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04 Sharing your story As we enter into a new year, the Big Spring Herald staff has some new faces. Telling the stories in the community is our daily job and now, we want to share our stories with you. Get to know your Big Spring Herald reporters, and see why we do what we do for Big Spring.
08 Seymore leading Showtime Steers back to success Kyler Seymore has been making his mark on the court and off the court, and placing a spotlight on the Big Spring Steers athletics. His desire, drive and determination are just a few of the first words that come to mind when coaches and teachers speak about his success. The future looks bright for seymore and the steers athletic teams.
12 Resolved to change
As a new year begins resolutions tend to pop up - from hitting the gym, eating healthier, completing goals, and so much more. For some, those resolutions become a thing of the past by the middle of january and a long forgotten thought by summer; however, there are those who not only complete their resolution, but exceed them. Cindy Pinch shares how she was able to complete all her goals for 2019 and is looking forward to 2020.
18 135 years in Big Spring
On the cover:
Bruce Schooler/Red Barn Photography
The beauty of Big Spring is captured in Bruce Schooler’s photo of the heart of our community, as a beautiful sunset illuminates life in our city.
The Masons have a deep rooted history in Howard County. Since their inception, they have been investing to the community and working towards positive progress that will benefit all. Each year, as a way of giving back and spreading holiday cheer, the Masons host a Christmas party for families in the community. After the dinner, those attending are invited to take part in the Christmas parade.
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Sharing your story Meet the Big Spring Herald Editoral Staff By AMANDA DUFORAT
As we enter into 2020 there are lots of new opportunities to highlight in our great community. The commitment to provide local coverage and keep our readers informed stays the same, but this year, we have some new faces that will be helping accomplish our goals. The Big Spring Herald staff now consists of two local reporters - Anna Gutierrez and Cindy Pinch - and one sports writer - Shawn Moran, and Managing Editor Amanda Duforat. “We appreciate the trust that the community puts in us,” Cindy Pinch, staff writer, said. “It’s a joy and a dream to not only share our talents with the community, but to use those talents to highlight the many talents that exist right here in our own backyard is our pleasure and honor.” Cindy Pinch, staff writer, joined the editorial team in November 2019. While she is new to the editorial side, she is not new to the Big Spring Herald staff; before switching to the writing side of things, Pinch worked as an advertising representative for almost a year. She officially joined the Big Spring Herald in February 2019. “I wasn’t born in Big Spring, but I have been here for about 10 years now,” Pinch said. “Even though I wasn’t
born here this is my community. I love to help and am always looking for ways to volunteer.” Her love to write and her belief in Big Spring have an opportunity to shine each day, as she tackles the numerous activities taking place - from city council, to annual fundraisers, and other unique story ideas. In her short time on the writing staff, she has already attended numerous community events, taken advantage of networking opportunities through the Big Spring Chamber and unearthed some unique feature stories. “Being a part of the Herald allows me many opportunities to serve Big Spring and share the stories of the people who live here,” Pinch said. “I love to write, but more importantly I believe in Big Spring, in our community and our newspaper.” Writing is so much more than just a profession for Pinch; her passion is writing and she is currently working on editing her own novel in order to begin the publishing process. “Being a novelist has been a lifelong dream of mine,” she said. “I love words and spend most of my time reading and writing. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, cooking, painting or singing kitchen karaoke.” As we head into a new year, Pinch is looking forward to sharing more of the unique stories that exist in the
Cindy Pinch Staff Writer
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Big Spring in a new light after being gone Big Spring community. She is ready for so many years. After moving back to to celebrate with families, highlight Big Spring, Gutierrez posted her resume community impact, and share inspiring online, even though not really searching words. for a new opportunity, but seeing what was “My background is primarily creative out there, and the previous editor noticed writing and that is something that flows it, extended an invitation for an interview, over into what I do. While I’m still adwhich opened up an opportunity. justing to journalism style from fiction “Writing is something I’ve always done writing, I am looking forward to imjust for myself, to get my thoughts down. proving over time to bring even better When I was contacted by the previous edistories to our readers,” Pinch said. tor, she said she was impressed with my For those who might be blossomspelling and grammar; it turns out, you can ing writers or even just curious what get a job based on your grammar skills,” the world of writing has to offer, PInch Gutierrez said. encourages you to embrace the gift of As Gutierrez prepares to enter into 2020 words and share a story. her biggest goal is to expand her knowl“Ganbatte kudasai ne - which in edge base about newspaper reporting in Japanese, another one of my hobbies order to provide better coverage for the and unique things about me - I love community. to learn different languages - please “This is something new to me and I feel do your best; writing is a muscle that like I’m absorbing a lot of new information. I hope to keep must be exercised every day I order to make true progress,” Pinch said. “There are several resources out there, delivering information to our community about all that is books, blogs, etc. You need to develop a thick skin. There happening in our little town,” Gutierrez said. While Gutierrez and Pinch provide coverage for several will always be negative feedback and while it may be events in the community, it goes further than that. Not hard to hear that someone didn’t like what you wrote, only are they just providing coverage, but in the process those comments can actually be more useful than the they have found areas of the community that have bepositive comments.” come near and dear to their hearts. She continued, “Write for yourself first. Write the stories you want to read; write until you have no more words left inside and the very essence of who you are has bled on ink and paper, and then, do it again. Write when you don’t have the strength to express your thoughts and write when you have more to say than could ever be said. It doesn’t matter if you’re the only one who ever reads it, write because you must.” The joy of sharing stories throughout the community extends to Staff Writer Anna Gutierrez. While Pinch is a transplanted resident of Big Spring, Anna was born and raised in Big Spring. However, like many, she ventured off for several years and then found herself back embracing her hometown. “I first moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in 1988 and came back for a couple of years in the 90s, but returned to the DFW area,” Gutierrez said. “I found myself back in Big Spring in 2016 to be closer to family and have been here since.” While Gutierrez has a historical base in Big Spring from growing up 501 N. Birdwell Ln. • Big Spring • (432) 267-7781 here, she also has the ability to see
Anna Gutierrez Staff Writer
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“I’ve gotten involved in a few United Way activities and I’ve participated a couple times with Food2Kids. I love that there are little things we can all do to give back to our community,” Gutierrez said. “When you are having a fund raiser, event for children, veterans, or the elderly in our community, reach out, let me know; I will definitely help you get the word out.” She continued, “Thank you for allowing me to bring the news of our community and for all the positive feedback to my stories. We love hearing from our readers and we hope you all continue to enjoy your hometown newspaper. I love that I can share my thoughts and feelings as part of my profession.” Newest to the team, is Sports Writer Shawn Moran, who comes to Big Spring by way of Arizona. He joined the Big Spring Herald team, Nov. 28, 2019. While some may ask, why Big Spring, Moran simply says - you have to start somewhere and why not Big Spring. “I recently graduated from college and I was looking to get my start in the reporting business,” Moran said. “I am young and driven, and I love sports.” While Moran is stepping into Big Spring and Howard
County sports, he has been thrown into the fire - so to speak- as he joined the staff in the middle of football season in West Texas. While sports is definitely a learned art, West Texas sports is a ballgame all in its own. “Sports have been a monumental part of my life since the very beginning. I was born in the home of ESPN, Bristol, Connecticut,” he said. “I grew up - in Gwinnnett County, Georgia - playing football and hockey throughout my youth, right alongside and against numerous current professional athletes.” Moran isn’t just entering into a new year, but he is entering into a new season of his career. When asked about his goals for the coming year, he said his focus is on perfecting his craft and learning the teams in our area. “I plan on working as hard as possible to deliver the best sports news stories the Big Spring Herald readers have ever seen,” he said. “There are plenty of great teams in the area and I plan to go above and beyond to give the best coverage of the teams possible.” As many great philosophers have said, find a job you love and you won’t ever work a day in your life. Moran is one of the ones who would agree with that statement. Combine the desire to share a story and the passion to write, and you can find magic in a story. “Writing about sports has never been and will never be a job to me,” he said. “Writing a story is exciting because you get to create an article in your vision and nobody else’s. If you enjoy writing, find something you love to write about more than anything and practice as much as possible.” He continued, “Words are one of the most powerful things in the world. If you have a desire to write, do your research, put your passion on paper and remember enjoy the process.” As area teams begin their preparation for spring sports, a new opportunity opens up for Moran to share the great athletic stories in Howard County. “I plan to create outstanding sports stories that the Big Spring Herald subscribers will look forward to on a daily basis,” he said. Health • SkinCare • CBD Products As Managing Editor, I am blessed to And So Much More! follow my passion as my career. Everyone has a story to tell and some – Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-2 like myself and my staff – are blessed 1305 Scurry • (432 267-6524 to be the ones who get to share their own stories and tell the story of others.
Shawn Moran Sports Writer
New Year, New You!
• Digestive
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Born and raised in Big Spring, I am a graduate of Forsan High School and of West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. I always knew that writing was my happy place, but it wasn’t until my senior year in high school I realized writing didn’t just have to be a hobby or a side note to a mundane life - I could actually make a career out of this. With that realization, I picked out a major - Mass Communication/ Print Media. After four years of fine tuning my writing ability, in college, I realized I had found my passion. Through a handful of teachers I had received only a glimpse of the tip of the iceberg. I have returned to the media field and the journalism profession after working in marketing for six and a half years. Over the years, I have come to realize the Big Spring community is a family. When times get tough, our community comes together. Since I’ve been back in Big Spring I have found many different ways to get involved and through those efforts, I have made numerous partnerships in the community that have allowed me to see the support and the heart that exists in Howard County. I am honored to be able to lead a group of not only reporters, but community members, who share the desire and the passion to tell Big Spring’s story. As we enter into 2020, the staff at the Big Spring Herald is looking forward to getting to know more about the community members of Big Spring and Howard County. We are constantly looking for stories to share. There is
a lot of history right here and plenty of unique stories to tell. We are honored to share the stories of our youth, our long time residents and those who are working toward making Big Spring a better community for our youth to enjoy. As a staff, we strive to bring accurate information in a timely manner. Throughout the year there are several events taking place and we do our best to attend and provide coverage for each one, however, there are those events we are unable to make, but would still love to share the information with the community. If you know of a story idea, have good news to share – athletic, community oriented, inspiring or educational – reach out to any of the reporters by calling 432-263-7331 or email editor@ bigspringherald.com. Thank you for trusting us and supporting the Big Spring Herald. We are looking forward to going through 2020 with each and every one of you.
Amanda Duforat Managing Editor
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By SHAWN MORAN Kyler Seymore weaves his way around the court, shooting effortless after effortless jumpshot from the wing and beyond the arc. Practice has been over for 20 minutes and all of Seymore's teammates have left. The bleachers are pushed back to their usual non-game day position close to the walls as only four people are present inside the gym on the rainy evening. Showtime Steers assistant coach Brian Moss stands near midcourt and watches Seymour sink multiple long-range shots in the span of only a few seconds. “This is what he does after every practice,” Moss said. “And the sad thing is I'm going to have to kick him out. And you know what he's going to do? He'll go over to the YMCA and shoot there.” The constant repetition and drive to improve that Seymore displays behind
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the scenes when no one else is there to see have shown through on the hardwood this season. Through nine games, Seymore has proved to be a high-scoring, high-energy baller who is deadly from the midrange and can create quick scoring for Big Spring that has helped them jump out to an impressive 7-2 record. In those nine games, Seymore has recorded a 30-point outing, multiple games of 20-plus points, and has proven himself to be the most lethal offensive weapon for the Showtime Steers. Seymore creates more open shots for his teammates through his shooting ability and capability to knock-down shots from the midrange, which is known to be the toughest shot in basketball. The junior guard models his game after one of the all-time shooting greats in NBA history: Kyle Korver. With a jumpshot
that looks so routine that it almost seems robotic, the comparison seems accurate Just like Korver, the Showtime Steers leading scorer seems to shy away from driving the lane and tends to focus more on taking the soul out of his opponents with his jumper. If given the opportunity to take the game-winning shot, there was no hesitation what kind of shot Seymore would elect to take in the pressure-packed moment.
“The wing jump-shot,” Seymore said. That silky smooth jumper from the wing has made several gyms let out a collective gasp, or celebration, while watching Seymore run the court so far this season. On a few occasions, Seymore's ability to score so easily has made fans in the bleachers leave their seats out of awe. “The thing is, you watch Kyler play and he could have 40 (points), but he's silky smooth and stealthy,” Moss said. “You don't know until the end of the game that he's actually gone for 28. It just didn't look like it in the game that he was taking any shots that he shouldn't take. That's the mark of a good guard. He knows when he needs to shoot, when he needs to press, and when to get his other teammates involved. He's been able to do that really, really well this year and it's opened up a lot of things for a lot of the other players. They all do well when you've got that one guy like Kyler because the defense all has to key on him and then he's able to open up things on offense that (the opponents) didn't expect.” Seymore is a multi-sport athlete who excels at both the high-jump and baseball. On the baseball diamond, Seymore is an excellent pitcher that will undoubtedly help the Steers improve their record over last season. Last track-and-field season, Seymore high-jumped an astonishing 6-feet, 5-inches which was the tallest height a Big Spring Steer had jumped in ten years since Tyrone Clemons jumped Living Magazine
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6-feet, 9-inches in 2009. His impressive performance put him on the radar of a Division I trackand-field program right up the road in Lubbock. “Basketball is my love but I'm actually in contact with Tech for high-jump,” Seymore said. If Seymore chooses to go that route, his athletic ability will continue to be put on display but the game of basketball would be losing a young star. With the rest of the 201920 basketball season still ahead of him, along with his full senior season come next fall, Seymore will assuredly continue putting fear into high school basketball programs across the state of Texas. Off to their best start in over 15 years, the Showtime Steers and Seymore will not be settling for just a winning record. “I think we've been great,” Seymore said. “It's probably one of the better Big Spring starts in a while and I think this group has a lot of potential. We want to bring home a district championship and
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make a mighty playoff run wherever it takes us.” That playoff run could take the Steers deep into the postseason as they have looked competitive against every team they have played so far. If more players follow the lead of Seymore, staying after practice to put extra shots up and not settling for bad ones in games, the potential of this Showtime Steers squad looks limitless. With a past full of underwhelming basketball seasons, head coach Kris Hise is changing the culture inside and surrounding his Big Spring program. With the assistance of star players such as Seymore setting an example of unselfishness and determination, the future looks bright for the Showtime Steers for years to come. “The Steers are going to start being a team to be afraid of,” Moss said. “And it all starts with him.”
By KAY SMITH A combination of three items are present in this snow scene: Landscape with trees, a figure, and an animal. This watercolor had to be painted as if no white snow was present. All its edges had to be softened with a damp brush. Tricky as it was, the blurry outlines of shapes had to meld with the overall feel and texture of winter. The rule that “warm colors advance, cool colors recede” is useful and generally works well in a painting, but there are exceptions galore. In painting there are no inviolable rules. There are rules of thumb, suggestions, tips, advicebut that is it. For the most part you are on your own when creating art and you are at liberty to do whatever you please to produce a work that is satisfying to you. When painting this recent scene it helped that several inches of snow were falling to put me in the mood. The photo reference was put into Photoshop to lighten it to better able to see to draw all parts of Bobby’s attire as well as the mule’s tack. Colors used were a new set of 36 White Nights watercolors made in Russia that other artists rave about: Zinc white, yellow ochre, ultramarine, mad-
der lake red light, indigo, cerulean, raw sienna, burnt sienna, umber, burnt umber, Mars brown, sepia, and Payne’s gray. Most of the brown earth colors I never use, nor do I ever use masking fluid to save whites. These colors are transparent, clean and not muddy. After completing the basic shapes it was let dry at least an hour. I wet a #10 round synthetic brush and dipped into zinc white to flick tiny spots all over. The first splatters were dabbed with an old washcloth to soften all colors and create the cold appearing air. Several more loadings of the brush with different strengths of paint were applied using various brush angles. All these were approximately 6-8” from the painting which was propped at a 45 degree angle. Next time you want to experiment select a scene with multiple objects. Make up an atmosphere and try to duplicate with paint. Learn the secrets of creating depth and realism to have your paintings look three dimensional. Visit Brushworks Studio at 2106 Scurry in Big Spring or online https://kaysmith.artspan.com
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Resolved to change By CINDY PINCH
2020. The start of a new decade. It’s the opportunity for a fresh start. The new year is a chance to start over or to try something new. A tradition of the new year is to set a resolution. Resolutions tend to be focused on self-improvement. The underlying theme is becoming the best version of you that you can be, or at least a slightly better one. Starting over can be scary, daunting, and challenging. But it can also be liberating and empowering. The tradition of keeping a new year’s resolution is believed to have originated some 4,000 years ago with the ancient Babylonians. The ancient civilization would hold a twelve day festival each year called Akitu. During the festival, they would crown a new king or reaffirm their loyalty to the existing monarch. During this festival,
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the people of Babylon would make promises to pay off debts and return borrowed objects. They believed that fulfilling their promises would earn them favor with the gods in the next year, while breaking their promises risked angering the gods. The tradition of paying off debts is an early form of the resolution. The ancient Babylonians aren’t the only ones who had new year traditions. Julius Caesar moved the new year to January first. The month of January was named after the god Janus, who was the two-faced god. Janus’ spirit was believed to inhabit doorways and archways. For the Romans, January first symbolized looking back on the previous year and forward into the next. In 1740, John Wesley created a Covenant Renewal service to gather as a congregation and celebrate the new year. Throughout the centuries, the sentiment of working towards becoming a better person and reflecting on the past year has carried through. Though there have been many ways to ring in the
new year, people have used this passage of time to write a new future for themselves. With the new decade, we have the opportunity to set our resolutions on a grand scale. We can choose not only how we want to improve in the next year, but in the next decade. The 1920s were revolutionary and have become iconic to generations a century later. What will we do with our decade? I am a goal oriented person. And, though I appreciate many holidays, I am particularly fond of New Year’s Day. Setting a resolution is something that excites me. I am always striving to be better. Typically, I want to be better at a certain skill, more knowledgeable on a certain topic, or maybe just be more kind and patient. The thing is, I crave change and progress. Every time I do something, I think of a hundred ways I could have done it better. In this way, through trial and error, I aim to improve. Setting a resolution can be difficult. No matter the goal, there is always a fear of what other people will think. I am the first to admit that I have let fear hold me back more times than I can count. As humans,
January 25: Hangar 25 Air Museum's Silver Wings Ball at the Hotel Settles. For more information call 432-264-1999
432-263-8235
Visit Big Spring’s Museums this January Hangar 25 Air Museum– 1911 Apron Drive. 432-264-1999 hangar25airmuseum.org Tuesday-Friday:10am-4pm, Saturday:10am-2pm Heritage Museum-510 Scurry Street. 432-267-8255 heritagebigspring.com Tuesday-Friday: 8:30am-4pm, Saturday:10am-4pm Big Spring Visitors Center–113 E. 3rd Street. 432-263-8235 63-8235 visitbigspring.com or facebook.com/visitbigspring ring Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
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we crave acceptance. When we feel as if we pable of writing a novel in a month - a feat I discovdon’t have the support we need, taking ered as a result of participating in National Novel even the smallest risk can be the most Writing Month. And, in theory, it is plausible daunting action. that I should be able to write an There are many different types of entire novel and submit resolutions. Common goals include it to a publisher within getting more organized, saving a year. But what I kept money, and leaning a new skill or getting stuck on, though hobby. The most common of all it pains me to admit, is are health related resolutions that that when I made all of include goals of exercising more, these plans I never took quitting smoking, losing weight, into consideration actual life. and eating healthier. Real life. You know, jobs and Uncommon goals add a family and daily chores. And unique twist to the tradition. I absolutely never accounted Learn something you never for the days and months that learned as a child, try a new my depression would rear its food each week, or check ugly head and break down any Facebook only once a confidence and self-esteem I had day. An interesting spin managed to muster since the last on trying new foods is to time it decided to show. choose one type of food Last year, at the beginning of and try it everywhere it’s 2019, I decided to be kind to myself. served. Taco ‘bout a food journey! After all, part of becoming a betLooking to be extraordinary? There are ter person, is allowing yourself the plenty of resolutions that focus on other people, chance to try. Instead of setting the rather than your self. Though, when you focus on bringing a positive light to others, you can’t help but benefit yourself in the process. These selfless goals can include volunteering once a month, doing Is Upon Us! one act of kindness a day, or taking the time to actually listen when someone tells you about their day. When choosing a goal, it is imWe have what you need for Springtime! portant to follow your heart. I say that, and at the same time, I stress the importance of being realistic. One of my lifelong goals has been to publish a book. I’ll admit, I didn’t even write my first novel until I was 25. Each year I would face New Years’ day and say, ‘This is the year I finally do it.’ And then, you know, life happens. On paper, it is simple to set a goal and plan how much time and effort it will take. But when it comes to actually doing it, that’s a different animal entirely. For years I would acknowledge the fact that I am completely ca-
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impossible goal, that can only be achieved through perfect conditions that involved missing out on several important things in life, I made my goals simple. I told myself that I simply wanted to have published something by the end of the year, and that I wanted to get paid to write. And while my previously unmarred writing routine became tarnished from neglect, I somehow managed to achieve both of those goals. This article in itself is a direct result of my efforts. My advice to any who decide to choose a New Year’s resolution, is to dream big. Search deep inside of yourself for what you really want to do. Once you have that answer, polish the goal into smaller, more obtainable chunks. Grant Faulkner, writer and executive director of National Novel Writing Month is quoted as saying, “But things are built in small increments.” Once you choose your overall goal, break it down into smaller ones. If you tell yourself your goal is to lose weight, but you never plan time to exercise or cook healthy meals, you won’t be very successful. Set realistic goals that will help you achieve your overall goal. If your goal is to learn how to make the perfect hamburger, practice making the perfect spice rub. Then try different techniques of preparing the patties like mixing cheese and bacon into the hamburger, or pouring melted, seasoned butter over the burger right before you add cheese. The list goes on but the point is clear. It is important while planning your resolution to accept that you will fail. There will be setbacks. You can’t succeed without failure. Sometimes an illness saps all of your energy and you physically can’t work towards your resolution. Or perhaps an unforeseen event will cut into the time you had set aside for your goals. And sometimes, though you’ve given it your all and tried your best, you just aren’t making any progress. I think Dr. Seuss said it best. “Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t. Because, sometimes you won’t.” He wrote in his book: Oh, The Places You’ll Go. “I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true. That bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.”
When you do come across failure, the best thing you can do is be kind to yourself. Be patient. Who can see the destination midway through the journey? When I taught, we did a breathing technique called S.T.A.R. breathing. It was an acronym to remind the students to stop, take a deep breath, and relax. If you face a setback or failure, stop, take a deep breath, and readjust your goal if you need to. To quote author Todd Parr, “It’s okay to make mistakes sometimes. Everyone does, even grownups. That’s how we learn.” Keeping on task and helping with failures is difficult on your own. Entrust your resolutions to a friend or family member. Choose someone you know will hold you accountable and help you achieve your goal. Telling other people your intentions is an important way to hold yourself accountable. Saying your goals out loud makes them feel more real and you will have extra incentive to reach them if you know there are other people who know what you’re about to do. Whether you choose to set a New Year’s resolution or not, take a moment to reflect on the past decade. And while you’re there, pause to consider the future. What will the next decade hold? Will we finally obtain world peace? Will George R.R. Martin finally release the final book in the Song of Ice and Fire series? The thing with time is, we have no control over it. We let go of yesterday by reaching for tomorrow. Yet tomorrow is always just out of our grasp because by the time we reach it, it has become today. What I’m trying to say is, time is short. That’s a fact that can’t be changed no matter how much we might want it to. Make the most of each moment you have, whether you’re working towards a goal or just taking it day by day. Live your year, your decade, in a way that, upon reflection, brings you satisfaction. Dr. Seuss also wrote, “So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.” History is a collection of short stories written by the hearts and lives of many. Moving into the new decade and the new year, what will your story be? Living Magazine
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By BRUCE SCHOOLER I hope everyone had a great Christmas and a Hap- lots of tutorials on the internet. py New Year. Colorful decorations have been put I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The images away and New Years resolutions have been made. of the Rodeo Parade and the Christmas Parade Instead of making resolutions I write down goals were both created from a video frame capture. The for the year ahead. I list three to five goals and keep Jpeg image file created from the frame capture is 8 them on my computer screen so that I can see them Meg in size which will create a good quality 8x10. every day. I also create action items and deadlines I prefer using the still photos that I create using my to help keep making progress on the goals. One of drone as they are about 40 Meg raw files, but if you my goals this coming year is to concentrate more forget to create a still photograph the video frame on my drone photography. I want to not only focus capture can save the day. on the commercial aspect, but I also want to create The aerial photograph of the intersection of Highmore landscape images with my drone. It amazes me how much just moving your camera up twenty or thirty feet can affect the image. The perspective changes and you get some great and unique photographs using a drone. The same photographic rules and settings apply to aerial photography. Just because the camera is on a drone doesn’t change composition rules and exposure settings. Another goal for 2020 is to get better at editing video. My drone records in 4k video and the quality is amazing. But like creating still photos using raw files you have to use editing software to bring out the best quality of the image you created. I’m using It’s easy to read the news on the go with our newly renovated Davinci Resolve to edit my videos. website. Simply go to www.bigspringherald.com to see the It is a very powerful video editing software program and the best part daily news updates and featured stories. With the recent is that it is free. There is a paid upgrade to our website, it’s even easier to browse on your version, but the free version does mobile device, too! everything I need. There are also
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www.BigSpringHerald.com
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way 87 and Interstate 20 was a photograph taken in the raw format. The drone uses the DNG format which is compatible with most software programs. I’m excited that my “Crossroads of West Texas” image is going to be used to promote the “Ports to Plains” project. I have my FAA Part 107 Remote Pilots Certificate so I can use my images and videos commercially. It is very important that you have a Remote Pilots Certificate if you are using your images for commercial purposes. It is federal law. I recently took the test to be re-certified and passed it. You have to take the test every two years. The good news is that they can administer the test at the U.S. Flight Academy at the Big Spring Airpark. If you just want to fly drones as a hobby you can create scenic images as well as videos for your personal enjoyment without having to take the test. The FAA is currently looking at the possibility of hobbyist having to take an online test to insure that they understand the regulations and procedures to insure the unmanned aircraft is flown safely. I’m looking forward to a great year. I hope you attain the goals that you have set for yourself and that the year 2020 will be your best year yet! If you have any questions or comments our email address is bruce@theredbarnstudios.com
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By COL. ALLEN MORRIS
OPEN SATURDAYS Pediatric Clinic & Well Checks
10am - 1pm
WALK-INS WELCOME! Dr. Steve Ahmed 1700 W. FM 700
www.bigspringpediatrics.com
(432) 264-1900 18 Living Magazine
The year was 1884 and the place was Big Springs, Texas; some local Freemasons decided that it was time to have a Masonic Lodge in town. At first they met over at the schoolhouse on the west side of the court square but soon they built a Masonic Temple on the northeast corner of the court square and that’s where it stands today. Staked Plains Masonic Lodge #598 is celebrating 135 years of charitable history in Big Spring. The celebration will be at the lodge at 219 South Main at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Jan. 12, 2020. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Back in the day, the owner of the Western Windmill Company felt like he needed more of a presence than he had so he and the lodge brothers cooked up a deal. They would build a three story building at the corner of 3rd and Main, rent the basement and ground floor to the windmill company, rent the second floor to the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), and the third
floor would become the masonic lodge. History called Hair By Jose. does not record what happened to the roof and a One of the founders of the lodge was J.B.D. Boydtwo story building stun after whom the was put in place. old Boydstun school The ground floor was named. Boydstun almost left his of the lodge has mark on the town been many things through the years another way too, but he fell short by and is currently one letter. That is, a furniture store in what older folks called the Bluemight remember as Eyed Buffalo and the Earl Addition, the Queen of the Boydstun almost Dude Ranch. put his name on the In the 1950s map but he ran out the growth of the lodge demanded of streets. Traveling west to east that additional one might notice space be providCourtesy photos that the streets are ed. An additional two-story building The Penix home is pictured where the circle is. The Hotel named “B”enton, Settles was about to be built across the street at that time. “O”wens, “Y”oung, was added to the eastern end of the The Masonic Lodge is pictured at the forefront of the photo. “D”onley, “S”tate, building along Third Street. For many years the “T”emperance, and “U”nion. His plan fell apart ground floor was a doctor’s office but now is a salon when he died before another street could be added Living Magazine
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and named with an N. Temperance Street would shortly thereafter become Settles Street. Like many buildings in town, the lodge predates utilities. An interesting entry was found in the lodge minutes by Master Mason Bo Clawson. The brothers debated the need to put in electricity as, “We never had it so why do we need it now?” Special archway lights were put into the vaulted ceiling of the lodge and are just as much to behold today as they were nearly 100 years ago. The lamps can be dimmed by a large dimmer mounted in the wall --it still works to this day too. It came to the attention of the Masons that a woman, her carriage, and her team of horses had come close to being hit by a train over on Benton Street. Since at the time, Benton Street was one of the main roads into town from the north, the brothers became the force behind getting the first overpass built. That’s how the Benton Street bridge got built. The Ladies of the Lodge have their own group too; they are called The Order of the Easter Star or OES for short. The OES has been active in Big Spring
since 1888. Since they almost always have a meal with their meetings, my grandmother, who was a member for 75 years, said that the OES stood for Over Eating Sisters. Anyone who has an interest in either the Masonic order or the Eastern Star is encouraged to attend the open house on Jan. 12, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or attend one of the meetings. The Masons meet on the second Thursday of the month and the Star meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Both groups serve a meal with the prayer at 6:30 PM. Oh, and that “S” at the end of Big Springs just sort of went away and by the 1930s it just couldn’t be found at all. It’s interesting to note the prominence of Big Springs when looking at old maps. Shown is a railroad map from 1883. Not on the map are places like Dallas, Fort Worth or Lubbock, but back to our story about Big Spring’s masonic history.
As part of the deep history rooted in Big Spring and Howard County, for the Masons, they have continued to do their part in giving back to the community. Each year, as part of their investment to BIg Spring and embracing of the holiday spirit, the organization hosts a Christmas party for families in the area who might be struggling during the holidays. As they do every year, the Masons once again hosted several families for dinner and then invited them to take part in the BIg Spring Herald annual Christmas Parade.
rived at the Masonic hall to prepare the lodge, wrap presents, and decorate for the party. Traditional Christmas pizza and Christmas tunes were enjoyed by all... Under the direction of Jennifer Caudill, who helps students learn Culinary Arts at the high school, more elves made cookies and treats for all to enjoy. Santa made his entrance after the faint sound of sleigh bells could be heard getting louder and louder. Wide eyes were on all of the young ones as the big fellow Ho Hoed his way into the hall, circumambulated the room, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Names were called and presents distributed; they were unwrapped on the spot as there was no waiting until Christmas morning at this party. Santa was played by high school senior Andrew Roberts. After the party, all were invited to participate in the parade by being spectators or participants on the float that was sponsored by Credit World and Walmart. As is almost always the case, big ideas first start as a small thought in one person's head. That's how it was with this Christmas party too. About 14 months ago, high school student Breelynn Copeland
Many area youth experienced a unique Christmas party last Saturday just before the parade and then many were in the parade. Several area groups hosted the party at the Masonic lodge just off the court square. Area teachers passed out special invitations and parents were invited to email to Santa's elves what the needs were. The high school elves then went shopping at Walmart, gathered, and wrapped the presents in preparation for Santa's arrival. The elves were Julianna Nava-Willborn, Julianna Lopez, Lexie Rodriguez, and Aiden Chaney. The night before the party, even more elves ar-
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For more information, come to the lodge or write to me at Colonel.Allen.M.Morris@Gmail.com.
said, "We ought to do something nice for someone." When pressed a bit more as to what she was really saying, Bree went on to say, "We should host a party for area children" and it just grew from there. The local Freemasons supported Bree's idea and a Christmas party was hosted. This year, the party
was even larger than last year's party. No one yet knows what next year's will be like but organizational plans are already afoot. About 80 students were directly involved with Bree's project this year and most of them believe that they were just hosting a party for area youth, but what they were really doing was creating fond memories for more than just themselves... The entire Christmas Party Project was supported by the following groups: Howard County's Freemasons, BSHS Interact, the high school Culinary Arts Department, Walmart, The Order of the Eastern Star, The Senior Supper Club, Credit World, Lois Lane, The Heritage Museum, and The Stephen Brown Family. Your comments and questions are welcome, enCouraged, and always appreciated. You can reach me at Colonel. Allen.M.Morris@Gmail.com Living Magazine
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House call: How tobacco affects your body
I
f you’re a smoker, you may Smokers are also at higher risk know you should stop. That’s of: a good start toward quitting. • Overuse injuries, like tendiniBut you need a powerful tis. reason to quit for good. Know• Traumatic injuries, such as ing the truth about how smoking sprains. harms your health may be what Immune system. Smokers it takes. have smaller amounts than It’s a fact that smoking is bad nonsmokers of some types of for nearly every part of your cells that destroy germs. That body. Here are a few places leaves you more vulnerable to smoking does damage. infections. Airways. When you smoke, In addition, smoking can cause the tissues in your lungs are cancer of the: inflamed. This can lead to seri• Pancreas. ous disorders. One is chronic • Kidneys. obstructive pulmonary disease. • Cervix. Smoking can also bring on can• Stomach. Timothy Peterson, MD cer in your: • Blood (leukemia). • Lungs. And smoking raises your risk Family Practice • Throat. for eye disease and dental prob• Mouth. lems. Heart. Smoking harms the cells lining the blood Women who smoke tend to have more problems vessels and heart. And it can raise the risk of clots with pregnancy. These include: that cause heart attacks. • Premature births. Smoking can also play a part in causing an ab• Low-birth-weight babies. dominal aortic aneurysm. This is when the larger • Stillbirths. artery near the stomach grows weak. And their babies are more likely to die of SIDS Other blood vessels. Damage to vessel linings (sudden infant death syndrome) than babies whose can cause them to narrow. This means not enough mothers don’t smoke. blood flows to the: Turn your risks around • Kidneys. On the bright side, there are many benefits to giv• Stomach. ing up smoking. Within minutes of smoking your last • Arms, legs and feet. cigarette, your body begins to recover: This can lead to problems like pain and gangrene. • 20 minutes after quitting – Your heart rate and Brain. Blood clots that form in damaged arteries blood pressure drop. can travel to your brain. This can cause a stroke • 12 hours after quitting – The carbon monoxide that may be deadly. level in your blood drops to normal. Bones and tendons. Smoking raises the risk for • 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting – Your circulaosteoporosis in both men and women. This is when tion improves and your lung function increases. bones grow weak and are more likely to break. • 1 to 9 months after quitting – Coughing and short-
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ness of breath decrease. Tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs (called cilia) start to regain normal function in your lungs, increasing their ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection. • 1 year after quitting – The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of someone who still smokes. Your heart attack risk drops dramatically. • 5 years after quitting – Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus and bladder is cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Your stroke risk can fall to that of a nonsmoker after 2 to 5 years. • 10 years after quitting – Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. Your risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. • 15 years after quitting – Your risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker’s. You can also find a guide to help you quit at morehealth.org/quit4good. Why wait? If you quit now, your health risks start dropping now too. And they keep going down, no matter how long you’ve smoked. A tobacco quitline can also help you quit for good. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800784-8669).
Having a Special Occasion or Event? Experience the time of your life at The Courtyard. Downtown Big Spring's Best Kept Secret. Enjoy a soothing water fall with your party guest. The Courtyard & Party Room
Our Courtyard is perfect for the afternoon luncheon, wine tasting, or birthday party. The Courtyard + Party Room at 119 Main St. Comes with a kitchen area, his and her restrooms and about 2000 Square Feet of space in the Party Room.
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The Hardware Store is perfect the yearly office Christmas party, New Years Eve bash, Graduation Party, or maybe just the family reunion. The Hardware Store at 117 Main St. comes with a full wet bar, his and her restrooms, and about 7000 Square Feet of space including the mezzanine.
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Renting both The Courtyard & Party Room + The Hardware Store is excellent for weddings, large reunions, office parties, and so much more. Offering up over 9000 Square Feet of space, a wet bar, a full kitchen, outdoor sitting area, and 4 restrooms, you cant go wrong.
at: s U t Visi downtownbigspring.com Or Call For Information
432.263.6514
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Martin County Hospital
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