March 2021

tstc.edu

Nursing:

17% job * growth expected through 2028 * O*NET ONLINE

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

MARCH 2021 Volume 10.1, Issue 11 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 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 Helen Holguin info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 673-4521 Office

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

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep Sheila Baccus info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

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

2021 HispanicLIfe Media

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

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 518-7091 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

CALLING ALL LOCAL ART EDUCATORS! Open to art educators K-12 and college and university professors

The Center for Contemporary Arts is hosting a special exhibition featuring works from local art teachers and professors. If you are an art educator in Abilene or surrounding communities, we encourage you to enter, free of charge!

Up to 3 entries per applicant Submissions due April 1, 2021

•Drop off art April 2nd or 3rd from 11a-5p at the Center (220 Cypress Street) •Notifications of accepted art: April 7 via email* *All entries will be reviewed and curated by the Center’s Exhibits Committee, Gallery Manager and Director.

•No entry fee for current Art Educators in the greater Abilene area.

Questions? Contact Gallery Manager Trudy Six at trudy@center-arts.com or 325-677-8389.

Submit artwork online at https://www.center-arts.com/aeshowcase

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

COMMUNITY

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Abilene Woman Who Survived Terminal Breast Cancer Diagnosis Uses Time Gained to Give Back

By Jessica Ranck | BigCountryHomepage.com

An Abilene woman who beat a stage 4 breast for her children, looking fear right in the eyes cancer diagnosis after doctors told her she and walking into it. only had months to live has dedicated her time to helping others since her recovery.

“I didn’t want them to be alone in the world,” said Hernandez. “I decided that I was going Stella Hernandez received her diagnosis to have to live, I didn’t really feel like I had a back in February of 2002. She says she nev- choice. I had to live.” er thought she would hear the words, “You have cancer.”

“Even after I had it confirmed with another doctor, I thought, ‘No, that can’t be right,’ said Hernandez.

Much like how our reality changed in 2020, so did hers.

“They pretty much gave me a death sentence,” said Hernandez.

At the time, Hernandez was just 45 years old and a single parent with five young children at home.

“I drove around and drove around trying to decide what I was going to tell my kids,” said Hernandez.

Tarrah Kingston, Hernandez’s daughter, was a sophomore in high school at the time.

She says she remembers the exact moment Hernandez spent 18 months in chemotherapy her mom told her the news. “[I was] scared and radiation, which she says took a toll on her and worried because we didn’t know what and her family. was going to happen,” said Kingston.

“There were times that I thought I wasn’t goThe doctors told Stella she had months to live, ing to survive the treatment,” said Hernandez. but Hernandez says she was willing to fight.

The constant support from her family and She made a decision to go through treatment friends, Hernandez says, gave her the strength

NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

Northside: 1602 E. Overland Trail Southside: 3218 S. Clack

to keep fighting.

“If it weren’t for them, I don’t know what I would have done. Emotionally, they carried me and they prayed for me,” said Hernandez.

After more than a year and a half, Hernandez was finally able to say she was cancer free. After her clearance, Hernandez went back to school, encouraged by a friend who did the same.

She is now a Licensed Vocational Nurse, using time she thought she lost to help others.

Today her family still sits by her side, no longer fearful of the unknown and ready to take on whatever 2021 has in store.

“If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the accomplishments I’ve had so far in my life,” said Kingston. “She’s just a remarkable person and someone who’s a big encouragement in my life” Hernandez is one of four finalists in KTAB’s Remarkable Women contest.

KTAB will highlight each of their stories on Tuesdays in March.

The winner will be announced April 1.

6| COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

Abilene Woman’s ‘Gut Feeling’ Helps Save 7 Others From Burning House

By BigCountryHomePage

On top of last week’s winter storm that brought busted pipes and knocked out power and water, the New Beginnings’ Ministry, who serves women escaping abuse or getting out of jail with a place to get back on their feet, suffered another loss after their house burned.

“If it wasn’t for Shelly being persistent and getting our attention, we wouldn’t have gotten out,” said Vick.

By 10:30, Podesta says she watched the roof collapse, since Founder and Executive Director of New Beginnings’, Missy Denard, was Eight women are alive right now because told there was nothing that could be done.

Shelly Podesta trusted her gut.

“Because of the water issue, there was really “I had a gut feeling; I knew it was the Holy nothing that they could do but just keep it conSpirit,” said Podesta. “Something was telling tained to just the house so it didn’t go to the me that something was wrong with the wall neighbors, and just let it burn,” said Denard. heaters. ‘We have wall heaters in our bathroom and it was cold, it was 45 degrees.”

Now, these women who came to New Beginnings to start their lives over will have to do Podesta said she couldn’t sleep, and at 9:52 it once again after losing all their belongings. p.m. went to turn off the heaters upstairs.

“We all got out safe with our lives, so that’s “It looked like nothing was wrong, it was on what I am grateful for. If I went to sleep, we’d low, and then I heard popping like a fireplace probably be planning funerals,” said Podesta. popping, and then I put my hand on the wall and it was hot,” said Podesta.

The Ministry has four houses in Abilene, but this one was the biggest, which stored the Meanwhile the other seven women who lived items for their biggest fundraiser, leaving them in the house were asleep. now to ask for donations.

“It was cold all day, and the only heat we were They have set up Mercy House Fire Account going to have was the heat from the bathroom with Haskell National Bank, or you can Venmo heaters, the gas heaters,” said Patti Vick.

Denard directly at @Missy-Denard, or click the link.

So Podesta woke up Vick and the rest of the residents.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

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

This exhibition was created by Abilene’s Hispanic Heritage Display Committee, a group committed to archiving, preserving, and displaying the histories of Hispanics in Abilene for the community and its future generations.

radio stations in Abilene have led the way to promote both the conjunto and Tejano music we enjoy today.

Ballet Folklorico, derived from traditional folk dancing, incorporates religious topics, historical themes, and oral histories. It was mainly modernized in the 1950s in Mexico City and became popular in the United States in the 1960s. The dancers promote a sense of community and ability to share their heritage through the expressive form of dance. This exhibition highlights two local Ballet Folklorico groups that are vital to the culture of Abilene.

This exhibition highlights just a small portion of the rich history of music, dance, and entertainment in Abilene’s Hispanic/Latino community. Music and dance are an integral part of Hispanic/Latino culture, as they incorporate native and Spanish traditions to create a unique blend of rhythms, beats, movements, and lyrics. Abilene has a long history and tradition of conjunto music and ballet folklorico, both of which are repre- Exhibit closes on April 24, 2021 sented in this exhibition.

Price: $6-Adults; $3-Seniors, students and educators with ID, non-active duty miliConjunto music was the precursor to cur- tary; Free-Children ages 3 and younger, rent Tejano music, where each band usual- museum members, active duty military ly had an accordion, bajo sexto (12-string and families with ID bass guitar), and drums (later, other instru- Location: The Grace Museum, 102 Cyments were added). In addition, Spanish press St. Abilene, TX 79601

Cost Effective Advertising CALL US TODAY! 1-325-518-7091

Nine Year Old Jesse Silva Hopes for Recovery from Optic Nerve Tumor

By Trisha Hendricks | FoxWestTexas

It all started with an eye exam.

“March 19, 6 a.m. Best case scenario would be that they can just kind of stop the growth “I cry a lot at night, so my son doesn’t see me. of it,” Alexis said. “For Jesse, we really just And I try to keep a strong face for everybody want everyone to give us their positive vibes that’s around me,” Alexis Mumphrey said. and thoughts and send their prayers our way.”

“But it is very hard when you think about everything he’ll be going through and how risky While his parents found the news heartbreakeverything is.” ing and scary, Jesse has looked at it as an obstacle to overcome.

Jesse Silva, 9, and his parents learned that he had a tumor on his optic nerve during an eye “I didn’t really think anything of it,” he said. appointment.

Alexis said that his attitude has been to go forth “Our world kind of changed like about a month and get over cancer, a mentality that has been a ago, when we found out Jesse had this tumor,” source of inspiration for her.

Alexis said. “For a couple years he had headaches off and on. We just kind of associated “It’s going to be rough, but we’re trying to them with migraines because his dad has mi- stay strong and the love of our family and our graines.” community really has helped us a lot get to this point,” Alexis said.

The ophthalmologist noticed that Jesse’s right eye was pale in photos and that the optic nerve With mounting medical bills, chemo, ongodidn’t look quite right. Jesse told the doctor that ing MRIs and hearing aids for hearing loss as he did get headaches that sometimes got pain- a consequence of the tumor, Jesse’s family is ful, but the family had never been concerned. thankful for all the support they can get.

A CT scan and MRI confirmed the worst, Jesse The family has set up a GoFundMe and has has a tumor growing in his optic nerve path- already been overwhelmed by the kindness of way. His doctors began a treatment plan that the community. includes risky surgery.

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Dyess Visitor Control Center Conducts Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Senior Airman Mercedes Porter | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess Air Force Base

The Visitor Control Center conducted a groundbreaking ceremony with Dyess Air Force Base leadership, Military Affairs Committee, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of Abilene at Dyess AFB, Texas, Jan. 25, 2021.

ect a reality through the grant.

“Words can’t express how excited I was when I found out this project was going to go through,” said Ralph Hatcher, 7th Security Forces flight commander of plans and programs. “The visitor center is too small for The groundbreaking ceremony signified the the mission that it’s currently performing and beginning of the Visitor Control Center’s I think this renovation is going to add a whole renovations, which new level of improved hasn’t occurred afcustomer service.” ter the pass office was moved to the Before the renovations center in 2005. began, the Visitor Control Center was “With the help of too small to hold mass the Chamber of visitors and families, Commerce and the as they annually assist Military Affairs approximately 15,000 Committee, we people, causing them were able to receive to stand out in Texas’ the Defense Ecomany different weathnomic Adjustment er conditions. AlAssistance Grant though the center was from the state of smaller, in the past Texas,” said Col. year it was still able to Ed Sumangil, 7th conduct over 30,000 Bomb Wing com- Maj. Michael Morriss, 7th Security Forces Squadron OpenFox inquiries, mander. “This is commander, right, receives the Visitor Control Center’s denying 33 felons and a representation, groundbreaking proclamation from Anthony Williams, helping aid local law once again, of the Abilene mayor, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. enforcement capture partnership be- 25, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman wanted persons. tween Dyess Air Mercedes Porter) Force Base and the Abilene community.”

“The groundbreaking ceremony really does show the cooperation between the city of The plans for renovations have been in the Abilene and Dyess,” said Hatcher. “The city works for years, but the city of Abilene was goes out of their way to make everyone on able to provide $1.4 million to make this proj- Dyess feel welcomed to the community.”

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

SNAP Users Can Buy Readyto-Eat Meals Until March 31

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

By Gerald Tracy | KTXS

Those using SNAP can now use their benefits to buy hot foods and ready-to-eat meals.

Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement Sunday, saying the winter weather last week has pushed him to enforce this new regulation.

“As we continue to recover from this winter storm, the state is ensuring that Texans in need have access to hot food to feed their families,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approving this waiver.”

This means SNAP users can buy things like rotisserie chickens or grocery store deli foods with their benefits. This will last until the end of March.

Advertising 1-325-518-7091 • or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

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

Pastor Eddie Jordan was the 8th of 10 children and the “middle” boy born to Beulah and Willie Tanner Jordan in Coila, MS on February 5, 1954. The blessed transformation from labor to reward occurred on February 3, 2021 at the Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, TX. Eddie accepted Christ as his personal Savior and committed his life to Him at a very early age. He was a member of the Bethel Christian Disciples of Christ Church where he was involved as a youth leader in Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and Bible Study. This commitment led him to become an ordained deacon as a teenager.

Eddie attended Blackhawk Elementary and Marshall High School, and after integration, graduated from J.Z. George High School in 1973. Eddie was an exceptional athlete; therefore, he was awarded a football scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS where he joined the Air Force ROTC and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. While at Valley, he met the love of his life, Casandra Fae Wilson. In 1975, Eddie and Casandra were married. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

Second Lieutenant Jordan and Casandra’s life’s journey began in Rantoul, IL with his first assignment at Rantoul Air Force Base. In 1976, he added the title of “Father” with the birth of his daughter, Tunisia and again in 1979, with his son, Eddie II. The young family traveled internationally for their first tour of duty to Torrejon AFB in Madrid, Spain where they were stationed for 3 years and he achieved the rank of Captain.

They returned to Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX before being called to their 2nd international assignment, this time to Misawa, Japan. With his family at his side, he was able to visit Lisbon, Portugal and Seoul, Korea. After 2 years, the Jordans returned to Dyess AFB and made Abilene their permanent home after Captain Jordan separated from the Air Force in 1989.

Post military, Eddie worked at General Dynamics and taught Computer Technology and Industrial Technology for Abilene Independent School District.

August 24, 1978, Eddie was called to preach the gospel under the pastorage and mentorship of the late Rev. Dr. Matthew Scott of New Light Baptist Church in Rantoul, IL. In Spain, Rev. Jordan became pastor of the Royal Oaks Baptist Church in Madrid.

Returning to the States, the family united with Macedonia Baptist Church. While there, he was called to pastor the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hamlin, TX. Later, the family joined the New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Leo F. Scott.

In June 1991, Rev. Eddie Jordan received his Master of Theology degree from The New World Theological

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Seminary. Rev. Jordan was called to pastor the beloved New Light Baptist Church in 1999.

His service extended 21 faithful years which included gaining the affectionate title “The Midnight Preacher” with the Wildfire Ministries’ televised Sunday School lesson which aired Saturday nights from 12:00am-12:30am for 5 years.

Pastor Jordan lived a life of faith and service to his country and community. He served as Moderator for the Progressive West Texas Baptist District Association.

He also found a way to combine two of his passions: mentorship and golf. Pastor Jordan initiated an annual golf tournament that raised scholarship funds for New Light college-bound senior high students. The tournament grew in popularity as did his friendship with the featured guest, retired Dallas Cowboy and recent NFL Hall of Famer, Drew Pearson.

Though he was a recipient of a myriad of commendations including induction into the J.Z. George High School Football Hall of Fame, an Air Force Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters and other military, civic and religious awards, he remained humble.

Pastor Jordan was a man of diverse character, a country boy straight from the heart, a lover of life - adventurous, spontaneous, zealous; serious but playful, stern but gentle.

He believed that anything worth doing, was worth doing well. Pastor Eddie Jordan… well done!

Pastor Jordan was preceded in death by his parents: Willie Tanner and Beulah Jordan; brother, John Jordan; oldest sister, Willie Mae Totten; sister-in-law, Ethel Jordan; and brother-in-law, Ben Rias.

Pastor Eddie Jordan leaves in God’s care his devoted wife of 45 years, Casandra W. Jordan of Abilene, TX; one daughter, Tunisia Morean Cunningham (Billy “Joey”) of Fort Worth, TX; one son, Eddie Jordan II (Janelle Alyse) of Dallas, TX; two beautiful grandchildren who he adored: Jaeda Simone Jordan and Eddie Jordan III; three brothers: W.B. Jordan of Coila, MS; Robert L. Jordan (Patricia) of Belden, MS; Aaron Jordan (Joyce) of Memphis, TN; three sisters: Fannie Fluker (William) of Byram, MS; Ruby Howard (Roosevelt) of Coila, MS; Minnie M. Jordan of Memphis, TN; a host of nieces and nephews, and an awesome, selfless benefactor, Tim Yandell, who Eddie called brother and his Angel.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Help Hope Live (https://helphopelive. org/campaign/862/)

Elida Gomez, 77, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 in Abilene, Texas.

Elida was born July 31, 1943 in Abilene, Texas to Sylvester and Consuelo Gomez. She attended Abilene Schools and graduated from Abilene High School in 1963. After high school she attended Draughts Commercial College. Elida worked as a loan officer for CCC Credit, AAA Finance, and Blazer Finance. After working in finance Elida worked for Betty Hardwick as a records clerk.

Elida was a collector of Elvis memorable and loved Elvis.

She also enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys and Abilene High Eagles. Most of all Elida enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports and spending time with her family. Elida will forever hold a special place in our hearts and her presence will forever be missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Consuelo Gomez.

Elida is survived by her son, Eloy Gomez; her two grandchildren, Eric Lozano, and Carter May Gomez; her two sisters, Norma Sierra and husband Jose, and Marie Gomez; favorite cousin, Merle Pallarez; bonus granddaughters, Adeline and Charlee Johnson; and numerous cousins and friends.

Call us to advertise! 325-518-7091

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

Taylor’s Melissa Beyer Named Region 14 Counselor of the Year

By Abilene Independent School District

The teachers and staff of the Abilene ISD continued their tradition of widespread recognition for excellence last week when Melissa Beyer, school counselor at Taylor Elementary, was named the Region 14 Counselor of the Year. In a ceremony at the Region 14 Service Center, Beyer was recognized for her outstanding record of service to the students and staff at Taylor, including going above and beyond to help many at Taylor during the stressful year induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

community has a special place in her heart, as all three of her children attended Taylor and her husband was invited to be an honorary Taylor Trojan. Beyer now proudly serves Taylor students via individual and group counseling, classroom guidance, character education, and career discovery.

“I feel very honored and surprised,” said Beyer when asked about being honored by her peers from across Region 14. “We don’t do counseling for awards, but it’s nice to be rec“Melissa Beyer is an amazing counselor. She ognized knowing all that we do for the kids to takes care of our students, our staff, and our help them venture out and do better things for families,” said Taylor principal Keri Thorn- their lives.” burg, who attended the Region 14 ceremony.

“Everyone counts on her to be the glue that Beyer will be recognized for this achievement holds us all together and she is more than de- by the AISD Board of Trustees at their meetserving of this honor.” ing on Monday, March 15. Community members are encouraged to watch the live stream A former AISD student at Taylor Elementary, of the meeting on the AISD Facebook page to Franklin Middle School, and Abilene High celebrate Beyer’s accomplishment.

School, Beyer has been a teacher since 1988 and a school counselor since 2001. The Taylor

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Abilene Libraries Scheduled to Return to Regular Hours

By Nathaniel Ellsworth | Abilene Reporter-News

Two of the Abilene Public Library’s locations will be resuming regular service hours this week, the city of Abilene announced in a news release Monday.

Both the Main Library at 202 Cedar St. and the South Branch at the Mall of Abilene will be back on pre-pandemic hours starting Wednesday, the release said.

Hours for the Main Library will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Main Library will be closed Sundays. The South Branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The library’s Mockingbird Branch, at 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane, is scheduled to reopen to the public on April 1. At that time, its operating hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and closed on Sundays.

For information, contact 325-677-2474 or visit the library website infodesk.library@abilenetx.gov.

The Abilene ISD is proud to develop student leaders with a commitment to serving others, and the Junior Lighthouse Team at Ortiz Elementary is no exception.

These students partnered with Love & Care Ministries to organize a “Souper Bowl” food drive this semester. Tuesday afternoon, they helped pack the Love & Care truck with 1,729 donated cans of food that will go directly to supporting Abilene community members in need. Join us in celebrating the Ortiz Junior Lighthouse Team and all of our student leaders across the district!

Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-518-7091

Eva Longoria helps the San Antonio Food Bank deliver food and necessities to people in need following last week’s massive winter storms. Longoria joined Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper to hand out food and water to many who are still recovering from the winter weather. Many were left without clean water to drink and their food spoiled due to the power outages.

“There’s so many communities in need right now, not only because of COVID and now this Texas freeze, but just in life.

Sometimes people need a helping hand and I’m so excited to be here to help the San Antonio Food Bank do what they do best and that’s just to give out love,” said Longoria.

CPAS Launches Live Shows with “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience,” Switches Second Offering to “Cinderella,” From The Panto Company, USA

By Hollye Jaklewicz | Children’s Performing Arts Series Director

After 12 months with no live shows, the Children’s Performing Arts Series (CPAS) is bringing live family shows back to the Abilene stage. CPAS has put together a show lineup which prioritizes audience safety by moving some live performances outdoors and offering virtual shows for home viewing.

“Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience” will open the season at the open-air Taylor County Expo Center Entertainment Pavilion on Saturday, March 27 at 1pm and 5pm. The pavilion is a traditional stage situated outdoors, with a canopy over the audience. The location provides the free flow of fresh air and the ability to distance seating that is crucial during this time. This is a new venue for CPAS, which traditionally presents shows at the Historic Paramount Theatre. CPAS last presented a show featuring rescued and trained dogs in 2015. That show proved to be one of the most popular CPAS ever offered, selling out two full performances.

The second show on Sunday, April 18 at 2pm was originally “The Jungle Book,” from the Panto Company, USA. However, due to pandemic-related circumstances, the Panto Company’s musical “Cinderella” will be presented instead. “Cinderella” toured nationally in 2019 to much acclaim. The Panto Company is popular with CPAS audiences, having presented three other Abilene shows in recent years. The Panto Company’s shows feature signature humor, original music, dance and comedy. Cinderella will be presented at the Historic Paramount Theatre, with a “Plan B” to move the show to an open air venue if necessary.

The final show in the spring lineup is “Acrobats of Cirque-tacular,” on Sunday, May 16 at 2pm. The show will be presented at the Historic Paramount Theatre, with an open air “Plan B” similar to the Cinderella show. The production features amazing acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists who bend, twist, flip, and fly in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun.

CPAS at Home Program Available for in home streaming by families and small groups, CPAS at Home virtual shows come with a new copy of the show’s book, a $25 Market Street gift card, popcorn to enjoy while watching, written instructions for show-related crafts, games and activites and fun video extras. The CPAS at Home virtual shows come from ArtsPower National Touring Theater.

Single show tickets are only $10, $9 for Military. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.cpasabilene. org or by calling 325-677-1161.

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | COMMUNITY | 13

14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Sports Alliance Scholarship Applications Available

By Marty Martinez | Abilene Sports Alliance

The Abilene Sports Alliance is offering $10,000 in scholarships to graduating student athletes. One male and one female athlete from Abilene Christian, Abilene, Cooper, and Wylie high schools will receive this award.

HispanicLife Media

Six Abilene High JROTC Cadets Advance In National Competition

By AISD

Six Abilene High Junior ROTC cadets have advanced to Level II of the Joint Leadership Academic Bowl (JLAB).

Applications may be picked up in the high school Counselor’s office, from the Athletic Coordinator/Director at each campus or downloaded from http://www.abilenevisitors.com/Sports-Alliance-Scholarships. The completed application must be turned in to the campus Athletic Coordinator/Director by April 8.

Cadets Diego Hernandez, Walker Hilbrich, Peter Nguyen, Christopher Pickering, Carlo Villamor, and Alexis Wood finished in the top 50 percent at the Level I competition to advance to the next round of the competition. Level II competition begins Feb. 15 and will conclude March 5 with results to follow shortly after the end of the event.

During the last 16 years the Sports Alliance has hosted fundraisers to support 130 student athletes with $138,500 awarded in scholarships. The Running to 2021 5K on Jan. 2 was the latest successful venture and is planned to be an annual event.

JLAB is a three-level academic contest with the third level taking place in Washington, D.C., in June. Each level consists of questions from three different areas:

The Sports Alliance is a committee under the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, an affiliate of the Chamber of Commerce. The Sports Alliance was created to generate revenue to the local economy through sporting events. The group’s mission is to increase existing tournaments and create new ones, support an enthusiastic volunteer base and offer scholarships to support local athletic programs.

• Level I: 25 percent JROTC questions, 65 percent SAT/ACT-type questions, and 10 percent current events questions.

• Level II includes 15 percent JROTC questions, 75 percent SAT/ACT-type questions, and 10 percent current events questions.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 701-9505

EDUCATION

LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

Dance is More Than Art for LJ Brodie – It’s a Way to Live Out His Mission

By Abilene Christian University

The conviction that art can challenge, bless and inspire others motivates everything LJ Brodie (’21) does.

The senior musical theatre major from Mesquite, Texas, who will be the first graduate from ACU Theatre’s dance program, has been blessing others through performances since childhood, from work on his church’s step team to theatre in high school, and from regional musicals in Abilene to the 2019 Homecoming musical Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

“Dance has always come naturally to me,” he said. “It’s how I express myself when words fail.”

LJ was instrumental in implementing ACU Theatre’s new dance track. He has performed in shows ranging from Wonderful Town to James and the Giant Peach, PHOTO BY SCOTT DELONY arranged choreography for two ACU dance shows and where he worked alongside perhad roles in the 2019 Homeformers from film productions coming Musical. and national touring companies.

He also found recognition in the Abilene community LJ has had ample opportunities at theatre space, with roles in ACU to use art to express truth. regional productions of the musicals Newsies and Pippin at the Historic “Art is a living thing that can touch your heart Paramount Theatre, and the Abilene Opera and soul,” he said. “I love seeing Christ-like Association’s production of West Side Story, themes of human decency, kindness and love

come to life on the stage.”

The conviction that art can make an impact even through challenging subject matter – such as this year’s Cornerstone production, the play American Son – has shaped LJ’s sense of calling and personal mission.

“One of my favorite lines from the musical Hamilton,” he said, is “If you stand for nothing, Burr, what will you fall for?”

“Theatre has taught me to figure out and fight for what I believe in,” he said.

LJ is ready to make a difference in the world. “I’m the first in my family to go to college, and I’ll be the first one to get my degree,” he said. “At the end of the day, when I graduate, I know I’m making myself and my family proud.”

16 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Research By ACU Students, Faculty Published in Nature Magazine

By Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University students and faculty in the Department of Engineering and Physics contributed to research being published this week in Nature, one of the world’s leading science magazines. “The asymmetry of antimatter in the proton” was published in the Feb. 24 issue.

Understanding the properties of the proton helps physicists answer fundamental scientific questions. Studies of the proton have led to the development of proton therapy for cancer treatment, measurement of proton radiation during space travel and even understanding of star formation and the early universe. Proton re-

won’t get in very many places,” said Dr. Donald Isenhower, professor of engineering and physics. “Some of these students worked for multiple years on the experiment and did work that was on the critical path to get the measurements done correctly. Getting assigned such tasks shows the confidence of both our collaborators and ACU.” Daugherity and Isenhower were contributors listed in the paper, along with Dr. Rusty Towell, professor of engineering and physics, and Shon Watson, research associate. The collaboration, named SeaQuest, took place at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Chicago and involved around 30 institutions – universities from around the world and several major laboratories. The work is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Physics and the National Science Foundation.

search touches on fields including chemistry, astronomy, cosmology and biology, leading to advances in medicine, materials science and more.

Although this particular project officially got underway in 2012, its roots go back to a previous research project involving ACU. Towell’s dissertation as a Ph.D. student focused on the same topic, based on research at Fermilab. Isenhower and Dr. Michael Sadler, former ACU professor of physics, were contributors on the earlier project that spurred the SeaQuest research.

Four now-alumni of ACU worked on the project as undergraduates and are listed alongside four faculty and staff as contributors to the paper.

Towell says the surprising results his dissertation research yielded 20 years ago made the ensuing follow-up research particularly important and intriguing.

“I can’t emphasize enough how rare it is for undergraduates to be listed on a paper in Nature magazine,” said Dr. Michael Daugherity, professor of engineering and physics. “Nature is one of the most prestigious journals in the field. They require that articles have a broad appeal, make a big impact in multiple areas, and have findings that are truly novel, not just an incremental update. Then it’s peer reviewed with multiple referees and multiple editors.”

“As a young scientist it was enlightening to see older scientists struggle with the data coming in that was not in line with their expectations,” he said. “It hinted at things we didn’t understand, but it didn’t give us the full answer, so immediately there was a desire to extend the measurement into another realm. Literally before we quit taking data from the first research, there was a proposal for this new experiment. It took decades to get it set up and approved and collect the data, so over those 20 years, a lot of people had to step away. I was not as integrally involved with this second project as with the first, but still, to be part of it and see data come in related to what I studied and what we learned, it felt like the next chapter of my dissertation.”

But what’s rare in most scientific circles is the norm at ACU’s Department of Engineering and Physics.

“This is an example of why doing research with ACU allows students to get things on their résumés that they

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | EDUCATION | 17

TSTC Welding Technology Instructor’s Experience Benefits Students

By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College Welding Technology students are learning what it is like to work in the real world.

TSTC instructor Daniel Aguirre admitted that he did not have any teaching experience when he started in August, but he is using his work experience in the field to get his students fired up about welding.

He teaches safety through self-motivation.

“Daniel allows us to work until we get the project done. That is helpful for me,” student Lacey Watson said.

Aguirre’s experience shows firsthand what students need to know when they begin work.

He said his goal is to be a balanced educator.

“I need to balance out my welding experience with what I am going to have to teach from the textbook.

There is so much more you can learn by doing,” he said.

“I will have to incorporate that into my teaching style.”

His experience is paying off with the students.

“He will sit right there and tell you how you are doing things wrong,” student Wesley Kite said. “He is good about letting you know how to do things.”

TSTC Welding Technology instructor Daniel Aguirre (left) looks at Caden Amos’ welding techniques during a lab session. (Photo: TSTC)

Student Caden Amos entered the program with no welding experience.

Aguirre said Amos is quickly learning the trade, and Amos credited that to his instructor.

“Daniel likes to throw a curve at us,” Amos said.

“He knows when he does that, we will be ready to take on anything.”

Like his students, Aguirre is leaning on others during his first year.

“The faculty and staff in Brownwood have been so willing to help me,” he said. “I have learned so much from them because they have been teaching a long time.”

Aguirre is also teaching the most important aspect that employers look for when hiring welders.

“Safety is the top priority. I want our students to learn how to be safe in the shop and to work safely on a job,” he said.

“I want the students to be in the mindset of knowing what it is like to work in the real world,” he said. “If they know what is expected of them, they will be able to succeed.”

That is where Aguirre’s experience has come into play. As a teenager, Aguirre helped his father repair rail cars and later worked for a railroad company repairing cars.

“We would weld the rail cars that were damaged.

We would work on them and get them going again,” he said.

After his career in the railroad, Aguirre worked for an oil field company in which he welded equipment. He did that until the welding instruction position opened at TSTC. He has not regretted the career change.

“There is nothing more gratifying than teaching young welders the tricks of our trade,” Aguirre said.

For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Advertise with us today! 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Trejo Enrolls in TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology to Expand Mechanical Knowledge

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Amarillo’s Adrian Trejo wants to work on more than just automobiles.

The Texas State Technical College Diesel Equipment Technology student always liked to work on cars and knew he could turn it into a career. He is now pursuing a certificate in the TSTC program to expand his knowledge.

Freightliner, and Peterbilt.

“Our students will be able to get work when they graduate,” he said.

Another aspect that Trejo said drew him to TSTC was the Career Services department, which helps students prepare for job interviews.

“I knew I wanted to be a mechanic since I was a kid.

My mom was my inspiration because she would always work on cars,” he said.

“That is awesome to know people are here to help. This includes building a resume, something I do not think about a lot,” he said.

After obtaining his mechanic certification, Trejo went to work. He said he knew his education would continue.

Once Trejo enrolled, he quickly learned that the instructors were preparing him for work.

“Having veteran instructors is one of the best things about this program,” he said. “Anytime you can learn from people who spent a great amount of time in the field, it is going to be a great learning experience. They have been able to teach us the ins and outs and what we are doing right and wrong.”

“I knew that was not going to be enough for me. I knew I wanted to do more,” he said.

“I wanted to work on the Diesel Equipment Technolobig highway trucks and con- TSTC gy student Adrian Trejo decided to struction equipment.” expand his mechanical knowledge to include trucks and construction

When he began looking for equipment. (Photo: TSTC) a school, his father offered a suggestion. Trejo’s father worked in Sweetwater and knew about the TSTC Diesel Equip- Trejo said everything is taught with a straightforment Technology program. ward approach.

“My dad told me that a lot of employers like to hire TSTC graduates,” Trejo said. “I found out that TSTC graduates are very hirable, and people look for them. TSTC graduates are more appealing to employers.”

“We know that we have to keep up with our assignments,” he said. “If you want to learn a technical trade, TSTC is the right place to be. You will get a great education and will be prepared for the career you choose.”

Having alumni in the field is something instructor Shannon Weir takes pride in each day.

Some graduates of the program are employed by established companies like Caterpillar,

In addition to Sweetwater, the Diesel Equipment Technology program is offered at the Fort Bend County, Marshall, North Texas, and Waco campuses. To learn more about the programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Advertise HERE! 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Pick us up at Riojas, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant & Alfredo’s | EDUCATION | 19

Cisco College Police Chief Graduates from The Leadership Command College

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

Rogelio Tighe, Chief of the Cisco College Police Department recently graduated from the Leadership Command College – Class 88 of the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas. The program, taught by a consortium of universities throughout Texas, provides law enforcement administrators and executives with the skills necessary to effectively manage police agencies and deliver a high level of service to their communities. Module I, focusing on leadership, is taught at the Center for Executive Development at Texas A&M University.

Module II at Texas Woman’s University focuses on the political, legal, and social environment of law enforcement. The program concluded on February 26, 2021 with training in law enforcement administration at the third module, held at Sam Houston State University.

Each of the three 3-week modules attended by participants in the program is taught by top

national and international law enforcement experts.

Topics include leadership, professional ethics and integrity, communication, and personnel management issues. The Command College curriculum also strives to keep participants on top of contemporary issues in Criminal Justice.

IT offers numerous seminars, training for police chiefs, and the leadership program, which is one of the premiere law enforcement academies in the nation. No tax monies are necessary to support LEMIT, which is funded by a surcharge on crimiThis program is one of nal court costs; afmany offered by the Bill fording eligible Texas Blackwood Law EnforceLaw Enforcement ment Management Instimanagers and executute of Texas, headquartive’s essential profestered on the campus of sional development.

Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Between one and two thousand Texas law Texas. The Institute, known as “LEMIT,” has enforcement personnel benefit from LEMIT been training law enforcement managers and training each year. executives since its inception in 1987. LEM-

We’re Looking for Well-Rounded Young Members! ATFCU will award ten $1,500 scholarships to teen members of ATFCU graduating from high school in May or June of this year.

Here are the basic criteria: •Applicant has an account in his/her own name at ATFCU. •Applicant is in good standing and an ATFCU member of record as of December 11, 2020.

Complete details and a link to the application can be found here: https://bit.ly/39YIyaf The application deadline is April 1, 2021.

20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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

FAITH&FAMILY

Catching Up

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

By Melissa Vinson | Christian Business Women’s Network

I have a friend who has lost over 60 pounds in the last year. She has done it slowly, eating healthy and working out, and staying consistent. I truly admire her. As someone who has struggled with my weight my entire life, I am inspired by her commitment. She often posts pictures and comments about her journey, both the struggles and successes, on Facebook.

Last week she posted something that made me really think. She said that even after losing the weight, she still picks up the clothes that are way too big now. She even worries about taking up too much room when in a group and is self conscious about her size. She also said that she still sees herself as though she is the same size before losing the weight. As I read this, I thought “what? why? you look amazing!” And then she said something that really caused me to think. She said “when your body is changing, it takes your mind a lot longer to catch up... I am ready for my mind to catch up and see the person I’m truly becoming but this too will take time.”

Not only did this make sense, but it was very profound and insightful.

I’ve been thinking about people who hear the gospel, learn about Jesus and decide to accept Him and His sacrifice for their sins.

They choose to believe in Him and live their lives to serve Him. So, they go to church, read the bible and Christian books, volunteer in church and do everything expected of them. But often when faced with stress or disappointment, Christians act out in ways that are not considered “acceptable” or “Christ-like”. They go back to their old habits or coping mechanisms and are judged and

condemned by those around them. Have you ever wondered why? Is it possible that they are changing, but that it is taking longer for their soul (mind, will and emotions) to catch up with their spirit? Is it possible that even though we are saved and going to heaven, we may not yet see the person we are truly becoming in Christ?

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our spirit is immediately saved and regenerated. At that moment, we are secure in the hands of God and nothing can take us from Him. We are His child, a joint heir with Jesus, blameless and free from condemnation, complete, healed, forgiven, loved, adored and anointed. But we don’t always feel like it because we still see ourselves as we were before. Our minds are so powerful that what we think we are will determine how we behave and respond.

This is why the bible tells us to “renew our minds”. We have to constantly remind ourselves who we are. Daily thinking on positive things and making declarations of what the bible says about us is vital to finally “seeing the person I’m truly becoming.” Yes, this will

take time, but if we stay consistent, we will see the changes. We will begin to see ourselves the way that God sees us and then we will begin to act like He sees us. When you see yourself the way He sees you, everything changes. You will walk in peace, receive and give grace and have joy like you’ve never known.

My prayer for you is that you are courageous enough to say “I am who God says I am”. Then read and declare what the bible says about you out loud so that you will hear it over and over and it will get deep in your soul. I pray that your soul catches up with your spirit and that you will know who you truly are. You are more valuable than you can imagine.

The Secret to Being Content in Any Situation

22 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Are you content or dissatisfied, anxious, unfulfilled? Ads, movies, and social media preach that we don’t quite have enough, we deserve more, or there’s something better out there. Let’s face it: Contentment is elusive for many. Back when I struggled through the pain and suffering associated with herniated disc issues, I focused more on the secret to contentment, and how much I really longed to have it in every situation. Contentment is being satisfied and at peace in your marriage and other relationships, with possessions, status, jobs, and a multitude of other life circumstances.

3. I need to choose carefully the source of my hope. Being content in any situation,

especially while there are “rough seas” in life, requires having hope. What I choose to put my hope in will determine how content I will be. Do I put my hope in my success? My physical, emotional, or mental health? My career? My possessions? My marriage? Myself? My political leaders or party? My church? All these things— every one of them—will fail and disappoint me at some point. How sturdy a foundation is any of these things? If I lose my job, hit a rough patch with Susan, crash my car, wrench my back, my world is rocked. How can I be content?

But many times, I’ve let circumstances dictate my joy and satisfaction. Thinking about what I 4. I need to be anchored to unchangedon’t have and what I haven’t yet achieved has able truth. Some people don’t believe there robbed me of satisfaction and peace too often. are absolute truths. I am not one of them. When When I compare my marriage, my kids, my things get tough, the solid rock of truth, like true job, and my life to others, contentment becomes north, is what I can stand on. With Susan, my even harder to find. I want marriage contentment contentment, even in the is found in the truth midst of pain and disapthat God created marpointment, and I want to riage for life, to make share with you what I’m us one flesh, to have rediscovering. Here are me love her as Christ 5 keys to contentment in loves me—uncondiany situation, including tionally and eternally. the most important secret This brings me to THE of all.

SECRET to contentment…

1. I need to talk to my heart. In his book Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, 5. The secret is God. If I need to live in Tim Keller wisely points out that “We may hear love, live by truth, and live with hope to be truly our hearts say, ‘It’s hopeless!’ but we should ar- content, then I must know God and walk with gue back.” The advice we hear so often today God. Why? Because He is truth. He is love. He is to “follow your heart,” but our hearts and is hope. He is unchanging. feelings can be very misleading. For example, I don’t always feel like Susan loves me, but I Augustine, an ancient theologian, once shared trust and know for a fact that she does. When my that “only love of the immutable [unchanging] heart says she doesn’t love me, I need to tell my can bring tranquility.” So, to be content in any heart what’s true. Keller, in referencing Psalm situation, I need to know, love, and receive the 42, says “We must talk to ourselves instead of love of the only one who does not change no allowing ‘ourselves’ to talk to us,” which leads matter what may come. to misery. Speak truth to self, no matter what.

Tim Keller says this: “[T]here is one thing that 2. I need to live by the truths I hold is immutable. It is God, his presence, and his instead of the feelings I feel. Beyond just reminding myself of what I believe is true and love. The only love that won’t disappoint you is real, I need to live by those truths. If, in the pri- one that can’t change, that can’t be lost, that is or example, I started being unkind to Susan be- not based on the ups and downs of life or of how cause my heart was fearful that she didn’t love well you live.” Keller goes on to say that that me, I would be living by a lie. Instead, I need to choose to act on the truth I hold, that she loves the secret to being content in any situation, “to me (and that I am responsible for loving her re- get the calm, the tranquility, the peace…” is to gardless) instead of acting on the feelings I feel “love him [God] supremely.” in the moment.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, Bogies & Abilene ISD | FAITH AND FAMILY | 23

10 Consistencies Your Kids Need at Home

By Bobby Cooley | AllProDad

Consistency in parenting offers stability to your kids when they need it most. Structure is a part of everyday life. We have schedules and routines that work for our homes. Your family rhythms may look totally different than the family’s next door—and they should. Each person in your family is unique and has different needs. One cookie-cutter schedule does not fit all.

But whatever our structure and routine, it is important for parents to maintain consistency, or else the structure will fail. Here are 10 practical ways to show consistency in parenting at home.

1. Mornings - Having a morning routine sets us up for a successful day. Our kids are allowed to leave their rooms at 7 a.m., aren’t allowed to watch TV before breakfast, and can expect a hug from my wife at the bottom of the stairs every morning. Build a morning plan that works for your family.

at mealtime.

3. Bedtime - When it is time to go to bed, we say three things every night: drink, potty, brush—and then the kids can get in their beds.

If you find yourself frustrated with bedtime, it might be because you lack consistency.

4. Discipline - Make sure the punishment fits the crime. If you have multiple children, you will start to hear them say, “That’s not fair.”

Having consistency in how you discipline is important for maintaining stability and will eliminate some confusion for your children.

5. Chores - What chores do you expect your kids to do? Consistency here creates kids who are disciplined and work hard. Be sure also to tell the kids what the consequences are for failing to do their chores.

6. Snacks - My kids ask for a snack almost every five minutes. Building a snacktime structure helps our kids take ownership and responsibility for this simple request. Every day at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., they are allowed to have a snack—and it’s amazing how quickly they learned to tell time when we started this.

sistency, you will find yourself putting an iPad in their hands every time they throw a fit and I talk bad about her to my kids, I open the door this will reinforce bad behavior. When the lim- for them to be disrespectful to her. This is not its are established, your kids know what to ex- helpful for my kids or honoring to their mother. pect and a standard has been set.

10. Attitude - You cannot control every situ8. Family Time - When is your designated ation or circumstance, but you can be consisfamily time? We try our best to do something tently in control of your attitude. When you fun on Friday nights together. The key is to establish a consistently positive attitude, you make it consistent and ongoing to ensure we bring a presence of stability and structure that are making family time a priority. rubs off on their attitudes.

2. Mealtime - Early on, we let our kids eat wherever they wanted—and then we were frustrated when we wanted them to stay at the table and they wouldn’t. But it was our fault, 9. Respecting Your Wife or the Mother of Your not theirs, because we hadn’t shown them how to sit and eat at the dinner table. We need to be 7. Technology - Setting technology limits sets Children - Consistency here includes respectreasonable and flexible along with consistent expectations that your kids need. Without con- ing her face to face and behind her back. When

24 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

3 Things to Know About Temptation

By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship

Oscar Wilde said, “I can resist anything but temptation.”

Before I was a Christian, I never really thought about temptation. I pretty much gave in to it. It wasn’t a struggle. If something seemed appealing, I just went and did it. But after I gave my life to Christ at the age of 17, other Christians warned, “Greg, now watch out, because you’re going to get tempted.”

“Well, how will I know when I’m getting tempted?”

“You’ll know,” they said.

Now, in one of my classes there was a really cute girl who never paid attention to me. She never even looked at me. But after class one day, this girl walked up to me and said, “Hi, what’s your name?”

I was so dumbfounded that she acknowledged my existence that it took me a few seconds to tell her my name.

Then she said, “Oh, you’re really cute. Uh, this weekend my parents are going to be out of town, and we have a little cabin up in the mountains. Why don’t you come up and spend the weekend with me?”

I thought, “This is temptation.” How did I know? Because stuff like that didn’t happen to me. And then another thought occurred to me.

I realized there must be something to my newfound Christianity. And it made me even more determined to find out what it meant to follow

Jesus Christ. Needless to say, I didn’t accept her The same can happen to us. But we need to realoffer. ize one thing: It is not a sin to be tempted. Jesus was tempted, after all. It isn’t the bait that conWhen to expect it • When temptation comes stitutes temptation; it’s the bite. If you say no to knocking on your door, it isn’t the easiest thing it, then you’re fine. to resist. Yet the Bible tells us that temptation But some of us might say, “Well, just for recan be overcome: “Blessed is the man who search I ought to check it out. Of course I would endures temptation; for when he has been ap- never do it, but I’ll just see what we have here.” proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” It’s like those cookie stores at the mall. You’re (James 1:12 NKJV). drawn to the incredible aroma of freshly baked cookies, and as you walk by, they offer you a From this verse alone we can learn three things free sample. Why do you think they do that? Is about temptation: 1) It can be endured, 2) there’s it because they love you and want you to have a reward for the person free cookies? who endures it, and 3) you’ll be a happy perNo, it’s because they son if you resist the pull know that if you take of temptation. one bite, you’re going to want the rest.

The apostle Paul wrote, “The temptations in The part we play • your life are no differYou see, we play a role ent from what others in our own temptation. experience. And God The Bible says, “And is faithful. He will not remember, when you allow the temptation to be more than you can are being tempted, do not say, ‘God is tempting stand. When you are tempted, he will show you me.’ God is never tempted to do wrong, and He a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthi- never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes ans 10:13 NLT). There is always a way out of from our own desires, which entice us and drag every temptation, no matter what. us away” (James 1:13–14 NLT).

After Jesus began His public ministry and had just been baptized by His cousin John the Baptist, He went into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days.

For instance, have you ever seen salespeople trying to move their products at a cemetery? Of course not. They’re going to try to find someone who can buy what they want to sell.

This serves as a reminder that temptation generally comes after times of great blessing. Jesus had just been baptized, which was a glorious moment. And without delay, along came Satan.

After the blessing came the temptation.

In the same way, where there’s no desire on our part, there is no temptation. We set ourselves up for temptation when we put ourselves in a place of vulnerability.

HIRING COOKS for ALL (4) Locations! Apply in person - 1665 Hwy 351

APPLY NOW Planning for your future?

Get ready to start today! tstc.edu/apply

That’s why the best place to be when temptation comes is in the will of God. Scripture tells us that Jesus “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil” (Luke 4:1–2 NKJV, emphasis added). He was in the will of God.

Pick us up at Reyes Law Firm, The Enterprise Building, Martinez Barbershop | FAITH AND FAMILY | 25

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE PURCHASE WITH

AUTO-CHECK

Fighting Back Against The Forces Of High Loan Rates & All The Hassles Of Car Shopping & Buying!

Now there's a way for YOU to take control of buying and financing a new car, truck, SUV, van or other vehicle. It's call Auto-Check and it's only at ATFCU. Here's what Auto-Check can do for you: • No stress or worry at the dealership.

• Finance with someone you trust - ATFCU! We'll help you each step of the way through the buying and financing process.

• We'll pre-qualify you for your maximum loan amount; then had you an actual check.

• Spend your check at any franchised dealership in Texas for both new and used vehicles.

PMS 280 (Blue) - C=100 M=72 Y=0 K-18

PMS 341 (Green) - C=93 M=26 Y=77 K-12 PMS 186 (Red) - C=22 M=100 Y=67 K-8

God’s ‘No-Fail’ Recipes

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

It finally made sense. I have read these verses in my Bible many times and yet the light finally came on. Second Peter 1:5-8 says, “make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I not only found the reassurance on how to live my Christian life, but thought about applying it to other areas in my life. Romans 5:3-4 says, “... we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Verse five goes on to say that God adds the final ingredient - love. It is poured into this recipe by the Holy Spirit.

It seems both recipes take us from our beginning faith in Christ and then teach us step by step how to live in love. Let’s look at that in the context of our blended families.

Let’s start with faith - a belief … trust. Just as we exercise our faith to believe in Jesus, God’s only Son, we also have placed a faith in marriage.

We may have failed in marriage, but our society obviously believes in marriage because we are in search of that most precious, intimate union and connection here on this earth. You took a step of faith to be in relationship with your spouse and the children involved.

FONT: Lithos Pro Bold & Lithos Pro Regular

• Bilingual assistance available at all branches For more details stop by one of our locations, call 677.2274, or visit our website abileneteachersfcu.org.

325-677-2274 800-677-6770 abileneteachersfcu.org

• 2801 N. 6th Street • 2555 Buffalo Gap Road • 1181 E. N. 10th Street • 3849 Antilley Road • 349 N. Mockingbird (drive-thru only)

Next, the recipe calls for goodness, knowledge and self-control. I’m sure when you started your family, you wanted many good things for them, but it’s not enough. You will need to add knowledge - seeking out how to make a blended family work through research, sharing, and possibly counseling. You now have a good foundation started in your recipe.

This is important because you are now going to need to add self-control and endurance. You will want to lash out at an ex-wife; you will want to complain about his bio kids; you will be disappointed in your husband’s inability to prioritize you over his kids and the demands of his ex.

Self-control and endurance will strengthen you to stay in your marriage and weather the storms coming - the suffering, disappointments, injustices, and heartaches.

Your recipe, if you continue, will start to take the shape of perseverance - the ability to continue on through hardships not only with resolve, but with confidence! Now we see character and godliness which looks like integrity and a mighty warrior who is strong for the battle and determined. You are equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit; prayer and the Bible are your weapons!

Your next ingredients are brotherly kindness and affection - simply seeking to serve others. Hope is now available to add to the recipe - and only acquired from an anticipation of the future and the knowledge that you have built a strong base.

Love is the last ingredient in these recipes.

Love doesn’t just happen. Deep abiding love comes through trial and fire, determination and commitment. Not a short-term fling or a “we will wait and see if this works” kind of attitude, but a ‘til death do we part’ kind of recipe that will stand through time.

Before you start a recipe, you always check your ingredients to see if you have what it takes to make it. The wonderful thing about God’s recipes, is that the ingredients always seem to show up just when you need them!

Blessings in Your Blending!

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

26 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

5 Things Covid Taught Us

By Madison Metcalf | boundblessings

Taking care of yourself is not selfish.

I am someone who likes to be active… I guess I have a hard time being still. I can even feel guilt creep in after I simply sit down to watch a TV show. BUT during quarantine I was reminded of the importance of taking care of myself and sometimes just resting. I would set these big audacious to-do lists every day during quarantine and would find myself feeling bad if I didn’t get everything crossed off.

My mom had to remind me to just chill during a phone call I had with her.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. In fact, if you’re not taking care of yourself, it’s foolish. So take the vitamins. Put the right foods in your body.

Get a little active. But also get good rest. There’s nothing wrong with taking care of your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

Do everything with a grateful heart.

I cried when I lost my taste and smell. I’ll admit it.

I love food A LOT. BUT instead of reflecting on what I was missing, I needed to focus on what I had right in front of me. A roof over my head. An amazing husband to take care of me. Food to nourish my body. A wonderful God to comfort me. I also had to remember that while I simply just lost my taste, others had lost their lives. So use this time to count your blessings instead of the temporary disruptions. God still woke us up today and put breath in our lungs. That’s something we can celebrate.

James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Advertising 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Reach out to people.

We were so blessed by people who would text or call or drop off food for us during our time in quarantine. It was super convicting for us, opening our eyes to all the times we could have reached out to others but didn’t. So be a good neighbor. Serve as a true disciple. Send the text just to check up on them. Make the food and leave it on the doorstep.

Take a moment and pray for them. It could make all the difference.

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

God wants to use this time.

Put down the phone. Set limits for yourself. I just gotta say that. It is SO EASY to want to pick up the phone, mindlessly scroll, or click through those stories. It’s okay to do it, but in moderation.

Here’s why: God wants to use this time. So don’t squander it. Pick up a good book. Get into the Word. Talk or write about the Word. Go for a (socially-distanced) walk. Look into the eyes of your lover. Play a board game (Catan is a great one).

Ask God to use the current situation. Ask Him to reveal things you can work on in this time. Do not waste this time and walk out of quarantine feeling more drained then filled up. Don’t squander it. Ask God to help you. Watch how He’ll use it.

Ephesians 5:16-17 “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

We’re all in this together.

Don’t allow division to come out of a time where unity should prevail. We are all human. We are all flawed. We are all going through the same thing. We are all doing the best with what we’ve got. So let’s show each other a little bit of grace. Whether or not you believe in the vaccine, are celebrating over the presidency, or think Covid is just a hoax, let’s all show respect for one another. No more arrogant extremism. Let’s not put each other down. Let’s instead work on building one another up. It is then that we’ll be able to move in the right direction together.

Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank, Day Nursery of Abilene | FAITH AND FAMILY | 27

5 Things I Just Started Doing That Have Saved My Sanity

By Abby Watts | iMom

How much water do you drink in a day? Until a couple of months ago, I was drinking six ounces, maybe. Then a few of us at work started a challenge—we try to drink 60 to 80 ounces during the workday. We set goals, check in, and have had huge successes, along with several trips to the bathroom! Drinking water is one of many small changes that make a big difference.

with a good book is good for the soul. So I got a library card, because yes, brick-and-mortar libraries still exist. And I settle down each night before bed with a chapter or two of a book instead of another episode of House Hunters (they always go over budget!). I also try to sit for five to 10 minutes in the morning and read a chapter of the bible. It’s my low-pressure way to spend

But sometimes we skip the small things because we underestimate their impact.

Recently, I’ve started doing 5 small things that have given me peace, helped me grow, and at times, kept me from losing my mind. Which one do you think it’s time for you to try?

Meal-Planning

Ok, I didn’t just start doing this, but I’ve raised my meal-planning game. I’ve always planned out dinners for the week.

If I didn’t, our budget and waistlines would be a total bust. But now I’m posting the week’s menu on a dry erase magnet on the fridge. It helps my kids know what to expect and my husband (who cooks because I plan and shop) doesn’t have to ask me.

I also use it for a shopping list. When someone says, “Mom, we’re out of ____!” I respond with, “Write it on the board.”If dinner is your Achilles heel, start small by planning and posting two meals per week.

Sub-Par Workouts

I just read an article from Ted.com that explained that our ability to follow through with a desired behavior (like eating healthy or working out) simply depends on our willingness to be bad at it. When it comes to working out, if I can’t get a

good calorie burn, I’d rather just sleep. But I hurt my knee and all cardio and lower body workouts were nixed for two months. So I made myself just do upper body. I didn’t sweat hard and I put on a few pounds, but you know what—I stayed active, I didn’t give up, and that little bit of exercise felt really good.

“Something is better than nothing” is 100 percent true when it comes to exercise. So even if it’s not a sweaty-selfie-worthy workout, do it.

A Chapter a Day

Reading is fundamental! That was drilled into us as kids, yet the temptation to scroll social media is so strong that we forget that spending time

some time with God.

Making My Kids Do Chores

My sons have always been responsible for picking up after themselves, but now they officially have a list of assigned chores. The top of that list is my least-favorite chore—emptying the dishwasher. Now that they do it, the silverware is never in the right spot, and the kid-cabinet is not as tidy as I’d like it, but I honestly don’t care.

I’ll take fixing a stack of plastic kid plates over emptying the dishwasher any day.

It’s tricky to pinpoint the chore you dislike enough that you’re willing to release control of it—unless you’re like me and the dishwasher. Then it’s super easy.

Embracing My Body

Women over 40: If your body has been good to you, stop wishing for a different one! I’ve spent about 32 of my 40 years wanting to look different than I do. So I’m trying really hard to be done with that phase. I’m still eating healthy and exercising, but I’m trying to find something to love every time my mind finds a flaw. So far it feels really good to be kind to myself.

When you catch yourself eyeing a spot you don’t like, say thank you for something that part of your body does to help you live your life or love your family.

28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

HEALTH&FITNESS March is National Kidney Month:

Bringing Awareness to Healthy Kidneys

By Melanie Taylor | UF/IFAS Bay County Extension, University of Florida This month brings awareness and education about the importance of our kidneys in maintaining a healthy life. Kidney function is unique because you may not notice the symptoms until the function is already far gone.

The CDC reports chronic kidney disease is a condition that 1 in every 7 adults (age 18 or older) in the United States has, as well as people with end stage renal disease who need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

lems, two of them – high blood pressure and diabetes – may be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed, regular visits to your doctor and exercise. If you have been diagnosed with either

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

LET’S TALK TODAY.

What are the symptoms you may notice if you are experiencing kidney problems?

How do your kidneys keep you healthy?

•Swelling in your face, hands, abdomen, ankles, and feet •Blood in your urine or foamy urine •Puffy eyes •Difficult, painful urination •Increased thirst •Fatigue

•Help remove excess fluid levels in the body.

•Make vitamins that control growth.

•Activate Vitamin D for healthy bones.

•Filter wastes from the blood.

•Control the production of red blood cells.

•Release hormones that help regulate blood pressure.

•Help regulate blood pressure, red blood cells, and the amount of certain nutrients in the body, such as calcium and potassium.

If you notice any of these problems or are just concerned because of family history, your family doctor can order the blood work to check your kidney function. If you find out you are experiencing kidney problems you should see a nephrologist – a kidney specialist.

There are many complications associated with kidney disease. They include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, heart attack, weak bones, high blood pressure, stroke, anemia/low red blood cell count and of course kidney failure.

The main risk factors for kidney disease and the problems associated with it are high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and being 60 years old and above. Out of these four prob-

you may have. Family history and being over the age of 60 are not issues you can control, but you can strive to live a healthy lifestyle and regularly have blood work drawn so your doctor can help catch any issues that are becoming a problem. Learning to maintain and follow your doctor’s orders will go a long way to keeping you and your kidneys healthy longer.

I don’t just see a customer.

I see you.

of these two, you need to regularly monitor your blood pressure and glucose levels, take medications if prescribed, and speak openly with your doctor about concerns or questions

Although many people ignore the importance of their kidneys, they play a very important part in our daily bodily functions in regulating minerals, fluids, blood pressure, and so much more. Striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle will help to ensure your kidneys keep working hard for you. Be sure to show your kidneys some love this March to celebrate National Kidney Month.

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

1706838

State Farm Bloomington, IL

30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Here’s What Happens to Your Brain When You Don’t Sleep

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Lindsay Tigar | Fast Company

Americans don’t get enough sleep. Even though it’s recommended for adults to log between seven and nine hours per night, most of us never meet that goal. And after a restless night—thanks to our newborn, that late cup of coffee, or work stress—we still pile into our cars or take the train to work. Being productive when our body wasn’t able to properly rest overnight is an uphill battle, and one that can have serious impacts on our productivity. But what exactly is happening to our brain the morning after an unintentional all-nighter? Here, experts explain exactly what happens when we don’t get enough sleep. (Spoiler: It’s not great.)

YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO RESPOND IN REAL TIME - You’re yawning over your espresso in a 10 a.m. meeting, and your boss puts you on the spot. Normally, you could talk yourself around the question and come up with an answer, but now, you’re drawing a blank. That’s because lack of sleep has slowed down your alertness and response time, says psychotherapist Jenny Maenpaa.

Researchers have connected lethargic behavior and slower mental processing with poor sleep quality, she says, meaning even if you know the answer, it’s hard to access that information when you’re tired.

Sure, you may not be a surgeon or a pilot whose job depends on split-second decisions, but you definitely won’t be able to perform your A game if you regularly miss sleep. “You will still find over time that if your alertness and performance suffer, it is impossible to do your job to expected standards,” she says. “This may be reflected in preventable mistakes, poorly written emails and reports, or a critical performance review.”

YOU’LL FORGET MORE THINGS - Normally, your to-do list is easy to rattle through, since you have a clear picture of what you need to accomplish and when. But when we’re sleep-deprived, it’s harder to remember. As therapist and cofounder of The Happy Sleeper, Heather Turgeon explains, when we miss sleep, it leads to reduced brain activity in the regions involved in working memory. This means we can’t hold onto information or think creatively.

In addition to not being able to think about what happened in the past, we also may not be able to remember the sleepless 24 hours we had. “One of the newer

lines of thinking about sleep suggests that while we sleep, cerebrospinal fluid flushes certain toxins out of the brain and allows for memory formation,” she explains. “Not getting enough restorative sleep could interrupt the formation of memories. During the day, we might not feel as sharp, and we may not have as clear a grasp on the information we learned the day or week before.

YOUR MIND WILL BE MORE CHAOTIC— AND YOU MAY FEEL ANXIOUS Many experts believe that falling into a deep enough sleep to dream allows our mind the chance to release negative, stressful energy. “Researchers believe that [dreams] may help us sort through recent intense emotional experiences by creating connections between neurons and allowing us to wake feeling calmer about what we experienced,” Maenpaa says.

Perhaps that’s why advice like “just sleep on it” is so prevalent, since rest goes seem to give our mind a clearer perspective. When your brain doesn’t get this time, it may feel overcrowded, and you could struggle to tame your thoughts. Maenpaa says this can lead to increased anxiety that doesn’t diminish over the course of the workday.

YOU MAY STRUGGLE WITH IMPULSE CONTROL - Unfortunately, part of being a professional is learning when and how to pick your battles.

However, it’s easier to bite your tongue when your coworker does something annoying when you’re well-rested, says Maenpaa. How come? Our most innate animal instincts come out when we don’t get enough sleep. “All of the strategies we have built over our lifetimes to help us control our primitive emotional reactions are forgotten when we are tired,” she says. “We have slower reaction times, are able to pay less attention to nuances in situations, and have a lowered ability to control our immediate emotional reactions.”

Like a toddler that didn’t get his or her way, we often revert back to this childlike state when we are feeling exhausted or out of control. “Your brain believes that it is engaged in a ‘fight-flight-or-freeze’ situation, and shuts down all nonessential functions that would be unnecessary in a near-death situation,” Maenpaa says. “This internal fire alarm also alters how the brain controls mood, motivation, and fear.”

Advertising 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Nourish Yourself to Flourish

Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 31

By HealthAdvocate Blog

Worrying about the future, overexposure to distressing news stories, and juggling work and home life can quickly result in burnout, lack of energy and motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. As we continue to hope for a sense of normalcy to return, it is important that we make the best of our current situations and continue to adapt and cope. These tips can help you nourish yourself with the goal of flourishing.

Take care of yourself. Nothing is more important than your physical and mental health.

Stay on top of preventive measures and regular doctors’ visits, and address health issues as they arise.

Eat well. Nutritious foods are key to good health and sustainable energy levels. Strive to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grain foods, nuts, seeds, healthy oils and lean proteins.

Avoid loading up on sugar, caffeine and “junk” foods. While they may provide a temporary pick-me-up, they result in a “crash” that can leave you feeling even more depleted. Enjoy these foods in moderation and as a way to

treat yourself. Little indulgences of this type can avoid thinking and talking about work during -Schedule a “vacation” day where you plan be nourishing! non-work hours. your day and meals around activities found in places you’d like to go on vacation.

Allow yourself to rest—without becoming a Lose yourself in something you love. Nourish -Cook an authentic Italian meal complete with couch potato! When life gets tough, it can be yourself by participating in activities you enjoy. dessert, play Italian music, virtually explore comforting to enjoy a moment of relaxation in Schedule regular “me” time to ensure you fol- tourist hotspots, and immerse yourself in the front of your TV or curled up in bed. However, low through. culture from the comfort of your home. it is important to balance these activities with -Plan a movie night and include all your favormovement and exercise to nourish your body.

Take breaks from the news and social media. ite theater snacks. Turn off the lights, raise the A total separation from these things for several volume and replicate the environment of the Set boundaries. Nothing can lead to burnout days, weeks or even months can be extremely theater in your own home. quicker than blurring the lines between work nourishing and allow for more time and self-re- -Scan real estate websites and find your ultiand home life. If you’re able to work onsite, flection. Also, aim to avoid preoccupation with mate dream house. Imagine what it would be leave your work at work and your home life at the actions of others. like to live there! home. If you’re working from home, establish -Pamper yourself. Indulge in a long, hot shower boundaries of time, space and thought.

Virtual gatherings becoming draining? Politely or bath with your favorite scented soap and hair turn down invitations for virtual gatherings products. Take time to shave, do your hair, and -Time: Stick to a schedule and avoid working and suggest alternative ways to connect instead, clip, file and polish your nails—anything that outside of normal hours. Don’t work on your such as phone, text or even write a letter or send make you feel as if you just visited the barber, days off—you’ve earned them! a card! salon or spa.

-Space: Designate a space in your home for - Spend time brightening up your home. work and keep your computer, phone, notepads, Break up the monotony. As we’re *checks caletc. there to avoid your work from spilling into endar and watch* heading into a YEAR of the If you have a blue mood or fatigue that seems other areas of your home life. pandemic, you may be feeling stuck, bored and to linger, or you feel continually overwhelmed, -Thought: While it is much easier said than like it’s a “Groundhog Day” type of situation. there are professionals who can help. Talk to done, try to turn off thoughts of work when Think of safe ways to make life fun again. Try your doctor to get information or resources. you’re done for the day—and on weekends—to things such as:

KEY PROPERTY

MANAGEMENT & REAL ESTATE 325-690-0123 www.WeSellAndRentAbilene.com

HOUSES, APARTMENTS, DUPLEXES, CONDOS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

- Little Elm Condo’s -

- Jefferson Square Apts -

5450 S. 7th at Ruidosa • 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath ........................$579 • 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath ......................$669 • 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths.....................$729 • Water Paid • Close To Dyess • Stove, Fridge, Dishwashers • Fireplace • W/D Connections

1 & 2 Bedroom Apts.

Cute Floor Plan, Stove & Fridge, Enclosed Patios 1 Bedrooms: Starting at $429 2 Bedrooms: $649/Month Washer & Dryer Connections, Dishwashers & Disposals Pets Welcomed!

1 BEDROOM

2 BEDROOM

602 North Jefferson - Prices starting at $429 5451 Laguna $579

200 North Jefferson - Prices starting at 5451 Laguna $669

649

$

10390343

Close to DYESS AFB

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

32 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Over $250,000 Raised for 7-Year-Old Running Lemonade Stand to Fund Her Own Brain Surgeries

By Malique Rankin | Nexstar Media Wire

A 7-year-old Alabama girl selling lemonade to help pay for her much-needed brain surgeries has captured hearts across the globe.

Over the past month, Liza Scott’s family learned she has three rare brain malformations, which have been causing her to have Grand Mal seizures. She will need surgery to prevent further seizures, brain bleeding, hemorrhage, or stroke.

Since Thursday, more than $236,000 has been donated to Liza’s Mightycause page. The Scott family has also received over $10,000 in cash donations. They have been offered free flights and free housing for their upcoming trip to Boston as well. Elizabeth Scott, Liza’s mother, says the outpouring of support has been nothing short of incredible.

thing like this, that didn’t ask for [the support].

She’s as happy as can be.”

Liza handed out her lemonade and cookies, then climbed on top of a Jeep to express her gratitude.

“Thank you everyone for coming!” she said, smiling.

Liza’s mother said she has her good days and bad days, anxious for her week ahead.

“You have no idea how loved we feel,” Elizabeth Scott said. “It’s been overwhelming, but amazing. It’s kind of allowed me to step away from some of the emotions. But at the same time, it’s emotional in a different way, because I never expected any of this…

America is really…really great….”

Liza’s lemonade stand lives at Savage’s Bakery, which is co-owned by her mother and grandfather, Van Scott. He said it’s been amazing to see just how good people can be.

Advertise HERE! Call or text Today at 1-325-518-7091

“We are so appreciative,” Van Scott said. “It’s going to make a huge difference to my daughter, Elizabeth, and to Liza. Thank you so much.”

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

On Sunday, several Jeep Wrangler organizations from across Alabama drove to Homewood to show their support for Liza.

601 Butternut • Abilene, TX Drive Thru Open

GO ABILENE HIGH EAGLES!

10413857

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

“As soon as I saw this, I had to get involved,” Scott Singer said. “It just tears at your heartstrings that kids are having to go through this.”

Singer is a member of the Iron City Wranglers.

He was joined by more than three dozen other Jeep drivers including the Walker County Wranglers, Steel City Wranglers, Outlaw Wranglers, and Blount County Offroad. Moved by her story, Singer said the “Jeepers” drove in to bring her a little joy.

“It’s amazing,” Singer said. “It’s the best feeling in the world to see a child that’s going through some-

“[I’m] pretty good,” said Liza, “I’m still nervous but I’m getting better!”

Elizabeth Scott said being the recipient of so much good has been overwhelming. The donations and well wishes have made for an emotional few days.

“I’m a single mom,” Elizabeth Scott said. “I live paycheck to paycheck like a lot of Americans do. I have never had that much money to consider paying a bill with.”

Liza will fly to Boston on Thursday for the first of three brain surgeries. Liza’s mother says she plans to continue selling lemonade after her recovery. They want to use the money she makes to help other families that are going through a similar journey.

To donate to Liza or read more about her journey, go to www.mightycause.com/story/Lemonadeforliza.

Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, China Star, Drug Emporium & Burke Law Firm | HEALTH | 33

5 Simple Steps To Improve Circulation in Your Legs

By Dan Booth | BigCountryHomePage

What does the shape of your hips or belly have have to remain seated, do ankle rolls, and alto do with the health of your legs? Turns out, ternately point and flex your toes 10 times every half hour. quite a bit.

One study showed that during extended trav- Take a drink. Keep the nonalcoholic fluel, pear-shaped women and apple-shaped ids -- water, tea, etc. -- flowing, because dehymen may have an increased risk of deep vein dration ups the risk of deep vein thrombosis. thrombosis (DVT) -- a dangerous clotting condition that often starts in the legs. But there Don’t take a drag. Smoking is never good, and it increases the risk of blood clots. are lots of things you can do about it.

Advertise HERE! 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

If you suffer from poor circulation in your Take it off. Your belt, that is. Avoid tight legs, try these simple healthy-leg strategies clothing, and don’t cross your legs. They can during long car, train, or plane rides, and re- inhibit blood flow and cause poor circualtion. duce your risk of deep vein thrombosis: Take a break. Give your legs a break by Take a break. Get up, walk, and stretch putting them up. It can help improve circulayour legs every hour or so if you can. If you tion in your lower limbs.

34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Start Your Day Off On The Right Foot

By HealthAdvocateBlog

Getting into the swing of things each morning can sometimes feel like a struggle, especially in our current situation. Whether it’s the dark and dreary winter mornings or the monotony of the “Groundhog Day” cycle we may find ourselves in right now, starting the day on a positive note is not always easy. However, by setting up an intentional routine for our morning schedules, we can incorporate actions that ensure a more optimistic and productive day ahead. Here are a few ideas to consider adding into your day:

Get up early. It may seem counterintuitive,

but getting up early, and around the same time each day, can benefit your entire day. Oversleeping or pressing snooze multiple times can put us in a funk or make us feel groggy – not a great way to start your morning. If you have children at home, setting your alarm to get up before they do will give you quiet, calm time to yourself without interruption, and give you a chance to build in a few other activities as well.

Check out these tips for more restful sleep.

before diving into the rest of your routine can ensure you are in the best possible mindset to tackle whatever life throws at you. There are many free resources out there to help guide you, and here are a few ideas to get you started.

crossed off items at the end of the day will give you a sense of accomplishment. Maybe you have a big project you want to tackle at work, or you want to clean out your closet. Break it down into manageable chunks and list out your tasks one day at a time. Before you know it, you’ll Drink water. Before heading directly for the be on a streak and will feel like you can take on coffeepot upon waking, sip on a big glass of wa- anything you set your mind on. ter. There are so many benefits to properly hydrating, and doing so first thing in the morning Fuel smartly. Finally, make sure to eat a nucan positive impact your overall well-being. Try tritious breakfast. Starting the day with a healthy slicing up some lemon or warming up a mug of meal can help your brain and body function betwater to make it easier or more interesting. ter and continue the positive momentum you’ve already created. Here are a few suggestions to Move your body. Once you’ve hydrated, stock in your kitchen. make time to exercise. While being physically active any time of day is great, making time to Starting new habits is not easy, but working one go for a walk or try a new exercise app early in or two of these ideas into your morning over the the day ensures you fit in your workout as well coming months can make a big difference in as gives you a boost of energy to start your day. how you approach each day. Before you know Try fitting these moves in your morning to ease it, you may be looking forward to that alarm goin. ing off each day!

Set goals. Now is a good time to pour that first Take deep breaths. Meditation and deep cup of coffee and grab a notepad. Listing out

breathing can positively impact many aspects of your priorities for the day creates a roadmap to our lives and help us set a positive tone for the help you meet your goals. It may not be possible day. Taking a few minutes to reflect inwardly to achieve them all, but looking back at those

BUSINESS&CAREER

Op-ed: The Financial Outlook For The Hispanic Small Business Community

By Janet Alvarez | CNBC

Often hailed for higher-than-average rates of entrepreneurialism and new business formation, the Latino community has been struck particularly hard by the Covid-19 crisis.

these are also among the sectors hardest-hit by Cpvod. Industries such as finance and information, among the least affected by the Covid crisis, are led by or employ some of the lowest percentages of Latinos. This partly explains The Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Ini- why Latino unemployment has exceeded the tiative reported in May that 86% of Latino national average during the crisis. business owners had felt immediate negative impacts from Covid, a rate higher than other Lower access to capital — whether in the form ethnic groups. Help was also harder to come of PPP relief loans or private capital — has also by for Latino business owners, who had less cash on hand when requesting Covid assistance in the form of PPP loans, and were only half as likely as their White counterparts to receive the federal loans.

Still, the pandemic tells only half the tale of where Hispanic businesses stand today, because prior to the crisis, Latino entrepreneurs were making great strides — increasing their funding, improving their credit, and their revenue growth. That means that there is underlying strength in the Latino business community that can help in their emergence from the ravages of Covid-19.

The 2019-2020 period was, in some ways, a record-breaking year for Latino entrepreneurs, buoyed by the strength in the general economy. The average annual revenue of Hispanic-owned businesses increased 10% to over $525,000 yearly. Credit scores among Latino entrepreneurs rose from an average of 588 to 618. But this expansion was also tempered by the reality of growth costs. Average operating expenses represented 67% of revenue in 2020 vs. 45% in 2019. And despite the improving revenue numbers, average Latino business revenues were still $96,000 lower than Whiteowned businesses’, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead.

The impact of Covid and the path forward - Construction, accommodation and retail services, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing still represent the plurality of Latino-owned business. Unfortunately,

slowed the recovery of Latino entrepreneurs.

This is reflected in growth and recovery statistics. Only 6.7% of Hispanic business owners report they are profitable and growing vs. over 14% of the general business owner population.

In part, this is because a sizeable percentage of PPP funding was distributed through major banks and financial institutions, which have a more limited presence and less-established relationships with Latino communities.

sis; and less-established business histories.

For Latino businesses to grow and thrive after this crisis, some think tanks, such as the Brookings Institution, have called for PPP funds to be allowed to cover more business costs, rather than employee salaries. (Hispanic businesses tend to have fewer employees, but more need to cover operational costs.) Credit unions, smaller, local financial institutions, and non-traditional lenders in communities of color should also play a larger role in distributing these funds, experts argue.

Still, the shape of the economic recovery and its impact on Hispanic businesses post-Covid is dependent in large part on how businesses adapt to the new climate and demand. Those businesses that can more readily accommodate shifting demand patterns, such as virtual or delivery offerings, have sustained operations with more resilience. And those that can evolve with the times as we emerge from this crisis will be better equipped to profit when Covid is tamed and we return to some semblance of “normal.”

In some ways, the community-based, tight-knit relationships of many Hispanic businesses are among their greatest strength. As demand returns across sectors of the economy in 2021, those with relationships that withstood the crisis stand to profit. For the Latino business community, involvement with their US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or their local chapters can pay off, as networking within the community can lead to valuable connections, more assistance with fundraising, and accessing federal The path forward for Latino entrepreneurs rests or local business assistance programs. on a variety of factors, some which touch on public policy, government intervention, and The “new normal” will be both a great test and societal forces. Among the societal forces are opportunity. For the Latino business communihigher Covid infection rates within the Latino ty — one that has embraced entrepreneurialism community (impacting the natural consumer fully, despite some disadvantages — their hallbase for many Hispanic-owned businesses); mark resilience may be the winning ticket. less access to quality child care during the cri-

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 518-7091

SUNDAY, MARCH 21 • ABILENE ZOO

36 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Big Country Manufacturing Alliance Awarded $300,000 Advance Together™ Grant

By Amy Hall | Strategic Initiatives Manager, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas

At a virtual grant award ceremony today hosted by the Advance Together™ team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Big Country Manufacturing Alliance (BCMA) was announced as one of four Advance Together grantees from across Texas that will receive guidance and funding to address workforce and education challenges. An initiative of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank’s Community Development team, and with support from the Advance Together Fund of the Dallas Foundation, Advance Together accelerates the progress of cross-sector community partnerships addressing education and workforce challenges that pose barriers to opportunity.

“Within our communities it’s important for industry, parents, and education to create an awareness for each student, of the careers that utilize their natural abilities and interests,” states Big Country Manufacturing Alliance Chairman Thomas Taylor. “From sales, to technical jobs, to finance, manufacturing provides a wide variety of opportunities for students to have a satisfying career which meets their family’s needs while advancing technology and providing products that enrich their neighbor’s lives. Advance Together is a wonderful partner for the BCMA to work with as we highlight the variety of careers our local manufacturers provide for students as they

complete their education.”

The BCMA will receive $300,000 over 3 years thanks to support from the Advance Together Fund of the Dallas Foundation. Technical assistance from the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank will also be provided as well as peer learning opportunities.

“We’re thrilled the Big Country Manufacturing Alliance was selected to be an Advance Together grantee,” said Molly Hubbert-Doyle, Community Development Advisor with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. “Their engagement with employers and commitment to connecting underserved communities to high-wage jobs is impressive. We look forward to helping them reach their goals and learning from one another and other grantees over the three-year implementation phase.”

Today’s grant award ceremony featured speakers including: TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Rob Kaplan, Federal Reserve Board of Governors Michelle Bowman, and more. An article and video published by Advance Together featuring the grantees and the goals of Advance Together can be found here: https://www.dallasfed.org/cd/communities/2021/0222.aspx

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | BUSINESS & CAREER | 37

Hispanic Leadership Council College and Career Seminar A Big Success

By Abilene Independent School District

The Hispanic Leadership Council presented its 25th annual College and Career Seminar virtually on Jan. 30. Like most everything in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes had to be made to format and function, but the seminar was a chance to for several local entities to partner with the Hispanic Leadership Council to help students and their families learn about college and careers and the resources available to them.

This seminar provided information to local students about how to pay for college (financial aid), the admissions process,

tips for parents as their child goes to college, careers in manufacturing and other high demand areas.

Because of the virtual nature of this year’s event, the Abilene ISD’s Technology Department played a key role in making the seminar happen.

“We would like to specifically thank Cary Owens, the district’s Chief Technology Officer, for her time and the direct support she gave to this project,” said Hispanic Leadership Council president Sammy Garcia. “We would also like to thank (AISD superintendent) Dr. David Young

for his participation and the AISD’s support. We had never undertaken such a project and couldn’t have done it without their support. This effort has taught us new ways to reach out that we will continue to use.”

The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Leadership Council, AISD, the Big Country Manufacturing Alliance, TSTC and Abilene Christian University. Maria Aguirre of TSTC and Daniel Garcia from ACU built the Google site platform, which will continue to serve as a place for students, parents and organizations to go

for information at one location.

Garcia said the idea of the site would be to become a central location for any person or organization to reach out to students about college and careers; a place where any student or parent can find information on careers, internships, college admission and financial aid. It would also be used as a site for entities like the AISD, HLC, Big Country Manufacturers Alliance, TSCS, ACU and other universities to plant and update information about the resources they offer.

Got Debt? Then You May Be In For Unwelcome Tax Surprises

By Kimberly Palmer | NerdWallet

Americans struggling with debt might get some still accrues during this time, but consumers are additional unpleasant tax surprises this year. not paying it. And if you’re not paying deductible interest, that means you can’t take it as a tax From needing to pay taxes on forgiven debt to deduction, which could potentially raise your tax seeing reduced deductions as a result of loans bill. that are in forbearance, some taxpayers are poised to owe more than they might realize, “Taxes would presumably be higher in a tax year adding to an already confusing tax year. Some no deductible interest was paid, all other things taxpayers are also at risk of losing their refund to being equal,” Bolger says. But many Americans debt collectors. opted for forbearance programs because they lost jobs or other income, so that could mean a It’s no wonder that according to NerdWallet’s lower overall tax bill.

2021 Tax Report, one-third of filers feel stressed or anxious about owing money this year. The Fishman also points out that when it comes to pandemic led to upheaval in many people’s lives mortgages, many taxpayers can’t deduct them that can directly or indirectly affect their taxes. anyway because they don’t itemize their deducHowever, there are steps you can take to reduce tions, opting instead for the standard deduction. the impact and keep tax season from dealing an- (Taxpayers can take student loan interest deducother devastating blow to your finances. tions without itemizing, however.) So the overall impact of losing these deductions may be negliHere are three ways debt can lead to tax surprises gible, unless your income remained the same (or (and how to deal with them). went up) and you still opted into a forbearance program.

Owing taxes on forgiven debt - If you’ve had student loan or credit card debt forgiven, then Losing your refund to debt collectors that canceled debt is often included in taxable in- While collection agencies can’t take your refund come during the year that it is forgiven, explains from the IRS directly, it’s possible that they can Richard Bolger, a bankruptcy attorney and host take it once it’s in your bank account if the acof a bankruptcy podcast based in Fairfax, Virgin- count is at risk of garnishment because of a debt ia. You are required to report all taxable income, collection judgment, says Lauren Saunders, asincluding forgiven debt, to the IRS, and you will sociate director at the National Consumer Law also likely receive a 1099-C form in the mail Center. with that taxable income listed.

If the account is garnished, she adds, many states To avoid surprises, Bolger suggests carefully have laws that protect part of the money. “But reading the fine print that comes with the debt in most states, the consumer has to go to court settlement offers, which often explain the tax to assert the protection and must act quickly,” ramifications, and to ask questions before agree- Saunders says. ing to anything. If you’re still unsure, a bankruptcy attorney can help, he says.

Another option, she adds, is to request the refund by paper check instead of by direct deposit, or to Stephen Fishman, a tax attorney and author immediately withdraw any funds needed. That based in Olympia, Washington, says the best can protect the money from being immediately way to prepare for the tax bill that comes from seized by collection agencies. forgiven debt is to put money aside in advance so you are prepared to pay it by April 15.

It’s also worth noting that the federal government can withhold your tax refund in some cir“If you can’t afford to pay the tax, you can work cumstances, such as if you owe past-due taxes out a payment plan with the IRS,” he adds. The or child support payments. In past years, the IRS amount that you owe depends on your tax rate, could also withhold unpaid federal student loans. so the higher your tax bracket, the more you will owe.

If you do receive a tax refund, as about 50% of filers expect to do, you could put it toward payReduced deductions on loans in forbearance ing off some of that debt to reduce your debt bur- Thanks to COVID-19 relief programs and the den going forward. NerdWallet’s report found CARES Act, many Americans took advantage that 32% of filers expecting a refund said they of forbearance programs for student loans and would put the money toward paying down debt. mortgages in 2020. That means they temporarily paused their loan payments; interest typically

38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Chamber Accepting Nominations for Small Business Awards

By Abilene Chamber of Commerce

You interact with hundreds of businesses each week. Now, think of those that are doing exceptional work, whose contributions to our community are elevating our region and who make your life just a little bit better. Got them in mind? Nominate them for the Small Business Awards Luncheon!

nessperson with a vision for the future.

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AWARD is to recognize a local Chamber member business with fewer than 25 fulltime equivalent employees, for its outstanding community service contributions such as special programs, partnerNomination deadline is ships, in-kind support March 31, 2021. of goods and services, employee volunteerNEW BUSINESS OF ism or other activities THE YEAR AWARD that have resulted in a The New Business of positive impact on our the Year Award is to reccommunity and citiognize a new business zens. Judges will conChamber member opersider all nominees for ating for more than one their impact, creativity, year and less than three commitment and emyears that has gained an expanding positive ployee participation. reputation. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Judging FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE for this award will be based on potential com- YEAR AWARD This award honors a famimunity impact, use of innovation and technol- ly-owned and operated business with less than ogy as well as business growth.

25 full-time employees. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear SMALL BUSINESS YOUNG ENTRE- principal responsibility for operating a small PRENEUR OF THE YEAR Chamber business with at least 10 years. They must member, business owner who has owned their demonstrate increased employment opporbusiness for more than one year, under the age tunities for family members and non-family of 40 who has taken risks in business – start- members. ed a new venture; expanded into a new area; taken on a difficult project; someone whose Nominate a business at www.abilenechamber. thinking is “outside the box”; an astute busi- com/programs/small-business-awards/

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS & CAREER | 39

New Faces, Same Energy Three Braum’s Locations

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

In the Chamber of Commerce business, two things are certain: a common vision among all our operating units and commitment to advocating for our members; and a professional staff who is trained, prepared and tireless in carrying out the priorities of our leadership.

We look forward to Ashley partnering with each of our Chamber members to ensure the multitude of benefits you receive as part of your investment in our organization are reached to their full potential.

Back to our Convention and Visitors Bureau, And while the last few months have brought a for 20 years Debi Schultz has served our comfew changes and challenges for our community, munity as Director of Sales and will be hanging so too has our staff evolved. up her hat to retire. I want to congratulate Debi and thank her for her years of service to our orIn January, longtime chamber events director, ganization. Debi’s mark can be seen all throughKim Bosher, moved positions and is now em- out our community, but we trust Tiffany Nichbedded in the Chamber’s Convention & Visi- ols, who will be filling Debi’s role, will do an tors Bureau (ACVB). If Kim does half the job excellent job as our new Sports Sales Director. for the ACVB that she did for the Chamber’s Membership Division – and no doubt she will Succeeding Tiffany in her former role as Visitor – you will continue to see high-level results in Sales and Services Director is Bailey Ferguson. our efforts to bring visitors to our community to A graduate of Loyola University in Chicago, spend money and add to our economy.

Bailey brings a background in international guest management and planning through the With Kim’s departure to a different department, U.S. State Department. our leadership reimagined a few positions in order to best serve you, our member. In the next “I was born and raised in Abilene, Texas, so I few weeks, you’ll see a new face in our side am very excited to work with the amazing peoof the house with new energy in our member ple here and I hope to be an asset and guide in development efforts, Ashley Knowlton. my new position,” said Bailey.

Originally from Massachusetts, Ashley is new to our community after spending several years in New York City where she worked on advertising sponsorships for Nickelodeon and National Geographic. Most recently, Ashley spent some time in the political realm before joining our team in a newly created role as the Director of Member Development.

“Coming from a family of small business owners, I understand the risk and passion that comes along with pursuing your own enterprise,” said Ashely. “I am excited to collaborate with Abilene business owners and provide resources to engage their customers and our community through the Chamber of Commerce’s programs.”

I can’t be more proud of the team that surrounds me each day as we work to fulfill the Chamber’s mission – from elected volunteer leaders who make up our board leadership to the professional staff who help make it all happen.

Again, please join me in congratulating Kim, Debi and Tiffany on their transitions, and in welcoming Ashley and Bailey to the family.

We know good things lie ahead in your Chamber’s efforts as we work to help your bottom line.

Onward!

Pending in Abilene

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage

Abilene could soon be home to multiple Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores.

City officials confirmed three locations for the fast food chain/convenience store are currently in the pre-development phase.

If everything works out as planned, one will be located on Hardin-Simmons owned property off Ambler Avenue, one will be located on Abilene Christian University property near KFC on Judge Ely Blvd, and one will be located at the corner of Antilley Road and Memorial Drive in south Abilene.

Both Judge Ely Blvd and Antilley Road locations are still in the pre-development planning phase, which means city officials and engineers are working closely with Braum’s to get the logistics for these new locations set.

The location of Ambler Avenue cannot begin planning process until two rezoning requests are passed through city council. Both rezoning requests will be subject to a final reading and public hearing at the upcoming meeting on March 1.

“Braum’s has not submitted any site plans for these properties which is one of the first steps in the building process, so we do not have a timeline for when the restaurant and convenience grocery store will open,” city officials explain.

Braum’s was started more than 50 years ago in Oklahoma, and now boasts nearly 300 locations throughout five states. Their nearest location is currently in Mineral Wells.

Advertise HERE! 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Abilene, TX

Score yours for only $269 per month Disclaimer: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Stock#710001 MSRP $25120.00 Arrow Discount $5450.00 Sales Price: $19670.00 Monthly Payment: $269 APR: 3.9 Term: 84 Down Payment: $1600