June 2020

NEAL McCOY

JERROD MEDULLA

THE GREAT DIVIDE

July 4 ,2020 th

Taylor County Expo Center

Gates open 4PM Music Starts 5PM

TICKETS AT www.AbileneFreedomFestival.com

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

Can we even say it’s summer time? I mean so many of us have been home since March with our kiddos, so I think we can JUNE 2020

Volume 10.1, Issue 2

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

all agree it’s going to be a long summer!

Congratulations to all the graduates of 2020, your senior year may not have ended as you had envisioned it, but it is definitely a year you will

[currently under construction]

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez

never forget! Don’t let

EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com

this hiccup ruin your

ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com

keep looking forward

plans for the future, and trust the Lord to lead your path in the

(325) 701-9505 Office

right direction. Keep

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achieve your dreams,

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one day at a time, it is possible!

We would also like to say Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, step-fathers, grandpas, uncles, and father figures in

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com

your lives. May the Lord bless you, keep you healthy and pros-

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.

per you in all that you do.

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

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

Alfonso Hernandez Bakery “Best Burritos in Town!” 325-670-0024

601 Butternut • Abilene, TX Drive Thru Open

GO ABILENE HIGH EAGLES!

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Menudo & Caldo Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Open daily from 6:30am to 3:00pm

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

YMCA of Abilene Begins Reopening June 8th

By David Hendricks | President/CEO, YMCA of Abilene On Monday June 8, 2020 the YMCA of Abilene will Reopen With Care. The facility improvements have advanced enough to allow for usage of weights and cardio equipment, racquetball, basketball court, and our new Group X Studio. At this time, they will not be able to offer the amenities of the locker rooms due to current mandates from the Texas Governor; therefore, the pool will open at a later date.

For now, members will enter through the temporary entrance on the west side of the building. The Y will be taking extra measures to keep all members and staff safe and healthy. Upon check-in, members should be prepared to sanitize hands, have a temperature check, sign an updated liability waiver, take an updated picture, and update draft forms.

The hours will be Monday-Friday 7:00am— 7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm.

ALDI Grocery Stores is now hiring for its first Abilene location. A sign near the store’s parking lot at 4765 Southwest Drive, next to Kohl’s, says “WE’RE HIRING!”

Through a carefully managed Reopening With Care Plan comes with stringent new health, safety and hygiene procedures in place. So, as members enjoy the YMCA everyone will need to follow CDC guidelines and recommendations of health officials, and Abilene YMCA policies.

The YMCA of Abilene looks forward to safely enjoying the facility improvements with the community and thanks everyone for their patience as facility updates continue at the Y.

The hourly pay ranges from $12.35 to $17.35. Benefits -- including 401k -are available for full-time positions. The company is accepting applications for shift manager and store associate. Visit www.aldi.us for more information.

ALDI Grocery Stores Hiring For First Abilene Location

By Jamie Burch | KTXS News

The store is expected to open by early summer.

COMMUNITY

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Q&A with Stephen Rektenwald Celebrating Fathers in the Abilene Area

By HispanicLife Magazine

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? Almost 20 years!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for almost 21 years. We have 2 “not -so-little” children, ages 19 & 16. We are from two cultures (Texas & Mexican) that blend the best (in my eyes) of language, food, family celebrations, & character.

STEPHEN REKTENWALD

Earn Extra Cash

Work Flexible Hours

I ♥ Texas

WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? It depended on how young I was/stage of life. Every young boy wants to be a fireman. Whatever it was, I know I wanted to be a Christian one.

Help get Dividends for a Decade for your Community

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID EACH DAY? I find inspiration in daily bible YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU study and prayer. Also I find inspiration in ARE IN? I work for ACU my relationships with othin educational technology b/c ers and listening to wise I wanted to be able to help people. teachers grow in their educational practices, especially when it comes to technology.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? MiHOW ARE YOU ABLE TO cah 6:8-“And what does JUGGLE WORK AND A the Lord require of you?

FAMILY? I work to provide To act justly & love merfor my family & to fulfill obcy & to walk humbly with ligations within the family like your God.” financially & need for purpose.

I also know when it is time to spend time with family and my WHAT ADVICE wife keeps me grounded with WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? that.

Learn how to listen to your kids but don’t be afraid to be a dad, not a friend.

Help is a Phone Call Away...

24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline

I ♥ Census Apply Online at

2020census.gov/jobs Or Text

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6| COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Alyssa Moreno

Abilene High School Congratulations to the Class of 2020.. This is my daughter Alyssa Moreno she’s graduating from Abilene High. She also attended Holland Medical School in the Dental Assistant Program. She was a member of the Abilene High Color Guard. She’s a hard worker and never gives up. A great big sister, friend and she’s always ready to help anyone in need. Sad how her Senior ended but can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Love Always, Mom and Dad.

Olivia Adrianna Marquez

Abilene High School She will be attending McMurry University in the fall studying music education.

Nuestra Reina Olivia, We are both incredibly proud of you for all your academic accomplishments. We do first thank God for blessing us with such an amazing child. You are a true beauty inside and out. Acuerdate siempre de donde vienes y quien eres mija.

Te queremos mucho y deciamos que Dios cuida cada uno de tus pasos en este mundo. I know you will do great things!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

Jade Talmadge

Abilene High School Jade, we are super proud of your accomplishment. We can’t wait to see what the future holds. Love you mucho, Mom, Ray, Jaryt, Jasmine, Raymond, and Grams

Peyton Beltran

Devon Cosby

Abilene High School We are so proud of the young man you have become! Cant wait to see what you do in the future! We love you so much, Dad and Mom.

Brianna Herrera

Abilene High School Behind you all your memories .

Before you all your dreams.

Around you all who love you.

Within you all you need.

Love always Mom & Dad , Paris

Savanah Silva

Abilene High School This beauty is Savanah Silva. She is the daughter of Ubaldo and Carmen Rocha and Granddaughter of Manuel and Juanita Valenzuela.. Very proud of all you have accomplished these last few years and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you sweet girl!! You are as beautiful inside as out and remember the skies the limit!! Reach for your goals and don’t let anything or anyone hold you back!!! Remember no matter how hard life gets, always keep your Faith in your mind heart and spirit and you will never go wrong.

Love Dad, Mom, brothers, and sister

Love ya! You made it! Can’t wait to see how far you go in life. 2020 grad! Stay Frosty...

Nicholas Diaz

Abilene High School Thank you for making us proud!

We love you!

Óscar Rocha Jr

Abilene High School Dear Oscar, We always knew you would be a world changer...we are so proud of the man that you are becoming.

You have such a loving heart and a desire to honor God with your lifeI could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth. (3 John 1:4). We are so honored to be your parents!

Love, Oscar Sr. & Stephanie Rocha

Alyssa Washington

Abilene High School Words cannot express how extremely proud we are of you! I’m so sorry your senior year isn’t ending the way you expected, but we know you are strong and the best is yet to come! Keep working hard and reach for the stars!

Love you so much Baby Girl!

Momma & Daddy

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | COMMUNITY | 7

2020 Senior Spotlight:

Abilene High School Student Elias Martinez

By Joey D. Richards | Abilene Reporter-News

School: Abilene High Sports: Tennis Favorite food: Pasta Favorite movie: "Two Brothers" Favorite musician: The Weeknd Favorite academic subject: AP literature and comp Best sports moment: When Landon Morris clinched the victory for the district championship against San Angelo Central.

The NEW “Carriage Hills” master planned community located by Wylie East Elementary off of Maple & Colony Hill Rd is ready for construction! We are excited to be a part of another great development here in Abilene, TX! We have a total of 30 lots in phase 1 & are building new homes for beautiful families! Contact us to choose your lot & floor-plan today!

How I feel about the coronavirus ending my senior year: It’s a real bummer not being able to finish my senior season. I was looking Miscellaneous: I was the 2018 District 3-6A forward to finishing a great season.

Newcomer of the Year.

What school activity (prom, graduation, senior trip) and/or athletic moment did you miss the most because of the coronavirus? Disappointed in not being able to go to senior prom.

What’s next for you? College or going to work.

Abilene High tennis coach Stacy Bryan Coach says: “Elias has become good at tennis through hard work. He would always hit on the wall, or he would find someone to practice with. It is amazing what he accomplished, considering he was not in the lineup much in middle school. He is such a polite young man, and he will be missed.”

JOSH MARTINEZ

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? 13 yrs

(325) 518-8094 - www.primeabilene.com • Home’s from the $190k’s & UP • 1500 sq ft - 1800 sq ft / 2 Car Garage • Open Floor-plans with separate Laundry & Mud Room • Custom Cabinets & Granite Countertops • Choice of Wylie or Abilene ISD

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. Split family; my kids have a step mom and a step dad. I have a daughter and a son, and I've always supported my kids the best I can.

I’ve made sure they knew they were loved at all times.

WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be successful; it didn't matter in what.

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? I work for the State of Texas and it lets me provide for my beautiful family.

HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? I try to spend as much time as I can with my kids when they are with me, and take trips when we it’s affordable.

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? My kids happiness is what inspires me every day!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? Why do we fall sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? Always make sure your kids know they can talk to you and you will listen.

Responding to them and giving them advice as well. Don't just parent by saying because I said so....

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Freedom Festival & WesTex Connect Fireworks Spectacular Taking Place July 4

By Kelly Jay | Abilene Freedom Festival

The Abilene Freedom Festival committee announced today that the 3rd Annual July 4th event will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

The event, originally planned for two days, has been revamped into a one day event, due to COVID-19 concerned and in accordance with local and state guidelines for health of event planners and all attendees. Measures will be taken to ensure the health of the people attending the activities which will be held at the Taylor County Expo Center grounds. Anyone attending will be asked to used good sense and reasonable social distancing actions while at the event. In addition, the AFF Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, June 26th at the Abilene Country Club North Course. Players can sign up a team on the website www.abilenefreedomfestival.com.

look forward to a great time. Open...Safe…

Fun,” said Kelly Jay, Co-Chair of the AFF Committee.

In addition to all the activities on Saturday, July 4th, the Historic Paramount Theater is planning show the movie “Independence Day” on Friday evening, July 3rd, at 7:30pm. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased the night of the event or on their website https://www.paramountabilene.com/event-calendar/2020/1/10/ paramount-film-series/independence-day.

“The Expo Center looks forward to hosting the Abilene Freedom Festival and having the Abilene and Taylor County community with us as we celebrate our Independence! God Bless the USA!” said Rochelle Johnson, General Manager of the Expo Center of Taylor The event will open at 4:00pm on Saturday, County.

July 4th. Event activities will include children’s area with fun activities for the children. “In “normal” times, Independence Day is reaThe Cirqadventure will perform that evening son enough to celebrate. After what our counon the Expo Center grounds. Everyone will try has been through in recent months, there’s be thrilled by the high flying and heart pound- no better time to celebrate America’s indepening feats during their performance. A must see dence and resiliency than on July 4th,” said for everyone. Also, food trucks will be inside Doug Peters, President/CEO of the Abilene the event and available for attendees. There Chamber of Commerce. “Let’s join together, will also be three (3) concert performances responsibly, to celebrate our nation and the rethat evening. Abilene resident, Jerrod Medul- markable challenges we continue to overcome, la will lead off the concert portion of the event as a community and a nation,” Peters added. starting at 5:00pm. He will be followed by the well-known and popular group The Great Di- Tickets for the Saturday event are available on vide starting at 6:15pm. Headlining the con- the website…www.abilenefreedomfestival. cert finale will be country music recording art- com. Admission for the concert, food trucks ist and awarding winner artist, Neal McCoy, area and Cirqadventure performance are $25 beginning at 8:15pm until the finale. for adults. Children from 9 to 15 are $10 and under 9 years are no charge. The event will obThe highlight of the evening will be the WesT- serve all CDC and Health guidelines for food ex Connect Fireworks Spectacular, presented service, social distancing, safety and health of

by WesTex Connect of Abilene. The past two everyone attending. Sanitizer will be available years, WesTex Connect has put on the larg- inside the event, as well. est fireworks display and show in the state of Texas. This will be the third year the Fireworks Spectacular has entertained attendees CALL US TO ADVERTISE with an incredible patriotic display, and this (325) 701-9505 year should be no different. “We’re inviting everyone to come out for a great event. We

Help is a Phone Call Away...

24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline

325.677.7895

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 9

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Brence Jasso

McKenzie Moreno

Snyder High School, Western Texas College Son of Ray & Kim Jasso Graduating from Snyder High School. Also graduated from Western Texas College with Associates of Arts degree majoring in business. Plans on attending Texas Tech University to study Pre-Law.

Cooper High School McKenzie, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Good luck in your future plans, I can’t wait to watch you succeed in all you do!

Love, Mom and Dad

Brence, We love you baby boy and are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Thank you for the adventures and can’t wait to see where life takes you.

Brandon Griffin

Premier High School We are so proud of you Bubba for all your hard work this year. We love you!

Love Mom, Dad and Sam

Love, Mom & Dad

Richard Soto

C

ongratulations!

Hawley High School

Ricky, Dad and I are so proud of all your hard work rather it was in the classroom or on a field. As this chapter is coming to an end, remember all the good times, learn from the bad times, and get ready for what is to come. Keep your head high as you walk across that stage knowing you did your very best and you are on to bigger better adventures.

We love you so much and so proud of you. Can’t wait to see what your next chapter has for you..

Love, Dad and Brandi

Joseph Santibanez-Otero

Cooper High School Congrats to my grandson very proud of him!

Jonathan Adolph Torres

Central High School San Angelo, Texas Behind you, all your memories Before you, all your dreams Around you, all who love you Within you, all you need.

We Love You! Troy & Jennifer Hurley

Jeremiah Barrera

Faith Christian Quiñonez

Wylie High School Faith, we love you so much and we are so very proud of you! Proud of the young lady you have become and continue to become. Lord Bless you and Keep you, may He make His Face Shine upon you and give you Peace all of your days for HE Knows the Plans He has for you and Will bring them to Completion. YOU DID IT, CONGRATULATIONS FAITH!!

Andrew Zavala

Haskell High School

Monterey High School in Lubbock, Tx. Congratulations to Jeremiah Barrera graduating from Monterey high school in Lubbock, Tx. Dad, Crystal, all your brothers & sisters, grandma, grandpa, great grandma, Hailee, Uncle Ray and Scott are all so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Keep reaching for your goals and know we all Love You!

Be a Part of the Abilene State Supported Living Center Family

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Caitlin Richards | HispanicLife Magazine

The simplest way to describe the Abilene State Supported Living Center (AbSSLC) is that it’s a home. The facility serves as home to over 250 men and women with varying degrees of intellectual and physical challenges.

AbSSLC provides them with the best day-today care to ensure they have a rich and meaningful life.

“The work we do here is very special,” says Jeff Goza, AbSSLC Assistant Director of Administration. “Each of us do our small part in making a better life for those we serve. Those living here deserve the best.”

AbSSLC has been around for over 119 years, and has been known as the Abilene Epileptic Colony, Abilene State Hospital and Abilene State School. However, the heart of the work they do has been the same - to empower people to make choices that result in a life of dignity and increased independence. Goza explains those living at AbSSLC depend on their work for not only their day-to-day health but to also help them grow and prosper.

“Some of the folks we serve may not have family,” says Goza. “We become family for them. Around Christmas, holidays, birthdays, and other special events they rely on us as their family. We really are part of an extended family with those that live here.”

There is a total of 13 state supported living centers like AbSSLC around the state, and what makes them unique is their ability to offer onsite medical, dental and other specialized care for the residents. Finding providers for the residents can sometimes be difficult, but at AbSSLC the campus has everything right there.

When thinking about everything AbSSLC offers residents, it is no surprise AbSSLC is one of the largest employers in the city of Abilene. They employ over 1,200 staff, but the work they do is more than a job to go to each day. It is truly a career that makes a difference in the lives of others.

“The work done here goes beyond just a job for staff who choose a career at AbSSLC,” says Goza.

“Although it’s something that pays the bills and provides amazing benefits for the family, it’s the love of those served that keeps many working here. There is little that can replace a special smile or words of appreciation from those

away from home and my extended family. It’s not just a place to earn a check, it’s a place to help change lives.

[Our residents] are what keep me going. They help me learn daily and I know the work I do makes a difference in their lives.”

AbSSLC has numerous volunteer opportunities for those wanting to get involved. The Abilene Volunteers Services Council is a non-profit organization that serves as the primary source of volunteers for the AbSSLC. They just celebrated their 60th anniversary in August of 2019. Over the years, they have made significant purchases for the AbSSLC but they have volunteered even more hours.

“Our volunteers help with everything around here,” says Goza. “They help with the Christmas Lane 5K, fall festival, monthly dances and a variety of other activities.

Some come out and read to a group of residents, or volunteer in an office. No matter what you like to do or have to offer, we can find a place for living here.” you to serve.”

Whether you are a caregiver, Working in the recreation nurse, woodworker, or anydepartment at AbSSLC, thing else the AbSSLC can Ashley Marrow says she use your time and talents to enjoys being able to ofhelp create an environment I love what I do, but most fer a variety of different of empowerment and dignity importantly who I do it for, activities for the residents. for the residents. If you have says Carissa Mason, LVN She says working with been looking for a career or the residents and seeing volunteer opportunity that the smiles and hearing makes a difference, AbSSLC the laughs during recreation is personally re- in the stipend program to help pay for nurs- has a place for you. ing school. She worked in direct care for three warding. and a half years, and is now able to continue Interested applicants or volunteers can visit At AbSSLC, employees are offered multiple her career at AbSSLC by serving residents as AbSSLC.org for more information, or text opportunities for growth within their roles. a licensed vocational nurse. “careers” to 474747. Weekly career postings For example, Carissa Mason was able to are also posted on their website, and sent out achieve her dream of becoming a licensed “I love what I do, but most importantly who I via email. vocational nurse by being able to participate do it for,” says Mason. “AbSSLC is my home

“

”

NOW HIRING • www.AbSSLC.org • NOW HIRING • www.AbSSLC.org

Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 11

BENEFITS In addition to the personal rewards that helping others can provide, AbSSLC offers an attractive compensation program that includes many standard benefits.

Benefits include: • Paid health insurance for employees, with group rates for dependents • Paid life insurance of $5,000.

Additional amounts can be purchased • Dental insurance available at group rates • Paid vacation (8-20 hours per month, based on years of service).

Eligible to use after 6 continuous months of state service • Paid sick leave – 8 hours each month • Retirement benefits • Up to 15 paid state and federal holidays per year

APPLY

Apply online at AbSSLC.org or text “Careers” to 474747

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

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

Santos Perez, 67, of Abilene, passed away on June 5, 2020 after a brief illness.

Santos was born in Fresno, California on August 21, 1952. He attended Rotan High School and then served in the US Army 82nd Airborne Division from 1972-1975, as a Sergeant E-5. Santos served as a patrolman for the Snyder Police Department from 1975-1976 and also attended Western Texas College and later Hardin-Simmons University.

He married Gloria Bryand on May 3, 1977.

Santos graduated from the Abilene Police Department Academy 20 in November, 1977. His career with the Abilene Police Department would be from 19772010.

During his time on the Department, Santos was a founding member of the SWAT Team and served with the distinction until 1998. Santos was a Master Peace Officer. He was a long serving Field Training Officer and helped to train and mentor countless new officers in the Department. Santos was awarded the Life Saving Award in 2004 for saving a citizen from a burning vehicle. Santos ended his 33 year stellar career in December, 2010. Santos continued serving the department as a background investigator helping to select future recruits. Santos is the only police officer to date who has been honored as the Police Officer of the Year three times in his career.

Santos was an active member of the Sacred Heart Men’s Group and served on the Finance Committee and Parish Council. He was an usher at the 11:30 Sunday Mass.

Santos loved playing his guitars and watching westerns. He always loved talking about his grandboys, but pulling weeds in his yard at his home was a big passion. He loved a clean yard.

Santos was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Alberta Alvarado and step-mother, Augustina Alvarado. A sister, Lucilla, also preceded him in death.

Santos is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gloria Bryand Perez; daughter, Emily Perez Patton (Nathaniel); sons, Mark Ray Perez and Lucas Diego Perez; sister, Anita Herrera (Delio); grandchildren include Dax Bryand Patton, Truex Canyon Patton, Ryan Santos Perez, and Tyler Hernandez. He also leaves behind his favorite nephew, James Herrera, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Perez family wishes to thank Dr. Obi Ukabam and all the Hendrick nurses of the Parker 7th and Anderson 3rd wing for their professional care and compassion. They would also like to thank Hendrick Hospice Care for their professional care and all the wonderful CNAs and nurses. The family also wishes to thank the Veterans Administration Community Care Program and numerous friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hendrick Hospice of Abilene.

HispanicLife Media

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Pete “Drummer” Espino, 71, of Abilene passed away peacefully on May 27, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Pete was born on June 26, 1948 to the late Miguel and Socorro (Nava) Espino in Las Cruces, New Mexico. On May 20, 1969 Pete joined the United States Army and served his country both faithfully and honorably. He had the opportunity to serve stateside and in Germany. While in Germany Pete played football with the Military Intelligence Co and enjoyed a winning season. Pete married the love of his life, Ramona Velasquez on October 26, 1989 in El Paso after a long courtship in California. Ramona always told Pete he was, “The love of her life, her knight in shining armor, and her hero”. Together the two created a wonderful life. Never a dull moment always embarking on a new adventure or challenge together. Once while camping in New Mexico for the 4th of July Pete even assisted with putting out a large fire started by children playing. After settling in El Paso, they established the, “Original Dallas Cowboys Fan Club”. Pete started the organization and it became an official non-profit organization. Like most task Pete executed the establishment and operation of the fan club with excellence. Pete had a general love, and enjoyment of people and met many Cowboy Staff members, players and other loyal fans through his involvement. Years after serving in the Vietnam War Pete began the healing process by working with the other veterans in Colton, CA to have a Vietnam War Veterans Memorial created. After relocating to Abilene he joined the VFW Post 6873. In his spare time Pete loved to sing, dance, and play drums. He had wonderful voice that always made competition for others during Karaoke. Pete was a humble and simple man, would never claim perfection. But those around him were blessed to have known this special man. They were blessed to see how he was able to change and overcome life’s challenges to be a blessing to those around him.

He leaves to cherish precious memories his beloved wife, Ramona Espino; his children, Jahn W.E. Espino and his wife Heather; daughter, Christina Espino, Maggie Capella, Daniala Foreland, and Monilita Espino; grandchildren, James and Jayme Espino, Samantha, Vanessa, Edgerin, Robby Dietrich, Tucker Capella, Remington Capella, and Precious Grajiola; great granddaughter, Ariana; brother, Lorenzo Espino; sister, Lilly; sister-in-law, Linda Loza; a host of special nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous friends he made in Abilene who became family.

Advertising 1-325-701-9505 • or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Frontier Texas!

Reopening Museum Exhibits, Gift Shop

Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 13

By Dusty Baker | BigCountryHomePage.com

Frontier Texas! is reopening its exhibits and gift shop to the public at 25% capacity.

The nonprofit closed its museum exhibit and gift shop to the public on March 18 while keeping the visitor information center open.

“We are following the guidelines the governor has put out to maintain a 25% occupancy for our building,” Frontier Texas! Executive Director Jeff Salmon said.

While Frontier Texas! is completely back in action, COVID-19 didn’t necessarily treat the nonprofit particularly well due to the overall tourism drop in Abilene and across the country.

“The largest portion of our funding comes from a special dedicated hotel tax that can only be used for tourism promotion. That is about 65 to 67% of our operating budget that comes from those hotel revenues,” Salmon said.

Roughly a quarter of their revenue is generated through ticket sales and gift shop purchases.

Abilene has seen a slight increase in visitors as many people are flocking to places of lower density. For Frontier Texas!, which features hands-on experiences, they have taken all precautions necessary in order to welcome their visitors into a safe and healthy building, including making sure the touch screens in the exhibits are protected.

“Those we have covered with plastic wrap and we will clean those with sanitizing material between each group,” Salmon says.

Upon a visitor’s initial entry into the Frontier Texas! museum theater holding 37 seats, visitors will notice rows being blocked off by strips of tape. Only nine people (making up 25% of the room) are able to be in the theater at one time.

Once the introduction video concludes after 12 minutes, nine new visitors will be welcomed as directed by the front desk.

“That allows us to have really good control over social distancing in the museum,” Salmon says.

Normally, the nonprofit would have just finished its school tours. Luckily, it reopens heading into its busiest period of tourism.

“This time of year is when we naturally ramp up to the high tourist season and we feel like we will have some people excited to get out and experience some Texas history and some fun with us,” said Salmon.

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CCA Announces New Executive Director

By Michael Derrick | Board of Trustees, President, CCA

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Megan Dobbs will be the new Executive Director of the Center for Contemporary Arts! Megan will begin her new role at the Center on June 22, 2020.

Megan is coming to us from the Community Foundation of Abilene, where she has served as the Marketing and Communications Director. As a community advocate, Megan has served in leadership positions on various boards throughout the community and has led multiple initiatives and projects to enhance the nonprofit impact throughout Abilene.

We are confident that Megan’s talents, gifts, leadership skills and experience will contribute to the Center’s success and will continue to strengthen our partnerships with artists and the community. She is energetic and enthusiastic about the Center and the arts and will be a great addition to the Center and its future as a hub of artistic

expression in Abilene.

“I am incredibly honored to get to serve Abilene in this capacity,” Megan Dobbs said. “The Center is Abilene’s connection to local art, giving local artists a place to create and inspire audiences. It truly is vital to our community, and I’m beyond grateful to be part of it!”

We are thankful to all of the Center’s board members, artist members, and staff who have kept the Center and its operations running smoothly during this leadership transition. We are also thankful for the community we serve and all of our supporters.

Please join me in welcoming Megan to her new role as Executive Director. The Board of Trustees is deeply committed to working with Megan to ensure her successful and visionary leadership and we look forward to welcoming you back into the Center as we begin to reopen and introduce you to Megan.

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

New HighTech Street Sweepers Hit Streets of Abilene

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS

By Travis Ruiz | BigCountryHomePage.com

What are being called first-of-their kind street sweepers are now in action across the city of Abilene.

Four Dulevo 6000 Tier sweepers are being used throughout Abilene with a goal of eliminating curb and gutter debris in an “innovative way that will not only clear stormwater drainage pathways, but also increase the longevity of city roadways.”

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The cost of the four machine vehicles was $1.22 million. That money was approved last November by the Abilene City Council.

According to the City, the sweepers are equipped with the latest street sweeping technology and a customized herbicide application system. The City said the two systems lets crews remove more debris and also apply herbicide to make future removal easier.

“The Dulevos are an exciting new part of Abilene’s street maintenance program because of their ability to remove and control vegetation,” the City siad. “When debris like grass clippings, leaves, or dirt is not removed from curbs and gutters by property owners, it stops the flow of stormwater through the city’s drainage system. Once water is allowed to accumulate, vegetation begins to grow.

That vegetation then allows stormwater to get below the street’s asphalt, penetrate the rock base of the road, and promote the breakdown of the road in the form of potholes and cracking.”

The addition of these four sweepers brings Abilene’s total number of street sweepers to six. Each street will be swept at least two to three times a year. Busier roads will be cleaned more often.

Martinez Boys & Girls Club

Sears Park

1301 Clinton St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

2250 Ambler Ave. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Mann Middle School

Madison Middle School

Craig Middle School

Dyess Elementary

2545 Mimosa Drive Dates: June 1- July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

702 S. Judge Ely Blvd.

Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

3145 Barrow Street Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

402 Delaware Road Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Rose Park

YMCA-Redbud

2601 S 7th St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

3125 S 32nd St Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Johnston Elementary

Martinez Elementary

3633 N 14th St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Bowie Elementary

2034 Jeanette St. Dates: June 1-July 9 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

No meal service will be offered on July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

For more information, call Abilene ISD Student Nutrition Department at 325.677.1444 ext. 7542

1250 Merchant Street Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Abilene High

2800 N. 6th Street Dates: June 15-June 25 Dates: July 6-July 16 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Dyess AFB Conducts Air Force’s First Virtual Collider

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | COMMUNITY | 15

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

6 YEARS IN A ROW

By Airman 1st Class Colin Hollowell | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess AFB

The U.S. Air Force continues to maintain mission readiness through the innovation of technology and procedures. This is completed through identifying current problems and formulating practical solutions.

“I absolutely feel like there is great value that comes from receiving incredible innovative solutions through the collider,” said Capt. Simon Peña, 7th Force Support Squadron military personnel flight commander. “When you’re handling issues on the inside, it’s easy to lose focus Finding flaws is the birth of creating solutions. on what the source of the problem is.”

Recently, this enabled Airmen to design a forum to discuss these issues and creative ideas.

This platform provides Airmen with the opportunity to address problems that they have perOn April 28, Dyess AFB was the first base to sonally encountered to ideally be resolved with introduce the Virtual Collider, a forum to discuss a more permanent solution. challenges and potential areas of improvement around the Air Force.

“It can be really easy to apply “fixes” that are merely band-aids, instead of treating the actual “A collider is when you facilitate the interaction core problem,” Peña said. of Airmen and companies,” said Tech Sgt. Andrew Caprio, 7th Bomb Wing deputy director Dyess AFB innovation is led by the Rapid Caof Rapid Capabilities. “They come together and pabilities office, which is the base’s equivalent their worlds collide, which ideally will spark to Spark Cell. conversations and ideas.”

“There were a lot of innovative ideas submitted The Airmen who participated in the collider had to Rapid Capabilities and a handful of them were the opportunity to record themselves describing selected to be represented at the Virtual Collidobstacles they’ve encountered. er,” said Peña. “We met up virtually to discuss how we could turn common flaws into issues The virtual submissions were then viewed by that can be readily tackled by outside agencies.” outside companies.

“Rapid Capabilities is always looking for hard“Our goal was to match each of the 10 Airmen working and motivated Airmen to assist with inwith a different company, but we were able to novative ideas,” he continued. connect 14 companies with the Airmen,” said Caprio. “Some of the companies loved the so- Although the Virtual Collider was the first of lutions so much that they went after more than its kind utilized by the Air Force, Rapid Capaone project.” bilities is anticipating organizing another in the future and is currently providing other bases’ The projects chosen to be awarded funding will Spark Cells with guidance in conducting similar be selected at the end of June. Once a project is events. selected and funded, the two parties will work with contracting to put the process in motion.

Peña said that he encourages Airmen interested in participating in future Virtual Colliders to He explained that this is to keep the project from contact the Dyess AFB Rapid Capabilities ofjust being conceptual. fice to get further information on how to get involved.

“The big takeaway is that these contracts remain fluid throughout the process,” Caprio said.

“It was an amazing experience and opportunity to discuss matters with some very intelligent Pairing the proposed problems with outside people,” said Peña. “We’ve had an incredible agencies can provide a fresh prospective on amount of amazing ideas result from this event, finding new and innovative solutions to recur- some of which we’re looking to implement even ring problems. sooner than initially expected.”

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16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Best Friends and City of Abilene Partner to Improve Shelter Outcomes During Director Search

By Travis Ruiz | BigCountryHomePage.com

The City of Abilene is pleased to announce that Best Friends Animal Society will be committing a qualified staff member to serve as interim director of Abilene Animal Services for the next 12 months. Under the terms of the partnership, the interim director will directly oversee the management of the animal shelter and its employees.

Since June of 2018, Michael has been embedded as both the director of operations and the interim executive director for Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) in Edinburg, Texas. Working closely with the team at PVAS, Michael helped develop a new lifesaving chapter for companion animals in one of the largest-intake

“The strong team of management and field services staff already in place at Abilene Animal Services will blend well with Best Friends’ expertise in executive leadership, deep familiarity with the philosophy and role of animal services and proven lifesaving programming,” said Michelle Logan, Best Friends Animal Society’s director of national shelter embed programming.

“We very much appreciate the opportunity to work with Best Friends, and for our animal services team to be able to benefit from the organization’s expertise and resources,” said Abilene Deputy City Manager Mindy Patterson. “Collaborating with Best Friends in this way will enable us to continue working towards the creation of a sustainable system that meets our goal of improving animal outcomes while also working to hire a permanent Animal Services director,” said Patterson.

shelters in the country. Within five months of his arrival, PVAS’ save rate increased from “As part of our goal to help every shelter in 34% to 54%. So far in 2020, PVAS is maintainevery community achieve no-kill by the year ing a 90.53%, putting the shelter firmly on the 2025, our organization has a vested interest in path to achieving no-kill status this year. helping Abilene Animal Services manage an important leadership transition and continue About Abilene Animal Services: to increase its save rate in a sustainable way,” Abilene Animal Services works to protect the Logan said. “We are very pleased to announce health and safety of Abilene citizens, visitors, that Michael Bricker, our director of operations their pets, and property while promoting lifefor the shelter embed program, will be step- saving in all it does. The division’s mission is ping into the interim director position on July to educate the public to increase responsible 1, 2020.” pet ownership and prevent animal homeless-

ness through the promotion of humane and compassionate treatment of animals in its care and throughout the community. Through the work of Animal Services’ three divisions; field services, shelter, and adoption center, the department works with area animal placement groups to place animals in loving homes. In an average month, Abilene Animal Services takes more than 700 animals into its shelter, with the majority adopted out, returned to owner, or transferred to partner rescue groups.

About Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends Animal Society is a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. In addition to running lifesaving programs in partnership with nearly 3,000 animal welfare groups across the country, Best Friends has lifesaving centers in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Salt Lake City, and operates the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from an estimated 17 million per year to around 733,000. That means there are still about 2,000 dogs and cats killed every day in shelters, just because they don’t have safe places to call home.

We are determined to bring the country to nokill by the year 2025. Working collaboratively with shelters, rescue groups, other organizations and you, we will end the killing and Save Them All. To check out our community lifesaving dashboard and for more information, visit bestfriends.org.

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Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | EDUCATION | 17

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Minter Park Renovations, Waterfall Should Be Finished by July

By Brian Bethel | Abilene Reporter-News

COVID-19 and wintry weather may have stalled work, but the downtown Vera Hall Minter Park is due to have its extensive facelift finished soon.

The pocket park has been a central feature during recent holiday seasons for its bright-lit cheer and has been the site of untold gatherings, coffee breaks, memorial services and even political campaigns.

Now, it’s transforming into an even grander venue, featuring a water curtain, a small stage and limestone pedestal seating.

Changes in plans Wet winter weather slowed the project, as did the coronavirus, said Richard Rodgers, assistant director of community services with the city of Abilene.

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“COVID did impact the delivery of the centerpiece of the project, the water curtain,” he said. “This device is manufactured in Spain so, as you can imagine, the progress on it came to a halt for a while.”

The virus also slowed shipping the curtain to the U.S., he said.

But now, the project’s completion is near, with the water curtain expected to be installed by week’s end and construction/landscape work to be completed by the end of June. Better weather of late has allowed the project to make up for some of its lost time, Rodgers said.

“This will add a much more open and accessible area for our citizens to enjoy while downtown with cafe type tables and limestone blocks to sit on and relax,” Rodgers said. “The water curtain is much more dynamic than the old waterfall and will be an attraction not only for our citizens, but statewide as well.”

Earlier this year, city officials said the thin sheet of water, which will turn off if people try to enter it, can display shapes, logos, designs or patterns, perhaps wishing passers-by in months ahead “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Fourth of July.”

The curtain is the the only exterior curtain of its type in the nation and “only New Orleans has one that is as large,” Rodgers said Tuesday.

A new, familiar look Other renovations, according to a recent update by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, include a limestone wall behind the water curtain that will serve as a backdrop/projection wall.

A new sidewalk will be comprised of 12 by 12

blocks to mimic existing walks in front of The Grace Museum and Texas Star Trading Co., while limestone edging around the landscaping in the park will mimic the limestone at Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden five blocks to the north.

The table seating should allow visitors to order food at nearby downtown restaurants and eat in the park, while the updated venue will be more accessible to those with disabilities and have multiple access points.

FERNANDO MARTINEZ, JR. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? I have been a dad for 33 long years TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have two kids a son that’s 33 years old and a daughter that’s 28 years old their mother and I split and I remarried

Tree lighting is another feature that will spruce up the area, made possible by a grant from Texas Commission on the Arts in partnership with the city and Cultural Affairs.

Funding for the renovation, pegged earlier this year at $500,000, comes from a combination of sources, including private fundraising, TIRZ funds, grants and Minor Improvement Project funds from the city.

Lesli Andrews, director of community services, said in a video posted in December on the city’s Facebook page the goal was to keep existing trees and the overall feel of being a memorial park. But many existing features will be taken down to ground level so that those in wheelchairs and walkers can have better access.

A small stage will allow a band or one-act play to have a downtown venue, while limestone “bubblers” in a river rock bed will form a backdrop and ensure that there always will be water flowing.

A ‘gathering place’ Lynne Barnett, Cultural Affairs executive director, said the park will be a welcome part of Abilene’s arts scene, which is reopening after being shut down

by COVID-19.

Recent events, such as last weekend’s art exhibit at the Oak Street Arbor venue, as well as this week’s reopening of The Grace and an upcoming retrospective exhibit at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, represent a chance for the arts community to “stretch its legs,” Barnett said.

ing place,” she said.

As it does, the renovated park “will become a gather-

“We hope to have some small performances and hope to maybe project films or imagery on that limestone wall in the back,” she said. “We’re excited about that, and then the fact that it’s outdoors I think will lend itself to being able to program some things there that hopefully folks and families will feel safe about attending.”

WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A wonderful father and succesful.

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? I was a carpenter working with my father building houses, until I had to have multiple back surgeries; now I am disabled.

HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? With me being disabled there’s not much to juggle besides doctor appointments.

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? My kids and multiple grandkids!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger....

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? Spend as much time as you can with your kids because they grow up so fast; dont blink!

18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Abilene Artist Spreads Message of Unity, Paints Mural Near Downtown

By Travis Ruiz | BigCountryHomePage.com

For years we’ve watched artists take the can- all stronger together in this fight,” said Washvas from paper to brick, bringing a pop of color ington. to the Key City and changing the scenery.

While the words are clear, the rest is left up to “I think it brings more meaning to the city,” interpretation. said Abilene resident Noora Khan. “It makes it feel like it’s more of a community, you know? “I wanted it to be vague enough so where everyone could take something different from it,” We’re not just all strangers” said Washington. “I just wanted to do someWhile sometimes these murals are all about us- thing now that would have a positive impact.” ing bright shades, in Kylee Washington’s latest project, the ‘pop’ came from the message.

This is Kylee’s first mural but she says it won’t be her last. Just in the last week, the 22-year“I know that you don’t have to be the loudest old has already been approached by other busiperson in the room, we all have gifts and things nesses to paint something similar for them. that we can do be an advocate,” said Washington.

Washington has been asked for years to paint the side of her family’s car repair shop but couldn’t find the right design, that was until about a week ago. The 22-year-old says she felt called to do something to express her feelings following the death of George Floyd.

“I felt a lot of emotions,” said Washington. “I felt anger sadness, hope and that really lit the fire in me.”

Although the neutral tones in the mural don’t reflect the strength of her feelings, they do reflect the unity she’s hoping for.

“I am multi-racial. My dad is half white half black and my mom’s Hispanic. I just wanted to represent everyone and just say that we are

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EDUCATION

LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

Top 10 Reasons why Education is Extremely Important

FALL REGISTRATION

By Mohamed Reda | LinkedIn

1. FOR A HAPPY AND STABLE people? Well, the key to all this is education. ucation is an important factor which contributes LIFE If you want to lead a happy life and Of course there are exceptions, like sportsmen in social harmony and peace. enjoy the good things the world has to offer, you certainly need to get educated. A great job, a good social reputation are few of the many benefits of being an educated person.

Education is a must for a promising and secure future and a stable life.

2. MONEY An educated person

has more chances of landing up a good high paying job. Everybody wants a good life but the good life!. It may be called as the “root of all evil” but most people will agree that money is important for survival in today’s world. The more educated you are, the better career options you have!

who don’t really owe their success to their education. However in most cases, your degree is 7. MAKES YOU CONFIDENT Your eduwhat helps you realize all your dreams. cational degree is considered as a proof of your knowledge by many. If you are educated you have more chances of being heard and taken seriously.

Generally, an uneducated man will find it harder to express his views and opinions owning to lack of confidence. Even if he does so, people may not take him seriously. Education gives you the confidence to express your views and opinions.

8. SOCIETY We all live in a society which

has its own set spoken/unspoken rules and one of them is education. The society expects you to go to school followed by college, get a job, settle down etc. In fact education helps you become a useful member of the society. An educated member certainly has a greater chance to contribute to his community. Education helps you become an active member of the society and participate in the ongoing changes and developments.

3. EQUALITY If we want to see

the world as a just and fair place where everyone is given equal opportunities, education is what we require. Education is a must if we want to do away with the existing differences between different social classes and genders. It opens a whole world of opportunities for the poor so that they may have an equal shot at well paying jobs. Education also plays a major role in women empowerment

9. FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE NATION Australia, USA and Japan are

6. MAKES THE WORLD A SAFER AND MORE PEACEFUL PLACE

4. MAKES YOU SELF DEPENDENT Education majorly affects our understanding of Education is very important if you want to be a self dependent person. It helps you become financially independent but that is not all. Education also makes you wiser so that you can make your own decisions

5. TURNS YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY What is your dream, your aim

in life? Do you want to become rich? Do you want to be popular? Do you want to be an extremely successful person who is respected by

the difference between right and wrong. An educated person is well aware of the consequences of wrong/illegal actions and he is less likely to get influenced and do something which is not legally/morally right. Also, a number of uneducated people who live a poverty stricken life owning to lack of opportunities often turn to illegal ways such as theft and robbery to solve their problems. If you are educated, you are well aware of your rights, the law and your responsibilities towards the society. Hence, ed-

few countries with very high literacy rates. These countries are extremely prosperous and the citizens have a high per capita income. On the other hand, in underdeveloped and developing nations, where literacy rate is not as high, a number of people are still living below the poverty line.

Education is vital for the economic prosperity of a nation!

10. SAVES YOU FROM BEING FOOLED/ CHEATED Education saves you from being exploited and fooled. We live in a country where we enjoy a number of rights and freedom. It is easier to take advantage of innocent and illiterate people. They may be trapped into signing false documents or be deprived of some right which they have because unlike an educated person they are not well aware of their rights and freedoms.

WHEN YOU’RE READY, WE’RE HERE FOR YOU.

20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

ACU Nursing Program Receives Maximum Re-Accreditation From CCNE

By Emerald Cassidy | ACU Today

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Abilene Christian University has been reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for the maximum period of 10 years. ACU’s baccalaureate B.S.N. program was first accredited in 2014.

“Earning the maximum re-accreditation is evidence of the high-quality program ACU’s School of Nursing faculty has built,” said provost Dr. Robert Rhodes. “I am so proud and honored to support the excellent work of the nursing faculty, staff and students as they continue to fulfill ACU’s mission to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.”

The first-time pass rate for ACU nursing graduates taking the NCLEX test for 2019 was 96.08 percent, exceeding both state and national program averages, according to the Texas Board of Nursing. The state average was 91.9 percent and the national average was 88.07 percent.

NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States and Canada.

ACU has offered nursing degrees since 1979, collaboratively for many years, and as part of the School of Nursing since Fall 2013. In Fall 2019, 354 students had declared pre-nursing Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary or nursing as a major. of Education as a national accreditation agency, the CCNE is an autonomous accrediting Abilene Christian is the highest-ranking uniagency contributing to the improvement of versity in Texas in a 2020 U.S. News & World the public’s health. The commission ensures Report benchmark focused on student sucthe quality and integrity of baccalaureate, cess. ACU achieved Top 20 status in three graduate and residency programs in nursing. of eight high-impact categories among 1,500 universities evaluated for “A Focus on Stu“This re-accreditation action signals the ex- dent Success” and is the only Texas institution cellence of our program, faculty and student to be ranked in five of the categories. experience,” said Dr. Marcia Straughn, dean of the School of Nursing. “This outcome also represents the excellent shared work of our entire ACU community.”

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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | EDUCATION | 21

Cisco College Begins Scaling Up Staffing and On-Campus Operations

By Colton Wedeking | Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Cisco College

Cisco College has announced that the College will begin scaling up staffing and on-campus operations beginning on Monday, June 8th.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has maintained staffing levels to respond to the needs of our students, secure CARES Act funding, and purchase personal protective equipment and supplies for faculty and staff.

The Cisco College Emergency Operations Taskforce formed two teams to develop plans to safely scale-up the College’s operations on both campuses.

The College has installed cough and sneeze guards on both campuses as well as created signage with information on how to slow the spread of germs, and encourage faculty, staff, and students to maintain social distance. The College has also created an online form for faculty and staff to self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before reporting for work each day.

“Our priority is to scale up staffing levels following the CDC Guidelines in a safe and structured manner,” said Cisco College President, Thad Anglin. “We must understand that individual responsibility and care for our students and colleagues is essential to our success.”

The College recognizes that while the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear and the situation continues to evolve, public health guidance, scientific knowledge, and clinical best practices could likely change.

The College will continue to carefully consider and monitor the various factors, including, but not limited to: local public health conditions; institutional capacity; accommodations for the protection of vulnerable populations; and adherence to public health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

Abilene Wylie Football, Athletics Set to Get Summer Workouts Underway on June 8

By Jordan Hofeditz | Abilene Reporter-News

On Wednesday, the Wylie athletic department announced its plans to begin summer workouts June 8, the first day allowed by the University Interscholastic League under its COVID-19 guidelines.

make it as safe as possible for the kids and for the community. We feel confident, right now, that we’ve done that.”

Athletic directors and administrations had only a few weeks to put together their policies and get the necessary materials to follow the guidelines announced by the UIL on May 22. The focus was being able to start workouts on the first day, but only if it was possible.

Wylie ISD released an 18-plus minute video explaining the procedures, along with schedules, maps and the rest of the presentation files.

The Bulldogs will separate workouts across the Doghouse, the field at Hugh Sandifer Stadium and Bulldog Gym from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 Now that the procedures are put in place, Wylie p.m. Workouts will be split between football, athletes and coaches are ready to get to work basketball, volleyball, soccer and “all other for a season that will hopefully begin on time. sports” as they rotate through the locations.

“I think the key is having the opportunity to The workouts will begin June 8 and go for four have coaches around kids and kids around days a week through July 2, resume on July 9 coaches,” Martin said. “I think that’s the plus for two days and return to four days a week that we can take from this. We all know that the from July 13-30. biggest goal and the main goal is to get to play and be able to effectively do so in the fall. But “I think we’ve been very conscientious as a being able to get back together and do some school district and as a staff,” Wylie head foot- strength and conditioning and skill work is a ball coach and athletic director Clay Martin huge step forward.” said. “... I’ve spent a lot of time, again, over the course of this week in getting to a situation For Martin, who was named the new head making sure we’re doing everything we can to football coach on Jan. 31, it is a chance to get

Clay Martin, then Wylie’s defensive coordinator, calls out a play from the sideline during the 2018 scrimmage against Odessa High. Martin was named the new head coach and athletic director on Jan. 31, and will be able to begin summer workouts on June 8 after school activities were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic in early March.

(Photo: Jordan Hofeditz/Reporter-News)

his team on the field for the first time and resume offseason workouts for the first time since early March.

But he isn’t focused on what it means for him.

Martin is instead focused on his team, the Wylie athletic department and all of its athletes.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved from all the coaching staff to the studentathletes,” Martin said. “Obviously, for me, an exciting time, but I think we all need to keep things in perspective that it’s the second week in June and we’ll just use this as a building process to continue to enhance all the things the kids have tried to do on their own to be prepared for the fall.”

Texas Farm Bureau offers member scholarships to attend TSTC

By Ben Barkley | Communications Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Texas Farm Bureau members have a financial opportunity for family members to attend Texas State Technical College.

“TSTC’s partnership with Texas Farm Bureau is the perfect example of working together for the greater good of Texas. These scholarships help to eliminate the financial barriers for students and families wishing to pursue a technical degree at one of TSTC’s ten campuses across the state,” said Beth Wooten, Chief Executive Officer of The TSTC Foundation. “We are profoundly grateful for the opportunities these scholarships provide in helping TSTC place more Texans in great paying jobs.”

Texas Farm Bureau officials said TSTC was a perfect partner.

“Our members are farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. The skills students at TSTC learn are valuable to farmers and ranchers,” said Mia Balko, Texas Farm Bureau’s director of Youth Outreach.

“That is one of the reasons we started offering these scholarships.”

The Texas Farm Bureau gift allows TSTC to award $1,000 scholarships to eligible first year TSTC students. The scholarships are awarded on a first come, first serve basis to Texas Farm Bureau members.

Other financial opportunities are available for current students, including additional student aid.

Balko said Texas Farm Bureau has been pleased with the success of the scholarship opportunities. Balko encourages Texas Farm Bureau members attending TSTC to take advantage of this opportunity.

For more information on the Texas Farm Bureau scholarship opportunities, visit tstc.edu/financialaid/addscholarship. For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

McMurry University Announces New Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty

By Alaisha Montanez | Assistant Director of Communications, McMurry University

AISD In-Person Graduation Ceremonies Set For July 17-18

By Abilene Independent School District

The Abilene Independent School District will host in-person graduation ceremonies for its three high schools in mid-July at Shotwell Stadium.

The graduation ceremonies originally scheduled for Saturday, May 23, were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down schools across the country – including those in Texas – for the rest of the academic year.

The district will celebrate its graduates from Abilene, Cooper and ATEMS high schools the weekend of July 17-18. Abilene High’s ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday with the graduation ceremony for ATEMS scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Cooper’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday.

An inclement weather plan is in place for all three ceremonies and would either be Sunday, July 19 (for one ceremony) or July 24-25 (for multiple ceremonies). All three ceremonies will be live-streamed so those who cannot be in attendance can enjoy the festivities online.

The AISD will be consulting local health officials and following federal, state and local guidelines leading up to the scheduled ceremonies to make certain they will not be in violation of any guidelines governing group size or gatherings that might be in place at that time.

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McMurry University has named Matthew J. Draud, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and Dean of the faculty. In his role, he will serve as the advisor to the president in matters relating to curriculum and instruction, faculty selection and management, and programmatic initiative supporting and enhancing the student learning experience at the University. Matthew will join McMurry on June 22.

“Matt is the perfect person to support the advancement of the student learning experiences at a pivotal time in higher education,” says McMurry University President Dr. Sandra S. Harper. “He is a bold and innovative thinker who will inspire our faculty and students to think differently. His academic background as a biologist and scientist will serve the University extremely well as we continue to focus on science, technology engineering, and mathematic (STEM) education.”

“The opportunity at McMurry will allow me to build upon my administrative background and I look forward to working collaboratively and creatively to increase student success and improve institutional sustainability,” says Matthew J. Draud, Ph.D. “When I began pursuing the role at McMurry, I looked forward to exploring ways to integrate flexible online learning models into a traditional higher education environment – little did I realize at the time how important this vision would be in the current volatile landscape.”

Most recently, Draud served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI. Before Siena, he headed up the biology department at Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA. He began his career at Long Island University, where he was a tenured professor, chair of the biology department, and director of the graduate program. Draud’s key professional posts includes serving as a Peer Corps Reviewer for The Higher Learning Commission and he previously served as a research analyst at the Office of Technology Assessment for the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. “Matt will be the first academic officer at McMurry with a science background, which is exciting for the University,” adds Dr. Harper, “He will provide vital insights and support as we continue to work on additional STEM focusing grants, beyond our current Title V.” Draud shared that he also has a keen interest in business development and entrepreneurial start-

ups. He has been involved for the past several years with Upstart Adrian, a visionary group very similar to many of Abilene’s business incubators, which has developed a program that focuses on building awareness of the entrepreneurial skills necessary for people that want to start new businesses in Adrian.

Draud earned his Ph.D. in biology from Lehigh University.

He has his master’s of science in biology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a bachelor of arts in biology from Thomas More University.

“While I am a scientist, biologist, by training and look forward to advancing the sciences at McMurry, you might be surprised to learn that I am more engaged in business program development than my CV outlines,” adds Draud. “I am eager to become engaged with the local community to find out how McMurry can continue to support people who want to start businesses in Abilene.”

Draud goes onto explain his passion for identifying and understanding community business needs and his goal of aligning McMurry degree offerings to fill talent gaps that exist in the Big Country. “In addition to serving McMurry, I look forward to my involvement in the Abilene community contributing to the growth of this dynamic city,” adds Dr. Draud. “ Draud will be relocating to Abilene with his wife, Michelle who is a nurse with expertise in highrisk obstetrical care, and he has two young adult children, son Travis who recently completed a master’s degree in biology from Easter Michigan University and daughter Savannah who is working on a doctoral degree in biology at University of Mississippi.

Draud is replacing Dr. James Hunt, who is retiring in June. Hunt has served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty since 2015.

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | EDUCATION | 23

Eight Area TSTC Students Place at Virtual Skills USA Contest

By Ben Barkley | Communications Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Eight students from Texas State Technical College representing its West Texas campuses won medals at the 2020 SkillsUSA virtual conference meet.

The students earned five gold medals, one silver medal and four bronze medals.

William Hancock earned gold medals in two events, Information Technology Services and Telecommunications Cabling. Victoria Jones earned a silver medal in Medical Math and a bronze in Medical Terminology.

Also earning gold medals were Rachel Bradshaw in First Aid/CPR, April Clark in Nurse Assisting, and Jerrod Doss in Internetworking. Bronze medals were awarded to Ashley Turnbow in Medical Math, Kerrie Helmuth in Nurse Assisting and Kaitlyn Mitchell in Job Interview.

Marchelle Taylor, TSTC’s West Texas SkillsUSA coordinator, said the students faced more of a challenge this year because of campuses being closed and the district conference being held virtually.

“It took flexibility on their part and extra work to prepare for the entire contest,” she said. “I am glad to have students at TSTC that worked together to continue to excel and participate in this excellent program.”

Bradshaw said competing online was “nervewracking.”

“I was more comfortable being able to do the written test from my home,” she said. “I hope the next time I compete it will be in person so we can show the judges what we know. It is always better to show your skills.”

Bradshaw, who is studying Nursing at the Breckenridge campus, said the competition will help her when she completes college.

“SkillsUSA will help you become a better employee and adult in general,” she said. “It has helped me to study more for my classes.”

Turnbow said knowing the contest would be online was not thrilling, but when it started, she changed her mind.

“It was both shocking and exciting,” she said of placing third. “Once I started taking the online test, it was an easy process.”

Turnbow, a Nursing student, said she plans to recommend that other students compete in SkillsUSA next year.

“This is a good program that will help you in your career. It is really good for resume building,” she said.

Helmuth was encouraged to participate by classmates and did not regret her decision.

Even the online experience was beneficial.

“Once you completed the orientation, it was simple. I would do this again, but in person, preferably,” she said.

Helmuth, who is also a Nursing student, said competing taught her something she will carry over to her everyday life.

“I learned that no matter what the scenario is, I need to take the time to slow down and not hurry, no matter if it is at school, work or life,” she said.

SkillsUSA is a professional organization teaching technical, academic and employability skills that help high school and college students pursue successful careers. Members build these skills through student-led team meetings, contests, leadership conferences and other activities.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

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24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Carmen Crane Hired to be Next Principal at Ortiz Elementary

By Abilene Independent School District

Carmen Crane, who has spent the last four years as the principal at the Texas Leadership Charter Academy, has been hired to be the new principal at Ortiz Elementary School, taking over for Deb Stewart, who last month was named the new principal at Craig Middle School.

versity in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in education, and then earned her master’s in guidance and counseling from Angelo State University in 2015.

She taught at Sam Rosen Elementary School in the Fort Worth ISD from 200408, serving as grade-level Crane’s hiring was made chair, lead math teacher and official Monday night by lead technology teacher. the Abilene Independent She then moved on to ChSchool District Board isholm Trail Middle School of Trustees during their in the Northwest ISD where monthly meeting. she taught from 2008-12.

Prior to the 2015-16 school “We underwent a thoryear she was hired as dean ough process to find the of students at TLCA, was next principal at Ortiz, elevated to assistant prinand Carmen did a terrific cipal in the spring of the job each step of the way,” 2015-16 school year and AISD Superintendent Dr. was then named principal David Young said. “I’m confident that the prior to the 2016-17 school year. students, staff and parents of Ortiz Elementary School will welcome Carmen as the new “It’s an absolute honor to have the opportunity leader of their campus, and I look forward to to lead the students and staff of Ortiz Elemenseeing the great work of that staff continuing tary School,” Crane said. “Nothing feels better under her leadership.” than returning ‘home.’ The Abilene ISD gave me the confidence and skills to achieve my Crane is a graduate of Abilene High School goal of becoming an educator. I can’t wait to where both of her parents served as teachers. pay that investment forward to the students of She graduated from Hardin-Simmons Uni- Ortiz Elementary.”

THE

spirit

Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | EDUCATION | 25

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26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

TSTC Instructor Says Welders are Always in Demand

By Ben Barkley | Communications Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Welders are always needed, no matter the economic situation.

Texas State Technical College Welding Technology instructor Robert Whitley knows his students will likely find a job soon after completing the program. In West Texas, welders are needed not only in the oil field, but also at other sites, he said.

“Hopefully everything in the oil field will be going the right way. When that happens, we will probably pick up another boom (of students),” he said.

“Other (businesses) are not hurting as bad as the oil field right now,” Whitley said. “A lot of our guys are noticing that welding is definitely a reliable source of income.”

Whitley said many welders are self-employed, while others like the structure of working for a company. No matter what, he said, welders usually can find work.

Texas State Technical College offers welding at its 10 campuses. Brownwood instructor Robert Whitley said most of the program’s graduates readily find employment or are self-employed. (Photo: TSTC)

Whitley said his main goal is to see students employed.

“I like to see them succeed. The best thing for me is to send kids out and see them be able to provide for their family,” he said.

With social distancing being the new normal in business, Whitley said lab sessions have been set up to state standards.

He said that social distancing is nothing new to welders.

“Many of them will not be near anyone when they are working,” he

“Some of the guys like to venture out to the big- said. ger cities for work. They go out several different directions to find a job,” he said.

During lab sessions, Whitley said students have worked within the guidelines.

With oil prices beginning to rebound, Whitley said he expects to see more students enrolled in “It has kept our guys on their toes. It is teaching the program, which is offered at each of TSTC’s them to prepare for the unexpected,” he said.

10 campuses. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding Technology, For more information on Texas State Technical and certifications in structural welding and struc- College, go to tstc.edu. tural/pipe welding.

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | EDUCATION | 27

Senior Spotlight:

GRATIS

Abilene High girls soccer’s

Lydia Sanchez

ALIMENTOS DE VERANO

PARA NINOS

By Joey D. Richards | Abilene Reporter-News

Kids 18 & Under Eat Free!

Nuestros niños necesitan comidas nutritivas para aprender, crecer y prosperar, incluso cuando no hay clases en la escuela.

Con el programa de alimentos de verano, los niños y adolescentes menores de 18 años pueden seguir comiendo sano durante todo el verano sin costo alguno, Nuestros niños necesitan alimentos nutritivos para aprender, y su crecimiento.

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Ninos menores de 18 anos comen gratis!

NO ESTA OBLIGADO A REGISTRARSE! SITIOS DE ALIMENTOS DE VERANO 2020

Martinez Boys & Girls Club 1301 Clinton St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Mann Middle School

2545 Mimosa Drive Dates: June 1- July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Craig Middle School

702 S. Judge Ely Blvd.

Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Sears Park 2250 Ambler Ave. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Madison Middle School

Rose Park

3125 S 32nd St Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Johnston Elementary

Martinez Elementary

3145 Barrow Street Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

3633 N 14th St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Bowie Elementary

Dyess Elementary

2034 Jeanette St. Dates: June 1-July 9 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

YMCA-Redbud

2601 S 7th St. Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 8:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

402 Delaware Road Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

1250 Merchant Street Dates: June 1-July 23 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

Abilene High

2800 N. 6th Street Dates: June 15-June 25 Dates: July 6-July 16 Breakfast: 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Lunch: 11:00-1:00 p.m.

No tendremos servicios de alimentos el dia 3 de Julio por el dia de Independencia.

Esta institucion es proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.

Para mas informacion puede llamar al Departamento de Nutricion Estudiantil el telefono 325.677.1444 ext. 7542

Abilene High girls soccer player Lydia San- What school activity (prom, graduation, chez recently wrapped up her senior season senior trip) and/or athletic moment did you miss the most because of the coronavirus? with the Lady Eagles.

I am pretty upset that we didn’t get to experience School: Abilene High/ all the fun activities that ATEMS seniors do, because senior year is the year.

Sports: Cross country and soccer What’s next for you?

I will be an engineering Favorite food: major at Abilene ChrisEnchiladas tian University.

Favorite movie: McMiscellaneous: I got acFarland cepted to the eight colleges I applied to – ACU, Favorite musician: Angelo State, McClenLauren Daigle nan Community College, Texas-San Antonio, Favorite academic subTexas-Tyler, Texas-El ject: English Paso, Texas-Arlington and Texas State. I was an Best sports moment: honorable mention allThe best sports moment district pick in soccer. is every time I step on the starting line and the Abilene High girls socsoccer field – the feeling of being excited and nervous. Every time I cer coach Brent Camp says: “Lydia is a great young lady with a strong work ethic. She finish a race or game, I learn something. was a good leader on her team this season and How I feel about the coronavirus ending will be missed in the future.” my senior year: I was pretty upset to not finish our soccer season and not being able to cherish my last game.

28| EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Abilene ISD Lays Out Summer Conditioning Plan for Sports Programs

By Joey D. Richards | Abilene Reporter-News

The Abilene Independent School District this week released its summer strength and conditioning plan for its athletic programs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Phil Blue, the district’s athletic director, expects both Abilene High and Cooper to begin workouts June 15.

On May 19, the UIL announced June 8 would be the first day schools could begin any oncampus strength and conditioning programs, along with sport-specific drills. The summer workout guidelines were released May 22.

Blue, talking to reporters during a conference video call Wednesday, said AISD got to work on setting up its own guidelines, once the UIL announced its plan. He said he also talked to athletic directors across the state to get their interpretation of the UIL’s guidelines to come up with AISD’s plan.

“We feel like it’s a pretty extensive and wellthought out plan that reaches our goals,” Blue said. “Our goals are, essentially, the UIL has allowed us to do this. Our kids want to be involved. Our coaches want to be involved, but we have to make it safe for both our studentathletes and our staff.”

Blue said only athletes, coaches, media and other school personnel will be allowed inside the facilities at each school.

Getting the plan together

The district won’t be ready to start Monday, Blue said, because it still is implementing its plan – including getting the word out to parents and players on some of the basic parts of the program.

“We don’t want them showing up the first day and not knowing where to go, where to park, where to stand, what the screening process is going to entail,” Blue said. “So, our two campus coordinators – Mike Fullen at Abilene High and Aaron Roan at Cooper – are actively right now working on their instructional videos for their campuses for both the boys and girls and the different sports (and) their procedures for that time period that we’re doing strength and conditioning and skills.

“Obviously, you have two different campuses that have unique facilities in terms of sizes and where they’re at, how you access them. So, those plans are quite different, but the guidelines are the same.”

Blue said once the videos are done, they’ll

put them on the AISD website, while coaches will put them on their Twitter page. He said the videos also will be sent to athletes and parents through its district’s Remind system “so, everyone has a clear understanding what’s going to happen when you show up for strength and conditioning.”

hour window each day – that’s for every sports program at each school.

As a result, Blue said some coaches might forego any sports-specific drills, which is allowed for 60 of the 90 minutes permitted each day.

“The skills component is really an option for the coaches.” Blue said. “If the baseball, softball coaches want to utilize what the UIL allows, that 60 minutes to do skills, they certainly can. The only thing that we have done, is we’ve told all of our coaches you have to fit whatever you’re going to do in that 7:30 (a.m.) to 12:30 (p.m.) window, because we so much invested in the It’s important to know exactly what is expected screening process and insuring that we have evof the athletes, too. For instance, something as erything controlled – a controlled environment. simple but necessary as hydration is solely each We can’t let tennis go anytime they want to or athlete’s responsibility. one of the other sports.”

Blue said there will be a COVID-19 screening process for everyone entering the facilities each day, and part of the reason for delaying the start of the program until June 15 is the arrival of the no-touch thermometers for the screening process.

“You have to show up with a water jug or water bottle of your own with your name on it, because we can’t refill water jugs,” Blue said.

“We can’t provide water for you. We don’t want you sharing with someone else. So, if you get to the screening process and you forgot (your water bottle), unfortunately, we have to send you home that day.”

Keep in mind, all summer strength and conditioning programs are voluntary – even for the coaches. Coaches, though, can keep attendance records.

“If you don’t feel like you want to do that, you certainly don’t have to.” Blue said. “There are many coaches who value that time with their family during the summer and need a break.

Challenges at each school There are others that want to work in the sumPutting a plan together for not only football, but mer and be involved in that strength and conall the sports programs at both AHS and Cooper ditioning. It’s up to the coach. We don’t assign has been daunting. that to anybody or say you’re responsible for it or you have to be here.”

“We’re limited in how many can actually be here at a time, because of the square footage,” Summer Strength/Conditioning Plan Blue said. “For example, we had to go measure SANITIZATION our weight rooms and our gyms to see what’s ► Athletic facilities will be disinfected and allowable per group. For example, at Cooper sanitized per industry guidelines, before, during High School, in their weight room, the max and after workouts. Emphasis will be given to number of coaches and kids they can have in ensuring disinfecting high-touch surfaces and there is 22 at a time.” surfaces that are used by multiple student-athletes, disinfecting between users.

Blue said AHS won’t use any bars in its weight ► Equipment like barbells will be sanitized afroom for the first two or three weeks. He said ter each student use. each athlete, instead, will work with the same ► Balls will be sanitized after use during all weight plate for the entire workout. Once skill sessions. Balls will be assigned to small they’re through, he said the plate gets cleaned groups and not be interchangeable among athand put back on rack, while that group goes out- letes during skill sessions. side for another to enter. ► Enhanced cleaning – specific athletic facilities in which an individual with a confirmed At Cooper, Blue said a coach will follow each COVID-19 positive has been identified will group from station to station, cleaning and sani- undergo enhanced disinfection per CDC and intizing each station after its group finishes, add- dustry guidelines. ing the towel will be thrown away after each ► Athletes and staff will sanitize their hands station. Since there will be five stations in the before, during and after workouts. There will be Cooper weight room, that’s 25 towels per group. multiple hand sanitizing stations for all conditioning and skill development areas.

Entry in and out of each facility will be con- ► 6-foot social distancing will be utilized when trolled at each school, and, because of the logis- not actively exercising (per UIL). tics, Blue said it all must be done during a five- ► 10-foot social distancing will be utilized

Pick us up at First Financial Bank inside both WalMart’s | EDUCATION | 29

Continued from previous page

when actively exercising (per UIL). ► There will be no high fives, chest bumps or any other type of physical touching used for encouragement or recognition.

STUDENT-ATHLETE REQUIREMENTS ► Upon arrival, athletes will park or be dropped off at predesignated areas. ► Athletes will check in and be screened each day before they are allowed to participate.

Check-in lines will utilize social distancing guidelines. ► Athletes who are not feeling well or have any symptoms of any sickness should stay home. ► Physical contact with others will be limited.

Do not shake hands, hug, high five, fist bump, etc. ► Athletes will sanitize their hands before, during and after workouts. ► Athletes are required to utilize a “one in, one out” model when using a restroom. Locker rooms cannot be used for any other reason other than using the restroom. AISD personnel will ensure that only one athlete is in a restroom at any given time. ► Locker rooms cannot be utilized for dressing or showering. ► Hydration – Water will not be provided to athletes. Athletes will be required to bring their own individually labeled water jug, water bottle or sports drink. These jugs/bottles cannot be refilled at school water fountains or outlets. During the check in process, athletes who do not have a water jug, water bottle or sports drink will fail the screening process and be sent home.

AISD STAFF REQUIREMENTS ► Staff will check in and be screened by members of the AISD sports medicine team prior to the arrival of the athletes. ► Any staff member who is not feeling well or has any symptoms of any sickness should stay home. ► Physical contact with others will be limited.

Do not shake hands, hug, high five, fist bump, etc. ► Staff members will sanitize their hands before, during, and after workouts. ► Staff members will bring their own individually labeled water bottle. ► Staff members will ensure that all social distancing guidelines are consistently maintained for athletes and staff.

DAILY SCREENING PROCESS ► Athletes will report to their designated screening area each day. The screening process will consist of: ► Temperature check – this will be administered by an AISD staff member. ► Questionnaire checklist – this will include, but is not limited to contact with anyone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, recent fever, other symptoms of illness. ► Approved water jug or bottle ► Utilize hand sanitizer station

ENTRY AND EXIT PROCEDURES ► Upon arrival, athletes will park or be dropped off at their group’s predesignated areas. ► Athletes will proceed to the designated check in screening areas, 6-foot social distancing indicators will be marked. ► There will be only one entrance into each identified workout area. All other entry points will be inaccessible. ► Athletes will sanitize their hands as they exit the facility. ► Athletes must exit at the predetermined route in order to avoid contact with another group that may be arriving. ► Athlete pick up areas will be designated and an AISD staff member will monitor these pick up areas to ensure that the social distancing guidelines are maintained. ► Parents and/or family members are strongly encouraged to stay in their cars during the pick up process.

INDOOR REGULATIONS ► Groups cannot exceed 10 athletes. Each group must maintain a social distance of 10 feet between other groups. ► Capacity cannot exceed 25% of the facility.

The capacity formula for respective facilities is determined by dividing the facility square footage by 50. Multiply that number by .25.

OUTDOOR REGULATIONS ► Groups cannot exceed 15 athletes. Each group must maintain a social distance of 10 feet between other groups. ► Balls will be sanitized after use during all skill sessions. Balls will be assigned to small groups and not be interchangeable among other athlete groups during skill sessions.

WORKOUT PROCEDURES ► Athletes and staff will sanitize their hands before, during and after workouts. ► Bars and other equipment will be sanitized after each use. ► No competitive drills involving one or more students in skills sessions. Examples: No 1-on1, 3-on-3, 7-on-7, etc.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS & MANAGEMENT ► Confirmed cases of COVID-19 among athletes or AISD staff will be managed by the AISD director of health services and the AISD coordinator of sports medicine. management will include testing, isolation, and symptom management, as well as, return to activity clearance. ► Students who begin to show symptoms after the daily screening process will be immediately separated from other athletes and staff and instructed to return home. Direction will be provided from the sports medicine team regarding symptom monitoring, quarantine, and testing. ► A symptomatic athlete or staff member will be managed as a presumptive COVID-19 positive and all precautions will remain in place until testing confirmation is received.

30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

FAITH&FAMILY

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

Q&A with Michael Aguirres Celebrating Fathers in the Abilene Area

By HispanicLife Magazine

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A DAD? I have been a Dad for 19 glorious years and have enjoyed every day of it!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have a beautiful wife and 2 outstanding children! My dauther is 19 years old and is an E.R. Tech at Hendrick medical Center. My son is 13 years old and attends Clark Middle School where he plays football and participates in orchestra.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE QUOTE? I guess of one of my favorite quotes is, “Learn

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WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PROFESSION YOU ARE IN? Now I work at Arrow Ford in the Body Shop. I am an Automotive Refinisher and really enjoy working there. It’s a great place to be. The owners really care about their employees!

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION EACH DAY? I find inspiration everyday by thinking about my family. I know I have to get up and go to work to provide for them so they will not have need for anything.

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

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WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? When I was younger, I was always into cars.

As years went by, I started getting intrigued by the custom aspect of it all.

HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO JUGGLE WORK AND A FAMILY? I control my mindset, when I’m at work it’s all about the task at hand and I make sure I do the best job that I can do. When I’m at home with my family, I concentrate on being there for them, listening to how they’re day has been going, and try to have some laughs with them!

I don’t just see a customer.

I see you.

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER DADS? My best advice for others dads would be to always leave your negative emotions and worries at the door. Be happy to see your family as they are to see you after a long day at work. Be there for them with an open ear whenever they have a problem or if somethig is bothering them, and try to solve it and put their mind at ease. Set a good example to them because in the end, kids always follow the example when they grow up!

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32 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Art Walk Set to Return Monthly

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Dusty Baker | BigCountryHomePage.com

The Abilene Art Walk is returning after being canceled for three consecutive months.

Center for Contemporary Arts Curator of Education Manny De Los Santos said, “Right at the start of the COVID-19 self quarantine we had put up two new shows and nobody has been able to actually physically see them.”

The Art Walk has displayed brilliant works of art to the public every second Thursday of each month until the coronavirus outbreak began.

De Los Santos said, “We did virtual tours and things like that but nothing beats actually standing by a piece of art and looking at it. To have this place open again means so much to me and means a lot to our artist members.”

With the Center of Contemporary Arts now re-opened, the public is being welcomed back to the first Art Walk since February in a safe and conservative manner.

De Los Santos said, “We want to be socially responsible, we don’t want to just open up the doors and let people come in so there is going to be a limit, we’re going to have 75 people total. You are totally allowed to wear your mask, we’re not going to say you have to but if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask then please do wear a mask. We’re going to have hand sanitizing stations around here, we have a daily cleaning schedule now.”

And those who plan on swinging by are being asked to be as cautious as possible.

This month’s Art Walk has four shows ready to be seen in person.

De Los Santos said, “Art Walk is such a huge part of getting art accessible to the community, it doesn’t matter your age or social demographic, you can come out and enjoy art.

It’s for everybody and that’s key for me to see everybody enjoy it.”

The Art Walk will take place Thursday on Cypress Street from 5-8 PM.

The Dyess AFB Memorial Museum and Linear Air Park are Now Open and Offering Tours Dyess Memorial Center, north of the main gate at 800 Arnold Blvd, hours are weekdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The public is invited to tour the artifacts and learn the WWII story of Albany-native William Edwin Dyess in the museum. Tour the Dyess Memorial Park outdoors to pay homage to Dyess heroes lost during service to their country.

Guided tours of the Linear Air Park inside the air force base can be requested from 8 am to noon weekdays.

-Stop at the museum 800 Arnold Blvd., and the museum curator will summon the Air Park Curator to help guests enter the base. (The staff arrives at 7:30 am.)

-Keep one open seat in your vehicle for the Air Park Curator to accompany guests for a guided tour.

-Facemasks are encouraged.

-Groups can be no larger than 5 adults.

-Enjoy seeing the largest static display of historic aircraft in the country.

-Follow social to stay up to date and learn more about Abilene’s military heritage.

Reopening Plans Vary at Abilene Churches

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | FAITH AND FAMILY | 33

By Nathaniel Ellsworth | Abilene Reporter-News

Abilene’s faithful were forced to adapt rapidly as concerns about the coronavirus mounted in March, with livestreamed and recorded sermons quickly taking the place of regular services as church doors were closed to the public.

A few congregations have since reopened — although generally at limited capacity — following Gov. Greg Abbott’s April 27 executive order classifying churches as “essential services.”

Some services are scheduled to resume this week or the next, but reopening plans are still underway at several houses of worship, as church leaders try to meet spiritual needs while complying with social distancing guidelines.

As more places open to the public, online services will continue to remain an option at many churches, some Abilene congregation leaders said.

“It’s been a hit with our people, and it keeps them connected with their church,” said Jeff Reid, associate pastor with Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.

“It really meets a need for people who can’t be at church.”

“That’s the bottom line, helping people connect and worship.”

What’s open when? ► Baker Heights Church of Christ, 5382 Texas Ave.: Regular services will resume at 10 a.m.

Sunday, no evening service. Services available at bakerheights.org. ► Beltway Park Church, 4009 Beltway South and 2850 State Highway 351: Regular Sunday services will be presented at 9:15 and 11 a.m. at the north campus and at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at the south campus. Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. For reservations, or for livestreaming services, go to beltway.org. ► Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meanders St.: No return to regular Sunday services yet scheduled. Services presented online at heavenlyrestabilene.org. ► First Baptist Church, 1333 North Third St.: Regular 10:30 a.m. Sunday services resume June 14. Services will be presented live on KRBC and via livestream. ► First Central Presbyterian Church, 400 Orange St.: No return to regular Sunday services yet scheduled. Services are presented online at fcpc. net. ► Highland Church of Christ, 425 Highland Ave.: No return to regular Sunday services yet scheduled. Livestreaming services are available at highlandchurch.org. ► Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo

Gap Road: Regular weekend services have resumed at limited capacity. Online Mass is available at sanangelodiocese.org, with additional content at holyfamilyabilene.org. ► New Beginnings United Pentecostal Church, 5535 Buffalo Gap Road: Regular 10:45 a.m.

Sunday services have resumed. Other services are available online only at nbabilene.com and the church Facebook page. ► Oldham Lane Church of Christ, 5049 Oldham Lane: Regular 10 a.m. Sunday services resume June 7, no evening service or Bible class.

Livestreaming available at olcoc.com/live, and “Light in the Life” television program at 10 a.m.

Sundays on KTAB. ► Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive: Regular Sunday services will resume at 9 and 11 a.m. on June 7; small groups will resume on July 5. Services will be presented via radio and livestream. ► Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3364 Buffalo Gap Road: No return to regular Sunday services yet scheduled. Services are presented online at sohillschurch.org/live at 10 a.m. Sunday. ► St. Francis of Assisi, 826 Cottonwood St.: Regular Masses have resumed at 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, presented in the church’s Homsey Hall at limited capacity. Online services are available on the church Facebook page and at sanangelodiocese.org. ► St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St.: Regular 11 a.m. Sunday services resume June 7. Livestreaming available at stpaulabilene. org, with a television program at 11 a.m. Sunday on KTXS. ► St. Luke Orthodox Christian Church, 501 Sunset Drive: Regular 9:40 a.m. Sunday services have resumed at 25 percent capacity. Livestreaming is available at the church Youtube channel. ► St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Drive: Regular Sunday services have resumed at 8:30 and 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Online Mass is available at sanangelodiocese.org. ► University Church of Christ, 733 E.N. 16th St.: No return to regular Sunday services yet scheduled. Services are presented online at uccabilene.org and the church Facebook page. ► Woodlawn church of Christ, 922 Woodlawn Drive: Regular services will resume at 10 a.m.

Sunday, no evening service. Services also available on the church Facebook page. ► Wylie Baptist Church, 6097 Buffalo Gap Road: Regular services will resume at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, no Sunday school. The 10:30 a.m. service will be livestreamed via Facebook Live. ► Zion Lutheran Church, 2801 Antilley Road: Regular services will resume at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The 10:45 a.m. service will be livestreamed.

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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 Ariel Marie Pequeño Abilene High School Ariel, we are so proud of you! Keep working on your goals, and you will do big and great things in the future.

Love Mom, Dad & brothers

Brianna Angelita Gomez

Wylie High School We are so proud of her accomplishments and are excited as she begins her next journey into the medical field.

We Love You Babygirl Brian and Kathy Gomez

Justin Dawsey

Wylie High School We are so proud of your accomplishments Justin!

We Love, Mom, Dad and Cameron

Nathan Ramon

Abilene High School So proud of all your hard work!

Blessings on your future endeavors!

Love you always! Love Tio Albert, Tia Dea & Gonzalez kids

Adrion Jacob Moreno

Faith and Blessing Cooper High School

We are so very proud of both of you! PITA, God has already brought you through so much in life. You have fought kidney disease and have been given a second chance at life with your new kidney, Hope. We cannot wait to see what else God does in your life!

Blessing, God has called you into the ministry and we know you will do amazing things. Cannot wait to see you run XC and track at McMurry.

God gave us a little Faith and then he poured out His Blessing. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:9 Love, Mom & Mama

Texas Tech University Jacob is a 2020 Graduate of Texas Tech University.

He will receive his Bachelor of Arts: University Studies.

“Congratulations Jacob we are so proud of you and love you very much.

The sky is the limit for you.”

Micaela Rae DeLaCruz

Abilene High School & Holland High School Words cannot express the love we have for this girl, she has pushed through and fought to get to where she is and we are proud of her accomplishments. We pray God will continue to guide her and grace her with His love in her new journey in life.

Congratulations Micaela, we love you! Mom & Dad

Austin Arvizo

Lake Dallas High School We are so proud of all you have accomplished! we love you! ~Aunt Ria

Juana Vega

Cooper High School Dad and Mom love you very much even when we had to keep pushing you to finish. We are very proud of you!

Jeremiah Gonzales

Cooper High School You did it! We are so proud of you!!

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | FAITH AND FAMILY | 35

Abilene Cooper Girls Soccer’s Megan Melchor

By Joey D. Richards | Abilene Reporter-News

School: Cooper ◘ Sports: Soccer ◘ Favorite food: Pizza Favorite movie: Creed ◘ Favorite musician: Chris Young Favorite academic subject: English Best sports moment: Playoffs sophomore year.

How to Discipline Children Without Destroying Them

How I feel about the coronavirus ending my senior year: I feel very disappointed about the way my high school sports career ended. My last game would have been against a rival team. I feel like memories that would have been made are lost forever. No last time to play with the group of girls that made our team a team. The one game that would have meant so much to us never got to happen. No last walk across the field.

By Joe Martin | AllProDad.com

“Dad, what is the toughest thing about being a parent?”

This is a question my son, Kendall, asked (who was 15 at the time). And I told him: “Trying to love, teach, and discipline your children without destroying their spirits.” Of course, he didn’t quite understand what I meant, so I explained to him how grandma and grandpa were as parents.

I told him they had a lot of rules and harsh consequences if I broke them.

However, I never received their discipline as being love, but rather, mistakenly, as abuse. That’s because they never explained why their rules were necessary, and they never asked me what I thought about their rules or their punishments. I told my son, “My fear is that I would unconsciously and unintentionally do the same.” Here’s how to prevent that.

Define your boundaries. As a public school teacher

for more than two decades, and later as a teacher trainer, one of the first lessons I learned and taught about disciplining children is to clearly define your boundaries for their desired behavior.

The truth is, we train people on how to treat us based on the boundaries we set and how we respond to them. I’m not talking about one-sided, heavy-handed, unrealistic boundaries that provoke rebellion, but rather mutual agreement on boundaries concerning basic values like respect, sharing, caring, responsibility, gratitude, and honesty—just to name a few. We should demonstrate what each of those values looks like in reference to our children’s behavior.

Define the consequences. Consequences are our re-

sponses to our children if they choose to ignore the boundaries we set. As parents, not only do I put our boundaries in writing and have them signed by our children, but the consequences are in writing, too. Just like in real life, signing a document is communicating to all involved that we’re in agreement.

Before they sign our agreement, we allow our children to add, question, modify, or remove any consequence they deem unfair, unrealistic, or unloving. The consequences aren’t meant to punish them but rather to protect

them from future bad behavior. But after the document is signed, it cannot be changed unless all of us agree to the revision.

Honor your children’s choices. I believe the key

to effective discipline is consistency—consistency in honoring the agreed-upon boundaries and honoring the agreed-upon consequences of our children’s choices. This is why having clearly written, signed, and agreed-upon boundaries and consequences is so important. It eliminates unnecessary arguments and takes the emotion out of tough parenting decisions.

In our home, all consequences come with a “first warning.” We call it a “grace warning.” But there is no second warning. There is only follow-through on the first consequence of the choice. We’re honoring the choice they made. So, like we all do, they now have to live with the consequences of their choices.

Look for the lessons. The root word of “discipline”

is “disciple.” To disciple means to teach. No one likes to live with the consequences of their bad choices. But discipline should never be used to punish. It should be used to teach. Even in a less than ideal household, some of the best lessons I learned in my childhood were results of the discipline I received from my mother.

However, my mother never explained the “why” behind the consequences. So, to me, the consequences always felt like punishment. I knew I had to do better for my children.

So, I always urge my children to look for the lesson in the discipline: What did you learn from that? What would you do differently? Why do you think I responded that way?

There’s a great scripture in the Bible that says, “For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11) So, always discipline your children to teach them, rather than to punish them.

What school activity (prom, graduation, senior trip) and/or athletic moment did you miss the most because of the coronavirus? It is hard to choose which event I feel more disappointment about. Is it the last game that would have meant the world, is it prom I already chose my dress for, is it the graduation ceremony that we all waited 12 years for? I guess above all, I would choose graduation. So many years, study nights and so many stressful tests that were supposed to lead to a family and friend-filled day. Gone.

What’s next for you? I plan on going to college and majoring in elementary education.

Miscellaneous: I was the newcomer of the year, a two-time defensive MVP and two-time all-district honorable mention pick.

Cooper girls soccer coach Michelle Velez says: “Megan served as captain for the 2020 soccer season. She led by example, helped her teammates succeed and learn, but most of all she was the team’s biggest supporter. No matter the situation, she put her team first and cheered the loudest for the success of others.”

36 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Green Thumb for a Blended Family

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

God 1st, Then Family, and Finally Friends!

I wish I had a green thumb. It seems that I can kill a plant pretty fast! I do enjoy beautiful plants and flowers, but maybe the secret is in just knowing how to actually take care of each plant according to its needs. Maybe if I really cared, I would read books and find research on how much water and sunlight is required, when to fertilize and how much to prune my plants.

children have found a fertile, lush, well-watered and tended place to grow!

Your home is a place of sanctuary and your voice speaks positively over all in your home and also your husband. You carefully seek out each plant and check to see if it has enough water, and nutrients. You are on guard for the weeds that seem to creep out of nowhere and you are quick to pull them up by the roots. You make sure they have enough sunshine to be able to go in turn and shine on others. Now we come to the part of God’s multiplication - verse 8 goes on to say that the seed that grows in good soil can produce a crop - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

This leads my mind to Matthew 13:3-24 - it’s the parable of the Sower or Farmer. This passage tells us about what can happen when we plant seeds in various conditions. I want us to take a look at this through the lens of a blended-family mom. You are the Farmer. The seeds you are planting are your words and actions towards your children and step children and even your spouse. Verse 4 says that seed was scattered along a path and then I want a bumper crop from my family. I want birds came and ate up the seeds. all of them to know that they can grow up and have wonderful, godly families. I’ve been reThis makes me think of the many times that I searching, learning and praying -- and I think I flippantly made comments that were not very just might have a green thumb for planting – and sincere. The result was that it didn’t impact the tending - a blended family! kids - they still felt miles away as far as our relationships were concerned. Verse 5 says that some Blessings in Your Blending! seed fell on rocky places where there was not much soil so they grew quickly but then withered (Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and from the heat of the sun. mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended I’m sure you can think of some hard and rocky Family Mom, has been a things that have happened in your blended famiblended family/stepmom ly. If there was not solution and forgiveness, then, since 2004; her blended just like the small delicate plants, their hearts family currently includes withered up. Verse 7 tells us about seed growing four children and four among thorns which eventually were choked by grandchildren. Follow the thorns. I see this as the hurtful verbal dagKristie on Facebook gers that can be so easily thrusted into our fam(facebook.com/theblendily’s hearts - and, as the old saying goes, “Be sure edfamilymom), Twitter to taste your words before you spit them out!” (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendOnce you have said something that pierces the edfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Famheart and soul, it can be forgiven - the problem ily Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are is that it is never forgotten. Verse 8 is our vic- both available on her website at www.theblendtory verse - telling us about the seeds that were edfamilymom.com). planted in good soil. In other words, your step

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | FAITH AND FAMILY | 37

A Harvest Daily Devotion

An Anchor for Our Souls

By Greg Laurie | Senior pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship

On a day like any other day, you get out of bed, get dressed, have breakfast, and perhaps a cup of coffee. Maybe you check your emails (but hopefully you’ve read your Bible before that).

trayed him which changed the course of his life. And one of Jesus’ own friends even betrayed Him.

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”

—Hebrews 6:19

And then it happens. Out of the blue, you get that phone call from a police officer or from a friend delivering bad news. Or you find a note on the kitchen counter from your spouse saying they want out of the marriage.

Maybe you notice a new pain in your body that you hadn’t noticed before. Or you get or a call from your doctor’s office saying they want to do more tests.

A crisis hits fast, it hits hard, and it takes no prisoners. It can even alter the course of your life dramatically. For many of us affected by the pandemic, this is no overstatement.

Pain has knocked on your front door, moved in without your permission, and refuses to leave. In fact, you wouldn’t even wish it on your worst enemy, yet it’s happening to you. You’re not alone. It happened to men and women of the Bible and even Jesus Himself.

For example, Job’s world came crashing down on him in a single day. Joseph’s brothers be-

Maybe you feel as though you’re struggling against an unexpected, overpowering storm, and your little boat is starting to capsize. Maybe you’re even beginning to lose hope.

The Bible describes hope as an anchor: “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary” (Hebrews 6:19 NLT).

We need this hope because I can tell you that when you’re going through a hardship, pious platitudes won’t help you. The thing that will help you is the Word of God. _____________________________________ Greg Laurie is an American author and evangelist who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, Harvest Church at Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii, and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California. Laurie’s latest book, “Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon,” releases in August. You can learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest at harvest.org

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38 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Better Than Before: Re-Prioritizing Your Post-Quarantine Life

By Jim Daly | Focus on the Family

A couple of months ago your schedule was probably a lot like mine: full. The faucet was all the way open, and there wasn’t much free time between work, family, marriage, church, school activities, music recitals, and sports practice.

Alexandra Kuykendall is with us to talk about that on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Better Than Before: Re-Prioritizing Your Post-Quarantine Life.” We add a lot of stress to our families by choice, through overcommitment and busy schedules. She has a lot to share about how to leave behind your old life of chaos and plate spinning to infuse your marriage, your parenting, and your career with purpose and meaning.

Then, all of that ground to a halt. Overnight.

And just like that your entire family was at home together, not for a few hours or a few days, but for weeks. Maybe at some point you even awoke to your own personal Groundhog Day. Like Bill Murray, you feel like you’re do- Join us on your local radio station, online, on ing the same mundane activities as you did the Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or on day before. And the day before that. our free phone app.

I wonder if the contrast between schedule overload and mind-numbing boredom has caused you to contemplate what makes a life? What are the essentials? When everything gets stripped away from you, what really matters?

I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Alexandra’s book Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What’s Right in Those are important questions to answer as Front of Me as a way of saying thank you for your family begins to reenter the real world. touching others with the love of Christ. To What do you want to add back in? And what do make your pledge, or for more information, you want to let go? visit us at www.focusonthefamily.com or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Every day God gives you an open canvas, and you get to decide how to fill it. Responsibilities in and outside of your home will always require CALL US TO ADVERTISE attention, but how are you going to make your (325) 701-9505 life better than it was before quarantine?

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | FAITH AND FAMILY | 39

How to Help When You’re Feeling Helpless

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Anyone who has flown in the last 50 years or so has heard the safety mantra for the oxygen masks that will fall from the ceiling if cabin pressure is lost: Secure your own mask before helping others around you. That is a great sentiment.

But in the upheaval of these anxious, unprecedented days, with lockdowns, losses, and logistics that change every daily routine, our parental “oxygen masks” seem stuck in the ceiling or darting around avoiding our grasp. When our families are counting on us, we can’t afford to get stuck feeling helpless. Here are some ways to get our hearts right so we can help our families adapt when we’re feeling helpless ourselves.

EMBRACE THE CHANGE.

One of the greatest obstacles to moving ahead when our lives feel upended is fixating on the changes caused by circumstances beyond our control. The more unexpected the change, the harder it is to accept. At some point, we need to move beyond asking why or shaking our heads at how “unbelievable” it all is. When we decide to act on what is happening, no matter how painful, instead of focusing on what we think should be happening, or how life would have been if this hadn’t happened, we’re ready to help others adapt to the change.

FIND (OR RE-FIND) YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

How we view the world affects how we respond to what the world throws at us. Unexpected change sometimes distracts us from the truths we use to make sense of things. That’s when we need to go back to the basics, to help us process what we’re experiencing and to make good decisions. I’ve had to remind myself many times that I can and must trust God with my life.

I make lots of plans, but God ultimately shapes and directs us.

When life is perplexing, I can still move forward knowing He sees it all and ultimately remains in control of the full story.

TEST POSITIVE.

Guiding others through difficult changes in our lives sometimes requires choosing to be positive, in spite of circumstances, in order to make that positivity contagious. We don’t want to spread viruses; we do want to spread hope. And sometimes the ones we encourage will turn around on an off day to be an encouragement to us.

START PLOTTING A NEW PATH.

Moving forward takes acceptance of change, a clear big picture perspective, and the hope of a positive mind. But it also requires thinking about the path forward. Take time to think through and discuss with your family what future steps ahead will need to be. And don’t forget to keep talking as you have to adjust and update your plans.

Even the best-laid plans meet unexpected troubles. That’s life.

We are praying for your family as you face the unexpected trials in your story, that you’ll find the courage and hope to keep stepping forward.

40 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Teaching Your Kids Empathy

By AllProDad.com

Do you wish to make a positive difference in our world? It would be a dream come true to counter the anger and division that often surrounds us. As parents, there’s a way we can do it: by teaching empathy to kids.

Teaching empathy to kids is as essential as teaching them to have good hygiene or nutrition. It’s a skill necessary for a person who wants to live successfully. To sincerely recognize how other people feel and view the world is key for creating peace. We raise a generation of peacemakers when we teach our kids empathy. Here’s how.

and people different from them. When teaching empathy to kids, look for volunteer opportunities with organizations that serve different communities or help your child sign up for inclusive activities and camps. There, kids learn that different people have different needs—and they learn to be sensitive to those needs. Take family trips to places that display and honor other cultures’ histories and significance, and to places where children can meet people of other cultures. That shows them that all people and cultures are valuable.

Model generosity. Our kids watch our actions every bit as much as they hear our words.

Practice listening with your chil- If we want to raise children who have empadren. Everyone wants to be heard. But are thy, we must have empathy for others. Allow we truly listening? Or do we formulate our responses to others instead of actually hearing what they say? Reading stories to your children presents an opportunity to teach them to listen, which makes empathy possible. Stop reading regularly during a story to ask your children what they think the characters must be feeling about what’s happening in this chapter. This equips children to notice other people’s feelings—and to be considerate of them.

your children to see you regularly sharing your resources, time, and hearts with people in need. Make donating and volunteering routine for your family. This helps children understand the value of taking action to help others because we never know when we may need that help ourselves.

Practice kindness instead of judgment. How are we to react to a person who

stands out in some way as different from us?

We teach our kids to be kind and respectful. To Expose your children to different be open and warm. How can we judge what cultures, people, and places. we do not know? Our worldviews are shaped To help our children learn about and ap- by our experiences and we don’t always know preciate cultures and peoples different from what others have been through. It takes empathem, we’ve got to expose them to cultures thy to accept them as they are.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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HEALTH&FITNESS JUNE IS ALZHEIMER’S AND BRAIN AWRENESS AWARENESS MONTH

Alzheimer’s Care:

6 Tips to Improve Daily Life

By Eric Metcalf, MPH | WebMD

There’s a lot you can do to help someone you care about with Alzheimer’s enjoy their dayto-day activities. Even though people with the disease can get frustrated or confused easily, take these steps to help them feel calm and safe.

1. Keep a Routine - People with Alzheimer’s tend to prefer a familiar schedule and settings.

Changes can be hard for them.

If you need to break the routine -- for instance, to take your loved one to the doctor -- leave a reminder about the visit on the fridge or mark a large calendar in their home, says Linda Davis, PhD, RN, an elder care expert at Duke University.

Leaving notes is helpful, Davis says, because people with the disease can often understand what they read when they can’t understand spoken words.

She also suggests that you leave notes around in your loved one’s home with directions such as, “This way to the bathroom.” It will help keep their surroundings feeling familiar and comfortable.

2. Limit the Amount of Sound and Movement - People with Alzheimer’s can be easily overwhelmed by crowds and noise, says Marsha Lewis, PhD, dean of the School of Nursing of the University at Buffalo.

She recommends these strategies to keep distractions in check: Try not to shop in crowds. Instead of a busy mall, go to a small store. Or go when stores aren’t likely to be busy.

Gather in small groups. Even though your loved one may like to see the whole family at the holidays, he may get flustered by all the grandchildren. To make visits better for everyone, have smaller groups of family members drop in at different times.

Keep the TV off during other activities. Someone with Alzheimer’s may find it hard to tell the difference between what’s going on in the room and what’s on TV.

5. Make Decisions for Your Loved One - People with Alzheimer’s may get flustered when they have to make decisions, Lewis says. So it’s OK to take some control of everyday choices.

3. Find Things They Can Do - Spending time on familiar tasks and hobbies can help your loved one feel productive and happy, Lewis says. As long as they can do it safely, it’s a great idea.

For example, rather than asking your mother what she wants to wear, let her pick between just two blouses. Or simply choose one for her and tell her how nice she looks wearing it.

At a restaurant, help her look at the menu. Then You might need to take a different approach suggest a few items that you know she would with a favorite activity or do things together. like.

For example: 6. Be Ready for “Sundowning” - At night, Grandma, who loves to bake, might still be able some people with Alzheimer’s grow upset more to stir batter after you’ve measured out the in- easily. This is called sundowning. gredients. She could drop cookies onto a cool sheet while you get the pans in and out of the Davis suggests these steps to help calm your hot oven. loved one in the evenings: Someone who gets confused by all of the set- Turn on more lights. She may be more comforttings on the washing machine may be able to able in well-lit rooms. take towels out of the dryer and fold them.

Show your concern. At night, your loved one 4. Be Understanding - Alzheimer’s makes it may worry that an intruder is trying to break hard to improve skills or remember directions. into the home. Don’t dismiss her fears. Instead, So you need to make adjustments for how much let her watch you check that the doors and winyour loved one can -- and can’t -- do. dows are locked. Reassure her that no prowlers are in her home or yard. Little steps like that Lewis says, for example, you could let your may help her relax. mother set the table as best as she’s able. If you later need to quietly rearrange the silverware, that’s OK. Or instead of reminding your father-in-law not to drink out of the milk container over and over, buy him his own container and put his name on it.

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Longevity

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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 43

HSU Nursing Student To Attend Critical Care Nurse Residency Program at Cook’s

By Felicity Neptune | Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University Recent HSU graduate, Emily Pierce has been accepted into Cook Children’s Medical Center’s Critical Care Nurse Residency Program in Fort Worth. Pierce received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is studying to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEXRN) that will give her the certification to be a registered nurse (RN).

“I genuinely love helping people in ways that they cannot help themselves, and nursing is an incredible platform to serve others,” said Pierce.

“My personal motivation in being a nurse has always been ‘to meet the spiritual needs of my patients and their families through meeting their physical needs.’”

Working with children is one of Pierce’s biggest passions. She plans to take the Pediatric Nursing Certification in the future.

“I have always had the desire to serve specifically in the neonatal and/or pediatric specialties,” she said. “Kiddos have a special place in my heart, so for me the nursing field allows me to serve one of the most vulnerable populations in the world that has no means to help themselves.”

two phases. Phase one has students participate in a six-month rotation through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), and Emergency Department (ED) as well as a didactic portion that teaches vital information related to the participating nurse’s field and profession. The didactic portion includes curriculum such as interactive case studies, facilitated discussions amongst colleagues, and simulation experiences, allowing room for educational growth and achieving certifications. During phase two, Pierce will be

Close friends and senior nursing students, Ashleigh Jacquez (left) and Emily Pierce pose for a photo after their final clinical at HSU’s Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

Close friends and senior nursing students, Ashleigh Jacquez (left) and Emily Pierce pose for a photo after their final clinical at HSU’s Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

“I know that the transition will be difficult and that I still have a lot of growing to do, which is completely expected and normal,” she said.

“But as a perfectionist, it creates worry for me. Because of that, I am even more thankful that Cook Children’s chose me to come alongside them and grow in my abilities as a nurse.”

Although she is entering the profession at a historic and unpredictable time, she is not worried about what it is like working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. To graduate on time, nursing students were allowed to continue working in the clinical setting, allowing Pierce to already have some experience working on the frontlines.

Her inspiration to serve comes from her late pastor, Earl “Buddy” Duggins. Pierce has attended Forest Home Baptist Church in her hometown placed in one of the four units from phase one, “In my personal experience, the pandemic has of Kilgore since she was a child and often con- depending on personal preference, best fit, and not affected how I perform as a nurse, rather it tinues to visit. organizational needs. has only changed what I look like when in the healthcare setting,” she explained. “Our duty “It is my desire that I see each patient, family The Future • Nursing school has been a dif- to our patients has not changed, rather we just member, nurse, or physician which the same ficult journey for Pierce, but as it comes to the have to wear a mask and safety glasses at all lens that he viewed each person that he encoun- end, she admits she is excited, grateful, and also times and more personal protective equipment tered, which was through the eyes of Jesus,” worried about the future. dependent upon what area of the hospital you said Pierce. “I pray that through my career and are placed.” personal life that I can impact a fraction of the “Nursing school is no task for the weak and has number of people that he impacted and that my truly tested me physically, emotionally, men- Pierce said nursing was the profession she was patients, their families, and my peers see the tally, and spiritually, so to finally see the light at called to do, and a crisis is “just another reason hands and feet of Jesus in every action that I the end of the long, dark tunnel is thrilling,” she the nursing profession was created.” take. I hope that I take the love and grace he so said. “I am so excited to start doing what I know effortlessly extended to me and further extend it the good Lord placed me on this earth to do, and For more information about the nursing proto the souls of those I get the joy to care for at that is to faithfully serve a vulnerable group of gram, visit the Hardin-Simmons University ofCook Children’s Medical Center.”

His people while pointing all glory to Him.” ficial website.

At Cook, Pierce will participate in the Critical Pierce is also contemplating the transition from If interested in the Critical Care Nurse ResidenCare Nurse Residency Program, which includes college into a full-time healthcare position. cy Program, visit cookchildrens.org.

44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Abilene Health Care Providers Adapt to ‘New Normal’ Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News

The prognosis for hospitals, nursing homes and health care providers after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted day-to-day operations is as unclear as the early stages of an experimental drug.

ence all the loss of time sitting in a waiting room, and temperature. There are additional cleaning maybe getting exposed to something like CO- and sterilizing routines throughout the facility.

VID-19 or other infectious illnesses,” Jackson said.

“We’re open for business, and we’re taking new patients. We’ll slowly but surely build back up Answers will take time as people again venture One obstacle to resuming in-person office visits to 100 percent. That will just take many weeks out. But expect a new normal in the health care has been securing N95 masks, gowns and face to happen,” Martin said. profession. shields, which were on back order, Jackson said.

He eventually acquired them through the Big Spotlight on elder care • There are many “This will change the way we all do business,” Country County Medical Society. unknowns about the novel coronavirus that West Texas Rehabilitation Center Presicauses COVID-19. One trait, however, is dent/CEO Steve Martin said. clear: the elderly and those with underlying health issues are at greater risk for the Part of the unknown is whether the disworst complications or death. ease progresses or wanes during early phases of reopening.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instructed elder-care facilities “The recovery and return to ‘normal’ to take drastic measures, such as no visiwill probably take years, not months,” tors, discontinuing communal dining and Hendrick Health System President/ screening staff for possible COVID-19 CEO Brad Holland said. exposure before each shift.

Telemedicine a plus • One silver

Expect those protocols to continue until phase 3 of the country’s reopening, as outlined in the federal government’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, said Kassie Sibert, general manager of the Lyndale Abilene Senior Living Center.

lining is evident already.

“I think it’s taken telemedicine to a whole new level, and I expect it to stay there,” said Abilene family practitioner Dr. S. Jeffrey Jackson.

His office transitioned exclusively to virtual visits the day after the federal government relaxed restrictions. Since mid-March, doctor-patient conversations have happened via an encrypted connection through the Doxy and FaceTime apps, Jackson said.

“We expect to reopen our dining rooms for communal dining, reestablish our A resident of Willow Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center has her large group events and outings and welface mask adjusted by a staff member while waving to the Honk Your come visitors back to the community, but Horn parade passing by the South Seventh Street facility May 18. this will be done in phases that are deemed (Photo: Greg Jaklewicz/Reporter-News) safe and appropriate for our residents and associates,” Sibert said.

“Ninety percent of making a diagnosis is based on history, not physical exam,” Jackson said. “So you only lose about 10 percent of your diagnostic abilities by not being able to have a patient in front of you that you can push on their bellies or listen to their heart.”

Rehabilitation services • Telemedicine, In the meantime, nursing home staffs are using however, is not practical for all medical services, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, hearing aids and orthotics and prosthetics offered by West Texas Rehab, Martin said.

technology to help residents stay in touch with loved ones, and, in some cases, playing a bigger emotional role in residents’ lives, said Kevin Warren, president/CEO of Texas Health Care Association.

Since the pandemic, volume dropped to about 20 “When you limit outside visitors, when you Several Hendrick physicians and specialists also percent to 25 percent of average operations, he limit families, even as much as you engage with transitioned to telemedicine, Holland said. said. families through social media, through Skype, through FaceTime, Zoom and things like that, Jackson plans to continue virtual visits once his With the closing of school buildings, pediatric the staffs in many ways, however, become an office opens to in-person care in late May or therapies offered on campuses discontinued. extension of family,” Warren said. early June. A hands-on physical once a year will Canceled elective surgeries cascaded into no rebe expected, but some medical issues such as a ferrals to West Texas Rehab for followup care. One positive that may come out of the pandemic medication refill after a blood test could be man- Some patients put rehab on pause to avoid pub- is a greater public focus on the elderly, Warren aged via telemedicine. lic outings. And, the nonprofit has been forced said. to cancel or postpone several fundraisers and Telemedicine will be preferred for many nursing camps.

“It creates a new opportunity for the state colhome residents and dementia patients, for whom lectively and leadership to say, ‘Hey, this is an traveling to the office can be difficult and discon- Since about mid-May, services have started to extremely vulnerable population, and are we docerting, Jackson said. increase under new protocols. All employees ing everything we need to be doing to provide wear masks, and clients are asked to bring one. them with the resources and support necessary “There’s no sense the patient having to experi- Patients are screened for COVID-19 risk factors to care for the aging in our state?’” Warren said.

Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | HEALTH | 45

The Quarantine 15

By Tim Martin, MD, Celest Waechter, and Danielle DiGrandi | Total Wellness Spa

“DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!” No one predicted a nationwide shutdown for the spring of 2020. I still remember the first time I heard the term “social distancing” during a news update in February. It made me uneasy to think about what other types of choices we had to make in order to accomplish social distancing.

First, be honest. Be kind and not harsh or judgmental, but be humble and truthful with yourself. Have you gained the Quarantine 15?

Have you given up completely on exercise and fitness? If so, simply acknowledge that this is happening and accept yourself as you are now.

Next, decide if you want things to be different.

Not what someone told you to do, or what you Then our states and our country made some of think ought to happen. But simply make a decision about the way you want things to be. If those choices for us. you are content, wonderful! If you know you For the past two plus months our lives and ex- need to make a change, commit to yourself periences have become a reality that most of us now that you will make it happen. only knew in fiction and movies.

Finally, find a guide, helper or teacher to genAnd we have to make some personal decisions tly and firmly show you the way to the change in order to take responsibility for our own reali- you need. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Get someone with experience to teach you how. ties.

Many of us have found our health habits signif- If you know you need help right now with nuicantly changed by self-quarantine, social dis- trition or fitness, we have the experts you need tancing and different employment situations. who will show you the way.

In this article, I want to help you understand Website AbileneTotalWellness.com where to begin to take control of your health Email- danielle@docmartincares.com despite the historic events taking place around Text or Phone 325.400.3307 us.

Health District and MERCY Clinic Reopens to the Public The Abilene Taylor County Public Health District is preparing to reopen its 850 North 6th and 1902 Shelton MERCY Health Clinic location on Monday, June 1, 2020, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Temperature checks will be conducted on site for all visitors. Individuals with a temperature at or above one hundred degrees fahrenheit will not be permitted into the building.

The majority of services, including COVID-19 testing, immunizations, TB, WIC, dental, and refugee services at the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District will also be available by appointment only.

Residents can call 325.692.5600 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in service is available for vital statistics on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as lab services on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

All services at MERCY Health Clinic will Please note that children will not be perbe by appointment only. Residents can call mitted in any waiting areas without a par325.676.6634 to schedule an appointment. ent or guardian.

46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

BUSINESS&CAREER 1-Day Music Fest to Help Abilene Restaurants, Ben Richey Boys Ranch Recover From Pandemic

By Jamie Burch | KTXS News

The folks behind the annual Outlaws & Legends Music Festival organized a one-day music festival to help Abilene restaurants and Ben Richey Boys Ranch which both took financial hits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Farm Raise Music Festival will be August 1 at he Back Porch of Texas.

It will feature Kevin Fowler, Mark Powell, Hill Country, Bri Bagwell, Jerrod Medulla, and Della Rose.

According to Backporch Productions, the name Farm Raise came from Barn Raise which is when residents come together to build or rebuild the community.

Local restaurants will be onsite as vendors in an effort to rebuild lost income.

Also, 30-percent of ticket sales will go to Ben Richey Boys Ranch & Family Program which lost three fund raising sources this year, including Outlaws & Legends.

Abilene Chamber of Commerce Applications are now open for the #nextbestclass ever! Take advice from long-time Abilenian George Levesque and what he gained from his Leadership Abilene experience.

Backporch Productions also said ticket prices were decreased to make them more affordable to people hit hard by the pandemic. Outlaws & Legends carry-over ticket purchasers will get an additional 30-percent off general and VIP tickets.

“How did I not know how great this was? I’ve lived in Abilene all of my adult life, and thought I knew this city. Leadership Abilene has been an incredibly rewarding experience! I strongly recommend this program for anyone who thinks they want to lay down roots in the community. You’ll see the city inside and out, the accomplishments and the challenges, plus you’ll make friends for life!”

The venue will be limited to 3,500 patrons (25-percent capacity) and will include tailgate spaces, 30 RV spots, and limited VIP tickets.

APPLY HERE: https://www.abilenechamber.com/programs/ leadership-programs/

Social distancing is encouraged and monitored. Multiple sanitation stations and random temperature checks will be on site.

Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Music will start at Noon and continue through 10:30 p.m.

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48 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Time to Find the Balance

Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | BUSINESS & CAREER | 49

By Doug Peters | President and CEO of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce

These unprecedented times related to COV- But, for the last eight weeks, our minds have ID-19 have been challenging. Our economy is become conditioned that we are now in an unhurting, and so are our members. safe environment. We are surrounded by those who may believe that leaving the safety of our Your Chamber has done a lot of listening over homes is reckless for ourselves and others. For the last eight weeks. We’ve listened as fear those who believe that, we gripped our business community, and we’ve understand. Please be where listened recently as local business owners begin you are most comfortable. to feel their livelihood slipping away.

People should reenter and engage in the economy when Neither have been easy, and there wasn’t much they’re ready. the Chamber could do about the first issue except to try to absorb some of the shock as best But I encourage you to think we could. of this – small operators are every bit as safe as the big However, there is something we can do about boxes and the chains. Perthe carnage our local economy is experiencing. haps even more so, based on density. And, what happens I am writing to encourage you to get out and to our community if our local support local. Buy local. And shop your fel- businesses begin to shut their low Chamber members first. This situation is doors because now in their not going away as quickly as we would hope time of need, we as a community didn’t come and meanwhile, our local business community together to support them? is bleeding.

As critical thinkers, we need to find the balance Before you assume that I’m suggesting that we between safety and commerce. Between lives rip off the Band-Aid and throw caution to the and livelihoods. Our community depends on it. wind, I’m not. There is a place for caution in Our future as an economy depends on it. this pandemic.

Members, we have work to do. We have businesses to run. And we have businesses to support. While we can’t remove risk from everyone’s life, we can mitigate it. And collectively, we have. There are new, enhanced regulatory

nesses personally since April 15. Mostly I wore my mask, but other times I didn’t. I didn’t feel unsafe. I kept my distance, I washed my hands, and I coughed into my elbow (thank you Texas allergies!). And, I saw every single one of those businesses adjust to accommodate their customer base.

The thinking that “essential businesses are safe,” and “non-essential businesses” are “unsafe” has to end.

restrictions on just about every business under the sun. I’d bet most are safer today than before we heard the word Coronovirus. Sure, there are those among us who should not expose themselves to these risks. We know, accept and encourage that they remain safe and healthy.

I’ve visited or spoken with 71 member busi-

I’ve heard the same, consistent story nearly everywhere I’ve gone. Two months of revenue gone. Recovery likely 10 years away. Payroll Protection Program only goes so far. People’s livelihoods are at stake. And then there was one question that I found particularly compelling – “how do we turn off the noise and accept that it’s okay to continue commerce particularly with enhanced regulation and the proper precautions?”

Again, don’t misinterpret my message here. If you’re concerned, stay home. If you’re at-risk, stay home. But, for those who can manage the risk, it’s time to get back to supporting local businesses. Our friends depend on it.

50 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Resumé Tips: How to Create a One-Page Wonder

By Ken Coleman | DaveRamsey.com

Believe it or not, creating a stunning resumé is just as important as prepping for and nailing your job interview. After all, your resumé is your chance to make a strong first impression on the recruiter!

But before you get too freaked out, know this: Building the perfect resumé is actually a lot simpler than it sounds. And once you’ve read these 12 tips, you’ll be ready to move forward into the job search with confidence.

1. Keep it one page - Do you know how

much time a recruiter spends looking at your resumé on the first go-around? 7.4 seconds.1 Whoa.

So if they have to flip or scroll through pages of your accomplishments and past experience, this party could be over before it even starts. Keeping things simple, relevant and to-the-point will earn you some respect right off the bat. If things go well here, you’ll have the opportunity to answer the most common interview questions in person!

Try including a link to an online portfolio or professional website if you have one—that way you’ll be able to showcase more of your work without taking up space on your actual resumé.

less-than-great photo could subconsciously affect their impression of you, even if they don’t mean for it to. So if you do decide to go with the thumbnail option, make sure it’s not pixelated, blurry or too small to see.

4. Keep the job listing in mind - Recruit-

ers post job descriptions for a reason—they want to be clear and specific about what qualities and skills they’re looking for. Look for those buzzwords and find ways to work them into your resumé. Be honest about your skill set and don’t get discouraged if you don’t have every skill on the list. It could actually be a good thing to be slightly underqualified—you want to be challenged in your new role! And many employers are willing to work with you and train you when you first step into the job.

I know it might sound like a lot of work to tailor your resumé to each job application, but that effort will really pay off. Recruiters will know that you took the time to read all the info and are seriously interested in their company, not just sending a cookie-cutter application to hundreds of different jobs.

2. Make sure your contact info is professional - Nobody wants to get in touch with 5. Tell the truth - Okay, this one is a no-brainsk8rboi2007@hotmail.com. Don’t use your college email address either. Just a normal, boring email account with your first and last name will get the job done.

And I know I’m talking to adults here, but I just have to say it: Double-check all your social media accounts to make sure they’re recruiter-friendly, especially if you include any of your social media handles on your resumé. But even those should only be on your resumé if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. For most jobs, your LinkedIn account is the only one you need to include.

3. Skip the bio and (maybe) the photo.

It used to be trendy to put a paragraph about yourself at the top of your resumé, but let’s let that trend die—especially if you’re also submitting a cover letter with your application. You don’t need to put an elevator pitch or your life story under your name at the top of your resumé. Remember, we’re keeping this relevant and to-the-point!

When it comes to photos, be strategic about whether or not you put a thumbnail on your resumé. It could make sense to include one if you’re applying for a modeling, acting or other creative job, but accounting? Yeah, they probably don’t care what you look like or if your resumé is “fun.”

And even though recruiters aim to stay as unbiased as possible during the interview process, a

er interview tip in general, but enough people have lied or “stretched the truth” on their job applications to make it worth mentioning. Don’t say you know someone at the company if you’ve never talked to them before. Don’t say you know how to use Excel and PowerPoint if you really don’t.

It’ll just make you look shady when the recruiter asks you for more specifics (or worse, if you do get hired and then they have to show you how to make a spreadsheet.)

6. Make it easy to read - When building

your resumé, put yourself in the recruiter’s position. What would you be looking for? You’d probably want something that’s clear and easy on the eyes, right? Here are some things that can help: -Use 10–12-point font.

-Use a professional text, like Helvetica, Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, etc. (no Comic Sans unless you’re going for the community-centerbulletin-board look).

-Keep your headers simple, with concise bullet points below them.

-Don’t use too many variations in font size, color and style (bold, italics or underline).

Sure, there’s room for some creativity, but nothing too crazy—think streamlined and classic. Recruiters will love you for it, because you’ll make their job easier!

Continued on next page...

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS & CAREER | 51

7. Use active words - Recruiters are used to seeing words like

“managed” or “led” on resumés, and there’s nothing wrong with those words. But what if the language was just a little more engaging? Here are a few active, interesting and not-too-fancy words to use where it makes sense: Produced, Executed, Engineered, Initiated, Developed, Coordinated Simplified, Partnered, Coached, Advised, Delivered, Maximized You get the picture. Again, you want to make sure the words you use to describe what you did are truthful, but spend some time with a thesaurus to see if there’s a more descriptive way to say it.

8. Explain why you’re a good fit - Remember when we talk-

ed about tailoring your resumé to each job you’re applying for? Your resumé should include a few words about why you want to work for this company. It’s one thing to know that someone wants to work for you, but if you see that they genuinely care about the company and its mission, wouldn’t you be way more likely to want them on your team? I know I would.

9. Give concrete examples- When talking about your past ex-

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perience, it’s a good idea to quantify it by using some kind of number or measure of success. That will give recruiters a clear picture of the kinds of results you deliver! Here are a few examples: -Increased sales by 200% in one year.

-Structured, wrote and posted 4–5 articles per week.

-Served 20–30 clients per week and generated $10,000 in revenue per month.

Even if your past experience doesn’t involve sales or you never knew how much revenue you brought in, you can find some way to explain the work you did in terms of numbers.

10. Proofread - Spelling and grammar are your friends, folks!

Even just one case of using the wrong “their” can sway a recruiter’s opinion, so read over everything more than once. Proofreading is like making sure you don’t have a mustard stain on your interview outfit before you walk inside! Ask a few other people you trust to give you some feedback too—not just on the tiny details, but on the clarity and appearance of your resumé as a whole.

11. Put your education last - Ken, are you crazy? Educa-

tion is the first thing you’re supposed to put on your resumé. Wrong!

Always put the most important and relevant information first—and in most cases, that’s not your education. Most recruiters don’t care where you went to school, as long as you’re educated in your field.

And don’t forget to include any other training or educational courses that are relevant to the job you want!

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52 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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What’s your job title/what do you do? Com- Ohhhh that is a tough one. Beehive, Spicy India, munity Liaison/Marketing Coordinator or Krua Thai. So hard to choose!

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Where are you from? I was born and raised in Share a fun fact about yourself other AYP Carrollton, Texas Members might not know! My dogs are kind of famous on Instagram haha If you’re not from Abilene, how long have you lived in the area and what brought you here? What does being an Abilene Young ProfesI have lived in Abilene for 10 years! I went to sional mean to you? Being an Abilene Young Abilene Christian University and have been here Professional means being able to connect with ever since! other young professionals on a personal and professional level. I love being able to meet new What is your favorite thing about living in the friends and building relationships with them!

Big Country? Definitely the community and the

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS & CAREER | 53

Fall Opening Expected for New South Abilene Strip Center Near Cheddar’s, Petco

By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News

Businesses are expected to open in the fall in a Varied tenants • The new shopping center shell second shopping center at The Shops at Abilene is expected to be finished by Sept. 1. Tenants Village near Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. then take over to finish the inside, which usually is completed in 30 to 60 days, Velasquez said.

The 14,350-square-foot shell under construction on a 1.52-acre lot in the 3500 block of Stanton Optical, a full-service eye care national South Clack Street has two confirmed tenants retailer, will anchor one end. Hollywood Nails and two others in negotiations, said broker Da- also has signed a lease for the space next to it, vid Velasquez with Llano Real Estate Group. and a hair salon and a cookie company are in negotiations to rent space, Velasquez said.

It is the first commercial project in Abilene for the Amarillo-based development company, The center is being built for eight businesses, Velasquez said. He is a former Marine and a real but there is flexibility to move dividing walls if estate broker for 12 years. a tenant wants to occupy more space, Velasquez said.

Llano Real Estate Group includes Josh Langham and Elliot McKinney, who have several The pad, as part of the 15-plus acre The Shops years experience in construction, residential at Abilene Village, was originally the site of the and commercial developments and finance in McGavock Nissan dealership. The dealership the Amarillo area. moved to a temporary location in 2017 before opening a new showroom at 818 E. Overland The brokerage firm that started in December is Trail near Interstate 20 the next year. seeking to develop more commercial projects in other parts of Texas outside the Panhandle as The Shops at Abilene Village includes Academy well as in New Mexico, Oklahoma and south- Sports + Outdoors, Burlington, Five Below, ern Colorado, Velasquez said.

Party City and Petco.

Being in the shadow of those retailers, plus started earlier this year, Velasquez said.

Cheddars Scratch Kitchen and Panera Bread being built on the next pad, made the new strip One has since reached out to restart negotiations center an attractive venture, Valesquez said. on a space, he said.

The developers also were advised that Abilene’s population will grow significantly in upcoming years as the U.S. Air Force launches the new B-21 bomber program at Dyess Air Force Base, Velasquez said. The town having three universities and a college also is a plus, he said.

Stalled development Another development company originally spearheaded the retail center on the pad but had financing issues, opening the door for Llano to buy it, Velasquez said.

“The Stanton lease was already in place,” and having a tenant made the project even more attractive, Velasquez said.

There were other tenants who had signed letters of intent to move into the new strip center but backed out when the coronavirus pandemic

“We’re positive,” Velasquez said. “Eight times more millionaires will be made in a down market than an up market, and I don’t know what we’re in now. The stock market’s going crazy... but we’re pretty solid.”.

Low interest rates also have allowed them to restructure and have more cash available, he said.

“We think it’s going to be a good opportunity for us,” he said about development opportunities in Abilene.

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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS & CAREER | 55

Abilene Chamber Now Accepting Applications for Leadership Abilene Class of 2021

By Laurin Kocurek | Director of Communications, Abilene Chamber of Commerce

Since 1979, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce has helped the community invest in local talent through comprehensive leadership development offerings designed to connect and grow strong leaders through their program Leadership Abilene.

Beginning today and throughout the month of June, the Chamber will accept applications for the storied Leadership Abilene class.

The Chamber’s Leadership Abilene program meets once a month from September through May to learn about Abilene’s unique strengths and challenges. The class is limited 36 adults over the age of 21. An anonymous selection committee reviews the applications and strives to balance the class composition regarding industry, gender, age, and ethnicity.

You can request an application and learn more about the Chamber’s Leadership Abilene program by visiting abilenechamber.com.

Since 1908, the Abilene Chamber 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. For more information on the Chamber and the 1,200 businesses it represents, visit www. abilenechamber.com

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“This year’s planning committee is working hard to deliver a better program in conditions no one saw coming,” said Doug Peters, President & CEO of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. “Their focus will be on leading and breaking through post pandemic community challenges and emerging as outstanding mentors, leaders and human beings.”