January 2023

JANUARY

2023 Volume 12, Issue 9

3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2

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

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David A. Hernandez

EDITOR

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Amy Hernández

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About Us

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

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

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

Life just keeps moving and moving, and moving! And we must move with it every step of the way. With school starting again, it's time to fall back into the old routines of schedules, lunches, lunch meetings, and now planning for 'Spring Break'! Wow!

As each day passes, let's make it a year full of great memories, accomplishments, and new goals to be set and met! You know, new year, new you! It's possible, just shoot for the stars, stay positive, focused, and with your eye on the prize. Con Dios, todo se puede - With God it can be done!

It's always a joy to bring you each new edition filled with interesting topics, local stories, inspiring and motivating articles.

Remember, if you have a story that you would like for us to feature, give us a call or send us an email. We would love to take the time to share your stories or experiences. We value the Abilene and surrounding communities, and know that you are a part of this important local publication.

Happy January to everyone, wishing you the very best for this year in all you do!

Happy reading...

HispanicLife Magazine and all the staff

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WELDING

City of Abilene Works Towards Becoming More Pedestrian Friendly, Major Improvements on the Way at ABI

By Tyler Henderson | BigCountryHomePage

In Abilene City Council’s new year meeting, new sidewalks, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, as well as airport renovations topped the list of major improvements coming to Abilene in 2023.

Safety improvements for Abilene pedestrians Street improvements were a priority during the first City Council meeting of 2023, beginning with the reconstruction of Maple Street.

Director of Public Works, Max Johnson said Maple Street will be reconstructed from Colony Hill all the way to Loop 322. Colony Hill will receive a new traffic signal, while also seeing a 10-foot-wide multi-purpose lane being installed on the west side of the road. Water drainage was also considered, as well.

South 14th Street could, also, soon see pedestrian improvements, including new sidewalks. Johnson said two pedestrian bridges could be in the works, as well as new crosswalks and signals between Pioneer Drive and Barrow Street on South 14th Street.

What’s going on with the old Borden building? Secondly, what was once the Borden Company Creamery on Pioneer Drive will soon become an age-restricted apartment complex.

Developers said they are searching for historical tax credits to keep the historical exterior intact while the interior is renovated, tear down the small surrounding buildings, and build a new facility directly be-

hind the current building.

Improvements at Abilene Regional Airport

As growth continues to occur north of Abilene, part of the expansion is coming from the Abilene Airport. Director of Transportation Services, Don Green said restroom renovations, repainting the entire interior of the terminal and a potential convenience store begins phase one of the airport’s modernization.

In Monday’s meeting, city officials asked City Council to approve roughly $2.7 million dollars for the first phase of renovations, with about 90% of the money coming from federal aviation administration grants.

As for the convenient store, a local group of investors contacted the airport about a potential partnership, agreeing to a 40-year lease if approved by City Council. Bowies LLC., the same gas station/ convenience store being built in Tuscola, will be coming to the Abilene Airport.

Bowies will oversee building the facility, as well as creating a new access road where the new entrance to the airport would be located at the intersection of Highway 36 and FM 18.

The Abilene Airport will receive a 1% concession fee off fuel and food sales from the convenience store, as well.

COMMUNITY

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

B-21 Raider Makes Public Debut; Will Become Backbone of Air Force’s Bomber Fleet

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

In a tangible display of the nation’s resolve in meeting security threats, the U.S. Air Force, on Dec. 2, publicly unveiled the B-21 Raider, the first new, long-range strike bomber in a generation and an aircraft specifically designed to be the multifunctional backbone of the modernized bomber fleet.

While the B-21 isn’t expected to be operational and introduced into service for several more years, the formal unveiling ceremony hosted by Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in California is a significant milestone in the Air Force’s effort to modernize combat capabilities. The B-21 is designed to be a more capable and adaptable, state-of-the-art aircraft that will gradually replace aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers now in service.

According to design requirements, the B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable stealth bomber capable of delivering a mix of conventional and nuclear munitions. The aircraft will play a major role supporting national security objectives and assuring U.S. allies and partners across the globe. Senior defense officials note that the National Defense Strategy and other analyses make clear the need for the B-21 and its capabilities.

“The B-21 Raider is the first strategic bomber in more than three decades,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said during the ceremony. “It is a testament to America’s enduring advantages in ingenuity and innovation. And it’s proof of the Department’s long-term commitment to building advanced capabilities that will fortify America’s ability to deter aggression, today and into the future.”

The B-21, Austin said, “is deterrence the American way. … This isn’t just another airplane. It’s not just another acquisition. … It’s the embod-

iment of America’s determination to defend the republic that we all love. It’s a testament to our strategy of deterrence—with the capabilities to back it up, every time and everywhere.”

The world and its threats have changed dramatically since the last new bomber was introduced in 1988, as has the way the Air Force, other U.S. military services and allies work together as a joint, multi-domain force. Senior defense officials say that new thinking and innovation are needed to meet the new and emerging threats.

“That innovative spirit is sitting behind us right now,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., told reporters shortly before the plane was unveiled.

“You think about what we're able to do in the amount of time with the workforce here from Northrop Grumman, the collaboration with the United States Air Force to bring in a capability using a digital approach which is new and different from anything we've done any major program, that's part of the Raider spirit,” he said.

The B-21 is the first new bomber to be introduced since the end of the Cold War. Air Force officials envision an ultimate fleet of at least 100 aircraft with an average procurement unit cost requirement of $692 million (base year 2022 dollars).

“When I think about accelerate change, this is exactly what it means to be able to bring this kind of capability very quickly and be able to adapt it vis-à-vis the threat,” Brown said in his meeting with reporters. “And so today, I'm really excited that we bring the B-21 Raider into the future. It'll be the backbone of our bomber fleet.”

The aircraft is designed with updated stealth

qualities and mission flexibility that senior leaders in the Air Force and across the Department of Defense say are necessary to achieve the U.S. goal of achieving integrated deterrence, and if necessary, capabilities required to successfully respond to aggression anywhere in the world at any time.

The specific B-21 unveiled Dec. 2 is one of six under production. Each is considered a test aircraft, but each is being built on the same production line, using the same tools, processes, and technicians who will build production aircraft. This approach has enabled production engineers and technicians to capture lessons learned and apply them directly to follow-on aircraft, driving home a focus on repeatability, producibility and quality. The timing for first flight will be data and event, not date driven.

While the precise date when the B-21 will enter service is unknown, basing decisions have been made. Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota will become the first Main Operating Base and formal training unit for the B-21. Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and Dyess AFB, Texas, are the preferred locations for the remaining home bases. Each will receive aircraft as they become available.

In addition to building a bomber with state-ofthe-art technology and capabilities, Air Force officials emphasized the focus on containing costs while simultaneously allowing for maximum flexibility.

“Leveraging innovative manufacturing techniques, open systems architectures and active management allows us to integrate new technology as it matures and ensures the B-21 can adapt to future threats and be successful when and where we need it,” Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Andrew P. Hunter, said.

New Year, New Laws: The Changes You Can Expect in 2023

By Joe Khalil | Nexstar Media Wire

As the new year looms, so does a slew of new laws and regulations in across the U.S. While they’re mostly on the state level, much of this legislation will have major impacts across country.

MINIMUM WAGE - Amid inflation and no changes on the federal level, several states will raise their minimum wages in 2023.

The federal wage in the U.S. is $7.25, a rate that hasn’t been changed since 2009. As of fall 2022, 15 states have minimum wage rates that match the federal minimum wage, down from 16 last year.

In the new year, 27 states will see an increase in their minimum wage, with a majority of the states implementing them starting Jan. 1.

Of the states set to increase minimum wages in 2023, Montana will see the lowest rate at $9.95 an hour, while Washington state is the highest at $15.74 an hour.

Michigan and Ohio will raise theirs to $10.10 an hour. California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and New York will all bump theirs to $15 dollars an hour or more.

On the federal level, all military members’ salaries will increase by 4.6%, due to the annual Defense Spending Bill.

NEW LEGALIZED DRUG LAWS

- Six states are set to either legalize recreational marijuana use in 2023 or put marijuana up

for a vote. This does not include New York, which made recreational sales legal Thursday.

Connecticut, Maryland and Missouri will roll out their rules and regulations for legalized recreational marijuana for adults over 21.

Voters in Maryland and Missouri, which currently offer medical marijuana to adults, passed ballot measures in November that approved the change.

Colorado voters also passed a ballot measure in the midterm election to legalize psychedelic mushrooms. While the substance won’t be available for some time, due to working out specifics of its regulations, the state will decriminalize those substances by Jan. 4, 2023, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

Oklahoma, Ohio and Minnesota are expected to vote on the issue in the new year.

Capped insulin prices - The cost of a life-saving drug for people with diabetes will be capped starting on Jan. 1. The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act includes a $35 a month limit on what patients pay out of pocket for insulin. However, it’s only for patients who will qualify as seniors on Medicare.

A push in Congress to cap insulin for all Americans, not just seniors, failed. Lawmakers want to try for it again in 2023.

Hidden Gems: What Happens To The Donations at Goodwill West Texas That Can’t Be Sold?

By Annabelle Tuggl | BigCountyHomepage.com

When you donate items to Goodwill, most of those items are sold to the community at a low price, but what happens to the items that are given to Goodwill that can’t be sold?

Items that can’t be sold are brought to a salvaging area, where they are donated, once again, to another good cause.

When you walk into the salvaging area on North 1st Street, you will find a baler, like Jeff Hinchcliffe. Hinchcliffe throws clothes or linens into a compressor, creating bales of items to be shipped.

Hinchcliffe told KTAB/KRBC this job has given him stability, after facing unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, “It was like a year and a half without a job.”

Applying to work at Goodwill, Hinchcliffe said he was delighted to get the job, but then he said he was evicted soon after. Not long after that, he said he lost his cat who he called his best friend, “I had him for eight and a half years.”

Goodwill said it stepped up to help its new employee, Hinchcliffe, again by offering him a home through a grant. Now, Hinchcliffe says he feels like he is able to give back to the community by keeping waste out of the landfills and helping the lives of items last longer.

Salvaging Manager, Ray Castillo said it’s stories like Hinchcliffe’s that gives importance to his job. While he said his position is new, he felt needed in order to create more opportunities for Goodwill to reuse and recycle the goods it receives.

Castillo told KTAB/KRBC the items that

A number is written on the clothing bales, showing how much the bale weighs, which averages right around 900 pounds.

“Last year, Goodwill of West Texas salvaged 3.5 million pounds of donated goods,” said Kaitlin Paonessa, Director of Communications for Goodwill West Texas.

Paonessa said this job helps recycle these products, and it helps the employees have a stable income.

“You can feel good donating to Goodwill knowing that you are going to extend the lives of your items that you no longer need, and that those items are going to help fund programs that are going to help people,” encouraged Paonessa.

make it to the salvaging area are either stained or worn, or they are not sold in the store for four to five weeks. After that period, the goods are thrown into a compressor and turned into clothing bales.

“So, we’ll have a re-seller come in and usually buy 48 of these bales,” Castillo explained. “They purchase them and take them to, say, Canada or Mexico, and they resale them over there.”

Donations, according to Paonessa, can help people like Hinchcliffe, who, by the way, finally got a new best friend. A new cat he calls Greebo!

Other items can also be sold to vendors, besides clothes. The vendors Goodwill currently has buys accessories, books, shoes, linens, and clothes. The newest addition to the list is a vendor that buys children’s toys.

Happy 105th Birthday to Buddy ‘Fireball’ Haley, Legendary Big Country Pitcher

By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage

Mr. Buddy ‘Fireball’ Haley was born in 1918 and just 12 short years later, he found his life’s calling on the pitchers mound. At an early age, he moved to Hamlin, Texas, where he would live most of his adolescent life and later play semi-pro on the all Black Hamlin team.

“Couldn’t nobody beat us, nobody beat Hamlin,” Haley said.

That is, until he left the team. A game against the Abilene Black Eagles saw Haley strike out 21 of their batters. Instead of being upset, the team asked him to join. After that, Abilene was the team to fear, as Haley recalled.

“Thousands of people and with the bases loaded by the fifth inning, then strike, the next three out. Isn’t that something?

I could throw that ball, man,” Haley recalled.

Even as he turns 105-years-old on January 7, Haley said he will always remember the road that’s led him here.

“I learned on the farm. He (possibly Jack Westbrook) taught me from a boy. The way to curve that ball, drop it, everything,” Haley explained.

But even a living legend like Fireball Haley saw some difficulty in his day. Haley said that as a young man of color on tour in the south, the treatment of him and his teammates was different than that of white players.

“Back then, the coloreds had to go through the back door. A whole lot of places wouldn’t even feed us,” Haley recalled.

Things like this is similar to the adversity faced by Haley’s all time favorite ball player, Willie Mays.

“Oh man, Willie Mays… I saw him hit back to back home runs when I was a boy,” Haley explained.

Haley continued to strike out men half his age well into his 60s. In the mid 70s, he was called to join an all Black and Hispanic team out of Hamlin. Although his reputation preceded him, some players had their doubts about old fireball, like Cruz Orona, a Vietnam veteran who played alongside Haley in the 70s.

“We all kinda said ‘Well can he pitch? He’s

getting a little older.’ He really showed out that first day, he went out there and they couldn’t hit him,” Orona recalled.

Throughout his senior years, Haley coached teams in Hamlin and all over the Big Country. Though many like Orona said they’d rather have seen his face on a pack of bubble gum, they had no doubt he would have made the majors if he had been given the chance.

“It’s kind of sad, because I really wish I could have seen what he could have done in the major leagues. He just never got the opportunity,” Orona expressed.

If you ask Haley, a century of strikes to look back on is more than enough to be proud of.

“It’s good to be 105, man it’s great,” Haley expressed.

Buddy Haley opening his birthday gifts at Northern Oaks Living & Rehabilitation center

The Texas Ornithological Society Presents

Introduction to Birds

By Texas Ornithological Society

In conjunction with the Texas Ornithological Society’s fourday winter meeting in January, a free field trip will be offered for community members. It is designed for Abilene area residents who are novice or less-experienced bird watchers – or for anyone with a backyard bird feeder!

The date is Thursday Jan. 12, 2023, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finishing up at 12:00 noon.

This is an in-depth look at the birds of the Big Country of Texas, guided by two experienced birders who will cover bird identification, importance of habitat, and binocular usage. No matter how long you have been birding, if you’d like to work on your identification skills and talk basics, join

us for this field trip!

This trip is designed for adults, and for high school and college age students. Some walking will be required. We will start at Will Hair Park in the parking lot at the baseball diamond and rest room area.

You can register for the walk at www.texasbirds.org/events. Registration will close on Jan. 10, 2023 and space is limited.

For registration questions contact Judy Kestner at 361-701-1962 or jkestner@stx.rr.com. For trip details, contact Laura Wilson at 903-521-8292 or hummingbirdhill95@gmail.com.

You may also wish to join our organization and attend the entire four-day event, which includes field trips to surrounding counties and informative evening speakers. Birders of all levels of proficiency are welcome.

To become a TOS member, please visit www.texasbirds.org.

The Texas Ornithological Society - we’re not just scientists!

Champion Cougarettes Dance in NYC Parade

By Abilene Independent School District

While many of their Cooper High School classmates were watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of their own homes last month, two Cooper Cougarettes were in New York City participating in the 96th edition of the famed holiday parade.

Seniors Sydney Smith and Rae Bugarin represented the Cougarettes as dancers in the parade, which was broadcast to a global audience on NBC. Smith and Bugarin qualified for an opportunity to attend and participate in the parade thanks to the Cougarettes’ stellar January 2022 performance at Eaton High School, where they were crowned Grand Champion and “Best of the Best” at their only spring competition of the spring season.

“One of the things I love about drill team is the opportunities it gives these girls outside of dance,” said Cougarettes director Kimberely McMillon.

“It’s through the vehicle of dance that these young women are gaining experiences and opportunities they might not get otherwise. This is what discipline and sacrifice and setting goals and working toward those goals yields. It’s doing the hard things,” said McMillon. “And this is what doing the hard things gets you. They get opportunities of a lifetime to be on national TV or travel with their team performing in front of thousands of people.”

Smith and Bugarin each arrived in New York City well before the parade on Thanksgiving Day, giving them a chance to see some of the sights in the nation’s largest city, including the Statue of Liberty, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, and a showing of “MJ: The Musical” on Broadway.

They were also there for business, and it began the Sunday before the parade with a six-hour rehearsal, followed by a Monday night rehearsal with all the acts, TV cameras, and empty streets in lower Manhattan.

“That rehearsal was eye-opening for me,” said Bugarin, a senior who plans to major in physics at Angelo State University next fall. “I’ve only been a part of Cougarettes the last two years, so to work with different dancers was eye-opening. There’s a learning process when working with many people you don’t know.”

Both Smith and Bulgarin enjoyed a successful parade performance and made memories that will last a lifetime.

“After the parade, we all got on the subway to go back to the hotel, and I got a text from a friend who had taken a screenshot of Rae and me on TV, and that’s when it hit me that we did that,” Smith said.

“I’m a person who constantly relives moments

and memories, and that’s a moment I will relive.”

at: (325) 673-4521 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Mary Ann Contreras, 60, died Monday, December 12, 2022, at Anson General Hospital. Born November 10, 1962 in Jones County, Mary Ann was a daughter of Yolanda (Gracia) Lozano and the late Jose Lozano. She graduated from Plainview High School and attended Wayland Baptist University. Mary Ann spent her life working in customer and food service. She married Francisco Carbajal March 23, 2020. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her father and a sister (Lucy Lozano). Survivors include her mother, Yolanda Lozano of Anson; one son, Michael Lozano of Abilene; three daughters, Yolanda Reynoso (Jimmy) Abilene, Felisa Reynoso (Billy Joe) of Abilene and Perla Contreras of Hale Center; four brothers, Rodger Lozano (Patci) of San Antonio, Joe Lozano (Lolly) of Anson, Adrian Lozano (Courtney) of Anson and Salvador Torres of Fort Worth; three sisters, Melinda Lozano of Fort Worth, Mandy Lozano (Jose Jimenez) of Anson, and Diana Lozano (Joe Ryman) of Anson; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Fernando Canales, 73, Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on December 15 into his Savior's arms. Fernando "Fred" Canales was 73 years old. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Those who had the privilege to know him were treated to lots of love and laughter.

Fred was born on November 1, 1949 in Denver, Colorado to the late George Canales and Martina Garcia-Canales.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, George Canales and Martina Garcia-Canales; brother, Oscar Canales.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Cody and husband, Don Cody of Burkett, Texas; Chrystal McGinn of Jefferson, Texas; Charlene Canales-Smallwood and husband, Jason of Harker Heights, Texas; son, Fredrick Canales of Rising Star, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Adrien Canales of Rising Star, Texas; Isaiah, Zac, Josh, and Abigail Cody of Burkett, Texas; Lane, Kamryn, Payton, and Pacy McGinn of Rising Star, Texas; Kolton Seal of Childress, Texas; Bradley Seal of Harker Heights, Texas; 4 brothers, George Canales Jr. of Early, Texas; Ireno Canales and his wife, Sharon of Bangs, Texas; Ben Canales and his wife, Kay of Abilene, Texas; Gilbert Canales and wife, Lucy of Abilene, Texas; 2 sister, Hilda Perez of Robstown, Texas; Dalia Cayenne and husband, Darryl of Abilene, Texas.

Frank Duran,, 95 - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Frank Duran, on December 4, 2022 in Abilene, Texas after a sudden illness. He was blessed to live a full and active life to the age of 95.

Frank was born on June 4, 1927 in Merkel, Texas to Juan and Concepcion Duran. He married Cynthia Biera in January 1950 and was a father to 3 daughters Susan, Rosemary, and Roberta.

Frank was a hard worker and generous provider. He always made sure his girls and grandchildren were safe and taken care of. He was dedicated to his faith as a member of Our Mother Of Mercy Catholic Church in Merkel. Throughout his life he sang in the choir and assisted in many ways with the church, either by fundraising, social events, or helping to maintain the church. He worked for Starbuck Funeral Home for almost 40 years and even after retirement continued to work part-time for Palmer Motors in Merkel for several years. He served as a member of the Pleasantville Committee in Merkel.

Frank loved his hometown of Merkel and the many friendships he gained being a part of this community. One of his proudest moments was when he was chosen to represent the Catholic Diocese as a Eucharistic Minister during the mass held by Pope John Paul II in San Antonio, TX in 1987, the largest mass in Texas history to this day.

Frank was truly a dedicated sports fan. He followed the Merkel Badger football teams, loved the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and the Texas Rangers. He cheered the wins and pushed through the losses.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cynthia, daughter Susan Painter, brothers Juan Jr. and Lupe Duran, sister Mary Acuna.

Frank leaves behind his daughters Rosemary McConnon and Roberta Duran of San Antonio, TX; five grandchildren, Stephanie Gutierrez and husband Gilbert of Abilene, Elizabeth Painter and Alison Guillenette and husband Jason of San Antonio, Tx, Cassidy McConnon of Seattle, Washington and James Valero of Abilene, Tx.

Amanda Danielle Duran, 32, of Abilene, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 in Abilene. Amanda was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Sue Ellen (Sconzo) and Jesus Miguel Duran on July 10, 1990. She graduated from Lackey High School. Amanda was a full time mom to 3 year old Athena. Amanda is survived by her daughter, Athena; her parents, Sue Ellen Beckman and husband Nathan Turner of Abilene, Jesus Miguel Duran and fiancee' Tan Williams of Tuscon, AZ and James Beckman and wife Chari of Maryland; siblings, Wally Duran and wife Lisa Duran, Logan Beckman, Blaine Stover, Dakota Stover, and Adynna Bustamante; maternal grandparents, James and Cathy Sconzo; aunt and uncle, Doug and Jamie Searcy. Memorials may be made in Amanda's honor to Rescue the Animals, 4620 N. 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603.

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

a Moment in our arms

a Lifetime in our hearts

Making Abilene's Animal Shelter Better

By Brian Bethel | Abilene Reporter-News

As the Abilene Animal Shelter settles into new management, helmed by nonprofit All Kind Animal Initiative, changes also are afoot (or a-paw) with the city's animal control efforts.

All Kind took assumed operation of the shelter and its related services as of the first of the year, while animal control officers now serve under the Abilene Police Department’s (APD) newly created Animal Outreach Team.

The dual approach allows All Kind to focus its efforts at the city's shelter, located at 925 S 25th St., while also providing the community with ample opportunity to access its services.

"Our immediate short-term goal is to improve the quality of care that we can provide to the animals over here (at the city's animal shelter)," said Andrea Robison, All Kind's board president. "To do that, one of the biggest things that we were focused on was increasing the staff size so that we have a much larger team here now to provide care."

That means the ability to clean kennels faster, socialize more with dogs and cats, take dogs out into the yard to let them play, etc.

"We've already implemented those practices as of day one, as of yesterday," Robison said Tuesday during a media event. "So, we're really excited about that."

Taking over the shelter from the city has come with a large learning curve, she said, and so what the group needs now more than anything is patience, she said.

"We have a brand new team, and we have brand new software that we're using," she said. "So, it's a little bit slow going right now as we learn to use that. But we're confident all these are positive steps in the right direction. Once we get up and going, this will really streamline a lot of the care practices we provide here."

New approach

On the flipside, Animal Outreach's goals are to focus on the health and well-being of animals in the field and in the community.

"The biggest difference in this change is going to be between shelter services and animal con-

trol services, said Lindsey Houts, animal control supervisor. People are used to calling the shelter to get to animal control, she said.

"Now, they need to contact the (Abilene Police Department's) non-emergency number to get services from animal control," Houts said. The number is 325-673-8331.

Animal control is where residents should call if they have issues with a stray, aggressive, dangerous or deceased animal, or with barking dog complaints.

APD Animal Outreach hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Emergency response is available after hours, weekends and holidays.

adoption as she answers questions at the Abilene Animal Shelter. If dealing with what's obviously a domestic animal, "all of our animal control officers are equipped with microchip scanners," Houts said.

"We always scan them and try and get them home before we move on to the shelter," she said. "So, we have the tools available to get dogs and cats home. And if somebody's pet is lost, (the shelter) is the place they're going to come to look."

Her biggest expectation from the wider partnership, she said, is better care for the animals the city serves. Robison said All Kind has worked closely with the APD to help cement a "really positive relationship."

said. "She's great, and she's really on board with all of the philosophies that we have in place. So again, we're just tryint to work through the kinks of the systems, getting the two different systems to talk to each other well and communicate well."

That goal, Robison said, is so that once the APD responds to calls in the community and "brings them to us, we're able to immediately pick up when they hand off the baton to us. It's all about proving, again, that quality of care."

Wider goals, immediate needs

Though Tuesday was about the nuts and bolts of the switchover, the primary work of the shelter was in full swing.

In the background, people came in and out, some carrying animals that would leave with them. As Robison navigated interviews holding a squirmy gray and white puppy, several dogs found homes, while a tiny kitten, the last of its siblings waiting for adoption, cast cool, bright blue eyes at passersby, hoping to find love at first sight reflected back.

While streamlining the current shelter is one of the most important goals of All Kind, it has larger plans ahead, of the sort that will hopefully assure all the creatures under its care have a home, Robison said.

The city has purchased land for a new animal shelter at 610 East South 11th Street, while All Kind is raising funds to build a new, stateof-the-art shelter there.

"We're still working hard on the capital campaign for the new facility," Robison said.

Called the Pet Adoption Resource Center, or PARC, there are several ways the community can support the project, she said.

"We just have to finish raising the funds so that we can break ground," she said.

Currently, the group has collected about $7.5 million toward its $9.5 million goal, she said.

Robison, board president of All Kind Animal Initiative, holds a squirmy puppy up for

Andrea

For more information on the Abilene Animal Shelter and the services provided through All Kind Animal Initiative, go to allkindabilene.org

"We've worked with officer Hout before," she

Lizzy Gideon gets a bit of affection while walking a Staffordshire Terrier mix named Spuds at the Abilene Animal Shelter on Tuesday. "He's a pure-bred good boy", said Gideon. With the New Year, non-profit All Kind Animal Initiative has taken over management of the shelter. Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich/

Lisa Altum, a volunteer at the Abilene Animal Shelter, gets a cuddle from Blanche, one of the cats up for adoption Tuesday. Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich/

EDUCATION LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

AHS Senior's Single Hits iTunes, Other Musical Platforms

By Abilene Independent School District

Last summer, Vicky Gao began writing songs. She hasn’t stopped since.

Earlier this year, the Abilene High School senior penned a song titled “Little Ghost Inside my Head” that is now available on Apple iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Music, Pandora, and iHeart.

Writing her own songs was not something Gao ever really thought about when she first got involved with music at five years old. She’s been playing the piano and singing since then but has only been writing songs for a little more than one year.

“I’ve always admired songwriters and wondered how they did it,” Gao said. “I’ve played the piano and sung since I was five, but I’ve never been able to write music until August 2021, which is really pretty recent. I don’t know what made me finally do it, but I sat down at the piano one day and decided I was going to write a song. And then suddenly these songs started coming out.”

Writing in the style of her song-writing inspirations Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift, Gao penned 17 songs, including “Little Ghost Inside my Head,” which she wrote over the course of the first two months of 2022. She describes the song as “Indie Pop,” but says the other 16 songs would fall into the “Indie” genre where Bridgers lives.

And, like so many of the songs that Swift writes and sings, Gao said her debut single is “about someone … they’ll know eventually it’s about them.”

After she wrote the song, she began working with her longtime friend and neighbor, Hansen Penya (who goes by the stage name “Goodbye Alex”), who has been creating and producing music for a few years. The 2020 AHS graduate took the track of Gao playing the piano and singing her song and plugged it into his software, adding a beat and instruments to fill out her creation.

“I sent him a recording and his keyboard translates what you play onto the software,” Gao ex-

plained. “So, I played it on piano, and then we put the vocals over it. From there, it was a lot of trial and error for what I wanted it to sound like. We experimented with adding strings and then percussion and guitar. Then we had to work with the mix and where the music would be louder and then back off. It was a long process.”

some in-house guidance in writing her songs from AHS assistant choir director Remel Derrick, who has been composing choral music for several years. His advice to Gao was to “be true to her voice, style, and sound, and to not compromise those values to appeal to a commercial market.” It seems as if Gao paid heed to that advice.

“During the summer, Vicki played some of her songs for me and wanted to get my opinion on which ones I thought would make the best as a single release,” Derrick said. “Her songs were so intimate and personal, that any of them would have made a very special release. After she recorded the song, she then allowed me to listen to get my opinion on the production.”

Derrick has been around Gao almost daily for four years and isn’t surprised at her motivation in carving her path as a songwriter.

“I am constantly impressed by Vicky’s self-motivation and her level of performance, whether academic or artistic, which is always at a high level,” he said. “What equally impresses me about her is her humility, and desire to not really stand out, but blend in. Vicki never seeks to be center stage but is always willing to encourage others to shine.”

After about three months of work on the song, it was ready to release on Oct. 31, 2022. Gao used the distribution platform called DistroKid to make the song public. She sent the song’s final version to the company and, after paying a $40 distribution fee, the song was live for download or purchase on several music apps.

“The first time I heard the final version, I thought, ‘That’s it. That’s the one,’ ” she said. “Then I played it for my friends, and they loved it. I didn’t know how it would turn out because we had experimented with many different elements. But obviously, it made me happy to hear it.”

Gao, who is a member of the choir at AHS and president of the National Honor Society, had

And now that she’s got one song out, Gao, who has applied to, among others, three schools in Nashville (Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, and Belmont), is weighing what to do with the other 16 songs she has written. She originally wanted to release an LP titled “Farewell to Yesterday” of about three or four songs on her birthday in early January but doesn’t believe she has the time to get those songs produced in that short amount of time.

However, there’s a reason for wanting to release one of her songs in January.

“I’m turning 18 in January, and I have at least one song I’d like to release on my birthday,” she said, “and it’s called ‘Last Day of Being 17.’ I thought it would be fitting to release it on that day. We’ll see what happens.”

Families,TSTC Honor Associate Degree in Nursing Graduates at Pinning Ceremony

By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications, Communications Specialist

Texas State Technical College honored 14 Associate Degree in Nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony in Abilene on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Each student received a nurse’s pin that they will wear in the workforce, and a family member pinned it on them as a celebration of their accomplishment.

Josiah Foncham became emotional when addressing his classmates during the ceremony.

“We take this opportunity to thank those who have supported us throughout this journey,” he said. “Our families have seen us through our highs and lows, and we thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Foncham took a moment to thank his mother, Dorothy Foncham.

“I offer my sincere thanks for your unconditional love and support, especially during this strenuous endeavor,” he said. “Your unwavering dedication to me has proven the timeless sentiment that a parent’s love for their child is eternal. I dedicate this success to you wholeheartedly.”

Foncham said it was the help of his fellow students that led to the class’ success.

“Our classmates have been our rock. Without their support, we could not have made it,” he said. “We faced struggles, shared laughter, and overcame obstacles during our clinical trials and test days. My peers and I have proven that we can withstand even the most demanding tasks.”

Foncham also recognized TSTC’s faculty for their support during class and in life. He remembered that each time a meeting began, instructor Lisa van Cleave would offer a prayer.

“I will always embrace her heartfelt prayer and carry it with me wherever I go,” he said.

Van Cleave opened the ceremony by thanking the family members for their support.

“Everyone take a breath. You finally made it,” she said. “This is always the great end to a lot of work and a lot of stress. This has been an incredible and exciting journey for you.”

Other students honored during the ceremony were Maritza Alaniz, Carmen Arguijo, Melissa Bautista, Rachel Bradshaw, April Clark, Judith Hoyle, Larissa Melchert, Heighlye Mize, Kendra Presley, Renee Price, Kayleen

See, Karli Teague and Lea Thompson.

At the end of the ceremony, the graduates recited the Nightingale pledge. The pledge is named in honor of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, and is similar to the Hippocratic Oath in its focus on ethical patient care.

Each graduate now is able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEXRN). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a registered nurse and can work in hospitals, day-surgery centers, rehabilitation centers, physicians’ offices and home health care agencies, among other areas.

According to onetonline.org, registered nursing jobs were forecast to increase 17% in Texas between 2020 and 2030. The median annual salary for registered nurses in Texas is $77,320, the website showed.

TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen campus. TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is available at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses. For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Associate Degree in Nursing graduate Josiah Foncham dedicated his success to his mother, Dorothy, who placed his nurse’s pin on his lapel during a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

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HOPE FOR MAN

Lord, we see ourselves that there is hope for a man who is lost in a world with no future.

We were given a chance on Earth to prove we can find our way to a new world which God has promised us.

As time passes, we still have hope that God will find a place for us in Heaven.

The rain taps at our window telling us the Holy Spirit is waiting for us to find ourselves in a world of sin.

The sun lights up our life as we search for salvation, which we will have one day.

We give and give, yet our world takes from us because we are only men who have no tomorrow!

Time travels only by the laws of God who gave us life at conception, and for His sake we will have salvation in the end.

Love revolves around God and it holds strong for us today, tomorrow and for Eternal Life forever.

God Bless the unborn children

Telephone Man

Deaf Awareness Day a Smash Hit at the Abilene Zoo

By Abilene Independent School District

Students and teachers in Abilene ISD’s Regional Day School Program celebrated Deaf Awareness Day at The Abilene Zoo. To prepare for the celebration, AISD students created posters for special zoo animals. The posters included a picture of the animal, a picture of the sign for the animal, and a QR code that opened up to a video of one of our deaf students or deaf teachers producing the sign. Parents, siblings, and past students also joined in the celebration event, which was sponsored by the Holland Hearing Center and HEB.

Clay Carabajal, Public Relations and Animal Behavior Specialist for the Abilene Zoo, and two assistants wowed students with an upclose and personal presentation of a roadrun-

ner, baby alligator, newly trained hawk, and a baby capybara. Students also had the opportunity to pet unique Texas animals and participate in “zoo chats” at the giraffe and anteater exhibits with interpreters present, where they learned all they ever wanted to know about these amazing creatures. Other activities included making s’mores, touring the zoo by train, and receiving special visits from the Grinch and Santa Claus, who communicated with the students in sign language as he listened patiently to their wishes for Christmas.

Thank you to our friends at the Abilene Zoo for partnering with AISD to help these students enjoy a fantastic holiday learning experience!

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Bridging Gaps: Arrow Ford Owner Wins CTE Award

By Abilene Independent School District

Abilene ISD is proud to offer a wide variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to equip our students for brighter futures. Our students and schools are also blessed to have the support of wonderful community partners in this endeavor. One of AISD’s strongest supporters is Mr. Seaton Higginbotham, Dealer Principal of Arrow Ford and Chairman of the Abilene Automotive Education Alliance. AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young recently had the opportunity to present Mr. Higginbotham with a Champion for CTE award on behalf of the Career and Technical Association of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Higginbotham and Arrow Ford, for your dedication to promoting education and career success for young people in Abilene and the Big Country!

TSTC Wind Energy Technology Students Leave Mark on Campus, Literally

By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications, Communications Specialist

Russell Benson, an instructor in the program, wanted students who completed the core of the program to sign the wind turbine blade that is on permanent display in front of the Wind Energy Technology building to commemorate their time on campus. Most of the students will graduate during the fall commencement ceremony, while others will complete work on their associate degrees later by taking general education classes.

No matter where they stood academically, Benson wanted them to leave an impression for others to see.

“By signing the blade, this represents the students completing the core of the Wind Energy Technology program,” he said. “This is a way for them to remember their time at TSTC. I hope they will come back one day with their family to show them they signed the turbine and tell them of their experience.”

Gabby Mallet, associate provost of the Sweetwater campus, said she was excited that the students were able to do something small but significant that will mean more to them over time.

"I am so excited to see the beginning of this tradition for our Wind Energy Technology students,” she said. “By signing the wind turbine blade, it signifies the ending of their journey at TSTC but is a way to remember what they accomplished. It will also be motivation for future students to complete the program so they can leave their mark on TSTC and West Texas."

The students were happy to be part of a new tradition.

“This is really cool. My name will be there forever,” said Dylan McLaury, of Aspermont. “I know that one day I will come here and show my kids and family. To be the first to start a new tradition is awesome.”

Emily Carr, of Odessa, said it was a special time since she signed the turbine along with her classmates.

“I have never seen anything like this be-

signing the turbine blade after seeing a group looking at it. Several students had signed the blade before this year, but this was the first time a class did it together.

“I know this may seem like a little thing, but it is something they earned,” he said. “When they get to this point, the fourth semester, it is their fun semester. They are starting to realize their time is coming to an end and they will be ready to get to work. This is a small gesture for us to honor them before they walk the commencement stage.”

The job outlook for the wind energy industry is bright. According to onetonline.org, the need for wind turbine service technicians in Texas was forecast to increase a whopping 102% from 2020 to 2030. The average annual salary for a technician in Texas is $51,560, according to the website.

fore,” she said. “It is a unique thing that we are the first group to sign the blade. I will never forget my time at TSTC, especially when I can say that I signed a wind turbine blade.”

Manny Gurrola, of San Angelo, agreed with his classmates. “This is a way for all of us to remember what we have accomplished in the program and at TSTC,” he said.

For Jonah Ferris, of Snyder, signing the blade took on a different meaning.

“This is a whole new beginning for us,” he said. “Going to TSTC has helped me prepare for the transition to the workforce. When I signed the blade, I thought about the trail of success I will leave behind and take with me at work.”

Benson said he had the idea for students

TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Daniel Hernandez, a TSTC Wind Energy Technology student, signs the wind turbine blade that is on permanent display at the Sweetwater campus. Students who complete the program will sign the blade to commemorate their time at the college. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Graduate Spotlight

Moses Zirimwabagabo

By Charis Ochu | Hardin-Simmons University

In the spring of 2019, Kigali, Rwanda native Moses Zirimwabagabo ‘22 made the decision to study at Hardin-Simmons University; on Friday, December 16, he received his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Throughout his time at HSU, Zirimwabagabo was involved in various organizations on campus, including the International Student’s Fellowship (ISF) where he served as treasurer and event manager for two years, a member of the Alpha Phi Omega (APO), the public relations chair for the Holland School of Science and Math Society (HSSM), a member of the HSU PreHealth Club, and a student worker for University Marketing and the International Students Admission Office.

In his free time, Zirimwabagabo loves to read books, practice the guitar and piano, and play soccer, an interest that led him to lead in organizing several soccer events on campus such as the Soccer Tournament hosted during the 2022 International Week.

Zirimwabagabo is grateful to the faculty, staff, and friends he made at HSU. “They have had a positive impact on my life and extended my worldview,” he shared. “I have enjoyed the opportunity HSU offers to interact with professors and be able to conduct research while learning from them.”

Zirimwabagabo’s plans after graduation involve working as a Patient Care Technician to gain experience in patient care, after which he will be applying to physician assistant (PA) schools in May 2023.

Zirimwabagabo’s advice to HSU students is this:

“Take chances, make mistakes, learn, and have fun. Do not be scared to explore. You have something special in you, so use it to help others.”

Congratulations, Moses Zirimwabagabo!

Moses Zirimwabagabo has completed his time at Hardin-Simmons University after an exciting few years of campus-wide involvement and building community.

Moses playing the guitar and singing at the 2021 International Chapel.

Student Engineers Sail To Success at 7th Annual ATEMS Cardboard Boat Races

By Abilene Independent School District

On Saturday, December 3, students from all four AISD middle schools and ATEMS participated in the 7th Annual Cardboard Boat Invitational. This year’s competition was hosted at the Phillips Family Center at McMurry University. Student teams showcased their boat building skills in the opening ceremony parade and competed in a variety of categories related to boat speed, distance traveled, construction creativity, and buoyancy time.

Congratulations to Mann and Clack middle schools for winning the overall middle school competition, and to the “Big 12” and “PAC 12” teams for tying for first place in the high school competition. Check out the gallery of photos taken by AISD photography students on this page to see the hard work and ingenuity of our students and their team coaches!

7 Things You’ll Wind Up Regretting

By BJ Foster | All Pro Dad

When I was in high school, I was very sarcastic. OK—I’m still pretty sarcastic, but over the years, I’ve learned how to be a little less abrasive with my words. It’s something I’m still working on. But when I was 17, I was at a party, and a friend and I started to burn one another. It was funny at first, just lighthearted insults we both laughed off. But as is often the case, the digs got more and more personal. I should have let her have the last one, but I couldn’t resist, and of course I had to take it to a whole new level. I said something horrible that brought her to tears. That is one of my biggest regrets in life, or at least it was at that point.

If only we had an advance warning of our regrets, then maybe we could avoid them. Perhaps even without a warning, we can. As I’ve listened to people who have gone before me, older and wiser, I’ve tried to listen to their regrets and learn from their mistakes. The following is a compilation of the things I’ve heard them say they would have done differently if they had the chance. Here are 5 of the biggest regrets in life.

1. Always Playing It SafeOne of the worst feelings is wondering what life might have been like if we had enough courage to take a shot. If only we had pursued a dream, put our reputation on the line for something we believed in, or took a stand instead of going along with the crowd. Where do you need to take some risks?

2. Taking the Low Road - There’s a saying that goes something like, “When you throw mud at others, not only do you get dirty, but you lose a

lot of ground.” It may make you feel good in the short run, but taking the low road stains our own dignity and lowers the quality of our character.

3. Not Telling People How You Feel - The last conversation I had with my dad was on the phone. His mother, my grandmother, had just died. I fumbled my way through the conversation, not knowing what to say. I couldn’t wait to be with him to have a redo. That redo never

something you’re angry about that you need to let go? Is there someone you need to forgive?

5. Choosing Comfort Over Sacrifice - The most significant contributions we make involve sacrifice. If we want to make an impact, we need to sacrifice our time and energy or put our own desires and comfort aside. Most if not all of us crave comfort. And comfort is easy and unchallenging, but no growth or greatness comes from it. There’s no opportunity to leave a mark. The last thing we want to do is look back at our lives and wish we had braved discomfort and made sacrifices for something powerful.

6. Quitting - If we’ve given everything we’ve got and it hasn’t worked or we are in a toxic situation, then it’s wise to pack it in and walk away. But when we quit just because things get difficult, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to overcome obstacles. Sticking with it builds character and resiliency.

came. He passed away that week, before I had the chance. Don’t miss the chance to tell people how you feel.

4. Holding On to Anger - Living in negativity takes a toll on our mental health. It leaves us feeling exhausted and drained. James 4:14 says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Life is short and our lives are fuller when we let go of our anger, choosing instead to forgive and love. Is there

7. Not Considering GodThere are some big questions we all need to face: Where did we come from? How did we get here? Are we a cosmic accident, or were we made by God? Is there possibly some other answer? If we are made by God, what type of God are we talking about? If God doesn’t exist and we ignore these questions, there won’t be any repercussions. But if He does exist, then we will miss out on something great. As Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love.” God has the capacity to enrich our lives. Isn’t that worth pursuing?

Dare to Be Different

By Joyce Meyer | Joyce Meyer Ministries

Are you tired of playing games, wearing masks or trying to be someone other than yourself?

If so, wouldn't you like the freedom to just be accepted for who you are, without the pressure to be someone you really don't know how to be?

Would you like to learn how to embrace your uniqueness and resist the pull to be like everyone else?

God knew what He was doing when He made you. You are a unique individual—God created you the way you are!

It's time that we dare to accept ourselves as different and stop being insecure about who we are.

Just be you!

If you're going to overcome insecurities and be the person God's called you to be, you must have the courage to be different.

Unhappiness and frustration happen when we reject our uniqueness and try to be like each other. If you're going to be successful at being completely you, then you're going to have to take a chance on not being like everyone else.

You must ask yourself, Am I a people-pleaser...or a God-pleaser?

Don’t be a people-pleaser. Becoming a people-pleaser is one of the easiest things we can do...but it can ultimately make us very unhappy.

When we begin pleasing others, we begin to hear comments that make us feel good about ourselves. That's okay as long as we don't derive our sense of worth from it.

People are too fickle for us to place our sense of worth in their opinions. We're worth something because God says we're worth something—not because of what people think or say about us.

People-pleasers allow others to control their lives in order to gain acceptance and approval. But God doesn't want us to be easily manipulated or controlled by others.

We shouldn't let other people's opinions of us control our actions!

Don’t leave love behind...

At the same time, we must walk in love. We can't just do anything we want, whenever we want, with total disregard for the feelings of others.

We can't say, "I'm going to do this, and if you don't like it, that's tough—that's your problem!"

The Bible commands us to love others, and love doesn't behave that way.

However, we must not allow people to manipulate and control us to the point that we're never free to be who we are. If we do, we'll always try to become the person we think others expect us to be.

“Conform” or “transform”?

The world (those we know and deal with on a daily basis who may be family, friends, people in the neighborhood or even in the church) is continually trying to conform us to its image.

The word conform means "to be similar in form or character; to behave in accordance with prevailing modes or customs."

Romans 12:2 AMPC says, Do not be conformed to this world (this age).…but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind… It's then that we find the good and acceptable will of God for our lives.

People will always try to fit us into their mold, partly due to their own insecurity. It makes them feel better about what they are doing if they can get someone else to do it too.

Very few people have the ability to be who they are and let everybody else be who they are.

Can you imagine how nice the world would be if we would all do that? Each person would be secure in who he is and let others be who they are. We would not have to try to be imitations of each other.

Unique for a Purpose

God wants to take us, with all our weaknesses and inabilities, and transform us, by working from the inside out, to do something powerful in this earth.

If we're going to overcome insecurities and succeed at being ourselves, we can't continue to be afraid of what everybody else may think. We can't continue to allow others to fit us into their mold.

We are different! We are unique! And God created us this way to accomplish His purposes here on earth.

Happy Blended New Year!

By Kristie Carpenter | The Blended Family Mom

I love this time of year. It comes with so much hope for me. I reflect back on the previous year and see how God brought me through some hard times, how He opened doors for me to go through, and how He blessed me with family, friends, and opportunities for ministry. I also critically look at the last year's resolutions that didn't get accomplished, such as losing so much weight, spending more time in God's Word, and getting out of debt; I find these three goals have been on my New Year's resolution list for years!

I’ll beat myself up with thoughts such as, “Ugh! Why am I such a stiff-necked person? Why do I not have any self-control?” Maybe you can relate to me …

However, no matter how disappointed I am in myself, and no matter what goals were not achieved, I am thankful to have a God who wipes my slate clean every day. Lamentations 3:19-23 sums this up perfectly: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” If this doesn't lift your spirits, I don't know what will. These verses are the gift of new life, a new day, and new opportunities. My past failures can be laid to rest and I have the freedom to walk into this day without the shackles of the past holding me down.

As a mom, and as you reflect upon this last year, I know you are going to remember things that built up your family, and there will be those memories that bring “bitterness and gall.” However, because of God’s promises, you can lift up your head, and breathe deep and fresh; you are

not who you were yesterday. You are stronger, smarter, and you can walk into today with those strengths. You can walk into today trusting in God and His Word.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is here!”

So as this New Year begins, I am claiming Psalm 143:8; I am hoping you will too. It says, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”

God has a plan and a purpose for you this year. Are you going to trust in that? God has made a way for you to get there. Are you going to walk in that?

Memorize Jeremiah 29:11 if you are having doubts: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Now that's something to get excited about! Happy – Blended -- New Year!

Blessings in your Blending …

(Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren.

Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook. com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books“The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom. com)

7 Signs of Toxic Positivity and What to Say Instead

By Abby Watts | iMom, Content Manager

While I was going through my divorce, if I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “Don’t worry. You’ll find someone else,” it would’ve covered all my legal fees. My husband (the new one, because, well, those people were right—I did find someone else), lost his daughter to cystic fibrosis in 2015. He heard “she’s in a better place” so much it turned his mourning into anger. And when a friend lost her job last year, her Facebook feed was flooded with comments about something better being “right around the corner.”

All of these are examples of toxic positivity that came from kind, well-meaning people. I’m sure I’ve dished out my own fair share in an effort to encourage a friend or make an uncomfortable moment less awkward. But what we need to remember is that these words can actually hurt the people we offer them to. Here are 7 signs your positivity could be toxic and what to say instead.

7 Signs of Toxic Positivity

1. You minimize other people’s experiences with “feel good” statements.

Examples: Don’t worry, be happy! Good vibes only! God won’t give you more than you can handle.

2. You try to give others perspective instead of validating their emotional experience. This leads to alienation and disconnection. When my husband’s daughter passed away and people said “she’s not in pain anymore,” he felt alone, like no one understood his sorrow.

Examples: First-world problems. It could be worse. At least you had that time with him/her.

3. You shame or chastise others for expressing anything other than positivity.

Examples: You should be grateful for that. Being negative doesn’t help anything.

4. You mask your true feelings.

Example: I didn’t care anyway.

5. You try to move on by dismissing an emotion.

Expressing emotions, negative ones included, helps the body regulate stress. By dismissing negative emotions, we’re standing in the way of handling that stress.

Example: I shouldn’t have let that get me so upset.

6. You make yourself feel guilty for your negative emotions.

Examples: So many people have it worse than me. Why can’t I just be grateful?

7. You brush off things that are bothering you with an “it is what it is.”

How to Stop Toxic Positivity

A huge step in the right direction would be to pause before speaking and ask yourself if the words you’re about to say are for the other person’s comfort or yours. It’s awkward and difficult to just sit in a painful moment with someone, but sometimes that’s the exact place we need to be.

What to Say Instead

If your friend tells you his dad’s cancer has metastasized, don’t say, “I’m sure he’ll beat it.” Say, “I’m really sorry. I know that’s not the news you were hoping for. I’m here if you need anything, even just to listen.”

When your family pet dies, instead of telling your kids, “Be glad we had her for as long as we did,” say, “This is really hard. I’m grateful that we have each other. How are you feeling?”

When your wife gets passed over for a promotion, swap “everything happens for a reason” with “sometimes we don’t get what we want and it stinks.” Then ask, “How can I support you through this?”

When you feel like you’re failing as a dad, instead of “just stay positive,” tell yourself, “My feelings are valid. Parenting is hard.”

Nothing. Just listen.

5 Ways to Fight Burnout

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Lou Holtz said, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” We can carry a lot more than we think. Our level of stress and feeling overwhelmed is often because we’re trying to work too much. If the number of tasks on our schedules doesn’t paralyze us, we pile on more things.

Overworking has a cost. We work longer hours, but instead of being more productive, we become exhausted and discouraged. If we don’t watch, our busyness hurts rather than helps. Here are 5 ways to fight burnout: F-I-G-H-T.

F—Find rest. Rest doesn’t happen by accident. You must plan for it. Sometimes, you just need a nap. Other times, you need a good night’s sleep. You must create habits of rest in your life. It’s important for focus and productivity. Daily, I find rest by going to bed at a decent hour. Weekly, I make time for things that rejuvenate me, like hobbies and exercise. Like most things, we work well if we unplug for a time.

I—Initiate inspiration. I use the term “initiate” because in my experience, inspiration doesn’t come looking for you; you must find it— and keep looking for it. Be a student. Studying something of interest through reading, listening to interviews, or watching videos on a given topic keeps me inspired in my work.

G—Get disciplined. When life seems to be coming at me and I start reacting rather than acting, it helps me to pause and look at every single detail. Get disciplined in your meetings, daily

conversations, and how you handle answering emails. Getting disciplined, which is one of the best ways to fight burnout, often means prioritizing and cutting unnecessary things. I try to live by the idea of “edit to amplify.” Often, we need to say no to good ideas so we can say yes to what’s most important. Feeling overwhelmed usually comes because we are lacking control. You regain control of your life one task at a time by focusing on the next priority.

Regain control of your life one task at a time by focusing on the next priority.

H—Have focus. Call it “being present in the moment” or simply focusing. Learn to focus on work when you are at work and focus on your family when you’re at home. If I see anything wrong with the work-from-home movement, it’s that we’ve lost the balance and our work has shifted too far into family time.

T—Take a sabbatical. If you’re able to get away for a longer period, I suggest making it a long-term goal to take a sabbatical. Now, before you stop reading because you can’t take off for months, getting away to refresh, think, and rejuvenate can be helpful and life-changing for two weeks or a month. Don’t rule a sabbatical out.

I spent my life being unsure how people took a sabbatical. Then, last year, I took one month to rest and rejuvenate, and my only regret is not doing it sooner. If you don’t have weeks to take off, consider taking one day off per quarter in solitude. Ovid, the Roman poet, said we are to “take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” Like the seasons a field goes through, make sure one of your seasons is rest.

10 Negative Habits Your Family Needs to Kick

By iMom

It’s a funny thing about habits—they have consequences whether they’re good or bad for us. Form a good habit and it pays good dividends. Drag around a bad habit, though, and you’ll eventually reap some bad outcomes. Changing habits is rarely easy, but many times ends up being the best thing a person or family can do.

There are lots of not-great choices families can make once in a while with no major consequences. But when those things become habits, you’ve got a problem. Such is the case with most of these 10 negative habits to kick—if you see them making regular appearances in your family’s life, act fast to correct them.

1. Fast food - Sure, drive-thru windows are a blessing when you’re on the road with a car full of hungry kids. But save that convenience for when you’re traveling or other unique circumstances. Why? Because the nutrition you get for the calories, sodium, and fat grams you consume is a bad deal. If you find yourself feeding your family from a paper bag with a grease stain every few days (or more), it’s time to cut back.

2. Bickering - Some families— especially those with teenagers— find themselves in tense, argumentative conversations over and over, all day long. But it doesn’t have to be that way, nor should it be. Make a conscious effort to curb the sarcastic or argumentative comments you make as a parent, and demand that your children speak to one another with love and respect, too.

3. Disorganization - When my nephew’s grades were slipping in science, his teacher told my sisterin-law that he knew the information very well, but his lack of organizational skills were costing him points on lost or late assignments. For a busy family, organization is not a luxury—it’s a must. It starts with mom keeping a great calendar for everyone’s activities, and should trickle down to kids keeping their

own work and assignments in order.

4. Wasteful spending - It’s funny how thousands of dollars tend to creep out the door unnoticed–usually about $5 at a time. But making everyone aware how those little expenses add up can turn the family budget around substantially. Help your kids break habits like buying bottled water or soda when out and about by bringing a reusable water bottle along; eat at home more and dine out less (see #1); teach your kids to take care of expensive sports equipment and school shoes so they don’t have to be replaced as often. It all adds up!

5. Over-scheduling - It’s tempting to let your kids participate in lots of extracurricular activities because there are so many quality programs available these days. But an over-scheduled family is a stressed-out family where survival—not intentional living—becomes the rule of the day. Choose carefully and wisely in terms of which commitments you take on or allow your kids to take on. You may find that you all get greater joy out of doing fewer things, but under less pressure.

6. Failing to eat togetherThis bad habit is a close cousin to fast food and over-scheduling! Busy families often find that the family dinner table is the big loser when we get caught up in the rat-race. But it’s worth it to schedule 3-4 (or more) true family dinners each week where every member of the family is required to be around the table to spend time together and eat well. Statistics show that families who do this have happier, healthier kids and parents!

7. Screen time overload - If you or your kids are spending more than an hour or so a day in front of a screen (TV, computer, video game, etc.), you’re probably spending too much. Families who have major electronic addictions have higher rates of obesity and other health problems, plus, they’re missing

out on countless other worthwhile things like: reading (remember books?), outdoor play, games together, and great communication about the things that matter.

8. Skipping church - It’s very easy to miss a couple of weeks of attendance at church and then a third, and pretty soon you haven’t seen the place in 2-3 months. Make worship and family church activities a priority! We promise this will pay greater dividends in the life of your family than anything else you can do, and will establish a good habit for your children that will be important to their own spiritual growth and health long after they leave your care.

9. Hiring out all the tough chores - For busy suburban families, there’s a great temptation to simplify things by hiring help for all major tasks: housecleaning, yard work, etc. But if your kids never have to pitch in to get these everyday jobs done, how will they ever know how to do them well, or appreciate what goes into them. Do your kids a favor by reserving some key jobs for them that help develop a work ethic and sense of responsibility. This can also be a great relief to your budget!

10. Keeping up - Admit it: you do it, and your kids sometimes do it, too. We’re all prone to compare ourselves with others and try to keep up with the Joneses. But doing so can create a host of other problems. For starters, you don’t know if the Joneses share your values and priorities, your practical limitations, or your budget. For those reasons, it makes much more sense to set your own pace for life by intentionally choosing what’s best for you and your family, and not worrying too much about everyone else.

HEALTH&FITNESS

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is An Important Time to Spread the Word about This Sight-Stealing Disease

By Glaucoma Research Fooundation

More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.

Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it’s permanent. As much as 40% of vision can be lost without a person noticing.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is more prevalent. Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 3 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.

HELP RAISE AWARENESS

Talk to your family about glaucoma.

In the United States, approximately 120,000 are blind from glaucoma, accounting for 9% to 12% of all cases of blindness. Here are some ways you can help raise awareness:

1.Talk to friends and family about glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, don’t keep it a secret. Let your family members know.

2. Refer a friend to our web site, www.glaucoma.org.

3. Request to have a free educational booklet sent to you or a friend.

4. Get involved in your community through fundraisers, online information sessions or group discussions, etc.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.

increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma.

Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.

REGULAR EYE EXAMS ARE IMPORTANT

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization. In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything until significant vision is lost.

The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.

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Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.

There is no cure for glaucoma—yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.

TYPES OF GLAUCOMA

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. And among Hispanics in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African-Americans. Also, siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having glaucoma.

RISK FACTORS

Are you at risk for glaucoma? Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include: people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.

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

State Farm Bloomington, IL 1706838

Tips For Improving Your Diet: 3 Superfoods To Eat Every Day

By ReNue Phamacy

Most people want to be healthy. But between hectic schedules, crunched mealtimes, and needing a little time to unwind, prioritizing general wellness can be difficult. People generally understand that eating well, getting enough exercise, and avoiding questionable behaviors like using tobacco products or excessive drinking, are important to preserve overall health. But not all people are aware that boosting daily intake of supercharged healthy foods can also aid in better wellbeing.

1. The incredible edible egg - Eggs are often overlooked in the general population as a basic food item. Consider that learning to boil eggs without a dreaded green ring around the yolks is considered a baseline benchmark for learning to cook. But eggs are packed full of nutrients that provide a wide host of benefits throughout the human body. Along with being packed full of protein, eggs contain lutein, antioxidants, vitamin D, and even zeaxanthin. Besides being a great source of fuel, eggs can boost eye health and even increase a person’s HDL, or good, cholesterol which can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

2. Enjoy dark leafy greens - For years parents have been cajoling children to eat green leafy vegetables to boost overall health. And according to research, dark green leafy vegetables are high in critical nutrients including folate, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, fiber, zinc, and iron. More importantly, some of the most

well-known greens contain anti-inflammatory compounds that are known as carotenoids. The compound is considered vital in protecting people from developing some types of cancer. To boost leafy green intake, consider focusing on popular options like Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, spinach, or even turnip greens.

3. Yogurt to maintain healthy bacteria in the gut - Any individual who’s ever suffered from stomach flu knows that a side effect can be continued loose or runny stool for a few days after recovery. Even if a person isn’t battling a stomach bug, incorporating more yogurt into a daily diet can help to ensure that the gut has the right balance of good bacteria and maintain a more harmonious digestive tract. But not all yogurt is created equal. For the most benefit, look for options that contain live active cultures. The most common strains included in yogurt are Lactobacillus, L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus. Need more encouragement? Yogurt is a great source of calcium and can also help to protect against the onset of osteoporosis.

The link between diet and overall health While frequently used in pop culture, the term superfood isn’t a scientific term. However, research does support that certain foods are more beneficial for targeting specific health concerns or supporting overall health and wellness. For best results, aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean protein-rich meats.

23 Well-Being Tips for 2023

By Health Advocate Blog

There is no better time than the start of a new year to reset your habits or establish new health goals. Think about the goals you have for your well-being and the positive results you hope to achieve in 2023. Integrate some of the suggested tips below that can help you reach those results.

1. Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day.

2. Stay on top of preventive care—schedule any overdue screenings and immunizations.

3. Commit to one healthy stress-relieving activity per day.

4. Use a fitness device or app to track your daily activity.

5. Avoid slouching! Work on keeping your back straight, shoulders back and head up.

6. Give yourself a compliment every time you look in the mirror.

7. Get in the habit of brushing your teeth twice and flossing once per day.

8. Mind your manners. “Please” and “thank you” can go a long way when interacting with others.

9. Include three days of resistance or strength-building exercises each week.

10. Leave work at work and home at home, and make the most of your time in both places!

11. Drink a glass of water before each meal.

12. Prioritize! Focus on activities that truly matter to you.

13. Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

14. Try a new exercise! Now’s the time to switch it up.

15. Create a budget—and stick to it!

16. Each day, find a way to eat an extra serving of fruit or vegetables.

17. When you’re away from work, avoid checking emails and voicemails, if possible.

18. Aim to get 10,000 steps at least five days each week.

19. Take time away from your screens (cell phone, computer, TV, tablet, etc.).

20. Block out time to slow down and recharge.

21. Choose two days a week to spend one hour doing something you love.

22. Make one healthy vegetarian recipe for dinner every week.

23. Take 10 minutes to mentally unwind before getting into bed.

Challenges Do Not Stop Delao from Completing TSTC’s Vocational Nursing Program

By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications, Communications Specialist

When life presented a challenge, Melina Delao did not let it deter her.

It did take time for her to steer her life back into a career that she always wanted, however.

Delao, who once worked for the Sweetwater Reporter newspaper and later with the Sweetwater Independent School District, always wanted to be part of the health care field. Her dream of becoming a nurse is closer to reality now that she is a candidate for graduation with a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing at Texas State Technical College.

“My life took a turn and went in a totally different direction,” she said. “Twelve years and four kids later, I am going to graduate as a nurse.”

Delao began studying for a nursing degree after graduating from Sweetwater High School in 2010. But life challenges arose, and she had to put her dream aside.

“It has been an amazing experience,” she said of her time studying at TSTC. “I have met so many new friends and have been able to form great relationships with my instructors.”

There is another aspect of her time at TSTC that Delao has also enjoyed.

“I have been able to live the college life I was never able to experience before,” she said.

But it has not been a simple journey for her in college.

“To balance everything out, from college and work to my family, has been difficult,” she said. “I have been able to pull through because God wants what is best for me and my family.”

Delao said students interested in the Vocational Nursing program should be prepared for demanding work on a daily basis.

“The hardest part for me has been exam days because we come in to take three exams in one day,” she said. “But I know by studying hard, I will be able to get through it.”

While exam days can be stressful, Delao said helping others has been the best part of the program. That includes helping local residents during the Nolan County Health Fair held earlier this year on the TSTC campus.

“I love it when the community comes together. This gave everyone a chance to see health options,” she said. “A simple vital sign can tell you if something is not right. That is what we were able to tell people.”

Delao also enjoys attending clinicals at local hospitals. She said each session has been different, but she knows they will help during her career.

“To be able to see what happens with real people makes the job realistic for me,” she said. Delao, who is president of her Vocational Nursing class, said she has been talking to different employers and hopes to remain in the Sweetwater area. Instructor Elizabeth Lynn sees her having a long career in the health care field.

“Melina strives to do her best in everything she is tasked with,” Lynn said. “She has strong leadership abilities and will be a great nurse.”

The final aspect of college life for Delao will be realized on Thursday, Dec. 15, when she participates in TSTC’s commencement ceremony at the Abilene Convention Center.

“I have reached out to all of my family to take the day off. I want everyone to see me walk that college stage and celebrate with me,” she said.

TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is also available at the Breckenridge and Harlingen campuses. Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, graduates 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 Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc. edu.

Diego Regalado, a fourth-year medical student at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Amarillo campus, was recently awarded a scholarship to attend the annual meeting of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) in Florida! The award, for underrepresented minorities in medicine, allowed him to learn about evaluating and treating substance use disorders. #AAP22

Melina Delao, a candidate for graduation in TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program, measures the height of an area resident during the recent Nolan County Health Fair. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Hendrick Cardiac Rehab Celebrates 30 Years of Healing & Relationships

By Tyler Henderson | BigCountryHomePage

We’ve all been inside a hospital. It can be cold, sterile and, daunting at first. But at Hendrick’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, underneath the so-called sterile nature, are lifelong friendships made in recovery.

Going up the elevator to the fourth floor of Cedar Mall at Hendrick, it may seem just like every other doctor’s office. It can be cold, it has that certain smell that most hospitals have, and waiting rooms full of chairs. When you walk into the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center, though, it has hints of all of those things mixed with a gym, dumbbells, treadmills and all.

For patients recovering from extreme heart conditions, such as heart attacks or having a stint put in, it can be a daunting moment. It can seem cold, until you see the large cork board to the right of the door filled with letters from past patients.

“If you’ve had not had heart problems, you’re scared to death when you walk in here the first time. You don’t know what- you don’t know what your life [is] going to be like, you don’t know what you can do, or can’t do,” patient Mike Parsons explained.

For Parsons, he suffered a serious heart condition in 2006 at the age of 36, and was admitted to Hendrick. He began recovery soon after.

“You never look at your mortality until that time,” revealed Parsons.

Parsons has been in and out of Hendrick’s Cardiac Rehab Center ever since, and has continued coming back for one main reason; the friendly nurses and doctors who tirelessly care for him.

“We’ve looked at cardiac programs at Baylor

Scott & White, and this one is as superior as any of them, and I think it’s because of the staff,” Parsons said.

The longtime patient returned Tuesday for the center’s 30th anniversary celebration. He spoke with KTAB/KRBC about those memories, and the unique relationships he’s built along the way. He made mention of Elda Salinas, who worked with him day one.

“The first day I was here, decided I was pushing too hard, so she [Salinas] backed me down,” Parsons said with a smile. “Now, she’s having to get me to pick up the pace.”

Salinas, who said she had never done an interview, and laughed as she said she may never do one again, responded, “When he’s here I’m the boss, and he has to listen to what I have to say.”

Unlike regular hospital visits, Salinas said coming through the rehab center can take months to years in some cases, and those relationships become like family.

Salinas told KTAB/KRBC, over the years, she’s gotten to meet Parsons’ wife, kids, and even some of his 16 grandchildren, “You get to see them progress and really get close to them.”

Not only finding a new friend, but also helping Parsons build the lifestyle changes he needed to make to keep him out of the hospital for good.

Hendrick’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Center sees about 60 patients per day, but Parsons said the staff makes sure each patient is cared for like family even in all the busyness.

BUSINESS&CAREER

Hidden

Gems:

Abilene couple comes out of retirement with

Bear’s Bake Shop, uses business to help grieve after losing son

By Annabelle Tuggle | BigCountryHomepage.com

Bear’s Bake Shop is a gem that is truly hidden, because you will not find it in a typical brick and mortar location. The owners make homemade goodies, and what better place to do that than from your own home?

The smell of your grandparent’s homemade baking is almost everyone’s favorite, and Melissa and Urban Rogers are kind of like grandparents for all of Abilene – baking for the community in a shop that is really just their home.

“It’s been such a blessing, being able to work from home,” said Urban.

Bear’s Bake Shop first opened nearly 35 years ago in Plano, but the owner moved to Abilene to retire.

“We went to school here,” Melissa explained. “This is where we met… We had that plan from early in marriage that we would retire in Abilene.”

The Rogers told KTAB/KRBC they wanted to find a job that could give them some extra cash, and they decided to do what they did before, but this time from home.

“Melissa said, ‘Why don’t we try that? We can make cinnamon rolls,” Urban recalled.

However, this shop has become so much more to them than just a source of income.

“It really helps us right now to kind of stay busy and keep our minds occupied… In March of last year, there was a horrible wreck,” Melissa revealed, referring to a wreck that took

“He was a special guy, and he loved our doing this. So now, we kind of do it for him,” Melissa said.

Now, the couple uses the passing of their son as motivation to do their best in everything.

“He just did so much that we didn’t know, so the make your mark means make your mark in whatever you’re doing,” described Urban.

The Rogers said they hope to help others through their baked goods, and at least fill their stomachs. Their orders run completely

673-4521

3900 N. 1st, Suite #2 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

the life of her son, Mark.

Urban continued, “It’s been really hard.”

When Mark passed away, his parents said they desperately needed a distraction to help them grieve, which is what baking provided for them.

online.

Mark Rogers was a giant for the Abilene community. He was the Market President of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Senior Vice President of World’s Okayest Mom Inc., and a board member in United Way of Abilene and the Kiwana’s Club.

Wanted: Master Gardeners for 2023

By Jackie Sledge Big Country Master Gardeners

Do you like plants? Do you like to work on gardening projects? Do you enjoy learning about plants and gardening? Would you like to meet and work with other gardeners? Would you like to learn more about gardening in the Big Country?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should check out the Master Gardener Intern Training Program.

What is a Master Gardener? The Texas Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System. Master Gardeners are members of the community who take an active interest in areas of gardening such as lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. After completing horticulture-related training, they contribute time by working volunteer hours on projects and programs approved by the AgriLife Extension Service Office. Master Gardeners are enthusiastic, willing to learn and want to help others.

What kind of training is involved?

If you are accepted into the Master Gardener Program, you are required to complete a 50hour training course. These classes are taught by Texas A&M instructors, Extension Service specialists, agents, local experts and certified Master Gardeners. The Intern Training covers topics such as plant growth and development, soil and soil fertility, vegetable and herb gardening, fruit and nut production, irrigation, EarthKind, turfgrass management, propagation, rainwater harvesting, plant pest problems and landscape principles.

Is there a volunteer commitment?

Participants in the Master Gardener Intern Training Program volunteer at least 50 hours of service in projects approved by the Taylor County extension office within one year following their training. The types of volunteer service include working in demonstration gardens, assisting with presentations to groups, helping with educational workshops, and working on plant sales. Master Gardeners are representatives of Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A&M University System. Master Gardeners must follow the research-based recommendations of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and the title “Texas Master Gardener” can be used by volunteers only when participating in Extension-sponsored activities.

How does an intern become certified? Participants become certified Master Gardeners after they have completed the training course and fulfilled their volunteer commitment.

Who are the local Master Gardeners? The Taylor County Office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sponsors the Big Country Master Gardener Association (BCMGA), and we have members from Taylor, Jones, Callahan, Nolan, Eastland, Runnels, Fisher, and Stephens counties. We are involved in the community by working on projects such as the demonstration gardens at the Extension Office and Modern Living Mall, pollinator

beds at Hope Garden at the First Central Presbyterian Church, demonstration and pollinator beds at the historic Swenson House, pollinator gardens at the Abilene Zoo and demonstration projects on Maple Street property. We present programs to groups and organizations in the Big Country and to Abilene and area students. We provide specialized training sessions for the community and educate the public about growing plants in the Big Country during these presentations as well as at the Master Gardener Spring and Fall Plant Sales. The Big Country Master Gardener Association provides an average of 7,000 to 8,000 hours of volunteer service in our community every year.

We need you. We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next Master Gardener Intern Training Program, and applications must be received in the Extension Office by Feb. 1. Training classes will start Feb. 9 and will end April 25. Information about the training and the application form are available on the Big Country Master Gardener Association Facebook page and on our website at www.bcmgtx.org. You can also contact the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-6726048 for the application or to get additional information about Master Gardeners and the Intern Training Program.

Remember that BCMGA is always available to help with your gardening questions. Call our hotline at 325-672-6048 or email us at mgardeners@yahoo.com.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awards Abilene Chamber of Commerce with 5-Star Accreditation

By Doug Peters | President & CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Accrediting Board has awarded the Abilene Chamber of Commerce with its highest designation of Accredited with 5 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

The Abilene Chamber’s 5 Star Accreditation achievement places it among the top 2 percent of Chambers of Commerce across America, out of more than 7,000.

“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry.” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. Accredited chambers are recognized for their ability to serve as a resource to their region’s businesses while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial

controls, safe work environments, effective communications, and value in programming. They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local businesses. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

“This achievement is on the shoulders of everyone that has been a part of the Chamber

throughout its 115-year history,” said Doug Peters, President & CEO of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. “Each of our professional staff members along with dedicated and talented volunteers from our planning committees to Redcoat Ambassadors, to arts initiatives, to visitor’s bureau, to military affairs, to agriculture advocates, to young professionals has helped contribute to ensuring our Chamber operates with excellence. This award would not be possible without each of them.”

The recognition is a significant milestone for Abilene’s Chamber, after having received a 3-star designation just five years ago. This is the third-known Accreditation achievement in the Chamber’s history.

Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or elite-level 5-Stars. The final deter-

Hacemos tus Sueños Una Realidad

PROGRAMA DE NÚMERO DE IDENTIFICACIÓN FISCAL INDIVIDUAL (ITIN)

Comprar y ser dueño de un hogar es parte del Sueño Americano, y con el Programa de Número de Identificación Fiscal Individual (ITIN) de First Financial Bank, ser dueño de una casa está a tu alcance. El programa está diseñado para futuros propietarios que no tienen número de seguro social. Martin Jasso está dedicado a ayudarte lograr tus metas personales de ser propietario de una vivienda y te apoyará en cada paso del camino.

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• La cantidad máxima de préstamo es de $450,000, y cantidad mínima de $30,000

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• Opciones de préstamo con enganches de tan solo el 10%

• Para personas sin número de seguro social que puedan proporcionar documentación oficial de ITIN

• El enganche puede provenir de una subvención, obsequio u otras fuentes verificables

• Préstamo aprobado localmente

• El préstamo es retenido y administrado por First Financial Bank; el préstamo no se venderá Martin Jasso NMLS# 1959764 | 325-627-7029 | mjasso@ffin.com 400 Pine St., Abilene, TX 79605

mination is made by the Accrediting Board, comprised of Chamber executives and national-level business and industry leaders. The national accrediting board is a committee of U.S. Chamber board members.

Since 1908, the Abilene Chamber is an independent and locally controlled association of regional businesses and has served as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for developing and promoting the economy and quality of life of the Abilene community. For more information on the Chamber and the more than 1,300 businesses it represents, visit www.abilenechamber.com.

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When it comes to your vehicle, we know that you have many options to choose from. At every opportunity, we want you to feel confident that when you come to Arrow, you’ve made The Right Choice.