14 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 14 snyder lifestyles magazine The Visitor Center Western Texas College 6200 College Avenue, Snyder, Texas 79549 wtc.edu/visitorcenter The Visitor Center at Western Texas College accommodates both formal and casual events, making it the perfect spot to host your next shower, party, anniversary or meeting. Snyder’s hometown venue for parties and events! Catering, technology, styling, and host services available. Book Now! Call 325-574-7943
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2 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
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4 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 50 A COMMUNITY PILLAR Cogdell Memorial Hospital celebrates 70 years of serving Snyder residents. 58 GRAND ADVENTURES Three Snyder grandparents share their favorite activities and traditions to connect with their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. 62 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Mattie’s Mountain Suicide Awareness Walk and Vendor Event 64 WELDING HER FUTURE Young Snyder resident, Sarah Chaparro, is pursuing her passion in the male dominated industry of welding. 70 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ From the Kitchen of Bernie Sealy Contents 38 8 8 TAKING A STEP FORWARD Snyder Community Resource Center has helped many Snyder residents change their lives for the better. 16 HOMETOWN HAPPENING West Texas Western Swing Festival 20 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Christmas at Heritage Village 22 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ From the Kitchen of Norma Callaway 24 RELISHING RETIREMENT Scurry County Senior Center has been getting people active and connected since the 1970s. 32 HOMETOWN GRADUATES 34 HOMETOWN HAPPENING The Thriller Fun Run 38 JUST AS I AM This special needs ministry is showing Snyder families they are loved by providing outreach events and a place to worship. 46 HOMETOWN SPIRIT 64 On the Cover
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W Snyder Lifestyles Magazine© is published annually by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 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. WRITERS Ellen Slater Jessica Wesson Karen Aaron Rebecca Sanchez Sara Hook PHOTOGRAPHERS Whitney Owen Designs ASosa80’s Photography Matt & Heather Martin Executive Publishers Welcome to 2024 Snyder! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations lindsey@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design ON THE COVER Keoma Gallegos Photo by ASosa80s Photography Thank you for reading, Heather Lundgren Martin Becky Cross Sales Account Executive Matt, Heather, Gatlyn, Georgia Lee & Guy David Martin We love the opportunity to showcase the people, places, and things that personify hometown living at its best throughout the pages of each issue. Every new year is a clean slate and an opportunity to fresh. “Live a life worthy of the Lord, and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10 This is YOUR hometown magazine and we want to HEAR from you! Call us to tell us YOUR story suggestions, celebrations you would like considered for future issues and PEOPLE you would like to read about in the pages of SLM. Email or call Lindsey to share your ideas! My husband Matt and I started this marketing firm over 13 years ago and have so enjoyed partnering with local businesses to offer solutions aimed to help them thrive! Keeping things FRESH and relevant is just part of what we do. These pages are truly a GUIDE to Snyder Living. Please enjoy this edition and THANK an advertiser by SHOPPING LOCAL and letting them know you saw THEIR AD in the LATEST & GREATEST issue of Snyder Lifestyles. From websites, Geofencing, to premium print Hometown Media Group is a firm ready to consult & collaborate with solutions in your budget and target audience. 6 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
8 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group Written by SARA HOOK | Photos provided by THE SNYDER COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER FORWARD TAKING A STEP When a Snyder resident is in crisis, they know where to go. Melissa Martinez & Tara Camp, help to check people in at the Back to School Bash.
9 hometown living at its best Arthur Martinez, serves families with school supplies at the Back to School Bash.
H“HELPING PEOPLE TAKE A STEP FORWARD” is the motto of the Snyder Community Resource Center (SCRC), and in the past 9-years, it has helped many Snyder residents change their lives for the better. The center was first founded in 2014 by pastor Steven Pena as a way to help addicts get treatment, but it has since grown to reach into nearly every facet of community assistance. That growth hasn’t just been in scope. SCRC now puts out thousands of dollars a month in assistance, executive director Jessica Robbins said, while they started with much less. At their first Pancakes with Santa fundraiser in 2015, in fact, the center’s account didn’t even have 200 dollars for change. “It wasn’t that they had never had any money,” Robbins said. “It was just that it would come in and it would go out to the community, and it was little increments, grants, it was just donations or fundraisers.” That money goes into one of four main programs: iCare, Snyder Area Naturalization Assistance (SANA), Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (CADA), and the Community Care Initiative (CCI). Each one serves a different need in the community, and each one is focused on serving residents how they personally need to be served. Pastor Mandy Peña, Volunteer & Spouse of Late Founder, and Alex Peña, assist in inputing data at the Back to School Bash. 10 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
“We have procedures and guidelines that we have to follow, but we’re also not cookie cutter,” Robbins said. “If a need is presented in the community, then we try and see is this something that’s going to help people take a step forward, is it a legitimate need, and how can we fill it.” The iCare program focuses on providing emergency assistance, specifically with food, fuel, utilities, clothing, and shelter. SANA and CADA specifically serve immigrants and addicts, respectively. SANA currently offers English classes, but the center hopes to grow the program until it can actually walk people through the citizenship process. The resource center’s newest and most flexible program is the Community Care Initiative. Begun in 2018 to reach community needs that don’t quite fall under the other programs, CCI has since become home to events like the Back to School Bash, Blessings in a Bag, and the Stay Cool, Scurry County Cooling Initiative. TOP LEFT: Miracle Ramirez, fills out vouchers for families to receive clothing at the Back to School Bash. TOP RIGHT: Antonio & Becky Cross help families to pick out shoes at the annual Back to School Bash. MIDDLE RIGHT: Scurry County Sheriff’s Office offers freebies to families through the resource fair at the annual Back to School Bash. BOTTOM RIGHT: Jessica Robbins & Claudia Williams, prepare to register individuals and families to receive window units and box fans. 11 hometown living at its best
“We want to give care to the whole person,” Robbins said. “When Intersect Power called us and said they have funding that is available to give out fans and window units, we can say yes, we can do it because it’s a need in the community, it’s going to help people take a step forward, it matches up with our mission, and we already have everything set up to be able to function in that capacity.” All of this work is not done alone. The center regularly partners with service organizations in Snyder and sometimes even across the state, and much of its work is done through referral. If new programs come to town, the resource center will reach out to them and determine what demographic they work with and how they can work together. “We don’t want to duplicate services,” Robbins said. “If someone is already doing it, we refer there first and then they can come in and get help from us.” The Back to School Bash is a great example of that principle at work. Initially, there were two events put on: one by the resource center and one by Snyder ISD. Ana Montoya, a parent liaison for Snyder ISD and a volunteer at SCRC, said combining those events helped maximize the use of the donations involved. For a small community like Snyder, using resources efficiently is very important. “We have a limited pool of resources, like for emergency funding… if we don’t have a grant or if it’s a basic need that needs to be met,” Montoya said. “We don’t have an outside source, so it’s important to make sure we are maximizing the use of all our community resources and not overusing them.” The ultimate goal of all of those programs is to get people out of crisis and to a better place. Sometimes the change most needed is small and may not be obvious at first glance. Often it can TOP: Carmen Riveria, Jessica Robbins, Natalie Raybal, Sonia Allison , Claudia Williams, & Kim Campbell, hand out free fans to individuals at the Scurry County Senior Citizens Center. 92 Households received a box fan. MIDDLE: SCRC & Intersect Power Employees hand out box fans to 30 Snyder Oaks Residents. 12 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 12 snyder lifestyles magazine
be the solution to one pressing problem – an overdue electricity bill, water turned off, a broken air conditioner – that lets people actually begin to work towards a better place. “If you’re in the middle of those things, you’re not thinking about ‘okay, how can I make this better’,” Robbins said. “You’re in the crisis, and so our goal is to help them see past the cloud and take that step forward no matter what it looks like.” Knowing what resources are available is a great way to help someone in a crisis, Robbins said, but many people want to tiptoe around those difficult and foreign subjects. Even the families in crisis may avoid sharing their story, Montoya said, and so people may not even realize the need around them. “You don’t realize sometimes it’s that person sitting next to you in church that doesn’t have a meal,” Montoya said. “We have a big need here to meet.” Montoya hopes that more families who have been helped will eventually be able to turn around and help others. TOP: Claudia Williams, fills out vouchers for families to receive school supplies. MIDDLE: Laura Martinez, assists an individual and his children through the registration process at the annual Back to School Bash. BELOW: Bianca Grice, helps families at the annual Back to School Bash. “I would like... not just to meet the families’ needs in our community but to be able to make a change, make an impact in their lives, so that they’re not just coming to us in survival mode, they’re prepared for that catastrophic event in their life and they’re not running,” Montoya said. “They’re prepared to be the hands and be able to serve others.” While The Snyder Community Resource Center has grown tremendously from its humble beginning 9 years ago, the center is always looking for more donors and more volunteers. This is a way to invest in the Snyder community to make it a better place… and who knows, maybe that gift will help someone take that one step forward they need to change their life. Visit Snydercommunity.org for more information on how to get involved. †
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HOMETOWN Happenings Photos by SNYDER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The gathering of people from all over the world to our small town of Snyder, Texas can only mean one thing - it’s time for the West Texas Western Swing Festival! For 26 years, thousands of people have traveled to northwest Texas to dance to the beat of classic country swing music! Over 1,500 guests attended the 2023 event held at the Western Texas College Coliseum and you’ll be shocked to learn how far people have traveled! Past guests have visited domestically from California, Seattle, and New York and internationally from Germany, England, Canada, Holland, Iceland, and even Australia! The event spanned three and a half days, beginning each morning with a jam session open to any local and undiscovered musicians. This is a wonderful opportunity for performers to share their talent and warm up the crowd! Nine bands performed music that paid tribute to traditional big bands, like Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, who invented the Western swing genre. Big-name talent included Jody Nix and Rance Norton. The official event kick-off though was the Welcome Home Burgers and Beans Supper, hosted by the Snyder High School Theatre Department. Not only did this group cook for over 300 Burgers and Beans guests, but they also prepared all the concessions throughout the event. The theatre students and their parents prepared all sorts of traditional Western classics including chili, cornbread, brisket, potatoes, pies, cobblers, cakes, and more, all homemade from scratch. The proceeds are the theatre department’s only fundraiser for the year, and they worked hard for every penny! Western swing began in the dance halls of small towns throughout the lower Great Plains in the late 1920s but its popularity peaked in the early 1940s. A tax on nightclubs in 1944 caused a major decline in social dancing which is why events like the West Texas Western Swing Festival are imperative in keeping the swing culture alive! No matter the level of experience, everyone had a great time. You could even take home all your favorite western goods from vendors selling leather works, metal art, turquoise and regal jewelry, spoon jewelry, western clothing, and joint pain relief! Mark your calendars for this year’s event held every 2nd weekend in June. FESTIVAL Texas Western Swing
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18 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group PLAN A VISIT COFFEE IN THE COMMONS | 8:30AM BIBLE STUDY | 9:00AM WORSHIP & LIVESTREAM | 10:15AM fbcsnyder.org | 325.573.2631 | 1712 27th FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
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HOMETOWN Happenings
21 hometown living at its best Photos by HISTORIC SCURRY COUNTY, INC. Snyder took a step back in time at Heritage Village for an 1890s Christmas experience! Historic Scurry County, Inc. presented the annual event held the last Thursday each November. It was fun for all ages and included live performances from the Snyder Junior High and High School’s choir and band, The Ritz Community Theatre, and a live radio broadcast. Attendees also enjoyed a bake sale benefiting Heritage Village and the repairs that are needed to preserve Scurry County’s history. The concept was to share what a late 1800s Christmas might have been like in Scurry County. Visitors saw citizens of all ages in period dress performing tasks to prepare for Christmas. This included a mock wedding at Redwood Chapel, haircuts and Dominos at the Fluvanna Barbershop, musical performances, poetry reading, and checker games at the Bunkhouse, and letters to Santa composed and mailed at the old Dunn Post Office to name a few. Of course, a Christmas event wouldn’t be complete without a visit with Santa! Christmas at Heritage Village would not be possible without numerous civic organizations, businesses, and volunteers of all ages (kindergarteners to greatgrandparents) that make the event happen year after year. This past year was extra special as Historic Scurry County, Inc. celebrated 40 years of preserving history. Join this year’s festivities on November 28, 2024. AT HERITAGE VILLAGE Christmas
Ingredients • 2 cups sugar • 1 ½ cups Crisco oil • 3 eggs • 3 cups flour • 1 tsp cinnamon Directions Cake 1. Cream sugar and cooking oil. 2. Add eggs and beat well. 3. Combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Sift together and add oil mixture. Batter will be very thick. 4. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan. 5. Bake at 325 for 1 ½- 2 hours. Use a toothpick to check center for doneness. Glaze Stir powdered sugar, vanilla and milk to make a glaze and drizzle over warm cake. From the Kitchen of Norma Callaway • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup chopped dates • 3 cups raw pears, chopped • 1 cup pecans PEARLICIOUS CAKE Norma’s Pearlicious Cake is a favorite of her quilting group who always enjoys the special treat when she bakes and brings to share. 22 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
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24 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group WRITTEN BY REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SCURRY COUNTY SENIOR CENTER AND BY CARMEN RIVERIA Scurry County Senior Center has been getting people active and connected since the 1970s. RELISHING RETIREMENT
25 hometown living at its best RRetirement is a busy time. Country and western dances, live local bands and morning coffee over a game of dominos makes for a dynamic retirement among friends and neighbors. It’s no wonder 80 to 100 people show up for lunch at the Scurry County Senior Center; it’s where social lives and connections thrive. Open for more than 45 years, the center is a hub of entertainment, education, and outreach. In retirement, getting connected and staying active outside of the accustomed 40-hour work week is something that often takes a deliberate approach. The people at Scurry County Senior Center make that all the easier for area seniors. Word of mouth alone advertises, and new participants will find people reaching out with invitations. “It gives people a place they can come and socialize with other people,” says Scurry County Senior Center Activities Director Carmen Riveria. “They get a good meal, get to help, to volunteer. They are always ready to help with different things.” Riveria, who started at the center in 2000, brings a lot of experience as well as enthusiasm to the programs. “We went to Bunco when the Hendrick Hospital hosted Bingo in Abilene,” she says. “We loaded up the bus and went over and participated in that fundraiser, and that was a lot of fun. I had never played Bunco, and they got me into it. Now we have Bunco here every month too.” One activity or another is always available Monday through Friday: daily lunch, reading in the library, borrowing a movie, playing brain games on the computers. In addition, dance instruction, craft and quilting classes all provide avenues for lifelong learning. Breaking bread together is at the core of our communal culture, so food is a common accompaniment to the senior center activities. Morning coffee, lunches especially on Fridays and dinner-paired events are all magnets to people wanting to go have fun. Once each month Riveria brings them all in with the breakfast she makes.
26 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group “My favorite thing about being at the center is the blessing before the meal,” Riveria says. “If we have a pastor here, I’ll get them to do the blessing, or there are other people that will. It’s awesome that we can all praise together even though we are all from different churches and different religions. You see a lot of laughter, a lot of hugging and people just having good times.” Bunco games on first Mondays are covered-dish potlucks. For game nights on second Mondays, Riveria makes the main dish, and everyone brings a side. People eat and then congregate around their game of choice. Every month, the center is host to a country and western dance, which draws people from all around. Dancers come from Big Spring, Sweetwater, Aspermont, Jayton, and Colorado City; and in turn, Scurry County seniors go to those area dances. Dinner and dance are an affordable $5 each, and two local bands play for the door money. Riveria catches word that the Scurry dance is a favorite along with its food and atmosphere. Connections extend out to the homebound too. Meal delivery is a lifeline for people over 60 who are not able to drive or cook a meal for themselves. Covering four different routes, volunteer groups of three each make 20 to 30 deliveries to serve over 100 meals. While they are on a tight schedule, their brief presence can put eyes on a person to know they are safe. At one delivery stop Riveria discovered a man who had fallen on the floor, and she stayed with him until help arrived.
27 hometown living at its best Transportation is a significant factor in people staying connected to socialization, nutrition, and education. Bus service from the center offers rides to those over 60 to come for lunch, see their doctor or go to the salon. Even an Abilene movie night for dinner and a show was made accessible with the bus, and staff member Bernie drove event-goers to Sagerton for the yearly Hee Haw show. Conversely, outside sources are often invited into the center. Health and resource fairs mean information for diabetics, Medicare, and Medicaid enrollment help, fall prevention guidance and cautionary tactics against hackers. Interim Health Care and Saint Joseph Home Health alternate providing blood pressure checks on site. It’s not uncommon for people to follow through on their health care in order to continue their senior center activities. To rally everyone and raise money each year, a huge May Day celebration brings good fun and of course good food. Barbecue, cooked by the Oxy/Mobil retirees is always on the menu, and the senior center kitchen band strums it up at the Western Texas College Coliseum for the annual spring fundraiser. Local businesses contribute silent auction items, and quilts made at the center go up for bid as well as donated cakes and pies. “Do not stay home and be lonely ever! We have a monthly birthday party. Many people here are interested to meet people and to feel needed. Our cooks are great, and I love each one of them. The best thing at the senior center is love shared.” -Susan Bills
“Friends and family! And if you’re not related, you’ll soon feel as if you are. Our senior center is for everyone. Come and meet up with past teachers, classmates, etc. Activities galore!! Come fellowship with us!” -Tracy McBeth
29 hometown living at its best Gratitude for volunteers and awards for those with the most hours are the focus of a yearly volunteer banquet. One year, a red-carpet themed event brought out people dressed as Billy Ray Cyrus, Dolly Parton, and other celebrities. The Hee Haw themed 2023 banquet included barbecue ribs and chicken and county-fair games to play. Events that bring people together, in from the surrounding communities and involve more than seniors, truly infuse community and cultural ties. Riveria has more events on her calendar. She has hair salons lined up to donate time and haircuts. Her hand delivered invitations to local gospel choirs encouraged them to showcase their talents and join other choirs in whole-group song. Newcomers to town, or the newly retired, will quickly hear of the good times and go to a monthly dinner, a dance or play cards following lunch. After that, they are sure to be welcomed with open arms and find themselves with a full social calendar and their new favorite volunteer role too. †
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32 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group Graduates HOMETOWN 1 2 3
hometown living at its best Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes for their future endeavors. Contact our office for information on being featured in our next HOMETOWN GRADUATES SECTION. content@hometown-living.com 1.ELI PENA | Snyder High School 2.REAGAN WILLIAMS | Snyder High School 3.JEREMIAH OROSCO | Snyder High School 4.TYLER BURLESON | Snyder High School 5. BETHANY YANEZ | Snyder High School 6.ALEX PENA | Snyder High School Photos by ASosa80s Photography 4 5 6
HOMETOWN Happenings
35 hometown living at its best To kick off Halloween festivities, Studio92 hosted the Thriller Run 5K in Snyder’s Towle Park on the second weekend of October. Just under 100 runners enjoyed the cooler fall weather and a zombie-filled course. The race kicked off at 7 pm for an added spooky element. Runners came armed with Nerf guns to shoot zombie volunteers as they made their way through the course. 5K participants received packets full of goodies and the top male and female in each age category were awarded medals. Funds raised from the run went towards a new dance floor for Studio92. 5K Thriller Run
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39 hometown living at its best I WRITTEN BY JESSICA WESSON | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JUST AS I AM THIS SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY IS SHOWING SNYDER FAMILIES THEY ARE LOVED BY PROVIDING OUTREACH EVENTS AND A PLACE TO WORSHIP. In 2019, Pastor Reid Johnson joined the staff at Colonial Hill Baptist Church as the lead pastor. At the time, the church did not have a special needs ministry. Reid’s son has autism, therefore the need was born to create a ministry for a unique group of people. Just As I Am was created, and it has grown from there. Jessica Hibbitt, special needs ministry coordinator for Colonial Hill Baptist Church, has been leading Just As I Am since April 2022. “It started out as a sensory room in the church for special needs kids to come during services so that their parents could worship and have confidence that their child was being cared for appropriately,” Jessica said. “The room has dimmable lights, a sensory wall, and stress toys.” The ministry volunteers are backgroundchecked, and the room is recorded by video cameras at all times. Jessica coaches the volunteers every week about the specific needs of each child in the room so that they are prepared and able to care for each one adequately. Children must be registered before they are brought into the sensory room so that the ministry volunteers have all the necessary information to offer a caring and safe experience for each child.
40 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 40 snyder lifestyles magazine The children they serve have disorders such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down’s syndrome, and others. After the child’s registration form is filled out, Jessica schedules a meeting with the parents to discuss the child’s needs and to answer any questions the family may have. Just As I Am has developed into a community ministry that goes beyond the church walls. Their mission now is to provide a safe place for all special needs children in the Snyder community to enjoy activities and opportunities that they would not get to otherwise. “We do events in the community now,” Jessica said. “We host pool parties, movie nights, and sensory-friendly carnivals.” The ministry hosted their first sensory-friendly carnival in July 2023 in partnership with the local Lions Club and the Pride of Texas Shows. “Generally, people with special needs can’t handle a lot of sensory input, because it might overwhelm them,” Jessica said. “We asked the carnival to slow things down and turn off flashing lights and music.” The Pride of Texas Shows staff arranged a special time for these individuals to come with their families and enjoy a carnival experience that would be accessible to them. The people with special needs and one caretaker were allowed to attend the carnival for free for a twohour period. Others were allowed to attend for the price of a regular ticket, and the tickets were good beyond
41 hometown living at its best the two-hour period for those that wished to stay longer. The carnival was only open to these families, which allowed the children with special needs to be comfortable in the space. “We didn’t have neurotypical people there running around and making a lot of noise,” Jessica said. “We just wanted to give these children the space and time they needed to fully enjoy an experience they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.” Just As I Am is a community ministry, so that is who they want to serve. Jessica has conversations with the mothers of the special needs children in the program to pinpoint their needs. “I just asked the moms what kinds of activities they miss out on because of their kids’ sensory sensitivities,” Jessica said. “They told me that carnivals were one of the things they miss out on that they wish their kids could experience. So, I just went to work to plan this event and seeing who we could partner with to make this happen.” Jessica contacted her friend, Tara Camp, to see if the Lions Club would be interested in partnering with Just As I Am to host a sensory-friendly carnival. Tara is currently serving as the president of the Lions Club, which is a community organization that prioritizes the welfare of children, including those with special needs. “One of our outreaches is helping to send a special needs kid to the Texas Lions camp in Kerrville,” Tara said. “We love finding ways to work with the special needs community, and when Jessica approached me about the carnival, I knew we had to be a part of this.”
42 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 42 snyder lifestyles magazine Jessica initially asked Tara to see if she could get one ride for the event, but Tara decided to go big or go home. “I reached out to Doug, who is the owner of the Pride of Texas Shows,” Tara said. “He’s been putting on special events like this for other groups like orphanages, boys’ homes, and other special needs communities for years. He was really familiar with what we need, and he was super excited that we asked him to do this.” The event was a success with approximately 150 people in attendance, Tara said. The Lions Club was proud to co-host this special event. “It’s really nice to have these partnerships when you have people in the community that need special things like this,” Tara said. “It’s a good feeling when your organization does something great like that. Our team is really blessed to have these partnerships with Just As I Am and the Pride of Texas Shows.” In the future, Just As I Am plans to continue doing outreach events to serve the greater Snyder community. “We want to do these events for everyone in our town and surrounding areas to show them the love of God and their worth,” Jessica said. “We want them to know that they are loved just the way they are by us and by Christ.” †
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45 hometown living at its best MAJORS Agriculture Art Biology Business Elementary Education Pre-Engineering English General Studies – Arts General Studies – Science Health, PE & Kinesiology Mass Communications Mathematics Pre-Law Studies Pre-Med Studies Pre-Nursing Studies Secondary Education Social Sciences – General Theater ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES OF STUDY Accounting Chemistry Criminal Justice Economics Geography Geology Government History Humanities Philosophy Physical Science Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish Speech VOCATIONAL Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Electrical Lineworker Farm and Ranch Management Golf Course and Sports Turf Field Management Medical Assistant Medical Information Technology Petroleum Technology Welding 6200 College Ave., Snyder, Texas 79549 • 325-573-8511 • wtc.edu Friendly. Affordable. Close to Home. Your opportunity to start a degree or train for a career is on your doorstep! Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. Let’s get started! FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE! SCAN ME NOW New Student Checklist
From the Kitchen of Bernie Sealy BERNIE’S COCONUT CREAM PIE Ingredients Filling • ¾ cup sugar • 3 tbsp corn starch • ¼ tsp salt • 2 cups milk • 3 slightly beaten egg yolks (save whites for the meringue) • 2 tbsp butter • 1 tsp vanilla • 9” baked pie crust • ¾ cup shredded coconut Meringue • 4 large egg whites • ¼ tsp cream of tartar • ¼ cup sugar Directions Filling 1. Combine sugar, corn starch, salt and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly then cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, continuing to stir. 2. Mix in the egg yolks and cook for 2 more minutes, continuing to stir. 3. Remove from stove, add butter and vanilla. Once mixed through, add ½ cup coconut. 4. Pour into cooled pie shell. Meringue 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Separate refrigerated egg whites and yolks (they will separate best cold). 3. Allow egg whites to reach room temperature to whip fully. 4. Whip egg whites until they are glossy and smooth. Add cream of tartar to help the egg whites hold their form. 5. Slowly add sugar about a tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition until the sugar is incorporated. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. 6. Spread meringue on top of the coconut cream filling, sprinkle coconut on top. 7. Place about 4 inches under the heat and bake for 10 minutes or until golden and coconut is brown. “My recipe was my mother’s. I just changed it a bit. It was her favorite and is mine too! It has won a prize at the Senior Center for at least 3 years and was auctioned during May Day for $210.” 46 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
Dr. Higgins Dr. Wallette Dr. Monroy & all other health care needs all your immunizations SCHEDULE NOW WITH OUR NEW PHYSICIANS 325-573-1300 47 hometown living at its best
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50 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group WRITTEN BY ELLEN SLATER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COGDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PILLAR A Community Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Cogdell are shown next to the plaque at the main entrance into the hospital on opening day
51 hometown living at its best C COGDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF SERVING SNYDER RESIDENTS. Cogdell Memorial Hospital had its grand opening on January 31, 1954. The hospital was named after Snyder resident, D.M. Cogdell, who was an oilman, philanthropist, and rancher. Cogdell donated the land that the hospital was built on, along with a sizeable monetary donation. Additionally, more than $8 million was raised by bond issues and federal funds for the 50-bed hospital to be built. According to those currently associated with the hospital, for many years the facility remained unchanged. However, Snyder residents have seen much needed renovations and additions at the hospital since the board decided to form its own hospital district. Snyder resident Bennie Marricle has been a member of the Hospital Board since 2007. "When I was first elected to the board the hospital was a county-owned entity," he said. "But we didn't receive much funding from the county. The board decided to hold a special election to form a hospital district and the measure passed." Since forming its own hospital district, hospital administration along with the board, have been able to set their own budget each year. "It allowed us to remodel, renovate and build additions at the hospital," Marricle said.
52 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group Ella Helms has been the Chief Executive Officer at Cogdell Memorial for the past ten years. Helms says the hospital has changed dramatically since it first opened in 1954. In the past ten years the hospital has expanded and renovated in countless ways: 1958 Women’s Auxiliary of Cogdell Memorial Hospital was organized Mrs. Jay Rogers, auxiliary member, shown with one of several portable televisions sets for rent to patients. Rental fee $1.25 per day. 1960s A two-story, 50 bed unit was added to the hospital and a portion of the obstetrical wing was converted into a 10-bed cardiac intensive care unit. 1970s 125 students graduated from Cogdell Vocational School of Nursing up from the first class in 1960 of 22. 1980 Implementation of an air ambulance from Abilene. 1988 Cogdell Foundation was formed. Lavada Mills was in charge of the intensive care room for critical patients on the ground floor of the new 2-story wing at Cogdell Memorial Hospital. 1990s • Cardiac Rehab Program and an RN Program were started. • The OB Department was completely renovated and updated to include individual bathrooms for the patient and rooming in for the baby and mother. 2000s New Emergency Department, Radiology Department, Admission area, and Chapel were constructed. Technology advances were implemented including electronic medical records.
53 hometown living at its best 2014 The tenth and current CEO, Ella Helms, started serving. 2021 • The visiting Physician's Specialty Clinics were renovated. • The Wellness Center moved to a fully renovated space with several new pieces of equipment, added a Fitness on Demand online workout program as well as a new 3-D body scanner. 2017 • Cogdell's new Obstetric and Gynecology Wing opened. • The hospital added Hospice services. 2020 The Radiology Department underwent a major renovation. that included a new MRI suite. 2023 The hospital expanded it’s Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center and added a new CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation Center. 2022 The hospital opened a new Pediatric Rehabilitation facility which offers an array of therapeutic services for children including those with learning disabilities such as autism. The hospital also added Behavioral Health Services. D.M. Cogdell Sr. and Edgar Taylor
54 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group "The key areas we've focused on have been the expansion of services as well as improvements to the facility and technology," said Helms. "We've expanded our lobby, walk-in clinic, rural health clinic, and remodeled the specialty clinics. We've also added many new programs including outpatient behavioral health, occupational therapy and the new cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program." Additionally, the hospital has added and expanded its diagnostic services with such things as MRI, CT scans, nuclear medicine and stress tests and vascular ultra sounds. "Our diagnostic capabilities our exceptionally good," said Helms. "We're proud of what we've accomplished and we continue to look for new ways to add programs and services that will benefit the people in our community." And long-time Hospital Board member Mike Tyrrell, agrees with Helms that Cogdell Memorial is something Snyder residents can be proud of. "We've made major renovations and expanded services," he said. "Our Physical Therapy and Wellness Facility are second to none for this area." In addition to exercise equipment, the Physical Therapy Center also contains and indoor swimming pool for use by rehab patients and water aerobics are available to the general public for a monthly fee of $50. "The hospital has been a great asset to the people of Snyder," said Marricle. "It's helped the city attract businesses to Snyder that otherwise wouldn't have come here. It's something the people of Snyder can be proud of." According to Marricle and Tyrrell, future expansions they would like to see at the facility include a kidney dialysis center and a wound care center. Cogdell Memorial Hospital employs approximately 300 full and part-time workers. However, in addition to its staff, there are countless Snyder residents who volunteer their time at the hospital. The Hospital Auxilary is made of 32 men and women who volunteer at the facility's front desk, gift shop and chapel. The members are lovingly referred to as the pink ladies (for the pink smocks they wear) and the blue men (for the blue shirts they wear) by the local community. Over the years, the organization has raised funds through its gift shop to purchase special equipment for the hospital. Additionally, they provide educational scholarships to Snyder students who are pursuing careers in health care, as well as to staff who wish to further their health care careers. Another organization that provides funding to the hospital is the Hospital Foundation Board. The Foundation provides fundraising for the hospital through such special events as the Gala Dinner, concerts, and Bunco Nights. Snyder resident Scott Crenweldge has been a Foundation Board Member for the last three years. "I decided to volunteer with the Foundation Board because I wanted to do something to help ensure our hospital stays as up to date and as strong as possible," he said. "We're extremely fortunate to have a hospital as modern as Cogdell Memorial is. Our hospital is capable of doing the same diagnostics tests as the hospitals in Lubbock or Abilene." Many of our doctor's love performing surgeries here because our surgery center is state of the art, he added. Crenweldge also believes the hospital has changed dramatically in the last ten years. "The Hospital Administration and Board have done a wonderful job of renovating the facility and make it something the Snyder community can be proud of." According to Helms, the hospital's most important asset is its staff. "We are blessed to have dedicated, well-trained physicians and mid-level practitioners. We also have talented employees and department managers who make Cogdell a special place to work and to receive care," said Helms. "We're also appreciative of our hospital board members and our volunteers. It is truly a team effort." †
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56 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
College on the Square 1806 26th Street, Snyder, Texas 79549 325-574-6581 wtc.edu/collegeonsquare Partner to Train You and Your Workforce Your Space to Learn Art and New Skills Your Source for Continuing Education Your Teaching Skills and Training Our Community for a Lifetime Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. Accounting • Acrylic Art • Adobe PhotoShop • Basic Sign Language • Business Management • Commercial Driver License Conversational Spanish • CPR/First Aid • Customer Service • Drawing • Digital Photography • Driver Education • Fire Extinguisher Training • Floral Design • Food Handler Certification • Hazmat Training • Heavy Equipment Training • Introduction to Computers Leadership Workshops • Microsoft Office • Microsoft Excel • Mixed Media • Motorcycle Safety • Pilates • Pottery Safety/Compliance Courses • ServSafe Manager Certification • Well Control Training CDL TRAINING WELL CONTROL TRAINING ART CLASSES 57 hometown living at its best
GRAND The wonderful thing about being a grandparent is that you get to devote special time to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren and do things you may not have let your own kids do. When it comes to being a grandparent, it's not about providing a living to sustain a family, it's about having fun and simply being there for them while exuding unconditional love. After speaking with three grandparents, we gathered some insight into their favorite activities and benefits of being a grandparent. In addition to supporting extracurricular activities, all had some unique ideas to liven things up with their grandchildren. "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly." Proverbs 17:6 Adventures 58 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
Nana and Grandkids Christmas Party was started in 2022 by Nana, Melisa Martin, for her 6 grandchildren. Her new home was festively decorated, favorite foods were served, and then the fun began! They ate, looked through photo albums, rummaged through Nana’s craft room and the man cave, then they hunted for money she had hidden for them to find using 3 hints. They played a game Nana played when she was young called ‘Willy Wooly’ but this one was called ‘Elfred Elf’ where you use a magnet stick and put hair, mustache and eyebrows on the face. Next, a friendly competition turned out to be a favorite. Each grandkid received a lighted top to see whose would spin the longest in a box. Melisa cherishes the memories made looking forward to this year’s Christmas party and encourages other grandparents to be involved and initiate special times together with their busy grandkids. “We have lots of fun. I love them all very much!” Melisa Martin 59 hometown living at its best
The way to the heart is through the stomach! Leon Ford can testify to that. One of the ways he shows love to his great grandchildren is the giving of sweet treats and the act of service that goes into the preparation. “I enjoy my time with my great grandkids. When it is cold, I take them chocolate candy. When it is hot, I take them chewing gum. Every six weeks I take them a cobbler of their choice,” Leon said. His grandchildren even bought him a cake carrier for his tasty cobblers. Christmas and Birthdays are also special times with his grands. Anytime is special when spent together as a family. Most likely, food will also be a part of what makes those celebrations even sweeter. Leon Ford GRAND Adventures 60 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
None of Jim and Melissa Petty’s ten grandchildren live locally, so any time spent with them is time well spent with lots of love, food, games, adventures, and laughter. The Pink Flamingo Shave Ice and the Snyder Cinema are two favorite spots to visit when at Poppy and Mim’s! Lane and Kate live closest, so Poppy & Mim get to enjoy their school and sport activities. This past summer, Poppy brought out his old high school letter jacket, and he had the same school colors AND sports number as Lane. That was “the icing on the cake” for their graduating senior before he left for college at Angelo State University. Kaylee and Russell are Poppy & Mim’s “Army brats”. Kaylee loves to bake, so when she found out Snyder's local cake designer Misha Wofford was holding cake decorating classes, Kaylee’s Dad and Mom made plans to get her to Snyder. Russell enjoyed his two weeks in Texas playing with Poppy & Mim’s third set of grandchildren in Brenham. Which brings us to the new and exciting news from Brenham. Eight years ago, son-in-law Adam and daughter Jessica (2001 Snyder High School graduate) began praying and pursuing the call of adopting another child to add to their three natural-born: Joshua, Judd, and Lily. Little did they know that God had a very specific plan for them, and that plan was being born in the Philippines that very same month, December 2014. It was a very difficult road for them having experienced several losses during the adoption process, including Isabella whom they had chosen from an orphanage in China. They were about to give up completely when their adoption advisor asked them to take a peek at the Philippine files and see if a child grabbed their hearts. Not only one child, but three caught their attention. They fell in love immediately and submitted all the required paperwork to the Philippines. Rain is 8 years old and is deaf, his twin sisters, Keisha and Ziah, are 4. Rain was rescued off the streets when he was a toddler, and a few years later the director of the orphanage where he lived spotted his mother sitting on a curb holding two premature baby girls. The orphanage director tried to coax her into letting her take the babies, but she refused. Prompted by the Holy Spirit during the night, she went prayerfully and boldly back the next day, and the parents surrendered them to her. Another year passed after the adoption paperwork was finalized, and finally in July 2023, and Poppy and Mim added three more grandchildren to share their love with. Jim & Melissa Petty 61 hometown living at its best
September is Suicide Awareness Month. Mattie’s Mountain held a suicide awareness walk and vendor market on September 9, 2023, at Towle Park Armory. The walk was in memory of those we have lost to suicide and for those struggling with mental illness. The purpose was to illustrate you are not alone in the struggles and there is help available for you. Mattie’s Mountain has a unique way of dealing with mental help. They use God’s love and rescued animals on a farm to help those who are struggling with anxiety and depression. Vendors included Patch Brat, Deborah Baremore with Scentsy, Olivia Franco, Ashley Colegrove, The Neon Lady Boutique, Massage by Casey, Relax and Rejuvenate, The Ol’ Crafty Shack, The Conley’s, La Chicana, Life’s Healing Journey, El Shorty, and Rangie’s Tropical Snow. Participants also enjoyed a silent auction and the proceeds of $2250 went to Mattie’s Mountain. Mattie’s Mountain is a 501(c)3 in Ira, TX for suicide awareness following the loss of someone. We all have a mountain to climb, but you do not have to climb it alone. Follow them on Facebook for more information and updates on the September 2024 Walk. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18 SUICIDE AWARENESS Walk & Vendor Event Happenings HOMETOWN
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Written by ELLEN SLATER and KAREN AARON | Photos provided by SARAH CHAPARRO
YOUNG SNYDER RESIDENT, SARAH CHAPARRO, IS PURSUING HER PASSION IN THE MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY OF WELDING. Sarah Chaparro took her first welding class in high school in Clayton, New Mexico. She quickly decided she enjoyed the trade so much, she wanted to make it her profession. "I've always liked hands-on activities," Chaparro said. "Welding seemed like a perfect fit for me." She heard about the welding department at Western Texas College (WTC) from a family friend. She decided to tour WTC and fell in love with it from the first visit. "I just knew WTC and Snyder were where I was meant to be. I came from a very tiny town with one grocery store and one fast-food restaurant," she said. "Snyder has everything you need. It's a much larger community than Clayton, so there are more resources, and everyone is so friendly.” 65 hometown living at its best
66 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group Chaparro was also surprised and pleased at how much equipment was available to students. "WTC has two fully-equipped welding shops," she said. "Jeff Stewart, who is the head of the Welding Department, seemed so knowledgeable. I was very impressed. Chaparro was also impressed by how welcoming everyone at WTC was. "The college staff are friendly and helpful," she said. "The welding department itself definitely surpassed my expectations." Chaparro has come a long way in her knowledge and skillset. “The first thing I welded was just practicing on carbon with stick welding,” she said. At WTC she learned other processes such as wire and tig welding. Chaparro says after students graduate from WTC they have many job opportunities. "Including myself, 24 students graduated from WTC in the welding program. Many went on to work for oil companies here in Snyder. Others started their own welding businesses or were hired by existing welding companies." Chaparro earned her Associate's Degree of Applied Science in Welding in November of 2022. She was then hired as an Assistant Welding Instructor at WTC. Additionally, Chaparro taught a dual college course twice a week at Snyder High School on Blueprint Reading. Chaparro says her favorite aspect of teaching was seeing the students grow, "Teaching was very rewarding," she said. "TEACHING WAS VERY REWARDING, I ESPECIALLY LIKED SEEING STUDENTS CHALLENGE THEMSELVES AND LEARN NEW SKILLS." -
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