1 hometown living at its best
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Contents 4 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group On the Cover 8 AN ART OF AUTHENTICITY Cowboy artist Brian Asher brings ranch life alive with his artwork. 14 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in sending well wishes to the class of 2026 16 BEYOND THE MOUNT With creativity and confidence, Bri Davis is redefining what it means to be a taxidermist. 24 A LIFE OF COURAGE, FAITH AND SERVICE Growing up in Snyder, Michael Murphrey was known for his boundless energy and adventurous spirit, and after serving his country, he leaves a lasting legacy rooted in family, community, and the outdoors he loved. 28 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Keep Snyder Beautiful Fall Sweep 30 A NEST OF HOPE The Sparrow’s Nest maternity home serves moms in crisis to help them get on their feet and be the best parent they can be. 36 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Join us in welcoming Snyder’s newest residents. 38 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Welcoming New Western Texas College President 40 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ A quick and easy shredded chicken recipe that can yield two full and delicious meals. 44 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Snyder Wheels Car Club Car Show Weekend 48 CAPTURE A SMILE, CAPTURE A HEART Candid portraits are creating opportunities for adoption for children in need of a family in Scurry County. 54 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Veterans Day Ceremony 58 LOSS, FAITH AND LEGACY BUILT ON LOVE The Grice family transformed their season of loss into a lasting space of remembrance for their family and the Snyder community to cherish for generations. 8
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W Snyder Lifestyles Magazine© is published annually by Hometown Media Group 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 Sarah Blevins Sabrina Forse Sara Hook Cindy Kahler Thomas Jessica Wesson PHOTOGRAPHERS ASosa80’s Photography Brandyl Calley Photography Sosa’s Spotlight Photography Whitney Owen Designs “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” - Hebrews 10:24-25 Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations office@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design ON THE COVER Photo by Asosa80’s Photography Becky Cross Sales Account Executive Welcome to the 2026 issue of Snyder Lifestyles Magazine! We are so excited to share this issue with you and to continue celebrating the people, places, organizations, and stories that make our town so special. Inside these pages, you’ll find stories of loss and redemption, a local girl boss thriving in a male-dominated field, highlights from community events over the past year, a celebration of some of our newest (and cutest) residents, well wishes to the Class of 2026, and so much more. It truly takes a village to make a community as special as ours, and we are grateful to be able to highlight all the good happening right here in Snyder. We hope you enjoy flipping through the pages, and as you do, we invite you to take note of our incredible advertising partners featured throughout the magazine. Without their support, we would not be able to share the stories we do. If you have a story of your own to share, a fun event for us to feature, or a newborn or senior you’d like to spotlight in our next issue, please reach out to office@hometownmedia.group. We would love to hear from you! Warmly, Becky Cross Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group Hello Snyder! 6 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
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A cowboy emerges from a dust-filled cloud, leaning over his saddle as his horse steps surefooted over the ground. It could be a photo, but the signature at the bottom right corner tells a different story: Brian Asher, 2022. The dust, the figure, and the half-visible cows in the background are hand drawn; and Asher took the photo himself one day out on the range. For Brian Asher is not just an artist, he’s a cowboy as well. “I never had any aspirations to become an artist, all I wanted to do was cowboying and that’s all I’ve done all of my adult life, is work on big ranches,” Asher said. When Asher was a boy, he wanted to be a cowboy, and he never grew out of that desire. He loved being out in nature, he loved the solitude of the work, so partway through college he decided to pursue cowboying full-time. Since then, he has worked for ranches like the Four Sixes, Tongue River, Waggoner, and Masterson ranches, among many others. For the past 14 years he has been with Spade Ranch, just a few hours from Snyder. While the work was good, it didn’t pay much. That was fine as a single man, but when Asher got married in 1989 and he and his wife had their first son, he found he could use a little more income. He knew he could draw, so he began practicing again. Before long, people were asking to buy his work. “I started carrying a camera with me on these ranches and just taking pictures and getting reference photos to work from and started drawing again,” Asher said. “It just took off mostly back then just by word of mouth.” His art did well enough that his wife, who had been a teacher, was able to quit her job and stay home with their children. Asher continued day-working as a cowboy until 2023, when he realized he spent his time on the ranch hoping to get pictures to draw from. Now Asher mostly goes out to ranches to get photos, as his primary career has become his art. When Asher first started drawing, he mostly found customers in the people he worked with, many of them being fellow cowboys. Even now, Asher said, most people who buy his art are cowboys and ranchers. What draws them to his work is how genuine the art is and how carefully Asher pays attention to detail. Several art shows have recognized his work as well: he has won Best of Show at both the WRCA Art Show, and the Trappings of Texas Show. 9 hometown living at its best
“For all my adult life I’ve been working on ranches,” Asher said. “What’s in my pictures is authentic.” His art covers all aspects of ranch life, from cowboys gathering cows in the dust to kids helping their father shoe a horse. Each one is something Asher has seen or experienced himself, and each image is captured with startling precision. That detail comes with a price: a major piece could take over 200 hours to complete, Asher said, and he has worked longer than 300 hours on a single image. Not every day is spent drawing, however. While Asher has a little portable building to work in, when the weather is especially good, he doesn’t like to stay indoors. “I enjoy going in my little bunkhouse and working on a picture, but if the weather’s pretty I can’t hardly stand being in there,” Asher said. “I want to be outside.” In the past he could fulfill that desire by going to work on a ranch, but now he spends his time making 100 percent hand-made knives under the shade of a mesquite tree. 10 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
12 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group Asher’s knives are made from steel bar stock. which he cuts to make the blade. Everything is handmade: he sands, polishes, treats, and tempers the blades himself. The handles are made of camel bone, sheep horn, buffalo horn, and many types of exotic wood, and he builds his own leather sheaths as well. “It's a long tedious process that I learned, pretty much, through trial and error,” Asher said. “It takes me close to 20 hours to finish each knife.” As with his artwork, knife-making was something that he began doing for pure enjoyment. Then people took interest in his work, and once again it became more than just a hobby. “I just started it to entertain myself,” Asher said. “People [started] asking for them, so just like the artwork, it took off too.” Even though he doesn’t often work out on the ranch anymore, at 66 years old Asher considers himself far from retired and plans to keep on drawing and creating long into the future. Each piece of his art reflects an authentic part of Texas culture, but more importantly they illustrate the beautiful nature of the ranch, the range, and the lives of the thousands of cowboys who live and work in those places every day. †
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. office@hometownmedia.group HOMETOWN 1. Nehemiah Vasquez | Snyder High School 2. Kyera Short | Snyder High School 3. Krystofer Salazar | Snyder High School 4. Ashlyn Palacios | Snyder High School 5. Sophia Montoya | Snyder High School Photos by Asosa80’s Photography “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’” — Audrey Hepburn 1 2 3 4 5 14 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 14 snyder lifestyles magazine
PLAN A VISIT COFFEE IN THE COMMONS | 8:30AM BIBLE STUDY | 9:00A M WORSHIP & LIVESTREAM | 10:15AM fbcsnyder.org | 325.573.2631 | 1712 27th FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 15 hometown living at its best
With creativity and confidence, Bri Davis is redefining what it means to be a taxidermist. Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos provided by BRI DAVIS BEYOND MOUNT THE 16 snyder lifestyles magazine
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18 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group IIn what is usually considered a male-dominated career path, Bri Davis breaks all the molds. As the owner of Wild Hare Taxidermy, she has spent the past three years turning her passion into a thriving business and sharing that passion with the Snyder community. From local game to unique wildlife, Bri has skillfully worked with nearly every type of animal native to the area. Bri learned her trade at Central Texas School of Taxidermy. She started school with the plan of taking a two-week course to see if she liked it, but just a week into it, she chose to take the 6-week course. “I wanted all in,” she said, “I’m so glad I did it.” She already had a building on her property, so with the help of her husband, Lance, she began gathering everything she needed to turn her passion into a career. Together, they handled the business setup and got her workspace ready. “It’s been going really good ever since,” Bri said. Bri began her journey in taxidermy with a whitetail deer, the same animal she says is most popular among her clients. For her, the craft is more than just a profession. “It’s such a blessing. I love creating things and putting them back together, it’s kind of like therapy for me,” she said. A lifelong animal lover and avid hunter, taxidermy became the perfect blend of her passions.
When clients bring in their deer after the meat has been processed, Bri walks them through each step, from pose and expression to the type of mount they prefer. “I do a lot of different mounts,” she explained. “There are skull mounts, which are called ‘European mounts,’ shoulder mounts, half-life mounts that include the head and front legs, and full lifesize mounts.” Once the hides are returned from the tannery, Bri works quickly to bring each piece back to life. Bri begins each project by carefully cleaning the head before sending the hide to the tannery, where they will clean and tan the hides. Once it’s returned, she assembles the mount and adds the finishing touches, “I paint them and make it all pretty for the customer.” Her work spans an impressive range of animals from bobcats, coyotes, ducks, and pheasants to antelope, rams, and other exotics. “I take in every type of wild animal, and of course, white-tail deer,” she said. Still, one species stands out as the biggest challenge. “Turkeys are the most difficult to do. They’re bigger than you’d think, and every feather has to be perfect, or it just won’t look right. They’re the hardest animals I’ve ever done.” Bri keeps her workspace full of examples for customers to see as they plan their mounts. “Most of the time, I have animals that I’m working on, and whenever people come in, they can see examples to help them choose how they want their animal to look,” she explained. Photos and magazines also help clients visualize different poses and styles. “Sometimes they already have a deer that’s mounted and want something similar,” she said. “I do whatever I can to help them get what they want and be happy.” 19 hometown living at its best
20 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group “I used to paint and draw and play with clay and I always felt like CREATIVITY WAS MY GIFT FROM GOD. When I worked in dentistry, I wanted to do something that felt like my calling. When I started doing taxidermy, I felt like I finally fit in. It feels amazing to do something that God has created me to do.”
21 hometown living at its best Bri gets her business by word of mouth, and she does have a Facebook page, Wild Hare Taxidermy, which also drives customers to her door. Her contact information is listed there. “I want people to know this isn’t just a place for taxidermy,” Bri said. “I’ve put God into this shop. I have a prayer board for anyone who needs prayer, and I want people to walk in and feel the presence of God, to feel peace and the love of Jesus. I want them to know they can come here for prayer or to be prayed for. That’s my goal for this year.” Bri and her husband, Lance, often work together in the evenings after he returns from his job as a solar technician. She describes him as a blessing and one of her biggest supporters. The couple also has a young daughter, Reece, who keeps life busy and full of joy. Grateful for the life God has given her, Bri hopes Wild Hare Taxidermy can be a place where people feel both welcomed and inspired whether they’re bringing in an animal to be mounted or simply stopping by in need of prayer. † Bri says one of the biggest misconceptions about her work is that taxidermy harms animals. “A lot of people don’t know much about taxidermy. They think that we harm animals, and that’s not true,” she said. “Most hunters are providing food for their families and want to preserve those memories. Many hunt with their kids or spouses, it’s a big accomplishment.” For Bri, hunting is as much about peace as it is about the harvest. “It’s so peaceful just to watch these animals and see how they react to each other,” she said. “Last year, we got two bucks that nearly filled our freezer.” Many people don’t realize that hunting also benefits the local economy, Bri explained. “If people don’t hunt, there would be a lot more wrecks due to overpopulation,” she said. “Animals can cause damage too, like wild hogs tearing up farmers’ fields.” She added that taxidermy plays a meaningful role in that cycle. “With taxidermy, no animals are harmed. We’re here to complete the experience of hunting,” she said.
wtc.edu Start Here. Stay Close. Go Far. Your Career. Your Choice. Your College. Majors Agriculture Art Biology Business Education Health Sciences Mass Communication Mathematics Theater ...and many more! Career Training CDL/Truck Driving Early Childhood Education Electrical Lineworker Technology Farm And Ranch MGMT Golf Course/Sports Turf MGMT Medical Assistant Petroleum Technology Welding Certificates and Degrees that Move You Forward • One-Year Certificates • Associate of Arts • Associate of Arts in Teaching • Associate of Science • Associate of Applied Science Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. 6200 College Ave., Snyder, Texas 79549 325-573-8511 Apply at wtc.edu Scan to Learn More Courses transfer to four-year public universities Start Here. Stay Close. Go Far. Agriculture Art Biology Business Education Health Sciences Mass Communication Mathematics Theater ...and many more! Career Training CDL/Truck Driving Early Childhood Education Electrical Lineworker Technology Farm And Ranch MGMT Golf Course/Sports Turf MGMT Medical Assistant Petroleum Technology Welding Certificates and Degrees that Move You Forward • One-Year Certificates • Associate of Arts • Associate of Arts in Teaching • Associate of Science • Associate of Applied Science Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. 6200 College Ave., Snyder, Texas 79549 Apply at wtc.edu Scan to Learn More Courses transfer to four-year public universities
Written by JESSICA WESSON | Photos provided by THE MURPHREY FAMILY Growing up in Snyder, Michael Murphrey was known for his boundless energy and adventurous spirit. He loved life, his family and friends, and the wide-open outdoors that seemed to match his restless drive. Whether it was hunting, fishing, or riding four-wheelers, Michael was never one to sit still for long. A LIFE OF COURAGE, Faith & Service 24 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
H“He was full of life and wanted to have fun,” his family recalled. “He was not one to sit still and had to be constantly on the go.” A natural athlete, Michael played football and ran track for Snyder High School, where he earned multiple awards and helped lead the Tigers to a playoff his senior year. As an all-district defensive end and a hurdles competitor, his determination and leadership shone early. Though scouted by several universities, including Oklahoma, he decided college wasn’t the path for him. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, a tinkerer who loved working on engines, and a thrill seeker who went skydiving for his 17th birthday. That jump, his family said, inspired his dream of becoming a paratrooper. His taste in music ran from Nelly to Nickelback, favorites that still bring his family comfort today. “Michael had a contagious smile and big brown eyes that could light up a room,” they said. Answering the Call After witnessing the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the 2003 bombing of Baghdad, Michael felt a deep sense of duty to serve. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2003 and left for boot camp that September. “It wasn’t an option,” his family said. “He saw it as his duty. It was better to keep the fight overseas and not in the United States. He didn’t want to see another attack like 9/11 happen again.” 25 hometown living at its best
26 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group He found purpose and brotherhood in military life, cherishing the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers. Between missions, he could often be found at the shooting range or strumming a guitar, teaching others to play while he learned himself. His courage and leadership would later earn him the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor. A Family’s Sacrifice In 2009, while serving in Afghanistan, Sgt. Murphrey was killed in action in the mountains as darkness fell. He was only 25. The news devastated his family. “A parent is never supposed to bury their child at any age,” they said. “Siblings are supposed to grow old together, and we didn’t get that chance with our brother.” Each family member received a phone call that evening from their father, delivering the heartbreaking message that Michael wasn’t coming home. “We did our best to go through the motions of grief while trying to hold each other up,” they said. “It’s truly a heartache that no one should endure. We laugh, we cry, and we still wonder why at times.” Keeping His Memory Alive Five years after his death, the Snyder community came together to honor Michael’s legacy. In 2014, former teacher Charlotte Wilson and other supporters established the SSG. Michael C. Murphrey Memorial Scholarship, launched during a “Freedom Friday Night” football game at Snyder High School. That evening, his jersey, number 99, was retired and never to be worn again. Since then, the scholarship has been awarded annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies Michael’s determination and heart for service. The family later joined efforts to sustain the scholarship, hosting fundraisers such as community barbecue dinners at Snyder High School football games. In 2024, the school offered its full support, helping the Murphrey’s organize the first event. The success of that fundraiser inspired a repeat in the fall of 2025. “It was a blessing to see so many people support this,” the family said. “From being able to share his story with strangers to hearing kids say, ‘Oh, I’ve seen his jersey in the hall—so this was Michael?’. It was a touching moment for sure.”
27 hometown living at its best MICHAEL MURPHREY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Michael’s family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Jason Guynes (Michael’s best friend), Charlotte, and Ms. Graham for their continued support in helping carry on Michael’s memory through this scholarship. 2025- KYLE BEIGHTS 2024- ALLIE GULLETT 2023- ISABELL ROCHA 2022- CHLOE SOSA 2020- KATE MCWILLIAMS 2019- LOGAN GREENE 2018- CEDRICK QUIROZ 2015- HUNTER MCCARTER His Legacy Lives On Through this scholarship and community events, Michael’s name continues to inspire. Fellow soldiers have named children after him, a lasting tribute to the brotherhood he built in service. His family hopes those who never met him will remember the man behind the uniform; a son, brother, friend, uncle, husband, and father who loved fiercely, worked hard, and always stood for what was right. “Michael was fun and a joy to be around,” they said. “He was brave, lighthearted and protective of the ones he loved. He was kind, courageous and put others before himself.” Even on his final visit home, Michael worried more about his fellow soldiers than himself, a reflection of his unwavering loyalty and compassion. “He was the life of the party and is deeply missed,” his family said. “He never talked much, but when he did, you listened.” †
HOMETOWN Happenings The 2025 annual Fall Sweep took place on September 27 and brought together families, students, and community members with one shared goal, to help beautify downtown Snyder. Volunteers gathered early that morning, picked up their supplies, and set out across the area to clean, refresh, and restore common spaces. The first 100 participants received a free Sparkle City T-shirt, adding a fun boost of spirit to the day. Throughout the event, volunteers worked hard collecting litter, sweeping sidewalks, and clearing debris from streets and public areas. Their efforts not only improved the appearance of downtown but also strengthened community pride and connection. The Fall Sweep continues to serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when neighbors come together with purpose. Thanks to everyone who participated, Snyder’s downtown looks brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike. Photos provided by: City of Snyder KEEP SNYDER BEAUTFUL Fall Sweep
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R Written by SARA HOOK | Photos provided by SPARROW’S NEST MATERNITY HOME Resting just outside of Snyder is a place filled with hope, safety, and healing for mothers in crisis across Scurry County: the Sparrow’s Nest Maternity Home. There, mothers join a loving, Christ-centered home where they can both experience a healthy family environment and learn the skills needed to replicate that same environment in their own lives. The work that staff, volunteers, and mothers do in the home proves that healing is best done with community and that every life changed is something to celebrate. The Sparrow’s Nest was founded in 2019 by Tricia Edwards, but it soon grew beyond the resources its 600 person community could provide. At the same time that the organization began to feel those growing pains, two women in Snyder felt called to a similar ministry: Kelly Cook and Callie Green. “She and I... unbeknownst to either one of us, really, were feeling like the Lord was putting a ministry like the Sparrow’s Nest on our hearts,” Cook said. “Callie had reached out in February of 2023 to me and just said, ‘hey, I feel like this is something that’s been laid on my heart and I feel like I’m supposed to work with you on this project,’ and so I felt, ‘well that’s crazy, because I’ve been feeling a lot of the same.” Both women went on to work for the nonprofit. Green became the programs coordinator, and Cook went on to become the executive director of Sparrow’s Nest in Snyder. Sparrow’s Nest bought some property just outside of city limits, did a complete renovation, and opened their new doors to their first mom in October of 2024. While the number of moms the Sparrow’s Nest can serve at a time is small, the family environment they strive to produce is unparalleled. Each mom living in the home gets her own room, and they work together to cook dinners, to care for the house, and to care for their kids. “The heart and soul of our ministry is bringing moms into a safe, loving home,” Cook said. “We want to show them what a healthy home life looks like.” The support of the surrounding community is essential to that goal. Since their move to Snyder, Cook said there have been many in the area who have stepped in to work with Sparrow’s Promise. The organization partners with great doctors, HOPE a nest of THE SPARROW’S NEST MATERNITY HOME SERVES MOMS IN CRISIS TO HELP THEM GET ON THEIR FEET AND BE THE BEST PARENT THEY CAN BE. 30 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
“THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR MINISTRY IS BRINGING MOMS INTO A SAFE, LOVING HOME. WE WANT TO SHOW THEM WHAT A HEALTHY HOME LIFE LOOKS LIKE.” -Kelly Cook grocery stores, and employers, as well as volunteers who become both friends and mentors to the women who live in the home. The volunteers can play an especially important role, and their responsibilities are much simpler than many expect. Each volunteer goes through a training course and a background check but once approved, they have the flexibility to serve whenever and however works best for them. “We just want our moms to feel loved,” Cook said. “The things you are passionate about are the easiest ways to serve.” Some volunteers sew with the mothers; some exercise with them or scrapbook with them. Others take moms to their doctor’s appointments or bring moms into their homes and simply share their life. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, Cook said. “Some of the things that we feel like we are working towards and teaching, it’s like with our volunteers they get to first-hand experience those things,” Cook said. “I think it’s the sweetest thing just watching relationships just develop through our volunteers.” While a major part of Sparrow’s Nest, those relationships are just one facet of the organization’s mission of providing hope, help, and healing. Mothers receive hope through the gospel; help through life skills training, medical and material support, parenting classes, and job opportunities; and healing through counseling, accountability, and encouragement. The goal is for each mom to leave Sparrow’s Nest with six months of saved income, prepared to move
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hometown living at its best 33 into a house or apartment and live a healthy and fulfilled life. “We try to encourage all while still being real and positive with them,” Cook said. “You can parent your children, you can get a job, you can have healthy relationships, you can develop solid routines that are going to produce positive things in your life. And so, it’s just hope... loving them right where they’re at.” In the future, Cook said, Sparrow’s Nest would like to add a few tiny homes to their property, both to expand how many people they can serve and to provide mothers with an intermediate step between the structured living of the house and the fully independent living they eventually transition into. In the meantime, they will continue serving the mothers in crisis who come through their doors. While it is hard to quantify success with such a subjective environment, Cook said Sparrow’s Nest has helped many mothers leave the nest equipped to live better lives. “WE TRY TO ENCOURAGE ALL WHILE STILL BEING REAL AND POSITIVE WITH THEM.YOU CAN PARENT YOUR CHILDREN, YOU CAN GET A JOB, YOU CAN HAVE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, YOU CAN DEVELOP SOLID ROUTINES THAT ARE GOING TO PRODUCE POSITIVE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE. AND SO, IT’S JUST HOPE... LOVING THEM RIGHT WHERE THEY’RE AT.” -Kelly Cook
34 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group “We’ve seen moms that have been able to come into our program and they’ve maintained sobriety, we’ve seen moms that have given birth and have been able to step in and parent and love their child well and provide for their child, we’ve seen moms that maybe they haven’t stayed with us for the length of time that we would have preferred but we know that they’ve been in this environment and they’ve seen what a healthy home life looks like and they’ve seen what healthy relationships look like,” Cook said. “If we’ve had a mom with us for two days or for two years, we know we loved them well and spoke truth into them, then we feel like that’s a success.” †
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Join us in welcoming Snyder’s newest residents! Have your photographer share your sweet bundle with us for future issues, office@hometownmedia.group. BUNDLES OF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 36 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
37 hometown living at its best 1. Hezly | Parents: Ismael & Chelsea Tavarez 2. Saylor | Parents: Jared & Ryleigh Smith 3. Atleigh | Parents: Jay & Aleya Garcia 4. Saylor | Parents: Jason & Alisha Cave 5. Madison | Parents: Hunter & Lauran Cox 6. Sadie | Parents: Brandon & Mia Sands 7. Tanner | Parents: Nathan & Jessica Jarratt 8. Mariella | Parents: Logan & Naudia Tate 9. Bostyn | Parents: Scotty & Briana Arellano 10. Cope | Parents: David & Kinzie Kirk 11. Kyree | Parents: Anthony Roberson & Alexxus Lane 12. Amelia | Parents: Dylan & Julie Hargrove Photos by Brandyl Calley Photography 8 12 11 9 10
HOMETOWN Happenings Dr. Laurie Sharp officially stepped into her new role as President of Western Texas College on December 1, marking an exciting new chapter for the institution. Just a few days later, on December 4, Dr. Young hosted an employee meet and greet, offering faculty and staff the opportunity to visit with Dr. Sharp, learn more about her vision, and begin building connections as she transitions into her leadership role. The event was filled with warm conversations, thoughtful questions, and an enthusiastic welcome from the WTC community. Dr. Sharp has also been active in the broader Snyder community. She recently attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Energy Vault on November 21, celebrating the opening of the first renewable energy center of its kind in the country. Her presence at such a milestone event highlights her commitment to supporting innovation, community partnerships, and local progress. Western Texas College is thrilled to welcome Dr. Sharp and looks forward to the energy and perspective she brings to campus. Under her leadership, the college remains dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education to students in Snyder and surrounding areas. WTC is confident that Dr. Sharp will continue to foster growth, opportunity, and excellence for future generations of students as the college advances its mission. Photos provided by Western Texas College NEW WESTERN TEXAS COLLEGE PRESIDENT Welcoming
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Hometown Cookin’ ONE PREPPED INGREDIENT = TWO MEALS BASE RECIPE Instant Pot Cooker Shredded Chicken • 4 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken thighs • 4 teaspoons of salt • 1 teaspoon of pepper • 2 teaspoons of garlic powder INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of Instant Pot 2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder 3. Place all the thighs in the pot 4. Add 1.5-2 cups of chicken bone broth or stock (you do not want them fully submerged) 5. Cover and Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes 6. Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees 7. Remove the chicken and place it in a large bowl, allow it to cool slightly, and shred with forks or by using a hand or stand mixer on low for 20-30 seconds 8. Add the desired amount of leftover liquid to the shredded chicken for moisture 9. Allow to cool and use in recipes for the week or transfer 1⁄2 to an airtight container to be stored in the fridge INGREDIENTS: [Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 20 minutes Makes: 8 cups] • 2 teaspoons of onion powder • 1.5-2 cups of chicken bone broth or stock • 2 tablespoons of olive oil 40 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
MEAL 1 Chicken Tacos MEAL 2 Buffalo Chicken Dip [Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4] [Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4] • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 4 cups of Shredded chicken • 1 tablespoon of chili powder • 1 teaspoon of cumin • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1⁄2 teaspoon of garlic powder • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground oregano • Juice of 1 lime • Zest of 1 lime • 4 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro • 1-2 avocados • Tortillas of choice or butter lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add olive oil to the pan 2. Add chicken and all seasoning to the pan 3. Stir and cook until warm 5-10 minutes 4. Remove from heat and add lime juice 5. Fill tortillas or lettuce wraps with shredded chicken & pieces of avocado 6. Top with cilantro, lime zest, and salsa of choice INGREDIENTS: • 3 cups of Shredded chicken • 1 cup of avocado based mayo • 3⁄4 cup of buffalo sauce • 3⁄4 teaspoon of salt • 1⁄2 teaspoon of garlic powder INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees 2. Mix all ingredients together 3. Spoon into greased baking dish (can grease with olive oil, avocado oil, butter) 4. Bake for 20 minutes INGREDIENTS: 41 hometown living at its best
42 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group 42 snyder lifestyles magazine hike swim fish visitmineralwells.org the wellness capital of texas Mineral wells
43 hometown living at its best Opportunity Starts Here. Upskill. Reskill. Start Fresh. Train for What’s Next. WHAT YOU CAN DO at the WTC Opportunity Center LEARN A NEW SKILL CDL IADC Well Control Safety & Compliance Hazmat ServSafe CPR/First Aid BUILD BUSINESS & TECH SKILLS Microsoft Office Excel Leadership Workshops Customer Service Adobe Photoshop Intro to Computers EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY Art Classes Pottery Acrylic Drawing Mixed Media Photography Fast. Flexible. Hands-on. Training designed for your schedule. WHY CHOOSE THE WTC OPPORTUNITY CENTER? Real-world instructors with industry experience Programs for beginners to advanced learners Options for individuals and businesses Affordable professional development A community resource built for Snyder and Scurry County WTC Opportunity Center 325-574-6581 wtc.edu/opportunitycenter Training for your business starts here Customized workforce training for local employers on-site, on campus, or online. WTC Opportunity Center WESTERN Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. 2210 25th St, Snyder, TX 79549
HOMETOWN Happenings
45 hometown living at its best The Snyder Wheels Car Club hosted its 32nd annual Car Show Weekend last May, drawing car enthusiasts and families from near and far. The highly anticipated event filled the square with live music, food, and local vendors, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the weekend. Highlights included the popular Burnout Contest, Hot Wheels races, the car show, awards presentations, and plenty of opportunities to admire classic and custom vehicles. Car Show Weekend continues to be a tradition many look forward to each year, offering fun and entertainment for all ages. Be sure to mark your calendars and save the dates for this year’s Car Show, happening May 1-2. Photos by: Adalberto Jaimes SNYDER WHEELS CAR CLUB Car Show Weekend
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47 hometown living at its best What are You Celebrating? VisitGranbury.com
48 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group CANDID PORTRAITS ARE CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADOPTION FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF A FAMILY IN SCURRY COUNTY. Written by SABRINA FORSE | Photos provided by HEART GALLERIES OF TEXAS CAPTURE A CAPTURE A Smile, Heart
49 hometown living at its best AA photograph can capture a moment frozen in time, a memory to treasure forever. Heart Galleries of Texas hopes to capture smiles that will lead to forever families in our area. “Anyone can take a photo on their iPhone. We want to capture their heart, their personality and their smile. We want to get a true glimpse of who the child is. We want to showcase their personality,” said Maggie Brennan. Brennan is the Community Engagement Manager for the Heart Gallery of Northwest Texas. It’s part of the state’s eleven region effort to feature children who are available for adoption. Located in Abilene, this region includes Scurry County on its Western border, Stephens County to the East, Wichita county to the North and Coleman County to the South. Photographers volunteer their time to photograph children in their area. “We’ve had a really great response from photographers. Many are trained and experienced in working with kids who have experienced trauma,” explained Brennan. It’s not a simple photo shoot. Each child gets special attention. They are treated to a haircut, hairstyle or makeup if they wish. They also get to choose a prop or help pick the location of the shoot. “When I tell the kids that they are going to get their photo taken, most of them expect it to be like a school photo, but when they get the full experience, they are really surprised and are excited to see the proofs.”
Once the photographs are edited, large canvases are printed for a public gallery display. In some cases, there are also digital photo displays. “We couldn’t do this without the community support. If any business has a space where you have a good flow of families, we’d love to connect with you. We’ve done exhibits at malls, dental offices, banks, libraries, car dealerships and special events,” Brennan said. Volunteers originally started the program in 2014 and since that time, over 400 children who have been featured in Heart Galleries of Texas have been adopted. In 2023, the Texas Legislature allocated funding to establish the Heart Gallery in the eleven regions of Texas. Region 2 was launched in 2024 and since then, thirty children have been either adopted or placed in foster homes. “It’s a really heartwarming experience to see the kids be involved in the process,” said Brennan. “They are involved in the photoshoots, and they also help write the bios that go along with the photos. They share their 50 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
51 hometown living at its best interests, whether it’s a love for the outdoors or technology. This helps case workers match them with families that would be a good fit. The older children are able to describe what a forever family means to them.” Heart Gallery children are among the 5,000 children and youth waiting for adoption in foster care across Texas. The need for adoptive families is real. The kids waiting are real people wanting to find the right family. Just like the everyday people who have biological children, adoptive parents don’t have to be child experts, psychologists, counselors or have any other special type of education or background. They merely need the willingness to learn about a child and what is best for them and the desire and love in their hearts to offer a family to kids who long to have one. If you are inspired to learn more about being an adoptive parent, about supporting Heart Gallery efforts as a photographer or hairstylist or have additional talents you wish to share, visit heartgallerynwtexas.org. If you would like to learn more about children available for adoption in the Scurry County region, visit the website to see real kids in need and read a short biography about them. † TO REACH OUT TO OUR LOCAL COORDINATOR FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL: (325)201-3974 | HEARTGALLEY@2INGAGE.ORG
52 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
53 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings This past November 11, Western Texas College and the Scurry County Museum hosted the annual Veterans Day Ceremony, reception, and exhibit. The event featured guest speaker Sgt. Doc Randell, who shared how his grandfather’s service inspired his own path in the military. With multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Doc spoke with deep pride and gratitude for our country and those who serve. Dr. Geron Scates served as emcee, guiding a meaningful program centered on honoring military members and recognizing the significant sacrifices they make. Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception where they could visit with one another, share thanks, listen to personal stories, and view the museum’s gallery of photographs highlighting soldiers throughout the years. It was a heartfelt afternoon of connection, remembrance, and reflection. Western Texas College and the Scurry County Museum are forever grateful for all who have served. On Veterans Day and every day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who protect our freedom. Photos provided by Western Texas College VETERANS DAY Ceremony
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900 East Coliseum Dr., Snyder, Texas 79549 wtc.edu/thecoliseum Call 325-574-6571 to book your event. Western Texas College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its programs or activities. YOUR EVENT. OUR SPACE. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. Looking for a venue with room to dream bigger? The Western Texas College Coliseum gives you the space, flexibility, and amenities to host events of every shape and size: weddings, banquets, concerts, expos, livestock shows, tournaments, conferences, reunions, and more. Stadium Seating for 3,890 51+ acres of event space Banquet Area for 1,000 91 RV spaces on site 57 hometown living at its best
Written by SARAH BLEVINS | Photos provided by LUANN GRICE LOSS, FAITH, AND A LEGACY Built on Love
THE GRICE FAMILY TRANSFORMED THEIR SEASON OF LOSS INTO A LASTING SPACE OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THEIR FAMILY AND THE SNYDER COMMUNITY TO CHERISH FOR GENERATIONS. 59 hometown living at its best
IIn 2024, the Grice family endured a level of heartache few can imagine. Three family members passed away in just three months, leaving behind a void that grief alone could not fill. For Luann Grice, the loss was more than emotional, it shook the foundation of the life she had built with her husband. “We did everything together,” she said, remembering the years of shared adventures: benefit trail rides, restoring a chuck wagon, cooking on an open fire in Dutch ovens, riding mules in the mountains, and rebuilding antique tractors. Theirs was a partnership full of memories, laughter, and purpose. When he passed, she felt not only loss, but lost. But amid the pain, Luann found herself holding onto treasured photographs and precious memories not simply to preserve the past, but to discover a path forward. What emerged from that season of tragedy was something unexpected, deeply meaningful, and divinely guided, a peaceful gathering place for many to enjoy. As she navigated grief, Luann realized that although God did not grant the healing miracles she had prayed for, He had answered another long-standing prayer, one she had whispered for nearly two decades. One of her sons had worked in the oil field for 18 years, spending weeks away from his family. She had prayed fervently for him to have a more flexible schedule, more time at home, and a life outside the demanding oil patch. Two weeks after her husband's death, unexpected layoffs ended her son’s oil-field career. To many, the timing might have appeared cruel or coincidental. To Luann, it was providential. God was rearranging pieces that she could not yet see. The Grice family owned a pasture just outside town. For years, Luann carried a quiet sense that the land would one day matter in a significant way. She never imagined it would become a place like White Wings—a venue built not simply for business, but for family, community, healing, and storytelling. When God Answers A DIFFERENT PRAYER
A Vision Sketched ON A TORN PIECE OF PAPER The dream began simply. Luann imagined creating a place for her family to gather, somewhere to make new memories while honoring the old. She also wanted to give others a space to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Then, after their third family loss, an inheritance provided the equipment needed to bring the dream to life. “God’s plan began to play out,” she said. One day, standing on the highest point of the pasture, Luann and her family envisioned what the land could become. With nothing more than a scrap of graph paper and a dull pencil, they sketched out their dream. There were no blueprints, just faith, grit, and a sense of calling. “We felt a little like Moses must have felt as he led the Israelites out of Egypt,” she explained. “We followed God’s lead and struggled in the desert.” For nine months, two of Luann's sons worked tirelessly, piecing together each structure, each beam, and each detail. Finally, through sweat, prayer, persistence, and divine orchestration, White Wings was born. 61 hometown living at its best
The name White Wings holds deep symbolism. It honors the loved ones who inspired the venue, those whose presence is still felt in the peace that fills the property. A large set of angel wings hangs in the loft window, always illuminated by a soft, steady light. “It shines 24/7 as a reminder of the brightness they brought to our lives,” Luann said. The loft has quickly become the heart of the venue. Guests often comment on the peace and warmth they feel when they enter. “Looking out over the railing encompasses the whole feeling of the place,” she said. For Luann, the wings serve as a daily reminder: the grief never fully fades, but neither does God’s presence or the legacy of the loved ones who inspired this project. A bronze plaque, gifted by close friends, is displayed proudly. Engraved with 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, it captures her husband’s spirit perfectly. “Love Never Fails”—the message that carries through every corner of the venue. A Name with SACRED MEANING 62 snyder lifestyles magazine | hometownmedia.group
Every event held at White Wings is treated as unique. “Every client is special,” Luann said. “We want everyone to feel the building was built just for them.” The attention to detail reflects that commitment, from the small refrigerators in the bridal suites to the large outdoor BBQ pit designed for gatherings that feel like home. Weddings, reunions, corporate meetings, concerts— White Wings accommodates all of them with ease. The venue is thoughtfully designed to be versatile while maintaining its grounding sense of peace and purpose. White Wings hasn’t only become a place of celebration; it has become a sign of growth and possibility for Scurry County. “We hope White Wings will encourage new businesses to the area,” Luann shared. Industry development depends on strong schools, housing, and entertainment options and the Grice family hopes the venue contributes to that foundation. Its striking white barn and the distinctive eagle weathervane have already become local landmarks. And with the addition of The Lonestar Stage, the venue has expanded beyond private events. Live music, theater performances, and community gatherings now fill the space with life. Outdoor activities such as volleyball, corn hole, and a giant LED stage screen pair with food trucks to offer family-friendly fun under open Texas skies. A Place Built FOR MEMORIES A Growing Impact on SCURRY COUNTY Today, White Wings Venue stands as both a tribute and a testimony, a tribute to the loved ones the Grice family lost, and a testimony to God's faithfulness in their hardest season. “We think we represent our loved ones well,” Luann said. “But the honor goes to God.” What was once just pastureland is now a vibrant, hope-filled space where new stories begin, love is celebrated, and memories take flight beneath the symbolic white wings that started it all. † A Legacy Rooted IN FAITH 63 hometown living at its best
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