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NOVEMBER 2021 Volume 11, Issue 7 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]
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We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2021 HispanicLIfe Media
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4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Big Country AIDS Resources Opens On-Site Pharmacy
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
Since opening in 1988, Big Country AIDS Resources (BCAR) has aimed to help Big Country residents living with HIV AIDS. In that time they’ve opened a clinic, hired case managers, and assisted in educating the public about AIDS resources. Medication has also been available through their partnership with Avita Pharmacies, though in the past that medication could only come by mail order. “Not only is this going to get the medication to them quicker, but for those who are looking for ways of preventing getting HIV, the PReP medication will be available here,” says BCAR Executive Director James Wagstaff. The goal is to streamline their process and help keep this underserved Big Country population healthier and safer. “It’s all set up, from the pharmacy, to the providers, to the case managers, and it flows beautifully,” Wagstaff says. Avita is a national pharmacy chain that has expertise in HIV, STI, and LGBTQ+ care, providing a knowledgeable and safe environment for those that might have nowhere else to go.
“People can come without judgment, without any sort of repercussions and just get help with their medication,” said Wagstaff. Though Avita specializes in LGBTQ+ matters, the pharmacy is open to all, and with BCAR’s financial assistance programs, they really mean “all.” “Everybody, even those on the fringes of society who have a disease, can access quickly and easily,” Wagstaff says. The facility was designed to be clean and upscale, so that access isn’t just easy, but dignified. “In a beautiful facility they’re going to feel more a part of society, and that’s what this is about is bringing hope to them, turning their lives around, and getting them back on their feet,” said Wagstaff. With the pharmacy providing access to prevention, BCAR can focus on education. “To help them stay healthy and then to work with people for preventing HIV from spreading, because it should not be spread in this day and age,” said Wagstaff.
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The Gift that Keeps on Giving By Mary Burke | Hardin-Simmons University
on many boards, including HSU’s. Gonzalez was Vice President of Cash Management, Correspondent Banking, and Security, and spent 23-years with First National Bank of Abilene.
Former Hardin-Simmons University Board Member, Homero Gonzalez had a deep commitment to the future of young people and was an advocate for Christian higher education. “He encouraged so many young people to attend HSU, advised them on scholarships available, and encouraged them to set goals and be to simply be the best they could be,” his wife Jacqueline shared in a 2001 Range Rider. Upon his passing in 1995, Gonzalez’s family established a scholarship in his memory. The scholarship continues to benefit students seeking higher education in business, with preference given to students who identify as Hispanic. Gonzalez retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Lt. Col. after 21 years and continued to serve his community in various roles. As early as 1978, The Brand advertised Gonzalez as a guest speaker on campus for student events. He was involved in the Abilene community as a member of the nominating committee for the Citizens for Better Government, the Texas Employment Commission advisory council 1984-1992, the Kiwanis Club of Abilene, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee, the U.S. Air Force Association, and the Abilene Institute of Banking. In addition, Gonzalez was president of the Mexican American Citizens for Success and served
Scott Dueser, chairman and CEO of First Financial Bank, shared in 2001, “I can think of no better way to honor the life of this fine man than by supporting a scholarship that will live throughout the life of HSU, an intuition Gonzalez loved. I want our employees, friends, and customers to be aware of this opportunity to pay tribute to a great employee, outstanding citizen, loyal friend, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. We were honored to have Homero as a part of the First National Bank Family.” Homero Gonzalez
Homero Gonzalez passed away October 13, 1995, and he continues to positively impact Hardin-Simmons University students. Thalia Guerrero is the current recipient of the
Homero A. Gonzalez Endowed Memorial Scholarship. Guerrero is a junior accounting major from Bellville, Texas and member of the Cowboy Band. She followed her brother, Gustavo Guerrero, to HSU after “seeing the spiritual growth and community [her] brother gained from attending HSU.” She chose to pursue a business degree “because of the variety of career opportunities and wide range of career paths.” Like Gonzalez, Guerrero is a leader and looks to her lineage for inspiration. “I identify with my Hispanic heritage and use it as a source of motivation because the opportunity to pursue higher education is one that is not common in my family. My parents did not graduate high school and did not have the opportunity to go to college. My brother and I will be first generation college graduates by next year.” “Receiving the Homero Gonzalez Endowed Memorial scholarship has impacted me in a way that hits close to home. One thing I struggled with was whether or not to go to college. The main reason was because of finances, but people like Homero Gonzalez, who want nothing but the best for people like me, are the reason I chose to go to school. Without HSU, I never would have taken the opportunity to learn not only the required curriculum but about different cultures, values, and the importance of education enlightened by faith.”
6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Hearing Center in Abilene hosts a “Hear for the Holidays” Giveaway Event By BigCountryHomePage
Holland Hearing Center has a new competition it calls: “Hear for the Holidays.” The competition allows for one nominated Abilenian to win a free pair of hearing aids, plus audiological care. Residents are invited to nominate a deserving hard-of-hearing person at www.hollandhearing.com/competition/. Nominations close November 30 at 6:00 p.m. Holland Hearing Center says its winner will be announced shortly after.
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“Hearing is something that a lot of us take for granted. It’s only when you lose it that you realize how important it is to your everyday function… Our Hear for the Holidays giveaway is an opportunity to change one local person’s life for the better, helping them to reconnect with their friends and loved ones this winter.” While studies are still being conducted, hearing aids are commonly used as a preventative measure. According to Holland Hearing Center, they are used to decrease, “risk of cognitive decline and other longterm side effects as a result of a lack of auditory stimulation to the brain.” Holland Hearing Center is located at 7 Hospital Drive, and is accepting appointments.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Celebrate the Holidays “Farm Style” at Christmas in the Garden By Sidney Levesque, Marketing Director | Abilene Cultural Affairs Council
Jump into your pajamas and head downtown to celebrate the holidays with some fourlegged friends! The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council presents the 3rd Annual Christmas in the Garden: Family Fun on the Farm on Friday, Dec. 3. This year’s event features the May Farm petting zoo, live entertainment and farm-themed crafts and food. This year, we are offering families two times to choose from – 5:30 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per family. Families can ride the Storybook Capital Express train and see Storybook Capital of America® characters in Santa’s Workshop for $1 a ticket. The 2019 Christmas in the Garden sold out. Buy tickets at www.abilenecac.org while spots are still available. This festive evening takes place in the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden on the lawn of the Abilene Convention Center. The garden’s storybook sculptures are decorated with twinkling Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Children will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus and families can take their photo with a vintage red truck decorated for the holidays. Mrs. Claus will read “An Otis Christmas” written and illustrated by Loren Long, whose original artwork was on exhibit at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature this summer and was the honoree of the 2021 Children’s Art & Literacy Festival. Christmas in the Garden is hosted by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and is one of several featured events during the Abilene Downtown Association’s annual City Sidewalks holiday celebration. For a full schedule of City Sidewalks events, go to www.abilenedowntown.com.
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South Abilene Church Set To Become Daycare After Rezoning Change By Tyler Henderson | BigCoutnryHomePage
Have you tried looking for childcare in Abilene? opposed the change, 9-1. If you have, chances are you have probably been put on a waiting list. Concerns over a potential future sale of the property was the one issue surrounding the The shortage of childcare spots across the city residents around the church. was addressed during a public hearing at the Abilene City Council meeting Thursday morn- Mayor Anthony Williams followed the initial ing. hearing with an open hearing from the public, in which Cynthia Pearson, CEO of Day NursBrook Hollow Christian Church, located in ery of Abilene, came to the podium. South Abilene, has been in rezoning talks with the City of Abilene, requesting to be rezoned Pearson, who has no affiliation with the from Medium Density to Neighborhood Retail. church, said that she was in favor of the rezonMaking the switch to Neighborhood Retail ing because of a shortage of open childcare would also limit the amount of hours they spots across the city. could be open and operational. She said the Day Nursery of Abilene can care This change would allow the church to be- for 600 children combined across their four come a fully-operational childcare facility. locations, and have a 300 person waitlist as of Thursday. Pearson also said there are only The Planning and Zoning Committee ap- about 5,400 childcare spaces in the City of proved and recommended the change on Sept. Abilene. She believes that is because of a de7, leaving city council disapproval as the only crease in licensed, quality childcare facilities potential hindrance. through the pandemic. However, surrounding residents were notified City Council approved the rezoning efforts of of the potential change and overwhelmingly the church unanimously.
8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
All-Female Crew Supports “The Sky’s No Limit: Girls Fly Too” Outreach Event in Canada
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By 1st Lt. Kaitlin Cashin | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, Dyess AFB Seven women from Team Dyess took off in a C-130J Super Hercules at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Oct. 1, 2021, in support of the world’s largest gender diversity outreach initiative in aviation, aerospace, marine and defense, “The Sky’s No Limit: Girls fly too.” The “Achieve Anything Foundation” event included the U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Municipal Police Forces, local and international search and rescue organizations, first responders, civilian companies, educational institutions, and the Canadian armed forces. The event took place at the Abbotsford International Airport, Canada, on Oct. 1 – 3, 2021. The all-female crew consisted of two loadmasters, two crew chiefs, two pilots, and one public affairs officer. While there, the aviation professionals had the opportunity to provide hands-on experience to visitors, share their passion for their role on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, and serve as an example to young people considering career fields in aviation and the military. During opening remarks, Kristen Brazier, Founder of Achieve Anything and event coordinator, said, “If we are going to fix gender diversity in STEM fields, you can’t do it with booths and brochures,” said Kirsten Brazier, Achieve Any-
thing founder and event coordinator. “You have these kids reminds me how unique of an expeto put tools in girls’ hands, get them up in the air, rience the Air Force is, and how much I love and let women experience these things. the C-130J model.” “What you see today is the result of a robust in- Many visitors had questions about equipment ternational partnership between the United States and the plane. Staff Sgt. Nicole Worthing, and Canada.” Brazier added. 317th Airlift Wing crew chief, explained her role as a maintainer to attendees, “It’s my job Throughout the two-day event, approximate- to fix the plane. I know this machine like the ly 20,000 curious visitors passed through the back of my hand, and there’s nothing I haven’t C-130J aircraft, lining the cargo compartment seen.” from loading ramp to the flight deck. Some enthusiasts traveled as far as three hours away. Of course, the flight deck was one of the biggest attractions for kids and visitors. Two Dyess pilots “These C-130 ladies gave the best display out invited attendees to sit in the coveted pilot seat of everyone in the show,” said an attendee from and explore the numerous buttons on the control Abbotsford, Canada. “I visited the first day, but panel. came back to bring my daughter the second day because the all-female crew was so engaging.” Several parents benchmarked the women as a role model to their kids. “You don’t have to be As participants walked through the aircraft, load- a dump truck driver like Daddy,” one father said masters gave children the chance to strap into to his six-year-old daughter. “You can drive carharnesses and loadmaster chairs to demonstrate go all around the world as a pilot like her if you what a day in the life of an aircrew is like. They want to!” also showed attendees videos of paratroopers jumping out of the planes. Between stories of distant travels and fielding questions about equipment, the crew also had the “I am extremely passionate about what I do as chance to connect with Canadian forces and airan aviator,” said Airman 1st Class Lacey Thomp- crew, exchanging stories and patches. son, 317th Airlift Wing loadmaster. “Seeing
“It was so much fun to be able to stand beside our Canadian counterparts to inspire a future generation of aviators,” said Senior Airman Meghan Irvin, 39th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “Trading patches is one of my favorite parts of these missions. They carry a lot of meaningful memories and represent the connections we made.” Hands-on experience, female role models, international friendships, and putting tools in young people’s hands was exactly what the Dyess crew offered visitors at “The Sky’s No Limit.” “Opportunities like this are the best part of the job,” said Maj. Caitlin Teresky, 39th AS pilot. “When we have the chance to travel and inspire others, it makes the long tough days out in the field worthwhile.”
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Crisis Text Line to Support Spanish-Speaking Texters Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis By Tejano Nation
Crisis Text Line, the not-for-profit providing free crisis counseling via text message, will begin offering its service in Spanish on October 15, 2021. The organization is actively recruiting and training volunteers who are bilingual in English and Spanish to help support the underserved population of LatinX experiencing a crisis. The need for this service is high. Suicide among young Latinas is a major public health concern as they attempt suicide more often than any other group of female teenagers nationwide, according to the CDC. The fact that LatinX people across the U.S. have a hard time finding mental health care services in their native language fuels this inequity. According to the recent data released by the American Psychological Association, only 5.5% of U.S. psychologists say they’re able to administer mental health care services in Spanish. Research indicates that language is a primary barrier preventing Spanish speakers in the U.S. from accessing mental health services.
Text Line’s texters, based on voluntary demographic data. English-speaking LatinX texters tend to be younger (56% were 17 or younger) and more likely to be female (79%) than all texters combined. During the Spanish service pilot, Crisis Text Line had more than 1,000 conversations with texters in Spanish and observed that Spanish-speaking texters were more likely to discuss depression, anxiety, and relationship issues than the Crisis Text Line average during the same time. The majority of texters who used the Spanish service were from Texas, California, and Florida. “I’m incredibly proud of the culturally competent, first of its kind, service we built to help the Spanish-speaking community in the way they deserve,” said Natalia Dayan, Crisis Text Line Localization Director.
Text HOLA to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor in Spanish.
“Our goal has always been to support people in crisis with the technology that is comfortable to them. Thanks to the hard work of our team and bilingual volunteer Crisis Counselors, we can also serve texters who feel most comfortable getting mental health support in Spanish,” said Dena Trujillo, Crisis Text Line Interim CEO.
Crisis Text Line is known for its innovative use of technology and data, leveraging machine learning to stack-rank incoming messages in order to serve the highest risk texters first. To increase access to the service for Spanish-speaking texters, Crisis Text Line also launched a new modality: WhatsApp. Now, anyone in crisis can also reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor on WhatsApp, an app with over 32 million Hispanic and LatinX users.
About Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line has been providing free, 24/7, confidential support for people in crisis via text since 2013. Volunteer Crisis Counselors complete a 30-hour training and have 24/7 supervision by full-time Crisis Text Line mental health professionals. Text HOLA to 741741 or text to 442-AYUDAME in WhatsApp to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor in Spanish. Text CRISIS to 741741 for English. Crisis Text Line currently offers its service in the USA, UK, Canada, and Ireland. Learn more at www.crisistexLatinX texters already make up 17% of Crisis tline.org. Crisis Text Line is a free service powered by a community of volunteer Crisis Counselors who help individuals in distress, bringing them from a moment of crisis to a cool calm moment through de-escalation, problem-solving, and active listening skills. The organization is actively recruiting and training volunteers who are bilingual in English and Spanish. To apply to become a volunteer, visit https://www.crisistextline.org/palabras.
10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Service Dogs Arrive in Abilene for Training
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
By Marley Malenfant | KTXS
A pair of rescue puppies were recently brought to Abilene where they’ll be raised by volunteers. One of the pups, named Greer, is an 8 week old golden labrador, and in just one year, she’ll be skilled enough to service others in need. She is spending her time at Hardin-Simmons School of Physical Therapy, where she’ll receive training from professor of Physical Therapy, Wendy Anemaet. The puppies come from a program called Canine Companions, who provide service dogs for adults, children, and veterans. The program helps get dogs to people in need for free. “We actually breed all the dogs for our program. We use labradors, golden retrievers, and crosses between the two. When they’re about
eight weeks old, they get sent out to volunteer puppy raisers across the country.” said Courtney Craig with Canine Companions. She also mentioned that private pilots donate their resources to help easily transport the puppies. Professor Anemaet says students often compete for a chance to train the puppies. “One of the things we do that’s a little unique here is that we get the students involved in raising the puppies, so all of the students have access to the pup. She attends class with them and does everything with them throughout the day, but we have a select few students who are a part of the puppy team. They are responsible for her care all day long.” These pups will soon be able to lend a paw to those in need.
Hendrick Hiring Non-Clinical Patient Sitters By Joey Hollingsworth | BigCoutnryHomePage
Hendrick Health is hiring people to sit with patients who need continuous monitoring. In a social media post made Thursday afternoon, Hendrick says they are hiring non-clinical patient sitters, who do not provide patient care. A patient sitter stays in a patient’s room who needs continuous, close visual monitoring, and stays with them during transport for tests or procedures. Patient sitters will go through training before being assigned to a patient.
If you would like to apply, go to www.hendrickhealth.org/careers/
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Former Hollywood Stunt Woman Revitalizing Downtown Merkel By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage
Tootie Bland was born in California and spent many years as a Hollywood stunt actress and animal handler. Now she resides in a little town called Noodle, just miles outside Merkel, Texas. Tootie says she has been very blessed in her life and wants to spread that fortune to the folks she loves. “I got to marry the man of my dreams. We shared the most wonderful world with horses and friends and people. It’s my time to give back, and that’s what we’re going to do,” says Bland. Her late husband was a local boy whose family owned businesses and land in Merkel. This connection has become Tootie’s link to the area and the history of this little town. “Merkel is a town I always felt had a great amount of potential,” Bland said. It all started, she says, with a little home on Oak Street that was built in the early 1900s. “I walked in that house and said, ‘I can’t let this happen, you can’t tear this house down,” said Bland. The purchase and renovation of that home set off a chain of purchases of historic Merkel buildings. Now buildings on an entire block are being stripped down to their foundations, getting restored to what they once were. “All these buildings hold a history and belonged to some family. Those families are still here,” says Bland. That connection between the people and their town is a link Tootie says she doesn’t want to sever, leading her to recruit local talent for everything from construction and design to mural work.
“I remember these buildings one way: boarded up. The windows behind me are still boarded up,” says Merkel resident and professional muralist Chera Chaney. Chaney grew up in Merkel, but when her art career took off she followed it out of town. Now, thanks to Tootie, she’s back to make a mark on the place that made her who she is. “It’s kind of a life highlight because I’m getting to do what I love, but also do it in my hometown where I grew up,” Chaney says. This local involvement has sparked a new excitement in the people of Merkel, according to Chaney. “People who have had some of these shops for years are actually starting to clean them out. They’ve seen that the whole town is really starting to show up and clean up. They want to be a part of that,” said Chaney. While most of the community response has been positive, Bland acknowledges that not everyone is on board. “There has been some push back from city officials because change is hard,” Bland said. Though she believes that if Merkel is to thrive, change of some sort is necessary. “We have two choices here: either we change and grow, or we’re gonna die,” she says. “We’ve had a slow decline where our businesses have left town. Our young, smart kids have left town.” Once completed, Merkel will be home to a courtyard, a tap house, locally sourced meat and produce markets, an art gallery, and restaurants. These are just a few of the things she hopes will spark a new identity for Merkel as a destination, all while keeping what makes it unique in tact. “I truly believe that there is a time and that time is now, that people are coming back to a simpler and better lifestyle. We can go to a small bakery and take our grandparents and have a cup of coffee,” Bland says. “Hometown life is important and it’s worth preserving.”
12 | 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) 673-4521 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Ralph Diaz Martinez, 68, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2021 in Abilene, Texas. Ralph was born August 31, 1953 in O’Brien, Texas to Rito and Victoria Martinez. On March 17, 1972 Ralph married the love of his life Eva and the couple spent 49 blissful years of marriage together. Ralph worked in environmental services for Hendricks Hospital for 48 years until his retirement in 2019. He enjoyed showing off his grandkids any chance he got, they were the light of his life. Ralph was a hardworking man that loved his family very well. His love will be carried on for generations to come. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Danny Martinez; his siblings, Raymond Martinez, Maria Gonzales, and Tony Martinez. Ralph is survived by his wife, Eva Martinez; his two sons, Eric Martinez and wife Angelica, and Chris Martinez and wife Tammy; his grandchildren, Eric, Erica, Chelsea, Christopher, and Aubree; his siblings, Johnny Martinez, Jovita Mata, Gloria Martinez, Yolanda Moreno, Barbara Martinez, Ester Nachon, Nina Ochoa, and Linda Casillias; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Eva Martinez, 70, passed away Monday, October 25, 2021 in Abilene, Texas. Eva was born January 6, 1951 in Mathis, Texas to Cristobal and Mary Rodriguez. On March 17, 1972 Eva married the love of her life Ralph Martinez and the couple spent 49 wonderful years together until Ralph’s passing just five days prior to Eva’s. Eva was a dedicated homemaker that even took care of her grandbabies until it was time for them to start school. She loved decorating for the holidays and cooking for her family. Eva was a member of Saint Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church in Abilene. Above all things Eva loved her family and
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
enjoyed taking care of their every need. She was very loved and will forever be in our hearts. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Martinez; her parents; her son, Danny Martinez; and her father, Manuel Garcia. Eva is survived by her two sons, Eric Martinez and wife Angelica, and Chris Martinez and wife Tammy; her grandchildren, Eric, Erica, Chelsea, Christopher, and Aubree; two siblings, Lina Castillo, and Ricardo Garcia; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The Lord called Diana M. De la Cruz Jiminez, 57, home Friday, October 22, 2021.
Diana M. De la Cruz Jiminez was born September 3, 1964, in Abilene, Texas, to the late Alberto Mendoza and Martha Lerma Mendoza. Diana M. De la Cruz Jiminez is survived by her husband Joe Jiminez of Abilene, Texas, son; Manuel De la Cruz III and his wife Marisol of Abilene, Texas, daughters; Adriana Lara and her husband Bobby of San Antonio, Texas, Martha Lopez of Abilene, Texas and Angelica De la Cruz of Abilene, Texas, sisters; Estella De la Cruz and her husband Simon of Trent, Texas, and Irma Gil of Abilene, grandchildren; Emilio Hernandez, Roman Hernandez, Senidah Hernandez, Manuel De la Cruz IV, Marisabel De la Cruz and several nieces and nephews.
Gregoria Gonzales, 88, went home with the Lord on October 23, 2021. Gregoria Gonzales was born May 9, 1933, in Ranger, Texas, to Ruben Andrade and Inez Gonzales Andrade. Gregoria Gonzales is survived by her daughter; Rosa Sanchez of Abilene, Texas, brother; Blas Andrade and grandchildren; Gabriel Sanchez, Emilio Sanchez, Jennifer Wade, Tony Wade, Angel Gonzales, Staci Sanchez and Jennifer Sanchez, greatgreat grandchildren; several. Gregoria Gonzales was preceded in death by husband Martin Gonzales, Father Ruben Andrade and Mother Inez Gonzales Andrade, daughter; Gloria Polanco, brother; Fidencio Andrade, sisters; Rosa Guadalupe Flores and Carmen Deleon. Pallbearers; Gabriel Sanchez Jr., Matthew Sanchez, Jaiden Sanchez, Christopher Hall, Tony Torres, Albert Andrade and Honorary; Kendrick Sanchez.
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Because service without a smile.
Dyess Airman Saves Lives in August House Fire By Abilene Reporter-News
A Dyess airman’s swift action pitching in at a house fire Aug. 11 earned him accolades and the Abilene Fire Department’s “Lifesaver” award for his courage. Elton San Juan, a 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit offensive avionics system journeyman at Dyess, was recognized by the department Sept. 3. San Juan was driving to the Air Force base when
But the values his parents and the Air Force instilled in him helped lead him to do the right thing, he said. “It felt great being able to help during this incident, but I didn’t do it alone,” San Juan said. “I received help from people in the neighborhood to bring people to a safer location until the firefighters arrived on scene. I’m glad that everyone involved was safe during the incident.” Chief Cande Flores with the AFD said San Juan was a “respectful man who upholds the core values of our Fire Department and the Air Force.” “I am grateful that we have men and women just like him serving our country,” Flores said.
he noticed a large amount of smoke coming from a residence, according to a report by Staff Sgt. David Owsianka with the 7th Bomb Wing’s public affair office. Arriving at the scene, he alerted the neighbors about the fire and helped safely remove the home’s occupant, according to reports. A fire investigator with the Abilene Fire Department stated San Juan’s actions saved the occupant from fire injuries or worse. “As I drove past the house and saw the fire, I knew I needed to help,” San Juan said. “... I did everything I could to ensure everyone was safe.” The rescue isn’t something for which San Juan trained.
Tech. Sgt. James Jackson, 9th AMU B-1B specialist section chief, said San Juan was a “prime example of excellence in action.” “Something clicked in his head that led him to believe something (wasn’t) right with the house,” Jackson said. “... He trusted his instincts and ended up saving the day.”
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14 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
The Shed Market in Abilene Makes Texas Monthly 2021 Barbecue Honorable Mention List
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By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News
Smoke signals hit the Internet Monday morning when Texas Monthly magazine released its Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints list, with one Abilene establishment earning honorable mention notice. The magazine’s barbecue treatise also is in the November print edition. The Shed Market, in a strip shopping center at 6382 Buffalo Gap Road, is the only Big Country barbecue joint on either list. Stacie and Byron Stephenson opened The Shed Market in May 2018. A larger location under construction at Buffalo Gap Road and Beall Boulevard is expected to open in summer 2022. “We are excited to be included in the honorable mention list. We’re first on that list (because it’s in alphabetical order by city) so we choose to believe we’re number 51 on the list!,” The Shed Market posted on its Facebook page. In the same post, the restaurant also gave a tip of the black pepper shaker to Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue in Wolfforth (outside Lubbock) for making the No. 8 spot on the Top 50 list. “We are so happy for those that made the list, especially our good buddies at Evie Mae’s,” the post stated. The 2021 list is the magazine’s sixth since 1997. For this year’s compilation, 35 Texas Monthly staff members/freelancers sampled
in the spring and summer smoked meats and other menu items at 411 barbecue joints. “What distinguishes the Texas barbecue scene today? In a word: surprises. In another word: variety,” the magazine wrote in the introduction. While smoked brisket, pork spareribs and sausage – the “sacred trinity” of Texas barbecue – remain staples of the state’s newer establishments, a younger generation of pitmasters is showcasing new flavors and choices for meats, sides and desserts, the magazine noted. This year’s Top 50 list is heavy on newcomers, with 29 joints making the list for the first time, including No. 1 Goldee’s Barbecue in Fort Worth that opened in 2020.
Here’s the Top 10 list: No. 1: Goldee’s Barbecue, Fort Worth No. 2: InterStellar BBQ, Austin No. 3: Truth Barbecue, Houston No. 4: Burnt Bean Co., Seguin No. 5: Leroy & Lewis Barbecue, Austin No. 6: Cattleack Barbecue, Dallas No. 7: Franklin Barbecue, Austin No. 8: Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue, Wolfforth No. 9: Snow’s BBQ, Lexington (No. 1 in 2008 and 2017) No. 10: Panther City BBQ, Fort Worth
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EDUCATION
LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS
Cisco College Holds Open House for Natural Science and Agricultural Research Greenhouse By Colton Wedeking - Director of Marketing & Public Relations | Cisco College
Cisco College held an open house on Tuesday, October 12 for the new $50,000 Natural Science and Agricultural Research Greenhouse on the Cisco campus. Construction of the greenhouse began in March of 2021 and was completed in April. Prep work included site selection, laying the foundation, and running plumbing and gas lines, all done by Cisco College maintenance staff. The foundation and electrical work was contracted to local businesses.
agreement between Cisco and McMurry science The structure itself sits on half the foundation. departments provide a The remaining concrete area will be used for seamless transition for container gardens, and a place to harden off Cisco students to enroll and become McMurry plants grown inside the greenhouse. students. The fence around the structure was built by CisOne Cisco College reco High School welding students. search team, named The greenhouse was funded with a portion of I.O.C.P, which is an Title V grant funding received in a cooperative acronym for Identify, agreement between Cisco College and McMurry Observe, Collect, and University. The overall purpose of the 5 year Ti- Propagate, is using the tle V grant is to increase the number of students greenhouse to support enrolling into and completing STEM majors their Title V research. degrees. STEM stands for Science, Technology, “Right now, we are learning various techniques Engineering, and Math. in plant propagation,” said Justin Ceniceros, BiThe funding is also used to develop students with ology Professor at Cisco College. “Students are the skills needed for success in STEM fields and honing their skills in planting, cutting, rooting, to promote retention, transfer, and graduation and transplanting a variety of plant species.” rates for both Cisco College and McMurry Uni“In the spring semester, they will apply their versity. skillset to growing those plants we identified in The research teams share a common support our collections as being of economic value,” he group among the faculty and staff who are in- added. volved in Title V research between both instituThe research team is focusing its research on botions. This also extends to the student tanical natural history to determine plant species researchers for both schools. The articulation in Eastland County.
The team identifies what kinds of plant species occurred in Eastland County from specimens collected in the late 60s and through the 70s, and then they observe to see if those species are still around. For those species which they find hold economic value as food, ornamental, or otherwise, they will try to propagate it. “The long-term goal for the greenhouse is to provide a structure that can be utilized across multiple courses and departments during and after the research has concluded,” Ceniceros said. “We will use the greenhouse to enhance lecture and lab lessons by providing a hands-on learning opportunity. “We will also use it as a place of student employment to grow native plants to return back to the community and help enhance our Cisco campus.” In addition to the research team, the greenhouse is also utilized by Biology for Science Majors, Botany, Horticulture, Agronomy, and Cisco College Academic Cooperative courses. Soon there will also be labs for non-major courses as well. More information about scholarships can be found at Cisco.edu.
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Duran Likes Environment of TSTC’s Wind EnergyTechnology Program By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College
The lab environment of the Wind Energy Tech- that every student succeeds and finds a job after nology program was one reason that Francisco graduating. Duran enrolled at Texas State Technical College. “I want our students to have the best education and college experience they can. I want them to “It does not feel like a regular college. We are go to work and excel at what they do,” she said. more like a family,” he said. “My classmates and the instrucDuran wants to succeed not tors are great. The instructors only for himself, but also for make us feel important and his family. want us to succeed.” “I am the first person in my Duran, of Abernathy, is studyfamily to graduate high ing for an Associate of Applied school and the first to attend Science degree and is using his college,” he said. “I am worktime in school to prepare for a ing to make my family proud career. of my accomplishments.”
turbine was the best experience,” he said “Having our instructors with us was the best. We learned so much.” Jones said she enjoys making the climb with students, especially when it is their first time. “I like to give the students a hard time when I beat them up the tower,” she said. “I always look back at them and tell them they need to keep up.” Duran said he is looking forward to his final semester at TSTC because he knows what will be next in his life.
“This was the best decision of my life to attend Duran said the main reason TSTC,” he said. “I know I will be the first in my he chose TSTC’s program family to graduate, and the money I will be able was the tradition of the pro- to earn with a degree will look really good.” gram. TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology program of“From the first day I was fers an Associate of Applied Science degree and here, the instructors have a certificate of completion at the Harlingen and The job outlook for the wind enbeen there to help us,” he Sweetwater campuses. ergy industry is bright. Accordsaid. “They are what makes ing to onetonline.org, the need for wind turbine this program the best.” For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu service technicians in Texas will increase 83% over the next decade. The average annual salary Duran wanted to attend art school at first, but for a technician in Texas is $52,420, according seeing wind turbines in the Abernathy area into the website. trigued him. “I want to work in the wind energy industry,” he said. “My ultimate goal will be to work on the offshore turbines because they are popping up along Rhode Island and the Northeast.”
The lab setting at TSTC has helped Duran “I had a friend who worked on wind turbines, during class. He admitted he has not had many and he told me to check out TSTC,” he said. problems. But if he does, he can turn to someone close by. “My friend knew I would be able to get a good education and a job. I have not been disappoint“We all thought the second semester would ed with my time here.” have been the toughest. Now, in my third semester, I can tell this is going to be a tough se- One of the highlights for Duran was his first mester,” he said. “But we will be working to- climb in a wind turbine. gether as students and leaning on our instructors to make sure we succeed.” “I am an adrenaline junkie, and being inside the Instructor Billie Jones’ goal is to make sure
ENROLL NOW Spring registration is now open!
tstc.edu/apply
Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | EDUCATION | 17
Mobile STEM Lab Helps Ortiz Students Engineer A Day Of Learning By Abilene Independent School District
Some future engineers at Ortiz Elementary of what they’ve done and how they’ve done. The School got an up-close glimpse at the profession engagement we’ve seen is incredible.” as the Texas Mobile STEM Lab truck made a stop in Abilene. Desurae Matthews, who is the Education Program Lead on the truck, said the goal of the Each region in the state gets a visit and thanks STEM truck is to not only get students hooked to the efforts of Suzanne Kehret – the Abilene on those programs, but for them to see there are ISD’s K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator career opportunities for everyone involved. who applied for the truck to visit Abilene – Ortiz was selected as the one campus in Region 14 to “We want everyone – whether they know right receive a visit from the truck. now or not – to know that a career in a STEM field is a great career,” Matthews said. “The most In partnership with Learning Undefeated, the fun we have is when the light bulb goes on and Texas Education Agency introduced the Tex- they realize they can not only do this, but they as Mobile STEM Laboratory program for the enjoy it and realize they can do this and make 2021-22 school year. The mobile lab provides wonderful things happen.” engaging, hands-on educational experiences for students and teachers using a custom-outfitted Thursday morning, a group of fifth-grade stuSTEM learning space. dents were tasked with completing a project to create an electrical current that would make an The Texas Mobile STEM Labs are custom out- experimental cup make sound, vibrate and light fitted STEM learning spaces built from modi- up. Each of the five groups in the truck were able fied shipping containers. The mobile labs offer to finish the project, a first in a while on the truck. a blend of career and skills education, providing flexible in-classroom resources that empower “The staff on the mobile lab was very knowlteachers with new skills and content ideas while edgeable and did a great job of showing the serving multiple classes simultaneously with en- students what it takes to be an engineer,” AISD gaging, hands-on experiences. Superintendent Dr. David Young said. “They’ve done a great job of letting the students now that “This is an incredible opportunity for our stu- anyone can be an engineer. You have to work dents to have this experience and to be able to be very hard at it, but it can be done.” in this environment,” said Kehret. “I’m so proud
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Pick us up at Riojas, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant & Alfredo’s | EDUCATION | 19
Abilene ISD Announces Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program By Abilene Independent School District
Abilene High School seniors Brooke Garduno and Harrison Smith and ATEMS senior Frank Fang have been named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.
National Merit Scholarship awards, some of these students do become candidates for other special scholarships.
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesCommended Stuperson for NMSC. “These Harrison Smith Brooke Garduno Frank Fang dents placed among students represent a valuable the top 50,000 students national resource; recognizacross the nation who entered the 2022 National Merit competi- ing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools tion by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Schol- play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement arship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Garduno, Smith, and of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recogFang are among the nearly 34,000 of these high scorers who nition will help broaden their educational opportunities and engo on to receive Letters of Commendation from their schools courage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in recognition of their exceptional academic promise. Although Congratulations to these three outstanding Abilene ISD student Commended Students do not continue in the competition for scholars!
Hardin-Simmons University’s Latin Student Union, Sabers and Student Life celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.
ACU Alumna Overcomes Obstacles to Launch Career with Google
20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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By Abilene Christian University
Overcoming challenges is nothing new for Ikumi Kobayashi (’15), who traveled more than 6,000 miles from her hometown of Ibaraki, Japan, to study at Abilene Christian University. She grew up with a profound hearing loss in both ears and relies on lip-reading as well as hearing aids to help her communicate. She also faced the challenge of taking college courses in English, rather than her native Japanese.
ive throughout the process and made sure I had all the accommodations necessary during the interviews, so I was able to communicate without having to worry about my hearing disability.
them. Google’s mission statement is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” There are many different teams at Google from engineers to sellers, etc., but we all have the same mission to work hard every day to provide the best experience for our users. I hope to serve more users around the world, and help optimize people’s lives using my knowledge.
What does your job entail? What is a typical day for you? On a typical day I check my clients’ Google Ads accounts to monitor if their ads are running correctly, and find the things we can optimize for better performance. I meet with Nevertheless, she has earned not one, but two my internal teams and external clients over vid- What was your favorite thing about being a college degrees and now works at Google, one eo calls to discuss them on a daily basis. After student at ACU? Being at ACU, I was able to of the world’s largest companies and most-recognized brands. As a search optimization specialist, she supports large Japanese companies in the entertainment industry in running and optimizing their Google search ads. Kobayashi graduated from ACU in 2015 with a B.S. in communication and went on to earn an M.A. in international culture and communication studies in 2018 from Waseda University in Tokyo, where she now resides. In this Q&A, she talks about the challenges she has faced as well as the opportunities she found at ACU and beyond. Why did you decide to come to ACU for your undergraduate work? How did you hear about the university? ACU has a partnership with Ibaraki Christian High School, where I attended. Originally, I was planning to go to a university in Japan, but during the application process I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn in English, hoping to have a wide range of opportunities in the future as a Japanese woman with a hearing disability. That was when my teacher recommended I consider going to ACU. I was told there are many alumni who were successful building their careers after graduation. As an international student, having reliable communities was very important, so I made my decision to study at ACU.
Ikumi Kobayashi is a search optimization specialist for Google, based out of Tokyo.
our Google Tokyo office shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, I have been working remotely in my apartment. I really miss meeting my teammates and friends in the office, but I try to keep myself energized by proactively setting up video meetings with them as often as possible. Conversations with Googlers (Google employees) always help me to maximize my productivity.
meet so many lifelong friends and people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds. Through the activities with the International Students’ Association, I made new friends from different countries who supported each other and many local friends who showed interest in learning about our cultures. One of the best activities was Ethnos (an annual international showcase). I had the great opportunity to learn about different cultures through fun perforWhat is your favorite part of your job? mances representing different countries, and What is most challenging? My favorite part is also I was able to introduce cultures from Japan. definitely that I can be a part of many exciting projects at Google, and I can give my feedback In what ways do you feel ACU prepared you directly to improve products. My core job is to academically for your future? As a non-native support clients on Google Ads, but as one of a English speaker, one of the biggest challenges few Googlers with hearing disability, I feel re- was learning in class in English. Before starting sponsible to speak up to give feedback and pro- my freshman year, ACU provided me with ESL vide ideas to improve whenever I have a chance. classes over the summer break. It helped me to Accessibility is now one of the top priorities at adjust myself to a new environment and a new Google, but inside the company I feel we need language. In my junior and senior year I mamore people from different backgrounds to de- jored in communication, because I loved to lisvelop great products. Personally, I hope we will ten to people’s speech, but as a hard-of-hearing have more Googlers with knowledge about person, communicating and speaking up was hearing disability in the near future. difficult for me.
How did you obtain your job with Google? I struggled during my job hunt in Japan because most of the companies I applied to had limited job postings for people with disabilities, and the benefits were often unequal compared to people without a disability. I struggled to find a company I really wanted to work for. Google was the best company I could think of. I first googled for the job postings and applied to an internship opportunity that was an up-skilling program for early career employees with disabilities. However, my recruiter suggested I apply for a full- What is it like working for such a well-known I decided to major in communication even with time position instead of the internship program, company? I’m surrounded by extremely smart my disability because I wanted to be heard. so I gave it a try. My recruiter was very support- and kind people, and I enjoy that I can be among Hearing loss is invisible, so many people with
hearing disabilities struggle not being able to communicate with people around them. I think it’s important for people with hearing disabilities to acquire public speaking skills. My professors supported me in being able to do professional public speeches, and that skill is now essential for my job at Google. What was the ACU community like for a person with a disability? How was your college experience different because of your hearing loss? My professors and friends were supportive. In class, I used an FM microphone that pairs with my hearing aids. I asked the professors and my classmates to use the microphone when they spoke in class so I could understand. As lectures are usually interactive with many discussions, it was difficult to pass around one microphone, but there were always friends who helped me by sharing notes and repeating the words for me. When I have a conversation, I rely heavily on lip reading. I use hearing aids in both ears, but as I have profound sensorineural hearing loss, I cannot understand just by the sound from my hearing aids; I cannot even hear my own voice. Coming to the U.S., I needed to learn to read lips in English. At ACU, I was learning both English and English lip reading. It was extremely challenging, but I’m proud of myself for proving that hard work pays off. What was your experience at ACU as an international student? What were the greatest challenges? As an international student who uses English as a second language, the greatest challenge was everyday assignments! I stayed at the library until 10 p.m. almost every night. It took more time for me to complete assignments compared to my classmates, and I remember it was really difficult to motivate myself, but thanks to my support from professors and my friends I was able to successfully complete the work. It was a challenge, but it was worth it! What advice would you give to someone about overcoming obstacles in life? There are no challenges you cannot overcome, but most of the time it’s not achievable fighting alone. I hope ACU students find it safe to talk about their challenges with family, friends or even professors, and seek advice. If your challenge comes from working too hard, it might be a great idea to step back and rethink if the goal you are trying to achieve is worth the effort. Goals can change every day, so my advice is to have faith in yourself and do the things you believe to be right.
Pick us up at Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, H.E.B. & CISCO College | FAITH AND FAMILY | 21
Veteran’s Goal is To Own Automotive Shop After Graduating from TSTC By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College
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, Taylor Telecom or Texas State Hearing Aid and Device Center listed below. Jackets for Joy will benefit the following non-profit organizations: New Horizons, Noah Project, Christian Service Center, Day Nursery of Abilene, Communities in Schools, Mission Abilene, Pathway’s, Hope Haven
A-Town Cleaners
Drop off locations:
3180 S. Treadaway Blvd. | Abilene 289 N. Judge Ely | Abilene 5065 Buffalo Gap Rd. | Abilene
Taylor Telecom
9796 I-20 | Merkel
Texas State Hearing Aide & Device Center 598 S. Pioneer Drive | Abilene
After 12 years of serving in the U.S. Army, opening a business. He has the brains to do it.” Hollis Manis has plans to open his own auto- Manis said while his first semester is refreshmotive shop in his hometown. ing his memory of general automotive areas, he knows it will get more difficult over the next Manis, of San Angelo, said studying for an As- few months. sociate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology at Texas State Technical Col- “I am eager to get in there and work on some of lege is the first step of his goal. the vehicles we have in the shop,” he said. “The more advanced courses will be challenging for “I have been wanting to go back to school for a me.” while,” he said. “I completed a couple of classes while I was in the miliThe hands-on shop environtary. I knew when I was out ment is one reason that Manis of the military, I wanted to chose to attend TSTC. Anothpursue my love of mechaner was the way the instructors ics as a career.” present themselves in class. Manis’ passion for automobiles began by watching his father, who is an Automotive Service Excellence-certified mechanic. “I learned a lot from my dad over the years and knew I would do the same thing when I left the military,” he said.
“It is a laid-back environment with an emphasis on teaching us everything we need to know,” he said. “The instructors are very knowledgeable in the material and present it in a way that everyone can understand what to do.” Strother said Manis knows many things when it comes to vehicles that will help him during the program.
Hollis Manis Manis is using his experience as an aircraft mechanic during class and hopes his knowledge will be helpful “He is pretty knowledgeable on how to diagto the younger classmates. nose things on a vehicle, and that comes from his military experience,” he said. “He worked “I did a lot of powertrain repairs in the Army,” on military helicopters, and coming in here he said. “Some of the things we are going over with that experience is only going to help him in the first semester is a refresh for me. I hope as he advances in the program.” to be able to help some of the younger students progress.” The need for qualified technicians is expected to grow in Texas over the next several years. Once he completes the Automotive Technology According to onetonline.org, Texas has more program, Manis said returning to school may than 60,000 technicians employed around the be an option. state, and that number is forecast to top 65,000 by 2028. The average annual salary for a tech“I am one course away from a business man- nician in the state is $45,520. agement degree, and I plan to finish that as well,” he said. “My main goal is to open my TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science own business.” degree in Automotive Technology and an Automotive Technician certificate of completion at TSTC instructor Gerod Strother said having the Harlingen, Sweetwater and Waco campusboth degrees will help Manis in the future. es. Several other certificates, including Chrysler Specialization, Tesla START Technician “When he completes our program and decides and Toyota T-TEN Specialization, and a Basic to go back to school to complete his business Automotive occupational skills award, are also management degree, he will be an ideal busi- available, depending on campus location. For ness owner,” he said. “I cannot stress enough more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu. the importance of having a business sense when
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FAITH&FAMILY
Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, Bogies & Abilene ISD | FAITH AND FAMILY | 23
SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE
For This I Am Thankful By Dr. Harold J. Sala | Guidelines
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” wrote a man who had known more than his fair share of difficulties. His name? We know him as Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ. In one sentence Paul gives us the key to unlocking the door to a relationship of blessedness and gratitude. He is saying in simple terms that thanksgiving is not a holiday to be celebrated but an attitude of your heart to be daily observed because no matter how difficult the circumstances of your life—whether you be in a hospital bed or enjoying health, wealth, and happiness—God is in control. Thanksgiving didn’t begin with the pilgrims in 1621 when Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and feasting, remembering that God had turned drought to rain that brought a simple harvest. Some 1400 years before, Paul instructed the Thessalonians to be thankful. Jews were instructed to celebrate deliverance from Egypt—a custom still observed in the Feast of the Tabernacle or Sukkot. When the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, Nehemiah instructed the people to stop working and celebrate a season of thanksgiving. Consistently down through history where there has been celebration and commemoration for a victory or event, there has been feasting and special foods. Yes, the pilgrims had reason to be thankful. The terrible New England winters took the lives of more than half those who made the long journey across a cold, stormy ocean. No wonder they celebrated when they had promise of making it through another winter.
In 1680 the Massachusetts Bay Colony recognized a Day of Thanksgiving, making it official. By 1858, 25 states and two U.S. territories officially recognized a day of thanksgiving, and, since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the fourth Thursday of November
First, I give thanks for the assurance that I am God’s child, that He has forgiven me and brought me into the Kingdom of His dear Son— not because I deserved it but because of the Father’s great love for me. Then I am thankful for my family and friends. I must tell you that God has so graciously touched my life with His favor. Yes, I’m thankful not only for His grace that meets me at the point of my weakness, but, honestly, I’m thankful as well for what hasn’t happened. I also thank God for the bumps in the road, challenges that bring me face to face with my weakness and cause me to cry out for God’s help and provision that comes in such a way, I know He has provided—as opposed to something just happening. I’m convinced that what He has withheld, I haven’t needed, and what He has given me is a stewardship to be used wisely for His work.
I’m thankful that in a world of turmoil, our great God will allow nothing to happen that escapes His attention or ability to prevent. That’s why Paul wrote, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning to be Thanksgiving Day, subsequent American you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV). Presidents have followed the same pattern. And what of the future? It will arrive just one No matter where you live on planet Earth, every day at a time, and when tomorrow comes, day should be a day of thanksgiving. For what God’s Son will be there to take my hand and should you be thankful? Don’t limit your grati- walk through the valley one step at a time. Yes, tude to my list, but may I mention some of the be thankful, friend. May the sin of ingratitude things for which I give thanks. never be on the “unforgiven” list. Never!
Continues on page 24
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Destructive Husbands and Wives By Jimmy Evans | MarriageBuilder
Destructive behavior can doom a marriage. When one spouse starts exhibiting destructive behavior, the only answer is to correct it and make it right. Why do people become destructive? I believe there are four basic reasons:
Ignorance. Hosea 4 says, “My people are de-
“Do not be deceived,” the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:33. “Evil company corrupts good habits.” In other words, if you spend time with friends who lie, cheat, or get divorced, you are much more likely to be a person who lies, cheats, and gets divorced. If you want to know what you’re going to look like in a few years, take a look at your friends. Your friends predict your future.
stroyed for lack of knowledge.” I’ve seen this play out in my own marriage. Karen and I got married at 19 years old and neither of us had a clue. Schools teach math and science to students, but no one taught us how to succeed in relationships.
When Karen and I got married, I didn’t like Christians. I had no interest in going to church. It made me self-conscious. I always felt like the least spiritual person in the building. But Karen kept pushing us to get involved, and that was an important step in our marriage improving.
When you come from a broken home, you don’t see a successful marriage. All you see are failed or unhealthy relationships. How can you succeed without good examples? How can you succeed when you’re only drawing from ignorance?
Going to church is one of the best ways to avoid negative influences. People at church still have plenty of issues, but they are people who rely on Jesus. They will encourage you to do the right thing. If bad company corrupts, then good company supports good habits.
That’s why having a teachable spirit is so essential to success. You have to be open to correction and willing to learn.
Past hurts. I brought a lot of pain into our
marriage. To me, it felt like a form of weakness. I didn’t want to reveal it to Karen. I was afraid my world would crumble if she knew about it. So I hid it behind an overbearing, macho front. My fear kept my hurt in the darkness, and that made my life distorted and dysfunctional. Darkness is a breeding ground for the devil. He wants shame and fear to stay hidden, because healing arrives when we expose it to the light of God. It wasn’t until I finally began to admit my hurts to Karen that our relationship improved. I started talking to her. She knew I was messed up, but she wanted to hear it from me. She wanted to see me deal with it rather than hide it. I also had to take responsibility for my actions that resulted from the pain.
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Bad friends and negative influences.
Defensiveness. A person who is emotional-
ly healthy can listen to anything, but those who take a defensive posture refuse to hear certain things. A defensive spouse will not allow the other spouse the right to complain. A defensive spouse does not validate the other spouse’s concerns. This is why researchers identify defensiveness as a high predictor of divorce. The behavior of defensive people destroys intimacy and good will. It inhibits honesty. It locks problems into a relationship, because the problems and concerns just accumulate. They never go away. Functional families talk, but dysfunctional families operate in silence, secrets, and defensiveness. Are you a destructive husband or wife? Are past hurts, bad friends, or a defensive posture damaging your marriage? If so, take responsibility for this behavior and ask God to help you change–for the sake of your relationship.
Pick us up at Reyes Law Firm, The Enterprise Building, Martinez Barbershop | FAITH AND FAMILY | 25
Teamwork
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As my husband, Dan, and I spend time coaching married couples in crisis, a common theme arises from the ashes - and that is selfishness. We see a “my way or the highway” approach to the marriage. Therefore, when conflict happens, resolution is about as likely to happen as a snowball surviving in Yuma, Arizona. Couples so quickly draw battle lines and gather weapons to use against each other. It is a shame they have forgotten that instead of enemies - their spouse is their teammate. They have forgotten that as they tear down this person, they are tearing down their own marriage, family and home. Jesus tells us in Luke 11:17, “A house divided against itself will fall.” Boy have we seen that happen over and over again. A team consists of players with different skills. Not everyone on a football team can be a quarterback. That is a formula for disaster and loss. Same with a marriage. A husband and wife both bring assets to the marriage team. A smart couple will encourage each other to use their strongest gifts and talents in the marriage to be a “winning team.” No, each team player will not always see eye to eye. No, each player may not agree with the next play that has been called to be executed. But … there is a singleness of purpose on a strong team - in other words - unity. In the book, Finding Ever After, by Dr. Robert Paul, he shares that he and his wife adopted a “no-losers policy.” He says, “In other words, we agreed that it was unacceptable for either of us to walk away from any situation with one or both of us feeling defeated. Adopting a no-losers policy requires a willingness to find enough faith to walk into adventure of an uncertain outcome and trust that God will see you through
successfully.” Dan and I do not have this figured out totally, but we did experience this “no-loser” situation not long ago. We were planning a trip to Colorado to see our kids - wanting to spend about three days with them. Schedules got changed and the trip was moved. Not only was the trip moved, but the time was shortened as well. Dan made the decision to not reschedule the trip again - but to enjoy the day and a half instead. I was not happy about that. Here is where I had the choice to draw the battle lines and fully engage in war - or I could be the team player and follow the instructions for the next “play.” I decided to support my teammate. At least we were going to see the kids. It was still a nice getaway for Dan and me. And …it would not be my last opportunity ever to see the kids again. I decided to not have my “house be divided and fall.” I know we all want our own way. However, a team that goes many directions will lose. Look for your marriage’s purpose - you and your spouse’s unity. Then adopt the “no-loser policy.” Look for ways to get to the goal line - and there may be many different ways to do that - but help each other by utilizing each other’s gifts and talents to make sure your team wins! Remember; don’t burn down your own house to win the war!! Blessings
in
your
blending!
(Editor’s note: Women’s author, speaker and mentor Kristie Carpenter, aka The Blended Family Mom, has been a blended family/step mom since 2004; her blended family currently includes four children and four grandchildren. Follow Kristie on Facebook (facebook.com/ theblendedfamilymom), Twitter (@BlendedFamilyM), and Instagram (theblendedfamilymom). Her books - “The Blended Family Mom,” and “Blended Mom Moments,” are both available on her website at www. theblendedfamilymom. com)
26 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Great and Precious Promises By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship
Every year $5.8 billion in gift cards goes unclaimed. That’s a pretty good deal for the sellers, by the way. It reminds me a little of the promises of God. All too often, we neglect to claim them. Yet God has made a lot of promises to us in the Bible. In fact, 2 Peter 1:4 describes them as “great and precious promises” (NLT). For example, God has promised that we will never be alone in life. Sometimes you may feel as though you’re all alone, but you’re not alone if Jesus Christ is in your heart. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’” (NLT).
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In Isaiah 41:10 the Lord says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT).
God also promises to get us through whatever we’re facing. Maybe you’re going through a hard time right now, and you’re wondering whether you’ll ever get through it. God will get you through. He will be with you every step of the way. He has said, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). And in Psalm 23, which many of us have memorized, David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (verse 4 NKJV). We all know what it’s like to have someone make a promise to us and then break it. But when God makes a promise, we can take it to the bank. It’s good to go. He keeps His promises.
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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank, Day Nursery of Abilene | FAITH AND FAMILY | 27
3 Secrets to a Long-Lasting Marriage By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well
Henny Youngman said, “Some people ask the secret of our long marriage. We take time to go to a restaurant two times a week. A little candlelight, dinner, soft music and dancing. She goes Tuesdays, I go Fridays.” While funny, the secret to a long-lasting marriage probably shouldn’t revolve around being separate. I’ve been married to Susan for over three decades. Of course, we haven’t been perfect and things haven’t always been smooth. But I’ve learned over the years what not to do, and I’ve learned some of what to do, including these 3 secrets to a long-lasting marriage.
Secret #1: Forgive each other.
I’ve found that learning to forgive each other is often like what C.S. Lewis said: “Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” Isn’t it like that in marriage sometimes? Marriage takes continual forgiveness. That’s the big secret. Over the course of weeks, months, and years—there must be an attitude of continual forgiveness. Continual forgiveness requires continual grace from one another. Grace is un-
deserved favor. You forgive each other over and over again, even if you don’t feel like the other person deserves it.
Secret #2: Out love each other.
My wife Susan likes to say, “Couples who out love have marriages that outlast.” I agree. Our marriage has gone through its own marriage challenges—from Susan’s heart complications, our adoptions, and my own back troubles over the years. We’ve learned to out love each other. You must keep giving to one another more and more each day. We should keep doing the little things to pursue one another.
Secret #3: Serve with each other.
The third secret is serving with each other. I’ve seen earlier in my marriage and in other couples that it’s easy to get busy serving in a lot of different areas. This isn’t always negative, but it can become a wedge between spouses rather than something that strengthens a marriage. Often, the mistake I see is younger couples not considering how serving others together can bring them together in marriage. Imagine years of serving separately with individual ministries or organizations. Then imagine years of serving in ministry together, on the same mission, with the same heart. Whether you’re delivering food or serving at church, couples with long-lasting marriages know to do it together—because they understand all good things done together can strengthen the marriage.
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The Most Important People in Your Family
28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
By John Rosemond
I recently asked a married couple who have three kids, none of whom are yet teens, “Who are the most important people in your family?” Like all good moms and dads of this brave new millennium, they answered, “Our kids!” “Why?” I asked. “What is it about your kids that gives them that status?” And like all good moms and dads of this brave new millennium, they couldn’t answer the question other than to fumble with appeals to emotion. So, I answered the question for them: “There is no reasonable thing that gives your children that status.” I pointed out that many if not most of the problems they’re having with their kids -- typical stuff, these days -- are the result of treating their children as if they, their marriage, and their family exist because of the kids when it is, in fact, the other way around. Their kids exist because of them and their marriage and thrive because they have created a stable family. Furthermore, without them, their kids wouldn’t eat well, have the nice clothing they wear, live in the nice home in which they live, enjoy the great vacations they enjoy, and so on. Instead of lives that are relatively carefree (despite the drama to the contrary), their chil-
dren would be living lives full of worry and want. When people my age were kids, it was clear to us that our parents were the most important people in our families. And that, right there, is why we respected our parents and that, right there, is why we looked up to adults in general. Once upon a time in the United States of America, children were second-class citizens, to their advantage.
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
2 Ways to Encourage Your Kids After a Disappointment By Tony Dungy | AllProDad
Most of my disappointments when I was young revolved around athletics—not making a team, didn’t get to play, striking out. Kids will have disappointments. It’s just a fact of life. When they face them, we need to be there to lift them back up with an encouraging word and the perspective they need to keep moving forward.
It was also clear to us that our parents’ marriages were more important to them than their relationships with us. Therefore, we did not sleep in their beds or interrupt their conversations. The family meal, at home, was regarded as more important than after-school activities. Mom and Dad talked a lot more with one another than they talked with you. For lack of pedestals, we emancipated earlier and much more successfully than have children since.
My mom and dad were two of the biggest encouragers I ever had. There were several things they did that helped me recover from my disappointments. Here are 2 ways to encourage your kids after a disappointment.
The most important person in an army is the general. The most important person in a corporation is the CEO. The most important person in a classroom is the teacher. And the most important persons in a family are the parents.
2. You need to look to the future.
The most important thing about children is the need to prepare them properly for responsible citizenship. You don’t want to raise a child who feels entitled, your children don’t need that, and neither does America.
1. You need to grow. My mom would always
tell me that I need to grow from my disappointment. The reality is that God often works through our disappointments to grow our maturity. My dad was similar. He would always ask me what I was going to do to make the situation better. If I struck out with the bases loaded, he would ask me what I was going to do to prepare so next time I was in that situation, there would be a different outcome. My parents always got me thinking about the future, which I have tried to pass on to my kids. I tell them, “This didn’t work out, but what’s next? How can we make it better in the future?”
HEALTH&FITNESS NOIVEMBER IS NATIONAL COPD AWARENESS MONTH
Living with COPD:
Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle By Valencia Higuera | Healthline
When you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), everyday activities can become challenging. Breathing difficulties can make the simplest tasks seem impossible. You may find certain things exacerbate your symptoms, such as exposure to pollen, dust, and perfumes. There’s no cure for COPD, but getting on the right treatment can help you manage the disease and improve your quality of your life. It’s also important to follow a healthy lifestyle to keep your body strong and your respiratory system out of harm’s way. Here’s a look at a few healthy lifestyle tips to live well with COPD.
1. Quit smoking - If you’re a smoker
living with COPD, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Many people with COPD have a history of smoking cigarettes. Quitting won’t cure the illness, but it can help slow the progression of the disease and make it easier for you to breathe. Talk to your doctor about medications to help curb cravings as well as nicotine replacement therapies. Take steps to avoid secondhand smoke and exposure to dirty air and airborne irritants.
2. Get active - You might be concerned
about working out with COPD. It can be challenging, and strenuous or heavy exercise might trigger breathlessness. You might not be able to run a marathon, but gentle workouts can improve your respiratory strength and breathing. Start with short walks, light stretching exercises, and other activities that don’t irritate your breathing. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Also, bring a rescue inhaler when you exercise in case your symptoms act up.
3. Eat a healthy diet - Being over-
weight can make it harder to breathe. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can stimulate weight loss, which may improve symptoms of COPD. Eating large meals or being too full can also
make it difficult to breathe. Rather than heavy meals, eat smaller meals throughout the day. Also, avoid any foods that make you feel gassy or bloated. These side effects can make breathing problems worse.
lips and count to four. Repeat this technique up to five times to control your breathing.
Also, talk to your doctor about pulmonary rehabilitation. This type of rehab teaches you different ways to breathe. The purpose is to 4. Stay hydrated - Drinking enough water strengthen your respiratory muscles so you is important in keeping mucus thin and pre- can enjoy more activities without breathlessventing it from building up. For many people, ness. a good daily goal is six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day. Talk with your doctor about a good 8. Get a portable oxygen tank daily goal for you. However, be careful not to Oxygen therapy may start to interfere with the drink too water much at one time. Getting full quality of your life. You might have difficulty from too much water can make breathing hard- carrying a large oxygen unit on errands and er. Instead, spread out your water consumption end up spending a lot of time at home. over a day, and limit liquids with meals. Switching to a lightweight, portable oxygen 5. Improve indoor air quality - Ban- unit can make it easier to move around when ning smoking in your home is important. You you’re away from home. Activities like going should also steer clear of any perfumes, clean- to restaurants, running errands, and even traving products, and personal care products with eling can become a lot more convenient. strong odors. These can trigger coughing or shortness of breath. 9. Use a humidifier - Being diagnosed with COPD puts you at risk for bronchitis, Opt for natural, non-toxic items instead. Make which is when your body produces a large sure you vacuum your carpets regularly, and amount of mucus. Breathing becomes harder periodically steam your curtains and other fab- when mucus collects in your airways. Using a rics. humidifier is helpful because it adds moisture to the air. Keeping the air in your home moist Using an air purifier can also reduce airborne can loosen mucus, allowing you to cough it up. pollutants and allergens in your house. Choose air purifiers and vacuum cleaners that have a 10. Join a support group - Even if HEPA filter. your doctor and family members provide a great deal of support and encouragement, it’s 6. Get a flu shot - Respiratory infections comforting to speak to people who understand can make COPD worse. Talk to your doctor what you’re going through. to see if you’re a candidate for the flu shot. If so, get a shot each year around October or Living with COPD can cause depression and November. You can also ask your doctor about anxiety. You may feel overwhelmed at times. the pneumonia vaccine. Take steps to prevent Joining a support group provides an outlet to getting the common cold, which can cause chat with people who also live with this condicomplications like pneumonia or bronchitis. tion. You can share your experiences, offer tips for living with COPD, and more. 7. Learn breathing techniques - Ask your doctor about techniques to control your COPD is a lifelong disease. Following your breathing during flares. doctor’s treatment plan is your first line of defense in managing the condition, but healthy Pursed-lip breathing can open up your lungs, living is also important. It may slow the proallowing you to take in more air. For this tech- gression of this illness, as well as reduce the nique, fix your lips as if you’re about to whis- risk of complications like respiratory infectle. Breathe in slowly through your nose and tions, heart problems, and lung cancer. count to two. Next, breathe out through pursed
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30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Gentle Fitness Classes Help Local Seniors Maintain a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Pick us up at China Star, Abilene Public Library & Martinez Barber Shop | HEALTH | 31
By Lenora Peterson | Special to HispanicLife Magazine
In 2018, Lenora Peterson developed a Gentle Fitness Program to address the needs of seniors who could benefit from a low or moderate impact physical activity routine. The purpose of the program was twofold. First to inspire seniors to take control of their health, fitness, and goals in life. And second to reduce Senior isolation and to help them maintain an active lifestyle. Gentle Fitness classes are offered to seniors two days per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays / 10am to 11am at Sears Recreation Center, 2250 Ambler Ave. in Abilene, Texas. In Ms. Peterson’s research of the adult obesity rates in the US, she found that of the top 25 states represented, the state of Texas had an adult obesity rate of 34% and a rank of 19 out of 25. This was followed by Iowa with an obesity rate of 33.9% and a rank of 22 out of the 25 states cited. However, she also found that Mississippi had the highest obesity rate out of the 25 states listed with a rate of 40.8% and a rank of #1. (https://state of childhood obesity.org/ adult obesity 2018). Realizing the significance of these findings, Ms. Peterson set out to design a fitness program in her community for the Senior population who could not engage in robust, high impact exercises. She decided to take a proactive approach to help seniors in their quest to lose weight, engage in fall prevention activities and maintain an active lifestyle. She solicited the assistance of the National Institute on Aging and was provided a plethora of resources including the Go4Life book that outlined basic strategies to promote fitness focusing on balance, endurance, flexibility and strength. Ms. Peterson also approached Texas and found that the Texas Health and Human Services encouraged Seniors to utilize their Tex-ercise Program (www.texercise.com) to engage in low impact aerobics.
Through Ms. Peterson’s research, she realized that in order for seniors to gain maximum benefits from an exercise regimen, seniors should spend at least 150 minutes or 2 hours and 30
minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity. With this in mind, Ms. Peterson monitored each senior’s capacity to engage in moderate exercises and encouraged them
community, she has demonstrated how her Gentle Fitness model for seniors can be replicated in other communities and contribute to a healthy, aging lifestyle for seniors. For more details visit: www.caregiverology. com/ and www.caregiverology.com/seated-resistance-band-exercises.html
to move at their own pace. After carefully observing the seniors capacity, Ms. Peterson decided resistance bands were a viable and effective workout option for seniors. It was noted that the resistance bands helps in building total body strength, improve circulation and recovery time and further serve to improve seniors flexibility and range of motion. A major benefit to seniors in using resistance bands is that they do not cost much, often under $10. The bands also caters to different fitness levels. This includes young or old, beginners or experts. With a variety of resistance, light, medium and heavy, resistance bands are easy to adjust the intensity level. During a Zoom presentation to the Blooming Boomers, Ms. Peterson demonstrated a variety of exercise techniques using resistance bands including chest pull, bent over row, bicep curl, chest press, squats, leg press, triceps press and calf press. Through Ms. Peterson’s commitment to make a difference in serving seniors in our
7 Seated Resistance Band Exercises for Seniors
These exercises require the use of a resistance band which creates extra tension for a more effective work out. The bands are designed to train muscles to improve strength and flexibility. They are often done after a less intense warm up as to not cause strain or injury. This is especially true for the leg workouts which initiates movement and muscle use even while sitting down. Performing these exercises at least twice a week will not only reduce the risk of injury compared to other workouts, it also improves confidence in physical ability.
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Tips to Cultivate Optimism By HealthAdvocateBlog
With so much uncertainty these days, it is hard to stay upbeat, especially if you tend toward pessimism rather than optimism—largely a personality trait resulting from your genetics, upbringing and experience. However, by replacing pessimistic thoughts and practices with more positive ones, you can retrain your brain to be more optimistic and, in turn, enjoy better mental and physical health, no matter the situation. Here’s how to shift to optimism:
mindset, keep a journal, writing down five things you are grateful for daily.
feelings and memories that upset you. Write them out, or do a creative project to help draw them out of yourself. Then, practice saying nice things to yourself, avoiding automatic self-criticism. You might need a qualified counselor to help you with this process.
nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and make supportive social connections. The better you feel, the brighter your outlook will be.
Hang out with positive-minded, motivated people. Seek out those who look forward to
what’s ahead with excitement, not fear. They tend to attract other optimists, so in time, you will have built an encouraging support system, boosting your own optimism.
Follow healthy habits that support a Dispute your pessimistic thoughts and good mood and positive energy. Get adself-talk. Become aware of negative thoughts, equate sleep, rest, manage your stress, follow a
When facing a challenge, focus on achieving solutions, rather than dwelling on problems. Switching to a solution-based fo-
Increase activities that help you reach a cus immediately gives you a sense of movement, relaxed state. Choose things that make you possibility and hope—the keys to optimism. Try
feel light-hearted or contented such as watching to look for any small improvement in the current a funny movie, playing with your dog, taking a situation as a solution. scented bath, doing yoga, walking in the forest, etc. Before sleeping, remind yourself what went well today. Then, when you wake, start Really tune into the good things in your thinking about what you want to accomplish and life. Savor that fresh salad and take in a kindly the positive outcome. compliment deeply, for example. To prompt this
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Signs It’s Time for Senior Assisted Living
Pick us up at La Familia Mex Rest, China Star, Drug Emporium & Burke Law Firm | HEALTH | 33
By Jami Barnett, Ph.D. | ConsumerAffairs Research Team As your parents or loved ones age, you’ll have to help them decide where they should live. There are many types of senior housing, and assisted living is one of the most common. Assisted living facilities are housing options designed for people who need help with daily activities (like cooking and bathing) but who don’t necessarily need a lot of daily medical care. If you suspect your friend or relative may no longer be safe living on their own, use our guide to assess the situation.
6. Hygiene problems - Have you no-
When is it time for assisted living?
7. New or worsening mobility issues
Moving your loved one into assisted living can be hard for everyone involved, but sometimes the most difficult part is knowing when the time is right to make the move. Obvious red flags like a broken hip or a sudden downturn in health may speed up the decision-making process, but more often than not, there’s no one clear sign. However, there will be clues along the way that can help alert you that a change in living arrangements may be necessary:
ticed your loved one has stopped taking care of themselves like they used to? Have you noticed a new body odor? These can be signs someone is having a hard time bathing, which puts them at ready for a change. If they don’t seem happy, ask risk of infection and increases the likelihood of if a change in their living situation could improve mental and emotional decline. their mood. Does your loved one have trouble walking? Can they get up and down stairs without help? If not, they may need to renovate their home for aging in place or move to an assisted living facility to ensure their safety.
8. Decreased driving competency - If
they can’t get around on their own anymore, consider their access to public transportation or ride-shares. If these aren’t an option, an assisted living community that provides transportation to 1. Recent falls - If the person falls again, and from doctor appointments and social events how long might they be stuck before someone could help them stay mobile without the risk. arrives to help? Frequent falls, especially if your loved one can’t get help, are a sign that it’s time 9. Inability to manage home or yard for more help or an assisted living facility. If upkeep - Are the dishes done and bathrooms they’re not quite ready for assisted living, con- cleaned regularly? If your loved one can’t keep sider getting a medical alert system. up with housework, an assisted living facility could reduce their stress level and provide a more 2. Chronic or worsening health prob- sanitary living space. lems - If declining health is a major concern, it might be time to make the move into an assist- 10. Pets seem neglected - An inability to ed living facility or nursing home. Likewise, if take care of animals might be a sign of immobilithey’re taking longer to recover from illness or ty or cognitive problems. Some assisted living fainjury, this can be a sign of a weakening immune cilities allow pets; consider finding one that does system — they might need more care soon. if animals are an important part of your loved one’s life.
3. Difficulty managing medications -
Have you noticed your loved one isn’t keeping up with their medications? If so, ask them why. Is it a financial problem, or do they forget to take it? If they fail to take medication because they forget, assisted living can help. The staff can make sure they take the medicine they need.
14. They’ve begun to isolate themselves - Has your loved one stopped partici-
pating in social activities they used to enjoy? Do they go days without leaving their house? If so, talk to them about why. They may be scared to drive or uncomfortable participating in social events that used to make them happy. An honest conversation about why they spend so much time at home can help you get to the root of any problems that might indicate they should move to an assisted living facility.
15. They don’t have access to a supportive community or regular visits from loved ones - Is there someone who
regularly checks in on your loved one and visits their home? Do they keep regular social engagements or have peers they can relate to? Most senior housing options offer such a community, and assisted living facilities have a staff to supervise patients 24/7.
16. Friends or neighbors have expressed concerns - If this happens, talk to
them about what they observe. They may have noticed things that suggest it’s time for your loved one to receive full-time care.
17. Their current caregiver is suffering 11. Your loved one gets lost or disori- from burnout - Being a caregiver is hard ented outside of the home - Have you work, both physically and emotionally. If you or
noticed your loved one wandering out of their home without a clear sense of where they’re going? Wandering is often a sign of dementia. If this problem persists, talk to your loved one and their doctor. Often, people who have dementia bene4. Problems completing activities of fit from living in an assisted living facility with daily living (ADLs) - Can your loved one a memory care unit designed to make their life cook for themselves? Can they do their laundry? safer and ease anxiety and confusion. If not, you should look into full-time care. Living in a facility that handles things like cooking 12. Changes in mood or aggressive beand cleaning can give your loved one more time havior- Aggressive behavior may be associated for socializing or doing the things they love. with confusion and dementia, which might indicate they need to move to an assisted living fa5. Poor eating habits - Is your loved one cility. These facilities and skilled nursing homes mostly eating takeout or frozen meals? Has sometimes have special memory care units for their weight changed significantly in the last people living with dementia. few months? Rapid weight gain or loss can be a sign of serious medical problems or a sign that 13. They seem unhappy - Even if they’re they’re having trouble preparing food. capable of caring for themselves, they might be
another relative are providing full-time care for your loved one, it may become impossible for the caregiver to provide adequate care.
Bottom line: Is it time for assisted living? Acknowledging that someone you love
needs full-time care is hard. Recognizing that you can’t give them the care they need can be difficult too. If you’re concerned about your aging loved one’s safety, health or happiness, talk to them about their housing options. Involve their doctor and a financial advisor in your conversations so you both understand all the senior living choices available to them. Talk to your local Agency on Aging or your state’s Department of Human Services to learn about the senior living resources in your area.
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34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
SPOTLIGHT: Victory Spinal Care
Down home, downtown. Welcome back, Hilton!
“Abilene will be well prepared to handle large conventions and please the most fastidious visitor.” - Conrad Hilton, Abilene Reporter News | 1927
By Abilene Chamber of Commerce
What makes your business stand out? begin to feel pain within 3-4 days. With upper basis, but he’s also less cranky, he sleeps betWe are the first upper cervical chiropractic cervical care, I can go for 3 to 4 WEEKS withspecialists in Abilene. Dr. Emily is Webster certified, which focuses on chiropractic care for pregnant women as well as pediatric care. Dr. Alejandro’s first language is Spanish, so we are able to serve the Hispanic community with no translator needed! We believe that our patients come first, and we love to serve in any way we can. We provide gentle, specific chiropractic care for the community of Abilene.
What do customers say about working with you? “Annabel is five and is hold-
ing her adjustment. She feels very comfortable with Dr. Emily and the friendly staff. She looks forward to her office visits.” – Erin B. “After starting care, I noticed that I hold my adjustments longer. I used to have foot pain that would run down my leg and into my Dr. Alejandro Elías and Dr. Emily Elías foot. Every time I would step, there would be shooting pain. After starting care, I don’t have that same pain and stiffness when I get up and out noticing any dysfunction.” – Sara Z. down or when I put pressure on my feet.” – “For my 5-year-old son, he’s always had trouAshley V. ble with bowel movements. This makes for a “Before beginning upper cervical care, I miserable child. When he’s adjusted regularly, would get adjusted every week and already not only is he using the bathroom on a regular
ter, and he’s all around a better behaved child.” – Ashley T. “Upper cervical care me ayudó mucho con los problemas de disco. Upper cervical para mi es menos agresivo, entonces me siento más relajada.” – Gabi R.
What culture do you provide within your company? We create a culture of an
all-encompassing holistic, healthy lifestyle. Our team is energetic, enthusiastic, and so grateful to be able to help people in the unique way that we do. When we have seen patients who feel like we are their last hope, it’s incredible to see them walk out of our office not only feeling better, but FUNCTIONING better in all aspects of life. We don’t consider what we do work because we’re utilizing the tools that God gave us to serve His people.
How do you give back to the community? Currently, we are involved in the Rota-
ry Club, which is a service-oriented club. We also attend and give to a local Abilene church. We are very passionate about the youth and the military and are always looking for ways to give back to those populations in particular.
From 1927-1945 the Hilton hotel set a new standard of luxury in downtown Abilene. That tradition continues today with the new DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Hotel. Begin writing your story in Abilene, today.
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BUSINESS&CAREER
Hispanic Leaders at TV Station Aim to Inspire: ‘If I Can Do it, You Can Do it Too’ By Austin Kellerman | Nexstar Media Group
In the small West Texas town of Abilene, you’ll find two Hispanic leaders running the city’s biggest media provider and serving throughout the community in an effort to provide Latino representation and inspire future generations. For General Manager Albert Gutierrez and News Director Travis Ruiz, their stories represent an American dream they hope can pave a pathway for success for others.
my goals. If I can do it, you can do it too.”
As in other industries, it’s rarer than it should be to find a Latino leader at the helm of a television station. It’s even more rare to find Hispanic managers holding two of the top leadership positions. That’s exactly what’s happening at CBS-affiliate KTAB, NBC-station KRBC, and Telemundo Abilene.
“Latinos are about family, community and loyalty. It’s part of our DNA to contribute. For me, this was such a natural move to get involved and improve my community for future generations, including my children.”
GIVING BACK
In addition to hard work, Gutierrez and Ruiz, who grew up 900 miles apart, were also raised on the ideals of humility and charity. Now working together in Abilene, the pair is committed to serving in the community and setting an example for others.
Both understand the responsibility they have to deliver news and information to an area of West Texas known as the “Big Country.” Through those efforts, both have gotten involved in initiatives the stations regularly cover.
“It’s certainly a point of pride that we are both Hispanic, but it also shows that we have to continue to embrace diversity at all levels,” Ruiz said. Diversity is certainly on display at this station group. In addition to Gutierrez and Ruiz, Assistant News Director Victor Sotelo helps lead the editorial process each day. Station leadership represents a growing Latino base that now accounts for 19% of the country’s population. The diversity in leadership is noticed by employees who say they’re encouraged to celebrate their unique background and life experiences. Anchor/producer Monica Diaz-Meek said it was important to work for an employer that didn’t change who she is. Diaz-Meek feels she found that in Abilene with a leadership team who understands where she’s coming from — because they’ve been there, too. “Travis made me feel comfortable to embrace my culture and use it to connect with others,” Diaz-Meeks said of her news director. “I wanted to use my voice for the voiceless and oppressed LatinX communities, and Travis gave me opportunities to do so.” You’ll quickly see that connecting with the community is exactly what this team is about. Station leadership is committed to going far beyond typical business hours to provide the public service of journalism and get out of the office to set a standard of commitment with nonprofits and business groups.
News Director Travis Ruiz and General Manager Albert Gutierrez
I saw this on display in a recent video the stations produced for an Abilene Chamber of Commerce event. It highlighted station talent and leadership giving “Cheers to Abilene” and talking about what made the town special. I’ve worked regularly with Gutierrez and Ruiz but hadn’t put two and two together that Nexstar Media Group had this level of Hispanic leadership at a station until I saw it in the clip.
ing my mother sell clothing.”
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Leadership and representation were important to Ruiz, even from an early age. Whether it was running for student council or volunteering to do the morning announcements at school, he felt drawn to the idea of leading and helping others.
Ruiz didn’t grow up in a massive metropolis like Gutierrez. Instead, he spent his early years in the small rural town of Guymon, Oklahoma. But like Gutierrez, he learned the value of hard work.
“It was a city full of migrants and minorities, so growing up as a Latino was seemingly normal. It was pretty cool — and so are their stories of Minorities and Latinos did manual labor and did not have leadership roles,” he said. getting to this point. “When you live in Latin America, you learn fast that the only way to achieve success is through hard work. This keeps you motivated,” Gutierrez said. “I think this is particularly true of most immigrants.” Gutierrez moved to the United States as a 23-year-old. He learned English growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, but it wasn’t his first language. Something else he picked up as a kid? The art of sales from his mother.
“My father taught me that you work hard and don’t ask for praise,” Ruiz said. “He told me that as Latinos, we were going to have to work harder than others for a spot at the table. I’ve always had the attitude that representation is everything.”
“She is the best salesperson that I know,” said Gutierrez. “I used to go to the flea market on Gutierrez added: “As a Latino, I’ve always had Sundays and I would spend weekends watch- to work harder than the rest of the pack to reach
Whether it’s being named the corporate partner of the year for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, earning the Bonner McLane Community Service Award from the Texas Association of Broadcasters, or getting involved in dozens of local events and initiatives, you’d be hardpressed to find stations more involved in their community. Ruiz currently serves as the chairman of the Hispanic Business Council. While news directors typically come and go from markets in two to three years, Ruiz has stayed in Abilene — largely because of the connections he’s made in the community. Ruiz said he learned he could use his impact as a news director and cast a wide net across community organizations. “I didn’t really know what it was like to have someone like myself as a leader,” Ruiz said. “I like to imagine young Latino children seeing me, someone who looks like them, in leadership positions.” It’s something Gutierrez has also thought about, saying he hopes to “raise the bar” for younger professional Latinos. “The sky is the limit,” he said.
36 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
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Get to know your Chamber Chair, Laura Moore By Abilene Chamber of Commerce
Meet Laura Moore. Laura is the proud executive director of The Grace Museum and is currently serving a one-year term as the Chair for the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. Her term began in Oct. 1, and we thought our valued partners would gain from knowing who is leading their Chamber over the next year.
ple of Abilene and the surrounding area that conveys a “we can do it” mentality regardless of the complexity of the task. Why is a successful Chamber important to the community? An effective Chamber brings people together well and collectively that group recognizes true opportunities and needs and charts a strong course of action. I think Abilene is stellar in this respect and thus contributes greatly to the tangible ways we are growing as a community.
Chamber involvement: I participated in Leadership Abilene in 1991. I watched the Chair that year – Ray Ferguson – announce his decision to run for City Council. I thought, “I would like to do that someday,” and I did in large part because Favorite quote: Do you have the audacity to of the influence of Leadership Abilene. I then doubt my veracity to insinuate that I prevaricate. chaired the next year’s Leadership Abilene class and helped for many years with this great program. In 2017, I had the opportunity to chair the Downtown Initiative.
Advertising 1-325-673-4521 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com
Why it’s important your non-profit organization is a part of a Chamber? Non-profit organizations contribute greatly to the quality of life for our citizens and those that may consider moving to Abilene. Non-profits must My mom, an English teacher, taught that to me walk hand-in-hand with businesses to create a when I was 7 and said to say it if someone called true community. me a liar. She is a lovely inspiration in my life. Your goals or focus for the year: We have a great Chamber that truly works each and every day to help our members and the community atlarge. I want to be an integral part of growing that strength, and I also, as Chair, want to intentionally know and serve our members well. Favorite part about volunteering with the Chamber? I love the enduring spirit of the peo-
What inspires you? Working with people to help develop ideas that make our world stronger. Dogs or cats? Two Dogs – Polo and Max Family: My husband Jay and I have three wonderful daughters that we adore.
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10 Money Traps to Avoid
Pick us up at Wal-Mart, Enterprise Bldg. & Armando’s Mexican Restaurant | BUSINESS & CAREER | 37
By Dave Ramsey
We want you to get the most bang for your buck and be a smart consumer when you shop. That’s why we’ve got to talk about some of the common money traps out there—so you know what to watch out for and how to steer clear.
Beehive Homes of Abilene Meet Our New House Director
Charlene Kugle
Charlene was born and raised in Brownwood Texas and graduated high school in 2003 as a Brownwood Lion. She then became a CNA in 2004 and worked at MHMR and South Park, both disability facilities for the elderly #seniorcaregiver. She went to TSTC in Brownwood from 2014-2016 and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business Management & Accounting. In June 2021, she was hired as the House Director here at the Beehive Homes Assisted Living. Charlene has brought so much life, fun, and positive energy to our Beehive Home here in Abilene. She demonstrates so much dedication, love, and compassion for the residents who live in our home. We are extremely proud of the accomplishments and changes she has made! Welcome to the team Charlene! We are so blessed to have you! “I met the love of my life in 2013, got married in 2015. Moved to Abilene Texas in 2014, I had my first-born child in September 2014, my son born in 2016. Together my husband and I have two kids. I have three stepchildren who I love dearly. I was a CNA for many years, did medical records, then I became a Life Enrichment Coordinator for three years. I have been preparing for a position like this for years. I absolutely love working with the elderly, and I love what I do. I am a woman of God and am BIG on my family!”
Picture this: You’re just getting by, minding your own business, and making pretty good progress on your money goals. But then suddenly you get hit with one of the 8 gazillion marketing messages you see every day—it’s a “deal you don’t want to miss” or a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” For a second, you might think about checking it out. Who wants to miss out on a really good deal, right?
4. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
But these things aren’t good deals . . . they’re traps. Don’t fall for them. Here are 10 money traps to stay the heck away from:
Look, it doesn’t matter if it’s a three-year or a five-year ARM—just know that your interest rate is adjustable (which means your rate isn’t locked in and will go up!), and you’ll have no control over it. You’re playing with fire when you get an ARM, and there’s no reason to take that risk. Instead, play it safe with a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage and get that house paid off sooner.
1. No-Money-Down Plans
So, you’re ready to start adulting and buy yourself a brand-new couch (the one you got from the thrift store 10 years ago finally bit the dust). This is a big deal. A rite of passage even. So don’t ruin it by signing up for a payment plan with no money down. Look, putting 0% down might sound like a no-brainer, but the no-money-down trap is just another way to get you locked into making long-term payments on stuff you need to be paying for up front. Never mind the fact that you’re financing something you dadgum sit on—but now you don’t actually own that couch either. Instead of putting no money down, here’s a better idea: Save up some cash and put all the money down!
About 10 years ago, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were the hip, cool thing for home buyers. But then the housing market crashed, and a lot of the banks that gave out stupid loans either went under or had to get bailed out. Yeah, turns out it was the banks that needed someone to lend them a helping hand.
5. Subscription Scams
Okay, we already told you how much we like a good deal. But what we don’t like are shady companies trying to take advantage of you. And that’s what some subscription companies do. Here’s how you can tell a good one from a scam.
2. Car Leases
If the company starts with a free trial but doesn’t tell you up front what the cost will be after that period of time, that’s no good. Look all over the website. If they’re hiding or leaving out this important detail, get out of there!
That beamer looks a lot sweeter than your beater.
If canceling that free trial is impossible and no humans are available to talk to, again—no good. Also, if they try to sneak you into payments by hoping to all hope you’ll just forget the day the free trial ends, that’s no fair.
Your mind starts wandering. Wouldn’t it be great to trade in your Honda for a nice car—something like that? Who cares if you don’t have all the money for it right now. You can afford the monthly lease payments, right? Wrong.
Hey, a free trial can be a great way to test out a service—especially one you’re already interested in. Just make sure you know the cost that comes after and the cancellation terms. Just in case.
We’ve all been there. You’re driving your old Honda, minding your own business, when your friend drives up in a brand-new BMW with high-quality speakers and heated seats. Fancy.
Look, a fancy car is nice—but only if you can afford to pay for it with cash, people. Leasing is the most expensive way to drive a car. So just don’t even go there.
3. Timeshares
6. Surprise Contest Winnings
Pro tip: If you ever get an email saying you won a contest or the lottery, but you don’t remember entering, and they ask you to pay a fee in order to claim the prize—it’s a scam.
Imagine this: Someone offers you a free vacation. Heck yes! The only catch? You have to come to a “business meeting.” Sounds easy enough. But here’s what’s really going to go down: In this little, innocent-looking meeting, you’re going to get pressured to buy a timeshare (but they’ll never tell you that ahead of time).
And do not click on pop-ups that say you won an Amazon gift card or something crazy like that. It might sound like a no-brainer to not click on stuff like that, but you’d be surprised by how many people fall for it. Sorry, we know how much you wanted that Amazon gift card.
Here’s the thing: Timeshares are usually marketed to people who can’t afford them. That’s their whole marketing strategy. And if you do buy one and you ever want to sell it, good luck. You can’t give the dang things away. So, if you’re thinking of buying a timeshare—don’t. You might as well chuck your money in a trash can.
Life happens. Sometimes we have out-of-the-blue money emergencies—the transmission goes out, your HVAC unit dies, you have way too much fun on the dance floor at your cousin’s wedding and wind up in the ER with a broken ankle
7. Payday Loans
Continued on page 38
38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Continued from page 37
You panic. Your emergency fund won’t cover pizza and T-shirt that come with applying for a the bills, so maybe some quick cash from a credit card, but before you know it, you’ll rack up a ton of debt like it’s nothing. So when the payday loan lender would help? Forget that! sleazy credit card companies come calling, just These guys are the worst of the worst of the do one thing—run. worst in the financial industry. Payday loans are a rip-off. Those people don’t want to help And don’t even get us started on those stupid you. They want to take advantage of you and reward points they promise you. All the airline make you end up paying crazy, ridiculous in- miles, cash back and discounts are just strateterest for that loan. As tempting as it might be gies to get you to use credit cards more—and to go this route when you’re desperate—don’t. go into debt because of it. And once you factor in taxes and hidden fees, the rewards end up Here’s what you can do: Make sure you have being way less rewarding than you thought. an emergency fund. Pick up an extra job or Don’t play the credit card company’s game side hustle. Sell some stuff you don’t need. here. It’s just not worth it. Be smart and keep But whatever you do, stay away from the more of your own money in your pocket. slimy payday loan sharks. Don’t ever give your money or personal information to someone who offers unwanted investment advice or pressures you to invest in something “right now” so you don’t “miss out.” That should send up all kinds of red flags in your mind. You might even get a phone call or email that seems legit, but watch out if they promise a high return with zero risk. Just like your grandma always says: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Credit Cards
Let’s be real: Credit card companies hook you by offering you all this free stuff just so you’ll sign up. Yeah, we know you want the free
10. Student Loans
The huge lie that you have to take out student loans to be able to afford college is maybe the biggest money trap in our country today—and it’s led to a more than $1.7 trillion student loan crisis.1 Here’s a truth bomb for you: There are plenty of ways to pay for college without loans. You could save thousands on your education by doing things like choosing an affordable school, applying for grants and scholarships, tuition reimbursement, having a job, and knocking out some credit hours at a community college before transferring to a four-year school. Trust us, the student loan industry doesn’t want you to win—they want to take your money. Don’t give it to them.
Alfonso Hernandez Bakery “Best Burritos in Town!” 325-670-0024 Menudo & Caldo Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Open daily from 6:30am to 3:00pm
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8. Investment Scams
40 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry
Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country
Local Pagan Business Owner Finds Community Within Texas Bible Belt
Pick us up at First Financial Bank | BUSINESS & CAREER | 39
By Samantha M. Prewitt | Special to HispanicLife Magazine
Waking up early each morning, attending col- body scrubs and candles, she also offers tarot are very busy and don’t always have the time lege classes, and taking care of her household card readings and pendulum readings, “Some or energy to do that and my products help them in the midst of a pandemic, local business- of my products are infused with magical intent in that way with it already being done”. Marissa stresses the importance that even woman, Marissa (Missy) Dingus, seized though her business is pagan based, the opportunity to create a community “[she] would never make anyone of that she longed for through her self care another religion feel as if they can’t business, Dark Aged Scents. shop with me. I have products to help people of all religions, races, Marissa started making and selling and preferences”. candles, lotion bars, body scrubs, bath bombs, and more. “I wanted to create Setting up her booth in preparation Dark Aged Scents because I love to help for customers, Marissa spoke about people get the self-care they deserve”. how it has taken a village to grow her business. MarisMarissa stated while individually scoopsa has support from her loving husing bath bombs before packaging them band, Kendall, her to be sold. Each product is handmade immediate family, and friends and can be infused with a variety of around the community. While Kenscents and colors based on a customer’s dall serves in the preference. Air Force, Marissa is hard While pouring her at work creating new skull-shaped all homemade wax melts into the products such as molds, Marissa exbody scrubs and plained that it was candles. important for her to have a faith-based Watching Mabusiness, “When I rissa sell her started I was very products with worried about the her two-yearfact that my busiold daughter in ness is openly Patow, consumers gan based. It made have no doubt me think I wouldn’t that each prodget much business uct is made by in Bible Belt Marissa pouring Texas. Once I her hard work overcame that and soul into her fear, [selling Photography by Samantha M Prewitt business. products that were available for the pagan community”. Marissa sells her products at local vendor marto a vast comMarissa explains the impor- kets as well as through her Facebook page. On munity of peotance of her creating product weekends when Marissa is not at a vendor marple], I realized that is infused for magical in- ket, Dark Aged Scents can be found at a porch I was doing tent, “Buying a candle from a pop-up. Marissa makes candles, wax melts, well in both store to use in pagan practice sprays, bath bombs, lip balms, and does tarot the Pagan and usually needs to be cleansed and pendulum readings. Check out Dark Aged Christian communities since not all my products are mag- and manifested with the energy and intent of Scents online for more information. ic-based”. Marissa not only offers exciting what you want to do with it. A lot of pagans
I don’t just see a customer. I see you. While other insurance companies just see a customer, I see a neighbor in my community. I’m here to get to know who you really are so I can help life go right. LET’S TALK TODAY.
Risha Sanders, Agent 3228 North 10th St Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-673-4229 www.rishasanders.net
1706838
State Farm Bloomington, IL