BACKGROUND & BIO Abilene is so much a part of Trish Dressen that it seems strange, even to her, that Abilene isn’t part of her address. She, her husband, Jeff, and their three children live in Buffalo Gap. Trish makes the short commute every morning to Abilene where she is the executive director of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, a position she … [Read more...]
Not Just Horsing Around
“Horses are therapeutic for children, and we’ve known that for a long time.” That’s the summary from Lora Jones at Hendrick Home for Children. Hendrick Home for Children has had horses on its property since it opened in 1939. More specifically, horses have a distinct role beyond recreation as part of therapy programs in and around Abilene and the Big Country. These hoofed … [Read more...]
Ready, Set, Grow
Gardening in West Texas is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards of having and growing your own garden can be worth the struggle. If you’re one of the many in the Big Country who faced challenges and even failures in your quest for green growth, take heart. Abilene Scene asked Audrey Gillespie, a member of the Big Country Master Gardeners, to answer gardening questions … [Read more...]
Roll Shack
AN INTRIGUING IDEA While vacationing in Breckenridge, Colorado, in early 2019, Stefanie McCain and her daughters stopped by a store offering rolled ice cream. Her husband, Jerry Salinas, opted to shop around nearby instead, but as he gathered with the rest of the family finishing their sweet, icy treats, they were all intrigued by the familiar dessert in a new form. “If this … [Read more...]
Day in the Life of a Pre-K Teacher
As Patsy Rodriguez reads “Goldilocks and The Three Bears” to her Head Start class at Long Early Learning Center, she is doing more than simply sharing a children’s tale. “The word of the week is ‘culture,’” she reminds her young listeners before delving into the story, explaining that the fairy tale is an example of a “traditional tale” that ties generations … [Read more...]