April 2020

Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3

APRIL 2020

Volume 10, Issue 12

Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office

ADVERTISING SALES • Terri Collum (325) 439-1214 terri@hispaniclifemedia.com

• Donna Lee (325) 518-8994 donna.lee@amclassabilene.com

• Darla Cooper (325) 280-5882 darla.cooper@amclassabilene.com

• David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community.

HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally.

Advertising rates are available upon request.

While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication.

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All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

Here recently, there seems to be a lot of fear in America right now, especially in the light of COVID-19. Listen up, the promises of God are still true! God is bigger than the Coronavirus!

As any wise man would do, take the necessary time to listen to the medical experts and take appropriate measures (wash your hands, use good hygeine, etc.). But we need to replace our fear with faith and pray for our nation, that God would protect us all.

Phil. 4 reminds us, ‘Don’t worry about anything and pray about everything! “Lord, you are bigger than this virus, and we are praying that these numbers will start going down. We are praying that anyone that has it will be healed. And we are praying, Lord, that we will not live in fear but we will live in faith!”

We are also called to pray for our leaders as well. Pray that God would give wisdom to President Trump, Vice President Pence, his team, as they deal with this. Help them to know what to do, when to do it, the steps to take, the practical.

But know that we do not rely only on that. We are prayerful, looking to our Heavenly Father, knowing that God loves us.”

Now is the time to unite; to come together as a nation, a state, a community. If you have ever felt a time to help your fellow man, this is a great time to do it. If it has sprung up in your heart to help an elderly neighbor, a single mom, or someone who is living in fear, now is the time to act.

Let us put away our political differences, and come together as One Nation Under God. Let us be doers of His word, and not only hearers, for the greatest in the Kingdom shall be the servant.

Be practical, take precautions, don’t panic, but be diligent in serving others for the Glory of the Father.

Have a great month and as always….

“First God, then Family and finally Friends” Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Meals on Wheels Plus Needs Help To Survive the Coronavirus

By Betty L. Bradley | Executive Director, Meals on Wheels, Plus

Meals on Wheels has a desperate need for new volunteers to deliver lunch meals at least one day a week, and more frequently if possible.

It’s no secret that coronavirus will affect the senior community hardest because of their weakened immune system, but it has also resulted in a loss of volunteers. We’ve recently lost our university students and many of the elderly volunteers. Our staff is highly committed to getting all of the meals delivered as our recipients need us now more than ever, but we can’t do it alone.

Every weekday, we rely heavily on an army of volunteers to deliver more than 1,400 meals to frail seniors and younger adults with one or more disabilities who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. Many use a walker, cane, or wheelchair, and some are even bedbound. Most are low income and have little or no family support. They often have heavy health concerns and live alone, which creates a burden.

We are urging the community to assist those who are unable to help themselves during this crucial season. Time is something everyone has, and it only takes about an hour per route. We need drivers between 10:45 am – 1:30 pm. Please come by 717 N. 10th Street or call 325-672-5050 to sign up to deliver. It’s easy, and you’ll feel graciously rewarded by helping.

We are also looking for help in the kitchen from 6 am – 2 pm to help prep meals for delivery.

Betty Bradley commented that “Taking 1,400 of my friends out to lunch each day is expensive and donations are not keeping pace with the growing need for our services.” If you are able to help, your financial gift would be greatly appreciated. You can make a make a donation on the website by going to www.mealsonwheelplus.com. Or you may mail a check to P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.

Thank you for helping drive away hunger – right here in the Abilene area.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

COMMUNITY

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

IRS Launching ‘Get My Payment’ Web App for People to Get Stimulus Money Faster

By Laura Taylor | WSET

According to a release from the U.S. Depart- Social Security Number ment of Treasury and the IRS, they plan to Date of birth launch the “Get My Payment” web application Mailing address next week.

People who want to add their bank account inThe release said that the web application is free formation to speed receipt of their payment will and it will be found at https://www.irs.gov/coro- also need to provide the following additional navirus/economic-impact-payments. information: The app will allow taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide their banking information on their return to submit direct deposit information.

Americans who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 can use “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” link to submit basic personal information to quickly and securely receive their Economic Impact Payments.

According to the release, the “Get My Payment” web application cannot update bank account information after an Economic Impact Payment has been scheduled for delivery.

To help protect against potential fraud, the tool also does not allow people to change bank account information already on file with the IRS.

Once that information is added, they will get their Economic Impact Payments in their bank accounts quickly instead of waiting for a check to arrive in the mail.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

The release said that the “Get My Payment” web application will also allow taxpayers to track the status of their payment.

The IRS and the U.S. Department of Treasury urge taxpayers to be They said that the web application does not • Their Adjusted Gross Income from their most on the lookout for scammers and email phishing need to be downloaded from the App Store. recent tax return submitted, either 2019 or 2018 attempts about the COVID-19 and Economic • The refund or amount owed from their latest Impact Payments.

For taxpayers to track the status of their pay- filed tax return ment, they will need to enter basic information • Bank account type, account and routing numCALL US TO ADVERTISE in the “Get My Payment” app: bers (325) 701-9505

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Texas Woman’s University Has Relief Grants Available for Woman-Owned Businesses

By Texas Woman’s University

The purpose of the AssistHer Emergency Relief Grant is to help sustain woman-owned businesses while they are under economic hardship due to COVID-19. The funds can be used for technology upgrades or other items needed to change or adapt a business model. Operating expenses (excluding payment of sales tax, payroll, purchase of food for consumption, penalties and fees, and charitable donations).

Grant Amount: $10,000

Who can apply? Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions:

COVID-19 Cleaning

By ServiceMaster Restore by A-Town Hi-Tech

As the nation gears up for the potential of a widespread epidemic from Coronavirus (COVID-19), many business owners and facility managers are left wondering – how can I protect myself and the occupants of the building from this infectious disease? What can I do to take steps to help ensure the health of people who use the building?

ServiceMaster by ATown Hi-Tech has the training, qualifications, and equipment to carry out the CDC’s protocol for pre- and post-expo-

sure events. Contact us for more information about how we can clean and disinfect your residential or commercial environment.

We encourage you to remind everyone to practice the recommended hygiene protocols from the CDC by washing hands frequently and staying home when feeling ill. If possible, allow employees to work from home if there’s an active outbreak in your community to avoid the spread of the virus before symptoms appear.

• Existing woman-owned businesses (at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens) may apply.

• The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship.

Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible.

• The business must be suffering an economic hardship due to COVID-19.

• If the business or business owner owns the premises from which the business operates, all property taxes must be current.

• All sales taxes, payroll taxes and other taxes must be current.

• Businesses must be located and/or operated within the state of Texas.

• The business, business owner and applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation.

• The business, business owner and applicant are operating with all required permits and licenses and are conforming to all required laws.

• The business owner must not have any felonies or conviction of a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust. *TWU faculty, staff and students (including their immediate family), and previous grant winners are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Complete the AssistHER COVID-19 Business Emergency Relief Grant Application at https:// twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/assistheremergency-relief-grant/.

(325) 692-0500

• Grant applications will be accepted electronically ONLY, not to exceed ten pages (application included), and will be assessed for funding on a rolling basis until available funding is expended.

Please combine all materials into a single PDF and submit to smantaro@twu.edu. Any applications that are incomplete, contain multiple documents, or not in a PDF format will be rejected.

• Proof of woman-owned and controlled documentation must show at least 51% ownership and could include any woman-owned certifica-

tion, sole proprietor/assumed name filings, LLC or LLP documentation, certification of organization, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement or bank signature card. If one document alone doesn’t show this, send the corresponding agreement with it.

• All questions must be answered, and all required information and documentation must be included; when submitting an application, the applicant must attach documentation for all expenses they want the grant to cover (for example operating costs, proposals from a vendor, quotes or estimates, invoices, etc.). These could be provided on a spreadsheet, cash flow statement, IRS Tax filing, P &L or Income Statement. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.

• The purpose of this grant is to help sustain your business while you are under economic hardship due to COVID-19. The funds can be used for technology upgrades or other items needed to change or adapt your business model and operating expenses (excluding payment of sales tax and payroll, advertising, purchase of food for consumption, penalties and fees, and charitable donations).

As a prerequisite for award eligibility, awardees must view an instructional video on best practices for maintaining grant funds and longterm business sustainability. This will be sent if awarded. Award recipients will have an opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with a CWE business advisor, if needed.

You will be notified as to whether or not you have been approved for the AssistHER grant within 30 days.

Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7

Katie Alford Celebrates 15 Years with CFA

By Community Foundation of Abilene

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Katie Alford, President/CEO of the Com- providing funding to nonprofits affected by munity Foundation of Abilene, celebrates 15 COVID-19 in 2020. years of service at CFA! Katie has served on a number of civic and Katie began working at CFA as finance direc- nonprofit boards over the years, including tor March 28, 2005. She became President/ the First Financial Bank, Chamber of ComCEO in 2009, succeeding Nancy Jones, the merce (Chair in 2013), Serenity Foundation, foundation’s first and only CEO since its Hendrick Home for Children, the Chamber’s founding in 1985.

Military Affairs Committee, the Abilene Industrial Foundation and During her time as leader, others. the foundation’s total assets have grown from She has been named an less than $70 million to as AAUW Woman of Outhigh as $140 million. In standing Achievement, and its fiscal year 2019, CFA CFA was a co-recipient awarded a record $8 milof the Chamber’s inaugulion in grants. ral Nonprofit of the Year Award in 2019.

Other foundation accomplishments under Katie’s She grew up in Seminole, leadership: Texas and moved to Abilene in 1995 to study at Abilene •Established a fund and Christian University, where lead fundraising efforts she received a degree in for local volunteer fire finance. Before coming to departments battling wildthe Community Foundation fires in 2011 and 2014 in 2005, she worked in ac•Launched Abilene Gives, a 24-hour day of counting for Hendrick Health Systems and, giving to support local nonprofits, in 2017 before that, doing investment work for Finan•Acquired, renovated and expanded a down- cial Advisor Paul Schnitman. town building, and moved into the new CFA home in 2018 Fun fact about Katie: She’s an avid Chicago •Established the Abilene Relief Fund and Cubs fan. partnered with the United Way of Abilene for tornado relief efforts in 2019 Congratulations on 15 years of incredible •Established the Support Abilene Fund to work, Katie!

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8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

The Care Never Stops

In spite of recent challenges, Abilene’s premier childcare service will celebrate several milestones this spring.

By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Day Nursery of Abilene has certainly felt the upheaval from the coronavirus pandemic.

With little warning, their after-school program became an all-day program without a definite end date. Some families have chosen to keep their children at home, which makes it more difficult to keep the lights on and pay the staff.

But plans go on to raise awareness, celebrate professional staff and provide stellar childcare throughout the spring.

While that may not be possible in all cases, parents will be encouraged to wear a photo of their child or carry a semblance to represent them. On Artsy Thursday thinking, problem solving and creating will be the focus. Family Friday will make time for family stories, pictures and memories with encouragement for families to continue those activities at home.

Each year the Day Nursery staff creates a learning and activity plan for the school age children who will be with them all day during the week of spring break. This year at the end of that week, Abilene and Wylie school districts announced that spring break would be extended another week. The next news proclaimed the closing of school indefinitely.

“There was no time to really plan,” says Day Nursery president and CEO Cynthia Pearson. “While students spend about six hours a day at school, they are likely to be with us eight or nine hours a day. But our Early Childhood Professional staff has stepped up to make sure learning and educational opportunities continue for these elementary school aged kids. They’ve taken on extra sanitizing and alleviating fears. I think they’re the most flexible people on the planet and I’m very proud of them for joining together and doing what’s best for children!”

April 13-17 is the Week of the Young Child sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. According to the Texas chapter’s website, www.texasaeyc.org, it originated in 1971 to bring attention to the value of educating children ages birth through eight. Experiences

Since 1992 May 1 has been set aside by the American Federation of Teachers to raise awareness of the value of early childhood education and the importance of paying a living wage to those who dedicate their work hours to young children.

“Early Childhood Professionals are doing important work and should be paid appropriately,” says Cynthia. “We’re thrilled we can provide an emphasis on that and focus on this group as professionals. Just with the coronavirus our staff has been exceptional to take on whatever is needed, to be there for our families.”

Cynthia believes some progress has been made in recent years to create a nationwide understanding of early childhood education and the difference it makes. At www.nosmallmatter.com you can learn about a full-length documentary film in production to highlight the human capacity for early intelligence and how early childhood education changes lives during their early years get children ready for Music Monday will give everyone a chance to and impacts the future. success in school and in life. sing, dance and celebrate learning. Taco Tuesday’s focus will be healthy eating at school and Locally Day Nursery continues to work for While Day Nursery kids will not be able to at home. Traditionally Wednesday has been a worthy wage for Early Childhood Profesdeliver milk and cookies to the City Council set aside as Take Your Children to Work Day. sionals by advocating to legislators for better meeting on April 9th as they usually do, Cynthia Pearson, president/CEO, hopes the Council will still issue a proclamation recognizing the Week of the Young Child. Regardless, children and staff at Day Nursery plan to celebrate every day that week.

Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 9

reimbursement rates for subsidized childcare. ployees, faculty, staff and students have first Those rates allow payment of a worthy wage option for the center spaces, but there is room to these worthy workers. for other children too. The Orange Street center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 On May 5 you will have a specific-to-Abilene am to 7:00 pm to accommodate hospital shifts. chance to support Day Nursery through “We have a great director, Youlanda Hunter,” Abilene Gives. This annual event, organized Cynthia says, “She has an array of early childby the Community Foundation of Abilene, en- hood experience and even worked for Day courages support for our community during a Nursery before she went back to school to get twenty-four hour online opportunity to make her degree.” a donation to any participating nonprofit. In 2019 a total of $730,000 was raised. In their The other three Day Nursery of Abilene first on-line board meeting ever, the Day Nurs- centers are located on Cedar Street, Sherry ery Board of DirecLane and Vine Street. The tors set a $25,000 roots of Day Nursery were goal for this year’s planted in1933 when Mrs. Abilene Gives. Last Morgan Jones opened the year they exceeded Negro Day Nursery so their $20,000 goal. working mothers, mainly domestic workers, had a Day Nursery has a safe and nurturing place special policy alto leave their children durlowing families to ing their work hours. Lotake a two-week cated in a residence at 1202 “vacation.” They Ash Street, the Negro Day can keep their chilNursery closed in 1969 but dren out of care reopened in 1972 under for two weeks at the name “Day Nursery of no charge and Day Abilene, Inc.”.

Nursery will hold their spot. NatuOn National Provider Aprally, some families preciation Day, Friday are taking that two-week vacation while they wait to see what the coming weeks hold, or because other opportunities for care have opened up due to the coronavirus.

“Although that cuts into our income,” Cynthia says, “and helps the parents, our expenses are still there. We’ve made a commitment to be here, to help families that need us. And we want to keep our staff.”

To help Day Nursery recoup those losses, you can fund one day of childcare for about $30 or a full week for $150. That figure includes two meals, an afternoon snack, educational materials, as well as staff costs and facility costs.

May 8th which is the Friday before Mothers’ Day, the Day Nursery staff will be celebrated, treated to a special lunch and parents will be encouraged to provide small gifts and notes of appreciation too.

You can learn more at www.cfabilene.org and Several staff celebrate significant milestone go directly to www.abilenegives.org and select this year too including Sherry Lane Center Day Nursery as a cause for giving.

Director Tammy Stevenson who has worked for Day Nursery for thirty-five years, Early National Provider Day on May 8 is a time to Childhood Professional Amanda Rodriguez celebrate Day Nursery’s stellar staff. Because with twenty years, food service staff Janie of the opening of the new Day Nursery Center Dominguez with twenty years and food seron Orange Street in January, the total staff now vice staff Cameshia Jones with fifteen years. numbers 124. Only six of those work in ad- Day Nursery is proud of these staff, their comministration and ten work in food service. All mitment and longevity. the others are Early Childhood Professionals and center administration who care for a total In spite of the coronavirus, this spring will be of 600 children across the four Day Nursery full of important events for Day Nursery of Centers.

Abilene because the important work of caring for children while their parents work, never The new center resulted from a first-of-its-kind stops; its “no small matter” and makes a difcollaboration with Hardin-Simmons Univer- ference…one child at a time. sity and Hendrick Medical Center. Their em-

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Recent ACU Grad Starts Local Enneagram Business

By Alyssa High | The Optimist

Kendall Castillo, a recent ACU graduate from Plano, started Gospel Centered Enneagram, an Enneagram coaching business, earlier this month.

“I wanted to be a change almost and bring [the Enneagram] back to its roots because it is biblical,” Castillo said. “So I just came up with the simple name of Gospel Centered Enneagram because I wanted it to be pretty straightforward and blunt and centered around the gospel.”

A type 2 wing 1 herself, Castillo said her forthcoming personality is an inspiration for getting into the Enneagram.

“It’s an ancient tool that has come to fruition but people aren’t using it as a tool for relationships, they are using it to define who they are which takes away from their identity and who the Lord wants them to be,” Castillo said. “They say “Oh, I’m a type 2 wing 1, but really the first thing is that they are a daughter or son of the King.”

Castillo started by interviewing people and getting to know more about each type before teaching a class at The Well, a local non-denominational church. Using the first class as a way to get her brand out there, Castillo taught a multi-generational group of locals, including many students, about how each Enneagram type is an example of who God is through their characteristics.

“Each type is a characteristic of who the Lord is, so a Two shows the love of God and a Three shows the persistence of God,” Castillo said.

“There’s just so many characteristics of each type but no one really knows that.”

Kendall has several tentative events with several ACU groups on campus. She can be reached with any questions at gospelcenteredenneagram@gmail.com or on Instagram and Facebook at gospelcenterenneagram.

“It’s kind of been this side-gig thing that has turned into a lot of ways to connect with people which has been really awesome,” Castillo said.

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Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

Mr. Guadarrama was preceded in death by his wife Josefa Guadarrama; son Moises Guadarrama Jr.; his parents and siblings.

Honored to be pallbears are: Pedro Rodriguez Jr., Andrew Guadarrama, John Paul Guadarrama and Christopher Guadarrama.

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

6 YEARS IN A ROW

Francisco Javier Orozco, 55, passed away

To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Moises Guadarrama Sr, 86, passed away April 09, 2020. Moises was born October 11, 1933, in Mexico to Elijah and Maria Guadarrama.

Moises is survived by his daughter: Maria Rodriguez, husband Pedro and daughter-in-law Kelly Guadarrama all of Abilene; ten grandchildren: Deya Rodriguez and husband Josh Esparza, Yajaira Rodriguez and husband Danny Martinez, Pedro Rodriguez and wife Vero Garcia, Jennifer Monsivais and husband Jose Monsivais, Moises (Trey) Guadarrama III and wife Denae Guadarrama, Sammy Guadarrama, Susie Guadarrama, Andrew Guadarrama, John Paul Guadarrama and Christoper Guadarrama and eleven great grandchildren.

March 17, 2020.

Mr. Orozco was born July 17, 1964, in Rancho de San Agustin Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico to Ruperto and Consuelo Orozco.

Francisco at the age of 13, he immigrated to the US and started his first job at the Dr. Pepper/Pepsi Company. From there he started working for other concrete people and developed a love for the trade. After many years of hard work and determination, he was able to form his own concrete company and became one of the biggest concrete contractors in Abilene. He always had a smile on his face and carried a funny sense of humor. He loved to ride horses and loved the ranch life. He loved being around family and friends and loved singing his favorite Mexican ranchera songs.

Survivors include his mother: Consuelo Orozco of Abilene; three sons: Andrew Orozco of Abilene, Michael Orozco and wife Beverly of Abilene, and Francisco Orozco Jr. and wife Daneen of Eula; step-daughter: Cynthia Villarreal of Abilene; brother: Chon Orozco and wife Andrea of Eula; sister: Bertha Alicia Orozco and husband Johnny Jimenez of Abilene; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way.

Mr. Orozco was preceded in death by his father Ruperto Orozco.

Big Country CASA Hosts Virtual 5k Fun Run

By Jamie Burch | KTXS

Big Country CASA is hosting a virtual 5k fun run.

Instead of canceling their annual Superhero 5k Fun Run, they are taking the race online.

Runners can register online, then decide where and when they want to run between May 1-4.They can also run the designated route at ACU on their own.

The goal of the event is to increase awareness of the services Big Country CASA provides, to recruit more volunteer advocates, and to raise funds to support their mission of providing a “voice” to abused and neglected children in the foster care system.

Big Country CASA said it served 396 children in 2019 and has already served 278 children so far this year. For more information about the virtual fun run, go to bigcountrycasa.org

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LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

ACU Coach Publishes Book on Historic NCAA Tourney Team

By Evan Nemec | KTXS

ACU women’s basketball head coach Julie Goodenough had a hunch her team for the 2018-19 season had potential to be special.

That hunch proved correct by winning the Southland Conference Tournament championship, and reaching the NCAA Tournament -- both firsts for the program.

The story of that Wildcat squad is now a published book -- “Team First Wins”.

“We talk to our players all the time about getting outside of their comfort zone, and I’m very uncomfortable with a book published with my name on it,” laughed Goodenough.

During a chat well before the season former Abilene mayor, and current ACU official, Gary McCaleb suggested the Haskell-native write a journal on the team and its season, in case they made history.

“I have never been a journaler, never kept a diary,” said Goodenough. “It was a daunting task.”

The book is a collection of Goodenough’s journal entries, which are usually a couple of paragraphs and easy to read without getting into much complex strategy.

we can win that way.”

Entries begin with the players arriving on campus for summer school in June, and finish with the team’s ride back from Waco after playing in their first-ever March Madness tournament.

Goodenough admits her journal was not written to be a book, but the unpolished style gives an inside look to the emotions of her team’s 10-month journey to making history.

“It’s a neat way for us to have that season documented,” said Goodenough.

“Our fans and players can look back and remember that season for the rest of their lives.”

“Team First Wins” is available for purchase at Texas Star Trading in downtown Abilene either online, or by pick-up at their store.

Please call or e-mail to arrange a pick-up.

Copies are also available through Amazon, “’Team First Wins’ is something we say all the but those bought through Texas Star Trading are time,” said Goodenough. “If we can embrace signed by Goodenough. that mentality -- don’t focus on your own self, don’t focus on your own needs, but focus on CALL US TO ADVERTISE the needs of the team and what can I do to (325) 701-9505 make the team the best it can be -- we feel like

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Fritter the K9 Earns Smiles, Spreads Good Will for ACUPD

By Robin Saylor | ACU Today

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What started as an April Fool’s joke between interior design professor Kelly (Kercheval ’09) Mann and ACU’s apple-fritter-loving police chief Jimmy Ellison has tongues (and tails) wagging across campus a year later.

was away. She created a private social media account for Fritter with plans to make it public April 1, 2019.

A miniature Schnauzer, dubbed Fritter the K9 and owned by Mann, has taken her place as an official ambassador for the ACU Police Department, sporting her own ballistic vest, miniature cruiser and social media accounts.

That morning, Mann arrived at the police station with the dog and a box of apple fritters. Ellison walked in and began laughing, she said.

Fritter’s reign as top dog at ACUPD began as a half-serious suggestion by Mann that Ellison create a canine division, an idea he quickly vetoed for cost and liability reasons. But Mann wasn’t ready to give up on the idea.

Fritter became an immediate hit with students and employees alike, and requests for appearances around campus came pouring in.

nine has appeared at sports events, in classrooms, and even drove her tiny cruiser in the Homecoming parade.

“Everybody’s getting a kick out of it, and we’re getting positive exposure and getting people plugged into the police department,” Ellison said. “It’s a win-win.”

You can follower Fritter on Facebook, Insta“I am a very sarcastic person, as is the chief, gram and Twitter. so when he said that, I saw it as a challenge,” “I’ve always recognized there’s a lot of potenMann said. tial out there with social media, particularly with the age of our constituency,” Ellison said, She asked a friend if she could borrow her “so I thought we’ll just run with this.” miniature schnauzer. She set to work and made the dog a K9 vest, then began staging Fritter 1.0 has now been replaced with a new photos at the police station at times Ellison Schnauzer owned by Mann. The sassy ca-

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16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

AISD Adding Six Locations For Meal Service

By Abilene Independent School District

The Abilene Independent School District is expanding its breakfast and lunch service to the children of Abilene to six more elementary campuses beginning with Monday’s breakfast service.

The AISD began serving meals to children ages 1-18 on Tuesday, March 17, after the district announced it was shut down indefinitely because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Originally, the district was serving meals at Martinez, Johnston and Bowie elementary schools, as well as Clack, Craig, Madison and Mann middle schools.

Beginning Monday, meal service will now take place at Bowie, Bonham, Dyess, Johnston, Lee, Martinez, Ortiz, Reagan and Ward elementary schools, and each of the four middle schools (Clack, Craig, Madison and Mann).

Between March 17 and March 26, the district has given out 12,029 meals to children ages 1-18 in the city (3,009 breakfasts and 9,020 lunches). The district is handing out up to six meals per car and children do not need to be present in the vehicle to get a meal. The meals are not restricted to just AISD students; they are for any child in the city age 1-18.

Mason

Male | Shepherd/Mix | 3 years 1 month Athletic, but still like to chill on the couch from time to time? Yep. Mason knows all about that life.At 3 years old, Mason is definitely full of energy. After a good walk and maybe a game or two of fetch, Mason is ready to cuddle on the couch for a while. Mason is a Lab/Shepherd mix and is the best of both worlds. Loyal, fun , relaxed and energetic.

Mason has been at the shelter since January and we aren’t really sure why. At 53 pounds, Mason might seem like a big dog, but he is all about being on your lab when he sees the right opportunity. Mason walks well on a leash and does not seem to mind dogs.

If you or someone you know is interested in Mason, swing by Abilene Animal Services to meet him. He is in our Adoption wing, Kennel # 100. Got questions?

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Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17

McMurry University Announces New Vice President of Enrollment Management

By Alaisha Montanez | Assistant Director of Communications , McMurry University

Grant Greenwood has been named vice president for enrollment management at McMurry University. As head of enrollment management, he will oversee the admission and financial aid departments, as well as the Dyess Testing Center.

He will assume his new position on June 1, 2020.

“Enrollment management has never been more important to a university than it is today,” said McMurry University President Dr. Sandra S. Harper. “To have the right leader in the enrollment management role is critical, a person who poses a strong balance of innovative thinking and experience, McMurry has found that individual in Grant.”

Greenwood shares that in his previous work, he has been able to develop strong community partnerships and knowledge of enrollment practices that he believes will serve him well as he leads McMurry enrollment efforts. He aspires to be the leader who empowers and equips team members to do their jobs well and to serve others. “I’m committed to identifying opportunities and providing creative solutions to further the reach and mission of McMurry and to find students who are a fit for our campus. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead,” added Greenwood.

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“The McMurry community, including faculty and staff, are excited to have an inventive and energetic leader who combines industry best practices with fresh thinking, to “McMurry is a vibrant, diverse, and inlead change, and increase enrollment,” adds clusive community that truly values stuDr. Harper. “In the age of data-driven dedents,” said Grant Greenwood. He went cision-making, Grant’s analytical approach on to add, “It will be an honor to serve combined with frontline recruitment experialongside so many talented and passionate faculty and staff ence as an admission counselor, is the right blend to enhance members, who are dedicated to serving students and creat- recruitment efforts for McMurry.” ing a comfortable environment where they can develop intellectually and spiritually. The authenticity exhibited by the Greenwood is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry community is contagious, and I am excited to be a received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in busipart of the momentum building.” ness administration. He is currently completing work on a Doctorate in Education, Higher Education at Texas Tech Greenwood has ten years of higher education enrollment University. management experience. Most recently, he has served as the Director of Admission at Hardin-Simmons University, man- Greenwood lives in Abilene with his wife, Sierra, and three aging all recruiting and operation efforts for new undergrad- kids, Luke, Polly, and Tripp. He is grateful to be able to conuate and graduate student enrollment. Previously, he was tinue to advance his career here in Abilene, a community that Director of Dual Credit programs at Cisco College, where he and his wife love. “Abilene has been good to my family, he led the enrollment and district partnership efforts for the and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Abilene institution’s dual credit population. community in my new role at McMurry. Go War Hawks!”

18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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FAITH&FAMILY Fear

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

Has To Go

I don’t just see a customer.

I see you.

While other insurance companies just see a customer, I see a neighbor in my community. I’m here to get to know who you really are so I can help life go right.

LET’S TALK TODAY.

By Hailey Rojas | Marriage Today

Let’s be honest, America is freaking out. Grocery stores are packed. People are fighting with wine bottles, stealing paper towels off each other’s carts, and buying pallets (yes, pallets) of hand sanitizer. Why? Not because we are scared of getting sick (if we were we wouldn’t be standing in a packed Costco,) but because we are overwhelmed by fear… fear of the unknown, fear of the “what if,” fear of lack.

raised Jesus from the dead…. that same power lives in you! So start using it and believing in it. Pray powerful prayers for your family, for your community, for our nation. Declare divine protection over your home and family members. Speak the words, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” Isaiah 54:17. There is a great power living in you, a power that has defeated the enemy and given you full authority through Jesus.

We have given way to the spirit of fear, a real operating power. Ephesians 6:12 says “We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.”

Along with great power, comes great responsibility – like the responsibility to love. Galatians 6:9 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” How do we continue to combat the spirit of fear? We bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit, starting with love.

So how do we conquer it? How do we not let ourselves fall victim to the tactics of the enemy? We don’t give it authority over our lives.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

self-control. Another way of saying this is that the Holy Spirit can give us a sound mind. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We have to combat the thinking patterns of the world by clinging to God’s Word and seeking Him in prayer.

When you have moments of anxiety, chaos, worry, and fear, don’t go to Google… control yourself, open your Bible, receive from God’s word and ask Him to replace fear with peace.

God has given us everything we need so we can be a people that operate differently than the world does. Now that doesn’t mean we should be licking grocery carts (we still have to be wise) but we have the authority and the ability to not give way to the spirit of fear. So stand firm in your faith, trust God is who He Have you asked God how you can show love says He is, let the Holy Spirit be your comduring this time? Maybe, just maybe, He’s forter, and do. not. fear. asking you to give away some of your toilet paper. But for real, check on the people “So do not fear, for I am with you; around you like the elderly and single moms. do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Knock on the door of your neighbor and ask I will strengthen you and help you; them if they need anything! Do for one what I will uphold you with my righteous you wish you could do for everyone. right hand.”

Yes, you’ve got the power! The same power that healed the sick, multiplied fish and bread, Lastly, we acknowledge that God gives us Isaiah 41:10

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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Parenting is Tough

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

Parenting is tough. There isn’t an instruction manual given with each child at birth, so we either parent as our parents did, or we disagree with how we were raised and do something totally different. For instance, when I was little and asked how babies were born, my parents didn’t tell me; they bought me a four-volume encyclopedia set on the human life cycle. That was a little overwhelming; I was only about seven or eight! So when I had children, I decided to be very open and honest with them, being able to talk about anything with them. It has been a good and rewarding change, but with good there is always the bad. I had some really ugly areas that needed change.

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Messianic M oment

by Hope 4 Life Church ‘Tablets of Flesh ’ The Spirit spoke through Jeremiah, declaring that one day HE would write HIS LAW on Israel’s heart and that He would be their GOD, and THEY would be HIS people.

When a person by faith, becomes a believer in Jesus (Yeshua), their life becomes a book, written by the hand of Messiah. This book is NOT written with ink but with the very SPIRIT of the Living God. Moses was given tablets of stone with God’s commands engraved on them, but NOW, those commands, are written on tablets of human HEARTS. This gives YOU GREAT confidence that Jesus (Yeshua), who is both the AUTHOR and FINISHER of your faith, will finish the WORK HE has begun in your life.

Have confidence and unwavering faith in Jesus (YESHUA). Stand strong, allowing HIM to be LORD of every part of your life.

(Scripture References used:Jeremiah 31:33, 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, Hebrews 12:2 )

After my first husband died, I was trying to have my life and my home under complete control. So when things were out of control - which was often since I had an eight- and five-year-old - I would lose my temper and the kids bore the brunt of that. I would just go into a rage over the dumbest things. There would be a toy out of place or cookie crumbs on the floor, and I would go ballistic. After several months of this, I was sitting quietly one evening after the kids had gone to bed, and I started replaying my every conversation and every interaction I had had with my kids throughout that day. It broke my heart.

As I relived each moment, I felt like a monster. I also felt God telling me my kids didn’t deserve this; they had already lost one parent, the one who played with them and just loved being with them. I needed to give up my need for a perfect house and being in control, and just let them be children. I needed to be a loving, playful parent. Yes, discipline still needed to be there, but the raging and ranting like a banshee had to stop.

I decided then I would have the right to discipline only if I took the responsibility to love, nurture, and play with my kids. I will say that this mom changed some things. I chose to ignore some of the crumbs and let a toy be left out occasionally. I started playing with them, just spending time with them and being together without chores and my need to control my universe. Things became better; the kids responded easier and I was so much more relaxed.

Then I became a stepmom and that “monster” showed up again. I was in a place where I saw only negative; I only criticized and I only found fault.

Again, God had to show me that until Dan’s children saw my love and trusted in that love, they would not accept or understand my discipline.

As the new wife and stepmom in your family, I en-

courage you to build your relationships on love, trust, play, and fun. At some point, you will need to step in and discipline his kiddos, but make sure you and your husband have decided how this should look.

Next, choose your battles; not every offense needs a scolding. Many times, Dan and I would both be there to discuss the child’s offense and the consequence.

Little did I know that this action would actually bring about respect from the kids for our marriage. So I guess we did something right!

Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of The Lord.” If God had not grabbed hold of me after my first husband died, my children would soon have become exasperated. I would have pushed them away, and they would have run to the first set of open arms they came to - which can be very dangerous in today’s world. God had to get my attention again with Dan’s children. I’m glad I listened because I now have relationships that are in a good place. That is priceless!

Please take the time this evening to replay how you have talked with your kids and how you have interacted with them. Brace yourself for some harsh reality and ask God where you need to change. Ask Him to help you set aside the demands and worries of the day so you can focus on your precious children and have a tremendous impact on them that will carry them throughout their lives. Lastly, remember that without the responsibility of love, there is no right to discipline.

Blessings in Your Blending!

(Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/stepmom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@ BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com).

Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21

A Harvest Daily Devotion

4 Things That Will Hinder Your Prayers

By Greg Laurie | Senior pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship

In a way, all prayer is actually answered. God answers prayer in three ways: yes, no, and wait.

When God says no to our prayers, we think he didn’t answer them. But actually he did. He said no. That’s an answer.

Sometimes God tells us to wait, because God has his timing. And sometimes God says yes.

So why is it that our prayers are not answered in the affirmative more often? One reason is the promise of answered prayer is not given to every person on earth. We need to have a relationship with God. Sure, anyone can call upon the name of the Lord, but having a prayer life, having fellowship and communion with God, is a privilege of the child of God. I can’t call out to God if I have no relationship with him and expect him to respond necessarily. I can’t walk up to a random stranger and say, “Will you make me lunch?” But I can go to my wife of almost 45 years and say, “Will you make me lunch?” I can ask that of her. And she can ask things of me as well. Those are the privileges of relationship.

If my phone buzzes and I see that it’s my wife calling, I answer. If it’s my son calling, I answer. If it’s one of my grandkids facetiming me to have a random conversation at the worst time of the day, I answer. Why? Because relationship trumps everything.

In the same way, God answers our calls and hears our prayers because of relationship. When we have a relationship with God and call on him, he will hear us. And he will answer us.

Another reason our prayers are not answered is that we have unconfessed sin in our lives. The Bible says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isaiah

59:2 NKJV). The psalmist wrote, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psalm Unforgiveness also can hinder our prayers. Jesus 55:18 NKJV). said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that “Regard” means “to cling to or hold on to.” If your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” you’re practicing sin as a Christian, it will bring (Mark 11:25 NIV). your prayer life to a screeching halt. We all sin, and we sin more than we think we do. But there Is there someone you’re bitter toward right now? is a difference between a Is there someone you hate? You literally sit around Christian who sins and a thinking of ways to get even. If you have that atChristian who is willfully titude toward someone, it can hinder your prayer and habitually sinning life. without remorse, without any plans to stop.

They may have done a horrible thing to you. But understand that forgiving someone isn’t just for A true Christian is misera- their sake; it’s for your sake, too. As I’ve often ble when he or she is living said, when you forgive someone you set a prisoner in sin. But if someone can free: yourself. Unforgiveness is hurting you. And continue in sin, and even it’s hurting your relationship with God. plans to sin more without any remorse or pangs of Are you suffering today? Then pray. Are things conscience, this would in- going well? Are you blessed right now? Then dicate to me that he or she praise God. Do you need healing from the Lord? is not a child of God. The Then pray, pray, pray. Keep praying. Don’t stop Bible tells us that “the one praying. who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. … No Really, we’re in a spiritual battle, and every day in one who is born of God will continue to sin, be- this battle we’re either winning or losing. We’re cause God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go either gaining ground or losing ground. The Bible on sinning, because they have been born of God” tells in the book of Ephesians to put on the whole (1 John 3:8–9 NIV). Unconfessed sin can hinder armor of God. But before a word is mentioned our prayers. about putting on the various pieces of spiritual armor, chapter 6, verse 10 tells us, “Be strong in the Selfishness can hinder our prayers as well. Did Lord and in his mighty power” (NIV). you know it’s possible to pray for the right thing with the wrong motive? For example, if you pray, The idea is that first we stand in our relationship “Lord, use me. I want to be used by you. I want and our fellowship with God. We don’t go outside to be someone who speaks out for you,” that is a of that. If unconfessed sin or unforgiveness or good thing to pray for. something else puts a wedge between you and the Lord, then you’re not communing with him. And But ask yourself why you’re praying that. Is it be- that makes you more vulnerable. So first stand in cause you want people to notice you and applaud the Lord and in the power of his might. you? Is it to get more followers on social media?

Those are not the right reasons to become a leader, We all have our burdens, we all have our concerns, if that is what God has called you to be. It isn’t and we all have things we pray about. As the battle easy to be in a position of leadership. There is a rages on, God will give us the strength that we great responsibility that comes with it. Sometimes need. We’re safe and we’re secure in the strong selfishness can hinder our prayers, so we want to arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. pray with the right motives.

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22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Ways a Busy Parent Can Be There for Their Kids

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well Being there for your kids can be challenging when work is demanding a lot of your time and energy. On a recent Family First podcast, award-winning comedian and devoted family man Jeff Foxworthy spoke with me about the challenges of juggling a career and a commitment to home. “Life is about choices and consequences,” he observed. And, Jeff made the choice to be there for his children and made it a top priority to be at home with them even with his busy schedule.

Here are 5 ways to be there for your children:

1. Plan ahead. Are there must-be-there

occasions like parent-teacher conferences, sports events, or recitals in the coming month? Put them on your work calendar just like you would any other important appointment. Then, to the extent possible, arrange your work schedule and business travel around those things. Notice that, in doing so, you are making your family activities the top priority by putting them on the calendar first.

2. Minimize overnight travel. Your

work might require you to travel. If so, determine if your trip requires you to stay overnight. When my children were growing up, rather than be away overnight before a meeting, whenever possible, I would take an early, early morning flight to get where I needed to be. Then, I’d come back that same night so that I could arrive home for dinner or to tuck them in bed. I’d then be able to spend time with them the next morning and take them to school.

3. Maximize your moments. When

possible and appropriate, use your lunch hour or breaks to handle personal calls, errands, or working out so you don’t have to take time after work to do those things and be away from your family.

4. Stay connected. Being there in person

is really important. But on those days when you really can’t be home, be sure to stay connected. Even if you can’t be there in person, with all the technology that is at our fingertips these days, there is no excuse for not having a virtual presence. Call. Send texts. Arrange Skype or Facetime sessions. You can schedule reminders on your Smartphone. Here are the kind of shorthand reminders I’ve put on my phone: Text Emily this morning re: me praying for her. Call Marky to encourage him.

5. Defer the dream or desire. Many

years ago and throughout my years of practicing law, I had a desire to serve in public office.

Subsequently, I had the opportunity to run for Congress. After doing some real soul-searching and discussing it with my wife, Susan, I determined that I was not willing to sacrifice the time with my family to do it. The decision was made and I’ve never looked back. In hindsight, I would make the same decision all over again.

At the end of the day, you may find that you’ve got to make a tough career decision so that you can be there for your kids. It may be turning down a good opportunity. Or, you may find that your current job is keeping you away from home simply too much. You can see the effect on your spouse and the children.

You’re not really getting ahead at work if your family is being left behind at home.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking, If we can just get through the next year or so, it will be okay. Instead, look forward into the future.

As Jeff Foxworthy said, “Nothing else that I do in my lifetime is gonna matter a hundred years from now… but the kids that I leave behind and the kids that they have…” For Jeff, that meant turning down movie roles over the summer when his daughters were at home because he did not want to be away on location for six weeks or more. Maybe you need to look for a different job with fewer demands.

The rewards there may decrease, but what you will gain at home will be priceless.

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HEALTH&FITNESS

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ATEMS Teachers Join Forces With Wylie ISD, Hendrick During Public Health Crisis

By Abilene Independent School District

Early Saturday morning, Hendrick Health System President and CEO Brad Holland pounded out an email to his staff asking them to think outside the box on a couple of issues related to the Coronavirus and how those ideas might help them best respond to patient needs and keep their own doctors and nurses safe.

Included in the email was Hendrick Director of Technology Duane Donaway, who then sent a message to both Abilene ISD Superintendent Dr. David Young and Wylie ISD Superintendent Joey Light asking for the help of the school districts. Donaway asked each if they had someone who might be able to come up with a “solution that would allow doctors or nurses to remote control medicine delivery to a patient in isolation.”

with Troy Miller form Tiger Manufacturing, and Miller and his team fabricated metal boxes around the motors to help with infection control.

Hendrick facilities personnel also added an arm to the prototype that holds an iPad to allow the driver of the cart to view what’s in front of the cart, and to be used to allow for the isolated patient to visit with family.

“I feel fortunate that we’re able to part of this and hopefully help in some very small way during this difficult time that we’re going through in our country,” Haney said.

Which is exactly what happened.

“Joey told his group that this was going to be a little bit like figuring out the Apollo 13 mission and that Hendrick needed it as soon as possible” Donaway said. “Soon after those emails went out, we delivered a couple of bed tables to them and they got to work. That evening, I had videos from both groups showing us their working prototypes. Sunday afternoon, after some revisions by both teams, we retrieved the tables and brought them back to the hospital.”

Once back at Hendrick, Zane Dennis — director of facilities — and his team got in touch

“We developed our prototype, refined and then got to Hendrick and saw that Wylie had put together something very similar to ours,” Haney said. “That just told me that the kids listen to what we teach them. The processes and systems we talk about in both districts work, and we all followed them. As an instructor, to be able to experience building something like this from scratch is great. We’re putting our processes that we teach every day into action.”

Haney developed two prototypes before finally settling on a third that will be replicated four times over to give the hospital five working bed tables. Tiger Manufacturing is fabricating covers and the mechanized bed tables will be in use in the hospital possibly by the end of this week or, at the latest, by early next week.

Young then sent a message to Larry Haney — engineering instructor at ATEMS in the AISD — and Light emailed Wylie engineering and science teacher Andy Hope. Both district leaders knew the men they had messaged would tackle the challenge head-on.

Haney and ATEMS aerospace engineering teacher Tracy Long met at the ATEMS offices to begin the process of mechanizing one of the hospital bed tables that’s most often used for meal service or as a table to work a crossword puzzle. Haney consulted with (former student) Nolan Henderson and (current ATEMS student) Nathan Bryce on writing the programs that runs the robots, and then he and Long went to work. Hope and his team of students from Wylie immediately went to work on the same project.

had a motor over the two legs at the base of the cart, using much of the same framework and ingenuity.

For his part, Young said, for him, seeing the completed work Wednesday afternoon answered the age-old question students have been asking for years: “when am I ever going to use this?”

The mechanized table will also have other uses, such as delivery of meals, medicines and messages to isolated patients, as well as physician consultations via the iPad so that the doctor or nurse doesn’t have to valuable PPE resources.

“In all my in education, I’ve seen teachers and students do great things, but this might take the cake,” said Young as he stood at one of the bed tables made into a press conference podium. “Every year, every teacher is asked by at least one student when they’re ever going to use what’s being taught. But where I’m standing (Wednesday) is a prime example of what can be done and how what we do every day in classrooms across the country can be used.

“We needed to think outside the box, so why not robots?” Holland said. Why not create a mechanism that puts distance between our staff and the “This really was an Apollo 13 event,” Young patient as needed? We can’t always do that, but it said. “I’m proud that we were able to partner saves personal protective equipment.” with Wylie and Tiger and Hendrick in coming together to help our community. This is certainly By the time Haney, Long and Hope gathered at an example of what can happen when people get Hendrick early Monday morning, they realized together and the whole becomes greater than the their two designs were remarkably similar. Each parts.”

Longevity

Cleaning your carpets regularly is the best way to ensure you’ll face a new carpet installation later rather than sooner. Functionally, your carpet will last 10 to 15 years, whether you clean it or not. Put off cleaning your carpet for 5 years, and the traffic lanes, stains and signs of general wear and tear will have you calling a carpet company for a new carpet install long before the warranty on your current carpet expires.

24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Handling Stress: Living Mindfully

By Tim Martin, MD, Celest Waechter, and Danielle DiGrandi | Total Wellness Spa We are all living through a real-time life lesson in stress management! The global coronavirus pandemic has changed so many things for us in our day to day life. The decisions made by our government, employers, friends, and family all have an impact and there may be ways we will never be the same.

is enough. Get out in the sun and get some exposure on your face, back and legs. This helps with your daily natural circadian rhythm (which improves sleeping) and increases Vitamin D, a powerful natural hormone important for a good mood and strong immune system.

While the whole world is going through the pandemic together, each of us face similar stressors unique to our own lives each day. Many times, the stress we feel is our response to choices and decisions others make, that in turn affect us. Feeling disappointed, frustrated, irritated, and trapped are just a few of the ways we have learned to respond to the unexpected potholes of life. And it is all too easy to get trapped in our heads in negative thinking, or feel the familiar rush of anxiety run away with our emotions.

achieve the perfect diet immediately. Every step toward eating better is important and helpful. Start by reducing or eliminating sugar and choosing natural fresh foods over processed or fast foods.

Improve nutrition - you do not need to

Increase Water - Water helps increase our circulation and eliminate toxins through our liver and kidneys. It also eliminates dehydration, which can contribute to negative and depressing emotions.

These responses typically lead to more stress Exercise - Every chance you get, go outside and more frustration, until we feel stuck in a and move! Start by walking or strolling through continuous loop of runaway thoughts and emo- your neighborhood or a nearby park (in a socialtions. ly-distanced manner, of course). There are lots of places in our city for this activity. Exercise Since we are all sharing and experiencing the improves mental and physical health and results impact of significant restrictions placed on our in a natural sense of wellbeing and contentment. lives from the virus pandemic, this is a good time to stop and reflect on some ways we can Sleep more - Take more time in the evening respond differently to stress now as well as to slow down and sleep a little more. Turn off moving into the future. the TV, cell phone and other devices. Read, listen to music or practice meditation. Dim the Learn to breathe deeply - Deep breathing lights and get cozy and comfortable. Not only signals our brain to slow down and relax. There will you sleep better, you will experience more are several ways to do this. Simply breathing in rest and relaxation, which improve your mood deeply a few times through our nose is a good and help you feel more control in your life. way to start. Practicing breathing every day has been proven to reduce anxiety and to interrupt Maybe nothing will be the same after the pannegative thought loops. demic; you certainly don’t have to be! Pick 2-3 things from this list and begin to put them in to Sunlight exposure - First, know your lim- practice and watch for the benefits and its and don’t get burned. Usually 10-20 minutes improvement in your life!

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CODE, ANALYZE AND PROTECT. LEARN MORE AT: tstc.edu/programs/HealthInformationTechnology

26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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BUSINESS&CAREER

Cost Effective Advertising CALL Terri Collum at 1-325-439-1214

Self-Starters Credit Faith, Hard Work to Realizing Business Dreams in Abilene Right place, right time, right skills

By Molly Hill | Special to the Abilene Reporter-News

Jose Valenzuela calls it divine intervention.

Future Shapers, which provides teachers with “supplies that help them teach,” was an idea he thought of when he was a high school student.

isn’t. I just really wanted to give credit to God.”

After leaving the Taylor County Clerk’s office with his DBA certificate and only $300 in his Uniqu3 Solutions employs three fullbank account, Valenzuela felt the overwhelm- time employees, with six to 10 working need to turn onto Hartford Street in north ers at any given time.

Abilene while “driving around” one day.

Valenzuela said his experience in “I said a prayer for God to guide me and construction goes back to his childthat’s when I knew I needed to turn down that hood, when he was 8 and living with street,” he said. Valenzuela said God’s plan his family in Sylvester, a small comsoon became apparent when he saw Hartford munity about 45 minutes northwest of Abilene.

Place Apartments.

“I grew up poor, so I was always working, trying to help my family,” said the 32-year-old Valenzuela, who added that in addition to learning home repair skills, he became proficient in more “I told them what I could do and they asked if complex areas, such as welding and I could start the next day,” he said. “I said what installing water lines.

I could and they gave me a $100,000 contract After finishing high school, Valenzufor three apartment complexes right then. ela left college after one semester to seek a job “I had no plan to go to that address and pulled opportunity. in based only on a feeling I had.”

“Even when I worked for other people, I was Since that day in 2013, Uniqu3 Solutions has always doing some sort of side work like movthrived, primarily through word-of-mouth re- ing or painting,” he said. ferrals, a web presence and radio advertising.

“I set a lot of goals for myself back in high school,” Valenzuela said. “I always said if I reached my goal I wanted to help teachers because I appreciate how much they helped me.”

As with his business, Valenzuela has big plans for Future Shapers.

Last April at the Abilene Education Foundation’s Teachers in the Limelight Celebration, Uniqu3 Solutions donated a $2,000 travel voucher to a teacher selected by the AEF.

“I went in and asked for work and as it happened, the owner and managers were all in the office,” he said, adding that he was “literally at the right place at the right time.”

Valenzuela is often asked what the “3” stands for in his business name.

As he states on his website, “First is what we follow every day: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Second is the obvious with the services we offer: Remodeling, Landscaping and Handyman (projects) and third describes our company mission: Customer Service, Efficiency and Top Quality.”

Valenzuela added the “3” is also his way of expressing his individuality.

“I set a lot of goals for myself back in high school. I always said if I reached my goal I wanted to help teachers because I appreciate how much they helped me.”

Jose Valenzuela, on developing Future Shapers

Seeing teachers recognized for their contribution to young lives is rewarding to Valenzuela and he hopes other businesses “They told me to be very careful,” he said. “I and even other school districts will follow suit. knew they said that because they cared, but it “God has blessed me but I couldn’t have done still gave me doubt.” what I’ve done with Uniqu3 Solutions if I It was his wife, however, who encouraged Va- hadn’t had people in my life who believed in lenzuela to take the risk and open his own busi- me,” he said. ness, even when it seemed like the odds were For information on Uniqu3 Solutions and its against him. services, visit www.uniqu3-solutions.com or Valenzuela was working at Wendy’s at the time call 325-627-3188. and had $500 in his bank account.

(Photo: Greg Jaklewicz/Reporter-News)

“I came to her and said I wanted to open a remodeling business,” he said. “She saw my drive and how much I wanted to do this and said ‘whatever you decide I know you will do well.’ It felt good knowing she had faith in me.”

With the success of his business, Valenzuela Valenzuela said working at a young age was said he was eager to “give back” to Abilene.

“I’m big about being different and people what pushed him to be an entrepreneur and true don’t immediately associate the name with a of anyone who ventures on their own, he had to He serves on the Hispanic Business Council and Abilene Education Foundation and it is construction company,” he said. “Some might be willing to withstand some risk. through the latter that he has been able to see think this is a flawed marketing scheme, but the success I’ve had and the fact that I am He also had to withstand doubts expressed by his nonprofit organization, Future Shapers, thrive. booked out months at a time shows that it his well-meaning family.

28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Goes Virtual for Customers in Wake of COVID-19

By Robert Puls | Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Workforce Solutions office locations across West Central Texas are delivering a full slate of virtual services to workers, employers, students, area families, and child care providers impacted by the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning Monday, March 30th, centers in Abilene, Brownwood, Snyder, and Sweetwater are no longer open to the public by walkin or appointment, but staff remain committed to serving customers virtually during this time of need. Online services are available at www.workforcesystem.org including a live chat feature, JOBS NOW! listing of immediate job openings, virtual workshops, orientations, and how-to videos, information for individuals experiencing a layoff, programs to support employers during a business slowdown, and more. Phone lines are open, and customers can call (325) 795-4200 or toll free (800) 457-5633 for assistance. Staff will also

host Q&A sessions on Facebook Live every Tuesday at 11:00am and Thursday at 3:00pm.

The Texas Workforce Commission has announced programs to help Texans in need such as expanding Unemployment Benefits for workers impacted by job loss or work stoppage, Shared Work and Mass Claims for employers, and an additional $40,000,000 statewide in child care contributions for families and providers. Local Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas staff are dedicated to connecting Texans with the support and information they need, while protecting the health and safety of customers, staff, providers, partners, families, and communities in the wake of COVID-19. Visit www.workforcesystem. org/covid19 for details on current operations, workforce and child care guidance, and resources.

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14 Things I’ve Learned About Working at Home

By Gene Marks | SmallBiz Ahead

This year will be the 14th year that I’ve offi- deli for a sandwich, you are reminded that there cially been working from home. really is a whole big world going on out there all around you. Use the opportunity to smile and In fact, not only have I been working from converse with other human beings in person. home, but also I’ve been running a business People really are nice. from home all this time. A real business: with employees, contractors, customers, suppliers, 5. Do not keep files. If you want to pave a and all the other headaches you can expect quick road toward divorce, then be sure to have from doing this. We do see each other at client lots of papers, files, and folders lying around. meetings and the occasional company event, That’ll do it. It almost did for me! Years ago, but we’re solitary. Most everyone enjoys the and in lieu of driving my wife crazy, I learned autonomy and independence, though. I, for one, to spring for a small offsite storage space for my love it. company’s files. But now in the age of Dropbox and other online storage services, I’m scanning, I’ve learned a lot about working from home and clicking, and storing images in the cloud and I’d like to share that knowledge. So, to celebrate clearing up my space. Have a no clutter policy, these 14 years, I’ve come up with 14 things you no paper policy and you’ll be more productive. should be doing if you decide to work from home, instead of going to an office. So, here 6. Do other stuff while talking on the they are, and not in any order of importance. phone. If I’m talking to you from my home office, there’s a good chance I’m not even in my 1. Have a separate workspace. Don’t home office. I’m probably folding laundry, empcreate an office in your bedroom, because that tying the dishwasher, sweeping a floor, changwill look bad on video calls. Don’t set up a ing the cat’s litter box, or even taking out the space in the kitchen, because that’s for eating. garbage. You don’t know this because I’m careIf you really want to successfully work from ful to mute my phone if there are background home (not to mention, take advantage of some noises. And what do you care anyway? Me, I’m tax benefits), then you need to create a dedicat- getting stuff done while also getting stuff done! ed, separate place of business. I’ve been lucky enough to live in a large house, so I always had 7. Get rid of the baby and the dog. No, a room dedicated to my office. Maybe you have I’m not telling you to actually get rid of your a basement? A closet that potentially can be baby or dog. I love babies and dogs! (I think I converted? Or at least a part of your apartment love dogs a little more, sorry.) Regardless, you that can be designated as work only? can’t have them around. Seriously. If you’re a work-from-home parent and think you can actu2. Put in a door. And shut it. If you’re ally get work done and deal with a baby, you’re living with other people, you need to be able to fooling yourself. Each needs its own attention shut them out of your professional life. You’ll and my experience—and I DO have experience be on calls or you’ll want to focus on your work with this—is that you’re going to fail. During and, if you’re in a situation where people can my baby years, we had someone around to babjust walk in and out of your workspace and dis- ysit. And during my dog years (which continue), tract you with their silly stories and other dopey I’ve got a system for getting my dog out of the nonsense, then, hey…you might as well be office (think lots and lots of treats), so there’s working in an office! no barking in the background. People are understanding…only up to a point.

3. Bathe. Yeah, you heard me. I don’t want to hear that you care about the environment and 8. Invest in lighting. Sounds strange, but you’re conserving water. Just take a shower. whenever people ask me the most important Every day. Same time. It really does have a tech investment I’ve made for my home office, psychological impact. I bathe. You’re welcome. it’s never what you think. Sure, all the cloudbased-remote-connectivity-collaboration-com4. Eat lunch out. Whenever I see people munication tools are essential. But it was the in an office or working from home eating at lighting that had the biggest effect on me. I set their desks, it depresses me. Everyone needs the mood with lighting depending on the time a change of scenery, and one of the joys of of day, the weather…even the season. And it working from home is that no one knows when works. Cozy really does equal productivity. you’re in or out. So, go out. OK, it doesn’t have to be every day, and I know you can make a 9. Never, ever turn on the TV. If you’ve sandwich at home. But when you emerge into ever made the mistake of just “checking in” on the bright sunlight and walk or drive to a nearby The View, The Talk, Dr. Phil, The Wendy Wil-

liams Show, or even that channel that replays old episodes of M*A*S*H, you’ll know what I mean. It’s a killer. And, like a car wreck, you just can’t look away. Sure, you’ll be more prepared to deal with your daughter when she comes home with a pierced tongue, but you’ll be worse off for your job. It’s just not worth it.

10. Do your work in blocks. This pro-

ductivity tip applies whether you’re in an office or at home. Think chunks. Carve out an hour and say to yourself, “I don’t care if we’ve been invaded by aliens, this is my time to respond to emails.” Block out certain times of the day when you follow up on activities, write proposals, talk to customers, or work on that new project. Don’t let anything interfere. One of the greatest advantages of working from home is that you can be very selfish with your time.

11. Know the pulse of your neighborhood. During the summer, my neighbor’s

landscaper comes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. I know this because it’s impossible to speak on the phone while they’re mowing away! I also know that at 3 p.m. the school bus drops off a hoard of middle-schoolers near my house and it helps to keep an eye out for…well, anything. Things happen in your neighborhood that can affect calls, conferences, and productivity.

12. Nap. Go ahead. Nap. You earned it. No

one’s going to know. And how many more studies do you need telling you that 20-30 minutes of shut-eye is great for your health and productivity? I do it. Right at my desk. But ask me face to face and I’ll deny it, of course.

13. Keep a professional set of clothing nearby. I go out of my way to avoid

video calls because—as mentioned above—I like to do other stuff when talking on the phone.

But sometimes they can’t be avoided. One thing’s for sure: You can’t show up for a video call looking like…well, the way I do right now.

Sometimes these calls come with short notice, so it helps to have a decent top set of professional clothes nearby to throw on. And no, I have no makeup advice, sorry.

14. Finally: Never, ever complain.

Sometimes I run into people who actually complain about working from home. Complain!

Like, what is their problem? You’re at HOME all day. You’ve got your dog nearby. You can sneak out, work totally odd hours, nap. You don’t have to worry about the commute or that guy eating a tuna sandwich at your shared, open workspace desk. Enjoy!

30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Tige Boats Manufacturing Face Shields for Abilene Medical Community

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomepage.com

Abilene company Tige Boats will be making hundreds of face shields for the local medical community.

Friday, the company will begin making up to 500 face shields a day – something they believe could help medical professionals who have to work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic with limited personal protective equipment.

“We want to do something for the community for first responders,” said Jean Wagner with Tige Boats.

The company will also be donating gowns and other necessities and will continue these efforts for as long as they can.

“

The co-op is small in employee size, but has a big impact in our community.”

- Jyl Schoen HR Manager

learn more about the Cooperative Spirit

the cooperative spirit

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10 Principles for a COVID-19 Compliant Business

By Abilene Chamber of Commerce

To further encourage the business community to comply with the Work Safe component to 3. Create a safe work the order, the Chamber is launching “COV- environment for all critical on-site employID-19 Work Safe ABI” program. ees.

Companies who adopt these principles are encouraged to publicly declare their pledge to • Create physical sepado so. The Abilene Chamber has designated ration. Health officials portion of businessresourceabilene.com with advise that all individuals links to the principles, toolkit and a “Work should remain at least Safe ABI” logo that can be used in the work- six feet apart to avoid place and on social media. Businesses are en- possible transmission. couraged to post a photo and use the hashtag Employers should estab“WorkSafeABI” so the Chamber can share lish protocols that require all on-site employees mainsuccess stories. tain a distance of at least six feet while working.

The 10 principles include: 1. Allow all but critical on-site employees to work from home. While some companies must maintain on-site workers to complete specific business critical tasks, employers should allow all non-essential employees to work remotely.

2. Employ video technology. To avoid unnecessary exposure, employers should implement tools such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or other such applications to conduct meetings.

No one should feel the need to meet in person.

minimize exposure to other personnel, all workers who are experiencing even mild symptoms should avoid the workplace, report the situation to their supervisor and remain home.

8. Restrict on-site access. Employee guests and other visitors should not be allowed access to any office or worksite.

9. Discontinue work-related travel and require reporting of personal travel. Employers should discontinue travel by employees to other locations outside of the Big Country. If employees travel outside of the region for personal reasons, these trips should be reported to the employer should they pose an increased risk.

5. Adjust paid sick leave (PTO) policies. Employers should adjust policies to remove disincentives from people self-reporting illnesses. It is to your company’s 10. Establish anonymous reporting. To advantage for sick employees maintain a safe work environment for on-site to stay home. employees, companies should create an anonymous complaint channel for employees to re6. Encourage proper hygiene. Employ- port unsafe practices or violations of protocol • Close communal spaces. Employers should ers should provide sufficient hand sanitizing during this period. discontinue use of any communal spots such stations, guidelines for proper hand washing as lunchrooms, breakrooms, meeting rooms and soap at all hand-washing stations to ensure and other gathering spaces to avoid unneces- proper hygiene at the workplace. sary person-to-person exposure.

7. Create alternative teams. Employers • Expand cleaning operations. Companies where on-site staff remain critical should crewhere workers must remain onsite should ate alternating teams (i.e. morning/afternoon increase cleaning protocols of all high-touch shifts, day/evening, every other day) so that Cost Effective Advertising and high-traffic areas throughout the day. operations may continue if one team becomes CALL Terri Collum exposed and is required to quarantine. at 1-325-439-1214 4. Require sick workers to stay home. To

32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country