Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
SEPTEMBER 2017
Volume 8, Issue 5
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.
If you are from the big country, September means 2 things: Friday night lights and the West Texas fair & rodeo! Who doesn’t want to drink a fresh squeezed lemonade, dip Aggie fries in ketchup and then top it off with a funnel cake. One week in September is all about riding crazy rides, eating everything and anything you can imagine deep fried, all the while watching mutton-busting and tractor pulls. It’s a week many look forward to every year. If you are not at a football stadium on a Friday night what else in West Texas could you possibly be doing? It’s all about the Friday night lights, pep rallies, fight songs, school songs, all decked out in your school spirit attire. The excitement you get when the ball crosses the end zone is like no other feeling, even if you don’t know the player, as long as you are bleeding the same school color that’s all that matters. September is such an exciting time in West Texas making memories with friends and family. Cooler nights under the stadium lights or waiting in line to ride the spider. Enjoy every moment you have with the ones you love and as always remember to be kind and loving to others. 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….
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.
David & Amy Hernández & the girls & all the staff here at HispanicLife
2017 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
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4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
DATE NIGHT
When: Tuesday, September 19 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Where: The Mill Wine Bar 239 Locust Street
Treat your loved one to an evening out at The Mill! Join us between 6:30-9:30 on September 19 for a special night of celebrating.
Copper & Pearl Photography, Grand Ave Design, Good Things Bakery, and The Mill have thought your date night out for you, so just relax and let our collaboration take the lead! One (1) ticket is needed per couple and includes:
-(1) take home floral arrangement by Grand Ave Design per couple -(1) small Mill cheeseboard per couple -(1) Mill selected beer or wine flight per person -Yummy dessert created by Good Thing Bakery -Photography by Copper & Pearl, documenting your night out emailed to you following the evening
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com
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Who is M.A.M.M.A.?
DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 (325) 70
By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine
Throughout the United States, there are mothers who are also MAMMAs – Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism. The organization was founded in 2014 as a grassroots parent advocacy group whose primary goal is the legalization of medical marijuana with autism as a qualifying condition.
by patients with certain debilitating medical conditions.
While there are several other MAMMAs throughout Texas, Amanda Martinez is the only one in the Abilene area. As the only MAMMA in the area, Amanda frequently seeks out other autism support groups and organizations in the area to share the MAMMA message with.
Amanda and her son plan to also meet with Representative Stan Lambert of House District 71, which covers Abilene and the surrounding areas, later this fall. She hopes to share her son’s personal story with him to help move this legislation forward in the next the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019.
“We go out and talk to whoever is interested,” Amanda said. “We explain what the quote unquote risks are and how it can give our children a better quality of life compared to the pharmaceutical treatments they are given each time we go to the doctor’s office.” Amanda explained since the age of three her son has tried over 22 prescriptions and has maxed out on the dosage for eight prescriptions. Not only is finding a treatment for her son’s form of autism difficult, the side effects are a major concern for her as well.
“Several other MAMMAs actually got up and spoke to the House of Representatives,” Amanda said. “Many of them [the Representatives] were moved by all of our stories and wanted to reach out to get to know use more on a personal level.”
marijuana Amanda said would decrease these behaviors. “Whenever the marijuana is in place he is able to be calm,” Amanda said. “He is able to be understood when he talks, he is calmer and is not as easily agitated. He is just an all-around happier kid.”
“Every day he runs the risk of different side effects with his medication,” Amanda said. “There are more risks with the current pre- As a MAMMA, Amanscriptions than there would be treating him da participates in legiswith marijuana.” lative action towards furthering MAMMA’s cause. Just this year during To use marijuana as a treatment, Amanda said the 85th Texas Legislature, Amanda was joined her son would most likely take it once a day by hundred of others to testify for the passing of or a couple of times a day. Amanda shared her HB 2107 that would authorize the possession, son has self-injurious and aggressive behav- use, cultivation, distribution, transportation and iors because of his autism. Treating him with delivery of medical cannabis for medical use
“Just during this special session, we lost a child to selfinjurious behavior because of autism,” Amanda said. “That really hits home with my son to think about what could happen to him or other children by 2019.” If you would like to have Amanda to come speak to a group, contact her via email at amandasluder@yahoo.com or by looking her up on Facebook at Amanda Martinez. For more information, visit MAMMA’s website www.mammasusa.org or the Texas MAMMAs Facebook page MAMMA – Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism.
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6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
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Alliance for Women and Children 15th Annual Fall Luncheon featuring Coach Herman Boone of Remember the Titans By Toni Brockway | Executive Director, Alliance for Women and Children
Teen Flix After Hours: “Push” September 15 at 5:45PM, South Branch Library. Movie Summary: Two young Americans with special abilities must race to find a girl in Hong Kong before a shadowy government organization called Division does. Family Flix: “Monster Trucks” September 16 at 3:00PM, Main Library Movie Summary: In a small town, an oil company is drilling for oil. The geologist, Dowd, informs his boss they detected what could be an ecosystem which could affect their drilling rights. What’s ultimately discovered is a life form that certainly takes a liking to an old truck in a srap yard. Family Films: “The Emperor’s New Groove” September 23 at 2:30PM Mockingbird Branch Library. Movie Summary: Emperor Kuzco is turned into a llama by his ex-administrator Yzma, and must now regain his throne with the help of Pacha, the gentle llama herder.
CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505
Weekend Walk-In Flix: “Wonder Woman” September 24 at 3:00PM 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.
The Alliance for Women and Children is pleased to announce the 15th Annual Fall Luncheon featuring Coach Herman Boone of the blockbuster film Remember the Titans (portrayed by Denzel Washington), scheduled for Thursday, September 14, 2017. This yearly fundraiser helps support the mission of the Alliance for Women and Children to provide quality programs to empower all women and children by educating and assisting women to be health conscious and self sufficient and providing a nurturing and safe environment for school aged children. Remember the Titans screenwriter Gregory Allen Howard said in a Washington Post interview, “Herman is Shakespearean. The beauty of Herman and what he did was that it was sort of unconscious. If you’d asked Herman when he took over T.C. Williams, ‘Were you trying to make a point with these kids?’ he would have said, ‘No, I just want to win football games.’ He had to get the players to get along to win football games. And it worked for just that reason—because it wasn’t self-conscious. He did something quite beyond what even he realized.” Herman Boone is now retired but continues to motivate and inspire audiences with presentations on respect, teamwork, community involvement, and the importance of character. “What better thing to do during football season in West Texas than bring in an amazing football coach,” says
Celia Gesting, Fall Luncheon Chair and member of the Alliance Board of Directors. “The lessons Coach Boone brings resonate just as much now as they did in the 1970’s.” The Alliance works so closely with the school districts in the Big Country and has invited local football players and coaches to hear this inspiring message from Coach Boone. Our mission is to care for children in a safe, academic, fun and enriching environment. “After School Care & A-Teens are vital assets to the community by providing a safe place for children after school and helping families remain self-sufficient by parents being able to work or attend school,” says executive director Toni Brockway. Tickets are on sale now for this event and can be purchased in the office or online. Tables of 8 are $400 and individual tickets are $40. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Deadline for reservations is Friday, September 8, 2017. Donations to the Alliance for Women and Children can be mailed to 1350 N 10th St, Abilene TX 79601, by calling 325-677-5321 or donating online at www.allianceforwomenandchildren.org.
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
STEP ASIDE, FRIED!
Barbecue is the Thing at Abilene’s West Texas Fair & Rodeo, Sept. 7 - 16 By Trish Dressen | Abilene Convention a nd Vistors Bureau
– It’s fair food frenzy time in Texas. And this year, the State Fair has some friendly and flavorful competition from its counterpart down the road in Abilene. But it isn’t the aroma of all things fried that will permeate the air at Abilene’s West Texas Fair and Rodeo September 7 – 16. For ten delicious days, visitors can feast on barbecued everything, thanks to the Fair’s new “Step Aside, Fried” competition celebrating the true local flavor of Abilene. Firefighter Taylor Smith joined the Abilene Fire Department in April of 2015. He is certified as a Firefighter Basic and he is a EMT-Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 6 on B shift.
Dozens of fair vendors will be entering their barbecued best in three different categories: main dish, side, and dessert, and vying for the “best in show” award, with bragging rights and cash prizes at stake. Dishes will be judged on taste, presentation, creativity and how well they interpret the barbecue theme. Contestants will also be selling these dishes in their booths for the duration of the fair. Visitors will receive a special passport when they enter the grounds at Taylor County Expo Center. “Our vendors have really stepped up to the plate to create dishes that will take an already impressive fair food offering to the next level,” said Jodi Riggan, West Texas Fair & Rodeo exhibit coordinator. “This is the start of a new, annual Abilene and West Texas Fair & Rodeo tradition, one that we expect will become a popular, much anticipated part of our event.”
Meals on Wheels Volunteers of the Month September 2017
GARY BORG
Garry has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 14 years! He started in June of 2003 and delivers a route at least twice a month. Garry came to Abilene by being stationed at Dyess AFB, and remained here after completing his 30 year career in the United States Air Force. After retirement, he continued to work at Dyess as a contractor, supporting the B1B bomber flight simulators. He is active with the VFW and his church, where is has been the president of the church council twice. While giving back to his community is something Garry feels we should all do, he says the appreciation of the clients he delivers to is thanks enough!
Firefighter Shane Haught joined the Abilene Fire Department in May of 2013. He is certified as a Firefighter Intermediate and he is a Licensed Paramedic. He currently is assigned to Station 1 on C shift.
The barbecue dishes on offer will run the gamut from savory to sweet, and from old school to outrageous. Among dozens of smoky temptations, hungry fair-goers will find barbecue street tacos, roasted barbecue corn, “French brisket” (French toast with brisket and sauce), barbecued chicken jalapeno poppers, “barbecue” frozen yogurt, pulled pork-cole slaw “klobasneks” (a savory version of a kolache), “pineapple porker bowls” (half-pineapple filled with pulled pork, rice pico de gallo and barbecue sauce), and even shave ices or “konas” billed as the perfect barbecue “chaser.” And for die-hard fried fanatics, the Fair will still oblige with what may be the best of both worlds – fried barbecue. Think brisket egg rolls, barbecue topped funnel cakes, and barbecued chicken and bacon stuffed deep fried pizza dough. The judging will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 8th with results announced at 6 p.m. that evening. Participating vendors include Old Timers’ Funnel Cake, Seafood Cajun, Momma Sally’s, Kona Ice, KB Burger, Vittle Barn, Nikki’s Swirl Shoppe, WMC Corn, Elmwood West, Abilene A & M Club, Little Babe BBQ, Texas Dough Boys, and Mom’s Country Cooking. Besides barbecue, the West Texas Fair & Rodeo has a little something for everyone – outrageous carnival rides, bucking broncs, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and more. The familyfriendly festivities kick off with a parade through the quaint streets of downtown Abilene. For more information, visit http://www.taylorcountyexpocenter.com/events/west-texasfair-rodeo.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Former Secretary of Defense to Speak at Benefit Dinner
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Global Samaritan Resources
NRH2o is open weekends only through September 17 th
Soak up the fun with our 4 Newest Slides plus 20 more thrilling slides and attractions. Doggie Beach Bash — September 23rd The ultimate pool party for you and your pooch! Free goody bags for the first 500 people through the gate! For complete details and to purchase tickets, visit nrh2o.com/beachbash.
$
ONE-DAY 6 OFF GENERAL ADMISSION
Not valid with any other coupon or discount, including the NRH resident discount, group tickets, and tickets purchased online. Present the coupon at the Ticket Booth to receive discount. Valid through September 17, 2017.
(FOR UP TO 4 PEOPLE)
*%N20170026*
nrh2o.com | 9001 Boulevard 26 | North Richland Hills, TX
You’re invited to join us at the Abilene Civic Center September 26 at 7:30 pm for the Global Samaritan Resources Benefit Dinner featuring Dr. Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense for the U.S.
1986 until 1989 and as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House from January 20, 1989, until November 6, 1991, for President George H.W. Bush.
Dr. Gates served as U.S. Secretary of Defense from December 2006 to July 2011, and he was the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly elected President. President Barack Obama was the eighth president Dr. Gates served.
Secretary Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA’s highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.
Before becoming the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Gates was the President of Texas A&M University, the nation’s seventh largest university. Prior to assuming the Texas A&M presidency, on August 1, 2002, he served as Interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M from 1999 to 2001.
He is the author of the memoir, From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insiders Story of Five Presidents and How They Won the Cold War, published in 1996.
Secretary Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties. Dr. Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. He is the only career officer in CIA’s history to rise from entry-level employee to Director. He served as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from
Until becoming Secretary of Defense, Dr. Gates served as Chairman of the Independent Trustees of The Fidelity Funds, the nation’s largest mutual fund company, and on the board of directors of NACCO Industries, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. and Parker Drilling Company, Inc. Dr. Gates has also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the American Council on Education, the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been President of the National Eagle Scout Association.
September 13: Koe Wetzel September 27: Cody Canada & Mike McClure Patio gate opens at 5 pm on performance night.
LYTLE LAND & CATTLE 1150 E. 11th, Abilene, TX
Pick us up at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
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Big Hearts:
An Abilene Woman Keeps the Faith After Paralysis By Brittany Pelletz | KTAB News
Most people take the use of their arms and legs for a recent graduate at Hardin-Simmons Univergranted. An Abilene woman who lost the ability to sity. use both of hers is determined to get it back. Wicks felt called to help Jordan after hearing “I didn’t black out or anything so I remember ev- about her goal to make it to a Houston facility erything,” says Jordan Click, of Abilene. called Project Walk. He reached out to Jordan and her Mom about hosting a benefit to supJordan Click, 27, is reminded every day about what happened in 2009. She was a college student in a car with her boyfriend at the time when it happened.
Important Information on Harvey Donations and Volunteers By Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and the OneStar Foundation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON DONATIONS The overwhelming generosity of the public is greatly appreciated, however the the influx of donated items exceeds the needs of the impacted communities at this time. Therefore, the State of Texas is asking that you please DO NOT donate unsolicited goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, medicine, or perishable foodstuffs at this time. As we continue to receive unsolicited donations, supporting agencies must redirect staff and volunteers away from providing direct services to survivors in order to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors. If you have already collected items for Hurricane Harvey, please consider donating them to a nonprofit organization in your community that accepts in-kind donations. The most effective way for individuals and private sector partners to support disaster survivors in their recovery is to donate money and time to trusted, reputable, voluntary or charitable organizations. Cash donations offer voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs, as well as needs that arise over the coming months and years. With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources locally which will help local economies recover. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation have collaborated with the OneStar Foundation to form the Rebuild Texas Fund. Michael & Susan Dell are leading the charge to raise $100 million for the fund. Those wishing to donate to the fund can do so by visiting www.rebuildtx.org or by texting ‘rebuildtx’ to 91999. You may also make a financial donation to a Texas VOAD Member or a National VOAD Member to help voluntary or charitable organizations continue to provide services to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEERING The State of Texas continues to experience flooding, and the situation may not be conducive to volunteers entering the impacted areas. Spontaneous or unaffiliated volunteers who self-deploy may create an additional burden on impacted communities where resources for food and shelter are scarce. The State of Texas is asking potential volunteers to register with a voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in Texas supporting survivors on the ground. To register as an affiliated volunteer with a voluntary or charitable organization, please visit the National VOAD or Texas VOAD for a list of partners active in disaster. Alternatively, you may register your interest to volunteer here, and partner organizations may reach out to you. Most importantly, please be patient. Hurricane Harvey recovery will require volunteer engagement for many months and years to come, so sign up now. Continue monitoring traditional and social media channels, including www.volunteertx.org for the latest information.
“We were driving to Oklahoma City. It was Good Friday and he actually lost control and over corrected and the truck rolled. Only one time but neither one of us had on our seat belt. So he came flying out my side of the car, which knocked me all the way out.,” says Click. She’s paralyzed from the shoulders down. But, her mental strength is something to be marveled. “Yeah, I may not be in the best state. You know, it sucks. It’s not always fun but I just try to be positive and try to make the best of it,” adds Click. That’s what she does. She gets around in a wheelchair powered by her mouth. A loved one made a contraption for Jordan’s wheelchair that allows her to play on her phone with a device she puts in her mouth. She is also able to change channels on the TV remote with it.
port her.
heaven.”
Click says, “Because in the end I’m gonna walk again. Exactly. Whether it’s on earth or its in
Wicks earned a music business degree which he’s putting to work by organizing a concert benefit to support Jordan’s mission.
“It made me feel good that somebody cares,” Regardless of technological help, there are obvious Click says. physical limitations that Jordan is on her way to overcome. She says, “You know maybe being able Wicks adds, “I’m in Abilene not to make a livto feed myself again or even if I have a scratch on ing but to make a difference.” my face, being able to scratch my face” Jamaal and Jordan have collaborated on plans “I knew that I wanted to help her because of my to show the community a good time while own relationship with God,” says Jamaal Wicks, helping her to reach her goal. “Now it’s not like a stranger putting on a concert for me. It’s like I’ve made a lifelong friends out of it,” says Click. The therapy sessions Click needs cost $100 per session. She has a goal to raise $30,000 to get the care she needs. If you’d like to make a donation, you can visit: www.gofundme.com/project-jordan-click
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Smart Moves With Your Money
HispanicLife Media
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By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Remember those years when you didn’t worry about money? Paying bills, establishing credit, making a major purchase like a home or a car. You couldn’t even imagine what retirement meant. People old enough to retire were ancient and you felt sure their lives were over. Those years pass quickly. That’s why First Abilene Federal Credit Union (FAFCU) recommends teaching your children at a young age about how finances work and how to handle money. “We recommend opening an account for your child as early as birth,” says Vice President of Operations Megan Allred. “Having a savings account for your child is a great way to start saving and educating about money early on.” It’s not unusual to receive monetary gifts at a child’s birth. Instead of spending them on more diapers, put those gifts away. You can add to the account at birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. FAFCU rewards All-Star account holders for every $10.00 deposit made. And your child will receive a birthday card each year redeemable for a $5.00 deposit into their account. You now have them off to a positive start to their financial future, even though you’ll still have to explain to them that money doesn’t
grow on trees and that credit and debit cards “When a teenager turns eighteen, he or she is don’t give you access to a magic pot of unlim- flooded with credit card offers. It can be conited funds. fusing and tempting at the same time,” says Megan. But the teenage years are coming along with their FAFCU assists those many young adults to establish credit by opening an account and offering a credit card with only a small amount of available credit. First loans are usually to purchase a vehicle. Making timely payments on an auto loan can definitely help to establish excellent credit, which will benefit them when they are ready to make that first home purchase. Purchasing a home can be a bit overwhelming with various mortgage options, interest rates, offers, counteroffers and escrow. Who can figure all of that out alone? “Our mortgage loan officer is happy to sit down and explain the process of making a first home purchase, the documents needed in order to do so and evaluate your credit history,” says Megan. FAFCU will also write a letter of pre-qualification for your mortgage request. This allows you to establish a budget for how much house you can afford when looking to purchase your first home, which is a great benefit for both you and your realtor.
challenges. Don’t worry. FAFCU assists with that stage of life too by offering $4Me account, just for teens. Options include a debit card at age fifteen with parental permission, rewards for A average grades and the account comes with And suddenly it’s time to think about retireno minimum balance requirements and no ment, even though you’re nowhere close to monthly service fee. ancient. That’s because it’s never too early to
Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
the
start saving so that you can spend that highly anticipated time the way you choose. FAFCU staff is ready to help you decide which savings accounts are right for your long-term goals. For example IRAs offer advantages over other savings options, such as the opportunity for tax-deductible contributions or tax-free earnings. “At different stages in your life, you face different financial needs,” Megan says. “Along with honesty, trust, loyalty and respect our products and services are designed to save members money and improve their lives.”
Sept 29 - Oct 22 fair park dallas
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on Print-at-home tickets & coupon vouchers now on sale at BIGTEX.COM
You can find more information on First Abilene Federal Credit Union at their website, www.firstabilenefcu.org or by calling (325) 670-2429 for the North Branch or (325) 691-5104 for the South Branch. Whatever your age, needs or goals, FAFCU can help you make smart moves with your money.
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12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Public Health a Whole New World Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Kay Durilla thought she knew nursing until she joined the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District and learned what she’d been missing. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Media
Kay Durilla didn’t plan on a twenty-year career in public health. She really didn’t plan on a nursing career. Because her dad flew on Air Force C-130s they moved around Texas, Tennessee and Florida. The year she graduated from high school in Homestead, Florida and he retired, they moved back to Texas and it has been home ever since. While working at Denton State School, Kay became friends with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and decided “If she can do it, I can do it.” She registered for nursing school at Cisco Junior College. Kay went to work as an LVN at West Texas Medical Center, now Abilene Regional Medical Center.
with oversight of all clinical area programs.
cause there could be snakes in the water or ants or debris or the sewers could have run “I worked very hard at my job because I loved over. But people didn’t listen. They came in my job,” Kay says. “If I didn’t have the an- for tetanus shots for weeks afterward.” swer, I found it.” Health Director of Abilene-Taylor County Public Heath District Santos Navarette, Jr. served as Kay’s boss. When asked what influence she had he responded, “What influence didn’t she have? Besides the refugee program she brought on Midland County because Midland County doesn’t have a health department. If I needed to get anything done, I could count on her before work, after work, whenever. She was a
Kay considers Santos one of her mentors too. The Refugee Health Program at the AbileneTaylor County Public Health District exists largely because of Kay’s work. “In 2004 the state wanted us to start a refugee program,” she says. “Abilene was number seven on the list of possible refugee resettlement locations. All the refugees had to have immunizations, exams for tuberculosis, parasites, anything communicable. I created that program and it grew from one nurse to five, although there are only four now. Some of the refugees are very educated and some are illiterate but they’re all so appreciative they’re able to build a life for themselves.” Though she is retired now, Kay doesn’t hesitate about her favorite part of her nursing career.
“At that time RNs (Registered Nurses) were few and far between,” Kay says. “We were trained to do many tasks that would have been done by the RNs. Since we were doing the work, we wanted to get paid for it.” So Kay went back to nursKay Durillo listens to Larry Johnson, who was the Health Director during most of her career, speak at her retirement party. ing school at Angelo State University and continued to work full time. She earned an Associate Degree of Science in Nursing Kay often found answers for the local media in 1982 a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and eventually became the “go to” spokesdegree. person for public health in the area. She educated her co-workers, the media and patients After a number of years providing patient regarding flood dangers, West Nile virus, Secare, reviewing Medicare cases and supervis- vere Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) ing nurses, Kay went to work for Abilene- and the Ebola virus. Taylor County Public Health District and discovered a whole new world of healthcare. “I started the job on a Tuesday,” Kay says. As Senior Nurse Kay supervised the staff. In “By Saturday we’d had a flood. We tried to 2002 she became Nursing Program manager tell people not to play in the floodwaters be-
colleague and a mentor to me.”
“Taking care of patients, especially in public health,” she says. “So many are indigent or low income, usually have no health insurance and no where else to go for healthcare. There’s nothing like a person telling you you helped them. That is an immense reward.” No doubt Kay is already being missed at Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District. But the difference she made there will last for years to come.
Kay Durillo with current Health Director, Santos Navarrette.
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Over the Edge benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters When: Saturday, September 30th Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: Enterprise Tower, 500 Chestnut Event website: www.bbbstx.org/overtheedge Big Brothers Big Sisters is taking fundraising to new heights for a second year! Over the Edge is a unique event, providing participants the thrilling, once in a life time chance of rappelling down the 20-story Enterprise Tower in a completely safe environment. Participants will make their descent from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. Food trucks will be available to spectators. All are welcome to come out and join in the excitement of this event!
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.
Interviews with agency staff, participants, board members and matches are welcome before or during the event on Saturday. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
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Over The Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations around the world. Business leaders, individuals and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going over the edge of a prominent building. This unique event generates front page news, raises thousands of dollars and provides participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Over The Edge is responsible for all technical aspects of the event including the insurance, professional staff and rappelling equipment. In addition, OTE provides a comprehensive Fundraising Manual to conduct a successful fund raising event. Our mission is to create a legacy with a 10 year goal to help non-profit organizations throughout North America raise $50 million dollars.
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.
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Airmen Graduate From Corporals Course
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
By Senior Airman Austin Mayfield, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Seven Airmen had the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills by attending in the twoweek-long Marine Corps’ Corporals Course. Transitioning to the noncommissioned officer corps is an important part of a military career. It is a follower’s move to leader, and learning a new variety of responsibility that comes with becoming a leader. This transition requires more training for the individual and each branch caters their training to the duties assigned to its NCOs. For the Marine Corps, their training is called the Corporals Course. The Corporals Course focuses on providing the skills necessary to lead and is designed to provide warfighting skills, core values and the mindset necessary for effective leadership of a team and subordinate service members. “In this course we go over what it means to be a NCO, leadership skills, discipline, teamwork and refreshers on what they should already know,” said Sgt. Marlana Stephens, U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Course instructor. “Our main goal is get them ready for the rank they are in and preparing them for the next one.”
The course is designed to challenge the leadership and skills of every participant to ultimately strengthen their weaknesses and make them better as a person and a leader. Some of the challenges they faced were: guided discussions, standing up and taking control of a small unit. “This is a leadership course, so we are putting the Marines and Airmen in a situation that are forcing them out of their comfort zones, not only as individuals but as leaders,” Stephens said. “The biggest thing for us is leadership. That’s what we are building on and hoping to grow them on. In order to grow they have to stretch their selves and put themselves in situations they’ve never been in, that way they know how to handle that situation on their own back in their respective units.”
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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
Emilia Juarez Castillo, 89, of Abilene, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at a local hospice center surrounded by her children. Mrs. Castillo was born May 22, 1928, in Rockdale, Texas to Dario and Felicitas (Lumbreras) Juarez. Emilia married Raul Castillo on October 31, 1959. Mrs. Castillo taught in the Abilene Independent School District at different schools including: Travis, Reagan, Dyess and Alta Vista Elementary Schools. She loved seeing and visiting with former students. Emilia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who enjoyed making tamales, cooking for others, attending her grandchildren’s events, playing bingo and quilting. She loved the Texas Rangers and would stay up late to watch the game. Survivors include one son, Raul Castillo, Jr. (Cecilia)
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime in our hearts... of Abilene, Texas; two daughters, Juanita Raines (Bill) of Hurst, Texas and Rosita Priest (Michael) of Abilene, Texas; seven grandchildren; Raul Castillo III, Michael Castillo, Trey Castillo, Troy Sams II (Cheyenne), Joshua Sams (Ashton), Cecilia Bonilla (Alex) and Celina Gonzales (Oscar); four great-grandchildren, Adam Sams III, Emily Sams, Ariana Gonzales and Alaina Gonzales; and her beloved companion dog, Milo. Mrs. Castillo was preceded in death by her husband, Raul Castillo, Sr.; her parents, Dario and Felicitas Juarez; a sister, Esther Garza; and brothers, Pascual, Filomeno, Domingo, and Senorino Juarez. The family is grateful to Hendrick Hospice staff who was outstanding, loving and compassionate in the care of their mother, Emilia during her last days. Ramona Longoria Sanchez, 83, of Abilene, passed away Monday, August 21, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs Sanchez was born August 31, 1933, in Lockhart, Texas to Adolfo and Augustina Longoria. Ramona was a creative and talented homemaker, she loved cooking and doing laundry. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved all her children and was happiest when they gathered at family functions. Mrs Sanchez was a member of St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church until her encounter
with her illness. Ramona will be remembered by many as going above and beyond to help anyone in need. Survivors include five sons, Manuel Sanchez, Casey Longoria ( Nina), Sean Facundo (Melanie),David Longoria ( Diana), all of Abilene, and Robert Longoria (Lucy) of Austin. Five daughters, Stella Arispe, Dolores Longoria ( Marcello), Virginia Valencia, all of Austin, Sarah Longoria, of Oklahoma and Tina Sanchez of Fort Worth. Mrs. Sanchez was preceded in death by her loving husband, Consension Facundo Sr.; her parents, Adolfo and Augustina Longoria; a son, Felix Sanchez; two sisters, Pancha Davila and Florinda Martinez. Faustino Rios Moreno, 61, longtime resident of Abilene, but born and raised in Stamford, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 at a local hospital, with family at his side. Mr. Moreno was born February 03, 1956, in Stamford, Texas to Mercedes and Martha Moreno. He was a great father, wonderful grandpa, a devoted loving companion and a dear friend. Faustino worked hard when he was able, enjoyed being around family gatherings for BBQ’s. In his younger days , he played bass guitar and sung. Faustino loved the outdoors, fishing, watching his grandkids swim or just sit outside after mowing his yard and take in the fresh smell of the cut grass. This is only a small part of
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our fathers life and the things he enjoyed the most. Everything he did included his family and the Lord. Faustino is survived by his children, Philip Moreno, Cathy Flores (Xavier), Cielo Gonzales and Rachel Flores, all of Abilene; his loving and faithful companion for 27 years, Josie Hernandez; five brothers, Benardo Moreno (Paula) of Abilene, Vince Moreno (Emily) of Fort Worth, Pete Moreno, Joe Moreno (Janie) and Mike Moreno, all three from Stamford; five sisters, Aurelia Delgado (Jr.), Irene Garcia (Joe), both of Abilene, Rachel Perez (Pete), Dominga Moreno and Janie Moreno, all three from Stamford; 13 grandchildren; and two great grandchildren; Mr. Moreno was preceded in death by his parents, Mercedes and Martha Moreno Sr.; three sisters, Carmelita Ballesteros, Frances Gomez and Susie Vasquez; five brothers, Mercedes Moreno Jr., Frank Moreno, Sylvester Moreno, Raul Moreno and Larry Moreno. Honored to be pallbearers include Andrew Garcia, Jonathon Moreno, Andy Moreno, Johnny Garcia, Anthony Moreno and Joshua Lozano.
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Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
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McMurry University will offer open-to-the-public group exercise classes from August 28 through December 8. All classes will be held in the Hunt Physical Education Center Room 200. Yoga classes will meet from noon to 12:55 on Tuesdays through Fridays and at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Low Impact Aerobics begins on August 21 and will meet at 5:30 to 6:25 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Zumba sessions are 5:30 to 6:25 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants may mix-and-match lesson attendance. Session tickets are $80 for unlimited lessons or 15 classes for $40. Drop-ins pay $5 per visit. For more information or to register, contact Janet McMurray at 325-793-4634.
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Gates open at noon Friday and cost is $5 per person/per day. There will be live music on Fri. and Sat. A poker run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the cook-off beginning at 9:00. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. A bike show, bike games, and raffles, will happen later on the evening following the awards ceremony. Several vendors, and swap meet vendors will be available around the park. Bike registration is $25, with a hospitality camp available. Cooker registration is $80 or $25 ea. (brisket, Spare Ribs, Chicken, Chili). 70% payback. $5 Bullseye beans. Team Calcutta-50% payback. Free patch & pin with pre-registration by 9-16-2016. Restrooms and free warm showers are available. Camping is by reservations only. Come join the fun and check it out. Bikers and cookers can register on our Facebook page.
She has been a part of the Perini Ranch crew for four years! She wears many hats which include server, bartender, and manager. She has had a lot of special memories over the years, but this story is something she will never forget. Mariah: A special memory that I’ve had while working out at Perini Ranch Steakhouse happen one night when a sweet customer and his mom walked through the doors. There was an 8 year old boy that escorted his mother down to a highly requested table. As I began to greet them, I was caught off guard by how well mannered and respectful this young boy was. Before sitting down, he made sure his mother was situated and comfortable. As I welcomed them, he softly asked what she wanted to drink, and then promptly relayed the message to me. As I brought their teas back to them, I began going over the specials that we had to offer for the evening. He took on the responsibility of ordering for the both of them (appetizers, salads, sides, and the steak.) When their steak came out, this young man cut the portions for each of them, and made sure his mother’s meal was perfect before he started eating. When desserts came around he requested that he wanted whatever his mother would like for her birthday dessert. They split a delicious strawberry shortcake topped off with a glowing candle. When it came time to pay for their meal, he quickly pulled out his velcro wallet, and put all the hard earned money he made over the course of a few months in the receipt book. After seeing this heart-felt experience wrap up, his mother humbly noted that her son made the reservation himself because he wanted to take his mother out for her special occasion because in his eyes “she had earned it.” I later found out that his father was deployed.
Meeting people and hearing their stories are one thing, but to be apart of someone’s experience is something we should never take for granted. This will always be a memory that I’ll humbly cherish.
18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Upcoming changes for the Abilene Police Department By Jonathan McMichael | BigCountryHomePage.com
Here’s what’s going on in the APD neck of the woods. As of September 1st, texting and driving, more accurately any sort of typing while driving, became illegal.
“And the reason is, our peak call volume begins at 11:00 am; that would shock most people.”
According to Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge this will make Abilene streets much safer while not providing to much of a challenge to enforce.
“So we’ll just have to see what it does to call volume, and then we’ll have to adjust,” he went on.
“When we see it, and we have discretionary time, we’re going to take enforcement,” he commented. In other enforcement changes, as of the beginning of October Abilene bars will have the opportunity to stay open later. Chief Standridge told KRBC that this will pose a challenge when it comes to staffing. “When you think about police staffing, you need to think about taffy.” Patrol shifts for the APD are 12 hours long and can’t exceed that. Additionally there are two shifts that have traditionally dealt with after hours, bar related calls; there are the noon to midnight and 2:00 am to 2:00 pm shifts. “So you would think, reasonably, that you would just need to pull the taffy, pull the staffing, longer this way to catch that longer late shift at the bar.” But if that happens, then the start time of those officers would also shift, and this would cause a major problem.
The APD does have 14 new officers who will be added to the force in late October. The chief believes will help with this dilemma.
Speaking of adjusting, the APD is planning on moving to to Kmart and will celebrate that fact, as well as seek public opinion on the future of the new law enforcement center, at this year’s national night out. “And I don’t want hundreds, I want thousands to come out. Let’s cast some vision on what our future looks like together,” finished Chief Standridge.
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EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
AISD’s Dan Dukes:
Having a Heart for Children By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Daniel Dukes decided one August afternoon year. Dukes believes the district, as a whole, that he needed a break. needed to adjust the way it addresses chronic disturbance-makers because, as he knows all He took a walk from his new office within too well from his time at Craig that the old the Abilene Independent School District ad- method certainly failed too often. ministration building to nearby Monks Coffee Shop.. “I finally realized my last couple years at Craig (positive behavioral reinforcement) really does It was an opportunity to get away from his work,” he latest duties for a few valuable minutes. He had been going hard, attending administrative meetings and registering students in advance of the 2017-18 school year. It’s a different kind of pressure for Dukes, who took over the role of executive director of student services after Kari Leong, in that job since 2010, retired to end 33 years in education. As principal at Craig Middle School for the past seven years, he was familiar with some of what she did. But he’s getting a new appreciation, one day at a time, for the job she did every day. “I’d worked from the building side of it, on the campus always calling her,” Dukes said. “So this is something I was really intrigued by because the student services job really gets to work with the families and a lot of students who have discipline issues. I’ve really developed a passion in my career ... working with students with behavior issues because I think too many said. “There are strategies that can really get times we write those students off. through to a kid and see a difference. Ironically, they’re not the strategies I thought five “And this isn’t just here in Abilene, it’s all over years ago worked. the nation.” “The harder we pushed the consequences, the It’s those discipline issues where he’ll be able worse the behavior got.” to truly dig into as the district’s chief advocate for students. Dukes has helped arm the district Coming down tough on students with harsh with new tools this summer in the form of pro- penalties and consequences failed, Dukes said. grams through Safe & Civil Schools, an Ore- The ones who were constantly causing trouble gon-based company, to help change the cul- reacted the opposite of how he expected. Sure, ture in Abilene’s largest public school system. there are students who, when they get in trouble, do change their behavior after receiving POSITIVE IS NEW APPROACH threats of detention, suspension or expulsion, Positive reinforcement is the go-to buzz- Dukes said. But those students aren’t the focus phrase heading into the start of the school of these programs designed to modify how at-
tention is provided. Dukes worries about a simple truth, an unfortunate truth, that each teacher, each principal and each student services employee must understand: behavior is not a universal trait given to each student equally. He also is aware that it’s actually up to the schools to teach it now. “What I realized is that, while we wish that every child was in a family where that was taught from an early age, that’s actually not happening a lot now,” Dukes said. “What we have to do at school is, instead of being frustrated by it and blaming the parent, we have to really embrace the idea we have to teach behavior. “We are the ones that can really make a difference in kids’ lives if we teach them the appropriate behaviors that they need that the child has not been able to learn in a home setting.” This is where positive reinforcement comes in, especially at the elementary and early middle school levels. A committee last school year, led by Dukes, evaluated several products before settling on Safe & Civil Schools. This year, the district will begin implementing its CHAMPS program for classroom management, while school management will be done through its Foundations program. “What I believe is that the best chance to remedy that is in elementary and early middle school,” Dukes said, “because once a student begins to add in the factor of maybe gang activity or drugs or street activity, the chances of us being able to change that behavior decrease dramatically. So early intervention is critical.” While Dukes is taking on more and more responsibility within the district, Craig Middle Continued on page 21....
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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
West Texas Book Festival September 21-23 17th year for the event presented by Friends of the Library By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library
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Whoosh!, 88 Instruments; children’s non-fiction and fiction. Presentation of the Ricki Brown Abilene Librarian of the Year Award 1:00 (Library) – Diane Kelly -20 Tips for Better Writing (library) 2:00 – Festival ends
The West Texas Book Festival, presented by Friends of the Abilene Public Library, will celebrate reading and writing with a new format & three full days of activities, Sept. 21-23. Fourteen authors will be featured in presentations, panels and workshops free to the public on Friday and Saturday. Two ticketed events will kick off the seventeenth annual book festival on Thursday, September 21. The Boots & Books Culinary Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday is moving to the Hunter Welcome Center on the ACU campus. Fort Worth author Jeff Guinn will be presented the A.C. Greene Award given every year to a distinguished Texas author, and the meal will be prepared from recipes in The Big Country Cookbook by featured cookbook author Tiffany Harelik (rhymes with garlic). Tickets are $35 each or $280 for a table of eight, and seating is limited. To inquire about reservations, contact Karen Turner at 673-4307. Thursday night’s Texas Cookbook Gala at the Abilene Country Club is a major fund-raiser for the Friends. The event, pairing Harelik’s cookbook recipes with Texas wines, is sold out. Friday and Saturday’s programs will be at the Abilene Public Library downtown – from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Also, two authors will be visiting six Abilene elementary schools throughout the day Friday as part of the festival’s Authors in Schools initiative. Authors speaking on Friday at the library include Jeff Guinn and James Ward Lee from Fort Worth, Al Pickett from Abilene, S.C. Gwynne from Austin, and Lisa Wingate from Howe, Texas. Wingate will conclude the day with a free workshop at 2 p.m. on Writing Your Family Stories. Saturday’s presenters are Chris Barton and Jennifer Ziegler, Austin; Preston Lewis, San Angelo; Stew Magnuson, Virginia; Diane Kelly, Burleson, and Penny Klostermann, Steven Moore, Joe Specht and musician Greg Young, all from Abilene. The Ricki Brown Abilene Librarian of the Year Award will be presented at a boxed-lunch program at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature at 11:45 Saturday. To conclude the festival, novelist Diane Kelly will
Featured Authors:
Chris Barton, Austin – Whoosh; 88 Instruments; children’s non-fiction and fiction • Diane Kelly, Burleson – Paw Enforcement series, Death & Taxes series, writing humor; workshop on 20 Tips for Better Writing • Jeff Guinn, Fort Worth (A.C. Greene award) -The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple, biography • S. C. Gwynne, Austin -- Empire of the Summer Moon, frontier history • Tiffany Harelik (rhymes with garlic), Austin – The Big Country Cookbook, featured cookbook at Boots & Books Culinary Luncheon and Texas Cookbook Gala • Penny Klostermann, Abilene – A Cooked-Up Fairy Tale; children’s fiction; one of the featured Authors in Schools • James Ward Lee, Fort Worth – The Girls of the Golden West, novel • Preston Lewis, San Angelo - The Fleecing of Fort Griffin, humorous western • Stew Magnuson, Virginia – The Last American Highway – Texas, travel diary, U.S. Highway 83 from Canada to Mexico • Steven Moore, Theodore Thumbs; children’s fiction; one of the featured Authors in Schools • Al Pickett, Abilene -Mighty, Mighty Matadors: Estacado High School, Integration and a Championship Season, sports history • Joe Specht (with Greg Young), Abilene – Abilene in Song, revised edition with new CD, music history • Lisa Wingate, Howe – Before We Were Yours, her latest novel; workshop on Writing Your Family Stories. • Jennifer Ziegler, Austin – Brewster Triplets series, children’s novels, ages 8 and up
conduct a workshop at 1 p.m. at the library on Jonestown, biography of Jim Jones 20 Tips for Better Writing. 10:30 – James Ward Lee, Fort Worth, Girls of the Golden West, novel Abilene authors who have had a book pub- 11:00 -- Al Pickett, Abilene, Mighty, Mighty lished in the past year will be honored at a festi- Matadors, sports val “preview” event, the Abilene Author Show- 11:30 -- Break, book signings, lunch available case, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the South ($5) Branch Library in the Mall of Abilene. It is also 12:00 – S.C. Gwynne, Austin, Empire of the free to the public. Summer Moon, frontier history 12:45 – Book signings More information is available online at abile- 1:00 – Lisa Wingate, Howe, Before We Were netx.com/apl/friends. Click on the book festival Yours, novel page. Or, like Friends of the Library, Abilene, 1:40 – Book signings Texas on Facebook for information. 2:00 – Lisa Wingate, Workshop on Writing Family Stories SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Sunday Sept. 17: Festival Preview Event, 2-4 Saturday, Sept. 23: Programs from 8 to 2, p.m., Abilene Author Showcase, South Branch Downtown Library / Box Lunches at NCCIL Library, Mall of Abilene / Reception honoring All these programs are free to the public. Box local authors who have had a book published in lunches available at the NCCIL for $5. the past year. 8 a.m. -- Registration, coffee, bookstore opens Thursday, Sept. 21: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.. 8:30 – Panel of Children’s Authors: Penny Boots & Books Culinary Luncheon, featur- Klostermann, Abilene, A Cooked-Up Fairy ing A.C. Greene Award winner Jeff Guinn and Tale; Jennifer Ziegler, Austin, Brewster cookbook author Tiffany Harelik (Big Country Triplets series; Steven Moore, Abilene, Theo- Cookbook), ACU Hunter Welcome Center, $35 dore Thumbs per person. (Seating is limited. To inquire about 9:15 -- Joe Specht (with Greg Young), Abilene reservations, call Karen Turner at 673-4307. 6 in Song – new revised, expanded edition with p.m. -- Texas Cookbook Gala, Abilene Country CD Club. (This event is sold out.) 9:45 -- Break and book signings 10:00 – Stew Magnuson, Virginia, The Last Friday, Sept.22: Authors in Schools American Highway – Texas, travel diary on Authors Penny Klostermann (A Cooked up U.S. 83 Fairy Tale) and Steven Moore (Theodore 10:30 – Preston Lewis, San Angelo, The FleecThumbs) will be speaking at six elementary ing of Fort Griffin, humorous western schools throughout the day. 11:00 -- Diane Kelly, Burleson, Death & Texas series, Paw Enforcement series -- Writing huPrograms from 10 to 3: Downtown Library All mor these programs are free to the public. Lunch 11:30 – Break and book signings available for $5. 11:45 (NCCIL) – Box lunches, free for registered teachers and librarians. Everyone 10:00 -- Jeff Guinn, Fort Worth, The Road to else $5. Speaker: Chris Barton, Austin,
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
Continued from page 19
School needed a new leader itself. Superintendent David Young chose Joey Gonzales, formerly of Richardson ISD, to take the Craig Colts forward. DAVID’S LAW IMPACT Dukes, meanwhile, steps into his new role in a trying time for school employees across Texas responsible for these discipline measures. Beginning Friday, he’s going to have a lot more on his plate than just in-class behavior problems. That date is when David’s Law goes into effect across the state, created by the 85th Texas Legislature as a response to a series of cyberbullying incidents that led to the January 2016 suicide of David Molak, an Alamo Heights (San Antonio) High School student. As he walked to Monks for his hot beverage that August afternoon, Dukes suddenly stopped. Emotions grew in his voice as he recounted reading through the messages released to the public as the legislature debated the merits of the law. Anonymous social media postings through different phone applications, not just Facebook and Twitter, picked relentlessly at the teenager. Dukes stood, visibly shaken by the implications of those messages. Dukes said the school at the time was unable to do much for the victim because the bullying, done almost exclusively online, was posted outside of school. David’s Law changes this dramatically. Schools are responsible, once the law goes into effect, for policing these activities. The idea is to make sure someone can be held accountable. It’s up to Dukes and his office to develop ways to accomplish this.
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Part of the law requires schools to create an anonymous way for students to report bullying of any kind, be it cyber or in-person. To meet this requirement, Dukes said the district has been investigating texting applications for electronic means of submission, as well as pencil-and-paper forms. There will be compliance as school opens and students fill classrooms and hallways, he said.
“I can see the benefits of doing it anonymously,” Dukes said. “The positive of putting a name on (a report) is we know who to follow up with to get more information. But, certainly, I understand people not wanting to come forward. I can see both sides to that.” FINAL REFLECTIONS As he approached his destination that afternoon, Dukes paused. Reflecting, he brought the conversation back around to his predecessor in his position. Leong, he said, served as a fantastic advocate for students, in general, but specifically for minority students. It’s a legacy he’s hoping to maintain and, possibly, strengthen. He’s well aware of his skin color and his gender. He knows he doesn’t look like those students who may one day find themselves in his office. Abilene ISD’s student population has become a majorityminority one, with Hispanics now the highest-served student group. But he’s not just another Caucasian with promises that can’t be delivered. Dukes has experience, living in Washington, D.C., before taking the Craig l job seven years ago, in a neighborhood where he was the exception. It has prepared him, he said, to be that strong voice for those who aren’t represented as strongly in society. “To have that experience is probably the most valuable experience I’ve ever had,” Dukes said. “It completely opened my eyes to what it would be like to not interact everyday with people who are just like you. It did change my perspective on life and school administration.” With that, he entered the coffee shop to grab a latte.
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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ACU WBB Basketblog:
Junior Lexie Ducat By ACUSports.com
Q: Tell us about how you got to ACU. my ball handling and shot. The workouts for me. This will be my first time in 12 years A: My recruiting process in high school was an extreme blessing but also stressful. I was overwhelmed by all the calls, letters, and decisions to be made. The summer before my senior year, I committed to Rice University. After I signed my NLI I heard news that Coach Williams (the head coach who recruited me) was retiring. I decided to still go to school at Rice because I had made my decision based on the university’s academic reputation and the awesome girls on the team. I played at Rice for two years and honestly just found myself not ever feeling completely happy there. I had chosen a major I wasn’t very passionate about and didn’t feel like I was getting the most out of my college experience. I stayed after my freshman year because the girls on my team were great and I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. My sophomore year I was getting a lot of playing time, declared my major, and was doing very well, however, I still didn’t feel content with the school and decided to transfer to ACU.
were tough but fun because the coaches create a very positive environment in the gym. If I wasn’t in the gym I spent a lot of time laying by the pool with my teammate Lexi Kirgan or doing new things with the team like paddle boarding. My biggest highlight though was probably seeing one of our campers in Walmart and them saying hi to me! I just thought it was so cool because Houston is so big that I wouldn’t have ever really gotten that there and it’s nice to have a fan base here!
to not play in a basketball game. Even though I can’t play on the court there is so much learning I can do while simply observing the game. I just want to be ACU women’s basketball’s biggest fan this year and support my teammates in every way that I can. I will push them to be better in practice, cheer as loud as I can on the bench for them, and encourage them throughout the year. This season will give me the opportunity to really go to work to be the best player I can be next year!
Q: How have you spent your time at Q: What are you most looking forhome since then? ward to as an incoming ACU student this fall?
A: My time at home has flown by. I’m actually answering these questions while on an A: I’m really looking forward to getting my airplane! I spent a week at Beaver Lake in Ar- new beginning while doing something I am
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Making this decision was one of the most challenging decisions I have ever made but also one the best decisions I have ever made. The staff at ACU is incredible. Coach Goodenough recruited me in high school so I was already familiar with her and had been tracking ACU’s success. A couple of the girls on the team also played with me in AAU ball so I was instantly able to have a a great group of girls who welcomed me as family. I also switched my major to kinesiology for pre-occupational therapy, which is something Rice didn’t offer aca- kansas with my family and one of my former teammates from Rice. Three days later I took demically. off on a plane to Santa Barbara with one of On top of all these awesome things my home- my new teammates Lexi Kirgan for ten days! town (Brock, Texas) is only 90 minutes from I have spent a lot of time on the beach, hiking ACU compared to my five-hour drive to mountains, learning to wake board, and beHouston. So going home will be a lot easier ing outside. It has made my workouts become which is one of my favorite things about the a bit interesting too. I was able to run in the school! My heart is so full here, and I can’t mountains, swim, and run down the beach. I wait to thrive at ACU for the next three years. have had so much fun this summer but I’m also ready to get back to campus so I can get Q: What were the highlights of your back on a schedule and start the year.
six weeks on campus earlier this summer?
Q: Even though you won’t be suiting up this season due to transfer rules, A: This is a tough question because I love it how will you contribute to the team’s here so much! The workouts were awesome. success?
I spent a lot of extra time with Coach Felan this summer who really helped me develop A: Sitting out is going to be a big challenge
passionate about. I have a really great schedule full of classes that seem very interesting. The people at ACU are so friendly and the environment is awesome! I just can’t wait to hit the ground running here and see what God has in store for me at ACU!
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
AISD’s Michael Garcia: Another AHS First
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Michael Garcia is the school’s first Hispanic principal one year after hiring the school’s first African-American leader By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Not a lot has changed for Michael Garcia.
wasn’t ever a fan of school.
He still wakes up school mornings and, with his wife, Maribel, eats a sound breakfast. He goes to his campus ready to put in his best effort.
He jokes about his career path with those at his high school reunions. When he tells them he’s a principal now, they often shoot him slack-jawed responses of dismay.
There is some change to the routine, though. And is it ever a massive one. For starters, he’s going to a different school this week. Garcia last spring accepted a position to lead Abilene High School, a place near and dear to his heart, as principal. It’s a bit of a reunion for Garcia, who has spent the past six years leading elementary schools in the Abilene Independent School District. Before he was the principal for two years at Martinez Elementary — and at Jane Long ElNew Abilene High School Principal Michael Garcia poses at his school’s sign ementary for four years before that — Garcia on North Sixth Street. (Photo: Timothy Chipp/Reporter-News) spent seven years as an associate principal at Abilene High. Some of the same faculty he with some expectations. “It feels good to know I have that worked with then still teaches at the school. support,” he said. “It’s the point person of campus, the image of But more importantly, some of his earliest el- the campus,” he said of his new responsibility. As school begins Monday, Garcia ementary students when he led at Jane Long “I want that to be a person the faculty can come will hold a position at the school no will be students of his again. Those students to, parents can come to, students can come to at one will ever take away from him. will have to forgive him, though, if he seems any point about anything. I’m not changing my But it’s one he barely processes. a little lost when they first start talking to him, approach or my philosophy.” He’ll be the first Hispanic principal he said. at the high school. “One thing I have had to learn is to delegate “When they come up to me, it takes a bit of trust. At the elementary level, you’re it. There’s “School was never my priority growtime to remember them,” he said. “But I do. I no one else. But at this level, I can’t operate ing up. I wasn’t a troublemaker or think it’s really neat.” that way. If you do, you’ll drown.” anything like that, I just didn’t really care to be there. Life has a strange Garcia has been busy this summer as he as- To prevent him from sinking, he has a plethora way of teaching you morality.” sumed control from previous principal Robert of options on which to fall back. A majority of New Abilene High Principal Michael Morrison, who was transferred to an assistant his staff can help if he needs it, then there are Garcia, on being a student in Anson principal position at Cooper High School after the other administrators at the high schools, He views the mantle as an honor, as a burden one year leading Abilene High. Karen Munoz at Cooper and Ketta Garduno and as a normal everyday occurrence. at the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Meanwhile, Mildred Petty, a former assistant Math and Science. Garcia praised the two of “It hasn’t been anything I’ve been broadcastprincipal at Clack Middle School, replaces them for their guidance as he got started in his ing and I didn’t even think about it until well Garcia at Martinez Elementary. new role. into taking and starting the job,” he said. “I know a lot of people in the community but I’ve Garcia said his duties at Abilene High are just He also throws questions at Superintendent never really reflected on that. Is it an honor? magnified versions of what he needed to do to David Young and his cabinet at the district’s Absolutely. Is it an extra burden? Absolutely it prepare at the elementary level. Start of school, administration building downtown. is. But I’ve been asked to perform a task and I which hits Abilene ISD students Monday know what the expectation is.” morning, is hectic for anyone, he said. They’ve each been willing to help whenever asked, which he said has made him a better ad- If you asked Garcia’s friends growing up in The difference is he’s now in charge of the ministrator already. Anson, they probably wouldn’t tell you, “Yeah, most populated school in the region. It comes Michael’s going to be an educator,” he said. He
“It’s funny how that happens,” Garcia said. “School was never my priority growing up. I wasn’t a troublemaker or anything like that, I just didn’t really care to be there. Life has a strange way of teaching you morality. “I’m excited to be at Abilene High. So many people have come up to me to give
me hugs or high-fives and say they’re so glad I’m there. It really fuels that drive to do well. Those things fill me up as a person. That right there is what educators really like. I still have that fire. I’ll continue doing this until that fire fizzles.”
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Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Don Grubbs
Airport Parking Attendant, 7years Don Grubbs is an Abilene native, 1963 Cooper High School graduate. He spent 2 years at ACU and retired from UPS after 35 years of service. Don is married to Evon for 17 years, they have 2 grown daughters; Jenny, who works for American Eagle and Misty who lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband who is in the Air Force. He also has a step-son Shane in Roscoe, TX and step-daughter Brandy in Buffalo Gap, TX. Don has 7 grandchildren. Funfact: Don enjoys working at ABI as well as fishing, hunting and the outdoors. Oh, and he “pretends to play golf at times�!!
26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Kellogg’s Executive to Speak at COBA Distinguished Speaker Series By Abilene Christian University
Join us on October 12th for the Distinguished Speaker Series luncheon beginning at 11:45 am in the Hunter Welcome Center. Wendy Davidson joined Kellogg Company as President, U.S. Specialty Channels in October 2013. Previously, Ms. Davidson held executive leadership roles with McCormick & Company as Vice President, Consumer Food Manufacturing, U.S. and Latin America and Vice President, Custom Flavor Solutions, Industrial Foods Americas. Prior to McCormick, Ms. Davidson spent 16 years as a part of the executive team at Tyson Foods Inc., working in progressively increasing roles in general management, operations, sales and marketing. Among them, she served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Prepared Foods; Group Vice President, Food Service Group; and Senior Vice President and General Manager, McDonald’s Business Unit. Ms. Davidson holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where she is a member of the Board of Regents. She was named to NW Arkansas Business Journal’s “40 under 40” in 2004 and “Diamond Decade” in 2006, received the Luminary Award in 2016 from Girl Scouts of Chicago and NW Indiana and was named to the Top 15 Business Women of Illinois by the Illinois Diversity Council in 2017. If you have questions about the event, please email M.C. Jennings at marycolleen. jennings@acu.edu or call 325-674-4812.
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Stamford DACA Recipient Reacts to Uncertain Future
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 (325) 70
By Will Jensen | KTXS
Alex Ortega, 19, likes to challenge himself at the gym, and he also works out his mind as a history major at Angelo State University. After school and the gym, the sophomore puts in about 30 hours a week at Walmart as a cashier. A former football player at Stamford High School, Ortega said sports helped teach him how to take on his busy life. “Just play by play,” Ortega said. “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
nors to apply to stay in the country and work But Ortega is playing by a different set of rules or attend school. This week, President Trump than most students on campus. He’s not a U.S. repealed DACA. “We’ve grown up here all our lives, and the citizen. United States is all we know,” Ortega said. Born in Mexico, he came to America with his mother in 2001 when he was three. He’s one of Ortega is also facing another challenge -800,000 other young DACA recipients whose adapting to a prosthesis he’s had for about 5 future is now in question. DACA, or Deferred weeks. He lost his leg in a car accident in FebAction for Childhood Arrivals, is a program ruary of 2016. put in place under President Obama in 2012 that allows people brought to America as mi- “I do have to work twice as hard sometimes, now three times as hard as most students, but
as long as I have a chance, that’s what keeps me going,” Ortega said. He said he wants that chance to eventually become a U.S. citizen, have a career as a coach and teacher, and pursue the American Dream. “I’m going to just keep taking it day by day, just do what I can, keep going to school, keep working, just put it all in God’s hands, honestly,” Ortega said. Ortega is part of an association on campus for Mexican-American students. He said together they’re able to stay informed on laws and current events affecting them.
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Zoo Waives Admission for Harvey Evacuees By Kelly Thompson | Abilene Zoo
Through the month of September, the Abilene Zoo will be waiving general admission fees for those individuals displaced by hurricane Harvey. “We’re happy to offer folks, who have gone through so much, the opportunity to have a place they can visit to relax and enjoy.” Says Zoo Executive Director Bill Gersonde. Guests requesting the free admission will need to show a photo ID. About the Abilene Zoo: The Abilene Zoo is home to more than 1000 animals of 250 different species. The zoo is open 7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admittance is 4 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 3-12, $6 for seniors aged 60+. Members are admitted free. Memberships start at $35. www.abilenezoo.org. 325-676-6085. Mission Statement: The Abilene Zoo is a place of learning and adventure, where families make memories, share the joy of discovery and become inspired to preserve wildlife.
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Kindergarten Teacher’s Good Deed Is Met With Another By Abilene Independent School District
Employees of the City of Abilene surprised Ortiz Elementary School teacher Andie Smith on Friday, just as she surprised them one day this summer. The City workers recently met Smith when she saw them working outside on a blistering hot day and took it upon herself to help cool them down with servings of ice cream and water. After being the recipient of a good deed, the City employees in turn decided to honor Smith on the final weekday before the start of school. To show their appreciation, the workers arrived at Ortiz on Friday with school supplies in tow, helping Smith stock her classroom for the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
McMurry University Features Artist Mike Lanier in Ryan Fine Arts Gallery By Gary Ellison | Associate Director Communications, McMurry University
The Amy Graves Ryan Fine Art Gallery will feature the works of Abilene artist Mike Lanier in a show titled “The Many Facets of Mike Lanier – Expressions in Oil” from August 31 through September 25. An artist talk, painting demonstration and reception will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. September 15 in the Ryan Gallery. Lanier is the owner of Studio 13 in Abilene. His work consists of contemporary, realism and surrealism. His love for all aspects for art allows him to create different forms of art using oils and acrylics. His ability to use light and color creates drama and individuality in all of his paintings. The show and reception are open to the public free of charge. Some works will be available for purchase. For more information, please contact Jennifer Nichols at 325-793-4662.
-Pick us up at Central Finance, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
AISD Welcomes Four New Head Coaches in 2017-18 By Abilene Independent School District
Softball, swimming, soccer and golf programs in Abilene ISD will be led by new coaches in the 2017-18 school year.
Abilene High softball: Longtime AISD
Abilene High and was an All-American tennis player at Hardin-Simmons University. He has been a tennis coach for seven years at Mann Middle School and CHS, but he also has competed on the Tight Lies professional golf tour and multiple Web.com qualifiers. His wife, Terri, is the women’s basketball coach at AHS.
teacher and coach Jim Reese returns to the field to take over the Lady Eagles. Before recently stepping away from coaching to teach at Woodson Center for Excellence, Reese’s coaching career included stops as a head base- Abilene High men’s soccer: Kyle Riese, ball coach at three Class 6A a McMurry University graduate and former War schools – Cooper, Abilene High and Plugerville. Hawk soccer player, has been Reese played football and baseball at AHS, and promoted to the head coachhe also played football and coached at Abilene ing position for the Eagles. Christian University. He started his teaching career at AHS last year and served Abilene High/Cooper High swimming: as an assistant coach in soccer Kelly McNamee takes over as the AISD swim and football coach for both the AHS and CHS programs. A Colleyville native and L.D. Bell High School graduate, McNamee graduated from McMurry University with a Multimedia and Graphic Design degree in 2016 and was a member of the War Hawk swim team.
Cooper High men’s golf: A famil-
iar name to local sports fans, Mitch Aston, is new coach for the Cougars. Aston grew up in Abilene, played tennis and golf at
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How Should A Christian Respond to Bullying?” www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
By Got Questions Ministries
Question: “How should a Chris- lying of children is involved, it is the parents’ responsibility before God to protect their tian respond to bullying?” Answer: Although we do not find the word bullying in the Bible, we do find the word brutish, a synonym of the brutal thuggery associated with thieves, assassins, and savage beasts (Psalm 49:10; Proverbs 12:1; Isaiah 19:11). The Hebrew and Greek words translated “brute” or “brutish” mean “stupid, foolish, and irrational, as cattle.” We can derive from this that those who bully are acting as cattle or other beasts incapable of rational thought. It is, unfortunately, not uncommon to see this type of abhorrent behavior in fallen man—even in the church— in both males and females throughout all life stages. Sadly, Christians are not immune from attacks by brutish bullies. In fact, Christians are often more likely to be victims. Some people use Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) to attempt to say that we should not stand up to bullying. However, the “slap on the cheek” that Jesus mentions refers to an insignificant personal slight. The principle is that a Christian should be able to overlook personal insults or minor affronts to himself. Jesus is not speaking of ignoring justice or letting a bully have his way. Christians are not denied the option of selfdefense, and they can and should stand up to bullying. If a husband loves his wife (Ephesians 5:25), he should defend her. The same can be said about his responsibility to his children and other loved ones. Where the bul-
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30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
children and remove them from situations where they may be in danger. “‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:36-40).
The Bible says believers are to love God with everything in them, so they can produce good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and apply the Golden Rule to others. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus reveals that the heart of a true neighbor is one that shows mercy, even to one’s enemies. So, Christians are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), first being sure their own hearts are pure before God.
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | EDUCATION | 31
Dallas Artist Featured at HSU Gallery By Krista Wester | The Brand Staff Reporter, Hardin-Simmons University
The Hardin-Simmons University Art Department will be hosting an art exhibit on August 28-September 22 at the Ira M. Taylor Memorial Gallery. The event will showcase a variety of media sculptures and drawings by Dallas artist, Robert Davis, Jr. Davis has exhibited numerous shows and has received awards from a variety of renowned artists, such as Sandy Skoglund and Donald Sultan.
the unification of people separated by social differences and class. “I try to make each medium count as being symbolic to the classes of our society, manipulating them to illustrate the overall objective of the work. This process, although a long one, is an enjoyable necessity that absorbs me back into the life of the worker that I am originally from,” Davis said.
His work has been featured The gallery will be open in the “25th International Monday-Thursday from Juried Exhibition” in New 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., York City, New York, “In Friday from 9:00 a.m. the Mix” and the invitato 2:00 p.m., or by aptional exhibit “Group IV” pointment with the art in St. Charles, Missouri, as well as “Mechan- department. Viewers will also get the opporics of the Imagination” in Prescott, Arizona. tunity to visit with the artist September 21 at Davis describes his work as a way to show 5:00 p.m. All of the Abilene community is invited to attend the exhibit.
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
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FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
What Does Jesus Have To Do With Sports By Active Faith Sports
Since the beginning of our brand being in existence, there has been one particular question that seems to always come up: What does Jesus have to do with sports? This question often leads to others like, “Does God care about who wins games?” and “How does praying help an athlete during a game?”.
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson is often seen leading prayer on the football field.
As a Christian sports apparel brand people often ask us these questions through social networks like twitter, facebook and instagram. These questions were also at the forefront during “Tebow Mania” and “Linsanity” where Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin were at the height of pop culture because of the unbelievable accomplishments of their athletic careers but chose to use that platform to express their faith and love for Jesus Christ. The sight of Tim Tebow on one knee praying before, during and after games became a phenomenon in itself being dubbed “Tebowing”.
NOTHING.
Jeremy Lin’s sudden rise to super stardom coincided with the launch of Active Faith as he wore his In Jesus’ Name I Play bands on his wrists while taking the NBA and the world by storm. It seemed in every interview or any chance they got, Tebow and Lin would make it a point to thank Jesus and give God the glory and praise.
Then and now, the question of what does Jesus have to do with sports continues to arise. At Active Faith Sports we have an unexpected answer to that question:
Thats right, a Christian sports apparel brand is saying that Jesus Christ and sports really don’t have anything to specifically do with each other.
To our knowledge there is no record or indication in the Bible that states that Jesus played any sports or had any interest in athletics at all. When you think of all of the issues the world faces and the interests that God has, we don’t believe God really cares who wins or loses games and athletic competitions. In the last Super Bowl there were Christian players on both teams. Did the losing team’s players not pray as much or as hard as the players on the victorious team? There are children starving in parts of the world right now. Do we think God is concerned with who the next NBA Champion will be? Our guess is probably not.
Today you will see NBA Superstar Stephen Curry write bible verses on his shoes before games and point up after every made shot. In fact, Stephen’s new signature shoe, the CURRY ONE by Under Armour, features his favorite So if Jesus has nothing to do with sports and verse, I Can Do All Things Through Christ... if God doesn’t care about who wins or loses Philippians 4:13, within the actual shoe design. games, why do players and teams pray before
games? Why do athletes thank God for winning Championships and awards and accolades? Why does Active Faith Sports even exist as a Christian sports apparel brand? We are glad you asked.
THE BIBLE SAYS IN COLOSSIANS 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” That verse is the foundation that Active Faith Sports is built on. That verse is what our tagline “In Jesus’ Name I Play” represents. See while we don’t believe that Jesus has anything directly to do with sports or that God cares who wins or loses games, we do believe that God can use anybody in any position to bring Glory to His name. Based on that verse, as believers we are actually instructed to do whatever it is we do, in the name of Jesus. And in doing so, it gives thanks and reverence to the One who has blessed us with the ability to do so in the first place. This instruction says WHATEVER you do. So this concept of “In Jesus’ Name I Play” is not limited to sports or athletics. In anything that you do, you can do it for the Glory of God versus for approval of man or your own glory. It doesn’t matter if you are an athlete, a teacher, a janitor, a doctor, a lawyer, a garbage man, a full time parent... God can get the Glory by you performing your task to the best of your ability and doing it in a way that pleases Him.
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34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Persistence Pays
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By Chuck Swindoll | Insight for Living Persistence pays.
as he persisted. And he presented to the public Tales of the South Pacific. Oh, by the way, the It’s a costly investment, no question about it. Broadway critics had warned, “It’ll never make But the dividends are so much greater than a musical.” the original outlay that you’ll almost forget the price. And if the final benefits are really How many military battles would never have significant, you’ll wonder why you ever hesi- been won without persistence? How many men tated to begin with. and women would never have graduated from school . . . or changed careers in midstream . . A primary reason we are tempted to give up . or stayed together in marriage . . . or reared is other people . . . you know, the less than 20 a mentally disabled child? Think of the crimipercent whose major role in life is to encour- nal cases that would never have been solved age others to toss in the towel. For whatever reason. Those white-flag specialists never run out of excuses you and I ought to use for quitting. The world’s full of “whysweat-it” experts. I’m sure Anne Mansfield Sullivan had a host of folks telling her that the blind, 7-year-old brat wasn’t worth it. But Anne persisted—in spite of temper tantrums, physical abuse, mealtime madness, and even thankless parents. In her heart she knew it was worth all the pain. Was it ever! Within two years her pupil, Helen Keller, was able to read and write in braille. She ultimately graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College (where Miss Sullivan had “spelled” each lecture into her hand), and Helen Keller devoted the rest of her life to aiding the deaf and the blind. Want another for instance? Well, this particular man was told that if he hadn’t written a book by age thirty-five, chances were good he never would. He was almost forty, I should add. There were others who reminded him that for every book published, ninety-five became dust-collecting manuscripts. But he persisted. Even though he was warned that stories like he wanted to write weren’t popular. Nor were they considered worthy of top prizes in the literary field (his work later won the Pulitzer). Hollywood hotshots also told him such a book certainly held no dramatic possibilities. But James Michener hung tough. He refused to wash the desire out of his hair
from the applause—even the awareness—of the public, the one preparing that verbal missile persisted all alone with such mundane materials as dictionary, thesaurus, historical volumes, biographical data, and a desk full of other research works. The same could be said of those who labor to find cures for diseases. And how about those who experiment with inventions? I once heard about a couple of men who were working alongside the inventor Thomas Edison. Weary to the point of exasperation, one man sighed, “What a waste! We have tried no less than seven hundred experiments and nothing has worked. We are not a bit better off than when we started.” With an optimistic twinkle in his eye, Edison quipped, “Oh, yes, we are! We now know seven hundred things that won’t work. We’re closer than we’ve ever been before.” With that, he rolled up his sleeves and plunged back in. If necessity is the mother of invention, persistence is certainly the father.
without the relentless persistence of detectives. How about the great music that would never have been finished, the grand pieces of art that would never have graced museums, cathedrals, and monuments the world over? Back behind the impeccable beauty of each work is a dream that wouldn’t die mixed with the dogged determination of a genius of whom this indifferent world is not worthy. Think also of the speeches, the sermons, the books that have shaped thinking, infused new hope, prompted fresh faith, and aroused the will to win. For long and lonely hours away
God honors it. Maybe because He models it so well. His love for His people, the Jews, persists to this very day, even though they have disobeyed Him more often than they have loved Him in return. And just think of His patient persistence in continually reaching out to the lost, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). And how about His persistence with us? You and I can recall one time after another when He could have (and should have!) wiped us out of the human race, but He didn’t. Why? The answer is in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. “(NIV) • The One who began will continue right up to the end. Being the original finisher, He will persist. I’m comforted to know He won’t be talked out of a plan that has to do with developing me. I need help! Don’t you?
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Positive Words By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
Speak over your family. No … I don’t mean yell! For years, I have spoken positive statements over my children. When my daughter was just months old, I would put her in her baby swing and gently swing her and singsong statements to her. I would say things like, “You are so smart; you are so talented; God has an amazing plan for your life; you were given special dreams and desires -- go for them.” I did the same for my son. Now, as young adults, I can definitely tell you those positive statements certainly made an impact. They are both smart and talented and are chasing their dreams and chasing where God would have them. Looking back, I wish I would have spoken a couple more positive life statements over them. My daughter is a bit of a klutz and somewhat forgetful. I wonder if I would have spoken over her that she is graceful and well organized if that would have made a difference in her life today! I have spoken statements over my husband such as, “I believe you can do anything God puts in your path; you are an amazing husband; and you are such a nurturing dad.” Well, Dan went from doing public relations at a small museum to being a hospital administrator in just eight years after retiring from the Air Force. He had no college degree; just a belief in himself and hopefully hearing his wife believed in him also! What are the words coming from your mouth on a day to day basis? Are you instilling positive thoughts in your husband’s and children’s minds? There is an old saying, “Garbage in; garbage out.” I believe it. Whatever you pour into others’ minds, you can expect to receive the same back from them in the future. But before you can expect to be a free-flowing fountain of encouragement and positivity, you need to examine what is filling your heart and mind!
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DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 (325) 70
It really is difficult to lift others up when you are bombarded with negativity. I’ve pretty much always been an optimist, but there were times when my eyes saw only the negative. The more I focused on that, the more it multiplied into other areas of my life. That’s why the following Bible verse is so important to me: Philippians 4:8 says, “brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things.” I didn’t just memorize this verse and “ta da,” I’m Positive Polly. It is a verse that will teach and train you. It will transform your thoughts. Believe me, though, it takes lots of practice. I challenge you to say something uplifting and encouraging to every person you cross paths with this week. Specifically place positive words into your children’s lives. Encourage them to dream and then, back up their dreams! You might want to add a few statements like “you love doing chores and you are very respectful and have wonderful manners!” Let your husband hear about the positive things he does for you and your family - what a terrific provider he is, or how his lawn mowing skills are “da bomb!” Then - and this may be the hardest - go ahead and let yourself hear you say something good about you! Blessings in Your Blending! _____________________ Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/ step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
What to Do When You Are Lonely in Marriage By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
As humans, we are not meant to be isolated. We all crave deep and lasting connections with other people. But we know it’s possible to feel alone in the middle of a crowd, and it’s possible to sleep in the same bed with someone for years and still feel lonely. Many of us never expect to be lonely in marriage, hoping that our spouse will be the lifelong companion who saves us from loneliness. Over time, however, couples can gradually disconnect from one another and find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn. Loneliness is not just about physical proximity, it’s about emotional connection. FamilyLife’s Dr. Dennis Rainey and his wife, Barbara, explain, “You may have sex, but you don’t have love. You may talk, but you don’t communicate. You live together, but you don’t share life.” If you’re feeling lonely in your marriage, here are some ways to reconnect with your spouse: Make the first move. Feelings of loneliness are seldom felt by only one person in a relationship. If you’re feeling isolated, chances are your spouse is, too. Take the first step to reconnecting with them, even if it’s just a small gesture. Open up to them about how you feel and give them an opportunity to do the same. Healing cannot begin if you hide or mask your pain. Forgive past hurts. Especially if you have been feeling alone for a long time, hurts have likely been building up in your marriage. Nothing breeds loneliness more than unforgiven hurt and conflict. If you have been wronged, make the decision to forgive your spouse. And if you have wounded them, seek their forgiveness immediately. Spend time together. This seems like a no-brainer, but sometimes couples get so busy or caught up in their individual lives that they neglect to simply spend time together. The less time a couple spends together, the more likely they are to feel dis-
tant from each other. This can be resolved by deliberately scheduling date nights in, date nights out, TV-free nights, and occasional weekend getaways—just for the two of you. Make your time count. The quantity of time together is important, but so is the quality of that time. Couples have to be intentional about their time together to create a marital connection. When you and your spouse are talking, put down your cell phone, set aside distractions, and focus on each other. Find ways to bond over shared experiences: taking a walk, cooking dinner, going to a concert or sporting event, or playing a board game or cards together. Encourage and compliment your spouse. Prioritize physical closeness. This is not just referring to sexual intimacy, though that is certainly an important part of marital closeness, but also to the little things that may have fallen by the wayside like holding hands or snuggling on the couch. The key to resurrecting physical touch is to start small. Sit close to each other, give neck massages, and pull out a surprise kiss. Getting closer physically will naturally lead to feeling closer emotionally. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. While the idea of seeking outside input on your marriage can be intimidating to many people, nearly every couple can benefit from marriage counseling. Getting an outside perspective can be extremely helpful to you and your spouse. You may feel lonely in your marriage, but you are not alone in the struggle for marital intimacy. We have all experienced loneliness in our lives, but you don’t have to feel it in your marriage.
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What You Should Remind Yourself of Each Day By Steven Furtick | Waking Faith
“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:2-4, ESV) The events in Acts 2 signify a moment that would forever change the life of Jesus’ followers and their mission on this earth. The promised Holy Spirit had been given, and a supernatural filling had occurred. In a moment, the supernatural interrupted the natural, and they began speaking in other languages to the amazement of all who witnessed. This filling was the presence of God making its home in the believers. But it wasn’t just God’s presence that made a home in them — it was also His power. And it’s this power that Jesus referred to as He prepared to ascend to Heaven and tasked them with spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This was no simple mission. In fact, it was impossible, naturally speaking. Facing intense persecution, God’s Word and God’s love were the only two weapons they were given. But in spite of all the odds, the Gospel spread, and followers of Christ were multiplied. Thousands of years later, we’re still witnessing this multiplication. But we’re not invited to just witness it; we’re invited to participate in it. As a believer in Christ, you’ve been given the gift of the Holy Spirit — not as an accessory or addon, but as the operating system for your life. As you begin each day, remind yourself of this fact: You’re not alone. God’s presence is with you, and so is His power.
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38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
How to Heal from Prior Relationships Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Jimmy Evans | Marriage Today
Sometimes we look back on relationships and idealize the good things. For instance, a new relationship may be going well, but the first time we encounter a difficulty, we start remembering the good parts of our past relationBlended families can ship. We long for the way it was. be incredible. I know many, many success- The devil torments us by reminding us of the ful marriages that be- high points in our past. That’s because he does gan this way. After all, not want us to remember the reason the relathere are a lot of great tionship ended. In these cases, we have to deal blended families in with these feelings. We need to thank God for the Bible. Even Jesus the good memories and then move on. Rather came from a blended than long for them, we have to let them go. family. But they also include particular dynamics that are present Other times we may look back on past relationfrom day one. These can be very challenging. ships and feel bitterness and anger. Maybe we were hurt deeply by that break-up. Or maybe One of the most significant issues is unre- the devil is perverting or poisoning our memories. Regardless of what happened, many solved feelings toward a past partner. people enter a new relationship burdened with Blended families begin after a past relation- anger about the old relationship. ship has ended. It could have been a marriage, a sexual relationship with a boyfriend or girl- They focus on the bad things. When this hapfriend, or a live-in lover. Regardless of the re- pens, the new spouse bears the brunt of the pain. This happened early in my marriage. I lationship, break-ups are never easy. had emotional scars from my past and an anSex creates a powerful bond between two gry, arrogant disposition. Karen got the worst people. Our society trivializes sex, but the of it. Bible tells us there is a joining of souls when a couple becomes “one flesh.” Sex connects Unforgiveness is an invisible umbilical cord two people in a deep, powerful way. When that connects us to our past, and it was feedyou sever that relationship, it’s never a clean ing me bitterness. I had to sever it for the sake break. A part of that person comes with you. of my marriage. I had to learn to take captive the painful thoughts from my past. With God’s Studies tell us that fifty percent of married help, I took the steps toward forgiving those people who get divorced still harbor feelings who had hurt me. for their ex-spouse ten years later. Think about that. A full decade after a relationship ends, In a blended family, good and bad feelings half the people still experience powerful feel- from past relationships can be unhealthy. For your new marriage to thrive, you need to let ings toward their ex. old feelings go. Sometimes those feelings are good. Sometimes they are bad. Either kind can be prob- Thank God for the good in your past. Ask Him lematic to a new marriage and a blended fam- to help you forgive the bad in your past. And then determine to live in the present. ily. Fifty percent of all families are blended families—a marriage where one or both spouses bring children from a previous marriage or relationship.
AY SATURD 6, 2017 ER 1 B M E T P SE 6:00 PM
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Do You Know What Your Kids Are Up To? By Barrett Johnson | Family Life
Go on YouTube and do a search for “hidden camera bad dog.” It will take several days to watch all the hidden camera videos people have made to capture what their dogs do once the people leave. Apparently, dog lovers around the world share a common problem: When they are home, their pets behave themselves; when they leave, their dogs get into all sorts of trouble. They get into the trash, chew on expensive shoes, and climb onto furniture they know they are not supposed to. The pattern among our canine friends is that when nobody is looking, they get into trouble. When left alone, the worst comes out of them. I hate to make a comparison of dogs to our kids, but at a fundamental level, the illustration holds up. When our kids enter a boy/girl relationship and there is no parental oversight, there is the real potential for bad things to happen. My experience is that every generation of young people holds to the default position that their parents were born yesterday. They feel that their parents are generally clueless and that they (the teens) can get away with just about anything because their parents are so easily deceived. Perhaps kids come to believe this so readily because their parents are naïve or entirely disengaged from the activities of the typical teenager. This is not good. As parents, we need to be clued in to what our kids are up to. I am not suggesting that we sneak around and spy on our kids. On the contrary, our kids should clearly know of our desire to be “in the know.”
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My 17-year-old once told me it is hard being my daughter. She describes her friends’ parents as being entirely oblivious as to what their kids are involved in. They get into all sorts of trouble and their parents don’t have a clue. She went on to say that while she doesn’t always like my awareness and oversight into her life, she appreciates and values it. It makes her feel safe and loved. Isn’t that what we all want to aim for as parents? What does accountability of our kids’ dating
relationships look like? We will explore that a bit here, but it might be easier to explain up front what it doesn’t look like. While I always laugh at the humorous posts that are emailed to me about the “rules for dating my daughter,” they have the real potential to cause us to miss the point. We end up with nothing more than a few funny comments about “cleaning our guns” when the boy comes to pick up our daughter. If all we do is make jokes but do not offer any substantive protection and accountability for our kids, we are failing our children. Instead, our kids need a measure of accountability and oversight in at least three areas of their dating lives: 1. Parents should give input about who our kids date. Parents have permission and even a solemn responsibility to give input into who our kids connect with in a romantic way. I’m not suggesting that we return to a time of arranged marriages, only that parents are involved in the discussion. With all the avenues of digital communication, it is relatively easy for a teenager to be in a relationship with someone without his or her parents’ knowledge. This is extremely hazardous and bypasses the very reason that God wants parents to be involved: to offer accountability and oversight. From the earliest age possible, our kids should be taught that their mom and dad have a vote (and even veto power) on any and all romantic relationships. 2. Parents need to interact with our kids as they date. Parents should strive to spend as much time with our dating teens as possible. I am not suggesting that we be an ever-present chaperone as they date, though we could make a pretty good argument for that. Instead, my goal is to get to spend time with the couple, coming to better know this young person who has expressed an interest in my teenager. Making my home available for them to spend time there is the most practical means to make this happen. Family meals or movie nights give us opportunities to get to know the person my teenager is interested in. 3. Parents should influence both of them as they date. Overly romantic relationships be-
tween immature teenagers have a huge downside and should be entered into very cautiously. Nonetheless, within some clearly-defined boundaries, they can serve as opportunities to train our older teenagers on how to interact with the opposite sex. Our sons can learn to be gentlemen and our daughters to be ladies. This typically happens in the context of our homes and with some firm parameters regarding emotional and physical intimacy. Our hope is that it will give our older teens a safe environment to get to know someone better. (In the case of our oldest daughter, it led to a marriage.) This will not happen automatically. These lessons need to be carefully steered by parents who are exerting influence and giving parameters for the relationship as it evolves. I used to work for a pastor who loved to integrate popculture phrases into his conversations. For example, when he had some insight or insider information on something I was involved in, he would always say, “I know what you did last summer.” Quoting the title of a goofy horror movie, his point was to say, “I know what you did. I know what you are up to. I know what you are capable of.” Our kids should always have the sense that we know what they are doing and what they are capable of. This sense should not come from the fact that we are secretly spying on them, but on the fact that we are openly talking with them about their friends and potential relationships. We are giving input into who they date, interacting with them as they date, and exerting influence as they date. The goal is to be a loving and ever-present source of accountability that can confidently say, “I know what you did last summer.”
40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Why Are Your Kids Texting, Not Talking? By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with your child only to be quickly interrupted as they respond to a friend’s text? If so, you’re not alone. In the Merrill home, Susan and I have had more than a few conversations with our children where one of their friends butts in on our conversation with a text. It can be frustrating, can’t it? I’m sure there are many children who have experienced the same thing with their parents. To be fair, our kids have grown up with technology as a part of their everyday existence. It’s almost as if it’s part of their DNA. Yes, it is frustrating when they, or we, get too engrossed in phones and seem unattached and unaware of what’s around us, but we need to understand what’s behind it before we can do something about it. Before you assume the worst about your non-communicative child or grandchild, consider some of these reasons that may be behind their overuse of phones and other technology: • Avoiding awkward situations and conversations: Children avoid awkwardness as much as they can. They often
already feel awkward about themselves, their appearance, their place in the world. They may feel a sense of relief if they can avoid such feelings by being heads down on a chat or in a game. • Generational comfort in digital communication: People find it so much easier to text than to talk, especially young men. They don’t see it automatically as an alternative to face-to-face communication, but simply one of many ways to communicate. • ICYMI: ICYMI is an acronym for “In Case You Missed It.” It pervades social media and news media today. It’s used to trigger curiosity about news, marketing messages, and media announcements. But over time, the constant barrage of ICYMI messages creates a bit of anxiety in people, stirring a fear of being out of the loop on what everyone else is talking about and reacting to. • FOMO: In addition to viral “news” dominating the ICYMI trends in social media, Fear of Missing Out, or “FOMO”, creates a similar social anxiety in young people. Their tech is their connection to the outside world. If they fall behind in what’s going on with friends or in those social arenas, they begin to feel like they’re falling out of touch with people, causes and interests.
HEALTH&FITNESS
9 ways to fall asleep faster By Alex Orlov for Life by DailyBurn
2. Take a warm bath or shower. Spending time in a steamy shower could be beneficial even if you don’t need to rinse off. Dr. Kennedy points out that your body temperature drops rapidly once you exit the shower. Research shows that this decrease in temperature can trigger a sleepy feeling because your heart rate, digestion and other metabolic processes slow down. This Missing sleep is nothing to yawn about. “Chron- can make it easier for your brain and body to “The second you start feeling tense, go into anothic sleep deprivation has lots of negative conse- power down, too. er room until you start feeling sleepy,” says Profesquences,” says Sonia Ancoli-Israel, fellow of sor Ancoli-Israel. You want to condition your brain the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 3. Put on socks. Showering isn’t the only trick to associate the bed with sleeping and nothing else, and Professor of Psychiatry at the University in the book. When it comes to optimizing your she explains. of California San Diego School of Medicine. temperature for sleep, the ideal balance is a She notes that the health risks associated with cooler core and warmer extremities, says Pro- Feeling frustrated “creates a stress response where missed zzz’s can include poor cognitive func- fessor Ancoli-Israel. One study revealed that the body creates adrenaline,” says Dr. Kennedy. To tion, problems with attention and concentration, wearing socks dilates your blood vessels and combat this harmful feedback loop, divert your atdementia and an increased risk of heart disease. can help blood flow, leading to a more optimal tention by reading, doing crossword puzzles, knittemperature for snoozing. ting, drinking tea, folding laundry or organizing Why every night of sleep matters closets until you start to feel drowsy. Are you getting enough shut-eye? Most adults 4. Try the 4-7-8 exercise. We’ve all been there: need seven to eight hours of sleep a night, ac- No matter how many times you flip over, you 8. Hide your clock. Repeat after us: “I must stop cording to Dr. Ancoli-Israel. “People are so just can’t seem to find that sweet spot that will staring at my clock.” You could be waking yourbusy in their everyday lives and something has let you slip into slumber. But instead of trying self up even more, says Professor Ancoli-Israel. to give. They give up on sleep rather than some- to find the perfect position, concentrate on find- When you’re constantly checking the time, you’re thing else,” she says. ing the perfect way to breathe. By deliberately putting pressure on yourself and creating a more changing the pattern of your inhales and ex- stressful environment. Plus, Dr. Kennedy points Even if you don’t suffer from insomnia, odds are hales, you can change your heart rate and blood out that your phone can suck you back into dayyou’ve experienced nights when you’ve tossed pressure, two systems linked to sleepiness. time stressors with every text, email or app notiand turned, wondering why you can’t drift off. Many relaxation specialists recommend inhal- fication. “Everyone has a bad night now and then,” says ing through your nose, focusing on filling your Dr. Ancoli-Israel. But if you get worried about chest and lungs (for about three to four seconds) 9. Vent on paper. If racing thoughts keep you up, not being able to sleep, your frustrated mindset and then exhaling slowly through your mouth consider jotting down what’s on your mind before could make it even harder to relax into slumber for double the time you were inhaling. Another you head to bed. \By writing things down or makthe following nights. method, known as the “4-7-8 exercise,” in- ing a list of tomorrow’s to-dos, you’ll tame any volves inhaling for four seconds, holding your bouncing thoughts and turn them into a more linThe consequences of missing even a few hours breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight ear narrative. Instead of endlessly worrying about of sleep can be serious. Research shows that seconds. the next day’s workload, you’ll have already plotshort-term sleep deprivation can cause you to ted out how you’ll get everything accomplished crave high carbohydrate and high sugar foods. 5. Don’t get in bed until you actually feel before you hit the hay. It can even make it harder to choose healthy op- sleepy. Trying to score some extra zzz’s by gotions when grocery shopping. Plus, one sober- ing to bed at 8 p.m. is a recipe for disaster. “If ing study revealed that drowsy drivers who had you aren’t sleepy, your body won’t settle down,” CALL US TO ADVERTISE been awake for 18 hours were just as impaired says Dr. Kennedy. And according to Professor (325) 701-9505 as drivers who had been drinking. Fortunately, Ancoli-Israel, your sleep will actually be worse there are steps you can take to help ensure you’ll the longer you stay in bed. “Eight hours of sleep actually pass out once your head hits the pillow. is more efficient than nine to 10 hours in bed,” she says. 1. Do a 60-minute wind-down. If you’re moving at full-speed all day, it can be tough to 6. Practice calming techniques during the suddenly switch yourself “off” at night. “We day, not at night. Relaxation techniques like are assaulted by information all the time and visualization or progressive muscle relaxation it’s really up to us to create routines that help can help you unwind. But don’t wait until it’s separate the buzzing of the brain from our sleep dark outside to try these for the first time. “You routines,” says Janet Kennedy, Ph.D., clinical don’t want to do it the first time when you’re psychologist, founder of NYC Sleep Doctor anxious,” Dr. Kennedy says. “You want to start and author of The Good Sleeper: The Essential really getting the skill down when it’s easy for Guide to Sleep for Your Baby (and You). She you, then try it in more difficult situations.” recommends giving your mind and body a full hour to wind down from work (or happy hour) 7. Get out of bed. Lying in bed and worrying before you try to fall asleep. about your inability to fall asleep will not help. If you feel wide awake when your head hits the pillow at night, you’re not alone. Approximately 60 million Americans report having experienced insomnia in any given year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Even worse, 40 million Americans suffer from long-term sleep disorders.
42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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New Test May Detect Pancreatic Cancer By Drs. Norbert Herzog and David Niesel | Medical Discovery News Pancreatic cancer is a silent killer. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer is usually too advanced for successful treatment. Sadly, despite remarkable changes in the mortality rate of other cancers, only five percent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are alive five years later. A new blood test finally provides some hope that pancreatic cancer could be detected early, making it potentially treatable. The pancreas is a small pear-shaped organ behind the stomach. It produces hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels, and enzymes that aid in digestion of food. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the upper abdomen and back, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of weight and appetite, depression and blood clots. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer are obesity, chronic pancreatic inflammation called pancreatitis, diabetes, a family history of cancer and smoking. If doctors suspect that a patient has pancreatic cancer, there are several ways to confirm it. Doctors use various imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, PET scans and ultrasound imaging performed with a scope in the stomach. After imaging the pancreas, doctors do a biopsy — they take a small sample of pancreatic tissue and examine it under a microscope. The stage of the cancer determines the treatment. In stage I pancreatic cancer, the tumor is confined to the pancreas and it can be removed surgically. In stage II, the tumor has metastasized to nearby tissues. Stage III means that the tumor has spread to major blood vessels and lymph nodes. In stage IV, the cancer has spread to organs such as the liver and
lungs. Treatment of pancreatic cancer involves surgery as well as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but for some patients in the late stages, little can be done beyond keeping them comfortable. Generally, patients do not experience symptoms that make them seek medical help until their cancer is in stage III or IV, so an early test for pancreatic cancer would be an important advancement. In an early study, the new test detected pancreatic cancer in more than 90 percent of those with the disease. The test measures the presence of small bubbles of cellular material in the blood stream called extracellular vesicles. Cancerous pancreatic cells release vesicles with a different protein on them than normal cells. Scientists developed a tiny sensor that measures pancreatic cancer extracellular vesicles. The sensor requires less than a drop of blood, and it is sensitive enough to determine the stage of the disease. In early-stage patients, the cancerous vesicle levels dropped after they had surgery to remove their tumors. This new test must be validated in larger populations of patients before it can become a routine part of testing. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths and if current trends continue, it will rise to second within the next 10 years. This new test could increase the survivability of pancreatic cancer by allowing a diagnosis at an early stage where therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation would be more successful. We have our fingers crossed.
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Alzheimer’s Association Plans 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s ®
By Kristen Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter
Our history is the foundation to our future
Abilene Convention Center
saturday october 14
Enjoy free: Family FUN!
9Opening amCeremony - 38:30pm am Food!
Ballet Children’s Games Hispanic Heritage Folklórico! & Activities Display
Texas Tech Mariachi Los Matadores
www.abilenechamber.com
cdf
Walk Teams are forming to Raise Critically Walk will make a difference for the more than Needed Awareness and Funds 350,000 Texans affected by this deadly disease as they play a role in raising funds for WHAT: necessary research and for free services and Hundreds of Big Country residents will unite in programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Associaa movement to reclaim the future for millions at tion. More than 5 million people are currently the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Al- affected by Alzheimer’s and the Association is zheimer’s®. In 2016, the Abilene Walk raised working to make fining a cure for the disease over $93,000 for care, support and research ef- a national priority. forts for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. HOW: Register today. Sign up as a Team Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants will learn Captain, join a team, or register to walk as an about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportu- individual at alz.org/walk. nities, clinical studies enrollment, and support programs and services. Walk participants will WHO: Individuals, family and corporate also honor those affected by Alzheimer’s dis- teams are all welcome. ease with a poignant Promise Garden ceremony. CONTACT: Kristin Bishop | 325-672-2907 WHEN: kbishop@alz.org | alz.org/northcentraltexas/ Saturday, September 16, 2017 About the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End 8:00 a.m. Registration Alzheimer’s®: The Alzheimer’s Association – North 9:00 a.m. Opening ceremony Central Texas Chapter, which is affiliated with the na9:30 a.m. Two mile Walk begins tional Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, is a nonprofit organization that covers a 40-county service area. Fort
WHERE: Rose Park located at S 7th and Bar- Worth serves as headquarters for the chapter, which has regional offices in Abilene, Waco, and Wichita Falls. row, Abilene, TX WHY: Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in both the United States and in the state of Texas. Participants in the 2017 CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103
Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
The North Central Texas Chapter serves more than 9,000 individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia annually through programs and services made possible by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
This Is What Sitting Too Long Does To Your Body
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
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By Power of Positivity
Today, we live in a world where modern machines do much of our work for us, which greatly eliminates the need for manual labor. Not to mention, over 34 million Americans have office or sales jobs, forcing them to remain sedentary for eight or more hours a day.
ly to back pain, inflexible spines, and disk damage. Moving around causes soft disks between vertebrae in the spine to expand and contract, allowing blood and nutrients in. By sitting too long, the disks become uneven and compact, even causing collagen to build up around tendons and ligaments.
According to a report published in Annals of Internal Medicine, the average person spends Also, herniated lumbar disks occur more fremore than half of his or her waking hours in quently in people who spend prolonged perian inactive state (sitting at a computer, watching TV, commuting to and from work, etc). While technology brings with it obvious benefits, such as getting more done in less time, consolidating our efforts, and connecting us to others at lightning speeds, it has many drawbacks, as well. Sitting down for prolonged periods of time can cause problems such as chronic back pain, poor posture, and even potentially deadly diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. If you spend a lot of time sitting down for your job, take a look at the specifics of how this can negatively impact your health, according to four experts in the industry:
Brain, Neck, And Shoulder Issues ■ Moving our bod-
ies means more blood and oxygen flowing throughout the brain, which helps us maintain clarity and keeps our minds sharp. However, by sitting for long periods of time, this ods of time in front of a computer. slows the flow of oxygen and blood to our brains, inhibiting our ability to think clearly. Muscle Degeneration ■ Sitting doesn’t require the use of your ab muscles, Also, slumping forward at work to stare at a and if they go unused for too long, this can computer screen puts tremendous strain on actually cause you to develop what’s called the neck, particularly the cervical vertebrae, swayback, or the unnatural overextension of which connects the spine to your head. Poor the spine’s natural arch. Plus, sitting too long posture also damages the back and shoulder decreases overall flexibility, particularly in muscles, as they become overextended due the hips and back. Flexible hips aid in balto leaning over a keyboard for long periods ancing the body, but by sitting too long, the of time. hip flexor muscles become short and tense.
Back Problems ■ One of the most ap- The glute muscles also become soft after parent problems occurs for most people in prolonged periods of disuse, and this hinders their backs, as bad posture contributes great- your ability to take long strides and keep the
body stable.
Deterioration of Organs ■ Remain-
ing seated for long periods of time can cause heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and colon cancer. In short, these problems are caused by the overproduction of insulin due to inactivity, and sluggish blood flow to the organs. Regular movement helps kill cancercausing cells, boosting antioxidants that eliminate these free radicals from taking over the body. Overproduction of insulin also causes weight gain, which contributes to diabetes and obesity.
Leg Disorders ■ Obvi-
ously, sitting too long will hinder circulation in the legs. This causes blood to pool around the ankles, which then results in swollen ankles, varicose veins, and even harmful blood clots. Another more subtle issue caused by prolonged sitting is that bones become weaker and less dense. Regular activity, such as running or walking, helps keep bones strong and thick. This might explain why so many elderly people today have osteoporosis, as society becomes more and more sedentary. According to the study, people who watched the most TV over the span of 8.5 years had a 61% greater risk of dying a premature death compared to those who watched less than one hour per day.
SO, HOW CAN WE COMBAT THIS GROWING EPIDEMIC OF INACTIVITY? First of all, if you DO have to sit for long periods of time for work or other purposes, make sure you sit up straight and avoid slouching or leaning over your keyboard. If you have to, buy an exercise ball, which forces your ab muscles to work and will naturally keep your body straight. You can also use a back-
less stool if you want something a little more stable than an exercise ball. Secondly, make sure to get up regularly to stretch. How often should you do this? At least once every thirty minutes, according to experts. Get up and walk around your office for a few minutes as well, which will keep the blood flowing and allow your brain and muscles to function optimally. Thirdly, yoga can help immensely with keeping the muscles flexible and allowing the mind to relax and decompress from the work day. You can also buy a standing work desk, which will force you to do your work in an upright position. This helps blood and oxygen flow more freely through the body, reducing the risk of blood clots and other dangerous health problems.
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 45
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Ed Eats: Romina’s Smoked Burritos By Edward Morrell | The Abilene Post
Picture this, and I know a lot of you will agree with me on this! It’s time to go grab a bite to eat; you and your significant other are hangry and cannot decide on a place to eat. You want some traditional smoked BBQ, but your other half wants Tex-Mex. Well, there is a new restaurant just off of I-20 that will make you both happy!
na’s also offers a build-your-own nachos. You can choose from the same smoked meats and a wide variety of toppings. A new addition to their menu is tacos any way you would like. In speaking with the owner, I learned they do not want people to leave hungry; they want to have them leave happy. I believe they achieved their goal. You will walk away satisfied, but will definitely want to come back for more!
Welcome to Romina’s Smoked Burritos. Located at 243 West Stamford—“the old Russell Stover store”—just off of I-20 at the corner of FM 600 and West Stamford. It is a little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip.
This article originally appeared on The Abilene Post website
There are a few big name places to get a burrito here in Abilene, but if you are looking for something a little different, then this is the place for you! Romina’s will start your burrito experience with one of 3 smoked meats: Brisket, Pork Rib or Chicken. I was able to sample all three and I will say, it was extremely hard to decide, but I chose the pork. Once you have chosen your meat, you can add your toppings to your burrito. Remember, this is your burrito, so you choose what goes into it! There
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is pico de gallo, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and so much more. In the end, you will end up with an amazing burrito with a hint of that West Texas smoke! You can also make this into a meal if you add the rice and refried beans. If you aren’t in the mood for a burrito, Romi-
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September in Abilene
By Trish Dressen | Communications Director for Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau If you can believe it, September is upon us. I can’t, although I’m excited for what it means. Family fun, memory making, blitzes, books, balloons and big business. In total, all of the events hosted and serviced will pump $2,365,030 into our Abilene economy. Included in those events is the legendary Champion’s Classic. Established in 2005 as the signature event of the Abilene Sports Alliance, this celebrated weekend of football has seen some incredible games and, more importantly, has helped to award over $100,000 in scholarships to local athletes. This year we kick off the Classic on Thursday, Aug. 31 with Eastland taking on Merkel, Friday Abilene High versus San Angelo Central, and Abilene Christian playing Weatherford Christian. The games are open to the public at Shotwell Stadium so make plans to attend! Thanks to our Champion’s sponsors NextEra Energy Resources and the Big Country Chevy Dealers. Everyone knows the West Texas Fair and Rodeo rolls in each September (and maybe brings a little rain, right?) and this year the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has teamed up with the Taylor County Expo Center to make the fair a little more delicious! Fall is fair food frenzy time in Texas, right? This year, the State Fair of Texas has some friendly and flavorful competition from its counterpart down the road right here in Abilene. But, it isn’t the aroma of all things fried that will permeate the air at Abilene’s West Texas Fair and Rodeo September 7–16. For ten delicious days we can, along with visitors from all over, feast on barbecued everything, thanks to the Fair’s new “Step Aside, Fried” competition celebrating the true local flavor of barbecue in Abilene. Dozens of fair vendors will be entering their barbecued best in three different categories: main dish, side and dessert. Participants will be vying for the
“best in show” award along with bragging rights and cash prizes. Dishes will be judged on taste, presentation, creativity and how well they interpret the barbecue theme. Contestants will also be selling these tasty treats in their booths for the duration of the fair. Visitors will receive a special passport when they enter the grounds at Taylor County Expo Center, and the first 100 to get stamps for five different barbecue dishes sampled will receive a commemorative t-shirt. “Our vendors have really stepped up to the plate to create dishes that will take an already impressive fair food offering to the next level,” said Jodi Riggan, West Texas Fair & Rodeo exhibit coordinator. “This is the start of a new, annual Abilene and West Texas Fair & Rodeo tradition, one that we expect will become a popular, much anticipated part of our event.” The barbecue dishes will range from savory to sweet, and from old school to outrageous. Hungry fair-goers will come across dozens of smoky temptations, along with barbecue street tacos, roasted barbecue corn, “French brisket” (French toast with brisket and sauce), barbecued chicken jalapeno poppers, “barbecue” frozen yogurt and more. We are excited to see how this fun and friendly competition evolves each year. Special thanks to the Expo Center staff and leadership who embraced this idea and ran with us. We already have press interest from around the state and beyond which is exciting to help share all other great things that are Abilene! Besides barbecue, the West Texas Fair & Rodeo has a little something for everyone – outrageous carnival rides, bucking broncs, livestock shows, tractor pulls, and more. The family-friendly festivities kick off with a parade through the quaint streets of downtown Abilene.
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Pick us up at Golden Corral, MCM Elegante and Long John Silvers | BUSINESS | 51
The 6 Worst Etiquette Mistakes We Make With Money By DaveRamsey.com
Why are some people so clueless about money when it’s called for. If you’re giving in hopes etiquette? that one day you’ll have a county bridge named after you and a statue in town square, then Really, you don’t have to have a lot of money you’re giving for the wrong reasons. to understand basic, common courtesy when it comes to finances. This isn’t difficult stuff. 4. Bumming off your friends all the time. Every group of friends has one. The bum. The So why do some people refuse to leave a de- mooch. The guy who always realizes he’s “forcent tip, and why do other people feel like they gotten” his cash right when the check arrives. must tell everyone in their church group how much they make? These, dear readers, are financial faux pas—the worst of the worst etiquette mistakes people make with their money. Don’t find yourself falling prey to one of these dubious mistakes. 1. Tipping poorly. Dear Ms. Bad Tipper: Nothing says, “Thank you for taking my order, bringing my food, refilling my drinks, and providing good overall service,” like that $1.56 tip you left on your $20 order. Just think: If your server invests that $1.56 tip in a 12% growth stock mutual fund, they’ll have $17.20 in 20 years! How fancy! In all seriousness, here’s a tip about tipping: Unless your server cursed at you and threw grilled eggplant at your wife, tip 15–20%. Is that really too much to ask for someone who helped you put food in your belly?
Don’t be that guy. Here’s the thing: You might save a couple of dollars here and there, but at what cost? Everyone in your group of friends knows what’s up. They aren’t stupid. You’ve been labeled as the “group mooch.” And, before long, you won’t get invited to dinner, and then you’ll become “the guy who invites himself to dinner,” in addition to being the group mooch. 2. Talking about how much money you Then you’ll become a social pariah and never make. score another date—all because you weren’t Unless you’re calling into Dave’s show to make willing to pay for a $3 taco. your debt-free scream, your household income really isn’t relevant information in everyday 5. Making unreasonable offers when negoticonversation. Usually, people who freely share ating. this type of personal information are high-earn- One of the quickest ways to end a negotiation ers, so it only comes across as bragging. Every is to make a ridiculous offer. It shows the seller conversation is a new opportunity to share their that you aren’t serious about buying and you income: “Hey Jim. What about that storm last think they’re stupid. You’re saying, “Hey idiot. night? Thought a tree might fall on my house, You obviously have no concept of the cost of but I make 250k a year, so we could’ve handled physical objects that exist on this Earth. But, tell it. How’s your wife?” you what, I’ll humor you and offer you 40% of your asking price. You’re welcome. Dummy.” 3. Talking about how much you give. This one is just as bad as talking about how How do you know if you’re making an unmuch you make. No doubt that building wealth reasonable offer? Put yourself in their shoes. and finding financial peace is all about giving Would you take $150,000 for a house that’s to others and changing your family tree. But listed for $275,000? Would you take a quarter that doesn’t mean you should broadcast the for a lamp that’s priced $10 at a garage sale? amount you tithe and give to charity like it’s a tattoo on your forearm. 6. Putting business over friendships. Genuine givers are humble and even secretive Dave says all the time that business partner-
ships are a bad idea. Why? Because business and friendships rarely mix. There are too many complications and emotions involved. But good friends part ways all the time because someone decided to throw business into the mix. It’s the guy who thinks his buddy with a nice office job is obligated to make a spot for him. It’s the guy who gets into a multi-level scheme and proceeds to badger all of his friends to “not miss this opportunity!” It’s the athlete who signs his first big contract and feels like all of his childhood friends deserve a cut. A business opportunity may improve, but a friendship will soon end. You can count on that. So please, whatever you do, no matter how much or how little you make, don’t be a financial faux pas repeat offender. Slip up once or twice? That’s okay. But don’t become the “group mooch” or the “poor tipper” or the “income bragger.” Those are well-earned labels you want no part of. Don’t let a $3 taco ruin your friendships.
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American Cancer Society Set To Open New Cancer Resource Center in Abilene By William Johnson
The American Cancer Society is partnering treatment. That type of personal connection is with Texas Oncology—Abilene to create a invaluable when facing cancer.” new center so patients can access Society resources. “Our community presence is absolutely vital to our progress, including the volunteers The new Cancer Resource Center, located at and community partners who help us serve 1904 Pine Street, Suite 1B (inside the Pro- patients, deliver life-saving messages, raise fessional Building next to funds, and advocate for Hendrick Medical Center) is cancer-fighting public polischeduled to open Tuesday, cies,” said Andrea Taurins, October 3. The Center will be American Cancer Society staffed by trained volunteers Executive Director for CenTuesdays, Wednesdays and tral and West Texas. “By Thursdays, 9 am to 11 am. moving our services from “We are proud to partner with our existing office location the American Cancer Society to this new center, we can to offer information and serbetter serve patients and vices to patients in a setting that’s convenient their families.” for them,” said Jeff Messer, Practice Director at Texas Oncology—Abilene. “When patients In addition to the new Cancer Resource Cenvisit the center, they’ll have the opportunity ter, patients and their families can contact the to talk one-on-one with someone who can tell American Cancer Society anytime, day or them about how the Society can support them night at 1.800.227.2345 or visit cancer.org for and their families through their diagnosis and cancer information and resources.
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U.S. Hispanic Population Growth Has Leveled Off
Pick us up at The Whitten Inn, China Star, & H.E.B. | BUSINESS | 53
By Jens Manuel Krogstad | Pew Research Center
The annual growth rate of the U.S. Hispanic population remained flat between 2016 and 2017, but Hispanics continue to account for more of the nation’s overall population growth than any other race or ethnicity, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of preliminary population estimates from the Census Bureau. Asians had the highest annual growth rate (3.0%) of any major U.S. racial or ethnic group in 2017. The Hispanic growth rate followed at 2.0%, exceeding that of blacks (0.9%) and whites (decrease of <0.1%). Overall, the U.S. annual population growth rate has held steady at 0.7% since 2011. Following a Hispanic population boom in the 1990s that was driven by immigration and high fertility rates, the Hispanic population’s annual growth rate peaked at 4.2% in 2001. It then started to decline as fertility rates fell and immigration slowed, a trend that accelerated during the Great Recession. While the foreign born accounted for 40% of Hispanic annual population growth in 2006, that share dropped to 34% by 2015. Fertility rates declined from a peak of 98.3 births per 1,000 Hispanic women in 2006 to 71.7 in 2015.
a record 58.6 million in 2017, according to (51%), of this growth. the Census Bureau’s latest estimates. As the second-largest racial or ethnic group in the While Hispanics continue to disperse across the naU.S., Hispanics play a significant role in the tion (though at a slower pace than before the Great Recession), the nation’s Hispanic population remains centered in Hispanic population growth has leveled three states that drive much of the off since the Great Recession group’s population growth. California (15.3 million), Texas (10.9 Annual percentage change in U.S. population, million) and Florida (5.1 million) by race/ethnicity made up 54% of the U.S. Hispanic population in 2016 (state population data are not available for 2017). However, Texas grew faster than California, adding an estimated 233,000 Hispanics from 2015 to 2016 and accounting for 21% of the nation’s Hispanic population increase during this time. Hispanic annual population growth in California (176,198) and Florida (167,138) each accounted for more than 15% of the national total.
Harris County in Texas, which encompasses Houston, added 39,639 Hispanics in 2016, the largest anNote: White, Black and Asian are single race, not Hispanic. Hispanics nual increase of any county in the are of any race. American Indians/Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians/ Other Pacific islanders and multi-race Americans not shown. The Great nation. Maricopa County, Arizona, Recession began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009. where the city of Phoenix is located, was next with an increase Source: Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau populaof 34,064, followed by Riverside tion estimates. PEW RESEARCH CENTER County, California, with an increase of 29,167. Los Angeles nation’s population trends. Overall, the U.S. County, California, which has the largest Hispanic population increased by more than 2.2 million population of any county at 4.9 million, had an anDespite its slowing growth rate, the Hispanic people between 2016 and 2017, with Hispan- nual increase of 22,061 Hispanics. population continues to expand, reaching ics accounting for 1.1 million, or about half
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.
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New Sweetwater Business Is A Real Page Turner
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By Kathleen Barkley | KTAB News A new business unlike any other is making its way to downtown Sweetwater. It’s a bookstore, coffeehouse and brewhouse called Argos Brewhouse & Bookseller. It’s was dreamed up by three Sweetwater men in hopes that locals will have a casual place to hang out. Just like the books on the shelves, everything in this new business has a history. It’s a real page turner for Sweetwater, the name alone is a story. “We pulled it from ‘The Odyssey,’” co-owner Jeff Allen says. “It’s the name of Ulysses’ dog in the book. It was kind of coming from the idea of loyalty of sitting and waiting for him all those years to come back and that’s kind of what we want to be for the community is to be there for it and be loyal to it.” Argos is the brainchild of Jeff Allen, Jared Houze, and Rod Wetsel.
“All of our granite countertops are from the county courthouse,” Allen says. Although the history is intact, one thing that’s new for Sweetwater is the bookstore. “This is a new innovation in Sweetwater. I don’t think we’ve had a bookstore here in half a century,” Wetsel says. These guys are all about local. They use Abilene brewed Pappy Slokum at the bar and even the coffee will be local. They say they’re hopeful to be part of the beginning of a thriving downtown Sweetwater. “I’m a lifelong resident here, my ancestors came here in the beginning, these fellows have made their homes here and we all have an interest in seeing Sweetwater thrive,” Wetsel says.
If you’d like to check out Argos Brewhouse & BooksellIt’s Sweetwater through and ers, they are located at 209 through. Located in the heart of downtown, the building was built in 1903 and keeping the original hardwood floors, show- Oak Street in Sweetwater. has been home to several businesses. casing the towns history on the walls, and even integrating as much history into the building These men have stayed true to Sweetwater, as possible.
Putting an End to “Brain Drain”
Pick us up at First Financial Bank & Daniela’s Tex Mex | BUSINESS | 55
By Doug Peters | President and CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce For as long as I’ve been in the Chamber and economic development profession, and regardless of where I worked, the term “brain drain” has been a part of my vocabulary. Ever heard of it? It’s when our young people leave the community that raised and/or educated them in search of bigger and better things in other places. Trust me - it isn’t unique to Abilene. And, it isn’t new.
to the creative leadership of the Chamber’s Abilene Young Professionals (AYP) program as well as our Abilene Industrial Foundation (AIF). We’ve teamed our rising leaders in AYP with our new talent attraction and retention initiative of the AIF to help resolve the “brain drain” challenge.
And not surprisingly, we need your help. Consider encouraging the 21-40 year old young professionals within your business to serve with young professionals who as a mentor. Already, we have more than 100 love this community, who have area college students committed to participate, great connections, and are vest- which is more than three times our initial target. ed.
Way back in the mid-1980’s, I remember in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio - and my first Chamber role with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce - having the same challenge.
Our soon-to-launch Campus Connect program is aimed at retaining the college students to the Abilene area. Our hope is that by Young talent would leave Dayton in search of getting these students ingreener pastures. And the challenge was al- vested and connected to ways, “how do we get them back?” the community now they’ll be more apt to stay in Abilene post-graduation. Fast forward five communities in four states across more than 30 years. What has changed? If they don’t decide to stay in Abilene, we’re Nothing, although the competition for talent still helping them build their résumé, make is more intense and fierce. Communities all connections, and educate them on the opporacross the country are now competing more tunities that Abilene offers. Not to mention than ever to not only retain the talent they we’re helping each of our universities market have, but to attract new talent to their respec- themselves a little differently by offering this tive region. Including our own great commu- program to their students. nity, Abilene, Texas. So how does it work? Simple. We’re connectI think we’re on to something here, thanks ing college students in our area’s universities
In short, our AYP members will mentor our participating college students on what makes Abilene awesome, and help them to establish a circle of influence throughout the community. We will match the students’ areas of study to the young professionals’ chosen career fields.
Some of the fields that we need mentors in are pre-med, accounting & finance, social work, engineering, ministry, counseling, marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. So, we need all the help we can get to ensure that this program is a success!
Helping to solve the workforce challenge is everyone’s responsibility. In this case, we need the help of our 1,400 member businessThe great thing about this program is that the es to help us encourage mentor participation activities are based on the individual’s sched- among your young professionals. ule and availability of the mentor and the mentee. They can do as much or as little with this Please contact Laurin Kocurek at the Chamber program as they want, but we do ask that they if you have a young leader or rising star within provide details on their experience via survey your company who is interested in participatafter the program has been completed. This ing or learning more. survey will also help us gauge the success of DVERTISE CALL US TO A1-9505 the program. 70 ) (325
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