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12 34 C O N T Community 26 MATCH OF A LIFETIME Local tennis pro, Jared Urbantke, is fostering a love of the game for the Concho Valley youth. On the Cover Photo provided by | HTM 34 KEEP SAN ANGELO BEAUTIFUL Keep San Angelo Beautiful Executive Director, Charlotte Anderson, brings enthusiasm to her new position and rallies the community around environmental causes and beautification projects. 54 SIERRA VISTA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OUTREACH Sierra Vista United Methodist Church is now poised “to meet needs not only within the congregation, but also those beyond our walls.” Special Feature 12 GREGORIO GUTIERREZ MEMORIAL The late Gregorio Gutierrez came to America, and San Angelo, with the dream of celebrating his Mexican roots with the community and providing the Spanishspeaking population with reliable news. He achieved that and so much more. 66 FROM THE LOVE OF AN EIGHT SECOND RIDE TO THE LOVE OF A LIFETIME World Champion Rodeo Cowboy, Guy Weeks was no stranger to San Angelo. He and his bride, Jo had many adventures on and off the rodeo circuit. 4 san angelo lifestyles

48 E N T S Art + Culture 44 KID’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE Check out a few of the many local summer camp options located right here in and around the Concho Valley. 48, 79 HOMETOWN GRADUTES Join us in wishing area graduates the best of luck with their future endeavors. 84 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ A variety of lemon themed dishes to try this summer. Life + Leisure 60, 63 TRAVEL GUIDE/ HOMETOWN KIDS’ CORNER This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 66 84 5 hometown living at its best

66 Jackey Gibbs Ethan West Mindy Fannin Elaine Adams Mary Ann Cochran Letha Schwertner Mandy Dempsey MIchael Abarca Gina Chaney Fara Baker Nada Huey Ricky Martinez Amanda Riojas John Flint Nicole Hamilton Emilee Brinlee Jill Baker Teresa Bale Amber Hickman Sherri Rainey Kelly Jelensperger Brenda Jackson Debbie Phillips Sammy Farmer Jourdan Green Jason Satterwhite Rode Biggs Jeff Hameister Lisa Diebitsch Dave West Kathleen Pfluger Fara Baker Laura Scott Billy Scott Nancy Vincent Leah Drennan Steve Morris Paxton DeLaGarza

Real Estate’s FOREVER Brandsm © 2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. www.AddressesRealEstate.com • 325-942-6400 • 3005 Green Meadow Dr. eal state’s F ran sm © 2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal ousing Opportunity. www.AddressesRealEstate.com • 325-942-6400 • 3005 Green Meadow Dr. 7 hometown living at its best

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WRITERS Connie Lewis Leonard Molly Hill Sabrina Forse Becca Nelson Sankey Deanna Lackey PHOTOGRAPHERS Becca Sankey Photography *GRADS* Images by Laray *GRADS* LaRae Russell Photography *GRADS* God’s Creation Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison SALES Michele Babiash LaDonna Dray Kelly Harbert CONTENT MANAGER Ashly Caffee office@hometown-living.com Ahhh, abreathof fresh-I’ll be it, humid- Texasair is good for the soul! I don’t knowabout y’all, but I amready for all the sunshine, summer barbeques, and long porch swingswith my family&friends. Summer alwaysmakesmewant toslow down and just enjoy people’s company; immerse myself in time with those I love. We have a family tradition to get ice creameveryFridaynight andsit onour porchandcolorwith chalk as a family. With everyone going 100miles anhour in different directions during the week, it’s my favorite time to just talk with the kids. We discuss the week we had and get excited aboutweekendplans. Thosemoments are some ofmymost cherished and, as our kids get older, I hope they remember this time with as much joy as I do. I encourage you to take in a beautiful sunset, read your favorite novel, or play a game with your kids. It’s amazing the things we miss until we slow down and take in all of God’s goodness; his blessings in our lives are abundant. This issue of San Angelo LifeStyles is full of just thatBLESSINGS! First and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS to all of our incredible graduates. You’ve no doubt already experienced some hardship, but if your future is anything like your photos, you’ve got a beautiful life ahead! Between graduate announcements, summer camps, youthoutreach via the Concho Valley Tennis Assoc., and the exciting partnership between San Angelo ISD & the Tom Green Library it is clear how much San Angelo values its young people! Somuchvitality&hope in this town, it’s impossible to contain! Wearealsoexcitedtobringyouaspiritedstoryabout the newest affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful... Keep SanAngelo Beautiful! Charlotte Anderson and her ever-growing team of volunteers, ambassadors, and supporters have made an incredible impact on the resplendent SanAngelo landscape in a very short amount of time. And for a good ‘ol tug on your heartstrings, we have included a moving profile of Guy Weeks through the eyes of his lovely bride, Jo. It’s a great story about love& rodeo, and love of the rodeo-a truly Texas fairytale. As always, if youhave a story to tell or anevent to share, please let us know!We love tohear fromYOU! Email office@ hometown-living.com to let us know what you would like to see within these pages. It is with lots of gratitude and appreciation for this communitythatwesharethesepageswithyouall.Fromlocal advertisers, writer and photographers, to those uplifting stories throughout the community-we wish nothing but His blessings on each and everyheart thatwe should touch and beyond. May the God of hope f i ll you wi th all j oy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow wi th hope by the power of the Holy Spi r i t . Romans 15:13 San Angelo Lifestyles Magazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Living, LLC. www.hometown-living.com 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. PUBLISHERS Matt &Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins {A Note f rom ou r Team} Ashly Caffee Client Relations Coordinator Sweet Summertime! SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Becca Nelson Sankey 10 san angelo lifestyles

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Written by BECCANELSON SANKEY | Photos provided by CONEXIONHISPANA

t a Railway Museum event honoring the late Gregorio Gutierrez, which included a proclamation declaring January 23 Gregorio Gutierrez Day, SanAngelo Realtor Bruce Partain noted that the museum was “a fitting location, as rail lines have brought the United States and Mexico together historically, much as Gregorio Gutierrez did culturally and through his journalism.” Just a little over a month after his 66th birthday, Gutierrez, CEO, Owner and President of San Angelo’s first bilingual newspaper, Conexion Hispana, passed away December 13, 2020, after aweeks-long battlewithCOVID-19. According to his bio on Conexion’s website, Gutierrez was a native of Mexico and moved to the United States in 1984, then San Angelo in 1986, where he first worked for KSJT Spanish Radio. In 1992, he created a pilot program, Simply Latino, for KLST-TV. In 2002, he founded ConexionHispana (Hispanic Connection), which he expanded to Del Rio in 2008. His publications also spawned three magazines, Health Connection, Christian Connection, and Art & Culture Connection. Already a well-known fixture in the San Angelo community, Gutierrez became a U.S. citizen in 2000. “I think (Congressman) August Pfluger said it best, (at themuseumevent) ‘Conexionmeans connecting; Gregorio was very great at connecting people,’” said Suzanna Valenzuela, President of the San Angelo RailwayMuseum’s Board of Directors and Vice President of the Hispanic Heritage Committee. “His newspaper was important to the community because there are residents who are only Spanish speaking andweren’t able to get the news any other way. It was a huge contribution. Now you can see how the A Lasting The late Gregorio Gutierrez came to America, and San Angelo, with the dream of celebrating his Mexican roots with the community and providing the Spanish-speaking population with reliable news. He achieved that and so much more. LEGACY 13 hometown living at its best

14 san angelo lifestyles city and different entities make an effort to put their information out (also in Spanish) in San Angelo. It was something that was needed, and Gregorio and his wife (Araceli) were the ones who brought that forward.” “Gregorio has always had a passion for San Angelo, in education and in his culture, andwanted to somehow join the three together, and so he created a bilingual newspaper to help new generations learn Spanish and stay informed about San Angelo and the surrounding areas,” Araceli added. Conexion was his pride and joy. “I believe he enjoyed building relationshipswith everyone, helping others and creating a bridge for Hispanics, helping promote the community, but more importantly, it helped him spread the word of God,” she added. Gutierrez was also well known in San Angelo for the Christmas Posada he and Araceli founded nearly two decades ago. The Posada provided entertainment, traditional Mexican fare, and free Christmas gifts for children who attended. “That’s a Mexican – American tradition, and a lot of those traditions have gone by the wayside, and hewas trying to keep those at the forefront of people’s minds,” Valenzuela said. Longtime friend and former San Angelo City Councilman, Johnny Silvas, added, “I remember coming to speak at the McNease Convention Center, when the Posada had grown so much he had moved it there. (Former) Mayor Dwain Morrison and (Former City Councilman) Daniel Valenzuela and I spoke that evening, and Gregorio was very humbled for us to have done that, and we were thrilled for him to even put an event together. A couple thousand people showed up, a lot of kids.” An act of kindness of that magnitude was typical of Gregorio, whom Silvas described as a warm and sincere individual who embraced all kinds of people. “He never had anything negative to say about anything,” Silvas said. “He was always looking for the bright spot. He was a Christian man, had Christ in his life, and you could tell he did just theway he handled himself and the way he spoke. He was always lending himself, always a helping hand, alwayswanted to give of himself, whatever the cause.” WhileGutierrez’s passing leaves a void inSanAngelo and Texas, and devastated his many friends, perhaps none feel the intensity of that loss asmuch as his family, including his wife, Araceli; sons Allan, Ricardo, Saul, Juan and Rodrigo; daughter, Laura Ibarra; and his 17 grandchildren and two-great-grandchildren. “He was loving, caring, thoughtful, understanding, an amazing father always advising his kids,” said his wife, Araceli Gutierrez, adding that he was also a “loving grandpa, and hewas always so happy. Gregoriowas someonewho spoke toeveryonewith respect, nomatterwhoyouwhere or where you came from. He was friendly, dedicated to

15 hometown living at its best his work, a man of God, and made sure that his job was always well done. I believe those who met him admired that about him.” Indeed, Gutierrez received a myriad of honors and awards during his time in Texas, including the Appreciation Award from the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio for his contribution to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. In 2018, the Lions International honored him for Exceptional Contributions, Loyalty and Dedication, and the Pachyderm Club gave him the Community Spirit and Entrepreneurial Recognition award for his work with Conexion. When asked what she misses about him, she said, “Everything!His companionship, our long conversations, our good laughs. His voice. But overall his smile. I miss himas a husband, father, grandfather and entrepreneur.” While San Angelo will no longer be graced by the kind presence of Gutierrez, a man of diminutive stature who came to America with big dreams, Araceli said his legacy and vision of promoting his culture and connecting Spanish speakers with news they can count on will continue. “The support was and is amazing,” Araceli said. “I had phone calls frompeople I hadnotmet, butmet Gregorio. I’mhonestly so grateful for the support I’ve had during this hard time. Even with Gregorio not being here, his name and who he was as a person is continuing to open doors for Conexion San Angelo. We will continue, and hope that the community continues to support us.” †

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17 hometown living at its best April 23, 2021 - June 27, 2021 The 2021 San Angelo Ceramic Invitational Exhibition THE SAN ANGELO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS UPCOMING EXHIBITS Visit one of the most dramatic museum buildings in the nation, featuring changing art exhibits from Texas and around the world! Featuring Ariel Bowman, Brooks Oliver, and Gregory Tegarden. Don't miss ceramic workshops, the opening reception, and more! Visit samfa.org/ceramic-competition to view the full schedule of events! July 8, 2021 - September 12, 2021 The State of Sculpture: Work by the Texas Sculpture Group Featuring works by some of the most celebrated contemporary sculptors in Texas, The State of Sculpture marks the 10th Anniversary of the Texas Sculpture Group with artworks from its roster of nearly 100 artist-members statewide. September 23, 2021 – November 28, 2021 Hand Stitch 2021 / Works by Texas Artists This exhibit is a survey of ten women working with thread and needle at a time when embroidery (and textile art in general) is experiencing increased international recognition as a medium of choice for serious artists. Come see us! One Love St. San Angelo, Texas | (325) 653-3333 When are we open? Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-4pm Sunday: 1-4pm Photo by © Kerry L. Stewart

Manyolderpeoplegrewupduringa timewhen elementary schools didn’t have libraries. For those of us who lived out in the country, we never visited the big city library. Our introduction to literature came from Dick and Jane and the magical Bookmobile. Times and traditions change constantly. One of the best changes in this age of technology is having thousands of digital reading resources readily available for children 24/7, at home or anywhere they go, especially since the 2020 pandemic turned our world upside down. San Angelo ISD and Tom Green County Library share a common history of collaborating to promote literacy, including the annual March Around the Courthouse/Read to Me Campaign, now in its 30th year. The pairing of public schools and libraries allows them to stretch their budget dollars while increasing educational programs and services. Last spring, with the efforts of Claire Hogg (CHSLibrarian) andSuzanneGrover (LeeMS Librarian), the partnership expanded to include SORA. LIBRARY SAN ANGELO ISD AND TOM GREEN COUNTY A PARTNERSHIP INCYBE HEAVEN { WR I T T EN BY CONN I E L EWI S L EONARD | PHOTOS BY GOD ’ S CREAT I ON PHOTOGRAPHY } 18 san angelo lifestyles

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20 san angelo lifestyles SORA is an app that allows children to access the public library catalog without requiring them to have a library card. It is a modified and enhanced extension of its similarly portable “big sister,” Libby, which is hosted by OverDrive. TGC Library has been using OverDrive and Libby for awhile, inpart due to theiruser-friendliness and size of content. SORA is to the school’s library catalog as Libby is to the public library. SORA is the school’s gateway to the catalog of eBooks and audiobooks in the classroom andbeyond. ThroughSORA, SAISDstudents and staffcan access theSAISDcollectionof eBooks andaudiobooks and the public library’s collection without having a library card. They can also search both sites at one time through SORA. One of the greatest features about these reading apps is that they allow their readers the opportunity to “hear” audiobooks aswell as readeBooks. Positive “reading” stats increasewhen the text-barrier is removedand readers can access thematerial intheway that ismost comfortable for them. Overdrive, throughSORA, allows teachers to assign particular books and monitor reading progress, enabling students to share their annotations digitally with their teachers. During the pandemic when schools closed, many people were locked down in their homes. Amy Dennis, Programming and Public Relations Librarian at Tom Green County Library said, “The majority of our patrons continued using library services in 2020, especially essential services like ourWiFi hotspot checkouts, public computers, and printer/copier areas. We were fortunate not to have to close down for too terribly long; we closed doors to the public in March last year, but continued to work behind-the-scenes, offering curbside holds pickup, phone and email reader advisories, and updating our collections. We reopened to the public in May, with the exceptionof in-personprogramming,whichwas curtailed dramatically by the pandemic restrictions. Our response was diligent and measured—we continued to offer story times twice a week via our Facebook and web presence, and adapted previously popular events like movie nights to the social-distancing requirement givenus.We nowdo outdoor movie nights, by registration.” Amy Dennis

21 hometown living at its best Since the implementation of SORA on June 1, 2020 some 1,930 SAISDstudents have checkedout 10,480 titles. ClaireHogg, SAISDCentralHighSchoolLibrariansaid, “The school librarieshavebeenopenandservingstudentssince campuses opened. SAISD in-person student classes are using the campus libraries for books, eBooks, instruction, and collaboration within the COVID guidelines of SAISD. Each library has worked diligently to provide the highest level of service to students while working within the current district health and safety guidelines.” The kids will have continued use of the SORA app through the summer. They can access the materials they need for summer learningaswell as theones theywant for summer fun.WhitneyWood, SAISDExecutiveDirector of ONE OF THE BEST CHANGES IN THIS AGE OF TECHNOLOGY IS HAVING THOUSANDS OF DIGITAL READING RESOURCES READILY AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN 24/7, AT HOME OR ANYWHERE THEY GO, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE 2020 PANDEMIC TURNED OUR WORLD UPSIDE DOWN.

Communications, said, “Students can track their progress as they read or listen to a title, number of books read, amount of time spent reading, and time per book. There are also thirtyReadingAchievement Badgeswhichcanbe earned (such as getting started, making notes, choosing titles fromvariousgenres, amountof reading time, reading early, lateandmore). SORAalsooffers reading suggestions for readers along with differentiation tools such as a dyslexic font and high contrast text.” What about peoplewhodonot have internet service? The library has had externalWi-Fi available 24/7 and free of charge for years—this service extends into the library parking lots. Dennis said, “We have found this to be a well-used benefit for our families with unreliable or no internet service, especially after classes went virtual. We also received a $50,000 CARES grant over the summer that allowed us to add dozens more WiFi hotspots to our preexisting hot-spot collection. Users can check out a hotspot for two weeks at a time—this provides them free internet services for up to eight devices. For thosepatrons withno internet andnocomputeror smartdevice,wehave ChromeBooks for checkout, andtheycanalsocome inand use our public computers.” Wood said, “Additionally, SAISD ordered some hotspots when COVID initially arose in the Spring of 2020 and then again in August 2020. The Wi-Fi hotspots have been distributed to students who need access to the internet anddonothave internet accessathome. Students and families can contact their campus for assistance if they do not have Wi-Fi access. SAISD also encourages communitypartners likeapartment complexes toprovide internet access in business centers for residents.” Dennis said, “Through the Libby/Sora platforms, readers can find items of almost every genre and area of interest, includingdigitalmagazines!Ourdigital databases hold the majority of our scholarly journals and articles. Between OverDrive/Libby/SORA and the other digital titleswehave online, patrons canchoose betweenalmost 50,000 electronic resources.” If you’re looking for entertaining fiction, educational non-fiction, something to stimulate the intellect and stir the emotions, check out the offerings of the Libby/SORA database through the library. Inour ever-changingworld, educatorsand innovators adapt and adjust tohelppeoplemove beyond surviving to become thriving, life-long learners. Knowledge has never been more readily available. As Mark Twain said, “The manwhodoesnot read goodbookshasno advantage over the man who cannot read them.” Books are our windows to the world from wherever we are. Open up the App to “Cyber Heaven” and broaden your horizon. † TO GET STARTED WITH SORA: 1. Download the free Sora app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or visit soraapp.com. 2. Find San Angelo ISD by typing "San Angelo" in the search box and selecting "This is my school" under "San Angelo ISD". 3. Click "Sign in using San Angelo ISD" and choose "Log in with Active Directory". 4. Login using your SAISD email address and password. 5. Browser or search for books and click "Borrow" to begin reading right away. TO ADD THE TOM GREEN COUNTY LIBRARY: 1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) at the top right of the app. 2. Click "Add a library". 3. Find Tom Green County Library by typing "Tom Green" in the search box and selecting "This is my library" under "Abilene PL and TomGreen CL". Switch back and forth between SAISD and Tom Green County Libraries at any time by clicking the menu button and selecting from the list of libraries. KNOWLEDGE HAS NEVER BEEN MORE READILY AVAILABLE. AS MARK TWAIN SAID, “THE MAN WHO DOES NOT READ GOOD BOOKS HAS NO ADVANTAGE OVER THE MAN WHO CANNOT READ THEM.” 22 san angelo lifestyles

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27 hometown living at its best MATCH of a A LOCAL TENNIS PRO IS FOSTERING A LOVE OF THE GAME FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY YOUTH Written by Sabrina Forse Photos provided by Concho Valley Tennis Association LIFETIME Love-Love is the starting score for a tennis match, equating to zero-zero. And by the end of his first game, Jared Urbantke had fallen in love with tennis. "I didn't know anything about tenniswhen Iwas tossed onto a court in seventhgrade. I hadplayedbasketball, football andbaseball somyathleticismtookover, " said Jared. "Tennis reallypiquedmy interestknowing that I could learn and compete." TheWater Valleynative started taking lessons and was active in tournament play throughout high school. He went from taking lessons to now teaching them and is the Tennis Pro for the Concho Valley Tennis Association. Thenon-profit organization strives tooffer affordable tennis lessons to children and adults. In addition, CVTA plans tennis tournaments forall ages. "Ourgoal is totryandgiveall theyouthan opportunity to play tennis. We have clinics where they can learn and we offer equipment to try, to make sure they enjoy playing before they buy," said Stacey Duffell, CVTA President. "This past year, we were able to bring on a tennis pro [Urbantke] to stabilize our program.” Urbantke leads CVTA clinics where players can learn tennis education, suchas rules, andbuild their skillset. "We host clinicals for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. As they advance, there ismore opportunity for competitionplay, " saidUrbantke. "I reallyencouragemy students topracticeon their own, outside of lessons and clinics. I tell them to find a friend to play or practice serving, hitting against a wall." CVTA is currently focused on growing its youth program, which is offered to players ages six to eighteen. At age 6, Jack Orr is one of Urbantke's youngest players. He actually started taking lessons with Urbantke at the age of four. "With Jack starting so young we weren't sure howhe would do, but Jared had a lot of

28 san angelo lifestyles patience. We started with two 30-minute lessons to keep Jack's focus. Now, he's taking hour long lessons, " says Jack'smother, Renee Orr." Jared has away of quizzing Jack tomake sure he's retaining the information he's learning. We've seen such a big improvement with everything, especially his serves. He's so young though, that we don't want him to get burnt out and Jared really keeps it fun for him." Tennis is truly a family affair for the Orr family. "My husband plays tennis tournamentswith the CVTAmen's league. I started playing in junior high and took some lessons with Jared last summer to knock the rust off. Grandma is also playing now, too. We go out and hit the ball around as a family." It's that love of the game thatUrbantkehopes to instill inhis players. "I've seencoaches that doagreat jobofmotivatingplayersand thenI'veseencoacheswhodo theexact opposite. Iwant to be the coach that leaves a lasting, positive impact and a lifetime love of the sport," saidUrbantke. Whether it's simply for fun or of a more competitive nature, Urbantke believes that tennis serves up life lessons. "When you first start playing, you're going to make mistakes. It can be frustrating, but tennis teaches you to have discipline. Keep practicing and focus on learning one skill at a time," Urbantke stated. "I had a student that was frustrated because he had played a competitor three times and he had been defeated every single time. So we broke down the game-what didmyplayer dowell, what didhis opponent dowell. Iwent tohis next tournaments and my player ended up playing exceptionally well and beat his opponent." As a coach, it's not always thewin that ismost satisfying. "It's awinning situationwhenyou see a player build their

“I WANT TO BE THE COACH THAT LEAVES A LASTING, POSITIVE IMPACT AND A LIFETIME LOVE OF THE SPORT,” SAID URBANTKE.

30 san angelo lifestyles confidence and realize they canovercome obstacles throughhardwork." For some, that obstacle may be paying for tennis lessons. "We started the Youth Expansion Programwhere we go into underprivilegedareasandconduct freeclinics. COVID-19has slowed thegrowthof thisparticular program, butwehope to regainmomentuminSanAngelo thisyear. It'svery rewarding toseekids pick up a racquet for the first time and realize they are capable of learning a new sport." CVTA is designed so that tennis lovers of all ages andwalks of life can continue to enjoy the sport for as long as they desire. "Tennis is truly for everyone. If you want to play solo, you can play singles. If you want to be in a group, play doubles. If you want to play for fun and socialize, you can do that. If you want to compete, play in tournaments," said Urbantke "One of the most outstanding aspects of tennis is that it's a lifetime sport, you can truly play at any age." † To learnmore about CVTA, itsprograms and tournaments, visit www.conchovalleytennis.net.

31 hometown living at its best “ONE OF THE MOST OUTSTANDING ASPECTS OF TENNIS IS THAT IT'S A LIFETIME SPORT, YOU CAN TRULY PLAY AT ANY AGE.” Jared Urbantke

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34 san angelo lifestyles Written by MOLLYHILL Photos provided by KEEP SANANGELOBEAUTIFUL ANDHTM KEEPSANANGELOBEAUTIFUL isproving tobea leader in tackling pressing environmental issues. Through both corporate and community involvement, San Angelo is proving to be an example to other cities not only through programs such as recycling and litter prevention, but also through educating and engaging our younger generation towork together tobeautifyandpreserve thecommunity that surrounds them. When Charlotte Anderson walked into her office as the new Executive Director of Keep San Angelo Beautiful (KSAB) in February of 2020, the only items sitting atop her desk were the organization’s formation documents and minutes from long-ago meetings. “From stocking the office with pens & paper, to creating and organizing a multitude of events-we’ve definitely come a long way,” she says. Just four months later, KSAB achieved Affiliate Status with the State organization, KeepTexasBeautiful (KTB), andonly threemonths after that was named KTB affiliate of the Month. Anderson said becoming an affiliate is typically a two-year process and SanAngelo is one of 300 affiliate cities across Texas committed to “making our state the best place to live, work andplay,” and as such receives support fromKTB to ensure their mission is carried out. Later in 2020, KSAB received Gold Star Status after participating in virtual activities, litter surveys and receiving endorsements fromelected officials. This early success says as much about Anderson’s passion & love for the organization and the city it serves as it does about the KEEP SAN ANGELO BEAUTIFUL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHARLOTTE ANDERSON, BRINGS ENTHUSIASM TO HER NEW POSITION AND RALLIES THE COMMUNITY AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

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36 san angelo lifestyles community that has rallied behind KSAB. Revitalized through San Angelo community initiatives, the Mayor and City Council, Anderson describes their mission as “building alliances and partnerships with the community to create awareness and maintain clean, green and beautiful spaces through art, science and education.” She believes this benefitsneighborhoods, outdoor enthusiasts, tourism and further economic development. “There has been tremendous local support which benefits all areas of our city,” she said. “Everyone deserves a thriving community and safe neighborhoods. Our actions develop a sense of pride within our citizens and encourages them to join KSAB, take responsibility andmake a difference.” Friend and volunteer, Laura Lewis, describes environmental clean-up as “multifaceted” and believes Anderson’s enthusiasm and unique ability to engage diverse groups of people has been key to KSAB’s success. “Charlotte is dynamic and knows how to reach certain individuals and groups, “ she said, adding that while other cities might have beautification and recycling programs, their success [KSAB] is largely dependent on awareness. “Charlotte is a marketing genius and creates proactive awareness to inspire volunteer involvement,” she said. Anderson says that their continued success through the difficulties of COVID-19 necessitated “Everyone deserv s a thriving community and safe neighborhoods.” - Charlotte Anderson, Executive Director San Angelo, The Beaut iful

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38 san angelo lifestyles what she refers to as top-of-mind awareness. “Because of COVID-19, many families were facing challenges they hadn’t encountered before and the last thing on their minds was environmental stewardship. But because of this, it became even more important to work hard to make sure we kept awareness high,” Anderson explained, citing the importance of this being the drastic increase inwaste in the form of discarded plastics and contaminated personal protective equipment suchasmasks and gloves. Even with the challenges the pandemic presented, Anderson said the community supportwas-andcontinues tobe-unwavering. “We host a hazardous waste recycling event once a year and even in 2020, we collected 44,000 pounds of debris such as paint, batteries, and other household items. These were all taken to recycling centers outsideour areaanddidn’t endup in the landfill,” she said. Anderson further stressed how important it is, from a public safety standpoint, to keep landfills from exceeding capacity. San Angelo, The Beaut iful

39 hometown living at its best “Hazardous materials and debris going back into the environment pose numerous health and safety threats, so the endgame is always to reduce, reuse, or recycle.” KSAB is seeing even greater turnouts each year. In celebration of World Water Day [March 22nd], KSAB hosted TheGreat TexasRiver CleanUpwhich focused attention on ‘Earth’smost vital resource: clean water sources for all the world’s inhabitants.’ In an interview with conchovalleyhomepage. com, Andersonstated that theeventwasahuge we collected 44,000 pounds of debris such as paint, batteries, and other household items. These were all taken to recycling centers outside our area and didn’t end up in the landfill.” - Charlotte Anderson, Executive Director “We host a hazardous waste recycling event once a year and even in 2020,

40 san angelo lifestyles success and yielded around 3,000 pounds of trash that over 95 volunteers took “out of the river [and] out of the community.” Fostering an atmosphere where everyone’s input and insight matters is crucial to KSAB’s success and growth. With that mind, Voice at the Table was createdbeginning in June of 2020-as an invitation only, collaborative team that “celebrates diversity and inclusion.” They meet monthly to discuss environmental issues and events. Fromthis group, “BusinessSiteAmbassadors” are recruited and those Ambassadors go on to share information with their employees and coworkers regardings KSAB events, volunteering, and sponsorshipopportunities. Anderson says,”The group has grown from 10 organizations to over 40 groups/businesses. It is through these relationships that open dialogue and much needed feedback is received and used to make the organization stronger.” Involving the community includes more thanjustgettingbusinessesandorganizations on board with KSAB’s mission-engaging the younger generations is crucial for long-term success. It is with this inmind that Anderson created the KSAB Junior Ambassadorsensuring those who follow are educated about the importance of environmental stewardship. “It is important to educate our young people and get them involved. Our Junior Ambassadors take a pledge not to litter and to recycle whenever they can, “said Anderson, adding that as young as the elementary level, Ambassadors are taught the properway to identify and sort recyclable items. Another exciting KSAB program that keeps children engaged and informed is “Recycle for a Bicycle” or “R4AB.” With the YMCA and support from 1st Community San Angelo, The Beaut iful

41 hometown living at its best Federal Credit Union and the KSAB Board, “R4AB” provides lessons that illustrate the simpleways items can be recycled. Anderson said that the children are “very interested in learning that bikes can be made of recycled plastics and metals. As we go through the lessons, we provide great activities that bring freedom, exploration, and adventure associated with a bike to recycling.” After completing the lessons and taking the Junior Ambassodor’spledge, thechildren’snamesare entered intoa randomdrawing for 24bicyclesone for each elementary school-provided by the KTB-HEB Green Bag Grant Program. It’s through these versatile programs and Anderson’s zeal for KSAB’s mission that this KTB affiliate is making a lasting impression on the citizens of San Angelo. Anderson is grateful to the community for its support and is optimistic that KSAB’s efforts will bring about change that will continue into the next generation and beyond. “This is my passion and it’s wonderful to give back. I see this as a form of recycling my time and talents and I hope that in the future our community will continue the KSAB legacy of environmental stewardship.” † “It is important to educate our and get them involved.” young people

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43 hometown living at its best MitchellToyota.com We put the deal back in Dealership! 1500 Knickerbocker Rd. • 325-653-2302

If you were fortunate enough to go to summer camp as a child you know the engaging crafts, sing songs, and outdoor adventures you had are cherished memories that have last through the years. Now children can enjoy specialized camps in a variety of topics. Below are a few of the many located right here in the Concho Valley with additional websites for you to research updates and additional camp options for your child or teen. We can not stress enough the positive experience a faith-based camp curriculum can have on your youth. According to *The Effective Camp Research Project (ECRP), kids who attend religious camps are over three times more likely to keep up with their faith five years into the future when compared to children who did not attend faith based camps. The bonds formed at camp are unique and timeless as Former U.S. Secretary of State and former Chair of America’s Promise—The Alliance for Youth Colin Powell conveys his support for summer camp by saying, “It teaches them how to get along with other people—both other young people as well as adults. To give our children a safe place to learn and grow . . . camp does that.” CITY OF SAN ANGELO SUMMER DAY CAMP www. cosatx.us/departments-services/recreat ion/recreat ion-centers $45 non- refundable reg fee + $65 per chi ld per week Ages : 5- 12 years Camp Dates : June 1 -August 6 , 2021 Camp Times : 730am-530pm, M-F, excluding hol idays SAN ANGELO ISD ATHLETICS SUMMER CAMPS www. saisd.org/departments/athlet ics/summer -camps Ages : Elementary through High School Age students SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 2021 San Angelo 44 san angelo lifestyles

SAN ANGELO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS ART OF NATURE, $75 per week, 8:30AM-3:30PM URBAN ADVENTURE June 7- 11 , Ages 7- 11 FLORA AND FAUNA June 14- 18 , Ages 7-9 URBAN ADVENTURE June 21 -25 , Ages 10- 12 FLORA AND FAUNA June 28-July 2 , Ages 10- 12 JULY ARTIST WORKSHOPS, 9AM- 12PM PAINTING WORKSHOP July 5th, Ages 7-9 , $25 July 7th, Ages 10- 12 , $25 CLAY WORKSHOP July 12 , Ages 7-9 , $25 July 14, Ages 10- 12 , $25 ARTBOTS: STEAM WORKSHOP July 19th, Ages 7-9 , $30 July 21st , Ages 10- 12 , $30 SCULPTURE WORKSHOP July 26th, Ages 7-9 , $25 July 28th, Ages 10- 12 , $25 CONCHO VALLEY GYMNASTICS www. cosatx.us/departments-services/recreat ion/recreat ion-centers *Sign Up by Week* Ages 5- 11 years 8:00AM-3 :00PM, $140 per week 8:00AM-5 :00PM, $160 per week SAN ANGELO BROADWAY ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP www. sabroadwayacademy.org/summer -camp-2021 .html MOANA JR June 7th-27th, Ages , 6- 18 Performances June 25th-27th @ Murphey Performance Hal l DESCENDANTS, THE MUSICAL July 12th -August 1st , Ages 8- 18 Performances July 30-August 1 , Murphey Performance Hal l Vacation Bible Schools are a wonderful way for children to spend their summer days. These are generally held free of charge during the morning or evening hours for ages 6 and up. Dates will be added in the months ahead so be sure to check in with churches near you and have your kids take part in the fun. 45 hometown living at its best

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54 san angelo lifestyles written by dee lackey ccording to senior pastor, Rev. StanWhites, SierraVistaUnitedMethodist Church {which recently dedicated time and effort to renovating and expanding their properties} is now poised “to meet needs not only within the congregation but also those beyond our walls.” A fall Harvest Festival and accompanying pumpkin patch are among two long-standing traditions. The Great Pumpkin Patch, at least a 20-year staple, has attracted asmany as 2,000 children and families during its month-long attraction. Community entities benefiting from the Festival has included Wesley Soup Kitchen, Young Life/Young Lives, Project Dignidad, Concho Valley Home for Girls, Women’s and Children’s Shelter, Meals for the Elderly, Rust Street Ministries and Children’s Advocacy Center. SIERRA VISTA UMC

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57 hometown living at its best A pet project for at least a dozen years is the church’s sponsorship of Alta Loma Elementary School on the city’s west side. What began as an “adopt-a-school” request with a clothes closet and occasional teacher snacks has now blossomed into a year-long mentoring of students, teacher luncheons, summer feeding and reading programs and holiday celebrations. Last year’s lunch time feeding effort was altered to drivethrough meals, however, plans are being discussed to return to in-person dining at the neighborhood’s Gospel Ministries. Approximately 85-95 Sierra Vista volunteers served 2,700 meals, five days a week for five weeks, all while dealing with COVID guidelines. Another sobering realization was that not all students had adequate beds leading to another project which provides a portable bed, sheets, pillow and comforter. To date, more than 1,200 beds and bedding have been provided not only in the Alta Loma area, but throughout the city with the assistance of House of Faith and San Angelo ISD personnel identifying those in need of this most basic necessity. Additionally, buckets of cleaning supplies for flood victims, Christmas boxes andHonduranmission trips have assisted those in crisis far beyond the boundaries of our church and city. Themost recent outreachbeginning this springhasbeenramp construction for those with mobility issues in tandem with the Texas Ramp Project. Serendipity Sunday school class volunteers are aiming for one or two ramps per month and church youth are following up with a coat of non-slip paint on each project. As a long-time member/volunteer states, “When you follow Jesus, you have to move. You just can’t sit still!” †

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59 hometown living at its best Baptist Retirement Community is the premier choice for seniors 62+ in San Angelo. As a full service Continuing Care Retirement Community, residents enjoy endless amenities and lifestyles programming while having the peace of mind knowing higher levels of service are available should their needs change. Baptist Retirement Community is a non-profit community and part of the Buckner Retirement Services portfolio. Buckner Retirement Services is a division of Buckner International, which has a 142 year history of serving seniors. Experience premier Senior Living in San Angelo Serving All Faiths INDEPENDENT LIVING | MEMORY CARE | SKILLED NURSING | MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING LONG T ERM CARE | PERSONAL AS S I S TANCE S ERV I CE S | OUTPAT I ENT THERAPY 902-903 NORTH MAIN, SAN ANGELO, TX 76903 | BAPTISTRETIREMENT.ORG | (325) 213-7447 Crest West AL #106545 Crest East AL #106541 800.246.4215 • BaptistRetirement.org www.MitchellBuickGMC.com Mitchell Buick-GMC 2021 Yukon XL Denali “Your Hometown Dealer” 4105 Sherwood Way • San Angelo, Texas • 325-949-1811

{ { travel guide The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. - Eleanor Roosevelt

61 hometown living at its best { { travel guide

{ { travel guide

Stroll the Storybook Capital of America, and you’ll find characters of every kind. People journey here to feed our giraffe, absorb our heritage and bask in culture. We aren’t a big metropolitan area, but we’re big on hospitality. Plot an adventure at abilenevisitors.com Jenn Christoferson When you visit, live like a local. Frontier Texas! Abilene Zoo 63 hometown living at its best { { travel guide

64 san angelo lifestyles Take a break from screentime while traveling and bring Kids’ Corner along for their road trip entertainment! Email office@hometown-living.com to submit your kid’s favorite jokes or artwork for consideration in future issues! Be sure to include their name and age as well! How do you get a squirrel to like you? Act like a nut What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts In the beginning ... How do we know that the ocean is friendly? It waves Why are fish so smart? Because they live in schools. Peyton, 7 Prayer Time: Go outside and play a version of i-spy as your prayer time. “Father God, you created everything in the world! You have such a BIG imagination to make so many different kinds of plants, land animals, fish, birds and me!” “Thank you for making something my favorite color.” (ex: Green: A Tree) “Thank you for making something beginning with the same letter of my name” (ex. G … Grass) “Thank you for making something tiny/huge” (ex. A ladybug/a horse)

Enjoy a walk in God’s creation and see what you can find. • A snail can sleep for three years at a time. • The male Gentoo and Adelie penguins “propose” to females by giving them a pebble. • Reindeer eyeballs turn blue in winter to help them see at lower light levels. • The flamingo can only eat when its head is upside-down. • The leg bones of a bat are so thin that no bat can walk. • Sea otters hold each other’s paws when they sleep so they don’t drift apart. SCAVENGER HUNT GOD’S CREATION LEAF BUG TREE WORM DOG DUCK SEED BIRD WATER CLOUD SOIL STONE GRASS FLOWER “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” - Genesis 1:31

66 san angelo lifestyles From the Love of an Eight-Second Ride World Champion Rodeo Cowboy, Guy Weeks was no stranger to San Angelo. He and his bride, Jo had many adventures on and off the rodeo circuit. TO THE LOVE OF A LIFETIME Wr i t t e n b y S A B R I N A F OR S E // P h o t o s b y WH I T E ’ S P HOTOG R A P H Y & p r o v i d e d b y T H E WE E K S FAM I LY JoWeeks riding in a parade

67 hometown living at its best Sifting through photographs, chatting with friends and reading old letters can trigger memories that seem like a lifetime ago. For Jo Weeks, no photographs are needed. The ninety-year-old can recall dates, people and moments better than most half her age. It’s a love story of a cowboy punctuated by eight-second rides, calves roped, Hall of Fame inductions, MarilynMonroe andMinnie Pearl. Most of us say we remember “it” like it was yesterday. For Jo, seventy-two years have passed and the memory is but a moment in time. “I met him at the PoPo Café in Abilene on Pine Street in December 1949. I had gone to the annual Cowboys Christmas Ball in Anson with a girlfriend and we went to eat afterward. A boy I had dated was there with his girlfriend and a friend {Guy}. He came over to our table to talk, but kept chatting so his friend {Guy} left him.” Jo inquired the friend’s name and was shocked to learn it was Guy Weeks. “When he said Guy Weeks, I thought I’d like to meet him. He was already riding in professional rodeos then and I had heard his name on the radio.” Jo got her chance justminutes laterwhenGuy returned topickup his buddy. “Wemet andchattedandGuyaskedmeonadate. We went back to the Christmas Ball the very next night.”

68 san angelo lifestyles The following night, Guy and Jo went to the Metro Theatre on Butternut Street in Abilene. “I don’t remember themovie. Iwasmore interested inhim.” Fromthatmoment on, the couple was inseparable and by summer they had a decision to make – to marry before the summer northern rodeos or before New York’s Madison Square Garden in the fall. But before we get to that, let’s learn a little more about the cowboy that two-stepped his way into Jo’s heart. Guy was born on January 3, 1932 in Fort Worth. The cowboy lifestylewas inherent. His dad Luther was a roper, horse trainer and professional polo player. Luther was even Will Roger’s stunt man in a movie once when he was in California playing polo. “People said they favored one another, but I thoughtmy father-in-lawwasmorehandsome in real life thanRogers.” Guy started riding race horseswhen he was seven years old. “When he was fourteen, he started racing on a pari-mutuel track. That’s where gambling is involved and you had to be sixteen, but his dad got him a phony birth certificate in Mexico City where Guy rode with famous jockey Willie Shoemaker.” A couple of years later, a three-horse pile-up in Nebraska sidelined the young jockey with a broken collar bone. “While he was home recuperating, his dad put him on a tractor. Guy came home and told his mother, Ruby ‘I don’t want to drive that tractor. I think I want to be in the rodeo.’ He entered the rodeo in Post, Texas and got third in bareback riding at age 16. Then in January of 1949, he joined the pro ranking Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA) now known as the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA.)” Meanwhile, Jo was born near Anson on September 24, 1930. “My oldest brother, Gene, is nine years older than me. He’s 100 years old now and lives in Oklahoma. Thenmy brother, Jack, was four and a half years older. He passed away at the age of 93 in 2020. By the time I came along, my parents were ready for a girl and I was spoiled rotten.” Jo went to a three roomed school, Harmony Elementary, where she played volleyball, softball and ran track. She graduated from Anson High School in 1947 at the age of 16 then attended Hardin Simmons University for two years where she majored in Physical Education and minored in Business. She served as co-captain of the volleyball team, was on the archery teamandwas a student tennis instructor. Following school, Jowent towork at a law firm in Abilene. That takes us back to the summer of 1950 where Guy was preparing for the summer rodeo circuit up north. “He asked if I wanted to go with him and I said, ‘Not unless we are married.’ So the next day, he said, ‘I guess we’re getting married.’ That was his shy way of proposing.” The couple said their vows during an afternoon ceremony in August of 1950 in Abilene. Immediately after the wedding, the newlyweds headed to Big Spring for the rodeo. The announcermentioned that Guywas a newlywed and pointed Jo out in the crowd. “There I was in a white sundress and the clown sat inmy lap and started smooching me and got makeup all over my white dress.” Guy started riding race horses when he was seven years old. Guy training his pony

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