July 2015 a issue by Real Hometown Media LLC

July 2015

Vol. 1, Issue 3 FREE

IS THE SKY FALLING? An examination of Aliceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic outlook

Lots & Land For Sale

E. 4th & King Streets - Alice. $16,000. Corner lot. Would make great business opportunity. MLS#105044

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

613 Lucero - Building has two separate sections. One side of the building is being used for a beauty shop and the other is set up for office space. MLS#104788

Alice Acres 232 SW 3rd, Premont - $24,000 - This entire property is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS”. The home, 2/1, is in need of many repairs, not livable. There is a second building that is above garage area was once used as an apartment. It is also in need of many repairs. MLS#104838

PENDING

CR 242 - 9.39 acres - This could be the perfect place to to build your dream home. MLS#xxxx

73 S. Wright St. - Great Business Opportunity! This is a spacious building on a corner lot in the downtown area of Alice. Building features sound system, wood tables and railings, tile floors and a nice size dance floor. There is a separate stage area. MLS#xxxx

1208 W. Main St. - $82,200 - 4/2 Property is sold through auction at homesearch.com Please contact the listing agent for bidding instructions. Home is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” MLS#104902

REDUCED - 100 Broadway - $33,000 This could be the perfect lot to build your dream home. Call today for more details. MLS#104841

1913 Mendez St. - Beautiful brick home that features a living room with a fireplace, separate dining room and split bedrooms. 3/2. 1,906 sq. ft. Single-story, ranch-style home. MLS#105053

652 Plymouth - Home has a nice back yard with fruit trees and a covered patio area. Large garage. Schools within walking distance. MLS#236130 1820 Willow St. - 4/2 approx. 1800 sq.ft. This would make a great starter home. MLS#xxx

200 Sidbury - 3/2 - approx. 1,716 sq. ft. $105,000 - This home would make a wonderful starter home. Home features two living areas and formal dining room. Split bedrooms/spacious bedrooms. Home is being sold “as is.” MLS# 104928

CR 225 - Jim Wells. $45,000. 5 Acre lot to build your dream home. It’s the perfect spot for you and your family. Highland Hills Ranch, Lot 29. MLS#105052

2025 FM 665 - Great Investment Property! This property has the possibility for light Commercial use. Property has FM frontage. This is a nice cozy home on approx. 4.46 acres. MLS#xxx

714 W. Blucher St. - Falfurrias - $42,900 - Great investment property. Nice-sized yard. Bankowned. 3/2; single-story, ranch-style home. Home is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” MLS#105048

1222 Oregon St. - This is a beautiful 2-Story home on a cul-de-sac. Living room has a stone veneer wood burning fireplace. Home also features an in-ground swimming pool. Remodeled kitchen. MLS#105062

1155 E. 2nd St. - This is a cute home with a front room that is currently being used as a home office. Could be converted into a 3rd bedroom. MLS#236096

280 CR 469 - This is a wonderful home that sits on approx. 2.06 acres. Home features nice size living room with fireplace that would be perfect for family gatherings. MLS#236348

137 W. 10th - Falfurrias - $12,000 - Great investment opportunity. 3/1; 1,104 sq. ft. Home is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Single-story, wood frame home. MLS#105055

329 CR 321 - Orange Grove - $77,500 - 3/2 home, single-story, wood frame home. 1,566 sq. ft. Detached garage. Great investment property Home is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” MLS#105047

From Laz-E-Boy to the yoga mat

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 Manuel Esparza, ChFC, CLU

or the past eight months, I have made an effort to improve my physical health. Since leaving high school, I had let myself go. What was once a youthful, if slightly overweight, physique had digressed into a Jellolike substance, malleable to the touch. The change was subtle, at least to my eyes. For a 15-year period I ate what I wanted when I wanted, did little in the way of exercise and ignored doctor’s advice to take better care of myself. For 15 years, I was a slug. A wellfed slug, but a slug nonetheless. Even when the doctor informed me in 2011 that I had developed Type 2 Diabetes, I did little to change the way I lived. I told myself, “Hey, I’m barely 30 years old. I have plenty of time before I need to start worrying.” But late 2014 was not a good time for those of us in the Real Hometown Media family, and by October I started thinking about the way I was living my life. Facing an uncertain future, there were many things that were out of my hands and could not control. However, my physical health was something I could control. I just needed to make the effort. Put the cookie down I figured that taking care of my diabetes was a smart first step, so I began removing unnecessary sugars from my diet. I stopped buying cookies, candies and other sweets, and transitioned from regular sodas to the diet variety. I switched one meal per day, usually lunch, to a salad, and cut the portion sizes down on my other meals. In those initial weeks, I would constantly think about food, and how I wasn’t eating as much. To put it mildly, I was hungry. Always, and often. For motivation, I bought myself a small scale. I remember the first

Story by ANTHONY RUIZ time I stepped on it and saw the number “258” staring back at me. “Could be worse,” I thought. “It’s not ‘260.’” It was after dinner that night. That was the clincher. I continued to refine my diet, using information I learned in diabetes classes through the JWC Extension office that taught me the basics in reading labels and identifying hidden sugars. I also began walking, trying to do at least a couple of miles every day. It was difficult at first, but I found that I always felt better afterwards. By the end of 2014, I was down to 220 lbs. and set two goals for myself for the new year. First, I wanted to get under 200 lbs. before June. Then, by the end of the year, I would be back to my typical high school weight of 180 lbs. Ahead of the curve For the first couple of months of the year, I continued to refine my diet. I was no longer thinking about food all of the time. It helped that I found allowing myself the occasional “cheat meal” kept me from seeing my diet as a burden. I also increased the distance that I was walking, and was soon averaging about five miles a day. It suprised me how much I began to enjoy my walks, especially when I pushed myself enough to break a sweat. By early March, I was already at my first goal of 200 lbs., and by the end of May, not even halfway through the year, I was at 175 lbs. I was at a crossroads now. In five months, I had already hit both of my fitness goals and started to worry that I would soon abandon my diet. I needed to set a new goal for myself. Lost and found at the farmer’s market In June, I went to the JWC Farmer’s Market with the intention

Yoga instructor Jenny Trigo and I conclude the Sun Salutation during our session at Anderson Park.

Photo by Amanda Rodriguez with Heart & Soul Photography

to do a story on its growth since its inception last year. What I found was not just the variety of produce vendors, but a newfound focus on healthy living through group walks and fitness activities. It’s also where I became acquainted with Jenny Trigo, a yoga instructor with In Motion and her own Fluxstruck Movement. Jenny was there as part of the “Little Sprouts Kids Corner,” a new area intended to keep kids participating in physical activities during the summer, teaching them how to use a hula hoop. I met Jenny again a week later at a children’s event at the Alice Public Library. On the grass, she led kids through simple yoga routines, as well as general creative movement. It was during this task that the thought came to me. I could do yoga! Of course, I kept that thought uu Page 15 July 2015 a - alice24-7.com 3

CBC Kids College shoots for the future Campers learned about careers available in STEM

Story and Photos by Anthony Ruiz

and Maria Monhoff, two retired teachers living in Alice. “They’ve taken the program and just run with it,” Cadena said. While this year was their first teaching the CBC Kids College, ore than 30 elementary both Gallimore and Monhoff said and junior high the program ran smoothly even students spent a with the large number of children. couple of weeks in “It’s been a challenge, but it’s June learning about different a good challenge,” Gallimore, a potential career paths while having retired special education teacher a good time during the annual with Alice ISD, said. “These kids Coastal Bend College Kids College have been very, very knowledgeable summer program. in the different subject areas, and “We had 35 kids this year,” CBC always had questions to ask.” Kids College coordinator Debbie “There’s instruction, hands-on, Cadena said. “Second grade to and even a couple of field trips,” sixth grade, and here from 8 a.m. to Monhoff said. “It’s a little bit of 3 p.m. every day for two weeks.” everything.” The program, which offers Careers covered during the CBC instruction and activities Kids College included nursing, following the Science, Technology, art, robotics, marine and wildlife Engineering and Mathematics biology, oil and gas, and even (STEM) curriculum, expanded engineering, during which the from last year’s offering of four students built model rockets that days to two weeks. they then took outside to launch “We had the funds to expand into the sky. the program this year,” Cadena “That was a highlight,” said. “Every day, they did Arismendez said. something different, something Jason Garcia, 12, attended they could do hands-on each day the kids college while visiting and take home with them.” cousins in Alice. Because he “It’s great that we have the had experience building model opportunity to offer something rockets as part of the Boy Scouts like this to the youth in our in Corpus Christi, Jason helped community,” CBC-Alice director lead the class in construction and Dee Dee Arismendez said. launching. This year’s theme was “Power “You have to be precise (in to Choose,” exposing students to building the rocket) because one different STEM career paths, as wrong cut means the rocket will well as paths in business, fine arts, mess up,” he said. “I learned that medicine and other industries. the first time I tried this.” “Enough to show them the Gallimore said grade-school basics and give them an idea what’s children learning about different out there,” Cadena said. “They career paths is important. learned about these different “Because even at this time, kids careers, and now if they want to are thinking, ‘What am I going start planning for something, they to do when I grow up?’” she said. have a better understanding of “And exposing them to a variety what they need to do.” of subjects like this shows them Instructors for this year’s kids there are so many options that are college were Thelma Gallimore available to them.”

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Bria Escobar, 10, compares her smile to that of a shark’s during a visit by a marine biologist from the Texas State Aquarium at the CBC Kids College.

Kids College

Monhoff agreed. “It’s good to let them know at this age that they can start potentially making some goals for those future careers,” she said. Monhoff said feedback from parents was also positive. “They can see how much the kids are enjoying the program,” she said. “It’s set up and organized very well, and it’s something the kids will be talking about for the future summers to come.” Gallimore said she can see the program possibly getting bigger down the road, but that would require expanding to more rooms and instructors. “The interest is there, though,” she said. The CBC Kids College program is funded through donation from the Coastal Bend Community Foundation and the Joe Barnhart Foundation. Top, Jason Garcia, 12, assisted with the construction and launching of model rockets during the kids college. Jason had prior experience with model rockets from Boy Scouts. Right, Students constructed model rockets at the end of the first week of the CBC Kids College and launched them outside of the Alice site. Bottom, Students explore a variety of marine specimens provided by the Texas State Aquarium during this year’s CBC Kids College in Alice.

IT’S SUMMER BBQ TIME! 701 S. Stadium 361

668-8293

Call Dan’s or stop in for our Summer Specials

July 2015 a - alice24-7.com 5

Bruce Menking

COMMERCIAL

Call me! I specialize in Ranch and Commerical Land. I can find the perfect property for your needs. Many listings are available in the area from 45 acres to 600+ acre tracts. I work with many area brokers and agents to help find or move your property. Many great commercial sites available!

Hallmark

(361)701-8644 • (361)668-3300

2041 E. Main, STE 300 Alice, TX 78332 Jean Cunningham, BROKER

www.brucemenking.com • bruce_menking@hotmail.com

COMMERCIAL

1309 Rose Dr. 3/2, 2272 sqft, family friendly, move in ready, open floor plan, granite kitchen tops, new wet bar, split bedrooms, lovely backyd, new cedar fence, new roof, new concrete driveway, must see. Approved buyers only. MLS#236064 $215K Call Bruce 701-8644.

733 E. Hill St., 1704 sqft, 3 lots corner property, 3/2, fenced yd, good investment property. $69,500 MLS # 236062

1821 Clarice, 4/2.5, 3,692 sqft. Beautiful home with many features, must see. Large great room, roomy kitchen, living room, large master bdrm with walk in closet. In ground salt water pool, wood fence, large yard. Motivated seller. MLS # 233786, $324k. Call Bruce 701-8644.

1018 S Almond, 2/1, 616 sqft. Not livable, 43x150 lot. Make offer. MLS#105006, call Bruce 361701-8644

610 Huisache, Freer - 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,378 sq. ft. with 2 living areas, 2 cedar closets, roomy bedrooms, and move in ready! $145,000 Call Bruce at 701-8644 MLS# 104521

130 N Tex Ave, Freer, Tx, 3/2/2, 2,390 sq.ft., built in 2013, beautiful home, Mediterranean style, high ceilings, open floor plan, granite tops, island in kitchen, split bdrms, large master suite, 2 lots, much more. MLS # 104860, $243,438, call Bruce 701-8644

SOLD

7.28 Acs. Old Tasco Yard, Commercial Property. Many buildings and office, 9,888 sq. ft. Fenced with good pad base. Call Bruce at 701-8644 MLS# 104525 South Duval St Road frontage, 4.168 Acs, zoned for IC, Industrial Commercial, water across the street. MLS# 104777, $272,337, call Bruce, 701-8644. CR 440 & CR 463 Newly built metal bldg., over 4,000 sq. ft. with 6 RV hookups, water well, septic, located on 10 acs. MLS# 104778, $200K, call Bruce, 701-8644. 7.15 Acs - great business site. Utilities available. MLS# 104524.

REDUCED! 1102 E. Hwy 44, San Diego, Tx - Commercial Building, 10,800 sq. ft., great location for Home Health, Doctor’s office, Area Clinic, or State Agency. $300,000 Call Bruce 701-8644 MLS# 104522 5 acres S. Flournoy Rd. - Commercial sites with more sites available! $20,000/ac MLS# 104224 1625 E. Main, Astromatic Car Wash, great location, CAN NOT BE USED AS PUBLIC CAR WASH. MLS# 104906, $249,500, call Bruce 361-701-8644. 900 N Johnson, 5.82 acs. Unimproved, good commercial site with city utilities, MLS# 104614, $100,000, call Bruce 361-701-8644.

LOTS & ACREAGE SALE NEW LISTING! 29.72 acs, Tr. 19, Guajillo Creek, all brush with many scenderos. Electricity and water available. Good habitat for deer, hogs, doves, quail and other wildlife. MLS # 235527, $83,216, call Bruce 701-8644.

2.86 Acs, Easley Road, Tr. 138, Sandy Hollow S/D, all brush, elec at paved road. MLS# 104960, $22,025, call Bruce 361-701-8644.

PENDING

10 Acs commercial site. 279’ road frontage, South Business Hwy 281, city water. MLS#105026 $200K. Call Bruce 701-8644. 2.6 Acs, Easley Road, Sandy Hollow S/D, all brush, elec at road. MLS# 104961, $22,481, call Bruce 361-7018644.

PENDING

216 Acs FM 1352, just minutes from Alice. Nice pasture ranch for cattle or development. Road frontage on 3 sides. Surface sale only. MLS# 105027. $541,200. Call Bruce 701-8644.

PENDING

1147 Cr. 111, East of San Diego, 10 acs (8 acs in Jim Wells, 2 acs in Duval Cnty) with new city water, new city sewer, new mesh fence, new electricity, new 23x36 concrete pad with car port canopy, ready to build your new home. MLS# 104927, $79,900, call Bruce 361-7018644.

24.53 Acs for commercial development at the intersection of Cr. 129 and S. Hwy. 281. Great site for commercial development. Elec. Available. $245,300. Call Bruce at 701-8644. MLS# 104625 7.8 Acs, Cr. 3033, Orange Grove, all brush, Casa Blanca S/D, elec. At road. MLS# 104951, $42,500, call Bruce 361-701-8644. NEW! - 3.98 Acs commercial site with city water and sewer at intersection of N. Hwy. 281 and Edith Dr. MLS#105010. $59,850, call Bruce 701-8644.

8.01 Acs, Cr. 2391, all brush, elec at paved road. Good habitat for deer, hogs, doves and other wildlife. MLS # 104920, $32,056, call Bruce 361-701-8644.

SOLD

5 Acs, FM 1554, pasture, road frontage, elec available, MLS# 104998, $35,000, call Bruce at 701-8644. 352.27 Acs. S. County Road 339, All brush with low fence, water, elec. Small bunkhouse, good habitat for deer, hogs and other wildlife. $704,540 Call Bruce at 701-8644 MLS# 104483.

Is The Sky Falling? Halliburton

$44.28M

TOTALS

$370M

The Realities of Relying on Oil & Gas Story and Graphics by NICOLE D. PEREZ

elying heavily on the oil and gas industry, Alice and Jim Wells County are all too familiar with the rise and fall of the local economy. From the boom of the last two years to the bust of the 1980s, navigating through each inevitable and cyclical drop in the industry is tantamount to a game of dodge ball against team OPEC, which controls the field, the ball and the referees. With falling sales tax revenues and a $124 million loss in industrial property tax valuations, to say local governing bodies are going to be strapped, again, is an understatement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas is currently ranked 13th in the nation with an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent. Meanwhile, Jim Wells County’s unemployment rate is at 7 percent as of May 2015. A year ago, that rate was 5.2 percent. But, is the sky falling? Or, is this an opportunity to focus on the basics and truly begin to explore the all-too-popular buzz word “diversification”? Jim Wells County has implemented a hiring freeze already. The City of Alice is likely to do the same. The City Manager has been conducting plumbing inspections as he is certified to do so, rather than hire a new inspector. It is common place for city employees to wear many hats. Alice ISD will see some savings by not filling positions as well. “The majority of the savings will come from not filling positions for those individuals who have resigned,” Alice ISD Superintendent Dr. Grace Everett

said. “We were able to do away with several teaching positions because enrollment dropped – about 200 students.” Being creative with outside opportunities will also be important. Alice ISD is actively seeking grants to help augment its local budget. Luckily, the loss of revenues was not unexpected. “For the last few years the district has perked up the fund balance in anticipation of this day,” Dr. Everett said. “Of course, the extent of the deficit for this coming year was more than we had anticipated or hoped, but we are looking at other means of revenue.” The school district recently learned it received the 20152016 Professional Development Partnerships for Advanced Math and Science Courses grant. AISD was one of 22 awardees in the State to receive the grant, which totals $135,000. “The grant helps to promote strong teaching skills for math and science teachers including integrating reliable, scientificallybased research teaching methods and technology-based teaching methods into the curriculum” Dr.

Everett explained. “Any money we receive from grants means the district doesn’t have to use local monies for training. This will help in stabilizing the budget.” This year, Dubose Intermediate School earned a $100,000 grant for technology. Four other campuses are also currently vying for grant monies as well. Those schools are Mary R. Garcia Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Salazar Elementary and Memorial Intermediate schools. “We will have our fingers crossed,” Dr. Everett said. “The district will continue to look for other means of supporting the campuses and students so that we can maintain our budget and the fund balance.” According to figures from the Jim Wells County Appraisal District, Alice ISD saw a loss of $149 million in taxable values, a drop of 8.58 percent from 2014. The City of Alice saw a loss of $141 million in taxable values, or a loss of 10.72 percent. Jim Wells County and its Lateral Road Fund each saw a loss of 4.6 percent from last year. These figures will be finalized in mid-July. The biggest hit countywide came from the Industrial Personal Property taxable values, which fell by $119 million for JWC, $155 million for Alice ISD and $134 million for the City of Alice. The loss of Weatherford, Baker Hughes and Halliburton - as a direct result of plummeting oil prices - accounts for the majority of the decline. “Their new hubs are south of San Antonio, not Alice anymore,” said Chief Appraiser Sidney Vela. “If we thought they would come

PERCENTAGE OF TAXABLE VALUE CHANGES 2014 TO 2015 FOR JWC TAXING ENTITIES Jim Wells County: -4.66 Alice ISD: -8.58 BB-PB CISD: 2.29 La Gloria ISD: .5 Orange Grove ISD: 11.23 Premont ISD: 5.23 City of Alice: -10.72 City of Orange Grove: .51 City of Premont: -.43 Alice Water Authority: -10.23 JWC Em. Svc. Dist. 1: 23.58 JWC FWSD 1: 8 SOURCE: JWC APPRAISAL DISTRICT/MAY 2015

back we may have to reconsider because their properties are for sale. If they were coming back they wouldn’t be selling.” Again, this is largely dependent on the price of oil. The properties could remain unsold. Prices could rise and business could once again be booming. It is unpredictable. To try and make a guess is equivalent to shaking a Magic 8 Ball. Members of the Alice-Jim Wells County Economic Development Corporation stated at a meeting uu

Page 10

July 2015 a - alice24-7.com 7

K. Stewart Realty, L.L.C.

NEW LISTING!

904 Huisache St., Freer - Move-in ready 3/2/1 brick home in nice location! Seller is negotiable on price & terms. Sq. footage is estimated. Nice, open floor plan with 2 separate living room areas! Fenced back yard & patio area is great for entertaining! This well-maintained home needs a family! The nice storage shed in back will stay! Reduced to $122K MLS# 105032 REDUCED!

LOTS AND LAND

316 N. Norton Ave., Freer - Two cleared resid. lots. Dimensions for each lot are 60x130. Nice, restricted area. Can be sold sep. or together. Public utilities. Build your dream home now! $20K MLS# 105070

FM 738, Orange Grove - 60.25, surveyed acres of nice farmland. Approx. 2 miles from intersection. Surface sale only. Paved road frontage along FM 738. Seller is willing to entertain all reasonable offers. $2,850/acre. MLS# 104872

Old Magnolia Rd. Tr.’s 1-6, Freer - Nice location for a place of business! Public utilities. Each tract is .1530/acre. Total land amount is approx. .9180/acre. New Survey. Very close to town and local businesses! $79.8K MLS# 105071

Tr. 70, Freer - Located approx. 11 miles S. of Freer, off of Hwy. 339 towards Benavides. This is a great getaway place! Tract is 30.01 acres, with .31/acre being a road easement, leaving a net of 29.70 acres. Partially fenced. Price is negotiable. $59K MLS# 105021

209 First Ave., Freer Great investment property or starter home for buyers who do their own repairs & upgrades! Seller wishes to sell this property “As Is.” Home needs repairs and TLC, but has much potential! Price is negotiable! $19.5K MLS# 105001.

607 Humble, Freer - Custom home 3/3.5/2 brick home with a lg. office, gun, sun, spa & bonus rooms. Spa room has a lg. hot tub & wet bar. Great location! Has front & back patios w/lg BBQ area, smoker & fire pit. A MUST SEE $159.9K MLS#104827

248 1/2 FM 1355, Kingsville - Nice 3/1/1 home, effic. apartment (stays rented!), lg. 30 x 80 barn AND approx. 2.75 acres of land! Presently rented until buyer comes along. Co-Brokered with C21 Hallmark/Bruce Menking @ (361)701-8644. Reduced to $132K MLS#104017

1105 B. Riley St., Freer - Lg. 5/3/2 brick home on 1.48 acres! Perfect home for a larger family! This home is move-in ready. Has a newer septic system. All appliances stay. Home has central air/heat and a window unit in the guest quarters, which has its own bathroom. Includes a lg. machine shop on a slab foundation, horse pens & 3 storage sheds. If you like the feel of country living, look no more! $105K.MLS#104942

1505 S. Norton, Freer Approx. 66’ of Hwy. 16 frontage! (x175’) Could be a Commercial or Residential property. Very close to schools. A 2002 Salem Travel Trailer stays. There is 1 car detached carport/workshop, w/room for apt above. $18.5K MLS#104845

244 FM 1355, Kingsville - Nice, well kept brick property on approx. 1/3rd of an acre. Has CAH, lg. paved parking lot, fenced back yard area, 3 restrooms & 6 other rooms. Nice business location or could be converted into a home, duplex, etc. Co-Brokered with C21 Hallmark/Bruce Menking @ (361)701-8644. $89K MLS#104019

REDUCED!

801 Huisache St., Freer - This lovely, brick 4/2 home includes 1 1/2 lots and is in a very nice location! Buyers will LOVE the beautiful, open floor plan in living, kitchen & dining room areas! Has a nice, high cath. ceiling. The garage was enclosed to add a main bedroom, bathroom, closet & separate laundry room. This addition is on pier/beam. The orig. home is on a slab. Owner estimates s.f. to be approx. 2,000. Home is move-in ready! A must see! Price is negotiable. $135K MLS# 105022.

Call Kim Stewart @ (361)701-8795 • Robert Bryan Johnson, Broker

CARLISLE REALTY

1810 E. Main, Alice, Texas

Chuck Carlisle, Broker - 361-664-4348/4033

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LOTS & LAND

“Considering selling or buying a home? I am currently accepting listings and can show you any home featured in this magazine.” BRANDON L. TORRES - A Dependable Realtor® You Can Trust 361-701-5810

SOLD

4990 COUNTY ROAD 403 Freer, Texas, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home sitting on 2.75 acres just outside of Freer, Texas. Home features a detached 2 bedroom guest home, storage building on property, carport, and rough in metal structure. A Must See. MLS #236712 Call Brandon @ 701-5810

613 COUNTY ROAD 160 Beautiful Home on one acre. Stone Veneer, Cement Board Siding, Home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, with a large open split floor plan. The Kitchen has custom kitchen cabinets with a Pecan Stain, Granite Countertops. Stainless Steel Appliances included in the home. Wall mounted oven and microwave. Living area has 12 foot ceilings with recessed lighting. Crown Molding. His/hers Closets in the master bedroom. Large walkin shower in Master Bath. MLS #234988. Call Brandon @ 701-5810

254 COUNTY ROAD 2113 Beautiful Home located just outside of Alice, Texas in Mesquite Forest. MLS# 211273. Call Brandon @ 361-701-5810.

SOLD 1609 OLMOS Great Location. Located across the street from golf course, Renovated Kitchen, two living areas, two wood burning fireplaces. Large backyard with Patio. MLS 231279. Call Brandon @361-701-5810

PENDING 942 N. KING Great Investment Property 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Detached Garage with separate apartment, MLS #231451. Call Brandon @ 361-701-5810.

REDUCED 300 S. TRAVIS, SAN DIEGO Completely Renovated 3 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage. Located on a Corner Lot with large backyard. A MUST SEE!! Call Brandon @ 361-701-5810. MLS#232846.

265 COUNTY ROAD 162 Beautiful home located in the Loma Linda Subdivision. The home sits on 10 acres. Main House has 4 bedrooms, 3 bath. Kitchen has custom cabinets with granite countertops. The backyard is great for entertaining, outside wet bar, in ground swimming pool, outdoor grill and several extras. Adjacent to the main house there is a large carport. There are two detached living quarters behind the main house, and horse stables. One of the living quarters is currently being used an office. The second living quarters has a living area, shower, kitchen and bedroom. MLS# 236714 Call Brandon @ 701-5810

REDUCED 621 W. MAIN STREET Great Investment or Starter Home 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with detached garage, 1,704 sq. ft. Call Brandon @701-5810 MLS#104908

SOLD 167 CARROLL LOOP Country Living, This beautiful home is located off County Rd 137 on Carroll Loop. 3,935 sq. ft. Call Brandon @ 701-5810, MLS# 104917

900 WASHINGTON Great starter home. Two-bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car detached-garage. C/A/A. Sitting on two city lots. This home is located near several city parks. MLS #234253. Call Brandon @361-701-5810.

SOLD 332 COUNTY ROAD 1601 Beautiful Stucco Home located on 2 acres in Loma Linda Subdivision. Home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, large open split floor plan. Call Brandon @361-7015810. MLS # 231429

269 COUNTY ROAD 1601 Country Living at its Best. Beautiful Home located in the Loma Linda Subdivision outside of Alice, Texas. Three bedroom, two bath homes on 2.13 Acres. Homes has two living areas, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. A MUST SEE! MLS #234885

LOTS & LAND

CR 314 BENAVIDES - 72.49 acres. Great Hunting land, Call Brandon @701-5810. MLS#104878 DEER MEADOW LOT 17 - 4.7 Acres in eer Meadow. Great Location to build your dream home. Call Brandon @701-5810. MLS#104956

Economy

in June a company had toured the Baker Hughes facility for a possible purchase. Schlumberger reportedly was going to rehire some 80 individuals as well. The EDC currently is without a director. On July 2, the members of the EDC board voted to proceed with hiring a full-time director with a salary cap of about $80,000 a year. The wait-and-see approach is not the solution in the case of this limping economy. “We’ve got to become diverse,” Jim Wells County Judge Pete Trevino said. “We have to be ready to welcome that. The general make up of the EDC has changed a little bit. Some of the people on it now are more in tune with accountability and responsibility. We have to be accountable for everything we do and we need to hold people accountable. The next EDC director is going to have to have tough skin and be ready to work. But, we are going in the right direction.” Judge Trevino added, “We have a lot of good ideas but need to navigate through the best avenues to take. Once we nail that down, then we’ll figure out who best can fit with the plan.” Not only is the City of Alice suffering from a loss in taxable values but with a drop in sales tax revenues as well, falling from a once-high of $1.2 million a month to only $600,000 a month. This June, the City of Alice received

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$607,044 in sales tax revenue, down 33.50 percent from June 2014. Year-to-date, the City of Alice has seen a drop of 13.76 percent. Revenues were budgeted this year at $900,000 a month. However, the City of Alice has about $10.5 million sitting in reserves. “We are going to have to eliminate expenditures and operate on a tight budget,” said Alice City Manager Chuy Garcia. “We may also have to look into a hiring freeze and not fill vacancies. It’s going to be tight. We will get past this.” Garcia has served in city management for 37 years in West Texas and has seen this fall in the oil business before, witnessing nine oil-related plants shut down in the 1980s. The key to survival is diversifying, he said. “We will ride out this storm,” he said. All agree being conservative is key, but not at the expense of local residents, particularly children. “We are being frugal but not at the expense of the students’ education,” Dr. Everett said. “The mission of the district and the improvements that have taken place due to several initiatives will continue to flourish. This year alone we have initiated more extensive Career and Technology programs at the high school. And, the Early College High School designation, which allows students to enroll in college

A COMPARISON OF ALICE ISD’S TOP TAX VALUATION GENERATORS Company

2014 Tax Value

2015 Tax Value

Loss

Weatherford US LP

$87.95M

$11.54M

$76.41M

Baker Hughes

$86.2M

$79M

$7.1M

Well Services/STC

$77.53M

$70.16M

$7.36M

Nabors Drilling

$74M

$65M

$8.98M

Halliburton

$44.28M

$19.59M

$24.68M

TOTALS

$370M

$245.4M

$124.61M SOURCE: JWC APPRAISAL DISTRICT

courses as early as freshman year, is that if we increase the overall was approved by the state. The attendance in the district by 3 teachers, administrators, and other percent, we stand to gain almost 1 staff have worked very hard to million dollars,” Dr. Everett said. ensure academic growth across “We have worked hard to increase the district. We are only getting the attendance rate, but we still better. We will also maintain a 22:1 have work to do.” teacher-student ratio at the lower Garcia said City of Alice services PERCENTAGE OF TAXABLE grades, which will ensure success will not be cut. in reading, which is key to being “Basic services are our priority,” VALUE CHANGES successful in all other subject areas. he said. “We cannot submit to “That there is a lack of money or promote a ‘doom and gloom’ 2015 FOR attitude. It is self-defeating. We will NOT affect 2014 what TO we are doing with the students in the will keep running. We will keep JWC TAXING ExtraENTITIESoperating. We must recognize classrooms,” she reiterated. curricularJim programs have also difficulties, but not be overcome by Wells County: -4.66not been cut. them.” ParentsAlice playISD: a key role in Alice The proverbial elephant -8.58 ISD’s revenue opportunities as standing in the center of City Hall BB-PB CISD: 2.29 well. uu Page 15 “What parents need to know La Gloria ISD: .5 Orange Grove ISD: 11.23 Premont ISD: 5.23 City of Alice: -10.72 City of Orange Grove: .51 City of Premont: -.43 Alice Water Authority: -10.23 JWC Em. Svc. Dist. 1: 23.58 JWC FWSD 1: 8 SOURCE: JWC APPRAISAL DISTRICT/MAY 2015

JWC Farmer’s Market still growing one year later Event has grown to include more than produce

or more than a year, residents and visitors alike have been treated to healthy homegrown alternative food options nearly every second Saturday of the month through the Jim Wells County Farmer’s Market. “It’s grown a lot,” said Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) extension agent and one of the organizers for the monthly farmer’s market. “We have a lot of different vendors coming in along with some of our originals, and the community has really responded to it.” Montemayor-Gonzalez said the idea for a local farmer’s market came from visiting similar markets held in neighboring counties and wanting to bring something similar to the area. “I felt that it was something the community could benefit from,” she said. Soon after, the JWC Farmer’s Market Association was established to make the market a reality. The first farmer’s market was held in March last year outside Green’s Market on E. Main Street in the middle of town, which remained the primary location through the fall of 2014. “It was a great location, very visible, but we were growing so fast,” Montemayor-Gonzalez said. As interest, and attendance, has grown for the market, the location was moved in October 2014 to the front of the Alice City Hall. “It’s been a positive transition,” Montemayor-Gonzalez said. “We’ve gotten a lot of support from the city council and the area is perfect. It’s close to downtown, and families feel a little bit more

Story and Photos by Anthony Ruiz

u WHAT: JWC Farmer's Market u WHERE: Alice City Hall u When: Second Saturday each month 9 a.m. to noon

comfortable walking around here instead of right off the highway.” Montemayor-Gonzalez said vendor interest has also grown, even with heavy rainfall affecting crop production in the area. “In June, we had a couple new vendors out there,” she said. “We did have some of our produce vendors unable to come because they lost a lot of their crops with the recent rain, but it was still a good turnout.” Martin Ornelas, a vendor with A&M Organics Ranch, said he has been participating in the JWC Farmer’s Market since its creation. He said the community has been very positive in its support of the market. “I think the reaction has been very good,” Ornelas said. “The challenge has always been getting the word out to let the residents know, but once they’re here, they enjoy it.” To participate in the JWC Farmer’s Market, MontemayorGonzalez said vendors can either pay a $10 fee for the month or $90 for the year. The fees are used to cover insurance through the Texas State Association of Farmer’s Markets. Besides vendors, the farmer’s JWC Extension Agent Elaine Montemayor-Gonzalez prepares for the live food demmarket also features a live food onstration. demonstration every month featuring Montemayor-Gonzalez and a community leader preparing an they don’t always know what they For June, Rick Del Bosque and easy-to-cook dish using the fresh can do with it,” MontemayorDavid Towler with the Boys and fruits and vegetables available dur- Gonzalez said. “The food demo Girls Club of Alice assisted in the ing that month’s market. can give them an idea, and it’s live food demonstration, preparing “It’s good because some people something they can feel comforta summer veggie pasta. uu Page 12 see what’s available out there, but able doing.”

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Market

Montemayor-Gonzalez said because all of the food available at the market is homegrown, she wants to encourage its patrons to try growing their own gardens. “They can produce their own foods, too,” she said. “Grocery stores are great, don’t get me wrong. They have a lot of great organic and healthy options, but there are also farmers in the area that do this for a living, too, and they need the support.” While the JWC Farmer’s Market continues to offer homemade and homegrown foods and goods from local vendors, it has also started to offer fitness activities to its patrons. In May, the market introduced the “Walk and Roll,” a near milelong exercise course which takes participants through the streets of downtown Alice and is held right before the start of the farmer’s market. Marisa Yvette Utley, owner of In Motion Fitness Center and president of the Downtown Revitalization Association, said she wanted to get involved with the farmer’s market and thought the “Walk and Roll” was a good way to get people moving as well as promote the business located on Main Street. “Next month, CASA will be sponsoring it,” Utley said. “Every month, we want to have a cause or awareness for some type of charity or national event going on.” In May, the “Walk and Roll” was held in recognition of Elderly Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. “And (July) will be for child abuse awareness,” Utley said. Utley said holding the monthly farmer’s market is something that helps build pride in the community. “It’s a place where we can come together and be positive and healthy,” she said. “Everything we’re trying to incorporate, with healthy food demonstrations, the ‘Walk and Roll,’ we’re just trying to promote a healthier side of Alice.” 12 a - alice24-7.com July 2015

Top, Vendors at the JWC Farmer’s Market sell a variety of homemade and homegrown produce and items. Right, Activities such as face painting are also available during the monthly JWC Farmer’s Market. Also recently established was the “Little Sprouts Kids Corner,” offering games and activities for youth attending the farmer’s market. “We started it in June and will continue through the summer months,” Montemayor-Gonzalez said. “We wanted to focus on kids’ nutrition and health, so we decided to do this and tie it into the ‘Walk and Roll.’” The kids corner began in June, with In Motion yoga instructor Jenny Trigo leading children in movement exercises using a hula hoop. “Children need creative outlets, and having something like

this at the farmer’s market, food and movement go hand-in-hand,” Trigo said. Trigo, who spent time working with farmer’s markets in Austin, said she never expected to see one in her hometown of Alice. “When I lived (in Austin), I was opened up to this whole other world that wasn’t here at the time,” she said. “I came back and wished for it, but it takes a community. Luckily, other people had the same idea and I’m glad that I

can be a part of it.” The Alice Rotary Club has been on-hand during the farmer’s market as well, handling registrations for Identikit, a service that can record a child’s information for use in emergency situations. “If a child were ever to become missing, this is a secure way for family to be able to ID that child for the police department,” Ted Bearden, former president of the Alice Rotary Club, said. “It provides the police a code that, once entered, will provide all of the information on them.” The service features fingerprinting, voice recognition, video footage along with other basic information that is recorded and stored. “We’re going to be out here for the next few months with the farmer’s market,” Bearden said. “After that, we will probably be setting up in different schools in Alice.” For July, the kids corner will feature a children’s boot camp obstacle course set up by JWC Veterans’ Service Officer Gilbrando “Rondo” Garza. The July farmer’s market is also expected to feature a bungee run sponsored by the Alice Pediatric Clinic, freshly squeezed lemonade sponsored by JWC Attorney candidate Jason V. Garcia and a watermelon eating contest sponsored by Alice Dental Associates. The Jim Wells County Farmer’s Market is held every second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon in front of the Alice City Hall located at 500 E. Main St. The next farmer’s market will be July 11. Vendors interested in participating can pick up an application at the JWC AgriLife Extension office located in the basement of the JWC Courthouse or email Gonzalez at elaine.montemayorgonzalez@ag.tamu.edu. For information, contact the JWC AgriLife Extension office at 668-5705 or visit the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ JWCFarmersMarket.

THE

list

Summer vacations don’t have to break the bank

amily vacations are the one time each year when all members of the family get to leave the daily grind behind to enjoy a little R&R together. Such excursions often strengthen family bonds and help to create lasting memories that parents and kids will cherish for years to come. Families planning this summer’s annual getaway may already know that the cost of travel is on the rise. While there are always deals to be had, budget-conscious parents may still find themselves looking for ways to cut their travel costs so more of their money can be spent on having fun instead of financing trips. The following is our “a List” on how parents can trim their family’s travel costs without sacrificing the quality of their vacations. 1. Stay closer to home. It

Road trippin’ this summer? Pack a picnic with some cool treats. may sound simple, but vacationing closer to home is perhaps the best way for families to save a substantial amount of money on their vacations. Airline tickets can take up a sizable portion of a family vacation budget, and once the plane touches down families may need

to add the additional expense of rental cars so they can get around their destination and enjoy all its sights and sounds. But families who choose to vacation closer to home can take their own vehicles, paying only for gas instead of airline tickets, car rentals (including rental insurance) and gas. Find a location close to home that still offers everyone an escape, but one that’s not far enough away that car travel will prove burdensome and exhausting. 2. Plan to make some of your own meals. Dining out is another considerable expense for families on vacation. Depending on the size of their families, parents may find that their dining budgets will approach or even exceed the cost of air travel by the end of a single week. But parents can drastically reduce those costs by planning to

make some their own meals while away on vacation. Bring along a couple of cereal boxes so breakfast is simple and inexpensive, and try to book accommodations equipped with kitchens or outdoor areas where the family can fire up a grill a few times during the week to save on costly dinner tabs. 3. Travel light. Families who must travel by air can trim some of the cost of flying by traveling light. Many airlines now charge fees for bags that exceed preestablished weight limits and may charge for additional baggage as well. Travel is expensive, especially for parents traveling with kids in tow. But cost-conscious moms and dads can still plan relaxing and enjoyable vacations without breaking the bank.

Cool, easy to make summer treats Blueberry Ice Cream Makes about 1 quart 2 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 2⁄3 cup sugar, divided 1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half or milk 1 cup heavy (whipping) cream 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons honey liqueur or framboise (optional) Rinse the berries and pick out any bad ones. Place in a small saucepan with the water and cook over low heat until tender, about

10 minutes. Let cool slightly and purée in a blender or food processor. In a small bowl, mash the zest with 1 teaspoon of the sugar to release the oils. In a small saucepan, combine the half-and-half with the remaining sugar, stirring until dissolved; let cool to room temperature. Stir in the blueberry purée, cream, sugared zest, juice, and vanilla. Transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is almost frozen, spoon in the liqueur,

if desired, and churn until blended in, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Green Apple Sorbet Makes about 11/2 pints 2 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 5 apples) cored and sliced (unpeeled) 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 cup water 3/4 cup sugar Fresh mint sprigs for garnish Toss the apple slices with the juice, slip into a lock-top plastic

From Lou Seibert Pappas’ “Ice Creams & Sorbets” (Chronicle Books)

bag, and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cook until the syrup is clear. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours. In a food processor, blend the frozen apples and syrup just until light and fluffy. Serve at once in chilled goblets and garnish with mint sprigs. Or, transfer to a container, cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

July 2015 a - alice24-7.com 13

How to Prepare for a Retirement Plan Distribution By Manuel Esparza, Jr., ChFC, CLU

ne of the most important financial decisions that many people make involves the distribution of money from one or more retirement plans. When the time comes to begin making withdrawals, many plan participants are not prepared to make the decisions that may be right for them. Often, they don’t understand the choices available, or they may not anticipate the deadlines for their decisions – so they fail to seek the professional help they need before these deadlines occur. If a retirement plan distribution is on the horizon for you, this article can help you identify important issues to consider. For more personalized assistance, be sure to consult a financial professional well in advance of any distribution deadlines you may face. It All Starts With a Trigger Event Any retirement plan distribution begins with a “trigger event.” This is an occurrence that may cause the money in your plan account to be distributed to you under the terms of the plan. The six most common trigger events are: 1) separation from service (i.e., quitting, being fired, or offered early retirement); 2) reaching retirement age; 3) reaching age 59 1/2 in a plan that allows distributions after that age; 4) death; 5) disability; and 6) termination of the plan. Once a trigger event occurs, participants (or their beneficiaries) normally are entitled to receive their vested account balances, less

14 a - alice24-7.com July 2015

any outstanding plan loan balances. It would be wise to pay back your loan prior to taking your distribution. Any outstanding loan may be treated as a premature distribution subject to tax and a 10 percent penalty. For many people, this is the “biggest paycheck” they may ever handle, representing years of personal savings, accumulated earnings, and perhaps even employer contributions. Perhaps the most important point to make about handling a distribution involves the need to plan ahead for the best way to handle that distribution, based on your personal circumstances. For example, if your company is downsizing and laying off workers, don’t wait for “pink slip day” to seek information or advice. Many other pressures may be swirling around you when the trigger event takes place, and you need time to plan for handling your money wisely. Your Choices Are Many One of the first steps in planning for a trigger event is to understand all your choices for handling your money, and then select the best one for you. You will probably have several of the following options for the distribution of your retirement plan money: 1. Leave money in the existing plan and let it compound. Depending on the kind of plan it is, and its terms, you may or may not have this choice. If you do, however, leaving money in the plan means you will be limited to the plan’s investment choices. You probably won’t be allowed to put more of your own money into the plan after you leave work. However, you may be investing in institutional shares which generally have lower fees than retail share classes outside the plan. Choosing this option, even in the short term, can help you avoid making a mistake in how you take your distribution. 2. Take an annuity income payout from the plan, if one is offered.

This choice converts plan money into a fixed income guaranteed by an insurance company. However, once you accept this choice, you generally can’t change it. The annuity income may provide less purchasing power the longer you live, because of inflation. 3. Pay tax on the distribution and invest or spend the after-tax amounts. This is usually not an attractive choice – especially if your plan account balance is large. The distribution will be added to your other income (for the year in which you take your lump-sum distribution) – and you could find yourself taxed in the highest income tax bracket. (This means you may pay significantly more in income taxes than if you took your money over time.) In addition, unless you’re age 55 or older and separating from service – or if you are under age 59 1/2 – your distribution also could be subject to a 10 percent federal tax penalty, on top of any current income tax you may have to pay. 4. Transfer the money to the plan of your new employer, if the new employer’s plan allows for such transfers. Tax law changes encourage transfers between companies and types of plans. To make this choice work, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate paperwork to ensure that your money is properly transferred from one plan to the other. In this case, as long as you don’t make any withdrawals, you won’t owe current income tax, and all your plan money can continue to grow until you begin receiving it. 5. You can transfer the money directly to a Traditional IRA in your own name. You must arrange this transfer between the company you are leaving and your choice of IRA provider. In this case, you do not actually receive money and there is no current income tax consequence. 6. You can receive the distribution and then “roll it over” to

a Traditional IRA in your own name. You must deposit money into the IRA within 60 days of receipt. Your current plan provider will withhold 20 percent of the distribution for federal income tax, so you will have to replace this amount yourself (from other sources) if you want to avoid tax and possible penalty on that portion of the money. If you are planning to do a rollover, try to do the direct transfer described above, since it will enable you to avoid the 20 percent withholding. 7. You may transfer money to a Roth IRA, if you qualify. In a Roth conversion, you pay current income tax on the converted amount and then can qualify for tax-free distributions later on, if you meet certain requirements. Which Choice is Best? It’s impossible to say which distribution option might be right for you, without carefully evaluating your options. And with so much money at stake, you need to make sure your analysis is thorough and considers both your personal circumstances and your long-term financial needs. That’s why it usually pays to sit down with a financial professional well in advance of a trigger event. Many professionals can help you understand the tax and investment consequences by using retirement distribution software and customized illustrations. They also can explain other choices you may have. When you consider how long and hard you have worked to earn your “biggest paycheck,” it’s well worth the effort to make the most of it with the help of a qualified financial professional. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Prepared by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, N.Y. The information contained in this article is for general, informational purposes only. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents or employees do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation.

Economy

is of course the aquatics center, commonly known as the MUC. Its completion continues to be delayed with possibly an early-August finish date. The operation of the facility continues to be an unknown factor. But the westside still remains an untapped resource, some say. “The development on the west side could be a saving grace for Alice and Jim Wells County,” Judge Trevino said. “We have an anchor; we need to take advantage of it.” The county is also ready to uu

do what it must in this difficult financial time. The Jim Wells County Commissioner’s Court in May approved a hiring freeze as the county is expecting to see about a $1 million loss in its coffers. “With the numbers provided and sales tax revenues we could be looking at at least a $1 million deficit,” Judge Pete Trevino said at the time. “It’s incumbent upon us to be good stewards of our budget and take a proactive stance.

This is not what I want, but these numbers are indicating what we need to do to avoid disaster next year and the following year. We could be coming into sad times in Jim Wells County.” Judge Trevino further said the county needs to “do more with less,” indicating that if an employee leaves his/her position, they should not be replaced. The replacement of essential personnel would be considered on a case-by-case basis. The balance between wants and

needs will be important. “Going through budget talks, we might be able to make up for the deficit with cuts and through the hiring freeze,” Trevino said. “But the big test will be next year when more of the industrial tax gets cut. Some that paid this year won’t be here next year. The commissioner’s court is all ready to take measures that by the time 2017 comes, everyone who is employed with the county will still be employed.”

“But I like movement, so I study as much as I can.” It was her interest in movement that eventually led her to yoga, and in January, she became a certified yoga instructor. “I had taken yoga classes before when I lived in Austin,” she said. “But I never thought that I would teach it or study it as intensely as I have been.” We also discussed my first session and what I should expect. I was coming in completely blind, knowing only that there’d be a lot of stretching and a lot of breathing. “A lot of stretching, even in your basic workouts, is yoga postures,” she said. “I’m not saying that it’s because of yoga, but everything kind of goes hand-in-hand.” Jenny also discussed the various disciplines in yoga, but that level was way over my head at that point. Stretching and breathing was where I was at. But as the late afternoon became early evening, the time for talking was over. It was yoga time. Namaste away from nature We arrived at Anderson Park shortly after 7 p.m. on a Wednesday. I had purposely chosen the location because it seemed like a good idea to practice in an area with a lot of activity. We found a quiet spot near one of the baseball fields and I unrolled my newly purchased yoga mat. I also took off my shoes, but left my stylish black diabetic socks on to

protect the soles of my feet from whatever was crawling in the grass. For the first lesson, Jenny led me through the “Surya Namaskar,” or “Sun Salutation.” She directed me to stand up as straight as I could, then reach for the sky. That was easy enough. Standing and reaching are things that I do every day. This yoga thing was going to be a piece of cake. She then directed me to fall forward, relaxing my body before straightening my back into the “Uttanasana.” It was in this pose when I found myself really connecting with nature. By which, I mean I was attacked by dozens of mosquitos. In choosing the setting for our session, I forgot to account for the recent rainfall. Those rains led to an explosion in the local mosquito population, and it felt like every one of those literal suckers had found me. We continued through the “Sun Salutation,” moving through different poses with names like “Downward Dog” and “Sphinx.” I tried to focus on my movements and breathing, only to have it drowned out by the sound of highpitched buzzing in my ears. Still, we pressed on. Jenny directed me through the rest of the “Sun Salutation,” which we went through several times before moving to the next lesson. After about an hour, and what felt like hundreds of insect bites,

my first yoga session came to a close. “You did good,” Jenny said, swatting away a mosquito that chose that moment to divebomb her nose. “Your legs are strong, but you need to work on keeping your back straight.” Even with the amount of blood I lost as an all-you-can-eat buffet that evening, I felt good about the session. I promised Jenny that I would continue to work on my poses during the week, and we both agreed that perhaps the next session would be better served indoors. Flexible future It’s still early in my yoga journey, but I’m glad that I made the effort. I will continue with my one-on-one sessions with Jenny throughout the rest of July, and will probably keep at it, maybe in group lessons, through the end of the year. This time last year, there’s no way that I would have tried yoga. I doubt I would have even tried yogurt. If there’s one thing that I learned during the past eight months, it’s that it is never too late to try to improve your health. You just need to keep setting goals for yourself. And watch out for mosquitos. Jenny Trigo is a yoga instructor with in Motion Fitness Center in Alice and her own Fluxstruck Movement. Contact her by email at fluxstruck@gmail.com or through Facebook at facebook.com/ fluxstruckfitness.

Yoga

to myself at that time. I figured it would be a passing interest, and I would soon forget about it. But after a couple of days, the thought was still there. I could do yoga! I contacted Jenny through Facebook and started making arrangements for a month of oneon-one sessions. One session a week for four weeks. Prior to the first session, I met with Jenny to discuss her connection to yoga and fitness in general. Jenny said her father had gotten her into fitness while she was in high school. “I would go to the mall with him and tell him that they didn’t have anything in size ‘fat,’” she said. “So I started working out with him, going to the Firehouse Gym and got into kickboxing there.” Jenny said she enjoyed kickboxing, and soon moved on to distance running and bodybuilding. She said she found that she pushed herself too hard in those days, eventually burning herself out. “You shouldn’t do so much just because you want your body to get to a certain point,” she said. “I didn’t understand the balance and never rested enough. You want to stay strong, but you don’t have to kill yourself.” Jenny said she began studying dance, and soon developed a passion for creative movement. “But that’s more chaotic, and not necessarily calming,” she said.

July 2015 a - alice24-7.com 15

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