1 hometown living at its best
2 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group
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4 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group Contents 8 HOPE FOR HUNGRY KIDS Hope Squad is fulfilling God’s call to feed hungry kids, one free food bag at a time. 16 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Bright Star Memorial Dedication 20 MAKING THE CUT Pete McGarity, an Odessa native, has made a name for himself and is credited with starting a trend in the Permian Basin’s barber community. 29 A SPRINGBOARD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE A story of loss turns into a story of sobriety and hope for a West Texas woman. 34 HOMETOWN HAPPENING 2024 UTPB Scholarship Soiree 38 FEEDING WEST TEXANS The West Texas Food Bank serves over 14 million pounds of food for our neighbors in need and that need keeps growing. A recent expansion at the Odessa location helps better serve the community and provides dedicated volunteer space. 46 A CELEBRATION OF AVIATION The 2024 Commemorative Air Force High Sky Wing Airsho. 54 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Loralei’s Christmas Sugar Cookies 8 20 34 46 On the Cover
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6 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group HOPE Odessa 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 Sabrina Forse Tory Keeter Avery Pullin Haley Ragsdale Becca Nelson Sankey Nick Viggiano PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Gonzales Photography COVER PHOTO Provided by UTPB Lindsey Kruger 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 Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group A word that keeps popping up lately. I teach first and second graders Wednesday nights at our church and last week we learned the difference between hoping for something and the hope we have in Christ. One is kind of like a wish and the other is a promise we look forward to, a lasting hope. My kids have made their Christmas lists and are hoping for quite a bit, including a new puppy. I am hoping she is easy to potty train and does not chew up the furniture! This season, do not mix up hope for the temporary with hope for eternity. We do what we can with our time on earth to help and bless others and it is ok to bring our requests to God. He can use those moments of hopelessness to draw us to Him. But regardless of the outcome, if we do not have a relationship with Jesus, we do not have hope for eternity with Him. This issue is full of people making a difference in Odessa and giving hope to others! Some are helping those who are hoping to have enough money to provide food for their family plus a gift or two (pg 8 & 38). Others are hoping to leave a lasting legacy in their chosen career path (pg 20) or hoping they have the strength to make better life choices this time around (pg 29). Also featured is a memorial that symbolizes memory of the past and hope for the future (pg 16). I HOPE you enjoy this issue and as always would love to hear from you what you would like to read in future issues! “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13
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8 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group HOPE Hope Squad is fulfilling God’s call to feed hungry kids, one free food bag at a time. for Hungry Kids WRITTEN BY TORY KEETER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HOPE SQUAD
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10 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group LLaura Stuart has a love for teens. She & her husband, Jon, serve in Purpose Youth at Purpose Church in south Odessa. They have a passion to lead & teach teens about Jesus. One Sunday morning, their pastor was preaching a sermon about burdens. Laura remembers this sermon well, but particularly remembers him saying, “God has given all of us a burden for something. What is your burden, and what are you doing about it?” The congregation was asked to write their burdens on a piece of paper, and then place them into the tithing bucket. Laura’s burden was “feeding kids.” “That’s all I wrote, and that was that. I wasn’t sure if anyone would see or look at my little piece of paper,” Laura recalls. A few weeks after that sermon, Laura received a call from the associate pastor, Jami Butts. “He said that they had gotten my paper in the tithing bucket, and he wanted to know more about my ideas. I remembered how schools were open during the pandemic for families to
11 hometown living at its best drive up and get their lunches,” says Laura. She wanted to do something similar, and Jami assured her that the church would back her ideas & goals. The day she received the call from the associate pastor was the day she created an Amazon wish list. Laura took to social media to spread the word about her ideas & her new budding ministry. In June 2023, Hope Squad began. Initially, the priority was feeding kids at home (some alone) during the summer. Many of these children are without transportation, so Laura knew this was who Hope Squad was destined to serve. God heard Laura’s prayers & within one week, Laura was getting donations shipped to her doorstep from Amazon. Purpose Church is located within walking distance of many school aged children, so children were able to walk if they were home without any transportation. The summer Hope Squad began, Laura and her team of volunteers were able to hand out free food bags 3 times a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. HOPE SQUAD’S MISSION IS TO FEED HUNGRY KIDS, REGARDLESS OF INCOME, RACE, OR CLASS.
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13 hometown living at its best Then, summer came to a close and kids returned to school. “I knew that these kids would still be hungry during the school year, so I prayed about it,” Laura says looking back. Laura decided on Friday afternoons because in theory, kids would have enough food to last through the weekend when not inside school walls. Hope Squad volunteers meet at Purpose Church at 3:00 on Friday afternoons and pack food bags to hand out from 4:00 - 5:30. There are no questions asked and no paperwork to fill out. There are no hoops to jump through to get a free food bag. Hope Squad’s mission is to feed hungry kids, regardless of income, race, or class. “They’re there, they’re getting food, and that’s all that matters,” says Laura. The free food bags are made possible solely through donations from the community & church support. While packing each food bag, Hope Squad aims to include two items for each meal. Each bag provides two lunch items and two breakfast items with the goal of lasting them through the weekend. In each free food bag is a variety of easyto-make packaged foods. Each bag contains a poptop can such as ravioli, a cup of noodles or ramen pack, fruit snacks, cookies, crackers, and a little bag of chips. Breakfast items vary each week, but generally they provide instant oatmeal, Pop Tarts, or little boxes of cereal. Each bag also has a drink such as KoolAid or a water bottle. Any pre-school, elementary, or middle school aged children may pick up free food bags. There are always special instances & exceptions, and they will not turn any hungry child away. Hope Squad hands out an average of 25 - 40 bags each Friday. Since June 2023, Laura Stuart estimates they have handed out over 3,000 free food bags to hungry kids in Odessa. † To volunteer your time, or donate any food items, contact Hope Squad on Facebook. You can also get in touch directly with Laura Stuart at stuart1109@gmail.com
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MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY HOMETOWN Happenings Photos provided by UTPB August 31, 2024, marks five years since the horrific mass shooting. The Bright Star Memorial dedication was held on August 29th at the outdoor plaza on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus. The rainy weather brought with it a symbol of hope when the sky filled with a rainbow over the hundreds of community members in attendance! On August 31, 2019, seven people were killed and 25 injured. The Bright Star Memorial at UTPB honors the victims of the tragedy. This outdoor plaza symbolizes remembrance, unity, and hope for the community. It serves as a space for reflection and growth, with names of the victims etched in the pillar that illuminates at night. UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley spoke at the dedication, “This memorial is not just a static symbol but a living reminder of our collective commitment to honor those we lost and to support one another. As we dedicate this space, I encourage you all to see this as your park—a place for reflection, gathering, and solace. Let this be a place where we hold our loved ones tight and cherish every moment we have together.” The Plaza is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. It is the result of many hands and hearts coming together with a shared vision. A special thank you to Odessa Arts, The Odessa Chamber of Commerce, The City of Odessa, and Bright Start Memorial artist, James Sanborn for his profound and moving work. Bright Star
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18 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group BILLY BLACK heating. air conditioning. ventilation. Dedicated to Your indoor Comfort since 2016 Full-Service Heating & A/C Residential & Commercial Duct Cleaning & IAQ Solutions Serving Midland, Odessa, San Angelo and Surrounding Communities Midland San Angelo Schedule Your Service, Maintenance or Estimate Today! 432.312.6337 | 325.399.1320 TACLB122870E TACLB72497E
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21 hometown living at its best Cut WRITTEN BY BECCA NELSON SANKEY | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PETE MCGARITY MAKING THE
22 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group PPete McGarity doesn’t thank his lucky stars when he thinks about his career blessings as a barber and business owner; HE THANKS GOD. “If it wasn’t for Him being the good God that never, never fails me, I would not be where I am today,” McGarity said. “I have testimonies left and right, when I’ve thought, ‘What am I going to do?’ And then, boom, there’s the answer.” McGarity was in middle school when he and his friends would have their parents drop them off at the barber shop to have their hair cut. “it was an experience we really enjoyed,” he said. “My freshman year of high school, my mother bought me some clippers for Christmas, and I never looked back.” McGarity continued to go to his regular barber in Odessa to get his hair cut and would watch how he worked, then copy what he did at home. “I would maintain my own hair with my clippers and practice on some friends of mine. A buddy of mine who became a barber as well, he was one PETE MCGARITY, AN ODESSA NATIVE, HAS MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF AND IS CREDITED WITH STARTING A TREND IN THE PERMIAN BASIN’S BARBER COMMUNITY.
23 hometown living at its best of the ones I would get a haircut with when we were younger, and he has some pictures of when I would cut his hair,” McGarity said, laughing. “It’s funny because it wasn’t good, but that’s how you learn, and that gave me the practice. He’d go and get a professional haircut, and I would try to maintain it, and I got better and better.” After graduating high school, McGarity moved to Dallas and started barber college. “There was a recruiter who came to our barber college. When you walk into the school, there’s two sides, and if you’re in the first two to three chairs on each side, you’re one of the top students in your class,” he said. “Toward the end of my course, I was the first chair, and I was really proud of that, so I was one of the students the owner let the recruiter know about.” After graduation, McGarity started his career at a shop in Arlington. Though his original plan was to work full time doing something else and cut hair on the side, his passion for the latter soon became evident. He made good money at the Arlington shop and found joy making his clients happy. “I love when the client looks in the mirror (at their hair) and says, ‘This is exactly what I wanted,’” he said. The barber shop scene in the Dallas area was much different from McGarity’s Odessa hometown, where one barber worked in a shop alone. McGarity had always envisioned himself owning a business, so it was a natural move – literally and figuratively – to return to Odessa and bring the big-city barber shop business model to his hometown. “I wanted to make a name for myself where I could hire other barbers, and that took me to a whole new level,” he said. “Maybe four years into me being in Odessa, they saw what I was doing. Two friends got their licenses and came and worked at my shop. First, I had four barbers, and it went to 12, and everybody was paying booth
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25 hometown living at its best rent. No one had done that before in Odessa. If you look at Odessa now, it’s flooded, but I was the first one to do it.” He opened Headlines, a barber college, after COVID. “The first two to three years of opening I was there day in and day out as one of the instructors, and now I have a couple of guys in place so I can focus on being the owner” he said, adding that he still enjoys teaching the haircut process. “I love teaching actual haircuts, draping the client, how you start and finish it, the details part of it.” About 80 students graduate from Headlines each year, McGarity said. Having formed relationships with many of his clients whose hair he’s cut since he returned to Odessa in the late 1990s, McGarity stresses to his students the importance of connecting with their clients, as well as tips for running a successful business. “You need to keep it professional at all times. Some shops you go into, the music is too loud, and there’s cussing,” he said. “You can’t do certain things in front of clients if you want them to come back. I teach them about being on time, communicating, keeping a smile on their face, and not bringing their problems to the shop.” Even though there are several barber shops and colleges in Odessa now, McGarity said Headlines stands out partially because of the online learning component he added to it during the pandemic. “I have a customized distance learning program that a lady created for me so the students don’t necessarily have to do a lot of the book work at school; a lot can be done at home, and they get 200 hours when they complete the online program,” he said. “It’s easy to follow and repetitive, so when they go through the program and take the test at the end, they know it.” Plus, McGarity said, having worked in this industry in Odessa for so long, his name carries weight. “We get a lot of walk-ins because of our brand,” he said. When McGarity was a young boy, his aunt often told him that one day he’d become an entrepreneur. “I didn’t even know what that meant, even though I knew I would do something business-wise; I just didn’t know what,” he said. “I never imagined I’d be where I am now.” There is no doubt in McGarity’s mind that he’s exactly where God intended. “I sit and think and put things on paper, envision it, and do it,” he said. “When I pray, I thank Him for giving me the talent and the vision. I credit all of that to Him.” †
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Donut wait, we have Little’s waiting for a Big to sign up now. YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring relationships support the critical social and emotional development needed to help build resilience and promote the mental health and well-being of children in this community. 432-687-0195 bbbspermianbasin.org/volunteer 714 West Louisiana, Midland, TX 79701 4241 Tanglewood Lane, Odessa, TX 79762 Scan to help a child do BIG things 27 hometown living at its best
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29 hometown living at its best A STORY OF LOSS TURNS INTO A STORY OF SOBRIETY AND HOPE FOR A WEST TEXAS WOMAN. WRITTEN BY SABRINA FORSE | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SPRINGBOARD CENTER SPRINGBOARD to a Brighter Future
30 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group LLife isn’t easy and for Leslie Thurman, life has resulted in a cycle of losses. In the last year she’s lost a home, a car and changed jobs. What she hasn’t lost is her sobriety. “I’ve realized that alcohol and other substances don’t need to be my go-to,” said Leslie Thurman. It’s a lesson that Thurman learned with the help of The Springboard Center. It’s a non-profit facility that offers treatment and counseling for those struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. Thurman’s journey with addiction started when she was just fifteen years old. She tried alcohol while at a party. There, she met an older boy whom she began dating. “As a teenager, that infatuation can turn into bad decisions. There was a lot of drinking and drug abuse that led to verbal and physical abuse,” said Thurman. A few years later, Thurman moved away from West Texas to start fresh in Georgia. There, she became pregnant but what was supposed to be a new start turned tragic. “I had to have an emergency C-section when I was just six months pregnant. My son, Gabriel had hydrocephalus and other complications. He lived just thirty-five days.” Thurman later suffered multiple miscarriages before having to have an emergency hysterectomy. “I realized that when I was drinking, I was not sad in the moment. While drinking, I could shut my mind down and escape to a place where the pain wasn’t as severe. As I started drinking though, it took more and more alcohol to numb the pain.” At the insistence of her family, Thurman entered the treatment program at Springboard. “I thought if I go to treatment, it will make my family happy and get them off my back. I was doing it for everyone else.” Treatment didn’t last long, and Thurman was once again turning to alcohol. “My husband told me if I didn’t get help, he would leave me, so I went to Springboard again. When I found that he had already filed for divorce, I left the program.” It wasn’t until Thurman came to Springboard on her own that she experienced change. “The first time I hit rock bottom. The second time I hit the basement below rock bottom and the third time I hit so low that I couldn’t dig myself out. I
31 hometown living at its best lost everything. My sister who had always supported me didn’t want me around my nieces and nephews any longer. I was so tired of being sick and tired that I finally realized, it wasn’t going to work until I did it for myself.” Thurman enrolled as a patient at The Springboard Center. Like many patients, she first entered the detoxification program where a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor created a custom program to meet Thurmon’s needs. Medical professionals monitored Thurman as she experienced a detoxification program to rid her body of all harmful substances. “At that time, I still wanted to leave but the counselor said to give it another day. My sister found out that I was there and told me that we were going to do this together. I knew I had to fight for myself, so I stayed.” Once a patient completes detoxification, they enter the residential substance abuse program which is typically thirty-days. There, they live at the Springboard Center and participate in a number of activities to promote a healthy lifestyle. They meet with counselors individually and as a group. Friends and family can also attend counseling to help support their loved ones and understand addiction. “My sister participated in every single session,” said Thurman. At the end of the thirty days, Thurman then attended Springboard’s Intensive Outpatient Program. It’s a ten-week program that allows patients to receive ten hours per week of individual and family counseling
32 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group while still dealing with day-to-day obligations. It’s also an alternative to the residential treatment program for those unable to live onsite. There, patients learn the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. “Some people will say it’s just a book but for me it’s a way of living. When you learn the steps and learn how to apply them, then you can use them in other aspects of life,” said Thurman. Thurman successfully completed the Springboard Center’s program and has been sober since November 15, 2020. “Just because I’m sober doesn’t mean that my life has been any easier. I have a sponsor that helps talk me off the ledge sometimes. I found myself in a place where I had a good home, a car and a job I loved. Since then, I’ve lost all of those things, but I didn’t turn to drugs and alcohol. I’ve learned how to cope. I’m more self-conscious and level-headed. I’m living with an aunt and uncle who have shown me love and support. Addiction is a life-long battle but I’m using every tool and resource I can to fight it.” Using those tools and resources in everyday life is exactly what The Springboard Center hopes its clients will learn. “Trac9 rated Springboard in the top 10% of all addiction centers in the nation. Our overall patient improvement is 70% higher than the average,” said Joe Bell, Director of Marketing and Development. “We’re serious about sobriety and want to show individuals how to stay sober once they leave the center.” Springboard offers sober living facilities for those who have completed treatment. They can live in a substance free home situation while transitioning back to their homes and families. Thurman lived in one of these facilities for six months. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the top addiction treatment centers in America, the Springboard Center has served clients from across the nation but most live and work in the Permian Basin. 24% of clients are Odessans. “We choose to help restore and transform lives right here in our area. When people are treated for their addictions, there are less people on the road under the influence and less people making poor decisions to either hurt
33 hometown living at its best themselves or someone else. A community pays a huge price for addiction one way or another. When our clients are successful, they are ambassadors of our program and create a positive message for those still struggling,” said Bell. Connecting with others is a way that Thurman hopes to make an impact. “Alcoholism is a selfish disease. We tend to be self-centered and focus on our own situation but when you go through treatment you meet people from all walks of life and learn that others are facing the same types of problems,” said Thurman. “It’ scary to stand behind a podium and tell my story but it may be the story that someone else needs to hear to heal.” † SpringBoardCenter.org 432.620.0255 HELP IS AVAILABLE 24/7
SOIREE HOMETOWN Happenings Photos provided by UTPB The University of Texas Permian Basin hosted the annual Scholarship Soirée at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on October 17, 2024. The event raises money for UT Permian Basin’s General Scholarship Fund. Over half a million dollars was raised at this year’s fundraiser, supporting vital scholarship efforts. “When The Silva Law Group challenged us with a $250,000 scholarship matching gift, our community rose to the occasion, surpassing the goal and showcasing the remarkable power of collective generosity,” said Advancement’s Melanie Saiz, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations at UTPB. More than 90% of enrolled students at UTPB are eligible for scholarship funds, and many students depend on these dollars to complete their college degrees. “The Scholarship Soirée empowers students by opening doors to greater opportunities for a successful year. For many, the weight of basic needs and life's responsibilities can be overwhelming. This event serves as a vital lifeline, bridging the gap and lightening that burden, enabling students to focus on their dreams and aspirations,” said Saiz. UTPB music students delivered outstanding performances, featuring UTPB Mariachi, a jazz band, and skilled pianist. Attendees also enjoyed a formal dinner and live auction. The evening celebrated dedication and philanthropy, honoring those who uplift the Permian Basin community. Each year the University honors recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Distinguished Young Alumni Award, Community Partners Award, and the Lissa Wagner Excellence Award at the event. This year’s award recipients were Adam Muñoz, Kelby Davis, Diamondback Energy, and Cindy and Homer Daniels. Scholarship
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39 hometown living at its best WRITTEN BY HALEY RAGSDALE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WEST TEXAS FOOD BANK THE WEST TEXAS FOOD BANK SERVES OVER 14 MILLION POUNDS OF FOOD FOR OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED AND THAT NEED KEEPS GROWING. A RECENT EXPANSION AT THE ODESSA LOCATION HELPS BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDES DEDICATED VOLUNTEER SPACE. FEEDING West Texans
“The stereotype of hunger is homeless people. But if you are looking around a room of eight people, one is struggling with food insecurity. It could be your neighbor next door,” explained Libby Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of the West Texas Food Bank. Many of West Texas Food Bank’s clients have jobs. However, with the rising cost of almost everything, making ends meet till the end of the month can be a challenge. “We have an elderly woman who had to take on raising her grandchildren, after her daughter died of cancer. She depends on the food bank once a month to help get food on the table to feed her family,” Stephens said. The face of hunger is often not what you would expect.
41 hometown living at its best The West Texas Food Bank serves over 19 counties in West Texas. Those counties make up an area the size of the state of Maine. Stephens explained with inflation, and the high cost of living in West Texas, the needs continue to grow. To help meet the growing needs in our community, the food bank recently completed an expansion project at their Odessa location. The expansion added nearly 10,000-square-foot dedicated volunteer center and 32,000 total square feet of facilities. “One of the things I am most excited about is a special space for volunteers. We are honoring all that they do for us every day. We want our volunteers, board and staff to know how much they are truly appreciated.” Stephens said. The expansion also ups the food bank’s dry capacity storage and created educational gardens. “The new gardens at our Odessa campus help expand our education programs. We can explain butterflies, bees and the impact on our food systems. We have demo gardens what you can learn what grows well in West Texas and we have a children’s farmers market. At the market, families can enjoy the gardens, get free produce, and learn how to prepare and cook food.” she said. The expansion also created a dedicated drive through lane for food pickup with awnings to help shade volunteers. “We started the drive through food pickup during COVID, and I don’t think we will ever quit. Our seniors love it,” Stephens said.
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43 hometown living at its best Stephens explained due to the generosity of donors and community partners, Midland and Odessa are home to state-of-the-art facilities. The West Texas Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network. Feeding America rates the Midland and Odessa facilities a level one. Only eight other food banks in the nation earned that same rating. The West Texas Food Bank, partners with a network of over 100 agencies to help distribute food to children, families and seniors across the vast miles of West Texas. Stephens explained she is very proud that twenty eight percent of the food they provide is fresh produce. “We are really lucky with our continued support of our donors. The USDA has made a lot of cuts, and we have had to purchase more food than ever. Every dollar makes a huge difference on keeping our trucks on the road to take care of everyone,” she said. “Hunger is taboo. No one wants to admit they can’t feed themselves and put food on the table. People don’t always talk about hunger,” she said. The West Texas Food Bank continues to grow with the goal that no West Texan goes to bed hungry. † To learn more about the West Texas Food Bank and find ways to volunteer you can visit their website wtxfoodbank.org The West Texas Food Bank is committed to helping feed our community one meal at a time.
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47 hometown living at its best T BY NICHOLAS VIGGIANO AVIATION A Celebration of The Commemorative Air Force’s 2024 High Sky Wing Airsho on the weekend of September 7th and 8th was performed in perfect West Texas weather. Temperatures can easily reach and go above 100° but the weekend of the air show experienced temps in the upper 80s and lower 90s for all three days of the air show. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) High Sky Wing has been around since 1991 and operates the Midland Army Airfield Museum at the Midland International Air & Space Port with over 20 aircraft on campus year-round. The show was held at the Midland International Air & Space Port, which services commercial airlines. This can create some downtime during the air show, but the work of Airboss Kellie Hudson helped the flow of the show with minimal stoppages. To kick off the weekend, Sky High Wing put on a Special Show for Special People on Friday that included a chosen grade level of elementary school students, seasoned citizens from local retirement homes and special needs children from the local communities. This is an outstanding way that the wing gives back to the Midland-Odessa Texas communities. They were treated to view the show from VIP tents at the show center. The World War II and Civil War reenactors wares were on display for the special needs crowd to view including the civil war cannon and a World War II jeep and truck. In addition to the reenactors, there were many educational exhibits in and around the main hanger. Two popular exhibits were the National WASP World War II Museum and the inflatable planetarium presented by “Something More to Explore Mobile Planetarium”. The National WASP World War II Museum is an aviation museum located at the Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. They help educate the public on the Women Airforce Service Pilots. They brought their North American T-6 Texan trainer airplane and explained how these female pilots freed up men pilots for combat by ferrying military aircraft within the USA and noncombat area. The weekend also included a trainer parade of PT-26, BT-13, Pilatus P-3 among other trainers followed by opening ceremonies with the national anthem and red, white and blue pyrotechnics.
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49 hometown living at its best The list of performers included Aerobatic performances by Mike "SPANKY" Gallaway in his Extra 300 SL. Steven Covington his highly modified Pitts s2s named the” Raptor”, the NextGen Eagles, the world's only Christen Eagle Aerobatic Team, performed by Leland Kracher and Tom Braymer. Also, the debut of the Miles Turner Airshows, with Miles Turner performing in his RV-4. Aaron Taylor worked double duty performing in his T-6 Twisted Texan and is Boeing Super Steerman. Now this would not have been a Commemorative Air Force air show if we didn't have World War II aircraft! The show had the Tora, Tora, Tora, Kate torpedo bomber and the P-40 do their part to recreate Pearl Harbor, followed up with the PBJ Devil Dog standing in for a B-25 recreating Jimmy Doolittle’s Raid on Tokyo. It was a crowd pleaser to see these World War II aircraft flying by fireballs and executing strafing runs. All courtesy of the hard work, training and safety practices that the CAF Blastards/Explosive Ordnance Detachment is committed to. The finale and main attraction for the CAF’s 2024 High Sky Wing Airshow was the USAF’s A-10 Thunderbolt, or more affectionately known as the Warthog. Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson had the honor of flying the A-10 "Black Mamba". Maj. Lindsay "MAD" Johnson did an outstanding job putting “Black Mamba" through
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51 hometown living at its best its paces. This was Black Mamba’s final show. On Monday following the show she was flown to her final resting place at the Bone Yard in the desert. Just before the A-10 Demo, Charlie “Tuna” Hainline took to the air in the P51 Mustang Double Trouble Two, to do his aerobatic routine which was superb. It was great to see these two combat aircraft from different eras flying together. The crowd was thrilled by the dance of the A-10 around the aerobatic box with coordination of explosions and simulated strafing runs, again performed by David Linebarger and his pyro team, the Blastards! This was also the last year for the United States Air Force’s A-10 demonstration team. It is with a heavy heart that the A-10 will no longer grace the skies at air shows. The coup de grace of the air show finale was when Major Johnson performed a mock bombing run and the blasters set off a crowd pleasing 500foot wall of flame. It was a spectacular ending to the air show. Not enough could be said for everyone that was involved in putting on this air show! Many hours of hard work and planning go into air shows. The work of the staff of the High Sky Wing is immeasurable. The pilots spent their money and put in hours of hard work studying and training in these airplanes to be able to put on a safe and exciting show. We can’t forget the vonlunteers and crew chiefs of these performers that work tirelessly both in preparation for and during the air shows! Visit their website for information and tickets for the 2025 Sky High Airsho, www.AIRSHO.org. †
52 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group
53 hometown living at its best Our Local Branch Has Texas Roots If you’re looking for a new bank in Odessa, choose a bank that calls Odessa home. First Financial has been putting customers FIRST in Texas since 1890. And we’ll do the same for you, with friendly advice and a full range of personal, business and wealth management services. Speak with one of our local bankers today! YOU FIRST YOUR FUTURE FIRST FFTAM.com 3555 Billy Hext Rd.,Odessa, TX 79765 Investment and Insurance Products Are Not a Deposit, Not FDIC Insured, Not Insured by Any Government Agency, Not Guaranteed by The Bank, May Lose Value. RESERVE YOUR GRADUATE ANNOUNCEMENT SPACE TODAY! Limited spacing available for the 2025 HOMETOWN GRADUATES SPECIAL SECTION For information call 817.599.6167 or email Lindsey@hometownmedia.group
54 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group Ingredients Cookies • 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar • 1 large egg, at room temperature • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but makes the flavor outstanding)* Easy Icing • 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (omit and replace with water for stark white icing) • 2 teaspoons light corn syrup* • 4.5–5 Tablespoons (67–75ml) room temperature water • pinch salt* • optional: gel food coloring & sprinkles for decorating CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES oralei’s L Courtesy of Sally’s Baking Addiction
55 hometown living at its best
56 odessa living magazine | hometownmedia.group Instructions Make sure you have allotted enough time (and enough counter space!) to make these cookies. The cookie dough needs to chill, the cookies need to cool completely, and the icing needs 24 hours to completely set. If enjoying right away and hardened icing isn’t a concern, you’ll only need about 3–4 hours to make these. Make the cookie dough: 1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside. 2. In a large bowl using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine. 3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low until combined. Dough will be a bit soft. If the dough seems too soft and sticky for rolling, add 1 more Tablespoon of flour. 4. Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use more flour if the dough seems too sticky. The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly 1/4-inch thick. 5. Lightly dust one of the rolled-out doughs with flour. Place a piece of parchment on top. (This prevents sticking.) Place the second rolled-out dough on top. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours and up to 2 days. 6. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. If it’s sticking to the bottom, run your hand under it to help remove it. Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with second piece of dough. (Note: It doesn’t seem like a lot of dough, but you get a lot of cookies from the dough scraps you re-roll.) 7. Arrange cookies on baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11–12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. No need to cover the cookies as they cool. Make the icing: 1. Using a fork, stir the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, and 4.5 Tablespoons (67ml) of water together in a medium bowl. It will be very thick and almost impossible to stir. Switch to a whisk and whisk in 1/2 Tablespoon (8ml) more of water. If you lift the whisk and let the icing drizzle back into the bowl, the ribbon of icing will hold shape for a few seconds before melting back into the icing. That is when you know it’s the right consistency and is ready to use. If it’s too thick (sometimes it is), whisk in another 1/2 Tablespoon (8ml) of water or a little more until you reach the proper consistency. 2. If you’re tinting the icing another color, stir in the food coloring. You can pour some icing into different bowls if using multiple colors. When tinting icing, use only 1–2 drops at first, stir it in, then add more as needed to reach your desired color. Remember, color darkens as icing dries. 3. Decorate the cookies: You can dip the cookies into the icing or use squeeze bottles or piping bags (reusable or disposable) fitted with piping tips (I usually use Wilton Piping Tip #4). Decorate your cookies as desired. If using the squeeze bottles or piping tips, I usually outline cookies with icing first, then fill in the middle. If adding sprinkles on top of the icing, add them right after applying icing on your cookie. 4. Let icing dry/set: Feel free to enjoy cookies before icing completely dries. Icing dries in 24 hours. No need to cover the decorated cookies as you wait for the icing to set. If it’s helpful, decorate the cookies directly on a baking sheet so you can place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator to help slightly speed up the icing setting. Once the icing has dried, these cookies are great for gifting or for sending. 5. Cover and store decorated cookies for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
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