25th annual TET Reunion 2012, Feb. 4th, Taylor County Display Bldg.
Granddaughter holds flag with grandfather, who served in the Vietnam War

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP OFFERED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

Abilene, Texas – December 30, 2011 – If you or someone you care for has memory problems, developing a partnership with your physician and honing communication skills can result in increased knowledge of the situation and less stress, helping the partners make informed decisions about care and services.

The Alzheimer’s Association –North Central Texas Chapter is offering a workshop, “Partnering With Your Doctor: A Workshop for Persons with Memory Problems and Their Care Partners,” on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Anson Park Seniors, located at 2249 Vogel St., in Abilene.

The workshop will provide strategies to form a doctor/patient/care partner relationship that allows you to more effectively manage and be a part of your healthcare. Workshop leaders will discuss communicating with your doctor, improving how patients and care partners work together, getting organized and prepared for doctor visits, reducing your stress, and ways to ensure the best health care possible for the patient.

There is no charge to attend the workshop; however, reservations are required. For more information or to register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter at 325-672-2907 or 1-800-272-3900, or e-mail mbannister@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

Workforce Solutions Provides Opportunity for Youth to Earn a National Career Readiness Certificate

Abilene, Texas—Through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas along with four other Texas areas (totaling 75 counties) has received funding through August 2012 to offer 1,500+ juniors, seniors, and out-of-school youth an opportunity to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) which was developed by the internationally recognized assessment organization American College Testing (ACT). Testing for this certificate is being coordinated through schools, organizations, and on an individual basis. Another important objective of the grant is to obtain letters of commitment from employers stating they will recognize and promote the certificate in their interview, hiring, and/or promotion processes. The services provided through the grant are focused on creating work-ready communities and continuing to build regional capacity for meeting the current and future workforce needs.

The NCRC provides fair and objective measurement of workplace skills and can be accepted nationwide. This credential is also used across all sectors of the economy at all levels. The NCRC is comprised of three assessments in the following areas: math, reading, and locating information which tap into the youth’s problem-solving and communication skills. When ACT profiled 6,000 jobs over five years they found that 77% of the jobs utilized these skills.

In order for youth to earn a certificate they will be provided with access to a web-based pre-assessment and remediation tools. Following these activities, they will take a three and a half hour proctored assessment which will indicate if they have earned one of the four certificate levels. Once earned, the certificate is good for five years. Such testing normally costs $22 per person along with licensing fees; however, all testing expenses are covered under the grant. Testing is also coordinated and administered by Workforce staff at the participating school/organization.

Along with students earning career readiness certificates, there is also a focus on educating employers about the certificate and gaining their support in recognizing applicants/incumbents who obtain this credential. The certificate is intended to help employers make informed decisions in the screening and selection process, training and development, and succession planning. Employers throughout the region are being asked to sign a letter of commitment stating they will recognize and promote the NCRC as a valuable credential and take it into account during their interview, hiring, and/or promotion processes.

This initiative is designed to provide youth with an opportunity to identify, develop, and communicate essential workplace skills as well as gain regional employer support for a nationally recognized certificate. Several schools and employers throughout the 19 county region have committed to participate in this initiative. If you are affiliated with a school or organization and would like to offer this assessment, or are an employer and would like to sign a letter of commitment, please see contact information below.

Contact Garolyn Jergins, Readiness Navigator for the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board, at (325) 795-4327 for more information about this initiative. E-mail requests should be sent to garolyn.jergins@workforcesystem.org.

In keeping with "there's always something new at Abilene ZOO"

another first occurs on Saturday, December 17th. At 9am a

delicious continental breakfast will be served to lucky ticket

holders. Hosting Breakfast with Santa will, of course, be Santa

himself. Imagine your child or grandchild excited by this

prospect. Tickets may be purchased by calling (325) 437-4683

and saying I want to have breakfast with Santa. Attendance is

by reservation only, adults are $15 and children 4-12 are $10.

Children 3 and under are free when accompanied by a ticket

holder. Reservations are limited, so they must be made by

December 15th. There will be activities, and a photo with

Santa will be available (one per paying child or adult).

Remember call soon (325) 437-4683. It's your Abilene ZOO!

Capt Flynn Advertising

Big Brothers Big Sisters wants to give YOU a car!

But not just any car, a 2011 BMW X3! Autobahn Motorcar Group has graciously donated a 2011 BMW X3 as the Grand Prize for this local BBBS fundraiser in celebration of the event’s 13^th anniversary. Since this luxurious vehicle was donated, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the one-to-one mentoring relationships serving the children of Abilene.

When and where is the drawing? The drawing will be held at Autobahn Motor Cars in Fort Worth on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Tickets are available for sale until Thursday, Dec. 15^th.

Do I have to be present to win? No! Winners will be contacted.

Why should I buy a ticket? The odds are in your favor! There are only 4000 tickets available for purchase and 100% of proceeds are supporting mentoring relationships in Abilene. Every five tickets sold help support a mentoring relationship for an entire year in the Abilene community. “Your purchase helps support Bigs and Littles like Colton and me” says Tim Yandell, Regional Executive Director of BBBS in Abilene.

How can I get my hands on a ticket? Tickets are priced at $100 each. To purchase a ticket, visit www.bbbstx.org/raffle or contact Michelle Parrish at 325-674-3115 or mparrish@bbbstx.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a volunteer organization that provides children in support, guidance, friendship and fun by matching them with adult role models. Since 1979, BBBS Abilene has fulfilled their mission of enriching, encouraging and empowering children to reach their highest potential through safe, positive one-to-one mentoring relationships. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is about making a lasting difference in a child’s life through friendship. BBBS is celebrating 31 years of serving the Abilene community. To get involved, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 325-674-3113. Start Something.

Christmas Lane 2011 opens officially at Abilene State Supported Living Center

(Abilene State School) on December 6th at 6pm with a ribbon-cutting by the

Redcoats at that time in front of Shirley's Cinema. Santa will be available for

photos which may be purchased for five dollars each. The DTP Motorcycle

Club will escort Santa to the Cinema. With over 83 lighted display exhibitors,

Christmas Lane promises to be a most exciting event. Made possible by

various merchants, civic organizations and companies in the area, it has been

coordinated annually for 21 years by Volunteer Services Council. It is open

through Christmas Eve nightly until 10pm. Christmas Lane is free to the public

as a way of saying "thank you" for supporting the Center residents. While it

is a totally lighted drive-thru, there is a stop at Quanna's Winter Wonderland

which is indoor and has a recently expanded parking lot. Visitors can enjoy

popcorn and hot cocoa and view the railroad and animated displays. Santa

will not be available on Christmas Eve. CitiLink will be giving tours of up to

four each evening. Schedules are available at CitiLink. The Center is located

on Maple.

For media questions, please call 795-3547.

Veteran's Day Parade, Downtown Abilene, Nov. 12, 2010

Sears Park Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 10, 2010

Happy Birthday Marines! 236th Marine Corps Birthday, West Texas Rehabilitation Center
November 10, 2010

Community gathering a Sears Park tradition

ABILENE, Texas – On Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., Sears Park Recreation Center will host an evening of food and community at their center located at 2250 Ambler. For over 20 years, the center has invited the Sears Park neighborhood to begin the holiday season together and enjoy a free meal. As an added treat, teachers and administrators from nearby schools along with community leaders will lend a hand serving.

“What a wonderful opportunity for our friends and neighbors of Sears Park to come together,” said Sears Park Recreation Center Coordinator Steve Miller. “This event has become a tradition that we look forward to every year. We look forward to many more years of serving the neighborhood.”

Anyone is welcome to attend the event, visit the center and enjoy the festivities. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and food will be served until it runs out. No carry outs please.

For more information about Sears Park Recreation Center, visit http://www.abilenetx.com/Recreation/sears.htm or call 325-676-6440.

College Bowl for Kids Sake

Big Brothers Big Sisters is preparing for the annual College Bowl For Kids’ Sake, which will be held this Saturday, November 12th at the Abilene Bowling Lanes. Music, balloons, door prizes, pizza, t-shirts, and more than 100 bowling college students is the perfect recipe for an eventful afternoon.

This event is designed to involve students, staff, and faculty from the 3 major universities in Abilene. College students may not always have the time to be mentors, but this event is a great way for them to give back to our local community, while bowling and having fun at the same time!

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is a unique fundraiser because 100% of the money goes to making and maintaining matches. On average it takes $1000 to make and support a match for one year. So for every $1000 raised, Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to take one child off the waiting list.

Each team of consists of 5 student/staff/faculty bowlers who each raise $75, totaling $350 per team. Interviews with agency staff, team captains, Bigs and board members are welcome before or during the event on Saturday.

Come watch the funds raise and the pins fall!

Thank you for your support.

Workforce Solutions is hosting a Train-the-Trainer Soft Skills Workshop for community leaders interested in facilitating their own training for youth

ABILENE, TEXAS –On Monday, November 7^th from 8:30am-12pm, the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board is hosting a Train-the-Trainer Soft Skills Workshop at Region XIV (1850 Hwy 351, Abilene- Eastland Room). This workshop is open to individuals from the West Central Texas area interested in starting a soft skills training for youth in their school, organization, or community.

At this training, attendees will receive resources/ideas on how to coordinate and facilitate a workshop focused on soft skills and targeted for youth ages 15-18+. The topics that will be covered include: personal and interpersonal skills, health, financial education, planning for the future, job skills, and housing and transportation. Attendees will receive a ‘tool kit’ with a hard copy and cd of all the curricula discussed, sample pre- and post-tests as well as program evaluation forms. This workshop will provide the framework for organizing a soft skills training and encourage attendees to further develop a program that will suit their youths’ needs. There is no cost to attend the event as it is funded through a grant received from the Texas Workforce Commission.

If you are interested in attending or have questions please contact Garolyn Jergins (Readiness Navigator) at (325) 795-4327 or garolyn.jergins@workforcesystem.org.

Business Mercado 2011 hosted by the Hispanic Business Council of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene Civic Center, October 8, 2011

Senior Master Sergeant Shaun M. Bustillos (center) was awarded the Hispanic Business Council of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce annual Military Award during ceremonies' at the Business Mercado
Mercado Eve at the Abilene Civic Center, October 7, 2011. Photo (L-R) Linda Barfield, Communities of Abilene Federal Credit Union, Sgt. Bustillos and Marci Braden, First Financial Bank.

APD invites citizens to National Night Out
ABILENE, Texas – The citizens of Abilene are invited to attend National Night Out hosted by the Abilene Police Department Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. These gatherings, at four locations across the city, are a chance for citizens to meet the officers patrolling their neighborhoods and strengthen the police-community partnership. The theme of National Night Out is “It Starts with Me” as the Police Department encourages citizens to take an active role in crime prevention.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anti-crime programs and strengthen community spirit. The event also sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The Police Department has recently divided the city into four sections with a Lieutenant and dedicated patrol force assigned to each section. By doing this, officers will be able to familiarize themselves with neighborhood concerns, citizens in the area and the needs of that community.

Citizens are invited to attend the National Night Out gathering in their Geo Area:

Geo Area #1- Johnson Elementary, 3602 N. 12^th St.

Geo Area #2- Taylor Elementary, 916 E.N. 13^th St.

Geo Area #3- Thomas Elementary, 1240 Lakeside Dr.

Geo Area #4- Bassetti Elementary, 5749 Highway 277 South

To find the Geo Area you live in and read more about National Night Out, visit the Abilene Police Department website at www.abilenepolice.org.

Connecting Caring Community Celebration, North Park Friendship House, Corner of Hickory & Lowden, October 1, 2011

Big Country Stand Down, Goodwill Industries, North 1st, Saturday, September 24, 2011

Diez Y Seis de Septiembre Celebration, Sears Park,

West Texas Fair & Rodeo, HEB Pavilion, West Texas Fair grounds, Sept. 11, 2011
Ruben Ramos & the Mexican Revolution

West Texas Fair & Rodeo Parade, Downtown Abilene, Sept. 10, 2011

Fiesta In The Park, Dyess AFB, August 27, 2011

50 Abilene Kids Go Back-To-School Shopping
Spree sponsored by CIS and WTU

Back-to-School Spree for 50 Abilene Students
Abilene, TX (August 23, 2011) – Communities in Schools and WTU Retail Energy helped 50 Abilene-area children on Aug. 19 put their best foot forward this school year beginning with the WTU Child Spree.
Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization.
Local retail electric provider WTU has made a generous donation of $5,000 so that school-aged children, ages 5 to 17 who are in at-risk situations, will have the fun and excitement of shopping for their own school clothes.

Twelve Students To Receive Heavy Equipment Operators Certification August 19th

Abilene, Texas—The media is invited to attend a graduation ceremony to be held at the West Central Texas Council of Governments, 3650 Loop 322, Abilene, Texas on August 19, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. Twelve candidates will receive certificates to validate their 6 week training program, which provided training in the operation and safety of 5 types of earth moving equipment. In addition, all trainees will receive a Class A CDL.

In an effort to provide a skilled workforce to meet the employer demand for heavy equipment operators, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, Texas A & M Extension Service (TEEX) and Action Career Training have teamed up to provide a 240 hour , 6 week training program.

The class began July 11, 2011 and an evening graduation will be held 19^th. Students have been trained on preventative maintenance, safety inspection, job site safety, and proper operating techniques for five (5) types of earth moving equipment. The course goals have been successfully attained by the twelve (12) trainees in the operation of a dozer, backhoe, front-end loader, excavator, and skid steer loader. Each student will attain an OSHA-recognized safety certification, in addition to a certification for Highway Flagging. As an enhanced certification, Action Career Training, Abilene, Texas has provided the driver portion of this training and students will receive a Class A CDL. All students have completed a drug screened and physical prior to starting class.

A hiring event was held for the students on August 19^th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at WCT-COG, 3650 Loop 322, (Classroom), Abilene. We encourage employers needing this type of skilled labor, to attend this hiring event. No registration fees.

For more information regarding this event, contact Steve Collins at 325.795.4304 steve.collins@workforcesystem.org or www.workintexas.com

The Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board is one of 28 boards in the state charged with oversight and policy-making responsibility for workforce and training programs in a nineteen county region. Additional information on the Board's economic development efforts or services for business customers may be obtained by calling the Workforce Board at (325) 795-4200 or by visiting the website at www.workforcesystem.org.

The Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities (1-800-735-2989 TDD or 1-800-735-2988 voice) for accessible

Heavy Equipment Operators Training Prepares Job Seekers for New Career

Abilene, Texas—In an effort to provide a skilled workforce to meet the employer demand for heavy equipment operators, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, Texas A & M Extension Service (TEEX) and Action Career Training have teamed up to provide a 240 hour , 6 week training program.

The class began July 11, 2011 and is scheduled to be completed August 19^th. Students have been trained on preventative maintenance, safety inspection, job site safety, and proper operating techniques for five (5) types of earth moving equipment. The course goals have been successfully attained by the twelve (12) trainees in the operation of a dozer, backhoe, front-end loader, excavator, and skid steer loader. Each student will attain an OSHA-recognized safety certification, in addition to a certification for Highway Flagging. As an enhanced certification, Action Career Training, Abilene, Texas has provided the driver portion of this training and students will receive a Class A CDL. All students have completed a drug screened and physical prior to starting class.

A hiring event will be held for the students on August 19^th , 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m at WCT-COG, 3650 Loop 322, (Classroom), Abilene. We encourage employers needing this type of skilled labor, to attend this hiring event. No registration fees.

For more information regarding this event, contact Steve Collins at 325.795.4304 or steve.collins@workforcesystem.org or Mickey McCarty at 325.795.4219 or mickey.mccarty@workforcesystem.org or www.workintexas.com

American Advertising Federation-Abilene Chapter, "Marketing To Hispanics", Abilene Country Club.
Presentation by Mr. Joe Muñoz, Senior Executive Assistant to the President and Assistant to The President for Multicultural Initiatives
at Angelo State University. Photo: L-R, Marci Braden, First Financial Bank and Hispanic Business Council of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce co-chair
for the 2011 Business Mercado, Mr Munoz and Kathy Lee, Abilene Chamber of Commerce. (Copyright)

Dyess Hispanic Heritage "Fiesta In The Park"

Hispanic Business Council Luncheon, Chamber Board Room, July 26, 2011

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas to Host Vocational Training Provider Fair

Abilene, Texas— Vocational Training Provider Fair

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas will be hosting a Vocational Training Provider Fair on Tuesday, August 2^{nd
2011} from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Abilene Civic Center, Abilene, Texas.

If you are 21 yrs. of age and older, unemployed, seeking a new career or new skills and/or a current worker needing to upgrade your skills, regional training providers will be available to discuss training opportunities related to regional “Demand Occupations”. To view a list of demand occupations for Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, visit www.workforcesystem.org/demandoccupations Financial Aid information will also be made available. This is an opportunity for each training provider to showcase their training programs, which are directly related to our current "Demand Occupation" list.

Participating vocational schools include TSTC West Texas, Western Texas College, Cisco College, Ranger College, and Action Career Training.

For more information regarding this event, contact Steve Collins at steve.collins@workforcesystem.org or Robert Puls at robert.puls@workforcesystem.org

ArtWalk, Downtown Abilene, July 14, 2011

Abilene Texas A&M Club monthly luncheon. Guest Speaker Commandant of Texas A&M
Corps of Cadets Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez, Jr. (R)
Abilene Country Club (Arroyo Catclaw Digital)

Fourth of July 2011

City-related closings for July 4^th holiday

ABILENE, TEXAS – Most City of Abilene offices and community service centers will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday with the exception of first responders providing life safety services from the Fire Department and Police Department.

The Abilene Animal Shelter will be closed July 4. Citizens with an Animal Control emergency may call the Abilene Police Department at 325-673-8331 and an Animal Services Officer will be available to respond. The Animal Shelter will re-open on Tuesday, July 5 at 10:30 a.m. to resume normal business hours.

Solid Waste Services division offices will not be open July 4 but all residential and commercial container collection will run on regular schedules. There will be no bulk and brush collection on July 4, those scheduled collections will continue on July 5. The Environmental Recycling Center will also be closed for the holiday.

CityLink will not run fixed routes and paratransit service on July 4. The CityLink office will be closed on July 4 as well. Only medical transportation trips will be scheduled that day.

The Municipal Court will also be closed on July 4. All citations due July 4 will be due on July 5 with no penalty.

The Rose and Stevenson Pools will be closed on July 4.

The Abilene Zoo will be open to the public during regular hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Water Services Center, 701 E. Hwy. 80, will be open on July 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to take delinquent payments for customers whose water has been turned off and for new customers needing water service. For water emergencies, sewer problems and reports of water conservation ordinance violations, citizens may call the Water Services Center’s emergency hotline, 325-676-6000, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Other City closings on July 4 include: City Hall, Abilene Housing Authority administration office, Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District, all Abilene Public Library locations, Abilene Civic Center, the Development Corporation of Abilene, the Airport Administration Office and City Recreation and Senior Citizen centers.
This news release is posted online at www.abilenetx.com.

CarWalk, Downtown Abilene, June 9, 2011

Animal Services celebrates Adopt-A-Cat Month with discounted cat adoptions

ABILENE, Texas – Abilene Animal Shelter is celebrating the American Humane Association’s national Adopt-A-Cat Month by offering a $10 discount on cat and kitten adoptions beginning today, June 8 through July 3. During this time, the cost of adopting an unaltered cat is $60 and a spayed/neutered cat is $25. Prices are usually $70 for an unaltered cat and $35 for a spayed/neutered cat.

“During the spring and summer months, we see an increase of kittens and cats in animal shelters,” said Animal Services Manager Aaron Vannoy. “We would love for everyone to visit the Abilene Animal Shelter and meet all the great cats we have here. You might just find a new four-legged friend.”

Fees include the cost of adoption, City license, rabies vaccination and spay/neuter procedure when necessary.

The shelter, located at 925 South 25^th Street, is open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and is closed Sunday and all major holidays.

For more information, call the Abilene Animal Shelter at 325-698-0085.

Mayor’s Hike this Saturday

ABILENE, TX. – This Saturday, June 4, the 4^th Annual Mayor’s Hike will begin at 8 a.m. The hike will take place at Lake Abilene located west of Buffalo Gap. This is a FREE, family friendly event that is open to the public. No pre-registration is needed. The hike is expected to last about 2 ½ hours and leashed dogs are welcome to join.

Hikers may choose from three different trails with distances varying from 3.2 miles to 4.8 miles. Here are some recommendations to ensure a fun-filled and safe hike:

Bring water and sunscreen along
Wear light colored clothing and comfortable shoes; no flip flops or sandals
Wear a hat
Before starting any wellness program or engaging in physical activity, consult your physician

Directions to the hike: Take Buffalo Gap Road/FM 89 south to the city of Buffalo Gap. Proceed through Buffalo Gap following FM 89 as it veers to the right. Cross over the railroad tracks and follow the road 4.9 miles to Lake Abilene. You will pass Perini Ranch Steakhouse, Camp Tonkawa and Abilene State Park. Look for a sign on the right that reads Lake Abilene. Follow the signs to the designated parking area.

A map with parking information and hiking options are available at www.myfitnessabilene.com or on the City of Abilene website, www.abilenetx.com.

This fitness opportunity is sponsored by the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the Abilene State Park. This news release is posted online at www.abilenetx.com

25th annual TET Reunion 2012, Feb. 4th, Taylor County Display Bldg. Granddaughter holds flag with grandfather, who served in the Vietnam War ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP OFFERED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

Veteran's Day Parade, Downtown Abilene, Nov. 12, 2010

Sears Park Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Nov. 10, 2010

Happy Birthday Marines! 236th Marine Corps Birthday, West Texas Rehabilitation Center November 10, 2010

College Bowl for Kids Sake

25th annual TET Reunion 2012, Feb. 4th, Taylor County Display Bldg.
Granddaughter holds flag with grandfather, who served in the Vietnam War

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP OFFERED FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

Happy Birthday Marines! 236th Marine Corps Birthday, West Texas Rehabilitation Center
November 10, 2010