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Contents 14 THE ART OF SIMPLER TIMES Nathana Cox’s art tells stories of her childhood, spirituality and simpler times. 24 4-H SPOTLIGHT: NOLAN LAMINACK Son of Noble and Heather Laminack and member of the Lone Star 4-H Club, shares about his decade of service, showmanship and life experience learned. 30 WHIT MATTERS FOR FOSTER CHILDREN Jennifer Lisson rallied San Angelo to generate funding and tutors—changing foster kids’ lives. 38 DOG TRAINING TIPS We caught up with The Pooch Pros, Angela and George Norwood, to understand why it’s important to and how we can get started training our canine companions. 44 BRINGING POSITIVITY TO THE CONCHO VALLEY How a Concho Valley organization is using Art in Uncommon Places to bring beauty to the community—literally and figuratively. 52 JUST LIKE HOME West Texas Rehab Center expands its reach with compassion, connection and care. 58 TINY TAKES FLIGHT Dan and Cathy Brown host thousands of Hummingbirds each year at The Hummer House. 24 30 58 14 On the Cover 6 san angelo lifestyles
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. 8 san angelo lifestyles
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10 san angelo lifestyles San Angelo Lifestyles Magazine© is published bi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA PHOTOGRAPHERS God’s Creation Photography Becca Nelson Sankey LaRae Russell Ken Thompson ON THE COVER Photo by Lee Jordan S “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ~ Colossians 2 : 6-7 SCHOOL IS OUT, THE SUN IS OUT, SUMMER IS HERE! I don’t claim to have a green thumb but do enjoy gardening and working in the yard. There are somany correlations tomy faith found in the dirt like being diligent in keeping the weeds(sin) at bay. Sometimes they look deceptively pretty but if left to grow can have huge roots and be hard to get rid of. I speak from personal experience of a beautiful weed that looked like a succulent. I thought, “It fills a space in the flowerbed, I’ll leave it.” When it grew too big and I tried to pull it, the root was two feet deep and almost impossible to pull without leaving some behind. Do you see the parallel to life’s constant struggle with sin? Just like plants that need the sun to grow, we need the Son to grow. Thankfully, no sin is too big, no root too deep. Jesus has defeated my sin and yours and I am so grateful for His undeserved gift of grace. As you read this issue, my hope is that you are uplifted by the people and organizations featured that are making San Angelo a great place to live and encouraged to follow suit in improving your community. Enjoy reading about the Whitt Program and how they are making a generational impact in the lives of foster kids, 4H Spotlight highlighting members who are building character through program involvement, and how art continues to shape the Concho Valley. Praying your summer has more flowers than weeds, Lindsey Hey San Angelo! Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations content@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design WRITERS Becca Nelson Sankey Cindy Kahler Thomas Jamye Clough Jessica Wesson Sabrina Forse Taylor Grimm
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14 san angelo lifestyles PRETTY PAINFUL
for Nathana Cox’s original art tells stories of her childhood, spirituality and the simpler times many viewers remember. Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS Photos by LARAE RUSSELL & courtesy of RENE PECKHAM Simpler Times The Art of IIt all started with a simple sign for a garden. Nathana “Thana” Cox first picked up a paintbrush 13 years ago and added an exciting new passion to her life. “I always had the desire to create, and I tried several things over the years,” she explained. “I tried cooking, gardening, pottery, ceramics—you name it. Nothing ever filled that void. My husband, who had painted in the past, kept saying, ‘Try painting with oil paint.’ I thought, ‘There is no way that I could do that.” 15 hometown living at its best
One day her sick and dying mother asked for a sign for her beloved garden. “Mymother had some art supplies like acrylic paint, puff paint, and glitter paint, so, we made her a sign that said, ‘Bloomwhere you are planted.’” That day Thana became an artist. She bought some acrylic paint, oil paint, and some blank canvasses. “I just started painting, and I fell in love with it,” she said. Thana said art has become a norm for her family. “I need to paint and my family encourages me to paint, thank goodness. They also keep me in art supplies,” Thana said with a laugh. “It is something that I need to do. It is not a hobby; it is a need.” It is definitely not just a hobby as Thana sells paintings throughout the region. “Fortunately, I do sell and can make some money back on it.” The physical action she enjoys has mental benefits. “It is akindof therapy,” she explained. “I can express myself spiritually in ways that I cannot say, and it comes out on canvas. Painting takesme to a place I cannot adequately describe in words. I can get emotional about it because it is something I love.” “Well, this is the part that chokes me up, but it is important to my heart. I went through a mentoring program called ‘Created to Thrive’ that taught that we are created to create and that just really rang true to me. Thana said some people only see art as a hobby for making their house look pretty, but she argues that it ismuchmore. “When you open the Bible, the very first chapter 16 san angelo lifestyles
17 hometown living at its best is ‘God created.’ When I realized creativity is really a God-given gift, it made me so happy to expressmyself spiritually.” Thana said painting allows her to express herself inways that she can’t withwords. “I believe that everyone has that gift but they don’t know it, or they don’t believe it. You just have to hone in on it,” she said. “I’m not good at putting things into words, but I’m better at painting them.” Thana had her second solo show in October entitled “Simpler Times.” She said, “We used to play outside until the streetlights came on. I miss the simpler times. We used to ride our bikes all over town. We didn’t have iPads or phones or anything like that. This generation will never know what they missed, and they will never have that innocence again.” Nathana Cox with husband, Frank, and daughter, Calla Gravley Lisa Curry and Nathana Cox
18 san angelo lifestyles Thana grew up on a ranch in Brownwood— riding horses, fishing, or “something like that.” Much of her inspiration for this show came from her rural, small-town upbringing. For one piece of art, Remembering Times Gone By, she showed a little whimsy with eight vintage purses hung around it. She has the ability to tell a story, and she brings yesteryear to life. “The crazy fun of a tire swing, wind-whipped laundry on a clothesline, or a country chapel adornedwith stained glass windows as colorful as creation itself ” are some of the images she captures in her beautiful tribute to days gone by. “We laugh, oh my goodness, we didn’t wear seatbelts and drank out of a hose in the yard, and we survived,” she said with a chuckle. “When I decided to paint this show, I put it on Facebook and asked people to send me photos of something that represented a simpler time to them, and I was bombarded. Then I panicked because I wanted to do an homage to all these people that send photos to me. I ONE OF THE GIRLS MISS MY BIG RED COWBOY, TAKE ME AWAY!
19 hometown living at its best DANCING SHADOWS
20 san angelo lifestyles couldn’t paint them all, so I collaged in one piece many of those memories. I represented them all. It is heartfelt,” she shared. Her paintings include cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and cows, yet some are very spiritual and moving. In another piece, she shows a beautiful woman praying in earnest called When God Was First. Images like this, as well as the white dove that adorns another canvas called, Then and Now, My Comfort, really shine a spotlight on the spiritual aspect of her art. Thana is also community-minded. “I donate a lot of my work to benefits like Children’s Advocacy Center or West Texas Rehab." She serves on the downtown board for San Angelo. “We are putting all our efforts back into the historic part of downtown San Angelo,” she said. “We have been rated the most western town in the United States. We even beat out Tombstone the last three years.” Her Simpler Times show took place at Raw 1899. It is an art gallery and wine lounge that she co-owns with Lisa Curry. It is located at 38 North Chadbourne St. It started as a place for Thana and Lisa to paint but has evolved. They host different art shows every month. The bar has 68 different kinds of wine and 24 different beers. They also serve food such as charcuterie boards and flatbread pizzas. Thana also hosts workshops here for beginning artists. While she is self-taught, she attends various workshops herself every month. “I try to express myself individually,” she said. “I don’t consider myself a realist. I am an impressionist. I think that is more interesting.” Her unique style has a boldness to it, and she has a confident use of color. She plans to continue growing as an artist. “I want to learn, and I want to know it all!” she said passionately. Visit raw1899.com for more information on the studio and painting with Thana. † THEN AND NOW, MY COMFORT WHEN GOD WAS FIRST CHECK OUT NATHANA COX
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24 san angelo lifestyles HOWLONGHAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? I have been involved in 4-H for 10 years. NOLAN LAMINACK photos by devin sisk photography and provided by the laminack family WHERE DO YOU LIVE? San Angelo 4-H Spotlight ARE YOU ANOFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? I am not a club officer, but I do serve as a Texas 4-H Youth Livestock Ambassador. In this role, I am able to advocate for the agriculture industry and educate members of my community about its importance. PARENTS Noble and Heather Laminack WHAT 4-HACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I am a Texas Youth Livestock Ambassador, and I show goats and lambs. I am also involved in Livestock Judging, Wool Judging, Meat Judging, and Livestock Quiz Bowl. 4-H CLUB Lone Star 4-H
25 hometown living at its best HOWHAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? The variety of programs that I have been in has been hard work, but looking back as a senior, I appreciate the life lessons that showing and my other projects have taught me. I’ve learned to persevere when things get tough. I’ve learned that sometimes you give your all, and you still don’t end up on top; you keep going anyway. I’ve learned to handle responsibilities and prioritize them. Whether it’s showing or another project, I believe 4-H has been the most effective program to prepare me for my future. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing about showing is the friendships that I have made. I have friends of all ages. The stock show community truly does become a part of your family. My least favorite part about showing is letting the project go. I invested time with my goats and lambs and a special bond always forms. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? 4-H has made me into what I am today. It taught me how to have a strong work ethic and to be confident when I am speaking. It has given me skills with livestock and the ag industry that I hope to pursue through my future career. I also have made good friends throughout the state of Texas with 4-Hers. OTHER GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Wall Hawk Football, Wall FFA Chapter, and the National Honor Society. WHATWOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-HTO PERSUADE THEMTO JOIN? 4-H is a lot of fun where you get to meet people and try a variety of different programs. My sister and I are in 4-H and most of our projects are different. 4-H has something for everyone. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED ANDWHAT AWARDS HAVE YOUWON? I have competed in all the major stock shows. I guess my greatest achievement with showing is being 5th Overall in the San Angelo Stock Show Junior Texas Star Wether Doe Show in 2021. Also that year, I won senior showmanship champion for the SASSR. This year I won senior showmanship champion for the SASSR Junior Texas Star Wether Doe Show. I’ve made the sale three times in my showing career at San Angelo, and to me, the San Angelo Stock Show is the hardest major to make the sale. I have showmanship at many jackpots, county, and school shows. I’ve made the sale at every major numerous times. In livestock judging, I think my greatest accomplishment was winning the Roundup Invitational Livestock Judging Contest with my team last year. I was 5th high individual, 7th high individual in cattle, 8th high individual in lamb and goats, and 10th high individual in swine in that same contest.
26 san angelo lifestyles WHO IS YOURMENTOR? Josh Blanek is my mentor. He’s honest and a hard worker. He’s someone I have looked up to for my whole 4-H career and hope to be like him someday as an adult. WHAT ARE YOURHOBBIES/INTERESTS? I like hunting, fishing, football, looking at livestock, and hanging out with friends. WHAT DO YOUWANT TO DOWHEN YOU GROWUP? I am going to South Plains College, and majoring in Agricultural Economics. I am going to be on the Livestock Judging Teamwhile attending there. I am considering either becoming an ag loan officer or a 4-H county agent after graduating college.
WORDS OFWISDOM: I like John Wayne’s quote: “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THATHAPPENEDWHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. One story I can think of is when we were trying to get our track dog to be more aggressive with our goats and lambs. The guy we bought the dog from had come out to help with his own track dog. One of my best goats came into his pen after he was tracked, and we noticed he was missing part of his tail. He wasn’t in pain, but it didn’t look natural. We walked around the track and pens looking for the missing piece. I found it. What were we doing to do with it? Good question. The men scratched their heads and debated on what should be done. What ended up being comical was watching them try to superglue the tip of the tail back onto the goat. Needless to say, it didn’t stay glued on. I did have a judge ask me though if our dog got him.
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31 hometown living at its best K Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos provided by JENNIFER LISSON Small actions from many can have a huge impact. when Jennifer Lisson rallied San Angelo to collaborate efforts, generate funding, and tutor for an hour, foster kids’ lives changed. WHIT Kind words are powerful and helping hands bui ld strength. When a chi ld has lacked both, simple outreach and assistance have transformative effects. Foster children in Texas have long needed support for their academics. Their success in school can mean the difference between dropping out to face life with further hardships or graduating and having gainful employment. San Angelo resident Jennifer Lisson founded the Weekly Hands-on Independent Tutoring program to provide that academic support. WHIT is named for her late daughter Whitney, known for her philanthropic and passionate approach to people. Whitney’s action-based philosophy inspired Lisson to get involvedwhen saw a commercial about becoming a court-appointed special advocate (CASA). As a CASA she noticed that nearly every foster child she worked with was behind or struggling in school. Resources inquiries revealed that students who did not qualify for government disability programs were left unsupported. Lisson’s CASA manager and Child Protective Services both shook their heads at her idea of a free K-12 tutor. It wasn’t allowed. MATTERS for foster children
L i s son’s husband , Je f f L i s son , encouraged her to start her own program. She poured her heart out to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, highlighting a problem they already knew. Her goal: for foster kids, any childwith a CPS case for thatmatter, to have free tutoring. Tutoring and mentoring is impactful for all children, but it can be life-altering for students navigating home removal and other disruptions that create significant learning disadvantages. According to the Texas Education Agency, students in foster care are more likely to drop out than any other comparative demographic. Pre-pandemicachievementscores indicate 57% of foster children performed below grade level. On average, of the nation’s 400,000 foster children only 62%graduate high school. Foster-care children are not only at a statistically higher risk for dropping out of school but also drug use, teen pregnancy, arrest, and lack of continued education. ACCORDING TO THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE ARE MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT THAN ANY OTHER COMPARATIVE DEMOGRAPHIC. PRE-PANDEMIC ACHIEVEMENT SCORES INDICATE 57% OF FOSTER CHILDREN PERFORMED BELOW GRADE LEVEL. ON AVERAGE, OF THE NATION’S 400,000 FOSTER CHILDREN ONLY 62% GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL. 32 san angelo lifestyles
hometown living at its best 33 Lisson organized nonprofit status with support from the San Angelo Area Foundation. She shared her idea with Angelo State University Provost and Vice President who liked the idea. Her immediate need for a mass quantity of tutors led her to ASU Honors Program Director to whom she explained the intangible rewards that honor student tutors might also gain. Lisson said, “There’s something extremely fulf illing about knowing that some child, who is damaged, you might could give just a little extra chance, extra foot up, by just telling them 'I have time for you, and I want to help you. Here’s what we are going to do. Yes, you can do it, and we are going to do it!’” She said, “It’s amazing what that does for a child who has not had much direction and never realized how important education is to their future.” Generosity from people in the San Angelo communitymakesWHITpossibleasdonationsare the sole source for operational costs like remote tutoring technology, database infrastructure, and WHIT staff. Vetting volunteer tutors also comes with costs as they train with education specialists from ASU, learn about identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, and undergo background checks and fingerprinting. Donations also go to the WHIT Vanna Almond scholarship fund. Lisson said, “I did not do this myself. I’ve always said, You are only as good as your people around you. I couldn’t do it without the people that have said ‘Yes,’ the people around me who have climbed on board to help us, and the people who donate to keep us going. I am extremely fortunate that I decided to start this in San Angelo, or I don’t know how quickly it would have grown.” Since WHIT’s inception in April 2021, tutors have helped over 90 students withmath, reading, writing, and the simple ‘I have time for you, and I want to help you’ message. Tutors have reported their own therapeutic benefits and new understanding that education is not an assumed opportunity for everyone. Nominated by the ASUhonor program, WHIT won the Best National Community Outreach award, and word spread. The accolades led to partnerships with three Texas A&M University sites, two University of Texas campuses, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Furthermore,
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35 hometown living at its best DFPS approvedWHIT enrollment statewide, and tutors helped students raise their grade level performance with a 95% success rate in the first year of the program. Lisson recal led one WHIT student who wanted to become a nurse but was frustrated, felt stupid, and generally hated school. She said she didn’t need school and would just figure it out. Her tutor built a connection and helped her get caught up to grade level. The student scored higher, got involved in sports, and headed for nursing school the following year. “We’re not just trying to change one generation,” Lisson says. “We are trying to make it so this is a multigenerational system that stops these kids from ever dropping out of school and turning to a life that they really don’t want. They can pass this on to their children and so on. They want to be able to be successful, and without a high school diploma, it is very difficult to become gainfully employed. We are trying to make it so they understand the importanceof educationand the importance of their future. As my daughter said, ‘Sometimes it just takes one person to care about one other person that makes a difference, and it changes their whole life. Just one person! That’s it.’” Word of the WHIT program and its success is spreading. “My wish is that someday this WHIT program will blow up and go nationwide because the whole nation really needs it,” Lisson says. “This isn’t just a Texas problem, it’s a United States problem. It’s everywhere.” † To support foster children in tutoring or to learn more about the WHIT program, visit www.whitprogram.org.
37 hometown living at its best 2023-2024 CONC E R T S E ASON The 74th PATRON AND SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE NOW 72 W. College Ave | sanangelosymphony.org | 325-658-5877
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39 hometown living at its best WITH POOCH PROS DOG TRAININGTIPS “Once you have a wonderful dog, a life without one is a life diminished.” - Dean Koontz DOG—MAN’S BEST FRIEND. Owning and training your own dog can be one of the most rewarding responsibilities, but sometimes knowing when and how to start can be tricky. We caught up with The Pooch Pros, Angela and George Norwood of San Angelo, to understand why it's important to, and how we can get started, training our canine companions. The husbandwife team became Doggy Dan-certified behavior specialists after seeing a remarkable change in his program when their own pack was fighting amongst themselves. Angela said, “Our passion is to help families have what we now have: calm, obedient dogs!” Courtesy of Angela Norwood
40 san angelo lifestyles WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE WELL-TRAINED DOGS IN THE HOME? Behavioral issues can start off small and with time turn into bigger issues such as separation anxiety, resource guarding, destructive behaviors, and aggression towards people or other dogs. “My dog will grow out of this behavior.” Yes, it is possible they will grow out of it, but without intervention and training, things can get much worse. The longer a dog practices a negative behavior the more ingrained that habit becomes and the harder it is to change it. It is important to have well-trained dogs in the home so that your home can be a welcoming, peaceful place. If your dog is constantly jumping on guests, barking at everything outside your window, or tearing up stuff in your house it can make your life chaotic. You have a dog to enjoy. Dogs can be fantastic stress relievers, but if they are in constant trouble they can add to your stress. WHAT ISSUES DO YOU SEE AS A RESULT OF UNTRAINED DOGS? WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE MYTH YOU SEE DOG OWNERS BELIEVE?
41 hometown living at its best Start training early. Yes, old dogs can learn new habits and yes we can help you teach them, but the process is so much easier if you start when they are little. Whatever the age of your dog, there is hope. First of all, take time to breathe. Dogs are extremely good at detecting our energy levels and how we are feeling. Yes, your dog may have just peed on your favorite carpet or chewed up your favorite shoes. Yes, it is frustrating, but if you respond right that second out of your emotions, your dog may not pick up on what they have done wrong and instead feed off of your negative energy. Take a second to calm yourself and then respond in the best way you know how in that moment. WHAT IS YOUR #1 TIP FOR OWNERS WHO WANTWELL-BEHAVED DOGS? BEST TIP FOR CORRECTING UNWANTED BEHAVIOR? We wish all dog owners realized what a responsibility having a dog is. Yes, that puppy is so very cute, but please be aware and be prepared for the responsibility that comes with it. Do your research. Take time to research what breed of dog you are getting, have money set aside for vet bills or pet insurance to help cover those bills, and be prepared to provide for the exercise needs of that breed. So many dogs have ended up in animal shelters because their care and behavior became too much for the owners to handle. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH EVERY DOG OWNER KNEW?
42 san angelo lifestyles 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 844. 662.1177 • BaptistRetirement.org
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44 san angelo lifestyles POSITIVITY to the Concho Valley BRINGING CCP Director Jennifer Flores
45 hometown living at its best D Written by JESSICA WESSON | Photos by LEE JORDAN and provided by DRUG AWARENESS CENTER FOR THE CONCHO VALLEY How a Concho Valley organization is using Art in Uncommon Places to bring beauty to the community—literally and figuratively. Driving through the art district of San Angelo, you might see a turtle, a record player and a rainbow. Thismural representsmental health— or what it means to the youth of San Angelo. It was made possible through H.R. 33 COVID-19 funds distributed by HHSC, a grant-funded program provided by the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Center for the Concho Valley (ADACCV). Three years after the onset of COVID-19, the world is still combating its effects.
46 san angelo lifestyles During theheight of thepandemic,many people experienced fear and depression. The number of individuals living with a substance use disorder increased, creating a different kind of pandemic. ADACCV wanted to bring hope to the community, so they asked youth at the River Crest Hospital about the things that helped them through the hardships of the pandemic. Some kids relied on music or pets. Others simply said the natural beauty of their surroundings kept them grounded. ADACCV C ommun i t y C o a l i t i o n Partnerships Director Jennifer Flores said one of their goals is to help those living with substance use disorders find alternative methods of coping. ADACCV was created over 60 years ago to help the people of SanAngelo livingwith alcoholism. Over time the center transformed into the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Center for the Concho Valley. Their programs include prevention, treatment, and recovery. ADACCV’s Cotton Lindsey Center, located at 3553 West Houston Harte Expressway, is open for client screening Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm. The outpatient program meets here MondayWednesday, 5-7pm. The Outpatient program includes 12 weeks of relapse prevention education and both individual and group counseling sessions. The goal is the client’s successful recovery while maintaining employment, family support and social participation.
47 hometown living at its best In the 1960s, there was no place for those living with substance use disorder to seek help. Since its inception, ADACCV has been making additions to cater to a wider variety of individuals. In 1986, the center redefined its mission to include all chemical addictions. In the 90s ADACCV incorporated the Women and Children’s Halfway House, now called Sara’s House, to provide substance abuse treatment to pregnant women and women with children. In 2020, the Journey Recovery Center was built to better serve the 13 counties making up the Concho Valley. “The Journey RecoveryCenter is really important because it allows people to come to get screened and to stay short-term for treatment and recovery,” Jennifer said. “If they need detox, they can do that through our program at the center. We also teach life skills and try to help them be successful for their future.” When people have a safe place to go for treatment and recovery options, it creates a safer community for everyone to live drug-free. After the opening of the JourneyRecovery Center, Sara’s House and other facilities were converted to sober living facilities to continue the aftercare services available to the community. Jennifer said, “It’s really important for us to make sure we aren’t turning people that are in need away.” Jenniferhelpswiththecenter’sprevention program, and community outreach. She said the center visits different Concho Valley locations, like River Crest Hospital, to speak with youth about the dangers of drugs and substance use disorder. She explained that those suffering frommental health issues might self-medicate with CCP Director Jennifer Flores is speaking to TLCA students on the meaning behind Red Ribbon Week and the importance of living drug-free.
48 san angelo lifestyles Prevention Specialist Michael Cuellar and Prevention Coordinator Jorge Gonzales Left to Right: Paulette Schell, Director of Program Development/Public Information Officer, Melissa Madrid, HR Director/Board Liason, Anitra Wilson, RCORP Director, Jennifer Flores, CCP Director, Ashley Gainey, Eric Sanchez, ADACCV CEO Staff enjoying the water gun fight at the annual Children’s Fair.
49 hometown living at its best marijuana or other drugs. It is also important for the community to be educated about the dangers of abusing or misusing prescription medications. “In our prevention program, we teach the youth about positive alternatives, life skills, drug-specific education, and increasing awareness of the center and our mission,” Jennifer said. “We also try to increase protective factors and decrease risk factors in their lives in hopes that they can choose to live drug free.” ADACCV decided to incorporate the ideasofadolescentsatRiverCrestHospital into the mural at Art in Uncommon Places to show that their voices matter. Jennifer said the mural’s objective is to share positivity about mental health within the community. “It is supposed to symbolize the connectedness of our community and a hope for the future,” Jennifer said. “It represents a natural high and that you don’t need drugs to get that happy feeling in your life. There are much brighter ways of looking at life.” Whether it is a pet, volunteering, or the natural beauty of flowers, this mural is proof that all sorts of things can bring joy to the Concho Valley. For more information on ADACCV’s services visit them online † ADACCV had the pleasure of participating in its first Christmas Parade in 2022! The theme of the float was Grinch’s Whoville. ADACCV’s CEO educating attendees at the 2019 YOUth CARES Leadership Camp. The 2022 Red Ribbon Week Proclamation at TLCA provides the students the chance to show off their Red Ribbon Week posters and their interpretation of the year’s drug-free theme and message.
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51 hometown living at its best MitchellToyota.com 2023 Toyota Tundra
52 san angelo lifestyles Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos courtesy of WEST TEXAS REHAB and HMG WEST TEXAS REHAB CENTER EXPANDS ITS REACH WITH COMPASSION, CONNECTION AND CARE. JUST LIKE Home
53 hometown living at its best H Holding a patient’s hand may be the most important part of Angie Lane’s day. Lane has been a nurse for nearly 30 years, and a hospice nurse for 13. She is the Director of Hospice Services for West Texas Rehab Center. “One of my very first hospice patients was an elderly woman who didn’t have much family that visited so I became her family. Miss C would just light up when you came in the room and was so grateful,” Lane said. “I knew it was my duty to make sure she had everything she needed and didn’t owe anything in return. She was dying but still loved people. I will always have a special place in my heart for her.” By the end of 2023, West Texas Rehab’s Hospice of San Angelo will be able to serve even more patients like Miss C. The non-profit organization will open the first and only in-patient hospice facility in San Angelo. West Texas Rehab is leasing the third floor of Shannon Medical Center so it can operate a 15room facility. West Texas Rehab Chief Operating Officer Scott Jameson said this is one of the biggest steps taken in hospice care since merging with Hospice of San Angelo in 2018. He said, “We look for populations or issues that aren’t being taken care of and step in to fill those voids. A facility like this doesn’t exist in San Angelo, so it was a void we could fill.” Patients who qualify for hospice care are terminally ill and have been given a physician’s prognosis of six months to live. Lane said they know death is the outcome for their patients, and care is about living the best you can every day. “It’s not about the quantity of life but the quality,” she said. They ask patients
54 san angelo lifestyles about goals and ways to maximize their time left. “People don’t want to suffer, and we can help with that. We also ask them what mi lestones we can help them meet. For some that’s an anniversary, a wedding or a trip,” she said. “We have specialized tools and support to help the patients meet their goals.” Hospice staff and volunteers care for patients in their homes but there is often a need greater than in-home treatment allows. Lane said renovations are underway to expand the traditional patient rooms from a typical one-room to the s ize of two rooms to create family suites. Lane said, “With the new facility, we will be able to offer a home-like environment so family members can have their own space and a family area. They can continue to care for their loved ones like they would at home.” The facility will be staffed around the clock. There won’t be any visiting hours as family members can stay with their loved ones as long as they like. “It’s such an honor that patients and family invite you to be a part of such a tender time in their lives,” Lane said. “We connect with our patients and become an extension of their families.”
55 hometown living at its best As anurse, Laneunderstandshowimportant hospice is for patients, but when her father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, she realized how special it is for the families as well . “I ’ve lived both sides of hospice care. We knew my father wasn’t going to live very long but we wanted to make the last days some of his best days. During that time, I was able to just be his daughter and I can’t imagine that time without hospice,” she said. West Texas Rehab Center t reats al l patients—whether hospice, physical therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, or hearing—despite financial circumstances. Jameson said private donations and annual fundraisers make it possible for the expansion of services, such as the in-patient hospice facility. “Donors make it possible for us to offer the best care in the industry with an incredible staff and equipment,” he said. Staff and volunteers want to deliver as many smiles as they can because they know tears are inevitable. “We offer bereavement services upon admission because patients are grieving their own death. They grieve who and what they are leaving behind. We make connect ions with thei r loved ones and continue to offer support after the patient has passed on,” Lane said. “We have bereavement programs which include lunches for families, a candlelight service during the holidays, and other workshops for children and adults. We always try to stay connected to the families.” Lane said volunteers are always needed for hospice services. “Whatever your skill set is, we can match you to a need,” she said. “Some volunteers sit with our patients while their caregivers run errands. We have volunteers that play dominos, read to patients, make quilts, and file paperwork.” They even have pet therapy volunteers who bring their pets. For Lane, it’s a special connection that she cherishes being a part of. “It’s an honor to become connected to these patients and their families. It’s an incredible thing to be a part of someone’s journey, just holding their hand until they make it home.” † For more information on volunteering or services, visit westtexasrehab.org.
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58 san angelo lifestyles A Written by JAMYE CLOUGH Photos by KEN THOMPSON and BECCA NELSON SANKEY DAN AND CATHY BROWN HOST THOUSANDS OF HUMMINGBIRDS EACH YEAR AT THE HUMMER HOUSE. About 18 mi les south of San Angelo is the smal l town of about 500 people—Christoval. However, from March through September the bird population soars to thousands with migrating and breeding hummingbirds. Their address for the spring and summer is on Toe Nail Trail, at The Hummer House Bed & Breakfast. Take a seat in the observation room, folks, and get ready to be smitten. The Hummer House owners Dan and Cathy Brown have shared their passion for birds with others for years. The Hummer House sits on the Brown Ranch, where Dan grew up. The ranch has been in his family for almost 100 years. Cathy was raised on a ranch in Sterling County. “I met Dan at H.E.Butts Foundation Camp in Leakey, Texas,” Cathy explains. Dan and Cathy married in 2005, and together have three children and six grandchildren.
59 hometown living at its best Tiny Takes in Christoval light F
60 san angelo lifestyles Dan’s livelihood has been primarily in ranching and gemstone cutting. Cathy’s career was in floral and catering, so when the idea to open a bed and breakfast came up, it seemed a natural fit. Aside from the role of host and hostess, they lead lectures in the observation room and general upkeep of the ranch. “It was definitely a leap of faith,” Cathy says. “We are blessed daily, and constantly reminded by our guests how much they love and appreciate coming here. Folks come here to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Many say they feel God’s presence here.” The Browns welcome guests from all over the United States, and even a memorable British visitor. Cathy said a well-known photographer from England and his wife used to stay for weeks each year. The Browns feed thousands of pounds of sugar annually to their tiny friends. The Black-chinned Hummingbird typically arrives in March after flying about 500 miles from Mexico. Some stay for the summer to breed, then in fall make the 500-mile migratory trip back to Mexico. In the spring, those that don’t staymigrate to and fromNewMexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington— even as far as Canada. This territory is ideal with the South Concho River right in their backyard. The South Concho is one of two rivers in Texas that flows naturally south to north, which is right in the flight pattern of the birds. Black-chinnedHummingbirdsareguaranteed to entertain with their high-flying antics that are meant to woo a mate. The male, with its iridescent purple gorget that glistens in the sunlight just below his black chin, will soar
61 hometown living at its best upwards into the sky and then dive quickly downward with the hopes of impressing a female. The male emits a loud whirring sound with each dive. You might also hear chatter if they feel aggressive towards other males. He watches over his territory and will chase off any competition. Their average weight in adulthood is about three and a half grams and they’re approximately three inches long. Males are slightly smaller and more colorful than females. The male cont inues his dance. Wi l l she point her beak at him to let him know that she’s interested? Or will he have to continue his pursuit elsewhere? If she does give in, they mate in mid-air. She will typically lay one to three eggs that are the size of coffee beans in a nest the size of a walnut. The female takes care of her eggs and the resulting young fledglings, without the assistance of the male, until they leave the nest. She may repeat this process two
62 san angelo lifestyles to three times during the season while the male will mate with several other females. In addition to the Black-chinned Hummingbird, The Hummer House is also frequented by the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Broad-tailed, Calliope, Annas and Allen hummingbirds during fall migration. Every summer the house sees Cathy’s favorite, the stunning Painted Bunting. The Brown Ranch is an ideal place for researchers to band birds because of the high population. Each band has a unique ID number to track information such as age and size and migratory patterns. The Hummer House is also a great destination for field trips! Concho Valley-area students third grade and up visit in April and May to observe and learn about the winged creatures. Seeing the spark of interest in nature and conservation is very rewarding to the Browns.†
63 hometown living at its best The Hummer House observation room is open 8:30 am-12:00 pm on Saturdays. Bird banding takes place at 8:30 followed by a lecture at 10:00. Arrangements may be made in advance for groups Monday-Friday. The Bed & Breakfast cottages are available year-round. For more information contact The Hummer House at 325-255-2254 or email Cathy@hummerhouse.com.
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