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3 hometown living at its best NEAPOLITAN PIZZA AND COCKTAIL BAR IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN MIDLAND 432.247.1711 | 203 West Wall Street, Ste 107D | Midland @Pisocialmidland | @pi_social_midland f i Owners, Patrick & Kate Carrasco

4 midland living magazine 432.203.3661 | 201 SPRING PARK DR | ALLYOUTDOORS.COM THE LARGEST GUN RANGE IN TEXAS f@allyoutdoors @allyoutdoors_range @allycafe i fi

6 midland living magazine Contents On the Cover 26 FROMTHE KITCHEN OF ANGIE BANDOIN Country-Style Chicken and Dumplings 14 CELEBRATING PERMIAN BASIN ARTS Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and the Ellen Noël Art Museum - two creative paths to the future. 30 PHYSICAL EDUCATION RECHARGED Terri Pitts is not your average PE teacher. Yes, they play games, work up a sweat and have fun, however, in Coach Pitt’s gym there is a mind and body connection. 42 BUILDING ON FAITH What started as a call to action for one Sunday School class 50 years ago is now nearing the completion of 15,000 projects. 54 THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING Teenage artist, Allie Anderson, shares her love of paint, people, and perspective. 64 FROMTHE KITCHEN OF BETH GARZA Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies 70 KEEPING GOOD COMPANY Entrepreneur and designer turned television producer, Brandy Bell, has switched from showcasing homes to showcasing the entire Permian Basin.

8 midland living magazine Contents DANCING DOLLS The Legacy High School Dolls are an iconic part of high school football inMidland. These high kicking dancers are also an award-winning drill team. 94 90 HOMETOWNHAPPENING The Little GymReading Series 84 TRAVEL GUIDE Take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 108 FULL STEAMAHEAD A brand new state of the art facility at the PetroleumMuseum will be dedicated to teaching area students science, engineering andmuchmore. 90 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Help us in welcoming the Permian Basin’s newest residents.

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Midland Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by HometownMedia Group midlandlivingmagazine.com 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED INTHE 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. Need Digital Advertising? HometownMedia Group brings local businesses the ability to reach their audience, and track actual results with the same capacity as national brands. We have DIGITAL & PRINT advertising options for any budget. Give us a call at 817.599.6167 hometownmediagroup.com I am excited to introduce the fall issue of Midland Living to you! This issue is sure to leave you smiling as it highlights the great people that serve the Midland community and make it such a great town to live in. Meet Coach Pitts who goes above and beyond earning her the 2022 Innovative Teacher of the Year award in PE Re-Charged (pg. 30), Allie Anderson, a talented young artist commissioned for a mural at Breaking Bread where she volunteers in The Gift That Keeps Giving (pg. 54), Brandy Bell who is using her talents to produce a TV show by West Texans for West Texans in Keeping Good Company in Midland (pg. 70), and many more. I love the common thread throughout this issue… amazing people and their effect on our way of life. I leave you with one uplifting thought to help you make your own mark on our community, simply smile. It is such a great reminder to make the most of the small moments of interaction in your everyday life. From the timeless book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The Value of a Smile: It cost nothing but creates much. It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None are so rich they can get along without it and none are so poor but are richer for its benefits. It creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best antidote for trouble. It cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away. And if in the rush of lie some should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to leave one of yours? For nobody needs to smile so much as those who have none left to give! As always, we love for you to share your ideas for future issues of people and organizations who make you smile and make Duncan a great place to live. Just email me, content@hometown-living.com! *Subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter, visit midlandlivingmagazine.com WRITERS Avery Pullin Haley Ragsdale Kayla Brooks Peggy Purser Freeman CREATIVE|DESIGN SusanAvery,Lead RobinHarrison,CG2 MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt&Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32 SOCIALMEDIA Haley Ragsdale PHOTOGRAPHERS Angela Gonzales Photography Chase Cochran Photography H&H Designs Photography A Note From Our Team PRINT & DIGITAL SALES Katie Audas katie@hometownmedia.group Laurie Blackwell ON THE COVER Photo by Tori Pearson ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Tammy Smith Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations Leader Peyton, Cole, Kase, Lindsey and Kyler Kruger HOMETOWNMEDIA GROUP CEO Amy Shippy 10 midland living magazine

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[ Lisa Noël Wagner ]

15 hometown living at its best WRITTEN BY PEGGY PURSER FREEMAN PHOTOS BY JEFF SCHARTS, ABE FRANCO, ODESSA AMERICAN AND STEVEN TIPPITT Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and the Ellen Noël Art Museum - two creative paths to the future. Celebrating PERMIAN BASIN’S ARTS [ WNPAC Exterior ]

[ WNPAC Interior House ] 16 midland living magazine

17 hometown living at its best T The Permian Basin’s arts scene has two reasons to celebrate in 2022. TheWagner Noël PerformingArts Center (WNPAC) celebrates its tenth year of bringing performing arts to the community. At the same time the Ellen Noël Art Museum (ENAM) unveils its remarkable plans for renovations andupgrades. BothTexas icons create awell-roundedWest Texas future for the arts. Lissa Noël Wagner continues the tradition of philanthropy learned fromher parents and perfected with her late husband, Cy. She has dedicated her life to numerous worthy causes which have made an impact in communities and on the lives of others. Her mother, Ellen Noël, a generous patron to the arts community, is the namesake of the EllenNoël ArtMuseum and a wing at the Museum of the Southwest. Noël-Wagner families have been long-time supporters of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. WAGNER NOËL PERFORMINGARTS CENTER The WNPAC officially opened its doors on November 1, 2011. Offering state-of-the-art rehearsal and classroom space that attracts students from across the country to The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Music Department. But the performance hall not only allows for student use but also hosts over 120national touringproductionseachyear. The Performing Arts Center reflects the love and support of its namesake donor. Lissa NoëlWagner, as a foundingmember and board member attendsmany of the performances at the venue and oftentimes brings friends and family. Recently, she sharedher thoughts about this tenth year of fantastic entertainment. “Both Midland and Odessa, along with the Permian Basin community, have had the marvelous pleasure of attending Broadway shows and enjoying celebrity songwriters, singers, music: country-western, Latino, jazz, plus opera, ballet, comedians, children’s shows, acrobatic shows, and television shows, such as Dancing with the Stars, to name a few. All havebeenavailablehere locallywithout having to board an airplane and spend the night in a hotel.” Mrs.Wagner leadsbyexample,making time to be an active part of oversight committees for the venue. She attends many events and quickly shares how proud she is of the work beingdonebyUTPBleadershipandASMGlobal’s venue management company. “The community has to travel only a few miles to have fabulous entertainment in our own theater,” Mrs. Wagner continued. “Our entertainers have been our most outstanding [ WNPACUpper BalconyWindows ]

ambassadors. Our staff is sogracious, the facility beautiful, the sound systemunbelievably great.” OwnedbyUTPB, thePerformingArtsCenter was a vision of community and civic leaders inMidland and Odessa. Funds from the Texas Legislature, The University of Texas System, andprivate donors supported the construction of a facility that provides the performing arts and the development of the next generation of musicians through the University’s band, orchestra, and choir programs. “The overall experience has been dynamic fromthe opening night withRod Stewart to the ten-year celebrationwith JimmyBuffett,” Lissa Noël Wagner said. “It has and will continue to be a FAVORITE spot for so many. The fact that it is a leading educational center ensures it’s growth. With President Sandra Woodley‘s outstanding leadership, Wagner Noël will continue its impressive role. Thank you for the opportunity of letting me be a part of such a fun time.” Stephanie Rivas, General Manager of the WagnerNoël PerformingArts Center, said, “The Wagner Noël is special. With the support of Lissa Noël Wagner who cares so deeply for the arts, UTPB leadership and the patronage of so many in West Texas, the venue will continue to do great things.” “It was an honor to be part of the planning, building, and opening of the WNPAC. It has exceeded our wildest expectations,” LissaNoël Wagner added. ELLEN NOËL ART MUSEUM OF THE PERMIAN BASIN Since 1985, the Ellen Noël Art Museum (ENAM) has served West Texas through artexhibitions, education, andpublicprogramming. Sitting on the edge of the UTPB campus, much of the Museum’s current facility is original and reaching the end of its lifecycle (HVAC, electrical and plumbing). In order tomaintain the standards necessary for the borrowing of artwork and exhibitions upgrading the facility [ 10 Year Anniversary Kick OffNovemeber 2022, Dr. SandraWoodley ] 18 midland living magazine

to include things suchas fire suppression is required. This has led to the decision to engage in a capital enhancement project. This investment will allow for the Museum to increase the scale and scope of its programming and to continue serving our growing community. “In keeping with Ellen Noël’s legacy, our goal is to create a space in which people can gather and be inspired. This expansion will allow us to present major traveling exhibitions and collaborate with other cultural producers inWest Texas.” states Sheila Perry, Executive Director. This expansion embraces the idea of building a little - achieving a lot. In the end, 36,000 square feet of flexible space will include a newmedia gallery that will transform into a 100seat auditorium to support lectures, films, musical, dance and theatrical performances. The 500-seat community room will convert into a medium and two smaller sized spaces, which will be used as meeting rooms and classrooms. Perhaps the most captivating addition will be the series of louvers that will wrap around new twostoriedadditionconnecting it to theexistingstructure. This undulating, organic façade will transform the [ Jimmy Buffet, 10 Year Anniversary Concert ] [ Jimmy Buffet 10 Year Tailgate Experience ]

structure into a sculptural form. This louvered screenadds light, perspective, color, transparency, and motion. The system’s architectural beauty is apparent; however, the functionality of the louvered screen produces protection for the new glass enclosed classroom and lobbies from the West Texas sun. The renovation also benefits the area’s economy. “The Perryman Group estimates that the construction renovation phase would lead to an increase in business activity in the Odessa area. The EllenNoël Art Museum’s contribution to Odessa’s economy is key to diversifying our local economybothtodayand tomorrow.” explains Emma Valdez, ENAMMarketing Manager. The EllenNoël Art Museum is committed to serving and supporting its community through programs such as Art 2 Go, a curriculum-linked program for grade 2 students available free of charge to all ECISDelementary schools aswell as five schools inMidland. It will bemade available to all MISD elementary schools by 2024. ENAM’s Fine-Arts Connection, helps all schools in the Permian Basin meet the K-12 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for art. [ Lissa Wagner and Dr. Sandra Woodley at Founder's Event ] [ Honorable William Shoobridge, Cindy Shoobridge, and Peggy Dean ]

ENAM invests in our children and our future, bringing lifelong learning programs for all ages to West Texas. OtherMuseumevents includetheupcoming 6th Annual West Texas Fest with Texas beer, wine & spirits tastings, local food trucks, livemusic, axe-throwing, and everyone’s favorite, a cornhole tournament. Join in the good times on Saturday, September 24, 2022, in downtown Odessa. Formore information on this event or ways to support ENAM’s capital enhancement project, visit its website: noelartmuseum.org. TOMORROW TOGETHER Both centers are gifts to West Texas communities and have become favorite spots for so many. Both reflect the love of art and the generous hearts of amother and daughter. Together, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center and the Ellen Noël Art Museum are leading the creative path into tomorrow. † [ Amy Mills, Erlyne Buchanan, Lissa Noël Wagner, Nancy Gibson, Susie Hitchock-Hall, and Sara Wagner ] 21 hometown living at its best

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23 hometown living at its best 432.683.1000 | 432.553.7443 4400 N BIG SPRING STREET, STE 124 MIDLAND, TX 79705

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COUNTRY-STYLE CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS FROMTHE KITCHEN OF AngieBandoin HEY, Y’ALL! I’mAngie - wife of Ethan, mother of two busy boys, and dog mama to our rescue mutt, Maggie. My cooking style is definitely all about comfort! No frills, no fuss, just simple ingredients and meals that any age will love. INGREDIENTS: Chicken & Broth • 1 (3 to 3 1/2 lb) broiler/fryer chicken 2 quarts water • 1 carrot, halved • 1 stalk celery, halved • 1 medium onion, quartered 3/4 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper Dumplings • 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp salt • 1/3 cup shortening Side notes: I use extra veggies inmy broth for more flavor, and I always double the recipe! It’s a labor of love and worth every minute - don’t rush it. DIRECTIONS: 1. Combine the first seven ingredients in a Dutch oven. 2. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour, or until chicken is tender. 3. Remove chicken and vegetables from broth. Discard the veggies and reserve the broth in the Dutch oven. (skim fat from broth if desired) 4. Reserve and set aside 2/3 cup of broth. 5. Let the chicken cool. Skin, debone, and coarsely chop chicken before returning to the broth. 6. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. ( I like to use a whisk) 7. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Now add the reserved broth, stirring with a fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened. 8. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly for 1-2 mins. 9. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness; cut into 2-inch squares (I use a pizza cutter) 10. Bring broth mixture in Dutch oven to a boil; drop dumplings one at a time into boiling broth. 11. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 mins. 12. Grab a bowl and enjoy! 26 midland living magazine

27 hometown living at its best See a provider 24/7 on your smartphone, tablet or computer. www.mchodessa.com/mymch MyMCH is a convenient way to get care. Care designed around you. Now you can have a video visit with a provider from the comfort of your home - on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Get started now! Download the iOS or Android mobile app OR visit www.mchodessa.com/mymch MyMCH is ideal for: Rash Acid Reflux Pink Eye Cough & Cold UTI Sinus Infection Headaches General Questions And More GET CARE 24/7 FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE OR COMPUTER.

28 midland living magazine THE SALES TEAM CORE VALUES: RELATIONSHIPS: Build lasting relationships while professionally serving people’s real estate needs through life’s transitions. INTEGRITY: Act with integrity and put others above self. EXCELLENCE: Create excellent experiences for all involved. GRACE: Be kind, positive, and respectful in thoughts, words, and actions.

29 hometown living at its best T There are many charming houses in Old Midland, but even amongst these houses; the Ogden home finds a way to stand out. The white house with an emerald-green lawn, a two-car garage, and a swing hanging from one of the many trees in the front yard is beautiful, but the true character of the home lives inside with Bryan and Lindsay Ogden and their two children. Lindsay and Bryan are both home grown Midlanders with their roots planted firmly in their community. They seem truly happy in their idyllic Midland home, but this wasn’t the couple’s first home purchase. The couple has had to adjust as their life has evolved. One of the Sales Team’s core values is to build lasting relationships while professionally serving people’s real estate needs through life’s transitions. This value has certainly been lived out through the Ogdens’ past home transactions. It started when they made the decision to each sell their individual homes to invest in one together. Then, years later, they had an even bigger decision to make. The Ogdens needed to find a home that could meet the needs of a growing family. With such a big decision to make, the Ogdens turned to the realty group they knew they could trust from their experience in the sell and purchase of their previous homes. The couple reached out to Joel Cooke with The Sales Team Realtors who immediately took action, hunting for the perfect home. It wasn’t long before the Ogdens walked into a home and felt a feeling of kismet. Lindsay said... “We walked into this house and I told Bryan “I don’t want to go any further, because it’s a little bit more than we wanted to pay, but holy cow, this is incredible!”” The Ogdens put in an offer and secured the stable future they wanted andmost importantly the home that they can grow into, creating memories they will cherish forever. All thanks to the excellence of Sales TeamRealtors. If you are in the market in the Midland or Odessa area, trust the Sales TeamRealtors to guide you. Call the office at 432.618.1818 or visit their website at salesteamrealtors.com. Joel Cooke, Realtor Associate, exemplifies what it means to serve others through his profession.

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31 hometown living at its best Written by HALEY RAGSDALE | Photos by ANGELA GONZALES and provided by THE PITTS FAMILY PE RECHARGED Terri Pitts is not your average PE teacher. Yes, they play games, work up a sweat and have fun, however, in Coach Pitts’ gym there is a mind and body connection.

32 midland living magazine PE “PE has evolved. I am part of that change. PE used to be advanced recess. Play a game and go back to the classroom. Now it’s not just fun and games but also can include core subjects into movement. When you are thinking you are using one side of the brain, when you aremoving you are using the other. It fires up the brain tremendously,” Pitts explained. Pitts began her career in San Antonio and went on to get her master’s in administration leadership, along with a certification in PE, health, ESL and special education. “The reason I went back to get my masters is to be the best teacher I can be. To be the best teacher you must be the best learner. All types of kids come to my classroom, so I want to be able to teach all of them to the best of my ability,” she said. The Pitts family had vacationed in West Texas before and loved the area. They decided to make the move and Terri began working at Bush Elementary. “I wanted tomove toMidland tomake a difference. We love the people here. The students are so respectful saying ‘Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am’,” she said. Pitts unique take on PE with the mind and body connection is why she was selected as a finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award. “I have sat on the shoulders of many great teachers. I was so inspired and so humbled to be selected and cried like a baby when I won. Twenty years in education and filled with many changes, PE has come a long way. I think they are looking at us differently now, and I am so grateful,” she said.

Pitts takes core subjects likemath, language arts, spelling and connects them to movement filled games and exercise. “For example, I will incorporate spelling words with jumping jacks. I do academic relays and do Stem in the Gym. They are firing up their brain and having fun. My principal and other classroom teachers are seeing the correlation between movement and thinking. PE is different when I teach it,” she said. Pitts went on to say an academic relay race motivates kids differently. She explained that athletic kids that struggle with academics will work harder to learn the material so they Pitts unique take on PE with the mind and body connection is why she was selected as a finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award. 33 hometown living at its best

“I have a drive to give the kids the best future I possibly can. I try to include every kid and their needs." - Terri Pitts 34 midland living magazine

35 hometown living at its best will win the race. Other kids whomay not love PE but shine in the classroom do well in the academic relays and enjoy PE more. Pitts’ approachof thewhole-bodyconnection is very evident with the use of hermindfulness corner in the gym. “After COVID, kids are having a hard time with social and emotional learning. We are learningbreathingtechniquesliketakefivewhen you are feeling stressed. I have a mindfulness corner that I will send a student to if I can tell they had a bad night, or something is going on. I have coloringmazes, putty, stress strings and papers to write their feelings or draw pictures. It gives their mind a diversion and it works,” Pitts’ passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom and into the community. She’s utilized a bike rodeo, a family fitness night, and a talent show to get the community involved. “I also write grants to help get equipment for the kids. In Midland, we have such a great partnership with Lowes and Target. Target is providing all of the stability balls so that we can do Drumfit. That is a program that uses rhythm and movement to help with math,” she said. Pitts could not say enough howmuch she loves her job, and decades into her teaching career she is always looking for new ways to motivate kids. “I have a drive to give the kids the best future I possibly can. I try to include every kid and their needs. I currently have a student in a wheelchair, and we have adapted a hockey stick to his wheelchair so he can play hockey too,” she said. Pitts incorporates many dexterity drills in her class like speed stacking and dribbling a basketball with both hands. “Using your right hand fires up the left side of your brain and vice versa. So, when we do dexterity drills, they leave the gym ready to learn,” she explained Pitts said she learns just as much from the kids as they do from her and hopes once they leave her guidance, the lessons they learn go beyond school and into their life. “I always say health is wealth. If you are not healthy you can’t do anything. Teamsports teaches somuch: sportsmanship, perseverance. So many life skills taught in PE, it is the whole package.” No doubt about it, students that are lucky enough to learn from Coach Pitts will never forget her lessons on both the body and the mind. †

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www.utpb.edu/FalconFree Our students’ plans? Pursue their passion. Graduate debt-free. Land their dream job. Our promise? Make it happen. As the academic heart of this thriving region, we deliver smart, savvy leaders into communities across the U.S. every year. With over 50 degree and certificate programs available, a diploma from UT Permian Basin, part of the world-renowned University of Texas System, is recognized by employers in every industry. Students who want to have a successful future know that UTPB is the best option – an affordable, modern school that thinks large and lives local. Earn Your Degree, DEBT-FREE.

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43 hometown living at its best In 1972, as Bobby Trimble taught his youngmens class, they were convicted to live out their faith in a more tangible way. Turning to James 2:14-17, they found, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) Initially, the group’s goal was to repair homes for single women in the community, and their first project was just that. Through their work Christmas in April, which later became Christmas in Action, was born. By 1980 Christmas in April had a charter and 501(c)3 status in Texas with multiple projects and volunteer groups working together. The national organization was started in 1988 and had 13 affiliates. When Midland chose to leave the national office, approximately 250 affiliates across the United States had been established. Due to the local organization’s earnest desire to live out their faith and ensure this is not a government funded program, the ministry continues to be solely funded by individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations. Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos provided by NATE KNOWLES BUILDING FAITH ON WHAT STARTED AS A CALL TO ACTION FOR ONE SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS 50 YEARS AGO IS NOW NEARING THE COMPLETION OF 15,000 PROJECTS. THE FOUNDATION

While themissionand goal of Christmas in Action has remained constant, a few changes were made over the years. What started as an April-based project turned into a 52-week/ year organization that now has two full-time employees. Tracye Vaughan serves as the Executive Director, and Nate Knowles serves as the Director of Operations. 2022 marks 50 years that Christmas in ActionhashelpedMidlanderswithemergency and general home repairs. During this 50th anniversary year, they will complete their 15,000th project. Once again, the focus will be aiding an elderly, single woman with repairs to her home. Fifty years and 15,000 projects later, the work Bobby Trimble’s group began in faith has turned into action. 50 YEARS LATER Midland Christian School project 44 midland living magazine

Kelview Baptist Church Project 1500 project homeowner and volunteers working Crestview Baptist Church Handicap ramp

46 midland living magazine One of Nate’s roles with Christmas in Action is to train the volunteers. His story begins in Indiana, but he found Midland in the early 2000s when his wife Lauren took a job here. As he made friends in the Permian Basin and they discovered his great carpentry skills, they encouraged himtoworkwith them one weekend for Christmas in Action. One week turned into two weeks. And two weeks turned into a full-scale project and ultimately a board position. In 2015 Nate and his wife moved back to Indiana to be closer to family, but Bobby soon called to ask how long it would take the Knowles to get back to Midland. In 2018 they did move back, and Nate began his role as Director of Operations where he oversees the volunteer program. A CALL TO ACTION AS HE MADE FRIENDS IN THE PERMIAN BASIN AND THEY DISCOVERED HIS GREAT CARPENTRY SKILLS, THEY ENCOURAGED HIM TO WORK WITH THEM ONE WEEKEND FOR CHRISTMAS IN ACTION. ONE WEEK TURNED INTO TWO WEEKS. AND TWO WEEKS TURNED INTO A FULL-SCALE PROJECT AND ULTIMATELY A BOARD POSITION.

While Christmas in Action continues to have their biggest volunteer push each Spring, today they serve the community year-round. To volunteer, you don’t need prior carpentry or remodel experience. Nate will train you (or your entire group) and supply you with materials, tools, andequipment. Help isneeded anywhere frompicking up nails to completely remodeling a home or anything in between. In2018Christmas inActionwas completing approximately 400 projects a year. By 2021 they did 845 projects. However, their volunteer pool went from3,000pre-COVIDto roughlyone-third of that today. While financial contributions are always needed and appreciated (especially with risingmaterial costs), Nate says the time volunteers give is irreplaceable. Nate describes the needs in our current world, “We worked through COVID and the winter storm [of 2021]. We have not stopped, because the people we support need us even more to live in their homes safely.” Those who apply for assistance fromChristmas inAction must be 60 years old or older (or disabled), own their own home, be on a fixed income (average of $900/month), and reside within Midland County. † If you are interested in volunteering, there is no need to wait. Get in on the action now with Christmas in Action and build on faith. You can find Christmas in Action on Facebook @ChristmasInAction or online at www.christmasinaction.org. For inquiries about volunteering, email Nate Knowles at nknowles@christmasinaction.org. St Anns Church Project First Christian Church Project About the Author Avery Pullin discovered her love for writing while growing up on her family’s farm inwestern Arkansas. In 2012 she shifted from the Pig Trail of the Ozarks to the tumbleweeds of Midland, Texas. She and her husband, Cash, are proud to raise their two kids in his hometown. Today she shares her passion for writing as a teacher at The Hillander School.

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50 midland living magazine SCHEDULE TODAY SET YOUR LITTLE ONE UP FOR A LIFETIME OF SMILES At Boren Orthodontics, we offer complete orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Our patientfirst approach is designed to ensure you and your little one have a great experience at every visit! Scan to book your consultation today, or visit: www.smilesrus.org SCHEDULE TODAY S T Y LITTL F LIF TI F S IL S At Boren Orthodontics, we offer complete orthodontic care for patients of all ages. Our patientfirst approach is designed to ensure you and your little one have a great experience at every visit! Scan to book your consultation today, or visit: www.smilesrus.org I I I I t ore rt o o tics, e offer co lete ort o o tic care for atie ts of all a es. ur atie tfirst a roac is esi e to e sure you a your little o e ave a reat ex erie ce at every visit! Scan to book your consultation t ay, or visit: .s ilesrus.or

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54 midland living magazine I WRITTEN BY KAYKA BROOKS | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE ANDERSON FAMILY THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON Giving Teenage artist, Allie Anderson, shares her love of paint, people, and perspective. Inspi ra t i on can be found a lmos t anywhere—a well-worded quote, a breathtaking sunrise, or in a dream. And sometimes, in a joyful but unexpected way, a talented teenager inspires you. When Imet seventeenyear-old artist Allie Anderson, she inspired me to leave the world better than I found it. Anderson is currently paint ing an inspirationalmuralatBreakingBreadMinistries. This may be her first large-scale public art piece, but don’t let her agemislead you. Allie is a capable and talented artist who confidently expresses who she is, how she loves, andwhy she paints from the heart. “My Gramie is huge into painting. When I was six years old, she invitedme to stay at her house for a week. On the first day we bought out Hobby Lobby!” she laughed.

Allie in Albania (on a mission trip)

56 midland living magazine “Gramie bought me big canvases, brushes, and as much paint as I wanted. She taught me how she painted, how to hold a brush, and how much paint to load. She reassuredme that I didn’t have to paint like her. She was wonderful-- encouragingme to play and experiment. Over the course of that weekwe unlocked my style.” I listened in wonder as Anderson described that week. What an incredible gift she’d been given. It’s a gift that she has no intention of wasting. “I’d played sports before that, but it wasn’t my thing. After that week with Grammy, painting is all I ever wanted to do. Painting ismy thing. I’mconfident. I’m good at. It makes me happy. What I love most is that whatever I create, it belongs to me because it came out of my brain.” I told her most artists have several ways they express themselves creatively. Allie said, in addition to painting, she Allie painting Allie with her painting class of kids at The Studio

57 hometown living at its best enjoyed writing and teaching kids. “Does teaching children count as creative expression?” she asked sweetly. “Teaching is all about creative problemsolving, Allie. If you can help children feel safe and accepted, their brains are free to grow and learn. It absolutely counts.” I smiled. Anderson’s commitment to serving others became clear as we continued talking. She has volunteered at Breaking Bread Ministries alongside her mother and younger sister for several years. BreakingBread’smission is tooffer access to CrisisResponsePlanningandBiblicaldiscipleship for all thosebattling inhumanities. Theyprovide foodandfellowshiptoneighbors inneedthrough their on-site and mobile ministries. “Breaking Bread holds a special place in my heart. The environment is so positive. And the people running it—they’re precious!” she beamed. AlliesaidarandomconversationwithJennifer, the woman she works with at theministry, led to her current mural project. “Jennifer is themostunderstanding, flexible, amazing person. Wewere talking one daywhen she said they wanted a mural painted on the wall. I said, ‘I paint.’ And then Jennifer asked Allie and kids in her class at The Studio

58 midland living magazine TOP LEFT: Portrait painted by Allie for her cousin ABOVE: Family portrait painted for a family at her church LEFT: Family portrait painted by Allie RIGHT: Portrait painted by Allie for her cousin "Painting is my thing. I’m confident. I’m good at. It makes me happy. What I love most is that whatever I create, it belongs to me because it came out of my brain.” -Allie Anderson

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if I wanted to paint the mural!” Anderson had never painted amural before, but her faith and Jennifer’s confidence in her emboldened her to say yes. “Jennifer said, ‘Wow, look at howGod works. We’ve been searching for a muralist for three months.’” Allie’s schedule was full between work and volunteering. Jennifer gaveher complete creative freedomand the flexibility to paint themural in her free time. Anderson’s hope for the finished piece is that the viewer will feel the love of God. “My vision for the mural is that it will be a backwards close up of Jesus’ feet on the water. I have a base coat of white paint down and I just finished the outline for waves.” “When people view it, I hope it reminds them of Isaiah 43:2—'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...’ I want them to look at the mural and know the same Jesus that walked on water is the same Jesus that loves them, is for them, and accepts them.” Painting amural is exacting—even for artists with decades of experience. Allie's mural at Breaking Bread (the beginning stages) Allie's finished mural at Breaking Bread 60 midland living magazine

“I think themost challenging part ismyself. I want to do a good job and for it to look good.” “It’s alsochallenging tomanageotherpeople’s expectations about what I can accomplish. I had a man come up to me and say, ‘You’re only 17 and you’re going to paint a mural?!’ I want to show that Jesus can work through little ole me and make something big and beautiful.” “Gramie said, ‘Someone gave this talent to you, but it doesn’t belong solely to you. God will use it.’” I said that sounded like a lot of pressure for a young woman. When I asked Allie if she was afraid of disappointing God, she answered with such peaceful perspective. Her young voice was calm, resolute. “I don’t find it scary at all. Jesus will never look at me or my art and say, ‘That’s not up to my standards.’ He’s going to be proud of me for showing up and trying. I know he won’t be disappointed.” Anderson’s faith guides every aspect of her life—from her art to her future plans. “Jesus taught me that we just need to love people.MeetingandservingneighborsatBreaking Bread helps me view the world from a different perspective. Working with young children also gives me a new point of view. I can love people better if I can see the world through their eyes. Art’s the same. If I showmy art to a five-year-old and a 40-year-old, they’ll see completely different things. I love that.” Allie is excited for her future plans to attend college. She’s contemplating pursuing mission work and teaching. “Iwant toattendcollegeoutsideofMidland— but not too far away because I love my family and my home. I know I’m meant to work with kids. I love them. They brighten my day when I see them. As for the rest, I’ve put my art, and my life, in God’s hands. I’m just buckling up and going along for the ride!” † Allie serving food at Breaking Bread Kitchen 61 hometown living at its best

2208 North Loop 250 West Midland, TX 79707 manorparkinc.org Manor Park Presents Reimagined Independent Living Homes at Village South. Call us today for a tour! Manor Park, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment.. For more information about this policy call 432-689-9898 ext. 2003. (432)699-3414 Manor Park is dedicated to serving seniors 62+ years of age by providing quality homes, healthcare services, programs and activities. Stop by our Tour of Homes to see the independence, comfort and quality care that Manor Park has to offer! Peace of Mind | Wellbeing | Hospitality 62 midland living magazine 2208 North Loop 250 est Midland, TX 79707 manorparkinc.org anor Park Presents Rei agined Independent Living o es at Village South. Call us today for a tour! Manor Park, I c. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment.. For more information about this policy call 432-689-9898 ext. 2003. (432)699-3414 anor Park is dedicated to serving seniors 62+ years of age by providing quality homes, healthcare services, programs and activities. Stop by our Tour of Homes to see the independence, comfort and quality care that anor Park has to offer! Peace of ind | ellbeing | ospitality

64 midland living magazine GRANDMA’S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES FROMTHE KITCHEN OF Beth Garza Beth Garza, is a Midland mom, a music teacher extraordinaire and the Director of Worship Arts at First United Methodist Church. She shares with us her favorite cookie recipe that is a family tradition. “This chocolate chip cookie recipe is my Grandma’s and is my all-time, hands-down favorite recipe. She would cook giant cookies for us and the rest of the family any time we came to visit, and we have all kept the tradition alive. My hope is that you enjoy this recipe with your family, as well!” -Beth Garza INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup butter/margarine 1 2/3 cup Crisco (I love the butter Crisco in this recipe) • 2 cups brown sugar • 2 cups white sugar • 4 eggs • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 2 teaspoons salt • 4 teaspoons vanilla • 6 cups flour • 12 oz package of chocolate chips DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Mix all ingredients except the flour and chocolate chips together until smooth. 3. Add flour 2 cups at a time. 4. Bake on a large, ungreased cookie sheet, for 9-11 minutes. 5. The cookies will be soft and may look undone in the middle. 6. Resist the urge to overbake! 7. This recipe will make 4-6 dozen, depending on how big you make the cookies.

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Entrepreneur and designer turned television producer, Brandy Bell, has switched from showcasing homes to showcasing the entire Permian Basin. Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos by TORI PEARSON and provided by BRANDI BELL KEEP ING GOOD COMPANY in Midland 1 70 midland living magazine

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Pulling up to Brandy Bell’s home, you’ll get an immediate sense of hospitality. The smell of fresh cut grass as her husband Kyle finishes up for the night, the coziness of a sitting room perfect for visiting, the sweet taste of candy popcorn being served, and the down-home conversationwithBrandyherself. Andof course, her charming and witty granddaughter who lovingly calls her “Beebs.” Getting to know Brandy is like watching a spectacular sunset light up the night sky. She is a ball of energy, using both setbacks and dreams to make the world around her not just a better place but the best place. And she does it without fuss or fanfare; she simply invites you in to share in the surprising elements and fun of life. Brandy’s life has taken her all over the country, yet she says it is West Texas that is like no place else. It is the people inWest Texas that took her in, loved her, helped in her times of need. When she first moved to Midland in the early 2000s, Brandy was a single mom working at a job that didn’t allow her anymore “tardies.” So, when the school called that her son was sick, she could not go get him. That moment was a hard realization for her, and she decided then that she was going to do anything she could do to ensure that never happened to her or any other mom again. Starring Brandy Bell TOP: Brandy and her granddaughter, Marley LEFT: Brandy, two of her sons, Alan&Andy, and granddaughter, Marley ABOVE: Brandy and her son, Alex 72 midland living magazine

73 hometown living at its best UltimatelyBrandy opened and successfully ran an interior design company. Being an artist is at her core, and she loved the scale and creativity the work brought. In 2019 she was at the peak of her career, finishing up several big projects. It was then, at a time that seemed wrong, that she felt a tug away fromher interior design business. With two kids still in college and no clear direction forward, she told her husband it was time. With his support she walked away fromit all, wondering and praying where God was leading her next. After a few conversations with various TV shows and networks, a friend encouraged her to film her own pilot. The idea stuck. Soon Brandy began raising money to support a locally produced television show that would be made by West Texans in West Texas. The aim is to show how to be a good neighbor by simply showing up—something Brandy says is the mission of Keeping Good Co. When it came time to film the initial pilots, Brandy went to her friends to raise support letting them know one of the biggest hurdles in producing her own show was the financial consideration. She interviewed potential employees, letting themknowthat she couldn’t tell them what the future held but that no one would work harder than she would for this project. On Air Brandy DIY-ing on the set during filming.

74 midland living magazine Brandy describes it as “Mr. Rogers meets Martha Stewart.” Be a good neighbor. Show up. Create together. ABOVE: Brandy creating LEFT: Brandy and her niece, Sydney prepping DIYs for Episode 2 of Keeping Good Company BELOW: Brandy creating tasty treats for an episode BOTTOM LEFT: Brandy DIY-ing on set RIGHT: Brandy watercoloring on set

75 hometown living at its best Together they believed in their team and the spirit of West Texas. Now that they are in full swing for filming episodes, their team is offering lots of investment andmarketing opportunities for the community through the TV Show. As Brandy reflected on the reason, she was determined to keep the show inWest Texas, she went back to the day she couldn’t pick up her son from school. She reminisced, “There was no reason for a group of strangers [in West Texas] to walk with a single mom and 3 tiny boys. But they did. And we are not the exception. I just think I’m the first one to decide to do a TV show.” One of Keeping Good Co.’s philosophies is to not wait for a catastrophe to do something to encourage people. Show up to their daily lives. The goal of the series is not to film an elaborate makeover that is once-in-a-lifetime. Instead, Brandy describes it as “Mr. Rogers meets Martha Stewart.” Be a good neighbor. Show up. Create together. For each episode she keeps the projects to a budget of less than $1,500 so that the ideas are not out of reach and people can be inspired to do the same for their own neighbor. For now, Brandy plans to enjoy the ride. She sets her schedule meticulously. For about 5 months she only films. Then she will set aside a month for writing her next book. Next, she will work on a web series that will run with the show as it airs. Finally, she will spend a couple months on the development of the company. Within these seasons, she still hosts markets and workshops while supporting small businesses and single moms.

76 midland living magazine ABOVE: Brandy and her husband, Kyle RIGHT: Brrandy and her husband, Kyle FAR RIGHT: Brandy with her pups, Gator &Ginger

She has authored two books, produced her show’s first season, brought together local small businesses to her marketplaces, inspired women at workshops, and lived with purpose every day. So, what’s next for Brandy Bell? Maybe the show goes to Netflix or Discovery Channel. Maybe she launches a line of watercolor art. Maybe she creates an entire new business that no one else has developed yet. But what if that doesn’t happen? What if it all changes and the TV cameras go away? For her the answer is easy. She plans to do exactly what she would do anyway, just without the cameras. She will have fun and inspire people. And there is no doubt that that is what Brandy Bell does best. Leaving her house, littleMarley stands at the door to say goodbye and remarks, “Look at that beautiful sunset, Beebs. Isn’t that awesome?” Past the driveway is an orange sky lighting up the Permian Basin with twinkling lights of an oil rig in the distance. I think this is what Brandy Bell sees in the people of West Texas. Showing up even after the grit of a long day, the determination to make your neighbor’s day a bit brighter, the lighting of dreams and the showcase of hospitality. She sees West Texas not as a stopover but as a home. A home that’s worth it. A home that deserves the backdrop of themost beautiful sunsets. A home that brings in granddaughters and shows them the beauty in the little things of life. A home that makes a seat for the neighbors to come and visit. A home that inspires others to do the same. † Interested in Keeping Good Company? Head over to watchkeepinggoodco.com and follow along on Instagram sobellandco or on Facebook @keeping.good.co. Stay Tuned 77 hometown living at its best

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79 hometown living at its best We exist today as the “people helping people”. result of the principle of Proudly serving the Permian Basin since 1949. 5507 WWadley Ave. I 2001 N Big Spring St. I www.heritage-usa.net 432-681-1050 This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

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84 amarillo living magazine { { travel guide

85 hometown living at its best { { travel guide All Aboard! Your West Texas Adventure Awaits. Abilene is big on what matters: history, culture, innovation, and West Texas hospitality. Make a little time to stay and play, to see and feel authentic Texas, and do things you can’t find anywhere else. After all, Abilene owns bragging rights as the Storybook Capital of America®. Plot your summer adventure today! Learn more at abilenevisitors.com

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90 midland living magazine HOMETOWN Happenings The Little Gym of Midland hosted local author and school counselor, Teresa Porath, to read her new children's book at the reading series class on May 23rd. The book titled, "Morgan and the I Can't Monster: My Mindset Matters" teaches kids that we can accomplish anything once we defeat our negative mindset. Children in attendance enjoyed storytime with the author, their very own copy of the book, and gym playtime. Provided by LC PUBLICRELATIONS THE LITTLE GYM Reading Series

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