Above: (Left to Right) Priscilla Ruiz, Trustee, BISD, Christian Master, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/Minds Matter Concussion Program and Carlos Liriano, Dealer Principal Lost Pines Toyota
Carlos Liriano and the Lost Pines Toyota family’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month was a vibrant and heartwarming event, bringing together community members, local businesses and partners to honor the rich cultural traditions and promote wellness in Bastrop County.
The day was energetic, featuring traditional food, music and activities. Attendees enjoyed performances from the Cedar Creek Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, as well as the Bastrop Middle School Folkloric groups, who showcased the beauty of Hispanic dance and culture. The delicious offerings from local favorites — Casa Chapala Bastrop, Poco Loco Supermercado and Berry Cool Snow Cones — ensured no one was left hungry!
In addition to food and entertainment, the event offered important community resources. Attendees received health information and were part of an educational panel focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness and prevention in children. Special thanks to the panel hosts, Priscilla Ruiz and Kerry Fossler, for their dynamic and engaging presentation, and to the expert panelists, Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, Bastrop County Health Authority; Sally Snow with the Texas Pediatric Readiness Improvement Project; Dr. Janel Morris, Bastrop ISD Director of Student Services; Brady Brewer, a student ambassador; and Dr. Christina Master from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Together, they highlighted the importance of raising awareness around concussions and TBI prevention through the Toyota Way Forward Fund.
(Left to Right) Christian Master, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia/Minds Matter Concussion Program, Deborah A. Moore, Ascension Catholic Church Parish Business Administrator, Brady Brewer, Bastrop High School student ambassador, Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, MD, Premier Family Physicians, Carlos Liriano, Dealer Principal Lost Pines Toyota, Dr. Janel Morris, BISD Director of Student Services, Charles Hamrick, Emile Elementary student ambassador
In a touching conclusion to the health panel, Ascension Catholic Church presented Bastrop ISD with an $80,000 check to support TBI awareness and prevention initiatives, ensuring that the efforts made that day will continue to benefit the community in the future.
Many local organizations made the event possible, including Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Univision 62, First National Bank, Poco Loco Supermercado and the Lost Pines Toyota family, all of whom provided amazing door prizes or refreshments. A special thank you goes to Creative Lab Studio for capturing the memories with photography, videography and their fun 360 photo booth. DJ Manny Mo kept the tunes flowing, and Jairo Morales, the lively event MC, ensured there was never a dull moment.
Children’s activities, hosted by Bastrop County Cares, kept the younger attendees engaged and entertained, making this a true family event.
Carlos Liriano and the Lost Pines Toyota family extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who came out to celebrate with them and to all the sponsors and partners who made this Hispanic Heritage Month event a huge success. It was a day filled with community spirit, cultural pride and vital health resources that will leave a lasting impact on our Bastrop County families.
