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Matt and Becky Cross opened their Comfort Keepers business inJune 2003 and for the last 15 years they have been serving the citizens of Scurry County and the surrounding area with quality in-home non-medical care. Comfort Keepers offers the following services: Light Housekeeping• Laundry• Meal Prep Medication Reminders• Personal Care• Respite Care For a full list of services call our office or come by and visit with our staff. 325-573-9999 2703 College Ave • Snyder, TX 79549 • snyder-500.comfortkeepers.com Comfort Keepers® a sodexb brand Comfort Keepers accepts Private Pay & Long Term Care Insurance clients as well as those with VA Benefits.
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mayor wofford and family photo by | c’ella clayton photography 24 32 DOWNTOWN SNYDER The square’s quaint shops, small businesses, and restaurants are all a part of what makes Snyder unique. 39 65 YEARS OF SERVING SNYDER The Scurry County United Way, established in October of 1954, reached its 65th year of serving the people of Snyder. 48 SERVICE ABOVE SELF Snyder Rotary Club Members keep busy serving residents young and old. CONTENT 4 snyder lifestyles magazine 14 SUCCESS FOR WESTERNERS Western Texas College celebrates 50 years of community education. 24 MEET THE MAYOR Tony Wofford is a family man, a pastor, an entrepreneur, and since 2015, Mayor of Snyder. Filled with vision, Wofford sees great things for the future of Snyder.
5 hometown living at its best Bring Home the Best” AARON WATSON COUNTRY MUSIC STAR We Put You First! 305 16th St, Snyder, TX, 79549 (325) 575-3465 BlakeFulenwiderSnyder.com The Ram Heavy Duty is the 2020 MotorTrend Truck of the Year. With advanced safety features, revolutionary technology, and legendary performance, it’s no surprise that Ram is the back-to-back winner. Find yours with an award-worthy price at Blake Fulenwider Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Snyder. “
photo provided by | lynn fuller 58 CONTENT 6 snyder lifestyles magazine 58 BACK WHERE I BELONG Eleven years after Lynn Fuller restored the Sinclair station, the Snyder landmark continues to get national attention. 72 FEEDING HEARTS AND HANDS A local organization is expanding its outreach one meal at a time. 90 DOUG NEFF SERVING SNYDER STUDENTS Snyder ISD School Board Secretary talks about the many changes he has witnessed in the school district during the past 20 years. 102 TEENS BECOME SAVVY SITTERS A babysitting course is teaching teens skills for life. also in this issue Publisher’s letter Hometown Cookin’ Hometown Happenings Hometown Tots Hometown Wedded Bliss
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Snyder Lifestyles Magazine© is published annually by Hometown Living, LLC. www.hometown-living.com 502 N Main 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. WRI TERS Connie Leonard Elizabeth York Ellen Slater Jacquelin Hince Peggy Freeman Rebecca Rister Sabrina Forse COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Double Knot Weddings PHOTOGRAPHERS C’Ella Clayton Photography Sagebrush Photography, Jack Harty CREAT IVE | DESIGN Susan Avery John Shallenberger SALES Matt Martin Casey Perkins Michele Babiash Tim Ritter LaDonna Dray Janine Lemons Johnna Oman Page PUBLISHERS Matt & Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com AD|CONTENT COORDINATOR Susan Peterson office@hometown-living.com Heather Lundgren Martin Hey Snyder! Another year behind us and a fresh slate is before us. Instead of focusing on the traditional resolutions, let’s each instead resolve to BE PRESENT; thankful for where we live and the advantages it brings. Let us choose to focus on all the good. For anyone who has ever watched Pollyanna you’ll remember the basis for her positive outlook no matter what life brought her way was to be glad. ‘If you look for the bad, you’re sure to find it, but if you look for the good it is there too.’ So let’s resolve to look at the bright side, be glad, and live in the now. We so appreciate the warm welcome we received after our first issue of Snyder Lifestyles hit the street last winter! We are thrilled to showcase yet another coffee table quality magazinecontaining features of neighbors andorganizations succeeding and making Snyder even better than before. One such triumph is in the milestone celebrated by WTC beginning fifty years ago in ‘Success for Westerners.’ The founder’s goal of creating a college for rural West Texans rang true as a welcoming version of higher education. My older brother attended WTC in the ‘90’s and loved every minute. I think his only complaint was that he couldn’t stay there longer. A sentiment shared by many undergraduates I’m sure. Snyder Lifestyles is anannual publication that comes at no cost to our readers thanks to the generosity of our advertisers. So please let them know you saw their ad in SNYDER LIFESTYLES and remember to SHOP LOCAL. If you are interested in seeing your business in SLM contact Matt at 254.592.4524. Blessings to you in 2020, Publ i sher ’ s Note “When he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he was glad and rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” Acts 11:23 Matt & Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins “... if God took the trouble to tell us eight hundred times to be glad and rejoice, He must want us to do it—SOME.” -Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna 0, Freelance Wanted We are always on the look for local talent. If you would like to write or take pictures in Snyder Lifestyles or any of our area markets please contact our office at 817.599.6167 or email office@hometown-living.com 10 snyder lifestyles magazine
Serving the community since 1954, Cogdell Memorial Hospital provides residents of Scurry and surrounding counties access to quality healthcare, close to home. With a forward-thinking approach to rural healthcare, Cogdell strives to provide its patients with an experience that is sometimes difficult to achieve in other small communities. Recent renovations ensure staff have access to high-quality equipment and provide patients and their loved ones with an uncompromising experience. State-of-the-art lab and radiology equipment, spacious obstetrics suites, a traditional family medicine practice, specialty physicians’ clinic, emergency and inpatient hospital care, and an inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and wellness center - patients appreciate the convenience of not having to travel far for medical care.
13 hometown living at its best “Coming from a bigger city, I now realize that there is increased value and a higher level of personalized care that I’m able to provide for my patients here. The staff and employees are collegial, highly trained and equipped with state of the art technology that will allow us to take care of our community’s most pressing health issues. I’m happy to say that we are now expanding our orthopedic services from pediatric and adult injuries to joint replacements and reconstruction”. --Dr. Richard Okafor, Orthopedic Surgeon y “We recently had our second child here & had such an amazing experience. Dr. Burson & the nurses went above & beyond to make sure I was comfortable & well taken care of. So glad we chose Cogdell this time. We couldn’t have had a better experience.” --Morgan Arrendale 1700 Cogdell Blvd. Snyder, Texas 79549 325-573-6374 | www.CogdellHospital.com The Cogdell network of physicians and staff cares for patients throughout all ages and all stages of life. Snyder resident, Olga Rodriguez says, “Knowing that Cogdell Hospital is here for my son, me, and our family is amazing. We don’t have to go out of town to look for a doctor; we know that the doctors we have here locally are the doctors we need.” QUALITY CARE, CLOSE TO HOME Outpatient Rehabilitation & Aquatic Therapy Emergency Department & Air Flight Services Lab, Radiology & Respiratory Services Swingbed Unit (rehabilitative therapies & skilled care) Inpatient Hospital Services Cogdell Family Clinic & Walk - In Clinic Specialty Clinic & Outpatient Surgery Home Health & Hospice Obstetrics Care Orthopedic Clinic Wellness Center Infusion Therapy COGDELL NETWORK OF CARE
written by peggy purser freeman | photos provided by wtc WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION. SUCCESS FOR WESTERNERS n a timeline, a fifty-year history ofWestern Texas College (WTC) f i l l s u p o n e page, however, the hi story of WTC is its heart. That history would fill a library of books with stories of l ives touched and futures changed. According toDr. EdBarkowsky, the first decade of WTC officially began on October 20, 1969, when the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved Scurry County citizens’ petition for O a college in Snyder. Dr. Barkowsky came to WTC in 1971 and served as a professor of English and chair of the Division of Communications and Letters , which included English, Foreign Languages, Mass Communications, Phi losophy, Reading, and Religion, for 25 years until retirement in 2008. “I have wished many times that when I began studies at Texas Tech, I could have attended a college like WTC,” Dr. Barkowsky explained. “As a first-generation student from a rural school with a graduating class of eight seniors, the transition to a huge university like Tech was not pleasant, to say the least. It took about a year to figureout which truck had runover me. The Tech experience turned into a positive when I used the contrast as I ledorientation sessions with WTC students’ parents. I used theexperience, alongwithmyhigh school background, to explain how WTC could help and guide students because WTC cares for the kids. The difference is WTC offers superb support, guidance, and counseling to help its students succeed. I pray the college never loses sight of that mission.” 14 snyder lifestyles magazine
JIM HENRY The founding president ofWTC, Dr. RobertClinton the newcollege DR. ROBERT CLINTON Bronze sculpture of Comanche leader Quanah Parker. “He wanted instructors who would be teachers, not ivory-tower professors, and they had to be willing to experiment with new approaches to learning.” -DR. ED BARKOWSKY The founding president of WTC, Dr. Robert Clinton, met with Dr. Barkowsky in April 1971 to share his vision for the new col lege and an architect’s renderings of the unfinished campus. “Dr. Cl inton cal led i t a shopping center concept where students could select academic and workforce programs to fit their needs,” Dr. Barkowsky said. “He wanted instructors who would be teachers, not ivory-tower professors, and they had to be willing to experiment with new approaches to learning, such as self-paced courses. His vision was student-centered, and many of the studentswouldcome fromrural schools and be in need of extra help. I was completely bowled over with his vision for a new college. I decided immediately I wanted to help him. 15 hometown living at its best
WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE 16 snyder lifestyles magazine 1971-72 First Cheerleading Squad
WTC opened its doors for students on August 26, 1971, with twenty-nine instructors. The expectation of 350 students was quickly exceeded as 649 new students registered and attended or ientat ion at T r ini ty Uni ted Methodist Church. The college site, south of the city, consists of a 163-acre tract of landdonatedby Ms. Jonisue Cogdell Bowden Stiff. The Applied Sciences complex (then in Buildings 15 -18) and the Administration Building were the only on-campus facilities available for classes and offices. Other faculty offices and classes were in the former Lincoln School, the Christian Student Center, in the Trinityand FirstMethodist churches, and even the bowling alley. The first students chose WTC’s colors of white, green, and blue and selected “Westerners” as a mascot name. Fred Harmon, creatorof thecomicstripcharacter “RedRyder,” designed theoriginal drawing of the WTC “Westerner” mascot. In the first year, students formed the Student Senate, elected the first cheerleaders, and organized golf, tennis, rodeo, and men’s basketball. By the spring semester, theAcademic Sciences complex (Buildings 4, 5, and 6), the Learning Resource Center, West Dorm, andAdministrationopened. An inflatable building served as a gym, and basketball games were played in the Coliseum until the November 1971 bond election provided for anewathletic facility. THE FIRST NURSING CLASS GRADUATED IN JANUARY 1973. IN MAY AT THE FIRST ALL-SCHOOL GRADUATION, WTC AWARDED 108 DIPLOMAS. 1970s First Faculty 70s commencement With an explosion of curriculum and activities, WTC added golf, track, three additional student clubs and more. The first nursing clas s graduated in January 1973. In May at the first all-school graduation, WTC awarded 108 diplomas. 17 hometown living at its best
Dr. Barkowsky believes WTC’s gift to the next generation is a col lege that can be flexible, compassionate, and creative— of fe r i ng s t uden t s a qua l i t y education from caring teachers with a “let’s help” philosophy toward their students. “Students frequently under-estimate their own abilities, and I learned they can reach far beyond thei r own expectations with gentle persuasion—even in the feared English composition classes. The faculty, staff, and administration operate not just as separate groups, but truly as a fami ly dedicated to helping students. I hope that staff andadministration will continue with Dr. Clinton’s founding principles. That would be the best gift for our students.” WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE WITH AN EXPLOSION OF CURRICULUM AND ACTIVITIES, WTC ADDED GOLF, TRACK, THREE ADDITIONAL STUDENT CLUBS AND MORE. 18 snyder lifestyles magazine
The people and faculty who pour their heart and soul into Western Texas College remain committed to excellence and continue to challenge students to reach their full potential. One faculty member that made a difference was J. M. Kayser, a former assistant principal at Snyder High School. “He had been appointed as director of Community Service Education and night classes, but his main function, according to Dr. Clinton, was campus troubleshooter. “He was better known as ‘Mule’ Kayser from his football days at Texas Tech,” Dr. Barkowsky explained. “That name was so well-known that his son once mailed a letter to him with only a line drawing of a mule and the zip code. The post office delivered it on time. In the heart of the history of WTC, Mule served well, for he loved students and could sniff out problems and then solve them.” Britt Canada came to WTC in 1984 to teach Computer Science. He transitioned into the Dean of Information Technology Services and then after a few years moved over to Dean of Inst i tut ional Research and Effectiveness. He recently sharedhismemories, “The main pattern that forms Western Texas College’s fabric is that we genuinely care about the total student.Wehave small classes and students can easily interact with the instructors. It’s interestingwhen former students tell us how they use something that they learned.” “Dr. Pruitt was an interesting history professor,” Mr. Canada remembered. “When I first started at WTC, Dr. Pruitt and I traveled to Haskell—driving 90 minutes to teach for three hours and then drive back. I don’t think Dr. Pruitt ever forgot a faceor name. On the way back, wewould often stop at aconvenience storeandhewould ask the attendant their name. The person would tell him and Pruitt would start naming members of their family andother relatives. This was beforewe had social media.” Canada added, “We are not a university, we are a community college. As such, our focus is on the community. The community’s interests are a part of our goals.” 19 hometown living at its best
WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE “Every decision we make ties back to how it will help our students. We are small enough to know their names. ” -DR. BARBARA BEEBE The current president of WTC, Dr. Barbara Beebe, believes the family atmosphere of the college is felt by students, staff, and faculty. “Every decision we make ties back to how it will help our students. We are small enough to know their names and backgrounds, and we strive to let them know that we truly care about them and their success. Once they know we are their biggest cheerleaders, they typically rise to the expectations. Dr. Clinton provided a wonderful foundation for WTC and I look forward to strengthening and expanding our traditions as we enter our next 50 years.” † 20 snyder lifestyles magazine
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Meet the Mayor: Tony Wofford written by elizabeth york | photos provided by c’ella clayton photography Tony Wofford is a family man, a pastor, an entrepreneur, and since 2015, Mayor of Snyder. Filled with vision, Wofford sees great things for the future of the town. ony Wofford is an optimist w i t h a v i s i o n f o r h i s community. The mayor is an evangelist for Snyder, preaching the benefits of the Texas town to any who will listen. “I’d likepeople tocome to Snyder, come check us out, and come do business with us,” he said. “We have 11,500 people who are friendly and who are willing to reach out. We’reahistorical place andagreat place to see andbe.” Wo f f o r d s t a r t ed ou t a s any t h i ng bu t a sma l l - t own dweller; his family lived in Los Angeles County, Californiabefore relocating to Lovington, New Mexico when Wofford was a teenager. “It was a tremendous cu l t u r a l change , ” Wo f f o r d remembers. “It was different. We had been living in Compton and the gang activity and drugs and violence were starting to stir up. We moved out about six months before the Watts Riots took place. I know God had his hand on us. We came out to this part of the country because my dad had just lost his job and my uncle told him there was opportunity. That was a God thing.” Wofford played basketball at New Mexico Junior College and then married his wife, Kathy Triplett, in 1974. The same year, the couple moved to Snyder for work; Tony was hired by Amoco PipelineCompanyandKathywent toworkwithChevron. TheWoffords quickly made Snyder their home, and the place where they would raise their four children, Sharika, Jamaal, Misha, and Kiki. In 1982, Tony was licensed as a minister andbecame theassociatepastor of Norris Chapel Church of God in Christ. He eventually became pastor, and in 1990, founded The Word Is Life Deliverance Church. 24 snyder lifestyles magazine
Mayor Tony Wofford standing in downtown Snyder. 25 hometown living at its best
Meet the Mayor Tony Wofford In 1982, Tony was l icensed as a minister and became the associate pastor of Norris Chapel Church of God in Christ. He eventually became pastor, and in 1990, founded The Word Is Life Deliverance Church. “ My purpose is to engage, encourage, and support those who are often left out, ignored, and neglected, so that everyone receives an equal opportunity to discover and utilize their potential.” ~ Tony Wofford Tony & Kathy Wofford at his church, The Word is Life Deliverance Look i ng back , Wo f f o r d acknowledges the grace of God in helping him balance the responsibilities of being a father of four, a busy energy industry employee, and a bivocational mini ster . Being a father and a pastor made Wofford even more civic-minded. He became involved in prison ministry and attended county commissioners meetings and other local events. His heart was always to see Snyder and its residents prosper. TONY WOFFORD IS AN OPTIMIST WITH A VISION FOR HIS COMMUNITY 26 snyder lifestyles magazine
Mayor Wofford and his wife, Kathy, with their grand children (three grandchildren not pictured). 27 hometown living at its best
Meet the Mayor Tony Wofford Mayor Tony Wofford & his wife with staff at their restaurant, Apple of My Pie. 28 snyder lifestyles magazine
the citizens of Snyder for enabling him to do his job effectively. His background truly preparedhimfor the job he took in city leadership. “A mayor is a person who has to love people,” he said. “Likewise, pastors are leaders. They’re good listeners, they love people, and yet they’re work-oriented and want to see stuff done. To me, a good mayor is like a good pastor – a good leader, a listener, and a negotiator.” Wofford’s volunteer work description as mayor ranges from important meetings with the Snyder City Council to attending s ignature, l ocal event s l i ke Petticoats on the Prairie. The Snyder area has servedas asignificantwindenergyproducer; Wofford would like to see this and other economic drivers continue to expand. He sees tremendous opportunity. “Within a 300-mile radius, Snyder is the hub of about 30 million people,” Wofford said. “My main goal is to remove the barriers to business and growth, Kathy Wofford started Mrs. Kat hy ’ s Sou t he r n Comf o r t s restaurant (now operated by their daughter, Kiki, and her husband, Claude), which received several honor s , including an award from Texas Monthly. Kathy later opened Mrs. Kathy’s Apple of My Pie. In 2012, Tony retired from Oxy Centurion, but stayed busy pastoringandworkingat the family restaurant. In 2015, Tony sensed a new calling. “There was something stirring in me to take the positive messagebeyondmy church’s four walls and out into the community and beyond,” Wofford said. “A group of people approached me about running for mayor. After considering it in prayer, I decided to go for it.” Elections were held on May 6, 2015, and Wofford was sworn in to his new role in June. More than four years later, Wofford is serving on his third twoyear termas mayor. He credits the support of his family, church, and and to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and capitalize on the great asset of our people.” Wofford is a supporter of the city’s new, comprehensiveplan to help transform Snyder, including revitalizing the downtown area. Although he isn’t blind to Snyder’s challenges, the mayor doesn’t dwell extensively on thenegatives. He wisely quotes Proverbs 11:11: “Through theblessingof theupright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.” “What you say makes a difference,” Wofford said. “If you’re talking about how bad something is, it’s going to be that bad. I try to be optimistic and upbeat because I believe, with God, all things are possible.” As mayor,Woffordaims tobea strong leader. “I try to be a light, aman of integrity, a person of character,” he said. “I walk inahigher standard because I am a pastor and want to let the character of Christ be seen.” “A mayor is a person who has to love people. Likewise, pastors are leaders. They’re good listeners, they love people, and yet they’re work-oriented and want to see stuff done. To me, a good mayor is like a good pastor – a good leader, a listener, and a negotiator.” ~ Tony Wofford 29 hometown living at its best
Meet the Mayor Tony Wofford Mayor TonyWoffordandCounty JudgeDanHicks, walking and talking on The Square in Downtown Snyder during the Possibility Tour. 30 snyder lifestyles magazine
“Mayor Wofford has been a positive shot in the arm for Snyder. His great attitude and vision are exactly what Snyder needs moving forward into the future. He is always thinking ‘outside the box’ for ways to improve our city. It’s a joy and an honor to serve with him as mayor pro tem.” ~ Steve Highfield | City Council Member SteveHighfield is a Snyder City Council member serving District Three. He said, “Mayor Wofford has been a positive shot in the arm for Snyder. His great attitude and vi s ion are exact ly what Snyder needs moving forward into the future. He is always thinking ‘outside the box’ for ways to Mayor Tony Wofford, Drew Bullard - Chairman of the Scurry County Historical Commission, Brooke Proctor – Executive Director of The Development Corporation of Snyder. improve our city. It’s a joy and an honor to serve with him as mayor pro tem.” Di str ict One counci lman, Vernon Clay, has known Wofford for more than 40 years. “He really wants Snyder to grow and to do well for all its inhabitants,” Clay said. “He is God-fearing, accessible to citizens, and always willing to learn.” Wofford looks forward to the possibilities ahead. “We’re a small town with a big vision, big hopes, and big dreams,” Wofford said. “We’reaperfect place for people and for companies who want to settle here and grow with us.” † 31 hometown living at its best
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hometown happenings photos by | cogdell memorial hospital C ogdel l Memorial Hospital held its Annual Health Fair and Pink Run on Saturday, October 12th. The continued success and growth led organizers to relocate the event to Towle Park. “We reached our capacity,” says Tara Camp, Community Liaison. “Moving the event to the park allowed us to host more vendors, add more activities for kids, and has allowed us to add a 10K race in addition to the 5K and 1-mile events.” Funds raised from the event will go towards helping uninsured and underinsured women access mammograms for $50 or free of charge. “1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime, and screening mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early,” says Lupe Lazcano, RT (R) (M), Director of Radiology. “Screening mammograms have saved lives.” ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR AND PINK RUN 37 hometown living at its best
38 snyder lifestyles magazine Snyder Industrial Park 1255 E. Hwy 180 Snyder, Texas 79549 PH:325-573-1544
39 hometown living at its best written by ellen slater | photos provided by scurry county united way THE SCURRY COUNTY UNITED WAY WAS ESTABLISHED IN OCTOBER OF 1954 BY LOCAL SNYDER AREA COMMUNITY MEMBERS. 2019 MARKED THE AGENCIES’ 65TH YEAR OF SERVING THE PEOPLE OF SNYDER. Scurry County United Way CELEBRATES 65 YEARS OF SERVING SNYDER
40 snyder lifestyles magazine The Scurry County United Way marked the 65th Anniversary of its founding in 2019. In order to celebrate this landmark year, the organization unvei led its 65 Year Strong Campaign last February, setting a capital campaign goal of reaching $165,000 in funds raised. “It was an ambitious goal but, in an effort, to commemorate the legacy laid before us we wanted to serve more agencies,” said Sheila Hale, Executive Director of the Scurry County United Way.With numbers rolling in and 13 days left to reach the commemorative goal, the organization had already raised $106,646 in funding. An anonymous donor committed to matching funds raised, up to $15,000, during the final push to end the 2019 Campaign on December 31. The money raised by the organization each year improves the l ives and welfare of the entire Snyder community by directly supporting eleven local non-profit agencies which include: Cancer Service Network; Gateway Fami ly Center; Jumpstart Enrichment for Tomorrow’s Students (JETS); Scurry County Food Cupboard; The Scur ry County Museum; Snyder Chr i st ian School ; Scurry County 4-H; West Texas Chi ldren’s Advocacy Center; Texas/Oklahoma Plains Girl Scouts and The Snyder Volunteer Fire Department. “We support these agencies not only through monetary funding, but we partner with our agencies to directly benefit the Snyder Community,” she said. “For example, we provide low income day care to 90 Snyder fami l ies at Gateway Fami ly Center who otherwi se couldn’t afford the care.” Not only does United Way provide day care, but it offers the children enrichment programs similar to those offered by private pre-schools or Head Start. The Scurry County United Fund first opened on October 27, 1954 by community leaders who wanted to consolidate Snyder’s fundraising efforts while supporting local non-profit agencies. It was first cal led Scurry County United Fund and years later came under the umbrella of United Way International and was renamed to the Scurry County United Way. The United Way Worldwide is the largest privately funded, non-profit in the world with more than 2.8 million volunteers and 9.3 mi l l ion donors contributing annual ly. Sheila Hale with board member
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42 snyder lifestyles magazine SCURRY COUNTY UNITED WAY SUPPORTS CANCER SERVICE NETWORK | GATEWAY FAMILY CENTER JUMPSTART ENRICHMENT FOR TOMORROW’ S STUDENTS (JETS) | SCURRY COUNTY FOOD CUPBOARD THE SCURRY COUNTY MUSEUM | SNYDER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SCURRY COUNTY 4-H | WEST TEXAS CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTER TEXAS/OKLAHOMA PLAINS GIRL SCOUTS THE SNYDER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT | GATEWAY FAMILY CENTER Board President, Jonathan Farmer at the Kickoff Event “County Fair on the Square” Winner of Whataburger for a Year at the County Fair on the Square The Snyder police Department helping with the Bike Parade at the County Fair on the Square.
“Our typical donors are people who are rooted in the Snyder Community and have deep ties to our city,” said Hale. “We wouldn’t be able to support the local agencies we serve without the help of our generous donors who give to us year after year.” According to Hale, although each year’s capital campaign runs from February until the end of the year, the majority of fundraising occurs from September 1st unt i l December 31st . Thi s year the organization held its 2nd Annual Big Business Bl i tz on November 8th. I t wa s an oppo r t un i t y f o r communi ty bus inesses to support the United Way in a competitive, fun way. “Our board member s are spl i t up into two teams as they collect funds ‘amazing race’ style,” said Hale. “They race f rom bus iness to bus iness seeing who can collect the most donations in the shortest amount of time.” The entire Snyder Community can get involved in the Business Blitz as local radio stations KFMY and KLYB broadcast each donat ion l ive on the ai r . The Business Bl itz is one of the organization’s biggest fundraisers. According to Hale, the 2nd Annual Big Business Blitz was a success due to the generos i ty of Snyder business owners. “We pass out the donation envelopes weeks before the bl itz,” she said. “It’s very rare that any of our business owners’ hand us back an empty envelope.” Other fundraising events the Uni ted Way part icipates in each year include the Snyder County Fair on the Square held in September, and the Fal l Festival held at Western Texas Col lege held in October. According to Kaitl in Fergeson, Vice President of the Scurry County United Way, Snyder residents want to support the organization because they see fi rsthand the good it does for the community. “The United Way has such a positive impact on Snyder,” said Fergeson. “The agenc i es t he Un i ted Way partners with are vital to our community.” This month, the United Way wi l l decide on which local agencies it will support during the 2020 Capital Campaign. “We wi l l set our goal based on thei r needs,” said Hale. “This time of the year is also when we have many volunteer oppo r t un i t i e s ava i l ab l e . ” The Un i ted Way wi l l thank its generous donor during its Annual Awards Luncheon held annual l y in February. “The Awards Luncheon is a great oppor tuni ty for communi ty members to meet, greet and learn about our benef i tt ing agencies,” Hale said. “It’s also a time for us to recognize and thank al l of our donors.” † For more information or to volunteer contact the Scurry County United Way at scurrycountyunitedway.org or 325-573-5311. “OUR TYPICAL DONORS ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ROOTED IN THE SNYDER COMMUNITY AND HAVE DEEP TIES TO OUR CITY. WE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL AGENCIES WE SERVE WITHOUT THE HELP OF OUR GENEROUS DONORS WHO GIVE TO US YEAR AFTER YEAR.” -Sheila Hale | Executive Director, Scurry County United Way 43 hometown living at its best
Local students sew shorts for a mission trip to Africa. 44 snyder lifestyles magazine When youth can learn to use their skills at an early age to benefit others everyone wins. By sharing their talents with others we are building stronger community members for tomorrow.
65 Years Strong Intentional Impact Project We completed 65 impacts to commemorate 65 years of service in Scurry County! Cookie delivery for City Hall Employees. Backpacks: A local school drive participation and donation. Hygiene supplies donated to our local women’s shelter. 45 hometown living at its best
MAJORS Agriculture Art Biology Business Elementary Education Engineering English General Studies – Arts General Studies – Science Health, PE & Kinesiology Mass Communications Mathematics Pre-Law Pre-Med Studies Pre-Nursing Secondary Education Social Sciences – General Theater ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES OF STUDY Accounting Chemistry Computer Science Criminal Justice Economics Geography Geology Government History Humanities Physical Science Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish Speech VOCATIONAL Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Electrical Lineman Technology Information Technology Business Management Medical Information Technology Petroleum Technology Turfgrass and Landscape Management Welding 6200 College Ave., Snyder, Texas 79549 • 325-573-8511 At Western Texas College, you learn by doing. Start your success at wtc.edu/newstudentchecklist! Western Texas College uses Project Based Learning, a hands-on learning method that gives you the experience and knowledge you need to be successful. You can train for a career in as little as 1 year or start your college degree! Financial Aid available. 47 hometown living at its best
FRANK MILLER OLDEST MEMBER OF THE SNYDER ROTARY CLUB
SERVICE ABOVE SELF written by connie lewis leonard | photos provided by snyder rotary club Snyder Rotary Club Members keep busy serving Snyder residents young and old. F ounded in 1947, the Rotary Club of Snyder epitomizes the “Service Above Self” motto that defines Rotarians worldwide, much like the biblical principal of the Golden Rule of Matthew23:11-12. The group is part of Rotary Club International, a global network of over a million people who work together to solve problems and promote positive changes across the globe, in communities, and within individual members. Rotarians have used thei r passion, energy, and intelligence to turn things around, to give back to the local community, making the world a better place since1905. FrankMiller is the oldest member in age as well as years of continual membership in the Snyder Rotary Club. He said, “I became amember soon after becoming one of Snyder Public School’s elementaryprincipals back in 1965. At that time, the Rotary Club consisted of about 45 to 50 members. No two members were from the same profession. Each member was expected to be in attendance at every meeting. If for some reason a member missed attending a local meeting it was a custom to ‘make up’ by visiting a nearby Rotary Club soon after missing locally.” 49 hometown living at its best
Nicole DeGuzman, Presidentelect, said, “When I moved to Snyder, I knew I wanted to get involved in thecommunity. I joined Rotary because I believe in the principals of the ‘Four Way Test’ which is as follows: Of the things we think, say or do, is it the truth? Is it fair toall concerned?Will it buildgood will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? This Four Way Test helps to guide what I do in my professional and personal life. I have also made lifelong connections with business leaders I never would have met on my own.” SERVANTS OF ROTARY “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” NICOLE DEGUZMAN GERON SCATES Rachael McClain said, “I became a Rotarian because I wanted to give back something to the Snyder Community that was beyondmonetary donations. I wanted an opportunity to truly serve the folks of Snyder, and Rotary has many options to allow service to happen. The support of community literacy and the school districts is also near to my heart! To me ‘Service Above Self’ means putting your own desires aside in order to put yourself in a place of service. It is not always comfortable or the easiest path to provide service to thosearoundus. I believe, however, theopportunity to serve and support others is a basic foundation to a happy and fulfilled life.” Josh Ortegon, past President and Event Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce, said, “I became a Rotarian to help give back to the community that has helped build and shape me as a person.” Geron Scates, Pres ident , said, “I was invited by a local c l ub member , and i t gave me the opportuni ty for local community service. Giving back to the community is one of the foundational components behind the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self.’” FOUNDED IN 1947, THE ROTARY CLUB OF SNYDER EPITOMIZES THE “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” MOTTO THAT DEFINES ROTARIANS WORLDWIDE. 50 snyder lifestyles magazine
51 hometown living at its best The Flag Program, which helps promote patriotism, provides the only fundraising for the Snyder Rotary Club. For the low fee of forty dollars, the club places fullsize U.S. flags in residential yards or bus inesses along Col lege Avenue during six holidays a year: President’s Day, Memorial Day, FlagDay, Fourthof July, September 11 and Veteran’s Day. Anyone within the Snyder city limits may sign up by contacting a club member. Local non-profits may earn money for their group by assisting in displaying and taking down the flags. This year, the Lady Tigers helped with the Memorial Day flags, and First Assembly helped with the July Fourth flags. The funds rotate back into the commun i t y for co l l ege scholarships, “Books for Babies”, dictionaries for third graders, the free community Thanksgiving meal and various local charitable organizations and causes. THE FLAG PROGRAM THE FLAG PROGRAM PROVIDES THE ONLY FUNDRAISING FOR THE SNYDER ROTARY CLUB. FLAG PROGRAM FOR ROTARY FLAG DAY
52 snyder lifestyles magazine The club visits the local Jumpstart Enrichment for Tomorrow’s Students center each December for the “Books for Babies” event. “Santa” and his elf hand out age appropriate books personalized for each student in theHead Start program. Reading at anearlyage is essential to lifelonggrowth anddevelopment, andRotarybelieves that helping children to read at an early age assists in this developmental growth so that no child is at a disadvantage. The club awards college scholarships to Scurry County high school graduates. The three local high schools, Snyder, IRA, and Hermleigh areeligible toparticipate. Each year the students are asked to complete a short application that includes a question about how they live the motto “Service Above Self.” This year, Drevian Hernandez, Snyder HS, and Zach Harty, Hermleigh HS received Rotary scholarships for exemplifying the motto. Dictionary skills are part of the required curriculum for third graders in the state of Texas. Each year, the club purchases enough dictionaries so that each third grader in ScurryCounty can have their own dictionary to keep at home. Rotary then presents the schools with the adequate number of dictionaries necessary for classroom learning. This gesture helps to alleviateoverall costs for the school districts andprovides amuch-needed resource for the children. “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FOR ROTARY DREVIAN HERNANDEZ & ZACH HARTY SCHOLARSHIPS In 1995, with generous participation by The Shack, Lawrence IGA, Snyder ISD, and the Snyder High School Student Council, the Snyder RotaryClub institutedanannual ThanksgivingDinner for low income families andhomeboundcitizens in thecommunity. The tradition continued this Thanksgiving with meals served to anyone who comes to eat, regardless of income, and delivery within Snyder city limits to thosewhocannot make it. Each year, the club prepares and hands out approximately 500 meals. BOOKS FOR BABIES THANKSGIVING DINNER DICTIONARIES
53 hometown living at its best The Rotary club volunteer members are joined by local volunteers and Western Texas College to make this annual event happen. Many times, there are community members who spend this holiday alone, and this gives themanopportunity to socialize with others and to share a meal that they may not have had otherwise. The Rotary Club is indebted to the many volunteers who have made this annual event possibleandalways welcomedonations and volunteers to help with deliveries. Scates said, “All local charities are invited to notify the Rotary club if they are in need. Examples are the local Boy and Girl Scouts, the local Snyder Community Youth Club, and Scurry County United Way. The club votes to award financial donations not already budgeted. We take pride in serving MEMBERSHIP our community in ways that we are able to assist, and that includes supporting organizations that are working within our community. “We are looking for members who are willing to find just a little bit of time in their lives to help us give back to our community, have fun in fellowship, and belong to something bigger than themselves. Reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, and simply come to a meeting and be our guest.” The Snyder Rotary Club meets at noon each Thursday at the Martha Ann Woman’s Club, 1600 Martha Ann Boulevard in Snyder. You are cordially invited to be our guest at any of our meetings. Join us, and experience for yourself the fellowship and devotion to the community shared by our membership. † SNYDER ROTARY: JACK MCDONALD, BRYAN CAVE, ROBERT PATTERSON, NICOLE DEGUZMAN, FRANK MILLER, GERON SCATES, JOSH ORTEGON, LINDA JONES
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55 hometown living at its best Faith . Hope . Love. Sunda y Worshi p @9:30am Sunda y Celebrat e Recover y @5:00pm Wednesda y Bibl e Stud y @7:00pm www.eastsidefamily.church East Side
56 snyder lifestyles magazine hometown happenings The Development Corporation of Snyder held a Possibility Tour of five downtown buildings. The tour was a chance for the public to tour the buildings, meet with realtors, and discuss the history and the future potential use of the buildings. Two tours were given that afternoon with the bonus of a tour of the Scurry County Courthouse. POSSIBILITYTOUR MAY 5, 2019 Kathy Brooks and JoAnn Bentley Penny Perry, Sue Tabor, and Malinda McClung Tommy Wright, Cindy Wright, and Linda Williams Bill Robertson and Robert Swiney Mayor Tony Wofford, Drew Bullard - Chairman of the Scurry County Historical Commission, Brooke Proctor – Executive Director of The Development Corporation of Snyder. Victoria Longoria and Snyder Councilman, Vernon Clay photos by | c’ella clayton
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58 snyder lifestyles magazine written by jacqueline hince | photos provided by lynn fuller Eleven years after the Sinclair station was restored, the Snyder landmark continues to get national attention. Lynn Fuller talks about his love of the station, Snyder and his next big project! BACK WHERE I BELONG
60 snyder lifestyles magazine Lynn Fuller is animated as he describes a dilapidated sign. A sign shaped like a big red arrow that floods him with memories. “It is the sign for ‘Lotta Burger’. I found it in a garage sale. It was where my mom and dad, and everyone went back when they were dating,” says Ful ler. Ful ler is working to restore the Lotta Burger sign and place it at his Sinclair station in Snyder. Restoring is a hobby for Ful ler, but the station is his proudest project to date. Built in 1935, the Sinclair station is a triangular building sitting on a triangular lot off Col iseum Drive. It is wel l known for its unique shape and the man who worked there. “I went there as a kid with my dad, everybody did,” recalls Fuller. “The same guy ran it for 20 or some odd years. His name was Bushy Hedges. Everyone knew Bushy. And the real ol’ timers, they tel l me that the basement of the station was used for bootlegging during Prohibition,” chuckles Ful ler, “That’s just what they tel l me.” Ful ler says the station closed in the late 60’s and was sold to another party. Ful ler had his eye on the station for years before a friend alerted him to a For Sale sign out front. “So, I bought i t and started restorat ion,” says Ful ler. “It was 80 years old, and had been sitting for 40 years. Everything I touched something else fel l off. But I just kept going and going.” Going unti l Ful ler had revived the bui lding, complete with a sign advertising Clean Rest Rooms (or at times, 29 cents per gal lon gas) and a large green Sinclair Dinosaur out front. Bushy Hedges
61 hometown living at its best THE STATION SERVED AS SELECTIVE SERVICE LOCATION FOR 17 YEARS AND OPERATED BY BUSH HEDGES (EARLY 50’s) Pictures of the restoration process s
62 snyder lifestyles magazine SINCE THE COMPLETED RENOVATION, THE SINCLAIR STATION HAS BEEN USED AS A SET FOR AN INDEPENDENT FILM (MARFA), FOR NUMEROUS REUNIONS AND CLASS MEET UPS, AND AS A FUN PHOTO OP FOR PEOPLE DRIVING THROUGH. Lynn Fuller pictured in a Sinclair uniform
63 hometown living at its best Fuller did not realize his project would become such a phenomenon. Since he finished, the Sinclair station was used as a set for an independent film (Marfa), for numerous reunions or class meet ups, and as a fun photo op for people driving through. “Honestly, it blossomed into something I never intended,” remarks Ful ler. “It’s become quite a tourist attraction,” says Jerry Hatfield. Hatfield is Fuller’s neighbor and his family owned and operated The Sweet Shop restaurant across the street from the station for more than fifty years. “Every time I pass by there’s somebody up at the station taking pictures.” Hatfield says, adding that Fuller is fixing up stuff, “all the time.” Ful ler explains his passion is keeping the mid 20th century al ive. Drawing on hi s own memories, he’s infatuated with stories, buildings, and memorabi l ia from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. In fact, he is currently writing a book compi l ing short stor ies about the bui ldings and people of Snyder. “I want to title it, ‘Boomtown Baby Boomers,’” states Ful ler. “It is a col lect ion of short stories about the fi l l ing stations, drive ins, and restaurants we had in Snyder. Who ran them who worked there. Jogging people’s memories – that’s what I want the book to do.”
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“Honestly, it blossomed into something I never intended. It’s become quite a tourist attraction.” ~ Lynn Fuller 65 hometown living at its best
66 snyder lifestyles magazine “It’s a challenge out here like anywhere else. But I do love it. I love the people. I love the town. It’s still got a little Mayberry left in it I guess.” ~ Lynn Fuller
67 hometown living at its best Born and raised just outside of Snyder, in Dunn, Texas, Ful ler’s fami ly farmed “cattle and cotton”, and have roots that go back more than a century. Ful ler spent his chi ldhood in Dunn, and married his High School sweetheart, before pursuing a career in Criminal Justice in Fort Worth. He earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Hardin Simmons University and went on to earn his Masters at Texas Christian University. Ful ler worked for the Fort Worth Pol ice Department, eventual ly chosen for a Fort Worth PD and FBI task force to run undercover sting operations. “We had fake names and fake ids, when you are working undercover with the bureau its exciting,” says Ful ler. He went on to be assistant director of the Bass Brothers Enterprise in Fort Worth (“that was more exciting than the bureau stuff”), and owned a private security firm in the metroplex. However, when his father began to slow down due to age, Ful ler came back to Snyder to help care for the ranch. He now spl its his time between Snyder and Fort Worth, where his wife Sheri sti l l teaches. “You know it’s just different than the big city and that’s what I love about it. I may have just been a fish out of water for 45 years and didn’t know it. I final ly got back where I belong,” says Ful ler. An avid volunteer in Snyder, Ful ler’s love of the smal l Texas town is evident. He has watched the downtown deteriorate, revital ize, and deteriorate again. Now, he is hopeful they wi l l save some of the old historical buildings. And though he does not have any plans to renovate another building, he is happy to help anyone who does. “It’s a challenge out here like anywhere else. But I do love it. I love the people. I love the town. It’s sti l l got a l ittle Mayberry left in it I guess,” smi les Ful ler. † “You know it’s just different than the big city and that’s what I love about it. I may have just been a fish out of water for 45 years and didn’t know it. I finally got back where I belong.” ~ Lynn Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Fuller
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Sun Candy TAN 69 hometown living at its best
hometown happenings photos by | c’ella clayton photography The 2019 Western Texas College Rodeo was held at The Col iseum on Apri l 4-6, 2019 and showcased compet i t ive athletes f rom col lege rodeo teams under the oversight of the National Collegiate Rodeo Association. The Rodeo featured men’s teams and women’s teams competing in Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Breakaway Roping, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Goat Tying, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding and Team Roping. For information on next year’s event visit: wtcathletics.com WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE RODEO Johnny Emmons, Head Rodeo Coach - Weatherford College and Tyler Gifford, Assistant Rodeo Coach - Weatherford College Ben Clements, Rodeo Announcer and Mark Eakin, Rodeo Director - Tarleton State University Student Affairs Texas Tech University Rodeo Coach, Jerrad Hofstetter and his son, Harley Hofstetter North Central Texas College rodeo team members, Amie Hennen, Lauryn Hoagland, Julie Donovan, and Lucy Gordon Frank Philips College rodeo team member, Rowdy Hughson Western Texas College rodeo team member, Colten Friztlan and Frank Philips College rodeo team member, Wyatt Hart 70 snyder lifestyles magazine
1806 26th Street, Snyder, Texas 79549 325-574-6581 • wtc.edu/collegeonsquare Snyder’s source on the Square for: • WorkforceTraining • Continuing Education • Community Enrichment 900 East Coliseum Dr. Snyder, Texas 79549 325-574-6571 wtc.edu/thecoliseum • Stadium seating for 3890 • Banquet seating for 1000 • Covered Indoor Arena • Westerner Room seating for 150 • 91 RV Spaces • 51+ acres for rec./exhibition WESTERN WESTERN Snyder’s largest event venue! WORKFORCE TRAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
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