September 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019

Volume 10, Issue 5

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

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

ADVERTISING SALES • Terri Collum (325) 439-1214 terri@hispaniclifemedia.com

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Debbie Heep info@hispaniclifemedia.com

About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2019 HispanicLIfe Media

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

It is September, so that only means 2 things, West Texas Fair & Rodeo, and the beginning of NFL football! Two things in our family that we always look forward to. Who doesn’t enjoy smelling the yummy funnel cakes, the good old foot long corn dog, and smelly manure (lol!)? Of course you can’t forget the Aggie fries, turkey leg and the good fresh squeezed lemonade to help it all go down. Once you have stuffed yourself on good food, you wait inline to ride the Ferris wheel, carousel and whatever new lit up ride that swings you upside down in every direction. And if you have small kids you can’t resist putting them on the small little cars and motorcycles that go in a circle and make a noise if you honk the horn, which by the way are classics and have been around since I was a little girl! The fair brings back so many good memories as a child for me, laughing, eating and riding rides with my grandparents, parents and cousins, and now we get to pass that along to our girls each year and they always look forward to it. Hopefully you are able to make it out to the fair to enjoy some good, greasy, yummy food, maybe even ride a ride or two, and make your own memories with family and friends. If the fair isn’t your thing, and NFL football is, then all we can say to that is thank you Jesus #82 is back and * GO COWBOYS * As always remember God first, then family, then friends! Remember each day is a gift, graciously given to you, be kind and loving to others and know that YOU matter! God bless you all- Happy Beginning of School!

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

4 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Global Samaritan Resources Collecting Supplies for Hurricane Dorian Recovery in the Bahamas By Michael Bob Starr | Executive Director , Global Samaritan Resources The devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian will take months if not years to clean up. Global Samaritan Resources is already mobilizing resources to assist the recovery effort, in support of Iris Relief and other humanitarian aid and disaster relief organizations. The Big Country community can support these efforts by helping us gather critically needed supplies. Our warehouse will be open for you to drop off the following items Friday, September 6 from 8:00 am - 11:00 am, and Monday through Thursday, September 9 - 12, from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. At this time, we are only accepting the specific goods listed below.

● Forks, Knives, spoons, cups. ● Garbage bags, storage bags, storage containers with lids, storage bins with lids. ● Baby Needs: Diapers, wipes, jarred food, formula, bath soap. ● Hygiene Items: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap, hand soap/sanitizer, deodorant, feminine products. ● Laundry soap, bleach, scrub brushes, buckets, mops, cleaners. ● First Aid supplies: band aids, gauze, non-latex gloves, scissors, tweezers, antibacterial/antibiotic ointments, alcohol, peroxide, aspirin, Benadryl. ● Clothing, bedding, towels, pillows, sleeping bags, Rain gear, hats, sunglasses ● Important: Sunscreen and bug spray. ● Dog and cat food in bags.

● Canned goods: meats, vegetables, fruits, beans, juices. ● Peanut Butter, Dried Fruits, Crackers, Cereal, Granola Bars, Trail mix etc. We will continue to develop and update this list as we move ● Paper Products: Toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates. through the various phases and new unmet needs are identified by Iris Relief and other partners serving in the field.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

West Texas Fair & Rodeo coming Sept. 5-14 at Taylor County Expo Center By BigCountryHomePage

Are you ready to get your fair on? The West Texas Fair & Rodeo will take place Sept. 5-14, and will bring family fun and excitement to the Abilene area. This year we are celebrating our 50th PRCA Rodeo Anniversary presented by RAM. If you’re looking for some competition look no further! Over 400 contestants compete in Bull Riding, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bareback Riding, Tie Down Roping and Barrel Racing to win prize money which may qualify them to enter into the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas! Over 4,000 livestock entries from around the state will participate in the West Texas Fair & Rodeo Livestock Show, more than 700 people will open up their artistic side with over 4,500 items that will be entered into the Creative Arts, and over 120 children ages 4 to 8 will look to compete at the Mutton Bustin’ Sunday, September 8 for Whataburger Prizes! And for the first time this year we have partnered with Reliant to bring “Hats Off to Abilene.” Three local nonprofit organizations will be selected to decorate larger-than-life hats to be displayed during the West Texas Fair & Rodeo. The selected organizations will be judged by local celebrities and awarded a total of $15,000 in donations.

Total average savings of

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The West Texas Fair & Rodeo brings an Economic Impact of over 3 million to the Abilene Area! Over 120,000 attendees enjoy the festivities every year.

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Gates open 8:00a.m. – 11:00p.m. daily Gate Admission fee begins @2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

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Call my office for a quote 24/7. Risha Sanders, Agent 3228 North 10th Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-673-4229 risha.sanders.nv0v@statefarm.com

Gate Admission – $8 adults, $4 students – K-College (Weekdays) Gate Admission Weekends – $11, $4 student’s K-College Rodeo Box Seats – $15 for Tuesday – Thursday, $20 for Friday and Saturday Daily Carnival Armband $30

Special Gate Admission Prices: Saturday, September 7-10 — School Day tickets good for today

Monday, September 9 – $1 Gate Admission

Tuesday, September 10 – Rides $2 each

Wednesday, September 11 – Senior Citizens Day – Free Admission to all senior citizens 60 years or older, must show proof of age.

Tractor Pull, Pig Races, Hypnosis/Mind Reading Show, HEB Spotlight Kitchen, 4-H Petting Thursday, September 12 – Cantastic Zoo, and Concerts! Night – Free Admission to fairgrounds for 6 empty soda cans. Also, if you’re worried about your phone battery dying from enjoying all the entertainment, CALL US TO ADVERTISE we have a solution! Reliant Energy portable (325) 701-9505 charging stations will be located in the Round Building and Coliseum so you can enjoy this 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com Other events taking place include Shopping, event all day long. If that doesn’t excite you, this will be the first year the Carnival Americana will be located at the East Entrance of the fairgrounds as we are currently underway in Phase 2 of the 3 for the Expo Center Renovations. A few things you can expect to see at this year’s fair is more food trucks, portable displays, and vendors on the grounds.

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6 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Don’t Touch Any Pig Ear Treats or Feed Them to Your Dog, the FDA and CDC Say By Lauren M. Johnson

Dog owners, if you’ve been waiting to give up your pet’s pig ears, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that now is the time. A warning about a multistate salmonella outbreak tied to the treats has been updated to include all pig ear products. “A total of 127 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 33 states,” the CDC said in its update Wednesday. Twenty-six people have been hospitalized, and 24 of the illnesses have been in children younger than 5. No deaths have been reported. Animals and their humans can get sick from simply handling these treats or caring for a dog who has eaten one. Symptoms of salmonella infection in humans include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. It may be harder to identify the infection in a dog, but look for diarrhea, which may be bloody; sluggish or tired behavior; and possible vomiting or fever. The CDC recommends that adults and children wash their hands after playing with or feeding their pet. Owners should discourage their pets from licking humans’ faces after they eat or from licking open wounds. Pet food should also be stored away from human food to avoid any contamination. The CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration are also advising retailers not to sell pig ear treats. Companies have recalled pig ear products because of possible contamination.

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“No single supplier, distributor or common brand of pig ear treats has been identified that could account for all the illnesses. More products could be recalled as testing identifies Salmonella,” the CDC said.

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Coach Celebrates 43 Years at LULAC Softball Tournament

By Jessica Ranck | BigCountryHomePage

First Half Attack LeadsMen’s Soccer Past Schreiner, 3-0 By McMurrySports.com

The annual LULAC softball tournament finished up its last pitch Sunday. More than one hundred teams have taken the field for the scholarship-supporting tournament – including one man who’s been at ever single tournament since it began 43 years ago. Joe Martinez is a familiar face at the tournament, gearing up and hitting the plate for more than four decades. “It’s in my blood I guess,” said Martinez. Martinez says his love for softball all started all when he joined the army years ago. “When I got there the guys were playing softball that’s all they were playing, so I called home and sent for my glove,” said Martinez. It was one day that soon turned into a lifetime of playing for Martinez, not just in the Big Country but its surrounding areas. “Amarillo, as far as El Paso , Dallas, you know Tyler. I’ve played a lot of ball,” said Martinez. As much of the game as Martinez has played he says there’s nothing like coming back to the Key City for a time honored tradition. “They know when LULAC comes around, they call me and say we’re going,” said Martinez. Even though Martinez has stepped off the diamond into the dugout, he hasn’t taken his eyes off the home run yet. “You know he tells me every year he’s going to retire and he never does. He just loves it which is great,” said LULAC’s Jack Guzman. “Maybe next year I’ll be here again, who knows?,” said Martinez.

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The McMurry men’s soccer team jumped to a strong start, nailing two goals in the first 10 minutes of their home opener to down the Schreiner Mountaineers, 3-0, on Friday afternoon at Wilford Moore Stadium. With help from a tremendous defensive display, junior goalkeeper Aidan Keane made his presence felt against a stingy Schreiner attack. Keane recorded his first clean sheet of the campaign with six saves. Offensively, McMurry (2-1) proved efficient with nine shots and five shots on goal. The War Hawks also scored three times on just four shots in the first half alone. Schreiner (0-2-1) finished with 14 shots and six on target. In only the fourth minute of action, senior midfielder Miguel Esteban Jr. used a one-time touch with his left foot to bury the opening score. Passes from sophomore Andres Martinez and senior Jesus Sanchez set up the speedy striker for the score. Sanchez wasn’t finished leaving his mark on the game, as the El Paso native squared up on one about 15 feet from the middle of the net and rolled it off the tip of the keeper’s glove for the score. Senior forward Javi Mejia was credited with his first of two assists on the day following a cross.

The final goal came in the 28th minute from freshman midfielder Sebastian Hernandez, who scored on his first career shot attempt as a War Hawk. Mejia picked up the assist for his second double-assist game of the season.

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Brave Pilot Keeps Crew Safe During Hostile Flight By Airman 1st Class Mercedes Porter | 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Capt. Mark King Jr., 39th Airlift Squadron assistant chief of tactics and C-130J Super Hercules pilot, received the U.S. Air Force Exceptional Aviator Award in August 2019 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. The award is presented annually to an aviator selected by the USAF, based on exceptional deeds performed to assure mission success, acts of valor as an aviator, or an extraordinary display of courage or leadership in the air in support of air operations. King displayed many of these qualities during a deployment in Afghanistan last summer with his crew. “We were tasked to supply an Afghan National Army camp that was going to be overrun by the Taliban,” said King. “The camp was low on fuel, so they would not be able to escape the area with the resources they were currently working with.”

“As we were getting ready to depart, I was told this was going to be a no fail mission and we were only going to be allowed one pass due to the threat picture,” said King. “It was imperative we got the 17,000 lbs. of fuel to our coalition partners.”

About 10 seconds before the drop, the plane was illuminated by spotlights and lasers from the left side as the enemy tried to blindside the pilots and crew to prevent them from dropping. Luckily, with no reports of surface to air fire from the Taliban, the crew was able to successfully deliver the much needed fuel for the awaiting camp below. “I have the utmost respect and confidence in them,” said Senior Airman Nolan Brandt, 39th AS aircraft loadmaster, regarding King and his co-pilot. “They are amazing pilots and I never had a single doubt in my mind during the mission.” After refueling, the Afghan National Army was able to retreat from the camp before the Taliban could arrive to overrun them.

“That airdrop was nothing special to me,” said King. “Just because there was roughly 1,000 Taliban, U.S. Air Force Capt. Mark King Jr., 39th Airlift Squadron assistant chief of tactics and C- it doesn’t mean anything. We have 130J Super Hercules pilot, centered, poses with his aircrew after an airdrop in Afghanistan crews here from Dyess that go evDuring this situation, King worked during the summer of 2018. King was awarded the U.S. Air Force Exceptional Aviator Award ery day to execute those kinds of as the 774th Expeditionary Airlift for his efforts and leadership during an airdrop in a hostile environment while deployed. missions, if not even more comSquadron chief of tactics and was plicated ones. This is why I have quick to analyze the situation and come up with Not only did the crew face the challenges of a complete faith in my crew and believe I could a strategic plan. This would help ensure the one-time pass with potential threat to their air- go anywhere with them to complete any miscrews were able to get in as quickly and safely craft, but weather was also not on their side that sion.” as possible within the amount of time allotted. night. King continued on, stating the training he reAfter working with other Airmen, leaders and “We had a 100% illumination night with clear ceives and the “Herk” community has given intelligence, it was time to execute the mission. skies,” said King. “What this meant was the him the skills and knowledge to execute misThe number of heavily armed Taliban contin- moon was full and was very bright that night. sions without fail. ued to grow to approximately 1,000 troops and Not only did it allow us to see everything on the the situation was becoming dire as the Taliban ground, but this also allowed the enemy on the CALL US TO ADVERTISE continued to travel closer to the camp that was ground to see us.” (325) 701-9505 awaiting the airdrop.

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Houses For Healing Hoping to Help More Big Country Residents By Kelsee Pitman BigCountryHomePage

Houses for Healing was started in January 2018 to help people in the Big Country. “Having to deal with me already stressing out about everything else, this is a couple of things less you have to stress about,” said Jana Slaughter. Slaughter was diagnosed with cancer in May and has been staying at one of the tiny homes for three weeks.

“These houses and these people, they are amazing. I mean, the prayers and just the way they are there, couldn’t have done it without them. I don’t think I could,” she says. The four homes already built are filling up fast. The program has housed people for 1,300 nights so far. “Anyone that is in a medical crisis. It can be patients, it can be family members of hospitalized patients,” said Brian Massey, Houses for Healing President. Organizers check on the patients and make sure they have any support they need during their treatment. “She is coming tomorrow to help me finish a quilt I am working on. Whatever, anything, you name it. They have been amazing,” said Slaughter. Slaughter receives treatment multiple times a day and says Houses for Healing has been nothing short of a blessing. “It is probably the difference between if I was able to get treatment or not, which eventually would have been the difference between life and death,” said Slaughter.

10 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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PUTT “FORE” CHILDREN HispanicLife Media

Have fun with your family and build for the future. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Fun. Family. Building for the Future. All things you’ll find at Day Nursery of Abilene’s 10th Annual Putt “Fore” Children on Saturday, October 5.

twenty-five years. Last November’s fall event brought Dueling Pianos, Pies and Southern Skies to celebrate Day Nursery’s 45th Anniversary in lieu of Putt “Fore” Children in 2018.

Day Nursery has provided outstanding child care to the Abilene area since its first center opened in 1973, offering a safe and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on education and school preparation. Currently three centers in Abilene give parents a place to leave their children while they work or study.

These events, including Putt “Fore” Children, bring the community together to support Day Nursery’s programs, increase awareness of the need for excellent, affordable childcare and build a better future for our children.

The fun at Putt “Fore’” Children is a given considering the location: Prime Time Family Entertainment Center, Abilene’s own playground. Teams of four can register and play to win $400 for first place, $200 for second place or $100 for third place. Cash prizes will also go to those who make a hole-in-one, but not just any old hole-in-one. These holes-in-one require using a children’s putter, putting off a baby formula can, putting blindfolded or putting through a structure built specially for the occasion.

Sponsorships at four levels are available for Putt “Fore” Children. “It helps support our scholarships,” Cynthia says. “There’s always more need than there are dollars. Each of our three centers has a Wish List for things like curriculum supplies and books. We also need to update our transportation and our technology for staff training.” Another major project is the conversion of the former College Heights Elementary building into a fourth Day Nursery center to serve Hardin-Simmons University’s and Hendrick Medical Center’s constituents, including employees and students, with child care. The building is expected to be ready by the end of the year.

Lunch, provided by Prime Time, is also served to all participants. Golfers enjoy burgers with all the fixings and an additional option for those who don’t relish beef. Photographer Stan West will shoot a picture of every team. “About five years ago a team of young women showed up to play,” says Day Nursery’s President/CEO Cynthia Pearson. “They wore tiaras, ‘mink’ stoles and stilettos. Their team name was the includes the meal, event t-shirts, a goody bag and the team picture. The usually crisp OctoPrincess Putters.” ber weather and the enjoyable activities make Since then we have encouraged dressing up a great opportunity for families to support a and more and more participants have arrived meaningful cause together. in costume. One best costume winner will be chosen from each of the two flights and will Lots of volunteer opportunities are also available. receive a $100 prize. “We usually have about 60 volunteers,” says Cynthia, “groups like college students, Cisco nursing students, board members and the Junior League. They might help with registration, monitoring the holes-in-one or giving out Registration for a foursome is $80.00, which water.” Since the event competition involves miniature golf, everyone in the family can play. And since Day Nursery of Abilene majors in caring for kids, it makes sense for kids to participate.

So gather your foursomes, practice your swings and visit https://www.eventbrite.com/ e/10th-annual-putt-fore-children-tickets-69768215611 to register as a sponsor or team. There’s nothing you can do on an October Saturday morning in Abilene that could be more fun, more family-focused or more beneficial for the future. Volunteers can sign up at https://signup.com/ client/invitation2/secure/2907354/false#/invitation Day Nursery of Abilene usually provides two fund-raising events per year. The popular springtime Mexican Dinner was retired after

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Abilene GivesThank You! Thank you to everyone that selected Day Nursery of Abilene during Abilene Gives! Your donation will be used wisely to benefit the children in our child care program and contributed to the success of the day’s campaign. Because of you Day Nursery received over 200 gifts during this oneday giving event and exceeded our goal for the campaign, which was $20,000 and earned several prizes! Several gave a book for the new center, paid for a day of child care or funded field trips. It was wonderful to see so many citizens “give where you live” supporting causes in the Abilene community. Donors collectively gave more than $730,000 to local nonprofits in just 24 hours! We are grateful for your support to enhance the learning and development of children in the Day Nursery of Abilene program.

12 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Abilene City Council’s Proposed 2020 Budget Includes Tax Rate Increase The Abilene City Council has one more meeting before they plan to increase the tax rate by more than one cent per $100 property evaluation for fiscal year 2020. In a meeting Thursday, Abilene City Council members held the second of three required public hearings before the final vote on the tax rate increase can take place. In the first meeting on Aug. 22, the council approved the General Fund Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2020, which they say will require a total tax rate of $.7877 per $100, a one and a half cent increase from 2019, when the tax rate was $.7722. This proposed tax rate is broken down to $.6069 per $100 for maintenance and operations and $.1808 per $100 for debt service, for a total of $.7877 per $100. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505

The third and final public hearing before the council can vote to approve this tax increase takes place Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8:30 a.m. in City Hall.

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Abilene Police Department Serves and Protects From The Sky With Upgraded Drone

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By Claire Kreuz| BigCountryHomePage

As technology continues to evolve, the Abilene Police Department is taking full advantage. Their latest upgrade is a new and improved drone that’s helping keep our community safe from up above.

The main use for the drone is motor vehicle accidents.

“Instead of having a roadway closed hours on end trying to reconstruct the scene we can fly this drone over the scene and have it completed The Abilene Police Department is serving and in about 20 minutes,” Officer Trail said. protecting from the sky, but this drone does more than just give a APD can even use it to help other birds eye view. departments and agencies. The Abilene Fire Department utilized “Better protection, betthe drone in May to help fight ter information,” APD a massive fire at the Pine Street Drone Pilot Officer Brian Salvage Yard. Trail said. “Because there were so many APD has had a drone large piles and those were really since 2016, but recently hard to see past and it was reupgraded. This one inally dark and not a lot of room to cludes features like night maneuver around they gave us a vision and 30x zoom. full shot of everything that was around us, on the other side of ev“Let’s say you have a sniper on top of that erything that was occurring. We could see posbuilding. I promise he won’t see that drone or sible exposures on the other side. We could see hear that drone. We can sit here and visualize if we were actually hitting the fire in the right him and let the scene commander know what places,” Abilene Fire Chief Cande Flores said. they’re looking at, what they’re looking for with out having to send anybody that close,” The thermal imagery capabilities took that covOfficer Trail said. erage one step further.

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It even has thermal imagery that, during cool- “That really let us see the hottest spots in that er months, they can use to locate a suspect or large pile and those are pretty invaluable when missing person. you’re trying to fight something that’s not normal, that’s not something we deal with every“Lets just say we have someone who is lost in day,” Chief Cande Flores said. the woods. A child, someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s or something like that and The Abilene Police Department does not use they’ve wandered off, especially at nighttime the drone to spy on people. They are only reguit will be very very helpful. Yes we can get ca- lated to use it during active scenes and have nines out there and possibly start a track but if to log each use. APD also has certifications we can get in the air you can see how much through the FAA to be able to fly the drone with ground we can cover,” Officer Trail said. few limitations.

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Abilene Cultural District Receives $112,000 TCA Grant Funds will pay for ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ project for downtown park, garden

By Sidney Levesque | Marketing Director, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) has approved funding of 43 Arts Respond Cultural District Project grants for fiscal year 2020, including a project for the Abilene Cultural District in the amount of $112,000. The matching grant will fund the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council’s “Lights, Camera, Action” project designed to enhance Minter Park and Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden with colorful theatrical tree lighting, digital projection equipment, a limestone screen suitable for movies or performance backdrop, and security cameras.

las, El Paso, Fort Worth, Galveston, Houston, Lubbock, McKinney, Rockport, San Angelo, San Antonio, Waco and Wimberley. The grants range from $5,500 to $250,000. “We are pleased to be able to provide strong support for so many high-profile arts activities across the state,” said Gary Gibbs, executive director of TCA. “The substantial work that our grantees are doing not only advances the arts in Texas, but it attracts visitors and additional dollars to our state and local economies.”

The schematic designs for both venues were created by Los Angeles-based Lightswitch, which has created designs for world class venues such as Chicago’s Morton Arboretum and the “Enchanted Forest of Light” at Descanso Gardens near Los Angeles.

The Arts Respond Cultural District Project grants are offered to eligible arts organizations in designated cultural districts for projects that focus on significant cultural tourism efforts through activities such as marketing, infrastructure, and major events. The projects use the arts to diversify local economies, generate revenue, The Abilene Cultural Affairs Council hopes the and attract visitors and investment. new lighting features will create an uptick in downtown cultural tourism. The lighting will The 43 approved grants were among 59 applicabe able to change color and intensity to create tions reviewed and scored by a panel of evaluaa variety of moods and backdrops. “A visit downtown, particularly at night, will become more immersive and memorable,” said Lynn Barnett, executive director of the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, tors with expertise in the arts, cultural districts, which is an affiliated of the Abilene Chamber of marketing, tourism and economics. Cultural Commerce. districts are special zones designated by TCA that harness the power of cultural resources The council is partnering with the City of to stimulate economic development and comAbilene, which is renovating Minter Park. Bar- munity vitalization. These districts can become nett said the goal is to debut the lighting for the focal points for generating business, attracting Storybook Garden at the Dec. 6 Christmas in tourists, stimulating cultural development and the Garden event. Work on Minter Park should fostering civic pride. Currently, there are 43 ofbe completed in time for the 2020 Children’s ficial cultural districts in Texas. Art & Literacy Festival in June. These awards are the first given through the The money from TCA is a matching grant, and Arts Respond Cultural District Project grant Barnett said a significant portion of the funds program in two years, the result of renewed suphas generously been provided by Adamson port of the program by the 2019 Texas LegislaCharities. The Cultural Affairs Council is seek- ture. The Arts Respond Cultural District Projing donations to cover the balance. ects are funded through a $10 million legislative increase for cultural tourism grants in TCA’s The TCA cultural district grants totaled over budget for the 2020-2021 biennium. $4.6 million, and in addition to Abilene, will support arts nonprofits and local government agencies in 19 other cultural districts: AmaCALL US TO ADVERTISE rillo, Arlington, Canadian, Corpus Christi, Dal(325) 701-9505

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Oklahoma Ranks As Fastest Growing Marijuana Market In The Country By Tyler Butler

Some were surprised when Oklahoma voted “There are so many people out there addicted to legalize medical marijuana. to opioid that struggle with different prescription medications which wind up damaging Just about everyone was surprised when we your liver and your daily function,” said Ayres. became the hottest market in the nation. Medical marijuana, she says, is a natural alternative. “We thought that there would be a high adoption rate. We didn’t think it would be this high, With more and more dispensaries opening up but it makes sense,” said Taras Filenko with all the time, these businesses have to make Seed Cannabis Co. Dispensary at 6th and Peo- themselves stand out to survive. Her tactic is ria. Some were surprised when Oklahoma vot- education. ed to legalize medical marijuana. Just about everyone was surprised when we became the hottest market in the nation. “We thought that there would be a high adoption rate. We didn’t think it would be this high, but it makes sense,” said Taras Filenko with Seed Cannabis Co. Dispensary at 6th and Peoria. Filenko got into the marijuana business early. He says what started as a political issue quickly changed once it was legalized. “I don’t think it’s a conservative versus liberal issue. It’s a health issue. When you take a look at the pros and cons of medical cannabis, you can see that there’s a clear value,” he said.

“My main target with each person who walks through the door is that I want to get to know them, I want to know what they are seeking to target, what benefits they are looking for, and I’d like to educate them on products that would In south Tulsa, Jazimine Ayres with Green be more beneficial,” she said. Country Bud says part of why Oklahoma has so strongly embraced medical marijuana is the Back at Seed, education is part of their tacopioid crisis. tic, as well as a showroom that mimics a tech store. And they do it all. “We’re a fully vertical operation. We’re going to have a boutique farm, we’ll have some extraction capabilities, and then we’re going to focus on the retail atmosphere,” said Filenko. Both agree, having a well formed business plan is the key to survival.

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McGowan named ASC West Offensive Player of the Week By McMurrySports.com

Senior right side hitter Justice McGowan has been named the American Southwest Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week, it was announced Wednesday afternoon by the league office.

moved to the right side in the first match of the weekend and put up exceptional hitting percentages. In that opener against Schreiner, McGowan tallied 16 kills with a .500 attacking percentage.

Later that day, McGowan was at it again, McGowan and the War Hawks went 4-0 collecting 10 kills while hitting .625 in a win over St. Joseph’s-Long Island. Saturday against Jarvis Christian, she added 10 more kills with a .615 attacking percentage. She rounded out her weekend with nine kills and a .400 attacking percentage against TLU. Overall, McGowan collected her 45 kills while hitting .521, averaging 3.21 kills per set. She also added on the opening weekend at the Texas Lu- seven digs and eight assisted blocks on theran tournament. McGowan tied team- the weekend, and was named to the Allmate Jordyn Burnell for the team high in Tournament team. kills with 45. This is the sixth career Player of the Week Traditionally a middle blocker, McGowan award for McGowan.

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A New Decade

By Abram Gomez | Executive & Campus Pastor at Cross Church

Tomorrow, I enter a new decade in my life. I have sat over the past few days and reflected on the goodness of God and His grace towards me. Before I exit my 30s, here are 5 THOUGHTS that became TRUTHS in my 30s. (Maybe it will bless you.) •Your personal development is your personal responsibility. It’s true. You have to do the work if you want to improve. If you do nothing different today, you’ll be in the same place tomorrow. •Everything is a trade off. Everything. When you say YES to something, you say NO to something else, even if you don’t know it yet. Live here but then you can’t live there. Learn this but then you can’t focus on that. Choose wisely. •Your flow comes from your soul. Soul care. You see creativity from that person? It came

from within. You see them free in their peace? Within. When you find your flow, more than likely, you found you. •Gratitude is a choice. I can choose to stay upset, mad, hurt, or disappointed. Or...I can choose to be grateful. I just love being alive. •Silence is filled with clarity. I don’t think I have written as much in my life as I have these last 10 years in journals and such. Notes, doodles, thoughts, ideas, sermons, lists, etc. More than ever before, I am clear about who He has created me to be. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

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Abilene Police Sergeant Named ‘Protector of the Year’ For Keeping Kids Safe From Online Predators

By Erica Garner | BigCountryHomePage.com

Abilene Police Sergeant Jason Haak has been named ‘Protector of the Year’ for his work with the cyber crimes unit stopping child predators online. Mayor Anthony Williams joined representatives from KTAB News and Stop the Violence to bestow Sgt. Haak with the inaugural award. Mayor Williams called Haak’s work ‘extraordinary’, saying when the cyber crimes unit began in 2016, it issued 5 warrants and made 5 arrests. Under Sgt. Haak’s reign, Mayor Williams says 93 warrants total have been issued and 132 arrests have been made. During an interview with KTAB and KRBC News, Sgt. Haak said that these predators have always been here, but now his department has the technology and capability to go after them. Mayor Williams also says that, “in this community, there is a will and a desire to go all-in and do something about it.”

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5 Things God Wants You to Remember When You’re Studying By Teresa Nguyen | LiveTeen

Last week I stayed up studying for a test until 6 in the morning. Not because I’m obsessed with studying and getting straight A’s. Actually pretty far from it. I had to make up for my laziness and procrastination. I got 2.5 hours of sleep that night. I wish I could say this was uncommon.

the universe came together by God, an Intellectual Designer. Since you are created in the image and likeness of God, you are thereby intelligent. You have the amazing ability to reason and think. This is a gift. And we ought to discover and use our gifts to their full capacity.

3) You need to rest.

the vocation He calls us to right now. I have a friend who has a beautiful way of turning his studies into a prayer. He writes AMDG (Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, for the greater glory of God) on the top of his papers and tests and says a prayer to offer up his hard work for a specific intention (ie: the unborn, salvation of souls, his family, etc.)

God actually commands us to rest. It’s not a But I also wish I could say it was uncommon suggestion. So many times throughout Sacred 5) You are already known. for students to be running on several cups of Scripture God speaks upon how vital it is to Sometimes, the desire to overwork ourselves coffee. I wish it was uncommon that I saw rest. God desires us to rest because it shows comes from a place to be known, to standpeople attempting to cheat on out, or to set ourselves apart. tests and homework assignments Some want to be valedictojust to get by. I wish it was unrian, in order to out do our common for students to not care friends. We want to go to a about school at all. I wish I could fancy college, so our famsay it was uncommon that I saw ily can praise us. We need to my friends breaking down from deeply understand the fact being overwhelmed or from getthat we are already known. ting back a bad test. But this is You are known by the King the reality of our academic culof Kings. You are incredibly ture. valuable in eyes of God. This blog contains the words I have to constantly remind myself of. These are the words I say to my tired and restless friend. These words are for you. These words are the truth. Here are 5 things God wants you to remember when you’re studying:

1) Your worth is not dependent on how well you do academically.

Your worth is not dependent of a bunch of numbers divided into some percentage or one test you take on a Saturday. When we believe that our worthiness is based on this, we are failing to recognize our inherent dignity. Your worth is based on that you are a beloved and precious child of God. This is unalienable. Nothing can change that.

2) God made you incredibly intelligent.

Whether or not you recognize that, you are. Think about it. The dimensions and depths of

Not only does He knows you, He knows you entirely. This means He knows the full capacity of your gifts. He knows the details of the ten thousand things you feel like you have to remember. When you feel like no one underthat we care about the mind and body He gave stands you, He knows precisely how you feel. us. It also shows that we trust Him. It is trust- You don’t need to seek to be known, because ing that God will take care of us. Whether or you already are. not you study for one more hour, the world will continue to go on. It will be okay. Trust My brothers and sisters, this blog is for you that God will provide. “Come to Me all who and me when we need to be reminded how labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you valuable, intelligent, and worthy we are. Rerest.” -Matthew 11:26 mind yourself of these words again and again during finals weeks. And say these words 4) Studying can and should glorify God again until they fit accordingly to your life. As Christians we are called to use our entire May your life be a living prayer that exclaims lives to glorify God. As a person who struggles “For Your Glory! Everything I am, each one of with finding motivation, I can’t say to God, my gifts, and all the good works that I do are “This is for your glory God!” when I do the Yours! This is for you, my God!” bare-minimum. Instead, we are all called to work joyfully with a desire to please God with

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McMurry Enrollment up almost 3 Percent By Joey Hollingsworth

For the fifth straight year, McMurry University is reporting an enrollment increase. Total student enrollment is at 1,178 students, up from 1,145 in fall 2018, maintaining a 2.8 percent increase. “Just as we are gaining momentum with many of our academic programs, I am pleased to see that momentum reflective in the fifth year of enrollment increase,” said McMurry University President Dr. Sandra Harper. “McMurry is creating an environment for students to be supported and successful on their journey, not only to graduation but beyond that to their future.” “This steady increase reflects success in two areas – a strong enrollment class and retention,” said Dr. James Hunt, vice president for Academic Affairs. “Though we are experiencing another year of retention growth, we will continue to focus our efforts to ensure that students are successful in their first year with programs such as our Mindset for Success Program led by Dr. Christina Wilson.”

said Dr. Christina Wilson, director of the Mindset for Success program. “Our goal is to continue to support the University’s retention efforts by equipping students with information and tools to help them improve their academic success.” “We have been intentional about self-study and using data gathered to help improve existing efforts to support and promote student success,” said Dr. Jori Sechrist, associate professor of sociology and director of institutional effectiveness. “The Mindset for Success office was formed after a sixyear graduation study of McMurry first-year cohorts identified factors contributing to students’ successful path to graduation.” The University’s First Year Seminar program, established in 2016, also continues to play an important role in student success.

“With the rise in enrollment numbers, it is especially important to help support our students to be successful,” said Dr. Cindy Martin, director of the First Year Experience. “The Established in spring 2019, the Mindset for First Year Seminar program helps support McSuccess Office (MSO), supports programs Murry’s first-year learning goals and retention specifically designed to empower students to efforts by intentionally developing a network focus on their own academic success. of relationships that prepare our first-year students for academic and personal success.” “Mindset for Success offers a series of duringterm and end-of-term student interventions including course calibrations, guided goal setCALL US TO ADVERTISE ting, and action plan development, as well as (325) 701-9505 meetings with an Academic Success Coach,”

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Leadership Director Plans Ireland Study Abroad Trip By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University Dr. Coleman Patterson, director of the leadership studies program and professor of management and leadership, traveled to Ireland this summer for sabbatical and to explore opportunities for study abroad trips. He plans to return next summer with a group of students for a Cross-Cultural Leadership course. From June 6-July 5, Patterson and his family explored Ireland and Northern Ireland. They began their trip on the inaugural American Airlines flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Dublin, where they spent a week visiting historical sights and museums. They took a rental car to Belfast where they learned about the conflicts between the Unionists and Republicans. They then visited the coast of Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the cities of Dingle and Waterford, the Rock of Cashel, Wexford, where “Saving Private Ryan” was filmed, and several other cities around the two countries. During his trip, Patterson explored options for his study abroad course. He also made connections with universities which could provide summer housing for students, including the National University of Ireland in Galway and Queen’s University in Belfast. “We had a wonderful experience, and I appreciate HSU sending me,” said Patterson. “I’m excited to return with a group of students.”

The trip, which Patterson is planning for this summer, will tentatively visit Dublin; Galway; Belfast; Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland; London, England; and Vienna, Austria. In this course, students will learn about the religion, education, government, art, music, and history of Ireland and the surrounding European countries. Patterson took his first sabbatical to Vienna in 2007. That trip sparked six study abroad trips with the Leadership students. He is hopeful that this trip will result in just as many trips to Ireland. While the majority of students who participate in trips with Dr. Patterson are Leadership minors, he is planning to open up the trip to all students and even the Traveling Range Riders. “I’m a big fan of study abroad,” Patterson says. “I think everyone should take advantage of it if they have the opportunity.”

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Exercise Science Student Presents Study on Asthma

By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University

This summer, Yeremyah Phillips ’20 completed a ten-week internship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in their Summer Multicultural Advancement Research Training (SMART) program. He worked on a research project and presented a poster and abstract titled “Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Lung Function in Those with Asthma: NHANES 2007 to 2012.”

The study found that “Physical conditioning through moderate to high levels of aerobic exercise…will significantly reduce asthma and improve lung function.” “It’s exciting to have a response that matched my hypothesis,” Phillips said. “These results could actually help people with asthma. That’s been the most inspiring part.”

the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, wrote the paper, and created a cell diagram showing where exercise can help reduce asthma in the body. Phillips has submitted his project to the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS). If his project is accepted, he will have the opportunity to present it in Hawaii and Anaheim, California, respectively. Phillips is a senior majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Leadership. He works as a physical therapy technician at Hendrick and as a chemistry tutor on campus. Phillips is involved at HSU as the president of the Physical Therapy Club and the Student Government representative for Gamma Beta Phi honor society. He is currently applying to PT school and hopes to attend HSU’s program.

“HSU has lots of resources and opportunities,” Phillips said. “I’ve found a lot of ways to build my resume and Phillips is the first author of the abstract, mean- prepare for grad school. It’s a small school, ing he conducted the majority of the research. but we have lots of mentors and advisors to He created a literature review of a data set from help you along the way.”

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TSTC Program Fills Need in Community, State By Sarah Trocolli | Communication Specialist, TSTC Communications

What do a toaster, a cell phone, and an air “We have so many employers looking at our conditioning unit have in common? They all students ... that are ready to hire because they need electricity to keep running. respect the TSTC name and they need quality employees,” Staton said. Electricity has become the backbone of the world we know today, and Texas State Tech- The EPC program qualifies for TSTC’s Moneynical College is preparing the next genera- Back Guarantee, which states that if a student tion of electrical engineers and technicians to does not get a job in their degree field within keep the lights on. “There is a huge need for people in this industry, locally and throughout the state, because there is a whole generation of technicians preparing to retire,” Kevin Staton, a TSTC Electrical Power and Controls instructor, said. Staton started working in the industry in 1985 and said he loves sharing his knowledge with his students. “Somebody helped me so I could get where I am today, and I think it is important to give back and help these students be prepared for a career that can take them far. It’s very fulfilling, and it is my goal to make them the most well-rounded employees they can be,” Staton said. Graduates of TSTC’s EPC program are equipped with skills for jobs including electrical engineering and design, installation and calibration, maintenance, testing and troubleshooting, computer instrumentation, robotic interfacing, and electrical construction.

TSTC instructor Kevin Staton, left, tutors students after class.

six months of graduation, then they will have their tuition money refunded. Staton encourages anyone looking for a lifelong career to visit the campus and explore the program. For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

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Dr. Renee Collins Reveals New Book: Happy Thursday By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University

At HSU, some professors pray at the beginning of class; others invite students to their homes for parties. Dr. Renee Collins, professor of educational studies and associate dean of the Irvin School of Education, encourages her students every week with an email devotional she calls “Happy Thursday.” After four years of sending these emails, Dr. Collins realized she had written enough to write a book. Last Thursday was a happy one indeed as Dr. Collins held a book reveal for her new release, Happy Thursday. In 2015, Dr. Collins taught an education capstone class for student teachers. The students would often be deflated and in need of encouragement, so Dr. Collins led a time where students could share personal struggles and ask for prayer. One student told her, “I need you to talk to me on Thursdays” to push through to the weekend. Dr. Collins then began sending emails late Wednesday night to encourage her students in the morning. They would generally have a quote, a Bible verse, and an anecdote related to the two. “We all need motivation to press on,” she said. “The whole point of the email was to be uplifting—to encourage people with hope and remind them of the goodness of God. I love encouraging and helping people see some glimmer of a silver lining.”

The email started with just a few students in Dr. Collins’ classes, but many other students, friends, and family members soon asked to be added to the list. Dr. Collins’ email list has grown to about 170 people, and others share it with their friends as well. After a few years of this, many of her recipients encouraged her to compile her emails and get them published. After much prayer, Dr. Collins decided to begin writing a book to build up even more people. “I want to provoke a confirmation about who the Lord is for those who know him, but I also want to whet an appetite for people who have never known who Jesus is, that they would inquire to know more,” she said. “I hope the book reflects who Jesus is, but also welcome people to who he is.” Dr. Collins is also working on a children’s book about a prairie dog who follows Dr. Collins and her husband on their military travels. The prairie dog will encounter other characters with flaws and help them overcome them. The book will teach children’s lessons in character and virtue. Dr. Collins also wants to incorporate lessons about the ecosystems and habitats in each of the places the prairie dog travels. Dr. Collins’ book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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Tanner Wright Represents Hardin-Simmons as Paralympian

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By Dr. Kristina Campos-Davis | Director of Communications, Hardin-Simmons University

As a junior transfer student from McMurry University, Tanner Wright has represented Hardin-Simmons as an outstanding track athlete. On August 24, Wright will not only represent HSU, but also America after joining team USA for the Parapan American Games.

ing to maintain what I have by staying healthy.” With Wright’s busy training schedule that has him in the gym five to six times per week, he does not have free time often. However, when he does have spare time, his activities include playing video games with his brother, learning to cook, and showing his Abilene friends what his hometown of Fort Worth is like.

The Parapan American Games is an international sporting event for athletes with physical disabilities. It takes place every four years immediately following the Pan American Games. The very first Paralympic Games were held in November 1999 in Mexico City with only 1,000 athletes competing between four sports. The 2019 Parapan American Games Wright is the only will take place from August 23 medically recorded through September 1 with a reperson in the world cord number of 1,850 athletes competing in with Arthrogryposis, also known as multiplex 17 various sports including athletics, swim- congenita, which is congenital joint contracming, wheelchair rugby, and more. ture in two or more areas of the body, in one arm rather than two. As far as every day living Wright explained that he had never expected goes, Wright’s condition does not hold him to join the team. He and his coach discussed back. the opportunity as a joke a few times during practice. However, they soon realized “I love answering this question,” he exWright’s running times were fast enough to plained.” I tend to forget I even have a disabilqualify for team USA. “One day, (Coach) ity. I do life the only way I know how. I just do just called them up and to be on the team, it it. I’ve never had to live life any differently.” all depended on what my running times were As a former patient at Scottish Rite Hospital, at Nationals back in 2017,” he said. Wright’s interest in running first began when he was a high school student. When he noticed most of the other football players were taking track to become faster on the field, joined the track team, too. Wright found it to be the best work out for his legs and, being a kicker on the football team, he knew if he were to become faster, he could kick further.

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Wright now volunteers as a counselor working with mentally and physically disabled children and would like to become an Orthotist after graduation.

Now that the Paralympics are getting closer, After the Para Pan-American Games, Wright’s Wright says his training is more focused on next goal is to compete in the Paralympic track events rather than on lifting weights. “I Games in Tokyo 2020. have to be careful these days,” he explained. “It’s so easy to get injured that I’m just try-

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The Automotive Technology program is a technical program beginning in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters of each year. Students spend time in the classroom and apply what they’ve learned to actual shop projects. Our facilities include modern tools, equipment, and diagnostic scanners utilized by most industry leaders. ompletion of Cisco College Auto Technology coursework prepares students to take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification exam.

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SAT and ACT Tests Optional for Big Country Students Applying to Hardin-Simmons University By Cortney Brown | KTXS

Hardin-Simmons University is launching a Abilene to have such a program. pilot program that will not require admission applicants to take the SAT or the ACT. “We’re hopeful the Recommended Scholars Program will help drive enrollment of local Instead, graduating seniors will be evaluated students, increase our institutional academic based on their GPA and the recommendations profile and provide students who may not of their high school faculty. have considered a private education at HSU an opportunity to experience our unique cam“Principals, teachers and counselors who pus culture and academic community,” House know these students in their high school very said. intently,” said HSU Director of Admissions and Recruitment Grant Greenwood. “They Some seniors at Wylie High School added that know who they are, they know their strengths it is a good way for students who might not and know if they will be a good fit for Hardin- take tests well. Simmons.” “You can be outstanding in history or someThe pilot program will only be for Big Coun- thing like that and you can go to any profestry high school students this year. sions without those tests,” said Wylie High School senior Austin Petree. “We think tapping into our relationship networks for those in the school district who The pilot program might also be helpful for know these students the best is probably the families who might not be able to pay for SAT best way to find some of the best students at and ACT prep courses. Hardin-Simmons,” Greenwood said. “They get a larger feel, like all of your acaHowever, if the pilot program is successful, demics, like how you do and it’s not just based HSU may extend it to everyone for the fall of on one test,” said Wylie High School senior 2021. Kobe George. “We believe the high school academic record and the endorsement of trusted high school faculty and staff who know the student’s potential and capabilities are better predictors of college success than an ACT or SAT score,” said Vicki House, HSU Vice President for Enrollment Management. HSU said that it will be the first college in

Still, one Wylie High School senior has mixed feelings about the pilot program. “I don’t really think the ACT and SAT are the best kind of determination of the student’s ability to go to college, but I’m not sure if just basing on GPA is the best decision,” said Wylie High School senior Anna Claire Boone.

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The Power Over Christian Publishing We’ve Given To Amazon By Tim Challies

A few days from now, or maybe a few months, or even a year, Amazon will pull a book from its site. One day it will be there available for purchase with all the rest, and the next it will be gone. One day people will be able to order it and have it shipped to their homes, and the next day it will have ceased to exist, at least as far as Amazon is concerned. This will inevitably be a book that Christians have embraced as orthodox but that the culture has rejected as heretical. And, of course, the great “heresy” of the day relates to sexuality—especially homosexuality and transgenderism. The great “heresy” is that God created and defines our sexuality and that as his creatures we are accountable to live according to his ways. It seems likely to me that the first book to go will be on this very topic. Perhaps it will be Kevin DeYoung’s book or Denny Burk’s or one of Rosaria Butterfield’s or Christopher Yuan’s. And while I am no prophet, I do believe the day is not far off. When it happens, it should come as no great surprise. Amazon is hardly a company founded by Christians or run according to Christian principles. To the contrary, it is a company founded by worldly people and run according to worldly principles. We cannot be shocked when non-Christians are affronted or offended by genuinely Christian ideas. We cannot demand of non-Christians any more than of Christians that they violate conscience to sell materials they consider repugnant. Thus, surely the day I’ve predicted cannot be far off. The great problem here is that we Christians have given Amazon immense power over us. As Amazon has grown in its retail domination, first across America and then across the rest of the world, it has become the go-to bookstore—and, really, the go-to everything store—for Christians and nonChristians alike. If we look back just 10 or 15 years, we can see there was a much more diverse Christian marketplace for books. There were far more brick and mortar retailers and there were also more online retailers. Sadly, very few have been able to keep up with the juggernaut that is Amazon. Amazon won this battle because they wooed us with vast selection and free shipping and Prime Video and all sorts of great perks the other retailers simply could not match.

But as Amazon surged and other stores shuttered, we inadvertently handed Amazon a near-monopoly over the sale of Christian books. We did this with the good-faith assumption that they would continue to sell whatever we published. But times have changed and are changing and it seems increasingly unlikely that Amazon will continue to sell it all. It seems increasingly likely that they will cede to cultural pressure—pressure that exists both within and outside of the company—and begin to cull their offerings. And then what? It’s not like these books cannot be sold by the Christian retailers that remain. But will publishers even be willing or able to publish them if they cannot be sold at the world’s biggest marketplace? Will you and I

industry for far too long. And in that way, I think many discerning Christian shoppers deliberately stopped supporting the kind of stores that so willingly declared foes of the gospel to be its greatest friends.)

I have often spoken about my decision to go all-in with digital reading, and especially the decision to focus more on Kindle than printed books. At the time, the decision made a lot of sense, even if only because I have such a tiny house without room for wall-to-wall bookcases. But when I made the decision, it seemed to reflect little more than a preference between media—paper or electronic. In retrospect, I can see it had far deeper consequences. It was not just about choosing who would get my money, but who would be the gatekeeper of Christian publishing. It was not just about choosing one retailer over another, but who would be able to ultimately determine, by their retail dominance, which books would get printed and which ones wouldn’t. And lest you think ill of me, you probably brought about the same consequence even if you stuck with paper books but chose to buy even be able to find out about them if Amazon isn’t them through Amazon. recommending them to us? And will we be willing to pay a premium to have them shipped to us from The upshot is that as Christians we have given a smaller retailers with higher prices and no ability great deal of power over Christian publishing to to offer free shipping? the distinctly non-Christian Amazon. What can we do about it? To be honest, I’m not too sure. It may It seems clear to me we’ve put ourselves in a peril- be too late. Obviously we can and should choose to ous position at the very point where we most need support good Christian booksellers, and be willing the Bible-based guidance of good books. At ex- to pay at least a small premium to buy from them. actly the point the culture is on the attack, is the This premium isn’t just being nice Christians, but very place we’ve possibly weakened our ability to is a means of showing that we want them to conunderstand and respond. tinue to have some influence over the writing, publishing, and distribution of valuable, Bible-based (Of course, the story of moving to Amazon is not resources. Beyond this, I think we need to collecquite so simple as I’ve made it. Many Christian tively think and pray about ways of taking back at least a good measure of power from a company retailers were and still are far too willing to sell that doesn’t deserve to have it. I’m eager to hear “Christian” books that are actually incredibly your ideas. seditious and destructive to the true faith. A genCALL US TO ADVERTISE eral lack of spiritual discernment has pervaded the (325) 701-9505

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10 Things You Probably Need to Hear

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By Madison Bloker | boundblessings

My life has been messy lately - I’ll be honest. I’ve struggled. I’ve cried. I’ve broken down a few times. I’ve questioned. I’ve doubted. I’ve feared. I’ve felt overwhelmed… and a little lost. I’ve been impatient, kind of controlling, judgemental, negative, and defeated. Maybe you’re feeling like this too… Down, overwhelmed, fearful, worried, sad… Or maybe you’re not. Maybe life is great, and everything is fine. I don’t know what you’re going through, but I do know some things you might need to hear no matter where you’re at. I want you to soak these words in. It’s not some cliche, cheesy stuff either; it’s truth, and it comes from the heart. It’s exactly what I have had to tell myself over and over again. I hope they help you too: 1. You can do it, and you’re going to crush it. Whatever it is that you have to get done, you got it. You can handle it. You are ca-

4. You don’t have to be like everybody else. Stop thinking you have to conform to society and do what everyone else is doing. Be your own person, and pursue what’s on your heart - even when that means going against the normal path. 5. Act now, and stop shoving those things off to the side that God is putting on your heart. I’ve found myself over and over saying that I’ll wait to dive into whatever God has put on my heart until I feel like everything’s where it should be. I basically tell God, “Yes, but not now.” This very thing can keep us from fulfilling what God is calling us to do today. If God’s telling you it’s time, act now. Go for it. Quit holding back when God’s calling you today. 6. Everybody has messes. Don’t think you’re alone in yours. A lot of the times it’s easy to believe that other people have it figured out. I think people have this attitude towards me sometimes, but just because I write blogs to help others doesn’t mean I don’t need help. I’ve got stuff going on, you’ve got stuff going on, and everybody’s got stuff going on. Remember: you are a mess, but also a masterpiece. 7. Stop thinking you can’t be happy

pable. Not only are you going to get everything done, you’re going to crush it. You’re going to knock it out of the park. 2. You have a purpose, and God’s got a plan for you. Sometimes in life you may question why you matter. Sometimes you may wonder why you’re here. But understand that there is a reason you’re living, breathing, and taking in these words right now. There’s big things in store for you. God had you in mind before you were even a thought here on earth. 3. You are special, worthy, and loved. It’s easy to compare yourself and size yourself up to those around you, but understand that you are one of a kind. You’re worthy, you’re enough, and you are so loved by the One that matters. No one else has all that you have.

8. You do you, baby boo. Stop trying to impress a crowd that you can never fully satisfy. I say “you do you,” because a lot of us don’t do us. We do what we feel others want us to say, think, or feel. We want to gain the approval of other people, but when we risk giving up our uniqueness, we also risk giving up our excellence. 9. Cry. Let it all out. Stop rejecting what you feel. Open up. But don’t sit in it to the point of self-pity. I’ve had a few breakdowns lately, and those are totally okay if that’s what you’re feeling. Be open. Tell the truth. Be real with how you feel, but don’t allow yourself to sit in regret or self pity. Acknowledge the hurt or the pain, shed a few tears, and then make a plan to move forward. 10. You are freaking amazing. On the inside, and on the outside. Own what you have. There’s no one that is what you are. There’s not a single soul on the planet made exactly like you. You are your own person, and you were designed for a unique purpose. Maybe you aren’t the smartest or the skinniest or the funniest, but you weren’t made to size yourself up. You’ve been made to make the most of what you have - to utilize every talent God has given you to the fullest. So embrace who you are on the inside. Embrace who you are on the outside. You rock. Now you just have to believe it. So I don’t know where you’re at in life. I don’t know where you come from, and I don’t know your background… but I do know this: all of these things are real, and they are true. And when you are in alignment with Christ, your assignment becomes much more clear.

until you get to a certain point. I get stuck in dreaming about where I want to be rather than focusing on where I am now. While it’s good to dream and have goals for the future, it’s also important to look up and out to what you have now. Quit postponing your passions. Seize what you have today, and make the most of it.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” He had you yesterday, He has you today, and He’ll have you forever. Faith first, my friend. All the rest will fall into place.

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Chis DeLuna’s Blog:

When Friends Let You Down

By Chris DeLuna | Pastor at Church of Grace Robstown, TX The Bible tells us that in his darkest hours, Jesus fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). He was suffering indescribable emotional distress as he contemplated his coming death. During this time he came to the disciples having instructed them earlier to enter into prayer, but he found them sleeping. He asked them, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?” (vs. 40). This happened more than once. When Jesus needed friends to be in prayer he found them asleep instead. Despite this, Jesus didn’t grow angry and become embittered against them (Peter would soon deny that even knew Jesus!). He loved them anyway understanding that people are weak. Friends, be like Jesus. You’ll go through hard times in life. There will be times when more than ever you’ll need a friend or two, but you’ll find them sleeping instead. Love them and forgive them anyway. Consider also that if you’d examine your own life, you may find that when others needed you, you too were asleep. “Love is not resentful” (1 Cor. 13:5). “Love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) ~ Be like Jesus.

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It’s Not Faith in Yourself, but By Faith in Christ By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith.” Example after example are the men and women who not only believed in God but put their belief into action – they followed God – had faith. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (verse 1) Verse 6 tells us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Based on just these two verses, I can know that my faith is my hope in Christ – even though I do not physically see Him – and I can trust Him completely. Secondly, I can know that God is

By faith, I still trust God with my children even though they are still in the midst of huge challenges. This chapter focuses on the faith of the people in the Old Testament. We can be encouraged and make our choice to place our faith in God that is beyond our comprehension.

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GO ABILENE HIGH EAGLES! pleased when I have faith in Him and believe He exists. Thirdly, I can look forward to rewards that He gives when I seek Him wholeheartedly. So, what does this mean for such a small stepmom like me in the midst of all the Bible greats listed in Hebrews Chapter 11? By faith, I can offer up a pleasing sacrifice as Abel did and be commended as righteous. By faith, I can build a marriage, life, family and ministry with instruction from God just as Noah did. By faith, I can follow where God leads – even in desert places – like Abraham. By faith, I can leave luxury and comfort to pursue God’s plan and mission for me – just as Moses did. By faith, I can hear the Holy Spirit’s prompting to be used as a vessel to help save others – just as Rahab the prostitute did. My own story would say: By faith, I believed in God to build an extraordinary marriage even when there were hopeless days.

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By faith, I committed to give my best effort every day to my dysfunctional family even when I felt like hiding out from them most of the time. By faith, I wrote a book about the reality and rawness of my blended family even though it put our family skeletons up for public scrutiny. By faith, I ventured out into the social media realm even though I would be open to criticism and judgement.

The last verse of chapter 11 sums up the question of why we would want to place our faith in God.  Verse 40 says; “God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”

We have the examples of the past. We have gospel of Jesus today. God has definitely planned something better for us. Remember, it is not faith in yourself that brings the miraculous into your marriage and family – it is by faith – in Christ! 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).

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10 Ways to Beat an Addiction By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

Throughout life, we develop healthy and, sometimes, unhealthy attachments to things. Have you experienced pain because you’re addicted to something? All addictions need addressing. Addictions range from alcohol to pornography to food to exercise to work. Your addiction might be small and manageable now, but left unchecked, it can grow to take over your life. Do you need to make changes? Here are 10 ways to beat an addiction.

1. Own up to it - “The first step to recov-

ery is admitting you have a problem.” When you know you have an addiction, you can start dealing with it. You’re the only person who can identify where you’re truly at. This doesn’t mean that everybody else is wrong, but that you understand yourself better than any other human. As long as you ignore what you know, change won’t happen.

cheering you on!

5. Don’t fear - If you hold onto fear, or keep

telling yourself, “This is impossible,” “I’m afraid of what’ll happen,” you’ll never move forward. Fear is a limiting factor. When fear is in the equation, no matter what is added or taken away, the equation will come out in the negative. Hold onto hope. Fear knocked on the door. Faith answered. There was no one there.

6. Plan for better - You can plan by setting

goals or bench markers. Doing so enables you to keep track of where you’ve come. This is also a way to personally keep you accountable. Try writing them down and displaying them somewhere you look often.

7. Take Action - This is possibly the easiest

part: do something. Most of the steps leading up to this one deal with your mind. Now it’s up to your legs. Run to your new life. After all that thinking, you can now put your plan in action. It won’t always be easy, so be prepared to fight for your freedom.

8. Time is your friend - It’s easy to be-

2. Desire change - Even after you’ve ac-

come impatient during this time, but remember that it took time to get where you are, and it’ll take time to leave that place. One battle that everyone fights is finding the balance between taking your time and pushing forward. Yes, there is a time for everything, so take your time, but avoid complacency.

3. Ask for help - Once

9. Celebrate your accomplishments - Over time, as you’ve

knowledged to yourself that there’s a problem, there also has to be a desire to change. Sometimes, the tools and resources we need to change are right in front of us, but if they are neglected or we don’t see the need for them, then they’re pointless to us. Be motivated to change this area. you’ve identified and admitted your addiction, it’s okay if you don’t know what to do. That’s why there are resources available to encourage and help you move forward. Don’t be afraid to seek the wisdom and advice of friends and professionals. Be open to their feedback and consider the advice they’re giving.

4. Surround yourself with support -

You’re not in this alone; so don’t start thinking you are. Your family and loved ones expect the best for you, and have all the confidence that you will change. For additional support, meet up with a person or group to keep you accountable. Remember, you have a team of people

achieved some of your goals, throw a party to commend yourself for where you’ve come. Invite your support group and closest friends to honor and thank them for all of their encouragement. This would also be a great time to reflect on where you’ve come and where you would like to see yourself going.

10. Share your story - This suggestion is

not heard very often, but it is probably one of the most important ones. Talking about your experiences not only gives you freedom, but it also encourages others by giving them hope. And it makes you even more accountable.

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The Power of Positive Communication By Jimmy Evans | Founder & CEO of MarriageToday

Relationships begin with communication. Talking to each other—on a date, in the car, while spending time together—is how a couple falls in love. Communication is how two people begin to understand each other’s heart. The early days of a romance are filled with talking. But in some marriages, that commitment to communication begins to fade over time. As couples get comfortable with each other, they stop talking. That’s dangerous, because communication is vital in a healthy relationship between a husband and wife.

she’s looking for is the fact that I care. I care about how she feels. I’m tuned in to her needs. I’m paying attention to what’s happening in our family and I’m willing to say “no” to anything that gets in the way of that. She’s listening for that attitude in my words and in my tone. But if she hears something that conveys the opposite of caring, she goes on high alert. She might hear this: I’m disconnected from our family. Something else is more important than you. I’ve checked out. It doesn’t matter what I’m trying to say. If I create a feeling of insecurity, it jams my intent. If I give Karen the idea that I’m disconnected from her, my words won’t be successful. Men have a different focus. One of the biggest needs for a man is respect and honor. He wants to know that his wife believes in him. When women communicate with men, their words need to convey respect and admiration. I believe in you. I love you. You’re the best. I respect you. In our marriage, Karen can talk to me about the kids, about work, about spirituality, about hurts and fears. The topic doesn’t matter as long her attitude is acknowledging my need.

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2233 S. Danville • (325) 692-9557 However, men and women have different needs. When we communicate with each other, we have to encrypt our language to acknowledges those needs. We have to say things the right way. One of a woman’s biggest needs is for security. She wants to know that her husband is tuned in and will sacrifice to meet her needs. Nothing is more important than the knowledge that he will make her—and the family—his priority. When men communicate with women, their words need to convey security. This is true regardless of the subject or context of the conversation. In my relationship with Karen, the subtext

If a wife comes at her husband with an approach that makes him feel disrespected, he simply won’t be able to hear her. She can say anything, of course—men and women are equals in a healthy marriage—but her tone and words need to communicate admiration in order to land successfully.

Disrespect makes it hard for men to listen. Insecurity makes it hard for women to listen. Successful communication within marriage means understanding that your spouse isn’t like you. They don’t need what you need. They don’t hear like you hear. So when a husband speaks to his wife, he needs to talk security and his communication will find success. And when a wife speaks to her husband, she needs to speak the language of respect. When you speak toward these needs, God uses your communication to strengthen your marriage, improve intimacy, and draw you closer than before.

40 | FAITH & FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

7 Skills Dads Use at Work that They Should Use at Home By AllProDad.com

How would you feel if someone called you a mom’s assistant? You know, a dad who doesn’t function like a dad, but functions more like mom’s assistant. We are not being a male chauvinist. We are being real! Many men display amazing talents, skills, and abilities in the workplace, but when they come home they don’t just leave work at work, they leave all those attributes as well. “Be a dad. Don’t be ‘Mom’s assistant.’ That’s depressing, just waiting for her to write you a list, walk around a store staring at it, calling her from the cereal aisle to make sure you got the right thing. Be a man. Make your own list. Fathers have skills that they never use at home. You run a landscaping business and you can’t dress and feed a 4-year-old? Take it on. Spend time with your kids and have your own ideas about what they need. It won’t take away your manhood; it will give it to you. I did that. I spent more time with my kids. And I found out that I’m a pretty bad father. I make a lot of mistakes and I don’t know what I’m doing. But my kids love me. Go figure.” – Louis C.K. The quote above doesn’t hold any punches does it? If you felt offended or upset at the quote in any way, then maybe you have been functioning like a mom’s assistant instead of the great family leader you can be. We want you to assume that role wholeheartedly. Here are 7 skills you are using at work that you should use more at home. 1. Organization. Every professional role is going to require some form of organization to be successful. Many times dads rely on mom to organize things around the house. Your skills here could be beneficial. 2. Creativity. This is me here. I always say this is my weak point when it is time to be creative at home. Yet, I make my living from creating, with writing. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

3. Communication. When you are successful at work, your communication is usually the foundation. Use these skills with your kids, your wife—to lead conversation among them. 4. Operations. Maybe you are responsible for how your department operates at work. Yet when you are home, you are perfectly content to let your wife run the operations. Tag teaming this, or at least not leaving it up to her 100% of the time, can be beneficial. 5. Finance. If this is your thing at work, use the skills at home. Take the same care and concern for your family’s plan as you do for your company’s checkbook and financial plan. 6.Training. Are you responsible for employee training? Use the same skills to help train your kids. Train them in doing the dishes, mowing the lawn, doing laundry, managing finances, and anything else age-appropriate. 7. Problem resolution. I’m certain you are one of your company’s best problem solvers. When problems arise, you jump into problem solving mode. You get the necessary feedback and then move forward with suggestions followed by actions. Do the same at home. Make sure you listen first though!

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The Parenting Idea I Stole from My Wife By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

My wife Susan is very creative in all aspects of her life, and that includes parenting our five 1. No more guilt about missed relachildren. There are times when I see her doing tionship opportunities. something creative with our kids and think, “I You won’t have to worry about missing an opwant to be a part of that!” portunity to encourage your child because you are caught up in the chaos of balancing schedMany years ago, I watched Susan and our ules between work and home. No matter how daughter Megan start trading a writing jour- busy your day gets, your child will get to read nal back and forth. After this went on for a your heartfelt words before drifting off to sleep. few weeks, I noticed them laughing and talking more together. Pretty soon, Susan had these 2. More opportunities for open comjournals going with all of the kids. I felt left munication with out of the fun and your child. bonding so I took her Is your child an introidea and started jourvert, or maybe just a naling back and forth boy who has difficulty with our kids too! verbalizing his emoOf course, she didn’t tions? Maybe your mind, and maybe it daughter is wanting was her plan all along advice on something to make it look so fun but is nervous to see that I would practiyour reaction. From cally beg to be a part Me to You provides a of it, instead of telling pathway to communime that I should do it. cate about any topic, without pressure, Either way, those jourjudgment, or fear. If your nals strengthened my relationship with my chil- kids aren’t asking you, they are getting answers dren. I’d write a question or a fill-in-the-blank from someone else. Let it be you. sentence and lay the journal on my child’s pillow. They would write a response and put 3. Discussion of deeper topics that may it back in my room. Sometimes, they would not come up in normal conversation. even draw a picture or write much more than Kids pick up a lot of muddled information the question asked. I learned so much about my from school hallways to YouTube and beyond. children from those journals—what they really They are naturally curious but often hesitant to thought, the joys they were experiencing, and ask for clarification. Left alone, truth becomes the things that frightened them or concerned muddled in the minds of our young children. them. Journaling often reveals spots of confusion and presents an opportunity for discussion. We wanted to share this idea with others. So, Susan and I have created From Me To You 4. A keepsake of developing thoughts, journals that you can share with your children; experiences, and personalities. there’s one for sons and one for daughters. I Memories are fleeting. The journals provide a think you’ll see that they’re a wonderful way to lasting keepsake of your child’s development help you slow down long enough to get closer as well as a keepsake of their relationship with to your children and have more meaningful you. interactions with them. Not fully convinced yet? Starting a From Me to You journal with your child has 4 major benefits.

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Dr. Oyola is Here to Stay

Abilene was Dr. Tania Oyola’s first choice for a place to establish her medical practice. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Dr. Tania Oyola and her husband Luis decided they wanted to move from Puerto Rico to the United States. If they were going to move to the U.S. Dr. Oyola wanted to be near family. She has a sister-in-law and cousins who live in Dallas and Del Rio. There were several locations on her list, but after she visited Abilene, she stopped looking.

Her favorite thing about her work is “a chance to do different things everyday, things that help change people’s lives. You can make a difference every single day.”

“I came for an interview and fell in love with the place,” she says. “I didn’t do anymore interviews.” Luis is a Certified Public Accountant. They met in high school and have been best friends since they were fourteen. Luis is still working with clients from Puerto Rico. He plans to look for a job here but Dr. Oyola is encouraging him to take his time and enjoy a break.

loves Abilene.

She has been busy setting up her practice at 6300 Regional Plaza, Suite 260 in the ARMC medical complex. She will start seeing patients on September 9, but those who need an appointment can call starting September 3. You can reach the office at (325) 400-3223. “Because you don’t always have as many resources nearby in Puerto Rico,” she says, “I’m comfortable working with complicated patients. We’ll be very patient oriented so our patients will feel comfortable.” She specializes in Family Medicine and will treat all ages from babies to geriatrics.

She also enjoys camping and, most of all, spending time with her dogs Cali and Phoenix. But she really

“My favorite thing about Abilene is the weather,” she says. “I’m a Caribbean girl so I like the warm weather, but it’s not humid at all. People are so welcoming. Everyone asks, ‘Where are you from?’ and ‘What do you need?’”

Dr. Oyola completed her medical degree at Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She did her residency at the University of Puerto Rico-Loiza, the only trauma center on the island and the largest hospital there. “I learned to deal with difficult situations,” she says, “I learned to do whatever it took to help a patient. It was a great experience.”

Dr. Oyola’s parents, grandmother, two sisters, two brothers and eight nephews and nieces still live in Puerto Rico. They gathered at her sister’s bakery on Sundays to enjoy the freshly baked breads and pastries. That may be part of the reason she has put Austin at the top of her list of road trips. She’s planning to visit Voodoo Doughnuts, the only location of the quirky chain in Texas.

Dr. Oyola is one of seven physicians who have joined the Abilene Regional Medical Center staff since May and she’s ready to settle down. “We’ve established ourselves,” she says. “We’ve bought a house here.” If you choose Dr. Tania Oyola for your family While practicing in Puerto Rico she treated an physician, it’s likely you won’t have to choose elderly gentleman who moved into a nursing another one for a long, long time. home. His daughter could not visit every day and he was accustomed to coffee and crackers every morning at ten. Because he suffered from dementia he had a very hard time understanding why his routine had been interrupted. “At ten in the morning I would bring him coffee and crackers and sit with him,” she says. “The nurses couldn’t believe it. But I tell my staff, just treat a patient like you would your father or your mother. Just take a minute. It doesn’t take that much.”

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Whether it’s for a checkup or something more serious, you and your family want convenient, accessible healthcare. Fortunately, the providers at Abilene Physicians Group are making it easier than ever for adults 18 and older to get primary care. Go to ARMCOnlineScheduling.com or call 325-428-5500 to schedule a same-day appointment. Most insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.

Simple Diet & Fitness Tips Say hello to H20 •

Whether you’re heading off to spin class, boot camp, or any other exercise, it’s always important to hydrate so you can stay energized and have your best workout. Electrolyte-loaded athletic drinks, though, can be a source of unnecessary calories, so “drinking water is usually fine until you’re exercising for more than one hour,” says Newgent. At that point, feel free to go for regular Gatoradetype drinks (and their calories), which can give you a beneficial replenishment boost. But worry not if you like a little flavor during your fitness: There are now lower- cal sports drinks available, adds Newgent, so look out for ‘em in your grocery aisles.

Find the best fitness friend •

A workout buddy is hugely helpful for keeping motivated, but it’s important to find someone who will inspire—not discourage. So make a list of all your exercise-loving friends, then see who fits this criteria, says Andrew Kastor, an ASICS running coach: Can your pal meet to exercise on a regular basis? Is she supportive (not disparaging) of your goals? And last, will your bud be able to keep up with you or even push your limits in key workouts? If you’ve got someone that fits all three, make that phone call.

Abilene Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.

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8/27/19 4:08 PM

Pick us up at Armando’s Mex Rest, Communities of Abilene FCU & Los Arcos Mex Rest | HEALTH | 47

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® in Abilene to Join The Fight Against the Disease Participants to Raise CriticallyYOLI Needed Funds for GRIMES Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research By Kristin Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

The Alzheimer’s Association® is inviting residents of the Big Country to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk will take place on September 14, 2019 at Rose Park (S 7th and Barrow) in Abilene. Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants will complete a two-mile walk and will learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs refreshments, photo opportunities, informaand services from the Alzheimer’s Association. Walk participants will tion booths, a pet-friendly area, and a variety also join in a meaningful tribute ceremony to of other activities provided by event sponsors. honor those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. More than 5 million Americans are living “The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about bring- with Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth-leading ing our community together. There are an es- cause of death in the U.S. and the only disease timated 380,000 Texans with over 9,000 right among the top 10 causes that cannot be cured, here in the Big Country who have Alzheim- prevented or even slowed. Additionally, more er’s disease. We can play a role in helping than 16 million family and friends provide make a difference by advancing research and care to people with Alzheimer’s and other deextending our help and services to those im- mentias in the U.S. In Texas alone, there are pacted by Alzheimer’s,” said Kristin Bishop, approximately 380,000 people living with the Abilene Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s disease and over 1.4 million caregivers. Association – North Central Texas Chapter. Register today. Sign up as a Team Captain, This year’s Walk is presented by Edward join a team or register to walk as an individual Jones. In addition to the two-mile walk, par- at alz.org/walk. ticipants will enjoy entertainment by an Elvis tribute artist, snow cones and various other

cause of death.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading

Alzheimer’s Association® The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 S. Danville, Suite B-103

209 ia.com Email: info@hispaniclifemed

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. Advertise Today! Call (325) 518-7091

10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself By Healthy Aging

Think it’s too late to “reinvent” yourself? Think again, “It’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion, or hobby.”

4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Come on. You can probably do it. Analyze your gait. Do you walk slowly be-

Here is some inspiration and practical ideas for adults, ages 50-plus, to improve yourphysical, mental, social, and financial well being.

Leonardo “Leo” Robb Leo immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in 2001. Since arriving in America, he found his wife, learned how to become an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, and raised his children along the way. Leo was hired by Abilene Aero as a Line Service Technician in June of 2018. In one short year, he has developed into one of our most popular and dependable employees. Sometime in the next two months, Leo will leave line service and become an A&P Mechanic at Abilene Aero. His work ethic and his accomplishments are a credit to him, his family, and Abilene Aero. We are so proud of him and we are honored to name him as the Employee of the Quarter for 2Q 2019! Most importantly, In November of 2018, Leonardo Robb became a Citizen of these United States of America.

Way to go Leo!

local public school to stay in touch with younger people and to keep current on trends, take a computer class or a tutorial session at your cell phone store to keep up with technology, choose a new person every week for your dining out.)

10 Tips for Reinventing Yourself:

looking in the mirror, just FEEL IT!)

2. Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, check yourself right there and change the conversation to something positive. (Tip: Stop watching the police reports on the local news.)

3. Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only depress you and stop you from moving forward. Surround yourself with energetic, happy, positive people of all ages and you will be happier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s contagious and wards off naysayers.)

regularly and look into teeth whitening. Nothing says old more than yellowing teeth!)

7. Lonely? Stop brooding and complaining about having no friends or family. Do something about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, landline, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the following: Volunteer your time, Take a class, Invite someone to meet for lunch, brunch, dinner, or coffee. (Tip: Volunteer at the

“Use September as the motivation to take stock of where you’ve been, what you really would like to do if money was no object,” says Worthington. “And try it! Who says you have to do something related to what you studied in school? Who says, you can’t become an entrepreneur, start your own home business later in life, test your physical prowess, or do something wildly different from anything you’ve done before? Only that person you see in the mirror!”

1. Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Picture yourself at that age and be it. Some people may say this is denial, but we say it’s positive thinking and goes a long way toward feeling better about yourself. (Tip: Don’t keep

important to your good health as the rest of your body. Not only is it the first thing people notice, but good oral health is a gateway to your overall well-being. (Tip: Go to the dentist

8. Start walking not only for your health but to see the neighbors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a conversation starter. (Tip: If cause you have just become lazy or, perhaps, have a fear of falling? (Tip: Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear comfortable shoes.) 5. Stand up straight! You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Look at yourself in the mirror. Are you holding your stomach in, have your shoulders back, chin up? Check out how much better your neck looks! Fix your stance and practice it every day, all day until it is natural. You will look great and feel better. (Tip: Your waistline will look trimmer if you follow this advice.)

6. How’s your smile? Research shows people who smile more often are happier. Your teeth are just as

you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local animal shelter and volunteer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!)

9. Make this month the time to set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Go to the appointments and then, hopefully, you can stop worrying about ailments for a while. (Tip: For a list of recommended annual health screenings, a great resource is the My Health Finder. Here’s what Medicare Covers.

10. Find your inner artist. Who says taking music lessons is for young school children? You may have an artist lurking inside you just waiting to be tapped. Have you always wanted to play the piano, violin, or tuba? Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait or scenic in oil? What about working in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music classes and discover your inner artist!) CALL US TO ADVERTISE (325) 701-9505 209 S. Danville, Suite B-103

Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Pick us up at Abilene I.S.D., China Star, A & M Donuts | HEALTH | 49

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Everyday Ways To Be More Mindful By HealthAdvocate Blog

Studies show that practicing mindfulness on a regular basis can be profoundly relaxing, reduce anxiety, lift your mood, improve attention and performance, and increase an overall sense of well-being. While the most common way to practice mindfulness is through meditation, there are many ways you can practice every day. Try some of these everyday ways to be more mindful!

what you eat and why you’re eating may also what you’re doing and why help you make healthier choices and reduce you’re doing it and absorb overeating! yourself in the task.

• Focus on your food. Avoid watching TV, reading or checking your phone while eating. • Ask yourself a few questions about the food while you eat. What does the food taste like? How does it feel in your mouth? • Try feeding yourself with your non-dominant hand. This Wake up differently • Rather than rush- can make eating more challenging, forcing ing to get out of bed in the morning, spend you to pay closer attention. some quiet time observing your surroundings. Getting out of bed in this manner can help you Avoid multitasking • A common misconease into your morning and set a positive tone ception is that multitasking saves time and is for the day. a sign of efficiency. However, the opposite is true! While multitasking makes you think you • Listen to the sounds inside and outside of might be getting more accomplished, the tasks your bedroom • Notice the sensation of your sheets and blankets • Acknowledge the feeling of your head resting on your pillows • If thoughts of your day begin to interrupt your quiet time, simply acknowledge them and re- you’re working on are suffering from a lack focus on an aspect of your bedroom of focus.

Unplug from technology • While technology keeps

us connected in many ways, it can also be detrimental to living in the moment, especially if you’re constantly distracted or interrupted by it.

• Select certain days or times of day when you’ll check social media and email to avoid mindlessly scrolling through the feeds of your social media sites. • Avoid staying signed into your email and social media accounts. Logging out can help ensure that you check your accounts with intent, because you’ll have to sign in each time. • Take your time responding to any non-crucial Eat mindfully • Mindful eating is eating • Do one thing at a time. Dedicate complete fo- texts, phone calls and emails—this will keep with the intention of caring for yourself while cus to each task individually. Avoid switching you focused on the moment you’re in. truly enjoying your food. Paying attention to back and forth between tasks. • Think about

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Working for the Windsor

Meet the young woman who not only can get the job done. She can do several jobs at once. By Sandy Lowe | HispanicLife Magazine

Amanda Chesser doesn’t like to sit still too thy International and World Financial Group. long, so working as Community Director at The Windsor Apartment Homes suits her fine.

work handle daily maintenance needs and assist with

Amanda was born and raised in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High School. She received bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Criminal Justice from Angelo State University. She has taught at Juvenile Probation, worked as a probation officer and has done the study needed to test for her real estate license. In addition to managing the Windsor, she also manages Carver Town Homes, an eighteen-unit property. “I like challenges,” she says. Amanda also likes the history of the Windsor.

“We are a central location for all the colleges,” special events. Amanda says. “We offer all utilities paid. We’re “It was built in 1927,” she says, “and it was the our own little community. Everybody gets to Amanda is not only great at first building anywhere to have Conrad Hilton’s know everybody.” juggling work responsibiliname on it. It was the Conrad Hilton Hotel.” ties; she’s also great at work/ Amenities for residents include a new twenty- life balance. She’s a newlywed The building underwent major reconstruction four hour gym. Laundry facilities are handy on with a new husband and three in the 1950’s but closed in the mid 1980’s. With the sixth floor and units have been recently up- boys. the help of the National Development Council dated with new flooring and appliances. it underwent restoration in 1992 and re-opened Her cousin Lindsey introduced as apartments on November 29, 1994. Residents especially enjoy the view of Abilene Amanda and Jarrod Chesser from their apartments. But Amanda’s favorite when they were fifteen. They The hotel’s original vault still stands in the part of her job is the special events. The Wind- didn’t keep in touch over the lobby. With history all around, it’s not unusual sor’s ballroom and mezzanine are used for a va- years, but the Windsor brought them back tofor residents to believe they sense spirits in the riety of events including weddings, receptions, gether. Jarrod works for Longmire building. Curious folk often ask Amanda if the quniceaneras, parties and meetings. The space Plumbing and the company provides Windsor is haunted. can accommodate about 300 people. service to the Windsor. Once they reconnected they went to dinner toIn recent years the Windsor was limited to se- Tables and chairs are included in the space rent- gether and started dating. nior citizens at least fifty-five years of age. But al as well as brides’ and grooms’ rooms. Any ProdiGem, the company Amanda works for, caterer is welcome to use the industrial sized They were married in the Dominiopened the building to the general public. The kitchen. can Republic on July 25. Sons John, total of eighty-one units include efficiency or nineteen, Colton, eleven and Madyx, studio apartments, one bedroom and one bath, Amanda makes reservations for the events, eight, complete the family. two bedrooms and one bath or two bedrooms completes contracts and generally ensures evand two baths. The lobby also accommodates erything is functioning properly. Two other If you’re looking for a quaint and five businesses: 1708 Bistro and Corner Store, staff members, Joe Cortez and Natalie Rubio historic place to live near restauTop Notch Barber Shop, Suggie Shack, Timorants, shopping, entertainment and parks, the Windsor may be a perfect fit. Contact Amanda at 325-677-0824. You know she can get the job done.

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Old Abilene Fire Station Getting New Life By BigCountryHomePage

The old Abilene Central Fire Station has been used for storage basically, since the new Station Number 1 was built on Grape Street. There has not been a lot of activity at North Second and Mulberry Streets, but in January, the new owners officially took over. Doug and Georgia Hickson are excited to turn the old station into Abilene’s newest event venue, which means lots of change is on the way. But as they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same, and they’ll be keeping much of the look and feel of the old fire station intact. “I just want to keep the originality of it. It’s such a landmark for Abilene, being their old central station. It was built in the 1950s. It used to be their old 911 dispatch area, and so I think it’s really important to keep downtown as original as we can,” says Doug Hickson, Station 1. There’s still work to do before Station 1 is ready to open for business.

ABILENE BEER SUMMIT

Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank | BUSINESS | 55

Meals with Malik: Pit Stop BBQ Malik Mingo, ‘Meals with Malik’ hits the road to Sonora, Texas, to feature Pit Stop BBQ. By Malik Mingo | Fox West Texas When you’re headed down U.S.Hwy 277, you of food with two tacos stuffed may want to make this *pit stop* in Sonora, with pulled pork, your choice of Texas. sausage, cheddar cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, chipotle ranch “We found this little building that used to be and a homemade pico de gallo. It a 50’s or 60’s diner and we restored it,” Witt also comes with two sides. Peasley, owner of Pitt Stop BBQ said. “Now it’s a restaurant again.” “We just wanted to be creative,” Peasley said. “We wanted to get people to laugh a little bit Peasley used to own a restaurant with the same and that was the whole idea.” name in Miles, Texas. When he moved back to Sonora, he decided to open a new one. Peas- If you are looking for something more classic, ley has always enjoyed barbecue. He has been try their fall-off-the-bone pork ribs. They are making it for over 20 years. tender, and seasoned to perfection. “The long, slow cooking is what I like the best,” “We do all of our cooking on locally smoked Peasley said. “It’s kind of a labor of love.” mesquite wood, which is my personal favorite,” Peasley said. On their menu, you’ll find classic barbecue options with a Tex-Mex flare. In my opinion, at a BBQ restaurant, the sides have to be just as good as the meats. At Pit Stop “It’s Texas so you have to have brisket, turkey, BBQ, they do not disappoint. The restaurant ofa lot of pork and sausage,” Peasley said. fers potato salad, beans, cream corn and a coleslaw that is to die for. One of the restaurant’s popular crossover items is their “El Gordo” taco plate. It’s a huge plate “We do 90% of our stuff in-house,” Peasley

said. “We like to make it special for people and you can taste the difference.” The atmosphere at Pit Stop BBQ is something to enjoy as well when you come for a bite. “We probably have added 30 additional license plates from people saying hey, my state isn’t up there, take this one,” Peasley said. The future for Pit Stop BBQ is nowhere but up. They just won the 2019 Sonora “Business of the Year” award and they hope to win more. Peasley plans on growing the business but he never wants to shy away from his goal: offering something for everybody.

“Take a look at our menu online,” Peasley said. “Try to see something that doesn’t grab your attention.” For Meals with Malik in Sonora, Texas- I’m Malik Mingo. Thanks for having a meal with me.

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New Law Will Affect Insurance Deductibles for New Roofs By Barr Residential Roofing Services

Barr Residential Roofing Services was established in January 2014, however the Barr Roofing family of businesses has been around for more than 50 years. We are devoted to faithfully serving Abilene and the surrounding Big Country area; this includes alerting our customers of new laws in regards to Homeowners Insurance. Many roofing companies have made the waiving of deductibles common here in Texas. This has made it difficult for reputable contractors who strive to uphold the law, to compete with contractors who were willing to waive deductibles. This all came to an end September 1, 2019, with the passing of House Bill 2102. House Bill 2102 levels the playing field for all contractors by requiring the consumer to pay the deductible themselves. This legislative accountability will also protect Texas consumers from illegal fraud schemes. Insurance providers will now have the right to require proof of deductible payments before any holdback payments are made to the roofing company. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas states that “a contractor commits a violation of the new law if it pays, waives, absorbs, rebates, credits, or otherwise declines to charge or collect a deductible.” It is important to understand and implement these high standards. For consumers, this means financing options may be needed to cover out of pocket costs. Barr Residential Roofing partners with both First Financial Bank and Hearth to offer our customers secure financing, if needed. We have a team in place to walk you through a roof replacement or repair, so that nothing is missed or overlooked. We know replacing a roof can be daunting and add unnecessary chaos. As a fully insured, accredited and certified business, we desire each customer’s roofing experience to be smooth and worry-free. Call (325)701-9529 to schedule a roof or repair consultation!

2019 Statewide Hiring Fair

Open to the Public Nov. 7, 2019 10:00am to 2:00pm

Taylor County Expo “Exhibit Hall” 1700 HWY 36 Abilene, TX 79602

www.workforcesystem.org/veteranfair Join the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas in partnership with Texas Medical Center for the 8th annual Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Hiring Fair to connect veterans, service members and their spouses to Texas employers. No cost to veterans, their spouses or employers. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Relay Texas: 800-735-2989 (TTY) and 711 (Voice). texasworkforce.org

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Pick us up at Dairy Queen, First Financial Bank & Zookini’s | BUSINESS | 59

Run From These 3 Crazy Managers By Brian de Haaff | CEO, Aha!

I once worked for a Senior Vice President who had no plan. Really, he had no plan for where his business was headed. To make sure his peers never figured that out, he barked out orders in meetings. His team was constantly working on some tactical project. When they were done, he was never satisfied and told them to redo their work. There was lots of activity, tons of frustration, and zero achievement.

always looking out for #1. Depending on who she is talking to, she will share whatever she thinks the other person wants to hear. She is so used to double-talk that she does not even realize she is doing it. If you have this type of manager, you may have to dig deep to find the truth and compare notes with others to determine which story is most accurate. My suggestion: Learn her body language, which will betray her dishonesty. And take careful notes whenever she gives you a direction. When she flip-flops, you have the evidence and can kindly point out that she is flipping around like a fish out of water.

There are bad managers, and then there are bad managers who belong in a special class all their own. Spend enough time in the workforce, and you are bound to run into one of these characters. Their presence is often a warning sign of deeper problems within an organization. They make life difficult for themselves, and it seems like their life goal is to make everyone around them crazy too. Managers have a great opportunity to lead and be a positive role model to others. However, too many do not take their role or their responsibility seriously. They do not recognize the potential impact — good and bad — they can have on others, and they squander the opportunities they have to make a difference. As the CEO of Aha! (product roadmap software), I now have the privilege of handpicking the leaders in the organization. And I look for managers that work really hard and treat others with openness and respect. But earlier in my career, I did not get to choose who I worked with and I witnessed the collateral damage that some bad managers can cause to others.

The life-styler • This manager is joie de vivre personified, and his careless attitude towards life extends to work. While he does not want anything to come between him and his fun, he seems blissfully unaware of everyone else’s hard work on his behalf. If you have something each day. He sends you chasing after a goal important to discuss, you have to catch the lifethat was never defined, and thus impossible styler in between long lunches and hours spent to achieve. If you have a rock collector for a on the links. manager, you will rarely please him and your self-confidence can waver over time. Someone needs to be the adult, so it might as well be you. Step up, and be equally cheerful I call him a rock collector because no matter but firm. Explain that you need answers, and

what you bring back, it is never the right rock. It’s too smooth, or shiny, or even too large. How can you avoid the scavenger hunt each day? Try to pin him down on specific, measurable goals that you can achieve to mark your progress. Ask him to clearly define what he wants you to accomplish.

that the work cannot be accomplished until you have them. Your boss will hopefully realize his laziness is costing the organization and will start behaving more responsibly. Your coworkers will be silently celebrating your courage as well.

These managers are not necessarily bad people. Now that I have some distance from those The double-speaker • This manager is well- They have simply picked up bad habits or never situations, I can see that the most troublesome versed in the art of duplicity and manipulation, learned how to lead well. ones often fell into three categories of craziness: the rock collector, the double-speaker, But their poor management style poses a real and the life-styler. hazard to the rest of us who are trying to just do our jobs and make our way in the world. You may not be able to completely escape these crazy managers throughout your career. My final word of advice: Stay away from However, here is some advice on what to crazy managers if you can. But I know that watch out for and when you should start runis silly because it’s not always possible. So, ning the other direction, and hopefully you when you figure out your boss is nuts, inwill emerge with your own sanity still intact: crease the transparency in your communications, work more broadly across the organiThe rock collector • The Senior Vice Presization, do your job to the best of your ability. dent that I mentioned above fit this category. The rock collector has no idea what he reMost crazy bosses survive about a year. So, ally is looking for. But that will not slow him try to wait him out. But if he carries on for down. Instead of moving forward with purmore than a year, it’s time to put your runpose, his direction seems to change course ning shoes on and start stretching out.

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10 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners By Nathaniel Ellsworth | Abilene Reporter-News

The unfortunate reality is that a lot of small businesses fail. What differentiates those that fail from those that become raging successes?

those daily steps will add up and eventually you will find they build into your big dream,” she adds.

Certain traits and habits help business owners beat the odds and build highly successful companies. Here’s a look at the top 10:

5. Ask for help.

1. Dream big.

Successful business owners are dreamers. “Business owners often create something out of nothing,” says Anita Campbell, founder and chief executive of SmallBizTrends.com, an online community for business owners. They wholeheartedly believe they can turn those dreams into reality, she says. “You have to see your business in your mind’s eye. You must have complete faith and belief in this vision of what your business can become from the very start, even when there’s hardly anything tangible yet.”

2. Spot opportunities.

Today’s most popular products and companies seemed like rather unlikely or even bizarre concepts when they were first introduced (think Twitter). But successful entrepreneurs are willing and able to think outside the box and see potential in ideas where other people don’t.

3. Know how to execute.

Lots of people have ideas. Taking an idea and figuring out how to bring it to market – and then getting people to actually buy it – is a completely different thing. It is this ability to execute that separates successful entrepreneurs from mere dreamers. The reason Facebook was able to beat out other social-networking sites such as MySpace is because Mark Zuckerberg and his team figured out how to win over consumers young and old and ultimately dominate their competitors.

4. Take small steps.

Even if their ideas are big, business owners know they aren’t able to achieve everything at once, Campbell says. “You never have enough. Never enough money. Never enough people. Never enough time in the day.” So they know how to prioritize and achieve things by taking small steps forward. They engage in incremental progress. “Over time,

Many of today’s most famous business leaders have mentors, and most high-growth companies weren’t started by one person alone. That’s because even smart people need a sounding board. They look for people who have experience in their industry and find business partners that complement – not duplicate – their own skills.

6. Be nimble.

Like everyone, successful business owners make lots of mistakes. The difference, however, is that they are willing to learn from and accept those mistakes and change course – sometimes quickly. No one is going to care about stumbles along the way if the venture was a success at the end of the day.

7. Be confident.

They don’t let self-doubt or naysayers get in their way. Their persistence pushes them forward and keeps them focused, even when things don’t always work out.

8. Unafraid to fail.

Fear of failure prevents many people from starting businesses or trying new things. Successful entrepreneurs understand the risks and try to mitigate them, but don’t let risks stop them from pursuing their goals.

9. Build strong teams.

As companies start to grow and hire more people, owners know they can’t take that too lightly. Their employees and managers are the backbone of the business. Successful companies spend a lot of time figuring out what traits and skills — both hard and soft– they want in employees and then determine how they will find those people. The ability to hire well – as well as fire – is crucial.

10. Delegate tasks.

It’s often hard for business owners to let go. They built their companies from the ground up, after all. But the most successful ones know they can’t do everything, especially as their business grows. After they hire the right people, they let them do their jobs so they can focus on what they do best.

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La Popular Opening New Location in the Old Clyde Pizza House By Kacie Taylor | KTXS

La Popular Bakery & Cafe will be opening up a new location in Clyde in the next few months. The local restaurant, known for its breakfast burritos and original salsa, will be moving into the old Clyde Pizza House. La Popular has been a part of the Abilene community for years. It is a family run business that now owns four locations in town. According to the owner’s wife, Rosa Arias, the new location will hopefully be opening up before the new year.

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How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud By DaveRamsey.com

Picture this: You and your family roll up to an obscure little country gas station off the highway to fuel up. It reminds you of that little station from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but nevertheless, you’re on the final stretch of the drive to your family’s cabin on Lake Tahoe, and it’s the only place to stop for miles. You pull out your debit card, slide it into the card reader, input your PIN number, fill up your tank, and drive away.

• Intercepting Mail Isn’t that illegal? Well, if someone is trying to get your financial information, they’re beyond the point of caring about what’s right and wrong. These people will go to great lengths to go through your mailbox in hopes of finding a check or a bank statement with your personal account numbers on them. Not only that, they’ll think they hit the jackpot if they find that brand-new card you asked for just last week.

What you didn’t notice (blame it on those tired eyes and screaming kids) was that the card reader looked a bit . . . off. Not even a day into your vacation, your bank calls and lets you know someone has been purchasing some big-ticket items in your name. Yup, you’ve just experienced debit card fraud.

When it comes to your mailbox, it’s hard to control whether someone searches through your mail. The best thing you can do is to look closely at your mail. Does it look like it’s been opened and resealed? Does it have any sensitive account information in it? If so, contact your bank and the sender to freeze your accounts.

Ouch. How Does Debit Card Fraud Happen? If you’ve ever been the victim of debit card fraud or identity theft, you know how scary, violating and frustrating that can be. How did they get your information? In these post-Great Depression era days, there’s a lot more to worry about than someone finding that stash of money buried in the backyard. In today’s fast-paced digital world, there are more and more ways that someone could steal your account information and rip you off: • Card Skimmers These tricky devices are inserted into gas station point-of-sale stations or ATM machines. When you insert your card to make a transaction, that information (along with your PIN number if you used one) goes straight to someone who intends to use it for themselves. Next time you pull up to the pump, make sure to check out the card reader before you insert your card. If it looks worn or loose, use cash or opt for a different pump altogether.

• Online Purchases With a click of a button, you can purchase a new couch, tv, toaster, or even a horse—you can buy anything these days. But with so many online stores and merchants offering their goods at our fingertips, how do we know our payment information is secure when we go to check out? Well . . . we don’t. The answer may not be to stop purchasing your items online, but we do want you to implement some ways to keep your information safe. For starters, never purchase anything on an unsecured network. That means if you’re at the public library, you may want to wait until you get home to purchase those concert tickets. And the same goes for your mobile device. If you’re using the free Starbucks Wi-Fi, maybe you ought to put any purchases on hold until you know your information is safe. Plus, how do you know that man on his computer next to you isn’t just waiting for you to make this purchase? Continued on page 63.

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Continued from page 62.

• Restaurants and Stores If you think about it, we’re all pretty trusting with our debit cards at restaurants. We get the bill, put our card in that fancy envelope, and don’t think twice about the fact that we just gave a stranger in an apron access to our account. Think about it: When you give your card away, you’re trusting that your waiter or waitress is going to swipe the correct amount and return your card to you promptly. We’re not saying never go out to eat, but we are saying to check your bank account . . . and check it often.

Sometimes, banks move like turtles, and it can take a month or more to do an investigation. In this case, they will need to “return” the money to you until their investigation is over. If the charges you’re disputing happened in another state (or if it was a point-of-sale charge), this can potentially double their investigation time. And at the end of the investigation, if your bank decides that the charges weren’t fraudulent, they’ll let you know and take that money right back. Listen: It’s better to rely on your own “insur-

How Do Banks Investigate Debit ance” than to rely on the bank to make sure you have money when something goes wrong. This Card Fraud? If you’re the victim of fraud, you’ll want to be sure to contact your bank immediately—and that’s if they haven’t already contacted you. Many banks often have special alerts in place, so when an odd transaction comes through on your debit card, they can contact you to see if it was actually you who made the purchase. Just keep your eyes peeled for purchases from places you’ve never been before in amounts you wouldn’t normally spend.

is why it’s so important to have an emergency fund! Make sure you have that starter emergency fund of $1,000 in place or your fully funded emergency fund. When life happens—and it will—you want to be ready for it.

Stolen Card Number

Debit Card Vs. Credit Card Fraud

How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud

Now that you know how debit card fraud happens, it’s time to start putting safety precautions in place to make sure it doesn’t happen to you or your family. Here are some easy ways to make sure you can keep your information— Lost or Stolen Debit Card If you lost your debit card (or if it got swiped), and your money—safe and sound: it’s important to let your bank know that you think your card might be comprised—as soon 1. Check your online bank account often (and as possible. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act go paperless). outlines your liability if your card is lost or 2. Whenever possible, use your debit card as stolen based on when you report it. Once you “credit” at the cash register. The less you enter report the loss, you’re no longer responsible for your PIN number, the safer you are. 3. Opt for ATMs at your bank over stand-alone any fraudulent charges. ATMs (like at a gas station). If you report debit card fraud before any trans- 4. Always use a secure network when making actions are made, you have zero liability. If you online purchases. report within two days, your liability is just 5. Sign up for fraud or ID theft protection. Always check card readers when you’re out $50. If you report within 60 days of receiving 6. and about. If it looks off, don’t use it! your bank statement, you might have to pay up 7. Always dispose of bank statements and sensito $500 max of what was spent in your name tive information properly—the shredder is your before you reported the loss. And after 60 days, new best friend. there’s no end to your liability for unauthorized 8. Turn off overdraft protection. You don’t want spending.1 someone to drain both of your accounts. If those shady characters stole your debit card number (but you still have your card), you are not liable for any unauthorized charges made in your name. In order to have zero liability, you need to report this shady business to your bank within 60 days after your bank statement is sent. If you report the charges after 60 days, you’ll still be reimbursed for charges made in the first 60 days, but you may not be able to recover any illegal spending that happened after that.

Naysayers will tell you that your “liability” goes up with debit card fraud. Listen: That’s only true if you see unauthorized transactions on your account and do absolutely nothing. Like we said earlier, running your card as credit with every purchase (and skipping the PIN) is the best way to go.

The truth is, if your debit card is backed by a credit giant like Visa or Mastercard (and you use it like a credit card when you make a purchase), you have the exact same protections as Most debit cards are backed by Visa or Mas- a credit card. tercard. In the case of stolen card numbers, this works to your benefit. Both companies offer a Bottom line: Using your debit card is just as zero liability policy. If your PIN number was safe as using a credit card. Plus, when you use a stolen, this policy might not cover you. debit card, you’re using your own hard-earned money. Don’t fall into the trap of using a credit Fraud Investigation card as a safety precaution. It could lead to Once you notify your bank, they have 10 busi- more spending .../which leads to more debt. ness days to do an investigation and then three days to let you know (in writing) what they found. But what about the money that was taken from your account?

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