Abilene Institute Offers Variety of Educational Courses For Adults 50+
By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage The Abilene area Osher Lifelong learning Institute (OLLI) has been a part of the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center for many years now. They offer courses on several interests and skills to their due-paying members. The only catch: You must be 50 or older to join. “One of our favorite former members, she hasn’t been here since the pandemic started, she will be 100 next year,” says Abilene area coordinator Misha Price. As Price can attest, curiosity doesn’t stop as you get older, and that is the driving belief behind what OLLI does all over the nation. A $35 yearly membership fee and $10-$15 a class gets anyone 50 and older access to any online or in-person course they offer. From Civil War history and culinary arts, to genealogy and mathematics, Price says they cover a wide array of topics in a year. “One of our instructors now who does Civil War classes for us is a former ACU professor. So if the person wants to learn it, we’ll find somebody to teach it,” Price says. When she first joined in 2019, Price says the program had 35 members. That number grew to around 140 until the pandemic hit, restricting their ability to meet in person. “Some of our members do not even own a computer, so hybrid classes were not an option for them,” says Price. This brought them down to just 25 regular students, although they are hoping to build those numbers up again now that in-person learning is back on the table. “If you’re 50 or over, come join us. They’re fun classes, there’s no pressure, no tests,” said Price. She says the courses are a wonderful resource to any inquisitive minds, but the community that surrounds the group is just as much of a blessing, giving her something new to look forward to each day. To register for the classes or membership contact Misha Price at (325) 696-0672.
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DECEMBER 2021 Volume 11, Issue 8 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
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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. 2021 HispanicLIfe Media
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4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Abilene’s Global Samaritan Shop Raises Funds with ‘White Elephant’ Gag Gifts By Karley Cross | BigCountryHomePage
Gift-giving season is a time to be thoughtful, but on occasion thinking funny could be the most thoughtful. One Abilene non-profit found a way to market gag gifts for special exchanges. Global Samaritan Resources of Abilene has made itself the go-to spot for your silly gifts. At the non-profit shop, you can find knickknacks, vintage movies on VHS, funny books, you name it. Global Samaritan of Abilene says it is using their White Elephant gift shop to fund their mission; providing medical supplies and other essentials to the community. Donor of Development at Global Samaritan of Abilene says their greatest need at the moment is financial donations and medical equipment. “We have a whole bunch of things in the warehouse that we have set up. And people can come in now ’til mid-December, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 4:00, and pick out a White Elephant for their Christmas party,” says
Leslie Wilkins, Donor of Development, Global Samaritan of Abilene. Located at 2075 N. 1st Street, Global Samaritan of Abilene’s gift shop and donations are open Monday through Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through the middle of December. If you have a White Elephant or a Secret Santa party this holiday season, Global Samaritan Resources of Abilene will have what you are needing. Likewise, the non-profit accepts donations- gag gifts or otherwise.
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Let’s Go To The Hop: Service-Minded Sonic Boss Jacob Borrego Thankful for Career Chances By Greg Jaklewicz | Abilene Reporter-News
The buck stops with Jacob Borrego.
Jimmy Pogue, the school’s longtime Student there, Denise Bragg, and their supervisor saw Council sponsor, remembers Borrego. potential in Borrego — he could run a restauThe sign on the door at the North First Street rant some day, they told him. Sonic says so. “Jacob was one of my all-time favorite students. I will always remember how he loved The store was one of the newer Sonics and had Borrego is the operating partner of this partic- to make people smile and how he was always a more current point-of-sales operating system. ular fast-food restaurant. The boss. But this happy,” Pogue said. “He is truly one of the “They’re all touch screens today,” he said. boss doesn’t boss his employees. He’s one of the team. When his training initially was reviewed, however, “they Just paid more. And works told me I wasn’t quite ready” more. to be an operating partner. Why? Because he had worked “We’re having a phenomenal at only one location, and not day at Sonic. This is Jacob. at an older store with an older How can I help you?” POS system. Yep. That’s the boss taking your order.
Borrego wasn’t deterred. “I thought, ‘OK, I get that,’” he said.
And sometimes, when it’s super busy, which it often is during lunch and when nearby Abilene High students head home for the day, he hops to it, taking orders to stalls. It’s second nature because, at 16, that’s what he did at the southside Sonic on Barrow Street. “I’ll help out in the kitchen. ‘Let’s go, guys!’ I am not afraid to get down and dirty,” he said. “I’m not too good to take out orders.”
He was sent to the location on Sayles Boulevard, near the south-side post office, to get that experience. That’s where he got his big break. The operating partner there took vacation not long after his arrival, then turned in her notice when she returned. Jacob Borrego, the operating partner for the North First Street Sonic. Now 27, he has worked for Sonic since he was 16. Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News
One minute he may be doing paperwork, the kindest young men I have had the pleasure of next helping bag an order. teaching.” Borrego mowed grass as far back as 12 and He makes ice cream, too. Which, you have to when he hit 16, he went looking for job. The admit, is pretty cool! Taco Bell near the Cooper campus had a shot at hiring him but did not. He’s 27 now. Sonic is the first and only company for which he has worked. “I love my He went to Sonic. The one down the street job,” he said. from his parents’ house. He was hired as a carhop. “It was really fun. I love talking to people Abilene success story and making new relationships,” he said. “I’m a Borrego was born in Abilene and graduated in people person.” 2012 from Cooper High. When he was 17, still in high school, he was He is a born leader. At Cooper, he was in the trained for manager responsibilities at the Student Council, serving as president in 2010- Barrow Street location. The operating partner 11, and Spanish Club.
Borrego was asked to take over.
This is 2013. He is 19. He believes that, by two months, he became the youngest operating partner in the D.L. Rogers franchise, which numbers 255 locations in 10 states, according to its website. “There’s one in New York,” Borrego said. He was at the Sayles location for less than a year, then moved back to the Barrow store. “I thought I knew everything,” he said, smiling. But actually running a business was harder. “Now you’re the guy in charge.”
Continued on page 7
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Next, it was off to Pleasanton, a city near San Antonio. “South Texas is so awesome,” he said of those two experiences.
out to me. ‘We should go eat’ she said,” Bor- His ambition? To be president of the whole So that’s why he gladly pitches in. rego recalled. He knew just the place, of company. Giving thanks course. No, not Sonic. Lytle Land & Cattle! Working through challenging times This Thanksgiving, Borrego has much for They both were living at home — he was too Sonic did as well as any business during the which to be thankful. For one, his health. He has type-2 diabetes, finding out in 2015. busy getting settled into the new job — and pandemic, set up for social distancing. neither was ready to meet the other’s mother. So until he got his own place, they walked “It boomed when other places closed down,” “I am very thankful for my health,” he said of many of the local parks. Borrego said. “We could take care of people. coping with that. “I thank God every day. I’m There were days I saw so many new faces. But a foodie. I love to eat.” “We took it slow,” he said. They married in it was challenging, too. There were vendors 2018. with issues.” Most of that has passed, he said. He is thankful for his family - he has a younger sister who lives in Abilene - and his wife’s His day at the office And then there was the February winter storm, family, which is more scattered, he said. An operating partner is the person in charge, during which Abilene lost its water, then was He is thankful for the opporworking with human resources, tunities he has had and his paying bills, hiring and schedwork ethic. “I’m driven,” he uling the crew. said, smiling. “I want to do the best I can.” At the North First Street restaurant, Borrego said he needs 54 On a warm fall day, sitting to 56 employees based on voladjacent to the volleyball area ume of business there. He has at his restaurant, Borrego was 48. So if you’re needing a job, content. Life is good. Sonic’s hiring.
But it wasn’t all rosy. His father, who was distant from the family, died while he was in Pleasanton. A car hit the building, damaging it. And a personal relationship ended.
This is a marquee Sonic. It has been No. 1 across the franchise and is a consistent top-10 performer.
He had a chance to move back to Abilene in late 2016 when the North First Street store job opened up. But not before taking another hit. Literally.
Borrego works weekdays and parts of Saturdays, trying to take off Sundays. He enjoys Saturdays. “I like to get the know the kids who work on weekends,” he said.
Continued from page 5 Borrego had doubts. Some of that is because management doesn’t get the immediate attaboys (and attagirls) that a carhop or cook may get. “You don’t hear ‘Good job!’ as much,” he said. But success is measured in other ways, such as customer feedback and, of course, profit.
Out of town for a while, then back
His next stop was not at another Abilene Sonic but one in Corpus with a higher volume of business. “I loved Corpus,” he said. “The food is so great.” Besides, of course, what’s on the Sonic menu.
He was driving Dec. 1 to Abilene for his new job when his truck struck deer. Not one. Deer, plural. He had to rent a small car — he is a pickup man, so that was tough — and showed up that day as planned. But it has been good since then.
Like many businesses, Sonics have been challenged to stay fully staffed. “We’re always looking for new people,” he said.
Pogue expected as much. “I am not surprised at all with his success in his life,” the Cooper teacher said. “I’m sure his staff is loyal to him due to his kindness, compasunder a boil notice. Sonics could not serve sion and genuine concern for not just them, drinks, resorting to cans. “We didn’t want to but for what is going on in their lives. “ tell a customer ‘No,’” he said. Put a cherry on top of Jacob Borrego’s shake. Hiring remains a challenge but “it always has been a struggle in Abilene,” he said. The recent “I’m thankful,” he said, “for life.” dearth in employees, especially for service jobs that are lower in pay, “has opened our eyes to the struggle it is. Nothing has changed. We never are fully staffed. But we’re also looking for the right people.”
Borrego still is in training, this time as a supervisor. He already is a pitchman for Sonic, In April 2017, he “reunited” with Laurissa. telling local high school kids that if college is They knew each other from Cobb Park Recre- not their destination, the drive-in business is Few want to work weekends these days, which ation Center as kids. “We were in different age pretty good. Borrego understands. And some need or want groups, so all we did was make googly eyes at “The opportunities are endless,” he said. “Any- to work certain days, he tries to accommodate each other,” he said, laughing. one can do it.” Look at him. And others higher them. But back in town from college, she “reached up in Sonic started as cooks and carhops.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
12-Artist Support Billing for the 11th Annual Outlaws & Legends Music Festival Announced
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Mark Powell | Owner, Backporch Productions / Outlaws & Legends Music Fest / Mark Powell Music
Outlaws & Legends Music Fest, the recent recipient of Texas Music’s “Festival of the Year” award, recently announced all 12 support artists for the upcoming 11th Annual Music Fest. This year’s lineup is stacked from top to bottom with nationally touring Country, Americana, Rock and Texas Country Artists. Headliners will be released in the coming weeks. The current lineup includes: Brent Cobb, Jack Ingram, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Steel Woods, Band of Heathens, Reverend Horton Heat, Mickey & the Motorcars, Dallas Moore, The Chad Cooke Band, Hayden Haddock, and Ariel Hutchins, all with host and country music recording artist Mark Powell. Additions to the fest in 2022 will include a songwriter competition, beginning in January 2022, for an opening festival spot on this year’s bill. New artists will also be added to the Tito’s Tipi AfterParty for both nights. Join us March 25th and 26th at The Back Porch of Tex-
as for this iconic music festival! Backporch Productions has raised more than $1.7 Million for the Ben Richey Boys Ranch since 2013 with a percentage of all ticket sales, and has generated more than $3 Million for Abilene Non-profits since 2011. An additional $520,000 has been raised solely through Outlaws & Legends Music Festival for additional non-profits. Tickets are available, but going quickly! Sales started immediately following last year’s festival (March 21, 2021). Currently, 20% of general tickets and 30% of all VIP tickets have been sold. 65% of the 450 available RV/camping spots have been sold. Tailgates, Music Row Packages, VIP Box Suites, Premium RV Spots, and Vendor Spots are all sold out. Patrons are advised to purchase tickets ASAP before they are gone. For more information: Visit www.outlawsandlegends.com for tickets and details of the festival. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
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Abilene Family Works with NonProfit to Organize Donation Drive for Afghan Refugees By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
Abilene is a city known for its giving spirit, but as Kristen Ellison and her husband Tate recently learned, organizing a relief effort yourself can be a bit more difficult than regular volunteer work.
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“They needed a lot of new or gently used items just to get people established in homes” Says Ellison.
Throughout October and November the Ellisons took in clothing, school supplies, and “It’s a little overwhelming to have people various other items to make the transition from bringing things to your home to here just a bit house throughout the easier for these famiday, on weekends, even lies. after hours when we’re just home from work,” “I know that we had said Ellison. over 150 pounds of clothing items brought The Ellisons say it to us that we sorted was at a monthly Tayand boxed up, all the lor County Democrat different things that meeting that they first they need in a brand heard of donation new city that’s unfadrives being held in miliar to them, that other parts of the state way they feel comfortbenefiting refugees able here and welcome who were displaced here,” Ellison says. from their homes following the fall of AfEven if they don’t ghanistan. know the circumstance of each and Kristen Ellison with another volunteer “We heard about a every person, knowdrive being held by ing that they’re in some churches in Midland and we wanted to need is enough to make the Ellisons lend a organize one here,” Ellison says. helping hand. After reaching out to local churches and hu- “They’re not here for any political reason, manitarian organizations, the Ellisons part- they’re here because they needed a place to go nered with the International Rescue Committee and be safe,” says Ellison. (IRC) to find out where and how they could help.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
TxDOT Proposes Expanding I-20 to 6 Lanes in Abilene, Taylor County By Tyler Henderson | BigCountryHomePage
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proposing an expansion of Interstate 20, from Abilene’s western most city limits to County Road 108 on the Callahan County line.
Abilene TxDOT’s Public Information Officer Tanya Brown said that the expansion will be to three lanes both ways, and is being designed to create a safer road while creating more mobility along the corridor.
ACU Senior Andrew Norsworthy drives the I-20 corridor frequently, traveling from work to According to TxDOT research, the I-20 corschool or to his home in Frisco. ridor sees more than 30,000 vehicles a day and accounts for 30% more crashes when Norsworthy says he has trouble seeing at night, compared to statewide averages. so he tries to get to his destinations before the sun sets, but that could lead to getting stuck in By creating the third lane, they are aiming to 5:00 traffic jams. allow travelers to pass easier, as well as improving and updating the entrance and exit “On my commute from here to Dallas, I actu- ramps in order to meet current state requireally had to deal with it.” Norsworthy said. “It ments. cuts my travel time by a lot.” They have also released a public survey that He said with the heavy congestion, it can get allows you to mark the most congested areas very dangerous as the sun goes down. Howev- along the I-20 corridor. You can find that surer, TxDOT’s I-20 expansion proposal should vey link at https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txalleviate some of that stress. dot/projects/studies/statewide/i20-corridor-study.html.
There are many individuals throughout our viewing area that do not have a jacket/coat to wear during the winter months. As you know, West Texas winters have a way of packing some mighty cold wind and brutal conditions. Help us provide a jacket or coat to someone who greatly needs it. We are helping … one jacket at a time! You can drop off new or gently used jackets/coats at any of the A-town Cleaner’s locations, Taylor Telecom or Texas State Hearing Aid and Device Center listed below. Jackets for Joy will benefit the following non-profit organizations: New Horizons, Noah Project, Christian Service Center, Day Nursery of Abilene, Communities in Schools, Mission Abilene, Pathway’s, Hope Haven
A-Town Cleaners
Drop off locations:
3180 S. Treadaway Blvd. | Abilene 289 N. Judge Ely | Abilene 5065 Buffalo Gap Rd. | Abilene
Taylor Telecom
9796 I-20 | Merkel
Texas State Hearing Aide & Device Center 598 S. Pioneer Drive | Abilene
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Well-Known Abilene Sam’s Club Greeter Retiring After 33 Years By Marley Capper | BigCountryHomePage
If you have ever been to Sam’s Club in Abilene, you have most likely met or been greeted by Lina Musgrave. She has worked for Sam’s since it opened in Abilene in 1988, and after 33 years of work, she is retiring Friday, December 3. Normally door greeters are doing just that: greeting people at the door, but this week Lina is putting in a little extra work. “I’ve been working here at Sam’s for the last 33 years,” said Lina. “They are like my family.” Because she’s not only saying hi, but also goodbye. “She’s such an icon,” said one customer. “Ms. Lina is the face of Sam’s,” said Alan Stafford, Sam’s customer. “You come in the door, and she’s the first one
that smiles at you, so she makes you feel great,” says Carolyn Redpath, Sam’s customer.
you?’ and they said, ‘Hi Lina, it’s always good to see you,’ and same here, I am always happy,” said Lina.
Lina moved to Abilene from the Philippines with her husband, who was stationed in Abilene, and “I’ve known her since since then she says the Key City has been her we opened the first home. store,” customer Warren Spiker says. “For those years, rain or shine, Lina is always here,” said Lina. Sam’s Club opened in Abilene on Octo- She says she’s excited to start her new chapter, ber 11, 1988 on South but will miss the friends and coworkers she’s First Street. made along the way. “We hired Lina seven “I want to thank the company for the opportunity days prior to that,” said Bill Smithson, who was to work,” said Lina. And the community will miss her just as much. the General Manager that hired at the time. Since that day, Lina has been a staple to the club Lina’s managers say she’s always been a team player, could sell virtually anything to anyone, and the community. and has always been a top fundraiser for local “Greet them with a smile, ‘Hi honey, how are charities and nonprofits.
925 S. 25th St.
(325) 698-0085
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 673-4521 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Ernest Cardenas, 65, of Abilene passed away peacefully on November 22, 2021 with is family at his side. Ernest was born on October 20, 1956 in Cuero, Texas to the late Jesus and Seberiana (Soliz) Cardenas. He grew up in Winters, Texas. At a young age, he learned the value of hard work he often reflected on working in the fields alongside his siblings. He moved to Abilene in 1970’s and made it home and raised his son. He became employed with Coca Cola in 1975 and remained until retiring in 2019. He loved being on the road driving his big rig. He married the love of his life, Tammy Lynn Slatton on August 14, 1992 after knowing each other for six years. He loved playing pool and watching the Dallas Cowboys. He was a memorable person and made many memories, that will be cherished for years to come. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; sister, Sally Gauna; two brothers, Jimmy and Seveno Cardenas. Ernest is survived by his wife, Tammy Cardenas; children, David Cardenas (Heather), Jessie Cardenas (Marissa), Brandy Zullo (Meredith); six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Jessie Cardenas; his sisters, Kelly, Debbie Sue, Andrea and Dee; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; sister, Sally Gauna; two brothers, Jimmy and Seveno Cardenas. The Lord called Vanessa Lorraine Estrada, 34, home Friday, November 19, 2021.
Vanessa Lorraine Estrada was born November 30, 1986, in Abilene, Texas, to the late Juan Estrada-Alvarado and Janice Estrada. Vanessa Lorraine Estrada is survived by her partner Anna Gonzales, son; Jasiel Cisneros and daughter; Emery Cisneros, brothers; Matthew Cortinaz and, Christopher Cortinaz and wife Vanessa, sisters; Renea Estrada and Desiree Alvarado. Vanessa Lorraine Estrada preceded in death by her grandmother Elisa Wolford and uncle Milton Wolford. Pallbearers: Jessie Valencia, Adolfo Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Mandy Reyna, Sandy Martinez and honoraries; Isaac Gonzales and Luciano Gonzales.
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The Lord called Gregoria Valadez Loya, 94, home Thursday, November 18,2021. Gregoria Valadez Loya was born March 12, 1927, in Bertram, Texas to the late Joe Valadez and Mary de la Cruz Gutierrez. Gregoria Valadez Loya sons: Candelario Flores and his wife Ruth,Valentino Flores and his wife Elizabeth of Abilene, Texas, daughters: Munda Torres and her husband John, Virginia Moreno and her husband Luis, Barbara Ramirez, brother: Carl Arnold and his wife Maggie, grandchildren: (27), great grandchildren: (58) and great great grandchildren: (22). Gregoria Valadez Loya is preceded in death by father Joe Valadez and mother Mary de la Cruz Gutierrez , daughter: Rebecca Sosa, Christina Loya, sisters: Sofia Alanis, brothers: Domingo Baladez, George Valadez, John De Leon, Jimmy Valadez, Felix De Leon, Manuel De Leon, Luis De Leon. Pallbearers: Ray Ramirez, George Gonzales, Eric Flores, Anthony Sanchez, Moises Loya and Adam Moreno.
Jose C “Joe” Murillo, 68, passed away November 28, 2021 in Abilene, Texas at the age of 68. Joe was born in Abilene, Texas to Jose V. and Julia Campos Murillo. He grew up in Abilene, and Graduated from Abilene High School. Joe served in the United States Army, stationed in Seoul Korea, as a martial arts instructor. He also lived in Fort Worth, and San Marcos Texas. Joe was also a very talented artist, a trait that runs in the Murillo family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son Joe Murillo, a brother Noah Murillo, and a sister Rosie Diaz. Joe is survived by daughters Rachel and China Murillo, Brother Danny Murillo, Sisters; Eva Murillo, Julia Chavarria, and Maria Rivero (Albert). Also by Brother in law Edward Diaz, and several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends.
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Because service without a smile.
Family Aims to Keep Legacy Going After Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant Owner Dies From COVID-19 Complications By Marley Capper | BigCountryHomePage
Earlier this week, the owner of Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant died at the age of 68 due to complications from COVID-19.
Castaneda has been alongside Oscar as they built the restaurant and has been cooking there since.
His family, coworkers, and some community members are devastated by the loss.
“Every day we are going run the restaurant like you wanted us to and keep going strong,” said Castaneda.
“I love him very much. Not just me, but everybody,” said Richard Abila, Oscar Abila’s son. “He was a hard worker, he instilled that in us as well.” Oscar started working at the age of 15. “He worked for Pride Pipeline that used to be here, refinery here in town,” said Richard. But his dream was always to open a restaurant. “I can remember him talking about that, I can remember him mentioning it to us as our family and growing up,” said Richard. After retiring from Pride, he eventually built Oscar’s Mexican Restaurant in North Abilene. “November the 20th was 17 years,” said Nacho Castaneda.
Richard says seeing his dad’s work ethic has pushed him and the rest of the family to do better. “It’s really made me the man I am,” said Richard. “It will be hard to come in here, and it will be hard to continue, but I can just hear him telling us, ‘Keep working and keep going,’ and that’s what we’ll do.” Richard says the outpouring of support they have received has been unlike any other and they encourage everyone to come to the funeral. The family says the best way to show your support is to continue eating at their four restaurants or to donate to Love and Care Ministries.
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LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
AISD Students Give Back to Community at Mission Thanksgiving By Abilene Indeoendent School District
For Abilene High School sophomore Adi Pilit, the arrival of the holidays isn’t just about getting a break from school and homework. It’s also a chance to continue making a positive difference in his community.
row of distribution trucks.
Pilit donned his blue t-shirt with pride as he loaded clothing and shoes into bags alongside friends Stacy Rios and Analeah Martinez, both freshmen at Abilene High. Rios said Pilit used a portion of his day on Friday, No- that her favorite part of the day was “helping vember 19 – the day before many Abilene pack everything and getting everything orgaISD students and families will begin their week-long break for the Thanksgiving holiday – to help receive and organize donations at Arrow Ford, where an important annual benefit was taking place: Mission Thanksgiving. “This is a really good and easy way for us to give back to our community,” said Pilit. “And I’m glad it’s starting at this age, because we’re becoming adults and it’s good for us to know how to give back.”
nized” – quite an undertaking given the dozens of trucks that had to be loaded. “It’s hard work, but we’re helping people,” said Rios. For Martinez, all of that effort was justified by the positive effect it has on her community: “Knowing I’m helping others, especially those experiencing homelessness, makes it all worth it.” These three students were just a few of those from Abilene ISD high schools who chose to serve at Mission Thanksgiving this year. The Abilene ISD is proud to support these students as they continue growing into productive, responsible citizens by helping their neighbors. For more information on Mission Thanksgiving, visit missionthanksgiving.com.
Mission Thanksgiving is held each year to support the work of Love & Care Street Ministries, a local non-profit dedicated to helping Abilene neighbors experiencing homelessness or financial difficulties. This year’s two-day event marks the 23rd time Love & Care has organized the effort, which invites the citizens of Abilene to drop off non-perishable food items, bottled water, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, travel size personal hygiene items, and other essential needs at a twolane drive thru in the Arrow Ford parking lot. An army of volunteers in blue t-shirts helps remove those donations from personal vehicles for organization and loading into a seemingly endless
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Students Lend A Hand In Nicaragua With Wildcat Academics on Mission Program By Abilene Christian University
Grace Russell (’21) stepped out of her comfort Coats of Ponder, Texas; Hunter Hudgens of zone to travel to Nicaragua last summer on a Lorena, Texas; Brianna Jaquez of Horizon combination study abroad and mission trip. City, Texas; Julie Sauceda of Abilene, Texas; Hannah Valvano of Rockport, Massachusetts; “I had always been too nervous or shy to go Gerald Zuniga of Clinton, North Carolina; and on mission trips or lacked the resources,” she ACU professors Drs. Jim Carpenter and Kensaid. dra Jernigan.
to a community that had been devastated by two recent hurricanes. We worked alongside members of each family to build filters using large PVC pipes and local material that would allow them access to clear, parasite-free water instead of the polluted, murky, diseased water they had been forced to use.”
But ACU’s Wildcat Academics on Mission Grace and her classmates worked with Mision (WAM) program put both of those concerns to rest. The program, a partnership between the Halbert Center for Missions and Global Service and the university’s academic departments, provides an integrated missions and academic experience at no cost to students beyond the tuition they pay for their course work.
Grace was touched by the gratitude expressed by the residents. “After we finished the filters and handed out some food, Bibles and instructions on how to use the filters, we prayed over the families there, and all the ladies hugged, kissed and blessed our team. It was very sweet to feel so welcomed and to have been able to give them something as life-changing as clean water,” she said.
The ACU students “With the mis- Students from the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences work on a sustainable organic learned of challenges sions prep class garden for Mision Para Cristo. From left are Gerald Zuniga, Grace Russell, Brianna Jaquez and Julie Sauceda. posed by high levels and grants, of arsenic in the soil along with the supportive community I had Para Cristo, a ministry run by ACU alumni around Jinotega and began planning for a fufound with my classmates and professors, I Travis (’96) and Mindy (Holloway ’01) Stew- ture project to address that issue. They also felt like I was finally ready to go somewhere art. The team assisted MPC with ongoing san- began exploring ways to help the ministry by and that I had the background to make a posi- itation and water projects, while researching developing a sustainable agriculture program. tive impact,” Grace said. ministry needs for future trips. Both these projects fit with Grace’s passion for protecting and preserving God’s creation. Grace, an environmental science major from “We mostly traveled in the mountains around Round Rock, Texas, was part of a nine-mem- Jinotega, the city where Mision Para Cristo “WAM is an experience unique to ACU in ber team of students and faculty from the De- was located, and in a few of the surround- which students have an opportunity to practi partment of Agricultural and Environmental ing neighborhoods to build bio-sand filters Sciences who traveled to Jinotega, Nicaragua, and composting latrines,” Grace said. “For Continued on page 17 in May. Other team members were Madison the filters, we went hours into the mountains
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Continued from page 16
cally apply classroom learning in a real-world missions setting,” said Dodd Roberts (’86), director of the Halbert Center. “It gives students a true picture of what it means for them to use their chosen field in a way that serves God’s mission, whether they practice their career in a large U.S. city or in a rural area of a developing country.” ACU agricultural and environmental sciences students distribute food and Bible to families near Jinotega, where Mision Para Cristo is located. Not only did Grace earn college credit, but she came home with a richer understanding of the challenges faced by those living in developing countries. “I realized how important it is to be aware of your perspectives when considering problems or situations in a space that is very different from what you are used to. Our Americanized thinking was something that we had to be very conscious of and adjust a lot on the trip,” she said. “The people are trying very hard to do the best with what is accessible. Even something as simple as running to the local store to grab a tool or product is not an option,” she said. “I think this trip really opened our eyes to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nicaraguans we had the privilege of interacting with, and I know in the future I am going to be much more aware of these issues and focus on finding solutions that make sense in the context of the problem, instead of just the best textbook solution.”
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The experience also sparked within her a desire to participate in more mission opportunities. “Travis and Mindy Stewart and their support and friendship have definitely had an impact on me and inspired me to consider mission work again in the future,” Grace said. “They are fellow alumni, and I am so grateful to them for making this such an amazing experience.” CALL US TO ADVERTISE
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Carrizales Realizes He Made Right Career Choice Atop TSTC Wind Turbine By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College
Dylan Carrizales knew his decision to attend Texas State Technical College was right in one brief moment.
“I would like to get as much experience as I can from all different aspects of the industry,” he said.
Now studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wind Energy Technology at TSTC, Carrizales recalled the time when he knew that he had made the right career choice during his first climb up the college’s wind turbine in Nolan County.
Carrizales is learning about the industry from instructors who have been in the field.
“That was like nothing I have ever experienced before,” he said. “I knew at that point that this was something I wanted to do for the next 20 to 30 years of my life. It gave me more confidence in my career choice and my choices in life. I knew then I could excel in this career and be able to start and support a family.” Having career stability was something the Snyder native wanted in his life. “I want to be able to provide for my family,” he said. “My girlfriend is going to school to be a traveling nurse, and we want to make sure we can survive financially.” Being able to work quickly after earning his degree was the reason that Carrizales chose TSTC. “I heard so many different success stories of graduates getting good jobs before they finish the program,” he said. “I want to be part of that success.” Carrizales knows the wind industry is going to be strong in the future. “A lot of people are on different sides of the wind industry, but it is not going to stop growing,” he said. “I want to know not just how the turbines work -- I want to know everything about the industry.” That could include working for companies with turbines either offshore or in the heartland.
“They are here to help you succeed,” he said. “The best thing about instructor Russell Benson is that he is stern, but fair. He is teaching us what we need to know in order to be an authority figure because it will help us when we are on the job.” Benson has seen Carrizales grow since beginning the program last year. “He has been rising from the ashes at school and in life,” he said. “He is working to change his life for the better. We are a lot more than educating our students about the degree they are pursuing; we are teaching them to find themselves and a way to succeed.” Carrizales said he has no regrets about returning to school more than a decade after graduating from high school. “I told myself to take a chance, and it has paid off,” he said. “This was the best way to go back to school and the quickest way to start a career. I have enjoyed my time here and would do it all over again.”
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Cisco College Announces Expansion of its Associate of Science program in Math & Engineering
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By Colton Wedeking | Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Cisco College
Cisco College is excited to announce it is expanding its Associate of Science (AS) program in Math and Engineering. The new engineering courses were launched in the Fall 2021 semester. Students can complete 65 credit hours AS degree in four semesters. With their associate’s degrees, students can either enter the workforce or to continue their education at a university. Cisco College has course crosswalks and articulation agreements with many universities, simplifying the process of transferring credits to a partner university. “Students have always asked for engineering and have been able to list engineering as their educational goal, but we could only offer them the core curriculum courses,” said Randy Leath, Academic Adviser for Cisco College. “Now we are able to offer them specific engineering courses in addition to the core curriculum.” ”With the additional engineering courses, students can now receive their Associate in Science degree before they transfer,” he added.
Upon graduating with the AS degree with the new Math and Engineering courses, students can pursue many engineering career options, such as Logistics Engineering, Environmental Safety Technician, Quality Control Technician, Wind Energy Engineering, Project Management, Cartography, Aerospace Engineering Technicians, or Data Engineering. Students who want to continue at a university can pursue a Bachelor of Science in aero space, civil, mechanical, chemical, environmental, industrial, software, petroleum, geological, electrical, computer, nuclear, and biomedical engineering, as well as physics, and many engineering majors. “It gives students more choice in program offerings and a clear roadmap of their options and where they are headed,” Leath said. “The focus is on helping students enter a program of study aligned with their interests, strengths, and aspirations”. More information about degrees and certificate programs can be found at Cisco.edu.
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TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology Students Prepare for Career in Shop Environment By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College
The Diesel Equipment Technology lab at Texas State Technical College is filled with future mechanics.
“It is like we are in the shop,” Shartle said. “Like they say, if you are doing something you enjoy, it is not work at all.”
The new students are putting the finishing touches on the first semester of the program with thoughts of what the future holds.
Instructor Shannon Weir said when the students complete the program, they will be in high demand by shop owners.
“I cannot wait to get started working on the engines,” said John Mendez, who is studying for a certificate of completion. “That is when we know we are getting close to completing the program.”
“When our students graduate, there will be some place for them to go to work not just in our area in West Texas, but statewide,” he said.
But before working on engines, students have had to learn other parts of the truck. “I think for me the hardest part was learning the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system,” said Logan Yancy, who is also studying for a certificate of completion. “Once I got in there and started working on it, it was easy to pick up. That is all thanks to our instructors.” Kristopher Diaz, who is also working toward a certificate of completion, found another area tough to master.
TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology student John Mendez checks the brake system of a truck during a lab project. (Photo: TSTC)
“The brake system was complicated at first, but being able to work on it daily made it easier to understand,” he said.
Each of the students said having experienced instructors has helped them throughout the semester. “The instructors are going to make sure you are not doing anything wrong,” said Tyler Shartle, who is studying for a certificate of completion. Mendez said he likes the teaching style offered at TSTC. “The instructors are going to show you how to take something apart and describe each piece,” he said. “By the time we are done, we will know all aspects of that engine part. That is what makes this a great place to learn.” Yancy said having a fast-paced environment in the lab is also a positive aspect of the program. “We are working hard to complete the projects so we can move on to the next lesson,” he said. The students also said the lab sessions are more than a learning experience.
According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists are expected to increase 14% in Texas by 2028. Diesel technicians employed in Texas can earn an annual average salary of $49,810, the website stated. Diesel Equipment Technology is offered at the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. It is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee program. If a participating graduate does not find a job in their field within six months of graduating, TSTC will return their tuition in full. TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with different specializations, as well as several certificates of completion, in Diesel Equipment Technology.
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HSU Alumna Recognized as a Best Educator Serving Texas by Baptist Standard By Mary Burke | Hardin-Simmons University
Hardin-Simmons University Alumna and Board of Trustee, Daisy Sanchez ’86, was recognized as a Best Educator Serving Texas (BEST) by Baptist Standard. “The Baptist General Convention of Texas established the annual BEST Awards to celebrate Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students and recognize the Texas Baptists institutions that taught them.” On the award, Mrs. Sanchez shared, “I am truly humbled to receive an award and be recognized. I know my own shortcomings and know the areas in which I want to continue to improve, so I feel undeserving. I also know how hard I work and how much I invest, in both time and emotion, into the students I serve. I am honored to be recognized.” Daisy Sanchez graduated from HSU in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education in elementary education. Since then, she has earned a Master of Education in administration, raised a family of three daughters, and earned certifications as a reading specialist and school counselor.
seling duties, she oversees the ESL program, including delivering instruction to her school’s English learners. “I link all of my successes in my adult life back to HSU. It was during my years at HSU that I learned what it meant to grow in the Lord and to make Jesus the Lord of my life.” She went on to share that at the Alumni Awards Banquet, during homecoming weekend, she saw peers from her school days at HSU who encouraged her to walk with the Lord during those impressionable years. Burtis Williams, a local minister, was present too. Williams was a minister at the church Mrs. Sanchez attended when a student at HSU. “I actually felt my eyes well up as I expressed to Burtis Williams how much he had meant to me and my growth in the Lord at that pivotal time in my life.”
When asked what advice she has for current students, Mrs. Sanchez shared, “To the HSU students I would say, soak it up. Take it all in. Invest in relationships. Get to know your professors, as they have much to share with you through their experiences. Work hard but also play hard. It goes fast. Hopefully, you will look Over the years she has served as a classroom back at your HSU days with many fond memoteacher in Abilene ISD and San Angelo ISD ries. There is something very special about the (SAISD), an instructional specialist in SAISD, friendships made at HSU.” and an at-risk coordinator in SAISD. Since 2016, Mrs. Sanchez has been an adjunct in- Congratulations, Daisy Sanchez! HSU is proud structor for Angelo State University and coun- of you! selor for Bronte ISD. In addition to her coun-
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SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
The Real Meaning Of
Christmas By Martha Noebel | CBN
It’s that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas? Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?
firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up placed him in a manger, because there was no room to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It for them in the inn.
brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we And there were shepherds living out in the fields would all die in our sins. nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly be only a wish and not a reality for some. Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child. Luke 2:4-19 says: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her
Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.
a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful his favor rests.”
and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us When the angels had left them and gone into heav- from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT) en, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (NIV)
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day. Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a “Merry Christmas.” The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
Why did He come? Why did God send His son Jesus Is the Reason for the Season! Rejoice! to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent
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When Different Parenting Styles Are Hurting Your Marriage By Jimmy Evans | MarriageBuilder
Have you ever thought that marriage was SO much easier before you had kids? Do you and your spouse have arguments that stem from stress, miscommunication or different approaches when it comes to parenting? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
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from Dr. James Dobson who has written many great books on parenting. We were in a bad habit of getting angry with our kids and then responding with anger in return. This just created more anger and very little action. We realized (and I’m continuing to slowly learn this lesson) that we can’t just respond with anger. We need to control our emotions and simply respond with action. Let kids know ahead of time what the consequences will be for certain behaviors and My wife Ashley receives messages every day then calmly carry out those consequences when on our blogs and Facebook pages from stressed the behavior takes place. It defines the boundarparents who feel like their differences in parent- ies and brings clarity instead of confusion. ing styles are negatively impacting the marriage. Ashley and I can relate to this one from person- 3. Follow unchanging parenting principles al experience. In fact, this has been the primary instead of your own fickle feelings. There source of stress and disagreement in our own are going to be moments in parenthood where marriage. there’s not a clear roadmap for what to do next, but for the most part, the path is clearly defined. Ashley and I are alike in so many ways, but we For Ashley and me, we agreed early on that the surprised each other by how different we can be Bible was going to be our roadmap for life, for in our parenting approach to our four sons. These marriage and for parenting. The Bible (which differences turned into some tense frustrations actually has all kinds of great parenting insights) and finally reached a breaking point where we says, “Start children off on the way they should realized we needed to take action. We’ve still got go, and even when they are old they will not a LOT to learn when it comes to this (so please turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) In other words, send us all your suggestions), but below are five don’t just leave your kids on autopilot. Be intenthings we’ve done that have made a huge differ- tional about defining the right path and helping ence in our marriage and brought more peace to them stay on the right path. our home. 4. Be your kids’ biggest encourager; not their 1. Find a mentor couple who is older than biggest critic. Be the one who wipes away you and has a strong marriage and healthy their tears; not the one who causes them. Teach relationships with their kids. This was the them to be confident, but not cocky. Help them first thing Ashley and I did when we realized realize they are a unique masterpiece, created we needed to take action in this area. All of our by God for a world-changing destiny! Believe friends were in the same season of life as us and in them even when they struggle to believe in dealing with the same struggles. We realized that themselves. The tone of your words will create we need to intentionally seek out a more sea- the tone of your home. We want to build them soned couple who had grown kids and the kind up and not tear them down. Yes, there are cerof family dynamic we hoped to have one day. tainly times we need to correct and plenty of We also needed someone we weren’t related to times I’ve blown it and yelled or criticized, but (even though we love our own parents and have then I always try to be quick to apologize. We learned so much from them). want our kids to know they’re loved and that we’re honored to be their parents. We want to We talked about a which couple seemed like cultivate the kind of relationship that makes our the right fit and we landed on our friends Todd kids want to come hang out with us long after and Stacy. We just called them (or maybe we they’ve grown up and moved out! just send a long and awkward text message) inviting them over for dinner and telling them in 5. We’ll always have unity in front of the kids advance that we wanted to interview them about and we’ll do our disagreeing and/or working what worked in their own parenting and ask their through differences of opinion in private. advice on some struggles we were facing. They Don’t let the kids work one parent against the listed and gave us some AMAZING insights and other. Be united. In addition to having each othencouragement. We’re so thankful for their in- er’s back, let the kids know that you and your vestment into our lives. Their mentoring made spouse are a team. Let them see you prioritizing a huge difference. Find a “Todd and Stacy” in your marriage. Don’t put your marriage on hold your life. while you’re raising your kids or else you’ll end up with an “empty nest” and an empty marriage! 2. Don’t use anger to get action from your One of the greatest gifts you can give your chilkids. Use ACTION to get action from your dren is to have the kind of marriage that actually kids. We stole this nugget of parenting wisdom makes them want to get married someday.
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The Gift of Love By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
Tis the season ... yes, the season for giving and baking, singing Christmas carols and sending Christmas cards, participating in Christmas plays and pageants, taking Santa pictures at the mall, decorating the house and trimming the tree, attending school and office parties, and white elephants, OH MY! Then, on top of all the festivities, many of you will be trying to figure out which child is spending what day at whose house during this busy season! It seems like every year I tell myself I’m going to scale back and truly enjoy Christmas time; the reality is, I get about two hours to relax and enjoy - and that is only after the presents have been opened, the food has all been prepared, and I’m exhausted!
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So, before we, as moms, go into hyper drive, I want to remind you of the most precious gift you will ever receive - the gift of Jesus and His love. John 3:16 tells us “God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, Jesus, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loves you; He doesn’t say you have to be perfect to receive His gift. In fact, Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That includes me. That includes you. His love is not based on your life; it is based on the mere fact He created you and that alone makes you precious. You were created for His glory and His purpose. Isn’t that an amazing thought - your life is for God’s glory and purpose. God’s gift of Jesus is not to be hidden away, but to be shared. John 13:34 says, “Love one another. As
I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That’s the beauty of the gift God gave you; it can go on and on. First John 4:19 tells us, “we love because He first loved us.” God didn’t expect us to figure out how to love on our own; He showed us first. God loves you; therefore, go love the ones God has placed in your realm - even the exes and the stepchildren and the in-laws. This love came as a gift, there is nothing you can do to earn it, and there is nothing you can do to lose it. This gift is Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. As with any gift, you have to accept it - take it - in order to own it. Make sure you don’t let this season of celebrating be for naught - make sure before you give and bake and do and wrap, you receive the greatest gift you will ever own and the greatest gift you will ever give. God loves you. 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/step mom 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)
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By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship
The Epistle of James is the Proverbs of the New Testament. It’s filled with nuggets of great truth like this one: “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry” (1:19 NLT). Now that’s good advice. It’s a statement we should put someplace where we can see it every day, because most of us are swift to speak, slow to listen, and quick to anger. At least I am. How many times have you said something, and the very moment the words left your lips, you regretted it? You thought, “I never should have said that.”
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How easily we can say things we shouldn’t say. And how quickly we can pass judgment on a situation we know nothing about. Peter did this on more than one occasion, which gives hope to ordinary people like you and me. For example, when he saw Jesus being transfigured with Moses and Elijah, Peter exclaimed, “Rabbi, it’s wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials— one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Mark 9:5 NKJV). The next verse adds, “He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were all terrified” (verse 6 NKJV). I think most of us can relate to that. Have you ever been in a tense situation where you wanted to make a good impression, but you ended up saying the dumbest thing ever? A major part of self-control is mouth control. It’s a lot easier to save face if you keep the lower half of it shut. Be quick to listen. Be slow to speak. And be slow to get angry. How different our lives would be if we would heed the admonition of these simple words.
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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank, Day Nursery of Abilene | FAITH AND FAMILY | 27
3 Things Your Spouse Is Not By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
You’ve no doubt shopped for a card for your spouse and read something like, “You light up my world. You’re my everything. You are my every dream come true.” It sounds sweet and I understand the intentions. But your wife is not your everything. Your husband isn’t your every dream come true. Spouses don’t always light up the world. The cards and song lyrics and movies are lying. And let’s face it—expecting your spouse to be all these things would actually hurt your relationship. The world tells you these lies are OK. But they aren’t. You need to see the lies about your spouse for what they are—lies. You shouldn’t have exaggerated expectations and unrealistic ideas about what your spouse should be. It’s too much pressure. It sets your marriage up for failure. You must get crystal clear on what your spouse is and what your spouse is not. Let’s talk about 3 things your spouse is not.
1. Your spouse is not your soulmate.
Despite what the world tells you, your husband or your wife is not your soulmate. I understand—the idea is romantic. It’s way less romantic to say, “We’re two imperfect people trying our best.” But at the core, this statement is closer to the truth than your spouse being your soulmate. When we think our spouses are soulmates, we’re believing we’re married by chance rather than by choice. But I chose Susan. That’s romantic. Chance or fate or situational circumstances don’t make choosing your spouse some deeper, more romantic, more valued relationship. How you think about your spouse affects how you treat your spouse. Instead of looking to your spouse as your soulmate, see your spouse a person God has called you to love unconditionally. Your spouse is someone to serve and for whom to sacrifice. What’s more romantic than that? Understanding this helps me live as
the spouse I’m called to be.
2. Your spouse is not who completes you. Just as your husband or your wife is not
your soulmate, your spouse also doesn’t, and shouldn’t, complete you. If you need your spouse to complete you, then the logical conclusion is that you aren’t a whole person. This isn’t healthy. Your marriage and your spouse should be great. Both should hold a great place in your life. But humans are flawed. I’m not perfect, you’re not perfect, your wife is not perfect, your husband is not perfect. My point is that this kind of thinking is dangerous. It sets up a flawed, transactional system where you are seeking to get something from your spouse. Marriage takes two complete people working together, both giving 100 percent. Seek to make your marriage a true partnership that requires both of you to serve and sacrifice for one another.
3. Your spouse is not supposed to make you happy. Your spouse should not
make you miserable, but it’s not up to your spouse to make you happy either. Your spouse will make mistakes. Your spouse will let you down. This is what it means to live “for better or worse.” It’s not sustainable to look to your spouse for your happiness. What happens when your spouse doesn’t make you happy? Will your love ebb and flow based on your feelings? It’s better to base your marriage on more meaningful things. Consider basing your marriage on the commitment you made, the calling you both have to each other, and the consistent effort this commitment requires. Feelings act as a great barometer to gauge our thoughts, but when we no longer want to do something, discipline should kick in so we’ll do the tough thing anyway. You’re asking too much from your spouse if you’re asking your spouse to make you happy. Instead, think less about your happiness and more about your effort to love him or her. When you do so, your spouse will be happier and you, in turn, will be too.
28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
HEALTH&FITNESS
San Angelo Tattoo Artist Works to Heal the Scars of Cancer Garrett Potts of Old Town Tattoo is hoping to provide a restored self-confidence to breast cancer survivors. By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
Garrett Potts is working to leave a mark on West Texas. About four years ago, the tattoo artist, San Angelo native and owner of Old Town Tattoo discovered areola restorative tattooing, a procedure designed to give women who have had mastectomies natural-looking breasts again.
“This house is very inviting, you know? There’s nothing intimidating about it. You’re not gonna walk in here and get kicked in the face with heavy metal music. I try to keep it calm and relaxed. I’ve got a back entrance for the survivors to come in. I try to create a private experience here.”
“I’d been tattooing for about 10 years at the time,” Potts said. “Breezing through the internet, one day I stumbled across a guy that was doing reconstruction tattoos and it was the first time I’d ever seen anything like that. So I got really excited about it, and it’s something that’s always kind of sat on the backburner of my mind.”
Potts said the self-improvement aspect is a two-way street. “These last couple years, everybody is going through something. If I tattoo two or three clients a week that are going through this, and hear their story, and see the change that I’ve done for them, it really kind of doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for depression and sadness inside of myself. So it’s life-changing for me, too. I’ve never had anybody break down and cry over a skull tattoo I gave them. So this is cool, you know?”
Unfortunately at the time, Potts didn’t have a suitable location to perform the procedure without the usual stigma that comes along with tattoo shops. Garrett Potts opened Old Town Tattoo in a quaint little two-story house on Orient Street in San Angelo last year.
“It’s a super-emotional experience for these women. They didn’t need to be sitting on the couch with a Now that Potts has his shop/house up set up, bunch of ratty guys who want to get the year he’s eager to get the word out about what can they graduated tattooed on their butts.” be a life-changing procedure for breast cancer survivors, especially those who might not have Then, last year when the COVID pandemic ever considered walking into a tattoo shop. had just about everyone unsure of what the future might hold, Potts was able to secure a One of those survivors, Janie Castanuelas, said quaint little two-story house on Orient Street, Potts’ work has changed her whole self-image. one in which he could both work and raise his four-year-old son, Max, along with their shel- “When we were texting I was like, ‘I don’t ter Corgi, Rex. know. I’m not sure about this,’ because I was still very hesitant to let anybody see me like “The opportunity came up to get this really that,” Castanuelas said. “That’s the biggest cool place where I could separate my clientele thing when you’re like that, because you’re not from the people who want to get the tradition- whole. When I came in, I was very self-conal tattoos and the women that need the restor- scious. But he just made me feel so comfortative tattoos.” able and took care of me. He changed my life for the better. I feel whole now. Before, it was The house looks more like an “Ozzie and Har- very hard to look at myself. After he was done riet” starter-home than a traditional anchors- he said, ‘Look at yourself in the mirror,’ and I and-dragons-type tattoo parlor. just broke down.”
For the rest of October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Potts is offering free restorative work to four cancer survivors. “We’re going to have the house lit up pink to show support, and anyone who gets ahold of me, for four women this month, I’m going to provide pro bono services.”
Outside of October, Potts said he’s willing to negotiate with installments. “I’ll work with everybody. I don’t want to turn anybody away from this. Unlike traditional tattoos, which are a luxury for all of us and not a necessity, I feel like this is the complete opposite of that. I feel like this is a necessity,” Potts said. “Although doing cobras and daggers and things like that are super-fun to do, this was a whole other avenue that I didn’t even know tattooing could take me down. Tattooing can change people’s lives. And this is one way it can do it.” CALL US TO ADVERTISE
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30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Tips and Resources for Improved Mental Health By Health AdvocateBlog
Mental health plays an important role in how we think, feel, act and relate to others, including our emotional and psychological well-being. It also impacts how we deal with stress and make choices that influence other aspects of our lives. Because of this, it’s important to understand how to maintain positive mental health, as well as identify signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health problem. There are a number of things you can do to manage or improve your overall mental health, including: •Improve lifestyle habits, such as increasing exercise/physical activity, eating well and getting enough sleep •Maintain a support network of friends and family to stay connected •Volunteer or find other ways to help in your community •Develop coping skills and stress management techniques that work for you, such as yoga or meditation •Keep a positive attitude •Recognize early signs of issues Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone. Many issues can be resolved with help, so it’s important to seek help right away if you think something might be wrong. The signs below can be an early indicator of a potential problem: •Change in sleeping habits •Lack of energy •An increase in smoking, drinking or drug use •Severe mood swings •Unexplained aches and pains •Feeling unusually confused or upset •Inability to complete normal daily tasks If you or a loved one experiences any of these behaviors, seek help from a mental health professional to discuss further. Many people experience mental health problems throughout their lives; it’s nothing to be embarrassed about, but it is important to seek help in order to address any issues. Please visit any of the websites below for additional information about mental health and wellness and available resources to help: • www.MentalHealth.gov • www.mhanational.org/ • www.thenationalcouncil.org/
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Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 31
What Are the Signs of Kidney Disease? 7 Possible Indicators, According to Doctors By Hallie Levine | Health
About 90% of people with kidney disease don’t realize that they have it, according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). It’s a scary stat, but one worth repeating. “Most people with kidney disease don’t show symptoms until the very late stages,” David Goldfarb, MD, clinical chief of nephrology at NYU Langone Health in New York City tells Health. This is why it’s so important for people with risk factors for kidney disease, such as being over age 60, or having a chronic medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune disorder like lupus, should get routinely screened for kidney disease, he adds. But there are subtle symptoms that can show up, both in the early and later stages, Staci Leisman, MD, a kidney specialist at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital tells Health. Here are some to look for, at various stages of kidney disease.
What are the early signs of kidney disease? These symptoms can crop up in the first
three stages of kidney disease, before too much damage has been done to your kidneys, says Dr. Leisman. (They can also show up in the later stages, too.)
as they should, they won’t make enough EPO, explains Dr. Leisman. As a result, you produce fewer red blood cells. “We often see this in the middle stages of kidney disease,” Dr. Leisman notes. If you have symptoms of anemia such as dizziness, trouble concentrating, unusually pale skin, or chest pain, see your doctor. They can run a blood test to check your levels of hemoglobin, which is part of your red blood cells. Treatment is usually iron supplements, or, in very severe cases, red blood cell transplantation. If you are diagnosed with anemia, Dr. Leisman says it’s a good idea for your doctor to run tests to check kidney function, such as your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This is a blood test to check how well your kidneys filter blood. A GFR of at least 60 is considered normal, while less than that indicates kidney disease, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). “We usually begin seeing anemia when a patient’s GFR is in the 30s,” says Dr. Leisman. You will also notice fatigue and trouble concentrating in the late stages of kidney disease, since the sharp decrease in kidney function leads to a buildup of toxins in your blood.
Dry, itchy skin - Your kidneys help to keep
your bones and the right balance of minerals in your blood. During end- stage kidney disease, your kidneys can become so damaged that they can’t do either, says Dr. Goldfarb. As a result, your skin may become rough and scaly and develop an almost fish-like scaling. You may notice that it feels tight, and cracks easily, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). As your kidney function worsens, your kidneys will stop being able to filter out waste such as excess amounts of the mineral phosphorus, notes the NIDDK. This can build up in your skin and cause itching that can range from a mild annoyance to wanting you scratch your skin off irritating. You may scratch so hard you develop raw, bleeding skin or sores. Over time, the build-up of toxins in your body can cause your skin to change to an unhealthy pale, yellowish or gray color, says the AAD. Your skin may darken and thicken, and develop bumps that look like pimples or whiteheads as well as deep lines. You may also notice an itchy rash of small dome-shaped bumps that sometimes join together to create rough raised patches.
Bloody or foamy urine - If you see blood, Symptoms of advanced kidney disease can also it means red blood cells are in your urine. While show up on your fingers or toenails as well, says
Nighttime peeing - During the day, excess this could be caused by a UTI or kidney stone, AAD. The telltale sign is half-and-half nails, fluid in your body builds up in your ankles and calves from standing and sitting all day, says Dr. Leisman. But once you go to sleep at night, that extra fluid heads straight up to your kidneys. If your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter that fluid as well. The result may be more nocturnal bathroom trips, notes Dr. Leisman. If you’re getting up to go more than once in the middle of the night, it’s time to pay a visit to your doctor.
it can also indicate kidney disease. “When your kidneys are healthy, their filters actually prevent blood from entering your urine,” explains Dr. Greenwell. But when they’re damaged, they allow small amounts of blood to leak in. Sometimes, you may actually see blood (it generally looks either red, or like tea or cola, says Dr. Greenwell). But sometimes the blood is microscopic, so it can only be picked up through a routine urinalysis, when your doctor looks at a Swelling - When your kidneys are damaged, sample of your pee under a microscope. they’re not able to filter out salt as well, which can lead to edema, or swelling in your ankles, If your urine has white foam, this usually indifeet and legs, Robert Greenwell, MD, chief of cates high levels of albumin, a protein usually nephrology at Mercy Medical Center in Balti- found in small amounts in your urine, says Dr. more, tells Health. You may also notice puffi- Leisman. (It’s the same protein that’s in eggs, ness around your eyes, especially in the morn- which is why your urine will have that same ing, which doesn’t go away with usual care foamy, egg-white consistency.) “When your (think applying cold washcloths or tea bags). kidneys become damaged, one of the first things “Your kidneys are leaking protein into your they have trouble filtering out is protein,” Dr. urine, which means less goes into your blood,” Leisman explains. explains Dr. Greenwell. “The lack of protein can cause blood vessels to swell, which is often What are the later signs of kidney most noticeable around your eyes.” disease? These symptoms usually crop up during stage 4 or 5 of disease. They indicate Fatigue - One of the earlier signs of kidney that your kidneys have become so damaged that disease is actually anemia, says Dr. Leisman. they’re no longer able to filter out most toxins, Healthy kidneys make a hormone called eryth- leading them to build up in your bloodstream. ropoietin (EPO), which sends a signal to your Unfortunately, at this point, treatment usually body’s bone marrow to make more red blood involves dialysis and/or eventually a kidney cells. But if your kidneys aren’t working as well transplant, says Dr. Greenwell.
where there’s a white color on the upper part of your nails, and a normal color on the bottom part.
Loss of appetite - When you have kidney
disease, toxins build up in your body, which can impact your appetite, says Dr. Goldfarb. About one-third of patients with end-stage kidney disease also report a metallic taste in their mouth, which is most likely due to the buildup of waste products in your body such as urea, says Dr. Leisman. This in turn can impact your taste buds. It can also trigger nausea and vomiting.
Muscle cramps - When you have severe
kidney disease, you’re more prone to electrolyte imbalances which can trigger cramping, as well as a pins and needles sensation in your arms and legs, says Dr. Greenwell. Up to 25% of people who are on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease also develop restless legs syndrome, a condition where you have an overwhelming urge to move your legs while you’re resting. This is also one of the reasons why 80% of people on dialysis report that they have trouble sleeping.
32 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Healthy Swaps to Reduce Your Need for Nicotine
Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, China Star, Drug Emporium & Burke Law Firm | HEALTH | 33
Thank You!
By HealthAdvocate Blog
Tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Nicotine might make you feel good temporarily, but the habit is killing you. It contributes to cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and many other health risks. You don’t need tobacco to feel better. The key to feeling good is within you! Think about some healthier activities that make you feel good and replace your cigarettes, dips/ chews, and vape with those activities. Consider trying some of the ideas below to not only help you quit, but to be healthier, too! Ex-tobacco/nicotine users often find it challenging to overcome the hand-to-mouth sensation. Try healthier ways to occupy your mouth and hands, like: •Enjoy a healthy snack such as sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, apples, or whole grain crackers •Chew gum or enjoy a mint •Pick up a hobby that requires you to use your hands, like woodworking or scrapbooking •Read a book, magazine or newspaper
•Exercise •Go out to do something fun •Cook a healthy meal •Reading Tobacco/nicotine use is often associated with specific times and behaviors, like first thing when you wake up, after meals, while driving, before bed, etc. Switch your routines to overcome urges after/during these times. Rather than using tobacco: •In the morning, drink a glass of water •Sing along to your favorite band during your morning commute •Take a walk on your work break •Brush your teeth or chew gum after meals •Practice deep breathing before bed
One of the most common reason people use tobacco/nicotine— and find it difficult to quit—is the belief that it helps to reduce stress. Find healthier outlets for stress relief and relaxation, such as: •Cuddling with your spouse, kids or pet Ex-tobacco/nicotine users often find them- •Taking a nap selves unsure of what to do with the extra time •Meditating they gain by quitting. Stay busy to avoid bore- •Watch your favorite show or movie dom with healthy activities such as: •Exercise •Calling a friend or family member We hope you find our ideas helpful. Remem•Treat yourself to a movie ber, quitting isn’t easy, but it is possible!
The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council treated the City’s Park Division employees to lunch to thank them for helping with our downtown sculpture projects and doing such a great job maintaining city owned property downtown, including the parks. They helped install our new Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition pieces along the railroad tracks last fall, they helped install Otis the tractor in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden and installed Anthony Howe’s kinetic sculpture “In Cloud Light IV” recently at the Abilene Convention Center. Thanks to them, downtown Abilene can enjoy lots of public art!
22 well-being tips for 2022 34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Health Advocate Blog
Aspiring toward improved health in 2022? Then you may be interested in these 22 easy tips. Start the new year off on the right foot by trying some or all of these ideas! •Drink more water. Water is a healthy, calorie-free and sugar-free beverage option. •Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day. If you don’t already exercise, aim to do 10 minutes each day. If you do currently exercise, add 10 extra minutes to your routine. •Get moving at work. Aim to stand up more often, or take a quick walk or stretch break. •Go to bed 10 minutes earlier. By the end of the week, you’ll get an extra 70 minutes of sleep. Keep it up all year, and you’ll have slept 60 hours more. Imagine how well rested you’ll feel! •Commit to one healthy stress-relieving activity per day. •Transfer money to your savings account when you get paid, rather than waiting to see what
you have left after your monthly expenses. •Each day, find a way to eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables. You may have more opportunities than you realize! •Dedicate at least 5 minutes of your lunch break to walking. Not only will it help you be more active, but it can also help you relieve stress. •Spend more time with family and friends to relieve stress, laugh more and relax—all of which can help you increase your well-being. •Make it a habit to appreciate all you have and the important people in your life. •Work on your posture by keeping your head up, as if you were balancing a book on your head. Avoid slouching! •Skip the salty snacks or sweet treats and go for fruit to round out packed lunches. •Brush and floss your teeth. Get in the habit of brushing twice and flossing once per day. •Control your portions. Limiting your portions
is necessary for healthy eating and weight management. •Reorganize your kitchen. Throw out or donate foods that are too tempting. Place healthy foods at eye level and in front of unhealthier foods. Clear your counter of treats and junk food and replace them with a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables. •Always keep moving. Even if you’re already exercising, if you spend long periods of time being inactive, it can be bad for your health. Take time away from your screens (cell phone, computer, TV, tablet, etc.). •Visit your doctor for an age-appropriate preventive exam such as a physical, blood pressure check, and more. •Mind your manners. “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others. It demonstrates respect and appreciation. •Balance work and home life. Leave work at work and home at home and make the most of your time in both places! •Trade your dessert for an after-dinner stroll. •Avoid work burnout. Take your designated breaks as often as you are able. Limit the number of days you go in early or stay late. When you’re away from work, avoid checking emails and voicemails, if possible.
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BUSINESS&CAREER Christmas Bonus: 7 Smart Ways to Make It Count By Dave Ramsey
If your company gives you more than a spiral-cut ham for Christmas, count your blessings. A Christmas bonus can lead to big fun, but that doesn’t mean you have to splurge on a 60-inch TV or an in-ground swimming pool. Instead of adding another household gadget to your stash or starting an unnecessary home improvement project, why not use that bonus money to do something that will really help your family—and maybe even help others. If you’re wondering what smart things you can do with your extra cash, look no further. Here are the best ways to spend or save a Christmas bonus. Best Ways to Spend Your Christmas Bonus
1. Knock out debts.
Okay, we know this isn’t the most glamorous way to spend your Christmas bonus, but it’s one of the smartest. If you have outstanding debt, use your extra holiday income to get rid of it faster. If you’ve already paid off all your consumer debt, don’t let that mortgage payment slip your mind. Throwing extra toward your house payments means you could own your home faster. After all, there’s no place like a (paid-for) home for the holidays! Sure, paying off debt might not be your idea of a fun way to spend a Christmas bonus, but think of it this way: If you get rid of your debts faster, you’ll pay less interest and have way more money in the long run. And then you can use that money for fun stuff, like football tickets, beachside villas or a whole sack of Christmas presents for kids in need. Now, doesn’t that sound like the life?
2. Get out of town.
Most of us get way more than we want or need during the holidays, so why rush out and blow your bonus check on more unnecessary stuff? Studies show that experiences make us happier than things anyway.1 So, if you’ve been penny-pinching all year, treat yourself to a little R&R. If you’re married, surprise your sweetie with a post-holiday getaway. Got kids? Drop them off at Grandma’s and book a quiet bed and breakfast a few hours away. After all, improving your mar-
riage is always a good investment.
2. Beef up your 401(k).
Before you doze off, hear us out. Putting that bonus into your company-backed 401(k) Okay, relax—you don’t have to donate your might be the world’s easiest way to multiply entire Christmas bonus. First, find a way to your Christmas bonus money. treat yourself and your loved ones. Maybe take your family to a big meal at their favorite Need the hard numbers? Let’s take a look: If restaurant. Enjoy your fill of appetizers and you put a $2,000 bonus in your retirement acmain dishes—and don’t skip dessert! count and leave it there for 20 years, it could turn into nearly $20,000! Do that every year While everyone’s indulging their sweet tooth, and your small Christmas bonuses will turn surprise your family with the why behind this into a full nest egg for your future. And that delicious dinner on your dime—your Christ- doesn’t even include the company match! mas bonus. Then, ask them for their ideas on
3. Give it away.
3. Explore investment options.
Maybe your 401(k) is already maxed out, or maybe you’re looking for other savings accounts to boost with your Christmas bonus. Either way, you’ve got some options. If you’re still looking to build up your retirement, consider opening or contributing to a Roth IRA. We love the Roth IRA because you pay the taxes on the front end, meaning all the money in this retirement account grows tax-free. So when it’s time to cash out, all that Christmas bonus money will come back to you in droves. Chaching!
4. Jump-start your vacation.
Summer vacation is many months away, but it’s never too early to start saving. This how to give the rest of the money away. Do year, get a head start by stashing your holiday they know anyone who could use the help? check in a simple one-and-done vacation fund. In the end, your family enjoys a special evening together, and your money will go toward And because you’ve already got the cash on blessing others. What could be more reward- hand, why not just start booking the whole vaing? cation now. You can usually score some killer deals on flights, hotel rooms and rental cars Best Ways to Save Your Christmas Bonus by shopping for a summer trip while everyone else is still recovering from Christmas. 1. Boost your emergency fund. If you’re out of debt but not quite ready to start investing (or if you dipped into your rainy-day So if you get a Christmas bonus this year, try savings to replace your busted car), now is a one of the seven ideas mentioned in this article. And the best part is, you don’t have to pick great time to restock your emergency fund. just one option from this list. You can mix and Then, if your water heater dies in a few weeks match smart spending and smart saving to fit or an icicle shatters your windshield, you your family’s financial situation. For example, don’t have to worry about how you’re going if your bonus is $2,000, maybe you pick one to pay for it. The unexpected always happens way to spend $1,000 and another way to save eventually, so fluff up your financial cushion $1,000. Either way, your Christmas bonus is now and let your year-end blessing bring you going to good use. the blessing of peace of mind.
Have you heard of the DoD SkillBridge program? It allows transitioning Active Duty, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists the ability to take part in an unpaid internship or apprenticeship for up to 180 days, with a company of their choosing, and with the high likelihood of being hired on at the end. It doesn’t cost a company anything to file, become approved, or facilitate their program. Dave Schantz, DoD SkillBridge Champion, leads the General Dynamics Information Technology SkillBridge program. He is also the facilitator of the LinkedIn group, DoD SkillBridge Community of Practice. He will be providing a one-hour webinar on how your company can apply for career opportunities for exiting military members.
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM This will be a Zoom event. Link information will be sent after registering.
Free; Limited attendance of 25 For more information: https://skillbridge.osd.mil/ or contact: Helen Usera, Abilene Industrial Foundation
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How to Prevent Shoplifting: A Guide for Small Business By Kristin Colella, Contributor | U.S. Chamber of Commerce
When shoplifters steal your products, it can end up costing you big. According to a survey from the National Retail Federation, retailers reported an average loss of $461.86 per shoplifting incident in 2020. Thankfully, there are practical solutions that can help prevent shoplifters from targeting your business. Here are six of our top tips.
Acknowledge customers
Greeting everyone who walks through your door isn’t just a good customer service practice — it can also help deter criminals from taking your products. “Make sure your employees acknowledge every customer so that the potential shoplifter knows you’re aware of them being there,” said DeAnna McIntosh, a retail business coach and consultant. “If nobody says hello or is aware of them, that makes the thief even more drawn to stealing because they think that you don’t know they’re there.”
Keep your store neat and organized
identified later because they’ve been on camera,” said Sheppard. “Even just one camera at the front door is all it takes.” If you can’t afford to purchase security cameras, you could still consider hanging a sign telling customers that security cameras are monitoring. “Frankly you don’t actually have to have the cameras,” said Sheppard. When the criminal sees the sign, it can still be a deterrence because they’ll assume there are cameras watching.” Placing mirrors around your shop can also help your employees keep an eye on customers. “Identify where there are ‘blind spots’ in your store, or areas where it can be hard to see what a customer is doing, and place mirrors there,” said McIntosh. “This is a cheap solution that can really help.”
Create loyal employees
Fostering a strong company culture where employees feel invested in your business can help prevent shoplifting. After all, at times when you are not present on the sales floor or are preoccupied, you’ll want your employees to keep a watchful eye on your store and take note of any fraudulent activity. “When employees care about the business, they will take it personally if somebody shoplifts,” said McIntosh. “If not, they might have an attitude that ‘it’s not my problem.’”
You can make your store less desirable to shoplifters by keeping it tidy and organized. “When a shoplifter goes to a location, they’re going to look at what the condition of the store is like and whether somebody will immediately know if something is missing,” said Tony Sheppard, director of loss prevention solutions for ThinkLP. “If they enter the store and everything is where it’s supposed to be, they’ll know that if they remove something, someone Get to know your neighbors is going to notice.” If there are other businesses located near your store, get to know the owners and be sure to Limit access to hot items share information with each other. “This way To help protect the pricier or more in-demand if one store gets hit with shoplifting, they can items in your store, consider keeping them in inform the other businesses so that everybody a locked display or holding them behind the can be on alert,” said McIntosh. counter. You could also limit the number of hot items that you display on your sales floor. You can also consider sharing the cost of a “This way, if someone steals from your store, security guard with other small businesses you’re going to lose less inventory,” said nearby. “Let’s say you’re a small business Sheppard. “Keep extra stock in the back if you and you’re in a plaza with ten other small have the room.” businesses. You may not have enough money for a guard on your own, but if all ten of you Use cameras and mirrors get together, you might be able to hire a guard Placing one or more cameras in your store can for the parking lot or a guard who goes store help scare off potential shoplifters. “They’ll to store,” said Sheppard. know that if they do something, they could be
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | BUSINESS & CAREER | 37
First Financial Promotes Five By Abilene Reporter-News
First Financial Bank recently announced the promotions of five employees: David Bailey to executive vice president, commercial banking; Marshall Morris to executive vice president, senior lender; Evan Harris to executive vice president, real estate lending; Collin Heidenheimer to assistant vice president and commercial loan officer; and Tori Waters to assistant vice president, commercial lending.
How to Stop Employees From Quitting (No, It’s Not Free Snacks) By Adam Hardy | MONEY
Companies flummoxed at what would keep their workers from quitting in droves should try asking them. Even though they might not like what they hear. David Bailey, who has been with First Financial for 18 years, is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and a member of the McMurry University board of trustees.
Marshall Morris, who has been with First Financial for 18 years, is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, and recently served as chairman of the board for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.
Evan Harris, who joined First Financial in 2006, is a graduate of Texas Tech University, and received a 20 Under 40 award in 2010.
Collin Heidenheimer, who started working in the banking industry while in college, received an undergraduate degree in finance from Texas Tech University in 2017, and a master’s degree in accounting in 2019. Tori Waters, who joined First Financial as a credit analyst in May, is a 2018 graduate of Hardin-Simmons University.
The report comes as resignations spike even higher. According to the latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4.4 million workers voluntarily quit in September, 4.3 million quit in August, and 4 million quit in July.
A four-day workweek (without cutting pay) could be an effective measure to curb burnout rates, and research shows that it doesn’t have to dent productivity. In some cases, a four-day workweek can even increase productivity. JefIn a recent study on “The Great Resignation,” or feries points to the success Iceland had with a America’s lingering labor shortage, the invest- What’s fueling the surge in burned-out employ- four-day workweek: “Results showed that in ment bank and financial research firm Jefferies ees? According to Jefferies, many of the people the majority of workplaces, the productivity asked workers who have quit within the of employees remained the same or impast 18 months what their employers proved.” Iceland’s success sparked similar could have done to get them to stay. programs in Ireland and Scotland. The firm found that a combination of two things would have placated the vast And the benefits of a four-day workweek majority of them: more money and a aren’t contained only to Europe. Buffer, a shorter workweek. fully-remote, U.S.-based tech startup, implemented a four-day workweek trial periJefferies’s research shows that workers od in May 2020 to help its workforce deal are ravaged by burnout, and they want with the stressors of the pandemic. (Buffer employers that offer better working is also an early adopter of salary transparconditions, more respect and a sense of ency. Since 2013, the company has been purpose. If they don’t get that, they’re willing walking away from their desks these days could openly posting the salaries of its entire staff to to walk — sometimes, several times until these be “downsizing survivors,” aka the workers promote pay equity.) demands are met. Of workers who recently quit, who were left after the mass wave of layoffs and 42.8% say a raise alone would have convinced furloughs on the early days of the pandemic. “What’s interesting is we actually found that them to stay, and 31.6% say a four-day workpeople were getting the same amount done, week would have hit the spot. (7.9% of respon- “We view the involuntary turnover [read: lay- which is awesome,” says Hailley Griffis, Bufdents say that nothing could have kept them offs] from 2020 as a contributor to the over- fer’s head of public relations. After seeing refrom quitting.) whelmingly high burnout rate,” Jefferies says. sults from the trial period, the company eventually “rolled it out indefinitely.”
38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
8 Ways to Attract New Customers By iHeart Ad Builder
Every small business wants to increase new customers and grow their business, and we want to help! Highlighted below are some simple ways to attract new customers to your business:
or service. Special offers like unique coupons or promo codes make it easy to track these new customers to target them and encourage them to buy again.
1. Social Media - Using social media plat- 5. Reconnect with Old customers - Go forms is a great way to connect with your target audience to help build your brand and attract new customers. It’s also a helpful tool to gain insight into what your customers are saying about your business and keep up with trends that might appeal to them. You want to make sure you’re posting consistently on all social media channels, providing ways for your target audience to engage with you, and creating content that’s visually appealing to the audience you’re trying to reach.
through your customer list and reconnect with customers after 6-12 months of no interaction or purchase. Reach out to them via email, direct mail, or phone with a promotion or discount to remind them of your business and what you have to offer. Not only is it a good reminder, but it also shows them you care about your customers.
6. Advertise your Business - Continue to ad-
vertise your business through various mediums. A powerful way to reach your audience is through radio — 92% of Americans listen to the radio 2. Network & Partner Up - Generate word every week! It’s an excellent way to reach your of mouth by networking and partnering with target audience. businesses. Start by asking yourself how you can help other business owners rather than how they 7. Improve your Website - It’s always a can help you, and try to seek out companies with good idea to regularly update your website. When similar target audiences but aren’t your direct customers go to your website, you want to give competition. Aim to cultivate a relationship with them the best experience. Make it easy for them them to exchange ideas and share your expertise to find what they are looking for, be transparent to help each other learn and grow. about your prices, services, and products, and allow them to see what others are saying about your 3. Leverage Existing Customers business. Don’t forget to update your website to A great way to earn the trust of new customers be in sync with any holidays or special events ocand build your business’s credibility is by lever- curring in your community, too. aging current customers. Help positive reviews stand out by sharing them on social media and 8. Offer Memorable Customer Service making them easy to find on your website. Ask - Go above and beyond with your customer serexisting customers to leave reviews and con- vice. If you make it easy for your customers to sider providing incentives such as a discount find answers to their questions and go the extra to encourage them to share their thoughts on mile to solve their problems, they’ll remember your product or service. Another tip is to create that. This will also make your customers more a referral system where they can invite or tell a likely to refer you to other people. friend about your business with a special offer to both parties. There are many ways to attract new customers, but combining any of these techniques will cer4. Offer Discounts to New Customers - Of- tainly help. Just remember to measure whether fering a discount to first-time buyers effectively or not your efforts are delivering the best results motivates curious customers because it provides so you can use the strategies that best suit your them with a low-risk way to try your product business
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Life of Pie in Abilene Makes ‘Texas Monthly’ List of Bakeries for Classic Holiday Dessert
Pick us up at First Financial Bank | BUSINESS & CAREER | 39
By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News
Leslie Bivens used to eat a slice of pie once a Even Leslie crafts new pie flavors, such as The Holiday introduced last year for those who year – pumpkin on Thanksgiving Day. can’t pick just one flavor of the season. It offers “But now I’ve eaten a slice every day for the layers of pumpkin pie, pecan pie and whipped cheesecake, topped with caramel sauce. last four years,” she said.
“It’s just a good breakfast pie. It’s a good afternoon pie, and, when you get up at 2 a.m. with the dogs, to get my sweet treat. It’s just a great pie,” Bivens said.
Each week, several pies are available by the slice That’s what happens when your husband wins After The Baron, Leslie’s next favorite is the for $4.95, including a couple of sugar-free and a pie contest and turns his love of the dessert Sopapilla Pie. Billowing layers of flaky crust Keto-friendly choices. They also offer a pie flight with miniature slices of three vainto the family business, Life rieties for $6.95 for dine-in. Some of Pie. Bivens and her husband, whole pies are available for take Cory, opened the bakery with out, and others can be ordered bistro seating in March 2018 at with 24 hours notice. The cost for 3386 Rebecca Lane in a strip a 9-inch pie is $24, $2 more for the shopping center. special dietary varieties that include vegan and gluten-free. The bakery now employs 10, including the couple. During The bakery rotates other desserts the summer they added an through the weekly menu, such as 1,800-square-foot prep kitchparfaits, macarons (small French en next door as their business sandwich cookies) and pie cupramps up wholesale service and cakes. Savory items such as quichcommunity fundraisers. es and pot pies can be enjoyed in the dining area or for take out. Business is brisk between Thanksgiving and Christmas, What makes pie so special? As the Bivens said. name of the bakery implies, the appeal often is about more than “We’re gearing up from anythe ingredients and tradition, Bivwhere from about 800 to 1,000 ens said. (pies) for the holiday season,” she said. Cory Bivens and his wife, Leslie, opened Life of Pie in Abilene in 2018. He is holding “It’s emotional. It’s happiness. It’s pecan pie, one of the bakery’s popular traditional pies for the holidays. Photo by joy. It’s comfort,” Bivens said. But it may get even busier with aLaura Gutschke/Reporter-News “Unfortunately, but fortunately, this week’s recognition by we make a lot of pies for people in “Texas Monthly” as one of 10 hospice, or we’ll have people come bakeries in the state for holiday in and say a relative really enjoyed this pie. pies. Author Diana Spechler noted Cory And, they’ll come in and grab a slice as a credits his grandmother for his pie hobby group together and just reminisce.” turned business. His cinnamon-roll-crust pecan pie is named in her honor: the GeorAnd, pie is not just a staple of Thanksgiving gia Bell. and Christmas, Bivens said. The dessert also is popular for Mother’s Day, Fourth of July “We have a lot of our pie that leaves Reand even Valentine’s Day. becca Lane and goes to Dallas, goes to Midland, goes to Austin. We’ve had it go as far as Japan, so that’s pretty exciting,” Bivens said. Life of Pie offers a pie flight, smaller slices of three variet-
The Bivens have about 100 pies in their bak- ies, for dine-in. Photo by Laura Gutschke/Reporter-News ing repertoire, including the classics such as apple, buttermilk and coconut cream that are are filled with cream cheese and sugar, then called Mom’s Favorite. Other flavors push the topped with melted butter, cinnamon and sugpie canon, such as The Baron, Cory’s original ar, a nod to the Mexican fried pastry usually honey habanero custard pie that won the grand served with honey. prize at the 2017 Pie Fest in Cisco.
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.
Risha Sanders, Agent 3228 North 10th St Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-673-4229 www.rishasanders.net
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State Farm Bloomington, IL