1 hometown living at its best
2 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
3 hometown living at its best
4 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group 16 FINDING PURPOSE IN PAIN A heroic time spent fighting war, followed by injuries and a stroke culminated into one wartime hero on a mission to help others. 24 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Magen Desnoyers from Magpie Inn provides three delicious dishes to try this fall. 30 A FOUNDATION OF HOPE Mineral Wells Center of Life is a faith-based organization making a difference in many lives, including the Executive Director, whose story has come full circle. 42 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Flying Pig Festival 50 KEEPING IT CRAZY A local musician shares community pride through his songs. 60 4-H SPOTLIGHT Meet 4-H’er Michael Zinn, who is making a name for himself in the field of shooting sports. Contents 16 30 On the Cover 42 60
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6 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Contents 66 PEACE, HEALING AND WELLNESS The Mineral Wellness Center is a faith-based place of peace and healing for those in need. 74 EMPOWERING THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS Able Oaks Farm is a non-profit program that provides meaningful work for adults with special needs. 82 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Bags, Bingo & Badges 88 DRIVING FOR A CAUSE Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County helps to keep the elderly and disabled individuals in our community and county fed and nourished. 96 WELCOME TO THE TABLE The Community Kitchen welcomes everyone to their table on Sunday evenings. 103 MINERAL WELLS RAMS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Go Rams! 74 66 88 96
7 hometown living at its best
8 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
9 hometown living at its best
10 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Mineral Wells Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 N Main 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 Brooke Graham Sara Hook Ellen Slater Cindy Kahler Thomas Bella Thorne Jessica Wesson PHOTOGRAPHERS Melissa Digue Portrait Whitney K. Photography Heather Waldrup Jenkins at Wanderwood LLC Welcome to the premiere issue of Mineral Wells Living! The behind-the-scenes of this magazine has been a culmination of a year of hard work, time, writing, photography, talent and storytelling. The planning of it has been a labor of love, and we are so excited to finally see it come to fruition. Mineral Wells is special. It’s a special town, full of special people, places and organizations. There are so many stories within these city limit lines, and we are grateful to get to help tell them. From a local crazy musician who croons about our beloved town, to a soldier who came home forever changed and hungry to impact the lives of others, to a faithfully reformed addict who is now the director at the same place she one day went to for help, we sincerely hope that you enjoy reading their stories and the many others that make up this magazine. The people featured between these pages are your friends, your family, your neighbors, a familiar face at the store, your church group leader, your favorite waiter or waitress, your family photographer, your coworker, etc. and they are all faces of just a few of the people who make Mineral Wells the best place to be. We could not celebrate the publication of our premiere issue without the help of our incredible advertising partners that you see within these pages. Without them, we would not be able to share the stories that we do. When you are out and about in town, be sure to pop in, say “Hi!” and check them out! Most of all, thank you to YOU, our readers. We hope to continue telling your stories for years to come! If you know of a person, place, organization or event that deserves to be featured between these pages, please email me at office@hometownmedia.group. I can’t wait to hear from you! Here’s to the beginning of something special. Welcome to Mineral Wells Living. With gratitude, Hello Mineral Wells! ON THE COVER Photo provided by Adam Hull Brooke Graham For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. - Matthew 18:20 Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Associate Publisher lindsey@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Camela Dietrich Accounts Receivable accounting@hometownmedia.group Meet the team behind the pages! Camela Dietrich, Susan Avery, Casey Perkins, Lindsey Kruger, and Brooke Graham Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations office@hometownmedia.group
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REVIVING A LANDMARK 12 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
Standing proudly, the SEAMAN BUILDING has been part of Mineral Wells history since 1926. Once home to the Frank Meyers Motor Company, ABC Furniture, and Davidson Ace Hardware after a 1975 fire, the building’s past is rich, though much of it remains a mystery. Now beautifully restored, it’s writing a new chapter as home to three thriving local businesses. The Outfitters of Palo Pinto County This locally owned shop is a must visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. From kayaking the Brazos to hiking, biking, and hunting, The Outfitters has quality gear and apparel for all your Palo Pinto County adventures. While you’re there, don’t miss the Bucket List Challenge, a fun guide to some of the best experiences the area has to offer. As you complete each one, head back to The Outfitters to check it off and win prizes. It’s the perfect way to explore your own backyard. #MWadventure The Collective at Poston’s Plaza Inside The Collective, you’ll find a variety of booths from local artisans, boutique owners, and vendors. Whether you’re shopping for home décor, clothing, art, or antiques, this creative market offers something for everyone. City Meats & Market Owned by Hayden and Brittany Brown, City Meats & Market blends a meat market, specialty grocery, and sandwich shop into one warm, welcoming space. Their mission is to support local farmers and provide a safe, sustainable food supply for the community. Together, these three businesses make the Seaman Building, a one-stop destination in the heart of Mineral Wells. Whether you’re stopping in for a fresh sandwich, browsing the latest home trends, or picking up gear for your weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone under this historic roof. * Be sure to visit the Seaman Building at 200 W Hubbard Street and experience this vibrant piece of Mineral Wells history for yourself. 940-226-8700 | info@themarketat76067.com #EatDrinkShop76067 | f
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16 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group W Written by JESSICA WESSON | Photos provided by STEEL HOPE FOUNDATION When Joshua Holm joined the military at 17, he expected hardship. He expected danger. What he didn’t expect was that the most grueling fight of his life would come years later, after the uniform was packed away and the battlefield was thousands of miles behind him. Joshua’s Army service was marked by sacrifice. After 9/11, he switched from Reserves to active duty. Serving with the 316th Field Artillery, he was wounded multiple times during house raids and mortar attacks. But even then, he didn’t realize how much his body and mind had absorbed. “I didn’t understand the severity of my injuries,” he shared. “I thought I could just come home and go back to normal.” Normal never came. Back in Texas, a catastrophic stroke at just 25 years old left Joshua unable to walk, partially paralyzed, and fighting to speak. “My left side was basically gone,” he recalled. “I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I didn’t see a soldier. I saw a victim.” His wife, Crystal, refused to let him stay in that place. “She told me, ‘Your pain has a purpose,’” Joshua said. That moment became a turning point and the seed that would grow into Steel Hope, the nonprofit organization they founded together to help other veterans and families heal. Finding Purpose in A HEROIC TIME SPENT FIGHTING A WAR, FOLLOWED BY INJURIES AND A STROKE CULMINATED INTO ONE WARTIME HERO ON A MISSION TO HELP OTHERS.
Joshua’s recovery was painstaking and humbling. At a brain injury clinic, therapists encouraged him to find ways to express the emotions bottled up inside. “They told me, ‘Just get it out. Write a letter, pound on a keyboard, anything,’” he explained. With his left hand paralyzed, he steadied a pen in his right and began to write. “My hand was shaking so bad,” he said, “but I wrote eight letters to God.” Those letters later became his first book, Some of My Life Lessons. “I look back now, and that book was the blueprint for everything we’re doing with Steel Hope,” he said. Joshua describes writing as the first time he felt truly alive again. “I didn’t realize how much passion and excitement I had inside me,” he shared. “It was like something woke up.” He also discovered a new way to process his thoughts: through acronyms. “With my brain injury, I had to relearn how to remember,” he said. “So I started using acronyms. For example, ‘FAITH’ for me means ‘Fully Accepting, Identifying, Trusting, Honoring.’” From Despair to Determination 17 hometown living at its best
18 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group In 2013, nearly a decade after his stroke, Joshua and Crystal formally launched Steel Hope. But its roots stretched back to those early years of struggle and rediscovery. “We knew we wanted to do something that would help people the way we were helped,” Joshua said. “Crystal came up with HOPE— Helping Others Problems Erase.” Together, they began offering coaching, mentoring, and emotional support to veterans and their families. Joshua often shared his story at conferences and churches across the country. “I always say, I’m just a cup for the King,” he explained. “It’s not about me. I’m a vessel.” the birth of steel hope
19 hometown living at its best One day in 2016, Joshua traveled to Mineral Wells to consult with investors about restoring the historic Crazy Water Hotel. When the project fell through, he felt unsettled but decided to drive around town. “I made a wrong turn,” he said, smiling. “But it was the best wrong turn I ever made.” He spotted a neglected property that once belonged to Raymond Martin, a World War II veteran and philanthropist. As Joshua walked the land, he was struck by a vision. “I saw people of all colors and uniforms laughing together,” he recalled. “And I heard God say, ‘If you build it, they shall come.’” When he shared the idea with Crystal, she was hesitant. “She looked at me like I was nuts,” Joshua laughed. “But she knew this was something bigger than us.” They purchased the property, which they call The White House, with the goal of preserving its history and transforming it into a gathering place for healing. “Our mission is to preserve the history, restore the value, and repurpose it for others,” Joshua said. a wrong turn and a new hope
Today, Steel Hope operates with a simple but powerful philosophy: help one person, and you can change the world. “I call it reach one, teach one, and then do it again and again,” Joshua explained. The organization has big plans, including building Steel Ranch, a retreat center for veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors. “I want people to come here and know there’s always hope,” he said. For Joshua and Crystal, Steel Hope is more than a nonprofit. It’s the culmination of a lifetime of battles, losses, faith, and second chances. “I HAD TO STOP TRYING TO BE WHO I WAS,” Joshua said. “AND START BEING WHO I AM—TO BECOME WHO I’M MEANT TO BE.” When asked what he would say to other veterans struggling to find their footing, Joshua didn’t hesitate. “You’re not broken beyond repair,” he said. “You’re just in a season. If you’re willing to believe it, you can build something beautiful, even out of the hardest places.” † the birth of steel hope 21 hometown living at its best
22 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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24 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group HOMETOWN COOKIN’ FEATURING Magen Desnoyers is the chef-owner of Magpie Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of downtown Mineral Wells. A trained chef with a passion for seasonal, locally inspired cuisine, Magen brings comfort and creativity to every plate. Magpie Inn was born from a dream rooted in family — named after the nickname lovingly given to her by her Nana, who has lived in Mineral Wells for 50 years. Today, she not only welcomes guests from all over the country, but also proudly serves as the President of the Texas Bed & Breakfast Association, helping shape the future of independent hospitality across the state. Magen Desnoyers
25 hometown living at its best Magpie Inn’s Dutch Baby INGREDIENTS: • 3 large eggs • ½ cup whole milk • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Pinch of salt • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron preferred) in the oven to heat. 2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. 3. Carefully remove the hot skillet, add butter, and swirl to coat. Pour batter into the skillet and return to the oven. 4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until puffed and golden brown. SEASONAL FILLINGS: At Magpie Inn, we love to highlight whatever is fresh and local: Summer: Parker County peaches (a guest favorite during Peach Festival) Fall: Cinnamon-spiced apples Spring: Lemon curd and fresh blueberries Winter: Cranberry-orange compote The possibilities are endless—just top your Dutch Baby with fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of syrup to match the season. Pro Tip: Flavor your whipped cream with extract of your choice to take things to the next level. Some of our favorites are: maple, orange, and vanilla
26 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Spicy Sidekick Sausage Bites INGREDIENTS: • 1 package Eckrich (or similar) Polish sausage, sliced into bite-sized rounds • Fresh jalapeños, sliced into thin rounds • Brown sugar, for sprinkling • Bacon strips, cut in half • Toothpicks INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. 2. Top each sausage slice with a jalapeño slice. Sprinkle lightly with brown sugar. 3. Wrap each stack with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. 5. Serve hot—they’re sweet, smoky, spicy, and totally addictive! Sure to be a total touchdown! (Perfect for Game Day)
27 hometown living at its best Roasted Brown Sugar Pears with Honey Vanilla Yogurt & Granola INGREDIENTS: • Fresh pears, halved and cored • Brown sugar (about 1 tablespoon per pear half) • Honey vanilla yogurt (store-bought or homemade) • Granola, for serving INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Halve the pears and gently remove the core to create a small well. 3. Sprinkle each pear half with brown sugar, filling the cored center generously. 4. Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10–15 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the sugar is melted and caramelized. 5. To serve, spoon honey vanilla yogurt onto a plate or shallow bowl, top with the warm roasted pears, and sprinkle with granola. Serve immediately. Tip: This simple, elegant dessert can also be served as a decadent breakfast or brunch option!
28 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group FEB. 2026 Frosty 5K Fun Run State of the Community Luncheon Leadership Mineral Wells – Class 31 Applications Open DEC. 13TH JAN. 2026 Shop Local & Win – Program Kickoff NOV. 1ST Shop Local & Win – Merchant Registration Opens SEPT. 29TH 100 Years Strong: Building Business, Celebrating Community As the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years of service, we remain committed to driving progress, supporting local business, and building a stronger, more connected community. Our centennial year is more than a milestone—it’s a launching point for what comes next. From impactful programs to community-wide events, we invite you to be part of the momentum as we close out 2025 and look ahead to an exciting 2026. GET INVOLVED. STAY INFORMED. SCAN FOR FULL DETAILS.
29 hometown living at its best Mineral Wells Economic Development Corporation BUSINESS IS BETTER WHERE EMPLOYEES THRIVE Mineral Wells Economic Development Corporation 3X HOME OF to 20 MILES OF WALKING TRAILS lake mineral wells possum kingdom palo pinto mountains
30 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Written by BROOKE GRAHAM Photos by MELISSA DIGUE PORTRAIT and provided by MINERAL WELLS CENTER OF LIFE Community resource center for the unhoused, Mineral Wells Center of Life is a faith-based organization making a difference in many lives, including the Executive Director, whose story has come full circle. HOPE A Foundation of
31 hometown living at its best SSome people that you come across in life are meant to do big things. They walk quietly among us, blending in and not wanting or asking for accolades or applause for the difference they are making in the lives of others. Amber Brooks, executive director at Mineral Wells Center of Life, is one of those people. Her story is one of how even in the darkest days of addiction, loss and suffering, faith can carry you through. It’s a story of redemption, of rising from the ashes, of coming back to where you started, but on the other side. Amber knows all too well the struggles of those who she now serves and advocates for. She is quick to say, “I am a product of this organization,” and the fact that she is now the leader of the organization is a true testament to her faith and story. She fell into a life of addiction at only 13 years old and with parents who were knee deep in addiction as well, it was a quick downhill slide. “My life at 13 led to a long life of destruction and self-sabotage. I had gotten to the point where I was not going to be alive if I didn’t do something different,” Amber said. She met her now husband, Lee and the pair struggled with both addiction and homelessness together. They lived under a carport and bathed in a river until a close friend passed away due to drug and alcohol detox. It was then that Lee told Amber, “If we don’t do something, we’re going to be dead or in jail.” That’s when they came to the exact building and even office that Amber currently works in, to get help. They ended up going to a rehabilitation facility in Dallas, where on the drive there, she never would have realized how much her life would change. “I used in the car the whole way for the very last time. I remember being in the parking lot and him [Lee] saying, ‘you have to get out and go inside.’ I sat in the car crying out to the Lord, just screaming to him to help me.” With a spiritual push from God and with the urging of Lee, she walked into the building. Both Amber and Lee celebrate ten years of being substance free this year.
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33 hometown living at its best On her return home to Mineral Wells, Amber went to Addiction Recovery Ministries, which was housed along with the Center of Life. “The start of my journey was here in this building through ARMs and all these years later, the Lord has blessed me big through the same ministry where I get to love on the people going through the same thing I once went through, and it is just super special,” Amber said. The full circle moment came years later when Amber interviewed and was offered the Executive Director position at the Center, helping the broken, lonely people who walk through their door for help the same way she did all those years ago. Amber’s path to her director position was forged after she had received her certificate to be a substance abuse counselor and began furthering her education to get her LPC. She was encouraged to apply for the position, and after revisiting the building after many years, felt a pull from the Holy Spirit to apply. Amber went into the interview fully intending to pour her heart out, “It was the scariest interview, but I told them everything and didn’t leave anything unturned. I told them I lied, I cheated, I stole, I used drugs. And then the story of how the Lord brought me up and out of it.” She was hired.
34 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Before becoming a gathering place for meals, showers and help for those in need, the building that the Center is in was an operating Coors Beer Warehouse. The previous Board President, Pastor William Eudy said it best after they hired Amber, “Only God can turn a beer warehouse into a ministry and a drug addict into an Executive Director.” Mineral Wells Center of Life is a 501©3 faith based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to feed, minister, educate and assist those living in poverty and the unhoused. Center of Life does this through a mirage of services that they offer such as GED classes, a food pantry, water bill assistance, the resale shop, the Nourish Program where a warm meal is offered four days a week, access to a client facilitator who helps apply for assistance programs, and even access to the Salvation Army and the Workforce who are on site weekly. A newer service and one that Amber is undeniably proud of is the completion of a shower that was built on location. Her times of bathing in the river were etched in her mind, “I remember feeling nasty and horrible and everything around me would feel destitute. You don’t feel like you can go get a job or face people and you don’t feel like yourself. There were days that all I wanted to do was wash my body.” In the way that a lot of things work out at the Center, it was as if the Lord had laid out the plan from the beginning. When Amber was hired, the building needed major roof and plumbing work. It was an overwhelming and intimidating time to step into the role for Amber, who was still processing everything, “I had to oversee this stressful situation that felt way above me but then I thought to ask the plumber, ‘Since you are already in there, can we add a shower so my people can bathe?’ and it happened. Now we have a fully stocked room where they can get their toiletries and clothing for the day.” The ritual and simplicity of bathing is something so common to most people that it is something that is so easily taken for granted. “They come out and just look like different people in different moods and they feel so much better,” Amber said. In addition to Amber’s role, there is a Board of Directors, a full staff, and dedicated volunteers on the front lines and backend who keep the organization running smoothly. Angel Butler is Amber’s right-hand woman and the assistant director at the Center. The ministry closest to Angel’s heart and one she has worked tirelessly to renovate the process and quality of is the Food Pantry. The Center previously provided food once a month, in a small box with little variety
35 hometown living at its best or nutritional value. Angel soon recognized the need for change, “We have to feed them well. It has morphed into that they now get frozen meat and fresh vegetables and better-quality foods. They’re able to come in and pick their own food and then they’re walking out with a basket full of groceries. It has made a huge difference,” she said. It is not lost on Amber how the Lord has placed each member of her team in the path of the Center, “I always say that my team is my first ministry because I feel like if they don’t come first, then we’re not going to be able to serve at the capacity that we do,” she said. Community support is also crucial to the Center, as it is funded primarily by grants, private and community donations and churches. Local groups and businesses such as Mineral Wells Leadership classes, Brookshires, Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, We are United Way, 100 Women of Palo Pinto County and many other local civic organizations have all made substantial donations that help keep the Center running. While Amber recognizes what the Center of Life did for her personally and does for the unhoused community now, she also knows that it doesn’t necessarily fill all the gaps and needs in Mineral Wells. “Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
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37 hometown living at its best Much of Amber’s healing after rehab took place at ARMs and she was one of the last women placed there before they closed their doors. Now, nearly ten years later and with a new location, ARMs is getting ready to reopen for women in need. Soozy Stone is the Executive Director of the ministry and has been working nonstop to get it up and running. “I can’t wait to see the women flourish and become all that God created them to be. They come to us hopeless and lost and we have to help keep them from going back to the same situation or they’re just going to continue the cycle,” Soozy said. Amber looks forward to the reopening of ARMs so she can refer women just like her, those in need of solace, a safe space and healing. Being bold in her faith and testimony seems to come natural for Amber. There is no shame regarding her past, only growth and the ability to use her story to minister to others that are on the same path that she once was, “I am not even sad or upset about it because it has led to the most beautiful things in my life,” she said. Amber’s story is one of many that weave together the fabric that makes up the Center of Life. Each person in need of help that walks through their door creates an opportunity to share the love, support and faith that can become truly life changing. † If you are interested in volunteering, donating or finding out more about Mineral Wells Center of Life, check out their website at: www.mwcol.org To donate or volunteer your time at Addiction Recovery Ministries (ARMs), You can find them on Face Book at: Addiction Recovery Ministries and Life Recovery in Mineral Wells
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40 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
HOMETOWN Happenings
43 hometown living at its best The 2nd annual Flying Pig Festival took place June 13-14 and featured festivities, food and fun for the whole family. What began as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the long-awaited reopening of the Baker Hotel has quickly become one of the town’s most beloved traditions, which celebrates our small-town pride, creativity, and community revival. Festivities kicked off Friday evening with the barbecue Cook-Off and a live concert featuring performances by Western Deluxe, Matt Hillyer, and headliner Cory Morrow. Locals and visitors alike gathered with lawn chairs and coolers to enjoy the music, food, and relaxed summer atmosphere. Saturday’s events began with the Flying Pig 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, where participants of all ages dashed through downtown before celebrating with bacon at the finish line. Throughout the day, families explored the food court, shopped the vendor market, and admired classic rides at the Road Hog Car & Bike Show. Live music kept the energy going all day, while the Kid Zone provided games and activities for little ones. Festival goers also enjoyed crowd favorite contests like the spirited Pig Call and the Kiss-A-Pig competition. The Flying Pig Festival has quickly grown into a symbol of hope and progress in Mineral Wells. It’s more than an event, it’s a celebration of who we are and where we’re headed. FLYING Pig Festival Photos by WHITNEY K PHOTOGRAPHY & provided by THE CITY OF MINERAL WELLS
HOMETOWN Happenings
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46 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group HELLO@MELISSADIGUE.COM MELISSA 313-617-8776 MINERAL WELLS, TX WE CREATE MORE THAN PHOTOGRAPHS; WE CRAFT TIMELESS WORKS OF ART THAT CELEBRATE WHO YOU TRULY ARE. WHETHER IT’S AN EMPOWERING BRANDING SESSION, ELEVATED SENIOR PORTRAITS, OR CHERISHED FAMILY MOMENTS, EVERY SESSION IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL CONFIDENT, BEAUTIFUL, AND AUTHENTICALLY YOU. www.instagram.com/melissadigueportrait WWW.MELISSADIGUE.COM www.facebook.com/melissadigueportrait
47 hometown living at its best Your story deserves more than a snapshot—it deserves to be art. Because you deserve to see yourself in your truest light
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KEEPING IT CRAZY 50 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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LLocal musician, Adam Hull has played music professionally for over 23 years and performs local and out-of-town gigs all over Texas. But his heart is here in Mineral Wells, where the passion he has for his hometown, his music, and even his home is contagious. Adam graduated from Tarleton University with a degree in music. He then pursued a master’s degree in education, which led him to teach elementary school. However, his music called him back to his desired vocation. “I decided that I wanted to be a bum musician for the rest of my life,” he said. He averages 75 to 100 gigs a year outside of Mineral Wells and has several venues in town in which he has a residency to play on a scheduled basis. Many of his local gigs include bandmate Ashleigh Lamport, while others he plays solo. The band is called Crazy Crooners and includes Allan Young, David Jibaro, and Brian Shoemaker. “We are kind of a throwback band singing the older crooner songs by Dean Marin and Frank Sinatra. We also take modern songs and make them jazzier,” he explained. He has also taught private guitar lessons to students for decades. “I have taught over 1,000 students over the years in Mineral Wells and surrounding communities,” he said. He has a roster of approximately 50 students. He is an advocate for music education, and his students have seen a variety of successes. Adam was voted “Best Musician in Palo Pinto County” in 2024. He has recorded six songs and released them on Spotify, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The song that has really taken off is called Crazy in a Crazy Town, which received over 50,000 views in the first two weeks of its release. “I have never put out anything that went so viral,” he said, “Messages from strangers telling me that they love my stuff and just want me to keep it going. That is a nice note of encouragement. Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos provided by ADAM HULL A LOCAL MUSICIAN SHARES COMMUNITY PRIDE THROUGH HIS SONGS.
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54 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
55 hometown living at its best We don’t usually get that as artists. Artists are starving but mainly starving for attention!” Crazy in a Crazy Town is a love song and video set within the framework of Mineral Wells and features the legends and monuments that make it so special. The video includes a cameo of country legend Tommy Alverson and an homage to a local gentleman often referred to as Captain America, aka Daniel Ewing. “Captain America was a gentleman who was a recovering drug addict, and he was clean and sober for the last 12 years of his life. One of the main things he was known for is that he would ride around on his motorcycle with an American Flag strapped to his back, and he liked to flash the peace sign and make people smile as they were driving through town. The video was going to feature him, but unfortunately, he became ill a week before filming started and lost his life,” Adam said. In the video, you see a child riding around on his bike with an American Flag tied around his neck, fluttering in the wind. And at the end of the video, he flashed a peace sign. The videographers, Oscar Diaz and Jeffery Clifton, showcased their skills with the video which captured the heart and soul of our community.
56 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Adam is community-minded and hosts an event once a year in the summer called Mineral Wells Idol. This year’s event raised $26,000, which was donated to the Back Pack Buddies of Mineral Wells. “It feeds hungry kids on the weekends, holidays, and summer break. We have about 300+ kids that we feed. the funds received at this year’s event will take care of about a third of the year for the food supply they need to pack the backpacks for those kids,”Adam said. “I love it here, and I don’t plan on living anywhere else. I have a passion for this town and my life. Mineral Wells is a great place to live, and it’s a great place to raise your family. It’s a great place to stay crazy. The people have been good to me, the town has been good to me, and I just wanted to give back something to my hometown. So that is Crazy in a Crazy Town in a capsule,” he said. †
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MICHAEL Photos provided by THE ZINN FAMILY 4-H SPOTLIGHT NAME: Michael Zinn, 17 PARENTS: Brannon and Heidi Zinn 4-H CLUB: Palo Pinto County 4-H Shooting Sports ZINN
61 hometown living at its best HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE 4-H AND PROJECTS? I’ve been a part of the Sturdivant 4-H club for 8 years and a part of The Palo Pinto Shooting Sports club for 3 years. I started showing animals when I was 8 years old and started shooting sports when I was 9 years old. Our Palo Pinto Shooting Sports Club is only 3 years old, but we had shooting sports available in our county before the creation of the new club. WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I used to show pigs, broilers, and cattle. I showed both longhorn heifers and beef steers. I also did livestock judging for my junior and intermediate years before shifting all my focus into shooting sports. I began with rifle and pistol, before the club expanded to having shotgun and archery later in my career. ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? I was president of the Sturdivant 4-H club for 4 years and 2 years for the Palo Pinto County 4-H Shooting Sports Club. Currently I am serving as the council delegate for my Shooting Sports Club. Taking the role of president is one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had. It has taught me how to become a better speaker and how to come out of my shell. Leading a team of officers and my club members has helped me develop great relationships and leadership skills.
62 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group LEAST FAVORITE PART OF SHOOTING SPORTS? The weather change in shooting sports is the worst part about it. Shooting in the freezing cold and the blistering heat can be extremely draining. Our district competition has never had nice weather when we are there. We’ve had over 100 degree heat, freezing cold, or storming so bad we had to cancel in the middle of shooting due to lightning. FAVORITE PART OF SHOOTING SPORTS? Getting to experience 4-H with my family is a great gift. 4-H has allowed my dad to coach me since I was a junior. My brother is 3 years younger than me, and he soon joined shooting when he was eligible. Watching him develop and seeing him overcome challenges that I had to battle helps me realize that shooting sports is equal for everybody who puts in the time and effort at practice. Having great coaches that care about me personally helps with my confidence and my drive as a competitor. HOW HAS 4-H PREPARED YOU FOR THE FUTURE? 4-H has taught me that responsibility and accountability are extremely important. Having good speaking skills and learning how to work with people from different backgrounds and different levels of experience is going to boost my confidence going into my adulthood. With the job I want to have when I’m older it is very important that I learn these skills early so I can keep building on them in the future. WHY IS 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? 4-H has made me the person that I am today. I’ve learned how to talk in front of others, how to lead a group, and work and bond with people. 4-H has brought me friendships and connections with people all over Texas. One of the greatest aspects of shooting sports is being part of a team and building friendships that will last a lifetime. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? 4-H is great for everybody. 4-H has so many different options for people who may love showing animals, activities outdoors, who enjoy cooking, who are great at photography, and many other available opportunities. You can meet people from across the state or even across the nation. Community service projects are huge in all clubs, so if you love serving your community, 4-H is where you can do that. WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? My dad has always been an inspiration of mine. He has coached every sport that I’ve played, every project that I’ve had, and is a coach for our shooting sports club. He has pushed me into becoming an officer and encouraged me when I’m shooting even when we have crazy weather.
63 hometown living at its best WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? I have shown all across Texas. From Fort Worth to Houston, to San Antonio to Abilene and San Angelo also many places in between. I have enjoyed every second of it. In our county shows I’ve shown broilers, pigs, and steers. My first year showing broilers I was awarded the Reserve Grand Champion buckle, which is still one of my favorites. I showed pigs for a couple of years and I won a duffel bag, a garment bag, and 2 buckles. These two buckles are for my grand champion and my reserve grand champion pigs. For shooting sports I have won 7 buckles, 5 as a senior, 1 as an intermediate, and 1 as a junior. 4 of the buckles are for being the top shot in rifle and pistol. I have earned 1 buckle for the archery top shot as well as winning the district match. I have also won 2 shotgun buckles for being the top shot in my county. All three years that I’ve been a senior my team and I have qualified for the state competition for rifle. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? I want to become a fire fighter or EMS. I want to help people in my community. I also plan on going to Tarleton State University to study in the field of conservation. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAS HAPPENED DURING YOUR TIME IN 4-H. One day I was working with one of my new steers when I was about 10 years old. He was new on the halter, and I was showing my dad and the ag teacher how well he was doing when he decided to take off. I hung on to the lead rope not knowing what to do while he drug me across the pasture and an old burn pile while my dad was chasing behind us yelling to let go of the rope. When I finally let go, I stood up covered in ashes and scratches and maybe some grass in my teeth. I learned to let go of the rope after that. WORDS OF ADVICE: Trust God, He forgives and He has a plan for you.
64 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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66 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Written by ROSE THORNE | Photos provided by MINERAL WELLNESS CENTER Peace, Healing THE MINERAL WELLNESS CENTER IS A FAITH-BASED PLACE OF PEACE AND HEALING FOR THOSE IN NEED. & Wellness
67 hometown living at its best UUpon moving to Mineral Wells, Fawn and David Bull were looking for an outlet to contribute to the community. Fawn, who is a Christian Counselor had begun a new practice in the area and quickly discovered that there were many people who didn’t have the financial means to cover counseling. That’s when she recognized the need for a nonprofit sector of mental wellness in the area. This realization led to the idea and eventual founding of Mineral Wellness Center, which has been open and serving the community for a couple years now. Since its inception, David and Fawn have been working together to grow their vision of all the ways Mineral Wellness Center could benefit the people of the community. Dawn, having come up with the idea, is the founder and president of the center, while David is the co-founder and vice president. The slogan of the center is “Community Care through faith and restoration.” This phrase illustrates exactly what their goal is. The center is open and available to first responders, those in addiction recovery, and those seeking peace. At the center, they focus on three distinct categories: mental health, wellness opportunities, and community care. They achieve these points through offering bible studies, support groups, and hosting various events. The center is not a medical facility, and they currently do not offer any medical services, just resources for mental health and wellness. They try to offer help to everyone by offering resources for those struggling with addiction, accessible counseling, and events intended to create a sense of support and community. “Mineral Wells is actually the wellness capital of Texas, so we want to make sure everyone has access to wellness,” David said. The Center is located in a 1920s farmhouse that sits on about an acre of land. The charm and space that this location supplies makes it the perfect place for those seeking peace, solace and help. The house originally served as Fawn’s office until they realized the opportunities it presented for the center. Fawn and David hope to utilize this potential soon by increasing the resources and opportunities they can supply through the facility, such as a farmers’ market, community garden, and various workshops.
68 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group In addition to what they can supply directly through the facility, they also partner with local businesses, churches, and other non-profits to fill needs. By doing this, they not only create a larger pool of resources for those who attend the center, but they also support the other facilities in the area and don’t steal from the roles they play in the community, “We help bridge the gap between other facilities and non-profits, to create a sense of collaboration.” David said that his favorite services that are offered through the center are the counseling and mental health services because they are the most widely used and most rewarding to see take place in action. The Christian counseling services are provided through a partnership between the center and FMB Christian Counseling. Fawn is the founder and owner of FMB so she has a consistent method of supplying counseling services to those at the center, without having to bring in a third party to do so.
69 hometown living at its best Further, the faith-based counseling costs are covered, making it a free and accessible tool to the whole community. Those needing additional time to focus on mental health can find the comfort and guidance they need through the support groups offered at the center. David said the mental health services help everyone involved grow, even the counselors. He believes that a community can’t grow if everyone that makes up the community isn’t tended to. David said that in the two years that the facility has been open, they have helped hundreds of people. Through counseling, support groups, addiction assistance, and outreach, they’ve been able to touch the lives of many people in the area. He expanded on this by adding that the impact of helping one person through counseling can technically help multiple generations of people by helping them to break unhealthy family cycles and process trauma that’s been passed down. Because they are a non-profit organization, most of their funding comes from grants, donations, and fundraising. There are a few businesses that regularly sponsor the facility and the events they host, and there are several organizations that donate time and items to support their cause. They have plans to host more fundraising events in the future, but for now the best way to support the organization is to donate. † MONETARY SPONSORSHIP CAN BE DONE THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT MINERALWELLNESSCENTER.ORG/
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72 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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74 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group Written by ELLEN SLATER | Photos provided by ABLE OAKS FARM ABLE OAKS FARM IS A NON-PROFIT PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES MEANINGFUL WORK FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. EMPOWERING SPECIAL NEEDS those with LLocally owned and operated, Able Oaks Farm is a working farm operated by those with special needs. The Farm's Founder and Director, Scheena Hamscher got the idea to develop the day farm based on her son Dylan's needs. "Dylan was autistic and non-verbal," said Hamscher. "Once he graduated from high school there was a huge void in his life. I prayed about it, and a group of us came up with the concept of a working farm for Dylan and others like him." Able Oaks farm opened in June of 2024 with three young adults. Today, there are eight participants and a long waiting list. Participants range in age from 18-30 years old. Hamscher says one of the aspects of the farm that appeals to young adults is the "hands- on" work they do. A typical day on the farm is busy as each of the workers have individual assignments. Some feed and water the horses and clean the stalls, others take care of the rooster and chickens by cleaning the coops and collecting eggs.
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76 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group The eggs are then stamped with the Able Oaks logo, and brought to town where they're sold to area merchants. Additionally, participants work in the vegetable and flower gardens. The Able Oaks Farm's mission is to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a productive program to serve, work and grow. To that end, in addition to working on the farm, participants also volunteer at local non-profit agencies such as Meals on Wheels. "We volunteer at Meals on Wheels each morning and package the meals. Doing this helps our young adults develop social skills by interacting with other volunteers," said Hamscher. "We also make birthday cards for the Meals on Wheels clients." The young adults also volunteer at Center for Life, another local non-profit that serves the homeless. "We pick up donuts and deliver them to the center each morning," said Hamscher.
77 hometown living at its best THE ABLE OAKS FARM'S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES A PRODUCTIVE PROGRAM TO SERVE, WORK AND GROW. According to Hamscher, she has participants on a tight schedule. "We go on daily walks, and after lunch do bible study and also continuing education in all subject areas," she said. "By the end of the day they're pretty tired. When they need a break from work, I have karaoke machines and sensory bins for brain breaks." Prior to opening the farm, Hamscher was employed by Mineral Wells and Graford I.S.D.'s as a junior high and high school Special Education Teacher. In addition to the farm, Hamscher and her husband Dustin also run an adapted basketball program for boys and girls with intellectual and developmental needs. The Dylan Lee Inclusive Basketball Foundation began in 2021. "Dylan was also the inspiration for the basketball program because he loved the game," said Hamscher. The program is free to participants and open to boys and girls ages third grade and above. "We started out with one team in 2021 and last year had four teams," she said. "We were able to open the league because of generous donors in our community, and we're blessed to have many volunteers who help. We had 40 players last season."
78 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
79 hometown living at its best Sadly, Dylan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer in 2023, and passed away in October of 2024. "The whole farm was designed with Dylan in mind, so as difficult as it was, I knew I had to continue with it," said Scheena. She said her family was her support after Dylan's death. Her husband, Dustin, serves as Able Oaks Board President, and her two stepchildren—21-year-old Hayden and 19-year-old Addisyn—as well as her nine-year-old daughter, Grace, all help lend a hand. "My Dad, brother and sister all moved to Mineral Wells after Dylan's passing. This was a tremendous help because there were days I was deeply saddened by the loss of Dylan and day to day life was difficult," Hamscher said. As time passed, she was able to return to her duties as Director, because she knows she is doing purposeful work, and she's able to see participants growth, joy and happiness. "I believe the farm has had a positive impact on young adult lives. Several of our members are verbal, and they tell me before coming to Able Oaks their days were boring, consisting of watching television or playing video games," she said. "One of our girls struggles with anxiety, and after several months with us her symptoms had greatly improved." Scheena says she plans to continue her work at the farm as long as she is able to. "Our biggest need currently is adult volunteers to help at the farm and with continuing education," she said. "It's just me on most days, and I am in need of volunteers to help supervise as we continue to grow in size." Scheena says working at Able Oaks is extremely rewarding. "Knowing that I'm able to make a difference in their lives and to advocate for those who often can't advocate for themselves, being able to serve them and make a difference in their lives is a remarkable feeling." † To learn more about Able Oaks Farm or to volunteer, call: 682-229-9780 or e-mail: ableoaksfarm@gmail.com
80 mineral wells living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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HOMETOWN Happenings Each April, during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Children’s Alliance Center for Palo Pinto County (CAC) hosts its signature fundraising event: Bags, Bingo, and Badges. Held annually on the first Thursday of April, this high-energy evening brings the community together to support the CAC’s mission to prevent child abuse, protect children, and promote awareness across the county. This year’s sold-out event was held at the historic Crazy Water Hotel and featured lively bingo games, designer handbag giveaways, and three luxury Louis Vuitton prize drawings. One of the night’s biggest highlights? Local first responders brought the heat to the runway—working it with handbags in hand and style to spare. Guests were welcomed with charcuterie boards, waters, bingo daubers, and programs at each table, setting the stage for a fun and festive night from start to finish. After the final bingo call, the celebration continued with afterparties hosted by Rickhouse Brewing, Coffee & Cocktails, and Bankhead Wine Bar. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, Bags, Bingo, and Badges continues to provide critical support for the CAC’s services, directly impacting children and families across Palo Pinto County. To learn more about the Children's Alliance Center for Palo Pinto County and how you can support their mission—through volunteering, donations, or community involvement—visit www.cacpalopinto.org. CAC Bags, Bingo & Badges Photos by MELISSA DIGUE PORTRAIT
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