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4 san angelo lifestyles 10 NEW BEGINNINGS FOR OLD TRADITIONS San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center aims to remember the past, enrich the present and inspire the future. 16 HOMETOWN HAPPENING San Angelo Cowboy Gathering 20 A FALL OASIS FOR FAMILIES Circle S Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a labor of love for the Schaertl family, who welcome thousands each fall to make memories on their Wall property. 28 SAN ANGELO DANCING WITH THE STARS Raising money and awareness for Hospice of San Angelo, a nonprofit that has provided end-of-life care for Concho Valley residents and comfort for their loved ones since the 1980s. 36 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Golf Tournament for the Master 40 BRIGHTER THAN FIRE A San Angelo burn survivor is using his story to improve safety for others. Contents 60 50 HOPE & HEALING U.S. Army Veteran, Brian Lawson, regained hope, confidence and better health thanks to a water aerobics class geared towards seniors. 56 TRAVEL GUIDE Pack a bag, hop in the car and drive to some nearby cities to experience what they have to offer. 60 4-H SPOTLIGHT: CHLOE JONES Daughter of Michael and Paige Jones and member of the Lone Star Club, this young lady is a dedicated leader, showman and agvocate! 66 EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY San Angelo’s first Off the Menu – Food and Wine Festival hosted a night with area chefs, wineries and breweries. On the Cover Photo by Jhovani Morales 20
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8 san angelo lifestyles A 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 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. PHOTOGRAPHERS Kimber + Co Photography God’s Creation Photography LaRae Russell Photography Becca Sankey Photography Brooklyn Clark Pro Carissa Ramirez Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers heather@hometown-living.com Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colosians 3:23 Allowme to properly introducemyself. I amTaylor Grimm, fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ‘19, and the new marketing and client relations leader for San Angelo Lifestyles. I could not be more thrilled to present this issue to you! The stories told inside are a diverse culmination of life’s most important aspects. Topics like tradition & community, hope & healing, family & food are central to the lives we enjoy—especially around the holidays. They form some of our core memories and character traits. They are what we know we can rely on amidst chaos in the world. This season I want to encourage you to grow that which grows us, and our families. Create a new tradition; invite newmembers into your community; learn a new dish someone in your family loves. Make the most of every rich opportunity this season brings. It will only be here once! You, and those around you, will be blessed by it. Howdy San Angelo! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations office@hometown-living.com Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Tammy Smith Sales Accounts Receivable Robin Harrison Creative Design ON THE COVER Photo by Jhovani Morales Taylor Grimm Happy Holidays and God Bless! Lindsey Kruger Social Media &Newsletter Editor content@hometown-living.com Becca Nelson Sankey Freelance Writer Sabrina Forse Freelance Writer
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WRITTEN BY SABRINA FORSE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISCOVER SAN ANGELO, THE CITY OF SAN ANGELO AND MEMBERS OF THE HISPANIC HERITAGE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum and Cultural Center aims to remember the past, enrich the present and inspire the future. New Beƙinninƙs Old TradiƒioƄs for 10 san angelo lifestyles
earing a sombrero and playing mariachi music was not just for special occasions in Del Velasquez’s family, it was a way of life. “I was raised in a Catholic family. My mom would put on talent shows to help raise money for the church. Most everyone in my family was amusician and we played and danced toMexican music, which was very prevalent in my upbringing as my grandparents are from Mexico,” Velasquez explained. However, those traditions were not so prevalent while Suzanna Valenzuela was growing up. “Several Hispanics in my mom’s generation were discouraged from celebrating their culture and traditions in America. I didn’t really grow up around it, but I was always interested in learning about my heritage—which is one of the reasons I want to make sure our traditions continue to be celebrated and passed down to future generations,” Valenzuela said. Valenzuela and Velasquez are the founding members of the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Committee. The idea started when Valenzuela was working on a project as part of her tourism certification. She said, “The El Paso shootings at Wal-Mart had happened around that time and it really struck a chord with me. I decided I wanted to focus my project on Hispanic heritage. I felt it was the perfect opportunity to bring awareness to the contributions of Hispanics in the United States and share that history with the community.” Valenzuela and Velasquez support the San Angelo community through both their professional lives, and their volunteer efforts. Valenzuela helps brings thousands of tourists to the Concho Valley each year as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Events for the Destination Marketing Organization, a department of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on various boards 11 hometown living at its best
12 san angelo lifestyles and committees for community development. Velasquez is a San Angelo- native and Angelo State University alum, who went on to establish a career in the telecommunication industry and serve as the Aide in Scheduling and Advance for President George HWBush. Since his return to the Concho Valley, he’s dedicated his time to preserve, restore and enrich San Angelo as the Executive Director of Downtown San Angelo, Inc. During Hispanic Heritage Month 2019, the duo established a Facebook page to share contributionsmade by the Hispanic community in San Angelo. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebratedannuallynationwide. “In just amonth, we had more than 90,000 visitors. There were tons of shares and likes. It became obvious there was not only an interest in Hispanic heritage but a need to share it,” Valenzuela said. They created a proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month which was read by Mayor Brenda Gunter. That was followed by a ceremony on the steps of City Hall with a speech by Dr. Flor Madero and performances by the Lakeview Mariachi and Ballet Aztec Folklorico. Monette Molinar and Monica Ramos joined Valenzuela and Velasquez with in their efforts the following year and formed the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Committee. They created a series of virtual events for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2020. “We did a virtual Dia de los Muertos event where we shared three days of content withmusic, art and history,” Valenzuela said.
13 hometown living at its best As excitement for sharing Hispanic heritage in San Angelo grew, so did support. Themuseum received its 501C3 status in February of 2021 and formed a board of directors just a few months later. There is now a 15-member board who’s official mission to educate and provide awareness of the Hispanic community’s impact throughout the past, present and future. The committee seeks to pursue opportunities such as events and venues to promote the culture, history and accomplishments of San Angelo’s Hispanic population. The largest event is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). “The two-day holiday is a celebration of life that allows us to honor our lost loved ones with joy, not with sadness,” Valenzuela said. Festivities include bringing an array of colorful flowers and vibrant traditions to the banks of the Concho River. There is a community altar, a procession across Celebration Bridge, a car show, a Catrina contest, 5K/10K, live performances andmore. The event’s community altar is the largest in the state. It’s constructed with thousands of balloons and photos. “Dia de los Muertos is a special holiday that has the potential to unite all races,” Valenzuela said. Everyone loses someone they love and wants to honor and remember them.” “We have many community partners. San AngeloMuseumof FineArts, SanAngeloCultural District and Discover San Angelo have been instrumental in our success. San Angelo ISD has also played a large role in the education aspect,” Valenzuela said. Education is key to the mission. “There are a lot of misconceptions about these traditions,” she said. “The Hispanic population in SanAngelo
14 san angelo lifestyles is growing but as we go from generation to generation some of the traditions get lost. Cinco De Mayo is something that America celebrates but it’s a minor holiday inMexico. It marks one battle and does not mark the day Mexico won its independence. It's a marketing event. We believe it’s important to knowwhy we celebrate traditional holidays.” The organization is seeking grants and donations to one day have a physical location for the SanAngeloHispanicHeritageMuseum andCultural Center. When funding is secured, the facility is expected to be located within San Angelo’s cultural district. “We want people to walk in the museum and see our culture on display. We want it to be a place where they can learn about the Hispanic community and contributions. We want to display art and history. We alsowant it to be an event space for community celebrations, weddings and Quinceaneras,” Valenzuela said. Until then, the organizationwill continue developingways to share itshistory, traditions and the stories of those who have inspired so many in San Angelo. “There are so many Hispanics who have made impacts in all areas such as agriculture, business, art, music, sports and education,” Velasquez said. “We want to tell those stories to not only make people aware but to inspire our youth.” † Follow San Angelo Hispanic Heritage and Cultural Museum, or visit their website Sanangelohispanicheritage.org to learn about donation opportunities, events and more. Coming Soon – Art Exhibits Featuring Andy Villarreal and Jesus ToroMartinez Meet theWriter Sabrina Forse is a freelance writer who truly believes that everyone has a story. She loves nothingmore than discovering the unique histories and passions of those she is writing about. As a former television news producer, she understands how important breaking news can be but enjoys finding the small moments in a life that can narrate a person’s journey or showcase the heart of an organization or community. Sabrina graduated fromTexas TechUniversity and has called both Lubbock and San Angelo home in different parts of her journey. f t
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HOMETOWN Happenings
17 hometown living at its best The 10thSanAngeloCowboyGatheringwasheldat theFirst Financial Pavilion on September 9-10, 2022. The SACG started in 2012 andwas held the first year at Ft. Concho andwasmoved to the Pavilion in 2015. A sold out crowd attended this year's event, just as in years past, with 1000 plus fans, some coming as far as Denmark. Each year the SACG has given a portion of the proceeds to a local non profit, for the last five years House of Faith has been the recipient. HOF uses the funds for their summer youth camps. In the 10 years of the event, SACG has given $150,000 to 5 NPO's locally. This year being an Anniversary year, the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce came out on Friday, and held a Ribbon Cutting. That evening, JodyNix&TheTexas Cowboys presented a dozen red roses and a custom made belt buckle to event Producer Terri Holland for 10 years of service to the fans and community. A Cowboy Church at the Gathering is held on Saturday morning by Ricky & Darrell Boen before the festival kicks off. Save the date of September 8-9, 2023 for 2 full days of dancing to the best bands in Texas! Some of those bands being Jody Nix, Jason Roberts, Billy Mata, Jake Hooker, JeffWoolsey, Brady Honeycutt, Chuck Cusimano, Floyd Domino and Rocky King among others. written by TERRI HOLLAND | photos by GOD'S CREATIONPHOTOGRAPHY SAN ANGELO Cowboy Gathering
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21 hometown living at its best WRITTEN BY BECCA NELSON SANKEY PHOTOS BY AND PROVIDED BY BECCA SANKEY PHOTOGRAPHY, WALL ELEMENTARY AND MARKSIMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY A FALL OASIS for Families
22 san angelo lifestyles t seems it was written in the stars, or in this case the corn maze, that Lindsey Schaertl—with her husband, Chad, and their children, Kipton and Kaitlyn—would one day own a farm with pumpkins. Schaertl grew up in Floydada, known as the Pumpkin Capital of the U.S., and her father was a truck driver who hauled for farmers. However, it wasn’t until the Fall of 2017 that Circle S Farms, a nine-acre property in Wall with a soaring corn maze and hundreds of pumpkins that her father brings from Floydada, opened to the public. Fast-forward five years and Circle S Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch has become among the top 10 in the state, and much more than just a place to buy pumpkins or traipse through the corn. With fields of towering sunflowers and zinnias in a rainbow of colors; outdoor games like corn cannon; piles of pumpkins for sale; and, of course, its four-acre corn maze carved into a different theme each year, Circle S is a hot spot during the Fall season. More than a thousand school children from a two-hour radius flock to the property for field trips. It is also a must-see and do for families who can carve pumpkins and dress in costume for Halloween trick-or-treating. Circle S is a hidden gem tucked a mile or two away fromHighway 87. On a recent Friday afternoon Schaertl, a former schoolteacher, had just finished hosting field trips for the day, but visitors would never have known. The rustle of the cornmaze from a constant breeze was the only sound to be heard. To the left of the maze, the rows of zinnias and sunflowers waved as bumblebees and butterflies flitted from flower to flower. Schaertl tossed food into a pond with a waterfall, bringing giant koi and goldfish to the surface. Circle S Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a labor of love for the Schaertl family, who welcome thousands each fall to make memories on their Wall property.
23 hometown living at its best Despite the near-constant work during the fall season, it is Schaertl’s favorite time of year. “I love having the kids out here and seeing how excited they are,” she said. “October goes by so fast. Everybody’s so busy, and when it’s over, you can’t believe you’re done for the year.” The family’s work on Circle S begins around the 4th of July, when they plant their corn for the maze. They plant the seeds for their flowers in two rounds: first on August 1st, and then on August 15th. The sunflowers start wilting in mid-October, but the zinnias bloom and re-bloom until the first hard freeze. They select their theme for the corn maze— this year was Noah’s Ark—design it on a computer and simulate it on graph paper. “Each row of corn represents one line on the graph paper,” Schaertl said. “We take the graph paper with us, and every 20 rows, we’ll put a flag in the ground. When the corn is about six to 12 inches tall, we spray it with a chemical to kill the corn we don’t want, and the rest we don’t spray will grow in our pattern.”
The six to seven-foot-tall maze is a result of what Schaertl envisioned before she even had a family or moved to Wall. “We’ve known for a long time we wanted to do something like this,” she said. “I took Chad to At’l Do Farms in Shallowater the fall before we got married, and we met the owner there and got to talk to him and decided we wanted to try it. It took us a few years before we were in one spot and found the land and could give it a go.” During their debut year, 2016, the corn maze was not in a pattern. “We wanted to one, see how the corn would grow and two, see how the community would respond, if they would like it, and they seemed to,” she said. “The second year we expanded to four acres, and that’s when we started our design theme.” That year the corn maze was in the Circle S logo. In 2018, it was in the shape of the Angelo State University logo, where Schaertl and Chad met and graduated. Their corn maze honored the military in 2019, firstresponders andmedical professionals in 2020, and teachers in 2021. “The last couple of years have been fitting,” Schaertl said, adding that in 2020, they had planned their theme before COVID-19 struck. “That year the Shannon AirMed1 helicopter flew in and landed out here. We had a firetruck, ambulance, and police car kids could see.” Schaertl makes the field trips educational, changing the lesson each year. This year, she did a short demonstration on whether a pumpkin floats or sinks. “That one is so much fun because the kids are all expecting it to sink,” she said. “When this 10-pound jack-olantern floats the kids are all screaming.” 24 san angelo lifestyles
25 hometown living at its best Afterward, thechildrenparticipate in themaze’s scavenger hunt or explore the playground made of recycled combine and tractor tires. Just before loading the bus to leave, they line up and select a pumpkin to take home. “It’snot everydayyoucomeacrossa mazeandpumpkinpatch,” Schaertl said, adding that Circle Swouldn’t be possible without the community’s support. “The reason we are successful year after year is because people come to see us year after year. One of the things we love to see is families spending time together. They put their cell phones down and create lifelong memories together. We want the family unit to stay strong, and this is one way we can help.” Circle S Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is at 7305 Bean Road inWall. It is open each year on or around September 30 to November 5. For updates about next year’s theme and opening day, followCircle S CornMaze and Pumpkin Patch on Facebook. †
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29 hometown living at its best F Written by BECCA NELSON SANKEY | Photos by BROOKLYN CLARK PRO For four years, Tiffany Talley told her childhood friend, and Chair of Dancingwith the SanAngelo Stars, Liz Bates, not to askher to be a contestant for the annual fundraiser, which benefits West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Hospice of San Angelo. However, in late 2021 Bates was in a bind. Amatter of months before the event, a contestant was forced to drop out after breaking her elbow. “Liz called and said, “Tiff, I need you,”” Talley, Director of Development and Community Relations atWest Texas Counseling and Guidance, said. “Of course, I didn’t hesitate. It’s the very least I could do for her, and for the community—give back to a resource that’s going to help a lot of people.” Dancing with the San Angelo Stars raises money and awareness for Hospice of San Angelo, a nonprofit that has provided end-of-life care for Concho Valley residents and comfort for their loved ones since the 1980s. Dancing W T ITH HE Stars
30 san angelo lifestyles Hospice of San Angelo is a nonprofit that has served the Concho Valley since 1985. It provides medical services and care to terminally ill patients in San Angelo, and 15 surrounding counties. Director of Donor Relations for West Texas Rehab and Hospice of San Angelo, Berkeley Puckitt said the hospice treats nearly 600 patient every year. “No one has to pay for services, regardless of their ability to pay, so the funds raised go directly back to patient care to help them when they need it most,” Puckitt said. Hospice also offers bereavement counseling to patients and their loved ones upon the patient’s admission and for thirteenmonths or longer following the patient’s passing. Its other program, Stepping Stones, is a prehospice program for patients suffering from an advanced illness that affects their quality of life. Every service is free, making Dancing with the San Angelo Stars—its only annual fundraiser—that muchmore critical.
31 hometown living at its best Several months before the dancing event, a committee selects five men and five women, who solicit votes for themselves prior to the big competition. Each vote cast costs $1, and the community can vote for as many contestants asmany times as they like, all theway up to the night of the dance. The bulk of the funds raised, however, comes from ticket sales to the event, whichstreams liveonConchoValleyHomepage. The fourth annual event, held April 28, 2022, at theMurphey PerformanceHall raised a whopping $434,000, Puckitt said, andwith 1,200 attendees it almost sold out. “It was the largest attendance and the largest gross revenue since the event started,” Puckittsaid. “We’ve shattered records every year, and in 2021 it was $290,000. Every year it gets better and better.” Puckitt speculated that the reason for that growth is that “more people are learning about Hospice of SanAngelo and theworkwedo in the community. Somany peoplehave been touched by hospice, so they want to give back. And a lot of the stars are chosen because they do have a hospice or rehab story” about how the center has touched their life or that of someone they love. “I was really impressed by the number of participants who had some sort of tie to Hospice or the Rehab Center, because it was most of them,” said Steve Cecil, of Cecil and Eady Investments. Cecil, who won the grand prize Mirror Ball Trophy for receiving the most votes, has not used any of West Texas Rehab or Hospice of San Angelo’s services, nor has his family, but he dedicated his dance to his father, who passed away of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic. “Part of my introduction video was to the frontline workers who have been dealing with this virus for the past two years now, because I know they’re exhausted and frustrated,” Cecil said. His dad’s passing also influenced his decision to join theDancingwith theSanAngelo Stars team, as didhiswife. “I thought about it for over three weeks, close to a month,” he said. “It is a big commitment for all the participants. You have the dancing and the fundraising. My wife,
hometown living at its best Julie, basically said, ‘If you’re going to take ona project like this, you’ve got tohave funwith it. Youhave to go inwith the right attitude. Sowe said yes [because] she really encouraged me to think about it in a certain way.” Just like on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” reality show, celebrities and their pro partners typically become fast friends after spending so much time together rehearsing. “I was paired up with Erin Lane, and she runs Ballet San Angelo,” Cecil said. “I didn’t know her before this whole process started, and we’ve been friends and had a working relationship going on six months now. She’s a super talented, caring, patient individual, and I’mprivileged to know her.” Talley, who won the prize for Best Female despite starting late in the competition as a replacement,waspairedwithCameronO’Briant, who works at the San Angelo Performing Arts Center. “We have a lot in common even though he’smuchyounger than I am,” Talley said. “Both of us are cancer survivors, and both of us were vulnerable and willing to put ourselves out there for the greater good - and have a lot of fun in the process.” Despite their initial hesitance to join Dancingwith the SanAngeloStars, neither Cecil nor Talley regret agreeing to the commitment theymade. “I’ve learned to lean into things and not try to control everything,” Talley, a two-time cancer survivor said. “I’ve learned that laughing at yourself is the best medicine and that we can do hard things even if they’re scary, like getting up on stage in front of a lot of people. It’s totally worth it, especially knowing it benefits so many other people.” † The next Dancing with the San Angelo Stars will be held April 27, 2023, at the Murphey Performance Hall, 72 W. College Avenue. 33
34 san angelo lifestyles The only Buick dealership in Texas to receive this prestigious recognition. 2021 BUICK DEALER OF THE YEAR WINNER
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What ismore fun on a beautiful fall day inWest Texas than a friendly game of golf? 40 teams played in House of Faith’s 26th annual golf tournament at San Angelo’s Quicksand Golf Course on September 24th. Golfers competed in the 4-person scramble in 3 men’s flights and a ladies’ flight. The tournament featured raffle and auction prizes, tasty food, putting contests, a ChurchLeague competition, hole-in-one prizes, and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams in all flights. Aunique aspect of the House of Faith tournament is having a Ladies Flight dedicated to women’s teams in the tournament. This year four competitive ladies teams played in their flight. Congratulations toTannerMontgomery forwinning $5,000 when he sunk a 50-foot putt in the post-tournament putting contest this year sponsored by Geoff Miller with Flying Pigs Productions, LLP. Many family teams like the Trevino’s, the Hulse brothers and the Holik’s play in the tournament year after year to celebrate friends and familywhile supporting House of Faith, a faith-based organization providing free, after-school programs, summer camps, and family events. More than 1,250 children and youth are enrolled in House of Faith programs. Students benefit by having a place to belong, building relationships in a safe environment, and having fun while hearing a consistent faithmessage. Contact House of Faith for more information: 325-486-8637 or hofministries.org Register now for next year’s tournament, Saturday, September 23, 2023 Courtesy of DARLENE BRATTONOFHOUSE OF FAITH HOMETOWN Happenings FOR THE MASTER Golf Tournament
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38 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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BRIGHTER than the Fire A San Angelo burn survivor is using his story to improve safety for others. 40 san angelo lifestyles
41 hometown living at its best L Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos by SUTTERFIELD FAMILY Leaving San Angelo and transferring to Texas State University was part of Zachary Sutterfield’s 10-year plan. He wanted to become an English teacher and make a positive impact on the education system. That plan changed just 10 days after parents Karl and Deona Jo (D.J.) said their goodbyes. “I remember Karl telling him, ‘Mom & I can’t protect you anymore. Make good decisions and know that we love you,” D.J. recalled. On July 20, 2018, Zach was sleeping when a fire consumed the apartment he was sharing with friends David Ortiz and Haley Frizzell. “I can’t remember everything clearly, but I know I woke up partially on fire. I ran out of the secondfloor apartment, jumped off a balcony edge and hit my head when I landed,” Zach said. Danny, Zach’s older brother heardabout thefire andbegan frantically searching for him. He learnedZachwas at Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio
42 san angelo lifestyles being treated for a traumatic brain injury and burns to 70 percent of his body. He was given a 20 percent chance to live. His friends, David andHaley lost their lives in the fire along with three others. Haley was a 19-year-old fromSanAngelowhohad just completed her freshman year. With the memories of that night and his friends on his mind every day, Zach decided he wanted to give a voice to those that can no longer speak. He’s using his story to make a difference by fighting for prevention and change. “Zach died twice and was resuscitated. His injuries were brutal, but I’ve seen this kid fight every day. His feet were so burned that he would leave bloody footprints learning to walk. Rehab was painful but the pain has made himbetter. He kept pushing through and is so resilient,” Karl said. “As a father, you hope that your kids look up to you, but Zach has made me look up to him.” D.J. became Zach’s primary caretaker and stayed with him as he spent the next six months in the hospital. They then moved to the Fisher House as Zach received daily out-patient care for the following ninemonths. The FisherHouse Foundation is anonprofit that builds homes on military bases so that familieswith loved ones in the hospital can stay free
43 hometown living at its best of charge. Karl is a retired Army veteran who served in military intelligence at Goodfellow Air Force Base. D.J. is a former medic who served with the Army National Guard in both Texas and Hawaii. “In the beginning it took me about five hours tohelpwithZach’swound care,” said D.J. “To debride the skin, you’re constantly washing it to prevent infection. The staff was really great about teaching me and trustingme todowhat needed tobe done.” America’sMothers Inc. would recognizeD.J. as Texas Mother of the Year in 2021. “My mom is superwoman. I always knew she would go to the ends of the earth formy brother andme but since the fire I’ve seen the depths she goes to make my life better every day,” Zach said. Zach and D.J. returned to San Angelo in October 2019. Zach has endured nearly 40 surgeries and will continue to need more in the future. Zach lost themajority of his hands in the fire and a portionof his skull. In the past four years, he’smade great strides re-learning tasks such as putting socks on, cooking and driving. “I think it’s easy for people to lookatme and think burn patient. They see the burns and obvious disfigurement and struggles. For me, it’s about being able to take that and define it my ownway. It’s about being able to livemy best life and enjoy eachday forwhat it is,” Zachsaid. “Surgery is a pain, but I get to travel. I get to spend time with my dogs. I really am living my best life and it’s a great life.”
44 san angelo lifestyles Zach will graduate from Angelo State University in December 2022. This past spring, he earned a job as aBrandAmbassador for Sons of theFlag. It’sanon-profit organizationstriving to revolutionize burn care by providing surgical programs, research and burn survivor support. “I travel to conventions and conferences to share my story and help raise funds,” Zach said. D. J. i s serv ing as Family Resource Coordinator which offers resources and support to families of burn patients. She said “Dr. Julian Pribaze has been treating Zach in Tampa and is one of the doctorsworkingwithSons of the Flag, butmore doctors are needed. There are over 400,000 burn injuries per year in America but only 250 certified burn plastic surgeons.” The Sutterfield’s wanted to give back to the organization that has been such an important part of Zach’s recovery. They’ve created a program for Sons of the Flag called Brighter than the Fire as an effort to focus on education, prevention and legislation. “When we were in the burn unit, we saw burns from everything from oil field accidents and fireworks to cooking, all things that could’ve been prevented,” said D.J. It’s prevention that startswith a conversation. “Whenwe sent Zach to college,webought pots andpans.Wehad talks about drinking and driving but never once did it
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46 san angelo lifestyles cross our minds to discuss fire safety,” Karl said. The fatal fire was ruled arson but D.J. believes the results could have been the same had the fire been accidental. He said, “We didn’t know that the apartment where Zach was living was unsafe. It did not have sprinklers or fire walls. We encourage others to look before you lease. Is your complex up to code with the National Fire Protection Association? We want others to be brighter and more educated from our story.” The logo for Brighter than Fire was created in memory of those that lost their lives in the apartment fire. “The light bulb in the logo shows that we want to keep their memory alive. There are five peaks in the flame. Each peak represents the kids we lost that day,” D.J. explained. In addition to educating others on fire safety, the Sutterfield’s are fighting to ensure that allmultiresidential buildings are in compliance with fire safety codes. “It’s disgusting to hear that it would cost complexes too much money. As a parent that has gone through this, you can’t put a price on life,” D.J. said. “My son’s life is worth thatmoney. The liveswe lost that daywereworth the investment.” Zach’soriginal 10-yearplan includedacareer in education. When he went to sleep on July 18, 2018, that plan changed. Now, he’s on amission to educate far more people than he could’ve realized before. “This is something terrible that happened but If I can help spread the message of awareness, hopefully it will impact others,” Zach said. “Iwant people to lay their heads down at night and know they are safe.” †
47 hometown living at its best Haley Frizzell was majoring in theatre, performance and production at Texas State University. The San Angelo Central High School graduate was an aspiring filmmaker who planned to make films alongside her older brother, Brian Kyle Frizzell, known as B.K. Haley was the kind of person who could make friends anywhere and would reach out to those who felt alone. Now, it’s B.K. who’s having to produce a film about the younger sister he is grieving for and wants people to remember. OnJuly 20, 2018, anarsonist set fire to the Iconic Village Apartments in San Marcos. Five people were killed including Haley Frizzell (19), Dru Estes (20), David Angel Ortiz (21), Belinda Moats (21) and James Phillip Miranda (23). B.K.’s best friend Zachary Sutterfield of SanAngelo survived but was left with burns to 70 percent of his body. “It’s been four years and nothing has happened with the case. You hear less and less about it as time goes on. I came to a place where I felt I had enough emotional stability to make the film. It’s focused around the grief the families are dealing with since losing loved ones in the fire. Zach’s story is also a part of it,” B.K said. The film is a documentary called, The Weight of Ashes. “One of the things I remember in the days following the fire is howmy sister’s ashes felt inmy hand. Theywereheavier than I expected themtobe. It also has a doublemeaningwith theweight of the emotions and trauma surrounding the fire.” B.K. held an advanced screening of the film in SanMarcosandisnowworkingonfinishingtouches before sending the documentary to festivals and other outlets such as streaming services. Once purchased, itwouldbemade available to the public. “Making the documentary hasn’t made me feel better or ease grief for anyone,” B.K. said. “I hope that someone is held responsible for what theydid.Haleydidn’t deservewhathappened toher. No one deserved what happened. So many people have suffered tremendously at no fault of their own but because of the evil acts of someone else.” B.K. is planning ondonating proceeds fromthe filmto the reward being offered for information leading to an arrest of those responsible for the arson. THE WEIGHT Written by SABRINA FORSE On July 20, 2018, a fire at the Iconic Village Apartments in SanMarcos led to the deaths of five people and left another critically injured. The fire was intentionally set. There is a $110,000 reward for information leading authorities to those responsible. Call 1-888-ATF-TIPS or email ATFtips@atf.gov CENTRAL HIGH ALUM PRODUCES FILM TO SHARE THE STRUGGLE OF THOSE LEFT BEHIND AFTER A FATAL FIRE. of Ashes
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49 hometown living at its best March 25, 2023 ASU Junell Center 7:30 p.m. WEST SIDE STORY The Murphey Performance Hall 7 p.m. January 28, 2023 A MERRY LITTLE HOLIDAY POPS December 3, 2022 The Murphey Performance Hall 7 p.m. THE GATLIN BROTHERS Film with Live Orchestra February 25, 2023 The Murphey Performance Hall 7 p.m. THE SPIRIT OF DJANGO REINHARDT November 5, 2022 THE PLANETS The Murphey Performance Hall 7 p.m. sanange l osymphony . org Experience Live Music The 73rd Season 325-658-5877
50 san angelo lifestyles U.S. Army Veteran Brian Lawson suffered a series of health setback that tested his faith and his willpower. He regained hope, confidence and better health thanks to a water aerobics class geared for seniors. H O P E Article and Photos by BECCA NELSON SANKEY &Healing
51 hometown living at its best INHIS50YEARS, BrianLawsonhas suffered:mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. A U.S. Army veteran, Lawsonwasmedically discharged in late 2003 due to serious injuries and a subsequent brushwithdeath. Eighteenyears later inMayof 2021, aNissanPathfinder struckLawsononKnickerbocker Road as he was walking along the crosswalk. According to a news article at the time, the impact knocked his shoes and glasses off his body, and he said he landed on the vehicle’s hood. Lawson was rushed to Shannon Hospital,wherehe stayed for over aweek, but, unable towalkandwithout ahome thatwaswheelchair accessible, he eventually transferred to the VAHospital in Big Spring for rehabilitation. The twonear-deathexperiences shookLawson’s faith, headmitted. “I questionedGod, and I questionedmyself because Iwasn’t livingmy life inaccordancewithGod like I shouldhavebeen. Iwondered if Iwasbeingpunished. I talked to the chaplainat theVAHospital about it, andhe said, ‘It’snot you, and it’snot because of your relationship with God.’ He said, ‘Bad things happen to good people. It’s just how life is sometimes.’ I had to reflect on that.”
52 san angelo lifestyles The two near-death experiences shook Lawson’s faith, he admitted. “I questioned God, andIquestionedmyself because Iwasn’t livingmy life inaccordancewith God like I should have been. ” PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXEL.COM
53 hometown living at its best As Lawson worked on his faith, he also dug deep to retrieve the perseverance and positive attitude that helped him through his first major health setback in 2003. “I was training to go to Iraq when I got injured,” he recalled. “I had a rupture ofmy glenohumeral (shoulder) capsule anddid something to the vertebrae of my back. About themiddle of my back, I was hunched over. I almost brokemy back.” To make matters worse, “We were always dirty and always in the mud and alwaysworking, working, working, and I got a staph infection so bad that my lymph nodes were swollen up like baseballs,” he said. “I had a quarter lung capacity. I almost died frompneumonia. I had all those injuries at one time.” H O P E
54 san angelo lifestyles Though Lawson's failing health ended his military career he said, “I’m proud to have served my country forwhat bit I did, and Iwouldnever change that. I had some of thebest experiences and training, and the best guys toworkwith, so I have a lot of goodmemories.” Slow and steady were his mantras during his first recovery. “I just did light workouts, and after a couple of years I built myself up to where I could be a lot more physically fit,” Lawson said. “It tookme a while togetbacktowhere Iwantedtobe, but Ikept goingandfinishedmydegreeatAngeloStateUniversity in 2010. I thought I’d never go back to school, but I got an English degree and aminor in Kinesiology and worked out slowly (that whole time). I still had issues, but they weren’t as bad as they were; I (mostly) overcame them.” Lawson enjoyed training, mixed martial arts and jogging before his 2021 accident, which broke his ankles and heel bones, he said. He stayed at the VA in Big Spring until early August 2021, when he was able to use a walker. By September, he traded the walker for a cane. Still, he said, he was in pain and couldn’t walk well. “I couldn’t run or jog or walk, and I couldn’t do weights. So I was like, ‘What else can I do?’” Shannon Health Club, where Lawson is a member, suggested he try swimming, which made everything he couldn’t do on land possible. “When I got in the pool, I couldwalk and it didn’t hurt so bad, and I could swimand it didn’t hurt,” he said. TheSilverSneakersWaterAerobicsclassat ShannonHealthClub isgearedtowardsenior citizens, but thegroupmakesexceptions foryounger individualswhohavesufferedaninjury.Despitesometrepidation about joining, Lawson started the class in October 2021, roughly fivemonths after his accident. Though he is among the youngestmembers of the group, there are othermilitary veterans like him “All the instructors are really motivating,” he said, adding that when he first joined the Silver Sneakers, he couldn’t walk up the stairs without using a handrail and feeling pain. Now he can go up and down the stairs without a rail.
who areworking through injuries. Others have issues that run the gamut – from intellectual disabilities to knee injuries to chronic pain. “All the instructors are reallymotivating,” he said, adding thatwhenhe first joined the Silver Sneakers he couldn’t walk up the stairswithout using a handrail and feeling pain. Nowhe can go up and down the stairs without a rail. “My goal is to be able to jog again, and I think if I keep doingwhat I’mdoing I’ll be able towithin a couple of months,” Lawsonsaid. “TheSilver Sneakers groupand their techniqueshavehelpedmeoutwithmyconfidence. My confidencewas shatteredwhen Iwas in thewheelchair. I felt sodefeated. It helpedmyhealth,myflexibility andmymobility.” Lawson said he’s not perfect, and he had moments of depression when he allowed himself to wallow. “I guess I just overcame somewhat. I still have a ways to go. I want to jog and resumemy career. My friends have helped, andthepeople Iworkoutwith, theirpositiveattituderubbedoffonme towhere Ihaveapositiveattitude.” Afterhis talkwiththeVAchaplain, hebeganprayingagainandnowbelievesGodhashelpedhimthroughout his recovery. “I’m trying to followmy faith as much as I can, and I’m sure that it has helped me,” Lawson said. “It would have had to have helpedme because I’m surrounded by good people, and a lot of themare Christian, and it helps to lift the spirit andmake coming back froman injury not so hard.” He stressed that he still has a long way to go physically. “I have to put some more effort toward (this), and once I feel like I can jog a little bit, I’ll be able to domore things at the gym that I want to do,” he said. Once he’s achieved those physical goals, he plans tomove for a job inCorpus Christi. “SanAngelo is a good town, and it’s got some good people here,” Lawson said. “But I have some dreams. I want to see what it’s like to live on the beach. I’mvery happy. All I need is to keepmoving forward.” † H O P E 55 hometown living at its best
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60 san angelo lifestyles photos provided by THE JONES FAMILY WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Wall, Texas CHLOE JONES, 16 PARENTS: MICHAEL & PAIGE JONES 4-H CLUB: LONE STAR 4-H CLUB 4-H Spotlight HOWLONGHAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS ? 8 years WHAT 4-HACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Leadership, Public Speaking, Swine Showing, Consumer Education, Health and Personal Safety ARE YOU ANOFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? District 7 1st Vice President Tom Green County 1st Vice President Lone Star Club President
61 hometown living at its best WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHOWING? Having animals in my barn is a huge stress reliever for me each day. After a long day at school, I enjoy going out to the barn and completing the required daily tasks: cleaning, feeding, brushing and walking the animals. It is peaceful and a great way to decompress. However, there are many uncertainties that can happen at any given time throughout the course of the show season. Most times, taking care of these situations, such as illness or inclement weather, takes patience and most likely, a change in plans! I enjoy spending time with my dad and learning from him as well as getting to know other stock show participants from across the state. HOWHAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? Throughout the years, 4-H has taught me many things. As I’ve added leadership roles and projects, I’ve had to persevere and work through issues like stress and time-management. It has taught me confidence, networking skills, public speaking and how to give back to others. I have learned how to fail, how to succeed, how to listen, how to defend my position, and how to be professional. No matter what my future career will be, all of these traits will be important in my success. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? 4-H has provided me with continuous growth opportunities since the day I joined. 4-H has given me not only the tools but a support system to accomplish my tasks. It has taught me everything I need to be successful, from public speaking skills to dedication to determination. WHATWOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H? Try it! Show up to a club meeting, and/or find a small, easy project to begin with. Ask questions.
62 san angelo lifestyles WHO IS YOURMENTOR? Hayley Meyer, our Tom Green County Extension Agent, has helped me in so many ways. She encourages me to try new things, and provides so much of her time giving feedback, leading practices and driving me around! And, she makes the best cupcakes. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOUWON? 2021 Gold Star Recipient 2022 I Dare You Award 2022 San Angelo Stock Show: Champion Light OPB (Other purebred class) 2022 Texas 4-H Roundup: 2nd place Educational Presentation: Health and Safety and 2022 Texas 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest: 3rd individual in Reasons, 10th individual overall OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED IN? St. Ambrose Catholic Church & Youth Group, Wall FFA, Varsity Cross Country, Wall Student Council WHAT TO DO YOUWANT TO DOWHEN YOU GROWUP ORWHERE DO YOUWANT TO GO TO COLLEGE ANDWHATWILL YOU STUDY? Texas A&MUniversity - Education
63 hometown living at its best TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THATHAPPENEDWHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. A couple of years ago, during our county stock show, my sister was the official photographer. She is a few years older than me and was no longer showing pigs, but was very familiar with the show ring. Trying to capture the best shots, she was sitting inside the ring in the shavings. I was in the ring showing my chester pig. The Chester breed is known to be obstinate but also loving. They are my favorite. As I was focusing on getting my pig in front of the judge, he had other plans. He headed towards my sister and trampled right over the top of her! We both had a good laugh as I kept on showing. WHAT ARE YOURHOBBIES/INTERESTS? Outside of 4-H, FFA, and church, I love to read and run. Because of my expansive imagination, I can insert myself into the story and character’s life, improving my empathy and compassion. Another hobby is running. Running helps me decompress from a stressful day and helps me stay in shape and healthy. Though being on the Wall Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track teams may seem like individual sports, they are far from individual. I’ve gained a better understanding of teamwork and motivation. WORDS OFWISDOMOR ADVICE: Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone – you never knowwhat can happen!
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WRITTEN BY BECCA NELSON SANKEY | PHOTOS BY CARISSA RAMIREZ San Angelo’s first Off the Menu – Food and Wine Festival in October was widely successful with nearly 200 people clamoring to taste the food and drinks of nearly two dozen local and area chefs, wineries and breweries. EAT BE MERRY Drink & 66 san angelo lifestyles
JJaton Hampton knows a thing or two about how to draw a crowd. The founder and organizer of Paintbrush Alley Market Days and the Food Truck Festival, which debuted in September 2022, now has Off the Menu – Food and Wine Festival to add to her San Angelo event repertoire. The first Off the Menuwas October 6, 2022, at the Pop Art MuseuminDowntown San Angelo. Hampton developed the idea for Off the Menu l as t spr i ng . As a s e l f - described foodie and hobby baker whose husband, Courtney Hampton, is a chef, a food festival was right up her alley. “We love to watch ‘Top Chef,’” Hampton said. “One evening while watching the show, they were at a food festival and I said, ‘Gosh, I would love to have something like that here in San Angelo.’ My husband said, ‘Well, do it. Plan it.’” With his blessing, Hampton got to work, contacting the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center for help with a name,decidingonaplace and making contact with local chefs, wineries and breweries.Fromthebeginning, she had a vision. “I asked myself, How can I make this over the top?” she said. “I wanted the 67 hometown living at its best
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