Mimi Schultz’s detective name is Bubble 0-7. That’s because bubbles are her favorite work equipment. As a child life specialist, she turns kids’ toys into tools and medical procedures into child’s play. In honor of Child Life Month in March, a display at Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth asked “Where in the World is Child Life?,” a play on the 90s-era Carmen Sandiego … [Read more...]
The Swenson House
Close your eyes and envision a wide open prairie with a lone two- story mansion rising above the pastureland, a magnificent sight in any era. Now, with eyes wide open, drive by 1726 Swenson Street and imagine the surrounding area with no houses. The vision created by the mind’s eye becomes reality. It’s the Swenson House, completed about 1910 as the home of William Gray and … [Read more...]
Abilene Influencers: Darrin Black
Background & Bio Born and raised in Oplin, Texas and a 1984 Clyde graduate, Darrin Black’s Big Country roots run deep. After high school, Black jumped straight into the plumbing business and joined the Abilene Fire Department a few years later. Serving the fire department three days a week, and plumbing on his days off, Black worked to gain his master plumber li- cense … [Read more...]
A Place To Build: Abilene’s Maker Space
Benton Hanner was determined not to spend any money on his 5th grade roller coaster project. With recycled cardboard, foam and the use of a 3D printer, he successfully built a Star Wars-themed rollercoaster and paid “zero dollars” for it. Called “Into the Night,” this rollercoaster features a marble riding down a track supported by 3D printed, plastic pillars. At the end of … [Read more...]
The Art of Restoration
Whether it’s a 1930s automobile in need of total restoration, an antique timepiece that won’t tick, a piece of fine furniture that’s lost its shine, or a vintage musical instrument that’s seen better days, chances are good the work can be done in Abilene. Specialty craftsmen are scarce. Their craft and art takes an innate ability, plus skills development to make a career of … [Read more...]