May 2021

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3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández Helen Holguin info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 673-4521 Office

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

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

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

About Us

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

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

2021 HispanicLIfe Media

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

Blessings to you and yours!

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

TAYLOR CO. is NOW HIRING - 325-674-1220 https://www.taylorcountytexas.org/Jobs.aspx

• LVN Starting Salary: $40,000 yr. + Benefits

• CUSTODIAN/BUILDING CLEANER • CIVIL/FAMILY DEPUTY CLERK Starting Salary: $9.00 per hour + Benefits Starting Salary: $29,000 Annually + benefits.

• MAINTENANCE WORKER I • ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK $12.50 hour + Benefits Starting pay $29,120. Annually + benefits • JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER- MALE • CONSTRUCTION/LANDSCAPING WORKER $40,000.00 + Benefits Starting Salary $ 31,176.17 + benefits • COURT REPORTER FOR COUNTY • CONTROL OPERATOR—ADULT DETENTION FACILITY COURT AT LAW #2 $37,000 annually + benefits $60,000 yr. +DOE + Benefits • ELECTIONS CLERK 1 • MALE/FEMALE CORRECTION OFFICER/DEPUTY Starting Salary: $12.00 per hour + Benefits $37,000 yr. + Benefits • JUVENILE SUPERVISION/DETENTION OFFICERS • PATROL DEPUTY - SHERIFF’S OFFICE MALE & FEMALE $42,000 yr. + Benefits $35,220.60 + Benefits • 911 COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR - SHERIFF • COUNTER DEPUTY CLERK $35,000 yr. + Benefits TAX ASSESSOR/MOTOR VEHICLE DEPT • TRANSPORT DEPUTY - SHERIFF OFFICE $11.54/Hr. + Benefits $42,000 + Benefits Full Time benefits include 100% County-paid Employee Medical & Dental Insurance, Paid Life/Disability Insurance, Retirement & Vac/Sick Leave. Applications are available on the website at https://www. taylorcountytexas.org/Jobs.aspx or in the Taylor County Plaza, 400 Oak Street, Suite 120, Abilene, Texas.Office hours are 8-12 & 1-5. EOE

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MAY 2021 Volume 11, Issue 1

Welcome to the month of May! The flowers are blooming, the grass is green, the flowers are in full bloom, and the trees are beyond beautiful!

It is with much affection that we bring you the May issue, not to mention that we have just started our 11th year this month, and are excited to see what the remainder of the year will bring!

As always, it is our utmost desire that you would be blessed and inspired with each story, and feature article that we publish and share with each of you.

It is also quite exciting to finally see our local economy on the rise and increasing one day at a time; of course!

Most recently we have celebrated our moms, and those who have passed on to eternal life. Coming up ahead will be a time to celebrate our father’s and our up and coming graduates.

Take the time to say, “I love you”, or give words of appreciation, affirmation and praise! Each indiviual is wonderfully and specially made, and as a general rule, whatever we sow, that we will reap.

In a world of chaos, turmoil, and unrest, we can choose to live life at it’s very best, and be a blessing to those who surround us. Whether a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger, we must choose ‘kindness’.

We pray blessings over each and everyone of your lives, and the lives of your respective families!

Abilene Zoo Adds Two Striped Hyenas

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

By The Abilene Zoo

The Abilene Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two striped hyenas from the Fort Worth Zoo. A male and female striped hyena have been, temporarily, relocated from the Fort Worth Zoo to the Abilene Zoo. Animal Care Staff will care for the animals for approximately two years, while the Fort Worth Zoo builds a redesigned big cat habitat projected to open in Spring 2023.

The male hyena is named Felix, and the female is Farrah and both are 11-years-old. They will be on exhibit beginning Wednesday April 21.

2021 next to the rhino and lions.

“Typically silent, striped hyenas emit sounds of a cackling how I rather than the giggles of their cousin the spotted hyena,” said General Curator Denise Ibarra. “The zoo hasn’t featured hyenas since 2009.”

Striped hyenas are related to the feline family despite many misconceptions of being canines. Often referred to as the cleanup crew, striped hyenas are scavengers with a diet that varies due to the season. They have a powerful jaw and strong teeth along with a broad head and pointy ears.

Their fur can range in color from tawny brown to gray,while their distinguishing characteristics include black stripes providing camouflage in the African grasslands and a short tufted ridge of fur along their spine.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

COMMUNITY

LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Children’s Business Fair to Take Place in Abilene

By Laurin Kocurek | Vice President Operations & Communications, Abilene Chamber of Commerce

Could a ten-year-old invent the next must-have product or service? Find out at the Abilene Children’s Business Fair, showcasing kids’ entrepreneurial genius!

On May 22 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and Abilene Industrial Foundation will host a Children’s Business Fair for young entrepreneurs at Frontier Texas! This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

founder of the Acton School of Business, one of the sponsors of the fair.

“The Children’s Business Fair gives kids the chance to buy and sell really cool things, and it’s a lot of fun too!” – Luke McFarlen, age eight.

“You cannot match the learning that comes from this kind of hands-on experience,” said Chandra McFarlen, Luke’s mom. “Luke was so proud of

Kids create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers!

This event is sponsored

by Communities of Abilene Federal Credit Union, Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Abilene Chamber, Abilene Industrial Foundation, Develop Abilene and the generous support of our donors and volunteers.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders. The Children’s Business Fair gives students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers,” said Jeff Sandefer,

himself and the money that he had worked hard to earn! All of the customers, kids and adults alike, were supportive and encouraging! I’m helping to host this year’s fair in hopes of sparking that same ambition in children throughout our area!”

Prizes will be awarded for best product or service potential, quality, presentation, and customer service!

For more information on how to participate, please contact Brent Schroeder at brent@abileneind.com or visit abilenechamber.com.

About the Chamber: Since 1908, the Abilene Chamber has served as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for developing and promoting the economy and quality of life.

For more information on the Chamber and the 1,200 businesses it represents, visit www. abilenechamber.com About the AIF: The Abilene Industrial Foundation is the Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s private sector representative in the community’s economic development partnership.

Along with the City of Abilene and the Development Corporation of Abilene, the AIF works to cultivate the region’s economy through entrepreneurial support, business retention and expansion, downtown redevelopment and workforce development and retention.

6| COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HispanicLife Media

Matera Vendor Market to Add Handcrafted Flair to Abilene’s SODA District This Spring

By Mercedez Hernandez | BigCountryHomePage

The Matera Vendor Market, set to open May 1, expects to offer one-of-a kind finds and experiences to visitors in the South of Downtown Abilene (SODA) District, mobilizing a plan organizers have entertained since before the pandemic began one year ago.

Tim Smith, local entrepreneur and a leader of revitalization in the SODA district, says the market has been in the works a long while, but the pandemic forced organizers to put a pin in plans until further notice.

“We’ve spent all this time planning, and building out, and preparing for the day when we had a vaccine and COVID dissipated,” said Smith.

“I think and hope that that’s where we’re at now and that it’s going to be a better year.”

Smith says he and others working on the project have made contact with 70 vendors already showing interest in setting up shops starting in May. The first Matera Vendor Market is scheduled to take place May 1 from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and will continue every Saturday after.

The market’s address is at 833 South 1st Street in the Matera Gardens, underneath the Sockdolager Brewing Company.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

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Abilene Donors Help Regional Victim Crisis Center Stay Strong Financially During Pandemic

By Mercedez Hernandez | BigCountryHomePage.com

Roughly five months ago, the Regional Victim Crisis Center (RVCC) was lamenting after drastic cuts to its budget because of the pandemic. Today, its executive director says finances are strong – a miracle made possible by local generosity.

In December of 2020, the RVCC lost 25% of an annual grant from Taylor County. That cut, paired with other state and federal funding problems linked to the pandemic, dealt the center a sour hand, said Janey Wawerna, executive director of the RVCC, in an interview last December. “[It] would’ve covered 75 weeks, almost a year and a half of care for a client, and it’s just gone,” said Wawerna.

Wawerna now says the center is back in the black thanks to Abilene-area donors, a feat she hails graciously.

“We are in a strong financial position to continue doing this work, and that is nothing short of a miracle,” said Wawerna in an interview Wednesday afternoon.

RVCC services never stopped during the pandemic, Wawerna notes proudly, and adaptations made in the last year may even be here to stay.

“We never thought one-on-one counseling would be via a computer or screen of some sort,” said Wawerna. “But for some victims it is a very comfortable and productive way to get that care, so in some cases, it will contin-

ue.”

The center is as busy as always, says Wawerna.

Domestic and family violence cases persist as well as the exploitation of minors locally.

“Last year we had eight bona fide cases that were sexual exploitation of a child,” said Wawerna. “Since the beginning of January, we’ve identified double that number.”

Though disturbing, Wawerna says increased trafficking victims may not indicate a true uptick in the crime itself, but better identification and reporting of victims. She attributes increased awareness of trafficking and abuse warning signs for the increase in victims as well.

“I think it’s the awareness of the community, of law enforcement, and of medical folks that have started identifying those cases on a regular basis”, said Wawerna.

As long as victims are found, Wawerna says the RVCC will be there to support them however it can.

“The reason for our work is heartbreaking, but the reward for our work is priceless,” said Wawerna.

Visit the Regional Victim Crisis Center at www.regionalvictimcrisiscenter.org or call the 24/7 hotline at 325-677-7895 CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

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Big Country CASA Swears in 7 New Volunteers to Help Children in Foster Care

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Miriam Chamberlain | BigCountryHomePage

Big Country Court Appointed Special Advo- Having worked with children since a teenager, cates (CASA) swore in seven new volunteers Thomas is looking forward to making an imTuesday, but are still looking for more. pact on these children’s lives.

In a room full of strangers, it’s always nice to see a familiar face. Unfortunately, not recognizing anyone can be particularly stressful on children, which is where CASA comes in.

These advocates help children in foster care who may need to appear in court just by being a friendly face that sticks with them through the court process.

Seven new volunteers are now committing their time to help children in the foster care system.

“I was nervous, like, ‘This is it I guess, we’re done, we’re going forward.’ I was glad to have my family here, so its a good thing,” Thomas says.

But the job is not always easy.

“It’s hard on your heart, it is a difficult volunteer role to serve because it does involve your emotions and your feelings,” Taylor says. “But these children have had their heart broken, and they’re traumatized. And so for us to step in and support and encourage them, we can help them put their hearts back together.”

“Every volunteer we get means that that’s more children we can serve that are in foster care,” says events director and advocate Rebel Taylor.

CASA is serving just over half of the more than 600 Big Country children currently in the With trained community volunteers, Big foster care system.

Country CASA advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court, one “To be able to be there for that child and care, case at a time. to help teenagers move on to the next stage of life, to see families reunified or children adopt“I work with a lot of at risk children, children ed is one of the most rewarding things that I’m with disabilities,” says newly sworn in vol- involved in,” Taylor says. unteer Jamie Thomas. “So I kind of thought this would be a nice way to even, you know, CASA is still looking for volunteers, so go help the community even more by becoming a to www.bigcountrycasa.org/volunteer/ to see CASA,” said Thomas. how you can get more involved.

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ACU Alumnus is Featured on Cover of George W. Bush’s New Book

By Ryan Wolf | Fox San Antonio

A face familiar to the Abilene Christian Uni- survive.” He used the charred bone of a class- from his extensive burns, he was a national versity community is featured on the cover mate to break one of the room’s windows and champion runner. of President George W. Bush’s #1 New York run, on fire, to freedom.

Times bestseller, Out of Many, One. He is the Now, nearly 30 years later and founder of Former ACU track star Gilbert Tuhabonye 8,000-plus miles from Burundi, G i l b e r t ’s (’01), co-founder of Gazelle Foundation, is Tuhabonye is a celebrity in the Gazelles, one of 43 immigrants whose porone of Austraits and inspirational stories are tin’s largfeatured in the former president’s est training book, released April 20. groups for people lookIn an interview on The Today Show ing to learn last week, Jenna Bush Hager says the basics Tuhabonye is dear to the Bush famiof running, ly and that she was a member of his train for the Austin running club while a college Boston Marstudent in Austin. athon, and everything in “I was so inspired by his joy, his between. In spirit and his incredible background 2006, while that I shared his story with my dad,” on a 20-mile she said. training run with a few Tuhabonye, a Tutsi and native of other friends, he conceived the Burundi, survived a massacre at the idea of what is now the Gazelle hands of Hutus and eventually imFoundation whose mission is to migrated to the U.S. He recounts his build water projects in Burundi. journey in his 2009 book This Voice Fittingly, the foundation’s largest in My Heart and in speeches he deannual fundraiser is the Run for livers across the country. the Water 10-Miler, 5K & KidsK event held each fall in downtown His harrowing journey began on Austin.

Oct. 21, 1993, when his Hutu classmates at the Kibimba school, their In 1999, he was presented the Naparents, some teachers and other tional Student-Athlete Day Giant Hutu tribesmen, forced more than a Steps Award in the Courageous hundred Tutsi children and teachers Student Athlete category by Presinto a room where they beat them ident Bill Clinton. In 2016, he and set them on fire. As dozens of his peers world of running. He overcame language and was honored as ACU’s Young Alumnus of the died around him, he says he heard a voice in- cultural barriers to earn his degree at ACU Year. side his head: “You will be all right; you will where, despite being covered with scar tissue

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Hondo Henderson. Firefighter Henderson joined the Abilene Fire Department in December of 1999.

He is certifed as an EMT-Paramedic, Master Firefighter, Fire Instructor I, and Hazardous Materials Technician. He is currently assigned to Engine 6, A shift. Congratulations to Firefighter Henderson.

SPOTLIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS

Lieutenant James Weikel was recently recognized by the Martin D. Denson VFW Post 6873, as Abilene’s Firefighter of the Year. James is certified as a Master Firefighter, Fire Officer II, Fire Instructor II, Intermediate Wildland Firefighter, Incident Safety Officer, Driver/ Operator - Pumper & Aerial, as well as a Paramedic. Lt. Weikel is assigned as B-Shift’s Field Resource Medic.

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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

Rafael Casarez Sr. 62, of Abilene passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Hendrick Medical Center. Rafael was born June 15, 1958 in Abilene, Tx. to Martin and Stella Casarez.

Rafael received his primary education from Abilene schools. In 1977 he married the love of his life Amelia and together they had 7 children. He then went on to be a carpenter where he learned the trade from his grandfather and brothers to provide for his family.

The greatest joy in his life was spending time with his grandchildren and great granddaughter. In his spare time he loved playing bingo, scratching lottery tickets, and telling stories of family history. He loved to help people in need even if you weren’t family. His favorite restaurant was Texas Roadhouse. His favorite drink was an iced cold Dr. Pepper. His proudest moments were being a father and grandpa. He was loved by so many people and will be truly missed.

Rafael was preceded in death by his father Martin Casarez, brother Danny Casarez, sisters Betty and Brenda Casarez.

Left to cherish his memories are mother Stella Casarez of Abilene, sons Rafael Casarez Jr[Angelica] of Abilene, Rosindo Casarez[Nina] of Abilene, Robert Casarez[Genesis] of Abilene, Rene Casarez of Abilene, Randy Casarez[Samantha] of Abilene, Rolando Casarez[Elyssa] of Abilene, daughters Anacani Casarez of Abilene, and Jennifer Casarez of Arizona. Brother Stevie Casarez[Elsa] of Abilene, Sisters Stella Hernandez[Jose] of Abilene, Maryann Cruz[Jose] of Clyde, Tx. and sister in law Juanita Casarez of Abilene. 27 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 2 grand pups, and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

David Anthony Silva was a caring son, grandson, brother, nephew, boyfriend, and friend. He left this world suddenly on April 18, 2021 at age 21.

He was born to David Silva Jr. and Maria Carmen Rocha on December 10, 1999, in Abilene, Texas.

David Anthony Silva graduated Abilene High School in 2018.

David Anthony Silva will be greatly missed by his parents David Silva Jr., Maria Carmen Rocha (Ubaldo Rocha Jr.); grandparents Juanita Valenzuela, Chona Ramos, David Silva; brother Christopher Silva; sisters Savanah Silva, Adrianna Silva; aunts/ uncles Maria Estela Ramirez (Raymundo), Maria Tina Santos (Ramiro), Maria Angie Valenzuela (Juan), Maria Jessica Alaniz (Cesar), Anna Ramirez (Jesse), Vicki Arroyo (Ramiro), Vanessa Garza (Adam); 27 cousins; girlfriend

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Nakooma Kewenvoyouma; bestfriends Eric Ison, Lilly Ison, baby Esidro Ison, Josh Hernandez, Nick Ontiveros, Logan Bross, Alejandro Valero.

David is preceded in death by grandfather Manuel Valenzuela.

To meet David, was to be loved by someone special, those who knew him would say he was full of life and always smiling. David will always be remembered for being so kind hearted and having a big heart, he was always there for everyone and would do anything to give the shirt off his back. He spent most of his time hanging out with his friends and having a lot of good times with them, while at home he loved annoying his cousins and his grandpa.

We will cherish the time we were given to love him and we mourn, not for him, but for the absence of him in our earthly lives. While his leap to Heaven was hastily made with such surprise to us, it was meant for him to join our Lord and Savior, as he always knew it was to be.

Bring your smiles, your memories, and your love. Plant a tree for David.

Manuel Valenzuela was a caring father, grandpa, great- grandfather, brother, and friend. He left this world suddenly on April 18, 2021 at age 72.

He was born to Martin Valenzuela and Maria Del Carmen on June 2, 1948 in Durango, Mexico.

Manuel Valenzuela will be greatly missed by his wife Juanita Valenzuela, his daughters Maria E. Ramirez (Raymundo Ramirez), Maria Del Carmen Rocha (Ubaldo Rocha), Maria A. Santos (Ramiro Santos), Maria De Los Angeles Valenzuela (Juan Vega), Maria De Jesus Alaniz (Cesar Alaniz), brothers Martin Valenzuela ( Rosa Valenzuela), Miguel Valenzuela ( Marta Valenzuela), Raul Valenzuela ( Maria Valenzuela), sisters Socorro Ortiz, Maria de los Angeles Gracia, Juana Torres ( Tonio Torres), Rosario Ortiz (Nati Ortiz), 21 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.

Manuel is preceded in death by his father Martin Valenzuela, his mother Maria Del Carmen, his brother Humberto Valenzuela, his sister Teresa Campos and his grandchild David Anthony Silva.

For those who truly knew Manuel know that he was a loving man with a big heart.

Manuel was always there for everyone and would give the shirt off his back. He was full of life and loved to smile.

Manuel will always be remembered for being a kind hearted man and a very hard worker. He loved to sit outside with his music on and watching his grandchildren play.

They were his motivation to continue daily. We will cherish him the time we were given to love him and we mourn, not for him, but for the absence of him in our earthly lives.

While his leap to Heaven was hastily made with such surprise to us, it was meant for him to join our Lord and Savior, as he always knew it was to be.

Taylor County Earns Safety Achievement Award from TAC Risk Management Pool

By Jody Seaborn | Texas Association of Counties

Taylor County has earned a 2020 Safety Achievement Award from the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) for its record of commitment to safety in the workplace, as well as for controlling the county’s workers’ compensation claims.

2018, Taylor County was the recipient of the Excellence in Safety Award from the Texas Association of Counties.

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Because service without a smile.

In 2017, Taylor County was the recipient of the TAC Gold Star for Safety Award.

To qualify for the award, the county must participate in TAC RMP’s Workers’ Compensation Program, have a safety program or accident prevention plan and meet additional criteria.

Through its commitment to safe practices among county employees, Taylor County works to reduce employee injuries and obtain substantial savings for taxpayers by minimizing workers’ compensation costs.

Left to right – Ernesto Galindo (Texas Association of Counties (TAC), Nikki Cross (Benefits Coordinator - Taylor County HR/Risk Office), Cathy Taff (Director - Taylor County HR/Risk Office), Rosella Ruiz (Assistant Benefits Coordinator - Taylor County HR/Risk Office), David Sandoval (Texas Association of Counties (TAC)

The county is one of 12 TAC RMP members statewide who have earned this award.

The Award will be presented during the Taylor County Commissioners’ Court meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 9:00 AM.

Welcome to the brighter side of banking.

Where every transaction and interaction is built on over 100 years of community-focused, know-you-by-name service.

Left to right – Precinct 1 Commissioner Randy Williams, Precinct 2 Commissioner Kyle Kendrick, David Sandoval (TAC), Cathy Taff (Director HR and Risk Management), County Judge Downing Bolls, Precinct 3 Commissioner Brad Birchum, Precinct 4 Commissioner Chuck Statler, Ernesto Galindo (TAC)

Governed by a board of county officials, TAC RMP has provided counties with protection against risks and liabilities for 47 years. TAC RMP’s risk control programs and services, delivered to more than 412 members, help Texas counties promote safety and save tax dollars.

Taylor County has historically been known for creating a culture of safety. In 2019 and

Additionally, in 2017, Director of HR and Risk, Cathy Taff, was selected for the Making a Difference Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to the safety of Taylor County employees and the public which we serve.

Additionally, Taylor County was recognized with the County Safety Award in 2011, 2014, and 2015.

Become part of our family today at HappyBank.com

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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McMurry University Celebrates World Password Day By Announcing New Online Cybersecurity Degree

By Alaisha Montanez | McMurry University

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

May 6, 2021) Thursday, May 6, is World Password Day. How strong are your passwords?

According to cyber experts probably not very good. Cyber experts regularly reinforce the importance of strong, unique passwords as one of the best defenses against malicious cyber threats. With cyber threats increasing across the globe and with employment opportunities in cybersecurity skyrocketing, McMurry University is helping to meet the national talent gap in cybersecurity professionals by introducing in Fall 2021 a new online bachelor of science degree in cybersecurity, which will be one of the only online programs at a private university in Texas. McMurry’s online programs are some of the most affordable in the country at only $360 per semester hour. Cybersecurity courses begin on August 23, and applications are now being accepted at online.mcm.edu/cybersecurity.

“We are thrilled to be the first university in Abilene to offer an online cybersecurity bachelors degree to our students,” says Matthew Draud, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. “This new, affordable degree program is one of the few online cybersecurity programs offered by a recognized regional private university, and has been carefully designed to provide the necessary industry recognized experiences, skills, and knowledge to prepare our graduates for immediate employment in a variety of cybersecurity related careers.”

McMurry’s program trains professionals to be proficient in various current and emerging security strategies and technologies surrounding networking, cloud computing, operating systems, programming, and regulatory compliance.This dynamic new degree allows graduates to earn credentials and skills needed to compete for jobs in the dynamic cybersecuri-

ty industry, with job growth of 31% predicted through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook.

“With the growing sophistication of cybercrimes, cybersecurity strategy has moved to the forefront of many corporations and organizations as they develop strategies to secure their data and protect their customers’ data,” says Mike Parker, Cybersecurity Bachelor Degree Program Director. “Cybersecurity is a growing field that will continue to mature and evolve over the next decade, providing a wide variety of high-wage career opportunities for degreed professionals. ” According to Forbes, there will be 1.8 million unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs by the year 2022.

Quite simply, a degree in cybersecurity means job security in today’s world.

Dr. Draud adds that McMurry’s vision for the program is to become designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This designation will receive formal recognition from the U.S. Government and will enhance our national reputation, contribute to increased interest and enrollment, and potentiate funding opportunities from the National Science Foundation.

McMurry will offer the cybersecurity degree online via the McMurry Virtual Campus to provide flexibility to accommodate working professionals with short seven-week terms. McMurry online programs provide students with a quality education and real-world skills employers are demanding. The University offers several online programs in addition to the cybersecurity degree, including degrees in business and criminal justice. Learn more at online.mcm.edu.

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Chow Down On Huge Portions Of Fresh Seafood At Galveston Seafood Company In Texas

By Katie Lawrence | Only in Your State

Who said you have to live on the coast to enjoy fresh seafood? Galveston Seafood Company in Abilene is about as far from the water as it gets, yet offers some of the best Gulf seafood you’ve ever had.

These puppies are coated in a delectable batter, fried to golden perfection, and served with remoulade, tartar and Fresh seafood is hard to come by in Abilene, so find- cocktail dipping sauces, ing a spot that serves it always comes as a pleasant plus two sides of your surprise. choice.

One such place is Galveston Seafood Company, tucked away in this Tudor-style building reminiscent of a neighborhood pub from 19th century England.

catfish filets, shrimp scampi, and many more mouthwatering dishes.

It features snow crab, shrimp, mussels, sausage, corn-on-the-cob, and baby potatoes, all tossed in the restaurant’s Inside is just as grand, with opulent chandeliers signature seasoning and and Old World décor only adding to the ambiance. drizzled with a rosemary You’ll feel right at home as you settle into a table or garlic butter sauce. booth and begin scanning the menu.

Sample a little bit of everything with the crowd favorite Seafood Steamer.

Every bonafide seafood This place is a seafood lover’s dream, boasting a va- joint has gumbo on the riety of delicious eats straight from the Gulf. menu, and it comes fully loaded here at GSC. From crab cakes to fish tacos to shrimp alfredo, there’s something to please every palate.

It’s hard to go wrong with oysters, especially when they come from Galveston Bay.

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Shrimp, crawfish, and andouille sausage swim in a dark roux, with white rice on top and French bread and crackers on the side.

Other popular entrees include red snapper, breaded

Side dishes range from traditional seafood pairings like hush puppies and red beans and rice to more homestyle offerings such as mashed potatoes and collard greens.

Galveston Seafood Company is located at 818 E Hwy 80, Abilene, TX. Hours are 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Visit them at www.facebook.com/galvestonseafoodcompany.

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14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Cisco College Spring Graduation Looks a Bit Different this Year

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

For the first time in Cisco College’s history, said. “In recent years, the location has been the spring graduation will be live-streamed on at or near capacity and this would not allow the Internet. for social distancing as encouraged per CDC guidelines.”

Only the 89 graduates and their professors and administrators will attend the actual com- He added that while this is not ideal, it does mencement at 6 p.m. Friday, April 30, at the lay the groundwork for yet another evolution Harrell Fine Arts Auditorium on the Cisco of what events for the college will look like in campus. the future. As the college grows, other venues may need to be considered.

For family and friends, the Some graduates have famceremony will be “virtual ily that may not be able to only,” meaning that there travel to see the ceremony. will not be a live, in-house, Live streaming is a modern audience. Instead, the tool that can bridge that loved ones of graduates gap, even when in-person will view the ceremony events resume, he said. on YouTube. A link to the live stream will be shared This spring’s ceremony will on the Cisco College Facecelebrate the commencebook page prior to the ment of 89 graduates who ceremony. After the cereendured a challenging time mony is over, the livestream will be available in their education, Wedeking said. “These 89 to view on demand on the Cisco College You- individuals adapted to many changes in class Tube channel. format which required great discipline,” he said. “To these students, these final semesters According to Colton Wedeking, Director of will not be ones that they will soon forget.”

Marketing and Public Relations of the college, the past 14 months have brought many chang- The most notable changes were an increase es to the way that people across the world go in online classes, while many college events about doing things. “Large and small events were canceled altogether. Then, according to came screeching to a halt and we were collec- Wedeking, planning ensued to ensure operatively forced to change the way we go about tions at the college continued as normally as doing things on a daily basis,” he said. possible and to evolve future and upcoming One of the primary reasons the college decid- events so that they may be executed in new ed to stream the graduation ceremony “is due ways. to the size of the auditorium where the commencement is traditionally held,” Wedeking

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TEACHER TRIBUTE Stacy Collins - Mann Middle School Nominate your teacher at: ArrowTeacherTribute.com

I was inspired to go into teaching to motivate students and help to meet the social and emotion needs of young adults. I want to empower adolescents with the ability to read and write, to dream, and to develop confidence in all aspects of life.

My favorite thing about teaching is being a catalyst for students to be able to use their voices and recognize their capabilities. I enjoy being a positive safe escape from any stressors that young people may face.

Outside of school, I enjoy watching my son pursue school activities and making memories together. My family is everything to me! I also love to work out and motive others to do the same.

Marley said in her nomination, “Mrs. Collins has inspired me to become a writer. She makes it fun to learn and makes sure everyone is okay before she begins teaching. She makes times for everyone and loves teaching us.”

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EDUCATION

LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

Megan Jimenez, Angela Walker Honored as AISD Teachers of the Year

By Abilene Independent School Districtr

Abilene High School math teacher Angela Walker and Johnston Elementary School kindergarten teacher Megan Jimenez were honored Tuesday 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 ninth annual Teacher in the Limelight Celebration at the Abilene Convention Center, recognizing teachers throughout the district for their work with the more than 15,500 students in the AISD.

every student to succeed; not just her own students. Whether it is academic or relational, Ms. Walker is dedicated to improving herself and those around her.”

“Ms. Jimenez’s dedication is evident, her compassionately demanding spirit challenges all the learners in her classroom,” Johnston principal Jeff Brokovich said. “She engages in cross-curricular activities and encourages academic as Walker uses a highly customized approach to well as personal growth in her students.” the curriculum, cultivating assignments and lessons to engage her students and meet them Last December, Jimenez taught a unit titled where they are in their process of learning. Ev- “Christmas Around the World” where students with pretend passports boarded a pretend airplane and took flights all over the world learning about various cultures and Christmas traditions. Passports were stamped and the students had to write one fact they learned at each new destination, then write about their experiences both independently and in small groups.

Walker is a 10-year classroom veteran having spent 10 years at AHS. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Hardin-Simmons University and currently serves as a Technology Liaison for the AHS campus. She ery assignment is custom-made, tweaked and also helped charter the Abilene High Key Club, re-worked before being delivered to her classes. a student-led community service organization.

Jimenez is a 2008 graduate of McMurry Uni“Angela is always at her door to greet students versity who is in her 13th year with the AISD. every day and every period with a smile,” AHS She spent the first 11 years of her AISD career principal Michael Garcia said. “She goes out of at Lee Elementary (2008-19) and is now in her her way to build relationships with students and second year at Johnston Elementary. During the her fellow teachers. When she teaches a lesson, COVID closure in the spring of 2020, Jimenez she immediately evaluates it, and makes notes took it upon herself to create video lessons on for next year based on what students struggled YouTube for her students. Knowing some parwith this year. During a very trying year for ents or guardians might know how to access onteachers, Ms. Walker organized a way for re- line content she even created her own video inmote learners to be able to check out calcula- structions just for them. Her videos were shared tors because she knew they would need one to by other teachers at Johnston and throughout be successful. She did this because she wanted the AISD.

Both Walker and Jimenez will now represent the Abilene ISD in the Texas Teacher of the Year competition. The first step in that is the Region XIV Teacher of the Year competition at both the elementary and secondary levels.

A win there would send one or both on to the statewide competition.

The AISD has had the Region XIV Teachers of the Year at both the elementary and secondary levels each of the last two years with Elementary Teacher of the Year (Molly Harless, Lee Elementary School) and Secondary Teacher of the Year (Kathy Ellison, Abilene High) in 2018-19 and Chelsea Rico (Lee Elementary) and Jimmy Pogue (Cooper High School), respectively, in 2019-20.

16 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Student Spotlight:

Daniel Soliz, Ed.D.

By Abilene Christian University

As he said himself, “the most dangerous student is one without a vision,” but that wasn’t the case for Daniel Soliz, Ed.D. From being a first-generation college student, to being named the Director of Student Services & College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) at Allen ISD, Soliz has dedicated his professional life to a vision that supports educating and advocating for student success.

Aspirations to Accreditations

far exceeded anything he’s experienced from other universities. “ACU’s program empowered me to tackle any challenge and equipped me with the skills I needed to navigate through organizational leadership.”

As he continued to further his career while studying, Daniel was able to take the knowledge he was acquiring in his online courses and apply it immediately, making learning exciting as he connected the dots in real time.

From an early age, education became a non-negotiable for Daniel Soliz. As he reflected on his “You feel prepared to take on anything thrown upbringing in the small town of Alice, Texas and at you,” he recalled. Now, at Allen ISD, with the hardships surrounding him, he realized that 20 campuses and 50+ administrators, he is prethe key to creating a successful pared to navigate different life was school. As he began perspectives and ideas from a to make real-life connections leadership standpoint because between education and work, of ACU. “It made me a more he strived to create an accomanalytical and dynamic thinker plished life for himself. and allowed me to become a more data-driven leader.”

“School was never off of the table and continued to be a priChampioning Students ority of mine,” Soliz said. “I His focus now is on giving knew God’s dream for me was back. Through his wide arbigger than I could have ever ray of duties at Allen ISD, his dreamt for myself.” I have been main goal is to ensure students able to attain that through His are getting the best career readgrace, and I also recognize that iness opportunities and preparI’ve been blessed by the people ing them for future pursuits by who have paved the way before providing critical foundational me and guided me through my knowledge. As he guides stuprofessional journey.” dents through the process of career exploration to career With that vision in mind, Daniel graduated high connections, his desire is for kids to better unschool early and attended Texas State Universi- derstand their strengths and make informed dety, getting a bachelor’s degree in mass commu- cisions about their future. In addition, he also ennication. From there, Soliz found his niche at sures that the K-12 district implements consistent Kennedale Independent School District in Fort and equitable discipline while supporting each Worth, TX where he taught high school and lat- campus’ practices. er became a campus administrator at the age of 22. In 2019, he moved to Allen ISD where he While his time as a student may be over, Soliz worked in administration while also obtaining his notes that he’s a life-long learner and will conmaster’s degree from Concordia University and tinue to take away from his time at ACU and the his doctorate from Abilene Christian University. many experiences he’s been given along the way.

It was at ACU where he successfully defended Just like the professors, mentors, and fellow adhis dissertation in Organizational Leadership. He ministrators that have come before him, Daniel currently serves as Allen ISD’s Director of Stu- plans to dedicate his life to being a champion for dent Services & CCMR. all kids and an advocate for Texas public schools.

Empowered Through Education

“We have to teach students to see beyond today A proud product of ACU’s doctorate program, and look into their futures.” For Daniel Soliz, that Soliz acknowledges that the resources, staff in- was his saving grace, and he’s expectant about volvement and structure of his doctorate degree what the future holds for kids just like him.

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Technology Helps Prepare TSTC Paramedic Students For Almost Any Situation

By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Students in Texas State Technical College’s Scalley will relay vital signs that he has proEmergency Medical Services program are grammed to students to make adjustments on the trained to be prepared for almost anything they patient. might encounter in the field.

“The life of a patient can change on the fly,” he By using the iSimulate REALITi simulator in said. lab sessions, instructor Tim Scalley can program various situations for But not everything in students to address. the EMS lab is done The simulator also on a manikin-style can mimic the cardiac patient. monitors of area EMS During a recent services for future session, paramedic paramedics to train on students were able systems they will use to talk to young at work. children and their parents about simu“There is a lot going lated symptoms. The on and a lot to rememscenario included all ber,” said Paramedic coronavirus safety student Anthony Moprotocols, and Scalnaco, who works for ley said it was simithe Stephenville Fire lar to a doctor’s visit.

Department as a firefighter and an emer“We have to comgency medical techplete visual assessnician. “The simulator ments with children, allows me to get the and we are able to do kinks out while I am that with local famiin class. I am able to lies,” he said. “All of work on what I need the training will pay to do on the equipment we have available.” off for the students.”

Scalley remembered when students used decommissioned equipment, but technology has advanced to train paramedics with REALITi. “In the past, we would train with decommissioned equipment. A lot of them did the same thing, but the companies’ equipment is not always the same,” he said. “It is nice to have the technology available for people to learn their system.”

Scalley also has a stress reliever for the class. He likes to pull out the CPR dummies attached to a computer program for a competition to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“It provides the students with good, accurate information on how they are performing CPR while also involved in a friendly competition,” Scalley said.

Scalley said many students complete the program For more information, visit tstc.edu. and begin working for Lifeguard Ambulance Service in Brownwood. He uses the simulator to program a patient’s situation and walks students CALL US TO ADVERTISE through treatment from start to finish.

(325) 701-9505 “Sometimes he will throw a curveball at us, and that is what happens in the field,” Monaco said.

“I like to practice in the lab. I know that practice makes perfect.”

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

Abilene High School principal Michael Garcia has announced the school’s Top 25 graduates for the Class of 2021.

William Hampton, who will attend Rice University and major in History and Classical Studies, is the Valedictorian for this year. Shannon Henry, who will attend the University of Texas and major in Political Science, is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2021.

The rest of the Top 25 is as follows: 3. Emma Horn, University of Texas, Studio Art 4. Cole Patterson, University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering 5. Bennett Sullivan, Abilene Christian University, Undecided 6. Emma Pfrimmer, Hardin-Simmons University, Psychology 7. Taylor Thompson, University of Texas, Political Science 8. Camille Scarborough, University of Texas-Arlington, Nursing 9. Julia Melson, Texas A&M University, Forensic Science 10. Madi Sipe, Abilene Christian University, Business Finance / Musical Theatre

Cooper High School principal Lyndsey Williamson has announced the school’s Top 25 graduates for the Class of 2021.

Isaac Locke, who will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and major in Biomedical Engineering – is this year’s class Valedictorian. Thomas “Miller” Bannister, who will attend Texas A&M University and major in Biomedical Engineering, is the Salutatorian for the Class of 2021.

The rest of the Top 25 is as follows: 3. Katie Woodard, Texas Tech University, Business 4. Katelyn Smith, Texas Tech University, Political Science 5. Andrew Brokovich, Texas Tech University, Physics 6. Abigail Boyles, University of North Texas, Early Childhood Education 7. Ayden “Lee” Neighbours, McMurry University, Undecided 8. Anna Bell, University of North Texas, Accounting 9. Kaitlyn Brott, University of North Texas, Biology 10. Alexandra Robinson, Angelo State University, Psychology 11. Madilyn Abor, Baylor University, Chemistry (Pre-Med) 12. Lorelei Shirmer, University of Oklahoma, Health and

11. Julia Davidson, Colorado Christian University, Business Administration 12. Susannah Lee, University of Oklahoma, Nursing 13. Jane Ann Carroll, Abilene Christian University, History 14. Carlee Lamb, Texas Christian University, Business / Marketing 15. Dylan Haught, Hardin-Simmons University, Undecided 16. Ruth Hill, Trinity University, Engineering 17. Andrew Milam, Angelo State University, History 18. Sarah Cox, Texas Tech University, Animal Science 19. Jade Spangler, Southwestern University, Education 20. Emily Shelburne, University of Notre Dame, Political Science 21. Hannah Hillis, Emerson College, Writing / Literature and Publishing 22. Nathan Watts, Texas A&M University, Engineering 23. Brent Bardin, University of North Texas, Psychology 24. Kelly Boyland, University of Texas, Environment Science 25. Lauren Wilhelm, Texas Tech University, Interior Design & Architecture Abilene High will host its 133rd commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, at Shotwell Stadium. The ceremony will be streamed live on the AISD-TV Facebook page.

Exercise Science (Pre-Med) 13. Emmalee Rose, Texas Tech University, Biology 14. Stephanie Hamlin, Cisco College, Early Childhood Education 15. Benjamin Smith, Texas A&M University, Biomedical.

Sciences 16. Mia Crespo, Angelo State University, Education 17. Brianna Garcia, McMurry University, Biomedical Science 18. Emma Hart, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Education 19. Nkurunziza Violette, Texas Tech University, Biology (Pre-Med) 20. Manisha Bhujel, Undecided, Nursing 21. Trey Castillo, University of Texas-Dallas or Midwestern State University, Accounting /.Sports Management 22. Caleb Martin, Angelo State University, International Business 23. Jayden Falcon, Undecided, Criminal Justice 24. Mollie Davis, Texas A&M University, Kinesiology / Exercise Science 25. Princess Mirua, Angelo State University, Nursing Cooper will host its 60th commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 28, at Shotwell Stadium. The ceremony will be streamed live on the AISD-TV Facebook page.

18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

TEACHER TRIBUTE Rachel Hamilton - Dyess Elementary Nominate your teacher at: ArrowTeacherTribute.com

I developed a love for teaching when I was a technology trainer. I would go into classrooms to show teachers how to implement technology into their lessons and gave me the opportunity to teach both teacher and children. This position inspired me to want a classroom of my own.

My favorite thing about teaching is helping a child accomplish a goal. As a Special Ed teacher, all my kids struggle in some way. I love challenging them and show them they are capable of succeeding.

When I am not teaching, I am usually spending time with my two boys. I am big proponent of all sports and often spend my free time playing sports with my boys.

ficult season of coronavirus and found new ways to reach our daughter and challenge her Ana and her dad nominated Mrs. Hamilton for mind. She is a Godsend to Abilene ISD and Teacher Tribute. He writes, “Mrs. Hamilton is our family! one of the best teachers we have ever had. She ____________________________________ is always willing to go the extra mile to keep Grade Level: PALS 3-5 us on the same page on our daughter’s learning. Our daughter has down’s syndrome, and Student: Ana Mrs. Hamilton has helped her through this dif-

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Big Country Manufacturing Alliance Awards First Ever $1,000 Scholarship to ACU Engineering Student Reuben Howe

By Amy Hall | Big Country Manufacturing Alliance

An awards ceremony was held today at Abilene Christian University (ACU) in which the Big Country Manufacturing Alliance (BCMA) awarded the first of two $1,000 scholarships.

ACU Engineering student Reuben Howe was the recipient of the first $1,000 scholarship.

“I want to thank Big Country Manufacturing Alliance for providing me this opportunity for a scholarship,” said Reuben Howe. “It greatly alleviates my financial burden and helps me focus on my studies and work on my future career as an engineer.”

The BCMA implemented this scholarship program this year to help students in the Big Country who are attending or plan

to attend a post‐secondary institution and study a manufacturing related career field.

Two scholarship recipients were selected – one current college student and one high school senior who will be starting college this fall. A second award ceremony for the high school scholarship recipient will be held next month.

During the award ceremony, BCMA Board Chair Thomas Taylor shared remarks about the importance of investing in the future through initiatives such as this scholarship. The BCMA supports the growth and stability of manufacturing in the Big Country.

TEACHER TRIBUTE Loren Prato - Dyess Elementary Nominate your teacher at: ArrowTeacherTribute.com

These past two yeas have been a difficult time to begin a teaching career. Despite the trials that have come with teaching in a world of COVID, I am reminded more than ever why I chose this profession. I love being around children. The ability to have such a large impact on students

in a very influential time in their lives is one of the most rewarding jobs a person can do.

I help kiddos develop a long-lasting love for learning that they can carry the rest of their lives.

Not only do I love working with kids, but I love getting to be part of team that gives back to the community in a variety of ways. I love getting to work with my awesome coworkers and learning from the leadership in my administration.

Outside of work, my hobbies are reading, cooking, outdoor activities and traveling.

Lylah Grace nominated Mrs. Prato because “she is my favorite teacher of all time. Her happiness gets me excited to learn new things.

I know she cares about me because of the encouraging words and smile. I go to school eager to learn because of her.” ___________________________________

Grade Level: 4th Grade Student: Lylah Grace

20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Veteran Turns Weekend Hobby into Second Career at TSTC

By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College

Scott Rosignol, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. After he retired from the military, Rosignol Army, dabbled in welding on weekends while lived in Tennessee and had no real plans on living in Harker Heights. what to do with his life. But he knew he wanted to do one thing.

But it was not until he moved to Breckenridge and toured the Welding Technology program “I wanted to further my education,” he said. at Texas State Technical ColAfter working as an eleclege that he began to think of trical and mechanical techwelding as a career option. nician, Rosignol moved to Texas. It was by talking to After talking with TSTC his son that welding became welding instructor Stephen an option.

Hope, Rosignol decided to enroll in the program.

“After my son graduated high school, he went to “I talked to Stephen about welding school and had what I wanted to do, and some fantastic he told me everything that opportunities,” he said. would be “That piqued my interest available. I saw how clean in welding being a possible and organized he had the career.” shop, and I was hooked,” he said.

Rosignol’s goal is to complete his education and Hope said working with vet“just weld and make some erans is one way he can give money.” However, he may back. take his career a step further down the road.

“I always try to have a veteran in our program. “I probably will do my own thing one day and They worked hard to serve our country, and it launch my own business,” he said. “But I need is my job to serve them in training them for to get a few years under my belt.” a trade,” Hope said. “Many veterans learn so many trades in the military, and teaching them For now, the welding lab environment at TSTC a trade for a second career is the least I can do. leads to the best part of the day for Rosignol.

I always like to see veterans complete the program and give them a big hoorah.”

“I am excited that at the end of the day, I can look back on my pieces and see where I have Rosignol is on track to earn his certificate of improved,” he said. “The program does have its completion in August, but he plans to return to challenges, but that is showing me how much I TSTC to earn an associate degree. am improving.”

“This is the kind of environment I want to learn For more information, visit tstc.edu. in,” he said.

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FAITH&FAMILY

SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

When Tragedy Strikes:

What is God Trying to Tell Me?

By Chris DeLuna | Church of Grace

We live to please God and do his will yet we fall victim to misfortunes and in our despair we entertain the thought of whether it was of any use to have believed in God. We interpret our misfortune as indifference from God. He doesn’t care. Have you ever felt this way?

Consider the following two scenarios.

Jonah’s disobedience caused God to hurl a great storm upon him so that the ship threatened to break up. Jonah was clearly out of God’s will. God expressed his displeasure by casting Jonah into the sea where of a great fish came and swallowed him whole.

Consider another scene at sea. The apostle Paul was falsely accused, treated like a criminal, arrested and sent to Rome for trial, but on the way he suffered ship wreck because of a storm.

Despite having little energy because he’d gone days without eating, he had to muster the courage and strength to abandon ship and swim for land in cold water. He makes it to shore and starts a fire only to get bitten by a poisonous snake! Here is Luke’s account: When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.” (Acts 28:2–6) Notice how the native people initially “interpreted” Paul’s unfortunate circumstances as proof that he was a bad guy and that God or

perhaps a god had it in for Paul. They were wrong. On the other hand, when they see that the poisonous viper did not kill Paul, they reinterpreted Paul’s circumstances and concluded that he was a god because he’d survived both a sea storm and a poisonous snake bite.

They were wrong again. Unless we have a clear word from God to speak to our specific circumstances, we need to be cautious about interpreting them for ourselves. The mariners rightly discerned that the storm was a sign of divine displeasure, but they did not know who the culprit was. They find out soon enough because Jonah, being the prophet that he was, made it known. We, however, aren’t prophets.

We aren’t very good at rightly interpreting our own circumstances. We are prone to wrong conclusions.

God, that his eye is not favorably upon them.

Like the Psalmist they say, “All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence. For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.” (Psalm 73:13–14)

There are many people who are clearly lost and out of God’s will yet they “interpret” the material blessings they receive in life as God’s approval. The Psalmist lamented this “prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:3). He writes, “For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind…

Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:4-5, 12).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

(Proverbs 3:5–7)

They cry as innocent Job did from his sick bed, “What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit do we get if we pray to him?” (Job 21:15) There is a better way. It is much easier to read and interpret God’s word on the pages of our Bibles than it is for us to interpret our circumstances. God has made his will known. There is no need for us to speculate and wonder about God’s desire for our lives.

To trust in the Lord means to know his will and align ourselves accordingly and remain steadfast no matter what storms may come. Sure.

There are times when we must examine ourMore often than not the selves and conwicked seem to enjoy sider whether smooth sailing on calm our misfortune seas and the fact that the is a result of our LORD has not hurled a own disobedigreat tempest upon them ence. But we makes them believe that must examine God doesn’t see or care ourselves in light about their wickedness. of God’s word.

“The Lord does not see; Let us rest on the God of Jacob does not God’s sovereign perceive” (Psalm 94:6–7). control of all They wrongly interpret things for “we their circumstances and know that for thus they draw wrong conthose who love clusions about God. God all things work together On the other hand, there for good, for are people who live to please the Lord and do those who are called according to his purpose” his will yet they fall victim to misfortune of one (Romans 8:28) sort or another and in their despair they entertain the thought of whether it was of any use God doesn’t “try” to tell us anything. He has no to have believed in God. They interpret their difficulty making his will clear. We have his unfortunate circumstances as indifference from written word.

22 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Questions to Ask Before You Invest Yourself in Anything

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

One of the latest investing trends is an app called Robinhood. It lets people without a lot of money jump into investment markets with just a few dollars, a few clicks, and little experience.

It makes knowing what to invest in seem easy. But it isn’t always, and neither is knowing what to spend time and energy on.

These app-powered investors are often chasing what’s trendy, not what’s financially wise.

That tendency is found in all of us as we invest more than just our money, living out our days.

Here are 5 questions to ask before investing your time, energy, or attention in anything.

1. What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t invest in this?

We are good at rationalizing why we “need” to do something that’s going to eat up a lot of energy and time. The FOMO (fear of missing out) culture drives a lot of attention invested in ultimately shallow pursuits. This question also helps us evaluate just what our real priorities are in our minds and hearts.

2. What’s your motivation?

Activities that will make you a healthier, happier, or holier person are important. But how many times do we instead invest our time in something because it’s popular or exciting?

We want to be connected with the “in” crowd, even as full-grown adults! But it’s wiser to invest in whatever actually aligns with God’s will for our lives.

3. Whose interests are really served?

Knowing what to spend time and energy on requires this critical question. It helps us discern whether we’re being manipulated into how we spend our time. Hours can fly by as we scroll through social media, for example.

When we consider how those platforms are designed to sell our attention to advertisers, we have to wonder if those companies are getting more out of our time than we are.

4. Whose interests NEED to be served?

Regardless of who is benefiting from how we spend our time, we all need to think about who should be benefiting. Intense, time-consuming hobbies are an example. We need to think about the long-term effects that “me time” has on a spouse and kids. Maybe we should pull them into our interests! Yet the nature of some hobbies means we shut out the people we love in order to focus, which inadvertently communicates, “This is more important to me than you are.”

5. Will the gains be worth the cost?

In business, companies constantly consider “return on investment” or a “cost-benefit analysis.” What they choose to do has to be considered against what they expect to receive.

Similarly, we need to consider whether the time, energy, and attention we spend is going to drain us with no benefit or help us reach our relationship goals and priorities.

These are just some of the questions we all should be asking in today’s fast-paced, high-distraction world. Let’s encourage each other to test our choices carefully before we make them. Every minute of our precious, fleeting lives is an investment in something.

Invest well.

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

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

4 Signs of an Unhealthy Marriage

By BJ Foster | AllProDad

In the summer of 1985, an engineer named Roger Boisjoly noticed a flaw in the solid rocket booster that helps launch the space shuttle.

The rubber O-rings that seal the joints were experiencing erosion particularly in cold weather. When the joints wear away, the booster leaks exhaust gas causing a dangerous mixture with the liquid hydrogen from the external tank. Foreseeing that the problem would result in catastrophic failure, he sent a warning memo to decision makers at both his company and NASA. That warning and several more that followed were ignored.

The morning of January 28, 1986 was crisp and cold. Unwavering, NASA continued with the launch of the space shuttle, Challenger. The first sixty seconds of the launch seemed to go according to plan. A nervous Boisjoly turned to a colleague and said that they had dodged a bullet. Fourteen seconds later, his worst fears were realized. The Challenger exploded taking the lives of seven people. In a similar way, marriages can experience eroding intimacy. These problems can seem small; however, over time, they can cause a marriage to break apart. It’s important to see the warning signs and act on them. Are you and your wife experiencing these 4 signs of an unhealthy marriage?

1. Keeping Secrets

phone logs, or website history so your wife wouldn’t see it? Has there been activity on your Facebook account you can only participate in when she isn’t around? When things

to yourself because you were afraid how your wife would react? Intimacy involves good communication and knowing one another. Leaving your honest opinion and perspective unsaid leads to her knowing you less. Gradually you will drift from her like a boat untied to a dock. Stop withdrawing and say it. If it unsettles things then you just need to work through it.

3. Overly Kid-Focused

Are all of your discussions about your kids and their schedules? Kids are a huge responsibility and require a lot of discussion.

They will dominate your minds, make you exhausted, and need a lot of attention.

There are seasons when that’s fine. However, your kids will eventually move out and when they do it will be you and your wife again. It’s easy to become strangers when all eyes are fixed on the kids. Move your eyes to her and zero in. She needs to be the first person in your life. are difficult, it is tempting to seek excitement in forbidden places. Keeping secrets creates division and deepens disconnection. If you aren’t connected to your wife, you are going to connect to something or someone else. Don’t deceive her. Let her in and do whatever it takes to come together.

2. Leaving Things Unsaid

Sometimes in marriage you have to choose “If you aren’t connected to your wife, you are your battles and let things go. Are you doing going to connect to something or someone that too often or about critical issues? Have else.”Have you erased emails, text messages, you kept your opinion on an important matter

4. Seeking Distractions or Time Away

Is it nice to be away on a business trip? Are you staying late at work when you don’t have to or looking for other ways to delay heading home? Do you and your wife watch TV in different rooms? Do you immediately head out to the garage to work on the car after dinner? The road to separation is filled with small decisions.

You can’t have intimacy in different rooms and the problem is not going to work itself out. Go home and be with her. Remove the distractions and re-engage.

24 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Preserved And Protected

By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship If you were to go to an amusement park with your children, you wouldn’t forget about them, would you? Of course not. Because you love your children, you’re aware of where they are.

You don’t forget someone that you care about.

God cares about you too, and He’s continually keeping you. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf” (NLT).

In fact, there are many passages in the Bible that remind us of the keeping and protective power of God. We read in 2 Thessalonians 3:3, “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one” (NLT).

And Jude 1:24 says, “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault” (NLT).

Also, 1 Peter 1:5 reminds us, “And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see” (NLT). The original language uses a perfect tense, meaning that God is continually protecting you.

An older man who was known for his godly life was asked what he did when he was tempted. He replied, “Well, I just say, ‘Lord, your property is in danger.’”

You are God’s property. You belong to the Lord. The Bible says, “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NLT).

So God preserves you. He protects you. He keeps you by His power. So the next time the Devil comes knocking at your door, just say, “Lord, would you mind getting that?”

That’s the way to deal with the enemy’s attacks.

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

His Kids Your Kids

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

A soon-to-be step mom contacted me and asked for some tips on how to mix his kids and her kids together in a new family unit. Here is a part of her note to me: “I am a mother of two young children under the age of ten and I am engaged to a man who is a father of two children - tween and teenaged. He keeps stressing how he wants everything to be “fair” for all four kids. That includes same punishments and rewards, same expectations on eating and daily routines. Also he doesn’t see that it is fair that my kids have their extracurricular activities when he can’t afford for his kids to. Keep in mind we do not live together yet, but will be within a few months. It seems that he wants things to be fair when it benefits him or his children, and fair to him is us conforming to his rules.

His youngest is on a diet, so that means none of the kids are allowed to snack or have juice, even when they are all not together. Has anyone else experienced these issues and how do they handle them? “ Well, “Soon-to-be Stepmom,” let me first say it isn’t possible to treat every child the same. As each child responds differently to disciplinary actions, they also respond differently to rewards. They are individuals and part of the joy of parenting is to find out what makes them tick and then utilize those findings to raise up each child to reach their God-given potential. My daughter loves gifts as a reward. My son doesn’t really care about stuff - but wants you to sit and visit with him. I spanked my daughter at times to discipline but spanking did not reach my son’s brain. I had to figure out that taking away outside playtime did the trick.

When Dan and I married, my kids were into sports and music. Dan’s son was a little older but did not have any extracurricular activities. Before we married, Dan knew that my kids would stay in their activities. We had also talked about the financial aspect of my kids being involved in the extras. As our two families became one, we had to slowly put parameters around extra activities - and make sure that our finances could accommodate his kids having some outside interests as well. And that was okay.

An area that my kids had to adjust quickly to was how we spent birthdays. Before I married Dan, my kids had a birthday dinner at the restaurant of choice on their actual birthday and then we also had a birthday party on the closest weekend.

Gifts were plentiful and I really overspent. After I married Dan, he set up a budget to include what amounts we could afford for each child for birthdays and Christmas. It was a drastic cut from what my kids were used to ... but we talked to the kids

about how this family needed to be run financially and that we would do things fairly in this area. At the time, my kids were bummed … and it was still okay. Today, my daughter runs her household on a budget and even has gifts for me budgeted!

As far as dietary differences goes, if one child is on a special diet, then everyone does their best to encourage. I do admit to taking my kids out to eat sushi after I married Dan because he and his kids would never eat that stuff! My stepdaughter has a husband and one child that both have special dietary needs. She is training the child to know what foods are best. She does a wonderful job of having the right kind of foods for the ones on special diets as well as for her other three children.

She has also come up with recipes that will conform to all in the house. I also want to tell you that her three other children know that certain foods in the house are for their dad and their sibling.

These are some areas in which you can help guide your family to work and adjust to the individuals within. It also teaches your family about responsibility for themselves as well as their responsibility to each other in their family.

No, it cannot always be equal. Your family can work towards that end but to initially tell children from one family that they will no longer be able to have activities outside of school and they can no longer have their kinds of drinks or foods is asking a lot.

Both families coming together need to realize that there will be foods, activities, traditions, and routines that are different - but it can be okay. It is very important to have constant communication about your lives coming together. It is very important to talk with the children so they can be a part of the blending process.

Your lives may not mesh perfectly, but you can find a place where things can be okay.

Blessings in Your Blending!

(Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren.

Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www.theblendedfamilymom.com)

26 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Seeing The Extraordinary In The Ordinary

By Madison Metcalf | boundblessings

So the other day I asked Tyler a question that immediately made him nervous. He didn’t want to give me the wrong answer… But I wanted an answer.

Here’s the thing: Some people may question you too. They may look at you and only see your alcoholic mom. Or your father who abandoned you. From the mistake you made.

They may only see you through their narrow lens. But Jesus didn’t let their view dictate His identity. Yes, He was the son of Joseph, a carpenter. Yes, these people knew Him at a young age. But He didn’t let that keep him from doing what God called Him to do.

and nailed to a cross became a man who died and rose again, the Savior of the world.

It takes faith to see what others can’t see. It takes faith to believe in the extraordinary that lies in the ordinary. It takes faith to believe in the good when your situation seems so bad.

The question I asked him was: “When am I at my best?” Tyler’s So my question to you is will you have the guts reply was, “You’re to see the extraordinary in the ordinary? Will always at your best.” you have the faith to see God as moving in your Hahaha thanks, honey, You can’t let those labels or that judgement life? but we both know that keep you from stepping into your God-given ain’t true. identity either.

So many of you think, “God’s not working. I don’t see Him. I don’t hear Him. I don’t know Since Tyler wouldn’t answer that for me, I re- So Jesus heads toward Capernaum, another Him. It’s not working.” flected on that question myself. And I came up village, and started teaching again. Again, the with this: I am at my best when I humbly serve. crowd was “surprised and impressed - His If you are looking for God in a huge extraordiWhen I’m a humble servant. When I’m not teaching was so forthright, so confident, so au- nary in-your-face moment, that’s typically not preoccupied or consumed with getting or gain- thoritative.” how we encounter Him. It’s in the ordinary. It’s ing or doing. It’s when I act like the humble in the way the birds chirp. It’s in the way the servant who came 2000 years ago and taught Here’s the deal: Jesus looked ordinary to the sun shines. It’s in the colors of the leaves when us how to live. world. He came from two ordinary people. they change. In the smiles you see from strangHis dad was an ordinary carpenter for crying ers. In how intricately and beautifully we’re We’re going to dive into Luke 4. out loud… nothing fancy. He wasn’t laid in woven together as humans. It’s in the whisa throne when He was born. He was laid in a pers. But if you don’t have the faith to believe So in Luke 4, Jesus is being tempted by the manger. He didn’t preach from a castle or Car- in the extraordinary even in the most ordinary devil. And every time the devil tells Jesus to negie Hall. He preached from a fishing boat. moments, you may end up like the people who do something, Jesus answers with Scripture. When He entered into the city, He didn’t ride nailed Jesus up on a cross. Missing. The. Point.

For 40 days and 40 nights Jesus is tested and in on the newest, coolest whip. He rode in on a tempted. Then at the end of this story, it says, donkey. He was a humble servant.

It’s not always easy to believe in the extraor“The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait dinary. To believe in Jesus. Sometimes peofor another opportunity.”

He looked like an ordinary guy. ple make fun of us. Sometimes we have to go against the crowd. Sometimes our situations This is so significant. It’s significant because it Sadly, some people missed it. They were stuck are so bad that it can make us question if He’s shows us that the devil will go away if we stand on His ordinary. How could an ordinary man there. But just like Jesus, sometimes we must firm. But we also have to know that he will be be the Messiah, the One who was coming to suffer before we are saved. Saved from our back, so we can’t let our guard down. save the lost? How could an ordinary man be current circumstances, our trials, our hardships. the Son of God? They didn’t have the faith to Next it says that Jesus returns to Galilee power- see past what they perceived to be ordinary.

It may be hard to be a humble servant. To ful in the Spirit. This is significant too because see the extraordinary in the ordinary. To live Jesus could have returned defeated, upset, So Jesus, our savior, the Son of God, was cru- a Christ-centered life. But whether you live a tired, and worn out. But Jesus was equipped. cified with ordinary nails on an ordinary cross Christ-centered life or you don’t, there are goHe was strong in the Word. He didn’t let the next to two ordinary men on an ordinary Fri- ing to be people who don’t like you. Who want lies of the enemy keep Him from rejoicing in day. But what the people who hurt him, beat to crucify you and persecute you. On either the truth He knew. him, and crucified him didn’t see coming was side. So you might as well pick the extraordithe extraordinary moment that happened three nary one. The side that lives for Jesus.

Sometimes we can get defeated after we stand days later when He rose again. firm in the truth. We can feel worn out. Hurt.

So take it from me… I’ve seen myself at my Abandoned. But we have to be willing to let Because you see, three days later when they best. I’ve seen myself at my worst. But when the Holy Spirit do its work so we can rejoice went to the ordinary tomb Jesus was laid in af- I’m at my best, I’m a humble servant having and be powerful in the Spirit (like Jesus) after ter he died, they realized that the ordinary stone faith in the extraordinary. the hard things come into our lives. that was placed in front of this ordinary tomb, was rolled back. Jesus had conquered death.

I hope that’s how you choose to live your life Next it says that Jesus started teaching. It says too. all who were watching and listening were sur- And on that ordinary Sunday, everything prised at how well he spoke. They said, “Isn’t changed. The most extraordinary thing hapthis Joseph’s son, the one we’ve known since pened. Jesus was there to take the punishment he was a youngster?” They questioned Jesus. we deserved. The man they mocked and beat

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

5 Habits of Successful Single Moms

By Cyndi Barber | iMom

Raise your hand if you’ve been raised by a single mom! More than twenty-five percent of people can raise that hand. Successful people like Barak Obama, Halle Barry, Barbra Streisand, and Olympic champion Michael Phelps were all raised by single mothers.

Successful single moms come from many different backgrounds.

Economic level, educational background, or social status isn’t what determines a person’s success when raising children who positively influence the world around them. How to be a successful single mother is so much simpler than you might think and anyone can do it. Here are 5 things happy and successful single moms do. See how many are true for your life.

Throw away societal ideals and embrace your life! Hav-

ing a white picket fence, and a golden retriever in front of the fireplace is not what makes a happy family or what develops flourishing children. Children respond to love, joy, and connectedness with their family members. Yes, there’s pain when Dad is absent, but your kids can still thrive if they feel seen, understood, and supported. Build on what is already great about your family.

Take time for yourself! A mom who stays refreshed but may

have a little messier house or who accomplishes less is better than a stressed out mom who keeps all the plates spinning perfectly. When you take care of yourself well you will have so much more to give to those around you. You’ll have more energy, more creative solutions, and will be able to get more done. Striving saps energy and performance.

Stand firm and don’t be manipulated! Whether it comes from an ex-husband, a family member, or your children, manipulation is used to control you. Some people use guilt, subtle accusations of inadequacy, or playing on your heart strings to get from you what they want. If someone is being coercive and it feels yucky it’s a good sign that they are using manipulation. Successful single moms stand up for themselves and believe in themselves. They don’t tolerate manipulation from others.

Believe in yourself! How to be a successful single mother starts

with believing you have what it takes to raise successful and well adjusted children. Your instincts for what is right and good to do in a situation are usually the the best. Trust that you are enough and that you are an asset to your family. Growing and learning from outside sources is always a good idea. We all have room for growth. But being confident in yourself where you are helps build confidence in your children as well.

Take off your glasses of comparison! Susie Social Media

seems to have it all together. She’s a perfect size 2 and her kids are the best at sports and academics. Jenny Gym Rat works out every day and is training for a half marathon. And Carol CEO runs her own company and lives in that giant house on the hill. And each of them are struggling with comparison same as you. No one in the history of the world has achieved perfection. When you compare yourself to others you sacrifice what’s amazing about yourself. Celebrate who you are.

Chances are good that someone out there wishes she was you.

28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

HEALTH&FITNESS May is Lupus Awareness Month:

Lupus Is Often Hard to Diagnose

By Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects many different parts of the body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself because it cannot tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

•Muscle and joint pain or swelling •Skin rashes (in particular a butterfly-shaped face rash across the cheeks and nose) •Fever •Hair loss •Recurring mouth sores

Additional symptoms or conditions can include: •Sensitivity to the sun •Lung problems •Chest pain when deep breathing •Fingers or toes turning blue or white or feeling numb •Heart problems •Kidney problems •Psychosis (disruptive thoughts and perceptions about what is or is not real) •Blood cell and immunological abnormalities (anemia or clotting problems) Lupus Health Disparities •Eye diseases Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is •Memory problems the most common type of lupus and can affect multiple organs. While SLE can occur People with SLE can have periods of lupus in anyone, it is more common among Black symptoms called flares, followed by sympand Latina women and women of childbear- tom-free periods called remissions. They may ing age (15 to 44). Ninety percent of people have flares often, or years apart, throughout with lupus are women. Among women, Black their life and with varying severity. There is no and Latina women are 2 to 3 times more like- cure for SLE, but many people with the disly than White women to develop lupus and ease can manage their symptoms with proper have more severe disease progression. In a treatment and lead a full, happy life. Getting study examining death rates among people an early diagnosis and getting treatment are with SLE, Black people had higher rates of critical to preventing long-term consequences death than White people, and deaths occurred and managing symptoms. sooner after diagnosis. Among those with SLE, Black people were significantly younger How Is Lupus Diagnosed? when they died than White people (average There is no single test for SLE. To diagnose age of 52 vs. 64).

SLE, a doctor will take into account the patient’s symptoms, signs observed during physSigns and Symptoms of Lupus ical exams, and the results of X-rays and lab People with SLE can have many different tests. SLE may be hard to diagnose because symptoms, including: its signs and symptoms are not specific and •Fatigue or extreme exhaustion no matter how can look like signs and symptoms of other much they sleep diseases. SLE may also be misdiagnosed, so Lupus symptoms can show up in many different ways and are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. This is why it can be hard to diagnose and is often called “the great imitator.” Lupus symptoms can range from mild to life threatening, so early diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are important. A rheumatologist is a doctor who has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, lupus, and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.

it is important to see a doctor who specializes in rheumatology for a second opinion.

Other Types of Lupus Among Adults

Cutaneous lupus (skin lupus) affects the skin in the form of a rash or lesions. This type of lupus can occur on any part of the body but usually appears where the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Drug-induced lupus is similar to SLE, but it is caused by a reaction to some medicines. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 months after starting a medicine and disappear once the medicine is stopped.

I don’t just see a customer.

I see you.

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

LET’S TALK TODAY.

How Is Lupus Treated?

Although there is no cure for lupus, it can be managed with proper treatment, and people with lupus can go on to live long, happy lives.

The goals of treatment are to manage current symptoms, prevent future flares, and prevent damage to joints and organs by calming the immune system. Because the symptoms of lupus vary widely, management depends on a person’s individual symptoms and needs. Seeing a doctor regularly and following the prescribed course of treatments is important. Beyond that, adopting healthy behaviors and learning skills to manage the disease can also be beneficial.

To improve overall health and quality of life, people with lupus should: •Be physically active •Eat healthy meals •Get plenty of rest •Avoid smoking •Wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure Self-management education workshops, such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, can help people with lupus learn how to manage daily life, medications, and interactions with doctors, as well as improve energy and pain management.

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30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Alzheimer’s Association Presents Steppin’ Out 2021

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Kristin Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

The 15th annual Alzheimer’s Association Step- Abilene Gives at www.abilenegives.org/orgapin’ Out for Memories celebration is bringing a nizations/alz unique blend of online and on-your-own activities to Abilene in 2021.

Bishop says there is also an online auction from May 15th – May 22nd. “Available items “While Steppin’ Out for Memories may look will be updated daily beginning May 1st at stea little different this year, our commitment pout.givesmart.com. Bidding will open May remains the same and we are grateful for our 15th.” community’s willingness F i n a l l y, to continue supporters to move our can toast to cause for15 years of ward step by mission imstep,” says pact through Kristin BishSteppin’ Out op, Abilene for MemoRegion Diries on May rector, North Central Texas Alzheimer’s As- 15th. “Whether you choose to toast marshsociation Chapter. “Together, our steps make mallows around a firepit or toast your favorite great strides in the fight against Alzheimer’s.” beverage with a small group of friends, family, staff or colleagues, we’re inviting you to enThe annual event has been revamped for 2021 gage your network in the cause” says Bishop, due to the ongoing pandemic. “special Steppin’ Out Toasting Kits are available for your to create your own mission-in“After thoughtful consideration, our dedicat- spired activity via the auction website.” ed Steppin’ Out for Memories planning committee has created a reimagined campaign for Bishop adds “The health and safety of all con2021 that will offer safe engagement through cerned is our utmost priority. We understand a unique blend of online and on-your-own many are eager to resume in-person gatherings, opportunities to step out and step forward in but as a public health organization, we feel it is support of the Alzheimer’s Association,” says in the best interest of our community to delay Bishop. “This campaign will kick off in con- the large in-person portion of the event you’ve junction with Abilene Gives on May 4th and come to know and love a little longer. We hope will continue throughout the month of May.” you’ll take a step to advance the cause in one of these unique ways this year.”

Abilene Gives is an annual community-wide day of online giving powered by the Commu- For more information on Abilene’s Steppin’ nity Foundation of Abilene. Donations can Out for Memories 2021 event, contact Kristin be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via Bishop at kbishop@alz.org 325.672.2907.

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

Snake Season Returns to Big Country:

What to Do if Bitten

By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage

Warmer weather has brought the copperheads and diamondbacks out of hiding and into the open in the Big Country. That is, when they’re not blending in to their surroundings.

“Usually the snakes will start coming out a little bit the first warm days we get in the spring, and the longer and warmer the days get, the more active they’ll be,” says Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Annaliese Scoggin.

There are also many misconceptions when it comes to snake bites. check this list of DON’Ts from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

•Do not attempt to suck venom from the bite wound.

•Do not make cuts over the snake bite. This often leads to more tissue trauma and damage.

•Do not apply a tourniquet or other constricting device.

Copperhead, Texas Parks & Wildlife website •Do not apply a cold pack or ice to the snake There are dozens of different kinds of snakes bite. in Texas, but the two •Do not apply an most common venelectrical shock to omous types in the the snake bite.

Big Country are the •Do not take pain copperhead and the reliever or other diamondback. medications unless instructed to do so The copperhead has a by a physician. light brown color and •Do not drink alcois known to blend in holic beverages. with dead foliage, like •Do not administer leaves. They have a anti-venom in the triangular head and no rattle. field. Treatment for snake bites is best conducted in an appropriate medical facility.

The Diamondback is a much darker green or grey and has a diamond pattern along the While snake bites usually occur in wooded length of its back. Its telltale rattle will let you or tall grass areas, snakes can be found just know if you’ve gotten too close. about anywhere humans are. Exercise caution when moving large rocks, logs, or woodpiles.

It’s estimated by the Texas Department of If possible, wait until colder weather when the Health and Human Services that “On average, snakes will be less active.

1 to 2 people in Texas die each year from venomous snake bites in Texas.”

“The most important thing to remember about venomous snakes is that they aren’t out to get If you or someone nearby does get bitten here you, they’re only trying to defend themselves, are some guidelines to navigate the situation because most bites happen when people are with relative ease. messing with a snake that wasn’t messing with them first,” said Scoggin.

•Get yourself and the victim away from the snake.

•Take a picture with your phone or camera if possible (do not put yourself in extra danger to do so) This can be used to identify the snake and what anti-venom should be used.

•Call 911 for assistance as soon as possible.

•Clean the wound with soap and warm water.

•Keep yourself and the victim calm while emergency serices arrive.

32 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

It’s Time to Get Healthy Taylor County and Walk Across Texas

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By Kim Miles, CEA-FCH | Taylor County Extension Office

Are you looking for a source of motivation to help you increase your activity level? Here is a fun solution!

Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just form a team of no more than 8 adults – friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members, and start walking, or jogging, biking or choose from a host of other activities like gardening. You can exercise together or individually, outside or on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

You keep track of your miles to see if you

and your teammates can “walk” the 833 miles “across Texas” in 8 weeks. Report your totals and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! program, you will have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.

Walk Across Texas! is beginning in Taylor County on May 1, 2021 and will end on June 25, 2021.

For more information on how to form or join a team, contact Kim Miles at the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048 or kamiles@ ag.tamu.edu. You may also visit our website at taylor.agrilife.org.

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Nursing Instructor Brings Front-Line Experiences to the Classroom

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

By Abilene Christian University

She used to have downtime during nursing shifts to chat with patients and their family members. She used to not feel so much anxiety at work, or at home. She used to not have to worry about her profession putting her family at risk.

A year into working in a COVID-19 unit at Abilene’s Hendrick Hospital, those comforts are gone. But Chelsea Van Meter, RN, CMSRN, is taking life one shift at a time.

“The deaths have been hard,” Van Meter said. At one point, “they were back to back.

Every shift you had, you lost a patient. That can be very detrimental to one’s mental health.

They’re alone. For some of them, letting go or saying goodbye could have been an elective thing in which they were ready for that process

Her firsthand COVID-19 experiences have made their way into her lesson plans so that her students are prepared for what they will encounter in the field. Nursing is the most popular undergraduate major at ACU. Dr. Marcia Straughn, RN, CNE, dean of ACU’s School of Nursing, said a nurse like Van Meter has many

“I’ve faced some of the greatest challenges of my career,” said Van Meter, who is in her second year as an instructor in ACU’s School of Nursing. “Nurses nationwide are battling burnout and fatigue. I am constantly reminding myself not to forget basic needs, and I’ve had to establish effective coping mechanisms and build and cultivate resilience.”

“COVID-19 is very unpredictable,” she continued. “For a long time, it was hit and miss. Everyone was constantly on edge, paying close attention to any subtle changes. The goal was and still is to try to implement early intervention to prevent or halt further patient decline. Some days are nerve-wracking. A drastic patient decline can occur in as little as an hour. It just happens so fast.”

Van Meter balances her courses and part-time nursing with being a wife and mother of two young children. She has worked at Hendrick since graduating from Hardin-Simmons University and the Patty Hanks School of Nursing in 2010.

When ACU’s campus was closed in Spring 2020 and classes were taught online, her children often made cameos during lessons. She can laugh about that now, but most of her experiences during the pandemic have been a struggle.

students – that the professional nursing role provides a path for direct expression of Christian love through service to others in what may be their most vulnerable moments,” Straughn said.

Van Meter’s team at Hendrick has helped her through the worst of times, as have her ACU School of Nursing colleagues, whom she says pray for her and hospital staff daily. Straugh said nursing school faculty and staff make it a point to pray for their students and colleagues, especially those who are engaged in direct care. You may even see some of them prayer-walking around or through the Zona Luce Building that houses the school.

“Although the pandemic nursing experience is unlike anything most nurses have experienced in the past, all of us have worked exceptionally challenging days or weeks in the nursing role,” Straugn said. “To have that level of difficulty and uncertainty continue for months at a time – now for almost a year – is something that is on all of our minds and hearts, and is known to our God who understands our petitions before we can even put them into words.”

Van Meter said she is beginning to feel hopeful now that more people are receiving vaccines for COVID-19, experiences to share and can connect the mate- although she doesn’t think life will return to rial and concepts students are learning in class- anything like normal within the next year. For es, labs and clinical experiences. now, as always, her faith is what is keeping her going.

“Chelsea is an amazing team member – a talented educator who cares deeply about stu- “This year has reminded me of the impordents and both supports and challenges them tance of my relationship with God,” she said. to be successful,” Straughn said. “She demon- “I don’t know how I would have been able to strates Christian love for her colleagues and cope. He’s brought me through some really her students in her excellent work for ACU, dark and tough times, and I’m grateful.” and through her work in her direct-care role during this pandemic.

Chelsea Van Meter is an instructor in the ACU School of Nursing. PHOTO BY SCOTT DELONY

to take place. And for some patients, it wasn’t their choice. Nursing is a caring profession, and it’s hard not to feel or get caught up with your emotions when these experiences have consumed your entire profession.

“People are really quick to spout off statistics [about the death rate],” she said, “but those numbers are still people. I have family members, peers and students who have all lost someone significant within the past year. It’s upsetting – mostly because these individuals most likely didn’t get the opportunity to say goodbye or have any closure.”

“This is one of the things we strive to teach our

34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

5 Simple Steps To Improve Circulation in Your Legs

By ShareCare

What does the shape of your hips or belly have to do with the health of your legs? Turns out, quite a bit.

remain seated, do ankle rolls, and alternately point and flex your toes 10 times every half hour.

One study showed that during extended travel, pear-shaped women and apple-shaped men may have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- a dangerous clotting condition that often starts in the legs. But there are lots of things you can do about it.

Take a drink. Keep the nonalcoholic fluids -- water, tea, etc. -- flowing, because dehydration ups the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Go with the Flow If you suffer from poor circulation in your legs, try these simple healthy-leg strategies during long car, train, or plane rides, and reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis:

Take it off. Your belt, that is. Avoid tight clothing, and don’t cross your legs. They can inhibit blood flow and cause poor circualtion.

Take a break. Get up, walk, and stretch your legs every hour or so if you can. If you have to

Don’t take a drag. Smoking is never good, and it increases the risk of blood clots.

Take a break. Give your legs a break by putting them up. It can help improve circulation in your lower limbs.

BUSINESS&CAREER

BibbiddiBobbiddiBalloons Makes Any Event Special

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? It initially started out as a hobby that has lasted for the last 10 years.

Because of the great demand to my clients, I officially launched the business January of 2021, and am so excited for the overwhelming response!

2. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS? I saw and realized that there was a great need in Abilene, and the Big Country for much more affordable prices. If you were to ask any of my clients about pricing, they would probably say, “We are a fraction of what others charge.” We are delighted to pass the savings on to our customers!

3. DESCRIBE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE, AND WHY IT IS UNIQUE TO YOUR COMPETITORS. We literally take the time to pray over each piece that goes out. Our prayer is that it may bring joy to the celebration and to all who are in attendance.

6. HAVE YOU HAD A PARTICULAR ROLE MODEL OR MENTOR WHO HAS HELPED YOU BECOME A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER? Both My Parents! My mother Elizabeth Dena (who sings Mariachi for the Abilene Hispanic Community) taught me it’s NOT about what you receive, but about what Joy you can give. My Father, Armando Gomez, (Business owner of M&M Purified Water) taught me whatever I do, work at it with all my heart as working for the Lord!

4. HOW DO YOU MARKET AND BRAND YOUR BUSINESS? We have purchased a building that is in renovation, and pray that we can help make people’s special days with decorating and balloon décor; all in one place.

5. ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC WAYS YOU MARKET YOUR BUSINESS TO THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY? Currently we utilize Facebook, and word of mouth has been great!

7. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO SHARE WITH THOSE WHO DREAM OF OPENING THEIR OWN BUSINESS ONE DAY? The advice I would give is to be brave, and as long as you give to others, God will bless you abundantly!

8. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR A POTENTIAL CLIENT TO MAKE CONTACT WITH YOU? Call us at (325) 320-4747 or follow on Facebook or Instagram: @BibbiddiBobbiddiBalloons325 You can also email us at: mrscathyv@yahoo.com

Hire a Bulldog

36 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine

A New Initiative at Wylie High School

By Reagan Berry | Assistant Principal, Wylie High School My name is Reagan Berry. I am an assistant principal at Wylie High School as well as responsible for the Career and Technology Education program for the district. Our CTE program is quickly growing as well as our partnership with the Abilene community in investing in our students’ future careers. Students have the opportunity to be exposed to many different industries and careers through our CTE program. I would like to provide them an additional step of exposure in partnering with you to create an opportunity board for our students.

listed on that website are interested in hiring or providing opportunities to WHS students.

Any opportunity that you have posted can be removed at your discretion.

When can students work, intern, and/or volunteer? Many students look for

nior students’ school day ends at 12:40 each day while the other students’ school day ends at 3:40. The normal school day for students is 8:15-3:40, but each student’s schedule may vary depending on their graduation plan and involvement with school activities.

summer jobs and opportunities to be engaged during the summer. During the school year

Why should your business get involved? Our students are the future of the

What does being a part of this ini- some Wylie students have flexible schedules tiative look like for your business? and can be released from campus beginning

Please understand that by placing your opportunity on our website, that does not mean that you will host, hire, or accept any student that reaches out. By placing your opportunity on the board, you are simply communicating to our students that you are open to having them as an employee, intern, and/or volunteer.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me at the number or email below. If you are ready to join our initiative in building a bridge into their future careers, please visit www.smore.com/qk5w1-hire-a-bulldog and click the button at the bottom to complete the Google Form.

What is the Hire a Bulldog Board? The WHS Hire a Bulldog Board would serve as a hub for Wylie High students to find local businesses that are willing to hire them, allow internships, or allow volunteering within their business. The hope is that students would gain access and insight into an industry and career that they have an interest in pursuing post-graduation.

If you would like to be a part of this initiative, there is no commitment on your part. You will just need to complete the Google Form linked below. I will create a posting based on the information you provide, and it will go on our website. Students will know that businesses

at 10:45 AM depending on their classification, course schedule, and if the opportunity aligns with their course program of study. Students can enroll in a course called Career Preparation allowing them to leave campus 45-90 minutes prior to their normal release time. Se-

workforce, and hopefully, the Abilene workforce and economy. Not only does this initiative create an opportunity for your business to partner with Wylie ISD, but you are building a bridge for our students to join and contribute to the Abilene economy. Your business will have a head start in recruiting these students to your industry and business.

It is my hope that students would feel a sense of mentorship from the leaders of your business, and they will confidently pursue a career based on this experience as well as have the benefit of working and being exposed to your industry/ business.

. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

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

5 Questions To Ask When You Need Help Finding Your Purpose

By Stephanie Vozza | Fast Company

Mark Twain once said the two greatest days in a person’s life are the day they’re born and the day they discover why. Deep? Definitely.

But let’s be honest: the first day is a somewhat passive experience. The second day, however, can feel like a lot of pressure. While some of us can quickly identify our purpose (in our careers, or otherwise), others may struggle to answer the question “Why am I here?”“I believe that everybody has a purpose and was created for a reason,” says John Maxwell, author of The Leader’s Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders. “Your purpose is an anchor that keeps you grounded. It’s also your North Star that helps you soar. But it’s not always easy to find.”If you’re struggling to find yours, Maxwell suggests asking yourself these five questions:

These things should also align with your talent, and it’s important to not confuse purpose with passion, says Maxwell. “Sometimes your passion is something you’re not any good at,” he says. “If you’re passionate about something you’re not good at, you can make it a hobby, not a career.”

4. WHAT GIVES YOU RESULTS WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING?

Your purpose will give you a return, and this question helps you identify the things you do that generate results. For example, if your talent is sales, you likely hit your goals every month. Or if you are good at innovative thinking, you might share ideas at work that prompt new projects. Pay attention to the tasks you do that get you accolades and awards.

1. WHAT DO YOU DO WELL? This Strengths and purpose are more than knowlquestion helps you uncover that unique talent that sets you apart from others. Perhaps you’re good at public speaking or motivating others.

Or maybe you’re good at finding computer bugs or supporting your friends through tough times. Whether you have a hard or soft skill, knowing what you do well will put you on your way to using your talent in your purpose.

edge, says Maxwell. “Knowledge is overrated,” he says. “I can ask Siri, and she’ll tell me what I need to know. But what value is something if you know it but don’t use it? The result of knowing or learning is action application.”

5. HOW CAN YOU GET BETTER?Once you identify your uniqueness,

you need to fine-tune and work harder at it to

2. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS set yourself apart. While having talent helps SAY YOU DO WELL? Unfortunately, make you special, developing it further can it can be hard to recognize your own talent.

When something comes naturally, it doesn’t always seem special. To get some help, ask your family or friends what they think you’re good at doing. This question gets to the heart of recognition “Most of us are not self-aware,” says Maxwell. “We all have blind spots, but you can ask others to help you identify your talents.”Ask several people, suggests Maxwell.

When you start to hear certain talents over again, you’ve identified an area of strength.

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When someone is drifting, they probably haven’t identified their purpose in their life, says Maxwell. “Once you discover your purpose, you can do life on purpose,” he says. “Intentionality takes you to a whole new level.”

3. IF YOU COULD DO OR BE ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD No one has ever been successful doing someYOU DO OR BE? This question taps into thing that they didn’t like, and no one has ever

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make you strong. “Your growth potential is connected to your strengths,” says Maxwell.

“In your weak areas, your growth potential is low, but when you’re working to improve your strength, you have a higher capacity.”

your internal desires, and can help you identify your purpose. A good way to answer this question is to consider those things you like to do in your free time or the projects at work you volunteer for or seek out. You can also think about the spots in the day when time seems to fly—what are you doing when you get lost or immersed in a project?

been successful doing something they can’t do well, says Maxwell. “I see millions of people every day doing something they don’t like doing and wondering why they’re not a success,” he says. “Success is knowing your purpose in life and having a growth plan to help you reach your maximum potential.”

38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

A People Party Productions Opens Sharable Workspace for Creators, Makers

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News

Entrepreneur Jen Harmel built her home-based From the start, home was Harmel’s base of “If I wanted to do photos with natural lighting, get 20 hours of access a month for $90. The business on people gathering and collaborat- operations, but she often worked satellite at the weather had to be good outside. And, then rate is $45 for part-time members for 10 hours ing, hence the name A People Party Produca month. tions.

“They can come and work, and have a cup of In a pandemic year that shunned socializing, coffee to take photos or have meetings,” Harshe moved operations to an open, sharable mel said. “... I love it because you don’t have to studio as an ecosystem for other businesses to clean the house, you don’t have to wash dishes. grow.

You can drop the kids off and come here and really be focused on the tasks to get down.”

The goal of the Makers + Creators studio workspace, which is open for memberships Nonmembers can reserve the space for one-off and one-time rentals, is to “cultivate a creative activities, Harmel said. community,” she said.

In addition to the physical amenities, another Growing herself benefit is the social capital of networking with Before the word “coronavirus” became comsmall-business owners. mon, Harmel was looking to open in a fixed space “for a long time,” she said.

“When you’re working from home, especially if you’re a working mom, you can often feel “I felt like that was going to need to be my next like an island,” Harmel said. move, because I was doing pop-ups around town and partnering with other local businessThe sharable studio is a ticket off that island. es, and it wasn’t easy to always coordinate,” Harmel said.

“So many people have connected through crossing paths here,” Harmel said.

In a perfect example of serendipity, she found Harmel photographs Taylor Tomanka, a social media influencer and author of the style blog The Extra, at Other amenities the right fit for her business at The People’s Jennifer the Makers + Creators studio workspace. The space is located in the People’s Plaza, 1290 South Willis St. Plaza, 1290 South Willis St., Suite 200.

Just inside the door to the creative lab is the Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News shop small corner geared toward vendors who Since August, Harmel has operated a creative Monks Coffee Shop in downtown Abilene. the wind was blowing and things were blowing do not have enough inventory for an online or studio, open workspace and shop small corner, like leaves on the white blanket that I’d set on storefront presence but have a few products to which is a miniature storefront with vintage A home-based business has its challenges, Har- the ground. There was no controlled environ- sell on consignment, Harmel said. clothing and items she and others have crafted. mel said. When work is at home, the lines be- ment,” Harmel said. tween business and family life with husband, At the center of the creative lab are two long taClasses, photo shoots, social confabs and other Forrest, and two children often blur.

She now manage those factors and more at the bles with storage underneath. Built by Forrest, intimate events also are scheduled in the space creative lab. A white wall can be lit artificially the tables can be pushed together to create a with floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall And, a home-based business can be unwork- or with natural light coming through the win- larger work surface or easily removed to open and four color blocks on another for a mix of able for hosting workshops and inefficient for dows. The color-block wall, sectioned in hues the floor. photoshoot backgrounds. product photo shoots. of cerulean blue, tangerine, pink salmon and olive green, offers other background options.

Such flexible equipment enables Harmel to ofPop goes the business Picture this fer pop-up events as well as workshops. Past Many pop-up markets and other events have Quality photos and content have become a “If you have private events here it’s pretty classes have included how to build a charfollowed Harmel’s inaugural crafters fair in must for some businesses in the age of social much just like photo ops on the spot,” Harmel cuterie board and chunky knitting a blanket, 2013 at the Mezamiz Coffee House courtyard. media marketing, Harmel said. Having the cre- said about the walls and moveable furniture.

Harmel said. ative studio makes that easier.

At such events, shopping is not just about the Modeling also is possible in a lounge area. “The next step for me, now that I have a space, unique, hand-crafted items but also the expe- “Small businesses, I think, are becoming more And, about 300 props and textured surfaces are is to really hone in on our programming,” Harrience. Depending on when and where, there intentional and strategic with their social media available to accentuate the photo shoots, espe- mel said. could be music, food trucks and VIP socials. accounts,” she said. cially for small products, she said.

Those amenities foster a sense of community Some events may be creative. Others will be not possible with online shopping.

That means posting content to Facebook, In- Harmel offers clients flexibility in utilizing the instructional, such as insight and coaching stagram and/or other apps daily and planning photography space. “We can do the product from a social media influencer, Harmel said.

The pop-ups enable aspiring business owners ahead around holidays and other themes. photography for them, they can hire us, or they to start small with little overhead to develop can come in and get it done themselves,” Har- Clients who felt stifled at home because of products, cultivate a clientele and build capital. But, getting quality photos at home can be mel said. clutter and distractions find boost their producHarmel said some of the vendors at her early challenging for a small business. Is the lighttivity once they walk into the creative lab, Harpop-ups have grown to brick-and-mortar retail ing flattering? Is the background uncluttered? A piece of the action mel said. She relates to the feeling. operations.

Do you have the right props? Harmel knew the Harmel offers part-time and full-time memberstruggle firsthand. ships at the sharable studio. Full-time members “I walk in and I just feel inspired,” she said.

40 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS & CAREER | 39

Chamber Launches Program To Drive Spending At Local Businesses

By Doug Peters | Abilene Chamber of Commerce President

With several gift giving opportunities coming up soon, like Teacher Appreciation Day, Administrative Assistant Day, and Mother’s Day, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce has a new program aimed at helping local small businesses attract customers.

The chamber’s Keep It Local driven by First Financial Bank initiative aims to drive traffic to locally owned businesses, while giving shoppers options. Chamber President and CEO Doug Peters says new digital gift cards give the recipient the choice from among more than 20 local businesses, “You can determine what denomination you want that to be in, you text that to the recipient and it works just like a debit card, credit card or cash and the incentive comes through the generosity of some of our partners.”

That generosity actually gives a 25 percent bonus to the value of the gift card. Peters says local businesses wanted to incentivize shoppers to spend their dollars in local businesses that have struggled because of the pandemic. “This program will live and operate in perpetuity to make sure that we continue to support those merchants and those jobs that are dependent on local consumers spending money here at home, rather than out of market or online,” Peters said.

The chamber’s website, www.abilenechamber.com, gives instructions of how it can be used and how local businesses can sign up to be part of the Keep It Local program.

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