athletics, the university and the city of Abilene successful. “People are going to associate [ACU] with this entire city and for us to be successful and win at the highest level like we want to win, we’re going to need the whole city behind us.” That vision and mission might have began long before De Leon, but on Saturday when an ACU football game hits campus for the first time in 59 years, it will have the chance to be displayed in full force.

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

AHS Senior Named 2018 National Merit Semifinalist By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, AISD

Abilene High School senior Eliana Pigott has been named a National Semifinalist in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship competition, a feat accomplished by less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. Pigott, daughter of Kelly and Susan Pigott, is among the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists who will continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships awarded next spring. Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of Semifinalist regularly attain Finalist standing, and about half of Finalists earn the Merit Scholar title. Pigott’s older brother, Nathaniel, received the Merit award in 2016 while a student at AHS. As a student, Pigott is a member of the AHS orchestra, was a regional runner-up last year as a member of the UIL Social Studies team, and served as a tutor in the AHS Writing Center.

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She also has worked as an intern at a local veterinarian’s office. Pigott, who plans to study history, is considering Colorado College, Trinity University and Southwestern University to continue her education after graduation. Winners are selected based on their performance during their junior year on the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. About 16,000 students out of the approximately 1.6 million who entered the program earn the rank of Semifinalist.

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The completion of the project that transformed the former Long Elementary School into the home for AISD’s pre-kindergarten students allows AISD to move programs from the district’s oldest campuses – Locust and Woodson. To meet the needs of approximately 800 students ages 3 and 4, the original facility received major renovations and a new addition to provide necessary space. The new building has 20 classrooms, four motor lab rooms, a family literacy center and a family/community partnership suite. The campus site also boasts three playgrounds designed appropriately for the age of children.

New Drone Class Soaring at ATEMS By Chris Mawson & Ryan Owens | AISD

This year Abilene ISD is breaking new ground with the classes it offers. The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math & Science campus is providing a Drone Technology Scientific Research and Design course which focuses on UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System, also known as drones) flight and technology. The goal of this course is to equip students to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate under the FAA’s Part 107. This training and certification will open many opportunities to pursue jobs in relevant fields such as cinematography, agriculture and structural safety inspection.

The majority of class time is spent in three ways, learning the forces of flight and how they apply to a multirotor airframe, studying for the FAA part 107 RPC (Remote Pilot Certification) exam, and flying the drones themselves. In order to pass the test and receive an official FAA certification to be a commercial drone pilot, students will be required to know the forces of flight, UAS mechanics, pilot terminology such as METAR and TAF weather reports, aeronautical sectional charts and FAA regulations regarding drone flight. To prepare for the exam, students will spend dozens of hours practicing their flight skills using an industry simulator and course curriculum to study weather reports and airspace maps.

Learning by using flight simulator software Students will also explore the industry of commercial drone use. It may seem minimal to some, but the impact that drones are having on our society is growing significantly. It is true that UAS are popularly used in the entertainment and agriculture industries, but drones are also being used for search and rescue missions, aerial monitoring of wildfires and surveying disaster zones like areas affected by hurricanes. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the RPC exam will immediately enter a workforce that is one of the fastest growing industries in America. “It’s really

cool to have a certification that makes you employable in multiple industries right out of high school,” said Lucas Robirds, a senior at ATEMS. Not only is the course rigorous and demanding, it is also enjoyable. Engaging students comes with ease, since they are able to fly industry drones, utilize top-of-the-line technology, and research topics that have global impact. “I love spending time in class,” said junior Amber Tinney. “It has a good atmosphere and fun nature, and the intense work helps me learn how to fly drones.”

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

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HSU Features Denton Artist Artist reception Saturday, October 28, 2017 By Krista Wester | The Brand Staff Reporter, Hardin-Simmons University The Hardin-Simmons University Art Department is hosting an exhibit of paintings by visiting Denton artist Elaine Pawlowicz, October 2-28, 2017. Elaine Pawlowicz received her BFA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and her MFA in Painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1993. She continued to live and work as an artist in Chicago for 15 years until moving back to Dallas with her husband and two children now ages 11 and 13. Her work has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally. In 2005 she completed an installation of 12 large scale paintings commissioned by the City of Chicago for Oriole Park Library. She has been awarded several artist residencies in Wyoming, Montana, Newfoundland, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Kentucky and Ireland. Pawlowicz has taught college level art for almost two decades including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of Dayton, and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Art at University of North Texas. Her paintings are speckled with tiny characters that are swallowed up by neon color fields. The style is a type of magical realism. The space is flat with an idiosyncratic perspective. These highly personalized narratives are slightly ambiguous and peculiarly lighthearted. Pawlowicz describes her recent work as being a collection of experiments with multiple metaphors for the meaning of “green.” “These artworks emerge from a nursery of flora and fauna that are cultivated from observation and rein-

terpreted into imagination. The space is flat and the figurations exist in neon color fields. This birthplace of images explores mutation, global climate change, the sublime, youth and beauty, protection and emotional disaster. I paint my ideas using intuitive, compositional processes that yield unconventional results. The forms are always developing as I trim and shape them as Edward Scissorhands does, obsessively layering color only to delete it, finding mean-

ing in the empty spaces and injecting a strangeness into the atmosphere that reflects the consequences of reality,” Pawlowicz said. There will be a reception with the artist present on Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm (coinciding with HSU Homecoming events). The public is invited to attend this event. Regular gallery hours are 9:00 am -5:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday, Friday: 9 am - 2 pm; or by appointment (call 325-670-1246). Learn more about the gallery at https://www.hsutx. edu/academics/cofa/artdepartment/irataylorgallery/ VERTISE CALL US TO AD 05 95 170 ) 25 (3

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

AISD Students Aid Harvey Victims By Abilene Independent School District

ATEMS “Angels” arrive at Conroe Crisis Center

Amanda contacted the school to inquire if the students would be interested in collecting food and supplies for delivery to the Houston area.

BY NATHAN MONROE ATEMS English Teacher

“Y’all are angels! We are very low on food and even ran out for two days. We had to turn a single mother with four kids away the other day because we were out! You don’t know how much y’all have just blessed us!” Supplies for hurricane relief These are the words spoken to Amanda Earles by the man who runs a Crisis Center just outside of Conroe, Texas when she informed him that she had just come from Abilene with a load of supplies which had been donated to relieve the suffering in the Houston area after Hurricane Harvey.

After everything was unloaded at the crisis center in Conroe, Amanda reports that the man who runs the center gave her a hug, shook James’ hand, and said “God is within y’all!” During the week of “Just thinking about it still makes me cry,” September 11-15, says Amanda. students at ATEMS participated in a Jackson Elementary adopts Hurricane Harvey devastated school in Houston Relief Drive. DurBY BYLEE ELLISON ing the week, the Jackson PTO President students brought clothing, water, and non-perishable food School Supplies from Jackson Elementary A items. When their few days after the hurricane hit, and we saw part of the drive was the devastation that followed, I reached out to over, a total of 36 a lady who was in charge of a program called “Adopt a Classroom.” I emailed her and told her our PTO would love to help out where we could with donations of school supplies and such.

Amanda and her husband, James, had driven all morning (leaving from Abilene at 6:30 a.m.) on Tuesday, September 19 to deliver the donated items. The donations were collected by Jackson Brothers Feed & Seed, Southwest Barrel Productions, and the parents and students of ATEMS. When Amanda rang the doorbell to the Crisis Center and said, “We are here with donations from Abilene, Texas. We’ve got food, water, clothes, and school supplies for y’all,” the man’s eyes swelled with tears. Amanda’s son, Trae, is a freshman at ATEMS this year, and knowing that ATEMS’ students are heavily involved in community service,

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cases and 178 cans of food, water, clothing, and school supplies had been collected in the relief effort.

She matched us with several teachers at Sanchez Elementary School in Houston. This is a Ttitle 1 school where 98% of their students are on free or reduced lunch program. The majority of the families experienced flooding and damage to their homes, ruining newly purchased school supplies for their children, and HISD was set to begin classes on September 5, a week after the hurricane. I immediately reached out to the teachers she set us up with, and they were so very appreciative of our efforts to gather as many donations as we could for them. I made a dropbox at the school and made a Facebook post on our PTO Facebook page about our plans. The response was nothing short of amazing!

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28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Bassetti Elementaryâ€™s Makers Lab By Abilene ISD

Bassetti Elementary is unveiling a Makers Lab this fall. Scheduled to open for the entire campus in October, the Makers Lab is designed for students to engage in hands-on learning to practice planning, persistence, and problem-solving. Monthly challenges are posed to students and they will collaborate in small groups to best solve the problem using materials found in the Makers Lab. Families in the school, faculty and staff, as well as businesses of the Abilene community (Thank you, Arrow Ford!) have all donated the materials in the Lab. Materials range from every day art supplies, to cardboard boxes, to car parts!

Hosted by Abilene Dream Center and Life Church

The original idea to create the Bassetti Makers Lab came from a field trip to the Abilene Christian University Makers Lab. Watching students collaborate, share, and create inspired a group of faculty members to take on the challenge of creating a similar space to be used year-round on an elementary level. ACU has been a great partner in providing ideas and support as the Bassetti Makers Lab has begun to form. The Makers Lab lines up with Abilene ISDâ€™s Strategic Plan. The experiences in the Lab will be relevant and meaningful as students use critical thinking skills to collaborate to find an innovative solution using their personal strengths. Bassetti Makers look forward to further connections with our community and school district as we invite experts and older students to share their knowledge and passion. Telling our story to the city of Abilene will allow our community to see the high expectations held for todayâ€™s students at Bassetti. In its early stages, the goal is to have all students visit the Lab for a monthly challenge. The lessons are prepared and supplies for all classes are set out in advance. All teachers have to do it enter the Lab and begin explaining the challenge. Then, as teachers find/share other Maker/STEM activities, classes can go more often. As the Makers Lab continues to the following years, the goal is to integrate more technology, including coding, using a green screen, computer animation, and 3-D printing. Please contact us if you would like to visit the Bassetti Makers Lab later this year or early next year.

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National Merit Recognizes Two AHS Seniors as Commended Students By Phil Ashby | Director for Communications, AISD

Two more Abilene High School seniors have earned honors from the National Merit Scholarship Program as 2018 National Merit Commended Students.

sociation (TMEA). Bos is considering several colleges, including the University of North Texas, Belmont University and Northwestern University, and he lists his probably fields of study as music performance, composition and education. He is the son of Jon and Rebecca Bos.

Matthew Bos and Israel Yolou are being recognized for their outstanding performance on the qualifying test for National Merit scholarships, joining AHS classmate Eliana Pigott, who was named a 2018 Semifinalist earlier this month.

Yolou, son of Peter and Ibadiye Yolou, is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of NHS. He is involved in many activities at AHS, including the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE), Student Council, Key Club and UIL Academics. He has been a state participant in TAFE competition and was a national qualifier for the Educators Rising award. He qualified for regional in UIL Number Sense and wants to study mathematics and physics in college. He is considering Princeton University, Harvard University, Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cornell University and the University of Texas.

The performance by Bos and Yolou on the Preliminary SAT ranked them among the top 16,000 students out of approximately 1.5 million who entered the program. While Pigott will continue in the competition for National Merit scholarships, Commended Students do not advance.

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30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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AEF’S Special Delivery Brings Big Prizes to 2017 STAR TEACHERS By Abilene I.S.D.

Hoots and hollers and cheers, the rattling of noise-makers, a whole lot of laughter, and even a handful of happy tears were just some of the things you may have witnessed on September 18-19, better known as Prize Parade Days.

grants to 96 teachers across 24 campuses, totaling $60,000 in funds to support curriculum and classroom enrichment. Thanks, in large part, to employee participation in AEF’s annual Payroll Deduction Campaign, this year’s grants exceeded last year’s funding by over The Abilene Education Foundation, accompa- $10,000! nied by AEF board members and members of the school board, once again marched through A small sampling of this year’s grants includthe halls of Abilene ISD campuses, awarded: a rap (you read that right – as in “bust a ing unsuspecting – yet hopeful – teachers and flow”) program for teaching elementary-level

vocabulary, flexible seating options, updated student libraries, resources for book clubs and lunch bunches, incentives to promote student attendance, tablets, cameras for senior projects, an counselors with STAR (Supporting educational field Teachers with Academic Resources) Teacher trip, projection screen technology for theatre Grants. production sets, and so much more. Each September, AEF awards STAR Teacher Grants of up to $1,000 to deserving teachers based on grant proposals submitted during the summer, for a wide array of projects – from i-Pads and technology, to flexible seating options, to incentives designed to reward classroom attendance. Grants are read, evaluated, and ranked by a panel of readers.

STAR Teacher Grants are funded primarily through the AISD Payroll Deduction Donation Campaign, individual donors, and matching funds from Kaye Price-Hawkins/Priceless Literacy, and the Greathouse Foundation. The Abilene Education Foundation is proud to partner, year-after-year, with the fine educators of AISD to promote and enhance excellence in education through enrichment of the This year was a particularly competitive year, district’s programs. as AEF received an impressive 170 applications. Of those, AEF was able to award 75

Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31

“Lights, Camera, Free Ride” Contest Kicks Off Oct. 1 A short video could win an incoming student a one-year free ride to HSU

By Grace Mitchell | University Marketing Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University

Paying for college is a concern for prospective students and parents alike. Hardin-Simmons University’s “Lights, Camera, Free Ride” contest offers one lucky incoming student a chance to win a one-year “free ride” to HSU.

Making higher education affordable is a priority for HSU. In addition to the “Lights, Camera, Free Ride” contest, HSU offers a wide range of scholarships to qualified students including the Texas Scholarship, a $44,000 scholarship open to all Texas high school graduates admitted to The “Lights, Camera, Free Ride” contest al- the school. Overall, 98 percent of the HSU stulows prospective students who intend to be- dent body receives financial aid. come Hardin-Simmons University applicants for Fall 2018 to display their talent, creativity, The Grand Prize winner will receive a tuition, and passion for HSU. room, and board (shared campus residence hall room and campus meal plan) scholarship, not The contest entry period is from October 1, including miscellaneous student and course 2017 through December 7, 2017. Online voting fees for the 2018-19 academic year. The scholwill take place from December 8, 2017 through arship is valued at up to $40,000 after taking January 31, 2018. Winners will be announced into account all the other scholarships and at the Winter Preview event on February 17, grants the participant is eligible to receive. 2018. Contest entry and official rules are on the contest website (https://www.hsutx.edu/lcfr/). The Runner-Up winner will receive an oncampus, shared residence hall room and camProspective students create short videos to en- pus meal plan, valued at up to $10,000, for the ter the contest, celebrating their “#going2HSU” 2018-19 academic year after taking into acdecision and showcasing their dreams, expec- count all other scholarships and grants the partations, and reasons why HSU will make their ticipant is entitled to receive. goals a reality. Up to 25 Honorable Mention winners may “The contest allows students to share their rea- be awarded a $1,000 one-time scholarship to sons for choosing Hardin-Simmons and share attend Hardin-Simmons University for the why they want to be part of HSU’s unique 2018-2019 academic year, applied in $500 and authentic campus experience,” said Grant increments in the Fall of 2018 and Spring of Greenwood, Director of Admissions and Re- 2019 semesters. HSU in its sole discretion may cruiting. award less than 25 Honorable Mention winners. This is the fourth year of the “Lights, Camera, Free Ride” contest. In 2017, Rachel Bean of Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, won the top prize.

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32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Surprise Visit Announces Honor for AHS Choral Director By Abilene I.S.D.

Wendy Weeks’ choral rehearsal at Abilene High School received an unexpected interruption on a recent morning. Much to the first-year AHS choral director’s surprise, several representatives from Abilene Christian University barged into her classroom to make a special announcement: Weeks has been selected for ACU’s Morland Award, given each year to one alumnus who has made significant contributions to the field of education.

Elementary and College Heights Elementary. Her first teaching position in 1995 was as assistant choral diThe award will be formally presented at a dinner on rector at Cooper High School, her alma mater. March 22 at ACU’s Hunter Welcome Center. Voted on by ACU Department of Education faculty, the award is Under her leadership at Craig Middle School, the named in honor of Grover C. Morlan, who began the edu- choral program grew from 120 students to more than cation program at ACU (then Abilene Christian College). 250. The Craig choir annually places numerous students in the TMEA regional choir and consistently Weeks has been a music educator for 22 years, and before earns Sweepstakes ratings in UIL contests. On two becoming the choral director for Abilene High in 2017, occasions, Craig choirs were invited to perform at the she was choral director at Craig Middle School, Jackson TMEA State Conference.

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“The Family That Would Not Be Separated” Gaspar Reoyo’s amazing story of escaping Cuba inspires family togetherness. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Gaspar Reoyo lives on a spot south of Abilene that he calls “heaven.” But he didn’t start out there. The tenth of fifteen children born in Cuba, Gaspar and his family worked for thirty-two years to escape the Communist regime of Fidel Castro. His parents Geraldo and Georgina gave all their children names beginning with the letter “G.” The first two were named for their parents. Then came Gladys, Gertrudis, Graciela, Gabriel, Gerson, Galileo, Giovani, Gaspar, Glenn and Glenda. When Glenda passed away, the next daughter was named for her. Then came Gregory and Gertrudio. Gaspar works in housing maintenance for Balfour Beatty Communities at Dyess Air Force Base. His wife, Silvia, is an Amway Independent Business Owner and homemaker. Their daughters Brisa and Rocio both serve in the United States Air Force. her for two years. Castro threatened to ban them from Cuba if they did not become Com“We went through a lot of suffering,” Gaspar munists. They traveled to New Jersey and says. “Thank God we all prayed for freedom found work. Later they moved to Puerto Rico. and finally got it. That’s why my two daughters joined the Air Force, to protect our free- The part of the family already in the United dom.” States started working and saving. Four of the siblings left Cuba, spent six months in Panama Gaspar’s parents came from the same area of and then reached the states. The rest came Cuba as Fidel Castro. They were financially through Mexico. Their sister Graciela did not well off, and Castro knew the family. Because leave Cuba until 1997. they would not become Communists, he made it his business to separate and oppress them. Gaspar escaped from Cuba to Los Angeles when he was twenty years old. Five of his sibThe oldest brother Geraldo tried to leave lings and his parents had escaped by that time. Cuba at age fourteen. He was arrested and The children asked Geraldo and Georgina not condemned to twenty years in prison. Two to work anymore. They knew how much their years later he managed to escape and board a parents had struggled and wanted to support U.S. naval vessel in Guantanamo Bay. Castro them. sent Georgina and Gabriel to Spain when Gabriel was twelve. Geraldo helped them reach Gaspar and Silvia met at church in Los Anthe United States. Gertrudis also came to the geles. She had volunteered to babysit during U.S. by way of Spain. an English as a Second Language class and he was helping with plumbing. Silvia was born in In 1981, Gaspar’s mother Georgina was ban- Mexico, but her parents lived in Abilene. They ished to Florida. Her husband could not join married in 1985 and moved here.

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Gaspar’s parents have passed away, but the children still honor them by gathering under one roof whenever possible. They assembled in Boca Raton, Florida, in 1998 and in Hialeah, Florida on New Year’s Eve, 1999. September 8-11 ten of them met at Gaspar and Sylvia’s home. Two have passed away. Three were unable to come because of Hurricane Harvey.

“We talked about growing up,” Gaspar says, “and the happy times with our parents and the suffering we felt trying to live in Cuba. And we spent some time catching up.” Gaspar’s joy is evident on his face when he talks about his daughters and his granddaughters, Brisa’s two girls Sophia and Aurora with her husband David. Since he came from a family that would not be separated by miles or national boundaries how could he not appreciate time together with a brand new generation? DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 70 ) (325

34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Stand Boldly: Dinner with the Benham Brothers

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5 Common Mistakes Men Make in Marriage By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Guys, mistakes are, by definition, unintentional. 4. Don’t know their wife. More often than not, we aren’t thoughtless; we just Do you remember getting to know your wife when don’t think like our wives want or need us to think. you were dating? When was the last time you just spent time talking with her, not to her? Ask what Here are 5 common mistakes men make in mar- her dreams are; where she would like to go on variage and what can be done about it. cation; what good book she has read lately.

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1. Don’t think of the needs of their wife.

You schedule a date night with your wife. Good job! However, you wait until you are walking out of the door to say, “What do you feel like doing?” Don’t do it. Plan ahead. Make a reservation at your wife’s favorite restaurant. Call the babysitter yourself. You will get an “A” for effort!

2. Don’t listen.

Don’t assume you know what your wife is going to say. Don’t tune her out because you have heard it all before. Just listen with your ears and your eyes. In other words, give her your full attention.

3. Don’t understand their wife.

Like many men, you try to “fix” problems rather than understand what your wife is feeling. Sometimes, she just wants you to feel what she feels without giving advice and without trying to fix it. [Tweet this] When I’m not sure, I’ll often say to my wife, “Do you want my advice on this or do you just want me to listen?”

5. Don’t confide in their wife.

Your wife wants to be included in your entire world. Confide in her—your dreams; your work; your life. Your marriage bond will only be strengthened. DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 70 ) (325

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ABC’s of Communicating with Stepkids By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

Bristly: like a porcupine. This word describes how I have felt in my beginning years as a step mom. The step kids would have done nothing wrong and yet their very presence made me feel “bristly” - in other words, “don’t get too close - do as I say and no one gets hurt!” I was living life this way when God decided I needed some help, or better yet, He figured my poor family needed a break! So He helped me learn that I could change my attitude by changing my actions. I have learned to engage these precious ones who make me feel intruded or imposed upon. I have learned that I have not mastered this yet - but I’m willing to continue to keep trying!

A is for Acknowledge. Acknowledge the child at the start of the day with a pleasantry like “Good morning,” “Hope you slept well.” If the step child is pretty bristly, I would stick to short greetings and not ask questions. This is a positive way to acknowledge the child and yet not force conversation and an opportunity for verbal sparring. B is for Build a Bridge. Once a day, verbally attempt to build a bridge by noticing your step child doing homework, or watching TV or some other quiet activity and then offer to get them a drink or snack. You can do this as you are walking from one room to another. It is just a simple way to reach out to serve the child. As you serve them, don’t expect anything in return. This is your bridge - you are building it. You are the adult. You are the example. The goal is that someday, that child will walk across the bridge to you!

I was visiting with a step mom not long ago and witnessed some of the words spoken to her step child. After a couple of days, I asked her to replay her conversations with the step child from the day. The phrases replayed consisted of reminders of chores still to be done and the calling out of tasks not completed. C is for Closing. At the end of the day, make This child - whether he was nice or not - had sure you tell the child you hope he sleeps well only heard commands from his step mom. or has a good night. Their response does not matter. You are the one attempting to close the It is so easy to get into this pattern of living. day in a kind and peaceful way. You feel bristly and then you bristle others. They become more bristly and then bristle There you have it! (A)cknowledge the child you back. This is not a positive pattern. You in the morning. Find an easy way to serve the are the older one - the parent - the one with child somehow during the day to (B)uild a the responsibility to be a good role model to bridge of love and trust. And then end the day this child. You may never have this child give with a thoughtful and kind (C)losing stateyou a hug or tell you they love you, but you ment. Three baby steps. Grab God by the hand can show this child what kindness, civility, and hang on! responsibility, faithfulness and loyalty looks like. Blessings in Your Blending! ____________________________________ Titus 2:7-8 says, “Show yourself in all re- Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Krisspects to be a model of good works, and in tie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since your teaching show integrity, dignity, and 2004; her blended family cursound speech that cannot be condemned, so rently includes four children and that an opponent may be put to shame, having four grandchildren. Follow Krisnothing evil to say about us.” tie on Facebook (facebook.com/ This is what us step moms can be all about - loving our husbands, creating a home haven from the outside world, and being a role model of good works. So now many of you may be asking me, “but how?” I like taking baby steps so I’m going to share some baby steps. The ABC’s of step mom communication.

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

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10 Ways to Not Waste Your Life By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Part of being a responsible adult means not fact that we are loved and valued by the Crewasting things, especially your life. No one ator is sufficient. Your joy comes from knowwants to have a wasted life. Here are 10 ways ing who you are and whose you are. to not waste your life. Hope you are challenged by this list! 6. Live in the moment - “I’ll feel like I’ve achieved something when _________ 1. Believe - Belief is the most powerful, happens.” “Just let me get that new ________, positive life-changer in the arsenal. Believe and I’ll be good.” This kind of thinking enthat you are a valued person with something sures we’ll remain dependent on “more” for to contribute, and chances are you will. satisfaction. Live in the moment. Be grateful for what we have right now. Be content in our 2. Know where you’re headed - Dr. present circumstances. Seuss said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer 7. Defer short-term thrills in favor yourself in any direction you choose.” Setting of long-term rewards - We often sacand achieving goals is necessary for purpose- rifice long-term joy, satisfaction and conful change. Both short-term, “I’m going to tentment for short-term thrills and personal spend the evening with my child so he goes pleasure. Things like sex outside of marriage, to sleep feeling loved.” and long-term, “By pornography, and gambling will never satisfy. Christmas I’ll be able to tell my AA group and What will satisfy is sex in a marital relationmy family I’ve been sober for six-months.” ship, lasting and loving relationships, living a life of purpose, and hard work.

3. Identify a better reference point for success - Know that our standard for 8. Always continue learning -

a successful life is found in serving others, being a great parent, and loving our spouse. These standards are more conducive to satisfaction and success than “Beautiful, because I’m worth it”, or “He who dies with the most toys wins.”

4. Value relationships above all else

Lifelong learners adopt the ongoing posture of reinvention and redemption. Learners ask questions rather than act as if they know all the answers. It’s difficult to waste your life when you are humble and open to new ideas.

9. Don’t sweat the small stuff - Know-

ing what we value puts everything else into Value relationships above results. Value serv- perspective. If we know what really matters ing others above being served. Value investing in life, then we’re not as likely to get caught in people above investing in things. up in, or bothered by, things that don’t have a long-term or eternal impact.

5. Remember where your joy and value comes from - A dependence on 10. Never do anything you wouldn’t anything external for happiness is unneces- be comfortable doing in the pressary: If we “need” others to make us happy, ence of your Maker - If in doubt about or if we need achievements to feel worthy, we this, talk it over with God first. undermine our reason for being. The simple

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Why Your Motives Matter

By Steven Furtick | Waking Faith “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:2-3) If you’re like me, you probably often find yourself asking for God’s help in making decisions. You might ask Him whether or not you should buy a new house, take a different job, or move to a certain city. We want insider information so that we can know what He knows. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make wise decisions, but instead of us just knowing what He knows, I think God wants us to know more about who He is. God wants to create a clean heart in us so that not only do we make good decisions, but we makes those decisions with the right motives.

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That’s what spiritual maturity looks like. The Holy Spirit’s purification process goes far deeper than just getting the visible sins out of your life. It takes things to the heart. It deals with not just what you do, but why you do it — because that’s just as important.

38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

One Decision that Can Renew a Marriage By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today

I once heard of a couple in a deeply troubled marriage, one that had reached a crisis point. Divorce loomed. When it came to fixing the relationship, they didn’t even know where to start. That’s when the wife had a revelation. She realized it was time to do something drastic. She asked her husband to take her hunting.

wives. Numerous surveys indicate that men in happy marriages are far more likely to identify their wives as their “best friends. That’s the greatest compliment a man can give. To put it bluntly, men are interested in fun and sex. Remove those things from a marriage— like in the example of the couple above—and you’re left with something closer to a living arrangement than a vibrant, healthy relationship.

It was his favorite activity, and though she had never shown any interest in it, she was committed to doing whatever it took to heal their strained marriage.

Unfortunately, many men find it difficult to grow close to another person…until recreation is involved. That’s when men become more open and vulnerable, sharing their hearts and talking about things they might otherwise keep to themselves.

The husband was shocked. In fact, he was so surprised he laughed when she told him. But he couldn’t think of a good reason to tell her no. Reluctantly, he took her along on a hunting trip the next weekend.

Like soldiers in a foxhole, shared experiences around a campfire, on a golf course, or in a deer blind help build a sense of oneness between men and their recreational companions. It connects them.

That trip saved their marriage. She’d never had any desire to hunt, but soon learned to enjoy it. The shared interest led to them doing other things together. They became friends again, and it restored their relationship.

Many wives don’t understand this dynamic. He has his hobbies and I have mine, they think, showing no interest in the things their husbands love. Men see this as a wife with no interest in drawing close to them.

Friendship: it’s where almost all marriage relationships begin, and it’s the glue that keeps your marriage from getting stale. Women tend to bond through meaningful conversation. Men bond through having fun together.

Women, when you tell a man “I’m not interested in the things you do,” he hears this: “I’m not interested in you.” Accurate or not, that’s a dangerous message to send.

A healthy marriage includes both of those elements—open, honest conversation and the enjoyment of shared interests. Think about how men become buddies with each other. It’s not by having long, intimate discussions, but by doing stuff. They golf or ski. They play football, go camping, or fish and hunt. Men bond through recreation. That’s also how they long to connect with their

Husbands and wives who have fun together—traveling, sharing hobbies and activities, laughing and playing together—create a bond that’s not easily broken. A wife who becomes her husband’s friend will go a long way toward keeping him satisfied.

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9 “RULES” to Affair-Proof Your Marriage By Dave Willis

Below are nine Laws of Fidelity I’ve adopted to safeguard my marriage. These might seem drastic to you, but I don’t think there can be any lengths too great when it comes to protecting a marriage. If you’ll commit to these in your own marriage, you’ll be instantly protecting your marriage, your reputation and your legacy from the scars adultery can cause.

to have total transparency and open communication in our marriage. It’s also a very practical safeguard against any form of inappropriate relationships forming. Being willing to share all of my texts also sends the clear message to Ashley and everyone else in my life that we have a marriage with no secrets.

These 9 “Rules” are NOT motivated by a lack of trust in my marriage; they’re motivated by a deep respect for my wife and for the sacredness of marriage. I believe you can protect your marriage from infidelity if you’ll do the following nine things…

#4 should be standard practice in all marriages, but the majority of couples DON’T do it...

When people start venting about their husband or wife to friends or online, it’s not just a harmless way to blow off steam and joke about frustrations. It’s a dangerous opening that could pave the way for adultery. The negative talk does several things: First, it chips away at the foundation of respect that must remain strong in every marriage. Second, it sends the subtle message that you’re not happy in your marriage and you’re “open” to someone who would treat you better. Be careful with your words. The tone of your words about your spouse will shape the tone of your marriage.

This flows naturally from #2 about sharing text messages. I don’t have a password or a PIN that Ashley doesn’t know. There are no hidden accounts, hidden emails, burner cell phones or anything else that would be off limits to my wife. Other than a few surprise birthday parties and gifts, we have a “Secret Free Guarantee.” In marriage, secrets are as dangerous as lies. #5 is huge and I used to have a major problem with it...

5. I don’t watch porn or sexually-explicit content.

orn is an act of mental infidelity. I share my personal story (I used to be hooked on porn) and some compelling stats on pornography in my popular post on “The Truth about Porn” #2 might make me seem “weird” but I’d rath- which you can read by clicking here. Even er be weird than divorced... in R-rated movies or shows where there’s a scene of gratuitous nudity or strong sexual 2. I never meet alone with a content, I’ll look away out of respect for my woman other than my wife. wife. I want to remain constantly vigilant of I never meet up for coffee or lunch with any the fact that infidelity never starts in a bedwoman other than my wife (or my mom) un- room; it always starts in the mind. less it’s a group setting. I’m never in public or in private alone with a woman. This policy #6 sounds cheesy, but it’s really important protect me from temptation, it honors my for multiple reasons… wife, Ashley, AND it protects my reputation. Even in a counseling situation with a woman 6. I give “side hugs.” (which I try to avoid), I make sure to keep my This might seem cheesy, but it’s also very door open. I don’t want to create a scenario important. Some people hug members of the where whispers of improper conduct could opposite sex with full frontal assault that can even be entertained. border on an act of illegal groping. I never want physical touch to be misconstrued in #3 seems extreme but it cultivates total trans- any way, so even with close female friends, I parency, trust and communication in our mar- try to stick with the side hug. riage... I’ve seen so many people fall into a trap that 3. My wife gets copied on all of “innocently” starts with #7...

my text messages.

Our iPhones are set up with the same Apple 7. I don’t engage in ongoing diID where we both automatically receive each alogues with women on social other’s text messages. This keeps us in the media. loop of what’s happening with each other. With the nature of what I do, I get hundreds It’s not motivated by distrust but by a desire of emails and Facebook messages per week.

world that you are committed to your spouse. I do my best to respond, but whenever a fe- Certainly, people can cheat while wearing a male seems to want to engage in an ongoing wedding ring, but it’s another line of defense dialogue, I cut it off out of respect for my against the temptation. wife. Many affairs start by crossing lines on social media. You and your spouse may need to create a social media set of “rules” and boundaries to protect each other and your marriage. #8 is one of the most proactive ways to build a stronger marriage…

8. I make time together with my wife a priority.

Affair-proofing your marriage isn’t just about “defense” (eliminating unhealthy behaviors). It’s also about being proactive when it comes to investing in your marriage. Ashley and I are always looking for ways to spend time together and invest in our relationship and creating resources to help other couples do the same. Don’t let your marriage get stuck on autopilot, or else there’s a good chance it will crash someday! Keep investing into your relationship with each other! #9 is going “out of style” in some circles, but it’s still a very important way to protect your marriage…

9. I always wear my wedding ring.

A wedding ring is more than just jewelry. It’s a daily reminder of the covenant you made to your spouse. It’s a reminder that every choice you make will impact your husband or wife in some way, AND it’s a symbol the rest of the

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1. I don’t talk negatively about my wife to others or online.

4. I share ALL my passwords.

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7 Things I Wish I’d Known About Men Before I Married

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Knowing these truths would have helped me prepare for marriage and be a better wife. By Tricia Goyer | Family Life

Growing up with my stepdad and younger brother I thought I knew a thing or two about men. While I knew not to change the channel during a football game, not to serve quiche for dinner, and not to attempt to fix a broken doorknob with a rubber band, there were a few important things I missed—things that would have helped me prepare for marriage and be a better wife. Here is my list:

4. Men are visual. Very visual. Even when we women feel unattractive or overweight, our husbands do like to look at us minus the clothing. They don’t mind nearly as much as we do about the extra rolls around the middle, I promise. Remember this: You are the only naked woman your husband is allowed to look at! 5. Men like someone to listen to their dreams. It doesn’t mean they’re going to go out and quit their jobs tomorrow and set off on a sailboat around the world, but a listening ear matters. Take time to ask, “If you could do anything, what would you do?” Give him space to dream.

1. Men can’t read your mind. If you “hint” at wanting help, men will not get it. “I wish I was taller so I could reach that canister” sounds like a simple statement. Asking sweetly works much better. Say something like, “Honey, when you have a minute can you reach that 6. Men are born with a desire to protect the canister for me?” weak and fight for honor, but those instincts rarely have a chance to exhibit themselves in 2. Men don’t like to be rushed with new prob- the real world. We don’t have to hide our faults lems as soon as they walk in the front door. or be perfect wives. Instead we can turn to our Providing time to unwind works much better. men for help and advice. We can give our husLet the worries of your husband’s workday bands a chance to save the day. dissipate before you tell him about new ones. 7. A good meal and a warm wife can wash 3. Men often feel like they’re failing as away every other care in the world. I don’t a spiritual leader. Ever wonder why your think there’s much more I need to say about spouse doesn’t take the initiative on spiritual that. Try it, I bet your husband will agree! ventures more often? Sometimes it’s easier for him not to try than to see disappointment CALL US TO ADVERTISE in your gaze. Instead of “hinting” at ways he (325) 701-9505 can lead or nagging when another day goes by without quiet time, pray for your husband to 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com step up, and support any effort he makes.

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Overcoming The Top 5 Fitness Barriers

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By Alex Orlov for Life by DailyBurn

Sticking to a regular exercise schedule isn’t easy. After all, there are plenty of potential hindrances -- time, boredom, injuries, selfconfidence. But these issues don’t need to stand in your way.

cling -- to keep you on your toes while conditioning different muscle groups.

Join forces. Exercise with friends, relatives, neighbors “I don’t have enough time to exercise.” or coworkers. You’ll enjoy the Setting aside time to exercise can be a chal- camaraderie and the encourlenge. Use a little creativity to get the most agement of the group. out of your time. Explore new options. Learn Squeeze in exercise throughout the day. If new skills while getting a you don’t have time for a full workout, don’t workout. Check out exercise sweat it. Shorter spurts of exercise, such as classes or sports leagues at 10 minutes of walking spaced throughout the a recreation center or health day, offer benefits too. Additionally, you can club. try office exercises. “I’m self-conscious about Get up earlier. If your days are packed and how I look when exercising.” Don’t get the evening hours are just as hectic, get up down on yourself! Remind yourself what a 30 minutes earlier twice a week to exercise. great favor you’re doing for your health, or Once you’ve adjusted to early-morning work- focus on how much stronger you feel after a outs, add another day or two to the routine. workout. Drive less, walk more. Park in the back row Avoid the crowd. If you’re uncomfortable of the parking lot or a few blocks away and exercising around others, go solo at first. Try walk to your destination. an exercise video or an activity-oriented video game. Or consider investing in a stationary Revamp your rituals. Your weekly Saturday bicycle, treadmill, stair-climbing machine or matinee with the kids or best friend could be other piece of home exercise equipment. reborn as your weekly Saturday bike ride, rock-climbing lesson or trip to the pool. Focus on the future. Praise yourself for making a commitment to your health. And remem“I think exercise is boring.” It’s natural to ber that as you become fitter and more comgrow weary of a repetitive workout day after fortable exercising, your self-confidence is day, especially when you’re doing it alone. likely to improve as well. But exercise doesn’t have to be boring. “I’m too tired to exercise after work.” No Choose activities you enjoy. You’ll be more energy to exercise? Without exercise, you’ll likely to stay interested. Remember, anything have no energy. It’s a vicious cycle. But breakthat gets you moving counts. ing the cycle with physical activity is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.middle Vary the routine. Rotate among several ac- aged couple walking and exercising, having tivities -- such as walking, swimming and cy- fun with child

Try a morning dose of exercise. Remember the suggestion to get up 30 minutes earlier to exercise? Hop on the treadmill or stationary bicycle while you listen to the radio or watch the morning news. Or step outside for a brisk walk. Make lunchtime count. Keep a pair of walking shoes at your desk, and take a brisk walk during your lunch break. Be prepared. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothes for exercising. Take them with you to the mall or when you travel. “I’m too lazy to exercise.” If the mere thought of a morning jog makes you tired, try these thoughts on for size: Set realistic expectations. If your mental bar is too high, you might give up without even trying. Start with a walk around the block. Don’t give up if you feel worn out. Take another walk around the block tomorrow. Keep it up, and eventually you’ll no longer feel worn out. Work with your nature, not against it. Plan physical activity for times of the day when you tend to feel more energetic -- or at least not quite so lazy. Schedule exercise as you would schedule an important appointment. Block off times for physical activity, and make sure your friends and family are aware of your commitment. Ask for their encouragement and support.

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HispanicLife Media

Dr. Overachiever:

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Award to Honor Ovalo Physician By Loretta Fulton | Special to Abilene Reporter News

Kyle Sheets jokingly calls himself an over- “That’s pretty special to me,” Sheets said. dency Program in Wichita, Kansas. achiever “in a bad way.” And pretty amazing for a man who didn’t enroll in medical school until he was 42. And It was an experience during that residency that Others probably say his overachieving is a that was after dropping out of Abilene Chris- led to the Humanitarian of the Year Award. great thing, considering all he’s done and is tian University halfway through his senior doing. Friends and associates call him “spe- year in 1973. Family adventure cial,” “entrepreneurial,” “amazing.” The primary reason that Sheets, who lives Patients call him “Dr. with his wife, Bernita, on a ranch near Ovalo Sheets.” This week, howin south Taylor County, was nominated for ever, everyone can add and won the honor was for his establishing “Humanitarian of the Year” Physicians Aiding Physicians Abroad (PAPA to the list. Missions) in 2003. That honor will be awarded Sheets during the annual conference of the American Academy of Family Physicians in San Antonio.

The organization provides practical help to other physicians who want to serve medical missions. The vision began in Zimbabwe and has expanded globally. The seed for PAPA was planted in 1999, when Sheets was serving his residency in Kansas. Residents could spend one month in Zimbabwe helping at a hospital and receive credit toward completing their residency.

Sheets, a modest man, acknowledges that he’s proud to be receiving the award, but what led to it makes

So, Kyle and Bernita and their 10 young children all headed to that African country for a Kyle and Bernita Sheets at their home in month. At their own expense. “We’re still Ovalo Thursday August 31, 2017. Kyle is a paying for that trip,” Sheets joked.

Claim your date to host a zoo birthday party

The Abilene Zoo offers birthday pack ages for young party animals. The zoo can host birthday parties on most Saturdays in timeslots of 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and on most Sundays at 1:30 p.m. These parties are designed for children turning at least 4 years old. For information or to schedule a zoo birthday party, contact the Education department at: (325) 676-6487 or zoo. education@abilenetx.com. You also can stop by the desk at the Zoo Store next time you’re at the zoo, and the guest services folks can help you check date availability.

doctor who will be named Humanitarian of the Year during the annual conference of the American Academy of Family Physicians in San Antonio this week. Kyle is being honored for his work establishing Physicians Aiding Physicians Abroad (PAPA Missions) in 2003. (Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)

Several of the children live in or near Abilene, including the youngest, Cori, a student at ACU. One son, Tyler, was killed in a car wreck in 2006. He was 19. The ranch the couple lives on near Ovalo is the “Flying T Ranch,” named “My parents nearly killed me,” he re- for Tyler. His mother recalled that as a child, called. Tyler dreamed of riding on a flying horse. Twenty years later, after starting, building and selling a number of businesses, Sheets re-enrolled at ACU, earning a degree in biology in 1993. Four years him even prouder. Several doctors who know later, he had a medical him nominated Sheets through the Texas degree and began serving Academy of Family Physicians, the state a residency at Via Christi chapter of the American academy. Family Medicine Resi-

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Researchers Predict a Quarter-Million New Cases of Breast Cancer in the U.S. By Kristen Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in narrowest gaps are in Connecticut, MassachuAmerican women except for skin cancers.` setts, Delaware, Iowa and Minnesota. Researchers at the American Cancer Society estimate that there will be 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the United States in 2017. Some 40,610 women will die from the disease.

“These racial disparities are not inevitable,” said Carol E. DeSantis, director of breast and gynecological cancer surveillance at the American Cancer Society.

“Access to care, economic status, getting high In addition, there will be 63,410 cases this year quality treatment early and beginning and of carcinoma in situ, abnormal cells that may be completing chemotherapy are all factors,” Ms. an early form of cancer. DeSantis said. Over a lifetime, a woman living in the United In the 1980s and 1990s, breast cancer rates States has a 12.4 percent risk — one in eight — rose. Scientists believe that the increases may of being diagnosed with breast cancer. be explained by the growing trend toward delayed childbearing and having fewer children, Non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks both known risk factors for breast cancer. have higher breast cancer incidence and mortality than other racial and ethnic groups. The in- At the same time, the wider use of mammogcidence of cancer in black women was slightly raphy led to earlier diagnosis, which also conlower than that of whites, but the death rate dur- tributed to the higher incidence numbers. ing 2011 to 2015 was 42 percent higher in black women. Rates increased more slowly through the 1990s. There was a decrease in rates in 2002 Scientists have now identified at least five and 2003, primarily in white women; reduced subtypes of breast cancer. Lower overall rates use of menopausal hormone therapy in those among Hispanic women can largely be ex- years may be part of the explanation. plained by lower rates of the most common subtype, called luminal A. Death rates from breast cancer have declined 39 percent from 1989 through 2015. About A particularly aggressive subtype, triple-nega- 322,600 breast cancer deaths have been averttive breast cancer, is twice as common in black ed, largely the result of earlier diagnosis and women as in whites. new treatments. The widest differences in breast cancer mortal- Through January 2016, more than 3.5 million ity between whites and blacks are in Mississip- women were living with breast cancer in the pi, Louisiana, Wisconsin and New Mexico. The United States.

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5 Things Young Women Must Know About Breast Cancer By Gina Shaw | WebMD

Just a few months before learning that she had breast cancer, Christina Applegate got a shocking insight into the struggles faced by other young women also at high risk for the disease -- and who don’t have the resources of a Hollywood celebrity. Because her mother had battled breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Applegate had been going for regular mammograms since age 30. “But when I turned 36, my doctor said that my breasts were just too dense for mammography alone, and he referred me for screening MRIs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,” she recalls. “After my second MRI, the patient relations woman who’d been taking care of me for years told me that a lot of high-risk young women were opting not to have screening MRIs because they couldn’t afford it -- they cost about $3,000 each -- and insurance wouldn’t cover it. It really angered me!”

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Less than a year later, in 2008, Applegate -who had landed the starring role in ABC’s comedy series Samantha Who? -- was diagnosed with breast cancer -- an early-stage cancer caught with the help of those MRIs. She was barely out of treatment when she began putting together a new foundation, Right Action for Women (RAW). RAW, an Entertainment Industry Foundation initiative, has raised money and awareness for support programs that provide free or low-cost screening MRIs to younger women who, like Applegate, have a high risk of developing breast cancer because of significant family histories and cancer-causing genetic mutations.

“should” feel, you’ll know when there’s a significant change that means you should call your doctor.

2) Be Persistent. If you think you feel

“something,” and family or doctors dismiss your concerns because you’re “too young for breast cancer,” it might be tempting to believe them and not seek further answers. But you have to be your own advocate, says McAndrew. “The youngest patient I’ve seen was 18 when she felt the mass, and 22 when she was found to have stage IV breast cancer. She kept telling doctors that she felt something and was worried about it, but they dismissed it because she was ‘too young.’”

3) Doctor Shop. Don’t automatically go

with the first doctor you see. And yes, you have time. “Most breast cancers are not like other cancers where you have to start treatment immediately,” says McAndrew. “You want a treatment team you’re comfortable with and that is aware of all the newer approaches, such as genetics, neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy before surgery), and looking at molecular markers of your tumor to figure out your individual risk.”

4) Research Your Options. “Learn about

things like stage and grade, and what they mean to your treatment options,” Applegate says. “No question is stupid. Every question is important.” Good online sources for information, recommended by Applegate and McAndrew, include breastcancer.org, the Young Survival Coalition (www.youngsurvival.org), and Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered This year, approximately 10,000 women (FORCE, www.facingourrisk.org), for women younger than 40 will be diagnosed with breast at genetically higher risk of developing cancer. cancer. What do they need to know about breast cancer right now? Here’s some advice 5) Network with Other Young Women. and info straight from Christina Applegate “Breast cancer when you’re in your 20s, 30s, and her doctor, Philomena McAndrew, MD, a and even 40s can be so isolating,” McAnmedical oncologist with the Tower Hematol- drew says. “Look online and ask your doctor ogy/Oncology Group in Los Angeles: for connections with other women your age. Women with breast cancer are amazing -1) Know Your Breasts. Breast cancer is the women who’ve never met are connected by a leading cause of cancer death in young women doctor or a friend, and they’ll visit each other aged 15 to 34. Talk to your doctor about the at home or pick someone up and take them pros and cons of breast self-exams. If you to chemo. It isn’t a group you’d ever sign up choose to do breast self exams, your doctor for, but it’s a group that can make dealing with can review how to do them with you. (Web- cancer as a young woman so much less lonely MD.com has an online guide; search “breast and difficult.” self exam.”) If you know how your breasts

Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 45

Sixth Annual Hope for a Cure

Kirby Softball Fields • October 13-15 • $300 **A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society**

Tournament Details:

• 4 GG - 2 pool games and double elimination bracket. • Pool play may begin Friday night if necessary. •Bracket games 3rd place & higher require 2 umpires. • Pay at the plate - $10 for 8U pool, $20 for 8U 3rd place bracket & higher; $18 for 10U, 12U & 14U pool, $30 for bracket 3rd place & higher. • Open ASA rules apply (including dropped third strike & stealing home). 6 run rule per half inning for all age divisions. • Undefeated team in championship game is home team, all other games will be a coin flip for home/visitor. • Championship rings for 1st place, medals for 2nd & 3rd (12 awards per team). Team award for 1st place. • Games will be played at Kirby Fields (other facilities may be used if necessary) All teams should wear something pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. Bring posters/banners in honor of those who have survived breast cancer and/or in memory of those who lost their fight. Please mail payment to Wylie Fastpitch Softball, P.O. Box 342, Abilene TX 79604. Checks will not be cashed until tournament starts. NO PERSONAL CHECKS! Payment must be received by Tuesday 10/10/17 to guarantee a spot in the schedule.

46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Ed Eats: Towne Crier By Edward Morrell | The Abilene Post

The Towne Crier has been an Abilene staple since 1966. Located at 818 East Highway 80 you cannot miss it as you drive by. Inspired by a family vacation to England, the original owners came back to Abilene with a unique concept in mind. They built a restaurant styled after an English Tudor, inside and out. The menu consisted of hand cut steaks, chicken fried steak, home sides and a salad bar.

The focus was to keep all of the great things about original Towne Crier (they’re keeping the rolls!), while adding some new, possibly future favorites, to the menu. The owners also brought in a new front of house and back of

Over the years countless Abilene and surrounding area families would spend their time enjoying what The Towne Crier had to offer. The Towne Crier became a place for families to get together and enjoy a good home cooked meal and some good old family time.

menu is a blend of the new and the old, there’s something for everyone. You can follow The Towne Crier on Facebook to keep up with all their specials.

This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website

www.the abilenepost.com

ISE O ADVERT CALL US T) 701-9505 (325

Fast forward to March of 2017. The Towne Crier building, which I would call an Abilene landmark, was purchased by a team of native Abilenians who love the history and heritage of the restaurant. The managing partner and General Manager is Kyle Moore. Kyle is a graduate of Abilene High School who has spent 10+ years building and managing successful restaurant concepts in the DFW area. Kyle’s wife Beth is also a successful restaurant veteran who has 10+ years of GM restaurant experience and recently was awarded the 30 under 30 award by Zagat. Jared and Ashley Crewse are co-owner of the restaurant with the Moores.

house team with a combined 40+ years of experience. Speaking with the new ownership team, they said that their goal is to restore Towne Crier to a premier steakhouse, at a price everyone can afford. There are a few big changes. For example, they have gone from buffet style to full service. They’ve also added a beer and wine selection to their menu and are now open for Sunday lunch, which is perfect for an after church lunch!

Jared graduated ACU in 2010 with a degree in accounting, and Ashley graduated ACU in 2011 with a degree in advertising and PR. Both grew up enjoying the Towne Crier regularly with family and friends. The new owners’ goal was to restore the Towne Crier building back to its original greatness. The team invested over $120,000 to renovate the building, property, and equipment.

Having stopped by today for lunch, I must say I was impressed. The restaurant had a fresh and new feel to it while keeping that Old’e English style that Abilene has grown to love. The Front of the House staff were friendly and quick to seat us. The servers were friendly and attentive and were always there when needed. The Back of the House did an amazing job in preparing and serving some fresh and delicious meals. Since the new

48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to Offer Professional Food Manager Certification Training Course Registration deadline is October 9

By Tammie Belyeu | Texas AgriLife Extension, Taylor County

Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans will become sick, 128,000 will become hospitalized, and 3,000 will die due to a foodborne illness. Texas Food Establishment Rules state that each food establishment is required to have one certified food manager on site. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Taylor, Jones and Haskell Counties, is offering a professional food manager certification training course. This two day program will be offered for $125.00 on Oct.23 and Oct. 24 at the Taylor County Extension Office. Cost includes training, materials, and the Prometric food manager certification examination. The food manager’s certification will be valid for five years. Registration deadline is Oct. 9. This program is designed to not only prepare foodservice managers to pass the certification examination; it will provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied. Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:

ARROW FORD Damian Sanchez

September 2017 • Employee of The Month

• Increased customer satisfaction • Improved relationships with health officials • Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to foodborne illness By attending the course, foodservice managers will learn about: • identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling • preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food • teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees • complying with government regulations • maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings • controlling pests Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. For more information about the Professional Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, called “Food Safety: It’s Our Business,” call the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048. You may also access a downloadable registration form at http://taylor.agrilife.org.

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TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE

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

Hold on to Your Hats Jack Rentz, 2017-2018 | Chamber Chair, Rentech Boilers By Abilene Chamber of Commerce

Hello members! Today marks the beginning of the Chamber’s 110th year and my first official day as Chairman of the Board of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, the region’s leading business association. I’m honored to serve in this capacity, and am pleased to share the role along with last year’s Chair, Yvonne Batts (Batts Communications LP); Scott Hibbs, Chair-elect (Enprotec/ Hibbs & Todd, Inc.) and Seaton Higginbotham, Treasurer (Arrow Ford Mitsubishi, Inc.) I’m looking forward to working alongside our members, our professional staff and area leaders to advance the interests of Abilene businesses. It’s going to be a great year, and together we will accomplish much to better benefit your bottom line.

and Suzhou/Hangzhou. This trip, with airfare, four and five star accommodations, meals and more at a member-exclusive price of $2,099 per person ($2,199 for non-members) from your choice of destination city – Los Angeles or New York. While there, we’ll meet with Chinese government and business officials, experience the culture, walk atop the Great Wall and experience China in a unique way. I hope you’ll join us. But this new offering will not replace all the great work, including advocacy, economic development marketing, tourism development, advancement of the arts, military affairs, young professionals, leadership and the programs and events you’ve come to expect and enjoy.

This will be a fun year for the Chamber and our members, but we’re also going to get much accomplished. We are entering year two of our strategic plan, with renewed focus on small business; downtown revitalization; workforce attraction, retention and development and – continuing to position our own Dyess Air This year, the Chamber will initiate a new pro- Force Base as the preferred power projection gram, designed to expose our members to world platform anywhere. A lot has been done but a markets. That’s right. Through the Chamber’s na- lot more remains to be done. tional association, we will be partnering to introduce international travel opportunities to places Thank you for supporting your Chamber, and such as China, Ireland and Scotland, Cuba, East- for your confidence in me to lead the organizaern Europe, India and other destinations. tion as Chairman of the Board. I encourage each of us to invite our fellow business owners No, we’re not getting into the travel business. But and operators to join and, when possible enif you can see the world, develop relationships gage in the important work of the organization. abroad, and grow your company at an unbeliev- Show them what you already know, that it is able price, wouldn’t you want to? better to be on the inside looking out than on the outside looking in. Speaking of China, watch for a special deal soon. In early April, Becky and I will lead a delega- After 109 years of serving the interests of busition of Chamber members on a nine-day trip to ness in the area, we’re just getting started. And China, with visits to Beijing, Shanghai/Suzhou there’s lots to do.

50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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

The Truth About Credit Card Debt By DaveRamsey.com

There is no good reason to have a credit card. There. We said it. If you’ve listened to Dave talk for more than 60 seconds, you know exactly how he feels about credit card debt. But do you really know why? Despite what commercials, celebrity spokespeople and the Joneses next door will tell you— responsible use of a credit card really doesn’t exist. Don’t believe us? The Federal Reserve has found that Americans are approaching $1 trillion in credit card debt.(1) The numbers don’t lie. Credit card debt is a major problem in America.

How Much Is That Credit Card Debt Costing You? We’ve heard it before. “I can pay my credit card off each month. So what’s the big deal?”

There is no positive side to credit card use. Even by paying the bill on time, you’re not beating the system. The reality is: The average family today carries a balance of $16,048 in credit card debt.(2) Think about it for a second. When you open a credit card account, you’re likely to pay thousands of dollars in interest over the years as you carry a balance. Even if you promise to pay it off every month, all it takes is one lost or missed payment. If that happens, your interest rate skyrockets, you get slapped with fees and it dings your credit. Either way, you’ve gotten yourself into a big money mess.

The Truth About Airline Miles, Cash Back and Rewards

Airline Miles Oh, those airline miles. People love airline miles. This is one of the most common reasons people give for hanging onto their credit card. Let’s say your card offers airline miles and has an $80 annual fee. If you spend $8,000 on the card every year and pay it off each month, you’ll have accumulated enough to get the free ticket in three years. The only problem? You’ll have spent $240 in annual fees alone—and you can buy a plane ticket outright for $250. Cash Back We like cash around here, but this is one instance where we don’t recommend it. You have to spend thousands on a credit card to get a measly $100 cash back. Oh, and it’s probably just a credit applied to your account anyway, not actual cash in your pocket. And it might be just enough to cover your annual fee. How about you keep your cash instead?

Rewards Now let’s talk about the rewards. Plenty of people hang on to credit cards for the sole purpose of using the rewards or coupons they get. This is especially true of store credit cards. Sure, you might get free shipping twice a year or a 15% off coupon every other month—but is it really saving you money? Think about it. You’re so excited to save 15% percent you spend $150 in a shopping frenzy. That 15% you “saved” goes out the window when you tack on interest—especially if you don’t pay off the balance. Your “reward” wasn’t really a reward at all.

The Truth Scores A r e

About

FICO you obsessed with your credit score?

You’re not alone. Our culture has reached the point where we pretty much idolize the almighty credit score. Why? Because we think it somehow proclaims to the world how good we are at managing our finances. In reality, all it does is show how much you love debt. Step away from the credit score, people. It’s okay, you can live without it. Myth #1: “A good credit score shows my ability to manage money and build wealth.” As you pay down your debts, you may start to notice your credit score inch up. But as satisfying as it is to make headway on your debts, a high FICO score does not mean you’re wealthy. Your FICO score only measures your debt— how much you have, how much you use, and how often you pay it back. You’ll never build wealth that way. Myth #2: “I need a credit score to buy a house.” This is one of the biggest myths of all. You can buy a house without having a credit score, but you have to find a mortgage company that does “manual underwriting.” This means they will make a judgement call about you based on the details of your actual life rather than simply relying on a few numbers. They’ll be looking for things like a strong history of paying your rent and utilities on time and a solid history of being employed.

The Truth About Shopping Online With a Credit Card - It seems like you’ve spent years typing those 16 digits, security codes and expiration dates into every shopping portal on the internet. Finally, everyone from Apple to Zappos has your information “securely” stored. And it’s so easy to pay (and buy, buy, buy) with the click of a button. You’ve told yourself paying with a credit card online is safer, so that’s a “good enough” reason to keep the card. But did you know a debit card offers the exact same fraud protection as a credit card? There’s really no excuse not to use it. Just remember to always check your budget first, and sleep on big purchases before you buy. Things have a funny way of looking less tempting in the morning. The Truth About Cash vs. Credit Cards You will spend more if you use credit cards. When you pay cash, you can feel the money leaving your hand. This is not true with credit cards. Flipping a credit card up on a counter does nothing to you emotionally. But if you miss the convenience factor of a card, use a debit card. It works just like cash. Simple as that.

Credit Card Debt Relief Starts Here!

Are you starting to rethink the precious plastic you’ve been carrying around in your pocket? Start chipping away at your credit card debt today! First, stop using your credit cards. In fact, cut them up! Get rid of them! Then list all your debts from lowest balance to highest balance. Pay the minimum payment on all your debts except for the lowest balance. Attack that one quickly and with a vengeance. Throw any extra money you can find at it! Once you have that one paid off, apply the amount you were paying toward it to the minimum on the next balance. We call this the debt snowball method. As you apply this process, you’ll feel small wins as you knock out the smallest debts first. This momentum will carry you through as you pay off the remaining debts on the list. Remember, personal finance is 80% behavior. Change your behavior and you’ll change your life! You need to cut out habits that make you overspend and cause you to reach for a credit card. You’ll never build wealth by using credit cards. Don’t get suckered into playing a multibillion-dollar industry’s game and think you’re going to win.

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52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Are You A Rower? By Doug Peters | President and CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce

In my view, our continued collective success will be built upon the rowers, those who understand how to move our community vessel forward toward being the very best Abilene we can be. If you’re reading this, you’re likely a rower, and for that this community – especially those who love this city as much as we do – is grateful. But what happens when we run out of experienced rowers? Who’ll man the oars to get us all through the next wave of turbulent water, and help to position us for what we’re all hopeful to achieve: smooth sailing?

option to our own community. Sure, we can continue to send our teams out of town and absorb the travel costs, time impacts of being away in addition to the cost of training. Or, we can provide a nationallyrecognized local training element that provides a one-anda-half-day session monthly for nine months, right here at home. Think of it as Leadership Abilene 2.0, or “next generation” leadership development. The program launches as a pilot this month. It will be facilitated by the Texasbased Cross Group, known for leadership training across the great State of Texas and beyond. Locally, they’ve trained the great teams inside our own Parkhill Smith & Cooper/Tittle Luther Partnership. And the reviews are incredible.

Enough with the euphemisms. The Chamber is focused on the rowers. They make up this growing organization of more than 1,300 businesses. They’re entrenched in the work we do every day – whether its government advocacy through policy interpretation and positioning; our growing Young Professionals program; our storied Leadership Abilene offering or any of our high-achieving committees or work teams. But how do we address and achieve that “next level” cadre of leaders to help drive our community into the future? Brigette Hyacinth says, “leaders are made, not born: behavioral theories believe that people can become leaders through the process of teaching, learning and observation. Leadership is a set of skills that can be learned by training, perception, practice and experience over time.” Back to the rowers. The Chamber, through the persistent leadership of our own Chair of the Board, Yvonne Batts (Batts Communications), as well as Kim Snyder (Snyder Ranch) and Bill Noonan (Parker, Smith & Cooper) has launched an outstanding initiative to help teach, train, put into practice and provide experience to the underdeveloped leader in all of us. It’s called RISE – and it’s an acronym that stands for relationships, insight, service and engagement. For an entire year, this small team of tireless leaders have invested significantly in bringing a well-developed local leadership training

For more information on this meaningful new program, please email Erica at: erica@abilenechamber.com, and although the current pilot program is filled, we’re already getting inquiries about the class that will begin in the fall of 2018. Trust me, it’s worth a look. Afterall, we’ll always need rowers, especially as we watch those who’ve rowed us this far begin to transition into calm and steady waters. Onward!

Business After Hours

When: Thurs. October 26th Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm 2550 Buffalo Gap Rd • Abilene Sponsors by Western Bank

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

An Abilene icon: Larry Has Made A Better Burger for 50 Years

54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Larry Olney has put his son in charge of the northside drive-up but it’s his reputation that keeps the place going strong. By Greg Jaklewicz | Abilene Reporter-News

It’s not Larry’s Gourmet Burger.

Mustard or ketchup, Larry? “Don’t matter,” he said. He prefers to eat at home. Ramona, his wife of 56 years, is a good cook, he said.

It’s simply a Better Burger. “We make ‘em the old-fashioned way,” said Larry Olney, who this month celebrated 50 years in business at 1233 North Treadway Boulevard drive-up. He admits his place wasn’t much to look at when he took over in 1967, and less so now.

His favorite dish? “Whatever I make him,” she said, laughing. “He loves pineapple upsidedown cake.” While Larry’s Better Burger has not cooked up the latest fads in the food service business, there have been changes. The place used to be open seven days a week, until 11 p.m. Now, it’s five days and until 9.

“It was old and worn out then,” he said. The Better Burger started in 1952 or 1953, he said, when Treadaway was Magnolia Street. “Just a crackerbox stand.” What he saves on exterior design and not advertising, other than word of mouth, he passes on to his customers. You still can get four small cheeseburgers for under $9, and four large ones for under $12. It’s an icon, not an eyesore, in Abilene. As other businesses, especially eateries, have come and gone, Larry’s still draws a crowd. A visitor to Abilene may drive right by, but the natives know they won’t find a better, or cheaper, burger. Larry doesn’t seem to one interested in being politically correct. For example, Kentucky Fried Chicken now may be KFC, but his place never will be LBB. So, Larry, what makes your burger “old-fashioned?” Grease is the word. “A little greasy,” is how he describes his burgers. Not flame-broiled or doused in special sauce. Some people actually ask for more grease, he said. The late Harold Christian, for example. Not extra pickles on his burger; extra grease. Christian and his father, Tobe, operated a barbecue joint just a few blocks away. The Christians’ cooking drew a large white crowd, and they charged a little more. Harold, Larry said, would come over for a good burger ... and to save money. Back in the day, a big burger cost 35 cents. Or 4 for a $1. “We’re still very cheap,” he said. Not much profit margin. Back then, the neighborhood and clientele was mostly African-American. Because the Better Burger offered to serve them when other places did not, the business became part of their com-

“He’s always here,” Danny said. “I can count on one hand the days he didn’t come in,” Paula added. Larry said he didn’t have much choice.“I didn’t have that luxury” of not working, he said. Now, if Larry’s isn’t much to look at, it does pass inspection inside. But it’s a tight work area, especially when Larry, Danny, 21-year employee Pam Lee and Kelly Yates, the baby of munity. the bunch with four years, are in gear. There’s “Come back and see us,” he tells his customers, no music. Just the banter with customers, the Today, customers are “a third white, a third who pay in cash. No check, no credit or debit sizzle of burgers cooking, ice tumbling in foam Spanish and a third black,” Larry said. “I feed cards at Larry’s. “Don’t wait too long ... we’re cups and the fridge closing when Danny has to the rich, I feed the poor. My parents taught me trying to make a living.” refill the tomato or lettuce tray. everyone was equal.” “Unless I know them,” he said, “I couldn’t tell you 20 minutes later On this rainy day, Ramona was in the office, Air-conditioning now keeps the place comfortwhat color they were.” along with Larry’s sister, Marilyn. They were able in the summer but the chore is battling the taking phone orders. There’s no inside dining, north wind when the order/pickup windows His daughter Paula said that has been an ad- though longtime friends are welcome to eat in open in the winter. mirable trait of her father. “I’ve never heard a the office. Just as long as someone brings a pan racial slur from him,” she said. That wasn’t true of brownies or some other goodies. They still The Better Burger has not missed a beat, even of other members of his generation, she added. may be put to work when it gets real busy. the time a grease fire was reported in the middle of the night. Power was knocked out but, well, Over the years, the clientele expanded. Larry And it does. It’s sometimes hard to find a park- that’s what extension cords are for and Larry’s came up with the Wildcat Special for Abilene ing spot an hour after the lunch rush. was back in business later in the day. Christian students — steak sandwich, fries and a drink. “We’ve sold a world of them,” he said. Danny is a burger-making machine. To his left The place has been robbed a time or two, but is the griddle, where burgers are bubbling to not lately. HSU? There’s the Cowboy Basket, full of perfection. To his right is the board on which he chicken strips. builds the sandwich, bun up. Hanging in the office are framed memorabilia, such as the first sales tax certificate, Larry’s old Larry has turned over the cooking to son Dan- “There’s the secret right there,” someone said. car (above another cool car by longtime friend ny, one of his four children. All worked at Lar- “He uses shredded lettuce.” Jim West ) and a framed story from the Abilene ry’s at some point. Paula, assistant registrar at Christian University newspaper, the Optimist. nearby Hardin-Simmons University, stops by to The Olney’s know quick service at “dinner” The headline reads “Abilene’s oldest drivehelp now and then. is essential. “A lot of them only have 30 min- thru.” utes,” Larry said. Her father fills drinks, takes counter orders and “We’ve never been a drive-thru,” Larry said. calls out a number when it’s ready. He slides For the record, Larry enjoys burgers. But he But they were going strong before Bill’s Burger bags of burgers through one of two small win- probably has had his share over the years, so he on the south side, and has seen likes of Baum’s dows. He’s a tall fella who once played basket- doesn’t often make one for himself. If a call-in and Mack Eplen’s restaurant empire come and ball. But most people get only a peek at him order is not picked up, he’ll eat a hamburger. go. The Dixie Pig has been in business longer through the 15-inch window opening. than the Better Burger, as have Farolito’s and A customer braves the rain this week to order lunch at Larry’s Better Burger on North Treadaway Street. Customers order at one of two windows, then wait in their vehicle until their order number is called.

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

El Fenix. But it’s the last continuously-operated drive-up left in town.

paid. “So far, I haven’t spent a night in jail,” he said.

“I’ve fed everyone,” Larry said. “Even the other end. I’ve had ‘em all over the years.”

Daughters Vicki (flower shop business) and Paula and sons Kevin (Olney Brothers trucking business) and Danny were raised at the Better Burger.

First of the month, when folks have money, always has been busy. But Paula noted people who didn’t have money didn’t go away hungry. Serve anyone famous? Not really, he said. Billie Sol Estes would come by. And pay. Otherwise, just local folks. Kelly Yates takes a customer’s order at one of two service windows at Larry’s Better Burger. Her customer is all smiles thinking about what’s for lunch. Many customers come to Larry’s every week; a few, the owner said, come every day. Larry is glad Danny agreed to man the Better Burger. “If he didn’t,” said dad, who’s now 78, “I’d have shut this place down.” As success stories go, this one is not exactly rags to riches. Larry was one of 10 kids from a family “poor of Joe’s turkey” that lived “20 miles out in the country,” sort of close to Truby in Jones County. A 1957 graduate of Noodle High School, he was told to use his own noodle and get a college education. Or wind up digging ditches.

Larry didn’t make it through HSU, and was working for Ponca Wholesale when Jackie Payne, who ran both the Better Burger and a southside restaurant, asked him take over the northside drive-up. With $100 in the register to pay bills and make change, Larry did so. He continued working at Ponca and at the Better Burger to pay his original debt and didn’t get into more. Along the way, he has dabbled in running cattle, farming and tractor pulling. He was agreeable to having a 50th anniversary story done on his business. Don’t make it too bad, he said, and don’t make it too good. “We’ve got enough business,” he said.

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Funny thing, he said, those guys probably make a good living. But he has made it. All bills are

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