May 2020 by HispanicLife Media

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MAY 2020

Volume 10.1, Issue 1

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

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office

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About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2020 HispanicLIfe Media

Is it just me or does it seem like 2020 started in January and then it was May and skipped all the months in between? What a crazy few months it has been for sure! So many of our lives drastically changed overnight and it just seems kind a like the twilight zone. Many of us turned into homeschool teachers, many lost hours at work and some even lost their jobs completely. This may be a very trying time for many of us, but together with the Lord’s strength and wisdom we can get through this together. Don’t give up, have FAITH! We pray all of you have been safe and well and spending some much needed quality time with your family during this season. We also want to thank everyone that has had to fight this virus head on, thank you for your sacrifice and hard work. I am sure many of you have read so many different theories and conspiracies going around with this virus. We pray that you don’t get caught up in all the dramatics of them and focus on what really matters, and trust God. So many want to go back to “normal” as soon as possible, and yes that is a good thing, but why do we want to go “back” when we should be going forward? We pray this season of change has maybe gotten you to look at your priorities a little different and hopefully adjusted a few things around in our lives for the better. We can all sit here and list all the negativity that goes along with this virus, but why don’t we choose to focus on some things that actually can be positive about all of this. Yes, there can be some positives in the mist of all that is happening. Don’t forget God is in control and HE doesn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Let’s all try not to get caught up in all the headlines, and be cautious of what we are allowing ourselves to watch and listen to. Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

2020 Friends of the Library Book Sale Postponed By Janis Test | Abilene Public Library

The Board of the Friends of the Abilene Public Library have will be warehoused for the 2021 sale. The Friends will not made the difficult decision to postpone their 2020 annual be accepting further donations until closer to the date of the Book Sale until June, 2021. The 31st annual sale, which 2021 sale, which will be at the Abilene Convention Center on June 17-20, 2021. would have been held on June 18 - 21, was determined to be too FoAPL President Garrett Smith logistically difficult in this time says “While we hate to postpone of COVID-19, with a volunteer base predominantly in the over an event that so many in our community look forward to each year, 65 ‘danger zone’. not to mention that it is our top fundraiser in support of the library, Other considerations included the board could not in good conhow to limit the number of science go ahead with such a large people in the Exhibit Hall at one event in these uncertain times.” time and maintain proper social distancing and sanitation amid The Friends will look forward to welcoming you to the the thousands of books and other resources on offer. Book Sale June 17 - 21, 2021 at the Abilene Convention Materials which have so far been donated for the 2020 sale Center.

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2020 High School Senior Feature: By Stephen Garcia | Abilene-Reporter News SCHOOL: Winters SPORTS: Football, basketball, golf, track and field FAVORITE FOOD: Anything at the family barbecue FAVORITE MOVIE: “Holes” FAVORITE SONG: “Delincuente,” Coloncho y Su Eminencia FAVORITE ACADEMIC SUBJECT: ANYTHING but math How I feel about the coronavirus ending my senior year: I understand that things happen for a reason, but during my graduation year we could’ve waited ‘til June to start this whole pandemic. Anyways, my senior golf season got cut short, and I ended on my worst round ever. I have to remember that now. What school activity (prom, graduation, senior trip) and/or athletic moment did you miss the most because of the coronavirus? Our golf team was on track to go to state this year. That would have been huge for my team and I. But besides that, walking the halls before graduation, senior trip and athletic banquet. We usually award honors during the banquets, but now we can’t go through with it. Of course, graduation, in all honesty, I’ve never wanted a traditional graduation. Now, hopefully, we’ll have one in the history books. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? My next chapter is going to Texas State Technical Colelge for industrial maintenance. If everything goes good, I’ll be starting in the fall.

Miscellaneous: I accepted a $9,500 scholarship for TSTC. Senior year favorite memory: Girls varsity basketball game, Winters at Miles. I was the lead chanter and had completely lost my voice before the boys game even started. Even though we lost, it was a close game and we had the wildest student section. Winters golf coach Bryan Green says: “He’s one that worked hard at it in practice and out of practice, too. Just worked to get better and has come a long way from the beginning. He’s grown a lot each year, just disappointed that we didn’t get to finish the year.”

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Cinco de Mayo Parade in North Abilene Brings Smiles, Waves and Hope Into The Community

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By Katherine Garcia | BigCountryHomePage.com

Senior citizens across north Abilene awoke to “Instead of having a big fiesta, a big party, let’s honks, music and chants of victory. Abilene boost morale,” said Sledge. organization Cultural Local ABI designed a The parade of roughly 15 cars greeted senior citizens, many of whom must stay indoors. Banners flew in the wind, and in window paint, many wrote ‘Si se puede!’ meaning ‘Yes we can!’Sledge said the spirit of that very day in 1862 resonates with people around the globe, especially now amid the pandemic. “The Mexican army was outnumbered and the French parade route in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, army had a lot more people and it looked kind many waving flags in celebration of the holi- of bleak and we’re kind of in that same situation day. here right now even in the United States, especially our senior citizens in the community,” said Joyce Sledge of Cultural Local Abi organized Sledge. “They’re alone. They’re by themselves. the event.

Dyess Airmen Create Hand Sanitizer

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Left: Maj. Ryan Combes, 28th Bomb Squadron director of staff, mixes liquids to create hand sanitizer at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 6, 2020. Making the hand sanitizer started out as a way to help sanitize the B-1B Lancer as pilots swapped positions within the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)

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Airmen work together to create hand sanitizer at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 6, 2020. The Airmen were able to gather all of the hand sanitizer ingredients from locations on base and in the local community. Airmen from the 7th Component Maintenance Squadron and the 28th Bomb Squadron followed instructions from the World Health Organization on how to make the hand sanitizer.

The Dyess B-1 Bomber

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By Gray Bridwell | Vice President, Military Affairs. Abilene Chamber of Commerce

B-ONE (BONE) has had a rough 2 years. Many of you may remember May 1, 2018. It’s when a Dyess B-1 was on a training mission in West Texas when on-board warnings indicated fires in three areas. All but one was extinguished and the commander, following technical rules, ordered the crew to eject. However, when the crew prepared to eject, the hatch blew off, but the seats did not eject. Thankfully, all of our Airmen survived without injury, and the crew received a Distinguished Flying Cross for their actions in the incident. Now, fast forward to June 2018, when the command grounded the B-1 fleet after discovering issues with ejection seat components in the aftermath of the May 1 emergency landing of the B-1 mentioned above. That grounding in 2018 lasted about three weeks and it took until October before the aircraft was ready to fly again. In October, the jet flew out of Midland International Airport to Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) in Oklahoma for major repair. After investigation at Tinker AFB, Global Strike

Command grounded its B-1B Lancer fleet for B-1 was pulled from its standard bomber rothe second time within a year. tational deployment schedule for two years to During a “routine inspection” of the B-1’s get ‘healthy’. Operating stand-downs of the drogue chute system, “potentially fleet-wide jet have been put to good use. At Dyess AFB, issues were identified with the rigging,” Glob- Texas, General Ray noted, “there were 1,400 al Strike Command said in a statement an- discrepancies” on the aircraft. The United nouncing the “safety stand down.” The issue States Air Force now has “total confidence” appears to be “procedural” and is not related in the egress systems. Required depot mainteto the egress system problems that grounded nance is also “not as extensive as we thought.” the Lancer fleet last year. During the grounding period lawmakers on the House Armed Now fast forward to the present. Just this Services seapower and projection forces sub- month, the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) ancommittee wanted the Air Force to come up nounced that four of the B-1s, able to carry the with a plan to fix the problem. According to largest weapon payloads in the US fleet, had the subcommittee, the situation has gotten so arrived at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam bad that the number of B-1 aircraft that were to conduct training and “strategic deterrence fully mission-capable were only in the single missions” in the Indo-Pacific region a year digits. B-1 aircrews were being rerouted from earlier than estimated. The B-1s from Dyess flying the bomber to other aircraft because Air Force Base in Texas are being deployed there aren’t enough Lancers for their neces- under what the Air Force calls its bomber task force, a plan designed to move the massive sary training. warplanes to spots around the world to demonThe B-1 was keeping an “incredible pace”, but strate “operational unpredictability,” its “ecosystem” of support was “not healthy,” Global Strike Commander General Timothy So as you can see getting the B-1 back in the Ray said in a September 2019 release. The fight continued while dealing with COVID-19.

A large outbreak on base would have placed this mission in jeopardy, but thankfully only a handful of cases manifested. Col. Sumangil placed quarantine orders on anyone who was in an area that was a hotspot or had traveled. In a recent virtual Dyess Town Hall meeting he told the base population “we got this and are working to get back to the new normal maintaining proper social distancing and is looking forward to helping Abilene open again and thanks the Military Affairs Committee for the kind donation of materials to make masks for the Dyess airmen and families.” THE BONE IS BACK!!

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Cox, Que Honored By Local Social Workers Branch By Abilene Independent School District

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The local branch of the National Association of Social Workers recently honored a pair of Abilene Independent School District employees for their work with the homeless community of Abilene.

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“Darrin is a passionate and tireless advocates for students, regardless of the origin of their needs,” said Dr. Cheryl Cunningham, AISD’s Executive Director of Federal Programs. “Since beginning his current role, Darrin has worked extremely hard to build community awareness and support for the innovative programs and services he has developed and implemented to eliminate all bar-

“Shannon has demonstrated skills far beyond those usually seen in an intern,” Cunningham said. “She is extremely intuitive regarding even unspoken needs students might have, and both creative and determined in seeking solutions. She is the ultimate team player who is led by a passion to serve.”

“I could go on and on about the things Darrin has done, and continues to do, to meet the needs of students and families,” Cunningham said. “He is unstoppable and determined to make sure no Darrin Cox – AISD’s Homeless/Foster Care Li- need goes unmet.” aison – was named the local chapter’s Shannon Que is an ACU student who is curSocial Worker of the rently completing her master’s degree in Social Work, and she Year and has also was named the lobeen nominated for cal chapter’s Social the Texas NASW Work Student of the Social Worker of Year. Que will join the Year award. the AISD Federal Cox has worked to Programs team full identify and impletime in September ment meaningful as a social worker and practice ways to serving homeless meet the unique needs of homeless students and students. their families.

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Oak Street Arbor Grand Opening Features Art Show By Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

The featured artists for the Oak Street Arbor Grand Opening Art Show will be Mary Haan, Linda Stricklin, Dub Wellborn, Patty Rae Wellborn, Bird Thomas, Tony Brown, Jack Harkins, Russell Ellison, Stephanie Prosser, Mike Lanier, Pete Spano, Darrell Wood, Kameron Alexander & Chuck Roach! The event is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 30. Tickets are $25. Oak Street Arbor, 137 Oak St. Buy your tickets today and vote for your favorite masterpiece! The winner of our Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award will get a $500 cash prize. Some of the art will be for sale. All tickets will be honored on the rescheduled date IF the event has to be pushed back. These artists and our new venue needs your support more than ever right now! Oak Street Arbor, 137 Oak St., is a beautiful venue located in the heart of South Downtown Abilene. Oak Street Arbor can be rented for weddings, receptions, reunions, corporate events, Christmas parties and more!

Minter Park Work Expected to Wrap Up This Month By Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

The City of Abilene is expecting the renovated Minter Park to be completed this month. The renovations include handicap accessibility, new landscaping and a limestone digital water curtain in place of the old waterfall.

A little background...

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parks and Recreation Board voted for the $500,000 project that will rehabilitate the city park at the corner of Cypress and North 2nd Streets. Funding for the renovation comes from a combination of sources, including private fundraising, TIRZ funds, grants, and Minor Improvement Project funds from the City. The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) provided an Arts Respond Cultural District Project grant for the Abilene Cultural District in the amount of $112,000 to fund some of the enhancements at Minter Park, including colorful theatrical tree lighting, digital projection equipment, a limestone screen suitable for movies or performance backdrop, and security cameras.

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

Gilbert Alvarez Villarreal was called to heaven in the early hours of Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 87 years old. He was reunited with the love of his life. Mr. Villarreal was born March 23, 1933, in Abilene, Texas to Santiago and Delfina Villarreal. Survivors include his daughters Mary Rangel and her husband the late Chris Rangel, Elizabeth Villarreal, Cynthia Bernal, Kristina Esparza and husband Eric and Melissa Monrroy; all of Abilene, TX. Sons Gilbert Villarreal of Abilene, Michael Villarreal and wife Karen of Las Vegas, Nevada and one brother, Frank Villarreal of Abilene, TX. Sisters in law Lydia Hernandez of Dallas, Rosita Garcia of Abilene and brother in law Zeke Benitez of Abilene. Thirty grandchildren, fifty-six great-grandchildren and ten great- great grandchildren. Mr. Villarreal was preceded in death by his wife Frances Villarreal, father Santiago Villarreal, mother Delfina Villarreal, son John Villarreal, sister Maria Cerda and a great - great granddaughter Avery Nicole Guerra. Gilbert loved being around his family and being part of the many, many family gatherings. He also loved fishing and working on cars. Gilbert enjoyed many nights at various fields watching his grand-kids play, especially at Northern Little League. Gilbert had a heart of gold and loved everyone. He knew no stranger. Blood or not, once he met you, you were family. He will be missed by so many. The structure he enlisted in us all will be carried and cherished for many years to come. Gabriel Andaverde, 36, passed away April 22,

2020. Gabriel Andaverde was born May 02, 1983, in Abilene, Texas to Ralph Andaverde and Eva Martinez. He spent majority of his childhood living in the Vogel projects where he developed life long friendships. Gabriel married his childhood sweetheart, Angela Baez, on March 19 of 2005. Through out his life, he provided for his wife and five children by working for Sonic, Walmart, and in the last five years, Inca-Trio Fire Services alongside his father-in -law, Carlos Torres. To his children, Gabriel Andaverde, was a careful, goofy,

HispanicLife Media

compassionate, and “lit” father. Those who knew him, admired him for his positivity, consideration for others, and his commitment to being a good father. According to his wife, Gabriel started most days early for work with a care free attitude. In addition, he never stopped trying new things as he would bake cakes for fun and take part in DIY house projects. In his down time, you would find him listening to Spanish and country music as he often called himself the Mexican Jason Aldean. Lastly, Gabriel would want us to say one more thing. Go 49rs! Survivors include his wife Angela Andaverde; daughter Gabriella; sons Gabriel, Raymond, Michael and Alex; his mother Eva Martinez; his brother Ephrian Andaverde and sister Teresa Martinez; nieces and nephews Robert DeLeon, Hopie DeLeon, Adine DeLeon, Destiny Martinez, Ephrian Andaverde Jr., Elijah Andaverde, Lilliana Andaverde, and Ly’lah Andaverde; father-in-law and mother-in-law Carlos Torres and Janie Torres; sisters-in-law Mercedes Torres and Ashley Torres and brother-in-law Charles Torres.

Le Que To Tang - Sol Tang, as we knew her, was born on November 30, 1929 in Cholon, Vietnam; present day Ho Chi Minh City. She was the youngest of ten children born to Tsang Le Thai and Huynh Tuu, eight sons then two daughters. She attended primary school from 1932 to 1937 and worked for many years as a seamstress in the Cholon area. Four years after the fall of Vietnam in 1979, Sol with her brother Le That and sister How were able to leave the country with the help of their niece who lives in Hong Kong. She gave them bribe money to be able to get on a boat for Malaysia and then to San Francisco. Our Savior Lutheran Church then sponsored them to come here, where they have lived since October of 1979. She was baptized at Our Savior on January 11, 1981 and confirmed on August 14, 1983. She worked at Echo’s Restaurant for many years before retiring and living at her home on Russell Street. Sol was always cheerful and friendly and you could always find her helping in the kitchen during family nights and other festive occasions. Survivors include her niece Tsang Kwan Yee and her family in Hong Kong. Ms. Tang was preceded in death by her parents Tsang Le Thai and Huynh Tuu and brothers and sister.

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Abilene EMTs Travel to New Jersey to Fight COVID-19

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2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

6 YEARS IN A ROW

By Dan Booth | BigCountryHomePage

Health care workers from across the nation As of Friday, May 8, New Jersey has over have been deployed to other states to help on the 135,000 confirmed cases, and due to the dire cirfront lines of COVID-19. In cumstances people have been April, four EMTs traveled showing first responders how from Abilene all the way much they appreciate them to New Jersey to help stop every chance they get. the spread and help those in need. “On the side of the road when you’re running lights and “We have to go inside these sirens to a call, they’re givpeoples homes, and bring ing you a thumbs up or clapthem out sometimes,” said ping their hands, and just, it’s Metro Care Abilene EMT amazing to get to see that kind Eric Barstad. of stuff, and it’s not an every day thing that we get to expeAfter spending three weeks rience,” said Eric. in New Jersey, Eric says he could not be on the front Eric volunteered to stay lines without the love and in New Jersey longer than support of his family. originally planned, and even though that means more time Metro Care Abilene EMT Eric Barstad. “It’s stressful at times, but away from his family, he the only thing I do, I FaceTime my wife and knows they are in his corner every step of the kids every day, multiple times a day. They’re way. the ones that keep me going in this whole thing,” said Eric. “I’m just so proud of all of them for stepping up to the plate to take care of what needs to be Specific protocol are in place to help protect taken care of without even a second thought,” first responders who put their lives in danger, said Eric’s wife Jesseca Barstad. while helping people who might have come in contact with the virus. Thank you to all four of the EMTs from Abilene who traveled to New Jersey to fight COVID-19. “Every day once we get off shift, and before we start shift, we have to do a temperature log, kind of like a health declaration, every, twice a day actually,” said Eric.

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LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

AISD Announces Top Graduates For Class Of 2020 By Abilene Independent School District

The top academic students of the Abilene ISD Class of 2020 at Abilene High, Cooper and the Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (ATEMS) were announced Monday night in a virtual ceremony. The Top 25 students at both Abilene High and Cooper were announced, while the top 10 percent of the ATEMS class (six students) were announced. Jane Hill is the Valedictorian for the Abilene High Class of 2020. Hill has received numerous awards and has been honored multiple times during her high school career. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. She played on the AHS tennis team and is the Senior Class treasurer. She plans to attend the University of Richmond and major in Business Administration. Derek Jones is the Valedictorian for the Cooper High School Class of 2020. Jones is a member of the Cooper Student Council where he serves as the treasure. He is also a member of Red Rhythm and Blues and is the Concert Choir president. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and will attend Baylor University and major in Church Music with a specialization in Voice. Maddy Beal is the Valedictorian for the ATEMS High School Class of 2020. Beal is a member of several UIL Academic Teams (Science, Literary Criticism, Spelling and Debate), and is alls a member of the AISD Super Crew. Beal plans to attend the University of Texas and major in Chemical Engineering.

Here are the top graduates at each school for the 2019-20 school year:

Abilene High

1. Jane Hill 2. Sidney Irwin 3. Hansen Penya 4. Sonia Liu 5. Nathaniel Hernandez 6. Jia Spangler 7. Andrew Fink 8. JulieAnn Sauceda 9. Ashley Filorio 10. Joshua Musonera 11. Annie Herridge 12. Alexandra Sharp 13. Parker Fowlkes 14. Michelle Oliver 15. Miah Dennis 16. Katelyn Pharris 17. Rynn Wallace 18. Skylar England 19. Tavia Wilson 20. Phillip Tellez

21. Morgan Zara 22. Caleb Queen 23. Natalie Porter 24. Kaylee Bentle 25. Jagger Horn

Cooper High School 1. Derek Jones 2. Kennedy Carmichael 3. Rachelle Placencia 4. Dylan Fahey 5. Sonali Bhikha 6. Zachary Miller 7. Amanda Strickland 8. Matheo Vergara 9. Kenzie Fortson 10. Elizabeth Clancy 11. Madison Warren 12. Ange Irakoze 13. Josephine Bandora 14. Braiden Hill

15. Amber Palmer 16. Miyazhane Miller 17. Michael Scarborough 18. Erin Dutschke 19. Alli Herman 20. Jackson Young 21. Ada Rodrigueaz 22. Ellis McMillon 23. Meri Tetaj 24. Jasmine Martinez 25. Hudson Hawkins

ATEMS High School 1. Maddy Beal 2. Bertha Sanchez 3. Bijita Tripathi 4. Samuel Haley 5. Janicie Slade 6. Kaleb Reyna

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Pogue, Rico Honored as Teachers of the Year By Abilene Independent School District

Lee Elementary School third-grade teacher Chelsea Rico and Cooper High School English teacher Jimmy Pogue were honored Wednesday night as the Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence TLC Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively, in the Abilene Independent School District. The Abilene Education Foundation hosted its 8th annual Teacher in the Limelight Celebration via Zoom, recognizing teachers throughout the district for their work with the more than 16,500 students in the AISD. Pogue is a 30-year veteran of the AISD, all of them serving at CHS. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in English and Literature from Hardin-Simmons University. As the longtime sponsor of the Cooper Student Council, Pogue has taken his last 17 StuCo groups to Chinle, Arizona, for a six-day learning service project with the Navajo Nation. The students, sponsors and volunteers deliver food, toys, blankets, clothes and animal feed to residents in the one of the nation’s poorest communities. “He is a teacher who truly embodies what it means to be a leader,” Cooper principal Lynd-

sey Williamson said. “He not only tells his stu- earned her bachelor’s degree at McMurry Uni- “Thanks to my students because they are why dents what to do, but also walks the journey versity and her master’s at the University of I get up and do what I do every day,” Rico with them by example.” Texas-Arlington. said. “Thank you to my principal (Andy Blessing) because I’ve received such great unique For years, Pogue has Rico took the lead leadership opportunities at Lee Elementary.” also been the “Voice in organizing, diof the Cougars” recting and working Both Rico and Pogue will now represent the for Cooper football at the 2nd annual AISD in the Texas Teacher of the Year compegames for more than Lee Fun Run last tition. The first step in that is the Region XIV 20 years after dofall and said she be- Teacher of the Year competition at both the ing games for both lieves that education elementary and secondary levels. A win there Abilene High and is best performed would send one or both on to the statewide Cooper on the radio through team efforts competition. and AISD-TV. He’s and the school comalso called basketmunity. Last year, both the Elementary Teacher of the ball, baseball and Year (Molly Harless, Lee Elementary School) Jimmy Pogue Chelsea Rico volleyball games and A unit she teaches and Secondary Teacher of the Year (Kathy Elsoccer matches for AISD-TV. that best defines her as a teacher would be one lison, Abilene High) won Region 14 Teacher she’s taught for several years called “The Mi- of the Year to advance to the state competition. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Pogue raculous Journey of Edward Tulane.” That stosaid upon learning of his honor. “This is totally ry is about a porcelain rabbit that goes through unexpected. I’m really blessed to be a Cooper a physical and emotional journey learning to Cougar. We all stand on the shoulders of those love and depend on other while experiencing came before us. There are great people in this loss and heartache. district who work hard every day. I am proud to be a teacher; I love this job. It’s a calling The discussion about those sensitive topics every day.” provides students a unique way to share feelings, in addition to typically discovering they Rico is a third-grade teacher at Lee Elemen- have classmates and family members who tary where she has taught for six years. She have been through similar situations.

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COVID-19 Brings Wrangler Rodeo Season to End By Avery Weatherman | Cisco College Rodeo Team intern

The Cisco College rodeo season was cut short during the spring semester due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, the Wranglers had a remarkable fall semester of competition. The 2019-2020 rodeo season started off in Portales, New Mexico. The following athletes left Portales with points on the leaderboard for Jason Smith, who placed fifth in the tie down; Pacean DeLeeuw, who placed seventh in the tie down; Delani Wood, who placed sixth in the breakaway. Winsten McGraw placed fifth in the steer wrestling. Faith John placed sixth in the goat tying. Garret Baldwin comes home with a fifth place in the team roping, and Coy Rahlmann closed out the rodeo with a seventhplace finish in the team roping. The next rodeo in line for the fall season took place in Alpine, Texas. The Sul Ross-hosted event ended with a reserve champion men’s team, while the women’s team brought home a sixth-place overall finish. The following cowboys and cowgirls came back to Cisco with a few more points on the leaderboard. Reed Boos finished sixth in the tie down. Quade Hiatt was the reserve champion steer wrestler, finished tenth in the calf roping, and was the all around cowboy. Nevertheless, Winsten McGraw placed fifth in the steer wrestling. Coy Rahlmann, and Clay Futrell dominated the team roping with a first-place finish. Delani Wood closed the weekend out with a fifth place in the breakaway, and Alexandria Cawthon walked away from the SRSU rodeo being the champion goat tier.

The season continued in Vernon, Texas, where Reed Boos finished third in men’s all around, reserve champion tie down roper and seventh place in the team roping. Winsten McGraw left Vernon with a fifth-place finish in the steer wrestling. Garrett Baldwin placed third in the team roping. Cassidy Clark and Delani Wood split ninth and tenth in the breakaway. Alexandria Cawthon ended the weekend with seventh place in the goat tying. Next on the map was Canadian, Texas. Reed Boos dominated the weekend as the champion men’s all-around cowboy. Boos sealed the deal as he walked away the champion tie down roper and placed fifth in the team roping. Lastly for the fall rodeo season, Cisco College athletes made their way to Texas Tech University. Quade Hiatt finished the weekend with a seventh-place finish in the tie down. Pacean Deleeuw ended the weekend placing fifth in the steer wrestling. True Lacina was the champion team roper; Will Eddleman trailed closely with a fourth-place finish; Wyatt Bray followed with a ninth-place finish; and Whit Kitchens placed tenth. Delani Wood ended the weekend placing third in the barrel racing. The spring season started in Odessa. Unbeknownst to the athletes, Odessa would be the last college rodeo for the season. In spite of everything, the athletes had a phenomenal finish to the season. Pacean DeLeeuw finished the season with a fourth-place finish in the steer wrestling, Winsten McGraw followed placing

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eighth, and Will Eddleman finished the steer wrestling with ninth place. Wyatt Bray took home the champion team roping title at Odessa. Boos placed sixth and Lacina followed in seventh to close out the team roping. Faith Ross ended the season placing as the reserve champion barrel racer at the Odessa College rodeo. Despite the rodeo season being stopped short, Boos finished the season as the reserve champion calf roper. Futrell finished the 2019-2020 season in the third-place seat in the team roping (heeler), as well as Coy Rahlmann ending the season in fourth (header). Unfortunately, due to unpresented circumstances, these three athletes will not get the opportunity to compete for a national title. EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer Avery Weatherman is an intern with the Cisco College Rodeo Team. She is currently attending school at Tarleton State University where she will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications. She has future plans of obtaining her MBA. In 2015 Avery was a state and national champion in the NHSRA, and she spends her free time going to barrel races.

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Hardin-Simmons University Planning to Hold On-Campus Classes this Fall

By Jacob Brandt | Director for University Marketing, Hardin-Simmons University

Based on the best available data and COVID-19 models, Hardin-Simmons University is planning to welcome back students and faculty to campus for classes this fall. Because the safety and well-being of our HSU family is paramount, remote learning and adaptive content delivery methods are being discussed that allow HSU to be flexible and responsive if the pandemic virus resurges. “One way or the other – and we are praying and planning for it to be inperson on campus – Hardin-Simmons is excited about teaching our students this fall,” said HSU President Eric Bruntmyer. “Though we know social distancing was the right decision, and our students and faculty have adapted well to virtual interactive classes, there is no substitute for the being together at HSU. All of us miss interacting with our students and each other in person.” May term and summer courses will remain online-only as officials watch for the peak and decline of coronavirus infections in Abilene.

HSU leadership is in continual conversation with Abilene and Taylor County leaders, health authorities, other local universities, churches, and all the agencies engaged in crisis response locally. This allows the administration access to the best available information in order to plan for various future scenarios. Currently the data shows our most likely scenario is a return to campus with a “new normal” that might include wearing masks, limiting class sizes and using larger classrooms, temperature testing for fever, intensive cleaning and disinfection protocols, and other preventative measures. Bruntmyer said, “When it comes to our students, faculty, and staff our risk tolerance with this virus is very low. We know we can never eliminate all risk, but we can adapt our on-campus experience and our residential life in ways that promote health and safety as we continue to move forward in our mission of providing an education enlightened by Christian faith and values.”

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Perkins Grant Helps TSTC Students with Expenses By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications

With help from a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Grant, Texas State Technical College student Rebecca Fortuna does not have to worry about gas money. Through the grant, Fortuna is able to travel from Rotan to Sweetwater to study Wind Energy Technology. Without the grant, Fortuna said she might not be able to complete school. “If it was not for this grant, I would probably have to work more just to pay for gas,” she said. “I saved a lot of money driving back and forth, even with gas prices fluctuating. Every little bit helps me.”

“It was not a difficult process. With a lot of grants, it is a large essay, but this was not that way,” she said. “Michael helped me through the entire process.” She has even paid it forward by telling other female classmates about the grant program. “I wanted to help get the word out that this is available,” she said. LeRoux said funding helps relieve some stress on students.

“I hope people take advantage of this program. One of my main goals is to get as many students to apply for funding as possible,” Michael LeRoux, coor- Texas State Technical College student Rebecca he said. Fortuna receives transportation funding through dinator of Retention Ser- a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Grant. vices for TSTC’s West Fortuna, who is studying Wind Energy Technology, To receive funding, the Texas campuses, said travels from Rotan to Sweetwater for classes and student must be in good helping with transporta- lab sessions. (Photo: Rebecca Fortuna) academic standing, be tion costs is not the only classified as full time, benefit of the grant. The Perkins Grant also al- and take classes on campus. lows nontraditional students to receive funding for child care. “We accept applications each semester, and students are eligible to reapply,” LeRoux said. “We also have a lending library available “It is rewarding because it helps a lot of peowhere students can borrow books or tools for ple.” their courses,” he said. “We wanted to dedicate our money to our assistance programs.” For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. Fortuna, 35, learned about the grant opportunity by talking to her classmates.

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ACU Communication Sciences Student Receives Fulbright Scholar Award By ACU Today

Anastacia Badillo, senior communication sciences and disorders major from Coppell, Texas, has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Badillo will serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Spain. Badillo is one of more than 1,900 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 20202021 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields.

also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which operates in over 160 countries worldwide. “We are incredibly proud of Anastacia and all of the other Fulbright applicants this year,” said Dr. Jason Morris, dean of the Honors College and director of the Office of Major Scholarships at ACU. “Anastacia worked very hard on her application and she is well prepared to make a significant impact with students in Spain.”

ACU has a long tradition of persons being awarded Fulbrights, dating back to the 1950s with fields of study representing education, Anastacia Badillo English, journalism, management, music, physics, political science, recreation and the sciences. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational Since its establishment in 1946 under legislaexchange program and is designed to build tion introduced by the late U.S. Senator J. Willasting connections between the people of the liam Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright ProUnited States and the people of other countries. gram has given more than 390,000 students, The Fulbright Program is funded through an scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of annual appropriation made by the U.S. Con- all backgrounds and fields the opportunity to gress to the U.S. Department of State. Partici- study, teach and conduct research, exchange pating governments and host institutions, cor- ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to porations, and foundations around the world shared international concerns.

The Cisco College campus food pantry has been helping out students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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THIS CAREER MAKES DOLLARS AND SENSE. LEARN MORE AT: tstc.edu/programs/BusinessManagementTechnology

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TSTC Students Practice Social Distancing During Lab Sessions By Ben Barkley | TSTC Communications

A limited number of Texas State Technical Col- “It is good to be back in the groove,” said Diesel lege students returned to campus Monday, May Equipment Technology student David Wilson, 4. of Brownwood.. Students allowed back on campus are studying in programs that require them to complete hands-on lab work in order to finalize their semester. While on campus, students and instructors practiced social distancing guidelines and wore face coverings at all times.

Welding students in Sweetwater were also excited to be back on campus. Brian Naza, of Colorado City, admitted he did not do any welding at home.

“It is important that I improve my cutting and torch skills,” he said about what his focus would Students were glad to be back on campus and be on during the on-campus lab sessions. have social interaction with classmates. Welding student Hector Mendez, of Senora, said “I am excited to be back,” said Diesel Equip- returning to campus was a fresh start. ment Technology student Jacob Rambo, of Wichita Falls. “While we were away, I did a “I am looking forward to finishing what I started. skills test and had to align my own vehicle.” I want to make good grades and put my skills to use,” he said. Mendez said that before starting Devyn Johnson from Lubbock, who is also a the lab session, his classmates talked about what Diesel Equipment Technology student, said he they did during the past five weeks. spent time at work and with his family while away from campus. “We were really glad to see each other, but more importantly we want to finish and graduate,”he “It feels good to be back. I missed the bonding said. with my friends and the coming together we had before getting started with class,” he said. For more information about how TSTC has pre“I have learned a lot from these guys.” pared to return students to campus, visit https:// tstc.edu/coronavirus. - For more information on The return to on-campus instruction is specifi- Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu. cally authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which has identified career and technical education as one area of education that may continue under the Texas governor’s Executive Order No. GA-16. \“CTE programs that require hands-on instruction that cannot be delivered online can continue to be delivered, but in strict accordance with CDC guidelines,” the executive order states.

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FAITH&FAMILY

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

Q&A with General Manager at Ashley Furniture

Victor Jaramillo By HispanicLife Magazine

1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY! I am the oldest of five children. My mother was a single mom who worked multiple jobs to support us and made sure we never needed anything. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have been together for 13 years. I have an eleven-year-old son who is the best gift I have ever received in my life. 2. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR THE ASHLEY HOMESTORES? I started out with Ashley Homestores in Hobbs New Mexico back in 2009 and spent some time away from the company before returning in 2017.

7. IF SOMEONE IS IN NEED OF INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THE ASHLEY HOMESTORES, HOW DO THEY THEY GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU? You can reach us online at all hours on our Facebook Page, Ashley HomeStore Abliene, or through In6. WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU TO stagram at Ashley HomeStore West Texas or @ GET UP EVERY MORNING? My wife AFHSWESTTX on twitter! Reach us during our store hours at (806)687-3000. movies. We really enjoy the entire Star Wars Collection. My son is also very interested in sports like soccer and football. I love being able to coach my son when I can and it helps me mold him into a better person.

3. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THIS BUSINESS? I decided to join Ashley Homestores because I enjoy helping others find solutions to their needs or problems. I have always taking care of my younger siblings and I love the feeling of having people tell me “thank you for the awesome service”. 4. WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE WITH ASHLEY HOMESTORE? CITIES? I am the General Manager at the Ashley Homestore in Abilene TX but our reach as a company is all of West Texas and we also have a Homestore in Hobbs New Mexico where I started my career.

and son are the biggest inspira5. BESIDES WORKING tion to me because of their supHARD FOR ASHLEY port, it allows me to focus on HOMESTORE, WHAT my job and perform at my best ELSE KEEPS YOU BUSY? every day. I want to be able to ANY HOBBIES? KIDprovide them with the life they DOS’ ACTIVITIES? I really enjoy spend- deserve, which means working longer hours ing time with my wife and son watching and not being at home so much.

8. GIVING YOU FREE REIGN HERE, TELL US SOMETHING YOU HAVE LEARNED THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE CARONA VIRUS/ COVID-19 EXPERIENCE THAT PERTAINS TO ASHLEY HOMESTORE AND IT’S EMPLOYEES/CUSTOMERS. I have learned how important it is to make sure the community and our customers know exactly how much we, as a company are doing to keep everyone safe. We have implanted many measures like creating hand-sanitizing stations throughout our stores, following social distancing guidelines, and changing our delivery process to be as safe as possible.

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What’s Your “-ness”? By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

What’s your “-ness”? Your “-ness” isn’t a superpower. It isn’t something vague. It is what makes you, you! You may be determined to fight for the rights of underprivileged. That gumption is your “-ness.” You may be fierce to love your husband and his children even when you absolutely don’t feel like it ... that gift of perseverance is your “-ness.”

this: “’Very’ in Hebrew is meod, which translates to ‘muchness’, force, abundance.” Joshua could have just let fear take over and found a nice place to sit and contemplate life. But Joshua found his “-ness” - his muchness in his courage. His God-given gift. Jess continues by saying, “Listening to fear and allowing ourselves to be caged by it has incredible consequences. We see in the story of Moses and Joshua that God’s plan is accomplished - He frees His people - but we risk losing opportunity and blessing when we let fear speak louder than our faith.”

Years ago, there was a movie called, “You, Me and Dupree.” There is a scene where the best man, Randy, is giving the groom, Carl, a pep talk. Randy reminds Carl of his “Carl-ness” - in other words, the special things that made Carl, So, what’s your “-ness?” What drives you? Carl. What are you afraid of? I believe when you It’s funny how things can impact you, but that look at your muchness – you will find the speech truly helped me embrace my “Kristie- courage to walk through the fear and lean in to ness!” Many times in my life I have berated where God has placed you. The opportunities myself -- found fault -- felt less than or too over are gonna be incredible! the top. This speech made me look at myself in a whole new way. God created me - with all my Blessings in Your Blending! “-ness” - all the qualities He knew I would need to live out, and build a stepmom ministry, and (Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and be the woman He has called me to be. There is mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been no need to compare. a blended family/stepmom since 2004; her In the book, “You are the Girl for the Job,” by blended family curJess Connolly, she says, “You were made in the rently includes four image of God - not given a spirit of fear or tichildren and four midity at birth but born into a spiritual heritage grandchildren. Follow of strength and courage that will at times look Kristie on Facebook like muchness to the world. It may seem a little (facebook.com/theextra. It may ruffle feathers. It may rock the blendedfamilymom), boat. We weren’t made to be small. He [God] Twitter (@Blendedplaced us here to slay. For His glory, and our good. That muchness you thought was your li- FamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family ability? Turns out it’s your secret weapon.” Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are The story of Joshua in the Bible tells us more both available on her website at www.theabout muchness. Joshua 1:7 says, “Be strong blendedfamilymom.com). and very courageous.” Again, Jess tells it like

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5 Ways to Turn Crisis into Opportunity By Derek Maul | AllProDad.com

Are you turning crisis into opportunity? There is little so unsettling as watching fear create the exact experience people were anxious about in the first place. It’s called a self-fulfilling prophecy, like when we worry that we won’t be able to access toilet paper in a global crisis so we buy all the toilet paper, thereby making toilet paper impossible to find in stores. But we have a choice. Instead of being fearful, we could be turning crisis into opportunity. Because good things can happen in hard times, too. Rather than being panicked and afraid, we and our families can get stronger in every way, despite the chaos around us. Here are 5 fast ways to do that.

Be a “glass half full” person.

Change is a constant and challenge is, too. So look at what you can do instead of at what you can’t do. Shift from reactive to proactive and from defensive to offensive. When a crisis looms, All Pro Dads are like firefighters or marines, who walk toward the problem instead of cowering away from it. (See 10 Leadership Lessons from George Washington.)

Learn to distinguish between wants and needs.

We could complain about the current crisis and what it means for most of us—we have to ration our toilet paper, wait until next year to watch the Olympics, and eat at home instead of at restaurants. But did we ever truly need the conveniences and sources of entertainment that we don’t have now? Instead, let’s use this as an opportunity to rest more while we can and to reset, reframe, and retool in prep for the future.

Cultivate a generous heart.

Your family needs you. Your community needs you. What can you do to serve them today? Now is the time to be more self-giving than before by being present to your wife and kids, by staying home if you’re sick, by giving a roll of toilet paper to the neighbor who ran out. Generosity can be contagious in the family and beyond and it is a far more effective long-term plan than “look out for number one.”

Build bridges.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean isolation. Be proactive in your efforts to stay connected to your loved ones. Video chat with friends and neighbors you can’t meet up with like usual. Help your kids have virtual playdates. Call your loved ones who are in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and aren’t allowed to have visitors. This will only serve to enhance a sense of community after the immediate crisis passes.

Be grateful for the lessons learned.

The National Health Service in the UK reports that, as a group, English schoolchildren were healthier from 1939 through 1952 than in any other time in the 20th Century. The reason? Rationing. More fresh vegetables, food grown at home, less meat, less candy. Our opportunity in crisis is to look for what’s good in the midst of it—the slower pace, the additional family time, the less full schedule—and plan to apply it to our lives when the crisis ends.

Messianic M oment by Hope 4 Life Church ‘The GREAT I AM’ Moses asked God at the burning bush, whom he should say to the Hebrews, had sent him. Heavenly Father replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” His descriptive name speaks POWER to us today. IF we will turn our life COMPLETELY to Jesus (YESHUA), He will show himself, to be OUR GREAT I AM. Are you FEARFUL in your life? Jesus (Yeshua) says, “I AM your peace.” Are you DISCOURAGED in your life? Jesus (Yeshua) says, “I AM your path.” Are you SPIRITUALLY dead in your life? Jesus (Yeshua) says, “I AM the WAY the TRUTH, and the LIFE.” ONLY through surrender of yourself to HIM, that you too can EXPERIENCE the GREAT I AM at work right where YOU ARE. Pray now, “Jesus (Yeshua) BE I AM and LORD, in every area of my life. I surrender to YOU.” (Scripture References used:Exodus 3:13-15)

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5 Things To Remember When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned By Madison Bloker | boundblessings

Just as God is moving, so are you. You are be1. Your purpose period of time, things will get better. does not lie in And yes, those pain points may leave your ing moved. It may feel like you’re flipped upyour plans. Your mind for a while. They may fade in and out, not side down. It may not feel like a great movepurpose lies in the hands of the One who created you.

It does not lie in the worldly disappointments you may be facing. A lost job. A missed opportunity. A denial or rejection. Those things don’t define you. The sooner you can realize that the sooner you can stop binding your identity and purpose to the shifty things of this world that are here today and gone tomorrow.

2. Things will get better.

When I got rejected for an opportunity I thought I totally had a few months ago, it hurt. It stung. But I went home, looked Tyler in the eyes with tears in my own, and told him, “This isn’t what I had planned. And it sucks. And it hurts. But I know and believe that there is something better out there for me.”

leaving as much of a sting when they do. Time can distract. But God delivers. He is the only One who delivers. He will deliver you from the hurt you’re facing, from the pain you’re enduring. He will rescue you and carry your burden upon His shoulders.

But you have to bring it to Him. You have to come before Him. You have to get on your knees. And then you have to let God do the healing. Find hope in Job 8: “Get down on your knees. Even though you’re not much right now, you’ll end up better than ever.”

We hear the phrase “time heals” so often. We are told that if we just wait, if we just sit and not think about something for a long enough

We often bog ourselves down with guilt, feeling ashamed when a wave of disappointment or emotions settle in our hearts. It is totally okay to be a little bummed out when things don’t go as planned. It’s totally okay to take a step back and reevaluate. It’s okay to take a mental and physical pause and just breathe.

If God chooses to give you grace each day, it’s the least you can do to do the same for yourself.

And He’ll do the same for you. It may not feel like it now, but things will get better. Take it from someone who counseled Job, a man who had nearly everything stripped away from him:

3. Time doesn’t heal. God does.

5. Give yourself some grace.

Take your moment. Breathe in and out. Take a nap. Read a book. Sing a song. Say a prayer. And then take the next step forward. Be kind to yourself.

The plans I thought I had for myself were totally flipped upside down, but little did I know He’d place an even better opportunity in front of me just a couple months later.

I hope you believe that the rays of sunshine will hit your face and wash over your spirit with joy once again.

And He is there. He is right by your side. He hasn’t left you. He hasn’t forsaken you. In your coming. In your going. In your weeping. In your rejoicing. He is for you. He is with you.

Give yourself some grace. Don’t allow the guilt of that grace to overwhelm your soul.

In this time of disappointment, it was clear that I needed to dig into the Word even more. To strengthen and cling to my relationship with the Lord that much more. As Job 22 says, “Come back to God Almighty and He’ll rebuild your life.”

Job 8:21 “God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy.” Job 11:17 “Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring.”

ment right now, but I promise you that God is moving in your life. He is shaping you. He is guiding you. And He is working all things for good.

4. God is moving & so are you.

Job 9:11 says, “Somehow, though He moves right in front of me, I don’t see Him; quietly but surely he’s active, and I miss it.” Job 12:7-10 adds, “But ask the animals what they think - let them teach you; let the birds tell you what’s going on. Put your ear to the earth - learn the basics. Listen - the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories. Isn’t it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that He holds all things in His hand - every living soul yes, every breathing creature?”

Not everything in our lives will go as planned. In fact, we’ll find that a lot of life doesn’t happen as planned. But the good news is that our identities don’t lie in those plans. We can trust that God is moving, that He is leading us to better things. We can trust that He will deliver us. And we can give ourselves some grace through it. John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Family Finances and COVID-19: Five Helpful Tips By Bill Arbuckle| Focus on the Family

Family finances are taking a huge hit during the COVID-19 crisis. If you or your spouse have lost work hours — or a job — because of the pandemic, you’re likely looking for ways to save money and make every penny count. Focus on the Family asked Scott and Bethany Palmer — The Money Couple — to provide practical tips that you and your spouse can act on today to manage your family finances. Here’s what they said. Stay positive - Bethany Palmer believes one of the most important things you can do if you lose your job is to look at the crisis as an opportunity. She says, “This may be God opening the door for something else for you. See if this is the time to do a career change or a job change.” If you look for a new position, she offers these insights: “Get a plan for how to get your new job. Resurrect any contact that you have for the position you are considering.” Prioritize your spending - Identify wants versus needs and plan your family finances accordingly. The Palmers recommend getting the entire family involved in the discussion by asking, “What’s something we all need?” If the family says “food,” then ask, “What’s something we don’t need?” Going out to eat is optional. You and your spouse can help your family make good money choices, and in the process, you teach your children the importance of financial planning. Remember retirement plans - You may be tempted to pause contributions to your retirement plans, but Bethany Palmer encourages couples to continue funding their futures. “If

you do have a job, make sure that you are at least putting in for your [company] match to your 401k or 403b. A lot of times, people cut that, but you’re really giving up free money.” If family finances don’t allow you to deposit the full amount, Bethany says doing what you can is still important. “Even if you have to lower the amount you put away each month that is over and above the match, make sure you’re putting in something. There’s something … emotionally satisfying about going with a compromise versus cutting it out altogether.” Agree on a budget - When planning your family finances, make sure your spouse is involved … and that they agree to the changes. “A lot of times, one person in the relationship puts a budget together and the other person often blows it because they didn’t buy into it,” Bethany says. “Agreeing on the budget is really important.” Know your money style - You and your spouse have different ways of managing family finances and spending money. Sometimes, those differences will clash and you struggling to find a middle ground. “Oftentimes, when we have tension … your differences are magnified,” Bethany says. “We really encourage couples to make sure that they know their differences in how they approach money decisions.” The best way to approach differences, she says, is to “Know your differences, own your differences and work together with your differences instead of having it tear your relationship apart. Understanding your differences and learning how to work with them versus against them is important, especially in these heightened, stressful financial times.”

26 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

America, It’s Time to Pray! By Greg Laurie | Senior pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship

If you would have told me that markets would be depleted and that we could not hold church services on Sunday, I would have thought that you were an alarmist. And if you would have added that it would be best for me to “self-quarantine” because I am one of the “vulnerable” to COVID-19 (I’m 67) three weeks ago, I would have thought that you had lost your mind.

That is why the President wisely called for a National Day of Prayer.

In his proclamation, he stated: “As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and wellbeing of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle. We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7: ‘Casting all your care upon him, Well, it’s happened. What a difference a few for he careth for you.’ Let us pray that all those days make. affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time. The President has declared a national emergen- With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.” cy and America is in an absolute panic. We need to keep praying, because the worst I’m not quite sure why so many people have of this virus may still be coming. But remememptied the store shelves of toilet paper though. ber this: God is bigger than the coronavirus. He It has become so valuable that we may start us- is bigger than any problem you may be facing ing it as currency! right now. “How much for that coffee? Will two squares of The Bible says, “You do not have, because you toilet paper do?” do not ask” (James 4:2c ESV). And the Lord promises, “‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and All joking aside, you can see the fear on peo- show you great and mighty things, which you do ples’ faces. They are alarmed and feel as though not know’” (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV). they don’t have control, because the truth is, they don’t. The Old Testament tells us the story of a man named Jehoshaphat. He was in big trouble. Folks, this is a wake-up call from God Almighty Three armies were marching toward him bent if I have ever seen one. It’s time to pray. I don’t on destroying the King of Israel and his people. mean casual prayer. I am talking about fervent, This terrified Jehoshaphat, and he asked everystorm-the-gates-of-Heaven type of prayer that one to fast and pray. calls out to God in desperation and urgency. He prayed, “O our God, won’t you stop them? We need God in America today. We need him to We are powerless against this mighty army that eradicate what President Trump has called, “An is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, invisible enemy.” but we are looking to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT).

In the Bible, prayer stopped storms, calmed waves, healed the sick, raised the dead and even And guess what happened? God answered their stopped time. Scripture reminds us, “With God, prayers and their enemies turned on each other. all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). There is a spiritual element to every problem. We need to turn our panic into prayer. At this And this is a time to pray. time, the sources we often turn to for comfort cannot do anything for us. Here is a promise from God: “If I ever shut off the supply of rain from the skies or order the loHollywood can’t save us. There is no blockbust- custs to eat the crops or send a plague on my er film or actor that will get us out of this. people, and my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seekTechnology can’t save us either. Our smart- ing my presence, and turning their backs on their phones and computer screens just feed us a bar- wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll lisrage of information that heightens our stress and ten from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore anxiety. their land to health” (2 Chronicles 7:13–14 MSG). Our lawmakers in Washington can’t save us from this pandemic. They will hopefully work together and do what they can, but the outcome is outside of their control.

God says we need to humble ourselves, pray, seek His presence and turn our backs on our wicked lives. If we do that, the Lord promises to hear our prayers, forgive our sins and restore our land to health.

Even the President of the United States can’t save us. He has put together an excellent task God keeps His promises. Let’s keep praying. force to deal with the coronavirus, but they can’t fix this for us. We should, however, take their advice seriously.

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HEALTH&FITNESS MAY IS HEPATITIS AWARENESS MONTH

Learn the ABCs of Viral Hepatitis By CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention May is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are three types of viral hepatitis. Although each type of viral hepatitis is caused by a different virus and is spread in different ways, they all affect the liver and can cause serious health problems.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. Some people who become infected, especially young children, can go on to develop a chronic or lifelong infection. Over time, chronic hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, and even liver cancer. Hepatitis A Hepatitis B is common in many parts of the Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection world, including Asia, the Pacific Islands and caused by the hepatitis A virus. People who Africa. get hepatitis A may feel sick for a few weeks to several months but usually recover completely and do not have lasting liver damage. The hepatitis A virus is found in the stool and blood of people who are infected and can be spread when someone ingests the virus, usually through eating contaminated food or drink or through close personal contact with an infected person. Hepatitis A is very contagious and people can even spread the virus before they get symptoms. However, hepatitis A is easily prevented with a safe and effective vaccine, which is recommended for all children at one year of age and for adults who may be at risk, including travelers to certain international countries. Since the hepatitis A vaccine was first recommended in 1996, cases of hepatitis A in the United States have declined dramatically. Unfortunately, adult vaccination rates remain low and in recent years the number of people infected has increased as a result of multiple outbreaks of hepatitis A across the United States. While hepatitis A can affect anyone, certain groups are at greater risk of being infected in these outbreaks. To help stop the outbreaks, CDC recommends the hepatitis A vaccine for people who use drugs (including drugs that are not injected), people experiencing homelessness, men who have sex with men, people with liver disease, and people who are or were recently in jail or prison.

Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine. Hepatitis B can be passed from an infected woman to her baby at birth, if her baby does not receive the hepatitis B vaccine. As a result, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants at birth and adults at risk. Unfortunately, many people were infected before the hepatitis B vaccine was widely available. That’s why CDC recommends pregnant women, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, household and sexual contacts of someone infected, anyone born or whose parents were born in areas where hepatitis B is common, and others with certain medical conditions get tested for hepatitis B.

Treatments are available that can delay or reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus. Most people who get infected will develop a chronic, or lifelong, infection. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver disease, liver failure, and even liver cancer. Hepatitis C is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. In the past, hepatitis C was spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. However, widespread screening of the blood supply began in 1990 and the hepatitis C virus was virtually eliminated from the blood supply by 1992. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment to inject drugs. Rates of new infections have been on the rise, particularly among young adults, which coincides with the recent increase in injection drug use related to the United States’ opioid crisis. While more uncommon, hepatitis C can also spread through healthcare exposures, sex with an infected person, birth to an infected mother, and tattoos and body piercings from unlicensed facilities or informal settings. People with hepatitis C often have no symptoms so testing is the only way to know if you are infected. CDC now recommends all adults and pregnant women get tested for hepatitis C, in addition to anyone with ongoing risk and certain medical conditions. There is currently no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Fortunately, treatments are available that can cure hepatitis C. Once diagnosed, most people with hepatitis C can be cured in just 8 to 12 weeks, reducing liver cancer risk by 75%.

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Health Benefits

Your carpet works very much like the filter in your heating/AC system. It traps all kinds of bacteria, allergens, dust, pollens and other nasty things that are in the air. It gets filled up over time. The best way to keep the air you and your family breathe clean and safe is to clean your carpet and air ducts regularly.

28 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Cisco College Graduate Ready for Next Steps in Nursing After Trying Year By Timothy Chipp

Abilene Reporter-News

While some Cisco College students will take their degrees and certificates into the workforce this spring, Mary Guerro is looking for more. Guerro, 40, is heading into the bridge nursing program between Cisco College and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center this fall. She’ll hopefully emerge with her bachelor’s degree. Cisco College was her first step. When it’s all said and done, she hopes to serve as a labor and delivery nurse. But it didn’t start out that way, she said. “I love kids, so being a pediatric nurse was my No. 1 choice,” she said. “But my labor and delivery clinical experience changed my mind. It’s a different feeling seeing a child born. You have to be there in person.” These past few months have been difficult for her, watching class lectures at home and seeing and hearing all of the stories of doctors and nurses fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines. She sympathizes. Her heart breaks for them. And she hopes to one day be among those who are asked to sacrifice for others’ sake. “It was heartbreaking watching all those doctors and nurses putting in all that work, sacrificing their own lives for others,” she said. “I would’ve loved to have been there to assist in this pandemic. Nursing is my passion. I’m ready to be there, to do what I can do to help.” Cisco College was originally scheduled to graduate its students, including Guerro, May 2. It’s bittersweet, Guerro said. “It’s nice to not have to get up and study, but it would’ve been nice (to graduate), she said.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

6 Foods to Keep Your Mind Young

By Michael F. Roizen, MD, and Mehmet C. Oz, MD From YOU: The Owner’s Manual

Generally, what’s harmful to your heart also is Soybeans - Soybeans contain heart- and also harmful to your brain. Make no mistake artery-healthy protein, fiber, and fats. about it: While fried potato skins are busting Recommended Amount: 1 cup of soybeans a your buttons, there’s also a portion that gets day. shuttled up through your arteries to your gray matter. Tomato juice and spaghetti sauce Tomatoes contain folate, lycopene, and other Saturated fats, for example, clog arteries that nutrients to keep arteries young. lead to your brain, putting you at risk of stroke, Recommended Amount: 8 ounces a day of while omega-3 fatty acids—the good fats juice or 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce a day. found in fish—are helpful for your brain because they help keep your arteries clear. They Olive oil, nut oils, fish oils, flaxseed, also alter your neurotransmitters and reduce avocados - All of these foods contain heartdepression. healthy monounsaturated fats. Recommended Amount: 25 percent of daily These are the best foods to keep your brain and calories should be healthy fats. your RealAge young:

Chocolate (at least 70 percent Nuts - Nuts contain monounsaturated fats to Real cocoa) - Real chocolate increases dopamine keep your arteries clear, as well as levels of release and provides flavonoids, which keep precursors of serotonin to boost mood. arteries young. Recommended Amount: 1 ounce of nuts a day Recommended Amount: 1 ounce a day (to is just right. (More is fine, but be careful of replace milk chocolate). calorie overload.) An ounce is about 12 walnuts or 24 almonds.

Fish -

(especially wild salmon, whitefish, tilapia, catfish, flounder, mahi mahi) Fish contain artery-

clearing omega-3 fatty acids. Recommended Amount: Aim for 13.5 ounces of fish a week, or 3 servings, each about the size of your fist.

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | HEALTH | 29

Nutrition Advice for Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak By The World Health Organization

Proper nutrition and hydration are vital. People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to be healthier with stronger immune systems and lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. So you should eat a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to get the vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants your body needs. Drink enough water. Avoid sugar, fat and salt to significantly lower your risk of overweight, obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

also consume other drinks, fruits and vegetables that contain water, for example lemon juice (diluted in water and unsweetened), tea and coffee. But be careful not to consume too much caffeine, and avoid sweetened fruit juices, syrups, fruit juice concentrates, fizzy and still drinks as they all contain sugar.

Eat less salt and sugar

Eat moderate amounts of fat and oil - Consume unsaturated fats

Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.

(e.g. found in fish, avocado, nuts,

Eat fresh and unprocessed foods every day

Eat fruits, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils, beans), nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat, brown rice or starchy tubers or roots such as potato, yam, taro or cassava), and foods from animal sources (e.g. meat, fish, eggs and milk). Daily, eat: 2 cups of fruit (4 servings), 2.5 cups of vegetables (5 servings), 180 g of grains, and 160 g of meat and beans (red meat can be eaten 1−2 times per week, and poultry 2−3 times per week).

Do not overcook vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss of important vitamins.

Choose white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fat, rather than red meat.

When using canned or dried vegetables and fruit, choose varieties without added salt or sugar.

Avoid processed meats because they are high in fat and salt.

Drink 8–10 cups of water every day. Water is the best choice, but you can

Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks).

Avoid eating out

olive oil, soy, canola, sunflower and corn oils) rather than saturated fats (e.g. found in fatty meat, butter, coconut oil, cream, cheese, ghee and lard).

Water is essential for life. It transports nutrients and compounds in blood, regulates your body temperature, gets rid of waste, and lubricates and cushions joints.

Limit your daily salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use iodized salt.

Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.

For snacks, choose raw vegetables and fresh fruit rather than foods that are high in sugar, fat or salt.

Drink enough water every day

When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).

Where possible, opt for low-fat or reduced-fat versions of milk and dairy products. Avoid industrially produced trans fats. These are often found in processed food, fast food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies, cookies, margarines and spreads.

Eat at home to reduce your rate of contact with other people and lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19. We recommend maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. That is not always possible in crowded social settings like restaurants and cafes. Droplets from infected people may land on surfaces and people’s hands (e.g. customers and staff), and with lots of people coming and going, you cannot tell if hands are being washed regularly enough, and surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected fast enough. Counselling and psychosocial support - While proper nutrition and hydration improve health and immunity, they are not magic bullets. People living with chronic illnesses who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 may need support with their mental health and diet to ensure they keep in good health. Seek counselling and psychosocial support from appropriately trained health care professionals and also community-based lay and peer counsellors.

30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

5 Strange Symptoms That Could Be Early Signs of Diabetes By Amanda MacMillan | Health

Many people who develop type 2 diabetes have no idea they’re sick until a blood test shows abnormal blood sugar levels, or until their disease progresses and serious complications start to occur. “For the most part, diabetes is silent and insidious,” says Ronald Tamler, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Clinical Diabetes Institute. “Most of the time people have no symptoms early on.”

ments, including birth control pills and corticosteroids, can also be responsible.

Inflamed or infected gums

Hearing or vision loss

Strange sensations in your feet

About 10% to 20% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes already have some nerve damage related to the disease. In the early stages, this may be barely noticeable, says Dr. Tamler: “You may feel a strange, electric tingling in your feet, or have decreased sensation In some cases, though, there are sneaky signs. or decreased balance.” Some early diabetes symptoms are wellknown: constant thirst, excessive urination, Of course, these strange sensations could be or sudden weight gain or loss, for example. caused by something as simple as wearing Others, like the ones below, are more easily high heels or standing in one place for too long. missed—by medical professionals and patients But they could also be caused by other serious alike. If you’re experiencing any of these, be conditions—like multiple sclerosis—so it’s sure to bring them up with your doctor. important to mention them to your doctor. Periodontitis—also known as gum disease— may be an early sign of type 2 diabetes, according to new research published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. The study found that people with gum disease, especially those with severe cases, had higher rates of diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) and pre-diabetes than those without. The connection between gum disease and diabetes isn’t new, says Dr. Tamler, and it appears to go both ways: Having either condition seems to increase the risk of developing the other. “Inflammation caused by gum disease eggs on the same factors that are responsible for high blood sugar that cause diabetes,” he says.

Skin discoloration

Elevated blood sugar levels can damage your retinas and cause fluid levels around your eyeballs to fluctuate, leaving you with blurry or impaired vision. Once blood sugar levels return to normal, eyesight is usually restored— but if diabetes goes unmanaged for too long, the damage could become permanent. Likewise, high blood sugar can also affect nerve cells in the ear and cause impaired hearing. “It’s something that few people talk about, but experienced audiologists know to look for the connection,” says Dr. Tamler. “It’s definitely something I check for during my physical exams.”

Long naps

In a scientific review presented last year at the European Association for the Study of Disease annual meeting, people who took daytime naps longer than an hour were 45% more likely to have type 2 diabetes compared to those who napped less or not at all.

“Long before you actually get diabetes, you may notice a dark discoloration on the back of your neck,” says Dr. Tamler. This is called acanthosis nigricans, and it’s usually a sign of insulin resistance—a loss of sensitivity to the hormone the body uses to regulate glucose— It’s not likely that snoozing during the daytime that can eventually lead to full-blown diabetes. actually causes diabetes, say the study authors. But they say that it can be a warning sign of In rare cases, acanthosis nigricans can also be an underlying problem like sleep deprivation, caused by ovarian cysts, hormonal or thyroid depression, or sleep apnea—all conditions asdisorders, or cancer. Certain drugs and supple- sociated with an increased risk of diabetes.

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

5 Simple Tips to Stay Healthy at Work By Paul Joseph | Co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel

Welcome to the world of work; deadlines, meetings, emails and calls. I’m a very physically active person but with my busy schedule it is difficult at times to stick to healthy choices. I find it hard to keep to regular eating times when working long days and usually opt for something quick to eat at my desk. Sometimes I have skipped lunch altogether just so that I can finish a task that needs my full attention which is not good. This only slows down my concentration and productivity levels. Furthermore, my random eating habits do not help when I’m trying to maintain my healthy lifestyle. Finding the right work and life balance shouldn’t be a challenge. Since we spend up to 40 hours a week in the workplace, I thought of sharing 5 simple tips for staying healthy at work, by maintaining good habits through nutrition, fitness and sleep.

1. EAT A WELL-BALANCED LUNCH. I find that the best way to control what I eat at work is to make a pre-packed healthy lunch, but if you have an early start or are in a rush then make sure you choose healthy and light options on the go. Snacking is my biggest weakness, especially when colleagues bring in delicious food to share, making it even harder to resist! Keep on top of snacking by bringing in small snacks like nuts, seeds, and fruit to keep hunger away. Oat cakes can also be delicious.

3. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Ensure you drink lots of water to keep yourself well hydrated at work. Switch your morning coffee for a glass of water or herbal tea to keep you healthy and focused for prolonged periods. Drinking lots of water will also help you fend off those unhealthy snack temptations. 4. GET ENOUGH SLEEP. Do you have trouble sleeping at night or wake up in the mornings unrested? This is a common problem for many but the solution is easy; go to bed earlier! The hours before midnight are far more valuable for rejuvenation than those after midnight as one hour of sleep before is worth two after. By having a regular sleeping pattern you can control your body clock helping to boost your memory, concentration and well-being. When you go to bed, put your mobile phone and laptop away and make sure your bedroom is clean and tidy for a good night’s sleep. 5. KEEP A CLEAN DESK. I’ve seen my share of messy desks and offices to know how important it is to keep your work area tidy. It’s a good idea to clean your desk and de-clutter every day either before or after work. Also, to maintain your well-being at work it is important to have a healthy break away, therefore go on a healthy holiday such as a spa break or yoga retreat once or twice a year, to de-stress and boost your overall well-being.

2. EXERCISE REGULARLY. Give yourself a boost of energy by finding ways to keep By following my simple tips you will be able to active during your day. Get your dose of daily achieve a good balance between staying healthy exercise, whether it’s cycling to and from work, and being able to focus on your work. taking a walk around the park or making use of the local gym with a short workout session. CALL US TO ADVERTISE You’ll raise your heart rate, release endorphins (325) 701-9505 and burn off those unwanted calories.

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BUSINESS&CAREER 5 Things to Do If Your Home Is Impacted By Severe Weather By Matt Smith | Fat Matt Roofing

Spring has officially arrived in the Big Coun- company soon, it’s also important to address try and I couldn’t be more ready. Over the last the problem immediately to prevent any furfew weeks, we’ve started to see longer days, ther damage from occurring. warmer weather, and trees and plants return to life. 4. Contact a Licensed Roofing Company – If you believe your home was impactHowever, Spring in ed by severe weather, contact a licensed roofing the Big Country also contractor in your area. I simply cannot stress comes with the threat this enough. Know who is on your roof and of severe weather. The know that they have the qualifications, trainmix of warm days and ing, equipment, and insurance coverage neccool nights we love essary to do the job safely and accurately. By this time of year can choosing a licensed roofing contractor, you’re combine to form dam- ensuring that your home will be repaired by a aging storms capable company with the tools, training, experience, of producing signifi- and expertise to get the job done right. cant wind, large hail, and flash flooding. If 5. Contact Your Insurance Compayou’ve lived in Abilene for any length of time, ny – Contact your insurance company to get you already know exactly what I’m talking the insurance claim process started. If you’ve about. And chances are, you may have already already selected a contractor, ask them to meet seen more than your share of storm damage. your insurance adjuster at the property so that both parties can assess damage together and A few years ago, my home was damaged in agree on a scope of work. a hail storm and the process of working with my insurance company to repair my home was If you’re home or property is impacted by seconfusing. It left me with more questions than vere weather, give us a call. We offer free inanswers. What steps do I take? Who do I call spections and we’ll work with your insurance first? How do I ensure my home is repaired company to make the process of getting your correctly? home repaired as simple as possible. You can reach us at (325) 704-5139 or online at fatHere are 5 things to do if your home or prop- mattdoesthat.com. erty is impacted by severe weather this Spring: ____________________________________

1.Practice Safety First

– The most important thing is the safety of you and your family. In the event of a severe weather event, follow instructions and warnings by provided local media and get somewhere safe until the storm has passed. Go to an interior room of your room, storm shelter, or other safe location, and avoid windows and skylights.

Matt Smith, aka “Fat Matt”, is the President of Fat Matt Roofing – one of Abilene and the Big Country’s top, local roofing contractors. If your home is impacted by severe weather, just remember “Fat Matt Does That.” We offer free inspections, free estimates, and free, honest advice. Give us a call at (325) 7045139, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ or visit us on the web at fat2. Inspect for Visible Property Dam- fatmattdoesthat, mattdoesthat.com. age – Look around your property for damage visible from the ground. Common damage includes damage to roofs, automobiles, fences, CALL US TO ADVERTISE and air conditioning units. We recommend (325) 701-9505 that you do not attempt to get on your roof. Trust us, that’s a job for professionals.

3.Prevent Further Damage – If you

have visible damage to your roof, ceiling damage, or water leaking into your home, it’s extremely important to prevent further damage to your home before the problem gets worse. While it’s important to contact your insurance

Abilene Gives Raises $1.3 Million, Most Successful Year To-Date By Joey Hollingsworth BigCountryHomePage

Abilene Gives has raised more than $1.3 million dollars – their most successful year to-date. More than 3,000 donors gave the total of $1.3 million to 142 nonprofit organizations during a 24-hour period of giving on Tuesday, May 5. Last year’s 24-hour total reached $729,387.30 for 121 nonprofits, a then record for the event, which is now in its fourth year. Abilene City Councilwoman Donna Albus and restaurant owner Sharon Riley said they would dye their hair pink if the total reached $700,000. Community Foundation of Abilene President/CEO Katie Alford promised to dye her hair pink if they reached $800,000. They all held up their ends of the bargain.

34 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

How to Be a Rock Star Employee While Working From Your Couch By Latesha Byrd | Money.com

Working from home has its perks. You can roll out of bed and hop onto a Zoom call within minutes. You can spend your lunch break catching up on Netflix, or household chores.

Perception is really important here, so set up regular check-ins that allow you to have a dedicated time to connect with your managers and get their feedback. Working remotely makes it easy to go about your day without talking to But as millions of Americans are suddenly fig- your boss, especially when there’s no immediuring out, remote work also brings complica- ate or critical deadline you’re working towards. tions. But don’t retreat. Keep the communication flowing. It’s hard to build your influence within your team and organization without a physical meet- Maintain relationships with your ing space. Collaborating with coworkers, and coworkers - Being a highly performing emkeeping your manager abreast on what you’re ployee isn’t just about productivity, it’s also accomplishing day-in and day-out, is much about building relationships. more complicated these days. Which team members do you need to commuFor some people, that makes it easier to fly un- nicate with on a regular basis? Identifying those der the radar. For others, dissolving the barrier key players, and creating a video chat and email between work life cadence will help aland home life makes leviate any potential it impossible to workflow disruptions. switch between the It’s also good to take two — they’re never time out of your day NOT working. to just check in with coworkers and show So how do you find that you care. the line? How can you get your boss to Check in with recognize that you’re yourself, too - Self a superstar employee care is more important when they don’t ever than ever right now see you face-to-face? — we’re working How can you prove through a pandemic, you’re staying proafter all. So be mindductive, and on top of things from a distance, ful of your emotional well being. without sacrificing your sanity? Create a schedule with regular breaks penciled Here are some tips. in, and try to step away from work during lunch. If you can, get outside at least once during the Set some goals - As a career coach, it always day — fresh air alleviates stress, and can stop astounds me how few people have professional you from working yourself into a rut. goals that they’re actively working towards. If you can’t tie your personal goals to your com- If you’re stressed out about keeping your boss pany’s, how can you prove your value? Or mea- convinced of your productivity, create a “brag sure your progress? sheet” detailing your work, progress updates, challenges and solutions. This will come in Talk to your manager, and get a good under- handy when you have one-on-ones with leaderstanding of their priorities for you, your team, ship, and it’s a great reminder to yourself that and your company’s overall vision. This will you’re staying on top of things while working help you get organized and set your own priori- from home. ties while working remotely.

Over-communicate - In an office setting,

it’s easy to drop by your manager’s desk with an update, or schedule a quick coffee chat. It takes more intentionality to get on your boss’s radar now, and to keep them abreast on your projects (especially if you’re hoping for a promotion or raise).

-Pick us up at Central Finance, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | BUSINESS & CAREER | 35

ServiceMaster Restore Can Handle Your Disinfecting Needs By Susan Holland | ServiceMaster Restore

ServiceMaster Restore (SMR) and ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM) have many years of experience cleaning and disinfecting hospitals and other facilities that have been at risk for exposure to various infectious diseases. We rely on our experience and a scientific, common sense approach that is thorough and cost-effective. We provide protective measures for our staff and take security and privacy into consideration to protect our customers and their facilities.

cluding Pre-loss planning and disinfection:

Pricing for services will vary based on time, tion cassettes and goggles and a covering face materials, supplies, and square footage. shield.

Pre-Loss Planning: ServiceMaster Restore provides proactive planning and evaluation for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The following treatment products and procepotential outbreak, allowing you to respond ef- The following minimum personal protective dures shall be used: fectively and maintain business continuity. equipment shall be used: The treatment procedures should be completed by workers trained in proper procedures for Full-Service Disinfection (Precautionary & •Full body disposable coveralls shall be worn. PPE use, including donning and doffing of Post-Exposure): ServiceMaster’s trained pro- •All coveralls shall be impermeable and cover PPE, and the importance of hand hygiene. fessionals handle the complete disinfection and the body, feet and head. remediation of the affected areas for you. •Disposable powder free nitrile gloves. The Using disposable towels, damp wipe common disposal gloves shall be fitted over the cover- surfaces utilizing a detergent solution regisEPA Registered Disinfectants Our Disinfection Procedures include: alls and then sealed to the suit with an adhesive tered with the Environmental Protection AgenWe stop at nothing to create a clean, safe, and •Take precautions and proceed with appropri- tape. cy (EPA) that is effective against the Coronahealthy environment allowing everyone in ate personal protective equipment. virus SARS-CoV-2 / COVID19 and contained your building from employees to customers to •Isolate and disinfect critical points of exposure Full face respiratory protection fitted with N-95 on the EPA N-List. (*) thrive. The objective of our disinfection pro- and high touch areas. or greater prefilter and Chemical (VOC) filter cess is to remove pathogens from the environ- •Disinfect all other areas as appropriate combination cassettes. The respirator shall Cleaning of surfaces is conducted in a single ment.. •Use EPA registered and approved products for be sealed to the coveralls using adhesive tape direction to reduce reapplication of soil on surdisinfection appropriate to the situation. where the respirator and filter meet. An alterna- faces. Change towel often and dispose in 3 mil ServiceMaster Restore is proud to offer a range •Properly dispose of contaminated cleaning tive is to utilize half face respirators fitted with trash bag. of essential services specific to Covid-19, in- materials. N-95 or greater and Chemical filter combinaThe minimum common surfaces that should be cleaned are the following: •Hard surfaces (desks, chairs, shelves, cabinets) •Doors, door handles and push plates •Bathroom surfaces (floors, walls, sinks, toilets & urinals) •Light switches •Telephones, computer keyboards and attachments • Wall areas that are frequently touched HOUSES, APARTMENTS, DUPLEXES, The cleaning procedures are meant to CONDOS, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES clean frequently touched and soiled www.WeSellAndRentAbilene.com surfaces prior to the application of a disinfectant solution.

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36 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

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11 Ways Retailers Can Combat Coronavirus Fears By Susan Guillory | America’s SBDC

Rita Mitchell, Certified Counselor at the University of Southern Mississippi SBDC, compiled a great list of 11 ways retailers can combat coronavirus fears, the closures, and the financial decline those fears are causing. Here are her suggestions.

Have VISIBLE and TOTAL hygiene discipline. Mitchell suggests placing anti-bacterial pumps throughout a store. Also, posting photos online and on your website of “deep cleaning” activities can show customers your commitment to keeping them healthy while shopping.

2. She also recommends posting a kind and

intimate email, Facebook post, Instagram post, and in-store posted statement about your commitment to the care and services your business will provide during this emergency.

3. To drum up business from people who are

staying away from shopping in stores, she recommends making an open offer to deliver or ship a client’s order, and then include a fun surprise. (P.S. Your client will want delivery and shipping to be at no charge.)

Offer NO penalty, no-hassle returns while shopping online or ordering by phone/email, and give immediate credit, however it was paid, to provide customers peace of mind. With trips, reservations, and flights offering only inhouse credit, this is vital.

5. She recommends creating, scheduling and announcing more Facebook Live posts, animated posts, and enticing videos to show new stock, with a simple call to action and clickbuttons to buy. Also, focus on “buy online, pick up in-store” options.

6. Another idea for clothing retailers is to cre-

ate “Stitch Fix”- like personal stylist bundles

for your regular clients, completely customized for their tastes. Deliver to them, or allow your client to pick up on approval. Offer to pick up what’s not kept from the box, and follow up with visual suggestions on how to wear their sassy new items.

new item on Instagram or show how to style an outfit.

10.

She says your goal on social media shouldn’t just be clicks, but also engagement through things like flash contests, polling followers on their favorite products, or offering 7. Mitchell says this is a great time to leverage giveaways to the first responder of a post. virtual couponing via mobile texts, in a personal email, or just a QR code. “Surprises like this 11. Mitchell says her favorite tip is to simply are force multipliers,” she said. ask how your clients need you to help them now. One retailer reported that a client just 8. She suggests highlighting products made wanted a bright new top to wear, and didn’t in America in your store. One of her business want to make a trip to the store. The store sent consulting clients posted on social media that her options, she chose the one she liked, and he is ordering his merchandise bags from the both client and store are happy. U.S. from now on, and had a hugely positive response. While we have no way of knowing how long retailers will be impacted by coronavirus, it’s 9. Use your staff and the power of a GREAT what you do now that will help combat corovisual story to create a connection with your navirus fears and minimize the strain this situbrand. You could post an employee’s favorite ation causes.

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

What’s New at:

LAKE KIRBY NATURE PARK

Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect timie to take a stroll through Lake Kirby Nature Park. They have installed three new interpretive signs. The first one is an interpretive history sign that you cannot miss as you walk towards the Pavilion from the main parking lot off Maple Street. Some of the interesting and educational content includes a map of the Lake Kirby watershed, a local newspaper story about the construction of the lake in 1928, and some information about what kinds of fish you can catch. Kirby’s own Mitch Wright and local historian Jay Moore contributed the information. A big thanks to Workforce Solutions of Abilene for providing the funding. The second sign showcases 61 species of wildflowers and 23 insect pollinators that can be seen at Kirby during the year and.There is also a a paleontology sign at the Mosasaur digging pit. The park is located at 5650 Maple St. For more information visit www.wtsciencecenter.org.

Reed Beverage helped deliver 190 gallons of hand sanitizer to rural hospitals across Texas

38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Name:

Kris Olvera

Where do you work? Hendrick Health System What’s your job title/what do you do? I am a HR Business Partner, a liaison for multiple departments encompassing a wide range of employees. I address department needs such as, vacancies, employee relations, and general HR relevant needs. Where are you from? Abilene, Texas What is your favorite thing about living in the Big Country? I like the aspects that come with the rural atmosphere like; community courtesy, diversity, easy commute time, strong roots, and great sunsets. What do you do in your free time? My hobbies vary on the season. I like hunting, and watching football. I am also a big fan of Spotify and Netflix! What does being an Abilene Young Professional mean to you? Being an Abilene Young Professional to me means connecting with others who share similar goals and ideas. Attending

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

AYP events gives me an opportunity to represent my organization outside of work. It is great to see how we all can connect and network across the different industries we are all a part of. What’s your favorite restaurant in Abilene? The Beehive What’s something you’re passionate about and why? Service, I love helping others! I believe I have an opportunity to help someone everyday at Hendrick through our workforce. In HR, employees are the organizations home customers. I actively find ways I can help someone whether it is HR relevant or personal. In healthcare, it is important to take care of the people, that take care of people. I also find service in hiring new employees. I think at Hendrick, we are good at bringing in the right people who thoroughly enjoy their career and want to help patients. Hiring someone gives them an opportunity to come on board do what they do best. It’s great to make connections and see them have fun and excel at their position.

CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

First Financial Bank, Barr Roofing, Melanie Hardy State Farm, SignTex, Office Depot, Cattilac Style, Visiting Angels, Harris Acoustic and Shipley DoNuts teamed up to provide a donut to every employee at Hendrick and Abilene Regional Medical Center - 4,600 donuts total!

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

Self-Employed? Take These 3 Steps to Get Your Retirement Savings on Track By Martha C. White | Money

Working for yourself means your retirement savings plan falls entirely on your shoulders. With the day-to-day operations of running your own business, it can be easy to let investing for the future fall by the wayside. The ranks of independent workers are growing by the day, as millions of Americans lose their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak and accompanying economic slowdown. Whether you’re a long-time freelancer by choice, or temporarily freelancing to make ends meet, here are three tips you can use to get started on the path to retirement planning. If you don’t have the cash flow to begin right away, keep these moves in mind for when your financial situation improves. Figure out your “salary” and pay yourself first It’s surprising how few self-employed people actually budget for retirement savings, says Marty Reid, president of Reid Financial Consulting in Charlotte, N.C. The Winery at Willow Creek during the week of April 14-18 ran a deal where every appetizer platter that was purchased, we matched and donated a charcuterie box to our local ER and Healthcare workers! We had well over 100 platters ordered and were able to take the same amount of charcuterie boxes to 5 different ER’s in Abilene on April 21st! We really enjoyed spreading a bit of love and appreciation to our local heroes in the community, through meat and cheese boxes!

Advertise with us today! 1-325-701-9505 • or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

“They need to make sure they have a really good understanding of their expenses and cash flow, and they need to include a retirement plan contribution as part of their budget,” he says. “Most people are shocked at how much it really costs them to run their business,” says Danielle L. Schultz, principal financial planner at Chicago-area Haven Financial Solutions. “The first thing I tell people is, all the money that you get isn’t yours. Look at your tax return to see what it costs you to run a business.” As a rule of thumb, your expenses shouldn’t be more than 30% of your total earnings, and another 20% of your gross should be earmarked for taxes, Schultz says. “For every $100 you earn, you only have $50 of spendable money.” It’s up to you whether you want to allocate your retirement funds from your “business expenses” or “spending money” bucket, Schultz says — just make sure you stay within that 30% if you’re counting it as an expense. Fund a Roth IRA to keep some contributions accessible Schultz says a Roth IRA is a good retirement vehicle for self-employed professionals because it offers more flexibility than traditional accounts that can’t be tapped without penalty before you reach the minimum distribution age of 59½. “It can be a backup emergency fund, because you can take out your own contributions,” Schultz says. There are a few things to keep in mind with a Roth: she adds. First, you can only withdraw contributions without penalty before age 59½., not any earnings your investment made in the stock market. There are some situations where you can avoid paying a penalty on earnings withdrawals — al-

though you’ll still have to pay income tax on them — such as if you’re putting the money towards your first house or unreimbursed medical expenses, or you become disabled. “I really urge people to contribute to the Roth until they’ve reached the maximum,” she says. The annual contribution limit is $6,000 for 2020 for people under the age of 50. (Those 50 and over are allowed an additional $1,000 a year in “catch-up contributions.”) Roth eligibility also depends on your income. Single filers can contribute the full amount up to an adjusted gross income of $124,000; for married couples filing jointly, that threshold is $196,000. Single filers earning up to $139,000 and married couples earning up to $206,000 can contribute a partial amount. Look into a 401(k) made just for you “My favorite savings vehicles are self-employed 401(k) plans. They allow for the most potential savings,” says Dana Levit, owner of Boston-area Paragon Financial Advisors. Also referred to as solo or individual 401(k)s and intended for sole proprietors — that is, business owners who don’t have any non-spouse employees on their payroll — these plans allow for greater savings. They let you contribute the regular maximum contribution you would be able to for an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan — that’s $19,500 for 2020 for workers under 50 — plus a share designated as the employer’s share, which is equivalent to 25% of W-2 income or 20% of Schedule C or K-1 income. It might sound a little complicated, since sole proprietors like independent contractors and freelancers technically wear both “employer” and “employee” hats, but the upshot is it lets you sock away a lot more money than other retirement plans. “The one rule about a self-employed 401(k) is you have to establish it by December 31,” Levit says, so if you’re just getting on board the retirement-planning train, you missed your chance to set one up for the 2019 tax year. If you’re in this situation, Levit advises setting up a SEPIRA, which only has to be set up by the time you file your taxes, even if you take an extension. The one drawback is that the amount you can contribute is lower — roughly 20% of your net income — but you won’t have to put off retirement planning for another year. “It’s a bit of a last-minute planning tool,” Levit says. And what busy entrepreneurial type doesn’t appreciate being able to make last-minute plans?