September 2021 by HispanicLife Media

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SEPTEMBER 2021 Volume 11, Issue 5 3900 N. 1st Street, Suite #2 Abilene, Texas 79603 (325) 673-4521 www.HispanicLifeMedia.com [currently under construction]

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

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

• David Hernandez (325) 518-7091

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About Us

We are dedicated to serving the Abilene and the Big Country by providing up-to-date information and resources that promote healthy families and homes. We also promote our clients businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images within the Hispanic community. HispanicLife Magazine is published on a monthly basis and is owned & operated locally. Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. HispanicLife and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. HispanicLife does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. 2021 HispanicLIfe Media

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces New Abilene Market President

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Megan Woodard | Big Sister and Director of PR & Recruiting, Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene is proud to announce the selection of Talan Cobb as its new Market President. Talan begins her duties effective immediately. Talan will continue the unforgettable legacy left by the agency’s former Market President, Mark Rogers. “Big Brothers Big Sisters has a rich legacy in our community and Talan’s enthusiasm for helping our youth and connections to our community will help that legacy continue to prosper,“ said Abilene Board Chair Travis Ruiz. “Our friend Mark Rogers will always to be remembered and celebrated and I know that Mark is with us celebrating Talan’s new role.”

better, forever with our outcomes achieving programs!” Talan is hitting the ground running, eager to develop relationships with new and existing BBBS supporters in Abilene. “The opportunity to join the BBBS team and having a hand in helping the young people in our community achieve their full potential is the honor of a lifetime. I look forward to serving West Central Texas and BBBS Lone Star to build the biggest possible future for our youth,” said Cobb.

Together with her husband Dillon, the Cobb’s have three beautiful children. Talan has her Bachelor’s Degree in CommuThe mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to nication and has been involved in the Abilene create and support one-to-one mentoring renonprofit and business communities for years. lationships that ignite the power and promise Talan Cobb Talan was most recently the Executive Director of of youth. Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters Young Audiences in Abilene. has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and “We are thrilled to welcome Talan Cobb as our Market volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big President in Abilene and West Central Texas,” said Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star CEO Pierce Bush. “She is adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 the perfect leader to come alongside our talented team and through young adulthood in communities across the counwonderful local Board and partners to take our mission try. We develop positive relationships that have a direct forward for the kids and volunteers we will impact for the and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

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LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Janie Esparza of Iconic Janie’s Record Shop in San Antonio Passes Away By TejanoNation

The Tejano community is mourning the loss of Juanita “Janie” Esparza, the owner of the iconic Janie’s Record Shop in San Antonio after the 94-year-old passed away on Wednesday (Sept. 1). Her family shared the news via a social media post, “It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our mother Juanita “JANIE” Esparza. Momma passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children, the outpouring of love and messages truly show how many lives our mother touched. Her love of life and music will live on.” For 36 years Janie’s Record Shop on the northwest side of San Antonio on Bandera Road has been a cozy store filled with unique and hard-tofind LPs, 45s, cassettes, and CDs of all genres. She has not only helped countless customers in search of a treasured song or an album but has served as a trusted, well-known resource in the Tejano and Conjunto music communities.

Tejano Hall of Famer Shelly Lares said: “I want Coujnunto legend Linda Escobar said: “I to send my love and condolences to Janies fam- loved Ms. Janie SO much!!!!! So did everyone ily. Janie of Janies record shop will always be whoever knew her! Therefore, she is going to such a BIG PART of Tebe deeply missed by SO many! jano Music history. She Janie Esparza was an ICON!!!! was not only a beautiful I will always recall her beautiful soul she knew almost evsmile!!!There was not a music ery single song and artquestion that she couldn’t answer. ist! Thank you Janie for She knew all the history! I do know the wonderful memories, that our Father God welcomed her love and support. May into His kingdom with open arms! you rejoice in peace.” She is now conversing with all the music legends jn Heaven! Janie, Tejano icon Gary Hobbs THANK YOU FOR EVERYsaid: “Rest In Peace Janie THING!!! Que descanse en Paz Esparza from Janie’s Reuna GRAN Señora!!! My deepest cord Shop in San Antonio, heartfelt condolences to all her precious family.”

Janie is considered a pioneer in Tejano music and has been inducted in many halls of fame including including the 2003 National Hispanic Hall of Fame, 2011 Tejano Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, 2012 Narciso Martinez Texas. A very humble person. I don’t think she Conjunto Hall of Fame, and 2015 South Texas ever realized how important she was to our inAssociation Conjunto Hall of Fame. dustry. Thank you Janie for everything you did for our industry. Our condolences to her family Many Tejano and Conjunto stars took to social and relatives. God grant the family peace and media to honor Janie Esparza after news of her comfort.” passing.

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos said: “We send our sincere condolences to the family of Janie Esparza in the loss of such a beautiful soul. Thank you Ms Janie for your many years of dedicated support to the Tejano industry, because of your support many of us Artist were able to connect with our fans. May you rest in Eternal Peace.” Up until a few months ago, Janie would offer a personal, friendly customer service experience at Janie’s Record Shop, often with a few words of wisdom. She could no longer maintain her vigourours full-time work schedule due to her declining health. Her memory will always fill every inch of the store.

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Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Local Group Calling For CommunityTo Wear White Beyond Labor Day in the Fight for Alzheimer’s First Survivor By Kristin Bishop | Regional Director, Alzheimer’s Association - North Central Texas Chapter

Labor Day signifies the official end to summer and the cardinal rule of fashion calls for white attire to be retired for the season. However, a local group of family and friends is urging the community to help them raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease – a disease which currently has no preventative or cure – by wearing white year round. “While purple is the recognized signature Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s awareness color, white also has significance for the cause,” says Tamara Hunter, Hunter Heroes team captain. “At the Walk to End Alzheimer’s a white flower serves as a hopeful symbol of Alzheimer’s first survivor.” Hunter Heroes, a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, is kicking off the Labor Day weekend festivities by donning their summer-friendly white wardrobe to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. An invitation-only All Dressed In White Extravaganza will be hosted on Saturday, September 4 at the Martin D Denson VFW Post 6873. The party featuring DJ Skids, food, raffles and prizes serves as a team fundraiser benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association in Abilene. “Fighting to end Alzheimer’s and supporting those impacted isn’t seasonal,” says Kristin Bishop, Abilene Region Director for the Alzheimer’s Association. “We are working towards the day when we will realize our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – and until that day, we remain committed to ensuring quality care and support is available for those navigating a dementia journey.” The community is invited to join Hunter Heroes’ efforts by: •wearing white and sharing their personal Alzheimer’s stories on social media over Labor Day weekend •registering for the Abilene Walk to End Alzheimer’s: alz.org/walk

•Making a donation to the Hunter Heroes team via the Abilene Walk to End Alzheimer’s website: act. alz.org/abilene Plans are moving forward to host the Abilene Walk to End Alzheimer’s in person on October 9, 2021 at Grover Nelson Park. The health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities as decisions are made about event details. Options will be offered to participate online and in local neighborhoods. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/walk. Alzheimer’s Facts: More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Texas alone, there are more than 400,000 people living with the disease and well over one million usually unpaid caregivers. 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. Alzheimer’s Association®: The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz. org or call 800.272.3900.

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5 Home Energy Hogs By Taylor Electric Cooperative

EVEN THOUGH TWO HOMES may have many similarities, there may be hidden energy hogs causing one home’s utility bills to be higher. Here are five energy hogs that increase energy use.

1. An old fridge or freezer in the garage. That second refrigerator or freezer

may be costing more than you think. If the model was produced prior to 1990, it’s likely using twice as much energy (or more!) than a newer Energy Star-rated model. If it’s located in the garage, it may run constantly in the summer, which leads to higher electric bills.

2. Cooling or heating an uninsulated area. Cooling or heating an uninsulat-

Soft spoken and active, 11-year-old Cam’Ron looking for his forever family By KRBC | BigCountryHomePage.com

Cam’Ron is an 11-year-old active boy. He is a soft spoken young man and takes time to warm up to others. He has a smile that can light up a room. He likes to be busy. He loves looking for arrowheads, playing basketball, and riding bikes. His favorite colors are red and black. His favorite foods are chicken nuggets, fries, burgers, and nachos. Cam’Ron loves to watch the National Football League and hopes to attend a game in person someday.

ed workshop or garage can be expensive. If you really want to heat or cool these types of spaces, insulate them.

3. Hot tub. The cost to operate a hot tub

can be exponentially higher if it’s an older, less efficient model. A smaller hot tub with better insulation, a cover and a pump that runs on a lower voltage will use less energy. In the end, getting a “good deal” on a used hot tub may cost more in energy bills in the long run.

4. Swimming pool. If you have a pool,

consider installing a smaller, more efficient pump and reducing how often it runs. You can also look at installing a larger filter and maximizing the flow of water through the pipes by making them larger. These measures could cut your electric use for the pool pump by as much as 75%. Consult with a pool installation specialist to find the most efficient setup that will still keep your pool clean.

5. Pumps. If you live on acreage or a farm,

you probably have several pumps, including irrigation, well, septic and sump. You probably use those pumps until they break down. Consider replacing the oldest and most-used pumps over time with more efficient ones that are sized correctly for their task.

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Cam’Ron likes to have alone time to gather his thoughts during trying times. He is working on expressing himself for others to help understand his needs. He gets along well with peers in his current placement and does well in school with a little extra help from teachers. FAMILY PROFILE Cam’ron will thrive in a 2 parent household who has experience and patience with children. He would do very well in an organized home with structure and clear expectations. Cam’ron needs a family who likes to stay active. Cam’ron will take time to learn to trust, so a family committed to sticking out the hard times is very important for Cam’ron. ABOUT ME I want a nice family and I will be nice to them. To inquire about Cam’Ron, please contact Beverly Hutchins as bhutchins@2ingage.org.

8 | COMMUNITY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

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Sen. Cruz Visits Abilene Christian University To Talk NEXT By Sydney Varner | The Optimist, Abilene Christian University

U.S. Sen Ted Cruz made a stop in Abilene to completed steps in that process, but that’s the visit ACU’s NEXT Lab while on a tour of cit- process we’re focused on currently so we wanties across the state. ed to make sure that the senator was aware of that as well as any legislation that deals with adCruz met with members of the university’s fac- vanced nuclear and the ability for ACU to beneulty and administration at the Halbert-Walling fit from that legislation.” Science Center to talk about clean energy and NEXT Lab’s pioneering advancements. Cruz also was able to tour the lab, and students presented a small demonstration of some of their “It’s been great to visit with the leadership at research. ACU and to talk about the exciting research into nuclear power and using molten salt po- “It was a big deal for them,” Schubert said. tentially to generate electricity in a way that is “They showed off a little bit in some of their cleaner, safer and more reliable,” Cruz said. labs, poured out some molten salt, and did a few “Texas has always been on the cutting edge of things with a flame so it was neat to have [Cruz] energy. Texas is a state of pioneers and energy here and him be so impressed with their work.” entrepreneurs and the exciting work at ACU on nuclear energy for the future is a powerful Schubert said it was an honor to have Cruz visit embodiment of that long Texas tradition.” campus and hopes his influence can help move along the NEXT Lab’s energy research. Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, joined Cruz to discuss the NEXT Lab’s next “He’s obviously interested in the future of ensteps in working with the Nuclear Regulatory ergy for our country and the certain role Texas Commission as well as legislation. is playing in pioneering advancement and moving forward,” Schubert said. “He recognized “We’re in the process of working through our ACU is at the forefront of that initiative so they licensure process with the Nuclear Regula- asked if they could make a visit. We gave them tory Commission which involves a number an overview of the work going on in the NEXT of steps, and we’ll be filing some significant Lab where we are currently and anticipated next documentation within the application process steps and how the senator’s office and his inin February, which will then kick off a formal fluence might be helpful in pushing the agenda review,” Schubert said. “We’ve already been forward.” working with the NRC for the past year and

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The Law Office of Blake Norvell

“Abilene Scores In Under The Stadium Lights” Written by Blake Covington Norvell, Attorney

As Originally Featured & Published In The

Buffalo Gap Round-Up News June 4, 2021. The stadium lights are shining bright in Abilene. That is because Under The Stadium Lights made it to the big screen. The movie is released in some theatres, on major streaming platforms (including Amazon Prime Video), and is scheduled for DVD release on August 3rd. Abilene is standing tall because Under The Stadium Lights is a movie about how the players on the Abilene High Eagles football team overcame adversity to bond as a group and function as a team, to win the state championship

in 2009, an accomplishment the Eagles had not achieved since 1956. The players learned to be each other’s “brother’s keeper,” and this lesson paid off huge when they won the state championship and proved to the world that football is still alive and well in West Texas. Under The Stadium Lights walks one through the Abilene High Eagles amazing 2009 football season and includes footage from actual games. The movie’s cast is well-known, including Milo Gibson, Glenn Morshower, and Laurence Fishburne. Unlike many football movies, Under The Stadium Lights shows actual game footage, which adds to the movie’s authenticity. The movie shows many of Abilene’s key landmarks, buildings, and places. What sets Under The Stadium Lights apart from other films is that it focuses on the adversity the players are

struggling with in their personal lives as the football season progresses. The movie shows the players are real people who must deal with life’s hardships off the field. Beneath the smiling faces of victory after the games are broken hearts, broken homes, and broken lives. The movie shows this and that makes the film real. An example of a scene in the movie that shows the adversity in a player’s life is my Law Office scene. The Law Office scene also illustrates the ability to overcome adversity and ties into the movie’s theme of the importance of being close to parents. I play an attorney in Under The Stadium Lights. I wrote the Law Office scene to fit the movie’s theme. I asked the producer to film the Law Office scene at my father’s former law office, Norvell & Associates, located at 744 Hickory Street in Abilene. The pro-

ducer was agreeable. The scene takes place approximately 18 minutes after the movie starts. Here is the Law Office scene. Herschel Sims is the star quarterback for the Abilene High Eagles. Unfortunately, his mother has recently been arrested for allegedly writing hot checks. Because Herschel is close to his mother and wants to help her, he sets up a meeting to retain me to represent his mother. Herschel cares about his mother. In the scene, Herschel Sims is sitting in my office. I enter the office and introduce myself to Herschel. “Hi. I’m Blake Norvell. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Herschel and I shake hands. “Herschel, I’m very sorry to hear about your mother.” Herschel replies “thank you.” I tell Herschel to “have a seat. Make yourself comfortable.” I next say “Herschel, I bet you’re close to your mom, aren’t you?” Herschel answers

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then tell Herschel that “I’m close to my mom too. My jury consultant, Margaret Norvell, happens to be my mother.” The camera then focuses on my mother, who is sitting at the desk in my office. My mother says “hello Herschel.” Herschel says “hey.” I go on to explain to Herschel that “I’ve reviewed this file and I have a lot of confidence that I can win this case. And I think that even though this situation is very tragic, ultimately it’s going to have a happy ending for you and your mom.” Herschel says OK and is pleased that I will be able to help his mother. The Law Office scene is upbeat, with bright sunlight glaring through the windows of the office, and, most importantly, delivers good news for Herschel about his mother’s case. The Law Office scene is also nice because it ties into the theme of being close to family, which is a theme of the movie.

Life is full of ups and downs, but it is much easier to endure when one is close to family and friends. The Law Office scene was also inspired by lessons I learned from studying with the famous trial lawyer Gerry Spence at his ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. The best word to describe the Law Office scene is “genuine.” The movie is based on the book, Brother’s Keeper, by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell. Al Pickett said the movie was pretty accurate and did a good job of carrying the theme. Chad Mitchell said the movie illustrates that every once in a while, the underdog wins. “They learned what it meant to be their brother’s keeper.” The Abilene Eagles team was inspired by Coach Steve Warren and his talks with the team. “Lean on your brother today because he will be there for you . . .”

Chuck Statler recalls how great it was to announce “that’s another Abilene Eagle touchdown!” The movie also has a cool soundtrack that features my cousin Bucky Covington’s new song, “Driving in the Dark.” In the movie, Bucky plays an assistant coach for the Cedar Hill Longhorns, who were defeated by the Abilene High Eagles. Abilene scored a touchdown in Under The Stadium Lights. There is no reason to be driving in the dark with the stadium lights shining so bright. ________________________

About the author:

“Under The Stadium Lights” Available on Netflix, Video On Demand, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes. Also available at Target, Walmart, and Abilene High School.

Blake C. Norvell is an Abilene attorney and mediator (UCLA Law: J.D.; SMU: B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa; Member, Texas Bar College; Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation). His articles have been published in law journals throughout the country, including Yale, USC, and Temple.

Norvell Law Firm (325) 695-1708

Pictured: Blake Norvell, Margaret Norvell, Bucky Covington and the Band

norvell2007@gmail.com

Pictured: Margaret Norvell, Bucky Covington, and Blake Norvell

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Courtesy of: HispanicLife Magazine

To place your loved ones obituary or to honor them with a special message, please contact our offices at: (325) 673-4521 Email: info@hispaniclifemedia.com

Eloy Cardenas Mayorga, 76, went home on

Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Eloy Cardenas Mayorga was born May 13th, 1945, in Del Rio, TX, to Ambrocio and Josephina Mayorga. Survivors include his wife; Anita M. Mayorga of Abilene, son; Eloy Mayorga Jr. of Abilene, daughters; Anna Mayorga of Abilene, Leola Montoya and husband Juan Montoya of Abilene, Cathy Garcia and husband Angel Garcia of Fort Worth, brothers; Ambrocio Mayorga of Del Rio, Jose Mayorga and wife Ida Mayorga of San Angelo, Guadalupe Mayorga and wife Ruth Mayorga of Del Rio, Ramiro Mayorga and wife Susana Mayorga of Cleburne, sisters; Lydia Garcia widowed of Del Rio, Josephina Mayorga of Abilene, Norma Mayorga of San Angelo, grandchildren (16), great-grandchildren (25) and great-great-grandchildren (6). Eloy Cardenas Mayorga was preceded in death by father; Ambrocio Mayorga of Del Rio, mother; Josephina Cardenas Mayorga of Del Rio, Leonel Mayorga of Abilene, Claudio Mayorga of Del Rio, Maria (Cuca) Del Refugia Martinez of Fort Worth.

Mike Cano III, 48, went home on Wednesday,

August 11, 2021.

Mike Cano III was born March 14, 1973, in Lubbock, TX, to Mike Cano II and Mary Jean Cano. Survivors include his wife; Jo Ann Cano, Sons; Andrew Cano (Celeste Cano) and Nathan Cano, Nicolas Hernandez, daughters; Miranda Cano, Michelle Cano and Dayla Cano, Amanda Olguin, sisters; Mary Pena (Guillermo), Christina Gonzales, Petra Soliz, Norma Nieto (Mario), (1) grandchild; Andrew Michael Cano Jr. Mike Cano III was preceded in death by father; Mike Cano II, mother; Mary Jean Cano, brothers; Ernest Baca, Frank Baca and sister; Lucy Rodriguez.

Velia N. Figueiras, 85, went home on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Velia N. Figueiras was born November 14, 1935, in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Ramon and Eloisa Nieto. Survivors include sons; Ricardo Nieto of Hereford, Tx, Alberto Figueiras and wife Lupe Figueiras of Tulsa, Ok, Mario Figueiras and wife Gloria Figueiras of Hereford, Tx, Jesus Figueiras of Acuna, Mexico, Manuel

Figueiras and wife Maricela Figueiras of Del Rio, Tx, Raul Figueiras of San Antonio, Tx, Rolando Figueiras and wife Lucy Figueiras of Abilene, Tx, daughter; Martha Gomez and husband Sabino Gomez of Abilene, Tx, brothers; Roy Nieto and wife Cathy Nieto of Idaho, Manuel Nieto of Juarez, Mexico, Alvaro Nieto and wife Rome Nieto of Juarez, Mexico, sisters; Nena Nieto of Hereford, Tx, Lucy Nieto of El Paso, Tx, Licha Nieto of El Paso, Tx and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Michael A. Lozano, 45, went home on Saturday, August 13, 2021. Michael A. Lozano was born June 25, 1976 in Levelland, Texas, to Antonio and Angel Lozano. Survivors include his wife; Azucena Santos Lozano of Del Rio, son; Miguel A. Lozano of Abilene, daughters; Mariah Bunch of Houston, Karyme Lozano of Abilene, Ayanna Stokes and husband Joseph Sanchez of Abilene, sisters; Emily Lozano and husband (Mike Hernandez) of Abilene, Delilah Lozano and husband (Marco Vasquez), grandchildren (3) Jayce Bunch, Joseph Anthony Sanchez, Jo’Vauni A. Levelland, Texas. Michael Lozano was preceded in death by father; Antonio Lozano of Washington, DC. Manuel Gauna Jr., 60, went home on Thursday,

August 19, 2021. Manuel Gauna Jr. was born December 12, 1960, in Abilene, Texas, to Manuel Gauna Sr. and Elena Martinez Gauna. Survivors include his wife; Laura Elena Gauna of Abilene, Texas, son; Manuel Alexander Gauna of Abilene, Texas, daughters; Asiana Valero of Abilene, Texas and Stephanie Tornero (Carlos Tornero) of Abilene, Texas, brothers; Victor Gauna of Abilene, Texas, David Gauna of San Angelo, Robert Gauna of Abilene, Texas, grandchildren; (7) Lylah Esquivel, Marcus Esquivel, Leon Filorio, Lijah Bermea, Elias Gauna-Jones, Dominic Tornero, Marcelino Tornero. Manuel Gauna Jr. is preceded in death by father; Manuel Gauna Sr. and mother; Elena Martinez Gauna.

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Abilene Home Away From Home Looking for Volunteers to Host Dyess Airmen By Debra Morotini | President, Abilene Home Away From Board of Directors Have you and your family been looking for a way to become more involved and give back to the Dyess community? Have you heard of the Abilene Home Away From Home program? The Military Affairs Committee supports our Dyess Airmen in so many ways, but there is a way to get your whole family involved. What is Abilene Home Away From Home (AHAH)? It is a program where people in the community volunteer to become a host family for First Term Airmen. How much does it cost? There is no financial cost for you to host an Airman, just your time. We ask you to meet with your Airmen at least once a month in person and by phone or text at least one other time or as often as you would like. There are no expectations to take them out for expensive dinners or entertainment. Most of them would like someone not in uniform to talk to, and maybe a homecooked meal. For some, it is just getting out of

the dormitory and being with a family.

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Because service without a smile.

What if my assigned Airmen and my family aren’t a good fit? We know there may be some matches that may not work, so we will rematch so that Airmen and family are a perfect fit. So how do I sign-up? Simple, go to our website (www.myabihome.org) and complete an application, or you can contact our Program Coordinators, Allan and Judy Farmer, at 325669-3103. Also, check out our Facebook Page (Abilene Home Away From Home) for more information. Are you currently not able to adopt but would like to support this program? You can donate to help cover the programs cost through our website. Come join us in this amazing program of giving back to our Dyess Airmen.

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AISD, Cumulus to Continue Partnership For Athletics Broadcasts By Abilene AISD

The Abilene Independent School District and Cumulus Media will continue their partnership during the 2021-22 school year as Cumulus will continue to carry AISD football, basketball and baseball broadcasts. The only change beginning with this season is that all broadcasts will be carried online only. Beginning with. Friday night’s season-opening football games for both Abilene High and Cooper, links to each AISD athletics contest during the year can be found on each of the four local station websites powered by Cumulus Media.

AISD-TV Facebook page as the University Interscholastic League (UIL) extended its permission to live-stream Friday night games to the 2021 season. The AISD is also planning to live-stream road games each week on the AISD-TV Facebook page.

Jimmy Pogue (play-by-play) and Rick Cason (color commentator) return to broadcast Cooper games, while Chuck Statler returns as the play-by-play voice of Abilene High. He will be joined in the booth starting this year by color commentator Cody Coil. The former KRBC-TV reporter and Links for both the Abilene High and Cooper games will be found founder of Big Country Blitz magazine fills the void left on www.kbcy.com, www.power103.com, www.102thebear.com when Mark Rogers was killed in a tragic automobile acciand www.981thephantom.com. No game will be carried over the air dent last spring. (radio) but will be carried exclusively online. Each of those stations can also be found at www.iheart.com or on the iHeartRadio app. Abilene High and Cooper games will continue to be re-aired on Cable Channel 2 each week throughout the season. Home football games will continue to be live-streamed on the

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EDUCATION

LOCAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY NEWS

With names changed, three Abilene ISD elementary schools celebrate local legacies By Timothy Chipp | Abilene Reporter-News

Students filled the courtyard entrance to Purcell Elementary on Thursday morning, welcoming the school’s namesake back to campus. Eugene Purcell spent more than 30 years teaching at then-Johnston Elementary and built a reputation in his gym classes of hard work and success. As he stood at the podium, facing students, friends, administrators and others, he figured something about his teaching methods was good enough. “I never envisioned something like this happening,” he said. “To have such an honor bestowed on me, especially one I did not seek, is especially gratifying. It makes me feel like I did a few things right.” Purcell Elementary was one of three schools celebrating new names Thursday, a product of a strong grassroots effort in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis to end the Abilene school district’s use of Confederate officials on buildings. Jackson Elementary was renamed after former Abilene ISD and longtime Hardin-Simmons University professor Jose Alcorta Sr., while Lee Elementary was changed to Stafford Elementary, honoring longtime Abilene educators Robert and Sammye Stafford. The Staffords were Black educators before desegregation. Alcorta is Hispanic. Purcell is white.

Purcell’s new playground Purcell said there were four things that made him excited about having the name changed at the place he called home for so long. The first was that a strong group of women banded together and started a campaign to submit his name specifically for Johnston’s renaming. He heard about it through a couple of these folks, he said, but didn’t realize he was that popular. Their campaign got him noticed by a committee formed by the district to review naming options and put him on a shortlist of 12 finalists. Second, he said, was his grandmother. He said she would’ve been “especially proud.” Third, his mother would’ve been right next

to his grandmother in pride. They actually spent the first two years of his career teaching in the Abilene district together, though at different schools. Last, he said, he sees this as a different form of carrying on his family’s name. Purcell said he never married and won’t have any kids. So passing on his father’s name to future generations isn’t a possibility. “In some small way,” he said, “Dad’s family

facing the country and the city makes an opportunity like the one created through renaming the three schools is all the more important. “So much has occurred over the last 18 months that’s divided us as a country,” Williams said. “From COVID-19 to racial schism. But a unifying opportunity like this, to set aside individuals that exemplify what school should be about, and that is helping the next generation, that’s why we’re here today.” While Bobby Stafford was unable to attend, he passed on a note that Williams read: “(The renaming) is a reflection of their hard work and influence,” the letter read. “I never talked to anyone in Abilene who didn’t respect them. They were thought of well in this community.”

A different ceremony

name will be carried on with his name on this building. It was something I always worried about.”

Muted ceremony at Stafford

While Purcell’s presence, and popularity at the facility now bearing his name, led to a significant turnout, the crowd was much smaller at Stafford Elementary. Mayor Anthony Williams spoke on behalf of the Stafford family, which was unable to send a representative to the ceremony. A future ceremony is being planned, Williams said, to bring the family — specifically, the couple’s son, Bobby — to see the school now bearing the couple’s names. Williams, a product of then-Lee Elementary himself, said the amount of difficult challenges

Surrounded by family and friends, students at his newly named school and district officials, Jose Alcorta Sr. held nothing back. Preparing his remarks for the ceremony, Alcorta listed 10 things he wanted to recognize. While reading them, he praised his family, from his four children and his grandchildren to his wife. He also praised God as his reason for being. “In everything I say or do, I give the honor and glory to God,” Alcorta said. “Without God we are nothing.” He also called for discipline in the classroom, as students must learn “The Three Rs: Reading, Writing and arithmetic.” But also, teachers must teach responsibility, respect, honesty and love for country. However, he said, education begins at home, with the parents. “I could speak all day long,” he said. “This is for the parents. Education begins at home with the parents. Parents, don’t be blaming the school or the church. It’s your baby. Educate them. teach them. “Give me well disciplined children at home and I will give you good students in the classroom.”

16 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

HSU PT Program Partners with Disability Ministry for Summer Mission Work

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Jaidyn Kamplain | Hardin-Simmons University

Each summer, the Hardin-Simmons Doctor of Physical Therapy program partners with Joni and Friends, a disability ministry that strives to equip churches to care for families with individuals affected by disabilities. PT students from HSU are trained to be shortterm missionaries at Family Retreat, a weeklong getaway for these families hosted by Joni and Friends. Trained PT students were paired with each camper and attended activities with them, allowing their families to attend programming and be encouraged throughout the camp, as well. Families enjoy times of worship, activities, and Bible-based teaching throughout the week. DPT student with a friend from Joni and Friends.“The HSU Doctor of Physical Therapy program is extremely thankful for this partnership with Joni and Friends that allows our students to serve these families at camp,” shared Dr. Jill Jumper, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy. “First of all, it gives these students the opportunity to use their skills and knowledge to be the hands and feet of Christ, which is our primary goal here. Second, they obtain insight into the world of families with disabilities that would be difficult to experience in the clinic alone. Watching these entire families praise the Lord in everything they do and serve each other without complaint 24 hours a day is a life-changing experience for all of us, students and faculty included. These families are superheroes in our book!” Physical Therapy students in HSU’s graduate program participate in a Professional Seminar

that uses a core curriculum called “Beyond Suffering.” Before their work as short-term missionaries at Family Retreat, Dr. Mark Armstrong leads the PT students through the

that they are created in God’s image and learn to appreciate the unique gifts and offerings each camper brings. After spending five full days with their camper, they learn just how much their camper is a person just like they are. The joy and acceptance throughout the camp is unbelievable,” stated Dr. Armstrong. Parker Johnson, a second-year HSU PT student from Oklahoma City, shared that this week was not only impactful regarding his view of individuals with disabilities, but also gave him skills that he hopes to practice within his career as a physical therapist.

DPT students with families from Joni and Friends.“During my week at family retreat, I learned to see the soul of an individual and not just the body it is housed in. Working with individuals with severe disabilities demonstrated that sometimes the people with the most broken bodies have the most beautiful souls. For some of the individuals at camp, spoken communication isn’t an option, but that doesn’t mean they cannot communicate. Sometimes a smile or an explosion of laughter says so much more than our words ever could,” Parker shared. “I hope to carry this into my practice as a physical therapist. I desire to see and interact with souls and not just bodies. I gained a new appreciation course, which breaks down societal miscon- for the power of a smile, and I was witness to ceptions of disability, explains the history of Christ-like unconditional love during my time disability, teaches theology of suffering and at Family Retreat.” service, and trains students how to listen well to others. The students participate in lectures, The HSU Physical Training program utilizes discussion groups and write reflection papers FundHSU to help raise money for its students. on disability and suffering. If you are interested in donating, visit http:// fund.hsutx.edu/site/TR?fr_id=1721&pg=entry “Our short-term missionaries tell the campers

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Abilene Christian University To Offer Free Speech Classes for Local Preschoolers By Sarah Burns | KTXS

Abilene Christian University will be offering free speech classes for local preschoolers this fall. ACU speech-language pathology graduate student clinicians will be hosting the Program to Assist Language and Speech Skills (PALS). The program is designed for children ages 3-5 who have yet to enter school and have delayed language skills or speech that is difficult to understand. The program will span across four weeks with two sessions per week, which will be monitored by a faculty member of ACU. Applications for the program are being accepted through September 3rd, and evaluations will take place in the fall. PALS will run from October 25th to November 17th. “The eight sessions may be enough to get them into the age appropriate range. Or, if there is still a delay, we can recommend that they con-

tinue receiving services in the spring, in a more traditional weekly setting. Since this is free, there’s no concern about qualifying through insurance companies,” said Monica Garcia, director of clinical education and clinical educator/instructor in ACU’s Center for Speech, Language and Learning. Each session will focus on targeting delays in individual and group intervention settings led by student clinicians. Graduate students will complete a full evaluation of each child’s speech and language skills, and follow up recommendations for families will be provided at the conclusion of the program. For more information, call the ACU Center for Speech, Language and Learning at 325-6746670 or email Stephanie Fullerton at smb04e@ acu.edu.

18 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Junior Achievement and State Farm Team Up For Work Readiness Initiative By BigCountryHomePage

State Farm continues to lead the way in local support of Junior Achievement of Abilene as they gave a grant for $8,500 to help fund the JA Work Readiness Program – “It’s My Future” for the 20/21 school year in providing classes for 8th graders across the Big Country. Because of State Farm, JA was able to open up more classes virtually and continue teaching this program through a very difficult year for students across the Big Country.

20/21 Board Chair Misti Collier, and Shaun Martin, Board Chair 21/22 Board Chair. These State Farm Agents spoke very highly about the importance of our JA Program and what we were accomplishing in our local schools to our 25 + board members and trustees. The Junior Achievement “It’s My Future” Program equips and helps students prepare for a successful financial life by demonstrating the importance of sound habits of budgeting, planning, saving, goal-setting, investing, and managing risk. “It is through the generous support of businesses like State Farm and their employee volunteers that we can reach as many areas, schools, teachers and students in our community,” stated Junior Achievement Executive Director, Sharon Earnest.

On August 19, 2021 at the opening of Junior Achievement of Abilene’s first board meeting/retreat to begin the 2021/2022 year, State Farm representatives were able to join us and present the 20/21 grant “in person. Local Abilene State Farm Agents Kim Austin, David Ballard, Melanie Hardy, Risha Sanders and Blake Williams presented a check to

Misti Collier, Board Chair 20/21 added, “Our mission is to inspire young people to succeed in a global economy by developing the desire in young people to stay in school and value lifelong learning, developing positive attitudes toward work and contributing to a diverse society, and utilizing business/education partnerships, like the one with State Farm, which creates a bridge between the classroom and the workplace.”

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Pick us up at Riojas, Monterrey Mexican Restaurant & Alfredo’s | EDUCATION | 19

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Oh Boy! The World’s Most Successful Rock & Roll Show Comes to Abilene Convention Center September 21st By Randy Cole | Celebrity Attractions

After nearly eighteen months - it’s time to get back to the theatre! Celebrity Attractions is kicking off the Abilene Broadway series with a party - BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story! On the back of incredibly successful Tours in 2015, 2016 AND 2018, BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story - the show that inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals including Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, and We Will Rock You - is making its Abilene premiere on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 pm. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Aug. 23 at 10 am and will be available by phone at 800-869-1415 or online at www.celebrityattractions.com. Now in its 31st Amazing year and seen by over 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences from 8 to 80 rockin’ in the aisles across the globe. Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary per-

formance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In 18 short months the Texas-born boy revolutionized the face of contemporary music influencing everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Boasting a phenomenally multi-talented cast, together they present two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On. With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed a youthful energy, huge talent and creativity, combined with a determination to make a lastevening of feel-good family entertainment ing impression in this world.” Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, says of the show: “When we opened the show we never Writer Alan Janes says, “Audiences dance in imagined Buddy’s music and story would still the aisles every night to our enactment of the be rocking stages and entertaining audiences story of a young man whose musical career around the world week-in week-out over 25 spanned an all-too-brief period but whose muyears later. I believe this is testament to a great sic will be remembered forever.” show – the first of its kind – and to the enduring appeal of Buddy Holly and what he represents; BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story is welcomed

in Abilene by Sharon Riley’s Lytle Land & Cattle and Sharon’s Barbecue Catering, and First National Bank Albany • Breckenridge. This show kicks off Celebrity Attractions’ 2021-2022 Broadway Season in Abilene which also includes AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN the Musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC, and WAITRESS plus an add-on production of BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical. For more information on the season and season tickets, visit www.celebrityattractions.com/ Abilene. Get social with the Abilene Broadway Series by becoming a fan on Facebook. com/BwayAbilene and Instagram.com/BwayAbilene. Celebrity Attractions and the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council are pleased to have KTAB and KRBC as our season sponsors for the Broadway Season.

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20 | EDUCATION | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Scalley Uses Experience to Teach TSTC Emergency Medical Services Students

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Ben Barkley | Communication Specialist, Texas State Technical College

With nine years of field experience, Tim Scal- and medics in the area. ley is bringing a unique perspective to Texas State Technical College’s Emergency Medical What do you enjoy most about your caServices program. reer? Getting to use all the amazing training equipment that the college provides for us. It is Before beginning his time as the EMS instruc- amazing to see how, just like the EMS industor at TSTC in Brownwood, Scalley worked try itself, the training equipment has advanced as a paramedic for five years and spent four since a decade ago when I went through TSTC years serving as a flight medic.His time working as a flight medic showed him that he had a second calling. “When I started working at Air Evac Lifeteam, they trained me to teach the American Heart Association CPR and advanced-level courses to their industry partners,” Scalley said. “Initially it was just for the extra pay, but then I began loving the education aspect, as well getting to watch the students interact with each other and learn. It is always rewarding to see a student’s ‘light bulb’ turn on when they grasp a concept they have been struggling with before.” Scalley is preparing the next group of paramedics and emergency medical technicians, knowing they will become well-trained first responders.

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Once they are certified and working, though, the advice would be always to be a patient advocate in every sense of the word. Be compassionate, be caring, be respectful, fight for your patients and their rights. Remember that EMS is not always the blood and guts, but also the 2 a.m. earache calls. Treat them all the same. It might not be an emergency in their eyes, but it is to their patients. Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

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What do you enjoy most about teaching future first responders? Knowing that every student we graduate is benefiting the local area’s patient care and providing more EMS workers to the area to provide high-quality care.

What advice do you give your students once they complete the program? Once they complete the program, they still are not certified in Texas to work as EMTs or paramedics. They still have to pass their national examination process and then apply to the state to be certified. The best piece of advice is not to wait on that process. Take a few weeks to study/prepare for that national exam. The longer they wait to take it, then the chances of passing get smaller and TSTC Emergency Medical Services instructor Tim Scalley brings nine smaller due to how long they have been years of field experience to the classroom to teach future first re- out of class.

What makes the program at TSTC different? The instructors. We are all sponders. (Photo: TSTC) passionate about our students’ success, as well as a student for my paramedic. Running simas the type of student we put out for our indus- ulated patient calls with the students in the try partners. We not only strive to make sure ambulance simulator, getting to change the the students are well prepared to handle any scenarios on the fly based off of the treatment EMS call, but also have the mental fortitude to the students provide the manikins, and then the handle the EMS industry. students themselves getting to see those changes on the simulated cardiac monitors that look What is the career outlook for EMTs and like the paramedics? Very good. I cannot recall a stu- real thing -- the simulations are my favorite dent that graduated that was not able to land part because so many light bulbs get turned on a job within a few weeks of seeking employ- during them. ment. There is always a shortage of both EMTs

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Do you have a favorite memory at TSTC? Getting to watch my students walk the stage and receive their degrees after spending countless hours in the lab with them would be my favorite memories. Knowing that all their hard work and determination has paid off and they will be riding in an ambulance in less than a month.

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Cisco College & Cisco Development Corporation Partner with RAM Inc for Workforce Training By Colton Wedeking | Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Cisco College

Abilene chefs compete by presenting samples of their version of the American classic – macaroni and cheese – for a chance to be recognized as The Big Cheese 2021. All proceeds from this event will beneﬁt Big Brothers Big Sisters Abilene. Stuﬀ yourself with noodles and cheesy goodness and help out your community by participating in The Big Cheese!

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Cisco College recently conducted a quarterly supervision training with RAM Inc., based out of Cisco, Texas, as part of a partnership with the Cisco Development Corporation and Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas.

engaged in this training through the month of June. Since the training, we have seen marked improvement in communication and teamwork resulting in productivity improvements,” said Dick Williams, Chief Executive Officer of RAM Inc., “During this time, one long term “Our first priority is taking care of the busi- production manager retired and was replaced nesses that are already in Cisco and workforce development is one of the core ways economic development corporations can do this very thing,” said Justin Jaworski, Executive Director of the Cisco Development Corporation. “It was a privilege to contribute towards this training and helping ensure RAM has an ongoing level of support from our organization.” “I applaud Dick Williams for taking time to invest in their leadership team. When businesses invest in their employees, they invest in their productivity, and ultimately their success,” Jaworski added. The partnership materialized out of an idea Harris and Jaworski had to address a need in the area for supervision and leadership in local industries. The quarterly sessions are focused by an experienced manager from outside the on supervision, leadership, team building, del- organization.” egations, workplace communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. “This transition has been much smoother than expected as a direct result of the excellent “Twenty-two members of the RAM Inc. team training provided by the Cisco College team.”

22 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY ADVICE

Abilene man with Cerebral Palsy achieves goal of becoming a personal trainer By KRBC | BigCountryHomePage.com Joshua “King” Rushin was born with Cerebral Palsy. A rare condition that affects his muscle development and ability to control his body. Even so, King takes every opportunity he can to show that disabled doesn’t mean unable.

“You can just feel that you know you’re not welcome someplace or they come up with excuses of why they can’t hire you. Being born disabled you have to expect that.” King said.

For King, this job means “That’s all people used to so much more than a tell me. What I can’t do paycheck. what I can’t do what I can’t do. So when people told “Somebody has to be me I couldn’t do something willing to take the sacI had to practice practice rifice, the bruising and practice until I went back the beating to open up and did it It’s not about doors for others,” King bragging but it’s about remarked. overachieving the stones that people set in front of “The average person isn’t living with a disability. Every day, every minute, every So that others with you” Says King. hour is different for me…. I can allow my disability to effect me or I can allow my disabilities will come disability to grow me and show me who I can be.” JOSHUA “KING” RUSHIN through that door and He was unable to walk as a achieve their fitness child but after 12 surgeries goals. King plans to he took his first steps at 7 years old. Fitness just three weeks ago. He started at the King attended Madison middle school and front desk but Fitness Cooper High. During that time he didn’t shy Director Elliot Peters away from physical activities. Participat- says he could tell king ing in football, basketball, and Gymnastics. wouldn’t stay in that poEven if he was the only disabled person in sition for long. the room. “First impression of “As I got older I realized that every time I King, man he’s a go-getwent to the gym I never really saw people ter, he’s a hard-working that were disabled in the gym. So I wanted dude. You can’t tell him to be a difference-maker and break barriers. no. The guy looks at To show that people with disabilities like to obstacles. stares them work out and keep in shape too,” said King. down and climbs right over them.” Peters Says. specialize in training others with disabilities. King learns the computer system from Peters King says he is grateful for the opportunity Using his experience to meet the needs others Though he works as a musician and moti- since in his world the chances don’t come of- may never think about. vational speaker, King took a job at Crunch ten.

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24 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

LIFESAVER AWARD Thank you Elton SanJuan

On August 11, 2021 around 10:00pm, the Abilene Fire Department received a report of a structure fire in the 2800 block of South 38th Street. Prior to AFD’s arrival, Elton SanJuan was driving by on Buffalo Gap Road when he noticed smoke in the area. Elton quickly located the house on fire and notified the occupant who was still inside. He then assisted the occupant to safety and began to notify other residents in the area. Today, Chief Flores recognized Elton SanJuan with a Lifesaver Award for his heroic efforts during a ceremony at Fire Station 1. Chief Flores stated “Without a doubt, Elton’s actions resulted in saving the life of the occupant.” Thank you Elton for the courage you displayed during this dangerous situation.

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How’s Your Vision? By Greg Laurie | Harvest Christian Fellowship

For as he thinks in his eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us heart, so is he. onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and —Proverbs 23:7 I’m not turning back” (Philippians 3:13–14 MSG). Experts tell us that we have 90,000 to 100,000 Paul continued, “If any of you have somethoughts every day. thing else in mind, something less than total That’s a lot, isn’t it? commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!” (verse 15 MSG). Our thoughts are important because what we think is what we’ll Sometimes we can have blurred vision. When do. Someone wisely said, “Sow a thought, someone has 20/20 vision, it means they have reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a good eyesight. They see things with clarihabit, reap a character; sow a character, reap ty. We need that kind of vision as followers a destiny.” of Christ because the Bible says that “where there is no vision, the people perish” (ProvAre you where you want to be as a Christian? erbs 29:18 KJV). I hope your answer is no because a growing believer will always see his or her need to I have found that where I look is where I’ll continue to grow. And when you think you walk. In other words, if I’m looking in a cerdon’t need to grow anymore, something isn’t tain direction, then that is the direction I’m right. walking. We don’t generally look one way and walk another way (unless we’re looking After years of walking with the Lord, the down at our cell phones). apostle Paul put it this way: “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count my- Where you look is where you’ll walk. And self an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my what you think is what you’ll do.

Ziplining

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

By Kristie Carpenter | Blended Mom Moments “Run and jump!,” he said. I laughed nervously. I had never zip-lined before. I’ve watched others. They all seemed to have survived, but would I be so lucky? I’m not as young or as small as I used to be. Would the cable be strong enough to hold me all the way across? Would the trolley keep me running smoothly along the cable? Would the harness around my waist and thighs truly keep me connected to the cable from one point to the next? I guess you don’t know until you jump. I didn’t really run and jump - it was more like a skip. I did scream for about a second until I realized I was still alive - and now was gliding through a tropical forest of pools, rivers and lush vegetation. It was breathtaking and beautiful. What an amazing vantage point to be surveying my surroundings. I can’t believe all I would have missed if I had not taken my ‘leap of faith’!

I may tell of all Your works.” When God is a part of your adventure, you can believe you will be able to share with others of His great work. Being in a blended family is much like zip-lining… you definitely can’t get to the other side without

Isn’t everyday life the same as zip lining? There are many opportunities to jump into a new job, leap into solving critical family problems — skip into a new dream or business venture. But you have to be the first to move. As a Christian, a believer in God — who sent His Son to save us — and seals us with the Holy Spirit, we have the perfect ‘equipment’ to trust in. God is the cable — sturdy, strong, unwavering. Jesus is the harness — wrapping you up safely. The Holy Spirit is our trolley — guiding us and opening our eyes, minds and hearts to what is around us and where we are headed. You may be contemplating your next ‘run and jump’ opportunity. Ask God for the faith to give you courage. Watch for the Holy Spirit to guide. Know that Jesus, who is closer than a brother, is constantly with you. Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Don’t jump into your next opportunity without God. Psalm 73:28 says, “As for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that

stepping forward and stepping off the platform … run and jump! You may scream at first, but then you will see the beautiful opportunity surrounding you. Hang on … and … 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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26 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Adopt a Pet at Your Library, Sept. 11 By City of Abilene

If you’re looking to expand your family with a new curry member, your Abilene Public Library is here to help. Partnering with the Abilene Animal Shelter, your Mockingbird Branch Library will host a Pet Adoptions event on Saturday, September 11 from 11AM to 2PM. We hosted a similar event during the Summer Reading Club, where three kittens and a dog were adopted at that session. On the day of this next event, volunteers from the animal shelter will come with a host of dogs and cats looking for furever homes, and if you have a home to offer, we encourage you to come out and be a part of this program. Did you know more than six million pets enter animal shelters across the country on an annual basis. That’s a staggering number to think about. However, a sad truth about those that enter animal shelters is that not all pets are able to stay until they’re adopted. Some may have to be euthanized to make room for more animals. Although, on average, 76.6% of shelter animals are saved in the US, in 2019 alone, approximately 625,000 pets were euthanized. Pets may do a lot to enrich the lives of the people who care for them. They provide love, companionship, they can decrease feelings of loneliness, reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, and increase opportunities for socialization too. So if you, or your family, is interested in adding another member to your family, visit your Mockingbird Branch Library on Saturday, September 11 from 11AM to 2PM and see if we can introduce you to your next furry companion.

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5 Behaviors That Do More Damage Than You Think By Scott Clamme | AllProDad

On a long drive, my wife and I were talking in the front seat while the kids were busy in the back watching videos and listening to music. When I glanced in the mirror, I noticed that my son was wearing his headphones with one speaker over one of his ears—which meant he could probably hear us out of his other. After asking him a couple quick questions, I realized I was right. He had been listening to all of our conversations. This was a good learning experience for me. It helped me realize that as dads, we are always being watched and need to be modeling behaviors that are good and right. Our behaviors and attitudes, no matter how small or insignificant we may think they are, will always be on display with our kids. We need to be conscious of that fact and diligent in our behavior so that we don’t unknowingly set a bad example. Here are 5 behaviors that do more damage than you think.

1. Criticizing Coaches and Teachers -

For my son to learn, he needs to be able to trust and believe in the people instructing him. When he hears me criticize, it reduces the adult’s credibility in my son’s eyes and keeps him from reaching his potential. I also don’t want him to grow up being critical of others.

one I didn’t say: that it’s OK to break the rules. If we want our kids to follow the rules, we have to follow the rules too.

3. Late Night Snacking - I’m generally a

pretty healthy guy, but I have a weakness for certain types of snacks and my willpower tends to break down about the time my kids are headed to bed. This is a problem for a few reasons. First, it models poor nutrition. It also shows that there is a double standard, because they know they aren’t allowed to have late-night snacks. But the most significant issue is that it shows my kids that it’s OK to give in to every urge. Self-control is extremely important but lacking in our society, and this is an area where I need to step it up.

4. Saying “I don’t like that guy!” - Abra-

ham Lincoln once said, “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” Most of the time, when we say we don’t like someone, it’s because there is something about him or her that we don’t like. But the person generally isn’t a bad person. When my kids hear me say this, I’m sending them the message that it’s appropriate to make quick judgments about others. But it isn’t, so I shouldn’t make casual comments judging others.

5. Telling White Lies - Recently, I was 2. Rolling Through Stop Signs - Last talking to a friend who asked if I wanted to week, my son got his learner’s permit for driving. A few days later, he was sitting in the passenger seat when I rolled through a stop sign. “Dad, you didn’t come to a complete stop,” he said. I quickly replied with a list of all the reasons it was OK—there was no one coming, it’s easier on the car, I have lots of experience driving. But after thinking about it, I realized that the main message I was sending him was the

join him in an upcoming activity. I told him I had plans that day. Later, my son asked what my plans were, and I told him that I just said that as an excuse not to join the friend on that day. I simply could have told my friend that I had been busy lately and wanted to spend that day at home with my family. Instead, I was dishonest, and I unfortunately showed my son that dishonesty is an option in some situations.

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

5 Small Changes That Lead to Big Results By Mark Merrill | Helping Families Love Well

I’ve heard it said that “small hinges swing big doors.” And I think that’s true—that there truly are small changes you can make that can lead to big results. In over 30 years of trying to lead my family well and build an organization around putting family first, I’ve learned the power of small changes. While I haven’t always gotten this perfect, here are 5 small changes that lead to big results.

1. Look for places to add value.

When you know how you can add value, you’re more likely to use your time wisely. So learn to look for where you can make a difference. Maybe someone is going through a difficult time or there’s a disagreement at work. The point is to continually look for ways you can help. The small change of seeking out ways you can add value in other people’s lives will go far in improving your relationships. You’ll gain a broader perspective and have a better outlook knowing you are helping others.

2. Be present by cutting distractions.

There are so many distractions out there. Eliminate them (or as many of them as you can). Cutting out distractions allows you to focus on what you should be doing. For example, I’ve left my phone in another room for a time when I’ve felt overwhelmed and needed to complete a task. The small change here is to be present when you need to be. If you’re at work, focus on work. If you’re with your kids, focus on your kids. If staying focused and present is a struggle for you, remove the distractions. Small changes, big results.

3. Focus on the end game. You have to

know your destination before you start heading toward it. You can’t arrive if you don’t know where you’re going. Your end game can be tweaked or changed as you go, but it’s crucial not just to write down your goals but also to set up a system to remember them. If you only write them down, you’ll eventually forget them. Set up a time to meet with yourself daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually—whatever it takes to keep your goals in front of your mind.

4. Seek feedback. Simply inviting others into

your life and asking them where you can improve does wonders for improving yourself. Over the years, I’ve found that taking initiative and asking others for feedback has made a big impact on my life. When’s the last time you asked someone for feedback? Be open and interested in others’ feedback and in how it can help you. By asking for feedback, I’ve learned to see myself for who I really am and improve. Seeking feedback has helped me be a more effective leader.

5. Add self-discipline. Small changes that

lead to big results don’t have to be dramatic. Starting your day by making your bed, for example, can change everything. Admiral William H. McRaven says, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right. If, by chance, you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that’s made. That you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better.”

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28 | FAITH AND FAMILY | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

It’s Time to Step Up By Greg Laurie | Harvest

There are many people today trying to figure out how to fix our country. They have various ideas about how to deal with all the problems we’re facing as a nation. But something that no one seems to be talking about is at the root of everything: the breakdown of the family. Studies have shown that you can take almost every social ill in America today and trace it directly to the breakdown of the family—and specifically to the absence of fathers. When the family is strong, the church is strong. And when the church is strong, the nation is strong. But when the family breaks down, the nation breaks down with it. I believe there’s a full-throated, all-out attack on the family in our nation today. It’s time for moms and dads to be the spiritual leaders in the home. And it’s time for grandparents to be spiritual leaders too. In fact, we need grandparents as never before. Many grandparents today have stepped up to raise grandkids that moms and dads have abandoned. And I thank God for those grandparents. But I think we make it very hard to teach our children spiritual things by putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We feel that we need to spend a specific amount of time talking to them about things we’re not comfortable with—in the most boring way imaginable. But the best way to teach kids spiritual values is to weave them into everyday life. The Bible says this about God’s commands: “Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up” (Deuteronomy 6:7 NLT). You can’t save America, and neither can I. You cannot save all the families in America. But you can save your family. So start there.

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

HEALTH&FITNESS SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PROSTATE AWARENESS MONTH

Raising Awareness about Prostate Cancer By Dr. Hanan Goldberg | Guest Essayist, Observer-Dispatch Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021 more than 248,000 American men will be diagnosed and more than 34,000 men will die of prostate cancer. Nearly 1 in 8 men will be afflicted by this disease in their lifetime and 1 in 41 men will die of prostate cancer. Most commonly, prostate cancer manifests as a localized, silent disease, progressing slowly with minimal to no symptoms. Once the disease has spread out of the prostate to adjacent organs, lymph nodes or bones, symptoms become more prevalent. These include pain, urinary problems, neurologic symptoms, and more.

(PSA). PSA is a protein made by cells located in the prostate gland (both normal cells and cancer cells). The risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases as the PSA blood level increases. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend that men over the age of 45 should discuss prostate cancer screening with their physicians. For men at increased risk (known family history, known genetic risk factors, or African ancestry) dis-

24/7 Victim Crisis Hotline

Despite the continuous increase in the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer and a constant rising rate of cancer-specific death, not all men actively seek preventive care and undergo screening. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, various attempts are made across the country to raise awareness of this highly prevalent cancer and promote screening and early detection.

Data have shown that active screening can lead to early diagnosis. Studies with long-term follow-up have demonstrated an approximate 30 percent decrease in prostate cancer mortality when screening is implemented. In fact, the implementation of prostate cancer screening has been one of the main rea- cussion about screening should start even earsons for the decrease in prostate cancer-specif- lier at age 40. ic death by more than 50 percent from 1993 to 2017. When prostate cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, and is still localized, the cure rate is inScreening for prostate cancer is simple and credibly high, with a nearly 100 percent fivequick, performed with a digital rectal exam year cancer-free survival rate. Once prostate (DRE) assessing prostate size and contour cancer is diagnosed, various treatment options and a blood test for prostate-specific antigen are available, ranging from “active surveillance” (frequent monitoring of the disease with

Help is a Phone Call Away...

no active treatment) to radiation or surgery and other therapeutic options. Novel scientific discoveries, new treatment options and robust research published in the last decade have led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this common malignancy.

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It’s important that you don’t put off screenings during this time of COVID, and we encourage all men between the ages of 45-75 to use this opportunity to be screened for prostate cancer. As a urologist treating prostate cancer patients and as a son of a prostate cancer survivor, I hope our call is answered, and with your help, we will succeed in raising awareness and spreading the word. Please join our important quest to fight this cancer by reaching out to more men and improving early detection rates.

30 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

11 Foods To Make You Feel Great, Fast

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

By Dawna Stone | MindBodyGreen

We all understand the need to eat. We often forget, though, what we eat might influence how we feel. We sometimes choose snacks based on what looks or sounds good in the moment, without paying much attention to how it will affect us.

up into fluffy, tender grains and can be added to salads and soups or served as an accompaniment to seafood, poultry or meat. Quinoa provides all of the essential nine amino acids, making it especially useful in health-conscious, plant-based cooking.

Many foods make us happy while we’re eating, think ice cream, cookies, candy, French fries and fried chicken. But these foods can leave us feeling tired and lethargic within an hour of consuming them. It’s common to feel bloated, tired, foggy or just plain sick after eating greasy, fatty foods or to experience a rush of energy followed by an energy crash when consuming sugary foods.

5. Fish - Fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty ac-

Want to feel great, not only while you’re eating, but an hour or more later? Try adding these 11 healthy foods into your diet. They’re sure to keep you feeling good and energized long after you’ve enjoyed them.

ids, like tuna and salmon, can boost serotonin (a mood-regulating neurotransmitter) and keep the stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, under control. I love topping grilled fish with chutney or relish made with fresh fruit and vegetables.

6. Oats - The L-tryptophan in a bowl of warm

oats can help boost serotonin levels, which helps combat symptoms of stress and anxiety. High in fiber, oats will also keep you full longer, helping to ward off the emotional eating that often accompanies stress.

7. Cherries - With 17 different antioxidant 1. Spinach - Rich in magnesium, a natural mus- compounds, cherries have been found to help recle relaxant and stress-reducer, spinach can help calm you, lessening the symptoms of stress. When your body is under stress or anxiety, you can deplete your magnesium levels. Spinach can help reverse this. Additionally, spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. Get your dose of vitamins by using it in salads, as a healthy pizza topping, or add it to soups, stews, pasta sauce or smoothies.

duce inflammation and slow signs of aging. Try adding a small amount of dried cherries to your salads or keep frozen cherries on hand for a quick and healthy smoothie.

8. Nuts & seeds - Healthy fats, such as nuts,

help create healthy inflammatory biomarkers. Nuts offer a beneficial dose of fiber, calcium, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. 2. Berries - Blueberries, strawberries, blackber- Sprinkle over salad, cereal or yogurt for a healthy ries and raspberries are antioxidant-rich and high and satisfying crunch. in vitamin C, which has been shown to fight stress while strengthening the immune system. My fa- 9. Tea - Tea is loaded with antioxidants and phyvorites are blueberries and blackberries. Although tochemicals that are known to help fight free radiI love cooking with berries — cobblers, crumbles, cals, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. etc. — I find it easy to simply add berries to cereal, Tea is not only good for your bones — green tea oatmeal and salads. has been shown to improve bone mineral density — but it may also help strengthen your immune 3. Yogurt - Yogurt is an excellent source of cal- system. Tea may help promote weight loss and it cium, which is important for bone health as well may also ward off cravings and help you make betas proper nerve and muscle function. A 6-ounce ter food choices. serving size can provide up to 20% of the daily recommendation. It is also a good source of bene- 10. Avocados - Avocados are the definition ficial probiotic bacteria, and since it’s high in pro- of “healthy fats.” Packed full of essential amino tein, yogurt can be a perfect way to start your day acids, monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and and can keep you full until lunch. minerals, these essential nutrients in avocados have been proven to protect against metabolic disWith yogurt, remember to check the labels — orders. some flavored yogurts can contain a lot of sugar and long ingredients lists. I love using yogurts 11. Beans & legumes - Low on the glycewith simple ingredients and no artificial preserva- mic index—meaning they won’t spike your blood tives, thickeners, sweeteners, flavors or colors like sugar and trigger inflammation—beans are full of Stonyfield, Icelandic Provisions, or siggi’s Icelan- fiber as well as folic acid, magnesium, and potasdic-style skyr. They all use less sugar than most sium and are high in protein and iron. Incorporate brands. different types of beans into your diet to help keep inflammation at bay. 4. Quinoa - This tiny, protein-packed seed cooks

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

Tips to Keep Your Memory Sharp

By HealthAdvocateBlog

Forgot your keys, a recent movie plot, a neighbor’s name or the right word to use in a sentence? You’re not alone! While a dulled memory can be a result of the normal aging process, forgetfulness can also be triggered by a variety of factors, many of them pandemic-driven, including anxiety, stress, disrupted routines, confinement, boredom, and more. But no matter what your circumstances, the following tips can help restore your memory power.

Counter stress. Grief, relocating, fi-

nancial troubles or just the ongoing bombardment of disturbing news can release stress hormones that, over time, can affect the brain’s ability to store and recall information. Whenever possible, unplug from social media, TV, etc. In addition, make a plan to deal with troubling stressful situations. For puter skills, new recipes, or listening to an inexample, if money issues stress you out, de- triguing podcast series. velop a detailed plan to reduce your expenses Give your brain solid cues. Try visuand debt. alizing someone’s face with their name writChallenge your brain! Recent lock- ten across it. Or use association to connect a downs might have taken away novel experi- person with something you may also be interences that help stimulate the brain. But you ested in, like their birdwatching hobby. Use can still learn something new right where you organization: Always keep keys, glasses, cell are, whether it be a foreign language, com- phone, and your wallet in the same place. Try

grouping your grocery list by item category– even if you forget the list, you are more likely to remember its content.

Stay fit, eat right. Cardiovascular

health helps your memory because it allows the heart to effectively pump blood with nutrients and oxygen into the brain. To fuel your brain, exercise regularly—take daily walks or join an online workout class. Additionally, choose foods high in healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds. Go for fish, lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Don’t let memory slips throw you off! Focus on your capabilities and really

lean into learning what you want to remember. If you’re becoming increasingly forgetful, check with your doctor. Memory problems can stem from depression, trauma, allergies, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure, and other illnesses, as well as certain heart medications, antidepressants and even cold remedies. Other causes for memory problems include aging, dementia and Alzheimer’s.

32 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

Making The Most of Your Health Savings Accounts

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By HealthAdvocate Blog

Now that we’re more than halfway through the year, this is a great time to take stock of your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). While there are administrative differences in these types of accounts, both allow you to save and use pre-tax dollars toward healthcare-related expenses for you and your family without being taxed. For example, while the funds in an HSA can roll over and accumulate year to year, you may be limited in how much of your FSA you can roll over to the next year, so now is the time to determine if you are maximizing this money so nothing is left on the table come 2022. Here are a few other questions to ask yourself:

Both FSAs and HSAs can be used help pay for a wide variety of health-related expenses for you and your dependents, saving you money by putting these funds aside tax-free. You have flexibility to use these funds as needed for healthcare and can shop around in your area for the best value on eligible expenses. Additionally, your employer may also contribute funds to your these accounts, providing “free money” that you can use as needed for

For a full list of eligible expenses, visit the IRS website here. It’s also important to keep in mind which expenses may not be eligible, including childcare for a healthy baby, cosmetic surgery, health club dues, maternity clothes, and nonprescription medications, among other items. If you have any specific questions about what is considered eligible, be sure to consult your HSA or FSA administrator or a tax expert to avoid paying a penalty on non-qualified expenses. These accounts offer many financial and health benefits that can help you save money if used appropriately. Make sure you review your accounts regularly to see where you stand and ensure you’re not leaving any money behind.

•Do you have enough to get you through the rest of the year? •Can you add more to an HSA for future healthcare needs? •What upcoming treatments, visits or procedures do you have coming up the rest of the year? •For an FSA, is there more than is needed for the rest of the year? Keep in mind you can use these accounts to cover prescriptions, provider visit copays, and other expenses related to your healthcare. Also, tracking how your spending is going to can help you determine how much to contribute moving forward as well, which you’ll likely do soon as part of open enrollment. Eligible Expenses

•Psychiatric care •Therapy

healthcare expenses. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to: •Bandages •Breast pumps and supplies •Contact lenses and eyeglasses •Hearing aids •Laboratory fees •Long-term care

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

You Don’t Have to Race to Be a Race Walker! By Bert Pickell

You don’t have to “race” to be a race walker. You don’t even have to walk fast to begin getting the benefits from the most efficient form of fitness: Walking. However, in time, you will become a quicker walker and still be able to enjoy the experience of strolling through your neighborhood. “Race walking” is a term used to define a style of fitness walking. Race walking is the most efficient form of walking, but you don’t have to “race” nor walk at hyper speed to get its benefits.

It’s also safe because race walkers keep an upright posture. There is no leaning at the waist as runners do; any back strain nor knee and hip issues. Additionally, race walkers have a consistent, balanced stride – meaning they do not “overstride” by reaching out farther than their body will allow. No chance to over-extend the tendons.

So what sets this form apart from other types of walking? Bluntly, it’s the emphasis on technique, safety, and, most importantly, focus. Let me explain: Technique: Race walking is a competitive sport with walkers covering long distances while under the watchful eye of judges who ensure they follow race walking rules. Yes, there are rules but only two:

Race walking is completely different than running in which the feet strike the ground, usually around the ball of the foot and rely on a spring motion to move forward. Safety: Race walking is extremely safe – regardless of speed – because the feet are only gliding along from the heel-totoe contact with only a little bit of lift from the ground, about an inch or two just to move forward.

Columbia University’s Department of Applied Physiology did a study in 1979 on calories expended when running as well as walking. In the initial portion of the study, it was noted that race walkers moving at a 5 miles per hour pace spent 530 calories, while runners spent 480 calories. A 50 calorie difference may not sound impressive, but when race walkers go faster, say 7 miles per hour pace, they burn 960 calories while runners only burn 690 calories – a whopping 270 calorie difference! Why is this? Since one foot must be kept on the ground at all times, the leg turnover rate for a walker is faster than a runner’s. Essentially, a race walker makes more foot strikes on the ground. Translation - more calories spent.

1) One foot must be kept on the ground at all times – the common element of all walking. 2) When the advancing leg touches the ground, it must be on the heel and that leg must be straightened as it moves underneath the body. Race walking does look a little odd because of the straight leg rule but the form makes the most use of the ground by maximizing your stride and the fact that your legs grip the ground from the heel to move forward, releasing from the toes.

Besides efficiency there is one very lucrative benefit that brings many to race walking - weight management.

If you’re not convinced to try race walking, at least you can apply these:

Ironically, many runners and endurance athletes use race walking as a cross-training exercise or to aid in injury recovery since the cardio strengthening and muscle toning supports their sport without any bone-jarring impact. Focus: Race walkers always keep their arms bent at a right angle so their legs move synchronously. Arms are moved back and forth, but only to get the power from the back muscles as the body propels forward. Speed in walking comes not from the length of the stride but the quickness in rotating the legs, which are led by the pace of the arm swing. The faster you move your arms, the quicker your legs will generally follow.

• Have the courage to keep an erect posture – don’t walk like a runner by leaning at the waist. • Maintain right angles on your arm swings – dropping your arms opens your stride and actually slows you down. • Walk from heel-to-toe, getting your walking strength from pushing off from the toes – don’t come down flat-footed or on the balls of your feet. • Walk on a straight line – you’ll get from Point A to Point B faster. Race walking is a superb conditioner. Virtually injury-free, it effectively works almost all the muscle groups. It burns calories, develops cardiovascular fitness, trims thighs, buttock and hips, and firms the upper torso and arms. Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can achieve a healthier body through race walking.

Hendrick Hiring Non-Clinical Patient Sitters By Joey Hollingsworth | BigCoutnryHomePage

Hendrick Health is hiring people to sit with patients who need continuous monitoring. In a social media post made Thursday afternoon, Hendrick says they are hiring non-clinical patient sitters, who do not provide patient care. A patient sitter stays in a patient’s room who needs continuous, close visual monitoring, and stays with them during transport for tests or procedures. Patient sitters will go through training before being assigned to a patient. If you would like to apply for the position, go to https://www.hendrickhealth. org/careers/

34 | HEALTH | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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BUSINESS&CAREER Western Texas College Training New Generation of Workers to Keep The Lights On

Electric linemen will be needed in the next five years as many reach retirement age. By Ashley Griffin | Fox West Texas

Electrical lineman are often seen on the side of the road with their hard hats on, in the bucket of a lift, working on powerlines that stretch as far as the eye can see. Experts say those workers will be sorely needed in the next five years. “In the next three, four or five years there’s going to be a mass exodus of a lot of these tenured employees.” Blake Burchard, AEP Texas external affairs manager, said. Burchard has worked for AEP Texas, one of the largest electric suppliers in the state, for more than 30 years. He is preparing for many workers his own age to call it quits. “It’s heavy on our hearts and our minds. And we see it coming and we know it’s coming and we’re doing our best to get prepared for it,” Burchard said.

Burchard said this type of program will really Strawn said this is why it is so important to be help the student coming out trying to get a job able to trust your coworker. and the workforce. “You develop a bond with the people that you “It would be nice if everybody we had went work with that lasts a lifetime. And that’s what through a program. It would help them get these students will learn, too,” Strawn said. so much down the road coming in having a bunch of that training and certifications,” Burchard said safety procedures have imBurchard said. proved over the last few years to lessen the frequency of accidents. That is why lineman program instructor Tony Strawn spent his morning having more than “Today’s lineman has a lot more tools availa dozen students going up and down 40-foot able to their access. The bucket shops are nicer poles. and they’re more fit for the job. They’ve got hand tools that used to it have to squeeze a “They are learning to trust that equipment and tool to make the wire connections. Now you get comfortable with it,” Strawn said. have some battery operated stuff. So, the tools that they can use today, that’s available today He said he works to instill the importance of is a lot better,” Burchard said. “It helps them safety to his students in the time he has with do their job more safely. Safety is our number them. He should. Year after year, electric line one goal. We want those guys to go back home work is named one of the most dangerous pro- to their families in better shape than when they fessions in the country. came to work that day.”

The problem is training up new lineman is a big investment. A worker off the street needs five years of training to be a journey lineman. There aren’t many qualifications needed to “I mean when you’re working with 7,200 Western Texas College’s electric lineman probecome an apprentice lineman, but the on-the- volts in your hand, you have to pay attention,” gram is an annual course. According to Texjob training is intensive. Burchard said. as Workforce Commission data, the average hourly wage of electric line workers is $20.21 Western Texas College in Snyder is stepping According to a 2015 study from the U.S. Bu- in Texas. For more information on the proin to fill that gap with its electric lineman pro- reau of Labor Statistics done over a five-year gram, visit wtc.edu/lineman. gram. It is a 10-month class teaching the ba- period, approximately 40 linemen die each sics of line work and prepares students to take year and more than 6,000 are injured on the the test for their commercial driver license. job.

36 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

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Natural Pet Food Company Breaks Ground in Abilene By Noah McKinney | BigCountryHomePage

Ground was broken at Abilene’s Five Point Business park on the $31.6 million expansion planned for what was Prairie Dog Pet Products. Primal Pet Group acquired the manufacturer and now plans to expand the facility to house what will be the companies largest plant in the nation.

There will be 119 jobs retained and a promised 139 positions will be added with the expansion’s expected 2022 completion date.

“Today represents the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people,” says Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) Chairman Jack Rich.

“For every dollar that’s invested in the incentive, Primal Pet Group will actually commit back to the community $45,” Mayo says.

The DCOA and City of Abilene have invested $3.16 million in sales tax revenue, which according to Mayo, will see a large return.

“This is what we do. We work every day to attract company expansions to grow jobs for the future of Abilene,” added DCOA President Misty Mayo.

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The California-based company specializes in natural and minimally processed pet foods. “Primal is a 20-year-old company that was at the forefront and beginning of raw and lightly cooked food and delivering those to pets,” says Primal CEO Tim Simonds. Simonds says their move into Abilene will extend their reach to the central and eastern parts of the nation without displacing the workforce already here. “As we rename it from Prairie Dog to Primal Pet Group, those employees will stay with us and we will be adding more jobs as we further develop out the factory,” Simonds says.

With a starting wage of $14-15 an hour, Primal hopes to grow the Abilene workforce and set an example as a people first workplace. The 60,000 square feet expansion project is projected to be completed by third quarter of 2022, around July to September. Hiring has already begun at the existing facility. That effort expected to ramp up in mid-2022.

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(must be 25 yrs or older)

• Benefits available for full time team

members that average 30 hours per week • Health & dental insurance • 401K / profit sharing

UP TO

15.00

per hr.

Night Audit • Paid vacations, team bonus goals, and more. Pool Monitor Background and drug testing required. Dishwasher PT Restaurant Server

Apply at 4250 Ridgemont Drive Abilene, Weekdays between 9am-5pm.

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

9 Ways to Motivate a Teen to Get a Job By Abby Watts | iMom

Grand Opening for Hendrick Urgent Care 5-13-21

If you’re trying to figure out how to motivate a teenager to get a job, it might have you thinking back to your first paid gig. Mine was babysitting. I was ready to show responsibility and earn some money, so when a neighbor asked me to watch her one-year-old, I was psyched. I’d say I nailed it. I was a natural, except for the fact that I locked myself out of the house. Having a job as a teen is a huge character builder. That combined with the fact that teens want spending money might leave you frustrated if your own kid doesn’t share your same enthusiasm for employment. If you’re racking your brain to figure out how to motivate a teenager to get a job, try these 9 things to move your son or daughter from the couch to gainfully employed.

1. Ask your teen why he or she is resistant.

Grand Opening for Treehouse Safe Exchange Training Center 7-20-21

Chances are, your teen’s response will give you the impression that he’s choosing laziness or is prioritizing his friends, social life, or even video games over employment—but try to read between the lines. If you have an introverted or apprehensive kid, getting a job can be scary. If he’s already stressed, adding another thing to the calendar and a boss he has to answer to might be anxiety-inducing. Try to get to the heart of the pushback and offer your support.

2. Tell your teen why it’s important.

It might not be that your teen is job-averse; she just might not see a reason. If she has friends who drive and she shows responsibility in schoolwork and doesn’t have expenses, she might think a job is unnecessary. Remind her that a part-time job is great for interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and can help expose her to fields she might want to pursue.

3. Make your teen responsible for paying a bill. Tough love might eventually be a key factor in how

to motivate a teenager to get a job. I’m not suggesting you stick your 17-year-old with the mortgage, but a cell phone bill or car insurance is a manageable amount. And if he doesn’t pay it, it gets cut off. Cause and effect become very apparent very quickly.

4. Close “The Bank of Mom and Dad.”

What motivation does your teen have to get a job if you are her personal ATM? Bad example, since most teens don’t use ATMs, but you get the idea. Find a balance between providing and enabling. Pay for your daughter’s prom dress, but draw the line at forking out $30 every other week for her to get her nails done. If it matters to her, she’ll work to pay for it.

5. Lean into your teen’s passion.

If your son loves to cook, look for a job at a gourmet kitchen supply store. If your daughter wants to be a stylist, knock on the doors of boutiques or salons. It’s a gift to help your teens turn their passions into paychecks.

6. Increase the amount of work your teen is expected to do at home.

With age comes responsibility, and if she’s not going to seek it out, you can find a way to bring it to her. A friend of mine canceled her cleaning lady and reassigned the tasks to her 16-year-old. It took her teen two months to decide he’d rather get a job.

7. Talk about what he or she would earn.

Money talks! Discuss with your teen what he can expect to make along with saving, spending, and giving. Seeing the numbers could be the motivating factor that’s been missing.

8. Think outside the burger-flipping box.

Not every kid can go to a fast-food joint for a six-hour shift three times a week. Encourage your teen to think about self-employment. Help your teen make flyers to market him or herself as a lawn-mower, pressure washer, grocery-getter, laundry folder, or personal assistant for busy moms.

9. Talk about value outside of money.

Not all teens are motivated by money. Every job I’ve had—babysitting, waiting tables, filing papers—gave me something of value. Whether it was a new friend, a mentor, or insight into what I didn’t want to do, I learned that money is not the only reward for hard work.

38 | BUSINESS & CAREER | HispanicLife l Abilene/BigCountry

The Shed Market, Dollar Tree Building on Buffalo Gap Road By Laura Gutschke | Abilene Reporter-News

The southern area of Buffalo Gap Road is seeing more development with a new location for The Shed Market and the city’s sixth Dollar Tree store.

dow for to-go orders and additional parking. It also will have a room for lunch meetings or private gatherings, the restaurant said in a message to the Reporter-News.

The Shed cooking up new location Dirt work began Tuesday for the pit-barbecue restaurant and market to move to the northeast corner of Beall Boulevard and Buffalo Gap Road at one of the Mesquite Forest neighborhood entrances in south Abilene, according to a restaurant social media post.

Barbecue service hours will continue to be at lunch time, but the patio will be open in the afternoons, with live music occasionally. The Stephensons will open periodically for special evening service, such as steak night and possibly cooking classes.

The Shed Market is a reincarnation of the acTarget opening for The Shed Market’s new loca- claimed The Shed operated for several years by tion is summer 2023. Byron’s grandparents in Wingate, about 47 miles southwest of Abilene. The Wingate location is Owners Stacie and Byron Stephenson opened where Byron first learned the barbecue business. The Shed Market in May 2018 at a strip shopping center at 6382 Buffalo Gap Road, which is Dollar Tree cashes in about 1.5 miles north of the new location. At 6809 Buffalo Gap Road, a Dollar Tree store is under construction with the parking lot paved Lunch lines often spill out the front door for the and the building shell enclosed. A permit has brisket, ribs, sausage and occasional specials, been issued for tenant finish out, according to such as prime rib or peach-glazed pork belly the city of Abilene. burnt ends. The market side of the business offers cut-to-order steaks, high-end beef and other Dollar Tree currently operates five locations meats. in Abilene: 1790 State Highway 351, 1340 N. Mockingbird Lane, 133 Sayles Blvd., 4699 S. The new location will be larger, with more in- 14th St. and 3202 S Clack St. door and outdoor patio seating, a pick-up win-

Connecting The Community of Abilene & The Big Country

Pick us up at First Financial Bank | BUSINESS & CAREER | 39

TAYLOR COUNTY is NOW HIRING - 325-674-1220

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about your participation? I have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters for 3.5 years. I have a Where do you work? Abilene Zoo little sister who just so happens to want to be a veterinarian. We hang out and do all kinds What’s your job title/what do you do? of fun things together. I enjoy getting to hang Staff Veterinarian - I am the only vet so I care out with her and encourage her as she grows. for all the animals. It has been super cool to watch her mature over the past several years. Our favorite things to do Where are you from? St. Louis, MO would be getting snow cones and going to the zoo. FYI - BBBS always needs more BIGS! If you’re not from Abilene, how long have you lived in the area? Over 6 years What’s your favorite place to travel to and why? South Africa has been my favorite place What is your favorite thing about living in so far. So many amazing animals and the hosthe Big Country? I love how everyone is so pitality from South Africans cannot be beat. friendly. Amazing experience - cannot wait to go back! What do you do in your free time? Hang out Share a fun fact about yourself other AYP with my Little Sis from Big Brothers Big Sis- Members might not know! Dog training is ters or work with my dogs. my outlet. I love my German Shepherds, Kaia and Enzo. Both have been through numerous What organizations (non-profit) in town do classes with VanBuren K-9 Academy. Kaia is you choose to support and why? If you serve a working dog and currently training for proon any boards in the community or participate tection and obedience. She is a lot to handle but in any other groups? If so, what do you enjoy tons of fun!

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Full Time benefits include 100% County-paid Employee Medical & Dental Insurance, Paid Life/Disability Insurance, Retirement & Vac/Sick Leave. Applications are available on the website at https://www.taylorcountytexas.org/Jobs.aspx or in the Taylor County Plaza, 400 Oak Street, Suite 120, Abilene, Texas.Office hours are 8-12 & 1-5. EOE

Advertise HERE! 1-325-518-7091 or email us at: info@hispaniclifemedia.com