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JUNE 2022 Volume 12, Issue 2 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR David Hernandez / Debbie Heep editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández Helen Holguin info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 673-4521 Office
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We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2022 HispanicLIfe Media
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Global Samaritan Resources Holds Its Annual Open Book Room By Heather Juarez | Director of Marketing, Global Samaritan Resources
Global Samaritan would like to announce the opening of our 2022 Open Book Room, June 1, sponsored by ATMOS Energy. In the spirit of the Little Free Library, Global Samaritan’s OPEN BOOK ROOM exists to provide free books, to read, to return, to keep and share, to anyone in the Big Country. Patrons of the Open Book Room come with their families to read, shop, return books and volunteer. In 2021, over 6,000 FREE books went to homes with eager readers who visited the GSR Open Book Room. Book access matters because we are facing a growing literacy crisis. “Today in the United States, more than 30 million adults cannot read or write above a third-grade level. Studies have repeatedly shown that books in the hands of children have a meaningful impact on improving literacy. The more books in or near the home, the more likely a child will learn and love to read. Unfortunately, two out of three children living in poverty have no books to call their own.” (source: Little Free Library) Global Samaritan’s Book Room will be open Wednesdays, June 1- August 10, 2022, from 9am-12pm. Global Samaritan Resources’ mission is to Demonstrate God’s love by providing logistics and need-based solutions through partners helping people who are facing hardship, crisis or disaster. For more information, visit globalsamaritan.org
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"Preserving the Harvest" June 13, 2022
12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Taylor County Extension Office
Cost - $20 - includes instruction, handouts, lunch and snacks Topics to be covered include: From Garden to Kitchen Introduction to Home Food Preservation Canning Basics Using a Pressure Canner Pickles Tomatoes and Salsa Jams and Jellies Making "Diabetic Friendly" Jams and Jellies Freezing and Drying Foods at Home Safely Pre-register to reserve your spot by Monday, June 6, 2022 Taylor County Extension Office 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene, TX. 79602 325-672-6048 * kamiles@ag.tamu.edu Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
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LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
Abilene’s ‘Team Texas’ Heads to Florida to Compete in Special Olympics USA Games By Icon Eyecare
Members of one Abilene team of athletes with disabilities have the honor of competing in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “Team Texas” is headed to the sunshine state, ready to compete and play unified flag football.
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“I’m just really excited and looking forward to being out there and giving 100% in this competition,” said team member Michael Martinez.
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Assistant coach Terry Hayhurst told KTAB/KRBC that these men received a ‘hero send-off’ as they left Rose Park in Abilene Friday morning. “We had APD (Abilene Police Department) there, the [Taylor County] Sheriff’s Department, [Abilene] Fire Department, and many family and friends, and supporters,” Hayhurst listed.
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The athletes are now getting the chance to show off their hard-earned skills, but also another chance to prove just how competitive they really are. “It’s really exciting because we’ve been working towards this goal for two or three months now and so I think everybody back there will tell you that they’re extremely excited, and just glad at all their hard work and get to experience this,” Hayhurst said. These athletes expressed not only their excitement, but their gratitude for being the only
team to represent the Lone Star State. “It’s just truly a blessing,” said member of Team Texas, WIll Gilmore. “These guys are amazing, they’re awesome, they’re good teammates and I’m just happy to be a part of all this.”
The team will be stopping in Houston and then flying to Orlando, Florida for the upcoming competition. This event will take June 5 through 12. Team Texas’ first game will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) Monday and can be seen on cable television or streaming on ABC and ESPN.
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Gustavo Marquez Jr.
Gavin Murillo
Abilene High School
Cooper High School
Omar Martinez
Atalia Rae Escalon
Abilene High School
Throckmorton CISD
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Monica Annalea García
Shaylee Collums
Jazlynn Cantu
Tonie Raquel Trevino
Julian Pinero
Esmeralda Quiroga
Winters High School
Abilene High School
Merkel High School
Premier High School
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Nathan Alvarado
Micaela Fuentes
Kress High School
Cooper High School
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Erica Dominguez
Carolina Sanchez Hawley High School
Cooper High School
Carlos Nevarez
Joshua Crawford II
Victoria Saucedo
Howard College
Cooper High School
Cooper High School
Alyssa Rosales
Abilene High School
Stamford High School
Jacey Rodriquez
Roscoe Collegiate ISD
Jacob Santana
Cooper High School
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David Isaiah Alcantar ATEMS High School
Brianna Lynn Talamantes Howard College
Emmari Munoz Woodson ISD
Vivica Moreno
ATEMS High School
Jayden Fuentes
Ballinger Hgih School
Lawrence Diles
Cooper High School
Carlos Miguel Romero III Cooper High School
David Tijerina
Cooper High School
Ladasha Rafter
Cooper High School
Jessinia Hernandez Anson High School
Jayci Pippin
Wylie High School
Mariah Flores
Cooper High School
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Turn Your Trash Into Treasure By Health Advocate Blog
On warm summer weekends, people are advertising yard and garage sales in neighborhoods across America. It can be hard to drive anywhere this time of year without seeing a sign posted on a telephone pole or hung up on the local community board. And there is good reason – summer is a great time to clean out your home and possibly make a profit in the process. Decluttering can be stress relieving, and bringing in extra cash can help you reach upcoming financial goals (a vacation, perhaps?). Follow these steps to help you get started.
Clear out the excess. This may be the
perk of a garage or yard sale, you also want to keep in mind that people coming to shop are looking for a deal. The big goal is to clear clutter from your home for a more relaxing, less stressful environment. Consider grouping items to sell faster, like 10 books for $5 or fill a shopping bag with baby clothes for $10. If you have higher value items you want to get more money for, consider working with a consignment shop instead. There are boutiques that specialize in high-end clothing, baby items, and more, and it is likely you’ll fetch a better price than with a typical yard sale.
toughest part of the process – identifying items to possibly sell. Try tackling one room at a time and sorting through all the clothing, kitchen gadgets, books and tchotchkes, asking yourself if you really need each piece or if you have used it in the past year. If the answer to either question is no, you’ve found a good candidate. Sort items into three categories:
Make it a party. The only thing more entic-
Trash – These are items in poor condition or that have no value to others (clothing beyond repair, chipped or cracked dishes, broken appliances). Determine if you can recycle them in any way, but otherwise, put them out with next week’s garbage.
can host a lemonade stand or bake sale during the yard sale to make it more inviting. They can either put the proceeds toward their own bank accounts or pick a charity they want to support.
ing than a yard sale is a BIGGER yard sale. Ask your neighbors if they’d be interested in participating as well. Having more houses hosting sales will attract more buyers to your location, plus you’ll have more fun spending time with friends and neighbors.
Get the kids involved. Perhaps the kids
Advertise! Make sure people know about your sale. Hang signs in the neighborhood, post
Donate – If you have clothing, shoes, or announcements on community message boards
toys that are in decent condition but may not be and social media, put flyers on community bulstylish or new enough to sell, consider donating letin boards, and more. them. Check out local shelters or an organization like Goodwill that will pick up donations at Decide your post-sale plan. Once the sale your home. is over, do not be tempted to keep what hasn’t sold. If you believe it still has value, you could Sell – These should be items still in great try selling it online via eBay or Craigslist. Othcondition that you just no longer need. Perhaps erwise, plan to immediately donate the items so extra mugs taking up space in your cabinet, or a you can move on! pair of pants you never wore because they don’t fit quite right. Once you’ve gone through all the Hosting a garage or yard sale may be a bit of rooms in your home, bring the “sell” items to- work, but in the end it can be a win-win scenargether to begin the next step. io. You make space in your home for the things you truly need and enjoy, someone else finds a Price to sell. While making money is a great new treasure, and you make a little extra cash!
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Planet Fitness Offering Free Workouts for Teens This Summer Alyssara Rodriguez Winters High School
Andrew Xzavier Reyes Merkel High School
Desiree Vela
Cooper High School
Jonah Hernandez Lubbock High School
Araceli Vega
Cooper High School
Dylan McDonald Cooper High School
The High School Summer Pass program runs from May 16 through Aug. 31. High schoolers ages 14-19 can exercise for free at any location. By Fox West Texas
Planet Fitness is helping teenagers stay physically and mentally fit this summer, providing a way to exercise for free while school is out.
Sierra Glover
Abilene High School
Averie Siller
Hawley High School
Jennifer Muñoz
Abilene High School
Heather Huggins Lueders Avoca ISD
Isabella Valdez
Lubbock High School
Isaiah Flores.
Abilene High School
The High School Summer Pass allows high schoolers age 14-19 to work out at any Planet Fitness location at no cost from May 16 though Aug. 31. The program, which used to be called the Teen Summer Challenge, first launched in 2019, when more than 900,000 teens signed up. Teens can pre-register for the program this summer now at planetfitness.com/summerpass. There are more than 2,200 Planet Fitness locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Albert Cortez
Cooper High School
Aleena Cortez
Cooper High School
Chantel Reyna
Winters High School
Daylen Gomez
Cooper High School
Connor Garcia
Winters High School
Isaac Joseph De Leon Abilene High School
Monica Annalea García Winters High School
Madi Gonzales
Cooper High School
Emma Mora
Abilene High School
Araceli Vega
Cooper High School
Atalia Escalon
Throckmorton Collegiate ISD
“As the leader in fitness, we believe we have a responsibility to provide a welcoming, safe, and Judgement Free environment for high school students to improve their physical and mental wellness, particularly given the challenges they have and continue to face in the wake of the pandemic,” said Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau. A Planet Fitness national study found 78% of teens said having access to a place to work out and being able to exercise with friends would benefit their health and fitness journeys. The same study found 92% of teens agreed they feel much better mentally when they are regularly physically active. To further encourage teens to take advantage of the program, all participants will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes awarding one person in each state with a $500 scholarship. Additionally, one grand prize of a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded at the end of the summer. The scholarships can be used for academic or athletic activities or other programs.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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‘Unfit’ Abilene Hotel to Soon Be Used to Help Big Country Veterans By Miriam Chamberlain | BigCountryHomePage
Passing through East Highway 80, it’s hard to miss that pink abandoned building, once known as the “Abilene Hotel.” That Key City eyesore could soon be used to help Big Country Veterans as housing for an extended period of time.
just going to support them,” Meslin said. “As long as they’re doing the work, we’ll support them to getting to where they want to be.” With this two-story hotel having 80+ units, Meslin said this space is more than fitting for housing our heroes.
The Abilene Hotel was built in 1972 and back in June of 2021, it was deemed unfit for use “We’re not just giving them a roof over their due to a trend in break-ins and destruction. heads,” Meslin continued. “We’re going to be giving them mindset training, job training… “They started stealing copper, taking all the Anyone that’s been in our program for over a air conditioners, breaking windows, and we year with a business capacity, we’ll help them continued to board it up once we got notified,” start businesses.” current owner Jack Lieberman listed. President and founder of the nonprofit, Joseph Now, 49 years later, renovations for this build- Schirmer, listed their goal as helping Vets being have began. The renovation plan includes come more productive in society. a laundry mat, convenience store, and an urgent care center where the hotel’s central office “I truly believe that there’s a lot of people fallstands. Additionally, sessions of counseling, ing through the cracks because they don’t have geared toward Veterans’ common battles with the amount of people in their lives that should headspace and identity. be helping them,” said Schirmer. “We’re going through the process right now with the V.A. (Veterans Administration), and looking at the building to do an extended stay center for Veterans,” said Lieberman.
Once heard that the Abilene’s Board of Building Standards was open to what they are planning to do, Schirmer said he looks at this project, now, as a mission.
Lieberman first approached Abilene’s Board of Building Standards, informing them of a new potential buyer, Brian Meslin. Meslin set his sights on doing more than just providing for our Veterans.
“I am absolutely honored and privileged to get to do this work and looking forward to coming to Abilene, to see what we can do to revitalize that entire city,” Schirmer gleamed.
With the help of the foundation and the City “These guys have PTSD, disabilities,” Meslin of Abilene, Meslin said, together our Veteran’s began, “and if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t lives can completely transform. have the freedom that we have.” “People need to know that they can do it and Meslin is in partnership with an organization they don’t have to do it alone,” Meslin pressed. called The Rise As One Foundation, a non- “We’re here to give a hand up not a handout. If profit specializing in care for those who have they don’t do the work, they’re out of the proserved the country. gram.” “I think, ultimately, they’re the ones that we The board passed the motion to allow them to need to give back to first. We’ll find out what obtain a permit, as well as a plan of action that these guys are passionate about, and then we’re will include a time frame and cost of repairs.
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Abilene Girl Finds Success in Dog Showing with her French Bulldog ‘Aggie’ By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
For 18-year-old Brazos Lewis, no sport or after school program holds a candle to dog shows. It’s a passion of hers that started early on, as she joined the Abilene Kennel Club’s (AKC) Junior Handlers Program at just 13 years old. “She did a phenomenal job straight out of the gate, she just nailed it. And she has every time,” AKC Show Chairman Cindy Knox said. Three years ago, Lewis got Aggie, her purebred French Bulldog. Together, they came up through the ranks and built a bond worthy of award. “It was very frustrating getting into it, espe-
cially since I didn’t have a lot of experience and “My parents are huge Aggies and they basishe was my first dog,” Lewis said. “She can be cally got her with the intent of paying for my really stubborn.” college with dog showing,” Lewis said. Despite that stubbornness, they both persevered and eventually learned from their mistakesbuilding on their relationship and would go on to claim a Grand Champion title.
But the real money, she told KTAB/KRBC, is in dog breeding. Though they do a bit of that, they haven’t sold many of them- opting to get them into the show themselves.
“As soon as we step in the ring, she has purpose. She knows what to do. But as soon as we get out, she’s that same loving puppy we know,” Lewis explained.
“Aggie had a daughter a month ago. This will be her first show, her name is Revie,” Lewis said. “She is very energetic, so it would be very interesting to see how she does.”
It’s a reputation the 18-year-old says she’ll con- It’s a passion for presentation she’d like to see tinue, even as she graduates and heads off for passed on. Texas A&M.
“Dog showing is a dying breed,” Lewis added. “To see younger generations getting into it would boost the dog showing community as a whole and continue it.”
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 673-4521 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Donald Neil Chick, 63, of Abilene, Texas passed
away unexpectedly on May 08, 2022, of an automobile accident. Donald is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. W.W. Chick, Mrs. Rosie Lee Bingham, Neil & Winnie McClain, and his Brother Dennis Earl Chick. Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Dorothy Bingham Chick and Jimmy B. Chick. His sisters. Debra Chick-Smith and her husband Junior of Abilene, O’Neil McClain of Brownwood, Brothers: Shane McClain and his wife Kristie, Tommy Don McClain of Brownwood. Sons: Cody White and his wife Sarah of Buffalo Gap, Tyler Chick and his wife Jennifer of Merkel, Daughter: Candice Hamm and her husband Beeper of Arlington. Donald had four grandkids and one great grandchild, along with uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends who were like family to him. Donald Neil Chick was born June 19, 1958, in Brownwood. He was a very loving and cheerful person; he was close to his brother Dennis Earl Chick. They loved working together at the body shop on their free time. Barbequing on Dennis’ grill that he made himself, joking around and just having a great time. Donald and Dennis were inseparable for they were so very close in age. He loved his sister Debra that he picked on all their lives, along with cousins that got into plenty of mischievous things together. Donald graduated from Abilene High in 1976. After high school, Donald went on to work at Michael’s Paint and Body. He eventually opened up an Antique Shop, Abbey-Lene Vintage, with his Mom in Abilene. Donald enjoyed being with his family and friends. He loved working with his Mom in the little antique store Abbey-Lene Vintage that they had opened together in Abilene, while his dad would come and set and watch them work and talk to everyone that came in to buy or just browse around. Donald also enjoyed going to his Uncle and Aunts in Dilley to deer hunt, fishing and catching up with family. Take spur of moment trips to Arkansas with his cousin Donnie just to take bluebonnets for his uncle Jerry. He was always on the go. Donald will be terribly missed by all.
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Leonardo D. Martinez, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022 surrounded by his family. Leonardo was born on April 11, 1934 in Pampanga, Philippines to Gabriel Martinez and Lucia DeLeon Martinez. He moved to Abilene in 1992 and worked at Abilene Christian University. Leonardo was a very good cook who loved animals, nature, gardening and watching military history shows. One of his passions was creating models of helicopters and airplanes out of recycled materials, this talent led to a street in the Philippines being named “Airport Street” to recognize his talent. He was preceded in death by his son, Vicente De La Cruz and his brother Juanito De Leon. Leonardo is survived by his beloved wife, Marcelina Martinez; children, Cathy Herttenberger, Pat Tidwell and husband Rex, Maura Dela Cruz, Esperanza Dela Cruz, Antonino Dela Cruz and wife Marina, Ellen De Duque and husband Eduardo, Liza Forrest and husband Tim, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Guadalupe (Ruby Jean) Sáenz (née Herminia Guadalupe Herrerías Alvarez), was born
on January 27, 1924, to Alberto Herrerías Alvarez and Josefa X. García in Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas. In high school, one teacher said she could not pronounce Guadalupe, and so she started calling her Ruby Jean instead. On May 19, 1942, Ruby Jean graduated from Ballinger High School where she played basketball, was on the pep squad, and made several friends. In 1946, she married Gerardo Sáenz, and she gave birth to their first daughter, Jeannette one year later. In 1952, Ruby Jean graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Education, and on August 20, 1959, she earned her Master of Education, also at UT. By 1963, her second and third children arrived, Monique and Marc. She thoroughly enjoyed being a wife and mother, teaching, gardening, traveling and shopping, Ruby Jean retired from teaching in 1996 at the age of 72. and she joined the Red Hat Society where she made more friends. Guadalupe was a longtime resident of Lexington, Kentucky and a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church. She moved to Katy, Texas in January, 2020, to be closer to her family and became a parishioner at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church. Guadalupe Sáenz passed away peacefully in the company of her loved ones on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Katy, Texas at the age of 98. She is survived by: her children, Jeannette Denton and her husband Jim, Monique Kurz, and Marc Sáenz and his wife Kenya; her grandsons, Christopher and Martin Sáenz; her siblings, Freddie Alvarez and Linda Guevara; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Alvarez and Terri Alvarez, and numerous other relatives and friends. Guadalupe was preceded by: her husband, Gerardo Saenz; her son-in-law David Kurz; and her seven siblings, Hortencia (I), Antonio. Hortencia (II), Alfonso, Rodolfo, Manuel, and Armando.
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Drilling Begins for Downtown Cultural District Pillar Project
Texas Commission for the Arts, private donations funding $330,000 project By Sidney Levesque | Marketing Director, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council
Drilling began Monday morning at four locations downtown that will soon be the home of 18-foot limestone pillars delineating the borders of the Abilene Cultural District. In addition to the pillars, an 8-foot, hand-carved stone relief of William Joyce’s Sanderson Mansnoozie with outstretched arms welcoming people and a Storybook Capital of America® sign will be added. A public celebration for the project will take place Oct. 22. The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council received a cultural district grant in the amount of $129,654 from the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) for the “Be Out Guest” project. This is a matching grant, and fundraising is underway to complete the grant. The ACAC raised a portion of the funds for the $330,000 project during Abilene Gives through its 501c3 arm, the Abilene Arts Alliance. The four limestone pillars are located at N. 5th and Orange streets, N. 1st and Hickory streets, Pine and N. 7th streets, and across the street from Frontier Texas! at N. 1st. Each pillar will have the words “Cultural District” spelled down the side, which will be lit at night. Clint Rosenbaum, an Abilene engineer and ACAC board member, is supervising the project. He said after the holes are drilled for the base of the pillars, concrete will be poured later this week. Next, the mason will start building the pillars. The goal of the “Be Out
Guest” project is to create a sense of place and to increase downtown cultural tourism. “The benefit of creating a sense of place is to reinforce a sense of ownership and pride in our beautiful downtown, which is experiencing a renaissance, and to provide a cultural destination for tourists,” said Lynn Barnett, executive director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, which is an Abilene Chamber of Commerce affiliate. “Abilene was one of the first five cultural districts in the state along with Dallas and Houston, and we take a lot of pride in that designation.” The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council has successfully applied for and matched other cultural district grants from the TCA that have helped build downtown into a tourism hotspot, including matching funds for the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. TXP Inc., an economic analysis and public policy consulting firm, prepared an Economic Impact Study of Cultural District Funding and confirmed that the TCA’s past investments in infrastructure has been critical to the success of the downtown Abilene Cultural District, which includes museums, performance venues, restaurants, retail and offices. The implementation of “Be Our Guest” will benefit all venues and businesses within the district and fuel the explosive economic and tourism growth, Barnett said.
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TSTC Unveils State’s First Immersive Interactive EMS Labs By Ben Barkley | Communications Specialist, TSTC Communications
Texas State Technical College unveiled the first Andy Weaver, TSTC’s West Texas provost, said Immersive Interactive training labs in the state having the new technology on campus shows of Texas at ribbon-cutting ceremonies on May TSTC’s commitment to the future. 18. “I am excited TSTC is able to shine the light of The new labs, located at the Abilene and education throughout the state of Texas with this Brownwood campuses, will be used by Emergency Medical Services students to train in a variety of virtual settings that can help prepare them for stressful and demanding real-life situations.
view of the Immersive Interactive technology. “This technology is endless because it is always evolving,” he said. Pitts said the support of TSTC’s administration for the project is why TSTC is the leading provider of EMS education in Texas. “I knew this technology could be something we could use,” he said. “Our leadership has promoted this type of technology all of the time. This will benefit a lot of our students.” Abilene resident Aubrey Brown, who recently graduated from TSTC with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, was one of the first students to use the lab. She said it will benefit TSTC for years.
The realistic settings -- enhanced with sounds and even smells -- include a garage with a car on fire, a grandmotherly living room, a city park, a lake and a volcano, to name a few. TSTC is the first college or university to provide the technology in Texas, and the college plans to add an ambulance simulator in the future. “It takes a visionary to see the future,” said Kurt VanOordt, a sales executive with Echo Healthcare, the vendor for the equipment and technology. “We are excited to be partnering with TSTC, which shares our vision in education.”
“We walked in and did not know what to expect,” she said. “After being in the lab, it was awesome. This will be a big selling point for TSTC and the program. I know when people learn about this technology, they will want to go to school at TSTC.”
TSTC Emergency Medical Services instructor Tim Scalley talks about the living room scene available on the Immersive Interactive lab software during a demonstration at the May 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Brownwood campus. (Photo: TSTC)
Pitts and EMS instructors in Abilene and Brownwood demonstrated the technology for those in attendance at the ribbon-cuttings.
That vision is being expanded with the help of TSTC’s EMS instructional team. Ronnie Pitts, the statewide chair of the EMS program, is working with Echo Healthcare to design the ambulance simulator, which will include 4D technology similar to that in movie theaters. “We are working to design the ambulance to meet our needs,” Pitts said. “When we have that available, TSTC will be the first school in the United States to offer the technology.” VanOordt said he is excited to be working on that project.
Echo Healthcare sales representative Kurt VanOordt (left) watches as TSTC Emergency Medical Services statewide chair Ronnie Pitts explains the benefits of having the Immersive Interactive lab in Abilene. TSTC and Echo Healthcare hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Abilene and Brownwood labs on May 18. (Photo: TSTC)
“The students will be able to feel everything, from riding over a railroad track to the roughness of a dirt road,” he said. “It will be a fully functional cab, meaning if there is a hard brake by the driver, everything shifts.”
wonderful technology,” he said. Pitts said the road to the ribbon-cutting ceremonies began three years ago. He was at an EMS conference when he was approached with a pre-
“Simulation has been important in education for years,” VanOrrdt said. “The handson approach of learning has been critical. This technology will allow students to use their critical-thinking skills in a controlled environment.”TSTC has scheduled the ribbon-cutting for the Harlingen campus’ Immersive Interactive lab for June 7. Besides the Associate of Applied Science degree in Paramedic, TSTC offers several certificates of completion in Emergency Medical Services at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
16 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
ATEMS Team Gains Valuable Experience at World Robotics Championship By Abilene Independent School District
The VEX robotics team from ATEMS competed at its first World Robotics Championship May 5-7 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, and while the results might not have been what the team wanted, the impact of that first exposure to competition at that level will have positive ramifications for years to come. Competing in the Design Division, the VEX Robotics 9871B team finished 32nd in its 81-
to move to the elimination rounds. ATEMS robotics instructor Larry Haney said that despite not reaching the elimination rounds, the ATEMS team had a successful weekend. “The takeaways from an opportunity like VEX Worlds is huge, not only for the team attending but for the entire ATEMS Robotics program,” Haney said. “Seeing robotics at that level has exposed the team to build ideas and team management ideas that they have never seen before. The students were exposed to the importance of scouting, making relationships with other teams, and having a quality engineering notebook, which are all things that happen outside of the competition field.” With the world getting smaller with the advent of Webex, Zoom, and other online meeting platforms, Haney said working with the international teams will pay off for the ATEMS students in the near future.
team division. With more than 800 high school teams from 49 different countries competing, the field was broken down into 10 different divisions. During qualification matches, the team from ATEMS worked its way up to 21st in its division, but along the way was having trouble navigating the language barrier brought on by being teamed with teams from all over the globe. The ATEMS team was eventually paired with a team from Mexico and the language barrier was more than the team from Abilene could overcome, greatly contributing to its drop to 32nd. The ATEMS / Mexico combo scored 251 points for its high-scoring match in the division during qualifying matches. The team finished with a 6-4 record in qualifying, which was not enough
“We live in and work in a global economy,” he said. “Being exposed to teams from other parts of the United States and to teams from other countries has exposed them to communication challenges that are very real world. They had to brainstorm and try to figure out how to overcome the language barrier, something most people may never experience.” The members of the team who will be returning to ATEMS in 2022-23 are already putting their thoughts together on how they can improve their robot before next year’s competition. “The ideas are already flying around,” Haney said. “They have seen mechanisms that they will use next year. These students have seen how higher-level teams from affluent areas have advantages that they know they can overcome. ATEMS Robotics teams know they can compete at a world level and those teams are raising the bar as we speak.”
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TSTC Aviation Students Plan to Restore History for Future Generations By Ben Barkley | Communications Specialist, TSTC Communications
For two Texas State Technical College aviation “Seeing those aircraft is why we both wanted to students, the past is their future. work in the aviation industry,” Voss said. “We want other people to experience the same joy Colby Northcutt and Matthew Voss, both of looking at the older aircraft like we do.” Abilene, want to follow the example of Nelson Ezell, founder of Ezell Aviation in Brecken- Northcutt wants to be responsible for preserving ridge. Ezell had a passion for preserving and aviation history. maintaining World War II-era aircraft.
“I love looking at the old planes, hearing the sounds they make. The thrill of standing next to one is what makes preserving them great.” Northcutt said his grandfather would often talk about his time in the Vietnam War. That was one of the reasons he decided to write an essay for Mrs. Ezell to review.
In honor of her late husband, Dude Ezell established a scholarship for TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology students at the Abilene campus. Northcutt and Voss were the first two recipients of the scholarship, which was presented by The TSTC Foundation.
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“This scholarship means a whole bunch. Being able to get what I want to do and enjoy working on these aircraft, it basically has allowed me to continue going to school,” Voss said. “It means more than the world to me to do this in honor of someone that did so much for the aviation world, but more so because it’s allowed me to keep doing what I want to do.”
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“We are losing the history of that time,” he said of World War II-era aircraft. “The older genera“It was a pleasure to help two well-qualified tions are dying off, and if I do not do my part to and highly recommended students receive an preserve the history, these pieces of our history award acknowledging their past academic ef- will eventually do the same.” forts, knowing they would become great technicians in the aviation field after they enter the Both students heard war stories from their workforce,” he said. grandfathers, which also led them to choose careers in aviation. Northcutt, who is originally from Snyder, and Voss both share a passion for vintage aircraft. “My grandfather and his dad both worked for They were able to see Nelson Ezell’s passion Delta Airlines. I have seen pictures of my grandwhen they toured Ezell Aviation with Mrs. father working on Navy aircraft,” Voss said. Ezell.
Both students said they value the compassion that Mrs. Ezell showed them in presenting them with the scholarship.
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McGuire said Northcutt and Voss were perfect fits for the scholarship.
TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology students Colby Northcutt (left) and Matthew Voss received a scholarship from Ezell Aviation through The TSTC Foundation. (Photo: TSTC)
During their tour of Ezell Aviation, the students learned that the past is always in front of them. “There is so much finesse that goes into repairing these older aircraft,” Northcutt said. “They have to use the technology from that time to make the needed repairs. It is not the same process as we have today. It is amazing to see what they do there.”
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“We were sitting at lunch with (TSTC’s senior field development officer for West Texas) Delton McGuire, when Mrs. Ezell called him,” Northcutt said. “She saw both of our essays and could not decide between the two of us. She said she loved our resolve and wanted us both to have the scholarship.”
“This scholarship does mean a lot to me. It strengthens my resolve to do whatever I possibly can to preserve these pieces of history,” he said. “I want to preserve those stories for other people. What better way to honor Nelson Ezell? What better way to honor those who never made it back, whose stories are still untold?”
18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Dr. Brad East Named ACU’S 2022 Teacher Of The Year By Abilene Christian University
10 Abilene ISD CTE NEXTU Seniors Celebrated By Abilene Independent School District
On Monday, May 2nd, Abilene ISD CTE and the DCOA partnered to celebrate senior students enrolled in the NextU Scholarship program. On this night, 10 students were recognized as graduation seniors and three students were honored as Legacy students who graduated in 2020 (and could not be celebrated because of the COVID shutdown). Mayor Williams presented Elisha Seca (CTE Career Coach and manager of the scholarship program) with a proclamation recognizing the importance of this program and event as developing a pipeline to our regional workforce.
Students Awarded Scholarships Hispanic Leadership Council held a Scholarship Reception on Thursday, May 12th, at 5:30 p.m. at the ACU Hunter. In partnership with ACU, the selected applicants that will be attending ACU received a total of $20,000 plus. (Matthew Rose and Marcus Rose, $4,000 each; Emily Castillo and Averie Siller, $6000 each plus Anna Lara received a full tuition scholarship from ACU. In addition HLC awarded a total of $2,250 to another six students. (Macy Hernandez, Emily Carrisalez, Kevin Miranda each received $500 and Cristian Santana, Elija Salas and Christopher Fuentes each received $250). Congratulations to each of these students.
Dr. Brad East is assistant professor of theology, and he’s known since high school he wanted to be just that. Now, only five years into his dream job, he’s earned the honor of Abilene Christian University’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.
“It was not about learning facts but understanding ideas. … Dr. East was always available to ask questions and pushed us to ask more questions and didn’t shut us down, no matter what.” “He strives to go above and beyond by being a presence of Christ to his “The very idea that I could students, and has inspired read, write and teach about me both in my studies and theology for a living was in my walk with Christ!” almost too good to be “Dr. East has shown so true,” East said of realizmuch compassion and ing his career aspirations love for teaching in the as a teenager. two classes I have had him. He understands not After completing his uneveryone knows everydergraduate degree at thing about religion and ACU, East earned his meets you where you Master of Divinity from are.” Emory University and “He wants his students then his Ph.D. from Yale to learn and he does an University. He returned amazing job of demonto teach in ACU’s Departstrating how a teacher can ment of Bible, Missions be a ‘hard’ teacher but and Ministry five years ultimately really help his ago. students learn.” “I always enjoyed Dr. “I tell my students I have East’s classes because he been in the classroom always made it interesting since I was 5 years old. I and engaging. It is rare for just never left,” East said. me to take a professor again if they are not in my department, and I was glad to be able to Now that he’s on the teaching side of the class- take multiple Bible classes with this professor, room, East cites three main principles in his because he made it so I wanted to go to class pedagogy: conducting class as a conversation, and learn.” helping students receive the traditions of Christian theology as a gift, and introducing students As Teacher of the Year, East will ride in the to a faith that is living and active. Homecoming Parade in October, give the charge to graduating students in ACU’s DeBased on the Teacher of the Year nominations cember Commencement ceremony and speak submitted by East’s students, he’s succeeding at the University Scholars awards ceremony in those goals. Students said of him and his next spring. class:
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Tejano Music Legend Provides a College Scholarships for those Pursuing a Music Degree at Rio Grande Valley University By Ojos Tejanos | Tejano Nation
Tejano music legend Roberto Pulido, having been an educator himself, gives back to his community for the past twenty-four years with college scholarships to full-time students looking to pursue a career in music.
apply to have an opportunity to receive this scholarship that he continues to fund today to continue the education of future music pioneers. Music Scholarships are based upon musical tal-
The Roberto Pulido Music Scholarship Endowment gives financial assistance to aspiring musicians wishing to further their studies with music scholarships for music majors attending or planning to attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville. Pulido began this scholarship in the late 1990s to help students pursuing a music degree who are also experiencing financial hardship. With the Fall Semester not too far away he wishes to remind students to apply. The Edinburg native believes it is important to create your own unique style of music. He recalls wanting to be different and in the 1970s he added the saxophone and accordion to his music, and he is credited as the pioneer of that sound ent and potential as displayed through a music in Tejano Music. entrance/scholarship audition, potential candidates for the Roberto Pulido Music Scholarship Pulido is excited about the student’s music Endowment may apply at https://www.utrgv. careers and emphasizes how important it is to edu/music/academic/scholarships/index.htm.
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TEACHER TRIBUTE Cliff Wilke - Wylie East Junior High Name: Cliff Wilke School: Wylie East Junior High School Grade: Grades 5-8 as a behavioral coach Student: Grayson I became a teacher for the kids; they are awesome. I’ve had some great teachers through the years and having adults in my corner that cared for me as a kid was invaluable. Whether I was working at a children’s home, boys ranch, or in the classroom, I’ve always just wanted to be there for kids because there was always someone there for me. Seeing a kid radiate pure joy because of any big or small success puts butterflies in my stomach. My absolute favorite part about teaching is seeing a child grow and actually feel that growth for themselves.
I need my wife, art, and physical activity1
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time painting. Painting is like hydration for me. If I don’t paint enough my body and mind begin to ache. The same goes for camping and spending quality time with my wife. To properly function
“I want to think Mr. Wilke for caring about me and encouraging me. Every school needs someone like Mr. Wilke!” ~ Graysonmore. She stands up for me and makes me believe in myself. She makes me feel safe.”
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May 2022 Graduate Spotlight
Brayden Perales By Charis Ochu | Hardin-Simmons University
In 2018, while Brayden Perales ’22 was still in Rotan High School, he decided Hardin-Simmons University would become his home away from home for the next four years. Ever since he made that decision, he has continuously made his mark on campus by actively participating in the Baptist Student Ministry, Stampede, Athletic Engagement Committee, and Sabers. Brayden Perales majors in psychology with a minor in business administration. Beyond his involvement at HSU, Brayden enjoys reading, taking photographs, cooking delicious meals, especially Mexican dishes, and occasionally playing softball or baseball. Brayden is grateful for the opportunity to have had fun on campus. He also notes the impact and significance of Gospel-oriented conversations with friends throughout
his time at HSU. “I love the community centered around Christ here at Hardin-Simmons University,” he shared. Brayden’s advice to all students coming after him is: “Push and strive to be the best version of yourself while pursuing Christ and keeping Him at the center in all you do.” After his graduation this spring, Brayden plans to pursue a career in higher education with the hope of returning to Hardin-Simmons University to pour into students as he was throughout his time here. He often likes to say, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” a quote made by Philosopher Lao Tzu. Congratulations, Brayden!
22 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
Tips for Communicating With Your Teen Keeping the parent-child relationship strong during a tricky age By Rachel Ehmke | Child Mind Institute
The teenage years have a lot in common with the terrible twos. During both stages our kids are doing exciting new things, but they’re also pushing boundaries (and buttons) and throwing tantrums. The majordevelopmental task facing both age groups is also the same: kids must pull away from parents and begin to assert their own independence. No wonder they sometimes act as if they think they’re the center of the universe. This makes for complicated parenting, especially because teens are beginning to make decisions about things that that have real consequence, like school and friends and driving, not to speak of substance use and sex. But they aren’t good at regulating their emotions yet, so teens are prone to taking risks and making impulsive decisions. This means that having a healthy and trusting parent-child relationship during the teenage years is more important than ever. Staying close isn’t easy, though. Teens often aren’t very gracious when they are rejecting what they perceive to be parental interference. While they’re an open book to their friends, who they talk to constantly via text messages and social media, they might become mute when asked by mom how their day went. A request that seemed reasonable to dad may be received as a grievous outrage. If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath and remind yourself that your child is going through his terrible teens. It is a phase that will pass, and your job as parent is still vitally important, only the role may have changed slightly. Here are some tips for navigating the new terrain:
1. Listen. If you are curious about what’s going on in your teen’s life, asking direct ques-
tions might not be as effective as simply sitting back and listening. Kids are more likely to be open with their parents if they don’t feel pressured to share information. Remember even an offhand comment about something that happened during the day is her way of reaching out, and you’re likely to hear more if you stay open and interested — but not prying.
6. Control your emotions. It’s easy for your temper to flare when your teen is being rude, but don’t respond in kind. Remember that you’re the adult and he is less able to control his emotions or think logically when he’s upset. Count to ten or take some deep breaths before responding. If you’re both too upset to talk, hit pause until you’ve had a chance to calm down.
2. Validate their feelings. It is often our 7. Do things together. Talking isn’t the tendency to try to solve problems for our kids, or downplay their disappointments. But saying something like “She wasn’t right for you anyway” after a romantic disappointment can feel dismissive. Instead, show kids that you understand and empathize by reflecting the comment back: “Wow, that does sound difficult.”
only way to communicate, and during these years it’s great if you can spend time doing things you both enjoy, whether it’s cooking or hiking or going to the movies, without talking about anything personal. It’s important for kids to know that they can be in proximity to you, and share positive experiences, without having to worry that you will pop intrusive questions or 3. Show trust. Teens want to be taken seri- call them on the carpet for something. ously, especially by their parents. Look for ways to show that you trust your teen. Asking him for 8. Share regular meals. Sitting down to a favor shows that you rely on him. Volunteering eat a meal together as a family is another great a privilege shows that you think he can handle it. way to stay close. Dinner conversations give Letting your kid know you have faith in him will every member of the family a chance to check boost his confidence and make him more likely in and talk casually about sports or television to rise to the occasion. or politics. Kids who feel comfortable talking to parents about everyday things are likely to 4. Don’t be a dictator. You still get to set be more open when harder things come up, too. the rules, but be ready to explain them. While One rule: no phones allowed. pushing the boundaries is natural for teenagers, hearing your thoughtful explanation about why 9. Be observant. It’s normal for kids to go parties on school nights aren’t allowed will make through some changes as they mature, but pay the rule seem more reasonable. attention if you notice changes to her mood, behavior, energy level, or appetite. Likewise, take 5. Give praise. Parents tend to praise chil- note if he stops wanting to do things that used dren more when they are younger, but adoles- to make him happy, or if you notice him isolatcents need the self-esteem boost just as much. ing himself. If you see a change in your teen’s Teenagers might act like they’re too cool to care daily ability to function, ask her about it and be about what their parents think, but the truth is supportive (without being judgmental). She may they still want your approval. Also looking for need your help and it could be a sign she needs opportunities to be positive and encouraging is to talk to a mental health professional. good for the relationship, especially when it is feeling strained.
24 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Each Day Is a Brand New Start By Joyce Meyer | Joyce Meyer Ministries
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I have always been a planner. I’m a goal-oriented person, so I like to have a plan and then check things off my list. However, over the years, I’ve learned an important lesson—life doesn’t always go as planned!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Whether it’s a little plan or a big plan—your daily schedule or your career strategy—it can be disappointing if everything doesn’t work out the way you had hoped. And many people fall apart when their plan falls apart.
This means when Plan A falls apart, you don’t have to be afraid. God has you in the palm of His hands, and He’s already been working on Plan B (see Isaiah 49:13). Instead of staring at the past, He wants you to look through the eyes of faith and get excited about the future!
There was a time when I would let today’s disappointments ruin tomorrow. I would blow up at Dave and say things I regretted, then spend four days feeling guilty and condemned because of my behavior. Or there have been times when I have missed opportunities and was sure I messed up God’s plan for good.
In fact, I’ve discovered that God’s Plan B is often better than Plan A could have ever been. Even when someone else or an unforeseen circumstance affects our lives, God promises to take the negative things that happen and use it for our good (see Romans 8:28).
Little by little, God helped me to change my attitude about these disappointments. Instead of focusing on what has been lost, God helped me to focus on the good things He can do in the future.
Regardless of what happened yesterday, last week or last year, God has a great plan for your life—a plan for you to succeed and experience the peace and joy that Jesus died to give you.
In Joel 2:25-26, God says, “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…(NIV).” And in Isaiah 61:7 (NIV), He tells us, Instead of your former shame, you will receive a double portion....With God, no one can ever truly take anything away from you. If you will trust Him, He can take a bad situation and make it up to you.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) says, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies For instance, as a young adult, I was convinced never come to an end; they are new every morn- that being abused as a child had marred me for ing…. good. I felt like I could never be like everyone else or have the life I could have had. It’s no coincidence that our time is divided into 24-hour increments. God gives us new oppor- But all things are possible with God! When tunities each and every morning to start fresh! we see dead ends, He sees new beginnings. He It’s a chance to begin again—to try again, hope wants to take the pain of our past and not only again and watch Him do something we never heal it, but He wants to restore to us more than expected. we would have had in the first place! You see, God is a God of restoration and change—He is always doing a new thing and working behind the scenes in our lives to bring about new beginnings. Where we see failure, God sees potential for something new.
When we’re in the middle of a bad day or disappointing moment, it’s so tempting to give in to thoughts like, It’s over. It’s too late. But it isn’t too late! It’s never too late to have a fresh start when you have life in Christ. Tomorrow is a new day! It’s a new opportunity to finish that The minute we stumble and come apart, God is project, mend a relationship, get back to your already planning our comeback. When we mess exercise routine. up “Plan A,” we don’t have to worry—God has a “Plan B!” I encourage you to look at each day as a chance to start again. When you wake up, declare things Maybe Plan A for you represents a missed op- like, “This is the day the Lord has made—I will portunity, a painful past or a relationship that rejoice and be glad in it!” (See Psalm 118:24.) didn’t work out. Or maybe you feel like you made a mistake and there’s no chance that God is the God of do-overs, second chances and things will turn around. new beginnings. And if you’ll let Him, He will give you a fresh start, and it will be better than If so, I want you to take a moment and think you can imagine. about this scripture. Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) says,
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Be Strong and Courageous By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments
I want something different. I want to live my life with purpose. And then, fear comes. The voices of “you will never be enough” or “don’t dream too big because it will never happen.” And then, I read Joshua, Chapter One in the Bible.
enced that prosperity from obedience. My relationship with my step kids is the proof! God, again, tells Joshua to be strong and courageous in verse nine. God backs up His third command by letting Joshua know that God would be with him wherever he went.
This is what I have been looking for – the change I need, and the plan laid out completely. Wherev- That is like the difference between facing a couple er you are – whatever the struggle or stronghold of thugs in a dark alley with nothing – and then a – whatever the dream or big brother comes with desire -- this year can be guns and ammo and sudifferent. Let’s see how per powers! It is easier to God tells us how to do that. be strong and courageous when you know Who is The Lord speaks to Joshalways with you! ua. The Israelites’ previous leader, Moses, died and The fourth time we read now Joshua is to continue “be strong and courato lead the Israelites to the geous” is from the leaders land God had promised of the Israelites. Joshua them. This is probably has shared the plan to Joshua’s biggest undertakmove the people to the ing ever but God is good promise land. The reto remind Joshua that as sponse from the leaders God was with Moses, God is important. They are would never leave or forreflecting the leadersake Joshua. ship. They are obedient because they have seen God tells Joshua in verse Joshua be obedient. They six to “be strong and coufollow because they have rageous.” This is the first seen Joshua following of four times this phrase is God. used in this chapter. In this verse, God is telling JoshYour blended family may ua to be ready, have faith not be good followers and trust in God because right now. They may not Joshua will be the leader be obedient. But, when to many people. God was you make it a priority to fulfilling a promise to His follow God, obey God, people and He would use believe and trust God – at Joshua as a part of plan. some point down the road that will impact them as God has a plan for you as well. well. Be strong and courageous. You will lead peoBe strong and courageous, ple. They may be step kids, bio kids, adopted kids, because God is working His plan and promises for neighbor kids. You are whom they will look to. God His good and glory even in the story of your life. will not leave or forsake you – He has promises to fulfill! Blessings in your Blending! God says it again – be strong and courageous – in verse seven. This command is then followed by God laying out the plan. The plan is straightforward. God tells Joshua to be careful to obey all the law that Moses gave to Joshua – don’t turn from it. God also reminded Joshua to meditate on God’s word day and night. This is important for us. We are to walk in obedience and do our best to hear God, know God and serve God. A promise is then given by God. He said, “be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” I have experi-
(Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook. com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com)
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HOPE FOR MAN
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Lord, we see ourselves that there is hope for a man who is lost in a world with no future. We were given a chance on Earth to prove we can find our way to a new world which God has promised us. As time passes, we still have hope that God will find a place for us in Heaven. The rain taps at our window telling us the Holy Spirit is waiting for us to find ourselves in a world of sin. The sun lights up our life as we search for salvation, which we will have one day. We give and give, yet our world takes from us because we are only men who have no tomorrow! Time travels only by the laws of God who gave us life at conception, and for His sake we will have salvation in the end. Love revolves around God and it holds strong for us today, tomorrow and for Eternal Life forever.
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Where Real Contentment Comes From By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship
Would you consider yourself a happy and contented person? Or, do you think happiness and contentment are things you could only attain if you were just a little bit smarter or better looking or had more money? Research has shown that acquiring more materially will not bring happiness or contentment. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who did a study on what brings people contentment, said, “If people strive for a certain level of affluence thinking it will make them happy, they find that on reaching it, they become very quickly habituated, and at that point they start hankering for the next level of income, property, or good health. . . . Studies have confirmed that goals keep getting pushed upward as soon as a lower level is reached.”
Philippians. He was saying the secret of Christian joy, the secret of contentment, is found in the way that we think—our outlook, our attitude. Now, Paul wasn’t offering some shallow, selfhelp philosophy or suggesting a mind-over-matter way of thinking. Rather, he was saying that we need to learn how to think rightly about life and about God.
Paul was single-minded. He said, “For to me, The Secret to Contentment to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians Paul also used the word “secret,” which, in the 1:21 NKJV). He had a clear objective in life, original language, is an unexpected word. The and that was to live for Christ. pagans of that day used it to speak of having obtained something or having been initiated into Striving for Growth some secret truth. Paul also had the mind of spiritual growth and progression. In chapter 3 he wrote, “I focus on So, Paul was saying, “I’ve been initiated. I’ve found the secret. I know the secret to contentment.” Paul’s contentment did not come from what he had; it came from the One he knew. Paul knew that regardless of his circumstances, the Lord was with him. And notice that he went on to say, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (verse 13 NLT).
So, what does it take to find happiness and contentment? The apostle Paul gives us the answer in his letter to the Christians in Philippi. In fact, the theme of the New Testament book of Philippians is joy. However, the joy Paul was speaking of isn’t the same as happiness, because happiness ebbs and flows, depending on what we’re experiencing in life. If good things are happening, we can be relatively happy. And if things are not going well, then this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking we’re unhappy. forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly In contrast, the joy of the Lord can be at the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is forefront of our lives, regardless of our circum- calling us” (verses 13–14 NLT). He was saying, stances. “I want to keep growing.”
Joy in Tough Places
What amazes me is that Paul is writing about joy, but in many ways he had nothing to be joyful about. Circumstantially, he was in a very difficult situation. He was a Roman prisoner, and his case was coming up shortly. He could be acquitted, or he could be beheaded. To make matters worse, there was some division in the church concerning Paul. Some people were for Paul, while others were against him. Yet in this epistle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NKJV). So what was secret of Paul’s joy? We find it in the word “mind.” Paul used “mind” 10 times in
Remember, Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. Yet he was saying, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation.” Notice he used an important word: learned. Contentment doesn’t come naturally to us. We need to learn how to be content, because we’re naturally discontented. We’re also naturally selfish. No one needs to teach selfishness. You don’t have to teach children to say, “Mine!” It comes naturally to them.
No other word or name fits the statement “I can do all things through . . . who gives me strength.” We can’t say, “I can do all things through alcohol and drugs that give me strength.” Drugs and alcohol don’t solve problems; they only exacerbate them and create altogether new ones.
Nor can we say, “I can do all things through money that gives me strength,” “I can do all things through friends and family that give me strength,” or “I can do all things through politics Too often we think we’ll find contentment from that give me strength.” different circumstances in our lives. The assumption is that if we had a bigger home or a Writing to Timothy, Paul said, “Yet true godnicer car or a higher salary or a new spouse or liness with contentment is itself great wealth. a new face or a new body, then we’d be con- After all, we brought nothing with us when we tent. But Paul was saying that real contentment came into the world, and we can’t take anything comes from the state of the heart. with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (1 Timothy Then in chapter 4 he said, “Not that I was ever in 6:6–8 NLT). need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost Contentment is not the fulfillment of what we nothing or with everything. I have learned the want, but the realization of how much we alsecret of living in every situation, whether it is ready have. Contentment is understanding that with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or lit- if we’re not satisfied with what we have, then tle. For I can do everything through Christ, who we never will be satisfied with what we want. gives me strength” (verses 11–13 NLT).
28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Abilene Mom Gives Birth to Identical Twins 3 Days Apart By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
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An Abilene mom’s birth story is anything but usual after a rare situation caused her identical twins to be born three days apart. Carmen Martinez knew her pregnancy would be different when she learned she was having twins. All her preparation turned to fear when they found the girls would be born premature during a routine check-up. “Just hearing them saying, she’s going in right away. We knew something was wrong,” says Martinez. She was admitted on February 28, and her water broke that night, but she wouldn’t give birth for another week. “I delivered Gabby, had a natural birth with her, and got wheeled right back in,” says Martinez. Baby number 2 wasn’t ready quite yet, so she went back to her room determined to delay delivery for as long as possible on her doctor’s advice. “I really didn’t know how to comprehend what just happened – I’m like I just had a baby and I’m still pregnant.” Martinez says.
holding them together,” says Martinez. A day made even more special for father John Hernandez, as March 10 is his birthday too. “I was 36 when I had Gabby, and I was 37 when I had Isabella,” Hernandez says. Now the proud parents are full of hope at the thought of bringing the girls home. Ready to watch them grow and everything that comes along with it. “I’m looking forward to the long nights. Like baby girls — just cry, just laugh, just do what ever y’all want because it’s a blessing to know that’s coming,” says Martinez. Looking forward also to seeing the girls get to know their big brother, and though Martinez says he was skeptical at first, she knows he’s ready to have them at home.
“Now that he has met “The more time that we can them, he has just been give each baby in the uterus is on cloud 9. He’s ready better at this early early gesfor them to come Though she did tational age,” says Dr. Len Tadvick, Hendrick take some time to home. He’s ready to be Health OBGYN. the big brother that I visit Gabriella in know he can be,” Marthe NICU when Tadvick delivered the girls and says this phe- she was allowed. tinez says. nomenon is quite rare. “They were like ‘what are you doing here why A truly awe-inspiring thing for all involved, Dr. “[I’ve only seen this] one other time in my ca- are you here — you’re still pregnant’ but I had Tadvick sings the praises of his colleagues at reer. It’s very uncommon,” Tadvick says. Hendrick, acknowledging the miracle they all to see her just for comfort,” says Martinez. took part in. For 3 days Martinez stayed in bed, enduring the That sacrifice would prove worth it on March discomfort and pain for the growth of her baby. 10 when mom and dad said hello to 1-pound, “There’s a point where you use everything 8-ounce Isabella Rose Hernandez. Martinez you’ve been given and it’s just up to God. He’s “From a 1 to 10 I’d say the pain was 100. . .as says the sight of her girls together was over- got it.” Tadvick says. long as they were okay that’s all that mattered whelmingly powerful. to me.” Martinez says. Gabby and Isabella continue to grow and the “It was a new kind of love that I experienced Martinez family is hopeful to go to home soon!
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30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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How To Truly Help Someone By HealthAdvocate Blog
Life’s challenges—whether the loss of a loved one or income, a health issue, relocation, birth of a baby, or some other change can make it hard for someone to handle even the minor details of their daily routine. You may want to offer to make their life easier. Here’s how to make sure your offer is the most meaningful. Stand in their shoes and make a specific offer. Avoid a vague offer like “Let me know if I can help.” And don’t assume you know what would be most helpful for someone. Instead, pay attention to their routines to target the right kind of help. Say something like, “I’d like to get your groceries or take-out if you can text me a list.” Or offer to drive them to appointments, pick the kids up from school, mow the lawn, etc. Talk with their close family and friends. You may find out what help would work best as well as how to lighten the load for the other helpmates. They may be plugged into a website like Lotsa Helping Hands and Meal Train that helps organize volunteers for meal prep, delivery and more.
Follow up! Try suggesting something like, “How about if I check in quickly with you on Sunday at 7 or a time that works best?” Offer simple, concrete options to avoid overwhelming them with decisions. Understand that everyone processes life challenges differently. Some people need constant company and a listening ear, while others need more time alone. Be ready to pivot to changing needs. With time, your friend or family member may need less, more or entirely different help. Stay flexible. Finally, respect boundaries and try not to overcommit. It’s important to be clear about the time and effort you can reasonably offer so you don’t become drained and possibly resentful. Practice self-care—take breaks, keep up with your own commitments, call on others to share the help, and look into resources such as caregiver.com as well as online caregiver support groups.
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¡Podemos ayudarte a través del proceso y lograr tus sueños ser una realidad!
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10 Cataract Facts for Cataract Awareness Month
By Icon Eyecare
June is National Cataract Awareness Month. This extremely common eye disease affects millions of people but is easily treatable — and can even be corrected with a fast, minor and virtually pain-free surgical procedure. In honor of cataract awareness month, we’ve gathered some facts to help you become more familiar with this eye disease.
cataracts from forming, but it can lower your risk. Always way UV-blocking sunglasses or a shady hat when outdoors on a sunny day and eat a balanced diet that’s rich in vision-supporting foods.
#1 Cataracts are a natural result of aging — a cataract is a clouding of
Cataracts can be quickly and effectively treated with surgery. The natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens allows the patient to see clearly again.
the eye lens that can affect vision clarity Cataracts is a common eye disease that can happen simply because of age. Cataracts can effect one or both eyes. To make sure cataracts don’t affect your vision, it’s important to get regular eye exams — especially if you’re over the age of 55.
#8 Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the U.S. each year. Because cataracts
#2 Age is not the only risk factor for cataracts. Lifestyle and behavior can also have an influence. Aside from aging, certain heredi-
#4 By age 75, over 70% of people have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. Since it’s largely age related,
cataracts are extremely common. Many people who develop a cataract undergo cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and restore their vision.
are so common, and because the issue can be easily treated at a very high success rate, cataract surgery has become extremely common place. Patients suffering from cataracts or who notice their vision blurring and the surface of their eye(s) looking cloudy should schedule an eye exam immediately.
#9 In addition to improving vision, cataract surgery has also been shown to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of falling. Better vision
means you can get back to doing the things
#5 Cataracts are the leading cause you love and have to worry less that poor sight of blindness in the world. Cataracts is a could contribute to a devastating fall.
clouding of the eye lens — a vital part of clear vision. Left untreated, cataracts can lead to partial or total blindness. This, coupled with the fact that cataracts can naturally occur with age, makes it a dangerous disease if not proactively Proactively protecting your eyes won’t stop addressed.
#3 Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and eating foods rich in Vitamin C are two lifestyle changes that may help lower your risk for cataracts
and 2019, 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, according to Pew Research. As the large baby boomer generation and following generations age, the number of cataract cases is expected to naturally increase.
#7 Cataract surgery is nearly painless and typically takes under 30 minutes.
Did you know…
tary and physical traits, along with certain lifestyle habits, can contribute to the development of cataracts. Here are a few factors that can increase your chance of developing a cataract: •Family history of cataracts •Excessive exposure to sunlight •Smoking •High blood pressure •Diabetes •Obesity
#6 By 2050 the number of people in the U.S. with a cataract is expected to double to 50 million. Between 2010
32 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Protecting Yourself From Tick-borne Illnesses
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By HealthAdvocate Blog
Since it is now peak tick season for many parts of the country, this is a good opportunity to refresh your understanding of how to prevent tick bites and avoid the illnesses they may carry. Ticks are present in brush and wooded areas, but they may also be in your own backyard. Being vigilant is key to avoiding tick-borne diseases. While different species of ticks carry a variety of bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make people or pets sick if bit, Lyme disease is one of the most prevalent in the U.S. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family members (including the furry variety) safe from ticks, as well as what to look out for in the months ahead.
Preventing tick bites
Dress appropriately. If you’re planning to go hiking, gardening, or the like, plan to wear lightweight long pants, shirts with sleeves, higher socks, and a hat. The less skin exposed, the fewer places a tick can get onto your skin. You can also treat your clothing with a tick repellant like permethrin, which will last multiple washes. Many brands offer pre-treated options as well. Apply repellant. In addition to treating your clothing, you may also want to consider applying insect repellant to any areas of exposed skin. The Environmental Protection Agency has a great tool to help you find the type of repellant that’s right for you.
ed for pets that should be applied as needed. There is also a Lyme vaccine available for dogs to provide further protection. Do a thorough check. After you come in from outside, check over your entire body (as well as those of any kids or pets) to make sure there are no ticks attached anywhere. The longer a tick is attached, the higher the risk of transmitting illness. Make sure to check your clothing and gear as well. Many experts recommend showering soon after returning indoors to wash away any unattached ticks, as well as provide an opportunity for a thorough check. Common areas to find ticks include in and around hair, behind the ears, the underarms, around the waist, groin, and behind the knees, but don’t limit your search just to those spots. If you do spot a tick, use tweezers to grasp around the head of the tick, and pull it straight up and away. Check out these tips from Johns Hopkins University about what to do next after a bite.
Signs of Lyme disease
If you have been bitten, the next important step is to be on the lookout for any potential symptoms of disease so you can act quickly with your healthcare provider. However, oftentimes, people may not even realize they have been bit by a tick, so being aware of these signs is important either way. Some of the potential indicators of Lyme include:
Avoid high-risk areas. If you’re hiking or exploring wooded areas, try to avoid areas of high grass or brush and stick to the center of trails or paths whenever possible.
•“Bull’s Eye Rash” – not apparent every time •Fever •Headache •Joint aches and pains •Fatigue
Protect your pets. Pets tend to nose into areas where ticks thrive, so it’s important to safeguard them as well. Talk with your veterinarian, but a monthly tick and flea preventive is helpful to avoiding Lyme and other diseases, and there are specific repellants formulat-
Prevention is key when it comes to tick bites, but diagnosing Lyme disease right away means it is completely treatable. Don’t let ticks keep you cooped up indoors this summer, but make sure to take precautions to protect yourself and your family.
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Alexander Horbol’s Story
Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, China Star, Drug Emporium & Burke Law Firm | HEALTH | 33
By Alexander Horbol
Alexander medically retired at an early age from the US Army due to back problems from an injury which then contributed to some mental health issues (depression/anxiety) which eventually helped to contribute to an obsession with eating and before he knew it, he was over 300 pounds. He had struggled all throughout his late teens with his weight, but this was the heaviest he had been.
ing all that weight on me! What is the best part? I’m not going to lie, I’m happier the way I look and feel! I know my wife would never judge me but I like to look good for her and so it makes me feel good!
What would you have done differently if you could do it all over again? I might try to include In August of 2020, after going through a major loss a variety of recipes. I kept it simple for quick prep of a loved one, Alexander got to seriously thinking and affordability. about life in a more serious way. “I started thinking about my weight and how it was going to eventually have an effect on my heart. It was already causing me so much back and knee pain and depression and anxiety. I had tried the weight watcher program and other methods previously and had given up because I didn’t think there could possibly be a way to get thin and fit for someone with chronic back pain!” He found Dr. Berg through his YouTube channel and started watching videos on Keto & Intermittent Fasting.
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“What Dr. Berg taught me about how my body can run on Ketones Alexander Horbol through the Ketosis process was vital. Many people fail to learn the Before and After Keto Diet and Intermittent Fasting science behind it and that causes them to fail because they just don’t realize how important getting into ketosis is by eat- What encouraged you to not give up? I just kept ing the right foods and the right times and cutting thinking about how I want to someday have kids those snacks out completely and only eat once or and there’s no way I can be a good dad if I’m fat twice a day while intermittent fasting, which is the and can’t move around and do the things a dad second biggest things I learned from Dr. Berg. The should be able to do. And it goes without saying third biggest thing I learned was how important it that I don’t want to cause my own death at a young is to get the right amount of electrolytes like potas- age and leave my wife too soon! sium and sodium in my diet and I find that I use a ton of pink salt on my food and in my water which What would you like to say to someone reading helps me to retain water and cuts down on the urge your success story? Life is so short and there’s not a lot of time to mess around. If you’re struggling to over drink.” right now with your diet and your weight, just think Since starting Keto, Alexander currently weighs about how much better you’re going to feel once 185 pounds after losing 115! His goal is to get to you’ve reached your goal! I’ve had to tell myself 170. “I definitely notice good changes in my back several times that those donuts, as good as they are, pain. And just walking I can totally tell a difference they’re just not worth it. Your physical and mental health are on the line and it’ll feel so much better not having the extra 115+ pounds on me.” once you get there and you definitely can get there! Favorite Dr. Berg Product? Lemon flavored If you’re determined to lose weight, dedicate your life to your physical well being and be disciplined wheat grass juice. you cannot fail and you will be successful! What was the hardest part about losing weight? This is actually a hard question because once I got What is your favorite way to exercise? I like to into my groove the weight started melting away so walk more than anything because it’s low impact actually the hardest part of losing weight for me and great cardio. was replacing my wardrobe. I was losing weight so rapidly that I couldn’t afford to buy clothes fast What is your favorite keto recipe? I think my enough! On a more serious note, having extra skin favorite recipe is taco casserole with cauliflower is a bummer. But, it’s still not nearly as bad as hav- rice!
34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Dental Program Expands in Taylor County By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage
Taylor County is expanding their dental program to provide nearly free services to those who qualify. The program allows impoverished Taylor County residents to receive extractions or a filling for only $20. Here is the criteria all applicants must meet: 1. They can come once per year. 2. Residents must currently live in Taylor County 3. Must be at or below 250% of the FPL 4. Must not have dental insurance 5. Are experiencing dental pain.
8. Paper applications are also available at the Abilene-Taylor County Health District at 850 N 6th and Medical Care Mission at 1857 Pine St, Suite 100 9. Once they are notified that their application has been approved, they will need to go to the Christian Service Center to schedule an appointment – 3185 N. 10th Street. We ask that they contribute $20 which will go to the dentist. Clients will receive this service on a first come first served basis
6. The program will only address extractions or a filling. Dentures and restorative care are not provided through this program. Main focus is to address dental pain and avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
Taylor County’s expanded dental program is made possible by a partnership between the Christian Service Center, the Abilene/Taylor County Health District, and Taylor County’s Social Services.
7. They’ll need to pick up and turn in an application at the Taylor County offices at 400 Oak Street, Suite 202 or available online.
The Community Foundation of Abilene will also provide dentists with partial reimbursement for each patient thanks to their generous donors.
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BUSINESS&CAREER Where’s a Pencil When You Need One? By Doug Peters | President & CEO, Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Have you ever been in a meeting where some- We also heard how the program linked netone says something extra profound, and you’re works, provided a behind the scenes look at unequipped to write it down? how the community is knitted together, and how the greater good always seems to prevail (and That happened to me last week, multiple times, it does). in one setting. I was also struck by the sheer number of graduI attended the graduation of Leadership Abilene ates who are committed to helping others expelast Wednesday evening. And if there was ever rience the impact of Leadership Abilene. a time to take notes, that was it. This particular graduation wasn’t my first, either. Each year – in fact every year I’ve been in my career, I’ve attended the graduation of a Leadership program, either as the host or as a fellow participant.
But back to the participants. If you were able to attend graduation, I’m glad. If you weren’t, take a look at some of the popular social media pages to get a feel for their experiences. And then, think about those who are a part of your own circle of influence who would benefit from the experience. Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s an employee, or friend, or relative. If they love our community, want to know more about it, and how they can be a part of it’s bright future, this program is a match. The commitment? One day a month for nine months, barring any weird or disruptive event (thanks, Coronavirus). It’s worth the investment of time and treasure. Abilene is worth it. For more information on the class or to apply, visit www.abilenechamber.com/programs/leadership-programs/. You’ll be glad you did.
But there was something about last week’s graduation that was special. As is part of Leadership Abilene’s tradition, graduates are asked to briefly share at graduation what the program experience meant to them. And with this class in particular, it really meant Obviously, it was a prideful night. a lot. To each of them. I want to thank all of those member leaders who We heard comments like a quote from Coach commit their time to ensure a meaningful expeNick Saban, about how mastering the “little rience for each of the participants. Whether the things” leads to excellence, and relayed how program chair (Tim Farrar, United Supermarthe Leadership Abilene program is a vital part kets) or one of many day chairs, we are grateful of the little things that lead to community ex- for the influence and effort behind their amazing cellence. work.
Congratulations to the Leadership Abilene Class of 2022. We’re proud of you and grateful for you. Onward! ine
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Manny Diaz Appointed News Director of KTAB, KRBC By BigCountryHomePage.com
KTAB, KRBC, and BigCountryHomepage.com are excited to welcome new leadership to the team! Manny Diaz has been appointed News Director for KTAB/ KRBC/Telemundo Abilene. He will start his duties on June 13, and will report to Albert Gutierrez, KTAB-TV Vice President and General Manager. Diaz is a West Texan. He started his career in 2008 here in Abilene, and he was part of the first Bigcountryhomepage.com Sports Team that merged the sports departments from both KTAB and KRBC. Following three years in Abilene, Diaz was recruited to join the sports team at WOAI-TV in San Antonio as a reporter and producer. As part of the WOAI-TV sports team Manny absorbed production and content creation from one of the best sports departments in the nation while having the opportunity to cover Dallas Cowboys training camp in the Alamodome, San Antonio Spurs basketball following the NBA lockout of 2011, UTSA Football’s Inaugural Season, and some of the best high school football south Texas and the Lone Star State had to offer. In 2014, the Christoval native made his way back to West Texas as a sports director and member of the first-ever news team at KIDY/KXVA FOX in San Angelo/Abilene or what is now known as FOX West Texas. Following three years as a sports director Diaz would be promoted to news director. After almost four years with the station Diaz would leave FOX West Texas to join his cousin Miguel Diaz as a content creator for SOFA COUCH MEDIA. Diaz utilized time spent away from news media to build his craft as a storyteller, content creator, and entrepreneur. In March of 2019, Diaz would make his return to news media as editor and video content creator for the website San Angelo LIVE. Mr. Diaz was responsible for growing San Angelo LIVE’s audience. Under his leadership, San Angelo LIVE became the #1 website in San Angelo. “Manny is a proven leader” , said Albert Gutierrez, KTAB-TV Vice President and General Manger. “He has a track record of success, a strong background in local news, and has consistently demonstrated the ability to produce great local content. I look forward to celebrating the results of his continued accomplishments as he undertakes his new role at KTAB/ KRBC/ TELEMUNDO Abilene.” Diaz is ready for the next challenge in his news media career and excited to have the opportunity to reunite with former colleagues.
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38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Launching a Summer Business? Kid and teen entrepreneurs share their best
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
advice for setting yourself up for success. By Anna Meyer | INC.
Running your own summer business doesn’t around their summer vacation dates. It helps to need to be hard. After all, you’re the boss. You get the word out in the spring.” get to make all your own rules. That said, you can learn a few things from people who have done it before. Here are some success tips from young entrepreneurs to inspire your summer business endeavors.
Keep some money in reserve.
Havana’s 9-year-old brother Keiran Martin also has his own business, called Casa Verde Candles. He sells homemade candles and plans on launching a website this summer. While his mom placed the orders for all of his canSet a price to win customers. dle-making materials, everything was purEight-year-old Havana Martin founded the chased with his own money. Especially when Dog Walkers Club in San Diego to save up your own funds are on the line, he recommends enough money to adopt her own dog. Still building a financial cushion in case your first working her way to idea isn’t the winner. purchasing a pup, she first launched her sum“Have some money mer business two sumsaved up, so if your first mers ago and has since product line doesn’t do learned the power of so well you have some pricing to win over money to start over and customers. try something new,” he says. “I didn’t want to make it too expensive for Grow your netpeople to try my busiwork beyond famness,” she says. “Don’t ily. price your services too Norah Kolb, a 16-yearhigh in the beginning, old in Sandy Hook, Conbecause then everynecticut, is the founder body will go to the of Ray-Board, a swimcheaper business the ming kickboard that she first time.” For new designed in eighth grade clients, she gives them for a school project. She half off the first walk then pitched her idea at so they can try out her Norah Kolb, founder of Ray-Board, holds her an event sponsored by service before they pay swimming kickboard that she designed in the the state of Connecticut, eighth grade for a school project. full price. where she won $12,000 to build higher-quality Start marketing early. It’s never too prototypes. In 2020, she launched a Kickstartearly to start spreading the word about your er campaign that raised enough money to start business. Sofia Renals, a 16-year-old in Dun- production. Since June, she has been selling woody, Georgia, has a summer cooking camp Ray-Board on her website and on Amazon and where students cook a daily menu of an appe- says her sales have totaled about $96,000. tizer, a main course, and a dessert. One year, she says she made the mistake of not adver- She advises other young entrepreneurs to step tising until the start of summer, and the camp out of their comfort zone. “Don’t be afraid of filled up slowly because parents had already asking for help from adults,” she says. “This made plans for their kids’ summer activities. doesn’t have to be your parents.” She says she’s received help from event judges, swim “I wish I had known how important it is to coaches, a patent attorney, and adults at her loadvertise early,” she says. “Especially for a cal pool, to name a few. summer business, because people are planning
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• LVN Starting Salary: $44,000 yr. + Benefits • COUNTER DEPUTY CLERK • MALE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER/DEPUTY $27,040.00 yr. + Benefits $40,000.00 yr. + Benefits • COURT ADMINISTRATOR COUNTY COURT • PATROL DEPUTY AT LAW #2 SHERIFF’S OFFICE Salary DOE + Benefits $45,000.00 yr. + Benefits • ASSISTANT CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY • HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - CPS AND CIVIL PRECINCT #2 Salary DOE + Benefits Included - Paid $35,000.00 yr. + Benefits 100% • 911 COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR • MALE JUVENILE SUPERVISION/DETENTION SHERIFF OFFICERS $35,000.00 yr. + Benefits $40,000.00 yr. + Benefit • TRANSPORT DEPUTY • COURT REPORTER FOR COUNTY COURT AT SHERIFF OFFICE LAW #2 $45,000.00 yr. + Benefits $60,000.00 yr. + DOE + Benefits • BUILDING MAINTENANCE/ • LANDSCAPING/CONSTRUCTION CORRECTIONAL OFFICER $32,423.02 yr. + Benefits $40,000.00 yr. + DOE + Benefits Full Time benefits include 100% County-paid Employee Medical & Dental Insurance, Paid Life/Disability Insurance, Retirement & Vac/Sick Leave. Applications are available on the website at https://www.taylorcountytexas.org/Jobs.aspx or in the Taylor County Plaza, 400 Oak Street, Suite 120, Abilene, Texas.Office hours are 8-12 & 1-5. EOE
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Tito’s Announces Its, “Love, Tito’s Small Business Grant Program” By Accion Opportunity Fund.
HOW IT WORKS The “Love, Tito’s Small Business Grant Program” will provide 10 grants of $25,000 each to small business owners who best demonstrate in their application:
Tito’s Handmade Vodka was founded by sixth-generation Texan, Bert “Tito” Beveridge. In the mid-nineties, on a plot of land in rural Austin, he built a 998 square foot shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts, and created Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tito’s has grown from that small, bootstrapped operation to a fan-favorite brand known for its award-winning product, no-frills label, fair price, and widespread charitable contributions.
• A meaningful connection to their community • A clear and compelling vision for their business • The Tito’s Handmade Vodka values of grit, love, kindness, family, meaning and purpose
This year, Tito’s is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The company is passionate about entrepreneurship and wants to give back to small business owners who are following their passion and making an impact in their community – just like Tito did, and continues to do, alongside the wider Tito’s Handmade Vodka team. Through the company’s Love, Tito’s philanthropic program, which aims to turn spirits into love and goodness, Tito’s is excited to launch the “Love, Tito’s Small Business Grant
Small businesses are eligible to apply for the “Love, Tito’s Small Business Grant Program,” if they meet the following criteria:
Program,” which will support 10 small business owners with $25,000 grants to support their vision for growth.
• Be owned by the applicant • Business owner(s) must be at least 21 years of age or older z Be based in the United States • Have been in business for at least one year at the time of application launch (since June 2021) • Have earned less than $1 million in revenue in 2021 • Have a business bank account • Business owner(s) must not hold an inter-
est in an alcoholic beverage license of any kind or be employed by a business that holds an alcohol license • Not own a business in a restricted industry. Full list at https://aofund. org/program/titos-small-business-grant-program/#Ineligible_industry Interested applicants can fill out the application and provide all required documentation at https://aofund.org/program/titos-small-business-grant-program. To apply, applicants will need to sign in or create an account with Submittable, the application software that we use. Applications will be accepted from June 1, 2022 8am ET to June 30, 2022 8pm ET Accion Opportunity Fund will assess the grant applications against the program criteria and select 10 grantees to receive $25,000 grants each Grantees will be notified in July 2022 and grants will be issued in August 2022
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