December 2022

3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2

Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

PUBLISHER

David A. Hernandez

EDITOR

David Hernandez / Debbie Heep editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com

ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Amy Hernández Helen Holguin info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 673-4521 Office

ADVERTISING SALES

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

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT

Debbie Heep Sheila Baccus info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

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

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

What better way to spend the holidays with those that are close to you! Making memories that will last a lifetime.

On the other hand, Christmas is a tough time for those with “issues”: hurts from the past, wounds that haven’t healed, bitterness, and regret. So often, many deal with the side effects of depression, suicidal thoughts, anger, and unforgive ness.

Our encouragment to you is to make the simple choice to ‘release’ those that have caused your harm and sadness. Allow the Holy Spirit of God to do a work in your inner man. Taking a step of faith, standing on His word, and embracing his everlasting promises. You will never go wrong with that!

The emptiness and sorrow you feel, will be filled with joy everlasting! Ask Him to bless your socks off this year, and release those, forgiving them. It’s actually a ‘simple’ choice, and with God ALL things are possible to them that believe!

We pray a special blessing over you and the lives of your families. That God would be glorified in all that we do and say. That Christ would be seen in each and everyone of us as we encounter others this season. Illuminating those around us by the light that is beaming bright within each and every one of us that allow Him to.

Invite Christ into your heart; make room for Him. For He alone is worthy to receive ALL honor and glory and power forever and ever, Amen!

Here’s wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Prosperous 2023!

David & Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife

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Be a Santa to a Senior Program Returns to the Big Country

By Shelly Womack | BigCountryHomePage

Home Instead is asking for the community to give some Christmas cheer to older adults, who may otherwise miss out on receiving a gift of joy this season.

For the past eight years, the Be a Santa to a Senior program encourages the commu nity to give older citizens in Abilene a gift. Shoppers can find a list of these seniors on ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ trees at vari ous locations around the area. Those who would like to participate may stop by a tree, select an ornament with the name of a senior and the gift they have asked for, purchase the gift and return it wrapped or unwrapped to 441 Lone Star Drive.

Trees can be found at the following locations in Abilene:

Abilene Indoor Gun Range: 1309 Ben Richey Drive

Barnes & Williams Drug Center: 701 Hickory Street

Barnes & Williams Drug Center: 4601 S. 14th Street

Tea2Go, 3562 Catclaw Drive

Winery at Willow Creek: 4353 Treadaway Blvd

TDCJ / John Middleton Unit: 13055 FM 3522

Cinemark Abilene & XD Theater: 672 E. Overland Trail

Grain Theory: 202 Pine Street #201

Ornaments will be available until December 12. There will also be a wrapping party on December 13 at 441 Lone Star Drive. Last year, this program allowed more than 730 seniors to receive gifts, and Home Instead’s goal is to col lect 1000 gifts for 1000 older adults. Acacia Abshire, owner of the Abilene Home Instead office, shared how this non-profit program helps seniors.

“This program is so much more than gift-giving – it’s about the special mo ments and joy shared between the old er adults and the community around them,” said Abshire. “There is nothing better than seeing the smile on an older adult’s face when they open their gift.”

Since this program started nationwide in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has had more than 65,000 volunteers, provided around 2.2 million gifts and brightened the season for more than 750,000 seniors. For more information, visit BeaSanta toaSenior.com or call (325) 305-0032. To learn more about helping seniors in Abilene, visit imreadytocare.com.

Hashi Teppan South Side: 3388 Rebecca Lane

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

The American Dream is Alive and Well for Maria Torres.

By Molly Hill | Abilene Reporter News - HispanicLife Magazine

Torres arrived to the United States from the Mexican state of Du rango, via El Paso, as a 16-year-old, Torres worked “whatever jobs (she) could get” while never losing sight of her dream of one day being her own boss.

“I came to America in 1990 and didn’t speak a word of English and I did a little bit of everything, like house cleaning and babysitting – whatever I could do to earn some money,” she said.

The oldest of seven chil dren, Torres left school as a teenager to take a job cleaning houses. “It was only my mom and my siblings in Mexico so I thought it would be better for us if I worked instead of going to school,” she said.

Torres said her first “of ficial job” was at a cloth ing store in Durango when she was 14. The people for whom she worked eventually brought her to El Paso. She moved to Abilene in the early 1990’s.

Her resourceful, creative and energetic spir it continued to serve her well when she ar rived here. She realized her longtime dream of working for herself when her she opened her own business.

Torres said she chose to specialize in shapewear, such as girdles and other foun dation garments, because she wanted to “bring something different to the women of Abilene. We want to build the confidence of women living in Abilene and the sur rounding communities. Remember, behind every woman there is a story that made her a warrior.”

All of the hot and cold therapy gar ments are made in Colombia by Forma Tu Cuerpo, a company that “provides work for head-of-household mothers and women whose work helps to develop and grow the (work) industry of their coun try and to the betterment of quality of life they provide to their families.”

It is that creative and independent-minded spirit that helped her transform a rundown shell into a quaint and welcoming space. To

say that hard work runs in the family would not be an exaggeration at all.

“Three years ago when we original ly bought the location, it was in bad condition,” she said, adding that she and her children did all the work themselves, with the exception of the electrical upgrades.

“It has been very rewarding and a blessing to get the renovations done without a lot of outside help,” said Torres. “What a blessing it was to have my children help and especially having my older son doing a lot of the work on the plumbing. Now when

"I had a choice — I would either be some one’s employee or my own boss — and that was what I had to do if I wanted to work for myself.

“The harder it is, the harder you push,” Tor res said, adding that she instills in her chil dren the importance of education because “it will make things a lot easier.”

“Even though I didn’t go to college or even finish school past 16 years, my children un derstand the value and importance of a good education,” she said.

Torres is also a certified food manager and owns a catering business, La Cocina de Ma ria, and said her skills have connected her to various events such as weddings, quinceaneras and private parties.

“Cooking is my passion as well,” she said, adding that she enjoys working alongside her family and close friends.

In addition to her varied and busy worklife, Tor res also hopes she can be an example to other His panic entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs.

folks arrive, they are impressed with the great customer service and selection avail able.”

Although exhausting at times, Torres said working for herself is what drives her through even the most exhausting days.

“It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, pa tience and determina tion,” she said. “Even big buildings came up brick by brick. No mat ter what anyone tells you, it can be done – Si se puede! Don’t give up on your dreams; shoot for the stars! Con Dios todo se puede. With God all things are possible.”

► Columbian Shapewear & Girdles by Maris is open 10 a.m.-noon and 2-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Consignments are welcome. Call 325-7259056 for information.

‘They’re My Most Special Blessing’: Retired Ovalo Teacher Writes Books

Inspired by her Grandchildren

By Ashly Ibarra | BigCountryHomePage

When you walk into Sue Gill Harris house, you are instantly greeted with the smell of cookies and countless pictures of her grandchildren. As a retired Jim Ned ISD teacher of 42 years, she always had a love for reading to her grand kids and students.

“I am deeply in love with all my grandchildren, they’re my most special blessing,” Harris ex pressed.

It even inspired her to write books, inspired by her person al relationship with her grand kids. Harris face-timed her youngest grandchild Hayley, a 13-year-old in the eight grade. Hayley said it is cool, yet odd, to see a book version of herself but loves how witty her charac ter is.

“I think Xander asks me in the book why the cookies are in star shape, and I say because they taste good,” shared Hay ley.

Hayley, along with Harris’ three other grand kids, are fea tured in her new book ‘Nana’s Thanksgiving Stars?’ This is a sequel to her first book ‘Nana’s Christmas Snowflakes.’

Sue shared that she plans to write a book for every religious holiday to remind people that the holidays are to share the love of God by spending it with family. She added that Hayley loves to draw and in the future plans to illustrate one of her books.

Although her oldest grandchild is now 30 and her youngest 13, Harris said she loves that she can make her grand kids be any age in her books and bring her grand kids home for the holidays through her storytelling.

Meet The Family Behind The Music Company

By John Oliva | Corpus Christi Caller Times

Freddie Martinez Jr.’s earliest memory of his musical family was around when he was 5 years old.

His mother, JoAnn Martinez, was a hairstylist who set up her beauty shop in a small efficien cy apartment attached to a garage behind their house.

During the day, it was full of women being pampered. At night, it became his father’s rehearsal space for his band.

One night, his father brought him into the shop and sat him on his mother’s beauty chair. He remembered watching in awe as his father practiced.

“The room wasn’t big, so eight guys blast ing music in there sounded like an arena,” Freddie Martinez Jr. said. “I didn’t know anybody else’s dad who sang profession ally in a band. I knew my family was unique.”

The Martinez family came into the Corpus Christi music scene with Freddie Records in 1969.

The studio, located on the corner of Sta ples Street and Wooldridge Road, has been home to more than 100 Tejano mu sical artists.

While the journey has been long, Freddie Martinez Sr. said it has been worth it. “I come from a musical family,” the patri arch of Freddie Records said. “We’ve been here for 53 years and I don’t see us going anywhere anytime soon.”

Creating Freddie Records

When Freddie Martinez Sr. was 15 years old, he formed his first band, The Freddie Mar tinez Orchestra, and became a professional musician.

“I went through the ropes and struggled in the beginning like all musicians do,” Freddie Martinez Sr. said. “I would play for almost nothing at times. I used to play in a bar where I’d make $1.25 an hour for 12 hours on the weekend.”

After recording with about 15 record compa nies for a little over a decade, he realized noth ing was happening for him.

So in 1969, he decided to take a chance and create his own label. With a $400 investment, Freddie Martinez Sr. and JoAnn Martinez cre

ated Freddie Records in November that year. The business initially started in their garage on Brentwood Drive before they bought a studio in downtown Corpus Christi near Heritage Park.

In 1978, Freddie Martinez Sr. moved the offic es into a building behind the Gulfway Shop

“That’s where the musical bloodline comes from,” Freddie Martinez Sr. said. “Music is an essential part of my family’s lives. Music is the escape from the worries of the day.”

Continuing in the footsteps of their father, Freddie, John and Marc Martinez all work in the family business. Freddie Martinez Jr.

Melody Martinez said she creates social me dia content and does graphic design projects for Freddie Records. Monique Martinez is the receptionist and handles data entry, but on the side she is a local singer who goes by Moniq.

“Music runs through my blood and I’ve al ways had this deep passion for music and per forming,” Monique Martinez said. “The aspect of music running in my family just came naturally to me.”

“We’re going to continue to thrive and honor our family, tradition and roots,” Melody Martinez said of carrying on the family’s legacy, “but eventually take it in a modern direction to stay current. It’s all about growing and changing if you want to stay relevant.”

Eyes on the horizon

Throughout the five decades of creating music, Freddie Records has secured count less accolades from the Tejano Music Awards, Latin Grammys and Grammys.

Musicians within the company have per formed across the nation with Freddie Martinez Sr. taking the stage at the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles, the Holly wood Palladium and two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in the 1970s.

With several goals achieved, the Martinez clan said they’re just getting started.

ping Center on South Padre Island Drive and kept the studio downtown. It wasn’t until 24 years later he combined the two at its current location.

Since its inception, Tejano artists including Ramon Ayala, Little Joe, Oscar Martinez and Selena y Los Dinos have recorded music with Freddie Records.

‘I can’t see myself doing anything else in life’ Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Freddie Martinez Sr. said his roots are buried deep in the Sparkling City by the Sea due to his mu sical family.

His uncles were the Galvan brothers and his grandfather, Rafael Galvan, created the Gal van Ballroom in 1950.

focuses on artists, John Martinez is the com pany’s project manager and Marc Martinez handles public relations and promoting acts.

“I can’t see myself doing anything else in life,” Marc Martinez said. “It’s very rare that you hear an independently family-owned record label that’s been around for over 50 years.”

His brother, Freddie Martinez Jr., said Freddie Records has always been a family-oriented business.

“We treat it serious because this is our liveli hood, but at the end of the day we are family,” Freddie Martinez Jr. said. “Now my daughters (Melody and Monique) have joined the busi ness and want to continue this legacy.”

“You’re going to have some great highs and some heavy lows, but if you love what you’re doing, you stick through it,” Fred die Martinez Jr. said. “I want to see the company continue to move forward and progress — not just stay strictly confined to Tejano music. In order for us to grow, we have to be open to new styles of music. We have to be open to new ideas.”

His father said even though he’s not in full control of his company, he has faith his chil dren and grandchildren know what they’re doing.

“Everything comes to an end,” Freddie Mar tinez Sr. said. “I don’t see Freddie Records going anywhere soon, though. I’m ready for our next chapter.”

John Oliva covers entertainment and commu nity news in South Texas. Contact him at john. oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva

From 10 Years Old, Freshman From Africa Advocates For Women’s Empowerment

By Marley Malenfant | KTXS News

Many traits make Karissa Idoko different from the typical ACU student. In addition to being younger than most college freshmen and an international student, Karissa also has her own non-profit organization.

Karissa is a freshman interior design major from a city in West Africa called Lagos, Nigeria. She is active in the honor’s college and just turned 17 on Oct. 21.

Karissa’s mom, Uchenna Idoko, has a non-profit called Center for Gender Economics (CGE Afri ca) working to create innovative solutions for achieving econom ic equality, advancing work and creating economic security for women. On Karissa’s 10th birth day, her mom provided the re sources she needed to make a dif ference in her world by helping her create her website and aiding her in her opening event. And by her own choice, Karissa earnestly started Karissa’s Girls in Africa for Progress (K-Gap). The goal is to provide educational and social development opportunities for girls to achieve their aspirations, allowing them to positively con trol their future.

“I really like helping people, and I’ve always been someone who puts my friends’ comfort above my own, so this role in K-Gap was perfect for me. I accepted [the opportunity and resources] immediately,” Karissa said. “We hold quarterly workshops for girls who have not had the best in life or they are trying to find themselves and make the best ver sion.”

When Karissa started K-Gap, she would in vite classmates to workshops, but seeing the impact when girls would ask questions or tell her they are going to take tips from her presen tation into their daily lives, she began inviting more people. Every time she saw someone in need of help, she offered an invitation.

Karissa describes workshops as interactive.

She gives a short presentation on topics such as puberty, social awareness, peer pressure, how to deal with relationships and more. Next, the invited speaker presents. There is a Q&A after, and finally, the girls do a trust-building exercise based on the topic or the invited speaker’s choice.

brightens your day by saying so many off-thecuff things, so I know she never fails to make someone laugh.”

Karissa’s family in Africa has access to reli able resources and availability of fair treat ment. Due to this, she was able to witness unfair treatment of young indi viduals, especially young wom en, from a different point of view. Karissa finds these experiences life-changing, and she shows grat itude daily for her circumstances.

“A lot of girls my age or even younger than me are getting mar ried, being sold off and even in this modern day and age, you wouldn’t think this would be happening but it still happens,” Karissa said. “Growing up around women that have broken the cycle of gener ation to generation and became lawyers, nurses, advocates and people that are changing the world and changing the system is really inspiring.”

While at university, Karissa has managed her non-profit virtually through Zoom and online meet ings. She gives high praise to her Board of Directors, as well as her mom for being so understanding and helpful in these new adjust ments. Karissa runs a LinkedIn account as well as a website that contains more information about the non-profit. On campus, Karis sa has inspired ACU staff through her leadership skills. Associate Dean of Students and Leadership Development, David Moses, has already been amazed by Karissa.

One of Karissa’s closest friends is Hannah Park, a freshman marketing major from Chi cago, Illinois. She said she recognizes the im pact of Karissa’s words.

“Everyone is undoubtedly inspired by the fact that she is only 17 and already accom plishing so much,” Hannah said. “She just

“In my conversations with Karis sa, I’ve discovered a young wom an who is courageous and innovative,” Mo ses said. “I’m excited to watch her become a leader on our campus who puts others first and who embodies kindness, fairness, and humil ity.”

Karissa Idoko began advocating for women’s empowerment at the age of 10 (Pho to by Brylie Leach).

K-Gap has partnered with other non-profits over time. In 2020, the organization partnered with GirlUp Campaign. This campaign origi nates from the United States and works along side the United Nations Foundation. Karissa spoke with many impactful people during this time. In addition, Karissa has written and pub lished a book called “Don’t Enter That Pressure Pot” based on notes in a journal she accumulat ed since starting up K-Gap. The book is avail able on Amazon.

“There is a lot of pressure, especially on teenag ers,” Karissa said. “There’s your family, there’s your classmates, your teachers, your school work and then there’s your mindset and men tality. All of these things are coming at once to one person. This book is something that I experienced in elementary school and middle school. Peer pressure is something that really does affect girls.”

K-Gap is funded through international donor funding, crowdfunding and partnerships with private firms. Beyond monetary donations, Karissa wants people to gain awareness of the treatment and opportunities for women around them. Treatment of women under harsh cir cumstances happens globally, and she aims to reduce the shock of seeing women in high po sitions.

“Support the people around you that you see struggling,” Karissa said. “Everyone globally has one issue or the other. If you see a lady, an elderly woman, even your niece that’s close to you, or even if it’s a stranger, if someone is struggling or they need to learn something, just be there for them and don’t judge them. That’s one of the best ways to support K-Gap.”

Growing up, Karissa identified as a peo ple-pleaser but after personal growth, she learned her personal opinion is valuable and adds to the conversations. She does her best to encourage other young girls to realize their voice is just as valuable. Her encouragement and love has made an impact in the lives of more than 125 women and she hopes everyone will continue this pattern by being a supportive and understanding individual.

“Believe in yourself, and don’t let other peo ple’s judgmental words consume you for a long time because it will enter you and it will impact your life,” Karissa said. “Know that you are not alone in these situations, and there are millions of organizations that are willing to help other people, women and girls to be the best versions of themselves.”

Star-Studded Lineup for The 12th Annual Outlaws & Legends Music Festival Announced

By Heather Laswell | Festival Coordinator, Backporch Productions

Country music artist, owner and host of his annual Outlaws & Legends Music Festival, Mark Powell, announced 15 top-tier country music artists to join him and emcee/comedian Clinton Pickens. On March 31st and April 1st of 2023, The Back Porch of Texas will host legendary country music icon Willie Nelson and family, along with Friday’s headliner and current country music sensation, Carly Pearce. Many top Texas Country Music leg ends including: Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Stoney LaRue, Gary P. Nunn, Cody Canada & the Departed, Dale Watson & his Lonestars, Jamie Richards and Micky & the Motorcars will be featured on this high-powered bill. Additionally, the awarded 1980’s and 90’s country/rock band, Exile, will be performing this year along with up-and-comers, William Beckmann, Tanner Usrey, Kin Faux, and Landon Talley.

Additions to the Festival this year will include a new 3-level sound booth, a “Crazy Cantina” inside the festival grounds to provide alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, and multiple dif ferent food truck options backstage for VIP patrons.

Backporch Productions, a production compa ny owned by Mark and Meredith Powell since 2011, has raised more than $2.5 Million for the Ben Richey Boys Ranch and Family Pro gram since 2013. As with previous years, 20% of all ticket sales go directly to this Abilenebased nonprofit.

Tickets are currently available. This includes General Admission Tickets, VIP Tickets, 3-Day RV Passes and 4-Day RV Passes. Gen eral Admission Tickets will be increasing from $85 to $100 at 8:00pm(CST) today. Tailgate Party Packages, Music Row Packages and Resesrved 1st Row RV Passes are currently sold out. This year’s festival is expected to sell out for a 3rd straight year with 15,000 patrons per day, 46 Tailgates, and 450 RV spots.

For more Information: Visit www.out lawsandlegends.com for tickets and festival details. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Barber Volunteers His Time with the View Fire Department

By Marley Malenfant | KTXS News

Making clients look good for a living and being successful at it is good enough for most bar bers.

But after last Spring’s Mesquite Heat fires, Stevanovic says he was inspired to do more for his community—he joined the View Volunteer Fire Department.

“I was never a firefighter,” he said. “I was in the military for a little bit. But it’s a different ex perience. All the guys are volunteers there and everybody is trying to help each other. They’re helping me. So, I told them, ‘If you need some body who is not very smart and [is] strong, I’m your guy.’”

Last spring, many south west Abilene residents were affected by the Mes quite Heat fires destroy ing More than 20 homes and scorching land all over.

View Volunteer Fire De partment chief Ricky Bishop said there’s al ways a need for firefight ers and money.

“What a lot of people don’t know is once they move outside the city limits of Abilene, there is no paid fire department,” he said. “Everything is strictly volunteer. There’s a lot of people, they work full time jobs and they volunteer when they can to come respond to emergencies for everyone.” Milos’ wife, Rachel Stevanovic re calls when a customer approached Milos about helping out.

“I think we laughed. It started almost as a joke,” she said. “One of the guys came to get his hair cut and they were talking and then, ‘Hey, if

you’re interested in being a volunteer’ and Mi los is like ‘Of course. Whatever you need.’ And the next day, he shows up and is ready for him to get going.”

What first sounded like a gag, became a call of duty.

“I think when he came home, he was excited, ‘Oh, I’m going to be a volunteer firefighter!’ It was a wow moment. Just because he really does see this as home. This is where he feels his family and community is.”

In the morning when his shop opens, Steva novic is there for his clients. At night, he’s go

ing hard for the area he loves by volunteering. To this day, he said he feels a sense of guilt from not being there during the mesquite heat fires.

“100 percent. I wish I’d been there and helped them,” he said. “And hopefully we don’t get another one like that. But I am there for them. Whatever they need. I’m there.”

After last Spring’s Mesquite Heat fires, Stevanovic says he was in spired to do more for his community—he joined the View Volunteer Fire Department. (Marley Malenfant/KTXS)

Alfredo (Fred) Mendez, 86, of Clyde died Thursday, November 17, 2022, in an Abilene hospice fa cility. Fred was born November 8, 1936, in Fort Bend County to Andrew and Dominga (Bust emente) Mendez. He married Dominga Silba on November 16, 1957, at the St. Joachim Church in Clyde, Texas.

Fred worked as a crane and equipment operator for Ferrier Brothers for many years. He started his own business in 1983 doing concrete work, fencing and firewood. He is survived by his daughter Freda Cerda and son-in-law, Pedro, of Clyde; brothers, Sepy Mendez and John Men dez, both of Baird; sister, Delores Keith of Baird; three grandchildren, Kristy and Cy of Abilene, Shayne Bala dez and husband Roy of Abilene and Sarah Mathis and husband Anthony of Abilene; nine great grandchildren, Kody Bryant, Kenedy Underwood, Kaden Underwood, Vaylen Baladez, Dylan Baladez, Kollyn Baladez, Le’Ken drick Dockins, Keyana Mathis and Kamara Mathis; sis ter-in-law, Alex Mendez of Baird and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dominga Silba Mendez; twin sons, Andrew and Domin go and son, Freddy Mendez; brother, Andrew Mendez; and sister, Delfina Sanchez. Pallbearers will be: Kody Bryant, Kaden Underwood, Cy Cypher, Roy Baladez, An thony Mathis, LeKendrick Dockins, Hector Aguirre and Andrew Mendez.

Maria De La Luz Bersosa Hernandez, 89, of Abilene passed away peacefully on November 12, 2022 in Abilene. Maria was born on March 23, 1933 in Balmorhea, Texas to the late Elauterio and Matiana(Her nandez) Bersosa. At a young age her family relocated to Odessa where they traveled in a covered wagon. She met Se bastian Molina Hernandez at a dance in Colorado City and the two were married on April 23, 1951. They initially lived in Colorado City before settling in Abilene in the home her husband built for her.

She was a beloved homemaker and took care of her family. From a young age she was always feeding people. Her home was open not only to her children but their friends from the neighborhood as well. She was a woman of routine from praying her Rosary daily to watching her special shows on television. She loved her family deeply and was a true matriarch. Even though she had a large family she still had kisses left for her beloved dog, Lucy. She was a member of St. Francis

Catholic Church in Abilene for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four children, Robert Hernandez, Carolina Benavides, Simon Hernandez, and an infant baby boy; all her siblings, Moises, Selso, Elauterio, Jr., Alfredo, Benjamin Bersosa, Ofelia Fuentes, Elvira Fuentes, Aurora Larrea, and Feli ciana Hill. She is survived by her devoted children, Can delaria Salazar (Sam), Gloria Valdez, Juan B. Hernandez (Marcella), and Jose Hernandez (Marie); grandchildren, Veronica, Ruben, Derick, Jesse, Amanda, Ricky, John, Sarah, Adam, and Megan; 21 great-grandchildren; nu merous great-great grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dario M. Pardo, 79 of Stamford passed away in Abilene November 17, 2022. Dario was born De cember 19, 1942 in Stamford to the late Prudencio H. and Margarita Martinez Pardo. He married Olga Y. Lumbreras in Stamford in 1962 and they lived there since then.

He is known as Pop or Billy to many of his family and friends.

He worked for the City of Stam ford in his younger years, and was a long time employee of the Stamford Compress. Later in life he worked for the late Carl Cooper as a Welder. After he retired, he enjoyed doing things out in the yard, and enjoyed working in his shop but mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family during cook-outs. He kept his promise to his wife Olga and took care of her four-legged fur babies Molly and Lucy until the end.

He is preceded in death by his parents Prudencio and Margarita M. Pardo; brother, Jude Pardo; sisters Patricia Baez and Franscia Pardo; his wife Olga L. Pardo; son, Dario Pardo Jr.; grandsons Stephen I. Pardo and Joshua Andrus and Great Grand Daughter Mikinzy Andrus.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his 3 sisters Mary, Rosa and Minga Pardo along with his children Luther “Woody” and Dedra Pardo of Beckville, Texas, Margaret and Domingo Rodriguez, Modesta and Dennis Rodriguez, Maria and John Escamilla, Seledo nio “Sel” Pardo and Stephanie Simmons, Steven and Jennifer Pardo, Molly and Jesse Martinez, Prudencio “Parrot” Pardo, Monica Pardo and John Flores, Chris topher Pardo and Sonia Lopez, Dario J. Pardo and Alexis Holmstrom and Denise M. Pardo all of Stam ford and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

Dyess Child Development Center Increases Capacity, Builds Partnerships with Local Colleges

By Staff Sgt. Holly Cook | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

The 7th Force Support Squadron and Dyess Child Development Center have started plans to renovate classrooms to increase capacity to serve Dyess families. In addition to expanding capacity, the 7th FSS will also start a partnership with Cisco College and McMurry University to offer Child and Youth Program employees the opportunity to earn an Associates of Applied Science degree in the Child Development Pro gram mid-November 2022. Both initiatives will improve quality of life for families at Dyess while strengthening partnerships with the local Abilene community.

“The Dyess CDC is undergoing renovation of its classroom space to bring our rooms up to industry-leading standard,” said Ferdinand Pa tao, 7th FSS Force Development Flight chief. “Additionally, the 7th FSS is working to form educational partnerships with Cisco College and McMurry University. This partnership with Cisco College and McMurry University estab lishes a foundation for Child and Youth Program employees to increase job skills and add to the development of specialized vocational skills.”

The Child Development Center expansion will increase the capacity from 218 to 230. The in crease in student slots will shorten the wait time for families looking for on-base childcare.

“Childcare is limited in the local area, and often leaves parents waiting with a lengthy wait list, especially for infants,” said Patao. “This expan sion will help reduce our current wait list allow ing for more families to be accommodated while receiving high quality care from the Dyess Child Development Center immediately”

The 7th FSS is also furthering the education of

Dyess Child and Youth Program employees. The partnership with Cisco College and Mc Murry University will allow employees to get a college degree in early childhood education while allowing Dyess families to reap the bene fits of more well-rounded employees.

“Having these partnerships with both Cisco College and McMurry University offers Team Dyess Child and Youth Program employees the opportunity to complete an Associates of Ap plied Science degree in the Child Development Program,” said Patao. “Additionally, employees simultaneously earn freshman and sophomore credit hours to continue with McMurry Univer sity and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Employees who enter this program will have financial support and funding from the Air Force with minimal cost to the employee.”

These 7th FSS initiatives are a part of sever al advanced ideas to improve processes and programs at Dyess while carrying out the 7th Bomb Wing’s priority of innovation and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Spouse’s Five and Thrive initiative.

“I’m proud of the work the 7th FSS has done to increase the child capacity at the CDC and further the education of our on-base child care workers,” said Col. Joseph Kramer, 7th BW commander. “The force support team has brought focus into the readiness and needs of our military families. Their innovative program change will not only alleviate some stress of finding childcare for our Dyess families but will also build a lasting partnership with our Abilene community that will continue to grow for years to come.”

EDUCATION

ACU Receives $29 Million Gift For Finance Program

By Abilene Christian University

The late Dr. Bill and Janie Dukes have given, through their estate, more than $29 million to Abilene Christian University – the largest single academic gift in ACU’s history.

Their generosity will estab lish the Dr. William P. and Janie B. Dukes Excellence in Finance Endowment, sup porting prestigious finance student scholarships, prepar ing students to attend highly preferred graduate programs, and establishing several en dowed faculty positions in finance. In recognition of this historic gift, the university will launch the Dukes School of Finance in the College of Business Administration in 2023.

“This overwhelmingly gener ous gift presents a permanent base of funding that allows us to resource and dream at a completely new level about the coursework, experiences and outcomes we can offer to our finance students,” said Dr. Brad Crisp, dean of the College of Business Admin istration.

The late Dr. William “Bill” Dukes (1920-2015) was known as a godly family man, military hero, business leader and academician. His friendship with two former deans of ACU’s College of Business Administration led to this monumental gift for ACU’s business program. Drs. Bill Petty and Jack Griggs were colleagues and longtime friends of Dukes.

“Bill Dukes was a man of great dignity, honor and respect, and he had all the traits you would want in a friend. He was the kind of man you wanted to honor,” Griggs said. “He was con stantly searching for excellence in everything that he did. He wanted to be the best. And that’s what he wanted for the finance department with this gift. He wanted it to be the best in its class –now and in the future.”

A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dukes was

married to Janie for 73 years, and they had two daughters, Lynn and Sherry. The couple was preceded in death by their two daughters, and Janie died in June 2022.

he taught for 45 years. During that time he met and formed a close friendship with Petty and Griggs and learned more about Abilene Chris tian, its College of Business and the university’s mission, which aligned closely with his own val ues.

“The thoughtful philan thropy of Bill and Janie Dukes will bless stu dents and faculty in ACU’s finance program for years to come,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “Their gift is also a recognition of the historic strength of ACU’s College of Busi ness Administration and its faculty, students and graduates.”

Dukes enlist ed in the Navy and, upon grad uating No. 1 in his class, he chose to enter the Marines as a second lieutenant, re ceiving combat decorations in 1943 and 1944. His military career took him to numerous assignments around the world. Dukes retired from the Marines as a colonel and was later promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

After completing his doctorate and retiring from the Marine Corps, he began his academic career in the finance department in the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University, where

ACU’s finance program currently includes three tenured or tenure-track faculty, 139 students, and a Student Trading And Research (STAR) group that manages about $1.7 million in university endowment funds. In addition, the new Swin ney Financial Markets Lab, a 40-seat lab with a Bloomberg terminal, opened this fall, and a Financial Management Association chapter launched in 2019

According to the agree ment, the ultimate aim of the Dr. William P. and Janie B. Dukes Excel lence in Finance Endowment is “to glorify God by helping populate the world with Christian men and women of influence and ability who understand and live Luke 10:27 – ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Hardin-Simmons Becomes First College in Texas to Host Accredited Exercise Science Program

By Tyler Henderson | BigCountryHomePage.com

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) has be come the first and only school in the State of Texas to receive accreditation for its Exercise Science program.

Walking into the Dr. Jesse C. & Dorothy J. Fletcher Fitness Center on the HSU campus, the sounds of metal plates clanking against each other rings through the wide-open space. You may walk up the stairs, get a great view of the indoor basketball courts, soccer field and upstairs walking track. But to the right is the Human Performance Lab.

Inside, you’ll find professor in the HSU Ex ercise Science Program, Dr. Chuck Ruot, demonstrating various tests to his students, challenging their core strength, flexibility and balance.

It’s all a part of HSU’s hands-on exercise sci ence program, allowing students pursuing careers like physical therapy, chiropractics or personal training to get a real feel for the work ing world.

“One of the things we like to do in our cours es – we teach theory, but then we put them in hands-on situations where they practice the skills of doing that,” Dr. Ruot said.

However, unlike other programs across the Lone Star State, Hardin Simmons’ program is accredited. Officially announced on Septem ber 16, it is the first and only accredited exer cise science program in the state.

“We’re training them and cross-validating that they are getting the skillsets they need to be good practicing professionals,” assured Dr. Ruot.

Hardin-Simmons senior soccer player, Jessi ca Boldenow told KTAB/KRBC she’s been a lifelong athlete, and she’s now pursuing a ca reer in physical therapy.

Boldenow said she has been bit by the injury bug since she was a high schooler, leading into

I maximize my time and effort to get the best results out of it,” Boldenow explained.

This student said she’s using the hands-on experience to prepare herself for the working world, wanting to use what she learns at HSU to help others maximize their body’s potential.

her college career, where she frequented the training and said the running joke is becoming best friends with her trainers.

Now, thanks to the exercise science program, she is shifting her perspective from just recov ery to injury prevention.

“I’m now thinking through how I’m going to work out. It’s not just running on the field, it’s now how should I run on the field, how should

“Knowing and being able to teach people how to properly move their bodies so they don’t get to that injured position, that’s a really cool fac tor,” Boldenow said.

The accredited program encompasses every thing from physical therapy and occupational therapy, chiropractics and sports medicine to entry level jobs such as personal trainers.

Occupational Safety & Environmental Compliance gives YOU hands-on training to work with and protect the environment. Now offered in Abilene.

AISD Students Brave Cold To Volunteer At Mission Thanksgiving

By Abilene Independent School District

For the past 23 years, Mark Hewitt and his staff at Love & Care Street Ministries have asked the citizens of Abilene and the Big Country to be part of Mission Thanksgiving, whether it be as a volunteer helping sort items or by donating goods to the drive that helps feed and clothe those around us who are in need.

And in each of those years, the Big Country has answered the call, donating thousands of tons of food and clothing items and raising millions of dollars to help their fellow citizens. On the morning of Nov. 18 at Arrow Ford – in the 24th iteration of Mission Thanksgiving – the tradi tion continued as the start of the annual event

of volunteers for the first morning was from the HOSA group at Abilene High School. These fu ture health professionals got an early start and by 8 a.m. were busily unloading cars and trucks and separating items into trailers labeled by what goes into each trailer.

Micaela Martinez, an AHS senior who is in the marching band and on the basketball team, said volunteering her time for Mission Thanksgiving is a highlight of her year.

“I’ve done this now all four years I’ve been at Abilene High, and it’s something I look forward to each year,” she said. “I like to come out and unload trucks and cars, meet people, and lend a helping hand to our commu nity.”

Martinez, who was joined by three of her classmates, the AHS volleyball team, and Abilene Fire Department training cadets just to name a few, has been accepted to the University of Tex as- Permian Basin where she’ll begin in the fall. However, she said she plans to continue her service in some capacity while in college.

was well on its way to accepting more than 10 semi-truck trailer loads of goods and more than $200,000 in donations.

It’s become a signature event in the Big Coun try; one that started very modestly in 1999 with a little more than one trailer load of goods and $8,000 raised. Before the pandemic, Hewitt said they were averaging better than 800 volunteers per day with that number dropping precipitously in 2000. However, the volunteers have returned with between 300-500 scheduled to help at the two-day event.

Opening morning dawned clear and cold, but that didn’t stop donors, who began lining up to drop their items before the 7 a.m. start. The food that is donated will last in refrigerators and freezers for about 4-5 months, Hewitt said, while the non-perishable goods and clothing will last about 10 months, enough to get them through until next year’s event. Hewitt and his staff couldn’t do what they do without volun teers from around the community. One group

“I’d like to continue serving because I’d like to serving and helping others, so I’m looking forward to getting in volved in that when I get to Odessa,” Martinez said. “This is truly a blessing because so many people like to donate to oth ers in need. This is truly something special and something I believe everyone should take part in. This has been a lot of fun and it’s been moti vational to me because I know that one day I’ll be going through this line to drop off goods and food to help people in need.”

Hewitt’s mission depends on people just like Martinez.

“The need is great,” Hewitt said. “I believe what the Word says when it tells us the poor will al ways be with us. I just know times aren’t go ing to get any much better; they’re going to get tougher. God is sending stuff and people to help us and we’re in charge of putting it to use.

“We all think about the homeless in this kind of weather,” he said. “I think about them, too, but I also think about the people who don’t have heat in their houses. The impact to me is helping those people with blankets, clothes, coats, gloves, and toboggans to keep them warm at night.”

HSU and McMurry Agree to the Expansion of Nursing Education in Abilene

By McMurry University

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) and McMurry University (McMurry) have reached an agreement that will result in providing West Texas with more nursing school graduates. HSU will establish its own nursing program by 2025, and McMurry will retain the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing name and acquire its assets for its own nursing pro gram. Both nursing programs are dependent on ap proval by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Texas Board of Nursing.

After resolving prior misunderstandings, McMurry confirmed that HSU has fulfilled all duties owed to the School of Nursing as well as to McMurry. As a result of this agreement, both institutions released each other of all claims asserted in the Taylor Coun ty District Court litigation and submitted a joint no tice of dismissal of claims to terminate the litigation.

The need for more nurses is widely documented, and HSU and McMurry will help to fulfill that need, especially in West Texas, by providing for two nursing education programs where one exists today. “With today’s agreement, the two univer sities are able to move forward with independent programs that will increase the number of nurses in the Big Country and beyond. HSU is excited to create a new nursing program delivered on campus and integrated with the rest of the university,” said Eric Bruntmyer, President of HSU. Sandra Harper, President of McMurry, said, “The establishment of another nursing school is a win for Abilene and will impact the region positively by helping to fill vacant nursing positions. All of us at McMurry are excited to continue our commitment to enhance nursing ed ucation by ensuring that Patty Hanks graduates are prepared to meet diverse patients’ needs, and deliver safe, quality patient care.”

During the transition to independent nursing pro grams, the two institutions will continue as mem bers in the nursing consortium as they have been, except McMurry will become the coordinating institution on December 1, 2022 to allow HSU to focus on developing its own independent nursing program. The transition is expected to be complete by January 2025.

Why ACU is Not Exempt From Fleeing Employees in College Athletics

By Connor Mullins | Abilene Christan University

For 48 years, ACU had three sports information directors. After Jordan Herrod’s recent exit after a year and a half, ACU is searching for their third sports information director in just three years.

Longevity is a staple for ACU especially when hiring faculty and staff. Athletics traditionally has been no different but with ACU’s rise to Div. I, they have seen Jared Mosley from 2000-2014, Lee De Leon from 2014-2018, Allen Ward from 2018-2021 and Zack Lassiter from Dec. 2021-present in the athletic director role. Insta bility at this position and others in recent years plays into how ACU will be searching for their third SID in three years. For the college athletics industry as a whole, better delegation of tasks and healthier work-life balances need to be im plemented.

In an article written by Sportico, over the past two years, college athletic departments across Div. I have seen a 48% turnover rate. Div. II pro grams are not much better at 58% while Div. III programs have the best rate at 43.7%. For com parison, businesses have had a turnover rate of 15% and higher education at 14%. College ath letics are seeing a significant trend in the wrong direction and are struggling to maintain employ ees long-term.

From 1973-2021, ACU had three SID’s: Garner Roberts (1973-1998), Lance Fleming (19982019), Chris Macaluso (2011-2021). For 48 years, three people held the role as a Sports In formation Director.

In 2019, Cassie Kelley and Zach Carlyle were

hired as Media Relations Coordinators. Two years later, Jordan Herrod was hired as the As sistant Athletic Director for Communications. Herrod recently left ACU for a job as a Digi tal Health Project Manager at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo. Now, ACU will be hiring their third media relations staff member in three years.

Athletics is not an 8-5 job but giving employ ees nights off in order for them to come back to work healthier the next day may be a necessary change. Traveling may need to be reduced and more staff may be needed to maintain a work environment that is attractive instead of one in Div. II that has a -10% growth rate.

This issue is much larger than ACU as it has af fected and will continue to affect athletic depart ments across the country. In order for ACU to start a new trend in the right direction, athletics may need to start seriously thinking about ways to keep their employees for more than a year and a half. You cannot have a sustainable work en vironment when you’re hiring your third SID in three years and have had four athletic directors in ten years.

Something has to change around the country in athletics and at ACU. The Department of Athlet ics is still a part of ACU and as a Christian uni versity it is important to be aware of the trends in the industry so that Lassiter and others can set an example for other athletic departments around the country. But, it is up to him and others to do so and keep their employees long-term.

Freshman Village is Putting Too High a Price Tag on Attendance

By The Optimist Editorial Board

It’s no secret attending Abilene Christian University is an expensive endeavor.

While average tuition at most private universities sits around $38,050, ACU tuition tops out at a whopping $41,500 per year, not including room and board or textbooks per year. This price also does not include housing, textbooks or a meal plan.

The average room and board price is currently $11,500, and while admittedly better than the average room and board costs for a private university, it is not going to stay that way for much longer with the opening of newer – and fancier –residence halls.

Construction of the Freshman Village is limiting lower cost residence halls, effectively barring lower income students from attending the university.

Looking strictly at the prices of the residence halls, the cheapest halls on campus are both Mabee Hall and Nelson Hall. Mabee sits at $2,900 per semester, $5,800 per year and Nelson sits at $2,500 per semester, $5,000 per year.

Now, comparing these prices to the new halls you see a dra matic increase. Bullock Hall and future Wessel Hall cur rently cost $3,850 per semester, $7,700 per year. While to some a $2,000 increase may not be a big deal, for lower income students that extra $2,000 could be a deal break er. And by renovating the cheaper options, the university is effectively closing off opportunities for lower income stu dents to attend.

So what about financial aid? Wouldn’t that help students with the increased price in residence halls? The average fi nancial aid a freshman receives on campus is $20,187. Let’s do the math for a student living in Bullock Hall receiving the average financial aid for one year: Tuition and fees: $41,500 Bullock Housing: $7,700 Classic 10 Swipe Plan (Cheapest meal plan available to underclassmen): $2,225

Textbooks (Estimated Average): $1,250

Total before financial aid: $52,675

Financial Aid Average: $20,187

Total after financial aid: $32,488

For a student living in Mabee or Nelson hall, that price would be dropped down to approximately $29,000, mak ing attending the university just that much more afford able. Thinking that the $2,000 increase in student housing wouldn’t make a difference is close minded.

While the Freshman Village is being advertised as a place to build community by living in close proximity, campus is not so big that proximity in where freshmen are living will inhibit that growth. With more spaces like the renovat ed Moody Coliseum and a slowly improving campus mall area, students have plenty of access to build community.

Looking specifically at the breakdown of an entering fresh man class, it’s important to note that Wessel hall will house 400 students, similarly to Bullock.

Let’s take a look at what it may look like to find an afford able residence hall as a women entering ACU as a fresh man. Bullock and Wessel house roughly 200 women each, sometimes more depending on the split of the freshman class and Sikes, though closing for renovation during 23-24 school year, will house more. Nelson comes in at the small est residence hall only housing 178 women.

With the options split between Bullock, Wessel and soonto-be renovated Sikes Hall, the chances you will get as signed a room in Nelson Hall have now been reduced to approximately 25% meaning freshmen are likely to have to deal with unwanted or strenuous price increases for living on campus, which is required as an entering freshman.

The university should not be focusing so heavily on the community that they are discounting lower income stu dents.

ACU Students Bring Fun and Fitness To Children

By Connor Mullins | Abilene Christian University

In school, success is typically measured by grades, but during the noon hour every Wednesday, suc cess is measured in giggles, yells and the overall excitement of a group of elementary students.

From 12:10-12:40 p.m. every Wednesday, 40 home-schooled children ages 6 to 12 file into the Royce and Pam Money Recreation Center at Abilene Christian University ready to be led in a physical education les son by students in the Department of Teacher Education.

Deonna Shake, an instructor in the Department of Kinesiology, advis es the ACU students in a 30 minute lesson and has taught the Physical Activities for Elementary class for eight years. Shake has been at ACU for 33 years – 22 in the kinesiology department – and she said this class is essential to the development of the complete teacher.

“I have some great students,” Shake said. “It’s fun watching them teach and how excited they get. We al ways measure the success of the activity in the ex citement, the giggles and the yells, and we always try to end on a high note. It’s a very rewarding class to teach.”

Abigail Howard, a mother of three, believes the class is vital to the social growth of her kids. How ard brings Elyah, Adara and Silas as often as she can and has ever since the class began. She said the only thing that could be better about the class was for it to be longer.

“I just see the kids coming here and enjoying themselves,” Howard said. “For me, it just gives me a lot of satisfaction. The one thing that I wish is that it was longer, because that’s what the kids are asking for right now.”

The 18 ACU teacher education students prepare lessons each week based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills or TEKS for P.E. In ad dition to the TEKS, students must also plan a cross-curricular activity to establish patterns of information between different academic subjects. These activities offer a creative way of develop ing knowledge, understanding and practical skills through a study of incorporated topics. One of the activities was a parachute activity while teaching their students to count by two to keep them en gaged throughout the 30-minute timeframe.

Cambell Hassell, a sophomore special education major from Keller, said she has learned a lot about the importance of brain breaks and keeping her students engaged.

“Being active is super important,” Hassell said. “Also being with kids your age and people who care about their lives, love them and are in their corner, even if it’s just for a 30 minute lesson. Our biggest hope is that they know that we care for them, we want the best for them. Also moving around and having fun and creating a lifelong love for activity.”

Cynthia Huerta is a senior early education major from Breckenridge, and she said she has a new level of respect for her P.E. teachers after learning what it takes to effectively teach the importance of exercise.

“As I grew up, I thought it was something a teach er would do randomly,” Huerta said. “But after taking this class, I now see how much preparation and thinking about the activities you have to do to make sure students are having fun. Overall, hav ing students move around is important because this PE might be the only time they have a break from sitting down.”

Registration for the class is first come, first serve. Shake coordinates with the Friday School Co-Op and others in the home schooling community in Abilene for sign ups each year. Shake said she be lieves the class is important for not only exercise but the social aspect as well, ensuring future suc cess for the kids and alleviating stress for parents who have to teach numerous other subjects to their children.

“For them to interact with other kids in a setting that teaches teamwork, building, encouragement, all those things are difficult to do in your home,” Shake said. “We absolutely think our class is a great opportunity for parents to have a little break and for us to do what we have a facility to do and the equipment to provide.”

Teacher education majors directs students in a PE lesson. (Courtesy of Deonna Shake

Future of The Family:

14 Year Old Jonathan has ‘a big heart and loves rollercoasters’

By Karley Cross | KTAB-BigCountryHomePage

Future of the Family: 14-year-old Jonathan has ‘a big heart and loves roller coasters’

Jonathan is a sweet child with an infectious smile that is sure to melt your heart. He loves being active and likes to spend the day out side enjoying the sunshine.

He loves roller coasters and hopes his family will, too. Jonathan wants someone to take his hand during the ride and laugh along with him through the excitement. For him, a day spent riding roller coasters could only be topped by a dinner at Mc Donald’s.

If you’re great at making peanut butter and jelly sand

wiches, you might just be the perfect fit for Jon athan, because those are his favorite!

Jonathan also loves to play with Hot Wheels cars. His favorite color is red.

This 14-year-old also enjoys video games and just having fun in gen eral.

Jonathan has a big heart. He said he wants to be a police officer when he grows up, because he “likes to take care of people.”

Family Profile

Jonathan is excited and nervous about the idea of finding a forever family.

He may need some time to warm up to a new family, so a family that understands the impor tance of this and will be patient throughout the process is ideal.

Jonathan really wants both a mom and a dad. He does best with strong parental role models.

He thrives when he receives positive attention and reinforcement. Jonathan needs this type of attention and support to help him through his schooling and interactions with peers.

Jonathan can be sweet and affectionate. He en joys being hugged and wants a family that is openly affectionate as well.

He is open to siblings, but will do best in a home with children near his age or older than him.

About Me

“I have a big heart and I like to give hugs,” Jonathan said.

To inquire about Jonathan, please contact Bev erly Hutchins

FAITH&FAMILY

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

3 Myths Dads Need to Stop Believing

By Ryan Sanders | All Pro Dad

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remem ber anything.” Mark Twain’s words about truth are true. But is everything we think of as true actually true? There are so many lies we be lieve. I’ll give you one example. Shaving your head will make your hair grow back thicker. That’s a lie from the devil. Not true. Debunked. While this lie may not affect you as much as it has me, you no doubt realize we can believe things that simply aren’t true.

There are several lies we be lieve as dads—myths, even— that can have negative conse quences for us and our families. But if we stop believing them, I believe we will find more rest, peace, and joy. Here are 3 myths dads need to stop believing.

Myth #1: I can do it all.

The “I can do it all” dad often overworks, enables, and doesn’t delegate anything. You try to do everything. And, in doing everything, you’re frustrat ed, overwhelmed, and disgusted with others. You’ll say things like “If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself!” or “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

We go wrong thinking we can do it all because it’s impossible to keep up this pace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and exhaust ed, you’re doing something wrong. There was a time when Jesus was with His friends on a boat and a terrible storm hit them. In the middle of the chaos, Jesus slept. God not only rested

but He commanded us to rest. The truth is you can’t do it all. You were never meant to.

ing overwhelmed as a husband and dad. “I just need to do me,” he said. I knew what he meant. This dad ultimately was saying he wanted to be detached from his responsi bilities and live for himself. He ended up leaving his wife and kids. When metime becomes more about selfish disengaging than selfless refueling so you can give more, you’ve lost the point.

Myth #3: I can be perfectly balanced in all things.

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.

Myth #2: I need to put myself first.

The “I need elf first” dad is the opposite of the above and tends to confuse self-care and self ishness. From my experience, most guys who take time for hobbies often overdo it. Their evenings and weekends quickly become more filled with their hobbies than their families. As the years go by, I hear these same dads lament that they don’t feel connected to their kids. One dad told me a few months ago about feel

Being the “I can be perfect ly balanced in all things” dad shouldn’t be your goal. Trying to perfectly balance everything can get you off track pretty quickly. The problem isn’t that balance isn’t a good thing. It’s just that we try but can’t find it. Perfect balance is too elu sive. Trying to stay perfect ly balanced will make the road you’re on feel more like you’re driving on ice. It’s only a matter of time before you’re on one side of the ditch. I’ve found that being present is a better goal. With being present as your goal, you’ll be more likely to find focus.

Risha Sanders, Agent 3228 North 10th St Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-673-4229 www.rishasanders.net

State Farm Bloomington, IL 1706838

Change Your Day by What You Think & Say

By Joyce Meyer | Joyce Meyer Ministries

The longer I live, the more I realize how strong a connection exists between our thoughts and our words. I honestly be lieve that this connec tion is one of the most important things we can learn in our lives.

So many people’s problems are rooted in their way of thinking, which can actually produce a lot of the problems they experience.

How does this happen?

Well, a negative mind produces negative words and, consequently, a negative life. Our words can actually become traps that cause us to continue our cycle of negative thoughts and actions.

Yes, we’re all tempted to speak negatively, but we don’t have to give in to that temptation.

To turn our words around, we need to start thinking about what we’re thinking about, and then make some real changes.

Let me show you how...

Don’t Fall into the Trap of Negative Thinking - Because I allowed many years of negative thinking and speaking in my life, I became an extremely negative, sour person. My philosophy became, “If you don’t expect anything good to happen, then you won’t be disappointed when it doesn’t.”

Have you ever felt that way?

Because I had encountered so many disap pointments, I was afraid to believe that any thing good could happen to me. I had devel oped a terribly negative outlook on everything.

If I had continued to believe those lies about

never getting over my past, I never would’ve gotten over my past.

New Thoughts, New Possibilities

With God’s help, I am continually reminded that my past doesn’t have to control my fu ture. I don’t need God’s help in my life to give up—I need His help to keep going!

I now know how important it is for me to un derstand that my life would not have gotten straightened out until my mouth did…

And since the two are linked, my mouth wasn’t going to get straightened out until my mind did.

Changing your words and thoughts is defi nitely not an easy thing to do, but with God’s help, all things are possible.

Be Patient with Yourself - We have to choose to think and speak positively. It doesn’t come naturally, and it doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it takes a lot of practice.

There will be days when you have setbacks, but just get back up, dust yourself off, and start again.

When a baby is learning to walk, he falls many, many times before he gains the con fidence to walk. Failing from time to time— which you will do—doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It simply means you’re not perfect and don’t do everything right all of the time.

Well, neither does anyone else!

If you’ve been consumed with negative think ing and speaking, the pathway to your free dom begins when you face the problem with out making excuses for it.

Be patient with yourself. As you change your thinking, your words will change...and so will your life.

Burnt Toast

By Kristie Carpenter | The Blended Family Mom

God uses everything at His disposal to reach useven burnt toast!

I was sitting in a coaching session with a young woman who was struggling with her worth. She felt that everything she attempted, she failed at and then she belittled herself mercilessly after wards. Mistakes were not allowed. Perfection was the goal. Her past marriage had ingrained that into her. Her past husband made sure to crit icize and condemn her for every little thing that was not done his way.

She is now in a new marriage - with a hus band that thinks she is amazing and does not mind the mistakes. However, she still is living in the past -- fearful of her new husband getting tired of her forgetfulness, mistakes and malfunc tions.

I was trying to find a way for her to make a mistake on purpose and realize that life was still going to move on and that the mistake didn’t define her. So, for some reason, I told her to go home and burn some toast. The exercise was to show her that it was okay to make a mistake. It was also to teach her that there was always more bread to try again. There were also some lessons to be learned from the toast. For example, if you truly care, you can adjust the toaster settings - or you can hover over the toaster until the toast is as dark as you want. And, finally, it was just toast -- it did not have anything to do at all with defining who she was in life as a woman, wife, daughter and future mom.

As a stepmom, I was so hard on myself. I would play back every word I said to my step kids - as well as my own bio kids. I would lay in bed and tell myself that I am worthless and harsh, unlov ing with not a compassionate bone in my body.

But, with time, and much help from God, I re alized that it is all just burnt toast. I had another day to try again. I needed to not let my yesterday define my today. I worked hard to readjust the “settings” in my brain so that I learned not to ver bally burn my family.

I could also stay engaged with my family - so I could physically see what was going on and learn when to turn off my own heating element. Lastly, I realized that however the toast turned

out - however my step kids responded to me - I was still loved, valuable, intricately known by my Father in heaven - the One who created me.

If you are crying over burnt toasts - or spilled milk, I want you to hear from God today. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For it was You, God, who cre ated my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”

Luke 12:6 tells us, “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!”

Burnt toast is gonna happen. You are going to say things you regret. You are going to do things you wish you could undo. But, there is another day. Another opportunity to make adjustments. Fine-tune some settings. God knows you, cre ated you, and understands where you are today. Don’t let yesterday carry over to today. Get out another piece of bread and give it another try!

Blessings in your Blending … or burning (LOL)!

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

The Ethics of Consumption: Avoiding the Pollution of Self

By Sheridan Wood | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

Anyone who knows me knows I am an advocate for ethical consumption. I try to buy used things before resorting to buying new, I do some light investigation into companies before throwing my money at them and I try to buy from local busi nesses.

I value ethical consumption for a variety of rea sons. I believe in treating people fairly and don’t want my dollars to encourage exploitation. I want to support my local community. I don’t want to contribute to global waste. And I definitely don’t do it perfectly – thrifting a well-fitting pair of jeans is really hard.

But beyond those reasons, I think there’s merit in conscious consumption not only in being good stewards of our resources, but also to avoid the pollution of self.

Part of the human condition is the plague of need ing more and having the need to consume vicious ly. Obviously the modern global economy relies on it, but the human desire of needing more is evident throughout all of history. We see it in the conquerors who fight and die for more land and more bodies to rule. We see it in the exploitation of people for cheap labor. We see it in day to day propaganda and advertisements convincing us that we need more.

And it’s hard to be a conscious consumer, espe

cially as a college student when all that is af fordable is often the low-quality cheap stuff that doesn’t last long. Especially when trends con stantly overturn. Especially when we all have an internal drive to consume more and more and more.

But, as cliché as it is, ‘more’ is generally not fulfilling. I’m not saying whoever said “Money can’t buy happiness” is right – of course there are instances that careful purchases or even buying something that is just so ‘you’ you have to have it can be really rewarding. But contentment and resourcefulness are skills so hard to learn in a so ciety that is literally fueled by the human yearn ing for more.

There’s value in being a considerate consumer, in buying things built to last or even in giving new life to the things you already have. There’s value in focusing on buying what you need and being careful to not take more than that.

Consider not only the journey an item might have gone through on its way to having a price tag slapped on it (and possibly the journey it will go through when you’re done with it), but also consider your own self. Being considerate of the way you consume goes a long way, not only in being respectful of resources, but also in the practice of contentment and prioritizing the lasting things in life.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Ever Speak

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Most of our communication involves talking. Said differently, while our nonverbal communi cation is important, what we actually say matters a great deal. I’ve found two things true: First, I need to watch my mouth, and sec ond, If I don’t watch my mouth, there are conse quences.

I don’t think I’m alone here. Many people get this wrong. They simply don’t have a strategy for what not to say. This gets us in trouble. You can do your part to cut conflict by using these 4 questions to ask yourself before you speak.

Question 1: Is it true? What you say must be true. Sounds easy, right? But are you totally honest? There should not be any deceit in what you say, even if you could get away with it—like when at a movie the ater box office, somebody wanted to charge me for a child’s ticket when my child was actually a teen ager. I could have agreed and saved a few bucks, but if something isn’t true, we shouldn’t say it. This means we do not lie. We do not exaggerate. If we do any of these things, our words lose meaning and eventually, people stop listening.

Question 2: Is it kind? We should not be known for angry outbursts, yelling, or belittling any one. But once, when a scheduling error at work resulted in an unexpected change of plans, I took my frustration out on a coworker and I did it un kindly. While it is true that a mistake happened, I didn’t have to discuss it in an unkind way. Scrip ture is clear on this: Speak the truth in love. I’ve had to work on this over the years. Speaking the truth is easy, but speaking the truth with com passion and empathy isn’t. For a relationship to thrive, it’s vital the people around you feel tru ly connected with you. Everyone needs to know there’s a safe place with you. Sure, you’ll give the truth. But truth without love and kindness is dead.

Question 3: Are my motives right?

We must always be on guard that we aren’t using words to get our way. If you aren’t sure whether your desire is just for personal gain, stay quiet. Seek to understand whether your motivation is selfless or selfish. Sometimes, simply asking yourself what’s in it for you will help you realize why you’re saying what you’re saying—like the time Susan came home and I pointed out all the laundry I had folded. Deep down, I hadn’t done it because I wanted to serve her. I’d done it (and

said something about it) because I wanted her to give me accolades. Instead of giving me acco lades, she said “OK,” and walked away.

The wrong motivation will hurt your rela tionships because ultimately, you’re playing a manipulating game. True love seeks the other person’s best interests over your own. You can speak lovely and kindly but use your words with the wrong motives and you are not living out your calling properly. Instead, you are being hurtful and ultimately will cause division.

Question 4: Is it timely? Of all the ques tions to ask yourself before you speak, this one helps you determine the right time to say what needs to be said. You can use your words to speak truth, be kind, and be selfless. But if your words come at the wrong time, you will most likely set yourself up for more conflict. We should be on the lookout for when the time and

situation are right. I appreciate what Ken Sande says about timing: “Timing is an essential ingre dient of effective communication. If possible, do not discuss sensitive matters with someone who is tired, worried about other things, or in a bad mood. Nor should you approach someone about an important concern unless you will have enough time to discuss the matter thoroughly.”

Timing your words may be as simple as con sidering whether the other person is exhausted, distracted, or simply doesn’t have enough time to talk thoroughly about an important topic—be fore you say something. For example, with my wife, Susan, there are days when I may want to complain about how difficult my day was. That isn’t a bad thing. But if I haven’t noticed that Su san’s day didn’t go well either, my timing could be better. The person who is careful to notice his words and his timing will not only prevent un necessary conflict but ultimately will strengthen his or her relationships.

By BJ Foster | AllPro Dad

With his AK-47, Mohammed Gulab patrolled a mountain in an Afghanistan village called Sabray, in the midst of intense warfare between the U.S. mili tary and Taliban forces in June 2005. Some villagers had relatives fighting for the Taliban. Others sided with the U.S. As Gulab roamed, he made a discov ery that would change his life: a Navy SEAL, who had been shot, had shrapnel wounds in both legs, had broken several vertebrae, and was dying of thirst. Gulab lives by an honor code called Pashtunwali, which requires him to show extreme hospitality to visitors, regardless of their background; to protect visitors from their enemies by any means necessary; and to bravely protect their property from any in vasion. So he decided to help the American, whose name is Marcus Luttrell and whose story is in the book turned movie Lone Survivor.

The Taliban demanded that Gulab turn Luttrell over. Gulab refused, even when the Taliban threatened the lives of his wife and children. Gulab’s courage saved Luttrell’s life. And it sets a prime example for all leaders. Recently, when someone told me he sees leadership potential in my son, I thought of Gulab. Because I hope to raise my son to be a leader, not a follower. I hope to raise him to have the same disci pline, courage, and honor that Gulab showed. And he will—if he lives by these 5 important principles.

1. Be willing to stand apart. The higher lead

ers rise in the ranks, the heavier the responsibility they carry, the louder the criticism, and the more lonely life gets. But strong leaders can step forward with courage, conviction, and a willingness to take a stand when others won’t. They set a standard for oth ers to reach. That’s the difference between a leader and the crowd. Being a part of the crowd may pro vide a sense of security. But leadership requires the bravery to step out where it is unsafe. All Pro Dad NFL Spokesman Tony Dungy calls it being uncom mon.

2. Be trustworthy. In order to be an effective leader, others must believe in you. So a leader has to earn trust. That requires a person to consistently and scrupulously follow through on promises and to tell the truth. Your reliability should be predictable. When it’s not, you lose credibility. And when you lose that, you lose your voice.

3. Invest in, care for, and empower others In my opinion, no leader in history modeled this better than Jesus of Nazareth. Leadership is not about empowering oneself. It’s about serving others. The best way to inspire people to be part of a mission is to know their gifts and passions and then position them to use those gifts and passions. If you want to be a person of influence, you need to see where people are today, where they could be, and where they want to be. Then you have to help them get there.

4. Define reality. In his book The Art of Leader ship, Max Dupree wrote that the first responsibility of every leader is to define reality. The truth can be difficult to confront—particularly the truth about our selves. If you don’t believe me, try playing a round of golf without taking a gimme putt or a mulligan. You find out your actual level of play quickly. A true leader sees himself as he actually is (the good and the bad) and not how he wishes to be seen. Facing the truth, however ugly it may be, is essential. A lead er seeks feedback to gain a clearer picture of reality rather than avoiding it. Growth, change, innovation, and solutions are only possible when you have a firm understanding and acceptance of the current state of affairs.

5. Never stop learning. A good leader must first be a follower. Find people who have the leadership qualities you want and learn from them. Then, never stop learning. NFL Coach Dick Vermeil said that the time he spent as a broadcaster prepared him to be a better coach because he was able to observe other coaches and see how they led. At that time, he was already a champion at the collegiate level and had taken the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl. Yet he never stopped learning and growing. That enabled him to come back to coaching and win a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. Because he embraced hum bly learning from others, he reached an even higher level of excellence. CALL

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HEALTH&FITNESS

10 Ways to Move More in Everyday Life

By Healthline

It can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to make time for exercise. Here are some tips I give my physical therapy patients… and how I man age to keep myself moving.

I get it. We’ve all said, “Who has time to exer cise when you’re a…”

Just fill in the blank: working parent, working night shifts, entrepreneur, student, person who commutes, or parent who stays at home keeping children alive. You’re not alone in trying to fig ure out how to fit exercise into your day.

As a mama and physical therapist who owns her own business, I have to schedule my exercise time — otherwise, it won’t happen.

Over the past 11 years, I’ve realized the I’llwork-out-later approach doesn’t work for me. I have to block time out of my day to exercise so I can stay sane and maintain my health and strength.

And here’s another tip: Try adding in a few bo nus activities throughout the day and week to keep your body moving. Just a few extra min utes of movement here and there really do add up over time.

Here are 10 ways to move more during everyday life, without having to block more time out of your busy schedule!

1. Take the stairs - I know. This is so boring, and you’ve heard it a bajillion times. Yet, it’s one of the best tips for a reason.

Taking the stairs instead of the elevator increases your heart rate, helps with balance, and improves lower-extremity strength. If you’re feeling saucy and have a few minutes, you can even do some heel raises off the edge of a step for calf strength, or take the stairs two at a time. Skip the elevator, your body and heart will thank you.

2. Incorporate walking meetingsIf you work from home or have transitioned to virtual conference calls, schedule a walk during one call per day.

If you don’t need to be staring at a screen look ing at spreadsheets, plug in your headphones, slip your phone in your pocket, and solve the world’s problems on a walk. It’s a great way to mix up your daily routine.

And if you work in an office, take your one-onone meetings to go. Walking together enhances team bonding, and you may even come up with better ideas. Research shows walking boosts cre ativity and enhances mental acuity (1, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

3. Lunge it up - I do this a lot, and I get funny looks sometimes, but hey — I’m a busy woman, and my time is precious!

When you’re shopping, try walking lunges down the supermarket aisles while holding onto the cart. The cart offers a good balance point, and you can get about 10–20 lunges in a single pass, depending on how long your supermarket’s aisles are. Go for it, it’s surprisingly fun!

4. Sit on an exercise ball - Swap out your office chair for a stability ball. This can help with back pain and help improve posture, and while sitting on the ball, you can do some gentle mo bility stretches for your neck, pelvis, and spine.

Try a hula-hoop motion and tucking and untuck your pelvis to help fire up your core stabilizers. If you want to add in some abdominal work, you can also try seated marches or other exercises on the ball — all while sitting at your desk!

5. Park far away - While we need to be safe and alert to our surroundings, if you’re in a safe and well-lit area, consider parking further from the entrance of wherever you’re going. Adding in a few minutes of walking time here and there adds up over time and can increase your daily step count!

6. Have more sex - Yup, you’re welcome. Some older research states that sex burns calo ries at a rate of about 3.1 calories per minute for women and about 4.2 calories for men (4Trusted Source).

So although it’s not the same as a vigorous jog, you can (for sure) work up a sweat during sex. Have fun, try new positions and techniques, and bond with your partner all while moving more.

7. Foster a pet - Our local shelter and other adoption agencies are always looking for volun teers to help. Take the family to the shelter and volunteer to take a few dogs for a walk.

You get to increase your time outside, help a dog and your community, teach your kids about

caring for others, and spend some quality family time being active and moving your body. It’s a win-win-win for all involved.

8. Have a dance party - Clear the furniture from the room and put on some tunes. You can do this while cooking dinner, folding laundry, or vacuuming.

Dancing is a fabulous way to burn calories and work on your balance and coordination. Plus, you can make it a game or contest with your kids. They need to learn about 80s rock, right? Put on some ACDC (or whatever makes you tap your feet) and get shakin’.

9. Switch up your game night - During your next family game night, swap out cards or board games for active games.

Here’s a list to jog your memory: hide and seek, kick the can, scavenger hunts, Twister, freeze dance, potato sack races, pin the tail on the don key, musical chairs, hopscotch, jump rope, hula hoop contests, limbo… the games you once played as a kid are just as fun to play now.

10. Exercise or stretch during TV time - I know this goes beyond all tenets of “binge and chill,” but hear me out. Walk on the tread mill, use a stationary bike, stretch on the floor, use weights for upper- and full-body strengthen ing, or do Pilates during your next Netflix sesh.

If you watch a 30-minute show and move the whole time, that’s 30 minutes of exercise you didn’t have before! You can even limit it to when the commercials come on if that feels like a good place to start.

The bottom line

I hope these ideas will motivate and inspire you to get up and move a bit more throughout your day. I know how difficult it is to maintain a good routine. It can seem overwhelming when you first start to exercise, but trying a few of these things will help. Start small by adding in a few lunges here and there, a walking meeting once a week, or stairs a few times, and before you know it, you’ll be movin’ and groovin’ much more than you were before.

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5 Foods to Improve Your Digestion

By Johns Hopkins Medicine

Digestive problems, such as gas, constipation and diarrhea, affect millions, with 15 percent of people in Western countries experiencing a severe form of gut sensitivity called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Here are five foods that promote healthier di gestion and help you avoid common gastroin testinal symptoms.

Whole Grains - White or brown rice? Wholewheat or white bread? Doctors say that if you want your gut to work better, choose whole grains, since optimal colon function requires at least 25 grams of fiber daily.

Compared to refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta, whole grains provide lots of fiber, as well as added nutrients, such as ome ga-3 fatty acids. When gut bacteria ferment fi ber, they produce short-chain fatty acids. These molecules encourage proper function in the cells lining the colon, where 70 percent of our immune cells live. Despite the popularity of low-carb diets for weight loss, avoiding grains altogether may not be so great for the good gut bacteria that thrive on fiber.

Leafy Greens - Leafy greens, such as spin ach or kale, are excellent sources of fiber, as well as nutrients like folate, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin A. Research shows that leafy greens also contain a specific type of sugar that helps fuel growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Eating a lot of fiber and leafy greens allows you to develop an ideal gut microbiome — those

trillions of organisms that live in the colon.

Lean Protein - People with IBS or bowel sensitivity should stick with lean proteins and avoid foods that are rich in fat, including fried foods. High-fat foods can trigger contractions of the colon, and the high fat content of red meat is just one reason to choose healthier op tions. Experts say that red meat also promotes colon bacteria that produce chemicals associ ated with an increased risk of clogged arteries.

Low-Fructose Fruits - If you’re some body who’s prone to gas and bloating, you may want to try reducing your consumption of fruc tose, or fruit sugar. Some fruits such as apples, pears and mango are all high in fructose.

On the other hand, berries and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain less fructose, making them easier to tolerate and less likely to cause gas. Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fiber-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

Avocado - Avocado is a superfood packed with fiber and essential nutrients, such as po tassium, which helps promote healthy diges tive function. It’s also a low-fructose food, so it’s less likely to cause gas.

Be wary of portion sizes when it comes to foods like nuts and avocados. Although they are rich in nutrients, they are also high in fat, so be sure to eat them in moderation.

Prediabetes: What You Should Know

By Health Advocate Blog

One of the most effective ways of preventing type 2 diabetes is to catch prediabetes before it progresses to diabetes.

Prediabetes occurs when glucose (blood sug ar) levels are higher than they should be, but not high enough for the person to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Many American adults have prediabetes, but don’t know they have it–most people who have it don’t experience any symptoms. Regular visits with your doctor and following their recommendations for glucose screenings based on your risk factors is the first line of prevention.

Risk factors for prediabetes

•Parent or sibling with diabetes

•Age 45 or older

•African American, Hispanic or Latino, Ameri can Indian or Alaska Native, Pacific Islander or Asian American •Personal history of gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds

•Body mass index (BMI) between 25 (or 23 if Asian) and 29 or greater than 30 •Physically active less than 3 times a week

Assess your personal risk for prediabetes with

help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here https://www.cdc.gov/ prediabetes/risktest/index.html to take a brief assessment.

Why should you be concerned about prediabetes? Prediabetes increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular issues, as well as developing type 2 diabetes.

If you think that you are at risk for prediabe tes, now is the time to take action! You may be able to stop the progression of the condition by making healthy lifestyle changes.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Even losing just 5-7% of your body weight can help lower your risk.

• Be active for 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week. Keep moving as much as you can and reduce your time spent sitting.

• Eat healthy. This simple rule is helpful to re member at each meal: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, one quarter protein, and one quarter grains. Limit added sugars and processed foods.

• Ask your doctor how often you should have your glucose checked, and stick to their rec ommendation.

Dyess Air Force Base 7th Medical Group showed its appreciation to Hendrick during two ceremonies on Monday. Several members of the 7th Medical Group along with Colonel Elizabeth Somsel personally dis tributed specially designated patches to employees to honor them for their partnership and hard work during the pandemic and beyond. The Dyess AFB 7th Medical Group was also recognized as one of Hendrick Health’s Healthcare Helpers, and were presented with a certificate and poster signed by Hendrick employees.

Exercise Can Help Fight Colon Cancer, Even If Patient Is Obese

By Cara Murez | HealthDay

Getting regularly scheduled, moderate physi cal activity can help extend the lives of people with colon cancer, according to a new study.

Exercise is even helpful for obese cancer pa tients, reducing inflammation and improving the bacterial communities of the gut’s microbi ome, the findings showed.

“Inflammation is a key process that drives col orectal cancer. We know a high BMI [body mass index] causes inflammation around the body,” explained study co-author Cornelia Ul rich. She’s executive director of the Compre hensive Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.

were associated with greater gut microbiome diversity, an indicator of a healthy gut.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Cancer Research.

“A patient who is active has a more diverse microbiome and lower abundances of col orectal cancer-promoting bacteria, and higher amounts of bacteria that protect against col orectal cancer,” said co-author Caroline Him bert, a research fellow with Ulrich’s group.

Alfonso Hernandez Bakery

“Our study suggests that nobody needs to be an athlete to get the benefits,” she said in the release. “It can be easy activities. Just staying active is very beneficial.”

“Obesity is on the verge of becoming the No. 1 cause of cancer in the United States, surpass ing smoking. More than 13 cancers are linked to obesity,” Ulrich said in an institute news release. “It’s important we understand that moderate exercise can help colorectal cancer patients reduce inflammation, improve their gut health, and live longer -- even if they are overweight or obese.”

Researchers found these benefits for patients independent of their BMI.

The study was conducted as part of the Colo Care Study of newly diagnosed colon cancer patients. Researchers in Germany as well as Utah assessed stool samples of 179 patients with stages 1-4 colon cancer enrolled between October 2010 and March 2018.

They found that higher physical activity levels

Researchers called the findings an important step in understanding the impact of a healthy gut on colon cancer outcomes.

The study can’t prove that exercise will keep colon cancer at bay. But the researchers said future studies should assess different effect siz es by exercise type, intensity and body com position.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Pre vention recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.

Excluding skin cancers, colon cancer is the third-most common cancer in the United States. More than 106,000 new cases of colon cancer and nearly 45,000 cases of rectal cancer are found each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Ms. Durham’s unique skillset allows her to take on complex con cepts and break them down into understandable terms for her cli ents, using both her experience as an educator and her attention to detail. This approach has proven effective in advocating for her client’s interests. In addition, Ms. Durham’s deep understanding of the English language often comes into play when reviewing docu ments for errors or inconsistencies. As a result, she is able to provide a comprehensive analysis that can help to identify potential issues and strengthen her clients’ cases. Blizzard and Zimmerman Attor neys and our clients are fortunate to have her on our team!

TSTC Vocational Nursing Students Learn About Job Opportunities with Abilene Nursing Home

By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications, Communications Specialist

A group of more than 20 Texas State Techni cal College Vocational Nursing students who are scheduled to graduate next month recently had the chance to learn about potential jobs at Abilene’s Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilita tion Center during an employer spotlight event hosted by TSTC’s Career Services department.

“This opportunity to meet and talk with nursing students is everything for us,” said Brian Star key, administrator of the Ensign Group-owned facility. “We did not know that TSTC was in Sweetwater, but we are definitely going to come back and talk to the next nursing class.”

Starkey explained how the facility operates and how it has overcome the stigmas of nursing homes. “We know there are more regulations in place for nursing homes,” he said. “We work to ensure our residents are as comfortable as pos sible.”

Starkey said each employee has the same goal while at work.

“Our core value is to dignify long-term care. Many of our residents have outlived their friends

and family,” he said. “They just need someone to take care of them. Working in a nursing home is a true calling.”

Nurses can experience a fast-paced work day at the nursing home.

“We are a very busy and a very happen ing place,” Starkey said. “But we take the time to visit and make sure our residents have everything they need to be comfort able.”

Another aspect that Starkey talked about is how employees interact with the resi dents. “I will admit, we do get attached to our residents,” he said. “We love them a lot.”

Starkey said the facility has openings for voca tional nurses. Several students provided contact information for possible interviews following the spotlight.

“It is great to see the students interested in what we do and possibly working with us,” he said.

Northern Oaks operates with three nurses work ing during the day, as well as four certified

nursing assistants on the floor.

“We are big on teamwork at Northern Oaks,” Starkey said.

James Bryant, a TSTC Vocational Nursing in structor, said having Northern Oaks represen tatives speak to the students will help them see more options in the job market.

“This gives the students the chance to see what

employment is available to them after their education is complete and they begin their career,” he said. “It also shows students there are more options to them that they may not have known about.”

Ensign Group operates more than 70 facilities throughout Texas, including three in the Abilene area.

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is also available at the Har lingen campus. Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, grad uates are classified as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). According to onetonline.org, LVN jobs were forecast to increase 17% in Texas between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary for LVNs in Texas is $48,520, the website showed. TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Sci ence degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

Registration is underway for TSTC’s spring se mester. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Brian Starkey (right), administrator of Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilita tion Center in Abilene, discusses job opportunities for vocational nurses with Brittany Wilson, a TSTC Career Services representative in West Texas, fol lowing a recent employer spotlight. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Aerobic Exercise, Especially Running, May Reduce Cancer Risk by 72%

By Healthline

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A new study published in the journal Cancer Re search suggests aerobic exercise could help re duce the risks of certain cancers from developing or recurring. While that finding is far from novel — it’s well established that exercise has protec tive effects against cancer — researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel investigated the mecha nisms by which aerobic exercise affected tumors and their growth.

Exercise and cancer tumors

Looking at health data from 2,734 people over a 20-year period, the researchers determined that those who engaged in regular high-intensity aer obic workouts like running had 72% fewer meta static cancers than those who were sedentary.

Then, in the study’s second phase, they monitored mice engaged in aerobic exercise before and af ter being injected with melanoma cancer cells. What they found was that mice who engaged in regular exercise had fewer metastatic tumors than the sedentary animals. After analyzing protein expression in their mouse model, the researchers observed metabolic changes related to glucose use

in the active mice. The researchers said this sug gests that exercise was creating glucose demand on internal organs, thus “starving” cancer cells of necessary fuel to proliferate.

Expert reacts to study of exercise and cancer - “The study provides good evidence that regular aerobic exercise results in reprogramming those metabolic pathways associated with glucose utilization — which they refer to as a ‘metabolic shield,’” said James Hicks, Ph.D., a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the Universi ty of California Irvine.

Best exercises for people with cancer

High-intensity exercise such as running might be an ideal form of exercise for some people, but oth er exercises like swimming, rowing, and cycling can also provide a similar intensity with less strain on the joints.

“Hundreds of epidemiological studies, com prised of millions of participants, provide strong evidence that regular, daily activities like brisk walking significantly reduce the risks of many cancers,” he said. “These results show 10 to 20 percent risk reductions for bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and re nal and gastric cancers.

“High-intensity exercise may be challenging for many cancer patients,” he added. “However, mod erate exercise levels that will raise your heart rate to 50 to 70 percent of the maximum heart rate are achievable.”

Exercise can provide a mental boost

There are psychological benefits to exercise on top of the potential medical ones, which can also im prove outcomes and quality of life.

“Exercise may well be the singular most proactive and self-empowering way a patient can support their cancer journey,” said Joy Puleo, the director of education at wellness company Balanced Body and a cancer survivor.

“Move. Find an exercise that works for you and use it to challenge ‘the system.’ A good exercise program, regardless of choice, should have ele ments of challenge associated with it,” Puleo said. “For aerobic work, get on a bike, walk and when you can walk a hill or for a short period, walk fast er. A trampoline is a fun way to get the heart rate up and laugh at the same time. My favorite? Go dancing.”

Will

for a run, starve a tumor” be the next piece of folk wisdom for people with cancer?

BUSINESS&CAREER

Vigil balances work, school while studying Diesel Equipment Technology at TSTC

By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications, Communications Specialist

Jacob Vigil has always been mechanically in clined.

While working full time at The Auto Clinic in Snyder, Vigil is broadening his skills by studying Diesel Equip ment Technology at Texas State Tech nical College. He hopes that his cer tificate of completion specialization in Heavy Truck will lead to more career opportunities.

Vigil spent his childhood working on different pieces of equipment, and that has carried over to his adult life.

“I love what I do. I always loved to take apart things just to see how they work,” he said. “My dad sold horses when I was young, so I was always hauling hay around. The equipment would break down, and we would be the people to fix it.”

At The Auto Clinic, Vigil said he takes some of his knowledge with him to help repair vehicles. He hopes to stay with the family-owned business after completing his studies to show his ap preciation to owner Robbie Jamison.

“They have been so good to me by al lowing me to go to school and work,” Vigil said. “Unlike my time in the TSTC lab, I work a lot by myself to get the job done when I am in the shop. I enjoy working that way and in the team setting we have in the lab.”

Spending time in the lab has allowed Vigil to learn different aspects of an engine.

“It is nice to learn the more technical side of the engine,” he said. “The electrical systems now are something everyone is looking at in the engine. There is a lot that goes on in mak ing the engine go.”

Jamison said Vigil’s work ethic shows when he is in the Snyder shop.

“He has an enthusiasm I have not seen in a long time,” he said. “He is an absolute joy to have in the shop.”

“A lot of the odds and ends of the things I do at work are the same as in the lab,” he said.

Jamison said what Vigil has learned at TSTC shows when he is at work.

“Jake has a passion for diesel. It is not something we specialize in, but it is good to have that experience,” he said. “He is going to have a great career.”

Vigil said he sees himself working on heavier equipment in the future.

“I hope to one day work on maritime engines,” he said. “I have always want ed to work on those types of engines.”

Having his certificate will benefit Vigil in the future.

“I know that I have five years of expe rience, but to have my certification will be an added benefit,” he said. “I knew a lot before I started the program, and it’s good to get that additional knowledge.”

According to onetonline.org, jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel en gine specialists are expected to increase 19% in Texas from 2020 to 2030. Such technicians employed in Texas can earn an annual average salary of $47,850, the website stated.

Andy is a managing member of First Tex as Title and Bradshaw, McCall & West brook, PLLC. He was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Houston, Texas, and graduated from Lubbock Christian University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business. Andy obtained his law degree from Pepperdine School of Law in Malibu, California in 2002. After law school, Andy moved to Abilene and went to work at the Abilene firm of McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C., where he practiced general commercial law and real estate.

Instructor Lane White said Vigil is one of the more dependable students in class.

“His confidence shows in everything he does. He is a leader among our students, and he wants to be successful in everything he does,” he said.

Vigil said his experience at work is helping him in the TSTC lab.

Diesel Equipment Technology is of fered at the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. It is part of TSTC’s Mon ey-Back Guarantee program. If a participating graduate does not find a job in their field within six months of graduating, TSTC will refund their tuition in full.

TSTC offers Associate of Applied Science de grees with different specializations, as well as several certificates of completion and a Basic Diesel occupational skills achievement award, in Diesel Equipment Technology. For more in formation about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

In March of 2006, Andy became partners with Bill and Mark Bradshaw in First Tex as Title. Andy acted as the sole manager of First Texas Title from 2007 until 2009. He purchased the title company and law firm from Bill and Mark in 2009, and was joined as a co-owner by Chris Westbrook that year.

Andy is a licensed escrow officer and has a wealth of experience in closing commer cial, farm and ranch, and residential real estate closings, as well as in examining titles and resolving title problems. While in school, Andy served as a National FFA Officer, and he has a special interest in and knowledge of farm and ranch real estate issues.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Andy spending time with his wife Karla and his two children, or out hunting or en joying the outdoors.

Say hello to Andy!

TSTC Diesel Equipment Technology student Jacob Vigil inspects an engine that he had to disassemble during a recent lab project. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

SOLUTIONS

5 Soft Skills to Improve Your Career

By Ramsey Solutions

If you want to make an impact and create influence at work, you need one important thing: soft skills. Leaders and managers want to hire people with soft skills (aka people skills)! But even if you feel like your soft skills aren’t up to snuff, there’s good news! You can learn to master your soft skills and grow in your career and work relationships.

What Are Soft Skills? So, first things first. What are soft skills? Soft skills are personal traits and interper sonal skills (sometimes known as emotional intelligence or EQ) that make up the way you interact with your team. Soft skills are a combination of how you use your per sonality traits, communication skills, listening abilities and other behaviors to engage with people. In a work place, soft skills come into play when you interact with your boss, coworkers and customers.

Why are soft skills so important? Because they show hiring managers how you engage with other peo ple. They give leaders an idea of your strengths as a team player in addition to your hard skills, which focus on technical job abilities and work-related responsibilities, like accounting, writing, project management or comput er skills. And while some of us are born with stronger people skills than others, we can all learn how to master these abilities.

Why Are Soft Skills Important? Soft skills are important because they give people an idea of how you’ll fit into the social mix at work, and they tell others what kind of team player you are. And when you think about everyone in the company, their combined people skills contribute to the culture of the whole team. When you’ve got strong soft skills, you build trust, give others a hand, and show that you can improve and take direction. And as a result, you’re more likely to create a positive influ ence on those around you. These are all behaviors that contribute to healthy work relationships—rather than a hostile work environment—and can even help you get a promotion. By strengthening your soft skills, you’ll set yourself up for plenty of opportunity to build strong rela tionships and advance in your career.

List of Soft Skill Examples

So, what are some specific soft skills employers value at work? I’ve identified a list of the top five soft skills lead ers and hiring managers are looking for. These traits are must-haves if you want to be well-liked and appreciated at work. Remember, if any of these traits don’t come eas ily to you, that’s all right. You can learn how to sharpen these soft skills to create a winning personal brand and be

more effective at work. Here are the top soft skills exam ples you’ll want to focus on first:

• Likeable: Being likeable means you’re the kind of per son people want to be around. One way to hone this skill is to ask other people more questions. You can learn more about people and find more opportunities to connect with them, serve them, and support them. Likeability also means you can show empathy and compassion.

• Coachable: Being coachable means you receive instruc tion and correction well. You know getting feedback on a project or presentation isn’t a personal criticism, but is meant to help you grow. Being coachable means you have a humble spirit when you receive (and then apply) feed back from others.

• Adaptable: Can you handle change with a good atti tude? That’s what being adaptable is all about. I’m not talking about being Pollyanna positive. Change can be a pain when it’s not something we choose. But you can de cide to be an adult and get through it with maturity and open-mindedness. To be more adaptable, embrace when change is thrust upon you. Take the leap to do something new and hard.

• Honorable: I could also call this integrity. Being honor able isn’t just doing the right thing. It’s also treating peo ple with dignity, not crossing lines with coworkers, and not cheating your company.

• Reliable: Can people count on you? Will you show up and do what you say you’re going to do? That’s what it means to be reliable. You put yourself in situations where people can count on you, and then you deliver.

How Can You Sharpen Your Soft Skills? Maybe you feel pretty confident in your soft skills already. That’s great. But if some of your soft skills need a little sharp ening, you can read books, listen to coaching podcasts, watch YouTube videos, or find a mentor at work who’s strong in the skills you want to develop. And most impor tantly, you need to believe you can change and improve, and then practice what you learn. Even if you feel some anxiety about breaking out of your comfort zone to hone these skills, believe me . . . improving in these areas will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine.

Land a New Job With Your Soft Skills

Now that you’ve learned which soft skills are your stron gest and which might need some tuning up, it’s time to work on your resumé. My free Resumé Guide will help you create a unique resumé that’ll grab the hiring man ager’s attention, land an interview that gets you one step closer to your dream job, and put you on the path to pro fessional growth. Download it for free today.

Junk Ware house is known not only for it’s wide selection of merchandise, but also for the kind, caring vibes of the workers, ensuring every customer who steps through the doors are treated like a close friend.

This boutique off of North 6th Street sells air fresheners, shoes, jewelry, clothes and so much more. Danette Sides, longtime employ ee of Chapman Insurance/Junk Warehouse, said this is not the only thing that makes this place stand out from the rest.

“We really value our customers. Not only their business but also their friendship,” Sides ex plained.

Workers do this through their customer ser vice skills and by offering much more. Nao mi Sansom, manager of Junk Warehouse, has been a dedicated employee since 2011.

“The manager, Naomi, is an awesome prayer warrior,” Sides expressed. “We have people that come in knowing that and will just say, ‘Hey Naomi can you pray for me? I’m hav ing this going on and that going on.’ She’ll do that.”

Earlier this year, Junk Warehouse had to say goodbye to its owner, Susan Chapman, who lost her battle with cancer. Employees began to pray during Susan’s battle, and just like her spirit, prayer has stayed to help others as well.

“If anyone needs a prayer, it doesn’t matter if it’s myself or Naomi. If we are in here, we will just all join in. The customers appreci ate it, and they know they can come here for that,” Sides explained. “It makes us feel good that we’re able to possibly change someone’s day from not going very good to possibly having a good day and helping lift them up.”

Junk Warehouse employees strive to go above and beyond to take care of its custom ers, both as clients and as friends.

Wylie High School Junior Starts His Own Lawn Care Business

By Shelly Womack | BigCountryHomePage

Mowing the lawn is a chore many teens try to avoid, but for Jonathan Ramirez, Wylie High School junior, it’s how he is investing in his future, one lawn at a time. While balanc ing school, soccer, and a summer job at a car wash, Jona than quickly realized he needed a job that works with his busy schedule.

“I love working on my own time. I am able to manage ev erything really well, whereas working at the car wash I wasn’t, it was a set schedule,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez invested the money he earned while working at the car wash to buy the equipment needed to start his business, J&R Lawn Care.

Growing up, his grandmother owned a bak ery called ‘Ramirez Bakery’ in San Ange lo for over 20 years. After Jon Ramirez, his

“At the end of the day, they have to under stand that hard work and perseverance is going to carry them further than anything else in life,” said Jon Ramirez.

So far, Jonathan Ramirez said he has received plenty of support from family and friends. He hopes to apply the skills he has learned with J&R Lawn Care in college. He plans to major in business and use the funds he earns mow ing lawns to help cover tuition costs.

dad, saw how hard his grandmother worked, he said the entrepreneurship spirit is in his blood. He shared a piece of advice he always tells his kids.

For more information about J&R Lawn Care, call Jonathan at 325829-2707 or email at Jjramirez5@outlook. com.

Ramirez bought the lawn equipment needed to start his business with money from a summer job at a carwash. Right: With his grand mother, who owned Ramirez Bakery in San Angelo.