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4 snyder lifestyles magazine Special Features 31 DOWNTOWN SNYDER The square’s quaint shops, small businesses, and restaurants are all a part of what makes Snyder unique. Community 14 DEEPLY ROOTED IN SCURRY COUNTY’S HISTORY Drew Bullard reflects on his family’s local ranching roots, love of Snyder, and Buffalo Hunter, J. Wright Mooar book project. 26 SNYDER STRONG Snyder Community Resource Center offers help and hope. 26 86 C O N T Community cont’d 40 FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND FREEDOM God created us to enjoy fellowship with other believers and to encourage one another. The Godly Girlfriends Retreat Ministries does just that. 86 PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ The historic Ritz Community Theatre offers not only monthly plays for the area to enjoy, but also summer camps and productions for it’s youth. 96 RESCUED TO RESCUE Snyder Police Department’s newest police dog, Lexi, served the Department as a therapy dog, helping people and students in crisis, as well as helping connect the community to local officers.
5 hometown living at its best Life + Leisure 46 HOMETOWN HUNTIN’ We invite all of you to share your outdoor photos with us this season. 58 ENCHANTED DREAMS COME TRUE PromFairy Foundation is blessing girls with formal dresses and more importantly, encouraging them to see their true beauty in Christ. 68 RESTORING THE PAST TO CONNECT WITH THE PRESENT Heritage Village brings Scurry County history to life. 48 E N T S Art + Culture 48 ONE BRUSH STROKE AT A TIME For most individuals DNA determines their hair and eye color, but for Nathalie Kelley, she claims her DNA projected her occupation and career path as an artist. 76 MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT A piece of Texas history may lie right beneath your feet. 94 SO GOD MADE A FARMER Paul Harvey’s 1978 speech to the FFA. 68
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Matt, Heather, Gatlyn, Georgia Lee & Guy Martin Snyder Lifestyles Magazine© is published annually by Hometown Living, LLC. 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. I know I speak for everyone when I say WELCOME 2021! We’ve been waiting! Last year was one for the record books, but if I have learned one thing about this great community, it’s that Snyder is no stranger to taking the good with the bad! Resilient, down to earth and hard working are just a few of the characteristics I see every time I’m out and about. Stay the course Snyder, the best is yet to come! I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. There are a ton of great stories showcasing what makes Snyder such a great place to live! We will be delivering extra copies each month, so if you want to request extra copies for your business, just call our office and we will put you on the list! Also, feel free to drop by the Chamber of Commerce downtown and grab some extra copies there! Our family loves all things outdoors, which includes hunting. We strive to teach our children to be responsible and respectful. This is the idea behind our new section Hometown Huntin’. We invite all of you to share your outdoors photos with us this season. Whether it’s a dove hunt with the boys, youth weekend, or the buck of a lifetime, we know hunting is about so much more than the harvest. It’s about enjoying God’s great outdoors and sharing the experience with others and taking the time to get away. As the adage says, your kids won’t ever remember their best day watching television. So whether you go for a hunt or go for a hike…just go. If you have an article idea that you think would be a good fit and would like to be considered for the next issue of Snyder Lifestyles, email Lindsey at Content@hometown-living.com with details! WRITERS Alyssa Soles Becca Nelson Sankey Kayla Weinkauf Connie Lewis Leonard Michael Tummillo Stephanie Vatalaro Rebecca Rister Sabrina Forse PHOTOGRAPHERS Alyssa Soles C’Ella Clayton Chelsea Sands CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 ON THE COVER Kari McGrew Photo by C’Ella Clayton CLIENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt & Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com { PUBLISHER’S LETTER } Hello Snyder, Prayers for health, hope, JOY, and peace to you and yours in 2021, Matt Martin Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord! - Psalm 31:24 How can I be Joyful in God this year? Do you have a resolution to be Joyful but don’t know where to start? 5 steps for a JOYful life: 1. Spend time with the Lord more regularly. Get by yourself even for 5 minutes in the morning. Luke 5:16 “But he (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” 2. Read your Bible. Talk to God in Prayer. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 3. Remember who is Lord over your life. Don’t let your circumstances dictate who you are or how you feel. Isaiah 40:8 “Grass dries up, and flowers wither, but our God’s word will last forever.” 4. Listen to worship music instead of your regular playlist. Try the local Christian radio station & AirOne on Alexa. Psalm 71:23 “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” 5. Watch out for negative thoughts. Isaiah 26:3 “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Freelancer Wanted! We are always in search for great local talent. If you would like to take pictures for any of our area markets please contact our office at 817.599.6167 or email us at office@hometown-living.com 10 snyder lifestyles magazine
Cogdell MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Excellent care when it matters most.
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DEEPLY ROOTED in Scurry County's History 14 snyder lifestyles magazine
DREW BULLARD REFLECTS ON HIS FAMILY’S LOCAL RANCHING ROOTS, LOVE OF SNYDER, AND BUFFALO HUNTER, J. WRIGHT MOOAR BOOK PROJECT. interview with drew bullard photos provided by drew bullard 15 hometown living at its best
16 snyder lifestyles magazine My roots in Scurry County are deep. One set of great grandparents arrived here in 1899 and the other in 1900, both by wagon. They acquired land west of Snyder and in Ira through purchase and by homesteading where they farmed and ranched. Most of this land is still in the family. Throughout the years each of the first four generations also had retail stores, most located around the Snyder square, ranging from hardware and implements to sporting goods to computers. The businesses helped supplement the ranching through drought and economic downturns. I grew up in Snyder and attended Hardin-Simmons University for two years on a basketball scholarship and then transferred to the University of Texas where I received my degree. Afterwards, I served two years in the Peace Corps in India. I then returned to the family ranch in Scurry County. I married Carol Cramer, raised two children, farmed and ranched, taught high school English for seven years, and owned and operated a computer store for 23 years, all the while living on and being involved in managing the ranch. Along with my father, we developed a herd of registered Angus cattle. TELL US ABOUT YOUR SCURRY COUNTY ROOTS.
17 hometown living at its best "My roots in Scurry County are deep." - DREW BULLARD
18 snyder lifestyles magazine I have been involved in community affairs, having been on the Chamber of Commerce Board, DCOS committees, and am presently a trustee at Western Texas College. I am very interested in preserving the history of Scurry County. My grandfather was the first chairman of the Scurry County Historical Commission and I am the current chairman. Over the years, I have submitted research and received approval for a number of official historical markers from the Texas Historical Commission concerning Scurry County history. I have been a member of the Scurry County Museum since its early days and met my wife through volunteering there. I am on the board of the Scurry County Museum. In addition to my historical work, I am also county chairman for the Republican Party and served on the State Republican Executive Committee in Austin for four years. Those in large urban areas are proud of the diversity of their populations, but in reality, people there tend to self-segregate into similar neighborhoods and workplaces. By contrast in a small town, such as Snyder, we meet people from all walks of life, often on a daily basis. This happens through church, school, sports, and community projects where we mingle together. For example, when our kids play sports, there will be participants of many different backgrounds on the same team, and parents and kids get to know each other by supporting the same goals. We learn to relate as individuals, not as stereotypes. In many ways, small towns experience more true diversity and a stronger sense of community than big cities, and this is one of the things I enjoy most about living in Snyder. I have resided out on the ranch for 50 years and love the beautiful sunsets, landscape, wildlife, and peacefulness of the countryside. This is hometown living at its best. WHAT IS YOUR PAST AND PRESENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT? SNYDER LIFESTYLES FOCUSES ON "HOMETOWN LIVING AT ITS BEST." WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
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20 snyder lifestyles magazine I am researching a book about J. Wright Mooar. He was a famous buffalo hunter who was present at the very start of that period of history until its end. He was born in Vermont in 1851 and at the age of 19 headed West, without telling his family, to “buy some land.” He traveled on the Kansas Pacific Railroad to the end of its line, which in 1870 terminated at the crude railroad settlement of Fort Hayes, Kansas. Thousands upon thousands of buffalo roamed this Great Plains prairie where Indians still held sway. In its earliest days, Mooar became involved in hunting buffalo, the hides of which were sent back east on the railroad. Buffalo hides were valuable commodities in the industrial eastern United States and overseas where they were made into leather belts for factory machines, leather harnesses for the animals used in transportation, and fashionable robes and rugs. He had many adventures and met numerous characters including famous outlaws and lawmen. Always following the buffalo herds south, Mooar in 1876 reached what is now Scurry County where he was the first white man to put a wagon track on the land. It was on Deep Creek, on the day he arrived, that he killed a rare white buffalo whose hide is still in the Mooar family today. Eventually, Mooar acquired ranch land in the area where he had killed the white buffalo. He was a man of high character and became one of the most distinguished citizens of Scurry County, where he lived out his life. Mooar was a great storyteller and often recounted his adventures, but in the 1930’s he was formally interviewed on three separate occasions by J. Evetts Haley, a famous Texas historian. The manuscripts of these interviews, consisting of almost 400 typed pages, are in the Haley Memorial Library in Midland, Texas. Mooar has been featured in numerous books about buffalo hunters, and the Haley manuscripts were sometimes used as a source for these, but there are still many incidents in them which have never been published. The interviews, when arranged in chronological order, can also serve as an autobiography of Mooar’s life as a buffalo hunter. My father-in-law, T. Dudley Cramer, a historian in his own right, was asked by Haley to put the manuscripts into book form. Dudley started on the project but passed away before he could finish the work. Before his death Dudley asked me to complete the project. As I examined the pages of typewritten manuscripts transcribed from tapes onto faded typing paper, organizing them into a book seemed a daunting task. During the course of the interviews, many stories were told by Mooar more than once, adding new and interesting details each time. Also, his narratives were TELL US ABOUT THE J. WRIGHT MOOAR PROJECT AND YOUR JOURNEY WITH IT.
21 hometown living at its best not in chronological order, and they had never been digitized. First, I scanned the manuscripts and using optical character recognition software converted them into word documents. I also typed some of the faded pages directly into the computer. I could then cut and paste, search, and arrange the material into chapters, combining the same accounts from the different interviews into a smoothly flowing coherent whole. This has been a time-consuming but satisfying task, and I can now see the end in sight. Through reading Mooar’s experiences, I learned about the toughness and resiliency of the pioneers who settled West Texas. In the fall of 1876, J. Wright Mooar came to what would become Scurry County to hunt buffalo with a few muledrawn wagons and his small group of skinners, drivers, and camp tenders. He was miles from even the rough settlements of the time and would stay out on the rolling prairie for months on end. Even a minor accident could result in death. In the early days, Indian attacks were a great danger, and throughout the winters sudden and vicious blizzards took the lives of many hunters. During one such storm which produced huge snow drifts, Mooar and a partner dug a hole in the bank of a stream. Below are his own words: “During the blizzard, only one of us slept at a time so that we could keep from freezing to death. We didn't have any fuel except for two gunny-sacks full of buffalo suet (fat) and with that we kept a little fire going right up in the corner of the dugout. We boiled our coffee and fried our slap jacks and ate our meat raw. We had our little dugout cut right down to the water's edge, and although the Beaver was a swift running stream, it froze over fourteen inches thick, and I could look right through that ice and see the different colored gravel on the bottom.” Mooar was there for 16 days during which time it never got above freezing, but he survived.† WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR OWN BACKYARD YOU DID NOT KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR RESEARCH?
22 snyder lifestyles magazine Alyssa Soles Favorite Hometown Memory: My favorite hometown memory is tied to the Rattlesnake Round-Up. My dad is a Jaycee, so I grew up around this event and have never missed one in my 22 years. Last year, I was able to officially join the Jaycees organization and serve our community alongside my dad. I was fortunate enough to win the Miss Snake Charmer scholarship pageant when I was a senior in high school. This provided me the opportunity to reign over the largest round-up in the history of the event. Where will we find you when you are not writing: When I'm not writing, you can find me at Vickie's Gifts in Roscoe! Of course, I love to shop just as much as the next gal, but I also work at this cute boutique. Working as the office manager allows me to exercise all my creative passions like photography and interior design. I am a big proponent of shopping small to support local businesses and being part of the Vickie's Gifts team is so special to me! What does “Hometown Living at it’s Best” mean to you: Hometown Living is the perfect embodiment of west Texas. The people that make up our small communities are proud of where they come from. They specialize in that southern hospitality we have all heard about. The residents are special people that care about their family members just as much as their next-door neighbors, and some are lucky enough to be both. C’Ella Clayton Favorite Hometown Memory: As a kid, playing outside with my cousins at my Granny’s house all day long without a care in the world. Plus, singing with SJHS and SHS choirs. Hopes/Goals for Snyder Lifestyles: My hopes and goals are that themagazine is around for years to come. This magazine truly captures the essence of Snyder and there is a lot of good stories and good people here. I love capturing the spirit of those stories and people through my photography and seeing it reflected in the magazine. Where will we find you when you’re not shooting: If not at my own studio, then I am chatting with someone at their office, their retail store, or at a board meeting. SNYDER { meet our team } w
23 hometown living at its best Lindsey Kruger Where will we find you when you’re not in the office: I enjoy camping at our deer lease in Fluvanna with my husband and three boys, hunting andmaking family memories not centered around technology. I am also a novice “chicken lady” and enjoy working on interior decorating projects. Favorite memory from working with the magazine: I have enjoyed getting to know the people from Snyder I have the pleasure to work with for ads and articles. They are genuinely friendly and easy going! What does “Hometown Living at it’s Best” mean to you: “Hometown Living at it’s Best” to me means highlighting Snyder’s community involvement that makes a positive impact. It does not mean a fake illusion of perfection but the idyllic moments when we serve and socialize with each other. Moments that make your heart swell with hometown pride. Chelsea Sands Favorite Hometown Memory: My favorite hometown memory will always be spending Fourth of July in the park with my family. As a kid this was something I looked forward to every year and I am excited for my own kids to experience the same thing. Where will we find you when you’re not shooting: When I am not shooting you can find me at home playing with my kids or visiting my grandparents. Snyder community involvement: I am a stay-at-home mom and actively involved in teaching youth and Ladies Sunday School at Lighthouse Assembly. w H O M E T O W N L I V I N G A T I T S B E S T
If This Dirt This Dirt Could Talk” video series. We hope we do the stories justice and are grateful to the families and individuals who have graciously entrusted their stories to us. Our first ten episodes are from Stonewall County, Texas on the J.D. Patterson Ranch. Butch Nuding, a fourth-generation rancher, shares stories from his time on the ranch and how the ranch came to be. We feature even more stories and tales from West Texas, beyond the Patterson Ranch. Other ranches, landmarks and individuals are also highlighted in the series. The series lives on our website ekdahlrealestate.net. You can also visit any of our social media accounts to check them out. We recommend liking or following the pages to never miss an episode. Tune in to be a part of our mission of making sure these stories are never forgotten. Could Talk Every property has something unique. The views - of course - are always a sight to take in. But what amazes us is the realization that only a handful of people have stirred up the dirt and taken in the views of the property because, it has been in the same family for over a hundred years, or owned by only a handful of owners. Regardless, the number of people who have crossed the property line isn’t in the hundreds or thousands, it’s probably just a couple dozen. Beyond that though, are the stories each property holds from those few dozen’s adventures. From tall tales of the old west to cowboy stories and hunting legends, the stories are what really make a property a special place. It is our privilege to hear those stories from landowners. In an effort, to make sure all those stories are never forgotten we started the “If Experience the Ekdahl Edge | www.ekdahlrealestate.net | 325-773-3676 @ekdahlrealestate @ekdahlrealestate @EkdahlNelson Ekdahl Nelson Real Estate Ekdahl Nelson Real Estate As a ranch broker, we have seen a lot of dirt over the years. Let’s Connect. Offices and agents in Abilene, Anson, Aspermont, Hamlin, Stamford, Snyder, Stephenville and Rotan. 25 hometown living at its best
W When I look back on 2020, the words ‘Coronavirus’ or ‘catastrophe’ won’t come to mind—the word ‘community’ will. If this year has taught us anything, it is that we need each other—nowmore than ever. And if you call Snyder home, you know exactly what it means to live in a community that takes care of each other. The Snyder Community Resource Center is a non-profit organization devoted to ‘helping families take a step forward.’ Founded in 2014 by Pastor Steven Pena, the center seeks to provide resources for Snyder’s most vulnerable community members. “The church helped people seek addiction treatment for many years. Over time I saw the issues in Snyder were much bigger than what the church could assist with. People were falling through the cracks because they didn’t qualify for assistance or because there wasn’t a program that met a specific need. That’s how iCare started.” Pena said. SNYDERSTRONG” ‘‘ SNYDER COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS HELP AND HOPE. WRITTEN BY KAYLA WEINKAUF PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SNYDER COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER 26 snyder lifestyles magazine
iCare is a program that helps families in crisis who require emergency shelter, food, utility bill assistance, transportation, or medical treatments. The iCare program later blossomed and became the first of many projects under the SCRC umbrella. “Part of my vision was guided by the belief that there were amazing people in our town that wanted to do great things andmake a difference in the people’s lives. I believed our community wanted to go above and beyond—but didn’t have an outlet.” Pena said. “When SCRC started, the community was a bit reluctant. It took a while to catch traction. Then other ministers and churches partnered with us and we saw the trust begin to build.” Steven laughed, “But things really took off when Jessica came on board. I’m good with ideas—but Jessica is the implementer!” Jessica Robbins serves as Program Director. Robbins is tasked with overseeing SCRC outreach, including: • iCare - emergency assistance • Community Care – provides weekend meals and summer/winter holiday meals to over 75 Snyder students. • Uniform Program & Back to School Bash – provides five school uniforms, clothing, and school supplies for children in need. • Council of Alcohol & Drug Abuse (CADA) – provides referrals to addiction recovery counselors and rehabilitation facilities and processes. IFTHIS YEARHASTAUGHTUSANYTHING, IT ISTHATWENEEDEACHOTHER— NOWMORETHANEVER. And if you call Snyder home, you know exactly what it means to live in a community that takes care of each other. 27 hometown living at its best
Jessica also helps maintain partnerships with Snyder ISD, the city and county offices, local banks, churches, and hospitals, and the Scurry County Ministerial Alliance, and the Abilene Recovery Council. Robbins said SCRC works with between 150-200 volunteers each year. The commitment of volunteers keeps the programs going and growing. “We have three or four volunteers each day that help with outreach. These are community members who come here to offer extra help after they’ve worked all day at their full-time job. It’s incredible.” Robbins smiled. “We’ve at least doubled our client database since 2020 began. Most of the people we’ve served this year are new. When COVID first hit, we received funding from United Way and First Bank & Trust to provide one-time emergency assistance to community members that were negatively impacted by the pandemic. We have families that have gone months without paying rent and utilities. This year we’ve increased our Blessings in a Bag program from 40 students to 75 students. We wanted to accommodate everyone that needed the extra help right now.” Robbins said. Steven and Jessica agreed finding time to fundraise and helping as many people as possible We have three or four volunteers each day that help with outreach. THESEARECOMMUNITYMEMBERSWHO COMEHERETOOFFEREXTRAHELP AFTERTHEY’VEWORKEDALLDAYAT THEIRFULL-TIMEJOB. IT’S INCREDIBLE. JESSICAROBBINS | ProgramDirector. “ ” SNYDERSTRONG 28 snyder lifestyles magazine
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were the most challenging parts of their work. “We have a passion for people. Sometimes our vision is much bigger than our finances will allow. It’s tough to find time to go ask for the funding we need. If we had endless access to finances—we could simply do what we love: spend all day helping people!” said Pena. Robbins added, “Our partners in the community trust us with their money. We want to ensure we are good stewards of their generosity and resources. It takes time to get people the help they need. Navigating various paperwork and programs can be overwhelmingwhen you’re facing a life emergency. Going from place to place to seek help becomes more challenging when your basic needs of food and housing aren’t even being met. At SCRC, we want to take the burden of that time off of the people we serve.” Fortunately, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Pena and Robbins again agreed that seeing families stick together through difficult times is a gift. SCRC is proof that a community that partners and provides together, is a community that thrives together. “I enjoy watching everything come together and providing help and hope when people need it most. Our partnerships enable us to do that. We’re a rural community. There are not a lot of towns as small as Snyder that have as many resources as we do. Being able to helpmeet these needs is a big deal in our little town.” Jessica said. Pena appreciates being a first-hand witness to life-changing steps forward for families. “I really love watching the healing process happen. One Sunday I was reintroduced to a recovered addict. When we’d first met her, she’d come to our church completely strung out on drugs, barefoot and half dressed. Two years later, she was a healthy young woman sitting in the front row with her children. That’s the best part. When you help someone take a step forward, you haven’t just changed that person’s life, you’ve changed the lives of their family, too.” † SNYDERSTRONG SCRC IS PROOFTHAT ACOMMUNITYTHAT PARTNERSAND PROVIDESTOGETHER, is a community that thrives together. 30 snyder lifestyles magazine
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37 hometown living at its best T Chocolate Fest, Chocolate & Wine Festival 2020 he Scurry County Museum held its annual fundraiser, Chocolate Fest, in Downtown Snyder at the Development of Corporation of Snyder’s office on February 8th. The museum partnered up with boutiques along the square to provide wine and chocolate pairings from local and regional vendors as guest strolled from store to store.
The Snyder Chamber of Commerce is a 275-member strong organization. We strive to create a strong local economy to keep the business momentum moving forward. We are a respected voice in the community and promote a good public image for business as well as a positive, healthy business environment on all levels-locally, regionally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. With your membership you are investing in Snyder and the region. Build your network through our program, event, and relationship opportunities. Learn more at, www.snyderchamber.org Helping You Do Business Better 2302 Ave. R Snyder, TX 79549 www.snyderchamber.org 325-573-3558 39 hometown living at its best
40 snyder lifestyles magazine by connie lewis leonard | photos provided by godly girlfriends FUN,FELLOWSHIP,AND FREEDOM G G godly girlfriends
41 hometown living at its best Pink Flood. and there is no better way for godly women to have fun than to serve the Lord together. Launched in February 2014 as aChristian women’s interdenominational ministry, the vision of the Godly Girlfriends Ministry is “to connect, encourage, release and launch women in that place of being the women they were created to be.” Melissa Petty received the vision for the ministry in October 2013. She began calling specific ladies that God laid on her heart, many who had served together in other ministries for years, including behind the scenes support for the National “Women of Faith” in San Antonio. They readily embraced the opportunity to begin this new journey and began referring to themselves as “Godly Girlfriends” because of their common love for Jesus. Themodel of “How to be a Godly Girlfriend” is based on Colossians 3:12 “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” The style for the first GG Retreat came from a weekend getaway at a tree-covered cabin along a spring-fed creek with about ten girlfriends. “We ate, shopped, sang, gave testimony to God’s goodness, and did an art project. We are unique in that we bring many different Christian denominations together under one roof, with one goal, and that is to put denominational barriers aside and bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ as we bring salvations into Eternity, minister to broken and wounded hearts, or to set hearts on fire to an even greater desire to chase after Him. We have leaders and attendees from all Christian denominations, several different towns, all ages and walks of life. We have approximately twenty-two ladies in the leadership who are gifted and equipped to provide whatever is necessary in their area of ministry. As of 2020, we have held seventeen different types of Retreats and/or Conferences, including a Marriage Retreat in New Mexico, two Ladies Retreats in North Dakota, four Ladies Retreats/Conferences in Ohio and a ‘mini’ Ladies Conference in Louisiana in 2019. We have also held numerous Ladies, Teen Girls andMarriage Retreat/Conferences in the local area,” said Melissa Petty, Director. GG
The group prays into a vision for the upcoming year and goes where the Lord opens a door. One of those doors opened to a homeless ministry in Ohio called “Love is a Verb.” The Girlfriends sow money into “Love is a Verb” monthly and while the Girlfriends were in Ohio, they assisted the leadership by cooking all night to prepare homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. They left for Akron around 5:30 in the morning with a trailer full of food and supplies. “We were met by dozens of homeless men, women, and children whowill stand in the bitter coldweather for hours to receive a plate of hot food and some necessities. It’s always a blessing…and an eyeopening experience,” said Melissa. One of the Girlfriends, Tammy Bruns makes her living in a little nail salon, which needed some major renovations and updates. Some of the husbands helpedwith the heavy-duty work, and theGirlfriends brought their hammers, scrapers, rubber gloves, paint, and paint brushes to “put the love back into Tammy’s salon.” The purpose of the service ministry projects is to allow the Girlfriends to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to be love in motion. In June 2019, the Girlfriends drove three hours to restore a kitchen and do some other needed work at Addiction Recovery Ministries (ARM) in Mineral Wells. Soozy Stone, Executive Director of ARM, said, “TheGodly Girlfriends came to ARMS on June 14 and 15 to do a renovation on the Ted Oliver Learning Center. They had planned and bought supplies. We discussed colors and even the smallest detail was considered. The ladies showed up and beautifully transformed the kitchen. It wasn’t just restored, it was transformed. They also mowed a huge yard with a broken lawn mower. The carburetor piece fell out in my hand. We stuck it back together and prayed. It worked. They just thought their mission was to transform a kitchen. When they were finished, I felt the anointing of transformation residing in our building.” GG Feeding the homeless in Ohio. 42 snyder lifestyles magazine
43 hometown living at its best GG The group prays into a vision for the upcoming year and goes where the Lord opens a door.
44 snyder lifestyles magazine years. With that comes the maturity of honesty, knowing each other so well that we know how each other takes their coffee or tea, serving each other with dignity and grace, and most of all, praying for each other. We are all in various places in terms of maturity in our spiritual walk with Jesus. One of our goals is to bring up a younger group of future leaders.” In addition to giving their time and talents, each lady on the leadership team for a particular Retreat/Conference raises their own funds. When they travel out of state, it costs a minimum of $1,000 each. They raise money through bake sales, cookie drives, garage sales, and many other creative ways. In this way, they exemplify a Mary Magdalene Ministry wherein Luke 8:1-3, Mary Magdalene and her Godly Girlfriends were supporting the ministry of Jesus “out of their own means”. God created people to have fellowship with Him and with others. Womenneedother women friends— girlfriends. If you need a friend, can going to a retreat or wearing matching T-shirts make someone a Godly Girlfriend? Can filling out an application, joining a club or paying dues make someone a Godly Girlfriend? No. To become a Godly Girlfriend requires time spent together toget to knowoneanother and grow together, to become friends. TobecomeaGodlyGirlfriend requires trust and honesty. Gossip, jealousy, criticism, and tale tellingdo not build godly relationships. Godly Girlfriendsmust practicegracewhen offendedor disappointedor when a bad day turns into a bad attitude. GodlyGirlfriends offer a listening ear, an open heart, and a welcoming home. Melissa said, “Many of us have been travelingalongsideeachother in this life’s journey for many, many GG A testimonial fromPamAlvarez: “My first GG Retreat was about 6 years ago. I was a part of Revelation Worship Team and we were asked to worship in dance for the ladies at the retreat. We didn’t have to stay for the whole retreat but were encouraged to, so I did! Little did I know that God was preparing me for one of themost blessed journeys with some of the most anointed ladies- who now are some of my dearest and closest friends and prayer warriors! I soon became involved in many aspects of the GG’s and am wholeheartedly all in doing whatever and going wherever God leads us!” “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11. Godly Girlfriends help women discover and fulfill God’s great plans for their lives, to be a blessing to the world. † G G godly girlfriends
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46 snyder lifestyles magazine Our family loves all things outdoors, which includes hunting. We strive to teach our children to be responsible and respectful. This is the idea behind our new section Hometown Huntin’. We invite all of you to share your outdoors photos with us this season. Whether it’s a dove hunt with the boys, youth weekend, or the buck of a lifetime we know hunting is about so much more than the harvest. It’s about enjoying God’s great outdoors and sharing the experience with others and taking the time to get away. As the adage says your kids won’t ever remember their best day watching television. So whether you go for a hunt or go for a hike…just go. To submit pictures from your 2021 hunt email content@hometown-living.com. Hometown Huntin' Sam Jones
47 hometown living at its best Jake Harvey Peyton Kruger Kacey Krop Kacey Krop Will Harvey
48 snyder lifestyles magazine “I am an artist by my DNA,” Kelley said. “My parents and my grandparents on both sides of my family were artists. So it is literally a part of me.” Kelley is 69 years old and while she was born in Fort Worth and raised in McKinney, Texas, she and her family lived in every state west of the Mississippi River. Her family traveled and moved often due to her father’s job. She said she really did not have a true hometown until after relocating to west Texas. “We have been in Snyder for 30 plus years and it is just really home to me,” Kelley said. One of her first memories regarding art was when she was only five years old. Kelley said she has always commissioned her art, even at age five. After creating some art, she sold every last piece to people in her neighborhoodwhich sparked a passion for sharing her art with others. Kelley embarked on an entrepreneurial journey early in life. She said she has always enjoyed being her own boss. One Brush ATATIME Stroke ART I C L E AND PHOTOS BY: ALYSSA SOL E S For most individuals DNA determines their hair and eye color, but for Nathalie Kelley, she claims her DNA projected her occupation and career path as an artist.
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51 hometown living at its best “I started counting the businesses that I have had business cards for,” she said as she laughed, “and there were eight of them.” Kelley has owned businesses froma button factory to an art studio and other small ventures in between. One of her biggest accomplishments, she said, was selling their products to Cracker Barrel. Another endeavor she spearheaded was called Nathalie’s Inc. During the 15 years she owned Nathalie’s Inc., she specialized in ceramic wholesale and manufacturing. Her path to becoming a business owner was not typical as she was a high school dropout and did not obtain a college degree. Later on in 1999, she pursued and earned her GED. In addition to those businesses, Kelley also commissioned art which included individual paintings and murals. She said she completed over 10 murals for local buildings in the Snyder area. Although Kelley is not a formally trained artist or have official credentials, she has supplemented her self-taught practice with various workshops throughout the years. She said every workshop she takes teaches her something new, whether that is a technique, perspective or teaching method. Nathalie “The Lord has blessedme with an ability to see something, capture it and bring it to life for others to experience and feel the emotion.”
52 snyder lifestyles magazine Art was always in her plan as it is integrated in her day to day life. Even in a virtual aspect, she has been inventive by managing social media pages, websites, and a YouTube channel. Earlier this year in April, one of her videos reached over 135,000 views. Her videos cover an array of subject matter like painting, upholstery, and DIY projects. Kelley also runs a blog called My Hall Closet. The topics she blogs about range from traveling, junk hunting and vintage shopping. The intriguing junk she finds ends up being models in her paintings, as she paints what she loves and knows. While she may not paint every day, Kelley said she engages in something artistic or creative every day. “There is a saying that practice makes perfect,” Kelley said, “but I have heard a new one I really like a lot better. That is practice makes progress.” She said this outlook is something she promotes to her students as it relates to art in the classroom as well as life. Kelley opened her own studio and started teaching art classes in 2010 after she retired. She said she never saw herself as a teacher, and although it did not come naturally, she said she has thoroughly enjoyed learning more as she teaches others. Kelley saidwhen she became a teacher she also became a student and had to learn the answers to her students’ questions before they even thought to ask them. In addition, she said she also enjoys building bonds with her students. “It’s a little about art and a whole lot more about relationships,” she said. At the end of 2013, she was approached to teach art classes at WTCCollegeon the Square. Shortly after that her husband, Joe, started battling health issues and did so for three years before passing away in 2017. Kelley said she is thankful for the students who helped carry her through stressful life trials. In return, she said it makes her day to guide students through and create pieces they are proud of. On the first Thursday of every month, Kelley teaches an art class where students replicate a painting
53 hometown living at its best she has prepared for them. She said she has completed over 500 water color, acrylic and mixed media paintings for her classes. She completes two copies of every piece. One is to display the completed painting while she walks through the steps on the other to achieve it with her class. Even after teaching hundreds of classes and pursuing an extensive art career, Kelley said she has struggled with clarity about her work being useful and making a difference in the world. She said she has questioned what she has been given to do or be. “The Lord has blessed me with an ability to see something, capture it and bring it to life for others to experience and feel the emotion,” Kelley said. “Because it is a gift I have been given, I don’t feel the need tobeaperfectionist. So, I am making a difference a little brush stroke a time.” †
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56 snyder lifestyles magazine hometown | happenings Buster’s Hot Dog & Catering, Jack Horton and Dwain Horton Regulators Pitching Team Flatlands Washer Pitching Team Snyder Backyard Baggers Team
57 hometown living at its best D Diez Y Seis De Septiembre, Casino Night Gala – SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2020 iez Y Seis De Septiembre, Mexico’s Independence Day, was celebrated in North Park. Attendees celebrated with a corn hole tournament, washer pitching, food trucks, and live music. Claude and KiKi Melhado family Debra Mcglouthin and Belia Romero Hot Mamaz Food Truck, Monica Vecchio and Fabian Avalos Kornhole Kings Team
58 snyder lifestyles magazine Written by CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD Photos by C’ELLA CLAYTON e kvery little girl loves playing dress up. They may be a superhero one day, and a princess the next. Many girls dream of being Cinderella dancing with Prince Charming at the Enchanted Ball. The closest most girls come to fulfilling that dream is their senior prom. Parents try their best to give their children the absolute best, but sometimes the desires outweigh the means. Senior year in high school can be an exciting time for kids with sports, college and career plans and prom—the big event before the grand finale of graduation. Along with the excitement of prom, many girls experience anxiety about the cost of prom dresses and accessories. In 2016, the oil andgas industry experienceda “drought” with many families losing their income. That year Kari Mcgrew’s son was a senior. She wanted to help girls have a memorable prom experience, so she started Fairy PROMothers Foundation. Kari announced the plan on social media on April 1, 2016, asking for donations of Promdresses hidden in the back of closets. She said, “No Princess should miss their High School Prom! We realize that it is PROM FAIRY FOUNDATION I S BLESS ING GIRLS WITH FORMAL DRESSES AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, ENCOURAGING THEM TO SEE THEIR TRUE BEAUTY in Christ. ENCHANTED DREAMS COMETRUE
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60 snyder lifestyles magazine not necessarily a ‘need,’ but it is about building memories with their peers! My mission is to also let these young ladies know that they are beautiful without an expensive dress! Simplicity is gorgeous! Recycling a dress tells a story! Let us help make your dreams come true! We have FREE PROM dresses.” Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, within a month, she had over three hundred dresses. Prom dresses need accessories, and Paparazzi Representatives and community members donate jewelry for the girls to keep. Professional hairstylists and cosmetologists block off an appointment or two the help the girls look their best. Kari said, “We also ‘set up shoppe’ at my home to catch the overflow that I was not able to get appointments for. I have my oldest sister and friend (both licensed cosmetologists who have left their hair careers) who have helped in the past with makeup and hair.” Kari attended the Aveda Art Institute for Esthetics and has been trained in skin care and makeup application. All the ladies who do the makeup have been trained by the State Board and set up as if they were working in the public. Most of the makeup has been donated, and some has been purchased. They use disposable applicators and/or clean and disinfected brushes in between girls. In addition to hair and makeup, one lady donates a few sets of lashes. Another does brow waxes. Lone Star Cleaners brings all the dresses back to life. C’Ella Clayton does one free Photography shoot, which is awarded through a drawing. Friendly Flowers was going to help with corsages in 2020, but Prom was canceled, of course, due to COVID-19. AND THE BEST MAKEUP A GIRL CAN WEAR IS HER SMILE. HAPPINESS COMES FROM WITHIN. WE CHOOSE JOY. AND THE EARLIER WE UNDERSTAND THIS CONCEPT, THE MORE SUCCESSFUL WE WILL BE.” KARI MCGREW “Beauty comes from within, k k ENCHANTED DREAMS COME TRUE
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62 snyder lifestyles magazine ENCHANTED DREAMS COME TRUE
63 hometown living at its best This year the name was changed from Fairy PROMothers to Prom Fairy Foundation. The mission is to not only send these young ladies to Prom, but to speak life into them. Kari said, “Beauty comes from within, and the best makeup a girl can wear is her smile. Happiness comes from within. We choose Joy. And the earlier we understand this concept, the more successful we will be. As I am a firm believer in Jesus, I believe in words of affirmation. The more we Speak these words of affirmation into our lives, the more we Smile. When we smile, we exude happiness. We glow. Even if we are broken. We still GLOW! Through every broken crack.” She has worked with youth at various churches. Prom Fairy Foundation provides her another opportunity to minister to young girls. The angst of teenage years can be one of the most difficult stages in life, oftenmanifesting itself in poor self-confidence. Girls need to know their worth. They are seen and heard. They are not a mistake. They are loved and needed. They were created for purpose. They can be nice to people and make a positive difference in the world. Kari said, “These encouraging words are words that I would have told myself. I feel that when I have this opportunity to speak to them, it’s me going back and speaking to that girl who was so lost ‘without guidance.’ Although, I did have it. I had a wonderful mother who deeply loved me. Sometimes, teens need to be reminded of this by someone other than their family. And what better way to speak to them while ‘playing dress up’ for Prom! Every girl’s dream comes true when we have the right perspective.” The Prom Fairy Foundation reaches beyond Snyder to include several surrounding communities. Dresses have been sent to Del Rio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Everything happens through social media. A non-profit organization in Arizona blessed them by sending a box full of dresses. Prom Fairy Foundation originally kept an inventory and asked the girls to return the dresses in order to bless someone else. Now they downsize the inventory according to trends. What they do not keep, they donate to His Joy Ministry, who uses thematerial tomakedresses or skirts for younger girls in Uganda, Africa. Some of the dresses are sent there for African weddings. Kari said, “It blesses my heart to know that if I cannot use the dresses, they have a purpose, regardless.” Since its inception, Prom Fairy Foundation has helped over forty girls, and they have plans to keep blessing girls in the future. Instead of a fairy god mother’s wand, may they find their true worth and purpose in God. If you or someone you know is IN NEED OF a DRESS (for any formal event throughout the year) or would like to DONATE gowns, contact Kari 325-515-8760 or Facebook Prom Fairy Foundation Snyder. † The mission k k IS TO NOT ONLY SEND THESE YOUNG LADIES TO PROM, BUT TO SPEAK LIFE INTO THEM.
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hometown cookin’ 4 Flat Iron, Top Sirloin, Tenderloin or Strip Steaks Salt and pepper to taste MARINADE ½ cup molasses 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. coarsely ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger 2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme 2 tsp. dried red pepper flakes 1. Whisk together marinade ingredients. Pour into zip-top bag containing steaks. Seal tightly and flip a few times to evenly distribute marinade. Set in refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes-2 hours, flipping bag occasionally. 2. Preheat gas or charcoal grill to 400°F. 3. Remove steaks and discard marinade. Season with salt and more pepper to taste. 4. Place steaks on oiled grates and grill for approximately 7-9 minutes on one side, or until moisture starts to pool on the top and beef releases easily from grates with tongs. Flip once, grilling on the other side for 6-8 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 135°F with meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of steak. 5. Transfer steaks to platter and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. MOLASSES & PEPPER CRUSTED STEAK 10 INGREDIENTS | 1 HOUR | RECIPE COURTESY OF: JENNIFER FISHER, THEFITFORK.COM INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 66 snyder lifestyles magazine
1/2 cup of sugar 1 cup of fat free sour cream 8 oz. fat free cream cheese 1 lb. green seedless grapes 1 lb. red seedless grapes 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional) 1. Use a mixer to mix sugar, sour cream, and cream cheese. 2. Toss the grapes in the mixture and place in a casserole dish OR for in a crystal bowl. It will look great on your table. 3. Sprinkle pecans (optional) and brown sugar over the top of the grapes and let sit for at least 2 hours before serving. Great to make ahead and refrigerate overnight. BRANDI ’S GRAPE SALAD “THIS SWEET SALAD WAS GIVEN TO ME BY A COLLEGE FRIEND AT MY RECIPE WEDDING SHOWER 14 YEARS AGO. THE HOSTESS WITH THE HELP OF MY SISTER COLLECTED FAVORITE RECIPES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND CREATED A COOKBOOK WHICH IS A TREASURED KEEPSAKE TO THIS DAY. I STILL ENJOY PREPARING THIS DESSERT SALAD FOR OTHERS’ WEDDING AND BABY SHOWERS OR ANY SUMMER GATHERING AS A COOL TREAT.” - the publisher INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 67 hometown living at its best
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