A May 2015

THE MUC

Sliding out of control or ?

Gem of the Westside

+

MAY 2015

Vol. 1, Issue 1 FREE

Water Woes Joys, Fears of a Rodeo Mom Reaves Named to League of Extraordinary Ladies

Yes, Alice, we’re back!

Alice24-7.com has been on hiatus for about seven months now. Trying to determine what to do next after the loss of our Publisher Emeritus was not an easy task.

A lot of thinking, and even more praying, went into the launch of this new publication. To

A publication of Real Hometown Media, LLC. PO Box 3257, Alice, Texas, 78333 361-668-6397 Distributed monthly by Alice24-7.com ©2015 Real Hometown Media, LLC

Nicole D. Perez

Publisher/Editor nperez@alice24-7.com

Anthony Ruiz

Writer aruiz@alice24-7.com

Lois Stephens

Office Manager lstephens@alice24-7.com Contributing Writers: Dr. Jason Bradford Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez Cover photo by Nicole D. Perez Story Pages 8-10 2 a - alice24-7.com May 2015

my supporters, and there are many of you, thank you for giving me the strength and courage to begin again.

What we’ve produced here is a blend of some of the best ideas we’ve had in our nearly four-year history. It is a combination of our popular a Magazine and weekly

a

alice24-7.com newspaper.

What you hold in your hands is a new monthly tabloid featuring human interest stories, local columnists and in-depth news articles. We hope that you enjoy our publication and please share your feedback and story ideas with me at nperez@alice24-7.com.

MUST

Memorial Day 10K Walk/Run set for May 23 Story by ANTHONY RUIZ

Proceeds to benefit Veterans’ Day ball in November

T

he Jim Wells County Veterans Service Office will hold the first of a planned annual Memorial Day 10K Walk/ Run event on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at Lake Findley located on Commerce Road just north of Texas Boulevard.

Proceeds raised during the event will be used to fund a special Veterans’ Day formal ball in November.

This event is our aMUST for May 2015.

“It’s been going great,” JWC Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Gilbrando Garza said. “So far, we’ve raised close to $1,000 and are anticipating at least 100 participants.”

u WHAT: 10K Walk/Run u WHERE: Starts at Lake Findley u WHEN: Saturday, May 23, u WHY: Benefits JWC veterans, who will be treated to a formal ball in November.

FMI: 361-668-5717 The 10-kilometer, roughly 6.2 miles, route will head south along N. Texas Boulevard to Third Street before returning to the lake.

Registration by May 8 will be $20 and includes a t-shirt for the event. On-site registration will be from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and will be $25, with no guarantee that t-shirts will still be available.

Garza said he chose Memorial Day Weekend for the event because of the special significance the day has in honoring fallen

comrades.

“They’ve given the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” he said.

“And our community is a patriotic community, so we need to make sure that we have something that is significant to honor them.”

Garza said 100 percent of the proceeds raised during the event will be used for the Veterans’ Day formal ball set for November 7 at the VFW Hall.

“The community has responded real well,” he said. “We’ve also had several sponsors that have reached out to us, and we still have a month to go.”

The JWC Veteran’s Service office is located in room B108 in the JWC Courthouse at 200 N. Almond St. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the 2015 Memorial Day 10K Walk/ Run, call 361-668-5715 or email g.garza@co.jim-wells.tx.us.

A RODEO MOM’S STORY -

8 Seconds of Excitement, Worry Story by NICOLE D. PEREZ

E

ight seconds. Not a long period of time in the course of a day, unless you are a bull rider. Eight seconds separates the winners from those who have to hope for a better ride next time.

Eight seconds, though, is an eternity to a mother watching her son ride for a title. But Bonnie is quite used to the stress - and excitement - of rodeoing. Her son, Troy Garcia, 22, first began rodeoing when he was three years old.

“Coming from a ranching and rodeo family, I encouraged him to follow the family tradition of rodeo,” she says of Troy, who in 2012 won his first bull riding world

championship.

At the age of 3, Troy rode lambs and calfs, but by the time he was 10, he had moved on to steers and miniature bulls.

While the family’s tradition was working cattle and team roping, Troy chose a different path bullriding.

“He grew to love the sport and to chase his dream and now that’s his passion and desire By 13 he started riding full-grown bulls,” Bonnie said.

While watching her son take on a bull can be stressful, she worries more about the time Troy spends on the road, especially since she uu

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Bonnie with her children, son Troy and daughter, Alexis, 6. Alexis hopes to become a barrel racer some day, and shares the family’s love of rodeo.

SUBMITTED

RE-ELECT

MARTINEZ for Mayor

Experience: Mayor/Councilman for 12 years, former Planning and Zoning Commissioner Public Service: Retired United States Postal Service Letter Carrier for 33 years.

Community-Minded: St. Joseph Catholic Church parishioner for 36 years.

Economic Growth: Partnered in the development of the Forrest Creek subdivision.

“As mayor of Alice, I believe that my dedication to public service and record of facilitating compromise has helped move Alice forward. I am confident that I can continue to work with all the citizens of Alice to build a better today, and an even brighter tomorrow.”

Vote Martinez - May 9 early voting April 27 - May 5 Political advertisement paid for by the candidate.

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 3

CoA considers alternative options for its water supply

F

Where’s the Water? or years, Alice has relied on Lake Corpus Christi, one of the major suppliers in the Coastal Bend, for all of its water needs. While the current system has kept the city hydrated for decades, escalating costs, aging infrastructure and the need to diversify sources of water has city officials looking towards alternatives.

Presently, the City of Alice obtains 100 percent of its raw water supply from Corpus Christi through a pump station near the Wesley E. Seale Dam. The water is transmitted via two pipelines, a 20-

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Story and Photos by ANTHONY RUIZ

inch and a 30-inch, that run along State Highway 359 and feed into Lake Findley.

From Lake Findley, the water is then pumped as needed to the Homer E. Dean Jr. Water Treatment Plant, which can process up to 12 million gallons of raw water per day.

In recent years, water loss and rising costs have prompted the Alice City Council and Alice Water Authority (AWA) to consider alternatives for the city’s water supply.

In order to determine the city’s needs, the AWA contracted with NorrisLeal Engineering in December 2014 to conduct a feasiblity study that would identify uu

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Since the mid-1960s, Lake Findley has served as a holding area for the city’s water supply before treatment. It is close to 250 acres in size with a depth of 12 feet.

Elect Ron BuRkE for City Council, Place 4 RESPONSIBLE - CONSERVATIVE ACCESSIBLE - CARING

May 9

th

Election Day

April 27-May 5 Early Voting

Pol Adv. Paid for by Ron Burke for Alice City Council. Theresa Godines-Garza Treasuer, 1119 Cynthia Dr. Alice, TX 78332

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Water

Alice’s needs and recommend reasonable alternatives.

In late March, the AWA and the city council met with representatives from NorrisLeal for workshops to discuss the latest draft of the study, which detailed several potential routes in which the city could go.

According to the study draft, nearly half of the raw water pumped for treatment is lost during the journey from Lake Corpus Christi to Alice. Water loss also occurs as a result of evaporation and seepage at Lake Findley, which can vary from year to year depending upon temperature and rainfall.

Aging infrastructure is a major issue, as one of the two pipelines, the 20-inch line, has been out of commission since October 2014 pending repairs. According to the draft, water treatment plant staff identified seven failures on the pipeline between 2007 and 2014, with six of them showing evidence of galvanic corrision caused by the electrical flow between the metal reinforcement in the pipe and the surrounding soil.

While the finances were not finalized in the study draft, it did outline seven options the City of Alice has for alternative water, including keeping the operation as it currently exists with no improvements. That track, however, was not recommended

by NorrisLeal, as each year an alternative is not implemented, the more it will cost the city.

The second option would be to make improvements to the existing system, which could be done in two phases. The first phase would replace eight miles of the offline 20-inch pipeline, followed by replacing the remaining 12 miles and rehabilitating the existing pumping station at Lake Corpus Christi during a 10-year period.

The improvements, however, do not address drought issues, taste and odor inherent with surface water storage or cost escalation imposed by Corpus Christi, the study draft states.

Other options involve

A desal plant will produce bottled-water quality water, save the City $1.8M a year compared to current water expenses, eliminate algae blooms which affect taste, and make the city drought-proof. desalination of brackish groundwater drawn from either the Evangeline or Jasper aquifer.

According to the study draft, while the Evangeline aquifer contains usable quantities of groundwater, it would require the city to drill a large number of wells.

Moreso, the drawdown would negatively impact existing wells in the area.

In comparison, the Jasper aquifer is available in much more sustainable quantities, would yield more water and require fewer wells.

The water quality is more brackish, however, than the Evangeline aquifer, and would require deeper wells to reach the aquifer.

If the city chooses to go with desalination, the study draft recommends developing a facility with an estimated 3 million gallons per day (MGD) capacity and two wells pulling from the Jasper aquifer, with the existing surface water plant continuing to operate at a much lower average production of 0.6 MGD. That would give Alice two sources of water, the study draft states.

Other brackish options included, but not recommended, would be to draw 100 percent from the wells or to have the surface water draw at a higher 2.1 MGD rate with desalination yielding 1.5 MGD. According to the study draft,

eliminating surface water entirely would eliminate an asset in the water treatment plant that has a useful life and carries a debt, while greater dependence on surface water would give the AWA less control of escalating costs.

Another option would be to continue utilizing surface water at 2.8 MGD while reusing 0.8 MGD of potable wastewater treated with micro filtration and reverse osmosis, then pumped to the existing water treatment plant for further treatment.

However, the low yield, regulatory approvals required as well as public perception of utilizing wastewater make it a higher risk alternative.

According to the study draft, the most costly options would be to purchase water from the South Texas Water Authority, either at 100 percent reliance or a partial purchase. These options would require the construction of additional pipelines as well

as negotiations with the City of Corpus Christi, which provides the treated water to the STWA. Of the options presented, NorrisLeal recommends the City of Alice pursue development of brackish groundwater resources within the city limits, providing the city the lowest cost option as well as an alternative water source.

The firm further recommends that if the brackish groundwater alternative is developed, the city should consider by-passing Lake Findley to conserve up to 75 percent of water lost from evaporation and seepage, along with investigating the structural integrity of the pump station at Lake Corpus Christi.

The City of Alice has several options as they look to addressing the future water needs of its residents. It is just a matter of finding the best option that is not just cost effective, but sustainable as well.

Elect LEo Escobar for alice city council, Place 3

Focusing on the basic needs of alice citizens and businesses: * reducing Water rates, Utility rates and Taxes * street, water and sewer improvements * clean up our water supply * supporting our police and fire departments * Improving our parks and clean up alice Stop wasteful spending and out of control debt!

Vote Escobar May 9, 2015

Early voting april 27-May 5 Political advertisement paid for by Leo Escobar campaign, alice, Texas, 78332

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 5

Straight

Shooters Story and Photos by ANTHONY RUIZ

Shooting sports returns to JWC 4-H

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nybody who has made the occassional afternoon trek to the Jim Wells County fairgrounds in recent months might have seen dozens of kids wielding firearms such as rifles, shotguns and aiming bows armed with arrows.

But there’s no reason to duck for cover or call the sheriff ’s department, though. It’s just Jim Wells County 4-H’ers participating in the shooting sports project,

which makes its return after a 20year absence.

“Roger (Mercado) got here in 1995 and I came here in 1996, and we never had a shooting sports project during those years,” County Extension Agent Barbara Wymore said. “We’ve had it where a couple of kids participate with their dad or mom as their coach, but that’s been the extent of it.”

Wymore said the interest has always been there for bringing back shooting sports. The issue was having coaches that could facilitate uu Page 7

Left, Ethan Garcia, 10, lines up a shot to demonstrate form during rifle practice.

Ethan has been shooting rifles since he was three years old.

Above, Nathan Whitlock, 10, checks his target during archery practice at the county fairgrounds.

Tejano R.O.O.T.S. presents a celebration for the entire family

May 1

st

DOwnTOwn ALICE

Friday night entertainment includes Conjunto Avanzar, David Flores y Los Alacranez & Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Dias.

Saturday - Three Stages - 14 Bands! Including, Conjunto Imagen, Grupo Feliz, Ted Lopez y Conjunto Recuerdos and many more.

Backyard BBQ in honor of Oscar Rosas. Come join the fun!

Sponsors are: City of Alice, Chamber of Commerce, Jesse’s Roofing, JC Perez, Rosas Funeral Home, Chacho’s Club, Trevino Funeral Home, Love Chrysler, End Zone, First Community Bank, LC Drive-Thru, Adrian Pena, District Attorney Carlos O. Garcia, Ruben’s Mobile Mechanic Service, Rollie’s BBQ and L&F Distributors.

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&

2

nd

FREE TO THE PUBLIC!!

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4-H

and conduct the practices for the students.

“There’s been a lot of kids that have wanted this project,” she said.

“They know 4-H and they know shooting sports, but we needed some adults that were willing to take on the project.”

Another hurdle has been the required certification training for the coaches.

“We’ve had parents that have wanted to help, but even if you have the background, even if you are in law enforcement, you still need to do the training before you can coach,” she said. “And you can’t have a project without those certified coaches, and they have to be at every one of the practices.”

That changed last September when 15 parents participated in certification training for 4-H shooting sports.

“And the good thing with so many of them, if one coach can’t be out there for practice, then we can have

somebody else that can go out there so they can practice,” Wymore said.

In the project, 4-H’ers can participate in rifle, shotgun and archery depending on their interest.

Wymore said at the initial meeting held in January, they had more than 50 students attend.

“While we don’t have 50 participating, it shows the excitement there is for the project,” she said. “And once they can see what we’re doing, it’s just going to get bigger from there.”

Cullen Wright, the project’s archery coach, has been working with compound bows for eight years and loves it. He said even now, he finds that he is still learning something new all the time, and became a coach to see that same love in his students as they learn to hit their targets.

“It’s a feel sport, like golf,” he said. uu

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More than a dozen 4-H’ers are currently participating in the archery shooting sports project with the JWC 4-H program. Skill levels range from a couple of years competing to first-timers.

Become part of the solution

Help Elect Pete G.

Beltran For City Council, Place 2

DIVERSITY • TRANSPARENCY • UNITY

May 9, 2015 Early Voting April 27-May 5 Political Ad Paid For By Pete Beltran for City Council, Cynthia Beltran, Treasurer, 1309 Woodlawn Drive, Alice, TX, 78332

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 7

Multi-use complex Re-elect FRank Hinojosa FoR city council, Place 3 continues to raise Helping make Alice a better and safer questions, concerns place to live, work and play.

What will the future bring?

Story and Photos by NICOLE D. PEREZ

T

hirty months ago, the site of the multi-use complex was filled with balloons and laughter. Confetti flew into the air. Speeches were made. Pats-on-the-back given.

Photographs were taken of ceremonial shovels turning over the dirt.

Fast-forward to today, and those celebratory feelings have turned to angst and disbelief. As the price of the multi-use complex (or MUC as it has become known) continues to swell, some have lamented that the storm clouds that have filled

our skies of late are symbolic of the facility’s future.

But seeing the project up close - with its mega indoor pool, large slides, lazy river and splash pads it’s hard not to envision the hundreds of children who are going to create memories there.

Perhaps there is a silver lining?

“The aquatics center will be a facility that will be able to attract not only citizens from Alice but the Coastal Bend area and stimulate revenue,” Mayor Larry Martinez said. “It provides opportunities for growth and development. It’s going

Pictured are the portions of the outdoor play area, including the lazy river, water play areas and two large water slides.

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Independent candIdate - Unlike his opponent, not supported by special interests passed the “no texting and driving” ordinance which has helped save property and lives passed the “no loud noise” ordinance which has helped keep our neighborhoods quieter and peaceful passed the “no smoking in indoor places” ordinance which turned our local restaurants, the bowling alley and other public places into “smoke free” environments for our families and children to enjoy.

“I will work with anyone to help make our city a better place. Our local police officers know both my opponent, Leo Escobar, and me. They have worked with both of us. So, I am truly humbled to have been endorsed by our local Alice Police Officers Association.”

– Frank Hinojosa

Vote Hinojosa May 9, 2015

early Voting, april 27-May 5 POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY THE CANDIDATE, 1716 ENCINO, ALICE, TX, 78332

Vote May 9

For a PositiVe Change in LeadershiP The indoor pool area will feature bleachers and a scoreboard so the City can play host to area swim meets. Below, construction has slowed at the site because of recent rains.

to be a really good attraction for the City of Alice and there’s nothing like it in this area.”

Like most quality-of-life facilities in any municipality, the complex comes with a large anticipated annual operating expense of about $724,000, but it is expected to create 15 to 20 jobs. The City is planning on hiring a management company to oversee operations.

“Quality-of-life facilities aren’t necessarily meant to make money,” Martinez said, giving as examples the City of Alice’s airport, library system, park system and golf course.

The complex, which should have been completed nearly two years ago, has been clouded with discontent and questions from the beginning, including what some consider to be an unfavorable contract to acquire the land on which it sits.

The complex was initially set to include the natatorium and lazy

early voting april 27-May 5

river, but also a hotel with meeting rooms and an outdoor amphitheater. The future of the hotel and amphitheater are still in question.

The complex remains a hot topic in political circles. Two years ago it was at the center of municipal elections and is once again this year.

After the new council was seated in May 2013, members reaffirmed the project unanimously.

In 2013, Councilman Frank Hinojosa, while questioning the rising cost of the project, asked “What if we have another 2009? I would hate to see the City suffer.”

With the recent layoffs in the oil industry and several companies shutting their doors, Hinojosa’s concerns of an economic downturn are definitely being felt.

But, moving forward is likely the only option.

Councilwoman Yvette Terrell uu

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Multi-Use Complex

Johnson had this to say about the future of the complex:

“We want Alice families to enjoy the fruits of Alice, Texas, and have good family time here.”

– Mayor Martinez “We as a community need to work diligently in promoting our city in a positive way and promote growth economically in an effort to encourage companies into developing in that area. We can begin by helping promote and encourage building the multi-modal transportation terminal which has been given praises by upper government officials. We need to capitalize on promoting our new Natatorium to all surrounding communities. The citizens of Alice requested Better Quality of Life so we delivered and now we need to support it whole heartedly. Small towns with the most dramatic outcomes tend to be proactive and future-oriented: They embrace change and assume risks. The seeds have been planted now it is up to us on how we choose to help see it flourish.”

Her opponent in the May election, Pete Beltran, shares a similar view, saying the community must embrace the facility.

“The only way to make anything successful is to embrace it as a community because the city cannot do it alone,” he said.

Mayor candidate Ike Ornelas says the bleeding has to stop.

“Our mission will be to find a solution to either privatize the Multi Use Complex and its ability to bring the citizens peace that additional funding will not be used to sustain the natatorium afloat,” he answered.

(See www.alice24-7.com - May 2015 Election to see the views of all candidates in the May 9 election).

The City is hoping for a Memorial Day weekend opening, if the 10 a - alice24-7.com May 2015

Above, the multi-use complex, entrance pictured above, will likely be managed by a private company that would hire local employees.

Right, the center play area of the lazy river features bridges, netting and will include a large water-spray feature. weather starts cooperating so decking can be finished and the streets constructed.

“We want to provide these facilities and keep citizens here so they don’t have to go to Corpus Christi,” Martinez said. “We want Alice families to enjoy the fruits of Alice, Texas, and have good family time here.”

At the groundbreaking ceremony held Nov. 1, 2012, then Mayor Protem Dorella Elizondo said attendees were “watching history in the making.”

Time will tell how history reflects on the multi-use complex.

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4-H

Wright said while this is the first year the sport has been offered in a while, the response has been strong.

“We have a good group, with all ages from young to old at all different levels,” Wright said. “We have some that are brand new, never picked up a bow before, and others that have been in competitions.”

Nathan Whitlock, 10, began shooting arrows two years ago when he and his older sister, Kimberley, received bows as Christmas gifts from their “grampy,” Pat Brown.

“When I saw the bow, I was so excited that I was about to faint,” Nathan said.

Since then, the siblings have been competing in archery tournaments with the Tejas Bowmen Archery Club in Corpus Christi. Nathan has both second and third place finishes, and is aiming to get a first place this year.

“I like archery,” Nathan said. “I really like it when my friends are with me and cheer me on.”

Nathan said practicing at home has been difficult, especially with the rainy weather.

“Our background completely flooded,” he said. “Also, we have really bad grass that gets tall after two days, so being able to come out (to the fairgrounds) to practice has been great.”

While interest has been high for the shooting sports project, scheduling of practices has been a work in progress in offering ample time for 4-H’ers to practice.

“Our kids are in a variety of projects,” Wymore said. “That, plus the recent rains has made it tough on many days, but our coaches have really stepped up.”

Cost can also be a determining factor for participation, as shooting sports can be an expensive project.

A good rifle, for example, sells for $400 or more in most cases.

However, Wymore said when you think about it, the cost is not that different from those associated with some of their animal projects.

“It’s that initial cost,” she said.

“But where with an animal project you’re going to have to repeat and get another animal every year, with guns you may upgrade as you get better, but you could essentially use that same rifle or shotgun throughout your project.”

For those still concerned with the cost, Wright said archery tends to be a cheaper option, with a recurve bow, which can be purchased for under $100.

“But when you get into the compound bows, those can get to be over $500 to $700,” he said.

The JWC 4-H has also worked to gather additional necessary equipment and materials for its participants, including targets and ammo, through donations.

With just a few months under their belts, some in the shooting sports project have already participated in their first competition with the District 12 Shooting Sports Smallbore Rifle Match in Benavides in late April.

The district competition for archery will also be in Benavides on June 6.

But even if students were unable to participate in the district competition, they still have an opportunity to compete through postal league matches conducted during the practices.

“With the postal league, they send us the targets and the 4-H’ers can do that at the fairgrounds,” Wymore said. “They don’t have to travel anywhere and it still gives them that experience competing and they are able to earn some awards in the process.”

While there have been some hurdles, Wymore believes that they have set a strong foundation for its first year and things will continue to build as more 4-H’ers become aware of and join the project.

“It’s been a really great project, and I think it’s only going to grow from here,” Wymore said.

To join the 4-H program, students must reside in the county and be either at least nine years old or eight years old and in the third grade. Jim Wells County also offers a Pre 4-H level for children in kindergarten through

Rifle coach Eddie Garcia goes over safety during a shooting sports practice inside the Women’s Building at the county fairgrounds. the second grade that allows them to participate in activities and projects. Enrollment fees for 4-H are between $20 and $25 for the 4-H year, which typically concludes in late October. Registration can be

done online at http://texas4-h.tamu. edu/enroll. For more information on the 4-H program, contact the Jim Wells County Extension Office at (361) 668-5705 or by email at b-wymore@tamu.edu.

ElEct

Mark

DOMINGUEZ for Alice ISD School Board - Place 7 May 9, 2015 Early voting April 27-May 5

“I have a passion to help our children succeed.”

Political advertisement paid for by the candidate, 2800 Old kingsville rd., alice, Texas, 78332

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 11

THE LEAGUE of Extraordinary Ladies

Barbara Reaves, grant developer for the City of Alice.

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League members include Mellie Smithwick, Kookie Gutierrez, Bertha Story and Photo by ANTHONY RUIZ Rodriguez, Brenda Gonzalez, Barbie Wymore, Lelia Keliehor, April Anzaldua, Seana Towler, Shirley Dennis, Wanda McDaniel, Maureen Bergmann, Ruth Ferrell, Veronica Cantu, Georgia Uribe and Carmen Garza.

A

s a high school student in the 1960s living in San Antonio, Barbara Reaves knew exactly what she wanted to be - an elementary school teacher.

“I wanted to be in education and my brother, Alan, wanted to be in government,” Barbara said.

While she achieved her dream, after a few years she decided to take a new path, one that would eventually bring her to her current position as the grant developer for the City of Alice.

“It’s amazing the twists that life can take to get you where you are,”

Barbara said. “My brother recently retired as an assistant principal from an elementary school, so somewhere we just crossed paths.”

Barbara lived in San Antonio throughout her early years, graduating from Sam Houston High School in 1969. She attended Incarnate Word College shortly after, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in English and elementary education in June of 1972.

“I then taught fifth grade for three years,” Barbara said. “I liked it, but there was something else that I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure what that ‘something’ was, but it

was out there.”

After hearing about a paralegal program at San Antonio College, Barbara left teaching behind to pursue a new goal.

“I went to talk to my parents, and my dad wasn’t too keen on me changing, but I had to try it,” she said.

Barbara enrolled in the paralegal program and worked part time with different local law firms for the next couple of years.

Her first job with city government came in the late uu

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Happy Mother’s Day & Congratulations Graduates Call Dan’s or stop in 701 S. Stadium for our May Specials 361 668-8293

M

other’s Day is the one day each year when men, women and children across the country gather to honor the mothers in their lives. Though it can be challenging to find new and unique ways to display your affection for Mom on Mother’s Day, rest assured that sometimes the simplest concepts are the ones mothers most appreciate.

This year, look no further than the following ideas for some inspiration as you aim to make this Mother’s Day as special as possible for the mother or mothers in your life.

1

a

THE

Give the gift of sweet treats. What better way to highlight mom’s sweetness than with some delicious treats made just for her? Whether you decide to whip up some homemade confections in the kitchen or visit a nearby store for something decadent, mom will no doubt appreciate the chance to indulge on her big day.

LIST

2

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3

Plan a Mother’s Day picnic. Busy moms may look forward to a break from the bustle of daily routines. An afternoon picnicking outdoors can be the ideal way to enjoy a special Mother’s Day. Plan an easy menu of foods that have portability.

4

Buy m bouque om a Nothing t of than a fresays I love you mflowers.

Pair som sh boquet of flo ore some liliee beautiful red rowers. match fo s and you’ve got ses with r mom th a is Mothe perfect r’s Day.

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elr y. Jewelr y.

Jewelr y. Jew om by purchasing hm Alwyas be wit celet or pendant ra her a ring, b birthstones of all featuring the will be a beautiful her children. It brance and a sign token of remem of love.

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 13

May is National Physical Fitness, Sports Month

I

t’s five months into the year, and many of us made a resolution in January to increase our physical activity. How’s that working for you? If you’re not as physically active as you want, I encourage you to look at one of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s programs called Walk Across Texas! Walk Across Texas is a fun and flexible way to exercise.

You can participate in a group, by yourself, or your school can even participate!

To walk with a group, just get together with seven other people - friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members - and start walking, jogging, or even biking. You can walk together or individually, outside or at a mall or gym - any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

You keep track of your miles to see if you can walk the 800 miles “across Texas” in eight weeks.

You might be wondering, “why

By ELAINE MONTEMAYOR- GONZALEZ u WHAT: Walk-N-Roll to Health u WHERE: Downtown Alice u WHEN: Saturday, May 9 FMI: 361-668-5705 do I need to be physically active?”

According to Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General: Regular physical activity can substantially reduce your risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.

Regular physical activity can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve your mood, and enhance your ability to perform daily tasks.

You should get at least 30 minutes of moderate-level physical activity a day at least five days a week Many people will have to work up

to being active for 30 minutes a day. Starting slowly (like walking 10 minutes a day) will improve your chances of success.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous to produce health benefits. Walking the dog, gardening, taking walking breaks during the day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are all good ways to work walking into your daily schedule.

Another tip to help make exercise more fun is to do it with friends or family. It can improve your health and enhance your relationships!

It also helps to plan the exercise with your friends or family in advance. Make a regular appointment to walk with a friend, which can help both of you keep exercising!

Come out and RUN, WALK, and ROLL on May 9th in Downtown Alice, at the Jim Wells County Farmers Market. Join in and WALK-N-Roll to HEALTH!

Registration for the .6 mile walk will be at 8 a.m. on San Diego and Almond Street, with a Proclamation read by County Judge Pete Trevino for Elder Abuse Awareness month. A light warm up will be led

by Marisa Yvette Utley from InMotion at 8:20 a.m.

The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. from Almond Street, through downtown Alice, turning at King Street, to San Diego Street back to the Farmers Market.

A live food demonstration will be held at the Jim Wells County Farmers Market at 10 a.m. by Jim Wells County Extension Agent Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez.

There will be free goodies to the first 50 participants.

To find out more about Walk Across Texas and the Downtown Walk-N-Roll to Health Walk, contact me, Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez, your Family and Consumer Sciences agent in Jim Wells County, at 361-668-5705.

The importance of annual exams

A

checkup with your doctor to go over your current state of health is a good thing; a smart thing to do. Once a year sounds easy to remember; after all, birthdays come once a year.

Recently, new recommendations came out stating that women should have their first Pap smear at age 21, and those who are low risk can have it every 2 or 3 years starting at age 30. If you stay low risk, you can stop having your cervical cancer screening at age 65 or 70.

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Be careful, this recommendation may not mean what you think. You see, many people don’t know what a Pap smear really is. They think that if a doctor performs a sensitive exam, they had a Pap smear. And if the doctor didn’t tell me that anything was wrong, then everything must be ok. Wrong.

A Pap smear is a test for one thing, cervical cancer. It doesn’t test for infections, pregnancy, ovary cancer or uterine cancer.

It’s like getting your blood drawn and expecting that the doctor just tested you for diabetes, cholesterol and HIV, when all they really screened for was your blood type.

Every woman should see her doctor once a year, specifically for a well woman exam (remember when you take your children to the Pediatrician for a well child exam).

It should be a visit dedicated to your current stage of life. I recommend that all girls see a Gynecologist at age 12 to 14, not for an exam, but to talk about that stage in her life. Certain

tests may be appropriate, but they don’t always require an exam to perform. Women in their 20s and 30s need to come every year to discuss health topics appropriate for their age group, be screened for cervical cancer, diabetes and cholesterol problems, and discuss cycle control.

Women in their 40s need to begin breast cancer screening, discuss menstrual and bladder issues, and continue cholesterol and diabetes screening. 50 year old women need to discuss menopausal issues, continue breast screening, and begin colon cancer screening.

Women in their 60s and 70s need osteoporosis screening as well as breast and ovarian cancer screening.

Take my advice, talk to your doctor. Go to the clinic when you are healthy, not just when you are sick. Don’t be afraid to ask what exactly you are being screened for. If you are worried about a specific problem, ask that you be screened for that problem.

Don’t expect the doctor to read your mind.

uu

Reaves

1970s with the San Antonio city attorney’s office as a paralegal. At that time, Barbara said she tried out law school, but soon realized it was not the right fit for her.

“So then one of our interns told me about a master’s program in urban studies at Trinity (University),” she said. “I started that program in ‘84.”

In the master’s program, Barbara participated in an internship program in which she worked with the San Antonio Development Agency. In 1986, she received her M.A. from the university.

Barbara later worked in Donna, Texas, for a couple of years before moving to Dodge City, Kansas, where she served as planning director for five years.

She eventually returned to Texas, working as a grant writer for Laredo Community College, but once again left the state for work for the city government in Ottumwa, Iowa, as its community development director.

“And that was a fantastic place to work,” she said. “I learned a lot while working there, and it really uu

set the stage for my coming to Alice.”

Since 2005, Barbara Reaves has been working with the City of Alice, first as the community development director before moving to the grant developer position in 2010.

“Alice has been great,” she said.

“I work with a great group of people, not only inside the city but in the community as well. I’ve really enjoyed being here.”

As the Director of Community Development, Barbara oversaw inspections, planning and zoning, and code enforcement.

Now as the city’s grant developer, Barbara works with every city department to help secure funding from state, federal, corporate and private entities for various projects. She also remains involved with most of the projects that come out of the grants, helping to facilitate communications between the city and the entities.

“It’s evolved into more than just grant writing,” she said. “I enjoy the variety. From water projects to

airport, the library to homeland security, there’s always something.”

While life has taken her on a divergent path away from education, Barbara said she never completely left it behind.

“As I was working on a degree or between public administration jobs, I worked as a substitute teacher, and the skills I learned, I still use today,” she said. “And when I moved back to Texas, I took an exam so I could retain my teaching certificate.

from a very young age. And as his mother, I’m very proud of his accomplishments.”

Troy’s big victory in 2012 was even more important to him and his family, because that season was dedicated to his grandfather, who passed away April 6, 2012.

“That world title would have meant the world to my father who wasn’t able to be here with us to witness it,” Bonnie said. “But, I know in spirit he was present. It’s a great honor to know his hometown supported his career when they declared April 11, 2013 Troy Garcia Day.” April 11 is a happy day and a sad day for the family. Troy’s proclamation came a year to the day after his grandfather, Lauro Saenz, was laid to rest. Saenz worked for the City of Alice, making Troy’s recognition all the

Above, Troy hugs his grandfather, Lauro Saenz. Right, Bonnie riding at the age of 3 with her own grandfather, Francisco Saenz.

SUBMITTED more special. Troy’s family will be showing their support once again, as he competes in the Buc Days Rodeo, beginning Sunday, April 26.

“I want to stay here as long as I can. I love my work and enjoy the people I work with. I’m not looking to go any other place.”

– Barbara Reaves

“I admire everyone who is in education. I don’t care if you’re a teacher, an aide, an administrator, a custodian, anybody in the system is a special person and I hold them all in the highest regard and esteem.”

In her free time, Barbara said she enjoys reading, especially mystery novels, as well as exercising. She also has been thinking about learning the piano, something she has not done since she was a child.

“It’s on my to-do list,” she said.

“I took lessons like a lot of kids at that time did, but I didn’t stick with it. But I kept the piano, so I’d like to get it tuned and take some lessons just for my own enjoyment.”

Barbara said most of her family, including her brother, sister-in-law, two nieces, two grand-nieces and “a wonderful extended family,” still reside in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Even so, she said she has made Alice her home.

“I want to stay here as long as I can,” she said. “I love my work and enjoy the people I work with. I’m not looking to go any other place.”

Rodeo

can’t always travel with him.

“Seeing him on a bull is no fear to me only because I know he has no fear to be on top of that animal,” Bonnie said. “Although those eight seconds at times feel like forever.... But I must admit I do have one fear. And that’s him traveling. I’m more worried of him being on the road than on a bull.

As a mother you don’t ever want your child to get hurt.”

Getting hurt is really only a matter of time for most bull riders, though.

“In bull riding you will get hurt; you don’t know when or how but you will. And that’s just part of the sport and it doesn’t matter how experienced you are,” Bonnie said. “There are bull fighters who risk their own lives to protect the rider. Don’t get me wrong, he’s had his share of injuries

May 2015 a - alice24-7.com 15

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