1 hometown living at its best
2 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
3 hometown living at its best
4 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group 8 HOMETOWN HAPPENING National Cowboy Day 10 CALLED TO CREATE Local artist Raul Ruiz learned early that art and hard work go hand in hand, which is a lesson still reflected in every painting and sculpture he creates today. 18 HOMETOWN HAPPENING 2026 River Fest 22 HONORING A LIFETIME OF CARE The Nurses Honor Guard of the Concho Valley is a volunteer organization that pays tribute to fallen nurses at their funerals, memorial service, or graveside service. 30 4-H SPOTLIGHT Learn about 4-Her’s Makenzie Mikulik and Sutton Lampier as they wrap up and reflect on their time in 4H. 38 PEOPLE, PURPOSE, POSSIBILITY The Concho Valley Community Action Agency is more than a safety net, it’s a lifeline for families facing impossible choices and unexpected setbacks. 42 A PAWS-ITIVE DIFFERENCE For more than 25 years, Critter Shack Rescue has given stray animals a second chance and today, their mission extends beyond rescue by helping to create a better future for the Concho Valley’s pets. 50 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Polo on the Concho 54 THROUGH GOD COMES JUSTICE MINISTRIES Through God Comes Justice Ministries brings hope, faith and practical support to inmates, their families and those who serve within the jail system, proving that even behind locked doors, lives can be transformed. 62 HOMETOWN HAPPENING The Railway Museum’s Dia del Tren 64 ACTS OF LOVE FOR NEIGHBORS With a mission grounded in service, Rust Street Ministries continues to meet growing needs while bringing hope to the community. On the Cover Contents 22 10 54 62
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6 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group San Angelo Lifestyles Magazine© is published bi-annually by Hometown Media Group hometownmedia.group 502 N Main Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA WRITERS Becca Nelson Sankey Jeff G. Rottman Ellen Slater PHOTOGRAPHERS God’s Creation Photography Jeff G. Rottman ON THE COVER Photo provided by Critter Shack Rescue Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations Social Media Editor brooke@hometownmedia.group Camela Dietrich Accounts Receivable accounting@hometownmedia.group “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” - Proverbs 19:21 Brooke Graham …Just like that, 2026 is looming in the rearview mirror with the new year quickly approaching. In a world of instant gratification and where I try teaching my children that it’s ok to wait, to live in the present and to appreciate stillness, it is something that I have been trying to be more mindful of for myself as well. I find myself always looking ahead to the next milestone, the next holiday, the next vacation, the next ‘big’ thing and while doing so, the days that I am in are slowly slipping away, each one a little sand in the hourglass of my life that I will never get back. My goal for the rest of this year and into the next is to practice what I preach. To really savor each moment of the end of the year and to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. I encourage you to do the same. Take a little time right now to browse through these pages and read about fellow community members who are making it a point to appreciate life, in seasons both busy and still. People like Raul Ruiz, who has left his mark artistically across town, nonprofit organizations such as Rust Street Ministries and Concho Valley Community Action Agency who help bring hope and needs to the community and Critter Shack Rescue who help to find furever homes for our furry friends. As always, a huge thank you to our advertising partners, as they help us tell the stories between these pages. Have a story to tell? A person who deserves to be highlighted in a future issue? An event we should cover? Advice on slowing down and living in the moment? Email me at Brooke@hometownmedia.group. I would love to hear from you! Blessings, Hello San Angelo! Susan Avery Lead Creative Design
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HOMETOWN Happenings A Western Art Show, a gallery walkthrough, and a skit by the Concho Cowboy Company marked the annual San Angelo area celebration of National Cowboy Day on July 25th. The activities were held at the renowned Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in east San Angelo. Laura Huckaby, San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts curator, led a walkthrough of the exhibit, which featured 70 professional paintings and sculptures from the collection of the American Plains Artists, showcasing a wide range of western themes, including cowboys. During the event, visitors were also treated to a skit performed by the renowned Concho Cowboy Company, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. They performed one of their popular comic skits outside the Quartermaster building on the Fort’s grounds. Find moreArtists Website: americanplainsartists.com Fort Concho Website: sanangelo.gov/165/Fort-Concho Concho Cowboy Company: facebook.com/ConchoCowboys Photos by Jeff G. Rottman NATIONAL Cowboy Day
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10 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group Called to Create
11 hometown living at its best T Local artist Raul Ruiz learned early that art and hard work go hand in hand, which is a lesson still reflected in every painting and sculpture he creates today. Written by JEFF G. ROTTMAN Photographed by JEFF G. ROTTMAN and Provided by RAUL RUIZ The "West Texas Sheep Shearing Artist" was excited to welcome this writer into his modest studio in downtown San Angelo, where he proudly shared his amazing collection of paintings and sculptures, both finished and still in the works. Born in the small town of Eola, just outside San Angelo, Ruiz grew up shearing sheep and working ranch jobs alongside his family. Even as a child, though, he carried a sketch pad and camera wherever he went. Art was never far from his mind. While still young, he learned about a famous San Angelo artist, Dwight C. Holmes, and wanted to learn more about him. Ruiz said, "I found Mr. Holmes and I looked at his studio, and I was young and full of energy, and just wanted to learn how to paint. I would bug him until I said, ‘Mr. Holmes, look here, I'm working part-time and shearing sheep when I can. But I wanted to ask if I could do something for you. Can I trade art lessons for cleaning your gallery, caulking your windows, patching your roof, or trimming your trees? I'm willing to swap work for art classes.’" About six months later, while working for his dad doing various odd jobs, a severe storm damaged both San Angelo and Holmes' studios. Shortly after the storm, the Ruiz family home phone rang. "My mom answered the phone and said there's somebody on the phone named Holmes. I picked it up and to me, it was like the president calling.” Holmes needed help cleaning up storm damage at his studio, and Ruiz showed up ready to work. Between hauling limbs and patching roofs, he watched Holmes paint blue bonnets through the studio window. Under Holmes's guidance, Raul began to learn about colors, techniques, numerous creative painting tips, and how to stay organized with his paints and supplies.
12 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group Ruiz has established a strong reputation in the Southwest, particularly through his beautiful depictions of rural Texas scenes and his expressive bronze statues, which vary from small to largerthan-life representations of people and animals. His artwork resonates deeply with the community, as he creates breathtaking rural landscapes and sculptures that are admired by many in Texas and the Southwest. The Ruiz creative magic happens at Raul's Studio and Gallery, located at 416B South Oaks Street. While discussing the many art pieces he had on display, he mentioned that many of his projects are commissioned by fans and admirers of his work. Many of his celebrated projects have been awarded prestigious honors over the years. Ruiz often keeps inspirational quotes nearby in the studio, including one from Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The quote resonates deeply with the way Ruiz sees his own work, "Borglum looked at the mountains, and officials asked him,' Can you do the presidents?’ And he said,' The faces are in the mountains, I just have to bring them out.’ That's the same way I see sculpture, the subject matter is in the clay, I have to bring it out." One memory, though, still stands out as the moment he realized art would become his life’s calling. While driving to a ranch job with his father and brothers, he noticed a small white house, a windmill, and a field overflowing with bluebonnets.
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14 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group When he looked at the scene, that's when he knew that he was solely called to be an artist. But Raul was warned by Holmes that a life as an artist would not be easy. “He told me I’d pay a price for it,” Ruiz said. “That it’s a tough life. But if it’s truly your calling, you’ll find a way.” Ruiz says he has been blessed throughout his career, having traveled, shown his work in many museum exhibitions, and completed numerous commissioned sculptures. Today, Ruiz’s artwork is deeply woven into the identity of San Angelo and the surrounding region. His bronze sculptures and paintings celebrate the landscapes, ranching culture, and people of West Texas. Many locals recognize his work immediately, whether from his larger public monuments or the fiberglass sheep statues scattered throughout the city. Some of Ruiz's notable sculptures include "Hero on the Concho," which is one of his most significant recent projects. This permanent bronze statue is located at the World War II memorial along the Concho River in San Angelo.
15 hometown living at its best Another noteworthy piece is "CongressRam Pfluger," a recent addition to the "Sheeptacular" Art Project. This statue is displayed outside Congressman August Pfluger's office in San Angelo. Additionally, the "Elmer Kelton" statue, a life-size bronze tribute to the legendary Western author, can be found at the Tom Green County Library. The "Ram & Ewe," located at Angelo State University, features two life-size bronze Rambouillet sheep positioned atop a sandstone fountain at the entrance of the Junell Center/ Stephens Arena. Lastly, the Fallen Officers' Memorial is a solemn bronze work dedicated to the San Angelo Police Department. Some notable paintings and murals include the Henry's Diner Mural, a massive 12' x 6' depiction of a mounted vaquero surrounded by yuccas and mountains, showcasing his skill at capturing the West Texas landscape. Another significant piece is "Springtime," a painting featured at the Museum of the Big Bend that highlights the artist's focus on regional flora and natural beauty. Ruiz says he is so grateful to all his patrons and customers for their generosity and for their faithful support of his work over the years. Ruiz continues to work daily at his Studio and Gallery in downtown—still painting, still sculpting, and still chasing the next idea waiting to emerge from canvas or clay. †
HOMETOWN Happenings
19 hometown living at its best River Fest returned to downtown San Angelo on Sept. 19, bringing a full day of family fun, activities and entertainment along the Concho River. The annual celebration offered something for all ages. The Shannon Kids Zone kept younger visitors busy with a petting zoo, pony and horse rides, inflatables, games and an evening Splash Bash. Families could also enjoy food and craft vendors, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Family Day and live entertainment. Adding a little extra magic to the day was the Mermaid of the Concho Pageant, held at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial River Stage. Young contestants ages 5 to 13 took the stage in mermaid-inspired attire, showing off their personalities, creativity and confidence. Divided into Mini, Little and Junior age groups, the pageant concluded with crowning and awards. Throughout the day, visitors could also catch the River Fest Classic Baseball Tournament, youth recreation football, washer pitching, 3-on-3 basketball, pickleball, a skateboard competition and a car show. Live music and entertainment brought even more energy to the river throughout the celebration. With activities spread across downtown and along the Concho River, River Fest once again brought families and friends together for a day of community, creativity and fun. Photos by DSA and Araceli Gutierrez with Conexion and provided by City of San Angelo 2026 River Fest
HOMETOWN Happenings
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HONORING a Lifetime of Care Written by ELLEN SLATER | Photos provided by CATHRYN HIGHSMITH The Nurses Honor Guard of Concho Valley is a volunteer organization that pays tribute to fallen nurses at their funerals, memorial service or graveside service. 22 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
23 hometown living at its best WWhen Cathryn Highsmith's friend Judy Kilgore was on hospice care in 2021, she asked Cathryn to read the nurse's Nightingale Tribute at her funeral service. It was meant to be a singular act of friendship, a last gift to someone she'd cared for and worked alongside for years. "At the time, I thought I'd do Judy's ceremony and that would be it," Highsmith said. But grief has a way of leading people somewhere unexpected. As Highsmith researched the tradition behind the tribute, she discovered something she hadn't known existed: chapters of the Nurse Honor Guard were forming across the country, each one dedicated to honoring nurses the same way military service members are honored at their funerals. What began as research for one ceremony became the seed of something much bigger. Encouraged by retired nurse and former colleague Rosemary Zapata, Highsmith founded the Concho Valley Chapter of the Nurse Honor Guard in May 2022, becoming the third chapter in Texas. In the years since, the chapter has performed 100 tribute services, honoring the lives and sacrifices of nurses across the Concho Valley. During the service the honor guard commemorates the nurse's life of service. "We wear the traditional white uniform and read the Nightingale poem and perform the final call," said Highsmith. "The final call to duty involves the ringing of a bell and calling the deceased nurse's name three times. This officially releases them from their nursing duties." There are usually between three to five Honor Guard nurses in attendance at each tribute ceremony. At the end of the service, the nurse's family is presented with a Nightingale lamp and a white rose is placed on the casket.
24 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group The Concho Valley Chapter serves nurses in and around the San Angelo area including Tom Green, Coke, Concho and Runnels counties. It is a non-profit agency compromised of volunteers. The chapter has 300 supporting members, and 25 active members. Most members are retired however some are still working as nurses. "Many of the funeral services we perform are for nurses we've known and worked with," said Highsmith. "Our tributes have increased in number as people find out about the chapter through word of mouth. We also stay in close contact with the local funeral homes." Rosemary Zapata is the chapter's secretary, and she has been making a scrapbook dedication page for each tribute ceremony performed. To date, Zapata has made two scrapbooks full of dedication pages for fallen nurses. Zapata remains impressed by the reach of the Nurse Honor Guard and attended the first National Meeting of the Nurse Honor Guard held in Kentucky. “There were more than 400 nurses there representing all fifty states. We can get a funeral together for a fallen nurse almost anywhere in the country because all the chapters are connected through a national network," she said.
25 hometown living at its best Nightingale Tribute Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses here today honor our colleague who is no longer with us and their life as a nurse. She is not remembered by her years as a nurse, but by the difference he/she made during those years by stepping into people's lives and by special moments.
26 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group Highsmith, who was born and raised in San Angelo, worked as an operating room nurse for more than 40 years. She was excited to learn about the Nurse Honor Guard. "I retired but I missed nursing, it was a big part of my life," she said. "With the Honor Guard, I feel like I can contribute in a different way." Many of the nurses in the Concho Valley chapter have worked together throughout their years of service. Highsmith and Zapata worked in the same department at Shannon Hospital for many years. "We know many of the nurses we pay tribute to," said Highsmith. "There is a cohesiveness and camaraderie among nurses similar to a sisterhood." And according to Highsmith, there are many reasons why she's so dedicated to the Honor Guard. "It's so important to give respect and honor to each nurse for the work she did, and the sacrifices she made," she said. "We also give comfort to the family by recognizing the contribution their loved one made." For more information on the Nurse Honor Guard or to donate contact: 325-374-8695. †
27 hometown living at its best She Was There When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, She was there. In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, She was there. When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, She was there. At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, She was there. When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, She was there. When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, She was there. In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, She was there. To witness humanity—its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, She was there. To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, She was there. And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, She is there. © 2004 by Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN
28 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
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30 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group MAKENZIE GRACE MIKULIK Photos provided by THE MIKULIK FAMILY 4-H SPOTLIGHT AGE: 18 | PARENTS: Cole and Kerri Mikulik | 4-H CLUB: Lone Star 4-H Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE 4-H? 9 years WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Poultry is my main project, and I also participate in the Food and Nutrition, Leadership, Consumer Health, and Community Service projects, as well as the Consumer Decision Making contest, Leaders for Life contest, and Food Show contest. ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? I am the county council delegate for our club, and I was the President of the Lone Star 4-H club last year. I have also been on the District 7 council for 2 years. I am also the president of the Wall FFA Chapter and an Area 2 Vice President.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing about my 4-H projects is the variety of everything. I love to try new things and participate in everything I can. All my projects focus on different things, so I get to use all of my skills! My least favorite thing about my projects is that this year is the last year to participate in them. I wish I had savored the time and effort I had put into this organization for almost my whole life, even though I wanted to forget some moments. While they required endless practice and studying, which is not my favorite thing in the world, I will miss it. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? I have learned valuable lessons like how to make friends anywhere, 2-step in the tiniest spaces, and cook delicious food from my Food and Nutrition project. It also helped me to know what I want to do as I leave high school. Food and Nutrition had piqued my interest ever since I joined the Food Challenge and Food Show contests, so it only felt fitting to major in nutrition in college. 31 hometown living at its best
WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? Being in 4-H is so important to me because I am all for making the most of things while I have the chance. Why wouldn’t you try things if you knew they could potentially make you happy? 4-H offers anyone the opportunity to try contests and projects. It gives anyone the chance to do something they like, whether it is showing livestock, building robots, or just making new friends. It’s important to me because I love to be outgoing, and 4-H allows me to do that. OTHER ORGANIZATIONS YOU ARE INVOLVED IN? FFA, UIL, NHS, Hawks Helping Others, Student Council, Yearbook staff, and Saint Ambrose Youth Group. WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? My mentor would be my mom. She has helped me through everything from being my coach for multiple contests, helping me memorize a script, and driving me all around the state for contests. She gives so much time and effort into watching me succeed and I am truly grateful for her. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? I want to attend Texas A&M University and then go into the dental field when I graduate. 32 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
33 hometown living at its best SU T T ON LAMPIER Photos provided by THE LAMPIER FAMILY AGE: 18 | PARENTS: Justin and Scarlet Lampier | 4-H CLUB: Tom Green County 4-H Shotgun Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN THE 4-H? 11 years WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I am involved in the Tom Green County 4-H Shotgun Club and Horse Club. Through shooting sports, I compete in sporting clays, skeet, and trap. I have also completed 4-H Shotgun Coach’s Training and volunteered at the 4-H State Games. ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? Currently, I am the Shotgun Club President. I have also served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Reporter of the Shotgun Club and as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Horse Club.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite parts of 4-H are the friendships I have made and the opportunities to compete, lead, and help others. Through shooting sports, I have met people from across the state and country who share my interests. My least favorite part is knowing that my time as a member will come to an end after I graduate. It has been such a big part of my life, and I will miss the friendships, competitions, and opportunities that have helped me grow. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? Being in 4-H is important to me because it gives me opportunities to learn new skills, take on responsibilities, and serve my community. It encourages me to step outside my comfort zone, work with others, and become a more confident leader. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? I would tell them that 4-H is a great way to explore their interests, make friends, and learn skills they can use throughout their lives. You can try new things, build confidence, and take on leadership roles while helping your community. 34 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
35 hometown living at its best OTHER ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED IN? I am involved in the Lake View High School golf team, National Honor Society and Tom Green County 4-H Horse Club. I have been the golf team’s top player since freshman year and have served in several leadership roles in 4-H, including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Horse Club and Vice President, Treasurer, and Reporter of the Shotgun Club. I also participate in agricultural mechanics at Lake View, working on welding and fabrication projects. WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? My mentor is Gebben Miles because I admire both his strong faith and his accomplishments in shooting sports. Working with him has helped me grow as a shooter, but his example goes beyond competition. He inspires me to keep faith at the center of my life, work hard toward my goals, and stay humble through success. WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE: Keep your faith first, be willing to learn, and put in the work even when no one is watching. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow, stay humble when you succeed, and learn from the days that don’t go your way. Work hard toward your goals but make time to enjoy the people and experiences along the way.
36 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group three state parks one adventure HQ Mineral Wells Plan your adventure @visitmineralwells
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38 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group F Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by THE CONCHO VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY The Concho Valley Community Action Agency is more than a safety net, it's a lifeline for families facing impossible choices and unexpected setbacks. PEOPLE, PURPOSE, POSSIBILITY For the residents the Concho Valley Community Action Agency serves, life can feel like a series of impossible choices: Do I buy groceries or pay the electric bill? Should I purchase medicine or keep enough gas in the car to get to work? Do I buy shampoo and toothpaste or stretch that money toward rent? Those decisions are often constants for those who walk through the CVCAA’s doors. But for more than 50 years, the agency has worked to ensure that struggling individuals and families have hope and support. Priscilla Moya, intake team lead at the CVCAA, is often one of the agency’s first employees to lay eyes on a client’s application for assistance. She and a co-worker process about 100 applications per week before the eligible ones are forwarded to other departments that determine benefit amounts. “A lot of our senior citizens are living on fixed incomes,” Moya said. “Some receive only $23 a month in SNAP benefits. They're often forced to choose between buying food and paying their utility bills.” CVCAA Executive Director Mike Burnett said
39 hometown living at its best that, according to data from United Way of the Concho Valley, nearly half of Concho Valley residents fall into what is known as the ALICE population: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are individuals and families who work but remain one emergency or missed paycheck or one unexpected expense away from financial disaster. “We hear a lot of, ‘If they would just pull themselves up by their bootstraps,’ or, ‘If they would just get a job, they'd be able to get out of this,’” Burnett said. "The reality is that the deck is stacked against them." That reality is something Moya sees every day through the applications that land on her desk. “I see people who are working hard and making decent money but have experienced a setback,” she said. “Maybe they were once a two-income household and one person got sick or lost a job. Their income was suddenly cut back. “When they're approved for assistance that may last the entire year, it means they don't have to worry about that utility bill," she said. "It gives them a little extra money for groceries or other necessities.” When asked how often she sees people shed tears of relief, Moya didn’t hesitate with her reply: “Every day.” The CVCAA serves 14 counties including Tom Green, helping residents with needs ranging from utility assistance and weatherization services to housing programs and case management. Staff members also connect clients with partner organizations that can provide additional support. Burnett said one of the agency's greatest strengths is helping people find pathways toward long-term self-sufficiency. “Helping people, changing lives really distills what we do: helping people help themselves and each other,” he said. He recalled one client, a single mom of three, who worked with the CVCAA for more than a year while completing school, which enabled her to earn her vocational nursing license and secure stable employment. During one of her final visits, her teenage child shared something Burnett has never forgotten. “'I see my mom really pushing herself to be better,’” he recalled him saying. “I see her pushing herself to get through the schooling, get the degree, get the job so she can provide for us. Now I see that I can do that.’”
“We're changing family trees," Burnett explained. "She grew up in a family living in poverty, and now that cycle is broken." Burnett said some of the agency's most critical work happens behind the scenes through its weatherization program, which helps make homes safer and more energy efficient while lowering utility costs. “If we can drop a utility bill by $50 because of weatherization, that's big,” he said. Burnett recalled one woman whose house the weatherization program was visiting for an energy audit. The client explained she was late because a major appliance in her home had broken and she had just signed a costly rent-to-own agreement to replace it. “The weatherization audit was able to provide her a brand-new appliance, and she was able to cancel that contract,” which freed her from years of debt, Burnett said. The CVCAA is anticipating expanding its reach through the development of the Concho Valley Rockrose Community Campus, an initiative designed to bring multiple service providers under one roof. Burnett said many low-income individuals already face barriers when trying to access help. Taking time off work to travel across town for food assistance, counseling, housing resources or benefit applications can be difficult, especially for those living paycheck to paycheck. The goal of the campus is to make those services easier to access by creating a central location where individuals can connect with multiple agencies and resources in one place. “We'll [be able to] help 12,000 to 14,000 low-income individuals a year,” Burnett said. “When you reduce barriers to access, people can move toward self-sufficiency.” It’s evident Burnett is passionate about his career, but this line of work was not something he anticipated. Before joining CVCAA in 2020, he spent nearly 25 years as a theater professor. That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he participated in large-scale food distributions and came face-to-face with people in crisis. “I knew they existed, but it was always, 'They're over there. They'll get help somewhere,’” he said. The experience fueled a fire in him to help others at the CVCAA, a place he and Moya believe keeps San Angelo’s struggling neighbors afloat. “We're talking about people, humans, neighbors,” Burnett said. “Yes, some made terrible choices, some grew up in poverty, but they still deserve a roof over their head and food on their table.” The other goal, Burnett said, is that the people receiving help today will someday be able to help someone else. He recalled the 2000 movie “Pay it Forward,” starring Helen Hunt. “That's really what this is,” he said. “If we all did just a little more for one or two people, then those people would do the same, and soon we'd have a community wanting to do more for more people. It's infectious.” † 40 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
DIFFERENCE A PAWS-itive
43 hometown living at its best E FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, CRITTER SHACK RESCUE HAS GIVEN STRAY ANIMALS A SECOND CHANCE AND TODAY, THEIR MISSION EXTENDS BEYOND RESCUE, BY HELPING TO CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY’S PETS. Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by CRITTER SHACK RESCUE Even after more than 25 years in animal rescue, Sharon Halfmann never tires of seeing photos of cats and dogs Critter Shack Rescue has saved and placed in loving homes. The pictures arrive months or even years after an adoption with dogs curled up on couches, cats stretched across sunny windowsills and beloved pets celebrating birthdays with families who once knew nothing about them. “The ones that were difficult to place, or the adopters that still keep in touch with us, those are the ones I remember,” said Halfmann, Critter Shack’s director. “When they send pictures 10 years later, that's what keeps us going.” Those success stories have sustained Halfmann through more than two decades of rescue work, countless veterinary appointments, thousands of adoptions and, more recently, a growing effort to tackle what she believes is the root of San Angelo's animal overpopulation crisis: a lack of affordable spay and neuter services and education.
Founded in Menard in 2001 by two of Halfmann's sisters and two friends, Critter Shack began as a small rescue organization focused on finding homes for abandoned and unwanted pets. Halfmann joined shortly afterward as a foster before eventually becoming the nonprofit's director. In 2007, the rescue moved much of its operation to San Angelo after partnering with PetSmart, opening new opportunities for adoptions and fundraising. What started as a small-town rescue has since evolved into one of the area's leading advocates for low-cost spay and neuter services. "We started the spay-neuter clinic [in Wall] in 2015," Halfmann said. "We have a really good core of volunteers who have been in this a long time. We have worked together for years. We have wonderful donors and volunteers, and our program gets better every year.” Critter Shack depends completely on volunteers. Among them is Jaton Giese, who has supported the organization for nearly a decade, doing everything from fostering to transporting animals out of state to helping with fundraisers and spay-neuter vouchers. "My belief is that God charged us with taking care of all the creatures of the earth," Giese said. Today, thanks to help from Cassie’s Place and participating veterinarians, Critter Shack operates a weekly pet sterilization clinic in Wall and a voucher program that spays and neuters approximately 2,500 cats and dogs each year. The organization sells about 200 low-cost vouchers at PetSmart each month for dogs, cats and community feral cats, making services more accessible for local pet owners. "MY BELIEF IS THAT GOD CHARGED US WITH TAKING CARE OF ALL THE CREATURES OF THE EARTH." - Jaton Giese 44 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
45 hometown living at its best The emphasis on prevention represents a significant shift in focus for the organization. A decade ago, Critter Shack was adopting out as many as 1,400 animals annually through PetSmart adoption events and foster homes. Now, that number is closer to 300. Part of the change stems from an increasingly crowded adoption landscape. More rescue organizations operate in West Texas than ever before, and social media has transformed how people find pets. Potential adopters can scroll through Facebook, search online listings or drive to larger cities such as Austin or San Antonio to find exactly what they want. "Social media changed everything," Halfmann said. "It made adoptions easier and then made them more difficult also." The challenges facing animal rescues intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adoption events slowed, foster networks became strained and rescues throughout the region found themselves inundated with requests for help. Burnout, Halfmann said, is a constant reality in animal rescue, especially in a city flooded with homeless cats and dogs. “It's hard sometimes," she said. “You do get very discouraged. It is an overwhelming issue, but we adapt and keep working.” Critter Shack continues moving forward with the help of about 10 dedicated foster homes and a loyal, longtime volunteer base. Some work adoption events. Others assist at clinics or organize fundraisers. None, including Halfmann, receive payment.
Giese said seeing animals thrive after adoption is the reward and it also helps sustain volunteers through discouraging times. "Knowing that they're just in good, loving homes and able to live good lives, I'm thankful because I know there's so many that aren't,” Giese said. She recalled one dog she rescued who was eventually transported up North and adopted by a family living on a lake. Years later, she still receives photos showing the dog enjoying life with her new family. The organization’s efforts are also supported by community donors, including participants in San Angelo Gives, which in May 2026 generated more than $91,000 for Critter Shack, which made it its largest fundraiser of the year and the most it has ever received from the annual giving event. Halfmann believes those supporters understand what Critter Shack has learned through years of rescue work, that preventing unwanted litters has a far greater impact than trying to save animals after they enter the system. Giese agreed. "Education and spay-neuter are the best thing," she said. "I think the best way to invest [in reducing pet overpopulation] is the spay-neuter vouchers and trying to get the spigot cut off." "I think we'll continue to expand the spay-neuter part of the vouchers and the clinic," Halfmann added of the organization’s five-year plan. "It's great to adopt out a dog or a cat, but if you can spay a female that will never again have puppies or kittens, it's really a bigger impact." 46 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
47 hometown living at its best For Halfmann, the work ultimately comes back to the animals themselves. She recently fostered a dog that had never lived inside a home and had little experience being handled by people. For weeks, the dog kept his distance. Then something changed. "Now he won't get out of my lap," she said with a laugh. It’s these moments that remind Halfmann why she keeps going. After helping rescue and/ or sterilize thousands of animals and dedicating countless hours of volunteer work, Halfmann still measures success one life and one photograph at a time. “The animals show us what patience and love can do,” she said. “Sometimes it takes weeks. Sometimes it takes months. But when you see them finally become comfortable and happy, that's what makes it all worth it.” †
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HOMETOWN Happenings The 2026 Polo on the Concho was a true celebration of West Texas tradition, bringing together the excitement of polo, great food, and live music. Guests gathered at historic Fort Concho to enjoy an afternoon of competitive polo played by Mayer Ranch Polo and Adobe Lodge Polo teams before the festivities continued with a Texas BBQ dinner and an unforgettable concert featuring Gary P. Nunn. Polo on the Concho showcases the history of West Texas polo as well as the community spirit of San Angelo, welcoming supporters, sponsors, and guests from near and far. From cheering on the polo players to enjoying an evening of Texas country music, attendees experienced a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and tradition. More than just an event, Polo on the Concho serves as a celebration of heritage and community while raising critical support for the artistic and educational programs of the San Angelo Symphony. Mark your calendars and join us for the 5th annual Polo on the Concho on Saturday, May 1st, 2027. For more information please call (325) 658-5877. *J Chandler Law Polo Team (Mayer Ranch Polo) Ken Mayer, Clark Mayer, Rob Stenzel, Brendon Stenzel *Adobe Lodge Polo Team Ulysses Escapite, Carlos Galindo, Paul Von Gontard, Wyatt Duncan Photos by Mike Erb and Ken Grimm POLO on the Concho
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52 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group 2026 GMC Sierra HD AT4X “Your Hometown Dealer” MitchellBuickGMC.com 4105 Sherwood Way • San Angelo, Texas • 325-949-1811
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54 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by THROUGH GOD COMES JUSTICE MINISTRIES THROUGH GOD COMES JUSTICE MINISTRIES Through God Comes Justice Ministries brings hope, faith and practical support to inmates, their families and those who serve within the jail system, proving that even behind locked doors, lives can be transformed.
55 hometown living at its best IIn 1999, Linda Freeman was 17 years old, living on the streets and struggling with addiction when she found herself inside the Tom Green County Jail. She was lying on her bunk in the old downtown jail when her name was called. Freeman walked to the bars, where the jail’s chaplain Julie Green handed her a Bible. She had never owned one before. At the time, Freeman couldn't have known that the Bible placed in her hands would eventually become part of a story that would bring her back through those same jail doors – not as an inmate, but as the chaplain serving the women incarcerated there. Freeman is assistant director of Through God Comes Justice Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit whose mission is to bring hope and the transforming love of Jesus Christ to inmates, their families and those who serve within the jail system. Its chaplains provide one-on-one spiritual guidance, prayer and encouragement, often meeting with people during moments of crisis, grief and loss. According to the ministry's website, TGCJM in 2025 distributed 1,353 Bibles and provided 3,467 Bible studies. The ministry reported that 512 inmates either accepted Christ for the first time or rededicated their lives to Him. Chaplains also provided more than 1,500 hours of counseling and support and welcomed 136 new program students.
Freeman moved away and, thanks to the seed that Bible planted, eventually gave her life to God. When she returned to San Angelo, she applied at TGCJM as a volunteer. However, Freeman was denied three times because of her background check. “I thought I clearly knew what the Lord had told me, what He wanted me to do, and I was like, ‘Well, maybe that's not it,’” she said. "Chaplain Green encouraged her to apply again, telling her that God “has to open the door.” The fourth time was the charm. Freeman served in a volunteer capacity for five years. In 2017, when the female chaplain position became available upon Green’s retirement, she initially thought there was no chance she would get it. Then Dennis Trujillo, TGCJM’s director and chaplain for the men’s jail, called. “You can just tell me I didn't get it. It's OK,” Freeman recalled telling him. “No, actually, you did,” he told her. “You start training tomorrow.” Freeman returned to the very jail she’d once been incarcerated, this time on the other side of the bars. “Just to see everything come full circle was a bit overwhelming,” she said. Now Freeman shares her own story when she talks to women who are sitting where she once sat, explaining to them that their past does not have to dictate their future. Like Freeman, Trujillo pulls from personal experience in his work as chaplain. Trujillo was once a young runaway living on the streets of Los Angeles. Now an Air Force veteran, he joined TGCJ in 2003 as a volunteer before eventually becoming the ministry’s director and chaplain. He was apprehensive the first time he walked into the jail. It was cold and dark, with bars throughout. Trujillo and another chaplain sat on the concrete floor for their first Bible study. After spending an hour with the inmates, something in him changed and he knew this was where he was called to serve, and he couldn’t wait to come back. More than two decades later, Trujillo can be found at the jail nearly every evening. His work varies, from delivering a requested Bible to meeting with a recently detained inmate to notifying another inmate that their loved one has passed away. He also assists staff members when they need someone to talk to. 56 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group
57 hometown living at its best The relationships Trujillo and Freeman develop with inmates sometimes continue outside the jail’s walls. Trujillo described one man he has worked with for about 15 years. The man came through the jail on drug charges, eventually served about eight years in prison and continued completing Bible correspondence courses provided through the ministry. After his release, he moved away and worked as a janitor at a church, whose leaders helped fund his seminary education. He became an associate pastor and later was called to pastor another church, often sending Trujillo photographs of church events. He once sent Trujillo a picture of him baptizing a man with whom he had once been incarcerated with. “You invest in somebody, and they invest in others, and it just keeps going like that,” Trujillo explained. The ministry's work also extends to families and children affected by incarceration. Its Christmas Hope program, which began in 1998, provides inmates’ children new Christmas gifts, food and age-appropriate Bibles. Like Christmas Hope, its Easter and back-to-school programs are reminders to children that they are not forgotten simply because a parent is incarcerated. For Trujillo and Freeman, reaching those children is part of breaking a cycle. Freeman said the ministry asks a simple question: When inmates return home, what kind of people will they be? The answer, she believes, affects the entire community. When parents change, families can heal. When families heal, children have a better chance of avoiding the same cycles of addiction, homelessness and criminal activity. And when those cycles are broken, the community is healthier.
59 hometown living at its best Freeman has seen that happen firsthand. She recalled one woman who came into the jail struggling with addiction. The woman began attending Bible studies and eventually told Freeman she no longer wanted the life she had been living. Through connections made through the ministry, she entered a women's recovery home. Her charges were dropped, she reconciled with her family, and secured employment. Today, she works for another local ministry and volunteers for TGCJM, Freeman said. These types of success stories are what Trujillo thinks about on tough days. “That's what keeps us going,” he said. “Just to be able to see that and see the lives change.” It’s just as personal for Freeman, who remembers being the 17-year-old girl lying on a bunk in jail, hearing her name called and receiving a Bible that would eventually change her life. She remembers what it feels like to hit rock bottom. And she knows what it means to find hope. “We can choose to allow the Lord to change us, because that's what He does,” Freeman said. “He takes away the shame. And He can completely transform our lives to the point where we won't even recognize ourselves when we look in the mirror.” †
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HOMETOWN Happenings A The Railway Museum of San Angelo celebrated a new chapter in community outreach with Dia del Tren, a special event introducing Spanish-language tours and signage to the museum. Held Sept. 12, the event welcomed families for Spanish-language tours led by costumed guides, children’s crafts and rides aboard the little Choo Choo Train. The event marked the beginning of an ongoing effort to make the museum more accessible, with tours, signage and QR codes now offering information in both English and Spanish. Volunteers and community supporters were at the heart of the celebration. Nine new volunteers from Angelo State University’s Association of Mexican-American Students, Goodfellow Air Force Base and the community joined nine regular museum volunteers. Mack Johnson set up and drove the Choo Choo throughout the day, while Bliss Bignall and Greg Johnson cleaned the model train tracks and set up a new layout featuring Jack Coad’s trains. Steve Jewell helped transport volunteers from Goodfellow, while Hilda prepared lunch for the volunteers, giving everyone a chance to gather and connect. Community members also contributed their talents. Zoe Flores built the little Choo Choo Train, Mayra and Marta of Globos Artisticos created and donated the balloon display, and Mack Johnson helped hang it. Sar Ah Horton designed the event poster, while Liz Curtis displayed a special railroad collection donated by Manny Martinez in memory of his father, who worked on the railroad. Ray Zapata also provided storage space for the train. Annual sponsors H-E-B and Texas Pacifico were joined by The Original Henry’s, Jalapeños Locos, El Paisano on Knickerbocker and NextHome Centurion, along with support from Conexion San Angelo and Globos Artisticos. Rusas Mexico served festive drinks throughout the day. Thanks to the many volunteers, donors and community partners who came together, Dia del Tren welcomed new families while making San Angelo’s railroad history accessible to an even wider audience. Photos provided by: The Railway Museum THE RAILWAY MUSEUM'S Dia del Tren Alea Loredo Dia del Train chair Hilda Jewell with artist Zoe Flores Railway Museum Board president Chris Roque with artist Zoe Flores, VP Linda Thorsen Bond and guide Mack Johnson. Connie Molina, Barbara Domingues & Alea Loredo Manny Martinez Jack Coad and Alejandro Martinez Cesia Nohemi Casas and Rachel Gonzales Hilda Jewell Rachel Gonzales Barbara Dominguez
63 hometown living at its best 2026 Toyota Tacoma We put the deal back in Dealership! 1500 Knickerbocker Rd. • 325-653-2302 MitchellToyota.com
64 san angelo lifestyles | hometownmedia.group acts of love for Neighbors With a mission grounded in service, Rust Street Ministries continues to meet growing needs while bringing hope to the community. Written & photographed by JEFF G. ROTTMAN
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