1 hometown living at its best ABILENE 325.677.6007 The land isn’t just made for working. It’s ripe for playing, too. Everybody needs that balance. Whether you’re a hunter, fisherman, four-wheeler or simply a nature lover, there’s land all around suited for those pursuits. There’s also one lender who specializes in helping people obtain such land. At Capital Farm Credit, we’re here for you, to offer guidance and expertise in securing recreational land with flexible terms and competitive rates. Because we want you to be just as content with your loan as you are with your new land. To learn more, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com. brings you NMLS493828
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4 abilene living 34 Contents 10 18 10 HEARING THE NEED TO GROW Meet Samuel Stovall, one of the younger recipients of West Texas Rehab’s life-changing services. 18 KEEPING WILDLIFE WILD IN THE BIG COUNTRY Retired nurse Jennifer Kleinpeter combined her medical skills and gift for care to establish the Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. 26 KID’S SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Check out a few of the many local summer camp options located right here in the Big Country. 29 OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES Inspiration for your outdoor hangout spot! 32 CHRIS BRADSHAW’S 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 34 BREAKING BARRIERS FOR WESTERN WOMEN An icon in professional rodeo, Lari Dee Guy’s upbringing on the Guy Ranch inspired her dreams of life as a cowgirl. Now she’s inspiring others to do the same. 42 HOMETOWN WEDDED BLISS Announcing the marriage of Savanna and Chase Fortune.
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6 abilene living Contents 44 4-H SPOTLIGHT Meet the 2023 County Council Officer Team and Junior Leaders serving Taylor County 4-H’ers! 52 HOMETOWN HAPPENING West Texas Rehab and Telethon 54 WHEN UPSIDE DOWN IS RIGHT The Abilene club changing the way people view special needs children. 64 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating and praying over this graduating class. 72 HOMETOWN HAPPENING 2023 Abilene Spectacular 74 CHARCUTERIE; MORE THAN JUST A CHEESEBOARD Kelsey Hill of KK’s Charcuterie shares her tried-and-true methods for creating stunning charcuterie spreads. 80 SAVING LIVES FROM THE SKY From Iraq to Abilene, Adrian Domonsoke has used his aviation skill to save thousands. 54 74 80 44
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8 abilene living Blessings, Taylor Grimm S Abilene Living Magazine© is published bi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul White Photography Captured Photography Samuel Stovalls EM Photography “Just so, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner that repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.” - Luke 15:7 Spring is such a special time. As the air warms and the sun-lit day slowly stretches, new life sprouts or stands up all around. The land, restored to its green glory for a little while, is teeming with growth. It’s one of my favorite sights. That, however, does not compare to the experience of watching new life catch its first breath, stride, or bit of milk. Horses and cows are my favorite but it really doesn’t matter what species, they are all a bit awe-inspiring. Magical, if you will. I’ve never seen a baby take their first breath but I bet that would take the cake, especially as their parent. As I pondered the simple beauty around me, I started to wonder how our Heavenly Father feels upon seeing us, his children, receive new life on Earth. The new life that He gave His for, to ensure we are with Him forever. I can only imagine the rejoicing in Heaven at the instant of our salvation! What a sight it will be. I hope you enjoy all the fresh life and growth the Earth yields this spring. More so, I pray you accept the new life freely given to us, and delight in the sanctification that follows. Howdy Abilene Diane Lundgren Public Relations WRITERS Don Thompson Rebecca Sanchez Sabrina Forse Sandy Lowe Tayler Bradley Taylor Grimm Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Johnna Page Sales Account Executive johnnapage@yahoo.com ON THE COVER Ava Davis, Photo by Lindy Hudman Photography
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10 abilene living Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos courtesy of WEST TEXAS REHAB CENTER AND KAEDY STOVALL HEAR I NG the Need to Grow
11 hometown living at its best P Parents wait with anticipation to hear their baby’s first words. Kaedy Stovall never dreamed that her son wouldn’t hear hers. “Samuel was born three months early and failed some hearing tests at birth. Later he wasn’t responding to his name, so we tested him for autism,” Kaedy explained. It wasn’t until the Stovall’s moved to Tuscola that they started to get the answers they were seeking. They were referred to West Texas Rehab Center in Abilene, where three year old Samuel was diagnosed with auditory neuropathy. Those with the condition can often detect sound at varying levels but the signal is lost when translating those sounds to the brain. Kaedy calls the diagnosis a game changer. She said, “Dr. Shalyn Pope fitted Samuel for hearing aids and gave him a hearing test. He was sitting on my lap when she turned them on and when I said, ‘Samuel,’ he flipped his head. He actually heard me. It was the reaction that we had been praying for.” West Texas Rehab Center offers life-changing services. Meet Samuel Stovall, one of the younger recipients of these services.
12 abilene living Samuel’s progress continues to be one of those amazing stories. After being fitted with his hearing aids, his vocabulary has increased and he’s now sharing stories about his day with his parents and older brother Gunner. “It’s so beautiful to hear his vocabulary increase. Samuel is so funny and has so much to say now,” Kaedy said. Samuel is one of nearly 40,000 patients treated at West Texas Rehab Centers in Abilene, San Angelo and Ozona each year. In 1953, Shelley Smith established West Texas Rehab Center in response to the polio epidemic. West Texas Rehab Center’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Jameson, said with a single location and one physical therapist, the non-profit began treating 17 children with cerebral palsy. “There was a void in the Abilene community that West Texas Rehab was founded to meet. We continue to seek out the needs of the community,” he said. “We look for populations or issues that aren’t being taken care of and step in to fill those voids.
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14 abilene living In January, West Texas Rehab Center released plans to build a state-of-the-art facility in Southwest Abilene off of Hwy 83/84 near Sam’s Club. “Donors make it possible for us to offer the best care in the industry with an incredible staff and equipment. We want the building to reflect that exceptional care,” Jameson said. “We plan to have windows that allow the public to witness the amazing stories taking place every day.” West Texas Rehab will launch a capital campaign to raise funding for the new facility which is expected to be complete in the next four to five years. It’s a project that will be funded by the heart of the community West Texas Rehab serves. Jameson said it’s very common for those who have supported the organization as a donor to later become a patient. “Many say they always supported West Texas Rehab but never understood exactly how unique and special it was until they were being treated here themselves,” he said.
15 hometown living at its best West Texas Rehab Center offers a wide range of services: from physical therapy, hearing services, occupational health, hospice and family support, to fabricating custommade orthotics and prosthetics. “When I was still in school, I was able to see someone receive a prosthetic limb and take his first steps and it struck me that this may be the only profession where someone comes to you in a wheelchair and leaves by walking out,” Jameson said. West Texas Rehab offers elite equipment to help patients take their first steps. “A donor helped purchase a Zero G Gait and Balance System that we use in Abilene and San Angelo. It’s a harness system that takes away a percentage of body weight to help patients learn to walk without the fear of falling or stumbling. At the time, we were one of the only facilities in Texas offering that equipment.” Seeking out the best equipment is just one way West Texas Rehab strives to serve its clients. Samuel’s hearing aids connect with an app that his parents and teacher can control on their phones. “Samuel’s hearing can change from day to day so we adjust the settings on what we call a good day, a medium day or a bad day. If Samuel’s teacher can tell that he’s having trouble listening, she can adjust the app and bump the setting from medium to bad. We also have microphone clips that allow our voices to be magnified so it cuts out the other noise and allows us to talk directly in Samuel’s ear,” Kaedy explained. “I can only imagine how benef icial the new building will be for kids like Samuel who also have sensory and physical processing challenges,” Kaedy added. “They can have their audiology and speech therapy together which should help with scheduling and flow.” The Stovall family is thankful that West Texas Rehab Center is a place where they feel their concerns and voices were heard. “When Samuel was born, it was derailing to learn about his problems but not get any answers,” Kaedy said. “Now it’s wonderful to watch him learn. We’re enjoying his personality as he shows us new things. We are thankful and will always be an advocate for the care we received.” †
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18 abilene living RETIRED NURSE JENNIFER KLEINPETER COMBINED HER HEALTHCARE SKILLS AND GIFTS FOR HEALING TO ESTABLISH THE BIG COUNTRY WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER. THIS MUCH-NEEDED RESOURCE, AND THEIR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM, BENEFITS THE ECOSYSTEM AND RESIDENTS LEARNING TO COEXIST. KEEPING WILDLIFE WILD in the Big Country
19 hometown living at its best B Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ Photos courtesy of JENNIFER KLEINPETER and SHAYLA SMITH Baby skunks showed up on Jennifer Kleinpeter’s doorstep, not as prowlers in the night but rather, figuratively. Helping a friend find rehabilitation resources for the four orphaned skunks revealed that the only facilities were two hours away. As a retired registered nurse—who started the structural heart program at Hendrick Health—Kleinpeter has triage skills and a gift of caring for others. Setting out to fill a need for Hawley and the Big Country residents between Lubbock andWeatherford, she started Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The nonprofit 501(c)3 is run on volunteer power and is not only returning animals to the ecosystem but also serving as an educational resource for the community. Bringing her medical skills to wildlife, Kleinpeter obtained a Texas Parks andWildlife rehabilitator permit and created a facility to stabilize injuredwildlife, quarantine orphaned animals, rehabilitate them and get themhealthy for release. She can provide medications for stabilizing injured animals and vaccinate each species. Two garages on her property have been transformed into triage space and immediate shelter for various species. Habitat enclosures have large, angled tree branches for raccoons to climb on. Hollowed-out cactus trunks give skunks shelter and narrow concaves give kit foxes and coyote pups the sense of a burrow.
20 abilene living Raccoons, squirrels, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, babies of all these species, and even a beaver one time, have all passed through the facility. The number of animals rehabilitated and released continues to rise. “The community is learning that we exist, so each year we’ve seen increased volume that has come through our doors,” Kleinpeter says. “All of it involves education on how to coexist. Many of the animals that come to our rescue are due to human interaction and interference. If we provide the appropriate and accurate information to our community, we can see a lot of this not exist.” The need is great around Hawley. Since opening, 600 animals have been released back into the wild, and Kleinpeter expects 800-1,000 the next seasonwith spring and summer babies out and about. The Virginia opossum is very common in Big Country, and an opossum can bringwithher 13 babies. To add complexity to an already traumatic situation, if the mother had babies andnooneknew, thosebabies ventureout looking for food and shelter. Many are brought to Kleinpeter in very critical condition. She said, “It’s definitely very important because we are going to consistently see this. Each year the native habitats of our wildlife continue to decrease so this is going to be an ongoing problem.”
21 hometown living at its best Educating the public brings awareness to the situation. Big Country has provided outreachat local exhibitions and themuseum presenting thebenefits of humanandwildlife coexistence. Kleinpeter brings ambassador animals likeRuby toschoolsandevents. Ruby, a skunk who first came to the rehabilitation facility at three weeks old, acts as a bridge betweenpeople’s fearsandanewrelationship. Meeting a doe-eyed skunk in person and learning that the dreaded spray is actually the little animal’s last resort in the face of danger changes their reputation. Opossums look scary, but when people find out why they are called nature’s cleanup crew, they have a different view when the marsupial passes through their yard. Immune to viper venom and virtually incapable of contracting rabies, opossums eat snakes, rodents, cockroaches, ticks, and dead animals, bones and all, which means they eat a lot of things people don’t want near their homes. Seeing species up close provides an opportunity to learn what they offer the environment and what role they play in the ecosystem. For example, an environmental chain reaction occurswhen amammal at the top of the food chain is killed. No predators mean toomuch prey, and prey is often those who keep vegetation growth in balance. Another lesson covers making residential
22 abilene living homes unattractive to burrowing or nesting animals. Understanding each species’ role helps people make the best decisions when they see one pass by or when one is found injured. “Theoverallgoal istoteachourcommunity howtocoexistsafely,” Kleinpetersays. “Because of the loss of habitat, we see animals more often because our city is growing. We want to reach out and provide that resource and education in a fun way and in an exciting environment to get people involved just to learn that without our wildlife, we simply wouldn’t exist. Wildlife maintains a healthy ecosystem for all living things, and that includes us too.” Big Country hosts a Keep Wildlife Wild camp teaching kids the benefits and proper responses towild animals throughhands-on activities. Meeting the ambassador animals andmeeting gamewarden James Cummings are both a big hit. They match animals to the foods they eat and identify footprints and scat to learn what is going on in their own backyards. The camp also teaches the importance of reuniting babieswithmothers. Building anest out of biodegradablematerials or playing baby animal recordings thatmight attract the mother are skills kids can apply anywhere. Upperclassmen college students from Hardin Simmons University and Abilene Christian University pursuing careers in wildlife conservation, biology or veterinary medicinecanearncoursecreditswhileworking with animals at Big Country. Students do just about every kind of basic care from cleaning cages to picking up animals, feeding tiny baby squirrels, or being there when it’s time for them to be released.
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24 abilene living When it’s time to go, Kleinpeter gets approval froma landownerwith acreage thatmatches the species’ natural habitat. However, sometimes just leaving the facility doors open is the gentle transition that an animal needs. They come and go for food and water and then just move on one day. Partnerships are growing awareness of Big Country and about the vital role wildlife plays. Kleinpeter continues to communicate with the Abilene Independent School District with an openness for being invited to biology classes andwith college boards tomake credit offerings more official. “Ourmain goal is coexistence, how to coexist with our native wildlife for future generations to enjoy,” Kleinpeter says. Back at the rehabilitation facility she hopes to one day have a home-based education center, a separate building with meeting space, used for learning and where people can come see the animals up close. Big Country has become an important resource for Hawley and the surrounding area, and it all startedwithhelping four baby skunks find refuge. †
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OH, THE JOYS OF SUMMER! While it’s a welcome break from school, those highly anticipated days can sometimes be hard to fill. Fortunately, Abilene is equipped with a variety of summer camps for any age or interest. We always reccomend attending local VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS - these are a fun and free way to not only entertain your kiddos, but more importantly teach them about JESUS. So be on the look out for VBS signs around town and online and remember you do not have to be a member to take your kids - they are open to the the community. Here are a few of our favorites, and a checklist so you can go prepared! HAPPY CAMPING! Abilene Performing Arts Company Dance Intensive | Hip Hop | Preschool Dance | Musical Theatre | Musical Theatre Production Theatre | Improv | Musical Theatre Vocals Camps for all ages. Visit apacstars.com for dates, costs, and registration. ACU Leadership Camps Leadership Camps began in 1982 with a vision to provide spiritual development and leadership training among children and youth. We operate on the campus of Abilene Christian University providing an exciting and engaging summer camp experience for campers entering the 4th grade through college freshmen. Kadesh: incoming 10th grade–college freshmen MPulse: incoming 7-9th grade Learning to Lead: incoming 4-6th grade Visit acucamps.com for dates, costs and registration. ABILENE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2023
The Grace Museum Junior Culinary | Pen & Paper (drawing) | World Traveler | Science | Art Academy | Engineering Sculpt It! | All About Art | Senior Culinary | KinderCamps | Paint Palooza Half-day camps for all ages throughout the summer. Visit thegracemuseum.org for camp descriptions, dates, and costs. Hendrick Health’s Camp Courage Camp Courage offers a supportive environment and encourages trust, self-confidence, and an understanding of the grief process. Children participate in recreational activities that promote self-esteem, encourage self-healing, and provide an outlet for unexpressed emotions. In addition, with the help of specially trained counselors, campers develop healthy coping skills as a result of the variety of grief exercises offered, which ultimately help build self-confidence, trust, and an understanding of the grief process. June 5-9, 2023 Register online at hendrickhealth.org Shockey Stables This Christian Horse camp provides a safe environment for children to learn reliable horsemanship skills, build, and improve self-discipline, self-confidence and self-esteem while experiencing the joy of horses. Ages 9-18 Visit shockeystables.com for dates, costs, and registration. GOING TO AN OVERNIGHT CAMP? Don’t forget your: Check for a specific packing list on your camp’s website. • Shower/cabin shoes • Tennis or closed-toed shoes • One nicer outfit • Bedding and pillows • Towels • Box fan • Journal + pens • Toiletries • Sunscreen • Reusable Water Bottle • Two shirts per day • Two pair of shorts per day • Two sets of undergarments per day • At least one pair of long pants • Swimsuits
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LIFESTYLES GUIDE Outdoor T here’s no place quite like the great outdoors, and with spring on the horizon we are itching to relish in it! Whether you’re unwinding from the day, hosting the family cookout or watching a game with friends, good outdoor living spaces are a favorite. Here are a few tips, and some inspiration, to make your space swoon-worthy. 29 hometown living at its best
Utensil Holder When hosting, use plastic cutlery in your utensil holders for easy serving and clean up! H Outdoor Rugs &Pillows are an easy way to add changeable pops of color and style to the space. Citronella Candles are aesthetically pleasing and helpful for pesky bugs. Outdoor Fans are a great addition to increase airflow and beat the heat! H H H "We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. " - Winston Churchill n
CONSIDER THESE DROUGHTRESISTANT PLANTS THAT LOVE DIRECT SUNLIGHT IN YOUR LANDSCAPING. Yucca Agave Plants False Heather English Lavender Succulents 31 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings Hosted by her family at the Abilene Country Club Photos shared by her daughter, BRENDAWHISENHUNT CHRIS BRADSHAW S 90th Birthday Celebration ‘
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35 hometown living at its best BREAKING BARRIERS Western Women for Written by TAYLER BRADLEY | Photos by RC PHOTOGRAPHY MACI BERRY PHOTOGRAPHY, ROBBY FREEMAN and courtesy of LARI DEE GUY An icon in professional rodeo, Lari Dee Guy recounts her upbringing on the 10,000-acre Guy Ranch east of Abilene. The daily ins-and-outs of the ranch inspired Lari Dee’s dreams of a life and career as a cowgirl. Her accomplishments are great but never outshine the ways that she gives back to this industry and the women in it. ari Dee was just a year oldwhen her familymoved to Abilene to run the daily operations of their ranch. Her grandfather Edgar Davis passed it down to his daughter Mary, Lari Dee’s mother. Ranching was a family affair. Her father, Larry Guy, had already been working alongside Edgar. Everyone pitched in on the ranch, Lari Dee included. She loved every single minute of it. She said, “When all the cowboys would come out to work cattle, I wanted to be like those guys. I just wanted to be a cowgirl.” Along with daily ranch chores, Lari Dee and her brother Tommy also spent much time practicing in the arena. When they would come home from school the horses would already be saddled and the calves penned. Roping alongside Tommy every day instilled a love for competition. “He pushed me to be better and anything he could do I wanted to do it better,” Lari Dee says. Every day the kids were in the arena, mom and dad were also there teaching and pushing them to be the best they could be. This is where her passion and roping skills began to develop. Lari Dee’s first horse, Ridie, cost only $67 and helped her to win 11 consecutive AJRA breakaway championships.
36 abilene living After high school, Lari Dee attended Vernon Community College and Texas TechUniversitywhere she studied exercise sport science while competing in college rodeos. She qualified four times for the College National Finals Rodeo—bringing home champion breakaway roping titles in 1991 and 1993. Her classes helped her understand mechanics, furthering her riding and roping skills. As she got older, the idea of making a living with a rope seemed out of reach, but Lari Dee was determined to find a way to combine her passion and career. She found opportunities to train horses which turned into a great business. Some of which were for, or with, the biggest names in the game. Her business really ignited after she partnered with Trevor Brazile, the winningest cowboy in PRCA history, on a few horses. Each horse she workedwith has a hand place in building her career, home, and roping facility. Part of training horses is taking them to roping jackpots and rodeos. This allowed Lari Dee to compete for money and showcase what her horses could do. She competed in team roping jackpots, breakaway jackpots, and rodeos all over the country. This helped her build her
37 hometown living at its best career in the rodeo industry, which is very tough for women to do—especially at the time. In her early 30s, she focused on opportunities within the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, (WPRA) where she could compete in all roping events. To date, she has won nine WPRA world titles between breakaway roping, team roping, and all-around within the WPRA. As the number of women competing in breakaway roping grew, a friend came to her with an idea. Lari Dee said, “Chelsea Shaffer asked me if I could make “Rope Like a Girl” cool, and as I thought about it, I said I would make it cool. It's exactly what we needed. Women and young ladies out there need to know that roping like a girl is cool.” She said she saw it as a way for
38 abilene living l ittle girls to look up to women roping professionally. With this simple saying she made a big impact. Rope Like a Girl started back in 2013 and is now a non-profit foundation that helps women who want to pursue activities within the western industry. Despite her busy life, Lari Dee finds time to host roping schools all over the country with the help of a great friend, Hope Thompson. These schools allow her to share knowledge and help ladies gain confidence. She tries to help them develop tough mental and roping skills. “I enjoy giving back,” she said. “I feel like God gave me the ability to do what I love, so I like being able to help other ladies follow their dreams.” Many of the girls she meets along the way have become great friends, and seeing them accomplish great things means a lot to her. These young, upand-coming ropers have also challenged her to continually refine her craft, driving that work ethic even more. Lari Dee said, “Work is never a problem for me. Nobody is ever
going to work harder than me.” She said this is something she always tries to instill in the girls at her schools because she wants them to be better every single day, and that comes from working hard and learning. Lari Dee’s journey to becoming a successful horsewoman did not come without trials. She has overcome back surgery, shoulder surgery, and a broken leg. These injuries took time away from her training and rodeoing. Luckily, she has a great support system on the ranch that helps her to keep going. “I’m an overcomer,” she said. “I figure out how to get through things.” Lari Dee doesn’t see obstacles in a negative way but, more of an opportunity to learn and grow. 40 abilene living
41 hometown living at its best With her recent shoulder surgery putting her out for the longest time ever, you can bet to see a lot of fight in her to qualify a fourth time for the National Finals Breakaway Roping this year. Fortunately, she has a lot of help. Her horse, Gangster, knows his job and does it effortlessly. She said this horse shows her what a great breakaway horse is as they chase their dreams of winning aworld championship together. Back in 2020, she was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Abilene's Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2021 the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Lari Dee has shown the world what she can do, but we’re betting she isn’t quite done yet! †
42 abilene living PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PHOTOGRAPHY Hometown Wedded Bliss SAVANNA & CHASE FORTUNE
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44 abilene living Leadership is a big deal. These students are learning about it firsthand, and the service required. 4-H Spotlight 4-H COUNTY COUNCIL President RyAnne Morris, Big Country 4-H Vice President Seth Stephens, JimNed 4-H Secretary Lanie Allen, JimNed 4-H Treasurer Isaac Stephens, JimNed 4-H Reporter Larsyn Allen, JimNed 4-H Parliamentarian Lily Walker, JimNed 4-H Recreation Officer Stormy Mauldin, Big Country 4-H District Delegate Addison Miles, Big Country 4-H TAYLOR COUNTY COUNCIL OFFICER TEAM How long have you been involved in 4-H programs and projects? Seth: I have been enrolled in 4-H for nine years, six of which I have invested in my poultry project, which remains my favorite activity. Lily: I first joined 4-H seven years ago when I was in 4th grade. My favorite projects I have participated in are Personal Health and Safety, Clothing and Textiles, Food and Nutrition, and Photography. RyAnne: This is my 2nd year being enrolled in 4-H. I have participated in Judging contests, showing sheep and goats and am the President of the County and Big Country Clubs. Lanie: I started 4-H as a Clover Kid in Kindergarten, so I have been involved for 13 years. Throughout my time in Taylor County 4-H I have been involved in the Swine, Food and Nutrition, Livestock Judging, Clothing and Textiles, Photography and Public Speaking contests. Addison: I have been involved in 4-H since Kindergarten, so I have been a member for 11 years and in 3 different counties. I started my 4-H career in Brown County and then moved to Jones County. I have been in Taylor County 4-H for the past 3 years. JUNIOR LEADERS Sarah Stephens, JimNed 4-H Leighton Phillips, Wylie 4-H Fletcher Smith, Wylie 4-H Adalyn Galovich, JimNed 4-H Leora Lee, Big Country 4-H Levi Miles, Big Country 4-H Samuel Stephens, JimNed 4-H
45 hometown living at its best How has being an officer prepared you for other goals and responsibilities? Leighton: Being a Junior Leader has taught me so much and prepared me for the future, by doing community service and teaching me about things that you would do daily as an adult. Lanie: I will attend Texas A&M in College Station next fall and being an officer has prepared me to take on leadership roles in college. I hope to be involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. I have also made many friends from other counties through 4-H and I am excited to attend college with them at A&M. Leora: I am a junior leader so I have just started my training. So far, I have learned to work in teams, to communicate well in groups, and to take orderly notes. Isaac: Being an officer has made me better at making decisions under pressure, talking in front of people, and working with others to solve problems. Levi: This is my first leadership role and it will help me learn more about being a leader for others. What 4-H activities are you involved in? Fletcher: Food and nutrition, rabbit project, photography, public speaking, leadership and community service. Larsyn: Throughout my time in Taylor County 4-H I have been involved in the Swine, Food and Nutrition, Livestock Judging, Clothing and Textiles, Photography and Public Speaking contests. Samuel: My main project is poultry, but I also really enjoy doing community service through 4-H, such as helping with the petting zoo and Kiwanis Pancake Day. Addison: My 4-H projects have been food & nutrition, clothing & textiles, photography, public speaking, consumer education, leadership and community service. The activities I have participated in are food show, food challenge, fashion show, duds to dazzle, educational presentations, nutrition quiz bowl, consumer judging, leadership lab and livestock judging. I have also assisted with the Taylor County 4-H petting zoo and contributed to various community service projects. Levi: I have participated in food & nutrition, photography, livestock judging, leadership and community service. I also attended the clothing camp over the summer and made a pillow. I love to help with the Taylor County 4-H petting zoo. FLETCHER SMITH ISAAC STEPHANS LARSYN ALLEN
What is your favorite and least favorite thing about showing? Leighton: My favorite things about showing pigs is the friends I have made from all over Texas. You may go to one showwith some of your best friends and the next with people you aren’t as familiar with. But this pushes me to meet new friends. My least favorite thing is the stress when you get to the show because everything is just very tedious and it’s your last chance to do something good with your pig. Sarah: Favorite - Being able to receive an award and knowing that my hard work raising chickens has paid off. Least Favorite - Showing chickens is messy. RyAnne: I have so many things that I enjoy about showing. I enjoy everything from choosing the animal, working with the animal so that they show to the best of their abilities to walking in the ring and putting all my hard work to the ultimate test. There are so many small moments that produce big results that it is near impossible to narrow it down to one reason I love showing animals. Lanie: I have shown pigs since I was in Kindergarten and I love every aspect of showing. I love getting to knowmy pigs personality and training them to show in the ring. Every pig is different and you have to learn to adapt to their personalities if you want to showwell. Training a pig to show in the ring is hard work but it pays off in the end if you win! Adalyn: My favorite thing about showing is putting in the hard work and dedication and then winning with my pig!! The hardest thing about showing is that your pigs don’t come back to the barn after major shows. This is hard because as you have that animal you create a bond with them. Why is being in 4-H important to you? Lanie: Being in 4-H is important because it has taught me many important skills. The most beneficial skill I have learned is how to stand up in front of people and speak effectively. It has also allowed me to participate in many community service activities. I love helping others and I have learned so much about servant leadership through 4-H. Lily: Being in 4-H has helped me develop and sharpen my interview skills, research skills, and presentation skills. I have also learned about health, nutrition, cooking and sewing. Through 4-H I have met so many new people and made life-long friends. Larsyn: 4-H is important to me because it teaches me so many skills that I will use my entire life. It also teaches me to have compassion for others through community service activities. Samuel: 4-H helps me learn vital skills such as leadership and kindness. It has helped me be more understanding of others and work together with others better. Adalyn: 4-H is important to me because it has helped me with interview skills and so much more. As we get older, we are going to want to apply for jobs and doing workshops really helps us learn and prepare for the real world. SARAH STEPHENS LANIE ALLEN
What would you tell someone thinking about joining 4-H to persuade them to join? Leighton: Just give 4H a try because it truly has something for everyone and it will be the best experience of your life. Lanie: I would encourage them to start with one project that is interesting to them and explore all that it has to offer. When you have completed that project then join the next one. After you have completed several projects you will know what you enjoy, and you can focus on those. RyAnne: 4- H has been an opportunity which I wish I had been involved in sooner. The program is so diverse and there are so many areas of interest that I wish I had been aware of sooner. Seth: 4-H can be defined as opportunity. It doesn’t matter whether you plan on going into college or the workforce, become a teacher or an engineer, 4-H will teach many necessary skills for life. It has opportunities for every individual, find one that you enjoy and go with it. LEIGHTON PHILLIPS RYANNE MORRIS
48 abilene living Tell us a funny story about something that happened while caring for your animal or during a competition. Seth: I was feeding our backyard hens one day, when, unbeknownst to me, the chickens were plotting a prank. I was refilling their feeders when a chicken to my left sounded the alarm. Suddenly to the right I hear a mighty SQUAAWWWK. Out of the egg box comes a chicken in full flight, on a direct trajectory to my face. After a resounding thud I ran from the coop, narrowly missing two other chickens with the same idea. I learned a good lesson that day, always keep an eye on the egg boxes, unless you want a chicken in your face. Adalyn: The first year I was showing, we had one pig named Lucky. He had a little hut on the slab behind our house. He had a latch on his gate that I sometimes forgot to shut. One time when I forgot to latch his gate, Lucky decided to take a stroll about 11pm. He went onto our front porch setting off our ring camera & waking everyone up. Levi: At my first district livestock judging contest, I completely forgot to fill out my scantron on the classes. It was embarrassing. SETH STEPHENS SAMUEL STEPHENS
49 hometown living at its best Words of wisdom or advice: Fletcher: 4-H is a great opportunity where you learn skills that you would probably not learn until later in life or maybe not at all. 4-H has changed my life. RyAnne: As I am closing out my years of showing and being involved in 4-H, I would encourage others to try some of the programs that might be out of your comfort zone. Join a sewing class or a cooking competition. The more you stretch your boundaries, the more people you meet, the greater your experiences and memories will be. Seth: The hardest step is always the first. 4-H is filled with opportunities, you just have to take the risk of failure. The ability to endure failure is what will make or break you in life, it is a certainty that everyone will encounter. Don’t be afraid of trying something new, don’t be afraid of failure, and take that first step towards happiness. Stormy: 4H is an amazing place to be yourself and meet new people. I have met many new life long friends. 4H is the best place to learn many new things and you always have lots of fun. STORMY MAULDIN LILY WALKER ADALYN GALOVICH
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HOMETOWN Happenings Roughly 800 guests attended the fundraiser held Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Abilene Convention Center. The center was packed with an auction in the exhibit hall, children’s activities in the foyer, and entertainment in the auditorium. In total, the efforts garnered about $1.8 million for West Texas Rehab Center patients. The Rehab’s Vice President of Development, Chuck Rodgers said this is the organization’s largest fundraiser. “It’s also the single-most-important fundraiser we do because it showcases all of what we do—our patients, services, people. It’s really a powerful window into the heart of what we do.” Big Country donors generously provided over 600 incredible auction items. The auction began online, on December 9th and ended Saturday at midnight. The exhibit hall was flooded with everything from handmade quilts, art, and saddles to motorcycles, campers, and autographed guitars. The entertainment was no less impressive with Red Stegall, Aaron Watson and Camille Arts performing. Members of the community were also honored with the Harry Holt and Billy Mac awards. The Harry Holt Good Neighbor Award went to Jana and Johnny Trotter for their involvement in the Rehab’s cattle roundup. The Billy Mac Commitment Award went to Connie and Gary Decker. This recognition is in honor of the late Billy Mac McDonnell, one of the original 17 patients at the Rehab Center, and is the highest recognition going to volunteers for their long-term and significant support. For more information on West Texas Rehab or next year’s event, visit westtexasrehab.org. Photos by HALLIE SOSOLIK 2023 REHAB Telethon & Auction
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Down U Upside Down This Club changes the way people think about special needs children. By SANDY LOWE WHEN is Right 54 abilene living
The Upside Down Club of Abilene grew from very small beginnings. Threemoms ofDownsyndrome childrenmet at ahome luncheon in 2007. Angie Martin and Cheryl Etter’s little ones were ages nine and sevenat the time. SadieWeaverhadanewbornson. “WewelcomedSadie into our communityof special needsparents,” Cheryl says. “We called it our club.” Just a couple of years later Sadie officially founded the Upside Down Club. She chose the name because shewanted everyone to see the upside of Down syndrome including the positives, the children’s unique abilities and that special needs kids truly have more similarities to “normal” children thandifferences. TheClubstartedwith17 familiesandnowhas450members on its Facebook page. 55 hometown living at its best
56 abilene living When Sadie went to work full-time as a teacher, DeeDee Baker and Susan Pete took over as “moms in charge.” This September Cheryl Etter will accept that role. Cheryl says one of the club’s main purposes is to share information. “Which doctor do you use? Which school? Which daycare? What problems should I expect? In other words, how do I navigate this jungle with this precious baby?” She said. A jungle it certainly can be. In addition to developmental delays, Downsyndromebabies and their families face what seem like amillion possible problems. According to theMarchofDimeswebsite, about half of babieswithDown syndrome are born with heart defects. About 75 percent have hearing loss; about 50 to 75 percent have obstructive sleep apnea. More than half have vision problems including cataracts. Babies with Down syndrome tend to get sick often because their bodies have trouble fighting off infections. Ariel and Judson McDonald found out their daughter Kaydance would have Down syndrome before she was born. “One of our nurses toldme about the Upside Down Club,” Ariel says. “I joined their Facebook group and just started asking questions.” Parents of special needs children have many, many questions: What pediatrician should we use? Will my child be accepted by her peers? What kind of help is available and what will it cost? What challenges can we prepare for? Who can I talk to about the emotions I’m feeling? From her research Ariel learned that Down syndrome babies often have smaller mouths, which makes it difficult for them to nurse. She had breastfed her other children, but for Kaydance she needed information on what kinds of bottles and nipples would allow her tiny girl to eat. Club moms steered her to nipples for preemies because they’re smaller, as well as bottles with a shape designed for babies with sucking problems. Ariel also asked what Abilene pediatricians might be best informed on the needs of Down syndrome babies. Club friends suggested Dr. Bradley Barhamwith Pediatric Associates of Abilene. “He’s been awesome,” Ariel says. At 20months, Kaydance receives speech therapy tohelpwith learningbasicvocabulary as well as eating, chewing and swallowing. Physical therapy helps her withmobility and strengthens muscles. Occupational therapy works on everyday activities like holding a Sadie chose the name (UpsideDown Club) because she wanted everyone to see the upside of Down syndrome including the positives, the children’s unique abilities and that special needs kids truly have more similarities to [normal] children than differences. Down U Upside Down
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59 hometown living at its best crayon or building with blocks. She has been fitted with an orthotic brace which she will wear until she is about five years old. “Her physical therapist says it’s kind of like she’s been trying to walk on a waterbed. The brace will give her a solid base to walk on,” says Ariel. Kaydance’s parents also noticed that she stopped breathing during sleep, which could indicate sleep apnea. They scheduled a sleep study, where she sleeps overnight in the hospital with various leads connected to her body to assess her sleep quality. Ariel andher familyattendasmanyof the Upside Down Club events as they can. “I like thembecause I can see older kids with Down syndrome,” she says. “That helps me prepare for when Kaydance is older. And I know I can count on any one of themembers for help.” Cheryl says the c lub provides opportunities for families to connect and share information as well as “mentor each other and love each other,” at regular club gatherings, including visits to Life of Pie, DentonValley Farms, city parks, swimparties and more. The Upside Down Club covers all expenses for the whole family on all of these outings. “Susan and DeeDee have been very good stewards of our money,” Cheryl says. The funds come from companies like Happy Trailer. One of their employees has a daughter withDown syndrome. Happy Trailermakes a sizable monthly donation and loans the club a trailer for the Children’s Art and Literature Festival (CALF) parade. They also provide a trailer used as the stage for the club’s major fundraiser, the annual BuddyWalk. Cheryl says the club provides opportunities for families to connect and share information as well as “mentor each other and love each other,” at regular club gatherings. Down U Upside Down
60 abilene living The 10thAnnual BuddyWalk is scheduled for September 17, 2022 at Beltway ParkChurch. “It’s really less of awalk andmore of a festival,” Cheryl says. Vendors set up around the perimeter to share information with families and community members. Walkers can also enjoy a bounce castle, visits from fairy tale characters and goodies from various donors like Chick-fil-a and Coca Cola. The walk raised $39,000 for the Upside Down Club in 2017 and $25,000 in 2018. Families with special needs children need information, encouragement, support and outstanding medical care. Thanks to the Upside Down Club, Big Country families don’t have to go far to find exactly what they need andmuch, muchmore. † Families with special needs children need information, encouragement, support and outstanding medical care. Down U Upside Down
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63 hometown living at its best Come visit with the best Lending Team in Texas that is committed to helping your business grow. YOU FIRST | FFIN.com MEMBER FDIC THE BANK TEXAS BUSINESSES KNOW BY NAME Michael Joseph’s Hair Color Spa Jeri Skaggs, Owner Owner Full-Service Salon T h e S h o p s a t B u r r o A l l e y 3241 South 1st , Sui te 6 3 2 5 . 6 9 2 . 5 4 2 6 3 2 5 . 6 7 2 . 9 0 0 7 s t y l i ng | co l or | perm b r a z i l i a n b l o w o u t
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HOMETOWN Happenings
73 hometown living at its best This year’s Abilene Spectacular was held January 4-11, 2023 at the Taylor County Expo Center. In its 31st year, this cutting horse show is family-produced by the Gully Ranch. Cutting is an equine discipline in which a horse must—unassisted by the rider—keep a cow separated from their herd. Riders may pilot the horse when making their initial “cut” that separates the cow and herd but, once appropriately distanced, the rider may not pick their hand up until they are ready to “quit” that cow. Cows may be quit only when they’ve stopped moving or are walking directly away from the horse. A run lasts two minutes and 30 seconds. During a run there are four additional riders in the show pen that help with this. The helpers have certain rules to follow that prevent them from altering the horse’s run. The goal is that riders showcase both the horse’s athletic ability and cow sense to the event’s judges, who score each run. The horses in this event display considerable athleticism. Every year for the past 41 years, the Abilene Winter Circuit Cutting begins late December and runs for five to seven days, followed by the Abilene Spectacular Cutting. With over 500 entries this year, the event brought competitors from across the United States to Abilene. Multiple classes were held for all participants whether beginners or professional. Along with the show, there is a live auction held yearly on Saturday. Each auction item is a breeding opportunity donated by various stallion owners. Horses that result from this breeding opportunity are invited back to compete in a custom class once they’ve reached competition age. Next year ’s shows wi l l be held December 28 , 2023 and January 10, 2024. For more information visit abilenespectacular.com. Photos by EM PHOTOGRAPHY 2023 Abilene Spectacular
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75 hometown living at its best Photos provided by KELSEY HILL Charcuterie Kelsey Hill of KK’s Charcuterie shares her tried-and-true methods for creating stunning charcuterie spreads. From prep to plating, charcuterie like a pro at your next family gathering. more than just a cheeseboard char•cu•te•rie /shahr-koo-tuh-ree/ The name comes from the French word for “butcher,” and it refers to a style of food presentation, not just the types of foods included. A charcuterie board typically includes meat products like cured ham, salami, or pate; artisanal cheeses; and accompaniments such as nuts, olives, pickles, and spreads.
76 abilene living I was born in Abilene alongside my identical twin sister. When we were 5 years old, my family and I moved to Huntsville, Texas, where my siblings and I were raised. In 2015 me and my sister, Shelby Hill, moved back to Abilene to attend McMurry University. While at McMurry, I was a member of the Women’s Swimming team, Cheer team, and a sister for T.I.P. women's social club. We didn’t remember much about Abilene, so we thought it would be fun to come back to get our education. A little bit about you: Kelsey How did you get started creating boards? I have always loved creating things on my own. I was never very good at drawing, so I found other ways to create. After I turned 21, I really got into wineries. Drinking wine and eating cheese boards with my friends quickly became a relaxing and fun hobby for me. Learning all about the different wines while eating a cheeseboard, it’s a good time for sure. This developed my passion for wine and got me thinking “These boards are so cute! I bet I can make one.” So, I did. Then I did it again, all just for me and my friends or family. Each time I became more invested in how I could make them better. It was fun. One day I had a friend ask if I could make one for her. I never thought about creating a catering service for others with my charcuterie boards, I was all in. Then one after the other, everyone wanted my boards. I was having so much fun creating different boards, and I was making money doing it. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
What is your favorite design aspects or "RULES" on a charcuterie board? COLOR! My biggest thing when creating a board is the even distribution of color, and a lot of different colors at that. I have always been a very colorful person, so it’s one of the biggest wants for all my boards. Design is everything to me too. If my customers aren’t looking at the spread in awe, then we don’t want it! Don’t forget to decorate! Herbs and flowers are my go too when adding my finishing touches on my spreads. If there isn’t cheese on the board, is it even charcuterie? My favorite cheese to put on the spread is Brie. Cheese is the star of the show, so I like to include a larger ratio of cheese than anything else. There are so many different styles of cheese, and each can be sliced in different angles/designs which makes it stand out on the spread. What’s one thing no charcuterie board can go without?
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