1 hometown living at its best Ask us about aHomeEquity Lineof Credit. FirstBank & Trust is MEMBER FDIC and EQUAL HOUSING LENDER firstbanktexas.com T E X A S M E M B E R F D I C 1Subject to credit approval and normal underwriting guidelines. Contact lender for details. 1 Funding for your honey-do list. 1111 W. Wall Street, Midland 7281 Tres Hermanas Blvd., Odessa
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4 odessa living magazine 8 CHOOSE HOPE Hope House provides cancer patients with the comforts of home during treatment. 14 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Christmas Tour of Homes 18, 36, 52 LEGENDS ON THE GREEN Meet 3 Texas Golf Hall of Famers with Odessa roots. 22 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Children’s Shopping Event 26 MAKING THE GRADE Through the generosity of local donors, the Permian Basin Area Foundation gives financial blessings to area students. 32 BUNCO BABES A peek inside a Bunco group full of laughter, friendship, over the top themes and costumes, but most importantly, the comfort of community. Contents On the Cover Photo by Israel Humberto 38 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Distinguished Lecture Series 40 HOMETOWN HERITAGE Remembering the past, enriching the present, and inspiring the future. 46 TRAVEL GUIDE Pack a bag, hop in the car and drive to some nearby cities to experience what they have to offer. 50 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Paint the Park 56 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Cruise for a Cause 18, 36, 52 26
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6 odessa living magazine I Odessa Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. PHOTOGRAPHERS Angela Gonzalez Photography Chase Cochran Photography H & H Designs Photography Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers heather@hometown-living.com “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I don’t know about you but the holiday season, Christmas in particular, is a holiday that has always been labeled “a big deal” in my family. My husband even gave my father the nickname of Mr. Christmas within our first month of dating 14 years ago. Everything from the joy of gift giving, to the decorations, wrapping presents and topping each one with a big intricate bow, and everything in between, my parents always made Christmas feel truly magical! After loosing my father unexpectedly just a few short months ago, I entered the holiday season with dread more than with cheer. A few days later I read an entry in my devotional dedicated to the word Gratitude that completely changed the way I’m choosing to enter this year’s holiday season. “With gratitude, we become greater participants in our lives, celebrating goodness rather than reacting to it. And what’s more, it’s not passive; it’s something we can invest in and grow, letting it positively impact our relationships and environment.” I am grateful that my dad is now celebrating his life with Jesus Christ, I am grateful for family and friends who have lifted me up during this time of grief, and I am grateful that my Dad left such an impact on the holidays that I will forever strive to give to my two daughters. This holiday season, which we all know can be filled with more chaos than cheer at times, I challenge you to slow down and find reasons to be grateful and show gratitude. Write a handwritten thank you note, bake cookies just because for your children’s teachers, compliment a stranger on the street. These small gestures can go a long way in the eyes of the receiver. Enjoy the simple things and be grateful for the here and now. All of us at Odessa Living hope each one of our beloved readers has a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season and enter the New Year with a grateful heart. And always, with a smile! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Tammy Smith Sales Accounts Receivable ON THE COVER Photo by Israel Humberto Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations content@hometown-living.com James McAfee Freelance Writer Avery Pullin Freelance Writer Connie Lewis Leonard Freelance Writer Katie Audas and family Katie Audas Sales Account Executive
7 hometown living at its best www.utpb.edu/FalconFree Our students’ plans? Pursue their passion. Graduate debt-free. Land their dream job. Our promise? Make it happen. As the academic heart of this thriving region, we deliver smart, savvy leaders into communities across the U.S. every year. With over 50 degree and certificate programs available, a diploma from UT Permian Basin, part of the world-renowned University of Texas System, is recognized by employers in every industry. Students who want to have a successful future know that UTPB is the best option – an affordable, modern school that thinks large and lives local. Earn Your Degree, DEBT-FREE.
8 odessa living magazine T WRITTEN BY CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD | PHOTOS BY MONICA QUINTERO AND WILLIAMSON PHOTOGRAPHY HOPE HOUSE PROVIDES CANCER PATIENTS WITH THE COMFORTS OF HOME DURING TREATMENT. CHOOSE Hope The dreaded diagnosis of cancer creates feelings of shock, disbelief, denial, fear, and helplessness. But the situation is far from hopeless. Early detection and treatment bring hope for remission, for survival, and for a cure. West Texas Gifts of Hope began as a vision to create a Hope House so that all cancer patients in a twenty-five-county service area in the Permian Basin, Big Bend area, and South West New Mexico could get assistance during their treatment. Hope House provides lodging for the patient and caregiver as well as transportation as needed for both local and out-of-town guests. To qualify, patients are recommended by West Texas Cancer Center andmust pass an approved background check. Hope House is a securely gated property, and only patients and staff have entry privileges. Guests may stay for the duration of treatment, Mondays through Thursdays with Friday noon check-outs.
9 hometown living at its best Louis Vasquez stayed at Hope House every two weeks for six months. Because the drive fromhis home in Rankin was sixty miles one way, he would spend the night prior to his seven o’clock chemo treatments and stay Monday through Wednesday. Although the kitchen offered snacks and sandwiches, Louis would usually take his own meals. His stay proved to be a pleasant experience saying he found the staff to be kind and friendly. In August 2022, he was declared cancer free giving him hope for the future. Ellen Kimble has also benefited from Hope House as a caregiver for her husband. They make the two hundred-mile drive from Marfa the night before his chemo therapy infusion treatments. They eat breakfast before going two blocks to the hospital. While her husband receives his treatments, lasting between three and six hours, she returns to Hope House where she has a private place to cry, undisturbed, and takes a shower before picking her husband up and going to dinner. The day after his treatments, when he feels up to
10 odessa living magazine HOPE HOUSE W ish List • Bottled water • Toilet paper • Paper towels and napkins • Paper plates (paper is better than Styrofoam) • 12 oz cold drinking cups • 12 oz hot drinking cups • Hand soap • Lysol or other room freshening spray • Laundry detergent (pods are better than powder) • Roundup weed spray • Lightbulbs HOPE HOUSE STAFF BrendaMedlock, Executive Director Monica Quintero, Volunteer/Marketing Delma Balerio Janett Frentress Penny Prophitt traveling, they get their things together to make the trek back home. Ellen said she doesn’t worry about anything except getting there. All the linens are provided in the bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen and pantry are fully stocked. People spend most of their time in their rooms, but there is a common kitchen, dining room, and living room area with a television and tables for games. If guests need anything, they just ask—Hope House has everything that a hotel would offer except room service. The director, Brenda Medlock, keeps a room schedule, and if the four rooms are occupied, she will find a place for patients and caregivers to stay. While patients are receiving treatment, Hope House delivers lunches, a personal blanket to keep them warm, and a bag stocked with throat lozenges and spray for dry mouth. Ellen said, “You know God has blessed this place. You can feel the prayers. Bible verses and crosses adorn the walls. The environment is calm, peaceful, and loving, including an outdoor garden with benches and a covered picnic area.” Elma Delao makes the two and a half-hour drive from Alpine to Hope House, and she and her daughter stay all week. The roomhas Wi-Fi so she is able to do some of her work online while receiving treatment. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she didn’t know what she would do. Hope House eased a giant burden by providing a place to stay. It is an inviting environment where she feels welcome and at ease. The rooms are clean and stocked with all the essentials. The staff is friendly and kind. Because radiation damages the bones, Elma will go back to Hope House every six months for Zometa infusions, which makes her very ill. In between the infusions she will return for checkups
and lab work every three weeks for five years. Elma underwent genetic testing because both her mother and grandmother had breast cancer. She was relieved to find no genetic links, so her daughter shouldn’t be at a great risk. Elma is claiming healing. She is a fighter, a positive person who doesn’t give up easily. Cancer has changed her mindset. She thanks God every day for the good and the bad, taking nothing for granted. She prays, “God, you’re all I have. I trust You. Keep me steadfast in faith.” All of us have been touched by cancer in some way. We’ve had it or know somebody who has. I thank God for the gift of twenty four years since my cancer diagnosis. If you would like to volunteer or donate to Hope House in honor or memory of a loved one, call 432-614-9284 between 9-4 Monday through Thursday or 9-12 on Friday † “GET UP, DRESS UP, SHOW UP . . . AND NEVER GIVE UP.” LUNCH SERVICE W ish List • Sandwich size zip lock bags • 50 count Lay chips (assorted or potato chips—not spicy hot) • Keebler choc chip cookies or plain shortbread Sandies • Napkins • Fruit cups • Large plain peanut butter • Grape jam • Sam’s gift cards – any amount KimberlyWatkins, President Sonya York, President Elect Mandi Higgins, Past President James Kennedy, Vice President Felicia Nzere, Treasurer Cammie Laster, Secretary BOARD MEMBERS 11 hometown living at its best
12 odessa living magazine The August event was held at the La Hacienda Event Center. Funds from this great event support the mission of West Texas Gifts of Hope to continue to provide daily services and programs to all cancer patients. This year Casey Donahew, Kevin Fowler and Treaty Oaks Revival were the artists that performed. Cancer Sucks Festival is open to the public via general admission tickets or table sponsorship. hometown liv- ing at its best Meet theWriter Connie Lewis Leonard is an accomplished novelist and active journalist. She writes Christian fiction and nonfiction. As a journalist, she regularlywrites inspiring personal interest stories about people who make a positive difference in the world.Connie is a retired public-school teacher and has aMaster of Arts in English and Education fromMidwestern State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education fromAngelo State University.She lives in Granburywith her husband and three rescue dogs. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. CANCER SUCKS FESTIVAL IS WEST TEXAS GIFTS OF HOPE’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER.
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HOMETOWN Happenings
During this festive, self-guided tour people can todrive from house to house and enjoy the inside and outside of each home at their leisure. The event is an opportunity to enjoy elaborate adornments and return home with new holiday decorating ideas while helping local students afford a college education. In 1993, members of the Odessa Board of REALTORS saw a need to help local students attend college. That year they organized the first ever Christmas Tour of Homes as a fundraiser to generate scholarships. Since its beginning, the Christmas Tour of Homes has generated more than $200,000 that the Odessa Board of REALTORS has donated to a scholarship fund at Odessa College and an endowment for The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) andTexas TechUniversityHealthScience Center. Students apply for these scholarships through each college. The Odessa Board of REALTORS was established in 1958 with the mission “to support its membership through education to achieve a successful industry with the highest degree of ethics and to protect the individual rights of real estate ownership while providing the highest quality professional service to the members.” TOUR OF HOMES Christmas 15 hometown living at its best
16 odessa living magazine Consign & Shop midlandodessa.rhealana.com Questions? Contact us! | 432-900-2799 | natalie@rhealana.com A CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT EVENT Join us Feb. 18-22, 2023 & Sept. 2023 Sell your gently-used children’s items at Rhea Lana's! Easy tagging system, including voice entry Earn 65% of sales Items are guaranteed Watch sales LIVE through our app Check ready on pick up day Consignors shop early Come experience the Rhea Lana's difference! Find name brand children’s clothes, shoes, baby gear, toys, and much more at 60-90% off retail prices! Reduce. Reuse. Rhea Lana's. of Midland-odessa 115,000+ items, 1,100+ consignors Consign Shop Find us on Facebook & Instagram! @rhealanasofmidlandodessa onsign & Shop idlandodessa.rhealana.co Questions? Contact us! | 432-900-2799 | natalie@rhealana.com A CHILDREN’S CONSIGN ENT EVENT Join us Feb. 18-22, 2023 & Sept. 2023 Sell your gently-used children’s items at Rhea Lana's! Easy tagging system, including voice entry rn 65% of sales Items are guaranteed Watch sales LIVE through our app Che k ready on pick up day onsignors shop early Come experience t e Rhea Lana's difference! Find na brand children’s clothes, shoes, baby gear, toys, and much more at 60-90% off retail prices! Reduce. Reuse. Rhea Lana's. f idla d- dessa 115,000+ items, 1,100+ consignors Consign Shop Find us on Facebook & Instagram! @rhealan sofmidlandodess gn i l do . l . Questions? Contact us! | 4 - - 7 | natalie rhealana.co I ’ I oi us eb. 1 - , ep . Sell your gently-used children’s ite s at Rhea Lana's! Easy tagging system, including voice entry Earn 65 of sales Ite s are guaranteed Watch sales LIVE through our app Check ready on pick up day Consignors shop early Come experience the Rhea Lana's difference! Find name brand children’s clothes, shoes, baby gear, toys, and uch more at 60-90 off retail prices! Reduce. Reuse. Rhea Lana's. i l - 11 , i , 1,1 c i o i S o Find us on Facebook & Instagram! @rhealanasof idlandodessa
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18 odessa living magazine After first picking up golf clubs as a youngster in Odessa more than 60 years ago, Buddy Cook has achieved acclaim for all his contributions to the game he loves, certainly worthy of being added to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame with the class of 2017. Born in Graham on April 17, 1946, Cook’s family moved to Odessa when he was in the fifth grade. He graduated from Permian High School in May, 1964. His father, Lawson, was amember of theOdessaCity Council andhismother, Adela,was thewomen’s club champion at the Sunset Golf Club. Brother Ken and sister Katy (twins) graduated fromPermian in 1968. Cook played well enough as a junior at Odessa Junior College before transferring to Sul Ross College inAlpine. “Wewon theLone Star Conference championship both years at Sul Ross,” Cook said. Cook thendecided to become a golf professional and got a job as an assistant at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio in 1969, working three years under the tutorage of fellowTexas Golf Hall of Fame memberHardy Loudermilk. “I’mglad he encouraged andallowedus to teach the game,” Cook said. “Today’s young assistants just don’t seemto get the opportunity that we did back then.” Cook became the head professional at the Tulsa Country Club in Tulsa, OK, in 1972, spending three BUDDY COOK LEGENDS GREEN on the BY JAMES MCAFEE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BUDDY COOK
19 hometown living at its best years therebeforemoving toRoyal OaksCountry Club in Dallas for the following five years and to the Indian Springs Country Club in Broken Arrow, OK for two years. He then earned recognition from Golf Shop Operations, the sister publication for Golf Digest, for operating one of the top golf shops in America during stints at DominionCountry Club in SanAntonio and the The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, CA. Moving back to SanAntonio in 1991, hemanaged and served as director of Golf at La Cantera for seven years, seeing LaCantera named the best new daily fee course in 1995 by Golf Digest. After being named the Southern Texas PGA Professional of the year in 1999, Cook then became the co-owner (Bill Rogers was his partner) and director of golf at Briggs Ranch Golf Club and then was co-owner and director of golf at The Golf Club of Texas, both in San Antonio, for the next sevenyears. He took on the additional duties as the tournament director of the Champions Tour event in San Antonio for five of those years
20 odessa living magazine Following in the footsteps of Loudermilk, Cook was proud to say that he trained over two dozen golf professional apprentices, including Warren Chancellor, Randy Smith, Cary Collins and Donny Cude. Of course, he didn’t quit teaching either, working with PGA Tour player Justin Leonard (before Randy Smith took over those duties) when he was at Royal Oak. Other notable students included Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, Country singer George Strait, tennis legendMartina Navratilova and race car legend Mario Andretti. Cook also remembers getting a telephone call from golfing legend Byron Nelson, who asked him to teach Bing’s wife Catherine. Cook served as a subject matter expert in the development of the new PGA Golf Professional TrainingProgram,wasselectedtoteachanadvanced tournamentmanagement and promotion seminar and taught at the PGA business schools as part of his mentoring achievements. In 2009, fellow Texas Hall of Fame member Joe Black reached out and asked him to become the chairman to assist in the revitalization of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. “I’d like you to do it,” Black said. Of course, Buddy couldn’t say no to another Texas Golf Hall of Famer. Cooknowresides inSanAntonio, keeping his hands in the golf business and working with son, Brian, in real estate ventures. His other son, Brent, was a Navy Seal. † LEGENDS GREEN on the
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22 odessa living magazine CHILDREN'S Shopping Event Rhea Lana’s of Midland-Odessa held their 16th event at the Midland Horseshoe September 23-28th, 2022!
Photos By MONIQUE RANGEL, THE MOR COLLECTIVE, WWW.THEMORCOLLECTIVE.COM
24 odessa living magazine Thousands of excited shoppers came with lists in hand to save up to 70%off retail. For many it is a September tradition where moms come together bringing their mom, their sister, or best friend tomake a day of it! Oneshoppercommentedthat shoppingRhea Lana’s is being ‘boujee on a budget’ ! In addition to putting money back into 1100 local families’ pockets from their consignments, 33,000 itemswere donated to our local foster families as well as The Life Center, Birthright of Odessa, andTheBaptist Crisis Center. Rhea Lana’s is a biannual premier children’s consignment event. It provides a high-quality shopping experience for families across the Permian Basin. As the owners of Rhea Lana’s of Midland Odessa, Chris and Natalie Nolen know the benefits of consigning as they raise their 9 children.
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GRADE Making the Through the generosity of local donors, the Permian Basin Area Foundation gives financial blessings to area students to help with college expenses. One such donor, Grace King, is proud to still give much of her time to PBAF at the age of 91. 26 odessa living magazine
27 hometown living at its best Growing up on a farm outside of Sweetwater, Grace King learned early the importance of education. As she recalls, money was scarce, but education was important. Her parents allowed her and her sister to attend high school instead of working on the farm. This joy for learning took her then to Abilene where she enrolled at Abilene Christian University. While there, she met Bob King, a World War II veteran who had just returned home and was enrolled at Hardin-Simmons. Soon the two married, and Bob’s career with Stanolind Oil & Gas brought them to Odessa. The couple set down roots in Ector County, working and volunteering in the community. Grace and others, including John Ben Shepperd, started the Heritage of Odessa Foundation. After Bob passed away in 2003, Grace continued her philanthropic efforts. It was at a Heritage awards dinner that foundation members and friends surprised her with a scholarship in their honor, the Grace and Bob King Scholarship. This academic year, through the gifts of Grace and friends, the Permian Basin Area Foundation will award $2,000 scholarships in her name. In addition to the Grace and Bob King Scholarships, PBAF will award multiple other scholarships to area students which will total over $1,000,000. WRITTEN BY AVERY PULLIN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PBAF, GARRETT RATHBUN AND SEAN CURRY Building Community in Ector County Grace with Kayla Owen, 2022 graduate and third-grade teacher with ECISD
One such recipient is Garrett Rathbun, a 2020 graduate of Permian High School. Garrett was a 4-yearmember of orchestra, where he also served on the executive committee.LikeGraceKing,hehasdonated much of his time to the community. For years he has volunteered two days a week to the local World War II Museum. In addition to his extra-curricular activities, Garrett was a standout student. He graduated fromPermianwith a 5.3GPA (on a 6.0 scale) and passed both the AP Calculus and AP Physics exams. Hoping to cut off some time in his undergraduate program, he enrolled in enough dual credit courses at Permian to graduate high school with nearly enough credit to have simultaneously graduated with an associate degree. Due to his hard work, Garrett was awarded thePresidential Plus Scholarship at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Being able to stay home and obtain a degree in mechanical engineering made his decision to attend UTPB easy. Garrett continued to search for ways to completely fund his education. He knew about the Permian Basin Area Foundation through his older sister, so he began perusing their website for scholarships. When he read the details of the Grace and Bob King Scholarship, he immediately identified with it. Garrett believes it was both his academic work and philanthropic efforts that ultimately led to his receipt of this scholarship. Today he still has deep appreciation for receiving this scholarship through PBAF, “Every time I look at my financials and see what my education would cost with and without that scholarship…it really helps my family.” Garrett plans to complete his mechanical engineering degree fromUTPB in 2024. From there he hopes to one day work in aeronautical engineering. There is no doubt he will continue to shoot for the stars. Shooting for the Stars ABOVE: Garrett graduated in May of 2020 from Permian High School & is now attending UTPB. BELOW: Garrett gave the closing speech for our Grant Presentation Ceremony. 28 odessa living magazine
29 hometown living at its best In the Spring of 2022, Sean Curry graduated from Compass Academy Charter School as Valedictorian. While there, Sean enrolled in the dual credit program where he earned 24 college credits before even graduating high school. In addition, he played for the school’s golf team. Sean was also in Boy Scout Troop 34 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout after spending years volunteering in the community. When a teacher encouraged him to apply for scholarships through the Permian Basin Area Foundation, he chose to write about Boy Scouts. When asked what it was like to learn he was awarded the Grace and Bob King Scholarship, Sean said, “I was excited! I could use that money on things I needed for college.” Like Garrett, Sean’s hard work in the classroom paid off. Not only was he accepted to UTPB, but he was also awarded the Presidential Scholarship. Sean was able to use the Grace and Bob King Scholarship money to purchase needed supplies for his first semester. Having these materials allowed him to be better prepared for school. Sean is currently in his first year at UTPB and is majoring in mechanical engineering. He believes this degree will allow him to be flexible and be able to pursue a number of exciting career opportunities. Compass Grad Head s in the R ight Direction
Both Garrett and Sean encourage students to search and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Start early and apply often, they say. Both students are extremely grateful to the Permian Basin Area Foundation and Grace King for the opportunity to receive financial assistance for college. During the 2022-2023 school year, PBAF and community members such as Grace King have made available over $1,000,000 for area students. If you are a local student interested in applying for college scholarships, you can apply through the Permian Basin Area Foundation at pbaf.org/scholarships. If you are interested in becoming a community partner, the Permian Basin Area Foundation makes charitable giving easy. Your gifts can be added to a number of existing scholarships or funds. Or you can work with PBAF to setup your own scholarship in the name of your choosing. PBAF will work with you to customize a plan to reflect your interests and passions while making it enjoyable for you to invest in your community. Visit the PBAF website at pbaf.org or find them on Facebook @westtexascommunities. † Meet theWriter: Avery Pullin discovered her love for writing while growing up on her family’s farm inwestern Arkansas. In 2012 she shifted from the Pig Trail of the Ozarks to the tumbleweeds of Midland, Texas. She and her husband, Cash, are proud to raise their two kids in his hometown. Today she shares her passion for writing as a teacher at The Hillander School. Scholarships and Partnerships
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32 odessa living magazine T E X T AND PHOT O S P ROV I D E D BY CA S EY DA L EY A peek inside a Bunco group full of laughs, friendships, over the top themes and costumes, but most importantly, the comfort of community. BUNCO Babes
33 hometown living at its best WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BUNCO? Casey Being able to get to know the people you do life with on a different level. I know that Bunco nights will be so full of laughter my jaws will hurt. Red I look forward to the costumes and what everyone’s interpretation of the theme will be. Y’all, it’s hilarious! Kelley The community we have created and the fellowship. Elizabeth Life is just so busy and stressful at times, seeing this group of ladies every month is good for the soul. The themes and costumes are the icing on top which make us laugh that much more. Nidia The support outside of bunco, the friendships built, the merge of friendships between our cities. Lacey “Bunco” is a mindless dice game, but it’s the perfect excuse for us to gather monthly for FUN fellowship with our friends and dress up as something other than the busy moms that we are everyday! SHARE A FUNNY STORY FROM BUNCO NIGHT: On occasion, we take a stroll on our golf carts in the neighborhood while we are in costume. The looks we get are hilarious! Golf Cartin’ Grannies was pretty awesome! †
Consider starting your own Bunco group! Here is how it is played: PREPARING FOR A BUNCO GAME Number the tables as #1, #2, #3, etc. Players switch tables and seats between each round, and this will help indicate to which table they will be moving. Place the following items on each table: • three dice • a Bunco table tally • a Bunco score sheet for each player • a pencil for each player • Place a bell on the head table (also known as the High Table, or table #1) Four players should sit at each table. The players who sit opposite of each other are partners for the first round. Designate one player as scorekeeper at each table. The scorekeeper uses the table tally to track each team's points. HOW TO PLAY BUNCO: BEGINNING THE GAME Each round is begun by the head table ringing the bell. When that happens, the scorekeeper at each table picks up the three dice and begins rolling them. Each time the dice are rolled, each die is read separately (they aren't added together). In round 1, each 1 rolled is worth 1 point. In round 2, each 2 rolled is worth 1 point. In round 3, each 3 rolled is worth 1 point. In round 4, each 4 rolled is worth 1 point. In round 5, each 5 rolled is worth 1 point. In round 6, each 6 rolled is worth 1 point. Rolling three-of-a-kind of the same number of the round you're on is a Bunco. The player must call out "BUNCO!" to receive 21 points, and then must keep rolling (unless the player is sitting at the head table in which case, she rings the bell to signal the end of that round). Rolling three-of-a-kind of any number other than the round you're on is worth five points for the temporary team score on the table tally. For example, rolling three 5's in round 3 is a miniBunco and is worth five points. Each player continues rolling until they score no points. The scorekeeper then records the points the player earned onto the table tally as the temporary team score. Then the dice are passed to the player on the left. The round ends when the head table accumulates at least 21 points. The player at the head table who earned the 21 or more points rings the bell to signal the end of the round. However, all players who are taking their turn when the round ends, including the player who rang the bell, continue rolling until one of their rolls earns them no points, even though the round is officially over. This means that a player may possibly earn several points or even roll one or more Buncos after the bell has been rung! It's possible for a team to win a round without rolling any Buncos. ADDITIONAL ROUNDS At the beginning of each new round, all players should change seats and/or partners. The winning team at the head table (table #1) stays at the head table, but one of the players should move over a chair so they will have a different partner for the next round. The losing team from the head table should move to the middle table (table #2). The winning team from table #2 moves to the head table. The winning team from table #3 (sometimes humorously called the "Losing" table) moves to table #2. The losing team from table #2 goes to table #3. The losing team at table #3 stays at the table but one player should move over a chair so they will have a different partner for the next round. At the beginning of each round, someone at each table must volunteer to keep score. Rounds 2 through 6 are played exactly as round 1 except that in each round points are awarded for the number of the dice that are the same as the number of that particular round. So, for example, in round 2 the object is to roll die2.gif, and a Bunco will be die2.gif die2.gif die2.gif. Continue with each round until all the rounds are completed (or you decide to wrap things up). 34 odessa living magazine
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36 odessa living magazine David and student Will Zalatoris at 2017 Walker Cup Matches. Zalatoris is currently ranked #7 in the Official World Golf Rankings. David Price has enjoyed a stellar 50-year career as one of the top club professionals in the nation and as a knowledgeable rules expert. Credentials that earned him recognition as the PGA Professional of the Year in 1995, induction into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. Price was born in College Station, but moved to Odessa in 1960. He developed his golf game at Permian High School and later at the University of Texas where he was a member of the Longhorns’ golf teams led by Ben Crenshaw and TomKIte that won backto-backnational champions in 1971 and 1972. After graduating in 1972 with a degree in finance, Price had to decide if he wanted to pursue that knowledge and help people with their money or elect to continue to learn even more about the game of golf as a professional. Encouragement fromhis coach andmentor, GeorgeHannon, alongwithmore encouragement from a pair of other young pros from Odessa, Danny Swain and Jerry Cozby, members of a national championship teamat Odessa Junior College earlier in their careers, helped himwith the decision. Pricebecameanassistant at theHouston Country Club in 1973 and recalls how giving that first lesson helped him decide that he wanted to continue in the role of a teacher. A year later, he joined Hardy Loudermilk’s staff at Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio. When Loudermilk had to retire for health reasons three years later, Price was promoted to head pro. Price remained at the San Antonio club for nine years, gaining knowledge about hosting PGA Tour events as host to the Texas Open. DAVID PRICE LEGENDS GREEN on the BY JAMES MCAFEE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVID PRICE
37 hometown living at its best Then in March of 1985, Price made the move to the Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, recalling that his experience in conducting PGATour events aided himsince the clubwas preparing to host the Senior Players Reunion. Price joined thePGAofAmerica rules committee in 1986 and taught at rules workshops regularly, taking over as chairman from 2008 to 2012. He has worked at more than 30 PGA Championships, 17 Masters, five Ryder Cups, three British Opens and five U.S. Opens. He represented the PGA of America on the USGA’s Rules of Golf Committee from 2011 until 2015 and helped produce the Rules of Golf for 2016. Price was in the limelight in the 2010 PGA Championship atWhispering Straitswhen officials spottedDustin Johnsonon television grounding his club (resting the club on the sand) in a bunker. He was the one who had to tell Johnson he wouldn’t be in the playoff. “I just delivered the message,” Price said, recalling how he and Mark Wilson even got death threats. “My toughest decision came earlier that same year when a gust of windmoved Padrig Harrington’s ball on the 15th green,” Price added. Unfortunately, the rules authorities didn’t decide to change that rule until six years later. Price started teaching rising PGA Tour newcomer Will Zalatoris when he was 11 and through his days at Wake Forest University. In a tweet at Price’s retirement, Zalatoris wrote: “Anything I’ve ever accomplished in this game I owe to you.” In addition, Price guided 21 of his assistants to become head golf pros and another to become the woman’s golf coach at the University of Texas. Price retired from Bent Tree after 34 years in 2019 and now lives in East Texas with his wife of 48 years, Dale Ann, enjoying more time to spend with their six children and three grandchildren. † David and Dustin Johnson having a discussion while leaving the 18th green at the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. The 1971 University of Texas Golf Team, National Champions in 1971 & 1972.
HOMETOWN Happenings Robert M. Edsel, #1 New York Times Best-Selling author of “The Monuments Men,” helped relaunch the Shepperd Leadership Institute’sDistinguished Lecture Series with resounding success. Over 350 people attended the free community event on September 27, at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. TheMonumentsMenwereWWII scholar-soldiers who saved tens of thousands of art treasures from the destruction of war and theft by theNazis. Robert Edsel shared their true story and the ongoing mission. “I cherished the opportunity to participate in the Shepperd Leadership Institute Distinguished Lecture Series and share with my fellow Texans the inspiring story of the Monuments Men and Women,” Edsel said. “Their heroism and nobility of purpose represented the very best of our nation.” Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut and author, will be the next Distinguished Lecture Speaker onMarch 30, 2023, 7:00 p.m. at the Wagner Noël. DISTINGUISHED Lecture Series The Distinguished Lecture concluded with a Q&A moderated by Shelby Landgraf. Jeff Mundkowsky, Dr. Becky Spurlock, Robert Edsel, and Miles Mundkowsky. Michael Gardner, Robert Edsel, Angela Gardner, and Macy Gardner. Kirk & Brenna Edwards, and Robert Edsel. Chris Stanley and Robert Edsel. Dr. Ray, Lorraine Perryman, Robert Edsel, and Anna Bottinelli. Photos By JAMES DURBIN, THE OILFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER
39 hometown living at its best The Independence Texans Demand and the Assistance They Deserve. 201 Parks Village Drive Odessa, TX 79765 432.339.1048 Courtyards-AL.com We believe all seniors should be treated with dignity and respect and life should be prosperous, active, and focused on the future. Call today to learn more.
Hometown Heritage
BY SABRINA FORSE AND HOMETOWN MEDIA GROUP PHOTOS PROVIDED BY UTPB AND HOMETOWN MEDIA GROUP O Odessa is proud of its rich Hispanic heritage! During the upcoming holiday season enjoy an authentic menu full of the Mexican dishes that make every Texan’s mouth water. Odessa Living would like to recognize Hispanic Heritage month which is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15 with the aim to remember the past, enrich the present and inspire the future. As excitement for sharing Hispanic heritage grows, the community seeks to pursue opportunities such as events and venues to promote the culture, history, and accomplishments of the local Hispanic population. Hispanic culture represented on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus was recently highlighted on their website. UTPB is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Grad student, Reanne Lujan, said, “Our culture brings us together. We bond through music, dancing, food, etc. It makes us who we are & when we all get together, it's like we're one big family.” [quotes provided by UTPB and Alexa Dunson, Director of Strategic Communications] The Hispanic Heritage of Odessa organization hosted a parade in October to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The two-day holiday is a celebration of life that allows us to honor our lost loved ones with joy, not with sadness. Dr. Yolanda Salgado, UTPB’s Associate Professor in Bilingual/ESL and Department Chair for the Curriculum and Instruction for the College of Education shared, “These celebrations were also seen as opportunities for our parents, aunts, and uncles to not only honor their respective ancestors, but also teach us family values, loyalty, commitment, and respect for one another.” Education is key. The Hispanic population in Odessa is growing but as each generation passes on information some of the traditions get lost. For example, Cinco De Mayo is something that America celebrates, but it’s a minor holiday in Mexico. It marks one battle and does not mark the day Mexico won its independence. It is important to know why certain holidays are celebrated. In effort to integrate into American culture, older generations were discouraged from celebrating their culture and traditions which is one of the reasons we need to make sure Hispanic traditions continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations Local Hispanic heritage organizations will continue developing ways to share its history, traditions, and the stories of those who have inspired so many. There are so many Hispanics who have made impacts in all areas such as agriculture, business, art, music, sports, and education. At Odessa Living, we want to tell those stories to inspire our youth. 41 hometown living at its best REMEMBERING THE PAST, ENRICHING THE PRESENT, AND INSPIRING THE FUTURE.
42 odessa living magazine INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs Pork Loin Roast cut into 2 inch cubes • 1 - 28 oz can whole tomatoes • 1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes • 25 whole fresh jalapenos • 8 cloves fresh garlic minced • 3 tbs ground cumin • 2 tsp garlic salt • 1 1/2 tbs salt • 1 tsp ground black pepper • 1/2 cup mexican coke • 64 oz corn oil TOPPING • 16 corn or flour tortillas • 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese • 1 cup sour cream • 1/2 cup pico de gallo DIRECTIONS 1. In a large deep pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, once oil is ready, drop in whole jalapenos and cook for 5 minutes until skins start to break, remove from oil and strain, set aside. 2. Season the cubed pork loin with the garlic salt and add pork to the hot oil that you used to fry the jalapenos with. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stir frequently. The oil will be cloudy when you first add the pork, the oil becomes clear when the pork is completely cooked. 3. Drain the oil into a disposable container, keeping about a 1/4 of a cup and pork and all the carmelized crumbles in the bottom of the pan. 4. Remove the stems from the cooled fried jalapenos, place all jalapenos in a blender, add the cloves of garlic and the can of whole tomatoes, place the lid tight and puree for 2 minutes. 5. Pour over the braised pork. 6. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and simmer for 30 minutes. Carne Con ChiliBraised Pork Loin in a JalepenoGarlic-Tomato Yields 10-12 servings From the kitchen of Laurie Blackwell, AVP of Digital Media for Odesssa Living Magazine/Hometown Media Group
43 hometown living at its best INGREDIENTS • 2 cups long grain rice • 2 cups chicken broth • 2 cups water • 1 large poblano pepper chopped • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp garlic salt • 1/2 stick butter DIRECTIONS 1. Melt butter in bottom of 4 quart pan, add the rice and seasonings, fry in butter over medium heat for 2 minutes, stir constantly. 2. Add all other ingredients, continue to stir, bringing to a boil. 3. Once boiling, turn heat down to simmer, low-medium, place lid on the pan and DO NOT remove for exactly 20 minutes. 4. At 20 minutes remove from heat and place into a serving bowl. 5. Serve with the Carne Con Chili and all the fixings, make tacos, or serve the carne con chili over the rice. Pobalano Rice INGREDIENTS • 1 cup chopped cilantro • 2 - 28 oz cans whole tomatoes • 5 fresh habaneros • 15 fresh jalapenos • 15 fresh green onions • 2 - 6 oz cans tomato paste • 2 oz bag of dried chili de arbol- remove any stems • 1 1/2 cup water • 1 tbs salt • 5 cloves fresh garlic DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients in a blender puree for 2 minutes, refrigerate for 2 hours, stir and serve with fresh hot homemade tortilla chips. Fresh Salsa
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45 hometown living at its best Homemade Tres Leches Cake Cake Batter • 3/4 cup plus 2 tbs real butter • 1 3/4 cup sugar • 8 egg yolks • 2 1/2 cups sifted flour 1. Preheat oven to 350 2. Grease and flour and 12x9 cake pan 3. Cream the butter, gradually mix in the sugar, continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy. 4. Add egg yolks one at a time, mix well, slowly add in the flour, baking powder, salt and vanilla. 5. Once mixed well, add in the milk slowly, and the batter will be thick. 6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, fold into the cake batter. 7. Bake for 40 minutes or until the edges are golden. Remove and cool Tres Leches - For the 3 Milks • 2 cups evaporated milk • 1 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk • 1/2 cup whole milk • 6 egg yolks 1. Blend the evaporated milk and the condensed milk and egg yolk with a hand mixer, place half of the mixture into a sauce pan, bringing to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining milk mixture. 2. Poke holes in the cake with a fork and pour milk mixture over the cake. Meringue • 6 egg whites • 2 cups sugar • 1/1/3 cup light corn syrup • juice from 2 limes 1. In a double boiler mix egg whites and sugar, beat until stiff. Slowly add in the corn syrup and continue beating until shiny. 2. Remove and spread over the cake, decorate the top of cake with the strawberries. Toppings • 12 sliced strawberries • 2 1/2 tsps salt • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup whole milk • 6 egg whites
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47 hometown living at its best Senior Belle Emily Berryhill is escorted by her father Darren Berryhill. { { travel guide All Aboard! Your West Texas Adventure Awaits. Abilene is big on what matters: history, culture, innovation, and West Texas hospitality. Make a little time to stay and play, to see and feel authentic Texas, and do things you can’t find anywhere else. After all, Abilene owns bragging rights as the Storybook Capital of America®. Plot your summer adventure today! Learn more at abilenevisitors.com
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HOMETOWN Happenings THE PARK 2022 Paint Paint the Park is a community event held in September recognizing ALL cancers. The 4th Annual event is put on by West Texas Gifts of Hope at Memorial Park in Odessa with over 280 flags flying for 30 days. It's a Celebration to Admire the Survivors, Support the Fighters and Honor the Taken for ALL Cancers. On September 24th, 12 vendors were on site with resources and goodies for the 250+ people that participated in the Color Run. Over 49 of which were cancer survivors and more than 150 ran or walked for someone with cancer or having passed away from cancer. Paint the Park brings the community together fromevery walk of life. Next year there will be over 300 flags flying at Memorial Park for the month of September. To learn more about WTGOH, visit their website at westtexasgiftsofhope.org and follow them on Facebook. Photos By MONICA QUINTERO
51 hometown living at its best THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S GENEROUS SPONSORS: Betenbough Homes AbbVie Pharmaceutical You First Services H-E-B City of Odessa VENDORS: Medical Center Health System Texas Oncology Heart to Heart Hospice Home Hospice TT Physicians OB/Gyn Excel (ER) Caris Life Sciences Courtyard Assisted Living Accent Care Home Hospice St. Joseph's Home Hospice, Inc. Home Instead Encompass
52 odessa living magazine Randy Smithhas spentmore than40 years as an instructor, enjoying plenty of success with juniors, including Justin Leonard and today’s world’s No. 1 player Scottie Scheffler, and has been inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2005, the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 andWorldGolf Instructor’s Hall of Fame in 2022. Smithwas born in 1952 inWichita Falls, but his family moved to Odessa where he picked up the game as a junior before graduating from Permian High School in 1970 and Texas Tech University in 1974. Smith recalls how PGA professional Jake Bechtold of the Odessa Country Club once paid his entry fee into a junior tournament, one that hewon, and always remembered thatmoment. “"He believed inme, and taught me the value of tenacity, and never quitting,” Smith recalls. “That small gesture, urging me into the event, jump-startedme again, andmight have been the catalyst formy eventual career ingolf. Who knows? If he hadn't done what he did, I could have been a pipeline fitter in West Texas instead of the head professional at Royal Oaks in Dallas." Noted instructor Harvey Penick also left an impression of how to handle young golfers and Smith never forgot that either, learning true kindness and selflessness when he went to Austin for a lesson. At lesson's end, Smith was profusely thanking Penick for his time and expertise, and then casually mentioned they never discussed the short game, which was his primary concern. "He was mortified," recalled Smith. “Even though his clubwas closed the next day, he insisted onmeeting me at 8 a.m. regardless, and we spent 90 minutes onmy short game the following morning. It was an amazing experience forme, and I've never forgotten it." Smith’s first job as an assistant was with Gene Mitchell Jr. at the Lubbock Country Club. Then he worked as an assistant for fellow Texas Golf Hall of Famer Buddy Cook at the Tulsa Country Club and Royal Oaks. He became the head pro at Royal Oaks in 1980 and remained in that position for 40 years before becoming Golf Professional Emeritus and Director of Instructor at the Royal Oaks Teaching Center. While Smith teaches players of all levels, he has especially enjoyed working with juniors where his students have achieved 20 NCAA All-American honors, Inaddition,more than250students received college golf scholarships. RANDY SMITH LEGENDS GREEN on the BY JAMES MCAFEE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RANDY SMITH Randy Smith and Scottie Scheffler
Givenhis success recognizing and cultivating rawtalent, it’shard to think that things couldhave turned out differently, but junior golfers weren’t onSmith’smindwhenhe beganhis storied career as a club professional. However, then Leonard wanted himto look at some stuff. “I watched him, then I kind of helpedhima little bit, whenhewon a big trophy at a tournament inOklahoma,” Smith recalled. “So, he brings it in for me to look at, and as he’swalking out ofmy office he stops and looks back at me and says, ‘Now I want to knowmore.’ That was Justin [Leonard].” Since Leonard, a long list of professionals came up under Smith’s tutelage, including Harrison Frazar, Kris Cox, Matt Weibring, John Rollins, Martin Flores, Colt Knost, Cody Gribble, Paul Haley, Ryan Palmer and Scheffler. Duringhis career as a golf professional, Smith has received more accolades than any other member of the association, honored 19 times by thePGA, includingbeingnamedPGAProfessional of the Year in 1996, following in the footsteps of two other Odessa natives David Price and Jerry Cozby. He was named PGA Teacher of the Year in 2002 and also served as president of theNorthern ABOVE: Randy Smith LEFT: Randy Smith and Scottie Scheffler 53 hometown living at its best
Texas PGA. For the past 22 years, Smith has been included in Golf Digest’s “50 Best Teachers in America” plus “Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers.” Perhaps his greatest achievement has been “The Great 108,” a fundraiser held at Royal Oaks for the past 39 years. “We expect to go over the $2,000,000 mark after the most recent event,” Smith said. The funds are directed to theNorthernTexas PGA Junior Foundation scholarship program and other growth of the game activities. The event features junior golfers who each receive a nine-hole playing lesson from either Smith or another member of the Royal Oaks staff. Recently after Sheffler’s success on thePGATour in2022, Smithhas been seen frequently on television at the practice tee of a tournament, sharing advice for the young man that he started working with when he was in elementary school before winning 75 times as a junior, then helping the University of Texas win three conference championships before turning professional. The Northern Texas PGA surprised Smith recentlybynaming the buildingnext to its newoffice in Frisco as the Randy Smith and Dr. Bill Blair Who Next Pavillion. “I was absolutely surprised to seemy name on the building along with the mural of me teaching Fin Ewing,” Smith said. The 2,300 squarefoot building will be used for the foundation's community outreach and growth of the game programs. † LEGENDS GREEN on the Randy Smith and Justin Leonard 54 odessa living magazine
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