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Full Service Wedding & Event Planning, Production & Floral Design visit our micro flower shop in downtown Midland 201 W. Wall St. 107 F 432-528-0780 | connect@velvetmesquite.com www.velvetmesquite.com follow along with us: @velvetmesquitedesigns 2 midland living magazine
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6 midland living magazine 14 QUILTS OF VALOR The Midland Quilters Guild is creating patriotic quilts for veterans in our area. 26 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Boys and Girls Club Fire and Ice Ball 34 TACKLING TUMORS WITH GOD 16 year old Walker Huggins wasn’t sure why this obstacle was placed in his path, but he knew God would walk beside him every step of the way. Contents 14 46 HOMETOWN HAPPENING High Sky Crystal Ball 54 LITTLE ARTISTS A Midland mom opens her driveway each week for preschoolers to experience art and community. 64 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Dueling Piano Event 46 54 Check out our new website today! hometownmedia.group
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8 midland living magazine 72 SERVING UP KINDNESS For decades, the same family has been serving those in need with a hot nourishing meal and spreading the Gospel through Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry. 82 COME ON IN! A house is not a home without the people and furnishings that have helped shape our memories. Take a tour of Matt and Katie Tiffin’s Midland home and hear their stories behind some of the favorite pieces. Contents 82 72 92 92 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Lucchese Grand Opening Event 96 KIDS, CONSIGNMENT, AND CORINTHIANS Natalie Nolen always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. What she never expected was the business she would run alongside homeschooling their nine children. 106 COATLESS IN ALASKA Midland has proud roots in the oil and gas industry that are shared in the book, Driller, featuring Hubert H. Hays who was responsible for drilling as many oil wells—if not more than— any other man in his time. 114 OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE GUIDE Midland sunsets have a way of pulling you to the porch to be admired. Use these tips for a swoon-worthy space this spring. On the Cover Photo by The MOR Collective
9 hometown living at its best Join theFirstBank&Trust family! FirstBank & Trust is MEMBER FDIC and EQUAL HOUSING LENDER firstbanktexas.com T E X A S M E M B E R F D I C EnjoyBetterBanking inMidland 1111 W. Wall Street
10 midland living magazine T Midland Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Haley Ragsdale Avery Pullin Tayler Bradley W.R. McAfee PHOTOGRAPHERS Angela Gonzales Photography H&H Designs Photography The MOR Collective Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers The Spring season is among us, warmer weather and sunshine are inching closer, and well, the dust is still blowing in the Permian Basin! When glimpses of “happy weather” begin to take shape, I immediately catch myself going into planning mode. For me it is planning Easter weekend, three summer birthdays landing in June (my husband), July (my 5-year-old, Aspen), and August (my 4-year-old, Gracie), and all the in-between trips to the lake, South Carolina, and wherever else Spring and Summer take us! While I absolutely enjoy the business of the upcoming seasons, I think most of us are guilty of also not taking the time to sit back, relax and soak in the here and now surrounding us. While planning all the adventures and bucket list vacations is an absolute blast, Midland itself has, for the better, completely transitioned its lists of “things to do” in town. So many local businesses in our magazine have helped mold Midland into what it is today. For your kiddos, there is The Little Gym, Urban Air, Sibley’s Nature Center, and Rock the Spectrum. All the new restaurants and local coffee bistros such as Black Rifle Coffee and Midland Meat Company’s Half Acre are a perfect date for Mom and Dad. And let’s not forget to mention the amazing medical facilities we have in our community! Along with our abundance of local businesses, check out the non-profit events including the Boys & Girls Club Fire and Ice Ball, High Sky Children’s Ranch Crystal Ball as well as a new non-profit in our magazine that we are thrilled to share with you called Midland’s Shared Spaces! At Hometown Media Group, we understand the importance of promoting and supporting local businesses, and that’s why we offer a range of multimedia solutions to help them grow and reach their marketing objectives. If you’re interested in exploring new marketing opportunities for 2023, I’d love to chat with you and discuss how we can help. I truly hope you enjoy this Spring 2023 issue of Midland Living and embrace the upcoming seasons with warmth, happiness, and an open mind to adventure. Warm regards, Katie Audas Sales Account Executive Hello Midland! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations lindsey@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Katie Audas Sales Account Executive katie@hometownmedia.group Tammy Smith Sales Accounts Receivable ON THE COVER Photo by The MOR Collective “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so thatyou may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13 Katie Audas and family Haley Ragsdale Social Media Editor
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WRITTEN BY HALEY RAGSDALE PHOTOS BY KELLY GLENN STOUT AND CAROL BYNUM & PROVIDED BY THE MIDLAND QUILTERS GUILD
The Midland Quilters Guild is creating patriotic quilts for veterans in our area. Quilts of t’s been said that a quilt can tell a story. A Quilt of Valor tells the tale in the most patriotic of ways. “When the quilt was presented, it took me right back to 1979 when I was sworn in for the navy. The military was so good for me. It allowed me to go to college and undergrad and post-grad. I thought back to the men and women I served with in Afghanistan. The ones that didn’t come home and how they become part of your family,” said Chris Hagger, Retired Navy Chaplain who currently serves as a Hospice Chaplin. Hagger was one of 31 area military veterans and service members that were awarded a handmade, one-of-a-kind Quilt of Valor sewn by the Midland Quilters Guild. 15 hometown living at its best
16 midland living magazine “I have it across the bottom of my bed it is just beautiful and means so much to me,” he said. A Qui lt of Valor is a qual ity, handmade quilt that is awarded to a ServiceMember or Veteran whohas been touchedbywar. TheQuiltsaysunequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”More than 300,000 quilts have been awarded by more than 500 groups nationwide. “Making a Quilt of Valor makesyoufeelyouarehonoring your veteran, giving them back what they have given to you. It makes me teary; it makes you feel good that you are doing something for someone that you personally couldn’t do,” said Phyllis Price, Permian Basin group leader for Quilt of Valor and Vice President of the Midland Quilters Guild. There is not an official Quilt of Valor group yet in Midland, but the Midland Quilters Guild is working on it. Price said, “This year we have awarded 40 quilts. A request for a Quilt of Valor i s sent out in the area where the Veteran lives. I then get in contact with the veteran and work on where we will award them their quilt. For some veterans, especially Vietnam vets this is maybe the first time they feel appreciated.” A quilt is a true labor of love, with hundreds of hours of work going into each quilt.
17 hometown living at its best A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE IN SERVING OUR NATION.” More than 300,000 quilts have been awarded by more than 500 groups nationwide.
18 midland living magazine “50 members worked on some aspect of the quilt. From buying fabric, cutt ing, piecing the top, quilting, binding, and making the labels,” she explained. The quilts areprimarily red, white and blue and sometimes gold. Price explained if they know the history of the veteran’s life, for example, if they grew up on a farm, or the veteran has a love of fishing, they will include personal touches. But often the quilters will not knowwho will receives the Quilt of Valor. “We will even go to the veteran’s home to award them their quilt. We went to one veteran’s home and he had an entire room of his awards from his time in the Marines. The quilt though, went right on his bed,” Price said. The Midland Quilters Guild has 86members, and they stay very busy providing quilts for 13 different service projects. “We do placemats for Meals on Wheels, quilts for hospice, quilts for the homeless and many other community organizations,” she said.
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20 midland living magazine For the recipients of the Quilts of Valor, a quilt is a true love story. For the Midland Quilters Guild, it is a way to honor heroes of the red, white, and blue, one quilt at a time.
21 hometown living at its best Qui lt ing is having a resurgence according to Price with more up and coming quilt stores and the ability to watch quilting videos on YouTube. “It is really easy for someone to start quilting. So many videos online and people that teach classes. There are a lot of resources for anyone who wants to learn,” Price said. The Midland Quilters Guild is always looking formoremembers andmeets every second Tuesday evening at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. They also sew on Tuesdays at the Thompson House next to St. Luke’s. “We sew andwork on our community quilts. Pressing, cutting, tying, planning quilts, pickingour colors for quilts, almost every aspect of quilt making except for long arming,” she explained. For the recipients of the Quilts of Valor, a quilt is a true love story. For the Midland Quilters Guild, it is a way to honor heroes of the red, white, and blue, one quilt at a time. † For more information on Quilts of Valor visit www.qovf.org
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432.683.1000 | 432.553.7443 4400 N BIG SPRING STREET, STE 124 | MIDLAND, TX 79705 Midland’s Top Concierge Real Estate Team 23 hometown living at its best
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HOMETOWN Happenings
27 hometown living at its best More than 600 guests joined the local Boys & Girls Clubs at their annual gala “Fire & Ice Ball” at the Odessa Marriott in May to raise close to double the funds raised in their previous year. This successful event included comedians Mo Amer & Frank Caliendo, dinner, a dance band, games, and live & silent auctions. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin want to say thank you to the amazing Permian Basin Community for helping the local children who need it the most! None of this would have been possible without such an amazing committee that featured some of Midland & Odessa’s most distinguished individuals coming together with one cause, to help our local children have a safe place to go, grow & learn. Please join the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Permian Basin on August 26th where they are hosting their annual gala “Rio Carnival” at the Bush Convention Center to continue supporting local children. For more information on how you can participate go to basinkids.org or call Tim at 432-853-1001. Photos by KATRINA LOCKHART BALL Fire & Ice
HOMETOWN Happenings
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31 midland living magazine CASEY DALEY Event Chair NI KK I ALEXANDER ASHLEY BATES L I SA BAUGHMAN SAVANNA BECK BOBBY BLAND CATHER INE BREDEMEYER SYDNEY BURLESON RACHEL BOX ANTHONY CARR I LLO CASEY CARRUTH J ADE CL ICK GARY DALEY CAMERON DAV I S SARAH DORSEY TAYLOR EVERETT AMBER FOWLER EL I ZABETH GUESS BR I TTANY HALBERT KELLEY HALL A ' L I SSA HANEL INE SHELLY HANEY MCKENSEY HOI SAGER BREANNA JOHNSON J ACK I E JOHNSON LORENA J URADO MARNEE LANE EMI LEE LARABEE KATR INA LOCKHART STEPHEN LOWERY CANDACE MAHAFFEY NICOLE REDMAN HALE IGH ROB INS HALEY SMI TH YANNI STREET J ENAE WI LL I AMS CHEYENNE WOLF HAYLEY CHAPMAN In memory of CASEY DALEY Event Chair NI KK ALEXANDER ASHLEY BATES L I SA B UGHMAN SAVANNA BECK BO BY LAND CATHER INE BREDEM YER SYDNEY BURLESON RACHEL BOX ANTHONY CARR I LLO CASEY CARRUTH J ADE CL I K GARY DALEY CAMERON DAV I S SAR H DORSEY TAYLOR EVERETT AMBER FOWLER EL I ZABETH GUESS BR I TTANY HALBERT KELL Y HALL A ' L I SSA H NEL INE SHELLY HANEY MCKENSEY HOI SAGER BREANNA JOHNSON J ACK I E JOHNSON LORENA J URADO MARNEE LANE EMI LEE LAR BEE KATR INA LOCKHART STEPHEN LOWERY CANDACE MAH FFEY NICOLE R DMAN HALE IGH ROB INS HALEY SMI TH YANNI STREET J ENAE WI LL I AMS CHEYENNE WOLF HAYLE CHAPMAN In memory f 31 hometown living at its best
32 midland living magazine 432-687-6500 LegacyRealEstate.com
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34 midland living magazine W 16 year old Walker Huggins wasn’t sure why this obstacle was placed in his path, but he knew God would walk beside him every step of the way. Written by TAYLER BRADLEY | Photos by THE HUGGINS FAMILY TACKL ING TUMORS with God What would you do if you discovered you had multiple tumors on your brain and spine? Would you trust God's plan or be angry with him? Walker Huggins was your typical teenage boy. He liked to go hunting and fishing and attend rodeos with his dad. Just like any other active kid Walker sometimes got headaches. His mom, Keri Huggins, thought maybe he tweaked something so she did all the things amomwould do to fix the pain. But when it continued and Walker started to get dizzy with some nausea, they decided to see a doctor. They thought it was some sort of flu bug, especially withWalker's blood work coming back normal. A few more days went by and he was getting worse, to the point of him hardly West, Trevor, Keri, and Walker Huggins
35 hometown living at its best Lane Jones of Post, Texas wearing one of the wild rags that the Post Rodeo Committee wore in the arena at their 2022 Saturday Night Rodeo. They had themmade withWalker’s brand and hashtag
36 midland living magazine getting out of bed. He was referred to a cardiologist to try and rule out the heart. While there, Walker had one of his dizzy spells and his EKG came back with some abnormalities.Walkerwas referred toanother specialist and after seeing themhe passedout and had a seizure at home. He was rushed to the Midland Memorial Hospital that night. Walker was given a CT scan and before he got back to the room the doctor explained what the scans had found. The feelings of unreal shock took over because it wasn't what anyone expected to hear. Walker's mind went blank. "Everybody was talking but their voices just went out and I couldn't hear anything. I was trying to process what the doctor had just told me," he said. The doctor knew this was urgent, so as quickly as the staff could they got Walker and his family in an ambulance headed for Cook Children's Hospital. Walker and his family were met by his very own tumor team with doctors, nurses, specialists, and all necessary support staff. There was a lot of chatter going on in Walker's room while they tried to get him settled. When Dr. Honeycut, the children's neurologist, walked in the entire room fell quiet and he said toWalker, "we're going to get these tumors out and you're going to be fine." Walker and his family had left Midland so fast that they hadn’t quite gotten all the information about the tumors. Once things got settled at Cook's they finally realized just how serious they were. The official name of Walker's tumors ismedulloblastomawhich is cancerous and is highly common in children. The primary tumor onhis cerebellumwas the size of a baseball, tumor number twowas the size of a ping pong ball on his left temporal lobe and the third tumor was discovered on his spine and the size of a nickel. With all three cancerous tumors being in high-risk areas Walker's team had to work fast and be precise. His first surgery was scheduled for the next day.
LEFT: Walker at 7yrs old enjoying the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford, Texas. ABOVE: Trevor, West, &Walker attending the WNFR Back Number Ceremony in 2021. RIGHT: Walker working as the Sound/Music Director inAlpine, Texasat the2021 Sul RossNIRA College Rodeo.
38 midland living magazine On January 27thWalker was prepped and wheeled into the operating room to remove the largest of the three tumors. His parents sat in the waiting room for 14 hours praying that God was watching over Walker. The doctor came out from surgery and explained that they had no way of knowing exactly how Walker would be post-surgery. Would he talk or have normal motor functions? Only time would tell. Walker was sent to get an MRI, while in the machine he came off of the sedation causing a little panic but they put on some George Strait andWalker relaxed as they finished the scans. They came backwith good news and the ventilator was removed. Walker began talking immediately, moving parts of his body and playing on his phone. Everyone breathed a little sigh of relief. Walker never really had any pain after that first surgery because there aren't any muscles there so the physical therapy team got him up and moving quickly. Walker had to be reminded to slow down sometimes, he was determined to heal as fast as he could. Removal of tumor two was on February 8th. There was more concern with this tumor because the area it was in controls a lot of motor skills. The procedure was to take 4-6 hours and they weren't sure what they would find once they got in there. Dr. Honeycut came out to speak with Walker's parents after the first couple of hours to tell them how great the removal had gone. It had pushed all of Walker's veins and nerves to the side tomake room for itself. When his parents heard the news all they wanted to do was praise God and thank Him for taking care of Walker. His dad, West Huggins, says "we expectedWalker to come out of this surgery on a ventilator again and I remember him coming around the corner back to his room, the nurse asked if he was okay andWalker put his thumb up and told them he was fine." Walker proved that day just how strong someone can be with God in their corner. LEFT: Walker sitting up2 days after his first Brain Surgeryat CookChildren’s Thiswas the surgery to remove the baseball size tumor. ABOVE: Walker posing with Neely the Cook Children’s therapy dog. 3 Days after surgery. RIGHT: Thiswas thefirst dayWalkerwas released to gohave lunch in theCookChildren’s FoodCourt. 10 Days after 1st Surgery.
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40 midland living magazine With two of the three tumors out, it was time to talk about the one on his spine, a very sensitive and high-risk area. Thankfully it was very small and they could use radiation for removal. Walker went to the Texas Proton Center where they did proton therapy radiation. This type of radiation allows the doctors to have precise control of where the radiation goes so that it only attacks the tumor. The family stayed in an Air BnB during the six weeks of radiation to try and keep life as normal as possible for Walker and his brother. After those six weeks, Walker started four weeks of chemotherapywhich he finished in August 2022. The amount of support the entire rodeo community gave to the Huggins family was unreal. His story was shared on social media, prayers were made by people that hadnevermetWalker, rodeo committees all over the country had support nights during their rodeos to share his story, meals, and moneywere sent anonymously, theHuggins were blown away, and very thankful. The family never asked for anything more than prayers from anyone because they knew the power of God and that he was always listening. "We wanted the floors of heaven to shake with prayers," West Huggins said. God, family, and rodeo were the things getting them through this tough time. LEFT: Kirstyn McNutt, Trevor Huggins, Ryan Wantiez, Cort Petterson, Walker Huggins, West Huggins. Front L-R – Marci Petterson, Paula Golden, Keri Huggins. Photo courtesy of Texas Center for Proton Therapy BOTTOM LEFT: Walker banging the Gong after his final day of Proton Radiation Therapy RIGHTTOP: Walker,West&Trevor. Alpine, Texas 2022. The week of Walker’s first rodeo back as a sound/music director. RIGHTCENTER: WalkerworkingasSound/Music Director inLubbock, Texas at the 2022Texas Tech NIRA College Rodeo. RIGHT RIGHT: Final Day of ChemoTherapy inFt. Worth. L-R Nurse Taylor, Dr. Sibo Zhao, Walker Huggins, Nurse Practitioner Mandy Mansell, Nurse Marissa, and Nurse Victoria. Walker’s OncologyTeamfromCookChildren’s. August22nd.
That final tumor is now gone, andWalker has volunteered to be part of a chemo trial to help further the research for cancerous tumors. He is the first person fromCook'swith this specific type of tumor to be a part of this trial. Walker also has donated his tumor to Cook's tumor bank where doctors will continue research to get a better understanding of this cancer. Right now, there is no rhyme or reason to why children get these types of tumors but Walker is determined to help be a part of the cure. Walker told his parents, "I think I knowwhy I got these tumors. I think God gave me this so I can help other people." Even through these tough times and God testing his faith, Walker never wavered because he knows God does everything for a reason. "I trusted him the whole way and having Dr. Honeycut come in before every surgery to say a prayer, helped me to keep my trust in him and God. My faith grew a lot through all of this," Walker says. As for high school now, he is getting caught back up so he can continue towork toward his goal of attending college. The rodeo coach at Sul Ross University has already set aside a scholarship for him if he chooses to attend school there. Walker is also happy to be back at rodeos helping his dad along with spending time with his friends. This boy has taught us all to trust in the Lord even when things take a turn. Walker Huggins is an inspiration and God worked miracles through him. †
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45 hometown living at its best YOU ALREADY BELONG. YOU JUST NEED TO JOIN! • Children’s Learning Center • Youth Sports Leagues • Adult Sports Leagues • Fitness for all ages Community Events YOU ALREADY BELONG. YOU JUST NEED TO JOIN! MIDLAND YMCA 800 N Big Spring St 432-682-2551 www.midlandymca.org • Children’s Learning Center • Youth Sports Leagues • Adult Sports Leagues • Fitness for all ages • Community Events • After School Care • Summer Camp • Swim Lessons YOU ALRE Y BE . Y JUST NEE MIDLAND YMCA 800 N Big Spring St 432-682-2551 www.midlandymca.org • Children’s Learning Center • Youth Sports Leagues • Adult Sports Leagues • Fitness for all ages • Community Events • After School Care • Summer Camp • Swim Lessons L E Y L . J EE IDLAND YMCA 800 N Big Spring St 432-682-2551 w.midlandymca.org • Children’s Learning Center • Youth Sports Leagues • Adult Sports Leagues • Fitness for all ages • Co munity Events • After School Care • Summer Camp • S i Lessons ADY . EED I ! IDLA YMCA 8 0 N Big Sprin St 432-682-2 51 w . idlandy ca.org • il r ’s L r i t r • th S rt Le g e • lt Sports Leagues • itn ss for all a es • m unity Events • Aft r Sch l re • r • S i e L EADY L . Y JUST ED I ! MIDLAND YMCA 800 N Big Spring St 432-68 -2551 w.midlandymca.org • Children’s Lear ing Center • Youth Sports Leagues • Adult Sports Leagues • Fitne s for all ages • Co munity Events • After School Care • Su mer Camp • Swim Le sons
HOMETOWN Happenings
47 hometown living at its best On August 20th the Petroleum Club of Midland was filled with good people, good food, and a great cause. Close to 500 guests enjoyed an elegant evening including cocktails and dinner, a live and silent auction, and dancing to live music by The Project. High Sky hosted the 48th annual fundraiser to provide the necessary funding for their essential programs in West Texas and raised over one million dollars! A truly record-breaking event! High Sky Children’s Ranch aims to end the generational cycle of child abuse and help heal the children that have endured such abuse. For more information about High Sky Children’s Ranch and how you can support or get involved, call 432.694.7728 or visit www.highsky.org. Provided by THE STONES PHOTO&FILM Crystal Ball
HOMETOWN Happenings
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LITTLE ARTIST 54 midland living magazine
55 hometown living at its best magine if you will, toddlers painting with roller brushes on a huge plexiglass easel; kids giggling as they make mountains of shaving cream; preschoolers constructing masterpieces with glitter, confetti, and glue. Now take a deep breath because you don’t have to clean up any of the mess! That’s the idea behind Midland Art Spot. “All the mess they love to make, and you hate to clean up.” Katrina Dunn invites 30 young children to her driveway once a week for a sensory experience. A Midland mom opens her driveway each week for preschoolers to experience art and community. C.Dunn enjoying the process of using watercolors with rubbing alcohol. WRITTEN BY HALEY RAGSDALE | PHOTOS BY KATRINA DUNN
56 midland living magazine “I wanted to create a place for toddlers and kids to explore art and sensory play and leave all the mess behind. For moms and caregivers, there is a hindrance in setting up projects because of the mess it makes, and the work involved,” Dunn explained. Dunn is fromTheWoodlands and graduated from Texas A&M. While she was in college her favorite class became Creativity and the Young Child. “It was exploring different mediums like crayon resist, painting with pudding. I would bring themhome andmy accounting roommate would just shake her head at my 'homework',” she said. Dunn graduated and taught fourth and second grade in Austin before moving to Midland. “I always tried to incorporate art and different ways to be creative with a reading lesson or math,” she said. Dunn is the mother to four young children. When her youngest was around two the idea of Midland Art Spot was born. “When I had my second baby, I would set something up for big brother to do and it maybe lasted five minutes. I kept thinking I wish I had a class or something I could take him to, and he could create and make a mess. That’s how I got the idea.” Dunn’s house has a large driveway and she began hosting classes in 2019. Her husband, Brad is a huge supporter of Dunn’s dream and even built a giant easel for her classes. “It had been on my heart for a long time and I felt like I could share what I learned L.Ryburn painting a pizza pan
“I hopefully create a welcoming environment for moms, especially those new to Midland. I will have moms that are new to Midland find me on Instagram. It is a privilege to be a first face for new families.” - Katrina Dunn K.Marcoux getting messy with the shaving cream. Photo Credit: Mallory Marcoux H.Dunn helps to prepare the apple sensory bin with applescented beans, apples, and bakeware to make a pretend apple pie. Taking a peek at the sun over her shoulder, J.Stowers uses shaving cream paint to make one of her own.
58 midland living magazine W.Meise paints at the giant plexiglass easel. Photo Credit: Ashley Meise
to do with my own kids with other kids in the community,” she explained. It is not just about kids. Dunn hopes to provide an opportunity for other moms to connect while their children engage in a creative outlet. “ I hopeful ly create a welcoming environment for moms, especially those new to Midland. I will have moms that are new toMidland findme on Instagram. It is a privilege to be a first face for new families,” she said. Dunn structures her class with a variety of stations. Some stations are the same each week like watercolors, the large plexiglass easel, water tables, and the popular creation station that has a variety of media like confetti, glitter, glue, and dot markers. Other stations include shaving cream and a new way to explore art like flyswatters in paint or cars driving through paint. She also always includes sensory material like oobleck slime, rice bins, or salt rocks. “A lot of what I offer right now falls into the category of ‘process art,’ where the main focus is allowing the kids to experience the process of creating art, instead of the focus being on an end product. Although, they usually do create something that they’re really proud of. I like to call myself the chaos coordinator,” she explained. Shelby Bynum and her son explore fake snow at a special Christmas Art Spot. G.Grigsby paints on the large plexiglass easel. Photo Credit: Molly Grigsby Katrina Dunn picks her favorite mug for Art Spot mornings; sporting her self-proclaimed title as ‘chaos coordinator.’
Dunn starts her classes when it warms up in the spring and goes until mid-October. Ages range from about one to six. She said, “it has been fun to see babies walking that were just tiny babies in carriers last summer. Now, they are ready to play with their big siblings. It really is special to make an impact. I have had a of couple kids say this is what they wanted for their birthday, to come to art class.” Dunn hopes to one day have a studio in Midland to offer more classes year-round. But, for now, she continues to offer two classes a week and there is usually a waitlist. “Last Summer I had over 200 different families. I was so thankful tomeet somany people. God just brought all these people into my life and onto my driveway,” Dunn said. Dunn says cleaning up takes time but creating memories with families will last much longer than any mess. † To find out more information visit Midland Art Spot on Instagram, Facebook or email Midlandartspot@gmail.com H.Dunn and J.Stowers pause for a photo with their jellyfish creation. H.Marcoux enjoys painting at the easels Photo Credit: Mallory Marcoux C.Dunn proudly shows off her bat.
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HOMETOWN Happenings
65 hometown living at its best The second annual Rhythm & Booze: A Dueling Piano Event was held on September 22, 2022 at the Midland Shared Spaces Plaza. The event included a performance by professional piano players and entertainers Felix & Fingers. The proceeds from the event go towards the mission of Midland Shared Spaces, Inc. (MSS) to enhance nonprofit efficiency, provide affordable workspace and back-office services, and foster collaborations that better serve the nonprofits and people of Midland County. Autumn Vest, MSS Executive Director, said, “We are so thankful to everyone who made this event possible – a huge thank you to our presenting sponsors, Vicky and S. Javaid Anwar. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and event committee, and Felix & Fingers Dueling Pianos. I am constantly impressed by the amazing community support in Midland. Thank you to everyone who came out to the event, you are making an impact with your presence, and we couldn’t do what we do without you!” Photos by JAMES DURBIN E V E N T Dueling Piano
HOMETOWN Happenings
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69 hometown living at its best Membership eligibility and credit approval required. Rates and terms are subject to change without prior notice. 4616 Briarwood Avenue 432/697-1465 Also in: San Angelo Ballinger Eldorado Fort Stockton Crane 325/653-1465 www.1cfcu.org 800/749-1465 Be Smart! Bank Smart! LOW Loan Rates Great Loan Options Higher Rates on Deposits FREE User-Friendly Technology Amazing ePlus Checking Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff Vehicles, Personal, Credit Cards, RV, Boat, Agriculture, Business, Home Improvement, Home Equity, Mortgages & more. Pre-Approval to save you money, On-line Loan Application to save you time, Finance directly at the dealership for convenience at a slightly higher rate, Simple Interest, Balloon option, Payment Options & Loan Discounts for additional services. Online Banking & Bill Pay, Mobile Banking with the ability to LOCK your cards to prevent fraud, Text Banking, Mobile Deposit, eAlerts, Online Loan Application & eStatements. Loan Discouns, IDProtect Service, Cellular Phone Protection, AD&D Insurance, Savings Overdraft Protection, Dividends & more. NMLS (National Mortgage Licensing System) #403173 Federally Insured By NCUA
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73 hometown living at its best For decades, the same family has been serving those in need with a hot nourishing meal and spreading the Gospel. Written by HALEY RAGSDALE | Photos provided by JAY IVY Fi l l ing the body and mind with a nourishing meal and the gospel is the goal of the Midland Soup KitchenMinistry. Since 1984, generations of the same family have been serving up both to people in need. From very humble beginnings, the Ministry now serves hundreds daily and was voted Best Non-Profit in Midland. The idea of having the first soup kitchen in Midland started decades earlier when Nancy Ivy, the current executive director, was 8 years old. Her father, MarianoRendon Sr., was searching for a job in Dallas after not being able to find a job in Midland. He visited a soup kitchen and realized there was a need in Midland. She explained how her father prayed about how to fulfill this need. “My dad said, ‘Lord, if you give me a ministry to preach the gospel and feed the needy, I will use it to honor and glorify you.’ A few months later, he got a job with Scooters Plumbing but he always had the prayer and the desire to feed and preach to the less fortunate.” Nancy explained that her parents started answering a call from the Lord. “IF YOU LOVE ME, FEED MY SHEEP.” That has become theMidland Soup Kitchen Ministry’s motto since the beginning, no questions asked. Mariano Sr. and Mary Rendon, Nancy’s parents, started serving 80-100 people each day on the corner of Terrel Street and New Jersey. The small building was next door to their residence and the Rendon’s went without pay for their efforts, but their hearts were full of what they were providing for the community. “We need to show them there is a God by f irst f illing their stomachs. Then, we fill them with The Word,” Mariano Rendon Sr. , Nancy’s father, would say. Their soup kitchen began to growwith the first Thanksgiving meal served in 1984. “Cattleman’s Steakhouse would donate potato soup and the community donated rice and beans, and my parents would cook everything else. This was the first soup kitchen in the Permian Basin ever,” Nancy said. But, soon the needs of the community would outgrow the building. Serving Up Kindness Photo by Lane and Mistie Photography
74 midland living magazine “Myparents beganpraying for anewbuilding, and there was this old YMCA building that was run down at 1401 Orchard,” Nancy explained. After making some inquiries into who owned the building, the Midland City Council agreed to donate the building for a new soup kitchen locat ion. “The community of Midland is wonderful and so generous. The Boy Scouts cleaned and painted the building. So many people volunteered time and made donations to create this new location and we are still there today,” Nancy explained. The Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry is now in the hands of a third generation with Nancy, her husband, Jason, and their two sons, Jay and Nathen. They feed a homecooked lunch every Monday through Friday while preaching the gospel and a relationship with Jesus. Nancy cooks everything from scratch, even cornbread. Her father passed on the recipe of his special Thanksgiving dressing. “He told me ‘I won’t always be here, so this is how you make it.’ So, the first year after he passed, I couldn’t do it. I made Stovetop instead. The people told me it’s good Mrs. Nancy but it’s not Pops. So, I said suck it up buttercup and made his legacy dressing.” The kitchen feeds close to 200 daily with those numbers only expected to increase. Nancy has also started a Vacation Bible School for children in the summer. “I just wish my parents could have seen me teaching a Vacation Bible School. They would be so proud,” she said. For their annual Christmas Community Meal this past Christmas, lines reached out the door with 827 people. “We give tickets at the door. Everyone gets one gift, toys to all the children and everyone gets an apple and an orange. The police department and sheriff ’s office come volunteer. Everything stops and we say a prayer and thank the Blesser for the blessings,” Nancy said.
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76 midland living magazine She explained that theywant their patrons to know a relationship with the Lord. As they pray over their lunch daily, a sinner prayer is recited with Jason, Nancy’s husband. Their patrons are reminded that if they would like to be saved or receive a bible the Ministry is there to accommodate their needs. The Ministry gives out countless free bibles and leads many to the Lord daily. “During COVID, we had to close our dining areas so we did a drive through, and we would pray with them in the car,” she said. The Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry is more than just a hot homemade meal to so many. It is a refuge to be filled with God’s love and the kindness of the Ivy Family. † To find out more information you can visit their website at midlandsoupkitchen.org. You can find information on ways to volunteer and reserve a spot.
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80 midland living magazine 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.
81 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.
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83 hometown living at its best A house is not a home without the people and furnishings that have helped shape our memories. Photos by THE MOR COLLECTIVE Take a tour of Matt and Katie Tiffin’s Midland home and hear their stories behind some of their favorite pieces. The Tiffins purchased their home in 2018 as a foreclosure in desperate need of some love. Fortunately, Katie, owner of Katie Tiffin Designs, has some experience in design and saw the potential. r
84 midland living magazine Neither of the bathrooms had a bathtub for their 13-month-old son, Weston. While his bathroom was being remodeled, Matt and Katie bought a galvanized bucket big enough for bathtime. They would put it in their tiny corner shower and fill it with hot water. For weeks, Weston took baths in this bucket, happy as could be!
85 hometown living at its best For weeks Matt and Katie slept on a mattress laying atop a tarp on their concrete floor. Katie remembers their first weekend in the house vividly. They were sleeping on a mattress on top of a tarp on the concrete floor. She woke up at 2 am with Matt running around frantically searching for towels as all the toilets and showers were overflowing. The first few months were difficult with many challenges but created some of the best memories. Now their master bedroom is fully painted, furnished and you would never know how it began.
86 midland living magazine Any time Katie bakes or cooks, their three kids, along with Matt, always sit on the priest prayer bench from a castle in France in the 18th century. For years she’d been searching for the right piece for her breakfast nook. She knew she needed it when she laid eyes on it at Round Top. Immediately she envisioned her kids’ art hanging above while they gathered on the bench. To the left of her antique find is her granny’s chopping block. Her Granny had it custom made by a friend and used to roll from the kitchen to the dining room serving food.
87 hometown living at its best One of the most valuable and sentimental pieces in the house is Matt’s Afghanistan flag he brought back after his tour just months before meeting Katie. Their second year together, Katie had it framed. It carries so much more meaning after the fall of Afghanistan in 2021. In the living roomKatie has her Granny’s fire tools. They no longer have the polished brass look but the burnished brass after years of use. In front of the window sits her Nana’s Ma’s (mother) accent chair. Katie can remember it in three different fabrics and is currently planning for another recover. In the meantime, she has a large kantha throw over it. Under the console holds all the family’s games. Matt grew up playing games in his family and they want to carry that tradition down to their kids. Many nights they move the coffee table out of the way and play twister or candy land.
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Weston’s room holds Matt’s toy trunk that was built for him by his dad, Weston’s Popo. In the twins’ room, Katie framed some very sentimental images of the girls taken during a lifesaving surgery in utero at 19 weeks pregnant. Matt and Katie have made a point to show the girls these images and remind them Jesus was in mommy’s tummy with them. † 89 hometown living at its best
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HOMETOWN Happenings As the sun set in the West Texas sky on Friday, Oct. 28, iconic Western wear brand Lucchese celebrated its Midland grand opening at 2705 N Big Spring Street, the 19th store in its 139-year-old history. The free event included a live performance from up-and-coming Texas musician Carson Jeffrey, complimentary drinks from Lone River Ranch Water, and bites from MMC Half Acre. The boot and accessories brand opened its first store in San Antonio, Texas at Fort Sam Houston, a United States Cavalry School in 1883. The Midland store’s design celebrates Lucchese’s long-lasting heritage as a steward of the American West. Photos Courtesy of LUCCHESE LUCCHESE Grand Opening Event
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After marrying her husband Chris, Natalie Nolen’s dream of being a stay-at-home mom came true. What she never expected was the business she would run alongside homeschooling their nine children. Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos by THE MOR COLLECTIVE and provided by NATALIE NOLAN Kids, Consignment, & Corinthians
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98 midland living magazine For Natalie Nolen Midland is home. It is where she was raised, where she married her husband Chris, where she now raises her children. And home is exactlywhat she always wanted to create. It was Natalie’s dream to become a mom. She dreamed of staying homewithher children and raising a family in the very town that raised her. When she was 18, she and Chris got married. It wasn’t long before they started growing their family with their oldest Carter being born two years later. After Carter came Collin. Then Caroline. Corrine. Camden. Claire. Cami Jo. Calvin. Crew. During these years, Natalie felt blessed tobe amom like she had always dreamt. But reality was that the budget was tight, and clothing kids was expensive. She wanted a way she could dress them well and coordinate their outfits but not break a shoe-string budget. Natalie and Chris began researching how they could have a high-quality consignment experience, buying boutique clothes at a discounted price and selling clothes when their children had outgrown them. That is when they found Rhea Lana’s (pronounced Ree-ah-lawn-ahs). the love that built it
After much discussion between themselves andwith their parents, Chris and Natalie decided to take the plunge. They purchased the Midland/Odessa franchise in 2014. Describing the years of work, Natalie says, “I didn’t know how much work it would be, and it’s a good thing I didn’t. I had no idea. But I don’t have any regrets.” That same year Natal ie went to training with a baby in tow. She felt completelyoverwhelmedandcalledChris unsure if she could do it. Without the experience or college background, she began to have cold feet. Was she really cut out for owning a business, even if it was only twice a year? Natal ie persevered, and in 2015 they held the first Rhea Lana’s event in Midland. From the beginning each of their kids have played a part. From stapling papers to helping consigners setup, all the Nolen children work the event. Natalie says they see the fruit of hard work, and this life lesson is just another benefit that Rhea Lana’s has given their family. the hope of a business
100 midland living magazine Rhea Lana’s of Midland/Odessa is now a year-round job forNatalie. She splits her time running the business with homeschooling their nine children. “Balancing a business and babies,” Natalie laughs, “looks like hiding in my car and making phone calls, sitting in the closet while they spill milk on the floor, responding to emails while they do a read aloud.” Her first job will always be raising her kids and being a wife to her husband, but Rhea Lana’s has given Natalie a new purpose and a confidence for being both a working mom and a stay-at-home mom. Chris, for his part, continues to work his job in oilfield sales while supporting Natalie’s booming business. He gives many hours to Natalie and her teamat Rhea Lana’s helping setup and keeping things going behind the scenes. the faith to keep going
101 hometown living at its best TodayRheaLana’shas1,100familiesconsign, 115,000 items for sale, and 100 employees. After events, consignersmay choose to donate their unsold items in a shopping day set aside for local foster families, a mission close to the Nolen family’s heart. Other beneficiaries of these items are the Life Center, the Baptist Crisis Center, and Birthright (Odessa). On average a consigner makes $600 per event. In addition, friendships have been forgedwhile families participate in the events, and thousands of West Texans have benefited from the work of Rhea Lana’s. This success led Natalie to receive Franchise of the Year in 2022 at the annual owner’s conference. To get here, Natalie says their faith in God has been an integral part of their journey. “When you’re stretched beyond yourself, you really know that you have to trust the Lord that He will provide and carry you.” In 1 Corinthians we read that God gave us faith, hope, and love. For the Nolens, this remains true. They had to have hope to begin and faith to keep going, but it is no doubt their love for family, friendships, and West Texas stays the biggest blessing of all. † To find the full schedule of upcoming events, become a consignor, or get a sneak peek of items that will be for sale, find Rhea Lana’s online at midlandodessa.rhealana.com, on Instagram @rhealanasofmidlandodessa, or on Facebook.
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105 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
WRITTEN BY W. R. MCAFEE | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CATHERINE HEFFERAN MIDLAND HAS PROUD ROOTS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY THAT ARE SHARED IN THE BOOK, DRILLER, FEATURING HUBERT H. HAYS WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR DRILLING AS MANY OIL WELLS— IF NOT MORE THAN— ANY OTHER MAN IN HIS TIME. Alaska COATLESS IN TThere’s a 7-foot bronze statue of a roughneck holding a 48-inch pipe wrench that greets visitors at Ardmore’s Memorial Square in Oklahoma. The statue, unveiled in 2001, was a duplicate of one unveiled 10 years earlier in England that stands today in Nottinghamshire, a tribute to the speed at which 44 handpicked young American roughnecks could drill oilwells. Ardmoreheadquartered Noble Oil had donated four rigs for a secret project to help the British who were getting critically low on the oil needed to keep their planes and wartime machinery running. It was taking British oil workers five to eight weeks to complete a 2,300 - 2,500-foot well. Additional oil had to be shipped to England in ocean tankers, but German U-boats were sinking many of them at sea. The 44 roughnecks, all of whom were sworn to secrecy, hit the ground in Sherwood Forest—England’s oil field—assembled their rigs, and began drilling with 12-hour shifts; completing wells in as little as eight days. In all, they drilled more than a 100 producing wells in a year that enabled England to close its oil gap.1,2 Little-known anomalies like this exist in the oilfield because people who work it seldom focus on public attention. Hubert H. Hays was responsible for drilling as many oil wells as—if not more than—any other man in his time, was one such anomaly. Hays, the subject of Driller—AnOilman’s 50Years intheOilfield,3 (TexasTechUniversity Press, Lubbock, Texas) never drank, smoked, chewed tobacco, seldom cussed or wore a coat, even in the dead of winter on the North Slope in Alaska. His body produced enough heat that he—literally—never got cold. Hays recalled getting off an airplane in Fairbanks, Alaska, in subzero weather and the passenger behind him asked, “Where’s your coat?” Hays said, “I don’t know. I must have left it in Anchorage.” The man said, “How cold does it have to be for you to wear one?” 106 midland living magazine
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