Polishing their skills. Welding a bond with their community. Growing their self-esteem. Changing their image. Framing their mindset. Molding their future.

All of these things were literally taught to Farmersville youth in preparation for the cityís Fall Festival this Saturday.

Last Saturday and today, students from Farmersville High School and Deep Creek Academy continuation high school, gathered at Alvarez Airís new location at 432 Farmersville Blvd. to learn how to make decopage posters, weld iron plant stands, a little about photography, wooden frames, floral arrangements and pottery to be auctioned during Fall Festival to raise money for everything from Key Club to the Boys & Girls Club.

But more importantly, they gathered to learn how to be a productive member of the community.

ìI always played sports growing up, but not every kid is interested in sports,î said John Alvarez, who has owned Alvarez Air conditioning and heating for 18 years. ìI was also a teacherís aid in a lot of shop classes and there is something about teaching a skill that turns a light on in their head. As they learn the skill and create things you can see their life changing.î

Since moving to Farmersville 10 years ago, Alvarez has worked with high school-age students teaching them woodmaking, metalworking, etc. to raise money for their school projects.

ìI give them a grant to complete the project, but I also put them to work,î said Alvarez, who has worked since he can remember. ìI worked the fields, but also made bookcases, plant stands and did leatherwork on the side to make money. Itís amazing how the little things help us to take on bigger things.î

The lessons he learned growing up with 12 brothers and sisters are ones he has passed on to his own children. His oldest son, Johnny, Jr., works with his father at the company, but also donates his time to teach students arts and crafts, woodworking and metal working.

ìWe all have to do our part to make sure everything he has worked hard to make happen continues,î Johnny said. ìItís up to all of us to help keep these kids on the straight and narrow. It doesnít do anyone any good when a kid throws his life away.î

Johnnyís younger brother, Steven, is studying to be a graphic designer. He teaches students how to create blueprints and designs for decorative wrought-iron gates. Alvarezís daughter, Stephanie, is studying pottery at College of the Sequoias and is also learning to create stained glass, both of which she is teaching to students in Farmersville. Alvarezís wife, Sylvia, is the companyís administrator and coordinates all of the events that Alvarez Air volunteers for throughout the year.

ìSheís the glue that keeps everything together,î Alvarez said. ìWithout her we couldnít do any of this.î

But the family business doesnít end there. Next door to Alvarez Air at 412 Farmersville Blvd. are three businesses owned by Alvarezís sister, brother-in-law and niece. Sister Mary owns Eagles Wings Photography, which takes photographs at community events, such as local rodeos and youth sports. Her husband, Raul, owns Rustic Custom Frames & More, which builds mirror and photo frames out of branded and distressed wood, barbed wire, etc.

ìWe decided to move here from Tulare after we got the business started,î Mary said. ìNow we are all coaching sports here and getting involved in the community. It has been great.î

Also in the building is Nicole Garza, Maryís daughter, who owns Farmersville Floral & Gifts. Nicole creates floral arrangements, centerpieces and decorations. All of the businesses are under the umbrella of Unique Designs Unlimited, which will officially open its doors to the public Nov.1.

ìMy uncle was to establish something unique here in downtown Farmersville,î Nicole said. ìAll his children and grandchildren are here and he wants to build a better community. I donít think there is anything in this town that he isnít involved with.î

Alvarez said the last part of his plan is an outdoor courtyard just south of the two businesses enclosed by a decorative gate designed by his youngest son. Alvarez said the area will be used to hold monthly auctions where student arts and crafts can be sold to raise money for various youth programs.

ìCome out to Fall Festival and you can get a look at what these kids are capable of,î Alvarez said.

The festival begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 in downtown Farmersville. There will be live entertainment, a talent show, crafts, food and much more. Alvarez said there will be more than 50 craft items available, from ornamental wrought iron to hand-thrown pottery. New this year is a Jog-a-Thon to help support the Farmersville Boys & Girls Club.

Most of the money raised by this yearís festival will help fund the construction of a new community center and Boys & Girls Club, which serves about 1,000 students in Farmersville. The club broke ground on the $3.5 million center in July. The center would be approximately 16,400 square feet and might also include a city library, town meeting hall, gymnasium, art room, teen room, computer lab and kitchen. It will be built in two phases on the current site of the historic Methodist Church on Avery Street.

For more information on Farmersville Fall Festival, call Alvarez at 799-1679.

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