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On the Cover Contents 8DEMONSTRATING THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY Texoma Gives reached a record amount of donations that will be poured into local community non-profit organizations. 14 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Big Brothers Big Sisters Celebrate National Ice Cream Day 16 HOLLIDAY HITTERS A youth softball team that shares a strong bond is encouraged by multiple generations of families who have come together in support of them. 26 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Join us in welcoming Wichita Falls’ newest residents. 32 RENOVATING HOMES, REVITALIZING COMMUNITIES Led by Reverend Angus Thompson, members of Operation Fresh Start serve their community through renovation and clean-up initiatives. 38 4-H SPOTLIGHT Meet the Golden Girls, two sisters making a name for themselves in the 4-H field of shooting sports. 4250+ ZONE Get the most out of your golden years at the 50+ Zone. 48 THE GO2GIRL Sharley Martinez is a local advertising personality who helps promote small businesses in the community. 54 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Fallstown Summer Jam 58 GIVE A RUCK All about Base Camp Lindsey’s Give a Ruck, one battle in the war to end veteran homelessness. 66 SEEDS OF SUCCESS Smith’s Gardentown celebrates 75 years of legacy, resilience and community pride. 74 FUN GEOMETRICS EVOLVE INTO ART Sherry Mason’s unique spin on geometrics creates beautiful arrays of art. 14 38 54 2 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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4 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Looking for a caring and experienced team of dental professionals? Look no further. From your first contact, you will notice that The Art of Dentistry is committed to providing excellent care for the whole family. We are dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for all ages. Our comprehensive range of services allows us to treat the entire mouth under one roof. We offer a wide range of services from dental exams, cleanings and periodontal treatment, to endodontics, orthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic smile enhancements. Our exceptional team has many years of experience combined. We are ready to make you a part of our dental family, and assist you in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile caring for your entire family.
5 hometown living at its best We always welcome new patients of every age. Whether you are new to Wichita Falls or seeking an improved dental experience, we invite you to call our office for additional information. 940.691.6066 English and Spanish Speaking Team Members - Hablamos Español 5 Eureka Circle, Suite A | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | theartofdentistrywf.com OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Dental Health • Restorative Dentistry • Orthodontics Teeth Whitening • Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry • Endodontics • Advanced Technology
6 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group I And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17 Brooke Graham Wichita Falls Living Magazine© is published quarterly 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 Cindy Kahler Thomas James McAfee Rebecca Sanchez Leslie Schaffner Katherine Smith PHOTOGRAPHERS Veronica Lopez Photography Cindy Kahler Thomas RB Photography Jenna LaRue Photography (Bundles) Hello Wichita Falls! MEDIA GROUP HOMETOWN H I am so excited to be the new coordinator for Wichita Falls Living magazine! I stepped into the role a few months ago and have already come to appreciate and love the small businesses, stories, experiences and people who make up all facets of this city. With the start of back to school behind us, fall in our presence, and the holidays right around the corner, we are entering the time of year of finding and appreciating beauty amidst the chaos. Being a youth sports mom, I know that a lot of our lives revolve around sports schedules, trying to figure out whether to have dinner right after school, or right before bed time and doing what I call backwards math— the game starts at 9 am on Saturday and we will need to be there at 8:15, so we need to leave at 7:30 and wake up at 6:30. I find that I get so caught up in the scheduling of everything and the ‘What’s next?’ that I forget to stop and enjoy the moment at hand. In this season of busyness and doing ‘backwards math’, my prayer is to remember to stop, take it all in and appreciate the life and beauty that surrounds me, and I hope the same for you. The next time you are at your child’s sporting event, their music lesson, the PTA meeting you were dreading, a scheduled lunch with an old friend that you kind of wanted to cancel, the line at the DMV when you would rather be anywhere else, remember to find grace in the ordinary moments. Take some time to reflect on the way God has moved in your life. Take heed of the small things, those things that we sometimes forget to be grateful for. As you read through this issue, I hope you find inspiration in the stories, people and organizations that are featured. From community cleanup initiatives, a successful year for Texoma Gives, a spirited softball team (whose parents surely use backwards math!) and much more, it is evident that this community encompasses what it means to give and how to savor simple joys and blessings that can be found in every day. As always, we encourage you to visit and support the businesses within these pages. We also always love to hear from you! If you have any story ideas or suggestions for upcoming issues, please reach out to office@hometownmedia.group. COVER PHOTO Holliday Hitters Photo by Kate Richardson Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations office@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group
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8 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WRITTEN BY LESLIE SCHAFFNER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WICHITA FALLS AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Annual fundraising event, Texoma Gives reached a record amount of donations that will be poured back into local community non-profit organizations. PHILANTHROPY DEMONSTRATING the Power of
9 hometown living at its best TTexoma Gives, the region's largest annual day of giving, marked its ninth consecutive year on Thursday, September 5th, with tremendous success. This year, the event raised a staggering $1,775,125 for 212 participating nonprofit organizations, benefiting communities across North Texas and Southwest Oklahoma. Since its inception in 2016, Texoma Gives has grown exponentially, raising nearly $13 million for nonprofit work in the area. The event, hosted by the (WFACF), saw close to 5,000 donors rally together to support a wide range of causes, highlighting the deep generosity and community spirit that exists in the region. Nonprofits from nine counties in North Texas and three in Southwest Oklahoma were able to secure much-needed funds, which will have a lasting impact on the services and programs they provide. One of the defining features of Texoma Gives is its commitment to not only providing financial support but also strengthening the capabilities of participating nonprofits. “Organizations involved in the event are given access to training and resources to enhance their fundraising skills, an invaluable benefit that goes beyond the donations collected, “said Leslie Schaffner, WFACF president. “These training sessions empower nonprofits Building Stronger Nonprofits Through Giving
10 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group to become more sustainable in the long term, teaching them effective strategies for donor engagement, social media outreach, and donor retention.” For many organizations, especially smaller nonprofits, participating in Texoma Gives also provides a significant boost in visibility. The event attracts widespread attention through coordinated advertising campaigns, media coverage, and social media engagement, giving nonprofits a platform to share their missions with a larger audience. This collective promotion helps to amplify the causes people care about and brings new supporters to nonprofits that might otherwise go unnoticed. Texoma Gives exemplifies the community foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in the Wichita Falls area through charitable giving. The event is organized and led by a dedicated committee composed of WFACF staff, board members, and community volunteers, all of whom are deeply passionate about the nonprofit sector and the critical work these organizations do. Numerous local foundations and sponsors also play an integral role in making Texoma Gives a success. These supporters underwrite the cost of organizing the event, as well as provide prize money that is awarded throughout the giving day. This prize money serves as an extra incentive for nonprofits, adding an element of friendly competition Strengthening Community Bonds
11 hometown living at its best that can lead to even greater donations. Whether it's through matching gift challenges or other fundraising competitions, nonprofits can maximize their impact and donor contributions. As Texoma Gives continues to grow, its positive impact on the region becomes more apparent. The funds raised not only support the immediate needs of nonprofits but also foster a culture of giving and community involvement that strengthens the entire region. By coming together for one day of collective generosity, thousands of people can make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Texoma Gives 2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration and the generosity of the Texoma community. With almost $13 million raised since 2016, this annual event has become a cornerstone of philanthropy in the area, ensuring that nonprofits have the resources they need to continue their vital work. The future looks bright for both the event and the nonprofits it serves, as Texoma Gives continues to inspire giving and uplift the region for years to come. † Looking Ahead
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HOMETOWN Happenings By Alexis McDonald and Heather Heard | Photos by RB Photography The annual Ice Cream Social hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters was an outstanding event that truly captured the spirit of community and mentorship. Bigs, Littles, and their families gathered for a refreshing break from the heat, indulging in a delightful array of ice cream flavors and toppings. The event was a perfect blend of fun and purpose, featuring engaging games and activities that added to the festive atmosphere. What stood out most was the genuine opportunity it provided for building and strengthening positive relationships through mentoring. It was a heartwarming reminder of the impact of these connections and a celebration of the supportive network fostered by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Overall, it was a memorable and meaningful occasion that left everyone with smiles and a renewed sense of community. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wichita County check their website at bbbstx.org/wichita-county BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CELEBRATE National Ice Cream Day
15 hometown living at its best TAKING YOUR SKIN HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH 2601 Harrison St. Ste. 500 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | 940-322-9606 www.heightsskin.com | @heightsderm_wichita_falls | Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm i SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS + FULL BODY SKIN EXAMS Don’t skip important preventative measures against skin cancer. Our licensed providers provide the patient with a comprehensive full body, head-to-toe skin exam. Everyone, regardless of age is recommended to have these preventative skin exams at least once a year. If there is a family history or personal history of Melanoma and/or Squamous or Basal Cell Cancer, we do recommend more than one screening per year. We are set apart by our personable approach to healthcare for patients of all ages. Your needs and wishes are first while providing the most current treatments and therapies. We are seeking to partner with and employ military family members either transitioning to civilian life or those just transferring to Sheppard Air Force Base for the first time. • ACNE • SKIN CANCER • PSORIASIS • HAIR LOSS • RASHES MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY • DERMATITIS • SKIN SCREENING • ECZEMA • MOLE REMOVAL • SKIN CANCER REMOVAL DR. TEJAS DESAI Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon to Greater Heights ROBIN EGAN, PA-C is a Physician Associate specializing in Dermatology for patients of all ages. She also has a background in Neurosurgery and Emergency Medicine. Prior to earning her PA certification at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2016, she served as an Air Force Intelligence officer for 7 years. She received her Masters of Science in Nutrition in 2010 while on active duty. Robin is married to an Air Force pilot and has two young children. In her free time, she enjoys family movie nights, traveling, concerts, playing piano and watching football. Introducing to the Team
16 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WRITTEN BY REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COURTNEY JACKSON AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE RICHARDSON The Holliday Hitters softball team share a strong team spirit and bond, which permeates throughout multiple generations of families who regularly celebrate together and support team efforts. HAVE SPIRIT, YES THEY DO!
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18 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Genuine team spirit requires just the right elements, and the Holliday Hitters softball team, along with their network of parents, grandparents and siblings, have a stellar recipe. The ingredients are rooted in relationships with game attendees ranging from toddlers to teenagers to grandparents, coaching and carpooling parents, and friendship-bound players sticking by one another. The results their families are aiming for hold lifelong value beyond that of any medal or team title because the final outcome is the positive, giving influence this group of girls will carry forth into the world. Before they even started formal school, many of the girls on the team began playing on the field together. A year of tee ball with the boys’ team led to them having their own team and later to more competitive 10-U division softball with the Sunrise Optimist league, and their milestones have not gone unnoticed.
19 hometown living at its best “They were so much smaller,” says mom Courtney Jackson about the team’s earlier games, “and they didn't know how to hold a bat and didn't know where to stand at the plate. They didn't even know which direction to run. Now, our coaches have play signs at the plate, signs to steal and signs to run. Seeing the evolution of their processing and their maturity levels change so much from when if they struck out, life had ended to now if they strike out, well, you go on, pick up your bat, and you walk back to the dugout. Their emotional levels have changed as far as being able to handle those things.” The resilience from the team comes from the positive talk, shared appreciation and energy within each of the girls. When challenges present themselves, such as striking out or making an error, the girls rally around each other and keep the team spirit rolling. Support and encouragement also flow from the different generations involved with the team. A group of four dads use their personal time to coach the team, parents help other parents, and grandparents make concession stand runs. Heather Parker, one of the moms and team bookkeeper said, “At a two-day tournament, every mom and grandparent helped in some way from diaper changes, concession stand trips, moving bags
20 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group and chairs, applying sunscreen. It's all a lot of work.” Siblings entertain and watch over each other, all the while enjoying the perks that come with ball games. "We get snacks all day,” says Olive’s brother Sawyer. The sentiments and efforts are genuine among the Holliday Hitters families, and everyone gives their time and talents. “It is nothing for one mom to bring four girls, and it's not always the same four girls… not even the same mom,” Courtney says. “It's just a very collective effort because as parents we see that the teams all need trips. They all need the same practice time, the same ability to improve their skills.” Another mom, Brittany Little said, “We are a unique group of moms with the ‘organized’ mom, the ‘anything you may need for an injury’ mom,' the ‘snack’ mom, the ‘bookkeeper’ mom, the ‘I'll buy your kids whatever at the concession stand’ mom or the ‘I got the pump-up music’ mom.” It takes a village, as they say. When it’s game day, the players know how to prep and motivate each other, and that support extends even beyond the ball field. Many players participate in cheerleading outside of softball and play volleyball or basketball together. There are no hard feelings if a player branches out to another sport, only the lending of a friend’s ear if tryouts did not go so well. The team’s kindness also made a lasting "They support me,” says team member Kendall, and Finley promptly responds with, “They’re nice to me.” “…and they’re my besties,” Olive adds. “They are my friends,” says Gentry, “and they are important to me, and I love playing with them.” “They’re good at softball,” says Lizzy, “and they're confident when they play.” “When I’m sad, they lift me up,” says Harper.
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impression on mom Melissa Snody after her mother passed away, she and her daughter received heartfelt support from the whole team. Team parents say that the primary goal is that the kids learn to become good people rather than just achieving titles and trophies. Enjoying the game and time together is indeed a shared sentiment, and many of the girls would like to continue playing softball as they get older. Evalie says, “I would love to play college softball.” With continued support from each other and their families, the Holliday Hitters are on their way to athletic successes, but they are also making great progress at building character and being more of those good people in the world. † “They help me when I mess up,” Mayci says, “and I can trust them to make plays in the field.” “I say,” Collins explains, “Mistakes happen. It’s okay.” “I give them a hug,” Bennett says. “We try to get our voices ready to yell a lot more,” Callie says, and the excitement continues when they hit the field. “We do chants and cheers when our teammates are up to bat,” Hadley says, “and we cheer for them so they can swing hard and hit the ball.” Ellie reports that one of the cheers is, “‘I Fire it up! You fire it up!’ Then everybody says, ‘Yeah!'” 23 hometown living at its best
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26 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Join us in welcoming Wichita Falls’ newest residents! Have your photographer share your sweet bundle with us for future issues, office@hometownmedia.group. BUNDLES OF HOMETOWN 2 3 6 4 5 1
27 hometown living at its best 1. Exie | Parents: Patrick & Flora Street 2. Sophia | Parents: Nathan & Candace Ho 3. Jett & Halle | Parents: Jason & Kori Hoffman 4. Presley | Parents: Justin & Krystle Brom 5. Ava | Parents: Greg & Brynn Hammond 6. Mia | Parent: Samira Contreras 7. Presley | Parents: Trey & Lauren Poynor 8. Hallie | Parents: Yura & Julie Omas 9. Hollie | Parents: Hunter & Jessie Christian 10. Tinsley | Parents: Robert & Heather Rojas 11. Tucker | Parents: Chase & Macy Kurszewski 12. Caleb | Parents: Colter & Abby Carr Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 7 8 9 10 11 12
28 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group 1. Gavin | Parents: Owen & Caitlin Veitenheimer 2. Ellison | Parents: Elliott & Morgan Davis 3. Scottie | Parents: Jay & Macey Krottinger 4. Lincoln | Parents: Scott Crook & Randi Kellar 5. Whitley | Parents: Mason & Hannah Vailes 6. Khalen | Parents: Kevin Harris & Victoria Rodriguez Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 6 1 4 3 5 2
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32 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group RENOVATING HOMES, REVITALIZING Communities
33 hometown living at its best F WRITTEN BY JAMES MCAFEE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY REVEREND ANGUS THOMPSON, JOHNNIE WILLIAMS AND MIKE BOYLE For seven years now Operation Fresh Start, a ministry by the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, has sent volunteers into the North and East areas of Wichita Falls to help clean up neighborhoods and renovate. Rev. Angus Thompson, the founding pastor of New Jerusalem who has led the church for 40 years, reports that the clean-up, fix-up campaigns are a collaboration between the city of Wichita Falls, schools, the community and trainees from Sheppard Air Force Base. “The main focus is to create a new self-image and a new start for those who live in that part of the community,” Rev. Thompson said. The idea of a fresh start is for those giving and receiving assistance. “For many, that was the first time they saw black men in a positive role in the community.” The project was started in 2017 when the church agreed to assist in revitalizing the community while also raising $20,000 for a weight room at Hirschi High School. Hirschi principal Doug Albus, who retired this year, said that collections at area churches helped raise Led by Rev. Angus Thompson, members of Operation Fresh Start serve their community through renovation and clean-up initiatives.
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35 hometown living at its best the necessary funds. He has stayed involved, getting staff and students to assist in the cleanup. “Going forward, I hope students at Legacy and Memorial (the new schools) will continue to be involved,” he said. Church member Johnnie Williams Jr., who served as the coordinator for the men of New Jerusalem, reported that surveys were taken, and they went door-to-door and offered their assistance to seniors in cleaning up lawns, hauling off trash and fixing up homes where necessary. “We had more than 75 volunteers who helped this past Spring,” Williams said. Volunteers from the Navy, Air Force and Army also have been involved in the effort and participated in a contest this year to see which team did the best paint job on a house. Mike Boyle, a Navy Instructor attached to Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering Detachment Sheppard Air Force Base, has been involved
36 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group for the past three years. “The program has gained positive traction over the years. It has been the spark to inspire homeowners to take pride in their homes and ownership in keeping their neighborhoods clean,” he said. Rev. Thompson said, “The homeowners are the true winners.” Jacqueline Dixon agreed, “They painted my house that was kind of in bad shape and it’s now looking a lot better. I really appreciate it!” Rev. Thompson said the church has started making plans to host another Operation Fresh Start project in November. “It would certainly be nice if we could expand it and include the entire community,” he added. Williams, Albus and Boyle echoed his words. † "The homeowners are the TRUE WINNERS." - Rev. Thompson
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BAILEY & BRILEY GOLDEN photos provided by the golden family 4-H SPOTLIGHT NAME, AGE: Bailey and Briley Golden, 13 PARENTS: David and Ginger Golden 4-H CLUB: Cowpoke City in Electra WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Iowa Park, Texas
39 hometown living at its best HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? Since 2021 WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Shooting Sports such as Archery, Rifle, Pistol, Muzzleloading, Cap and Ball. We are also involved in Western Heritage, food challenges and baking. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? Most favorite is going to competitions and meeting new people. Least favorite is when the competitions are over. We had so much fun at our first State Shooting Sports Games this year we didn’t want it to end. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? We have learned how to take and follow instructions. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. We’ve helped lead and teach other 4-H’ers. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? We get to learn new things, skills, meet new friends and have so much fun. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? It’s a great, safe way to learn a variety of new skills and find new interests.
40 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? 2022, 2023 & 2024 State Indoor Archery 2022 Shooting Sports Extravaganza - Briley 1st in Air Pistol – Bailey 2nd in Air Pistol 2024 Shooting Sports Extravaganza – Bailey 1st in Muzzleloading & 6th in Western Heritage – Briley 4th in Muzzleloading & 7th in Western Heritage 2022 District 3 Food Challenge 2023 JR Livestock - Baking Project – Bailey 1st in Cakes for her Carrot Cake – Briley 1st in Other for her Banana Brownies with Brown Butter Icing 2024 JR Livestock - Baking Project – Bailey 1st in Cakes and Grand Champion for her Homemade Carrot Cake – Briley – 1st in Other for her Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies 2024 Texas 4-H Shooting Sports State Games – Bailey 1st in Hunting & Wildlife Hunter Decision Making, 3rd in Muzzleloading Pistol, 4th Muzzleloading Rifle Silhouette, 5th Muzzleloading Cap & Ball Pistol – Briley 2nd in Muzzleloading Rifle Silhouette, 4th Muzzleloading Cap & Ball Pistol, 5th Muzzleloading Rifle 25yr Bottles & Critters
41 hometown living at its best WHAT OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? We are active with our church youth & Christian school. We also like to shoot with the Red River Renegades in Electra at their Memorial Day shoot WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? Our club manager & shooting sports coach Danelle Ivey. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? Briley – I would like to go to Texas A&M and I’d like to study Veterinary Science. Bailey – I don’t know where I want to go to college, but I’d like to get a degree in business and someday own my own bakery. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. At the 2024 State Indoor Archery Competition in Graham, we were talking to our friends about muzzleloading and mistakenly misworded a technique used in muzzleloading called “blowing grass & popping caps” which was overheard by another coach that knew the correct technique and he gave us a hard time about it. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? Briley – Shooting firearms, loves animals, cooking, baking, history, science, shopping, music and eating Bailey – Drawing, cooking, baking, shopping, shooting, science and music COMMENTS/WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE: Try everything – you may not think you will like it or be interested in a project or program until you try it!
WRITTEN BY CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | PHOTOS BY CINDY KAHLER THOMAS AND COURTESY OF 50+ ZONE Zone The 50+ TThe 50+ Zone is a recreational activity center for people fifty years or older and is located on the second floor of the Public Library at 600 11th Street. The membership is $30 a year, and includes fitness classes, movie nights, arts and crafts and much more. Kathy Geil, the Senior Program Director of the Wichita Falls Parks and Recreation said, “We are kind of unique, because we are not a senior center that serves up a meal and has a couple of activities. We have a full range of activities, over 70 a week.” "You almost have to come down and see it for yourself. We have a full-service fitness center with lots of equipment in it. We have a circuit room with 11 pieces of equipment preset to get a good toning workout, and they work different parts of your body. You go around the circuit and get a full-body workout and you can feel good about yourself,” she said. “We have fitness classes and some of them are instructor led, like Ti Chi and Beginner Karate and the morning workout classes, to name a few. We have activities where you can dance. We have a fitness class of line dancing.” Get the Most Out of Your Golden Years at the 50+ Zone. 42 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
43 hometown living at its best They also have nineteen different chair exercise programs for people who find it difficult or cannot get up and down from a mat. “We have balance and posture class to help people prevent falls at home. It is something that everyone should think about. We have a Stronger Seniors class in the mornings and afternoons. That is a full workout class with stretching, strength, and balance portions. You can use hand weights and all that is provided. We also do chair Pilates which works the core. This is important because a lot of Pilates is done on the floor which is difficult for many people over 50,” Kathy said. There is a live band and dancing on Friday nights from 7:30-9:30. “We do a lot of dancing around here,” she said. “There is a charge for those dances of $7 for members and $12 for non-members. The public is welcome, and any age adult can come to dance. Snacks, soft drinks, coffee, and iced tea are complimentary. On Wednesday afternoons there is also a free dance time from 1-3.” The fun does not stop with dancing, as they also have karaoke once a week. “Lisa Munoz is a great KJ (Karaoke DJ) from Bad Girls Karaoke. She does a great job, and everyone has fun. It is a non-judgmental crowd, with everyone clapping for the singers,” Kathy said. Friday afternoons are reserved for movie days, where the popcorn maker is set up and ready for complimentary hot, fresh popcorn. The theater has a 7.1 surround sound which enhances the experience.
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45 hometown living at its best On the second Tuesday of each month, the Zone hosts a free birthday brunch celebration. Every other month pancake and sausage meals are provided by Senior Care Health Rehab and on the alternating months, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital provides the food where they serve sausage, egg and cheese casserole and fresh fruit salad. The Zone also hosts informative talks occasionally with topics such as, ‘Are you Smarter than a Scam Artist.’ Helpful programs they have put on include nutrition classes and tips on cooking for one or two people and support groups. The center also offers arts and crafts, such as oil painting, stained glass classes, and a charity quilt club. The club meets four mornings a week and works all year making quilts that come in a myriad of colors and sizes to give away to organizations throughout the area. Organizations include, Patsy’s House, First Step, Children’s Aid Society, Faith Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and The Pregnancy Help Center. The center gives out baskets that go to the babies with a special quilt made just for them. Hundreds of quilts have also been given to the Hospice Veterans program. According to Kathy, the quilts for Veterans are made in red, white and blue and every Veteran in the hospice facility has received one of the quilts over the last 14 years.
46 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “I think the city of Wichita Falls should be made aware of this hidden gem. We have had people who came from larger cities and the same size cities that say there is nothing like it in their area. Group experts in the recreation field said they hadn’t seen anything like it, especially for a city of our size. This kind of facility and program are special,” Kathy said. †
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I WRITTEN BY CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SHARLEY MARTINEZ It all started seven years ago with a lunch break and a little shopping downtown. Sharley Martinez was selling internet services and found an interesting store, Sassy’s Seconds Resale Shop. She decided to check it out. They did not have internet, but they did have an amazing store. Sharley is not shy, to say the least, and store owner Joe Sandoval complimented her on her outgoing personality. When she was leaving, he told her to tell all her friends about the store. She had been playing around with live interviews on Facebook and suggested they do one about him and his store. She took him around the store showing off his merchandise and posted it. “He was so excited, and they wanted me to come back, of course. It was funny; when I left, he wanted me to take a purse that I thought was cute and at that point it hit me,” she said with a smile, “You know I should do this! I should help people who are struggling kind of like Robin Hood and trade them. So, I originally started on the barter system.” She said the next day he had tons of customers and followers on Facebook, and it clicked that this may be a great business for her to pursue. She began trading goods and services for her posts, and started making money from her advertising expertise. She traded for dog grooming services, carpet cleaning, car detailing and more. “I fell in love with being able to help people. I have done such a variety of things and that’s what excites me. I can talk to anybody about anything, whether it is Taco Trucks or midget wrestling.” Sharley shared. “I do a lot of live interviews because that's what gets you an automatic response. I did one with a lady named Robin Pless,” she said. “She The Go2Girl, Sharley Martinez, is a local advertising personality helping promote small businesses. The Go2Girl 48 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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owns a business making tumblers and sells them at the Farmer’s Market. Her company is Dream On, and her live video had 718 views, and we got 123 comments.” “What I like about live video is the interaction. You can chat with people and all these other people tag their friends to tell them about the business. It’s a new form of word-of-mouth advertising. It is the most affordable kind of advertising. I also offer that if you want it advertised on my page it is guaranteed to get a minimum of 100 views. People are going to look at my page because I have that following. If you want to boost it, I know how to target your audience and how to promote it and get it seen,” Sharley explained. “For example, I have done live videos for Hastings Restoration and Carpet Cleaning. I have a video of them cleaning my carpets. What I like about it is you get to see a real person, real results and no editing.” 50 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
Sharley has had her fair share of unique experiences while promoting businesses during live feeds. “I think people watch me because I am real. I have done crazy stuff to get people to watch. I’ve eaten a whole cup of jalapenos on camera. I’ve kissed a snake and touched an alligator on camera. I have done haunted house videos and those are a lot of fun. I did the hot chip challenge which is the world’s hottest chip. I survived that one but that night my stomach was a nightmare. When the Pepto Bismol wore off I wanted to die,” she said. “I have gotten my nose pierced on camera, and the vampire facial, where they needled my whole face. I have lip injections live, and you get to see the whole procedure. I have had crazy stuff on Facebook and people are like ‘What!’ But they want to watch,” she said laughing. “I have always had that personality. I am brave. It doesn’t embarrass me,” she said. Once Sharley began to make a profit, she expanded on the services she could provide. She started hosting vendor events at small businesses around town. Local vendors at these events include artists, crafters, The Mobile Vintage Bar, pony rides, musicians, massage therapy, bounce houses and a water slide, and vendors selling all types of goods. She can also promote political ads, design business cards, flyers, billboards and commercial ads, and can even do voice-over work. 51 hometown living at its best
“This business started as a hobby, and I never realized how big it would get. I had to take my ‘The Go2Girl’ sticker off my car. That’s how well my advertising works. People recognized me and would honk at me, and it would scare me because I didn’t know if I was driving badly. But the minute I drove down the road, I would get a text or a Facebook message that said, I just saw The Go2Girl,” Sharley shared. She takes it all in stride and her work ethic runs deep. She also is in apartment management and runs more than one apartment complex. One of her vendors, Amanda Tole, describes her as “an absolutely amazing woman with a good vibe and a great work ethic. She has really helped me to get my brand out! She is a strong woman who is outgoing and has become a friend,” Amanda said, singing Sharley’s praises. † 52 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
HOMETOWN Happenings
Photos provided by Robert Agu Beats were dropping as hundreds of people gathered downtown on July 20th for the first annual Fallstown Summer Jam, hosted by Dynasty Music Group. The multi-genre music festival, which is the first of its kind for Wichita Falls, brought together and showcased several local artists who kept the crowd engaged and entertained throughout the night. The event also boasted over 30 local vendors, food trucks, free children’s activities including a bounce house, petting zoo, games and more. According to event coordinator, Angel Rodriguez, the event was successful in large part due to the hard work and contributions from the community, “It was all local. We wanted to pour back into the community and back into local businesses. We partnered with two nonprofit organizations. The Wichita Falls Farmers Market and One Life Community Church, who are both pillars of the downtown community, and they really helped our vision come to life.” As for what’s next, the hosts of the event plan to incorporate new genres, musical artists, vendors and activities for next year’s gathering. “This was just our first year throwing it” Angel said. “We plan to get bigger and better every year!” To get updated on further information and the date for next year’s event, follow Dynasty Music Group on their Facebook page. FIRST ANNUAL FALLSTOWN Summer Jam 55 hometown living at its best
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BY CINDY KAHLER THOMAS GIVE A RUCK All about Base Camp Lindsey’s Give a Ruck, one battle in the war to end Veteran homelessness. 58 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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TThis May 178 participants walked in Base Camp Lindsey’s Give a Ruck. A ruck march is a military exercise to develop mental and physical strength and endurance. Marchers signed up to walk in the hot Texas sun for 1, 5, or 10 miles, their rucksacks loaded with donation items for homeless veterans. Base Camp Lindsey Executive Director, Chris de la Garza said their vision is to eliminate veteran homelessness in North Texas. She said, “They are living on the streets that they pledged their lives to protect and that is not okay! Our mission is to show respect and compassion to all veterans, in gratitude for their service to our country.” They do so with various events, like the Give a Ruck Walk and their Stand Down event. At the Give a Ruck event the flags were presented by a local ROTC group and the national anthem was sung. Everyone who walked was welcomed back with cheers from the crowd, and they all received a medal—even the children in strollers and the service dogs. There were prizes given to various teams and individuals, and food was served. It was an atmosphere of comradery and goodwill. Chris said the items collected from the Give a Ruck Walk are then donated to homeless veterans at the Stand Down event, every third Saturday, at 1908 6th Street. Chris said, “Stand Down is a military term that means “stand back we have the watch. Let us take care of you.”” Donation items include ready-to-eat foods, and hygiene items. She said, “For the summer it is sunscreen, it’s bug spray, it’s Gatorade, and the things you need to survive the summer on the streets. You are taking your provisions out of your ruck and giving them to someone who needs them. 178 people signed up and we collected 3562 pounds of supplies!” The Base Camp invites homeless into their facility at Stand Down. They provide a hot meal, food boxes, hygiene items, backpacks and supplies for any other needs they can meet. “If we have it, we give it out. We have passed out tents, sleeping bags, coats and boots. That’s what the stand down is about. You have done all you can every day trying to stay alive. For this one day let us take care of you,” Chris said. “We often identify our veterans at this event.” The building is under construction right now with the goal that it will become a type of transitional house for veterans. It will be a safe 60 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
Stand Down is a military term that means “stand back we have the watch. Let us take care of you." 61 hometown living at its best
place for them to receive counseling, medical services, and more to help them get on their feet and become independent. However, they are in desperate need of funds to complete the project. They purchased the building before the pandemic, and with the rise in prices, their costs have skyrocketed. This hasn’t stopped them though. They continue to help veterans while they are raising funds for the building project. “The reality of it is, a lot of our veterans are homeless,” Chris said. “And a veteran is going to be on the streets twice as long as your normal homeless person.” This is not because they chose to drink or use drugs, but rather, because of things that happened to them in the service of our country, Chris said. “Whether it is PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, other injuries, or mental health problems that came about because of their service. Because of that they are on the streets.” “At one time they were just like us. They had careers, they had families, and jobs. They raised their right hand, and they made sacrifices to keep our country safe. And now they come home, and the battle has come home with them. They are still fighting this nightly in their dreams. Human beings aren’t meant to go through these things,” Chris said with passion. Base Camp Lindsey is a 501C-3 nonprofit. Their website is ntvrf.com, where folks can donate to help support their vision. For more information on this organization or their events, they also have a Facebook page; Base Camp Lindsey. † 63 hometown living at its best
SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST Scan QR code for info Connect Well. Live Well. INTERNET PHONE BUSINESS I.T. . . 65 hometown living at its best
WRITTEN BY KATHERINE SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY KATHERINE SMITH SMITH’S GARDENTOWN CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF LEGACY, RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY PRIDE. Seeds f Success (Believed to be the first store front and lean-to greenhouse of Smith's Nursery, c. 1949.) 66 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
FFamily-owned businesses are a mainstay of the American economy, an essential part of our hometowns. But as important as they are, only 40% of family businesses make it to the second generation; 13% to the third generation; and only 3% survive into the fourth generation. A beloved local business, Smith’s Gardentown, through many trials and triumphs has beat the odds and is now transitioning to the fourth generation as Katherine Smith hands the reins down to her son, Michael Fiore. Along with the ownership transfer, this has been a big year for the family-owned business, as they have recently been able to celebrate 75 years in business, a huge accomplishment itself. The early days of the Smith family business started in the 1940’s when C.O. Smith, Sr. and his son, Curtis W. Smith, started growing plants in their backyard and selling them to the public. “The first store front that we know of was opened in 1949 as C.O. Smith Landscape Nursery. That is where we come up with the figure of 75 years in business,” said Katherine. The ‘family’ part of the business has always been instilled at a young age throughout the generations, “When I was small, we lived in a tiny house that our dad built behind the nursery, which was then located at 1525 Beverly Drive. We had one small greenhouse and about 10,000 square feet of outdoor plants. As soon as school let out, my brothers Steve and Doug and I came to the nursery. We grew up pulling weeds, watering plants, picking up pots, and helping customers. Our mother, Ruth, worked alongside dad to grow the business, and I often helped her with the bookkeeping,” Katherine said. “We didn’t have any extra money for non-essentials. Dad saw to it that the bills and employees were paid before he paid himself.” (C.O. Smith, Sr., and Curtis W. Smith pose with some of their plants at the Beverly Drive location c. 1953.) (Unloading Christmas trees in front of Smith's Nursery on Beverly Drive, c. 1960.) (Smith's Nursery on Beverly Drive in the late 1950's.) 67 hometown living at its best
The family has faced many challenges that can happen through the years while running a business. In 1964, a tornado struck the northern part of Wichita Falls, killing seven people. A hailstorm from the same weather system broke every pane of glass in the greenhouse and killed almost every plant in the yard. “We had no reserves to fall back on. But the Small Business Administration made disaster loans to businesses affected by the storm, and Dad borrowed the money to rebuild and start over,” Katherine said. After the rebuild, Mr. Smith noticed that the plant business and consumerism was evolving and changing to a different experience. “The nursery business was just beginning to grow into a real industry. It was moving from small farm stands to actual stores. Our dad was one of the first to realize that shoppers wanted a comfortable shopping experience, with plants displayed in the same way that department stores displayed their goods,” Katherine said. Curtis Smith became active in the Texas Association of Nurserymen (now Texas Nursery and Landscape Association), and was elected its president in 1968. At the same time, he served on the board of the American Nursery Association, even visiting the White House in 1977 as part of the national Landscaping Awards ceremony. Smith’s Nursery was renamed Smith’s Gardentown in 1968, when the business moved to a new, much larger location on Kemp Boulevard, directly across the street from the then brand-new Sikes Senter Mall. The business grew and prospered— until April 10, 1979, when an F5 tornado killed more than 40 citizens and destroyed dozens of square miles of homes and businesses. The greenhouses were destroyed, and the main building was heavily damaged. There was not a plant left on the premises that could be sold for the normally busy spring season. “The company had just finished paying off its SBA loan from the 1964 storm. But Dad had built good relationships with our bankers and his suppliers, and they came through until he could get another SBA loan. Dad and my brothers and the crew (Photo taken from the hill above Smith's Nursery on Beverly Drive showing F5 tornado that struck the northern part of Wichita Falls on April 3, 1964. Moments later, a hailstorm from the same weather system destroyed the greenhouse and all the plants at the nursery property.) (Aerial view of Smith's Gardentown location on Kemp Boulevard (1968 - 1999).) (Panoramic shot of the wreckage of Smith's Gardentown the morning of April 11, 1979.)
provided the muscle to clear the debris and put up temporary shade structures. Smith’s Gardentown reopened two weeks later, the first of the badly damaged businesses to reopen after the tornado,” Katherine said. After the tornado, Curtis Smith’s vision for the business went further than just rebuilding. He ended up purchasing 28 acres of land on Seymour Highway so he could build greenhouses and grow more plants to supply Gardentown. With the help of Steve and Doug, a modern growing facility took shape at 4940 Seymour Highway. In 1999, the Smiths sold the property on Kemp to Best Buy and relocated the retail store to the growing location on Seymour Highway. The move allowed the company to streamline its operations and sell even more of its homegrown plants to the public. Another hardship came between the years of 2010 to 2015 when the terrible drought came close to putting Smith’s out of business. The family then suffered other blows when Curtis passed away in 2011 and Doug left the crippled business to open his own landscape company in Fredericksburg. The business again took out an SBA loan, which helped them to continue and get by until relief and rains finally came in May, 2015. Since then, Katherine bought out her brother Steve’s share of the company, and now her son, Michael Fiore, is taking over the management. Michael is a graduate of Texas A&M and is already gaining a reputation for his knowledge of plants, insects and plant problems. He has also become well known for (Doug, Steve and Curtis Smith inside the green house on Kemp Blvd with Steve's sons, Cody, Tyler and Preston, c. 1983.) (Curtis and Ruth Smith with First Lady Rosalyn Carter in 1977.) 69 hometown living at its best
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