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You may have met Expedition Royalty Co. for the first time when we sponsored the Big Spring Rodeo or the Howard County Fair last fall. Our commitment to Howard County runs deep. We have made deals for thousands of acres here, and our people have decades of experience serving Permian Basin mineral rights owners. We’re proud to be part of the community, sponsoring and participating in big events year-round. But we’re even prouder to be your mineral advisor in the Permian Basin every day. Get in touch today for a free evaluation of your property and its mineral rights.
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It is senior year, they finally made it to the end of their high school career and want to make the most of what is left. Coronavirus starts to make its way through the United States, and most schools across Texas disregard the warnings and continue to hold school in session. Students start to pray that their sport doesn’t get canceled, and showmen start to worry that their last stock show of the year could get shut down by the CDC. This could be the end of what these seniors have made their priority and given their all. In mid-March students were let out for spring break and were happy to finally have some freedom, but they didn’t know they might not be coming back the rest of the year. Prom, UIL sports, stock shows, and many other spring activities suddenly snatched from the grasp of students all over the country. Approximately 3.7 million high school seniors across America are left wondering if there is even going to be a graduation ceremony. It is hard to imagine what losing your last shot at something feels like, but these seniors are definitely feeling the pain. Emily Braden, a Senior at Garden City High School, has been working hard to accomplish many things in her last year of school but the coronavirus changed her plans. The Texas Math and Science Coaches Association, or TMSCA, is an organization for coaches of academic University Interscholastic League teams in Texas middle schools and high schools, specifically those that compete in mathematics and science-related tests. “I started TMSCA in the 6th grade and gave up weekends and a big part of my social life to participate. The past four years I have gone to State TMSCA and spent
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my whole spring break there,” Braden said. TMSCA awards students who have been involved in the association for more than four years with a large scholarship. Emily went on to say that all TMSCA meets and the State contest have been canceled due to the virus. “I feel robbed of an opportunity and feel as though I worked so hard all those years for a scholarship I will not get,” she said. Emily will be attending Texas A&M in the Fall and plans to study Public Health and go to Med School. Along the same lines as TMSCA, Emily has been involved in UIL throughout her whole high school career and has given up a lot to be involved. Practices, studying, and early morning trips were only a few things that came with UIL contests. After all of the time and tears put into preparing for these events these students aren’t going to be able to show their skills this year and seniors will never get the chance again. All sporting events have been canceled and all athletes are saddened because the work they have put in year round was “just for fun,” at this point. Emily has played golf since 7th grade and has been on varsity for the last four years. The Garden City Boys Golf Team has been to State consecutively for the last five years, however the Girl’s team got their first chance at the State contest last year. The Girl’s Golf team was one stroke away from placing at state, so the game was on and the girls had been working hard to improve their score with every tournament. Braden’s family has spent hundreds of dollars on golf lessons to improve Emily’s swing and bought expensive golf clubs to tune in exactly what Emily needed.
The whole golf team’s hearts were shattered when they heard that all UIL sports were canceled for the year. No more state, no more practicing, no more drive. Reed Seidenberger, also a senior at Garden City, has been stock showing for many years. Between Reed and his two other siblings, him and his family have spent hundreds of thousands on barns, equipment, and most importantly show animals. Reed has been very successful throughout his show career at all of the major stock shows, and senior year lit a fire in his heart to give it his all every time he walked into the ring. The sadness that swept over the whole state of Texas when it was announced that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was canceled was suffocating. The countless hours and thousands of dollars spent on these animals for one of the biggest stock shows in the country was all for nothing. Tears were shed, hearts were broken, and many kids would never get to walk into the show ring again. The impact this had on the agriculture industry was so great that organizations banded together to put
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on shows of their own in smaller locations within several days so everyone could stay safe from COVID-19 and get that one last chance at the stock show. Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo take months and months to prepare for and organize however the people in the stock show community worked as hard as possible. The Alternative Jackpot show that was held in place of Houston Stock Show & Rodeo and Austin Stock Show & Rodeo, ran nearly 1500 hogs through the show ring. The show was expedited when the CDC started trying to shut down the event after hundreds of people traveled from all over Texas. Because the show was put in fast gear, a show that would normally last two days was started at 3 p.m. and was run continuously throughout the night until 10:30 a.m. the next morning. “My heart goes out to the kids who will never get this chance again,” Seidenberger said, fully understanding the heartbreak from his years of hard work and dedication. Reed has also been involved in Tennis since 6th grade and has had many successes throughout his years of playing. The hours spent on the court to perfect his swing and learn to work with his partner are in the past and their dedication won’t pay off. Tennis has been a big part of Reed’s life and has helped him make friends from other schools across Texas. “Although my tennis career is over, I will continue to use my skills in college in intramural sports,” Seidenberger said. He will be attending Texas Tech University and plans to judge livestock. Livestock judging is something that can last a lifetime. Learning the parts of the animals and what makes one better than another can benefit in so many ways. Becoming a livestock judge, and judging all over America, or becoming a breeder and looking for the best stock, are only two ways livestock judging can become a career. Although the Coronavirus has caused sadness around the world, there have been some benefits from the quarantine and social distancing. Teachers have moved to online
schooling, using webcasting platforms to give virtual lectures to their whole class, and having students turn in papers online. Students without Wi-Fi or computers at home have been sent home with a MacBook and a Wi-Fi hotspot to ensure they have the materials they need to continue their school year from home. The technological side of schools have been advanced in so many ways that will greatly benefit the system in years to come. More than likely, there will be big changes in the following school years with the addition of online schooling. Kids who are sick, disabled, or away for stock shows, will be able to learn from the comfort of their home or hotel room and not miss out on what everyone else is learning. Families have been able to grow closer and spend time together because of the quarantine. Because businesses are closed, and schools are out, parents can stay home and help their children with school work and many other activities throughout the day. Quality time can be spent with their kids, instead of rushing around early in the morning for school and late nights working on projects. Governor Abbot has ruled to continue quarantine until April 30, and schools will go back into session May 4th. Flatten the curve, stay home, and stay healthy. America is going to get through this tough time and use the lessons they have learned to avoid this situation in the future. ************************************ Hayley Chapman of Elbow, Texas is a mother of three children, a toddler, a preschooler, and an 11 year old.
With their farm, ranch, and show stock, the Chapman family is pulled in many different directions. Hayley’s son is in the 4th grade at Forsan Elementary and has been making good grades all year. When quarantine hit and all the schools were closed, the Chapmans immediately started a routine just like they were used to in the beginning. They woke up around the same time and tried finishing all of their school work in the mornings. However, with three children running in three different directions, it is hard to keep everyone contained without going crazy. The “normal” schedule was not for them. The next few weeks they focused on more of a day by day strategy and didn’t stress a set schedule. “It was all about finding a balance that worked for everyone,” Chapman said, stressing the importance of keeping things light and making sure the kids are not getting anxious. “First of all the teachers are the real heroes here, the heart and work they have put into continuing education during isolation is mind blowing, I’m extremely grateful!” she said. In the beginning Hayley was concerned that her 4th grader was not going to be getting the adequate instruction from his “mom.” She then realized that although her situation may not be ideal, the life skills that her son is learning in conjunction to his normal education will be shaping his future and make him a more rounded adult. Breaking away for the usual school routine and going back to the basics of life has been rewarding to the Chapmans, but Hayley is more that ready to have a quiet meal with her husband at a restaurant and enjoy some chips and queso. Living Magazine
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With the new coronavirus (now called COVID-19) spreading in the U.S., your children may be hearing a lot about the outbreak from TV, the internet or other kids. And some of what they hear may frighten them. That’s understandable—recent headlines may have you anxious too. But you can help calm any concerns your children have by talking with them about COVID-19. Talking points Here are some tips, courtesy of the National Association of School Nurses and other medical experts, for chatting with children: Let them know they can ask about COVID-19. But don’t force conversations. Be honest, calm and reassuring. We’re all concerned about the potential risks of COVID-19, and its fine to acknowledge that. But if you panic, your kids will too. Reassure them that many adults are working hard to keep them safe. Younger kids, esJennigale Webb, D.O. pecially, may need Pediatrician at to hear that from Shannon Clinic Pediatrics you. Fight fear with facts. For instance, you can share with your kids, in age-appropriate terms they can understand, that: • Not everyone will get sick, and some will only have a mild illness. • COVID-19 seems to spread like cold and flu germs—through close contact with someone who has the infection, such as when that person coughs or sneezes. It also may spread when people touch surfaces contaminated with COVID-19. Tell them how to stay healthy. We don’t have a COVID-19 vaccine yet (scientists are working on that). In the meantime, knowing how they can help prevent COVID-19 may help your kids feel less anxious. Here are some of the best ways to do that: • Wash your hands often. Scrub with soap and water for 20 seconds 8 Living Magazine
and make sure to scrub the back on hands and in between fingers (sing the happy birthday song while scrubbing for an easy way to measure 20 seconds). • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands. In a pinch, cough or sneeze into your elbow. • Don’t share food or drinks. • Try hard not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. These are places where germs can enter the body. • Going outside to get a few minutes of sunshine each day can help your body fight off germs. Even if we can’t go to the park to play right now, we can go out in the backyard or walk around the block. • Be prepared to right any rumors and blame As COVID-19 has spread around the globe, so have myths and misplaced blame. • Listen to your child’s concerns about COVID-19 and correct any confusion. You can find accurate and current info at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s coronavirus disease website. Sadly, some people may say wrong and hurtful things, like blaming groups of people or their products for the virus. If other people say such things, talk to your children about why those things are wrong to say. Remind your kids not to spread rumors. • Just be there for them It’s always important to give your children lots of love and attention, but they may need a little more of it now. Try to have some fun activities at home to help them channel their energy in a creative way. Some ideas include coloring books, dance parties, building Lego towers—they could even learn a new chore at home and earn rewards on a sticker chart. If you are able to, let them Facetime with grandparents that they are unable to visit to remind them that family is still eager to see and visit with them. Stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 updates at shannonhealth. com.
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By KAY SMITH By now most Americans are staying home venturing out only for groceries and necessary reasons. If you are a painter probably your already scheduled exhibits are either online, rescheduled, postponed or canceled.
Why not design a show just for yourself? Imagine your dream show! Consider doing a show of your work that only you or the family would see. Nobody else would be allowed into your display, only you. You would be doing work strictly for yourself. Imagine what that would look like. You could invite others later on if circumstances warranted, maybe one or two people, possibly a neighbor, to see it, which would be up to you. This could be a special gift to give yourself during these isolated times. Or, imagine you’ve just walked into a dream show. Suppose you were walking into an exciting area such as in a dream and came across a gallery that looked full of wonders. What might you fantasize would be inside such a promising place? Picture what this work, which just sent you soaring, looked like. Play with really getting into how it would all look, feel, etc. Think about creating that exhibit or part of it in some way, even if it has to be in your mind or even on your computer. Even if you can’t do the whole enchilada, try making even just one tiny thing that could be part of that show.
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I pray that everyone in your family is well and that as you read this our lives are getting back to “normal”. I so wanted to go down to the Hill Country this year to photograph bluebonnets, but I decided to stay closer to home to limit my exposure to the virus. Even though I felt like the trip was essential in reality it was not, so I stayed home and drowned my sorrows in YouTube. You can learn many new things on YouTube. I am subscribed to about 70 different channels that cover everything from drones, photography, and software. I recommend that during this time that travel is discouraged that you do a search in YouTube to find different channels that will further your education in your profession or hobby. What a great resource. When I heard about the Super Pink Moon that will rise on the night of April 7, I knew I wanted to capture it using some of the information that I had learned. I also knew exactly where I wanted to be when the moon rose. By the way April’s full Moon is
called the Full Pink Moon due to the appearance of the “moss pink” or wild creeping phlox which is one of the early spring flowers. The moon will be it’s normal golden color near the horizon and fade to a bright white as it makes it’s way overhead. If you are going to do sunrise/sunset photography, I recommend that you download an app called PhotoPills. I used the app to show exactly where and when the moon was going to rise at the location I had selected. To compose the photo that I created I only had to move about 10 feet from where PhotoPills told me to place my tripod. It costs $10 and it’s worth every penny! I got to the location about 45 minutes before sunset to make sure that I had everything set up for the big event. The location I selected is north of Coahoma on Hwy 820. It’s on private property so I created the image from the side of the road. Please watch for traffic and snakes when creating your scenic portraits. I noticed that there were clouds on the horizon where the moon was going to rise. Knowing how weather changes in West Texas I was still optimistic. My optimism started fading the closer it got to 8pm which is the time the moon was to make it’s appearance. I went ahead and flew my drone to get a different perspective of the area. As I was taking photos and videos of the sunset with my drone, I turned toward where the moon was supposed to rise and saw a very faint outline of the very large moon peeking through the clouds a few degrees above the horizon. I quickly landed the drone and went to my camera to capture some images. My camera was on my tripod with my 200-500 telephoto lens attached. I only had to move a few feet left to get
the composition that I wanted (thank you PhotoPills). I time and effort but the results will be worth it. had my camera set to manual and captured them in the If you have any questions or comments email me at raw format. I knew I had to bracket the photos to be able bruce@theredbarnstudios.com. to create an image that had both the moon and the foreground exposed correctly. I created three images bracketed two f-stops apart for each Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you set. I took several sets of bracketed looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and images with different compositions and exposure settings. That is why it committed professionals? Then the State Hospital System is critical to use a good sturdy tripod (SHS) may be just the place for you! Whether in a when creating sunrise or sunset imdirect-care or support role, your contribution will ages, especially when the moon is make a difference in the life of a Texan. in the image. The bracketed images must be aligned with each other to be ANNOUNCING INCREASED SALARIES able to blend them correctly. I used LVN up to $4072.01 per month DOE the HDR setting under Photo Merge in Lightroom to merge the photos RN’s up to $5755 per month DOE together. I had my ISO set at 800 PNA’s starting at $2312.85 per month and I zoomed my lens to achieve the composition that I wanted. PART TIME POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE Capturing the bracketed images is For more information on jobs and salaries: just the first step to creating the final CALL Paula at (432) 268-7674 or photograph. I used Lightroom, PhoSubmit a resume to toshop and my new favorite software jennifer.patton@hhsc.state.tx.us Luminar 4 to get rid of noise, sharpen for initial screening; application process will be the image and add contrast. There initiated at a later time. are many steps involved in creating an image that you would be proud Or visit us at: to hang on your wall. If photography Big Spring State Hospital is your passion I encourage you to 1901 N. Hwy. 87 Big Spring, TX 79720 study and practice your art. It takes
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By SHAWN MORAN
In early March, a game between the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder was set to take place that could shift the standings in the Western Conference. But before the game could start, there was a camera angle that caught a Utah team doctor rushing onto the court. The breaking news that would shake the sports world in the ensuing days and weeks was brought by that doctor
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when he told the NBA that the game must be cancelled. Why? Because All-Star center Rody Gobert had just tested positive for COVID-19. Every major professional sports league decided to suspend their season’s indefinitely shortly thereafter. Then, it spread all the way down to the high school and little
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league levels. For over one month now the world has been without sports and the routine feeling that comes along with it. Texas high school sports were first affected when the University Interscholastic League (UIL) originally decided to suspend all of their spring sports on March 16. “We are urging our member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy,” UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt said in the initial press release. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time. Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.” Since that original decision was made, the UIL have had to extend the suspension to continue to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and the order handed down recently by Governor Greg Abbott. On April 3, the UIL made some modifications to the timeline and are currently monitoring the situation to see if they can return to regular school and athletic activities in early May. There are mixed feelings about the suspension and cancellation of the remainder of spring sports but the overall consensus is that it is what is best for the health of everyone. If we are able to beat this virus as a nation and county, then the return to normalcy will follow soon after. “I was disappointed but I knew it was coming,” Lady Hawks softball coach Kelly Raines said. “I honestly think that everybody’s health is more important than softball so I totally understand. But it is disappointing.” That disappointment at the junior college level has come attached with a short string of hope for the local high schools. Even though the NJCAA nationwide has decided to cancel the remainder of spring sports, the local high school coaches are still hoping they can return to the field in May or
possibly even later to finish their seasons sometime during the summer. At this point, every option seems to be on the table. “We hope that we get to come back but right now I would say that’s still up in the air,” Forsan athletic director and football coach Jason Phillips said. Hopefully we can get this thing whooped and start playing again.” Players, coaches, and fans are hoping that our nation can defeat COVID-19 and get back to normal life as quickly as possible. Getting back on the field would allow the seniors on the rosters to finish out their last season the right way instead of having it stripped from them so close to the end. In such a unique situation that has rocked the nation it is a possible disappointing outcome for millions of students around the country. In addition, many teams will not be able to claim the state championship trophy that appeared so close to hoisting or that they may have been well on their way to
Spring
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low the mind of a sports fan to escape whatever issues may be bothering them and disappear into their fandom. They allow players to show off all of the hard work that they have put in over the months and the years or blood, sweat, and tears that go into the game away from their team that no one else sees. They allow coaches to spread their wealth of knowledge about the game and teach a younger generation the way to be successful not only on the field, but off of it as well. Even if these seniors are not allowed to finish out their final seasons and even if those many teams that were so close to a championship can never claim it there is a famous quote by Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton to remember about all of the time spent loving that sport and being around the team. A trophy carries dust. Memories last
competing for. forever.” “We were in the midst of having a really, really good season across the board and to see that some of this has been taken away from these kids who have put in a lot of hard work over the past year-and-a-half is disappointing,” Coahoma athletic director and football coach Chris Joslin said. “It was starting to come to fruition and a lot of the seniors that we have that are out competing in every sport and now it’s been taken away from them here at the end of their career.” That would be an extremely unfortunate outcome for the students who have worked so hard to be a part of the team and may have just worked their way into the starting lineup in their senior season. With the way things are trending, it is still a mystery whether or not high school athletes across Howard County STABILITY SUPERIOR EARNING POTENTIAL and the nation will be able to return STATE-OF-THE-ART SERVICE SHOPS to their teams this year. Several local seniors such as Coahoma’s Caitlyn Corley, Keegan Dobbs, Jonathon Schneider, and Zack Schneider will be moving on to the collegiate level to continue their athletic careers. Other local seniors might not be so lucky. It would be an extremely disheartening end to many high school sports careers and hopefully that is not the way it ends up. Sports are a vital part of the American culture. They alLiving Magazine
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