OW R R A
FRIDAY SUPER SALE
Pick us up at Long John Silver, Drug Emporium & Los Arcos Mex Rest | COMMUNITY | 3
NOVEMBER 2019
Volume 10, Issue 7
Office Park West 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Abilene, Texas 79605 (325) 701-9505 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
PUBLISHER David A. Hernandez EDITOR HispanicLife Magazine editorial@hispaniclifemedia.com ADVISING EDITOR AND ACCEPTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS Amy Hernández info@hispaniclifemedia.com (325) 701-9505 Office
ADVERTISING SALES • Terri Collum (325) 439-1214 terri@hispaniclifemedia.com
• Donna Lee (325) 518-8994 donna.lee@amclassabilene.com
• David Hernandez (325) 518-7091 sales@hispaniclifemedia.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com
About Us
We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2019 HispanicLIfe Media
All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without permission from the publisher. www.facebook.com/HispanicLifeMagazine
Counting blessings is always a plus in our family. Thanking God for the life we live, our jobs, our health and for the friends and family we are allowed to enjoy on a daily basis. Never forgetting all of Gods benefits for us; all the good gifts He provides us with. When in fact, there are times we seem to overlook or forget all the good, and unfortunately forget to give thanks for all the good that is set before our eyes continually. Phillipians 4:8 says the following, and should be a constant reminder to us: New International Version - “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” So as we take the time to think on such things, we truly believe that our hearts can fill up with love, joy and peace. We want to say, “Happy Thanksgiving”, and remember, it’s always better to give than receive. God will always bless you for it!.... Always! Now for those that life has been a battle, a hard journey, please know that God is not finished with you yet. He has a plan and purpose for you. He wants to bless you in every way and situation; He’s for you and not against you! Surrender your life to Him and allow Him to guide you and bless you. We are thrilled to bring you this November edition of HispanicLife Magazine. It is a continual joy to be able to share the various stories within our community. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to share and communicate a strong and positive message to our readers. Have a great month and as always….First God, then Family and finally Friends….
Amy Hernández & the girls and all the staff here at HispanicLife
4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Mayor of Abilene Collaborates to Launch Thrive ABI Initiative for Community Improvement
Community Invited to Forums on November 18, December 9 and December 10. By Kacie Taylor & Daniela Ibarra | KTXS
The Community Foundation of Abilene and Mayor of Thrive ABI’s steering committee is hosting forums for Abilene Anthony Williams announced the launch of a the local community to actively participate in the discuscommunity initiative on Tuesday. sion, which will be held at the Abilene Convention Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November The initiative, Thrive ABI, has been mod18, December 9 and December 10. eled after San Antonio’s SA2020 plan. Since 2010, the City of San Antonio has Thrive ABI’s Facebook page will be liveworked to improve several areas of their streaming all of the forums. community. Surveys will also be sent out for those un“This is truly a grassroots effort designed able to make it to the forums, which will be to have some conversations that will allow due back by November 4. us to make Abilene better,” said Williams. Williams wants to encourage the public to Throughout the project, data will be collected with the attend the forums or fill out the surveys if possible. help of the Texas Tech Health Science Center. “It is your opportunity to be a part of the solution,” Wil“We really want to see Abilene continue to thrive and liams said. continue to move forward and we really see this as part of that process,” said Katie Alford with the Community Foundation of Abilene.
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COMMUNITY
Mission Thanksgiving To Aid The Homeless and Poor of Abilene
LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS
By Arrow Ford
In 1999, Arrow Dealerships met with Pastor Mark Hewitt of Love and Care Ministries regarding his ministry for the poor and homeless in the Abilene area. Arrow realized that it could easily make an impact as a community leader in educating the public regarding this program and raise public awareness. The location of their main Arrow Ford store could be used to increase the volunteer base and donation of clothing, bedding, money and food. There was great potential to hold an event to accomplish their objectives for Love and Care ministries. Year after year, Mission Thanksgiving is more successful that the last. In 1999, our first Mission Thanksgiving filled 1.5 trailers and raised $6,000 with all types of canned goods and clothing. Now, here we are in 2019 and the event has grown tremendously having collected 13 semi-trailers of clothing and food and raising over $180,000 in 2018.
Ministries in helping the homeless and poor of Abilene. Each November for the past twenty one years, Mission Thanksgiving has benefited the homeless and poor in tremendous ways. Not only has it provided necessities such as food and clothing, Mission Thanksgiving has supplied the necessary monetary donations to help continue the Soup Kitchen that is open 5 days a week, as of 2016 the Soup Kitchen is serving over 4,000 hot meals a week. In addition to helping fund the development of two facilities in the rule communities Merkel and Clyde.
Within just 43¢, Love and Care Ministries can create 1 sack lunch. $10 is enough to feed 24 people and $500 can make 1,162 meals! Even the smallest donations can help make a difference in these people’s lives. Donate clothing, food, water, blanMission Thanksgiving is a chance for the com- kets and money November 22nd at Armunity of Abilene and Big Country to band row Ford 4001 S 1st street. together in hopes of aiding Love and Care
Event Information Friday, November 15, 2019 7AM-7PM Arrow Ford 4001 South 1st Street
Contact Lisa Ridinger at (325) 962-9500 ext 315 for more information
Love and Care Ministries (325) 670-0246 233 Fannin Street Abilene, Texas 79603 www.lcmin.com
Arrow Dealerships
866-574-8945 4001 South 1st Street Abilene, Texas 79605 www.arrowford.com
How to Help
Businesses, families, and individuals can become a sponsor for this major event by donating a minimum of $500, which will help feed 1,600 people. All of the sponsors will be graciously thanked via radio stations and posters at the event. Volunteer by contacting
Love and Care Ministries for more information: (325) 670-0246 233 Fannin Street Abilene, Texas 79603
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
HispanicLife Media
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Downtown Abilene to Sparkle for City Sidewalks
By Kelly Thompson | Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau Crews already are hard at work decorating downtown Abilene in holiday finery for this year’s City Sidewalks & Downtown Days, Dec. 2-7. It’s will be the 31st year for the holiday tradition, and the Abilene Downtown Association today released a sparkling lineup for a full week of revelry. Last year the event grew from one day to a full week, and the events gleaned such an overwhelming response from the community that the group was inspired to do it again. Shopping and dining and a stroll through the lights and decorations downtown was a favorite evening activity for both locals and visitors, with families and guests filling Abilene streets throughout evenings in December. This year, the committee promises to bring back favorites plus a few surprises. “Back by popular demand in Everman Park will be the Christmas tree with lights that dance to holiday music, but we’re also adding a giant 16-foot light up snowman,” said City Sidewalks Committee Chairman Mary Cooksey. “The wall of lights and other fun décor will grace Minter Park, and the impressive Christmas tree at the south entrance of the Convention Center is growing to a whopping 62 feet tall, and we’re working on a few other ideas.” During City Sidewalks week, each venue goes all out. Merchants, museums, galleries, restaurants, and watering holes make special plans and keep special hours for a smorgasbord of holiday fun.
tions. Live music and line dancing with the Texas Tornados will mark the occasion. Following nights offer themed fun, with a festive Christmas Lights Parade Tuesday, a Pet Pawlooza Wednesday, caroling and La Posadas procession Thursday, and shopping specials on Friday and Saturday. Fans also can vote for the best decorated downtown shop window in three categories: Downtown Holiday Windows, Displays, and Lighting. Vote on the Abilene Downtown Facebook page; voting will begin Nov. 27 and close Dec. 7. The weeklong City Sidewalks & Downtown Days celebration is the result of collaboration of dozens of businesses, support from all affiliates of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the City of Abilene. The Abilene Downtown Association is grateful to the support of Christmas Décor by Long Star Electric, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, H-E-B, JAR Land & Investments, First Baptist Church Abilene, and two anonymous Christmas angels for underwriting the Christmas decorations in Everman Park, Minter Park, and the Christmas tree on the south entrance of the Abilene Convention Center. For maps and details of all the activities and events please visit: https://www.abilenedowntown.com/city-sidewalks.
The Abilene Downtown Association is a non-profit group that brings together merMonday, Dec. 2, everyone is invited to the chants, venues and developers who work to south side of the Convention Center for the promote the downtown area through colofficial lighting of the downtown decora- laboration, events, and marketing.
Pick us up at Law Enforcement Office & Cisco College | COMMUNITY | 7
Syndicated Radio Show’s End Creates New Life For Host As Personal Transformation Author By D Grant Smith | The Growth Farmer, Personal Transformation Author
Local fans of independent music have long celebrated the public radio version of American Bandstand known as The Appetizer Radio Show, heard on KACU-FM since 2003. The nationally syndicated show is hosted by Abilene’s own D Grant Smith. Yet after over two-and-a-half decades on the radio, Smith recently announced the show will be ending this December as he prepares to transition into a completely new field as a selfhelp/personal development author and speaker.
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This change comes with the release of his 2nd published book, Be Solid: How To Go Through Hell & Come Out Whole (released November 1st). The book provides guidance and direction for people struggling to overcome obstacles and trials, particularly with heartbreak and personal loss. It’s the journey he’s been on following the end of his marriage and the journey into overcoming life-long fears and insecurities. Over the past 3 years, as Smith has done what he calls “the hard heart work” on uncovering the roots of his pain, it’s developed into a method he’s now using to help transform people’s lives from brokenness into wholeness. “In my worst pain, I realized that if I leaned into it instead of running away from it, it might teach me what I truly needed to have a better life. No one enjoys pain. But pain can be your best teacher because it has your undivided attention,” Smith says.
“I didn’t feel like I could talk openly about what was going on in my life in the middle of my heartbreak because I didn’t want to air my grief out to the world. But in the midst of that darkness, The Appetizer Radio Show was like therapy for me. Using music and songs, I
curated playlists that told about the pain and struggles I was trying to wrestle with. And I brought my listeners into my story in a way that I couldn’t have done without it. It’s fitting that the radio show launched me into my career and helped me build my brand in many ways. With concluding it’s radio run, it is launching me into the next step in my journey of helping people grow and transform.” The show’s final episode will air the week of December 28th, 2019 on 89.5 KACU-FM in Abilene and also on over 40 stations across the country. It’s been one of the
hallmark programs on the radio in Abilene for unsigned and undiscovered musicians to be able to reach audiences they didn’t have access to. It’s also been the first taste of several rising indie music sensations for radio audiences. “You give your 16 year old the keys and let them drive. It’s been a great trip with The Appetizer and I’ve been able to connect with artists like William Fitzsimmons, Iron & Wine, Mindy Smith and many others that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ll always celebrate great undiscovered talent but it’s time for The Appetizer to drive off into the sunset,” said Smith. With this shift in work and professions, Smith will be doing local events, workshops, and speaking events across our area in the coming months to impact lives in a powerful way. His Be Solid message helps you get up from getting knocked down by loss & heartbreak to get back in the ring for the fight of your life & your peace. Get more information on D Grant Smith and his book at DGRANTSMITH.COM and BESOLIDBOOK.COM. A book release party featuring live music, a motivational speech, book reading and signing will be on Wednesday November 20th from 5:30-7P at the SODA District Courtyard. Billed as TED Talks meets a rock concert, the event will feature a live performance by local music sensation Kirk House. Tickets available through EventBrite and on Facebook under @thedgrantsmith.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
The Industrial Technology program is designed to provide a working knowledge of the many specialized technical skills performed by personnel working in area plants & the service industry. Training skills include a working knowledge of electricity, electrical control of motors, programmable logic controls, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, air conditioning, basic drafting using AutoCAD, welding, blueprint reading, and plumbing.
Publication funded by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Act of 1998
Serving Abilene and the 11 surrounding counties 325.793.5450 WestTexasRehab.org
By Tech. Sgt. Tory Patterson | Dyess AFB, 7th Bomb Wing
by Jorge Ambacher, McMurry student
Dios, escúpeme en la tierra surreal Donde pueda llorar de la Felicidad. Escúpeme en Ciudad Juárez Donde tragaré las lagrimas De mis compatriotas En mi soledad en una cantina Vivaz. Escúpeme y no me regreses.
A group of aircraft maintainers found little shelter from the rain and cold wind beneath the wing of a B1-B Lancer on the Dyess Air Force Base flightline, Oct. 24. They were preparing the aircraft for a mission two -hours out. While this could be any typical work shift for them, the day’s efforts were unique; they were playing a vital role in a global exercise. These maintainers, and hundreds of other Airmen across Dyess AFB, just finished participation in the annual command and control exercise known as Global Thunder.
Escúpeme
UPCOMING EVENTS
Airmen from the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Unit inspect safety wire placed on a B-1B Lancer aircraft filter gear box during Global Thunder 20 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 22, 2019. Global Thunder is an annual command and control exercise that provides training opportunities for all of U.S. Strategic Command’s mission areas and tests joint and field training operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka)
In the exercise, U.S. Strategic Command headquarters and staff, components and subordinate units all played a role in testing the readiness of America’s strategic deterrent forces. The exercise also involved allied personnel and other combatant commands.
Dyess AFB’s most visible contribution to the exercise were the consistent take-offs and landings of what has been called the “backbone” of America’s long-range, conventional bomber force – the B1-B Lancer. Lt. Col. Ryan Stallsworth commands one of Dyess’ B-1B squadrons: the 9th Bomb Squadron. He explained that Global Thunder includes the full complement of joint and allied force capabilities across the entire spectrum of operations. “There are air players and, there are naval assets who are playing,” Stallsworth said. “We are essentially rolling out the actions our military would conduct during an escalating conflict.”
Large-scale exercises like Global Thunder involve extensive coordination to provide unique training for assigned units and allies. At Dyess AFB, the exercise offered an opportunity to put readiness to the test. “What we really want to tell the world is that we are ready at a moment’s notice,” said Stallsworth. “My Airmen wake up every morning and they roll out of bed and they are ready to tackle the challenges of the day. Whether that be a peer-to-peer type fight, or if we’re called at any other location across the globe, the B-1B force and my troops are ready.” U.S. Strategic Command’s fundamental mission is to deter, detect and prevent strategic attack against the United States, its allies and partners. While this annual field training and battle staff exercise was based on a notional scenario, Global Thunder allowed forces to exercise and train as they would fight.
Give it your absolute BEST
Everyday is a new day!
‘Coffee & Conversations’ Monday, November 18, 2019
Main Library Auditorium, 9a.m. If you, or someone you know need housing, food, clothing or support, join us and members of the West Texas Homeless Network for a chance to find out more about available social services in Abilene, and where to get them. We’ll have coffee and snacks, and everyone can ask all the questions they want! Free.
Know Your Rights
Monday, November 18, 2019
Main Library Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Join us for a program with local legal professionals to find out what your rights and responsibilities are in a variety of legal situations. Each month we will cover a different topic and provide information on your rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Our topic in November is Special Needs. For ages 16+. Free.
Stories in the Mall
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Mall of Abilene, next to Dippin’ Dots,10:30 a.m. Join storytellers from the South Branch Library for Stories in the Mall! Enjoy great stories, songs, games, and crafts at storytime located next to Dippin’ Dots, across from Chick-fil-a. Every child who attends storytime will receive a free 3.5 oz ice cream from Dippin’ Dots. The whole family is invited to this fun, free event hosted by the South Branch Library.
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Dyess AFB Airmen Prove Readiness in Global Thunder 20
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The NEW “Carriage Hills” master planned community located by Wylie East Elementary off of Maple & Colony Hill Rd is ready for construction! We are excited to be a part of another great development here in Abilene, TX! We have a total of 30 lots in phase 1 & are building new homes for beautiful families! Contact us to choose your lot & floor-plan today!
(325) 518-8094 - www.primeabilene.com • Home’s from the $190k’s & UP • 1500 sq ft - 1800 sq ft / 2 Car Garage • Open Floor-plans with separate Laundry & Mud Room • Custom Cabinets & Granite Countertops • Choice of Wylie or Abilene ISD
HispanicLife Media
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Pick us up at Taqueria Riojas & Texas Workforce Center | COMMUNITY | 11
Winter LightFest 1.Tell us about how this event came musicians. There will even be interactive light to life - Matt Robinson, owner of Lone Star displays for kids! Electric and Christmas Décor, approached United Way with a concept he had dreamed of for several years – a walking Christmas light trail in Abilene. He had traveled to other cities with similar events throughout the United States and knew this type of event was something Abilene needed. United Way volunteers and staff immediately began working on bringing this family-friendly event to life. It has been many months of planning, and we’re thrilled to open the gates to the public on November 28th!
2.Who does the Winter Light Fest Benefit? Win-
ter Lightfest benefits United Way of Abilene and our Community Partner nonprofits. The mission of United Way of Abilene is to promote the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the West Central Texas area. Proceeds from Winter Lightfest will support our work of making investments in non-profit programs and partnerships that create measurable, lasting change for families throughout the 19 counites of West Central Texas. You can learn more about United Way and our partners at unitedwayabilene.org.
5.Will the Winter Light Fest be a “one time event” or will it be a yearly event? Same each time?
This year is the inaugural event, and we’re looking forward to making it annual! Some major features will stay the same from year to year, but we’re looking forward to bringing new displays in each year. Families will want to make this event part of their annual holiday traditions!
6.Who does the public have to thank for putting this together? Sponsors? Volunteers?
Many individuals and businesses throughout our community have generously sponsored this event. The Dian Graves Owen Foundation, a spectacular supporter of the Abilene community, is our official presenting sponsor. Of course, we can’t say enough about the work Matt Robinson, Doug Jones, and his team at Christmas Décor have put in over the last several months. You can view all of our sponsors on our website – tell them thank you for their support when you see them!
3.When does the Winter Light Fest 7.How can one get tickets to the WinStart/End? Hours? Winter Lightfest is ter Light Fest? How much are tickets?
open Thursday through Sunday, November 28 Tickets can be purchased at the gate with both – December 29 from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Last cash and card, but we recommend advance admission is at 9:00 p.m. purchases online at winterlightfest.com. Your ticket may be used one time any night that we 4.Is this a Drive Through Venue? Win- are open to the public. Adult tickets are $10, ter Lightfest is a walking trail – approximately youth are $5, and children under 2 are free ¾ of a mile – inside Abilene’s Centennial Park. with a ticketed adult. Winter Lightfest is also Centennial Park is located at approximately a great activity for groups! Groups of 20+ can 700 ES 27th Street between Maple Street and save 20% on their tickets when purchased onOldham Lane. The trail is packed caliche and line, in advance. Group admission tickets are should be friendly to many strollers, wagons, not sold at the gate. and wheelchairs. The light trail features more than 300,000 lights, 8,000 feet of luminary lanterns, a 60 foot tree of lights, and many more breathtaking features! You can stop at the HEB Christmas Village along the trail to grab a bite at a food truck, pick up a fun item at the Gift Shop, and listen to local performance groups and
8.If someone was interested in more information, how would they get in touch with you? (Phone Number? Website? Facebook? Twitter? Instagram? Give United Way of Abilene a call at 325-677-1841 or visit our website, winterlightfest.com. Winter Lightfest can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Local College Changes Lives
The students who attend Texas College of Cosmetology find everything they’re looking for and more. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Valerie Weilert, co-owner of Texas College of Cosmetology with her husband Steve, says they have thousands of success stories over the last thirty years. Just two of those stories demonstrate the excellence of the College’s programs and the major benefits to students. With four little girls to raise Geneva Lopez needed a steady income and time to spend with them. She entered Texas College of Cosmetology in January of 2001. The school’s CosGeneva Lopez metology program, one of four, met her needs best. The course includes forty-eight weeks of instruction in precision cutting, the chemistry behind color and perms, skin care, been here ever since.” nails and the salon business. Next Geneva took the The program was a good fit for her, but it took school’s Instructor/Teacha little longer to complete than she had planned. er Training program. The twenty-five week course “My three-year-old had a ruptured appendix,” prepped her on lesson Geneva says. “I almost lost her. I took a medical plans, hands-on training leave. But I never gave up.” in theory and clinical floor instruction. She’s been teaching for three years. While she studied and attended classes, Geneva also worked at Super Cuts as a receptionist. “I’m a people person,” Geneva says. “I like to When a receptionist position came open at Tex- see people happy. It makes you feel good. With as College of Cosmetology, it was natural fit. students, when the light bulb goes on, it’s so gratifying. You get your education, it’s fun, you “We hired her because she was a hard worker meet friends.” and a positive person,” says Valerie. “She’s Geneva not only builds relationships with the
Chris Ramirez has just been a student at Texas College of Cosmetology for a couple of months. He served in the Marines for eleven years and then chose barbering as a career. He’s worked at Barbers Notch Barber Shop for two years. The Esthetician/Facial Specialist course is just what Chris needed. The twenty-five week program includes skincare, machine facials, fashion makeup, chemical peels and more. “I’m getting this second license to learn more about faces, skin and shaving,” Chris says. “I wanted to understand skin better and help my clients.” Chris says the makeup portion of the course is a helpful extra, students she teaches, she also connects with cli- since he has four daughters. ents. “The whole program is helpful,” he says. “I’m “Every time I go out, I see someone,” she says. also learning about waxing, which men use for “I still see some clients whose hair I styled at facial hair and eyebrows. The girls are young, the very beginning. It’s so good to know you’ve but I can teach them the right way to do their makeup.” The college also offers pharmaceutihelped someone.” Her final word on her experience at Texas cal grade peels and products in the esthetician School of Cosmetology? “It’s a great school.” program.
Pick us up at Drug Emporium, Monterrey Mex Rest & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 13
Economics play a part too. Chris is a veteran and Texas School of Cosmetology offers financial aid. But the greatest plus may be the atmosphere. “The school has a nice, calm environment,” Chris says. “It actually helps me with PTSD and my other conditions. I’m meeting people, which I’m sure I wouldn’t be doing otherwise. The staff is very friendly and great to help.” Chris offers encouragement to prospective students: “It’s not work if you love what you do,” he says. Texas College of Cosmetology also offers a twenty-week Manicure/Nail Technician program. Services offered to the public include Hair Color by Redken, Perms, Artificial Nails, Facials, Hot Stone Back-cials and a variety of waxes. A recently renovated spa area is perfect for a relaxing experience in a peaceful setting at a reasonable price which offers pharmaceutical grade skin care peels and microdermabrasion. Schools are also available in Lubbock and San Angelo.
Chris Ramirez
Whether you’re looking for reasonably priced beauty services or a new, exciting career, contact Texas College of Cosmetology at (325) 677-0532 or visit 117 Sayles Boulevard. Either choice could change your life!
The nail bar at Texas College of Cosmetology
Con Dios todas es posible • Solo Tienes Que Tener Fe!
14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine
To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 701-9505 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
K.H. Malone Isaiah John Edward Johnson, Born on June 13, 1932 in Shiro, Texas, he was the baby boy of 16 children. He grew up with numerous nieces and nephew who affectionately called him K- Baby. He moved to Abilene Texas at the age of 19 with his brother Chester Johnson. His older brother counseled and guided him and they were close until his death. J.E. worked with Chester at the Abilene Country Club until he began working at the Caterpillar Tractor Company and was a valued worker and they called him “Pockets”. During the early 80’s he began working as a caretaker for Dr. Schultz and Dr. Ramsey. He was employed for 30 plus years by both Doctors. His hobbies were family and fishing and listening to the blues. He would often take trips to the casino. West Texas Rabbit loved to hit the highway and had a heavy foot. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends all have called on him when in a jam. If he thought he could help in any way he would come, no questions asked. J.E. was an avid sports lover and the Dallas Cowboys ,L.A. Lakers, and the Texas Rangers were his teams. Rabbit was also a carpenter and could build anything he put his mind to, lazy was not in his vocabulary. He worked hard, played hard and schooled many in a dice game. Rabbit raised three children with his companion Elizabeth Lyons: Janie, Debra, and Monte. He also had two biological daughters Wilma ( Dee Dee) Hilton with Flora Dene Glaze, and Rachelle Renae Vinson with Sue Vinson. From these five children he had 13 grandchildren,33 great grandchildren and 6 great greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by both his parents, all of his siblings and a grandson. He was greatly affected by the deaths of 2 of his nephews James Johnson and Donald Ray Johnson, a niece Hazell Scott, and beloved friend Elijah Bo Thomas. J.E. loved family and his favorite time of year was the third weekend of August.. FAMILY REUNION!
a Moment in our arms... a Lifetime
in our hearts...
HispanicLife Media
Renndell Lamont Mosley, affectionately known as Renny, Kinfolk, Big Ten and Big Moe. We lost our huggable lovable gentle giant when Mr. Renndell Lamont Mosley moved from time to eternity at 5:24 PM on Sunday, October 27, 2019 surrounded by family. Renny was born at 1:10 AM Sunday, August 23, 1970, to Robert Lee Mosley and Deborah Gee He was a graduate of Abilene high school class of 1989. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Everywhere Renny worked he formed a lasting relationship, Abilene State School, Mrs. Baird’s Bread, and in 2004 with the birth of his daughter, he began working at Rentech Boiler Services where he was known as uncle Moe. In November 2015 Renny became a correctional officer with Texas Department of Criminal Justice working at French Robertson Unit. He began working at the Middleton Unit June of this year. Renny often spoke fondly, of serving and fellowshipping alongside his brothers and sisters in gray. He was united to his high school sweetheart Stephanie Thomas, September 22, 1990, and he has been a loving husband, compassionate provider, and he was Always, Always my friend. I will cherish the memories of our silliness and constant laughter. To this union we were blessed with Xavier Kavel, Zachery Renndell and Wisdom Marye Ozeal. He was a remarkable father and the best Dad that we three could hope for. He was a doting Papa to Khaliyah Rene’ and Jalen Renndell, and honored that they are of his name sake. He was a phenomenal cook, his specialty being barbecue. He loved cooking on his smoker that he was so proud of making while at Rentech. He enjoyed cooking and sharing with his family and friends, He often joked that he learned from the best, be it his uncle G, uncle Douglas, or brother Chris (barbecuing), his Aunt Nells greens, Delberts pigs feet, his Granny Mary’s chuckwagon, or his Mommas pork chop peppers to name a few. He took all their recipes and kicked it up a notch. He also enjoyed lifetime movies, food network, the game show channel, road trips, listening to music, playing uno, dominoes and sitting on the front porch. To be absent from the body. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Willis Sr. and Mary Gee, Sammie and her twin sister, Willie Welch and his in laws, Robert Odell and Laverne Thomas, and step-dad Quilla Moore We that remain. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his children, Xavier, Zachery, and Wisdom; his parents, Robert Lee Mosley and Deborah Gee; his brothers, Chris Campbell, Myland (Marsha) Moore, Lugmon Mosley; his sister, Keirstyn Hall; three nephews; four nieces; his uncle; and aunt Willis and Nell Gee; his uncles and aunts in laws; and numerous kinfolks as he called them whom he loved wholeheartedly and he knew deeply loved him in return. We would like to thank the Hendrick Medical Staff especially, Lee Bon “LB” and the ICU staff for all the care you provided to Renny. His brother Chris, who was always our first call every time Renny was ill. Meechie and Myland who always held him up. To his parents for loving him, Col. Karen Chambers, USA (Ret) for flying from Florida at a moment’s notice and all the prayer warriors for lifted him up.
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The Chamber After 90 Days
By Veronica Fuentes | Director of Committees for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Did you know that there is not a magical wand that is waived around to get Business Expo, Business Mercado, Abilene Young Professional Summit or any of our other signature events set up or taken down? It takes the Chamber staff and our amazing volunteers to get these events planned, set up, and running smoothly. And when I say we work together; I mean we work Having come from the member/volunteer busi- as a TEAM. Not one person will ever say “that’s ness side to now worknot my job” but I guarantee ing with the Chamber you, you will always hear has been an eye-opening “what do you need me to experience. For so long, help you with?” It doesn’t when I thought of “The matter who it is or what Chamber of Commerce” I they do, each person works immediately would think diligently and efficiently of mom and pop shops so that we can all better that needed free advertisserve our members and our ing. Wow was I wrong! community. Things that you would never think of The Chamber, along with (tablecloths, I’m looking their affiliates, are truly at you!) I promise, somechampioning Abilene and one else in this office has the people who live here. already thought of it and is I have never met a group working to get that taken of people who all want the care of so that you have same thing and that is for one less thing to worry Abilene to succeed and about. continue to grow. Being able to see behind The Abilene Industrial Foundation (AIF) is out the curtain and how things truly work has been all over the country meeting with big corpora- mind boggling. I never knew exactly how much tions telling them about how great Abilene truly work truly goes into making sure members are is and how we can help make their business happy, taken care of, events are successful, and stronger and better. Our Abilene Convention & all the small details that go into planning. Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council (ACAC) are actively seek- I have been given an amazing opportunity to ing ways to draw in people from all over the work with some of our community’s greatest country to visit our beautiful home of Abilene. leaders, committee chairs and members. Each They make sure when people come to visit, they committee has taught me something different know the best cafés, places to shop, place for a and each one has opened my eyes to what makes cold beverage and places to stay. They want ev- Abilene so incredibly amazing. One thing I have eryone to feel welcomed and included. I prom- learned in my new role is that sometimes a leader ise you, there is something going on every day. must take a step back and trust that their teamThese Chamber affiliates are second to none. mates will do what they say and do it well. The Chamber’s Board of Directors, Military Affairs, The Chamber works tirelessly for our members; Government Affairs, Abilene Business Council, and a Chamber membership is not just about Hispanic Business Council, Agriculture Council, free advertising. We truly do try to help you Young Professionals, Leadership Committee find the right tools to help your business suc- and Redcoats, along with the Chamber and our ceed, grow and help you maintain a healthy and Affiliates, work so hard you would be amazed positive business outlook. We know what you at how much time, effort and love goes into each are doing is not an easy task and more than any- day. This is truly a passion for what we all do, thing we want to help you and advocate for you. and it’s a privilege to serve.
Pick us up at Alfredo’s, Gloria’s Grill and Kentucky Fried Chicken | COMMUNITY | 15
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
6 YEARS IN A ROW
To say the past three months of working with the Chamber has been interesting, fun and a dream come true, well, that would be an understatement. I have enjoyed the last three months with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce; each day is something new and different. And, I mean EVERY DAY!
Abilene
Making
HAPPY
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16 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Meals on Wheels Plus Kicks Off “Easy as Pie” With Pie Eating Contest By Jessica Andrade | Development Director, Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc.
Meals on Wheels Plus will kick off this year’s “Easy as Pie” fundraiser with a pieeating contest. Celebrity guests will be Kaden on Air with 96.1Q, Darrin Black with Black Plumbing, Travis Ruiz with KTAB, Misti Collier, David Eldridge with Coke, Jennifer Jones with DBAT of Abilene, Cameron Wylie with Dyess AFB, and Joey Light Superintendent of Wylie Schools. To round out the field, there will be United Supermarkets and Market Street Store Directors. WHERE: United Supermarket 3301 S. 14th Street, Abilene, TX 79605 WHEN: Friday, November 15, 2019 2:30 PM
Christmas Lane Family Fun Run to Benefit Abilene State Supported Living Center Wednesday, Dec. 4th • 6:30pm
Join your family and friends for the first sneak at the magnificent Christmas Lane. This is a FUN RUN with all proceeds going towards purchasing CareAssist Beds for residents. Mark your calendars. Single Registration for Run Includes Shirt & Goody Bag - $30.00 Family Registration for Run - Includes 4 Registrations - 2 Adults / 2 Children Under 14 (4 Shirts & Goody Bags) $80.00 Additional Child with Family Registration - $10.00 First Responder/Military Single Registration for Run - Includes Shirt & Goody Bag - $25.00 Team Member Registration for Run Includes Shirt & Goody Bag Team Registration must be 5 or more runners from the same team/group - $25.00
Shirts guaranteed only if registered by Nov.11, 2019
Register: www.5kchristmaslanefunrun.org
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Communities of Abilene FCU, SBDC & Lytle Land & Cattle | COMMUNITY | 17
Friday • Dec. 6th | 6 to 8pm Tickets: www.abilenecac.ticketspice.com
REGISTER BEFORE ALL THE SPOTS ARE GONE! Last year’s event sold out. The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council presents the 2nd annual Christmas in the Garden in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. The 2019 theme is “A Dino-mite Christmas Night.” Guests will enjoy whimsical train rides through scenes from Santa’s workshop, face painting, a snow machine, art activities, dino-bites and drinks, Christmas music by the Abilene Community Band, live performances from ACS New Song, a viewing of a short animated Christmas movie, photo-ops, Mrs. Claus reads “How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?” and an appearance from the big man himself – pictures with Santa Claus. Cost is $10 per family and $1 for train rides.
Thurs. 11/14, 12/12, 1/9 6:30p - 8p clients.mindbodyonline.com
McMurry University Presents Student Art Exhibitions By Alaisha Montanez | Assistant Director of Communications, McMurry University
What: McMurry University Presents Fall Student Art
Exhibitions The McMurry University Art Department present two student art exhibitions this fall in Ryan Fine Arts Gallery, “Eustress” by Logan Shary and “Empowered” by Rhonda Fujiwara. “Eustress” will be on exhibit from Monday, November 18 to Tuesday, November 26. Mr. Shary will be hosting a reception on Wednesday, November 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. that includes an artist talk where he will discuss the process, intent and overall outcome behind the exhibition. “Empowered” will be on exhibit from Monday, December 2 to Friday, December 6. Ms. Fujiwara will be hosting a reception on Friday beginning at 5 p.m. that will include an artist talk and discussion on her exhibit as well as her senior thesis, Empowered Youth.
When/Where: Monday, December 2, 2019 – Friday, December 6, 2019. Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Ryan Fine Arts Gallery, McMurry University
Both events are free of charge. For more information, or to be put in touch with the artist, please contact Alaisha Montanez. For a full schedule of the 2019-2020 Gallery, please visit https://academics.mcm.edu/art/gallery/index.html.
Contact: Alaisha Montanez, 325-261-2151 montanez.alaisha@mcm.edu or marketing@mcm.edu
18 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Avoiding a Rough Start:
How to Manage the First Couple of Months of College Successfully By Jorge Ambacher | McMurry University
Let’s face it, college is rough. We’re all tired, and syllabus week seemed to have gone from period of hiatus to an intense period of homework, testing, and essays. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and stressed during this period before mid-terms. Many of us, frankly, are still in our summer mood. What will make or break you throughout this semester isn’t necessarily how strong you finish, but how strong you can start.
If you want to start with strong habits this semester—regardless of your classification— you need to start now and most importantly, commit to success. Instead of playing that pesky, addicting video game late at night, read a couple of pages of that textbook, or an educational book to “tire your eyes out.” Instead
According to The Classroom.com, about 75% of underachieving freshman will never get to walk the stage at graduation. That is, preferring to play that video game until two in the morning, instead of studying or getting the required sleep for your freshman seminar, may be the difference on whether or not your college career will benefit you or hinder you. It’s very easy for us students to find excuses. “Oh, she/he gives too much homework!” “Why do I have to read so many pages?” “Why do I have to get up that early?” We have all asked these questions to ourselves at some point in our college career. For freshman, I’m sure you guys have already asked yourselves these question within the first two weeks. What really hinders college students most of the time is freedom, and the strings attached with that certain freedom. Although you have the choice to go to class, do your homework, or randomly drive to Dallas on a Wednesday night just to purchase Jack in the Box, your habits will shape who you are in college.
College is the foreground for our future careers. College isn’t an extra four years of school just to torment us. College is the marvelous place of knowledge where you can learn anything and everything you want. College contains the smartest people you will ever meet in your professors, and they are eager to teach you and share their knowledge. It is up to you whether or not you take this opportunity for granted, or be as eager as your professors are to learn. After all, college is for you. You’re not here because of your parents, or for anyone else; you’re here to learn for yourself and to benefit your future. If you waste your time and are mediocre in college, chances are your habits will stay that way after you graduate (if you do so at all).
of choosing to go out to Guitars and Cadillacs on Thursday night and waste your time, try going out to a local and quiet coffee shop and get ahead on your classes. These pieces of advice I am laying out are not hard to do. They simply require your time and your effort. These two words are the essential factors of being a successful college student. Everyone when giving advice about college mentions time management, and deservedly so, managing your time will be essential to your success. How much effort will you put in managing your time or your education? That is entirely your decision.
So, manage your time, put in the effort, do your (own) work, and strive for success. College is a beautiful time in our lives, and although I focused on doing well academically, never forget to have fun and enjoy yourself. How high will you soar?
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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
McMurry University Student Spotlight
Yuwei Bao ‘20 Mathematics is a universal language, and for that Yuwei “I just really feel good about it,” she said. Bao ’20 is grateful. Yuwei has found that many folks on the McMurry camYuwei, a native of China, is a mathematics and computer pus, like Marty CashBurless, are eager to welcome inscience double major at McMurry, set to graduate in May ternational students and make them feel at home. Cash2020. Her English is almost flawless, but she admits to Burless, university chaplain and director of religious having trouble understanding and spiritual life, has a son some accents, like Texas acwho works in another country, cents, for example. “I just prewhich gives her a unique pertend to understand everything,” spective. she said jokingly. “I especially understand that Yuwei, 20, grew up in Luoyang, kindness, courtesy, and hospian industrial city in the He’nan tality are small but vital parts province. After graduating from of our work together,” Cashhigh school, she enrolled in Burless said. Shanghai University of Electric Power, where she was an interIt isn’t just the international national business major. students who benefit from the McMurry experience, CashHowever, she wasn’t there long Burless notes. Homegrown because she got the opportunity students benefit from their to come to McMurry. She got presence, too. accepted as an exchange student and arrived at McMurry in “It is deeply rewarding to see August 2016, where she found students engage with other exactly what she was looking cultures and traditions,” Cashfor. Burless said, “as it helps us to understand each other a bit “I really enjoy the education better.” here,” she said. “I just love my professors a lot.” Yuwei’s parents were sad to see their young daughter go so far away from home, but they are supportive of Besides academics, Yuwei is pledging Theta Chi Lamb- her and vow to come to her graduation in 2020. Yuwei da, writes for the War Hawk Herald and is a tutor. The misses them too and plans to go home for the summer. tutoring experience led her a new career path, teaching But she will be back in time for fall classes in this new, in a college in the United States. That was something welcoming home she has found at McMurry. she didn’t see coming, but something just clicked as she helped other students understand the classroom material. “I really just treasure the people around me,” she said.
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Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | EDUCATION | 21
MAKING
A+ DIFFERENCE MEET
SAMMY VILLARREAL
DEPARTMENT/CAMPUS: Ward Title: Lead Custodian
Years with AISD: 4 years and 9 months Where are You From? Abilene, TX What School Did You Attend?
Elementary: College Heights; Middle School: Franklin Junior High; High School: Abilene High Tell Us About Your Family: I have two beautiful kids: Marissa Villarreal and Sammy Villarreal Jr. They like to play sports and they both love fishing and both graduated the same time 2018. Dream Vacation Spot and Why?: San Antonio TX because I love the River Walk and going to see San Antonio Spurs game and being with family. What Do You Enjoy Away From Work: I love going home and being with family and friends. Tell Us Something Interesting About Yourself: I just like helping friends when they need help. What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Job: I love being around the kids. They are amazing. What Ward principal Dawn Ripple says: “Ward is blessed to have Mr. Sammy Villarreal as its lead school custodian. For the past
3 years, Sammy has gone above and beyond to keep our school in top shape. He keeps our school looking great by waxing, sweeping, vacuuming and shining everything in sight! Teachers and students recognize that Sammy is always willing to lend a helping hand. From refilling soap and paper towel dispensers to setting up chairs for a faculty meeting, Sammy does it all with a joyful heart. There’s no task that is too big or too small. When Sammy isn’t cleaning up spills in the cafeteria, he’s greeting students at breakfast and opening milk cartons at lunch. We’re so thankful he’s a Ward Wildcat!”
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22 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Pick us up at H.E.B., CISCO College & China Star | EDUCATION | 23
Poema
by Jorge Ambacher, McMurry student Reforzaré esta noche Con tu encanto. Usaré las estrellas, Las contaré a tu Honor para recordar De tu sonrisa Infinita y bella. Le cantaré a la luna, Para ver si regresa Una palabra tuya. Acariciaré la oscuridad, Ya que siento tus pétalos Irresistibles en mi pecho Con solo recordarte. Te recordaré esta noche, Asi mi soledad Desaparece, Así, estamos juntos Como las Estrellas, La Luna.
NEXT Lab Researcher Tackles Project to Extract Medical Isotope By Loretta Fulton | ACU Today
In May, Diego Zometa Paniagua (’19) was preparing to graduate from Abilene Christian University with a degree in chemistry. Today, just a few months later, he is working in the same building where he took chemistry classes and using the same labs, but with a different goal. He is working on a project with the potential to have a major impact in the world of nuclear medicine. He spends his days looking for chemical ways to extract an isotope, Molybdenum 99, from nuclear waste.
at all three locations, during regular work
hours of 8-5.
202 Cedar St. Mall-4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. 1326 N. Mockingbird Ln.
99m as it is being decayed from Moly 99. If Zometa is successful in his quest, he will then move on to looking for ways to chemically extract other isotopes to benefit the world. In just four short years, Zometa has gone from asking, “ACU? Abilene? Where is that?” to working on a project with major implications in the university’s NEXT Lab. He’s glad he listened to that small, still voice inside. “I felt God was telling me go,” he said.
“It has never been done in the United States,” Zometa, a native of El Salvador, said. Zometa’s being selected as a research scientist in ACU’s NEXT Lab is a testament to his own abilities and the quality of the professors who mentored him. NEXT is an acronym for Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, a research program at ACU that is experimenting with using molten salts, rather than water, as a coolant for nuclear reactors. Inside the lab, students and faculty conduct experiments that could someday lead to global solutions to the world’s need for less expensive energy, pure and abundant water, and medical isotopes for diagnosing and treating cancer.
Diego Zometa Paniagua is a research scientist in ACU’s NEXT Lab.
According to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s website, the quest to find a reliable and plentiful source of “Moly 99,” as scientists call it, began in earnest in 2009. NNSA partners with commercial and educational institutions to find a source that is produced without highly enriched uranium.
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That’s a long way from walking across the stage to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, but it speaks volumes about what Dr. Rusty Towell (’90) and his team are building at NEXT Lab. According to the NNSA website, the decay product of Moly 99, Technetium-99m, is used to diagnose heart disease and cancer, to study organ structure and function, and to perform other important medical applications.
Moly 99 is an isotope used in more than 40,000 medical procedures each day in the U.S., according to the NNSA, but is supplied only by foreign vendors. Every day of the work week, ACU’s Zometa is one of those scientists working toward a lofty goal. If he is successful, the results would be far-reaching. “It would mean that NEXT Lab would be able to be one of the providers of Moly 99 in the United States and possibly other countries,” Zometa said.
PHOTO BY SCOTT DELONY
The NEXT Lab’s molten salt reactor, now in development, will have an off-gas system that allows gases to bubble out. It is those gases that contain Moly 99, Zometa said. He explained that it takes three days for Moly 99 to decay, creating Technetium 99m, which lasts only six hours. “That is the one that is used in medicine,” Zometa said. “It is very, very useful.” Zometa is working on ways to quickly extract Moly 99 from nuclear waste so the decaying process can begin and the needed Technetium 99m can be provided to hospitals. The isotope is shipped to hospitals in the Moly 99 form since it lasts longer. Special equipment called a Technetium 99m generator harvests the Tc-
It was 2015 when Zometa first heard that voice. He was a high school senior, working as an intern in the American Embassy in El Savador’s capital, San Salvador. His boss worked with counselors from universities in the U.S.. One of them was Daniel Garcia (’07), who at the time was a multicultural marketing specialist in ACU’s admissions office and is now on faculty of the College of Business Administration. Zometa had applied to several universities and had an array of college admissions information and memorabilia at his disposal. One of those items was an ACU pennant, but he didn’t think anything about it until he connected Garcia with the purple pennant.
“Literally speaking,” Zometa said, “what I was looking for was right in front of me the whole time.” Zometa enrolled in August 2015 and four years later he is a research scientist. But that’s not all he is. While at ACU, Zometa was named a Pope Fellow, a program offering scholarships for outstanding students interested in public service. In addition to his chemistry degree, he holds a minor in public service. Today Zometa is thankful he listened to God’s voice and came to ACU. He also is glad he listened to Daniel Garcia. “Thanks to him, my parents and God,” Zometa said, “I was able to arrive here.”
Student-Owned Thrift Shop Launches Online
24 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By Tyler Henderson | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University
AbiThrift, an online student-owned and oper- of AbiThrift online allows them to run it anyated thrift store, has launched its website. where. For now, she said she believes they’ve found their niche in Abilene. Chapman said AbiThrift has launched its official website on that with bargain deals online and college stuSaturday, online at abithrift.com, with free dents buying on a budget, they are in a market shipping to Abilene. The for success. founders will also have occasional pop-up shops “It can’t feel just like in the future, with dates to we’re selling clothes out be announced. of our garage,” Chapman said. “We wanted Elyse Goodnight, founder to really make sure it and CEO of AbiThrift feels like a real busiand junior child and famness. We are making ily services major from it real, putting a lot of Abilene, and marketing passion into it instead of manager Jacob Chapman, just letting it be.” senior management major from Andrews, wanted to fulfill Goodnight’s dream going Viewers can also subscribe to their website for forward. A business started solely based on a updates on new products and events. All popdream led to a partnership with the Founder’s up dates will be posted on the website with an Club in the College of Business Administra- events tab, and will also be announced on their tion. Carrying 800 pieces of inventory, they Instagram page, @abithrift. are prepared to take on the challenge of balancing student and business life. “We’re just two kids trying to sell clothes,” Chapman said. “We want to give people that “I think the hunt is addicting,” Goodnight said. experience of finding something that is theirs “I wanted to give everyone else a chance to do and allowing them to express themselves in that without driving across town, maybe find that way.” nothing, and sifting for nothing.” Goodnight said she sees a bright future for AbiThrift. Goodnight said the accessibility
There are many individuals throughout our viewing area that do not have a jacket/coat to wear during the winter months. As you know, West Texas winters have a way of packing some mighty cold wind and brutal conditions. Help us provide a jacket or coat to someone who greatly needs it. We are helping … one jacket at a time! You can drop off new or gently used jackets/coats at any of the A-town Cleaner’s locations listed below or West Central Texas Council Of Governments. Thanks so much for helping out!! Jackets for Joy will benefit the following non-profit organizations:
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• New Horizons • Noah Project • Christian Service Center • Day Nursery of Abilene • Communities in Schools • Mission Abilene • Pathway’s • Hope Haven Drop off locations: A-Town Cleaners 3180 S. Treadaway Blvd. | Abilene 289 N. Judge Ely | Abilene 4597 Southwest Drive | Abilene West Central Texas Council Of Governments 3702 Loop 322 | Abilene
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
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Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | EDUCATION | 25
Ashby, Wise Inducted Into Cooper Hall of Fame By Abilene Independent School District
She has her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University, and she has been named Outstanding Classroom Teacher, Outstanding Principal, Outstanding Community Leader, Women of Outstanding Achievement winner, and a Distinguished Alumni Citation from HSU. Her husband, Phil, is a former teacher at Cooper and administrator in the AISD, and they have two children: Jay (Cooper associate principal) and his wife, Kate; and daughter, Carly Potter (husband, Jason and daughter Ashby). Wise is a 35-year veteran teacher, cheer coach and student council sponsor whose induction
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Friday morning at Cooper High School, two Friday was a complete surprise to her. more names were added to the school’s hall of fame as Dr. Cathy Ashby and Donna Wise Wise has been heavily invested in Cooper High took their place alongside a plethora of Cougar School since she graduated from CHS in 1978. legends. While at Cooper she was head cheerleader, a member Ashby and Wise are the of the choir, Student Coun85th and 86th inductees, cil and was voted Miss CHS. respectively, in the hall, After graduating from Texas which was started in 1993. Tech University, Wise began her teaching career at CrockAshby is a former classett Elementary where she room teacher and student taught for two years before council sponsor at Cooper, joining the staff at Cooper. and she has also served in other capacities in the At Cooper she picked up Abilene ISD. She currentright where left off, taking ly serves as the President / over Cheer coach, spirit orgaCEO of United Way Abilene. nizer, department chair, senior class adviser and student council sponsor. She is a member of the Following her graduation from Hardin-Sim- Cooper Ring of Honor and a Talisman honoree. mons University, Ashby taught in Clyde before joining the staff at Cooper where she imme- She is married to David, and has two children: diately immersed herself in many activities, Andrew (wife, Ashlyn) and Will (wife, Taylor), including Cougars’ Pride, Student Council, and is the grandmother of two. and Mock Trial. She then moved to Franklin Middle School where she served as assistant principal before moving on to assistant superintendent’s roles in Caldwell and Abilene.
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26 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Nursing School Partners with Therapeutic Riding Program By Grace Sosa | Staff Writer, Hardin-Simmons University
This semester, Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing students began volunteering with Camp Able, a therapeutic equine riding nonprofit in Buffalo Gap. Camp Able has long offered programs to middle school and high school students in Clyde and Jim Ned. This year, Camp Able began offering a group session for young adults with special needs. To accommodate this growth, Camp Able developed a partnership with Patty Hanks. Patty Hanks students practice leading a horse. “We are so grateful for [the nursing students’] commitment to participating in Camp Able’s therapeutic riding programs for people with special needs and look forward to seeing them each week during the Fall sessions,” expressed Camp Able on their Facebook page. “Thank you all!”
A Patty Hanks student cares for a Camp Able horse.
adults with a variety of special needs, including disabilities they experience may require unique military veterans. Camp Able uses equine-as- approaches to therapy, education, or other acsisted activities to help individuals with autism, commodations. Equine-assisted therapy is one such educational accommodation that has been used successfully to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs. While there are a number of equine-assisted therapy facilities throughout Texas, Camp Able is one of very few which exists in the Abilene area.
special focus of using horses that have been given sanctuary from difficult circumstances. Its long-term vision is that self-sufficiency is a reasonable and achievable goal for humans, regardless of mental, emotional, and physical capabilities, with the full acceptance and The new riding groups meet every Tuesdays understanding of their caregivers and during the fall. The nursing students who assist society at large. at Camp Able went through orientation to prePatty Hanks students practice leading a horse. pare them to assist the young adults with whom Camp Able offers daily therapeutic they work. riding instruction and skills-based training to both individuals and groups, including stroke, emotional and intellectual disabilities, About Camp Able • Camp Able’s mis- children involved in life-skills programs at local cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain sion is to cultivate healthy, independent living elementary, middle, and senior high schools. Ap- injury, post-traumatic stress, anger management for people with special needs through equine- proximately two-thirds of Camp Able’s clients issues, anxiety, cancer, and other conditions. assisted therapy and skills-based training, with a are school-aged children. The remainder are For many people with special needs, the kinds of
About Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing • Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN), a consortium of Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University, is an intercollegiate program that serves two private universities. The faculty, staff, and student body are honored to be affiliated with Christian universities committed to preparing students for Christian leadership and service throughout Texas, the nation, and the world. Our faculty believe that nursing is a profession that is responsive to the changing health care needs of individuals and is supported by an expanding body of knowledge. Through faith, commitment, perseverance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are provided the opportunity to expand their understanding of health, environment, person, and nursing.
Pick us up at La Familia Mexican Restaurant & YMCA on State St. | EDUCATION | 27
THIS CAREER IS
A Safe Bet
A measure of prevention goes a long way. More information: tstc.edu/programs/OccupationalSafetyComplianceTechnology
28 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Jobs for Hardin Simmons University Jobsite ***ONLY SERIOUS, CAREER SEEKING APPLICANTS NEED APPLY*** ***** THESE ARE YEAR ROUND JOBS****** PART-TIME CLEANER ( Job ID: 196078 ) $8.00 2 positions open – Hours M-F 8:00am – Noon **MUST be flexible for customer needs / events ** The Cleaner provides the cleaning and upkeep of an assigned area. The assigned area could be a building, hospital or other facility. Cleaner must be flexible and willing to complete all tasks that are assigned. Duties may include cleaning and maintaining carpets and hard surface floors by vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors. Dusting furniture, pictures, ventilation, lights and blinds, emptying wastebaskets, cleaning windows, restrooms and other normal cleaning and maintenance duties. Must be flexible in other duties as assigned by supervisor.
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CLEANER ( Job ID: 190828 ) $9.00 - $11.00 4 positions open – Hours : Sunday – Thursday 10:00pm – 6:30am **MUST be flexible and open for overtime for customer needs / events** – The Cleaner provides the cleaning and upkeep of an assigned area. The assigned area could be a building, hospital or other facility. Cleaner must be flexible and willing to complete all tasks that are assigned. Duties may include cleaning and maintaining carpets and hard surface floors by vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors. Dusting furniture, pictures, ventilation, lights and blinds, emptying wastebaskets, cleaning windows, restrooms and other normal cleaning and maintenance duties. Must be flexible in other duties as assigned by supervisor.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST: • MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK SUNDAY – THURSDAY 10 PM TO 6:30 AM + OVERTIME WHEN NEEDED • MUST PASS BACKGROUND CHECK • MUST BE DRUG FREE • VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE DESIRED - BUT NOT REQUIRED. FULL-TIME GROUNDS KEEPER ( Job ID: 166443 ) $10.00 Hours: M-Thurs 8:00am – 6:00pm Friday and Saturday 8:00am -4:00pm **Must be flexible and open for overtime for customer needs / events ** Maintains property grounds by cutting lawns; trimming and edging along walkways, flower beds and walls; trims bushes and trees; plants bushes and flowers; applies lawn care chemicals as needed; and removes snow and spreads salt. Also repairs and maintains mowers, blowers, and sprinkler systems. ALL APPLICANTS MUST: • BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE : MONDAY – THURSDAY 8am – 6pm / FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8am – 4pm • VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE • PASS MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT • PASS BACKGROUND CHECK • MUST BE DRUG FREE
80 years of gratitude
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-Pick us up at Central Finance, Mr. Gatti’s & La Popular Bakery | EDUCATION | 29
‘The Lift’ To House CTE / ATEMS By Abilene Independent School District
The largest project from last November’s bond election finally has a name. After months of calling the new center that will house the AISD’s seven CTE programs as well as ATEMS the “CTE / ATEMS Center,” the AISD Board of Trustees voted Monday night to finally give the facility a name. After a sub-committee consisting of board members Daryl Zeller, Cindy Earles and Angie Wiley – as well as district administrators – reviewed several naming options presented by the project architect (Huckabee), two naming options were given to the board to vote on at Monday night’s meeting. The first of the options was The LIFT Center (short for the Leadership & Innovation in Future Technologies) and the second option was The RISE Center (Readiness • Innovation • Spirt • Entrepreneurship). The board discussed all of the options at last Thursday night’s board workshop meeting, leaving little discussion for Monday night’s meeting.
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The LIFT Center will be on the Texas State Technological Center campus on Loop 322 near the Abilene Regional Airport. Construction documents on the 124,000 square foot facility should be done by Thanksgiving and the job will go out for bid before the end of the year. AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young said the district should open the bids to build the project in late January and could award the contract in February.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made to name the new facility The LIFT Center and Construction will begin shortly after that with it quickly passed, giving the facility a name. the facility set to open in time for the 2021-22
school year. District officials hope the facility will take on the pseudonym “The LIFT” in the days to come. “The LIFT has a positive connotation to the name and I think our kids will respond to it,” Young said. “This center will always be a place for specialized instruction that will allow students to prepare themselves for life after high school. The same seven programs might not be part of the CTE program in 30 years as we have now, but the name ‘The LIFT’ doesn’t paint us into a corner.”
30 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
McMurry University Hosts Women’s Entrepreneurial Luncheon By Alaisha Montanez | Assistant Director of Communications, McMurry University
co-founder of Oddly Natural and JAR Land and Investments and Michele Kilbourn, who owns and operates Cakes by Birdie. Following the speaker presentations, the luncheon also included a panel discussion with the The luncheon, in honor of Women’s Entre- local leaders in entrepreneurship. preneurship Week, acknowledged the contributions and success of local entrepreneurial Women’s Entrepreneurship Week is a globally women in hopes of inspiring current and future recognized event celebrating women who have women entrepreneurs. Speakers for this year’s successfully overcome gender stereotypes and event included Karen and Christian Light, own- who continue to serve as an inspiration to others of Texas Roots Salon, Alex Terrell Russell, ers. The McMurry University Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship presented the second annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Luncheon on Tuesday, October 22.
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New Video Scoreboard Arriving to Moody Coliseum in November
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By Owen Simpson | ACU Optimist
A new video scoreboard was installed at Moody Coliseum on November 7th, as the new basketball season is now upon us. After having the same scoreboard for years, the Department of Athletics gathered enough sponsors and funds to officially upgrade. Drew Long, the deputy director of athletics for internal operations, said that this has been something the department has wanted to do for a long time. “We have been talking about doing this for a little over a year now, and it came down to funding,” Long said. “Within the last couple months, we have had some funding sources come available to us. We had three different bids, and we reached out to them about who can fit the timeline and decided to go with ACE Sports.”
“When you look at Moody Coliseum, there is only so many things you can do that makes a dramatic impact,” Long said. “This summer, we redid the floor, which was on schedule to do anyways. And from a game day experience, this is probably number one.” The new system will not be ready for the beginning of the season, but it will be soon after it starts. The men and women’s basketball teams begin their road to defending the Southland Conference championship November 5th. With a new video scoreboard, it will be the second major renovation to Moody Coliseum within the past three months.
ACE Sports is a division of ACE Sign Company located in Little Rock, Arkansas. They will oversee the construction of the new video board for ACU. The new video board is designed similarly to the old scoreboard, just slightly larger. It will feature digital stats, along with a live shot of the court. Long went on to say that a video board is one of the few things that can really change the atmosphere in Moody.
VETERANS DAY NOVEMBER 11 HONORING ALL WHO SERVED. tstc.edu
Family is not an IMPORTANT thing, it is Everything
32 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
FAITH&FAMILY
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
with Vini Montesdeoca
Minister at University Church of Christ 1. Tell us about your family. My wife’s name
5. Besides being the Bilingual Minister at the Church, what else do you do? Hobbies? Besides being a
is Rachel and we have been married for almost 10 years. We have two children; Luke 8, and Keren Elaine 4. We are a family that tries to cultivate relationships and the presence of God in our home.
minister, my passion is sports. I sometimes play games of fútbol, I like walking and running, and I would love to find friends to play volleyball. I love outdoor sports and traveling with my family. I find nature fascinating.
2. You’ve been working for University Church of Christ almost 2 yrs. Tell us what made you decide to do that. Christ’s ministry has
6. What inspires you to get up every morning? Every
morning it is my goal to always keep in mind that I live in the presence of God, and that He intends to use me as his tool to accomplish work in this world and more specifically in Abilene. I see people and I know that they are God’s creation. One of my dreams is for people to know God and be free to think about Him - unrestricted, open-minded and willing to improve their relationship with Him.
always been my passion. For eighteen years I have been working in ministry. I was informed of the Bilingual Ministry position; it captured my attention. I soon realized it was an opportunity for growth and a place to serve in the community. It was God’s call to the family; thus, we decided to continue following God’s lead.
3. What areas do you serve at University Church of Christ?
As a minister, I have several responsibilities such as: preaching for the Sunday worship service, I lead bible classes both on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. My ministry also expands into pastoral care, evangelism, and discipleship services. I also serve in the community by visiting the sick Number, Facebook? Twitter? Instagram?) For now you can reach me by phone and working with the homeless. at the office (325) 673-6497. I am in the pro4. If someone was interested, how do cess of creating a new Facebook account and they get in touch with you? (Phone other social media means of contact.
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34 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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10 Things I’m Learning in This Season of Life By Madison Bloker | boundblessings
I just graduated college. Just bought a house. Just got married. Just started my first full-time job. All the things in the span of about four months… Talk about change!
explore. You may not love your first job. That first date may be a total flop. But as the great A Cinderella Story movie once said, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
change the storyline. All you can do is take a deep breath, send up a prayer, and choose positive thinking over anything else. There is always more to the story.
Through this change, I’ve been learning a lot about myself, about my relationships, about my purpose, and just about life. So I’ve written 10 of these learnings out in a blog just for you - I hope they help you walk with confidence that you are never alone, my friend. We’re all on a journey of living each day better than the last, and we’re all learning a little bit more each day. May we never stop learning and never stop growing.
striking out, failure is good. You know why? Because it means you’re actually trying something. Failure means you are actively taking a risk and trying something that maybe you haven’t done before or that is outside of your comfort zone. Keep trying, learn from your mistakes, and use the failures as lessons to keep the needle moving forward.
you’ve probably heard this before. But the more you hear it, hopefully the more it will sink in. I still need reminders of this. You are not everyone’s cup of tea, and the more you wrestle with trying to be everyone’s everything, the more you will lose yourself. You are unique, you are special, and you are one of a kind. You can’t control what others think or say, but you can control the focus of your mind. Will you choose to focus on living the life God created you for or living the life Mary down the street says you should? Be you. That is so good enough.
So here you have it… 10 things I’m learning in this crazy season of life:
1. You have to embrace each day & own it.
I really honestly could go my whole life wishing and waiting for more or living in what’s behind or ahead of me. And to be honest… I grew up sort of living this way for a long time always believing that there was more to be had. And to some extent, that’s absolutely true. But sometimes I was so stuck on that “something more” that I forgot to look at the beauty in that specific day - of that time and season I was living in. You have to meet each day with an embrace, because you’ll never get it back. Own it.
8. You are not everyone’s cup of tea. 4. Failure is a good thing. Speaking of Not everyone is going to like you. I know
5. Doubts will come. Look - I want
to be straight with you, because this is what I needed to hear during the past year: Doubts are totally normal. It is okay to doubt. Your story will not look like everyone else’s, so just because Sally found her soulmate on the first date when it took you three years to really figure it out, or just because Jenny found her dream job when you’re still floating around on your fifth try, barely staying afloat, does not mean that you are doing life wrong. Don’t question God’s plan for you just because it doesn’t look like the plans of those around you. Doubts will come, but you have the power to squash them. Don’t feel bad for having those doubts, but really don’t feel bad for squashing them either.
9. The “I don’t know what I want to do with my life” syndrome affects more than just you. To be honest, we are
all trying to figure it out. We’re trying to live our lives the best we can. We’re trying to be the best versions of ourselves. We’re trying to learn and grow and take in more each day. But guess what? There is no one on this planet that has all the answers. You are not the only one who does not know what they want to be when they grow up. So show up for what today has to bring, give it your best, learn from it, and make tomorrow even better.
2. Having off-days are totally nor- 6. You have to make time for the mal & acceptable. Sometimes your sleep things you love. Life gets busy, and things 10. There will always be something schedule gets wonky, or sometimes you’re re- pop on the to-do list. Don’t get so caught up in you don’t have. There will always be some ally just not feeling like yourself. Let me tell you if you haven’t heard it already - THIS IS 100% OKAY. You are not the only one having an off-day. Some days I’m not very loving, & I struggle with being patient. Other days I feel great, full of energy, life, & zest! But on the days that aren’t so great - don’t feel so guilty. You are not alone, & you are not weird for having them. Just be willing to recognize it and move on from what you’re stuck in.
3. It’s okay to not get things right the first time. I think there is so much pressure
around “finding the right one” or “finding your passion” and getting it right the first time. It takes time for those things. Too often I think we’re searching and trying to “find” the one thing that will finally get us to where we’re “supposed to be” that we forget to just try and
the demands of life that you forget to make time for the things that make your heart beat a little faster. Go have coffee with Grandma. Go bike around the lake. Go visit a place you’ve never been to. Go give your partner a smooch. Make time for the things you love, and enjoy them.
quality you wish you possessed, some feature you wish you had, some gadget or item you wish you owned, or some experience you wish you enjoyed. Don’t live in the wishes. Don’t live in the what-ifs. Don’t be so busy looking right or left that you forget what’s in front of you. God’s got you right here right now for a 7. There is always more to the story. reason. Live in that. Make the most of it. Don’t It’s very easy to get frustrated with the person be so fixated on what you don’t have that you who cut you off or the coworker that really miss out on what you do. snipped at you or the friend that stabbed you in the back… but the truth of the matter is that So there you have it - 10 things I’m learning there is almost always more to the story. We in this wild, fun season of mine. I hope you don’t know what people are going through, and are able to reflect on the things you’re learning we don’t always know how they feel. Instead right now too and make the most of whatever of being quick to judge or criticize, sometimes season you happen to be in. you have to take a step back and remember that you are not the writer of their story. So fret- Embrace today, my friend. You are right where ting over what they did or said to you does not you need to be.
Pick us up at Taqueria La Ranchera, Abilene Funeral Home & Abilene ISD | FAITH & FAMILY | 35
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Is Your Child Secretly Struggling? Here Are 5 Signs By Timothy Diehl | AllProDad
‘A Future and a Hope’ The Lord says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. In today’s time, where so many feel hopeless, confused and without purpose, Jesus Yeshua reminds us that we have both purpose and hope. Mankind was created in the image of God, to be a reflection of His nature and His Character. But when Adam and Eve chose disobedience over God, they lost that reflection. Today, born-again believers in Jesus Yeshua are still called to be His reflection. Like a mirror, our lives reflect those things that they are pointed at. Let’s point our life at HIM and allow His LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL to be reflected from OUR lives. Point your LIFE to HIM today… Scripture References used: Jeremiah 29:11
ally reading a book about someone who dies or playing a video game that involves shooting and obsessing over them. Trust your instincts. Talk to your child about what he or she focuses on and the impact those things can have.
3. Changes in Eating Habits - Look for sudden changes in eating patterns that don’t make sense. Is there an increase in comfort food consumption? Does your child pick at food or often skip meals altogether? Talk with your child about these changes. There is rarely a reason a child should ever skip a meal (excluding in advance of certain medical proWhen your children are struggling, it’s al- cedures). So no matter what the excuse might most certain they’re telling you, but rarely be, he or she needs to eat something at each with words. So we need to pay attention to meal. If your child is obsessing over calories but is actually healthy, talk with him or her Alfonso Hernandez Bakery about that. If he or “Best Burritos in Town!” 325-670-0024 she is consuming unhealthy food regularMenudo & Caldo Friday, Saturday, & Sunday ly, talk about that, too, Open daily from 6:30am to 3:00pm and work to reduce 601 Butternut • Abilene, TX the amount of junk Drive Thru Open food readily available in your home. Diet changes may be pointing to something signals they’re sending. Here are five signs deeper, like a struggle with self-image. your child is struggling. 4. Changes in Personality - Children 1. Isolation - Every person is different, change. They are not the same at 13 as they and you certainly don’t need to expect your were at 8. Nor are they the same at 18 as child to be a socialite, but if he or she be- they were at 13. However, if your normally gins to show a pattern of isolation—refus- upbeat and outgoing teen is suddenly sullen ing invitations from friends, opting out of and withdrawn, don’t write it off as teens beevents he or she once would’ve said yes to, ing teens. This could be a warning sign that hiding out in his or her room for extended something deeper is going on. periods of time and only coming out when forced—don’t simply shrug it off as a phase. 5. Changes in Sleep Patterns - If your Ask questions. Dig deeper. This could be a child seems exhausted all the time, is suddenly unable to get to sleep at night, or was once sign of struggle. a sound sleeper and now wakes up regularly 2. Obsession with Dark Themes - throughout the night, it may be a sign of a siDoes your child spend lots of time immersed lent struggle. If your child’s sleep patterns are in books, movies, websites, or video games changing negatively, this could be a sign of that are focused on death or violence? When anxiety or depression. you check his or her search history, do the items searched for worry you? Does he or CALL US TO ADVERTISE she spend hours immersed in violent vir(325) 701-9505 tual worlds? Pay attention to those things. There’s a difference between occasion-
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Messianic M oment by Hope 4 Life Church
My daughter picked up a college course this summer. She loves writing, so we encouraged her to continue to explore that interest through our local community college. One night, I sat down at the computer and noticed she left open a paper from her class. I’m interested in her writing, so I read it. The paper chronicled her sixth-grade year and the devastating effects a male classmate’s bullying had on her self image. By the end of the paper, I was in tears. This was, in part, because I was heartbroken to hear what my daughter went through and, in part, because I was ashamed that I had completely missed it. I was clueless.
36 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Burnt Toast By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments God uses everything at His disposal to reach us - even burnt toast!
Inexpensive Advertising 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
I was sitting in a coaching session with a young woman who was struggling with her worth. She felt that everything she attempted, she failed at and then she belittled herself mercilessly afterwards. Mistakes were not allowed. Perfection was the goal. Her past marriage had ingrained that into her. Her past husband made sure to criticize and condemn her for every little thing that was not done his way. She is now in a new marriage - with a husband that thinks she is amazing and does not mind the mistakes. However, she still is living in the past -- fearful of her new husband getting tired of her forgetfulness, mistakes and malfunctions.
ment. Lastly, I realized that however the toast turned out - however my step kids responded to me - I was still loved, valuable, intricately known by my Father in heaven - the One who created me. If you are crying over burnt toasts - or spilled milk, I want you to hear from God today. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “For it was You, God, who created my inward parts; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”
I was trying to find a way for her to make a mistake on purpose and realize that life was
Luke 12:6 tells us, “Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgot-
still going to move on and that the mistake didn’t define her. So, for some reason, I told her to go home and burn some toast. The exercise was to show her that it was okay to make a mistake. It was also to teach her that there was always more bread to try again.
ten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!”
There were also some lessons to be learned from the toast. For example, if you truly care, you can adjust the toaster settings - or you can hover over the toaster until the toast is as dark as you want. And, finally, it was just toast -- it did not have anything to do at all with defining who she was in life as a woman, wife, daughter and future mom. As a stepmom, I was so hard on myself. I would play back every word I said to my step kids - as well as my own bio kids. I would lay in bed and tell myself that I am worthless and harsh, unloving with not a compassionate bone in my body. But, with time, and much help from God, I realized that it is all just burnt toast. I had another day to try again. I needed to not let my yesterday define my today. I worked hard to readjust the “settings” in my brain so that I learned not to verbally burn my family. I could also stay engaged with my family - so I could physically see what was going on and learn when to turn off my own heating ele-
Burnt toast is gonna happen. You are going to say things you regret. You are going to do things you wish you could undo. But, there is another day. Another opportunity to make adjustments. Fine-tune some settings. God knows you, created you, and understands where you are today. Don’t let yesterday carry over to today. Get out another piece of bread and give it another try! Blessings in your Blending … or burning (LOL)! _________________ 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).
Pick us up at Alliance For Women & Children, Mary’s Paleteria & H.E.B. | FAITH & FAMILY | 37
Ten Marriage Decisions to Make Today By Jimmy Evans | Founder & CEO of MarriageToday Did you know 86 percent of divorces are the result of what researchers call “non-severe circumstances”? That means the marriageending circumstances are not related to severe problems like abuse, abandonment or adultery. Instead, they are because of fights about money, kids, sex and other emotional issues. These are emotional decisions. They happen in the heat of the moment. One of the most important characteristics of a healthy marriage is to make decisions without regard to emotions. Emotions are fickle and unpredictable. They may be very real, but they can also be very wrong. But at the same time, we’re humans. We are emotional creatures. So, how can you keep emotions from impacting the health of your marriage? The best approach is to pre-make your decisions now. Instead of making decisions based on how you feel, make them based on what is right and what is best for your relationship.
marriage:
Here are ten decisions to make today about your
1. We will never threaten divorce. You were married for life, so
take divorce off the table. Don’t use threats of divorce as leverage to get your spouse to do something. In fact, take the word out of your vocabulary altogether. Work out your problems without using that word.
2. We will never go to bed angry. Work out your disagreements on
a daily basis or resentment will begin to fester. If you can’t find a solution, submit to Godly counsel. There will always be times in a marriage where you can’t work out problems on your own, so get help. Getting help is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.
observe the couples you’re spending time with today. Divorces run in packs. You want friends who will encourage you to do the right thing, even during hard times. You also need to remain connected to a Bible-believing local church where you can hear 3. We will never “agree to dis- God’s Word preached on a weekly baagree.” Marriage is the longest jour- sis. Church is where you’ll find your ney you’ll take in your life, but if one best friends. spouse is going one direction and the other spouse goes the other way, you 8. We will make our deciwill always have conflict. Seek agree- sions together. The two of you ment by seeking the Lord together. are equal partners. There should not Submit to God and godly counsel un- be one spouse who is dominant and til the two of you can get on the same one spouse who is more submissive. page. When you are making any significant decision, both of you have equal input 4. We will respect and cel- and both of you respect each other’s ebrate our differences. You are opinions. Never bully each other to two distinct individuals, which means change or influence a decision. you won’t always look at the world the same way. Do not dishonor each other 9. We will prioritize our maror disrespect each other because your riage above everything else. spouse thinks differently than you. Apart from your relationship with Refuse to judge each other or talk bad God, your marriage is the most imabout each other. Instead, be thank- portant relationship in your life. It is ful for the ways you are different. It more important than your children, makes you a better team. your job, your personal interests or your hobbies. Determine to work hard 5. We will give each other the to meet each other’s needs, and refuse right to complain and be hon- to sacrifice your marriage for anything est without paying a price. or anyone else. Think of yourself as a customer relations counter for your marriage. If 10. We will base our marriage your customer—your spouse—brings on Christ-like love. His love a complaint to you, then listen to that never fails. Marriage is a covenant decomplaint and work to make it right. signed by God. It is sacrificial and perAccept it with a good attitude. Don’t manent. It is not a relationship of conroll your eyes. Don’t be defensive. venience. The vows “for better or for Don’t shame your spouse for being worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickhonest with you. ness and in health” are covenant vows. That means your marriage is based on 6. We will be faithful to each the decision to love and cherish each other. Faithfulness means more than other and not on feelings, convenience just sexual faithfulness (though of or comfort. course that is a big part of your marriage vows). Faithfulness Don’t make CALL US TO ADVERTISE also refers to your emoimportant deci(325) 701-9505 tions. Even during times sions in your of frustration or difficulty, marriage based B-103 Suite ille, 209 S. Danv never let your heart be on emotions. If Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com turned away from each you do, you’ll other to another person. regret it. Make these ten important decisions now and you’ll create a 7. We will develop healthy re- marriage strong enough to withstand lationships with fellow believ- difficulties, disagreements and fleeting ers. If you want to know what your emotions. marriage will look like in five years,
38 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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hat keeps you up at night? What problems consume your thoughts, causing you to assume A Worrier only finds peace when something bad is going to happen? Are you a things go their way. A Warrior finds worrier or a warrior when it comes to the trou- peace regardless. When everything is gobles in your life? ing well on the job, at home and in life, the worrier is at peace. But when the slightest thing Worrying is a common goes wrong, the worrier is in complete turmoil. struggle for all of us. But a warrior finds comfort and peace even There’s always some- when major storms in life hit home because he thing to worry about: knows God is in control of all things. kids, jobs, health, money, etc. Parents A Worrier becomes isolated and worry if their kids will lonely. A Warrior seeks wise counbe okay at a friend’s sel and advice. For example, a worrier house, at a park down consumed with financial concerns is likely to the street, at a party, or keep the problems quiet, assuming they should out with friends. They figure it out. But a proactive warrior confides worry about their kids making wise decisions in others they trust to get helpful advice and when they’re with their friends. Husbands and objective perspectives on how to handle their wives worry about their spouse’s safety, their financial stress. health, their job, and their faithfulness.
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trusts God in all things.This is a tough
one because we all worry sometimes. But worry is really not trusting in the allpowerful, all-knowing, and all-present God. A warrior trusts God—trusts that He is always with us, that He is always good, that He always loves us, and, that “in all things God works for the good of those who friends and their families, teaching their kids love him, who have been called according to how to handle difficult or dangerous situations his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) that might happen. The warrior shows his kids how to stand strong for what is good and right. No one ever worried themselves out of worrying. Eventually, a worrier who is weary of A Worrier is paralyzed by fear. A the worry needs hope and help. So go to God, Warrior admits fear, but does what’s trusting Him for answers and peace. Be proacneeded anyway. For example, when a bully tive in prayer. Ask God to help you to release strikes family or friends, the worrier will avoid your worries. Don’t just say you’ll pray about the bully in silence. But a warrior will over- your worries…get on your knees somewhere come fear and do what’s needed: stand up to, and actually pray. speak out against, and report the bully.
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40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Chis DeLuna’s Blog:
An Encouragement to Pastors:
When the Gospel is out of Season
By Chris DeLuna | Pastor at Church of Grace, Robstown, TX Paul warned the Ephesian elders about the emergence of false teachers (formerly church leaders) who would draw people away from the faith and to them. This is found in Acts 20:29-32: “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears” (Acts 20:29–32). Time transpired and what Paul had warned the church leaders about began to take place. He called upon Timothy to “wage the good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18) in Ephesus, he called upon Timothy to “preach the word; [to] be ready in season and out of season; [to] reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 2:24). Yet Timothy was informed that despite all his efforts false teachers would prevail with many; “the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). Timothy was told that a time would come “when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Tim. 4:3). This should serve as an encouragement to pastors everywhere who despite all their efforts in transmitting “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3) many of their hearers “turn away from listening to the truth.” There are times when the gospel is “in season” and at times when it is “out of season.” Nevertheless, our eyes should be on proving faithful with the task at-hand. Therefore, let us “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Let us “devote [ourselves] to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v. 14) not neglecting the gift we have. Let us “practice these things, immerse [ourselves] in them, so that all may see [our] progress. Keep a close watch on [ourselves] and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing [we] will save www.facebook.com/hispaniclifemagazine both [ourselves] and [our] hearers.”
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Hispanics Are More Likely to Get Diabetes. And That’s Not Good For Their Hearts By AanVeciana-Suarez | Miami Herald
He quickly found out, however, when he was diagnosed with both diabetes and cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken and become enlarged. “If I had waited another day, I would’ve died,” recalls Roso of that frightening experience six years ago.
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educational initiative about cardiovascular disease and death in people with Type 2 diabetes. The partnership, Know Diabetes by Heart, is a multi-year program that, among other things, helps diabetics manage the disease and its many health risks. The diabetes-cardiovascular link is particularly worrisome among Hispanics, who tend to have a higher incidence rate of diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.
“I changed my whole life,” he adds.
A National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute study known as the Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) found that, among all Hispanic/Latino groups, the prevalence of diabetes, both diagnosed and undiagnosed was 16.9 percent, compared to 10.2 percent for non-Hispanic whites.
Before “the world fell on my head,” Roso was one of the millions of people living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. He was unaware, too, that the disease has a strong and deadly correlation to cardiovascular disease.
The incidence among individual Latino groups, however, varied, with a high of 18.3 percent for those of Mexican descent and a low of 10.2 percent for those of South American descent. (Cuban Americans fell in the middle, at 13.4 percent.)
Diabetic adults are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease than adults without diabetes. In fact, 68 percent of people age 65 or older with diabetes die from some form of heart disease, while another 16 percent die of stroke.
The rate of diabetes also rose steeply with age. Fifty percent of Latino women had diabetes by the time they were 70, with men clocking in at 44.3 percent. Both rates are higher than for non-Hispanic whites.
Eventually Roso, now 43, transformed his eating and exercise habits and underwent a heart transplant.
Dr. Sandra Chaparro, Roso’s doctor and a cardiologist with the University of Miami Health system, said that while the real estate photographer’s case may seem extreme, surprise diagnoses aren’t unusual. That’s why diabetes is often referred to as “the silent killer.”
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Physicians and researchers attribute these alarming rates to many factors. Diabetics, particularly those with insulinresistance Type 2 diabetes, “If you don’t have regular visits to your doctor To combat this lack of awareness, last year the usually suffer from the very conditions — obesity and regular blood tests, there’s really no way to American Heart Association and the American (especially carried around the waist), high blood Diabetes Association got together to launch an pressure, high cholesterol, and little physical acidentify it in time,” she says.
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When Octavio Roso was rushed to the emergency room unable to breathe and with a pain in his chest, he had no idea what was wrong with him.
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42 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
13 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick With a Cold or the Flu By Stephanie Silk | Health
Are you avoiding your co-worker with that hacking cough, cold, or flu in the cubicle next to you? Do you open every door knob with your elbow? It’s time to get a grip—without opening yourself up to getting sick. Here, medical experts weigh in on 13 different ways you can avoid getting catching something this cold and flu season.
pertains to keeping a wide berth to sick family and friends too, when possible, says Dr. Robertson. And if you do have to interact with people who are sick, make sure to be vigilant about washing your hands and not touching your face.
8. Keep hand sanitizer on hand. You
know how washing your hands is good pro-
1. Wash your hands as much as you tection against cold and flu germs? Sometimes possibly can. A good rule of thumb (no pun you just are’t near a sink with running water intended)? Each time you shake someone’s hand, wash yours. But don’t stop there—you want to lather up your hands as much as possible, says Mark Mengel, MD, chair of community and family medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Running lots of water over your hands will dilute any germs and send them down the drain, and soap will help slough off the germs quicker.
2. Don’t touch your face. Your nose
and your eyes are the most common places for germs to get into your body, so it’s best to avoid touching your face at all (that goes doubly for biting your nails, where germs can live) says Dr. Mengel—at least not until you’ve washed your hands.
and soap—in those situations, keep sanitizing gel or alcohol-based hand wipes on you at all times. But, pro-tip: Read the label before you buy, says Dr. Robertson. Look for alcoholbased wipes and gels, which are more effective at killing germs than those without alcohol.
9. Quit smoking already. Smoking
increases the risk of infections by making structural changes in the respiratory tract and decreasing immune response, according to a study of smokers and infection published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004. In particular, Dr. Mengel says, smoking destroys cilia, the little hairlike fibers inside our noses, which can help increase infection risks.
10. Be wary of sharing food with oth3. Get enough sleep.As if going to bed on ers. Double-dippers may be passing germs time on a normal basis isn’t hard enough, you need more zz’s when you’re feeling under the weather. When you’re tired, your body isn’t fighting as hard, so Dr. Mengel suggests getting 8–10 hours a night to keep your system in tip-top germ-fighting shape.
to those who eat after them, Dr. Mengel says, so maybe opt to steer clear of communal snacks—especially at your company’s holiday party, when cold and flu season is in full swing. Also worth ditching: Sharing drinks with anyone else—it’s just not worth it.
4. Get your flu shot—every. single. 11. Buy a leather bag, and ditch your year. Yes, really. (No, it will not make you cloth purse. Our purses pick up germs like sick). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months of age or older get a flu shot every year—ideally by the end of October, around the time flu season starts showing up.
5. Eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Is it always fun to eat healthy the majority of the time? Not really, but eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help support your immune system, says Jeff Robertson, MD, chief medical officer for health insurance company Regence. That means it can give your body an even better chance of fighting off the flu.
6. Work out regularly. Get those sweats
on and exercise, says Ann G. Kulze, MD, CEO and founder of Dr. Ann and Just Wellness. Working out regularly enhances immune function, she explains, which can help your body fight off any cold or flu germs.
7. Keep your distance from sick people.This one might seem obvious, but it
applies to more than just keeping a safe distance from sick strangers and colleagues—it
we do, according to Joseph Brasco, MD, author of The Great Physicians Rx for Colds and Flu, so you could be re-infecting yourself every time you pick up your handbag. His suggestion: Put away your cloth purse during the winter months and carry one made of easierto-wipe-down vinyl or leather. (Of course, you could always just buy more bags.)
12. Try to smile once in a while.
New research has found that happiness may help you fight off cold and flu germs. Carl Charnetski, MD, professor of psychology at Wilkes University, found that sex, positive thinking, playing with a pet, and other pleasurable behaviors boost your immune system— making it harder for viruses to stick.
13. Think of ways to keep others healthy too.Let’s say, by some awful luck,
you do get sick—when you have to cough and sneeze, do so into the crook of your elbow, not into your hands. Since your hands are a common source of germs, doing that will prevent them from spreading, Dr. Kulze says.
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Continued from page 41
tivity — that contribute to cardiovascular disease. When they occur together, these conditions are known as metabolic syndrome.
Diabetes, explains Dr. Mike Diaz, an interventional cardiologist with Palmetto General Hospital, results in inflammation and slower blood flow. This increases the potential for atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries, which in turn accelerates heart attack risk. “We treat a diabetic patient who has never had a heart attack as someone who already has a heart attack,” Diaz adds.
The traditional Hispanics’ diet hardly promotes good health either, with its dependence on complex carbohydrates.
But there’s plenty of good news.
“We have more carbs but a lot less vegetables,” Chaparro notes.
“It’s definitely controllable,” says Dr. Lawrence Blacher, a cardiologist with Baptist Health System’s Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute.. “Patients can do something about it. Most of the ones I see know the consequences of diabetes and they’re motivated.”
As a result, Hispanic Americans were 1.2 times as likely to be obese than non-Hispanic whites, according to a government health report. They were also less likely to be physically active. Dr. Aldo Calvo, medical director of Broward Health’s Community Health Services, notes that “social determinants” also elevate the risk of dangerous consequences from both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. “Many patients have no access or poor access to healthcare,” he says. “They have no insurance and when this happens, the probability is high that you won’t be diagnosed [with diabetes or pre-diabetes].” In such cases, he adds, people can live with diabetes (or pre-diabetes) for five to 10 years without noticing the telltale symptoms, thus allowing the disease to wreak havoc on their health.
Roso certainly was. Even before his heart transplant, he changed his eating habits. The steady diet of fast food burgers and hot dogs? Gone. Salt and sugar? Gone. The drinking? Gone too. Now he loads his plate with fruits and veggies. He also runs, rides bikes, and plays sports on a regular basis. “I feel so good,” he says. “I can breathe again. I can walk around again. It’s an amazing feeling.”
44 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
5 Must-Know Facts About Colonoscopies By Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD | ShareCare
If you’re over age 50 and haven’t had a colon cancer check, you’re not alone. A whopping 23 million Americans have never had a proper test for this killer, a sobering new report reveals. This is one club you don’t want to be a member of. Here’s how to get out—and save your life.
Fear#3: I’m scared they’ll find something. Fact: Colon polyps are super-com-
mon—30 to 50 precent of adults have at least one; less than 10 precent are precancerous. If you’ve got a polyp, finding it and having it removed during your colonoscopy is the best thing that can happen to you.
Colorectal cancer claims 50,000 lives annually. But 60 percent of these deaths could be prevent- Fear#4: Colon cancer runs in my ed if tiny growths on the lining of the intestines, family. I’m afraid I’ll find out I have called polyps, were spotted and removed during it, too.Fact: If a close relative (mom, dad, a colonoscopy. Most polyps are either non- or sister, brother, or child) had colon cancer, that precancerous or in early stages of gastrointesti- boosts your risk by 35 to 70 precent. Your doc nal cancer. should advise you to start having colon checks at age 40. If any close relative were diagnosed Colonoscopy, the gold-standard gut-check, is before age 44, then you should begin getting recommended when you hit age 45 or 50 (or colonoscopies five years before the age he or perhaps younger if this cancer runs in your fam- she was diagnosed. Also, ask about having those ily) and every 10 years after that if no problems earlier checks if more distant relatives (aunt, unare seen. But a third of you have never had any cle, cousin or grandparent) were affected. One kind of colon cancer screening. And we sympa- new report says waiting until age 50 could miss thize—they’re intrusive and scary (both of us 10 precent of early cancers in this population. had polyps removed at age 50 during a simple colonoscopy)—but battling advanced colon can- Fear#5: I can’t afford it. Fact: About cer is a whole lot more frightening. So, here’s one in four people who skip colon checks have how to get past common fears that may be keep- no insurance. But thanks to changes in federal ing you from getting a life-saving colon check. health laws, more insurance policies will cover the costs (with no co-pay, thanks to the AffordFear #1: It’ll hurt. Fact: Most, if not all, able Care Act) in 2014. In addition, the federal colonoscopies are done under mild sedation us- Colorectal Cancer Control Program could help ing the drugs fentanyl and/or midazolam. You’ll pay for yours. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/canfeel nothing as go into in a light sleep. Your pri- cer/crccp. vacy, modesty and dignity get plenty of respect, too. If you can’t handle the procedure, you do have options even if they aren’t the gold standard. Fear#2: “Bowel prep” is a pain in Your best option is a high-tech, at-home test. the…Fact: Your doc needs to see every inch of The latest at-home colon-cancer check, the fecal your colon, without an obstructed view. At best, immunochemical test (FIT), sleuths for blood incomplete prep boosts your odds for a do-do- hidden in stool—a warning sign for polyps. Just over; at worst, it ups the risk for undetected pol- take a sample from two bowel movements and yps and missed cancers. Sure, the prep may keep get them to your doc or lab pronto. There is no you home for a while, but try to schedule your prep, it’s cheap (about $22 per test) and nearly colonoscopy for a Monday morning; then you as accurate as a colonoscopy—but you need to can spend Sunday around the house. do it every year.
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Coping with COPD and Anxiety By Caryn Blanton, MSW, LCSW | American Lung Association With symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, it’s easy to understand why anxiety is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Anxiety can bring up feelings of nervousness and fear, and even physical symptoms which can impact day-to-day life. Identifying, understanding and managing anxiety is important for people living with COPD. Especially since this connection between anxiety and COPD is associated with more severe COPD symptoms, increased use of healthcare, more hospitalizations and need for treatment. “One of the most basic elements our bodies need to survive is oxygen, which we obtain through breath. COPD impacts one’s ability to breathe deeply, and this alone can result in anxiety, not to mention the psychological stress that can arise from living with chronic illness,” says Caryn Blanton, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker at Rush University Medical Center. The American Lung Association’s Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) recently published research findings on the effectiveness of questionnaires evaluating anxiety in COPD patients in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. The study found that symptoms of anxiety among patients with COPD were common and significantly higher based on the results from each of the three screening questionnaires compared to the prevalence of anxiety disorder as determined by the “gold standard” screening questionnaire. The results show there is a need for improved anxiety measures for patients with COPD—for both early identification and treatment. “Recognizing these symptoms and learning how to manage them, can greatly increase one’s quality of life,” Blanton said. To better understand the impact of anxiety on people living with COPD, we got more information from Blanton, who is part of an interdisciplinary team that assists patients in identifying and addressing psychosocial needs impacting a patients’ ability to be successful in reaching their healthcare goals.
Q: Why is anxiety especially common in COPD patients? A: When our breath becomes shallow, our
brains can sometimes perceive there to be a stressful situation at hand, even when there isn’t. This can cause a stress response in the body, often referred to as anxiety. It is important to understand that this is a normal function of the brain and finding ways to cope with
anxiety due to shortness of breath can make your day-to-day activities easier. Some ways to do this would be to engage in psychotherapy (mindfulness-based where available), talk with spiritual leaders, attend support groups or lean on friends and family; connection with others can be very healing, and it can also be a welcome distraction from how we’re feeling inside.
Q: Why is it important to recognize and address anxiety while living with COPD? A: Facing the complex emotions that arise with
a diagnosis of COPD can sometimes leave us feeling anxious. In addition to this kind of anxiety that we might expect living with a chronic illness, people living with COPD often experience shortness of breath. Whether we realize it or not, breathing not only brings oxygen into the lungs, but it also taps into something called the autonomic nervous system, which is what regulates many of the automatic processes that occur within the body. Intentionally trying to lengthen the breath can help your body feel safe and calm, thereby decreasing your symptoms of anxiety. One way to do this is to pay attention to your natural breath and count the seconds it takes to breathe in and out at a normal pace. Gradually try to increase the length of time you exhale first, then begin to increase your inhale, and try to deepen your breath by breathing deep into your belly. To start, focus on keeping your exhale either even with, or a little longer than your inhale to get the most calming benefit. This is called belly breathing and helps to relax the body and mind. Finding a way to manage your anxiety can help improve your quality of life.
Q: What tips would you give to someone living with COPD? A: Find ways to continue to engage in things
that bring you joy. If you love going for brisk walks but now find them to be frustrating, find ways to take slower, shorter walks or walk places where you know there are benches for resting along the way. Maybe bring a buddy who can help you pace yourself. For some, using a rollator (rolling walker with a seat) could be a nice option for more frequent breaks. Practice mindfulness, deeper breathing, and perhaps engage in more accessible or restorative forms of yoga. Engage with your support system. Be patient with yourself. If you begin to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, know you are not alone and there is help available to you. Call the Lung HelpLine (1-800-LUNGUSA) to talk one-on-one with a medical professional who can offer tips and connect you to resources.
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46 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Life of Pie If pie is what you crave, here’s the place for you. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine
Remember homemade pie? That fragrant, tender, flaky comfort food? Cory Bivens does because he remembers baking in the kitchen with his mother and grandmother. Cory and his wife Leslie have created a place where you can experience that comfort again: Life of Pie at 3386 Rebecca Lane. Cory and Leslie both call Abilene home. He was born in Fort Worth but only lived there about a year. Leslie was born in Las Vegas and moved to Abilene in 1985. They met through a mutual friend and have been married almost four years. For a couple of years they dreamed about opening an old-fashioned soda shop. Cory was running their marketing business and working construction. Leslie worked full time as a Program Mentor for Western Governors University. Then Cory entered the Annual Cisco Pie Festival in July of 2017 and won Grand Champion with his Honey Habanero Custard Pie. The deal was sealed.
tional, Keto friendly, gluten free and potpie and quiche for lunch. About 10 to 12 flavors of pie are available each day. The shop is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 9 pm. Beginning January 6 they will open on Tuesdays as well.
“One night I was peeking out of the kitchen,” Leslie says. “There sat grandparents with their grandchildren, a couple our age out together and a group of college students in our seating area. It made me cry.”
Chelsea Kellett works as a baker and two Wylie High School students work in counter help and customer service. Cory and Leslie both bake too.
“We just like to eat,” Cory says. “We’re big foodies. Knowing what we like to eat and what it should be: that helps. And knowing customer service.” Customers are more than happy. A fourteenyear-old shared that he felt at home in the shop. A seven-year-old said he didn’t want to swallow because the pie tasted so good. And Cory and Leslie are determined to use their business for good.
“It was originally going to be Cory’s shop with nine or ten flavors of pie,” says Leslie, “and I was going to have a little boutique up front. That lasted one day.” On opening day in April 2018, the pie sold out in four hours. On the second day it took six hours. On Pi Day, March 14, 2019 Leslie came back to the store and made pie three additional times before they had to close at 6 pm because they The couple’s favorite thing about the pie shop were out of pie. is the people they serve. They always imagined grandparents bringing their grandchildren in, Now the pie flavors number more than 60 in- couples enjoying date night and parents bringcluding what Cory calls “sweet heat.” tradi- ing their children.
register and bake.
“Both of us have always wanted to give back to the community that raised us,” Cory says, “and that’s what we’ve been able to do. This year they have donated pies to the West Texas Rehab Clay Shoot that were auctioned for significant sums. They will be providing samples at Turkey Trot and plan to continue participating in community events. Cory and Leslie’s families are part of the business too. Her dad built the walls. His dad promotes it everywhere he goes. A niece helps clean tables. A nephew helped set up for an event. Cousins from Virginia came to run the
So when you’re looking for a little comfort, a place to feel at home and pie that tastes so good you don’t want to swallow, visit Life of Pie. Cory and Leslie will be glad to welcome you.
48 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091
Losing Steam at Work? How to Stay Productive By HealthAdvocate Blog
If you’re regularly reaching for your second or third cup of coffee each day, or constantly feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated, it’s time to evaluate—and fix—the way you utilize your time and know when to step back before burnout sets in. The following tips can help you plan, prioritize, stay on track, and reduce your stress level.
Become a daily planner. Set aside the last 15 minutes
of each business day to plan the next day’s “to do” list. Establish your objectives and list the tasks, breaking down the large projects into manageable chunks and prioritizing them. Plug your meetings, deadlines, and other commitments into a calendar and set reminders.
Leave a little “buffer time” between tasks or meetings. At work, it’s often
help you prevent the day from getting away from you.
Take breaks to decompress. Even a simple stretch
at your desk, brisk walk around the building, or eating a healthy snack (like a small handful of almonds or a piece of fresh fruit) can help reduce stress and allow you to return to your work feeling more refreshed.
Beware of time robbers. This includes co-workers
who stop by to chit-chat and linger. The remedy: Suggest a time when you’re free to catch up. And only check your news feeds and social messaging during your break.
Keep your workspace orderly. Organization is
crucial to your success— an uncluttered desk helps you avoid getting bogged wise to expect the unexpected. down in the needless deUrgent projects crop up, deadtails that slow your proglines get moved earlier, and ress. Straighten up your impromptu meetings happen. area in anticipation of the It’s good to leave a little time next day. Toss papers you between your tasks to handle no longer need and file these types of things. No surprise meetings or deadlines? the ones you want to keep. Wipe down your desk. Check Instead, use the time to catch up on emails or phone calls. to see if your plants need to be watered, or if your tissues or desk-drawer stash of healthy snacks need to be Spend your first hour at work on the day’s most replenished. important activity. It’s always better to tackle crucial tasks while your energy is at its peak. Another option: Don’t forget to have fun. You need time for recreation Tackle your most dreaded task first. You’ll beat procrasti- – to recreate yourself – so that you can tackle your renation and feel more productive and energized to move on sponsibilities with a renewed vigor. Whether you take to the more enjoyable/rewarding tasks. regular walks, train for a 5k, volunteer at an animal shelter, putter in your garden or attend community events, Focus on just one thing at a time. While multitasking remember the credo: if you work hard, then play hard. seems like a time-saver, it potentially keeps you distracted Striking this balance can help you create a life is that is and makes you less productive. more fulfilling and less depleting!
Keep a clock nearby. If you’re the type of person who If you’re consistently feeling unfocused, frazzled or fatends to lose track of time when immersed in a project, tigued, talk to your healthcare practitioner for advice. keep a clock where you can always see it as you’re working. This can help you stay aware of the time, which can
Pick us up at Abilene I.S.D., China Star, A & M Donuts | BUSINESS | 49
Grumps Burgers Opening in Central Abilene on North First Street By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter News
The team behind Grumps Burgers is optimistic about a welcome reception for their family-friendly restaurant in a long-shuttered Pizza Hut on North First Street. The original Grumps Burger in Granbury was ranked No. 4 on the 2018 TripAdvisor list of best burgers in the country. On the travel website’s list of best burgers in every state, the original location also was touted as the top spot for Texas. More: TripAdvisor’s best burgers in every state Visits to Abilene in recent years by restaurant founder Collier Albright and Shevin Schmitt, manager for corporate services, sold them on the idea of opening a the chamber and some planners. We love the location here. vision that they’ve got for the city, and we want to be close to that.” “Every time we’ve come down there, Abilenians have been so great to work with and to Abilene will be the fifth location for the resdine with and shop with. Everybody there is so taurant Albright started in 2002, and the westfriendly, and that’s just what we look for in the ernmost. Other locations are in Burleson, Cleother communities we are in,” Schmitt said. burne and Stephenville. “And, man, Abilene just hits the spot on every one of those things.” In a previous career, Albright had experience The store’s location on a main thoroughfare at in human resources and 3533 North First St. was one of many pluses, business management in she said. a corporate setting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “What we found so great about it is it’s near the vibrant downtown area, and we’re sold on the The Abilene location is exfuture of Abilene, especially all the potential pected to open in Decemthat we see downtown,” Schmitt said. ber, Schmitt said.
wiches, chicken strips and salads on the menu. Sides include fresh-cut chips, onion rings and hand-battered fried jalapenos and pickle slices that can be dipped in a signature jalapeno ketchup or scratch-made ranch dressing. Drink options include Dublin Bottling Works sodas, made from pure cane sugar, from the fountain, and beer served in ice cold schooners, Schmitt said. Milkshakes are mixed with Blue Bell ice cream, according to the online menu. Equally important to the food is a restaurant atmosphere that is welcoming to families with children, Schmitt said.
“We met with a lot of folks with the city and National recognition The restaurant’s name is a The restaurant will be open nod to Albright’s grandfather, according to the every day except Sundays, she said. company website grumpsburgers.com. Extensive renovations “Grumps makes a classic burger that is cooked The property was purchased in April, accordto order in a fun, family-friendly environment. ing to the Taylor County property website. We leave all the frills and burger craftiness Several renovations have been undertaken, to the other guys. That’s not our cup of tea,” including adding an outdoor patio. Schmitt said. “We had to bring everything up to code, so That means fresh beef that is cut in-house. that was the main thing with plumbing and Patties are hand-formed for burgers cooked electrical and all those type of things. It did to order. Options include specialties such as take a little bit longer than we were planning the queso or Swiss mushroom burgers, or a but that’s OK, as long as we get everything Inexpensive Advertising • CALL 1-325-701-9505 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com custom request. There also are chicken sand- done the right way,” Schmitt said.
50 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Barr Roofing: Taking Care of Big Country Roofs for over 50 Years By Barr Roofing
The Big Country has been supporting Barr Residential Roofing for more than fifty years! Our customers can count on us to take care of all their roofing needs. Our sales consultants look forward to providing excellent service to our customers, and are available to walk you through the process and get you taken care of quickly!
Grand Opening Columbian Shapewear and Girdles by Maria 10-4-19 — in Abilene, Texas.
At Barr Residential Roofing, we partner with customers through many different situations. They come to us in times of celebration; needing a new roof during the purchase of a home or while building a house. We also have the privilege of aiding customers during times of stress when weather hits or time has taken its toll on their roof. We have partnered with two financial institutions, bringing needed financing options to many of our customers. With insurance deductibles and unexpected expenses, our financing options allow you to have your roof repaired when necessary, giving you peace of mind.
Grand Opening for Melanie Hardy - State Farm Agent 10-31-19 — in Abilene, Texas.
Replacing an existing roof, or installing a roof on a new home, can be an intimidating process. Whether your home is the victim of a recent hail storm, or you have what seems to be a simple roof leak, it’s important to have it addressed in a timely manner. Our sales consultants look forward to meeting with you and discussing your roofing needs! Allow our roofing experts to answer any questions you may have, and hear about all the wonderful roofing options there are. If you suspect a roofing repair is needed, call Barr Residential Roofing at (325)701-9529 to schedule a roof or repair consultation today! Our work crews and our families thank you for allowing us to serve you. We thank you for trusting Barr!
Grand Opening for New Life Counseling 10-21-19 — in Abilene, Texas.
Pick us up at Kentucky Fried Chicken, Wal-Mart, Lytle Land & Cattle | BUSINESS | 51
Abilene Bealls Store Closing, Having ‘Mega Closeout Event’
By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News
The Bealls store in Abilene at 3725 Catclaw Drive soon will be closing, said a spokeswoman for the store’s parent company Stage Sores Inc. in Houston. “Stage reviews its store fleet on a regular basis to ensure we remain competitive and best positioned to provide options to our guests. As a result of our latest review, we have made the difficult decision to close the Bealls store in Abilene,” said Cheryl Moralez, senior manager for brand publicity. Signs on the Abilene store indicate there is a “Mega Closeout Event” with 40 percent off. Houston-based Stage Stores announced in September that it would convert many of its Bealls and other stores to the “off-price” department store Gordmans. Some stores also would be closed, the company said at the time in a news release.
Intangible by Jorge Ambacher, McMurry student
No puedo salivar La pólvora en mis calles. Solo puedo saborear la Cultura enfloreciendo cada Segundo. No puedo respirar lo Siniestro. Solo puedo apreciar aquel Mercado, albergue de mi niñez. No puedo ver cuerpos En la calle. Solo puedo Ver las familias sonriendo, Deambulando libremente. No puedo escuchar Aquellos balazos. Solo puedo Escuchar el mariachi Por la madrugada. No puedo sentir violencia A mi alrededor. Solo puedo Sentir la mano de mi hermana Juarenze, siempre sonriendo.
In April 2017, the publicly traded Stage Stores completed its purchase of 48 Gordmans stores and a distribution center after the Midwestbased Gordmans filed bankruptcy. Stage owns more than 780 Bealls, Goody’s, Gordmans, Palais Royal, Pebbles and Stage stores in 42 states, according to the release. A stand sign inside the Abilene store foyer states that customers can use their credit cards and earn/redeem rewards at Gordmans. Customers also can enjoy shopping and redeeming gift cards online at stage.com, Moralez said. “We are working closely with affected associates to offer them positions at other Stage stores,” Moralez said. “In instances where other job opportunities are not available, associates will have the option to take a severance package when the store closes.” Off-price retailers take advantage of close-out sales and overstocks from traditional department stores to offer brands at a significant discount. Examples include TJ Maxx and Ross, both which are located in the Shops of Abilene center with Bealls, and Burlington in the nearby The Shops of Abilene Village at 3526 S. Clack St. Two Bealls stores in San Angelo are going to become Gordmans, the San Angelo StandardTimes reports.
52 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT We offer: • Medical • Dental • Vision • Accident Insurance • Critical Illness Insurance • Long-Term Disability Insurance • Life and AD&D Insurance • Short-Term Disability – Paid by Employer
• • • • • •
EOE Promote from Within Multiple Locations Multiple Shifts Multiple Bonus Programs Shift Differential
We are hiring for: • • • • • • •
General Production Sanitation Janitorial Building Maintenance Mechanics Forklift Drivers Administrative
Pick-up an application at: 5425 North 1st Street or 5301 South 1st Street (325) 232-7714 HR@abimarfoods.com
EMERALD CASSIDY Name: Emerald Cassidy Where do you work?Abilene Christian University What’s your job title/what do you do?Director of Public Relations Where are you from? Abilene, Texas What is your favorite thing about living in the Big Country? Abilene offers a myriad of connections to people and places for those who live here. As a native Abilenian, I’m so grateful for this community and how it has fulfilled me on a personal and professional level. What do you do in your free time?F ree time is quality time spent with family and friends. It’s catching an ACU game day, volunteering with one of our many beloved nonprofits, or a dinner at Perini Ranch. What’s your favorite restaurant in Abilene? If Vagabond Pizza had a rewards program, I would be on platinum.
What’s the last book you read or what’s your favorite book? As a young professional, you learn quickly who or what to prioritize in life. In doing so, I’m working on being more mindful and T he Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery describes how your individual enneagram could help you achieve mindfulness. What’s something you’re passionate about and why? Abilene has always been a community that champions excellence in education. As a first-generation graduate, I am passionate about how I can contribute my time and talents to advance the ongoing mission to support students.
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Central Finance | BUSINESS | 53
Abilene Mayor Receives Council of Governments Regional Services Award By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter News
and family duty, as well as his passion for helping others.
The West Central Texas Council of Governments and City of Abilene is proud to announce Abilene Mayor Anthony Williams as the latest recipient of the West Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Services Award. Mayor Williams is the fourth person to receive this award in the Council of Governments’ fifty-three year history, and since the award’s inauguration in 2007. U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington presented the Regional Services Award to Mayor Williams during the Council of Governments’ annual meeting Wednesday, November 6th, at the Abilene Convention Center. The West Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Services Award recognizes an individual whose work on behalf of the concept of regionalism has had a significant
Council of Governments President and Sweetwater Mayor Jim McKenzie described Mayor Williams as, “a man of integrity, a consensus builder, and a leader by example.” Mayor Williams served on the Executive Committee of the Council of Governments from 2004 to 2017, including impact on the lives of West Central Texas two years as Presiresidents. dent. During that time, Mayor WilThrough this award, the Council of Govliams expanded ernments works to recognize the promomany Council tion of regionalism as it has been shown services throughout the region, and introduced to make governments across the area more efficient and effective. During Wednesday’s the Support Services to Veteran Families Propresentation, Congressman Arrington empha- gram, funded by the U.S. Department of Vetsized Mayor Williams’ strong sense of civic erans Affairs, to West Central Texas.
The Store That Builds Houses! 101 Fulwiler Rd Abilene, TX 325-673-4748
54 | BUSINESS | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank | BUSINESS | 55
Governor’s Office Report:
Travel Spending Grows in Abilene
By Kelly Thompson | Communications Director, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism has released its 2018 data for Texas Travel Industry Impact by Metro Statistical Area, and Abilene’s earnings not only grew, but outperformed total growth for the state of Texas.
current level of services.”
The Office of the Governor, Economic Development, Travel & Tourism’s annual Texas Travel Impact Report is calculated from data collected through 12 federal and statewide sources. Find Dean Runyan & Associates reports this good information about booking conventions, meetnews: Travelers spent $498 million in Abilene ings and events in Abilene at abilenevisitors.com. last year, reflecting 9.4% growth over 2017. That spending generated $44.2 million in taxes collected through lodging, gas and shopping, with local coffers garnering $14 million, a 7.8% increase over the prior year. Gains were fueled by growth in visitor spending on transportation and gas, lodging, retail shopping and recreation. “These numbers demonstrate the strong influence of group and leisure travelers to local business,” said Nanci Liles, Executive Director at the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. “These visitors support our restaurants, shops, attractions and other infrastructure.” The state report shows slight growth in the number of people employed by tourism Located in the T&P Depot landmark downtown, in Abilene – 4,047, an increase of 47 jobs, more the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau leverthan half at hotels and restaurants. ages hotel tax into economic development. The ACVB’s tourism professionals bring group and “We’re heading the right direction and are excited leisure visitors to Abilene, supporting the local to to pursue new business for the amazing reno- economy with more than $498 million in annual vated spaces at the Taylor County Expo Center, spending, money used by happy people who stay upcoming Dodge Jones Youth Sports Complex in hotels, shop, dine, and enjoy live music, sports, and the proposed convention hotel downtown,” arts and attractions. Established as an affiliate of Liles said. “These travelers help support our qual- the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in 1970, the ity of life. Without spending from out-of-town bureau has improved the quality of life and enguests, each person in Taylor County would need hanced the visitor experience for nearly 50 years. to pay $690 in taxes to maintain the community’s