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1 hometown living at its best NMLS493828 | 877.944.5500 | capitalfarmcredit.com As a local cooperative, we share our profits with the Texans we serve. Since 2006, we’ve returned $2.2 billion in combined cash and allocated equities to our members through our cooperative returns program. So, when you’re ready to expand your operation or purchase that perfect piece of land try a partnership that really pays. Together we’re better. clear All lanes

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4 abilene living Contents 12 IN BUSINESSWITH JESUS Avery Carter is a young, Christian artist with a heart for God and artwork that backs it up. 22 FOSTER Meet Jake & Erin Mills, an Abilene couple on a mission to encourage the area’s church congregations to foster children in need of a home. 30, 78 HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS 32 HOMETOWNGRADUATES Takea lookat a fewof themany areahighschool andcollegegraduates. Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes for their future endeavors. 20, 70, 74 HOMETOWN WEDDEDBLISS 38 THE SHOOTING STAR: FLYINGHIGH Jack Fournier and his crew of friends & family have a passion for flying his hot air balloon, The Shooting Star. On the Cover

5 hometown living at its best A NEW INTERACTIVE SPACE FOR ALL AGES THE GRACE MUSEUM | 102 CYPRESS ST | DOWNTOWN ABILENE OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY | 10 AM - 5 PM

6 abilene living Contents 58 66 TRAVEL GUIDE This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns anddon’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 46 QUILTINGQUEEN Molly Yarger shares stories collected over 40 years of sewing. TEA TIME! With Mother’s Day approaching, we want our readers to learn more about Tea Time, where it came from and where it can take you! 54 HOMETOWN BUNDLES&TOTS Help us towelcome the BigCountry’s newest residents and don’t forget to use these talented photographers for your next photoshoot. Rhonda Elder Photography 2013

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10 abilene living Abilene Living Magazine© is published bi-annually by 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. WRITERS Rebecca Parvaresh Kayla Weinkauf Molly Hill Cindy Kahler Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS Captured Photography White’s Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 PUBLIC RELATIONS Diane Lundgren PROGRAMLEADER Ashly Caffee PUBLISHERS Matt &Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins DIGITALMARKETING Tia Minzoni ON THE COVER Graduate, Taryn Danielle Newton photo by Chapa Images Publisher’s Note CLIENT RELATIONS office@hometown-living.com ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks Matt Martin Have you ever felt stuck in a rut and you didn’t know how to get out? Is it possible that the answer could be simplified through one simple word? It has been my experience that success doesn’t just happen on its own. Success follows growth! There is no substitute for growth and the importance of continuously pursuing it with intentionality. Whether it’s personal, professional, or financial, growth is imperative to achieve maximum results. James Penny said, “Growth does not happen by mere chance, but only by intentional forces working together.” We are fast at work here at Hometown Media Group/Abilene Living pursuing growth and stress testing our systems for efficiency by looking for ways to improve. Specifically, with the help of our newDigital Branch. Have you ever considered digital or print marketing? Both have proven results we would love to discuss. We are looking to grow our Abilene Living team and have openings for Sales Executives in the West Texas and Panhandle regions. Give us a call to learn more 325-6686662. Do you want to see your name in print? As always, we want to use Big Country writers and photographers so reach out today to learn more. Focusing on pushing yourself to lean into resistance and pursue the best possible outcome in your circumstance is a great way to ensure your success. I like to think of my growth plan as buckets. Each bucket represents an area inmy life that is important tome. Things like family, finance, work, physical fitness and spirituality are all “buckets” that Iwant tomake sure I add toeveryday! Theworld is taking from our buckets all the time through distractions that are inevitable. The only true way to circumvent your bucket frombecoming empty is by pouring into each one on a consistent basis. I have had times in my life when I felt like I was “stuck in a rut” and thankfully I have surrounded myself with people that are very driven and have encouraged me during those times to double down onmy efforts of working towards becoming the best version ofmyself inALL areas ofmy life. Making growth a habit will never disappoint! Matt, Heather, Gatlyn (10), Georgia Lee (7) & Guy David (3) Martin Diane Lundgren, has prayed this over our family {based onProverbs 3:1-10} through the years& I want to share it with you. Our Prayer for you in 2022 & always… O Lord, I pray that neither I nor my children and grandchildren would forget Your teaching. But let our hearts keep Your commandments, for length of days and years of life, and peace that will be added to us. Do not let kindness and truth leave us, bind them around our neck, write them on the tablet of our hearts. So we will find favor and good repute in Your sight, O God, and bring glory to You before man. May we trust in the Lord with our whole heart and not lean on our own understanding. In all of our ways may we acknowledge Him, so He will make our paths straight. Let us not be wise in our own eyes but fear the Lord and turn away from sin and evil. That this would be healing to our body and refreshing to our bones. May we honor Thee, O Lord, from the wealth that is Yours and from the first of all our produce that You provide us. In Jesus’ Name we Pray. Amen Wishing you lots of laughs in 2022, OPERATIONS LEADER Amy Shippy SALES Johnna Page MattMartin

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Jesus I N BUS I NES S WI TH Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos by REAGAN CARTER 12 abilene living

Avery Carter is a young Christian artist with a heart for God, and artwork that backs that up. She intends to share her love of Jesus through the products that she sells. At a mere 20-years of age, Christian artist Avery Carter has found her passion and is sharing it with others through her small business, Piper + Peach. Avery sells hand-painted journaling Bibles and other items with a spiritual context. “I definitely have a passion for small business and for art and for Jesus,” she professed. 13 hometown living at its best

14 abilene living “I started selling watercolor portraits that were kind of my thing and were a little bit different. I did faceless portraits,” she explained. Avery’s aunt, Karen McKimmey, did faceless portraits when she was alive. “I t was kind of a nod towards her.” Sheopenedherfirst small businesswhenshewas a freshman. “I startedsellingwatercolor portraits that were kind of my thing and were a little bit different. I did faceless portraits,” she explained. Avery’s aunt, Karen McKimmey, did faceless portraits when she was alive. “It was a nod towards her.” Avery also noticed a trend towards this type of portrait. “I also did florals and sold prints,” she added. Avery realized in her senior year of high school, that she had a passion for small business andwanted tobe anentrepreneur. “So, I shut downmybusiness and took a year to educate myself on how to properly run a small business. I made a decision to stop doing portraits and began building myself a brand,” she said. Avery is a graduate of homeschooling. Except for a small amount of time in elementary school, she spent herwhole academic career being homeschooled. “I was able to take financial math and economics and other courses about business. It gave me a lot of creative freedombeing homeschooled, especially inhigh school. I know it isn’t for everyone, but I enjoyed it and amgrateful that I was able to learn at home,” she shared. She startedpaintingBibles thinking of it as “akindof sidehobby;” however, boutiques started carrying her work and it has grown from there.

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17 hometown living at its best “My aspirations with this are really to get scripture on many products that spread the gospel and spread the love of Jesus.” “I always wanted to get my artwork on all kinds of things-clothes, stickers and mugs-and I was finally able to do that when I opened my second business. My aspirations with this are really to get scripture on many products that spread the gospel and spread the love of Jesus, so most ofmyproducts are faith-basedandare from scripture or have scriptural themes to them,” she explained. When asked how she determines what scriptures she uses in her art, she said, “It kind of depends on whatever the Lord is teaching me right nowandwhat is happening inmy life at the time. Sometimes it is just a trendy Bible verse, but I do like it to have some meaning behind it or a message just to be able to connect with my audience and not just throw a Bible verse on it. Whatever the Lord is teaching me at that time is normally what I like to put on stickers. I do a lot of stickers. That is kind of one of the big things that I do,” she said. “My ultimate dreamwould be to have a storefront and own a stationery boutique. But, as of right now, my goals are focused on growing and expanding. I love to meet other people and collaborate with other businesses. I want to do things with small businesses, both locally and nationally. I want tomeet new people and grow my business and grow as a person and hopefully be able to open my store one day,” she said with a smile. Avery and her large family of 9 are very active in their church, the Redeemer Church of Abilene. Avery also has “a huge passion for Children’s ministry, and evenwas an intern thispast summer at theFirstBaptist

Church of Snyder before moving to Abilene 6 months ago.” That desire runs in the family. But that isn’t the only passion they have in common. Her brother, Regan Carter, is also getting on the entrepreneur wagon. At just 17-years-old, he is planning on opening a woodworking business soon. He will be building tables along with other types of furniture. She isveryproudandexcited forhim and his future. “I am not a professional, and I am not perfect, but I do definitely put my best into everything I create. I want everything I create to be meaningful. I love getting to do art for other people and helping to bring beautiful items in their home that will help with their walkwith the Lord,” she saidwith resolve. She has heard stories that her art has touched other people’s lives. “Maybe someone gifted one of my Bibles to someone during a hard time in their life. I love making art that means something to people. It is just something that I feel passionate about,” Avery shared. “It has been a blessing that God has brought me to this point, and I amgrateful.” † “I am not a professional, and I am not perfect, but I do definitely put my best into everything I create. I want everything I create to be meaningful.” 18 abilene living

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20 abilene living ordynNicoleOliphintandTreavorJamesHobbscelebrated their union in marriage on October 23, 2021. The holy matrimony tookplace inabeautiful, fallweddingat Sabrina Cedars venue inAbilene, Texas. Jordyn is the daughter of Rob andMelanieOliphint, and is originally fromShallowater, Texas. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McMurry University in 2016. Treavor is the sonofRonaldandMelodiHobbs, locally raised inMerkel, Texas. He graduated with a doublemajor in Business Management and Marketing fromHardin Simmons University in 2010. Jordyn and Treavor met in Abilene in 2019 and became engaged a short 9 months later. Bridal party includedMaid of Honor, and sister of the bride, Madi Oliphint. Matron of Honor, and best friend of the bride, Kelsey Foreman. Bridesmaids includedBrittnyWilson, Hannah Fornes, Amanda Sikes, Emily Poterala, Jazmine Farmer, and Jacque Diaz. Best Man, and brother of the groom, was Cameron Hobbs. Groomsmen consisted of Colton Adair, Anthony Bermea, Zack Maxey, Aaron Whitmire, Trenton Bounds, and Jacob Riley. The ceremony was conducted by Minister, and long-time friend of the groom, Dave Winn. Flower girls and ring bearers were the nieces and nephews of Treavor Hobbs: BrylieMyers, ChaneyMyers, KambreyMyers, QuaidMyers, Kamdon Jones, Swayzie Jones, and Hadley Jones. Connor Adair, the son of the best friend of the groom, was also a ring bearer. The Hobbs wedding was planned and executed by a local wedding design team, Hadley Wild, owned and operated by Danielle and RyanHadley. Florals were beautifully arranged by Patti Gibson with Fussy Chicks. Catering from Market Street includedadeliciouscocktail charcuteriehour,withassortedfruits and cheeses, ending with a lovely fajita bar dinner. ATopo Chico wall was installed to accompany the bride’s favorite sparkling drink, with customized “Happily Ever Hobbs” bottle opener keychains forwedding guest favors. Photographywas beautifully captured by Double Knot Photography, and videography was filmed by Elliot Blue. Hair and makeup was done by the bride, herself. Jordyn’s wedding dress was a custom design gown by Elizabeth Lee Bridal, located in Bedford, Texas. The bride and groom’s cake was deliciously made by Brandi Terry with B. Marie Bakery. The lively and entertaining DJ, Chris Pratt, kept the night fun and exciting with the best music to dance to, alongside friends and family. Adelectablecookietablespreadwaspreparedandbakedwith love by the mother of the bride, who runs a bakery in Lubbock named Daily Bread Bakery. The newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs, made their grand sparkler exit into a classic getaway car, graciously borrowed from their friend, Jason Blueford. The two honeymooned at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico. Following the couple’s dreamwedding, they have made Abilene their home with their beloved dog, Penny. The Wedding of JORDYN NICOLE OL I PHINT & TREAVOR JAMES HOBBS OCTOBER 23 , 2021

Photos by DOUBLE KNOT PHOTOGRAPHY hometown living at its best 21

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M Meet Jake &ErinMills, an Abilene couple on amission to encourage our areas’ church congregations to foster children in need of a home. Erin and JakeMills, former foster parents and parents to three biological children and three adoptive children, are passionate about every child finding a home where they are appreciated and valued. It is because of this that they are encouraging local and area churches to participate in Beltway’s newFoster325ministry, the goal of which is to have one family fromeach church commit to fostering a child in need. [foster] TO ENCOURAGE, PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF… Written by: MOLLY HILL Photos by: DOUBLE KNOT PHOTOGRAPHY AND KATIE EARLES (submitted by the Mills family) BACK: Kennedi, Marie, Hannah, Cristian, Xavier, Joshua FRONT: Jake, Erin

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25 hometown living at its best E Erin and Jake Mills’ journey from foster parents to adoptive parents began long before the couple were even married. Erin – an adopted child herself – along with her husband, have always believed every child deserves the chance to grow up in a loving family.Thecouple,whoservedasmissionaries inChina, first thought about the possibility of fosteringwhenJakewaspastoring a church in Wisconsin. “We had some friends in church whowere foster parents and thatwas the first timewe seriously thought about it,” said Erin, adding that theyfirst hosted foreignexchange students “to see what it was like having another child in the home.” The couple said the experience with the exchange student was “awesome,” so when they moved to Illinois in 2019, they decided to take the leap of faith and become first-time foster parents. Their first foster child – an 11-year-old boy – was part of their family for about six months. Erin said that, although it wasn’t always easy, having him in their home helped them realize the importance of fostering and solidified God’s plan in their lives. Erin credits her family’s “strong support system” with allowing them to move forward with accepting God’s call. Just a month or two after their foster son arrived, the Mills added a 15-year-old girl [ERIN] ANADOPTEDCHILDHERSELF – ALONGWITHHERHUSBAND, HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVEDEVERY CHILDDESERVES THECHANCE TOGROWUP INA LOVINGFAMILY. frominner-cityPeoria to their growing family of seven. Unlike their foster son, the girl had no family to return to. Erin said the young lady, who had grown up under challenging circumstances and witnessed gun violence, “blossomed” in their home. “Being part of a loving community helped this girl so much and it was great to witness the positive changes in her life.” Erin added that for their biological children, Kennedi, Joshua and Hannah, the journey of fostering has been PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY MICAH SCHMIDT, DOUBLE KNOT PHOTOGRAPHY Mills family with Judge Paul Rotenberry

as much of a blessing to them as it has to her and Jake. “Whenwe started fostering, the kidswere 10, 5 and 3 and theyhave loved it. They really enjoyhaving other people in the house and other kids to do things with,” she said, adding that “they’ve fully grabbed hold of the calling.” Erinsaidwhenthe familymovedbacktoAbilene last year, she and Jake knew they wanted to keep fostering. During the licensing process, they were approached by their case worker who asked if they would be open to adoption. When the couple agreed, theywere told about the three siblings who would soon become permanent members of their family. “We said we were open to a matched adoption, and since the biological parents weren’t in the picture, the kids were needing homes right away,” said Erin, who added that after they agreed, the process moved very quickly. “We found out about the kids in March of last year and had our first visit on June 18.” Just 6 months later, on December 23rd at the TaylorCountyCourthouse, theMillswelcomed theirnew children, Xavier, Marie and Cristian, into their family. Erin said the children, Xavier, Marie and Cristian, are a blessing to their family and wants people to know how important it is to work together as a community to help all children find loving homes. “In Taylor County alone, there is such a need for foster homes,” she said, adding that over 70 percent of children are placed in homes outside the county. “This presents a serious disruption in their lives since they are removed from their school, their activities and all their friends.” It isbecauseof this that TheMillsbelieve so strongly PHOTO BY KATIE EARLS 26 abilene living

F inBeltwayPark’sministry, Foster 325. Taking its name fromAbilene’s 325 area code, the goal is to encourage at least one family from each local and area church to commit to fostering a child, so that “there will be no children waiting for placement – we would instead have families waiting for kids rather than kids waiting for homes.” Erin,whoservesasFoster325’sEngagement Director, said she has contacted 75 local and area churches and “everyone agrees that this is amuchneeded thing for our community.” So far, nine churches, including Beltway, are on board and she is optimistic others will participate. A key component to the mission’s success, she said, is addressing some of the concerns familiesmayhaveabout fostering. “Somepeople worry they might not have the support they need, which is why it is so important to have a ‘wrap-around team,’ who are people available to provide meals, babysitting or to drive kids to their activities.” Erin said other families may be concerned that fostering will take away from caring for their biological children. From her families’ experience, however, the opposite proved to be true. “Our foster kids taught us to IS TOENCOURAGE AT LEASTONE FAMILY FROM EACHLOCAL ANDAREACHURCHTOCOMMIT TO FOSTERINGACHILD, SOTHAT “THEREWILL BE NOCHILDRENWAITINGFOR PLACEMENT. [FOSTER 325 GOAL] ABOVE: The Foster 325 team (2), Left to right Renee Booe, ErinMills, JeannetteMcQueen 27 hometown living at its best

28 abilene living A love in a different way, and you really won’t know the potential of your children if you don’t give them the ability to love,” she said. Erin believes fostering is all about answering the call to the “greater good.” “Childrenhave to know love so that they can in turn love others,” she said. “Jesus is the light and only light can drive out darkness, so if we put this in front of people, I am confident that Godwill do the rest.” For more information on Foster 325, visit www.beltway.org/foster-325/ † ERIN SAIDFOSTERING IS ALL ABOUT “CHILDRENHAVE TOKNOWLOVE SOTHAT THEY CAN INTURNLOVEOTHERS.” [“ANSWERINGTHE CALL TOTHEGREATERGOOD.”] Coker, JoshuaMills, HannahMills, and Kennedi Mills eagerly waiting the arrival of new siblings.

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31 hometown living at its best photos provided by bethel lutheran congregation eld at the Bethel Lutheran Church in the Swedish community of Ericksdahl, this delicious authentic feast is hosted by the church every two years as a fundraiser. Churchmembers prepare fromscratchaSwedishmenucompletewithfavorites, such as: ostakaka (cheese cake/swedish custard), kottbullar (meatballs), appel krisp (apple crisp), and ragbrod (rye bread). Take a look at the many guests and church members dressed in authentic Swedish attire and their darling children who serve the desserts. Swedish SMORGASBORD MARCH 2022

{ { hometown graduates 5 8 9 6 7 10 11 12

{ { hometown graduates 1 5 8 9 2 3 4 6 7

{ { hometown graduates 1. Brooke Garduno | Abilene High School | Captured Photography 2. Mckynsee Nash | Anson High School | Captured Photography 3. Brooke Teichelman | Anson High School | Captured Photography 4. Emma Galvan | Anson High School | Captured Photography 5. Skyler Davis | Anson High School | Captured Photography 6. Stormi Dymock | Anson High School | Captured Photography 7. Kelton Smith | Abilene Christian High | Celeste Neal Photography 8. Landry Overby | Anson High School | Captured Photography 9. Samantha Simmons | Anson High School | Captured Photography 10. Avery McGlothlin | Abilene Christian High School | Captured Photography 11. Trista McIntire | Anson High School | Captured Photography 12. Emma Roe | Haskell High School | Kourtney Gibson 13. Emily Castor | Hawley High School | casidavisphotography 14. Rylon Jordan | Stamford High School | casidavisphotography 10 12 13 11 14

{ { hometown graduates 1. Dylan Faulks | Stamford High School | Bearden Photography 2. Kylee Cary | Hawley High School | casidavisphotography 3. Wyatt Heathington | Stamford High School | Jaylee Flowers 4. Senior Varsity Anson Tiger Football Players | Captured Photography 5. Senior Varsity Anson Tiger Cheeleaders | Captured Photography 6. Taryn Danielle Newton | Premier High School | Chapa Images 7. Triniti Johnson | Cooper High School | Chapa Images 8. Emily Boyd | Abilene Christian | Captured Photography 1 5 8 2 3 4 6 7

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39 hometown living at its best S JACKFOURNIERANDHISTEAMcarefully lay out the balloonon the grass of RedbudPark, hiswords echo inmymind. He andhis crewmovewithprecision, eachpersondarting from one side of the balloon to the basket then to the bus formore equipment. Every individual knows their part and works to control the monstrous balloon as it inflates against the West Texas breeze. Jack is constantly monitoring that breeze and you feel the pause in the team as a gust rolls through the group. They all look to Jack as he pauses. They all wait for another gust or the direction of the breeze to change. Suddenly Jack says, “Ok, It’s time!” The anticipation of watching the balloon be filled as the team struggles to push back the basket is exactly as Jack says, "Doesn’tmatter if you’re 5 years oldor 50, ballooning is exciting!”Most of the teamhas seen hundreds of flights, but everyone cheers as the balloon ascends into the afternoon blue sky. Jack learned about ballooning during his military days. “In 1997, I had gotten into some trouble with a Colonel in Virginia. He had called me in his office and was scolding me,” Jack says. “While inhis office, Iwas looking around andnoticed all of these ballooning related things in his office. Trying to distract him, I asked, “What’s with all this balloon stuff?” and the next weekend I was out helping him launch a balloon! I have been part of a crew since then and got my own balloon in 1999.” Star THE SHOOTING Flying High Jack Fournier and his crew of friends and family have a passion for flying Jack’s hot air balloon, The Shooting Star. Text and Photos by REBECCA PARVARESH A

That Colonel went on to invite Jack up to Albuquerque, “The Mecca of Ballooning,” Jack says. “While we were there, there was this raffle for new memberships into the Balloon Federation of America and theprizewas aballoon.” Jackput inhismembership and had not seen the “prize” quite yet amongst all the festivities of the event. “We’re all leaving this big circus tent at the event. It was probably 4:30 in the morning because everything ballooning happens early. We all walk out of this tent and right across the sky goes a shooting star. I said toeveryone “I justwonthat balloon!” They didn’t’ believe me but I actually did win it! That’s whywe call it The Shooting Star.” That very aircraft was the same balloon taking off as his chase crew released it into the sky from Redbud park in Abilene. There is no way for the airing up of a hot air balloon to be done in secret. A crowd gathered to see its ascent. While Jack is in the air with one to two riders, he is hyper focused on the weather conditions, his surroundings, and every sound his craft makes. He knows his team is on the ground, headed by his wife Alice Fournier, following the flight and watching for sights of possible landings. “He calls me the crew chief and I coordinate where and what the ground crew is doing,” Alice says. “We met in Virgina and were on a temporary assignment in New Mexico. He was telling this Air Force pilot about winning the balloon. Wewere in an auditorium and I could hear him just talking and talking about this balloon to this pilot. I turned around and looked at himand it’s like a lightning bolt hit me in thehead. Itwas just likeboomand I remember thinking, ‘Well, he’s pretty good looking.’ Then I started chasing him!” Little did she know she’d have to chase him on land and air! Ever since then, Jack’s hobby is something Alice has come to love as well as she handles the crew full of dozens of family and even friends that have now become family. “It’s very cool when you’re flying,” Cathy LeVieux, longtime friend and crew member, explains. “You can see the chase crew and see the shadow of the balloon on the ground. You can hear the crew too because we’re shouting back and forth to each other. It’s a strange sensation. I’ve been in the arch in St. Louis and you are just swaying on it so highup, but in a balloon you aren’t fighting against anything. You are just going with 40 abilene living

hometown living at its best 07 It was probably 4:30 in the morning because everything ballooning happens early. WE ALLWALKOUT OFTHIS TENTAND RIGHTACROSS THE SKY GOES A SHOOTING STAR. I SAIDTO EVERYONE “I JUSTWON THAT BALLOON!” hometown living at its best 41

42 abilene living it, just part of God’s world. We’re spoiled with this smaller balloon too. When you’re friends are ballooners then you’re part of the balloon crew. I think in 20 years I’ve only missed two times they have flown.” For Jack and his loyal crew, this is a hobby and a passion. Longtime friends and team members, Mark and Lynda McManes, have dozens of stories of Jack and Alice over the years sharing their passion for ballooning with the community. “I was the pilot/balloon chair at the Optimist Hot Air Balloon Festival for 10 years,” Lynda explains. “Each year they would donate their show up money back to the club to use for youth programs. Jack donatedhis time andballoon to anevent held at Dyess so the children could experience a hot air balloon tether ride. They are two of the most genuine, caring people you would ever meet.” Lynda describes how the pair have fed back into the ballooning community in the area for many years. Jack would also serve as the weather person each year for the Optimist festival. “You can ask anyone onmy crew, we don’t do a flight unless it’s totally safe.” Jack says. “Mymaxwind is 8 knots, after that speed it becomes unsafe. If it’s over 95 degrees outside,

“JACKDONATED HIS TIME AND BALLOON TOAN EVENT HELDAT DYESS SO THE CHILDREN COULD EXPERIENCE AHOTAIR BALLOON TETHER RIDE. They are two of the most genuine, caring people you would ever meet.” Lynda McManes hometown living at its best 43

44 abilene living wecan’tfly. It’s easier tofly inthe springor fall or otherwise in the early mornings. We go between 500-800 feet in the air and fromthe hot burn to the time the balloon reacts is about 5 seconds.” Milene Crossman, crew member, commented, “I started at BalloonFest in Abilene. I was a college student and we had an assignment to write a paper. It had to be about doing something culturallydifferent. I sawthe signs everywhere about BalloonFest and came out. I started talking to everyone and it’s a community. A crew picked me up and asked that day if I wanted to chase. I jumped in a vehicle of a bunch of people I didn’t know, but off we went. It’s the family aspect of it, you will find balloonists to be verywelcoming.” Jack agrees, “You can go toGermany or Japan and see a balloon crewsetting up. I canwalk up and knowexactly I saw the signs everywhere about BalloonFest and came out. I started talking to everyone and it’s a community. A crew pickedme up and asked that day if I wanted to chase. I jumped in a vehicle of a bunch of people I didn’t know but off we went. IT’S THE FAMILYASPECT OF IT, YOUWILL FIND BALLOONISTS TO BEVERYWELCOMING.” Milene Crossman what’s going on. From the pre check to the prayer after, everyone does this the same and everyone is trained the same. You don’t have to know any of the language, you can just walk up and help no matter what country you’re in. To pilot a balloon, it is still an aircraft and you have all the same tests, same school, and classes. You have to be trained by a commercial pilot. The only thing different is the power source, which you can feel!” When it comes to The Shooting Star hot air balloon family, there are those who crew and don’t fly, like 8-year crew member Sher Kaufman, and those who anxiously await their turn to jump in the basket when Jack lands to swap out riders during the flight. Being the reason people lookup in the skywith a smile puts a smile on the faces of Jack, Alice, and their entire crew. †

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46 abilene living MOLLY YARGER Shares Stories Collected Over 40 YEARS OF SEWING Written By KAYLA WEINKAUF Photos By WHITE’S PHOTOGRAPHY itook a costume construction course as a college student. Long story short, the course ended with me tearfully trying and failing to make a shirt for my final project. At the time, it was humiliating—but now I can laugh about my lack of sewing skills. I told Molly Yarger this story and quickly learned what makes her such a spectacular seamstress and teacher—self-compassion and good humor. “Anybody can sew. I’ve never had a failure. And it’s not because I’m a great teacher!” she smiled. “Most beginners set their expectations too high. If you go for perfection, you’ll nevermake anything. Start slow—sewing straight seams. It takes time and patience to learn. Laugh at yourself— because if you ever feel like a failure, you won’t want to come back to themachine.” Yarger knows all about time and patience. She’s been developing her sewing skills for over 40 years. “I started garment sewing in4Handdiscoveredmy love for creating things. At Abilene High, garment sewing

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48 abilene living through color and textures later fostered Molly’s love for gardening and painting. But it was quilting that became the constant thread throughout her creative life as an entrepreneur and teacher.

was the first semester of my homemaking class—but I was frustrated the whole time. The dress I’d sewn came unseamed. Itwas thebiggestmess.My teacher said, ‘Molly, this isn’t for you. Gofindsomething else todo.’ That’swhen I joinedart andhadawonderful experience learning about colors.” Curating beauty through color and textures later fostered Molly’s love for gardening and painting. But it was quilting that became the constant thread throughout her creative life as an entrepreneur and teacher. “When we lived inVirginia, I took a quilting class fromrenowned quilter, JinnyBeyer. Once I beganquilting, the sewing and color knowledge came together. I found it’s a lot easier to make a quilt for a wall than a garment that fits on a body. Quilting becamemy passion.” She brought her passion with her back to Texas. In 1982, Yarger opened her first retail store, Country Pleasures, alongside her mother and sister. For the next 20 years, they sold handmade quilts and taught classes, including children's summer camps. “Mymother learned early on that although shewas a sewer, it was easier to let someone else teach me how to sew. I felt it was important to help families pass this skill along to their children. It’s wonderful to watch children learn tosew. The seams are crooked—but it doesn’tmatter. I want them to have fun. So, I just let them sew because everything theymake looks wonderful to them.” When Yarger closed Country Pleasures in 2000 to pursue other interests, she thought shewas finishedwith 49 hometown living at its best

quilting. Then she received a call fromBernina tomanage a Bernina Sewingmachine kiosk inside Hancock Fabrics. That work eventually led to the opening of her second retail store, Sew, where Yarger sells Bernina sewing machines, fabric, and teaches classes for adults and children. “‘Sew: Where Friends Create.’ I wanted a name that said exactly what we do. Friends take classes and make quilts together.” Yarger said the camaraderie and history of quilting is her favorite part. “In awoman’s life, we never finish anything. There’s always housework and raising children. There’s nothing in life you truly finish—except making a quilt. It’s satisfying to see ladies come together, sew, bind, and finish a quilt together.” 50 abilene living

I love that a quilt can outlast a person. to keep their family warm long after they’re gone.” “What’s kept me quilting for over 40 years is learning something new about each pattern and fabric and the history of quilting. We have a quilt that was made bymygreat-great grandmother that’sbeen in my family for over 150 years. There’s a photograph of my grandmother standing in front of that quilt as a toddler. I love that a quilt can outlast a person. Stories and quilts live on to keep their family warm long after they’re gone.” Yarger nowhelps families share new sewingstoriessince returning to teaching. Duringweek-long camps, students learn sewing basics as they work on simple projects likepillowcases, totebags, stuffed animals, and small quilts. I asked what the most rewarding part of teaching was and why she returned to it. “Well, it’s not the instant gratification—because you’re exhausted.” she laughed.“Reconnecting withformerstudents inthecommunity.At a restaurant, a former student came tome saying, ‘MissMolly!Thankyouforteaching mehowtosew—lookwhatImade.’Shewas wearing themost darling skirt she’d sewn out of neckties!” “Some students continue to sew after my classes—others set the skill aside until they have families. Then they remember, ‘I canmake a small quilt for my baby or curtains for the nursery.’ That’s so amazing to me.” 51 hometown living at its best

Yarger creditsher customers, whoare ‘likemy family’ for keeping her going for years. “There were times I was down to no money or customers and wanted to quit—but I never did, and things always turned around. You must have courage and perseverance to keep going.” Yarger’s faith has led every aspect of her life—from raising her children and owning businesses, to teaching others the joy of quilting. “As a business owner and a single woman, I’ve seen God protect, provide for, and bring me full circle. My first job wasatGrisgby’sRagdoll, a retail clothing store inElmwood West—the oldest shopping center inAbilene. When I was looking for a new store front seven years ago—the realtor brought me to the former Grigsby’s building. I told the realtor, ‘This was where I started my retail life at 16 years old and this is where I want to end it.’ “Piecing a quilt is like building a life. You take the different patterns and pieces, sew shapes together, and make something. Sometimes the pieces don’t fit together, and you must rip them out. God is continually piecing different pieces together inmy life—and hopefully at the end it will be a beautiful quilt.” † and hopefully at the end, it will be a beautiful quilt.” 52 abilene living

53 hometown living at its best

54 abilene living BUNDLES & TOTS HOMETOWN 1 2 3 4

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very little girl loves tea time! This is a chance to set your dolls and stuffed animals in chairs, play dress up, and sip fromyour best china (even though at age 5, it may be plastic.) Dress up and yummy treats are the best part. Most of us would agree, pretending to be an adult ismuch more glamorous than the real thing. It’s a time for parents to step back and use their imagination to help entertain their little ones. As Mother’s Day approaches, this sweet timeless treat is a favorite for mothers and daughters of all ages. Tea Time History InEngland, tea time is amidafternoonmeal completewith tea and small cakes or cookies. For centuries this has been a wonderful excuse to take a break from the hustle & bustle and relax. It is also a social time to invite friends over to discuss the happenings of the day. The popularity of tea time began in the nineteenth century and Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is credited for its increased status. She complained of a ‘sinking feeling’ around late afternoon. During that era many people only ate two meals a day and dinner was not served until close to eight o’clock. The Duchess began inviting friends to take tea with her from two to four in the afternoon, preceding the fashionable time to walk in Hyde Park, and before long all of London was following suit. With Mother’s Day approaching, we want our readers to learn more about Tea Time, where it came from and where it can take you! Written By REBECCA RISTER Photos by RHONDA ELDERS & HMG 58 wichita falls living

59 hometown living at its best

A menu for tea might include finger sandwiches, scones served with preserves, other homemade cakes and breaded pastries, and of course a variety of hot tea withmilk and sugar. Sandwiches would vary from cucumber, egg mayonnaise with cress –although theAmerican substitutionwouldbe something closer resembling egg salad, and a chicken salad or tuna fish. Texans daily enjoy a different kind of tea time. It too is amidday break, but the tea almost always contains sugar and a lot of ice to ward off the Texas heat! I’ve been guilty of the misconception that High Tea is a fancy ordeal, when in actualityAfternoonTeawas for the upper class. High Tea was taken by the working class and is much more casual and practical than the latter. It involved a mug of tea, bread, vegetables, cheese, and meat if they were fortunate enough to have any, variations included potatoes and pies. Did you know tea is the second most popular drink in the world, second only to water? The first recorded consumption of the drink was in China, as early as 10th century BC. It spread from there across Asia. Portuguese exploration and trade discovered the Asian tea. England’s King, Charles II, was married to aCatherine of BraganzaPortuguese, making her the queen consort of England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is said she introduced tea to the UK in the sixteenth century. I’ve often wondered why we do not honor a tea time as strictly as our English cousins. It could be that the Boston Tea Party ended our tea time privileges as a nation. Today tea time is a special occasion; something we do as mothers and daughters, or something we play at as children. Regardless of the timing – it really is fun. So, whether your tea time is served with scones or a more southern version of peach cobbler and sweet iced tea, we should all try and fit a little more whimsy into our daily schedules. 61 hometown living at its best

62 abilene living Mother’s Day Tea Party Ideas Nomatter your age, having a tea party is something everyone can take part in. Sip your drink and call each other darling! Conversation topics may vary but whoever takes the lead as hostess should be prepared with topics of conversation to keep it flowing. All About Mom Conversation Topics: If you are preparing tea for your mother please lead with having guests tell mom ... • What they love and appreciate most about her, around the table • Share an early memory &more recent memory • Tell mom something serious and something funny you have learned from her • Share how you are like her

63 hometown living at its best Conversation Topics For Your Young Guest: • What do you want to be when you grow up? Or, if you had to start over new, what would you be? • If you could live anywhere, where? • Favorite vacation? • Earliest Memory? • If you could be anything, what would you be? • Who is your closest friend and what do you like about them….are they the kind of friend you hope to be? • Do you like salty or sweet?

64 abilene living Centerpieces For your younger guests of daughters or granddaughters have them help with centerpiece selections and decorations: Use an extra tea pot as a vasewith flowers from the local market or wildflowers from outdoors. Have your child arrange them herself! Crafts • Have your child use construction paper to make their own paper fans • Cut out rectangles (or hearts or butterfly shapes) and fold in half for place cards

Try this delicious recipe at your next Tea Time! Finger sandwiches can consist of traditional tuna, egg salad, cucumber or for your younger guests even PB&J without the crust, of course! Cut into triangles OR use shaped cookie cutters to make it whimsical. BUTTERMINT SHORTBREAD 1 cup butter, softened ¾ cup powdered sugar ½ teaspoon mint extract ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all purpose flour Powdered sugar (to sift on top for presentation) DIRECTIONS: Beat butter and ¾ cup powdered sugar at medium speed with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add extracts, beating until blended. Gradually add flour, beating on low until combined. Pat dough into 15 x 10 inch rectangle on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 325 degrees for 18-20 minutes (until lightly brown) ~ Makes about 3 dozen Cool about 10 minutes, best to cut into squares while warm and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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The Wedding of ANGELA PI ERCE & CL I FF MCWHERTER MARCH 19 , 2022 70 abilene living

Photos by CAPTURED PHOTOGRAPHY 71 hometown living at its best

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73 hometown living at its best

The Wedding of PRAIRI E FLOWERS & ROWDY BRADLEY OCTOBER 9 , 2021 rom high school sweethearts to the big wedding day, Prairie Flowers andRowdy Bradley, bothof Aspermont, tiedtheknot! Theweddingwasheldat theFlowers Ranch onaverybreezyOctober9theveningwherenearly 500guests of family and friends gathered for the best night of wedding vows, good food, good fun and great fellowship! The ranch wedding was held outdoors in a beautiful grove of mesquite trees with the historic Double Mountain in the background. The bride’s choice of decor included beautiful blue and white talaverapottery, pampasgrassandavarietyof fall flowers. Along with the talaverawas the beer burros, amariachi band and lots of yummyMexican food such as tamales, beans, Mexican corn salad and bread pudding. There was a precious bar trailer that served the guest the signature PricklyPear Lemonade cocktail. Many details were carried out in the wedding, like the groom’s initials painted on the dance floor, that everyone enjoyed as they danced to Jake Hooker and the Outsiders. The bride wore a statement piece boho wedding dress and customembossed felt hat adornedwithavintage familybrooch fromherGrandmotherandtookher firstdance inapairof James Leddy boots that were made for her Great-Grandfather. The groom’s father, Ray Bradley, along with the bride’s father, Jeff Flowers, performed an actual knot tying during the ceremony as a symbol of the two families joining as one, with ropes and medallions with their family brands. The couple now resides in Aspermont, Texas. 74 abilene living

Photos by KRISTA FRANCIS PHOTOS 75 hometown living at its best

76 abilene living

77 hometown living at its best When you work with Hometown Media Group you are working with Abilene Living Magazine. We have digital & print advertising options for any budget, give us a call at 817-599-6167 Matt@hometown-living.com www.hometownmedia.group Hometown Media Group brings local businesses the ability to reach their audience,and track actual results, with the same capacity as national brands. GEO-FENCING • SEARCH RETARGETING • SEO • DIGITAL MEDIA MAIL CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT • LOCAL SEARCH & MORE NEED DIGITAL ADVERTISING?

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79 hometown living at its best GATSBY NIGHT OUT photos by amendment21

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