Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
MARCH 2019
Volume 9, Issue 11
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
ADVERTISING SALES • Terri Collum (325) 439-1214 terri@hispaniclifemedia.com
• David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and 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. 2019 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
Spring is in the air, and with all this crazy Texas weather, you just never know. With all kinds of stuff in the air going viral, you might want to make it a priority to wash your hands, take some extra vitamins and stay hydrated. Taking care of ourselves sometimes gets pushed to the side, because many of us are working parents, or just working people, and we just have so many other things on our priority list that we think of ourselves last. In reality, ourselves should be the number one priority, and too many of us think that is being selfish, but it really isn’t. The saying, “When momma is happy everyone is happy”, really has some truth in it, even if you’re not a mom. Put in whatever title you are in that place, and it still rings true. When you feel better, physically, mentally, and spiritually, things just seem to be better all around. Yes, it can be hard to take care of ourselves, especially if we have others to take care of. You can start off by taking small baby steps, maybe when you wake up out of bed take the time just to sit and be thankful that you woke up to another day of life, maybe do some quick stretches right by your bed just to get your blood flowing. Maybe you haven’t been to the doctor in a few years, take the time to go get a check-up, to make sure everything is working properly, get bloodwork done, get a mammogram, get a colonoscopy, and the list goes on and on. We only get one body, and we need to take care of what we have. Maybe we need to start making better food choices, going on walks with the family around the neighborhood, if this Texas weather allows! Whatever it may be, don’t overwhelm yourself, just start off small. Remember, tomorrow isn’t promised and YOU are important, and YOU have a purpose; so take the time to be good to yourself. Here at HispanicLife we would also like to wish our CEO David Hernandez a BIG happy 50th birthday! May GOD continue to bless you tremendously with many more years of life. We appreciate all you do!
Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
The eyes of West Texas NFL Fans on Potential KEENUM vs. McCOY Battle in Washington By Greg Jaklewicz | Abilene Reporter-News
It’s not often that a trade involving the Washington Redskins excites Big Country football fans. But it may now. For four seasons, former Jim Ned High School standout Colt McCoy has played for the Redskins. Mostly a backup to starters to Kirk Cousins and then Alex Smith, McCoy has made occasional starts. One was memorable, a 20-17 win over the Cowboys in Dallas in 2014. He played in three games last season, taking over for Smith after he broke a leg. McCoy then broke his leg against the Eagles on Dec. 4 and missed season.
Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum (4), seen against the Houston Texans, may start the 2019 season in Washington.
the rest of the
Now, after a trade with the Denver Broncos, the Redskins are bringing aboard Case Keenum, the one-time Abilene Wylie High School standout who led the Bulldogs to the 2004 Class 3A state title. Keenum in 2017 came off the bench to lead the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC title game, then signed with Denver. He started all 16 games in 2018, completing 62 percent of his passes for 3,890 yards. But the Broncos were 6-10 and missed the playoffs. That led to signing castoff Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Keenum’s future in Denver, after one season, was in doubt, and his next stop will be Wash-
Colt McCoy, who played high school football at Jim Ned, started for the
ington. He also has played for Washington Redskins on Nov. 22 against the Dallas Cowboys, losing 31the Houston Texans and both 23 in Arlington. versions of the Rams, first in NFL win-loss record is 33-48. St. Louis and then in Los Angeles. One social media commenter said there can only be one winner in this situation, and it’s not He starred at the University of Houston, setting the Redskins. records for the Cougars including throwing for 19,217 yards, which is the all-time NCAA But for those in the Abilene area who followed mark. stellar high school and college careers by McCoy and Keenum, it’s a homegrown battle. McCoy won a record 45 games at the University of Texas at Austin from 2006-09, and was Interest in the Redskins in Dallas Cowboys the 2008 Heisman Trophy runner-up. country has been tested before. Former Abilene Cooper player Terry Orr was a tight end for They now may be competing for the starting Washington from 1986 to 1993. job in Washington. If indeed a Keenum and McCoy battle materiThe prospect of two largely backup quarter- alizes, local interest in the Cowboys’ most trabacks battling to start has not been met with ex- ditional rival will be heightened again. citement from Redskins fans. Their combined
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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By Janis C. Test | Information Services Manager, Abilene Public Library
March is a good time to learn new things, and there may be a few things about your Abilene Public Library you don’t know, or perhaps have forgotten! I think it happens at least once a week to me that I’ll be helping someone in the library and mention a resource or service, and the person will say something like “Gee, I didn’t know you did that!” Your library, at all three locations, does lots of things, and here’s a good chance to hear about some of them. One of the most simple things that libraries do is offer free library cards to anyone who lives within the Abilene city limits, or any military personnel (Active Duty Military, Military Retirees and Military Dependents with a valid and current DoD ID Card). Non residents can get cards for a fee of $10 per year. That makes it so easy to check out books, download digital resources, and use our online resources to help with entertainment, study, or whatever you want - all free! A library card gives you hours of computer access at any library location, access to books from other libraries across the state and nation through InterLibrary Loan, and access to books at the three Abilene university libraries. You don’t even have to go to those libraries to use the items - we can have them brought to you at the APL location of your choice. Now, that’s convenience! Each location has free programs for all ages - from computer classes and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs for adults to all the traditional children’s programming (storytimes, craft programs) and some that aren’t so traditional - coding and other computer skills
classes for tweens and teens, STEAM programs for them and a chess club. There’s always something going on at the Abilene Public Library - all you have to do is pick up the phone at 325-676-6025 or go to abilenetx.gov/apl and click on “Events & Programs” to find out all about our offerings. Among the other notable offerings for everyone, we have rooms for studying, larger rooms for public and club meetings, and the Creation Station, where only your imagination can limit what you can do. Classes and maker-meetup sessions to help you learn all about the Cricut and 3D printer machines are available when it’s convenient for you. For help with mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, we have Technology Enrichment and Collaborative Help sessions at all three locations. If there is some other computer software or issue you need help with, Book-a-Librarian at any location at your convenience for help with word processing, e-mail, social media and other applications. Your Abilene Public Libraries also have free Notary Public services at all three locations, during regular work hours of 8-5, but often also available during evenings and weekends - if you’ll call the location of your choice, they can tell you when a Notary is available. Don’t forget free Tax help at Mockingbird and Main branches during March through April 13th. You can do most anything you need to do at your public library, and the staff is here to help, so we hope you will give us the chance to do so as you try out some of these resources and services you might not have known about.
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999. He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.
SPOTLIGHT
City of Abilene’s New App Helps Fill Potholes By Lindsey Ragas | KTXS
A new app launched by the City of Abilene, SeeClickFix, is helping to fix hundreds of potholes all across the city. SeeClickFix launched last month and lets residents report problems directly to the City of Abilene, such as potholes, bent signs, graffiti, illegal dumping and a variety of other issues. Potholes have been a major concern for local drivers over the years and SeeClickFix is one way that the City of Abilene can handle the issue.
With 37 years on the department David Standard has decided to retire. David joined the Abilene Fire Department in March of 1982. He is certified as a Master Firefighter, Fire Service Instructor II-Intermediate and EMT-Intermediate. He spent the majority of his career driving a Ladder Truck or Engine. He made a point to remind people that, “driving is still the best job on the department.”
Abilene Director of Public Works Greg McCaffery said that the app has been a success so far, creating more work for the City of Abilene’s employees. “I would say we probably had maybe close to 800 or 900 requests regarding potholes that we have been able to repair or address through that app, in addition to ones that our staff are aware of themselves,” McCaffery said. SeeClickFix allows users to upload a photo of the pothole and add a location to the photo. After that, City of Abilene employees aim to fix the potholes within 72 hours of when they were first reported.
FREE Notary Public Services
“On any given day, we may have two to three pothole patch crews patching potholes throughout the city, and that’s what they’re doing during their entire shift,” said McCaffery.
at all three locations, during regular work hours of 8-5.
Each pothole patch crew fills dozens of potholes throughout the work week.
202 Cedar St. Mall-4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. 1326 N. Mockingbird Ln.
This year, over 19,000 potholes have been filled and there were over 151,000 pothole patch repairs done in 2018.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita to Capture the Heart and Soul of Abilene
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Randy Cole | Celebrity Attractions
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster hit musical EVITA celebrates the 40th anniversary of its 1979 Broadway debut, live on stage at the Abilene Convention Center Auditorium on Sunday, March 10th at 7:00pm for one show only. Staged by Andy Ferrara with musical direction by Lloyd Cooper, the tour brings together talent from around the country to perform one of the best-known musicals in history. Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit CelebrityAttractions. com, call 800.869.1451 or visit the Abilene Convention Center Box Office. EVITA is welcomed in Abilene by Perry Hunter Hall Insurance and presented by Celebrity Attractions and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council.
Free Tax Assistance with the AARP Doing even simple taxes can be a chore, so let our IRS trained volunteers from the AARP help during this annual program at the library February 1- April 13. Main Library Auditorium, 10:00 – 3:00 Wednesdays and Thursdays Mockingbird Branch, Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 – 3:00 Bring your 2018 tax materials such as W-2 forms, Social Security cards and last year’s return for first-come, first served assistance. Some basic tax forms are freely available in the Information Services department in the basement of the Main Library.
EVITA charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony® Award-Winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor, illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leaderturned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33. The events in Evita’s life are presented in song, while the story is led by the show’s narrator, Che. Well-known numbers from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece include “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Oh What a Circus,” “Buenos Aires” and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall.”
The popular film version of EVITA won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for the new song ‘You Must Love Me,’ which Madonna (role: Eva) sang in the film. “We are excited to include “You Must Love Me” in our touring production of EVITA,” shared musical director Lloyd Cooper. “Thanks to Rice and Lloyd Webber, the musical has grown even richer with the addition of this gorgeous ballad.’
EVITA reunites Ferrara with long time collaborators Chad Bonaker (lighting design), Nicholas White (sound design) and Thomas Marquez (wardrobe coordinator). Award-winning set designer Bruce Brockman has created a new look for EVITA, coordinating with video designer Mark Ciglar to add a special high-tech dimension to this production.
Atlantic on Eva’s Rainbow Tour, bring her back to her beloved descamisados, and do all of it seamlessly onstage.” Starring as Eva is Miami-based actress Yael Reich, who has been featured in national tours of RENT and MAMMA MIA!, among other hits. She is joined by Los Angeles actors Lance Galgon as Che and Gary Barton as Juan Peron. A talented cast of singer/dancers and orchestra of nine musicians round out the touring company, under the auspices of general manager/ executive producer Paul Rambacher. EVITA will appear at the Abilene Convention Center Auditorium for one performance, Sunday, March 10th at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at CelebrityAttractions.com, by phone at 800.869.1451 or in person at the Abilene Convention Center Auditorium. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount by calling 800.869.1451 x220.
Ticket buyers are reminded that for Celebrity Attractions’ productions, buying online at CelebrityAttractions.com, by phone at 800.869.1451 and in person at the Abilene Convention Center Box Office are the only official retail ticket outlets and the only way to guarantee that you are paying face value for legitimate tickets. Ticket buyers who purchase “With the increasing use of video on Broadway tickets from a ticket broker or any third party and in touring productions, we felt it was time should also be aware that Celebrity Attractions to bring this technology to our production of is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with “With what’s going on in the world of poliinformation regarding time changes or other tics today, there’s no better time to re-visit this pertinent updates regarding the performance. iconic work of musical theater,” praised director Ferrara. “We are excited to bring EVITA to Get social with Celebrity Attractions by betheaters across the country.” coming a fan on Facebook.com/BWayAbilene. Follow the Abilene engagement of EVITA by One of the most lauded works in musical thejoining the conversation using #EVITALR. ater history, EVITA has earned accolades and Celebrity Attractions and the Abilene Cultural awards across the globe, including the OlAffairs Council are proud to have Perry Hunter ivier Award, Drama Desk Award™ and Tony Hall Insurance as the welcoming sponsor for Award® for Best Musical. The 1980 Grammy EVITA and KTAB/KRBC and TownePlace Award for Best Cast Show Album went to Rice Suites by Marriott Abilene Northeast as sponand Lloyd Webber for EVITA. Twenty-Five sors for this spectacular season. For more inEnglish language recordings of the cast album formation, please visit www.CelebrityAttracjoin foreign language versions in Spanish, Ger- EVITA,” continued Ferrara. “With our video tions.com. man, Japanese, Hebrew, Czech, Korean and walls, we can take the audience cinematically Icelandic among many others. from rural Junin to the Casa Rosada, cross the
Pick us up at Alfonso Hernandez Bakery, Mr. Jiffy & Daniela’s Tex-Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 9
New Track and Field Site in The Works Near Shotwell Stadium By BigCountryHomePage.com
A new track and field site near Shotwell Stadium is in the works. Join us for the 26th annual Steam-N-Wheels Bike Race Saturday, March 16, starting at 10:00am! Riders can choose from three course routes: 12, 32, and 48 miles. It’s $35 per person, and you can register now up until March 14 at 5:00pm. Day of registration will begin at 8:00am until 9:30am, with the fee increasing to $45/ per rider. Packet pickup will be available on race day beginning at 8am. The first 150 riders that register will receive a complimentary long sleeve event t-Adver• shirt! Prizes will be available for winners of the different age divisions, and be sure to wear green to get into the St. Patty spirit! Register online at www.abilenetx.gov/signup or www.bikereg.com/abilene
The Abilene Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a zoning change that would place the new track and field arena just north of Shotwell Stadium tis- next to the newly-resurfaced parking lot.
or
ing 1-32 1-9505 email us at: info@5-70 hispani-
The plan was part of the Abilene Independent School District bond issue approved by voters in 2018.
The new facility would include a 1,000seat grandstand, an 8-lane track, light poles, concession stand and bathrooms. A new discus and shot put area would be across the parking lot.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Mockingbird Community Night: Neighbor to Neighbor • March 19th
By Janis C. Test | Information Services Manager, Abilene Public Library
If you are living in and around Mockingbird Branch Library (1326 N. Mockingbird) join us for a Neighbor to Neighbor Night on Tuesday March 19th at 5:30pm. Our goal is to provide a safe, central, welcoming space for those living on the northwest side of town to meet and get to know our neighbors.
neighborhood. Getting to know your neighbors promotes a friendly local atmosphere.”
Representatives from Abilene Police Department as well as Connecting, Caring, Communities will be on hand at our event. Connecting, Caring, Communities, or CCC as they are often referred to, is a non-profit organization focused on building communities. CCC is a co-sponsor along with Abilene Police Department in the Neighbor2Neighbor initiative which serves as Abilene’s neighborhood watch program. In addition to watching out for crime, Neighbor2Neighbor highlights building relationships.
Well connected neighborhoods often provide residents a sense of security as well. Public libraries can be one of the most unifying spaces in any community, since libraries are place where individuals gather to explore, interact and imagine. In the words of Robert Putnam, “people may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other (and themselves) there as well. “ Reading can connect people in so many ways and it’s something we’ve come to identify as being synonymous with the library. But why stop there? Here at Mockingbird Branch we want to utilize our building itself to help draw the community together in a meaningful way. We’ve got the space to host community events, so why not invite you in?
Getting to know your neighbors is important, no matter where you live or how long you’ve lived there. In our increasingly digital world, more and more of us are staying isolated within our immediate friends and family circle. According to UrbanBound.com “Sometimes it feels like America is losing its sense of community, and that’s a bad thing. It’s not totally lost however, and you can change the tide in your
If you live between the streets of Mockingbird Lane, North 1st, Winters Freeway and Vogel St, you are just the neighbor we’d love to meet! We’ll kick things off promptly at 5:15pm and light refreshments will be served as we hear a brief update on our neighborhood from the Abilene Police Dept. and representatives of CCC. For more information, give us a call at 325-437-7323.
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Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
World’s Largest Spring-Fed Swimming Pool at Balmorhea State Park Reopens By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News
Environmental concerns The $2 million repair project involved hand demolition and removal of material “due to the sensitivity of the site and the presence of endangered species,” TPW said. No heavy equipment was used during construction.
The historic, spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park reopened Friday after being closed since May because of structural damage. Only the 1.3-acre pool and day-use areas of the park are open as renovations continue on other areas of the facility, according to a Friday social media update from the park. “The park is also undergoing a complete wastewater system replacement, so the bathhouse showers will be unavailable until the wastewater system is in place,” according to the post.
The 1.3-acre, spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park reopened on March 1, 2019, after undergoing a $2 million rehabilitation project. (Photo: Courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife Twitter account)
Balmorhea State Park is like a desert oasis with the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, according to TPW. More than 15 million Renovations to the San Solomon Springs gallons of water gush from the San Solomon Courts and campgrounds continue, and over- Springs and flow through the pool daily. night facilities at the park will not be available until later this summer, Texas Parks & Wildlife The pool was built by the Civilian Conservasaid in a news release. tion Corps in the mid-1930s. It is up to 25 feet deep and holds 3.5 million gallons of water at Desert oasis a steady temperature range of 72 to 76 degrees Located halfway between Odessa and El Paso, year-round. Another attraction of the pool is swimming with fish and aquatic animals.
During an annual cleaning of the pool in May, park staff discovered structural damage to the concrete apron under the diving board. The apron stabilizes the pool’s walls against erosion. Once the pool was closed, a “geotechnical examination concluded that the structure failure was due to years of undermining erosion behind the wall caused by the flow of water from the springs,” TPW said in a news release.
“The extensive repair project included the creation of cofferdams, salvaging of the historic diving board and brick around the pool edge and demolition of concrete around the diving board area. In addition, the existing distressed wall and backfill was removed, a new footing foundation was installed, backfill was replaced and a new wall was constructed,” TPW said in a news release. Apache Corporation jump-started the project fund-raising with a $1 million challenge grant announced by the company and TPW Foundation in August. The company also contributed $1 million to an endowment to benefit the park. The pool and park is now open daily 8 a.m. until sunset or 7:30 p.m., whichever comes first, according to the state park social media update. The pool restrooms close at 7 p.m. each day.
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Join the Mayor for a Spring Hike By City of Abilene
Saturday, March 30, 2019 9:00 AM • Cedar Creek 100 block of E.S. 11th St. Take an adventurous hike with Mayor Anthony Williams for the 2019 Mayor’s Spring Hike! This 3 mile hike along Cedar Creek will take place Saturday, March 30th beginning at 9:00 A.M. This is a FREE, family friendly event that is open to the public and leashed dogs are welcome to join. Due to the terrain of the trail, strollers and bikes are not allowed. The hike will begin in the grassy area on 100 block of E.S. 11th Street, adjacent to the intersection of Maple and South 11th. Participants will travel north along the bank of Cedar Creek to Stevenson Park then return by the same trail. Parking will be available on South 11th street and signage will direct hikers to the designated parking area. Some recommendations to ensure a fun-filled and safe hike: •Bring water and sunscreen along •Wear comfortable shoes; no flip flops or sandals •Dress for the weather; wear long pants, bring a jacket and a hat
Before starting any wellness program or engaging in physical activity, consult your physician. For more information please visit www.abilenetx.gov/recreation or parksandrec@abilenetx.gov
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
The Pizza House in Clyde is Back By Popular Demand
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
By Kelsee Pitman | BigCountryHomePage.com
When the Pizza House off I-20 in Clyde closed in May 2018, the community was upset. Ever since, the owners would get asked every day when they are going to open back up. Now is that time. “Everybody knows about it and it’s the place. I mean everybody loves Clyde Pizza Haus,” said Randy Tollett, long-time customer.
“I remember when they first opened in Clyde and my family just loves it. My daughter lives in Fort Worth, when they come in that’s the first stop. We’ve got to take her and the kids to the Pizza Haus,” said Tollett. Now they’re making the restaurant a home away from home, with the family members that own it, like the Self sisters’ dad, who started the company back in 1990.
With only one post to Facebook about if the flags are flying, they are open at their new “He was a very special man, and this was his location at 212 N 1st in Clyde. The planned dream and I guess we just had to continue it,” soft opening turned into more than 400 pizzas said Lyn Self-Thompson, Co-Owner. cooked. The customers are loving the food, but more im“I just love seeing all the people we didn’t see, portantly, the people. because, you know, we got to be really close with a lot of the costumers and they were tex- “They know you, when you walk into the door ting our personal phones and messaging us, and they know what your order is. They greet you saying, ‘When are y’all going to get this up,’ by name. They just love you and take care of so I’ll just be happy to see everybody,” said you and that’s what makes the pizza even more DeeDee Self-Scott, Co-owner of Pizza Haus special,” said Lesie Lee, of Lee’s True Value, His Legacy. neighbor to Pizza Haus.
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The customers still remember the times they They chose this location in hopes to increase had here and look forward to the many more business in downtown Clyde. to come.
Lo Que Es Imposible Para El Hombre CON DIOS, TODAS LAS COSAS SON POSIBLES Solo tienes que tener FE para creer!
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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A Thousand Points of Sight:
Student Art Colors Abilene’s Grace Museum By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Olga Uwera stood in awe on the second floor of The Grace Museum. Her watercolor hung on the wall.
Grace, so this is an event where we can have our whole community come out.
It’s a first for the 16-year-old Wylie High School student. Having her own creation displayed there, for everyone to see this month, is a confidence booster, she said.
Not just Abilene
Real good medicine for an aching brain. “Lately, I haven’t had a lot of motivation to do art,” she said. “Now, I think I’ll be doing a lot of art.”
Art, art everywhere
While her piece on display for The Grace Museum’s annual Youth Art Month showcase was a watercolor, Uwera said her favorite style actually is drawing in the abstract. Watercolor was just the assignment from her teacher. Uwera’s first experience wasn’t the only first this month, as The Grace’s exhibit includes four schools that haven’t been involved in the program before. In fact, 1,036 pieces fill the second-floor exhibit space, which is host of the youth art gallery through March. That figure is 200 more than were on display a year ago, according to museum’s education director, Kathryn Mitchell. Everything from a kindergarten student’s painted rendering of a caterpillar to a soonto-graduate honors student’s photography hangs. Together. They’re separated only by school groupings so parents and family can easily find their child’s creation. But once they do, it’s off to look through the rest. “We want to encourage (the students), that they can have their work in the museum,” Mitchell said. “And for our community, a lot of families are not used to coming to The
“Plus, I get to brag about our art teachers, both (at The Grace) and in Region 14.” Loraine ISD art teacher Tiffany Rawlings knew her students needed to be involved in this show. Joining the school this past year, from Sweetwater ISD, she hoped to inspire them much the same way Uwera said. Sweetwater has been participating, as have other Big Country public and private schools in Region 14. Motivation in art is a big part of what The Grace’s exhibition and the month in general is about. “This gives them ideas,” Rawlings said. “Their excitement, their energy, just the variety of works you see in this show. It makes my job fun.” Rawlings said about 10 of her students and their families made the roughly one hour drive to the museum for a special preview night Feb. 21. In all, her students contributed 46 pieces. Many of them had no idea the opportunity even existed until she brought it up in class. “Now that they know it’s here,” she said, “they’ve all told me they’ll be coming back this month. “I’m so proud of my kids.”
If You Go What: Youth Art Month show Where: The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. When: Through March Admission: Regular admission but free from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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Alzheimer’s Association Offers New Caregiver Support Group in Abilene By Mindy Bannister | Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter is pleased to announce the formation of a new caregiver support group in Abilene. The Memories Matter group meets the last Thursday of each month, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Lyndale Abilene – Memory Care, located at 6568 Central Park Boulevard. The Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter sponsors numerous support groups in its forty-county service area, including several in Abilene. The Memories Matter group is FREE, and is open to caregivers, family members, and friends of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Support group attendees share experiences and knowledge, listen to informative speakers, provide emotional support, and learn practical coping skills and strategies in matters relating to dementia—all in a confidential setting.
Reservations are not required. For more information, call Diane Irwin at 325-721-4387, or Mindy Bannister at 325-672-2907. About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s As-
sociation -- North Central Texas Chapter, which is affiliated with the national Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that covers a 40-county service area. Fort Worth serves as headquarters for the chapter, which has regional offices in Abilene, Waco and Wichita Falls. The North Central Texas Chapter serves more than 9,000 individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia annually through programs and services made possible by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit www.alz. org/northcentraltexas or call 800-272-3900.
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16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Rodolfo Villarreal Arredondo Jr., 69, passed away February 20, 2019. Mr. Arredondo was born January 01, 1950, in O’Donnell, Texas to Rodolfo and Lydia Arredondo. He lived in Abilene for over 50 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and on the Parish Council of St. Vincent of Palloti where he also served as an Usher and Eucharist Minister. Mr. Arredondo was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers: Jimmy and Joe Arredondo. He is survived by his loving, devoted wife Francisca Arredondo, sons: Rodolfo Arredondo III and wife Gloria of Fort Worth, Jesus Arredondo and wife Jennifer of Abilene, Francisco Arredondo and wife Rebecca Martinez of Abilene, daughters: Emilia Moreno and husband Lorenzo of Hawley, and Eleonor Holmes of Abilene, a brother Simon Arredondo of Abilene and four sisters: Irma Molina and husband Jesse of Abilene, Margarita Lugo and husband Andres of San Antonio, Anita Gomez and husband Benjamin of Austin, and Mary Rodriguez and husband Ruben of Wichita Falls. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren along with a host of extended family members and friends. Jesse Gonzales Gonzales, 72, passed away February 10, 2019. Mr. Gonzales was born October 31, 1946, in Abilene, Texas to Edward and Josephine Gonzales. He had many achievements in life including being married to Delores Gonzales for 55 years, being self employed and ordained with Assembly of God. Survivors include his wife Delores Gonzales, son Gregory Gonzales and wife Eloisa Davilla Gonzales of The Woodlands, Texas, daughters Lory Ann Hicks and husband John Hicks of Cleveland, Ohio, Stephanie Villarreal and Husband Rick Villarreal of Abilene, Texas, Natalie Gonzales of Wichita Falls, Texas. Sisters Josephine Zimmerman and husband Rick Zimmerman of California, Elida Antaya and husband Gil Antaya of South Dakota. As well as 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchilden. Mr. Gonzales was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Josephine Gonzales, sister Amparo James, brothers Joe Arellano, Rudy Arellano, Edward Gonzales and children Cynthia Rodriguez and Jesse Lee Gonzales.
Ada Maria Perez, 87, passed away February 28, 2019. Ms. Perez was born October 07, 1931, in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico to Nazario and Maria Perez. Ms. Perez was preceded in death by both her parents; a daughter: Linda Herring; four brothers: Otilio, Aurelio, Jaime, and Domingo; four sisters: Virginia, Carmen, Adelina, and Lucy. Know by many simply as Ma, she was a binding force that brought diverse groups of people together. She never spoke harsh of others regardless of their transgressions. She continues to inspire us all to be better human beings. The world is a better place because she was in it. She is survived by five sons: Joseph Cassino of Virginia, Eddie and wife Evie Leon of New York, Anthony and wife Laura Cassino of New York, Manny and wife Annmarie Leon of Cypress, Texas, Irving and wife Delia Leon of Florida; daughters: Sarita and husband Randy Holt of Austin, Texas, Joann and husband Kym Mendes of Abilene, Ophelia Naveda of New York; brothers: Joe and wife Mimi Perez of Puerto Rico, and Carlos Perez also of Puerto Rico. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren and as many as 12 great grandchildren. You left the world a better place and will always be forever in our hearts. We have truly been blessed to have shared in the moments of your life.
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Big Hearts:
Abilene Daycare Steps Up To Help Children in CPS Care More than 200 youngsters are cared for at Abilene daycare All God’s Children. The child care facility is stepping up to help other children in the community. “I think it’s footprints to our future. Abilene needs to take care of our children. It takes a village like they say,” says Alice Andrade, the Chair of the AGC Board.
in Taylor County,” says Rhea Rodriguez, the Chair of the Taylor County Child Welfare Board. Rhea Rodriguez believes it’s a project that can change the pace for children going through a difficult time. “You feel for them. There is empathy. You want them to know there is help out there. That they’re not alone.”
Andrade is putting one foot forward to collect new shoes for children who end up in the care of Child Protective Services, “When this popped up, we thought wow this is a great opportunity to help out.”
Andrade adds, “We need to help them.”
There are boxes set up at the daycare to collect new pairs of shoes. The donations will be taken to the Bluebonnet Room. It’s a place where clothing and shoes are kept to help children who are removed from their homes.
This effort is leading up to next month’s initiative for Child Abuse Awareness Month. The 380 pairs of shoes will be displayed outside the Taylor County Courthouse to show the community how many children were removed from their homes in 2018 in Taylor County.
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“On average, 428 children are in substitute care
“I think it’s fantastic that other entities in our town that partnering with us and that’s really what we’re wanting,” says Rodriguez.
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Abilene Welcomes The New Owners of Shipley’s Do-Nuts Meet our new friends and owners at Shipley’s Do-Nuts! Ryan, his wife Brittanye, and their daughter Madison just moved here from Waco to open up a doughnut shop here in Abilene. Ryan says the reason he opened up a Shipley’s is “deeper than doughnuts.” “God gives us different talents and I believe that God has given me a heart to serve people. I have always wanted
to work in a place where the product brought smiles to peoples faces.” It’s the GRAND OPENING of Shipley’s Do-Nuts!! So stop by, introduce yourself, and grab a delicious donut! You won’t be dissapointed.
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HSU Soccer Star Signs with Top Spanish Professional Team By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University
From her hometown in Highland Village, Texas, senior soccer player Kenne Kessler has brought nothing but cheer to Hardin-Simmons by showing her hard work and dedication for her sport and her team. Named one of the four captains last year, her game was proven to improve each year, and now HSU is excited to announce that the Cowgirl has signed a professional contract to play with the Spanish soccer club Villarreal CF.
the season with Villareal and figure out if the atmosphere and style fit my personality, and if it does, I plan to pursue another contract to continue to play,” says Kessler.
The big opportunity came when Kessler traveled over the Christmas break to Spain to try She scored 84 goals in 89 games and had 37 asout with several teams. In one of the games, sists for HSU. In that period, she was awarded All-American of the Year twice.
“I am very proud of Kenne. It took courage. She believed in herself and earned a wonderful opportunity,” says Wood.
“This opportunity means a lot to me because it has been something I worked for and dreamed about for a long time. It is every little soccer player’s dream to one day get to travel the world and play the sport they love,” says Kessler.
Kessler graduates this semester and looks forward to the new opportunities in the future. With a major in biology, she worked hard to be a student-athlete at Hardin-Simmons. Besides being a competitor, Kessler knows how to keep up with school.
“In her time at HSU, she led us to four straight ASC Championships, four straight NCAA Sweet 16’s and a trip to the NCAA Final 4 in 2017. She is a very special competitor,” says HSU women’s soccer coach, Marcus Wood. Kessler’s future team is ranked second place in their division. If they get first or second place in the second-tier division, Villarreal will get promoted to league the top league, called La Liga. The pre-season in Spain is halfway over, so the Cowgirl will be joining them mid-season. With her new team, Kenne will compete with the most notable teams in the country. “My future plans with Spain are to go finish
cer team, Kessler played an essential role in HSU’s purple and gold team. “HSU definitely gave me the tools to achieve this by teaching me so much about teamwork, hard work and most importantly perseverance,” she says.
“Kenne is driven, motivated, hardworking and resilient. She has a 4.0 GPA and has twice been the Player of the Year for the Academic All-American team. All of her success is a result of hard work,” says Coach Wood. As a competitor, Kessler learned to build her own way and work Kenne’s team played against for what she loves doing. Levante which is near the top of La Liga. They lost 3-2, but Kenne scored both “The best advice I was given was plain and goals. After the tryouts, the coach of Villarreal simple, ‘prove them wrong,’” she says. “PeoCF contacted her and arranged to sign up a ple will constantly doubt you no matter what professional contract. you do or achieve so instead of letting them get in your head use that as motivation the next Besides playing for the Texas Spurs soc- time you step into competition.”
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Pharmacy Students Practice Residency Interview Skills By Mark Hendricks | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Fourth-year pharmacy students interested in applying for post-graduate residency positions were able to practice their interview skills Jan. 10-11 at the School of Pharmacy’s annual mock interview sessions. Twenty-nine faculty members, 19 residents and three staff members served as volunteers for the exercises.
also were encouraged to act like people in those jobs might act if they were actually interviewing potential residents.
Krystal Edwards, associate dean for career development, said the students were required to dress professionally and to act as if they were visiting and interviewing at the site of their preferred residency location.
“I loved receiving feedback on the variety of questions and I feel much better prepared for the questions I will receive on interview day. The two-on-one interviews were good preparation for speaking to more than one person and good practice for the art of making eye contact with both people.”
Each student received formal written feedback about their interviews and clinical case presentation when the mock interviews and clinical case presentations were completed. After the sessions ended, students, residents and faculty on each campus The 2019 event, sponsored by the school’s Office of joined together for a question-and-answer session, an overall Professional Affairs, debriefing and to fill included 38 students out an evaluation of representing all four the event. School of Pharmacy campuses. Each stuOne student evaluadent completed two tion said the different one-on-one faculty types of questions interviews, one group posed by the volunresidency interview teer interviewers and and one faculty group the feedback providinterview. The stued at the end of each dents also presented a interview were the clinical case during the most helpful aspects mock sessions. of the event.
“The students provided their CV and a letter of intent to interviewers to simulate the individualized residency interview,” Edwards said. “Interviews were conducted with both students and interviewers asking and answering questions, followed by immediate feedback from the interviewer.
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Another student evaluation said the feedback they received after one interview helped them improve for the next interview.
To better help the students prepare for future interviews, Edwards said faculty volunteers were encour- “I found myself improvaged to play different roles like administrators, residen- ing on answers from previous interviews in subsequent intercy program directors and preceptors. The volunteers views and saw how the change in my answer impacted the impression I made as a potential candidate.”
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ACU Alumna Finds Herself Involved in Medical Research as Scientist and Patient By Deana Nall | ACU Today, Abilene Christian University
Beth (Hull ’01) Daugherity was vacuuming when it happened. A strange, unmistakable twinge in her ribs that crackled, like Rice Krispies in milk. Over the next several days, her discomfort grew. She couldn’t sleep on her left side and wondered if she had pneumonia even though she wasn’t coughing. An x-ray revealed a fully collapsed left lung, and Beth underwent surgery and was released. But one morning, she woke up to the familiar crackling in her side, but on the right side this time. After a second surgery, Beth’s surgeon and pulmonologist delivered a devastating diagnosis: lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
and collapsing seemed to line up with her ovulation and menstrual cycles. Her doctors had never mentioned a hormonal link, but she had tracked her cycles for 15 years and noticed that many months, she had documented rib pain and chest pressure during her cycles– going back to her college years. Doctors had dismissed Beth’s complaints of these symptoms over the years, but with her more recent issues, she had more evidence and research to support her theory. Beth got her gynecologist on board, who agreed that Beth’s lung issues were hormone-driven and that she needed an oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries). After the surgery and hormone suppresLymphangioleiomyomatosis, or LAM, is an sion therapy, Beth’s lungs healed and she has extremely rare pulmonary disorder defined by now been stable since 2016. She’s not sympa growth of smooth muscle cells throughout tom-free and still has lingering pain from the the lungs, pulmonary blood vessels, lymphatics and pleurae. LAM is progressive and eventually leads to respiratory failure and death. The disorder is so rare that Beth’s surgeon had to practice pronouncing it before giving her the news. Throughout her pulmonologist’s career, he had only had one other LAM patient, and she died while waiting for a transplant. Beth was given a prognosis of five years. “Getting my diagnosis was devastating,” she said. “We were shattered.” Beth and her husband, Mike (’02), are both scientists. She earned a chemistry degree from ACU, and Mike is an associate professor in ACU’s Department of Engineering and Physics. Researching comes naturally to the Daugheritys, so they dove into journal articles, National Institute of Health data, the LAM Foundation website and the LAM clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas to learn as much as they could about this complicated disorder. Meanwhile, Beth’s lungs were not holding up. By the end of 2015, she had nine lung collapses, four lung surgeries, 15 chest tubes and 13 pleurodeses – the procedure that induces scar tissue and adheres the lung to the chest wall in an attempt to prevent more lung collapses.
trauma to her chest and back. But not enough to slow her down. In a profound coincidence, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Abilene has opened a lab devoted to researching LAM. This spring, after finishing three catch-up biochemistry courses, Beth hopes to begin a PhD program at TTUHSC to further research LAM. She also hopes to spread more awareness about the disease. “I would love to do some combination of public speaking, fundraising, research coordination, and perhaps teaching,” said Beth, who is grateful every day that at least in her case, she and her doctors were able to find an answer.
“Some days are bad, but everyone with a Throughout her excruciating and terrifying chronic disease would say that. Every day my ordeal, Beth noticed that her lungs leaking lungs are inflated is a good day.”
MAKING
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TRACY ESPINOSA DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Cooper High School TITLE: Secretary YEARS WITH AISD: This is my 13th year with AISD. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU ATTEND? Knox City and Knox City High School TELLS US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: Married to Robert for 27 years. Two kids: my son, Coletun Espinosa and his wife, Allison and my daughter, Larissa Espinosa. They are all in Abilene and all three graduated from Cooper. TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOURSELF: I drive just about every week to go watch my nephews play sports in Knox City WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Getting to know students and watching them grow over the years, and the people I work with make the job fun! WHAT THE BOSS SAYS ABOUT HER: “I could not do my job without Tracy! She does a wonderful job building relationships with parents and students and keeps those
relationships for years. She is open and caring and is willing to help anyone who needs help. Her welcoming spirit, dedication and patience is helpful as she works with teachers, parents and students. While it is not a requirement for her job, she is a leader to others within the office. This allows for a level of trust that is invaluable to me as a campus leader.” – Dr. Karen Munoz, Principal, Cooper High School
22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Student Awards Handed Out in Jazz Band And Art By Deana Nall | ACU Today, Abilene Christian University
5 AISD Musicians Win Spots on All- Gold Key Scholastic Award for Let Go. Region Jazz Band
received a Gold Key and advanced to national judging for Burning Bridges;
Caleb Queen and Coleman Patterson on sax, Brian Lester on trombone and Geanna Rodriguez on bass trombone were the all-region selections from AHS. Cooper’s Zachry Valentine made it for trumpet.
Three Mann Middle School students received Scholastic Awards: Joaquin Contreras received an Honorable Mention for SevenTenComics; Reece Martin received a Silver Key for Leon & Friends; Glorianna Nichols received one Gold Key for Bad Habits; and Jose Sanchez received an Honorable Mention for Diego.
Abilene High qualified four musicians while Cooper High added another to the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Region 6 AllRegion Jazz Band.
The honorees were among AHS and CHS students who competed in the regional jazz band auditions on Feb. 9. The five all-region students will participate in the TMEA Region 6 Jazz Band Clinic and Concert at Abilene Wylie on March 1-2. The AHS jazz band is under the direction of Jon Kraemer, and Clay Johnson directs at CHS.
Art Students Win Awards in Three Competitions
Art students from Abilene High; the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math & Science; and Cooper High placed students among the award winners at three recent art competitions – the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Association of Texas Photography Instructors Fall Photo Contest and the Midwestern State University High School Art Competition. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Through the Awards, students receive opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Gold Key Awards are the very best works and are automatically considered for national-level recognition. Silver Key Awards are stand-out works that demonstrate exceptional ability. Honorable Mention is given for accomplished works showing great skill and potential. ATEMS student Hailie March received one
Fifteen Cooper High students received Scholastic awards: Micah Boykin received a Gold Key for The Window To The Soul; Juliana Gutierrez received two Silver Keys for Memory and Lost In Thought; Byrin Hollowell received one Honorable Mention for One Step At A Time; Keegan Jackson received an Honorable Mention for Tiana; Randi Johnson received one Honorable Mention for 2 looks; Skylar Joyce received an Honorable Mention for Orange Wheel; Koren Lee one Silver Key for Sun Set; Shamir Rai received one Honorable Mention for Fold; Michaela Tuncap received one Silver Key for Autumn Butterfly and an Honorable Mention for Cat Skull; Amy Yorton received one Honorable Mention for Unused alleyway; Amethyst Young received two Honorable Mentions for Grief and Open The Blinds; Valerie Zamora received one Silver Key for Double; Raevan Dearman receive an Honorable Mention for In Bloom; Kenzie Fortson received a Silver Key for Spilling the Tea; Katie Woodard received a Gold Key and advanced to national judging for Burning Bridges. Madison Gwinn of AHS received two Honorable Mentions for What have you done to me? and Are you sure that really happened?. Fifteen Cooper High students received Scholastic awards: Micah Boykin received a Gold Key for The Window To The Soul; Juliana Gutierrez received two Silver Keys for Memory and Lost In Thought; Byrin Hollowell received one Honorable Mention for One Step At A Time; Keegan Jackson received an Honorable Mention for Tiana; Randi Johnson received one Honorable Mention for 2 looks; Skylar Joyce received an Honorable Mention for Orange Wheel; Koren Lee one Silver Key for Sun Set; Shamir Rai received one Honorable Mention for Fold; Michaela Tuncap received one Silver Key for Autumn Butterfly and an Honorable Mention for Cat Skull; Amy Yorton received one Honorable Mention for Unused alleyway; Amethyst Young received two Honorable Mentions for Grief and Open The Blinds; Valerie Zamora received one Silver Key for Double; Raevan Dearman receive an Honorable Mention for In Bloom; Kenzie Fortson received a Silver Key for Spilling the Tea; Katie Woodard
The Association of Texas Photography Instructors 2018 Fall Contest received 7,400 entries from 99 schools and placed a total of 600 winners. Two from ATEMS received awards. Lincoln Chandler received an Honorable Mention for sa ilalim ng putting ilaw, and Matthew Scouten received an Honorable Mention for A Small Joy Ride. The Midwestern State University High School Art Competition was held at Midwestern State University’s Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts in Wichita Falls. From CHS, seven students were awarded Honorable Mentions: Charlise Anderson – printmaking; Camryn Cox – photography; Byrin Hollowell – photography; Jarred Rafan – printmaking; Summer Revell (2) – drawing and printmaking; Amethyst Young – photography; and Jarred Rafan – printmaking. Three students received 1st Place: Chessa Black – Sculpture; Hailey Hanson – Photography; and Natalie Stefan – Printmaking. Four students received 2nd Place: Kenzie Fortson – Painting; Erin Gutschke – Mixed Media; Brittany Lewis – Digital Art; and Ayesha Mariwa – Printmaking. Kendra Collins received 3rd place – Digital Art. Three students from Abilene High received awards. Kelci Walraven received 1st Place, Michelle Oliver received 3rd Place, and Patricia Blanton received an Honorable Mention. Participating students are taught by Riley Scroggins, ATMES; Sherry Griffith, Amanda Baldwin and Melody Kennedy, CHS; April Rifenburgh and Jason Clements, AHS; and Canon Cavazos, Mann Middle School.
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Cisco College and McMurry University, Partnering for STEM Success
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Colton Wedeking | Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Cisco College
Cisco College and McMurry University are cooperating in a mutually beneficial partnership, Partnering for STEM Success. STEM meaning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The objectives in this research project are realistic and defined in terms of measurable results directly related to the problems being solved and the goals of their comprehensive development plan. Undergirding project
to publication and presentation at scientific meetings. Heading up the team from Cisco College is Dr. Nirmala Chandrasekharan. The focus of her research project is sustainability. Her team is investigating development and fine-tuning of a biofermentor to explore the potential use of animal waste for generation of energy. Though such efforts are not new, the practical training and approaches taken in this project will give new insight into how best to approach regional solutions to the use of biowaste at hand.
design, Cisco College and McMurry have carefully developed measurable objectives and performance indicators which will help them to achieve their long-term goal of increasing enrollment by creating and offering new high quality STEM-1 earning opportunities; increasing transfer of Cisco College students to McMurry for baccalaureate degree
A college STEM education these days is typically filled with broad coverage of many science fields intended to give a general understand of what science is and how it works.
This approach lacks in one fundamental way - it ignores the need for a focused, lasting experience in some area of study. Such a “deep dive� study enhances critical thinking skills, gives greater understanding of the complexity of science, and develops skills wanted by emThere are currently four research teams work- The goal for each student is to assume leadership ployers and graduate/professional programs. ing with a Science professor on real research. of a project and complete work that will lead Work is conducted in the field or in the lab by completion, and enrolling and retaining higher teams of 4-5 students (freshman through senumbers of Hispanic students in STEM niors), with growing responsibilities and expecmajors. tations in each semester of participation.
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Social Work Major Receives Research Prize from Center for Public Justice By Abilene Christian University
Shannon Que, senior social work major from Abilene, is one of three college students from across the nation who were awarded the Shared Justice Student-Faculty Research Prize from the Center for Public Justice, a Christian civic education and public policy research organization based in Washington, D.C. Que received the prize for her proposal to research college students’ access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Abilene. In addition to her social work major, Que is working toward minors in Bible, Missions and Ministry, Global Studies and Public Administration.
and assistant dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “This is a great opportunity for Shannon and me to get involved in social justice outside of our field,” Baldridge said. “In social work, justice is critical to everything we do. It’s really exciting to get to work with a student to explore this in some new ways alongside students and faculty from other fields.” Que said she is excited to dive deeper alongside her adviser into a topic that affects millions.
Shannon Que, along with her
“As a college student, I have seen and heard the negative effects of students who experience food insecurity,” she said. “The narrative of a ‘poor college student’ is an unfortunate reality that too casually gets swept under the rug. It is up to us to eradicate the question from the college experience by increasing accessibility to SNAP benefits for students in need.”
Students from Christian col- faculty adviser Dr. Stephen leges and universities were Baldridge, was awarded the invited to apply for the prize, Shared Justice Student-Faculty which awards student-faculty Research Prize from the Center pairs with funding to conduct for Public Justice. research and write a comprehensive policy report on a social safety net program and its impact in their local community. Que’s faculty adviser is Dr. To learn more about the Student Research Stephen Baldridge, BSSW program director Prize, visit SharedJustice.org.
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TSTC Student Veteran Uses Education to Fuel Future By Sarah Trocolli | TSTC Communications
How would you define a hero? As a parent? As a Even though Banda attends school full time, hea and soldier? Texas State Technical College student Roy his wife have a houseful of six kids, five of whom Banda is all of that and more. are foster children they plan to adopt. Banda, 32, is a former Marine now pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel Equipment Technology at TSTC in Sweetwater while fostering five children at home in Brownwood. “I was working in a factory, with no way to move up anymore. So I talked to my wife, and now I’m using my GI Bill to create a career,” Banda said.
“We decided to foster just to help out, then fell in love with them,” Banda said. Banda will compete in Diesel Equipment Technology at the SkillsUSA 2019 Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference on April 12-14 at TSTC in Waco. “I was nervous when I first agreed because I hadn’t really had any mechani-
Banda served four years in the Marine Corps as a rifleman between 2007 and 2011, with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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“My time in the Marines cal training before TSTC. helped me a lot with disBut, just in the couple in Sweetwater Diesel Equipment Technology student, vet- semesters I’ve been here cipline, obedience and TSTC eran and parent Roy Banda, will compete at Skills USA in April. work ethic in everyday I feel much more confiactions and now school,” Banda said. dent,” Banda said. “One of the Marine Corps’ mottos is to adapt and overcome, so I’ll use that.” One example of Banda’s self-discipline is his dedication to be early for class each day, despite an al- Banda is expected to graduate in spring 2020 and most two-hour commute. plans to build a positive reputation so he can open a shop of his own. “I drive half the distance Roy does every day, and he still manages to get here before me,” Mark Koslan, For more information on Texas State Technical Colmaster instructor for DET, said. “He is dedicated, lege, log on to tstc.edu. he’s a family man, he’s a veteran, and I have a lot of respect for him and his initiative to find a career path.”
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Social Work Club Hosts Prom Party for Foster Youth By Lucila Decia | Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University
For the past thirteen years, the social work club has been supporting the Abilene area with their annual prom party. Each spring, HSU welcomes the foster youth community to pick a prom dress and take it home. This year’s party was held last weekend, and the club helped the girls pick out the perfect dresses.
The event serves as a reminder to high school students that college is not only about the classroom, but also the experience. Melissa Milliorn, chair and professor in the Department of Social Work, explained last year that “We want them to know they are valued. And hopefully, through-
out that day, they feel their worth; that sense of who they are, and that they are worthy.” During the party, the girls were able to browse between the dresses, get their nails done, do their makeup, and get information about scholarships and Hardin-Simmons’ student life. The event is also a way to show the girls how much God values them, as they can feel confident and understand why it is important to have faith. The message that HSU is trying to send to these young ladies is to feel loved, respected, and accepted right where they are, for who they are. For one day, they do not worry about the issues and stress they may have. The social work club needs donations every year. To donate a dress, makeup samples, or new nail polish, contact Melissa Milliorn at mmilliorn@ hsutx.edu
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Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing to Hosts “Be the Match Event” at HSU By Macee Hall | News Staff, Hardin-Simmons University
Last week, Delete Blood Cancer (DKMS) partnered with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing to host a Be the Match event. The event took place at three locations, including Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University, and Hendrick Medical Center.
Germany made the selfless decision to donate her bone marrow. This led to the creation of Earl Young’s Team, an organization that aims to defeat blood cancer through donor awareness. Earl Young’s Team is offering the Schools of Nursing, that are members of the Texas Nursing Student Association, a chance to receive Grants by hosting campus wide Bone Marrow Drives and documenting the planning efforts on a Grant Application.”
On campus, over 300 new donors registered with DKMS over the course two-day event. Laura Wade, nursing instructor and interim undergraduate nursing program coordinator at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, states that “nursing The event was especially students all over the nation significant to Wade, who can help DKMS save the lost her son to Leukemia in lives of patients in need of a February of 2016. “Imagbone marrow transplant and Laura Wade and her son Hudson. ine how it would feel to earn grant money for their have your life saved,” says School of Nursing. Earl Young, a gold medal- Wade. “I remember feeling that way when we ist in the 1960 Olympics, found himself on the were told our 11-year-old son, Hudson, would receiving end of teamwork when a stranger in more than likely need a bone marrow trans-
plant to treat his leukemia. Sadly, there are far more people who need to receive bone marrow than there are potential donors. DKMS (Delete Blood Cancer) aims to change that script by letting people know that they are needed as Bone Marrow Donors and by explaining how quickly and easily it is to join the National Registry.” According to DKMS, someone in America is diagnosed with blood cancer every three minutes, and nearly one-third of all patients have a compatible bone marrow donor within their family. Over two-thirds of those fighting blood cancer rely on strangers and friends to donate bone marrow and give the patient a second chance at life. DKMS currently has over 8 million registered donors, worldwide, and have aided in 74,583 bone marrow
donations in 54 countries. DKMS donors can donate in two ways; bone marrow donation and stem cell donation. These two methods can provide lifesaving treatments to patients with over 70 illnesses of the blood.
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Meet Bill Enriquez
Bill Enriquez was appointed to the Abilene ISD Board of Trustees in January 2016. He has lived in Abilene all of his life and attended Fannin Elementary, Mann Middle School and graduated from Abilene High School. He received his degree in Business Administration from McMurry University. He is selfemployed in automotive and real estate sales. Bill has been an active volunteer and mentor in AISD for many years. He has served on many Abilene ISD committees and task force groups. He is a past president of two PTA’s and has served on campus parent advisory boards, leadership teams and role model mentor programs. His community involvement is also extensive as he has served on the Abilene Philharmonic Board, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Development Corporation of Abilene, Hispanic Leadership Council, Hispanic Business Committee and several others. In 2015, Bill was honored as the Volunteer Citizen of the Year by KTXS-TV and West Texas Utilities. Bill’s wife Tina is a Reading and English teacher at Clack Middle School. They have two children that attended Abilene schools – Rick who is an X-ray and CAT Scan technician, and Heather, a Registered Nurse. They have five grandchildren who have attended or are currently attending AISD schools. Bill truly cares about the Abilene ISD students, teachers and support staff and will work hard to do what is best for our school district.
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Madison’s “Flash Bob” Painters Go Viral Local art students’ project featured on “The Today Show” By Abilene Independent School District
Together on the auditorium stage, the students watched an episode of “The Joy of Painting” on a projected screen and painted along with the program in the style of the artist. All of this was done while dressed like the host, complete with wigs to match the distinctive hairstyle of the American painter whose instructional program aired on PBS from 1983-1994.
Perhaps you’ve seen local media reports about a recent “flash mob” painting exercise at Madison Middle School. Featuring approximately 50 Pre-AP Art students donning wigs and the attire of late painter and television host Bob Ross, the story appeared on the front page of the Abilene Reporter-News and local television news programs. But who would have predicted the brainstorm of art teacher Brady Sloane would be seen in every corner of the U.S. and beyond the shores? Now, it’s made it to national TV. A week after the project and on Valentine’s Day, NBC featured photos and video of the project on “The Today Show,” whose hosts discussed Bob Ross and the middle school art teacher from Texas. In today’s vernacular, it’s gone viral. The folks at ARN first shared the story and pictures with the Associated Press. The next thing you know, it’s appearing in the New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and multitudes of other national publications, television stations, radio shows and online
news feeds. National Public Radio produced a short piece. It’s been translated into Chinese for readers in Hong Kong and German for people in that country. Enter a few keywords into a Google search and you can spend a chunk of time going through page after page of links to media outlets that have shared the story. “The response to our Bob Ross flash mob has been incredible,” Sloane said. “The students really enjoyed it. They enjoyed the challenge, are happy with the product and loved getting to dress up. I couldn’t be more proud of how
focused they were and how hard they worked. They are dedicated in the art room, and I am so glad that I could share their awesome abilities and drive to the world.” The “Flash Bob…Ross” was Mrs. Sloane’s creative way of rewarding her advanced art students for their hard work with a fun and enriching educational assignment. The oneday painting workshop on Feb. 7 had sessions throughout the day and culminated with a finished piece of art by every student.
The students practiced landscape painting techniques with sponge and detail brushes while standing at an easels (converted music stands) in an “alla prima” style. With time for drying and glazing between sessions, their creations were finished by the end of the school day.
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Garza brothers keeping dad’s dream alive By Lisa Luna | Pleasonton Express
While many siblings share a special bond, that bond extends even further for the Garza brothers- David, Adam and Richard. They are better known as part of the Grammy award-winning Tejano band, David Lee Garza y los Musicales.
Also popular at the time were KEDA and local station KBOP. Richard said that David would bring home albums like Conjunto Bernal.
Currently on tour, the group will headline Pleasanton Cowboy Homecoming on Friday, March 8, at the Atascosa County Show Barn. La Tropa F will open the show.
“They were bands that we looked up to. We liked the music and we wanted to learn some other songs,” Richard added. Said Adam, “Orchestras were big then, the horns. Bands like Sunny and the Sunliners, the Latin Breed and the Royal Jesters.”
The sons of Barbara and the late Antonio Garza of Poteet, the Garza brothers began playing music at an early age. David is the eldest at 62, followed by Adam who is 58. Richard “Dicky” Garza is 54 and also has a twin sister, Rebecca.
Tony Garza taught David how to play the accordion, and then David gave Adam pointers on how to play the drums, as he learned to play the drums first.
Their father led his own group, and years later it changed to Los Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center executive director Cristina Balli pictured with Adam, David Lee and Richard “Dicky” Garza. Musicales. “We were recording our first major album. We had recorded singles, but the company was like, ‘You all need a name besides David Lee Garza y Su Conjunto. Adam is the one who came up with the name. They grew up on Avenue D and Fourth Street in Poteet, close to the Baptist church and the swimming pool, which they would walk over to. Their parents were strict, however as Adam said, their mother was more of the disciplinarian while their father was more easy-going. “My dad was dedicated to work, and to music, of course. That was his passion, getting us to practice. That was the thing, at least to me, I didn’t want to practice. I wanted to go play with my friends or go bike-riding,” said Adam. When they first played in the band, David was 11, Adam was 8 and Richard was 11 or 12. David and his dad used to play in Christine. “We would go in and sit in with bands that were already playing. They were friends of my dad, so my dad would let us sit in and play a couple of songs,” said David. “We did that, but the very
“Every kid wants to play the drums,” said David.
David also showed Richard the basics in playing bass guitar. One of Tony’s bandmates, the drumfirst gig that Adam, myself and my dad did was the mer, also showed Adam the basics. After that their Crystal Club in Poteet, 1968. It was Christmas.” father said, “You are on your own.” Were they nervous? David said, “Yeah, definitely, because it was a big dance hall compared to the little parties we used to play in houses and backyards.”
The current band lineup is: David on accordion and 2nd vocals, Richard on bass guitar, Adam on the drums, their cousin Oscar “Wowee” Montemayor on saxophone, Billy O’Rourke on bajo-sexto and guitar and vocals, Daniel Fernandez on keyboards, Richard joked that when he started playing, he John Cruz on electric guitar and Cezar Martinez would often get a stomach ache. on lead vocals. Their father had two jobs, as a construction worker/ heavy equipment operator and also at Harris Sand Pit on Highway 16. Their mother was a nurse’s aide at Mercy Hospital in Jourdanton.
Their music has taken them many places, with the farthest they have played being a military base in Hawaii. Although Richard didn’t go due to his wife’s pregnancy complications, thankfully, everything turned out well.
The brothers graduated from Poteet High School in 1975, 1979 and 1983, respectively. During their What do they each like about performing live? high school careers, Adam’s favorite subjects were Math and English. David’s was History and Rich- “The people, and that they enjoy the music,” said ard’s favorite subject was Math. Richard. “Like Dave says, it is better when we play and people dance, than when they just stand there Said Adam, “At the time, a lot of the music that and look at us. We feel kind of funny when they we grew up with was Conjunto music. We would just stand and watch us. When we go to Monterrey, listen to KTSA 55, other than that… I wasn’t really that is kind of a different feeling over there. The into hard rock or anything. My friends were. Being a musician, they probably thought, ‘Oh, you probably know about all this music,’ but no.” Continued on page 34
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Continued from page 33
people out there, they just sing all your songs. You’re there playing them, and you can hear them singing all your songs. You’re thinking, ‘Wow.’ It’s a pretty neat feeling.” Said David, “I really like to make people dance. If they don’t dance then I feel like, ‘Okay we’re not doing something right.’” Adam finds joy when fans come up to them and say, “I’ve been listening to your music since my parents listened to it. We grew up with it and we like to dance.” Of all the places they have performed, the Astrodome has a special place in Richard’s heart. “That was kind of like a pinnacle to me. We were playing this huge place. We played it twice, but one of them was a reunion, with all of our ex-singers. That was around 1997, because Marcos was with us. We had at the time, Ram was our first singer, then Emilio, Oscar G and Jay Perez. So we had old singers singing up there with us. Everybody was pretty excited. When they turn out the lights, you don’t see anything, you just hear the roar.” The brothers explained in Mexico, a lot of people listen to Tejano. Sometimes they come across fans in Monterrey who tell them they traveled 12 hours on a bus to see the band. Adam has also served as a Deacon at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Pleasanton for almost three years. He is married to JoAnn. Their children are son Anthony and his wife Marissa in Poteet, whom have two children: Adaleena and Marceus; son Adrian and his wife Stephanie in San Antonio, who do not have children; and daughter Appollonia and Jesse Michael who have two children: Adamari and Aiden. They are in Georgia. Richard owned The Winning Edge in Pleasanton for 13 years. He is married to Cindy and daughters are Clarissa Garza and Kathryn Garza, who are both attending school, and Richele Garza. He has one grandson, Jonah. David’s son David Jr. is married to Rachel Garza. They have two boys: David Lee III and Davian. Son Eric James and his wife Veronica Garza have two children: Sophia Garza and Liam Garza. David also has another son, Marco Cervantes. Most live in the San Antonio/ Poteet area. Adam said, “As far as music goes, my dad also taught my son Anthony the accordion. Anthony was maybe 8-years-old. He taught him and then at school Anthony took up saxophone. Adrian played the drums and piano and bass. Anthony- the guitar. They had it in them. But I told them, you know what, get you a good job with retirement because in this business, that is what is lacking. We enjoy what we do, but as far as falling back on something… there is no 401K. They listened and they have good jobs.” Richard said, “We get all these young kids that come up to you. We tell them to first get your education and then follow your dreams. Learn music, but first try to have something to fall back on.” Their families often make it out to their local shows, or to special events. Last fall, the band had a big reunion show in San Antonio, celebrating 50 years. They played three hours straight. “Asi es la Vida,” is their latest CD. They are in the middle of touring, playing Friday in Laredo and Houston on Saturday. What can fans expect at their Cowboy Homecoming performance? “We try to play a little bit of each era,” said David. “We try to put
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in songs that people knew back then or kind of are familiar with.” Adam said, “If someone comes and asks for a certain song, it depends on the vocalist, whether he knows it or not. We try to mix it up, the old and the new.” Adam said of his siblings, “Each of them has their own talent. They express themselves in music. David has always been humming. When we were growing up, he could be eating and he’d be like, “Hmmm.” They joked that he still does that. “Richard, too, he has been looked up to by a lot of bass players and other musicians,” added Adam. David said, “Everybody tells us that we have a really solid rhythm section, and the guitar, bass and drums.” Richard and Adam shared that over the years, they have developed a bond. They will often do the same thing, without meaning to. It is a special synchronization that they can’t explain. It is a Godgiven gift made stronger with years of experience. What life lessons did their parents teach them? “My dad always told us, and I tell this to any musician coming up, never say you are the best, because there is always somebody better,” said Adam. “Keep on learning, learn from the best and learn from the worst. You evolve and evolve.” “My dad always taught us, never boast. My mom, well she’s been more about the faith part of our lives. She has always been praying for us and keeping God first in our lives.” Said David, “You need to have faith in God. She is always doing a blessing, or a prayer before we leave. My dad always said practice is the main thing. People want to learn the accordion and they ask, ‘What can I do?’ Practice and learn the song the way it should be played. If you make mistakes, correct yourself. Don’t just say you will learn it later.” Richard said their father taught them that when you are playing, that is your job. For example, it is okay to drink after a show, but to do so during a show is a no-no. Also, drugs are not something they were ever into. “As far as drugs, we are one of the square bands in the industry and all the musicians knew. There were bands that we knew were into that, and they would come up to us and they would be real nice to us- they would respect us. That is another thing that I am kind of proud of, is that we are not known as a party band,” Richard said. How do the band members feel, knowing they are such a part of people’s lives and important moments, like weddings or quinceañeras? “I never thought it would come out to this, especially being home and being little… and now, we have 30-something CDs out. It is a blessing. I never expected this,” Richard said. David said, “I can’t say that I hated school, but I wanted to finish school and be a full-time musician, but that didn’t work out right after school. I had to get a real job, but it was my dream to be a fulltime musician and to put my dad on an album cover, and we were blessed to do that.” Tony played with the band until about 1992. He managed, played and drove. His sons told him to just manage the band and take it easy. He passed away in 2011, but as David said, “He did experience everything that we did, too. When we did the reunion at the Astrodome, they brought him on the stage, as our dad and the founder of the band- Tony A. Garza.”
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By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments A soon-to-be step mom contacted me and asked for some tips on how to mix his kids and her kids together in a new family unit. Here is a part of her note to me: “I am a mother of two young children under the age of ten and I am engaged to a man who is a father of two children - tween and teenaged. He keeps stressing how he wants everything to be “fair” for all four kids. That includes same punishments and rewards, same expectations on eating and daily routines. Also he doesn’t see that it is fair that my kids have their extracurricular activities when he can’t afford for his kids to. Keep in mind we do not live together yet, but will be within a few months. It seems that he wants things to be fair when it benefits him or his children, and fair to him is us conforming to his rules. His youngest is on a diet, so that means none of the kids are allowed to snack or have juice, even when they are all not together. Has anyone else experienced these issues and how do they handle them? “
budget to include what amounts we could afford for each child for birthdays and Christmas. It was a drastic cut from what my kids were used to ... but we talked to the kids about how this family needed to be run financially and that we would do things fairly in this area. At the time, my kids were bummed … and it was still okay. Today, my daughter runs her household on a budget and even has gifts for me budgeted! As far as dietary differences goes, if one child is on a special diet, then everyone does their best to encourage. I do admit to taking my kids out to eat sushi after I married Dan because he and his kids would never eat that stuff! My stepdaughter has a husband and one child that both have special dietary needs. She is training the child to know what foods are best. She does a wonderful job of having the right kind of foods for the ones on special diets as well as for her other three children. She has also come up with recipes that will conform to all in the house. I also want to tell you that her three other children know that certain foods in the house are for their dad and their sibling.
These are some areas in which you can help guide your family to work and adjust to the individuals within. It also teaches your family about responsibility for themselves as well as their reWell, “Soon-to-be Stepmom,” let me first say sponsibility to each other in their family. it isn’t possible to treat every child the same. As each child responds differently to disciplin- No, it cannot always be equal. Your family can ary actions, they also respond differently to work towards that end but to initially tell children rewards. They are individuals and part of the from one family that they will no longer be able joy of parenting is to find out what makes them to have activities outside of school and they can tick and then utilize those findings to raise up no longer have their kinds of drinks or foods is each child to reach their God-given potential. asking a lot. My daughter loves gifts as a reward. My son doesn’t really care about stuff - but wants you Both families coming together need to realize to sit and visit with him. I spanked my daughter that there will be foods, activities, traditions, and at times to discipline but spanking did not reach routines that are different - but it can be okay. It my son’s brain. I had to figure out that taking is very important to have constant communicaaway outside playtime did the trick. tion about your lives coming together. It is very important to talk with the children so they can be When Dan and I married, my kids were into a part of the blending process. sports and music. Dan’s son was a little older but did not have any extracurricular activi- Your lives may not mesh perfectly, but you can ties. Before we married, Dan knew that my find a place where things can be okay. Blessings kids would stay in their activities. We had also in Your Blending! talked about the financial aspect of my kids be- ____________________________________ ing involved in the extras. As our two families Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Krisbecame one, we had to slowly put parameters tie Carpenter, aka The Blendaround extra activities - and make sure that our ed Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since finances could accommodate his kids having 2004; her blended family cursome outside interests as well. And that was rently includes four children okay. and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.
com/theblendedfamilymom), An area that my kids had to adjust quickly to Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), was how we spent birthdays. Before I marand Instagram (theblendedried Dan, my kids had a birthday dinner at the familymom). Her books - “The restaurant of choice on their actual birthday Blended Family Mom,” and and then we also had a birthday party on the “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her webclosest weekend. Gifts were plentiful and I re- site at www.theblendedfamilymom.com). ally overspent. After I married Dan, he set up a
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Signs of Emotional Abuse in Your Marriage
By BJ Foster | AllProDad
In the northwest corner of Montana, an hour from the Canadian border, is the town of Libby, Montana. It is a small town featuring some of the most majestic landscapes in the nation. In and around the town are rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and rivers. For many years, the people there were supported by the logging industry and the local mine. The mine harvested vermiculite which has a number of commercial uses, including fire and home insulation while also being used as a soil conditioner. In the town of Libby, it could be found everywhere. The problem is that this vermiculite contained a dangerous form of asbestos. For years, the entire town had been breathing in asbestos dust. As asbestos dust particles move into the lungs, the fibers end up lodging into the lung tissue like small thorns. When the immune system cells try to break
down the asbestos fibers, the cells become damaged and eventually die. This creates dead scar tissue which grows over time until, finally, the lungs no longer function. The people of Libby had no idea what was in the air. One resident said, “You spend your life trying to protect your family. And you can protect your family from stuff that you can see.” What about the things that you can’t see or are difficult to recognize? Physical abuse in a marriage is easy to see. It produces visible results. Emotional abuse kills from the inside out. It gradually chips away at a person’s will, identity, and self-worth. Although it can be hard to identify, it needs to be in order to be removed. Although this is speaking to husbands, this treatment can obviously go either way. Here are 3 signs of emotional abuse in your marriage. 1. You feel like you are being controlled. There are many reasons why people are emotionally abusive, ranging from childhood wounds, deepseated anger, and insecurities. Many times, it stems from being abused themselves. Those experiences
lead them to feel out of control and unsafe causing anxiety. Unfortunately, one of the biggest things they try to control to alleviate that anxiety are relationships, particularly the ones that are the closest. Attempts to control you may involve treating you like a child or labeling you. They make you feel like you need to have their permission before making small decisions. Many times, they will withhold something like sex, finances or emotional investment in order to get their way. Do you feel like your wife attempts to control you? 2. You are being made to feel intimidated. They do this by making threats. Physical threats have clear emotional damage. They may also resort to mental threats. Attempts to intimidate you will involve a lot of blaming and being intolerant of your mistakes. Even when your mistakes are minor, they will be treated as huge inconveniences. Their temper at seemingly small things will make you feel like you are walking on eggshells, perhaps unsafe. When confronted, they will divert all responsibility back on you and make you feel like you are at fault for being overly sensitive. Do you feel intimidated by your wife? 3. You are consistently demeaned. They will consistently criticize and talk badly about you in public and in private. This may take the form of sarcastic remarks or making fun of you with the goal of making you feel inferior. They will trivialize your opinion or exhibit a low amount of respect. An emotionally abusive person may also seek to embarrass or humiliate you. Are you regularly demoralized and demeaned by your wife? If you think you are in an abusive relationship, seek counseling for both you, individually and as a couple. A qualified third party is needed to diagnose the problems accurately. The issues run deep and insight and help from experts are necessary in order to restore health and healing.
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6 Things Teens Say and How You Should Respond
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By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Live Well
Dealing with a moody adolescent and their hormones can challenge the best parents’ patience and wisdom. When your teen says something that makes you bristle, it’s all too easy to get drawn into an argument or a battle of wills rather than deal with what’s going on beneath the surface. So instead of seeing each of these common teenage comments as a criticism or a challenge to your authority, try to view them as an opportunity to engage your angry teenager in conversation and help them grow.
1. “It’s not fair.”
Sometimes a teen will say this as a tactic to get out of doing something like chores or homework. Other times they use it because they really believe that something really is unfair or unjust. Children often equate fairness with sameness or equality. For example, they might think because their 17-year-old brother has a curfew of 11 pm that they, a 14-year-old, should have the same curfew. So help them explore the issue at hand. Start by asking questions like why do you think you should have the same curfew as your older brother. Have you earned that right? Perhaps then share that their brother had an earlier curfew at their age.
why do you feel that way?” “What would you suggest instead?” The key here is to get to their heart and understand why they are feeling that way.
4. “You can’t make me.”
Instead of getting into a verbal confrontation by responding with an, “Oh yes I can!” The better way would be to agree with them by saying, “You’re right, I can’t make you. It’s your choice; you have the freedom to choose.” Then go on to share that if they make the choice not to do it, there will be consequences. Those consequences may be a natural result of them not doing something or may be consequences imposed by you.
5. “Whatever.”
Typically this isn’t offered as an acceptance of what you say, rather it’s about dismissing what you say as irrelevant, closing down further discussion. That may be because their emotions are flooded. So ask them how they are feeling. Are they angry, frustrated, or disappointed? Then be sure to listen and ask follow-up questions.
6. “I hate you.”
Hurtful as this is to hear, bite your lip. Simply snapping back “Don’t ever talk to me like that again” is not going to help. It may make you feel better momentarily, but it will just shut them down and confirm all their beliefs about how unreasonable you are. Ask them what they hate and why? Assure them that 2. “Everyone else it’s okay to have is allowed to…” strong feelings, but First, you may want they do need to be to clarify who they responsible and remean by “everyone,” spectful in the way and whether they know that for a fact. Ask they handle and express them. And remind them whether you should check with their friends’ that you love them no matter what. parents. Use this as an opportunity to discuss your values as a family and the different val- In all of these exchanges, always be looking to ues and standards other families may have, and really see things from your teens’ point of view. why. Share with them how much you love them It could be that even though they are expressing and if you are not letting them do something, let themselves poorly, they have a point we need to them know that you are making this decision hear. Here are 5 ways to help your teen learn to because you want what’s best for them. communicate better.
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Above all, try to keep the communication chanThis one makes me cringe and I can understand nels open. Even a surly teen is better than a sihow a parent can engage in a battle with their lent, simmering, or sullen one. teen when they hear it. However, a better way may be to ask their teen questions like, “So
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HEALTH&FITNESS
Don’t Avoid Taking Care of Yourself Dr. Sandip Mathur and the American Cancer Society have suggestions on how you can avoid a cancer diagnosis. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Dr. Sandip Mathur wants you to know that your who thinks you need a colonoscopy. risk of colon cancer may be higher than you think. This year the American Cancer Society began recommending an initial colonos“It’s the third most frequent type of cancer in copy at age 45 rather than 50. A colonosmen and women,” he says, “after breast and copy allows a doctor to see inside the colung for women and aflon and rectum. ter prostate and lung for The patient is men.” sedated and the doctor guides a long, thin, Dr. Mathur practices flexible, lighted tube gastroenterology in the into the colon. The Abilene Physicians Group scope transmits an imat Abilene Regional Mediage of the inside of the cal Center. He was raised colon onto a screen. in India and received his If any growths, called training in London and polyps, are found they Houston at M.D. Andercan be painlessly reson Cancer Center and moved and examined Baylor College of Medifor cancer. cine. “A normal colonos“I always liked the subcopy for a person with jects that have to do no history of cancer with medicine like bioland no polyps is good ogy. Both my parents were for ten years,” says Dr. doctors and I thought it was very exciting. They wanted me to do anything but medicine. That was the tipping point,” he says with a smile. Mathur. “There are not many tests He began his practice in Coleman. While there like that.” the other three doctors had to stop working because of their own medical problems. So Dr. He cites a study where a group of Japanese naMathur served as the only doctor in town for tives remained in Japan while another group about a year. moved to Hawaii. The group in Japan developed stomach cancer but no colon cancer. The group He planned to practice there three years and in Hawaii developed colon cancer but no stomstayed for six. He has been practicing in Abilene ach cancer. for eighteen years. And he’s not the only one
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“Cologuard tests DNA and blood for abnormal cells,” he says, “so the cancer has to be more advanced to be detected. It’s only good for three years and only for people with no risk factors such as family history, bleeding or polyps.”
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Financial issues can also arise with Cologuard. Some health insurance plans will only cover one colon-screening test. If Cologuard detects cancer, a colonoscopy will be required. The patient could pay $600 for Cologuard, then need a $5000 colonoscopy that insurance will not cover. The good news is that colon cancer, detected early, is highly treatable. Proactive screening through a colonoscopy and prompt removal of polyps can greatly increase your chances of preventing or surviving of this disease. So do yourself a favor: talk to your doctor about a colonoscopy. It could very well save your life.
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Protect Your Child’s Mental Well-Being By HealthAdvocate Blog
Most of the time, common childhood physical problems are fairly easy to spot, whether it’s a cold, tummy ache or rash. A trip to the pediatrician may be all that’s required. But it’s not as easy to know if your child’s sadness, angry outbursts or some other emotional or behavioral problem is just part of normal child development or an indicator of something that requires professional help. A child’s mental health is as important as their physical health, and getting the right help is crucial, since mental, behavioral or emotional disorders can affect their future. Here are some questions and answers to help guide you.
Which mental disorders are commonly seen in children and teens?
Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders such as panic or generalized anxiety are the most common mental health problems occurring in children and adolescents. According to one largescale study of 9- to 17-year-olds, 13 percent of young Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder each year. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition affects 3 to 5 percent of school-aged children. Its symptoms include poor attention and concentration, and high distractability and impulsiveness. How do I know if my child’s prob- Depression. Up to 3 percent of children and up lems are serious? to 8 percent of adolescents suffer from depresProblems require attention when they are se- sion. It affects mood, energy, interests, sleep, vere, persistent and affect daily activities. appetite and overall functioning. Symptoms are extreme and persistent Seek help if your child: and can interfere sig• Is often sad, worried or nificantly with the abilfearful ity to function at home • Has dramatic changes or at school. in appetite or sleep needs Bipolar disorder. This • Is spending most of his illness, which affects or her time alone instead 1 percent of children, of with friends or family causes extreme shifts • Has declining grades in mood, energy and or interest in school functioning. Disrup• Is hyperactive, impultive periods alternate sive or has trouble conwith periods of withcentrating drawal and other de• Is self-destructive or pressive symptoms. overly aggressive toward How are children with others mental health prob• Who should I see for lems treated? help? Sometimes, psychoFirst, have your child seen by a doctor. Your therapies, behavioral strategies and family supdoctor may recommend that you take your child port may be all a child needs. In other cases, to a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or medications are needed to help the child cope. behavioral therapist. If medication is prescribed, the child should be monitored and evaluated regularly.
How are mental disorders diagnosed in young children? Left untreated, mental health disorders can lead As with adults, disorders are diagnosed by observing signs and symptoms. A skilled professional will consider symptoms in the context of the child’s age and reports from parents and other caretakers or teachers.
to school failure, drug abuse, violence and even suicide. However, most children who receive the right kind of help improve and go on to live healthy lives. Seeking help early is crucial.
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Recognizing Signs of Depression in Teens When a person in his or her teens is depressed, anxiousness. there may be different warning signs than those •Anger, and frequent loss of temper. shown by people older or younger, the American •Changes in appetite. Academy of Family Physicians says. •Not wanting to go to school or participate in social activities. Here is the academy’s list of depression symp- •Complaints of feeling sick. toms that typically affect teens: •Showing less confidence, or feeling that they •Trouble focusing, or showing signs of can’t do anything correctly.
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Ciara Strong Returns to School After Defeating Cancer By Pheben Kassahun | BigCountryHomePage.com
Since being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in August of 2018, Abilene third grade student, Ciara Husing had not gone back to school.
Chief Strong explained that he was amazed by how positive Ciara has remained throughout her journey and finds it inspiring.
290 days, her mother explained. She underwent surgery to remove a tumor on her knee and had to use a wheelchair.
This long streak changed Monday morning, as she attended her school at Allie Ward Elementary for the first time since treatment.
“Her classroom has supported her this whole way. They have this little monkey that sits in her chair because that’s her favorite animal that’s in her place,” he explained. “The support that these kids have given each other is just truly amazing.”
“No cancer. She’s walking, obviously. She’s no longer in a wheelchair. She’s doing great. She’s healing. She still can’t do everything she wants to do yet,” Mrs. Husing said.
The 9-year-old is now a cancer survivor and returned to school with a little help from a few friends. In the hopes of collecting cards for Ciara’s big day, her mother McKenzie took to Facebook and was requesting people to make cards for Ciara. Tye Police Department Chief Jay Strong noticed the post and reached out to Husing.
The heroes, students, teachers and staff lined the
Mrs. Husing looks back on one heck of a journey that stemmed from a tiny lump on her daughter’s leg. “It’s a moment that you begged for and prayed for in the beginning and then when it gets here, it just doesn’t seem real,” Husing said. “It just sent that message to Ciara, all these kids and it lets Ciara know, ‘I wasn’t in this alone. I’m never going to be in this alone because I have all of these people with me and it started with little kids.’”
“How about we can do one better and we contact local law enforcement. We provide an escort for her to ride to school and into school,” Chief Strong recalls. Chief Strong reached out to his colleagues and other departments in Taylor County, racking up people from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Merkel Police Department, Tye Police Department, Abilene Police Department and fire departments.
The heroes, students, teachers and staff lined the hallways, while Ciara Husing made her grand entrance grinning cheek to cheek.
“They were all like, ‘We’re in. We’re in,’” Chief Strong says.
hallways, while Ciara made her grand enterance, grinning cheek to cheek.
Dyess Air Force Base personnel were also in attendence, thanks to Ciara’s wish granters who are in the military.
“As a mom, speechless, really,” Ciara’s mother, McKenzie Husing said. “She woke up... before the alarms went off this morning, ‘Mom, it’s time to get up. It’s time to get ready. I gotta go back to school today.’”
Each hero held a single pink carnation and a warm smile to hand to Ciara when she entered Ward Elementary on the below-freezing Monday.
Husing, her mother, her sister, and Mrs. Velasquez stayed up on Friday at Ward Elementary to decorate the halls with balloons, yellow ribbons and signs.
“I asked Ciara’s dad and mom what her favorite flower was and she said they don’t have one, but her dad calls her ‘Pinky,’ so went and got pink carnations,” Chief Strong explained with a smile. “When we met her at the door, the first thing that she said was ‘Hola.’”
“My heart kind of went out to say, ‘You know, it’s cold outside, but if this little girl can battle this, then we should be able to be out here and welcome her as a hero’s welcome, because she’s a true hero,” Chief Strong said. Ciara had been battling synovial sarcoma for
As Rachel Patten’s “fight song” played in the background of Ciara’s walk, it reminded Ciara and her family how she strong she really is.
“Seeing your kid go through what she’s gone through, and to come out of it like this, on top, I mean, she did. She fought it and look at where she’s at,” Mrs. Husing said. This kid has been wanting to come to school. She has missed being here so much.” The celebrations continue this week, as Ciara heads to Dallas on Thursday, where she will be attending the Dallas Stars game. The cancer survivor was one of 12 kids to be selected to be a part of “Klinger Kids”, a foundation for children who are battling cancer or lifethreatening illnesses. Updates about Ciara Husing’s journey can be found on Facebook or Instagram.
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BUSINESS&CAREER
10 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Business So you’re considering buying a business. But is it really the right move? By Darren Dahl | Inc.com
Many experts are predicting that a huge wave of businesses will become available over the next decade or so as baby boomers look to sell. As the economy continues its climb into a full-blown recovery (we hope), it just might be the perfect time for you to fulfill that lifelong dream of buying a business. Before you take the plunge, however, you should take the time to ask yourself a series of questions that will help make sure you’re prepared for the rigors of business ownership. Certainly the team of advisers you assemble to make such a deal—such as business brokers, attorneys, and accountants—can help you in determining the value of a business and what you should pay for it. But there are additional questions you need to ask yourself, and the seller, to find out if the business you’ve targeted is everything it’s cracked up to be. With that, here is a list of 10 questions (in no particular order) that you should get answers to before buying the business of your dreams. 1. Is buying a business the best decision for you right now? • Perhaps the most important questions to start asking involve whether buying a business is a good fit for you, says Keith Emmer, principal at Startegix in New York City. “If you’re just bored or looking to try something, what happens when you have to do the tedious tasks that every entrepreneur must do?” asks Emmer. If that’s the case, you might want to consider a hobby instead. If, on the other hand, you see real opportunity and have always tended to see the world a little differently than others in your corporate job, owning a business may be right for you. “At the same, you should ask yourself if right now is the best time to make the commitment to buy if say, you’re almost vested in your retirement plan,” says George Krueger, president of Bigg Success, a business education and consulting firm in Champaign, Illinois. “It’s probably a small sacrifice to get the full benefit of your employer’s contributions,” he says. “You can use the time to get prepared to buy a business.” 2. Will your spouse support you? • Owning a business will affect your relationship with your spouse, in one way or another, says Krueger, since both of you will need to make the emotional and time investments that come from riding the entrepreneurial roller coaster. “So your
spouse has to be prepared mentally and emotionally as well,” he says. “If not, you may find that your biggest challenge comes from home rather than your business.” You need the physical capacity to work long days, especially in the early days. 3. Who runs the business when the owners go on vacation? • One interesting question to get an answer to involves asking when was the last time the sellers went on vacation, how long were they gone, and what kinds of problems happened when they were away, says Kent Boehm, a business coach in Alberta, Canada. That helps determine how tied the business owner is to the day-to-day operation of the business. “The more often the owner goes on vacation the better quality of life they have,” says Boehm. “The problems that occur while on vacation are sometimes an indicator of how much babysitting the owner has to do.” 4. Do the numbers add up? • This one seems obvious, but a lot of new entrepreneurs don’t really think about what exactly their return should be, says Krueger. “If you plan to be an absentee-owner, will the business provide a reasonable return on your investment, given the risk?” he says. “On the other hand, if you will be an active owner, will it provide the return on your investment and compensate you adequately for the time you’re investing?” Kruger also suggests subjecting the projections you’re using to what he calls “stress testing,” such as finding out what might happen to cash flow if sales are below your expectations or costs run above your projections? “Bankers often see if you’ll be able to pay them back if profits are off by 25 percent,” he says. “You should run similar scenarios.” 5. Are there any other skeletons to worry about? • You’ll also need to do your homework when it comes to finding out everything beyond the numbers that might affect your new business, says Chantay Bridges, a senior real estate specialist with Clear Choice Realty & Associates in Los Angeles. He suggests find-
ing out answers to the following questions. Are there any easements, exclusive rights, or right of ways that impact the business? • Has the business ever been a crime scene or has it been vandalized? • Has the seller run into any trouble with the state, government, or IRS? • What is the business zoned for? Is the area hazardous? 6. What do the customers have to say? • A step that many business buyers fail to take is talking to current customers in the business, and not necessarily the ones that the seller handpicks for you. “Unless you know who buys from you and why they buy from you, you will be flying blind,” says John Torrens, a veteran entrepreneur who also teaches entrepreneurship at Syracuse University. “This is good to know before you engage in a letter of intent and is especially important during due diligence. What you find out can help you if you take over the controls.” 7. How does the business make its phone ring? • Obviously, any business needs to have a growing customer base to be successful. So it might be worth asking the seller about what kinds of things they have done to market their business and to generate inquires from new prospects, says Boehm, at least so that you know what you might need to do more of once you take over. “Ask them if they know which marketing efforts create the most leads,” he says. “What you want to try and find out is what marketing they are doing, if any, and how effective it is.” 8. Why is the seller really getting out? • The seller knows his or her business better than you do, says Krueger. That’s why you should make the time to ask him or her about why they are selling. The rub, however, is that you’ll usually hear reasons like “retirement,” “health reasons,” or “other opportunities.” Your challenge, Krueger says, is to find the real reason. “You may never find out, but you should certainly try,” he says. “Build a relationship with the seller and be thorough in your due diligence.”
9. Will the seller keep some skin in the game? • Working with a bank or lender is an important step in buying your new business. But, with credit tight these days, it’s not uncommon for sellers to step up and finance at least part of the sale, even though they would all prefer an all-cash deal. If you can get your seller to put their money on the line, it may serve as a signal of the seller’s confidence in the future of the business, says Krueger. “Remember that they know more about their business than you do,” he says. “If they’re not willing to let any money ride on the business, should you?” 10. What is your exit strategy? • This is an important question to ask even as you make the decision about whether to buy a business or not, says Alex Corrigan, who heads up the M&A practice at Delap, a 78-year-old accounting firm in Portland, Oregon. “This should be considered right from the start because,” Corrigan asks, “what if you have to sell the business or get out sooner than you thought?” Along the same lines, he suggests that you should also have a buy-sell agreement in place if you happen to have any partners involved in the business.
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Abilene Chamber of Commerce to Host 35th Business Expo on March 27 By Kim Bosher | Chamber of Commerce
The Abilene Business Council of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them as they host the 2019 Business Expo on Wednesday, March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Abilene Convention Center. Sponsored by Arrow Ford, Pest Patrol and Black Plumbing, this year’s event will feature over 220 exhibitors, entertainment on the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverage Stage featuring Chamber committee members. The Taylor Electric Food Truck Court will feature local Abilene food trucks Toasted Traveler, 1881 and the Sweet Side with Sharon’s BBQ, Texas Doughboys and Schlotzsky’s also serving some delicious grub. Come grab a bite to eat and network with people who can help you grow your business. After visiting exhibitors, make plans to attend Business After Hours and the Live Auction from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the foyer of the Convention Center where booth awards will be presented. There will be a cash bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres thanks to our Business After Hours sponsors – First Bank Texas, United Market Street, Reed Beverage and our Live Auction sponsor LMB Real Estate Group. Tickets can be purchased by non-members at the Chamber for $5.00 or at the door for $10.00. Chamber members will receive complimentary tickets. For more events and a detailed schedule, please visit www.abilenechamber.com About the Chamber: The Abilene Chamber of Commerce seeks to develop and promote the economy and quality of life in Abilene, Texas. For more information on the Chamber and how you can get involved, visit www.abilenechamber.com.
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6 Ways To Deal With Fear And Uncertainty In Retirement By Michael F. Kay | Forbes Contributor
If you are like most people, you find comfort in a certain level of stability and routine. After all, during years of working and child-raising, routine is the name of the game. You get up, shower, dress, eat breakfast and off to work. Days flow into weeks, weeks flow into months, years and decades—before you recover from the whiplash of what-the-heck-just happened, retirement is staring you square in the face. Retirement can be a source of great anxiety and uncertainty. Think about it, perhaps for the first time, you are confronted with unallocated swathes of time, expenses that can vary greatly and the realization that life doesn’t go on forever. Fear can spread like crabgrass while you consider whether you’ll outlive your nest egg. Going from the accumulation phase of your life to the dispersion can be emotionally challenging and the “what if’s” can become debilitating if you let them.
emotional well-being and happiness. If you’re struggling to find things to do, it might be time to do some soul searching, join a group or pick up a copy of “Don’t Retire, Rewire” (by Jeri Sedlar and Rick Miners) to get your juices flowing.
3. Understand your current money situation. Know the division between your
fixed costs and your discretionary expenses. Create a list of your outflows (expenses) and designate three columns: Fixed Costs (rent, loan repayments), Discretionary-Slightly Controllable(food, utilities), DiscretionaryVery Controllable (vacations, entertainment).
4. Decide which insurance coverage you’ll require. Going forward, think
beyond your employee benefits to plans such as Medicare supplements or long-term care. What risk can you bear vs. the risk you choose to transfer—for a cost—to insurance? Weigh the difference between low deductible-high Here are a few tips to help reset your thinking: premium and high deductible-lower premium options.
1. Create a 5-year vision statement.
Include your thoughts about your lifestyle, 5. Create a spending plan that focusimportant occasions, your social life, your in- es on what you value most. Would you tellectual pursuits, your health and your com- rather put your resources into extensive travel munity. Really write about what gives you the instead of maintaining a larger residence? greatest joy and satisfaction. Think, I want “this” more than “that”.
6. Recognize that transitions are 2. Imagine a typical week in retire- tough for most people. If you are one ment. What will get you out of bed in the who finds this especially difficult, find a thera-
morning? What is your purpose? If you’re pist who can help you work through the tranthinking, I’m going sition. Consider the to sleep until 11 AM idea that the pain of every day, know that remaining where you probably won’t last are is greater than too long. And then the pain of working the panic sets in. How through your situawill you fill your tion to a satisfying days? Think social conclusion. outings, learning opportunities, babysitRetirement is “your ting duties, part time time” but that doesn’t jobs, yoga classes, travel or long walks in the mean it’s easy or simple. Like learning any new neighborhood. skill, it takes the willingness to learn, a little patience and the real desire to get through the Regardless of what ultimately fills your calen- bumps to enjoy a more satisfying and meaningdar, make sure it’s meaningful for your health, ful life.
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How to Overcome Burnout By Health Advocate, Inc.
Feeling blah, frustrated or cynical about your job that you once loved? Snapping at family members or coworkers? Does every day feel like an uphill trudge and no amount of caffeine or sleep seems to help? Feeling mentally and physically exhausted, unmotivated, pessimistic, and frustrated are classic signs of burnout—which can occur from the ongoing stress of having too many demands placed on your time or attention and too few resources to deal with it. If it’s not addressed, burnout can seriously harm your health, happiness, relationships and job performance.
the division of daily chores right down to who folds the laundry so it doesn’t always fall on you!
Tune into your true interests and skills. You may need a job that’s less demanding (or perhaps more stimulating) and that is a better match for you. For starters, explore changing positions within your company. Switching from accounting to product development, for example, might provide new stimulation to reinvigorate you.
Unplug from work by engaging in activities. Resist the temptation to sit on the couch and snack your way through a TV series all evening. Cooking with your partner or playing a game of Scrabble with your teen, for example, can get your mind off work and increase your energy.
Recharge your batteries. Make self-care a priority. Take short breaks throughout the day to just sit quietly or step outside—even just a few minutes in nature can be restorative. Make space for those activities and people that boost, rather than drain, your spirits. And get regular exercise!
Request support. At work, you could ask for a flexible work schedule. Or see if you can swap certain aspects of your job with a coworker. At home, make sure the family calendar reflects
If, despite your efforts to make changes, you have lingering exhaustion or a feeling of hopelessness, your burnout may be something more serious, like depression. See your doctor for an evaluation.
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Hang out with like-minded people. Sharing humor and venting frustrations with people The good news is that you can make changes you trust helps lighten the load when you feel to restore the balance you need. When you’re overwhelmed. stretched thin, here are a few tips to help take the pressure off and reinvigorate you: Change your scenery. Feeling stuck in a rut can be de-motivating! Some ideas: Walk Take time to make an inventory. List all of through a completely different neighborhood, the situations that cause you to feel stressed, shop at a specialty foods grocery store, or depleted, anxious, worried, frustrated, and/or browse an unexplored section of the bookstore. helpless. Rank them in order of most to least Fresh input can help shift your perspective and stressful–this will give you an idea of where to counteract emotional exhaustion. initially focus your efforts on making changes. Learn something new. Sign up for an online Reset your priorities. Spend quiet time fig- or community course to improve your tech uring out what’s really important to you. It’s skills, learn a new language, or how to cook a great way to whittle down that overwhelm- a new cuisine. Mastering something new can ing to-do list and establish a healthier work/ reignite your confidence–and your outlook. life balance. For example, do your kids really need to be shuttled to several organized ac- Disconnect from digital devices. As much tivities every weekend? Do you really need to as possible, turn off your iPad, computer, and head up one more committee? Paring things smartphone—or set a time limit for their use. down to what’s essential—and saying “no” to Put your phone in a drawer when you get home all the rest– can help you carve out more un- so it’s out of sight, out of mind. And rememstructured, restorative activities, like exploring ber, not every text message has to be answered a nearby trail at a leisurely pace with family or on the spot. Take a pause and postpone your friends, for example. response.
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Junior Achievement Abilene Honors 3 Business Leaders with 2019 Business Hall of Fame Award
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By Pheben Kassahun | BigCountryHomePage Three Abilene residents received recognition for their impact on the Key City, Tuesday night. The reception was hosted by Junior Achievement (JA) of Abilene, recognizing three individuals the group believes whose business innovations, effective management and civic involvement have made a major impact and positive difference in companies and communities in and around the Abilene area. The three laureates were given the honor of the 2019 Business Hall of Fame. The event took place at the Mesquite Event Center in downtown Abilene. The bi-annual event chooses three to four people. They took home a statue and a cowboy hat. Katie Alford of the Community Foundation of Abilene, Ray Ferguson of Condley and Company, and Jack Rentz of Rentech Boiler Systems, Inc. and the Abilene City Council. These three are not just business leaders but exemplify what it means to be Abilene, executive director for Junior Achievement of Abilene, Sarah Franz said. “They’ve contributed to the community through the businesses that they’re invovled in, or founded that have made a significant impact on our economy as well,” Franz said. “We utilize volunteers from various industries to volunteer in classrooms in six different school districts.” KRBC’s Pheben Kassahun reported on a story in November of 2017 about a Dyess Air Force airmen teaching, Abilene High School students about money management, through JA. Assisting JA to Focus on its three different content of areas: financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Managing parterner for Condley and Company, Ray Ferguson, uses his accounting firm to teach financial literacy. “A lot of audit services, a lot of record keeping, tax services, a lot of planning. We help people achieve their goals through what they need through the accounting services industry,” Ferguson said. The company turns 80 years old in a few months and has more than 60 people on its team. “Great thing that we’ve got people in this community that wanted to volunteer, spend sometime working with kids and working with a school system to help provide for financial literacy, provide
entrepreneurship training and give them a good foundation of understanding how the world really works,” Ferguson said. Ferguson explained for him to become successful, he put his focus on helping others. “It’s probably putting your focus on others. What do others need to accomplish. What helps them achieve their goals and if you’re able to find resources, to find things that help them accomplish what they’re trying to do, I’ll be taken care of. I’ll be fine,” Ferguson said. Ferguson promotes hardwork and dedication to his employees, as well as students. “It’s fun to come to work here. We’ve got a lot of young people, very talented, energetic, very skilled,” he explained. “They have a dedication to quality and to trying to be strong ethics and just the way they go about things.” Work readiness is up Katie Alford’s ally of expertise. She is the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Abilene. “I see my job as really, just being a steward to what the donors have given us, to benefit and impact the lives of others, through the nonprofits we grant to,” Alford said. “Success to me, is really I guess being a good steward of what you’ve been blessed with. With the Community Foundation, we are a nonprofit, and so we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our donors and nonprofits in Abilene.” She has been with the foundation for 14 years and has a dynamic team of seven. “We have people who are administering the grants, administering the scholarships, people who work with our donors and do what kind of helps them decide what they want to do or help them along,” Alford said. They help manage endowment funds for donors and granting out from those funds back to the nonprofits in Abilene and outside of Abilene. “We manage about $130M in assets and then
grant out about $6.5M a year,” Alford said. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our donors and nonprofits in Abilene.” The third content of area for JA is entrepreneurship, where Jack Rentz, founder of Rentech Boiler Systems, Inc., has successfully done during his time as a businessman. He has since retired but monitors his company frequently. “Being a good welder pretty much guarantees a job. I would compare it like being a nurse; you’re pretty much guaranteed a job. If you’re a good welder, you’re guaranteed a job in west Texas,” Rentz said. The more than 20-year-old company has more than 300 employees. Many of them working until they are past retirement. “We have some really good welders that stay with us, year after year because I think they like the product they build and take a lot of pride in the work they do,” Rentz said. “We have greta people working here. This is a people business. We have a lot of engineers and designers and welders, but they’re good people. You can’t do it without good people in any business.” He demonstrates the true meaning of running a great business by helping others on the outside but starting with those who are inside. “It’s a great way to give our kids a little exposure to the real world, that will listen to somebody else’s parents, maybe a little better than they’ll listen to their own parents,” Jack Rentz said. Katie Alford told KRBC that the Abilene Community Foundation will be hosting its annual Abilene Gives on May 7. This is a 24-hour online giving event, promoting nonprofit organizations in Abilene to advertise for themselves to raise money. More information can be found here. Junior Achievement of Abilene’s next event will be the 2019 JA Golf Classic in April. It is an event that allows donors to play golf to fundraise for Abilene students.
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By Charlie Pyron | Housing Service Specialist, City of Abilene, Office of Neighborhood Services The City of Abilene Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) is in the process of developing the FY 2019 Action Plan. In conjunction ONS will be holding a series of Public Hearings and Community Meetings. The Public Hearings and Community Meetings will discuss community development needs, and FY 2019 goals and objectives, neighborhood priorities, division accomplishments and receive comments and input from attendees. Staff welcomes citizen participation and encourages everyone to attend a meeting nearest you. Please see the session schedule for information or contact (325) 437-4576. Public Hearings: Public Hearing #1 March 5, 2019
Public Hearing #2 July 25, 2019
Community Meetings:
Abilene City Hall 555 Walnut Abilene, TX 79601 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
1. Grace Methodist Church, 1402 Grape 2. CCC North Park, 2701 Hickory St. 3. Rose Park Senior Center 2605 S. 7th 4. The Church/Center, 650 Corsicana St. 5. Cobb Park Recreation Center 2302 State St. 6. CCC College Heights, 1518 Orange St.
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Abilene Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards
Abilene’s Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen to Hire 180 Employees
By Kim Bosher | Director of Events, Chamber of Commerce
By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News
Abilene’s first Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is looking for a few good men and women to seamlessly open the restaurant’s doors this spring.
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for several Small Business Awards. You may nominate your favorite small business for New Business of the Year, Small Business Community Investment Award, Family Owned Business of the Year and Small Business Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Nominees must be a member of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the deadline to submit nominations is April 5.
Actually, the restaurant chain is looking for more than 180 of them. The restaurant will have a hiring event from Saturday through March 8 at its location at 3502 S. Clack St. And if an interested job-seeker is unable
The TTU Small Business Development Center will choose the Small Business Person of the Year who will be eligible to advance to a regional level. In conjunction with National Small Business Week, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce will host the Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon on May 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Abilene Convention the 201 Mesquite Event Center. The Chamber is comprised of more than 1,300 members of which 80 percent are small businesses. The luncheon is presented by TTU Small Business Development Center, First Financial Bank and Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep Hyundai. Nomination forms, award criteria, tickets and tables are available to purchase at the Chamber office or by calling 325-677-7241.
2018 Award Winners
New Business of the Year- Nothing Bundt Cakes Community Investment Award – La Voz 93.3 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Jason and Jessica Adams - Vagabond Pizza Family Owned Business of the Year – Double Diamond Signs Small Business of the Year - A-Town Cleaners - Fran Stone For more information, visit www.abilenechamber.com. The Abilene Chamber of Commerce seeks to develop and promote the economy and quality of life in Abilene, Texas. For more information on the Chamber and how you can get involved, visit www.abilenechamber.com.
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to attend, a company spokeswoman said applications will be accepted after the event has completed. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is known for serving homemade meals based at affordable prices, the spokeswoman said. Guests can enjoy made-from-scratch meals served in a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home, she said. In addition to classics, such as hand-breaded chicken tenders that are fried-to-order and the hand-battered Monte Cristo sandwich, this location will feature new menu items such as homemade chicken noodle soup, meatloaf and nachos, she said.
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