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DreamHome YOUR AWAITS CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • TILE & STONE • VINYL • AREA RUGS (940) 322-3129 • 2213 GRANT ST. • WICHITA FALLS • BREEGLE.COM • M-F 8:00-5:30 • SAT. 9-1 2 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
• Latest clinical trials • Leading-edge technologies • Advanced treatments THE NATION’S LEADING TEAM OF CANCER EXPERTS IS YOURS TEXAS ONCOLOGYWICHITA FALLS CANCER CENTER 5400 Kell West Blvd. Wichita Falls, TX 76310 T: 940-691-8271 TEXASONCOLOGY.COM 3 hometown living at its best
10 MENTORING OUR FUTURE The Wichita Falls branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the fastest growing in the state and is responsible for influencing the lives of our local youth. 18 HOMETOWN HAPPENING WFMA at MSU Exhibit Openings 22 DELIVERING MORE THAN FOOD Meals on Wheels Wichita County not only delivers meals to those who struggle to provide food for themselves, they also deliver care, connection, and support that go far beyond the plate. 30 MILES OF SERVICE At 95, Raymond Hager is still behind the wheel, holding a Guiness World Record and showing Wichita Falls that purpose, humor and hard work don’t retire. 36 HOMETOWN BUNDLES A look at Wichita Falls’ newest and cutest residents 40 A FULL-CIRCLE LIFELINE When Paige Karsten watched a unit of blood drip into her 13-month-old son’s tiny arm aboard a medical flight to Fort Worth, she never imagined her professional life and personal world would collide so profoundly. 48 4-H SPOTLIGHT Alex Mountain is an active member of 4-H, taking part in a wide variety of projects and contests along the way. 54 WINDOW TO THE WEST Wellborn 2R Ranch blends cowboy grit, responsible ranching and community heart, creating a modern legacy rooted in western tradition. 64 HOMETOWN HAPPENING The Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival 68 A MISSION TO AID OUR YOUTH Children’s Aid Society is dedicated to empowering local youth in need with support and skills for a healthy, happy life. 76 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Enjoy some spring treats to start the season off right On the Cover Contents 10 22 30 40 68 4 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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8 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group T “They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” - Lamentations 3:23 Wichita Falls Living Magazine© is published quarterly 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 Mary Lynn Dodd Todd Giles Reanna Gonzalez Cindy Kahler Thomas Connie Lewis Leonard Jessica Wesson PHOTOGRAPHERS Jenna LaRue Photography RB Photography MEDIA GROUP HOMETOWN H This time of year always excites my inner summer girl soul. Longer days with more sunlight, the transition of grass from dull brown to vibrant green, the start of baseball season, dusting off the outdoor grill and so many other things to look forward to in the dawn of spring. The start of spring is also marked with newness. A desire to start fresh in whatever capacity that may look like for you; working out for the upcoming swimsuit season, spring cleaning and purging the old, taking up a new hobby or setting new goals. Newness is always fresh and exciting, but one of the things that I’ve realized about myself is how quickly I become complacent when that newness wears off and ready to move onto the next new and shiny thing. My goal this spring is to slow down, savor each day as it comes and not to get anxious and ahead of myself wishing and hoping for something that is happening down the road. I encourage you to give yourself some space to do the same. Go ahead and take some ‘me time’ now to browse through the following pages and read about the people and organizations in our community who are really embodying what it’s like to live in the moment. You’ll meet Raymond, our local world record holder for the oldest bus driver, brave little Avery Karsten who fought hard and won his battle with leukemia and lots of sweet baby bundles who always have a way of reminding me how quickly the days go by and to slow down and savor every moment. As always, I would love to hear from you! If you have a good story, know someone who deserves to be featured, have a newborn or a graduate to celebrate or if you just want to reach out and let me know your tips for slowing down and living in the moment, feel free to email me anytime at brooke@hometownmedia.group. Happy reading! Brooke Graham COVER PHOTO Photo by Chris Douglas Creative & Photography Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations brooke@hometownmedia.group Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group Haley Ragsdale Social Media Editor Camela Dietrich Accounts Receivable accounting@hometownmedia.group Happy Spring Wichita Falls! My sweet Grannie Annie, who passed away this past November and taught me the beauty of living life to its fullest!
5 Eureka Circle, Suite A | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | theartofdentistrywf.com L OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Dental Health | Restorative Dentistry Orthodontics | Teeth Whitening | Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry | Endodontics | Advanced Technology Looking for a caring & experienced team of dental professionals? We are here for you. For 45 years, we’ve been honored to care for generations of families, creating healthy, beautiful smiles across Texoma. At The Art of Dentistry, you’ll discover what sets us apart from the moment you arrive. Our experienced team is committed to making you feel right at home, caring for you and your family as if you were our own. With decades of combined expertise, we pride ourselves on finding solutions when others can’t. From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we provide a comprehensive range of services under one roof, making your dental care both comfortable and convenient. We always welcome new patients. Whether you’re new to Wichita Falls and the Texoma area, or simply seeking a better dental experience, we invite you to call our office at 940-691-6066 to learn more. BEFORE AFTER Dr. Steve Burross and Dr. Chad Jackson YOUR FAMILY. YOUR SMILE. OUR PASSION. 9 hometown living at its best
10 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group B Written by ELLEN SLATER | Photos by RB PHOTOGRAPHY THE WICHITA FALLS BRANCH OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE STATE AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INFLUENCING THE LIVES OF MANY OF OUR LOCAL YOUTH. Big Brothers Big Sisters' (BBBS) mission is to create and support one-toone mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children ages five and up. The Wichita Falls Branch opened in 2009 and this year served 175 area youth. According to the organization's Market President, Jean Hall, the agency has seen a steady increase in the number of children it serves over the past several years. "Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about the potential of our children," said Hall. "Our mentors have absolute respect for children. We provide support, we let them know we care and cheer them on. We offer a positive connection so children can reach their full potential." BBBS has three types of mentoring programs. The traditional CommunityBased model where the volunteer picks up their "Little" and takes them on an outing; the School-Based model in which the Big visits school during their Little's lunch or recess period and the newest addition, the SiteBased model. "With this model we partner with local businesses such as Blue Cross Blue Shield and their employees serve as mentors," said Hall. "We also partner with local universities and most recently Wichita Christian School." MENTORING OUR FUTURE
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At Blue Cross Blue Shield, the company gives employees time off from work to serve as mentors. Bigs meet with their Littles in the break room and play games, do puzzles or read together. At Midwestern State University the Littles meet on campus. "The adult mentors are University students as well as professors," said Hall. "It's a great model because the children are exposed to a college campus and are often inspired to attend college when they grow up." Bigs and Littles are matched based on compatibility which includes factors such as shared interest and hobbies, personality traits and proximity to each other's homes. BBBS uses a detailed screening and interview process to gather information from the adult volunteer, the child and their family, to make a match. Support specialists stay in regular contact with volunteers to provide guidance, support and resources. Typically, Bigs and Littles meet twice per month. "Our newest partnership that we're really excited about is with Wichita Christian School," said Hall. "We've matched the High School juniors with our Littles who are first graders and seniors are matched with second graders. We've matched 20 children so far." 12 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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14 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Local BBBS mentor De'Shaun Delgado has been volunteering as a Big for more than a year. He and his girlfriend, Hannah Griffiths, are Bigs to a 12-year-old boy. "We took him to the Zoo a couple weeks ago and that was a lot of fun being able to see the big smile on his face," said Delgado. Hannah serves as BBBS Kitchen Connection Leader, held at the agency's center. She teaches the Littles how to make healthy snacks and meals. According to Delgado seeing their Little open up to them during the past year has been very rewarding. "I got involved with BBBS because I wanted to give back to our community," he said. "I had a mentor myself as a child, and I don't think I'd be where I am in life without him." In addition to Mentoring Programs the agency also holds events at its center located in Country Club Village in Wichita Falls. "We have movie nights, Kitchen Connections nights where Littles learn to make healthy snacks and much more," said Hall. "When I get to see those little happy moments between Bigs and their Littles, and I see the joy on their faces, it is so rewarding."
According to Hall, there is a "misconception" that children involved in mentoring programs are "troubled." "What really happens with BBBS, is that children are nominated by parents, teachers and school counselors to be in the program," said Hall, "All children benefit from mentoring programs. Research shows children with adult mentors have higher graduation rates and are more likely to go to college. They're less likely to engage in risky behavior and to use alcohol or drugs." In fact, new research conducted by Harvard University shows children involved in mentoring programs show greater self-confidence, resilience and emotional well-being. The Wichita Falls Branch Market of BBBS is part of the Lone Star Agency. It's the premier volunteer led youth mentoring program in Texas. BBBS Lone Star has branches in Dallas, Collin County, Greater Houston, Fort Worth, Arlington, Abilene, Stephenville and of course Wichita Falls. † To volunteer to become a Wichita County adult mentor, visit their website at: bbbstx.org 15 hometown living at its best
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17 hometown living at its best I VANGUARD CUSTOM HOMES: BUILDING MORE THAN HOUSES, WE’RE LEADING THE WAY In a world full of cookie-cutter houses and one-size-fits-all solutions, Vanguard Custom Homes was founded with a bold vision: to lead from the front. At Vanguard, every home is more than a project, it’s a personal commitment. Whether it’s leveraging the latest building technology or streamlining the process for maximum efficiency, Vanguard brings big picture thinking and on-the-ground know-how to every build. From modern aesthetics to classic comfort, from cutting edge innovation to rock-solid dependability, Vanguard Custom Homes is redefining what it means to build in Wichita Falls. When you’re ready to stop settling and start creating, Vanguard is ready to lead the way. Visit vanguardwf.com to learn more or get in touch today.940-782-1567 | jorin@vanguardwf.com
HOMETOWN Happenings Young at Art: The Caldecott Collection of Children’s Book Illustrations highlights thirty-five original illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Caldecott Medal-winning artists which are held in the museum’s permanent collection. The WFMA started collecting Caldecott-awarded illustrations in 1984 with the initial acquisition of seven original works. Young at Art will be open through August 8, 2026. Printing the American Revolution celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exploring how print culture was crucial in helping the US gain and commemorate its independence from British rule. The exhibition, which is cocurated by Dr. Mary Draper and her Revolutionary American History class at MSU, will remain open through August 22, 2026. Framing Nature: Animals through Art is co-curated by MSU Humanities professor, Dr. Kirstin Lodge, who helped bring together a wide array of works from the permanent collection, including American and European works on paper from the 17th century to the present. The exhibition invites us to consider the many ways animals have been portrayed in the visual arts through the years. Framing Nature will be open through December 19, 2026. A reception for all three exhibitions was held on February 26th at the WFMA. Written by Todd Giles Photos provided by the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU-Texas WFMA Exhibit Openings at MSU
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22 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Written by REANNA GONZALEZ Photos by REANNA GONZALEZ and provided by MEALS ON WHEELS WICHITA COUNTY Meals on Wheels Wichita County not only delivers meals to those who struggle to provide food for themselves, they also deliver CARE, CONNECTION, and SUPPORT that go far beyond the plate. DELIVERING
23 hometown living at its best Many people are aware of the way that Meals on Wheels supplies food to individuals that can’t leave their homes or prepare meals for themselves for various reasons. However, one thing many people aren’t aware of is that the Wichita Falls branch of Meals on Wheels also supplies Case Management. The Case Management department was founded in 2022 by Shayna Pope, LPSW, who now serves as the Director of the program. It is entirely community funded and supported; thus it doesn’t cost the Meals on Wheels company a dime. Pope, along with Case Manager Bethany McCarthy, LPSW, shared how fulfilling their jobs are despite how busy they stay. Their primary purpose is to ensure that clients are taken care of. This comes in several forms of care and service, such as home visits and resource collecting. When bringing on new clients, Pope and McCarthy have an initial process that allows them to evaluate the level of help each client requires, as each client’s needs are different. Their check-in process allows them to assess the client’s living situation to determine any items, assistance, or resources each client may require. They achieve this through a home visit. Pope conducts the initial home visit, and McCarthy conducts the annual home visit which essentially serves as a follow up. They have even been able to help clients sign up for food insecurity resources and housing resources. “They’ve barely paid their bills and now they need help with the extras,” Pope said. If Pope or McCarthy observe a need that their clients didn’t mention during these visits, they communicate with the client to fill that need. In some instances, they can partner with other organizations in town to provide these items and other times they are able to provide them on their own through their pantries. SHAYNA POPE BETHANY McCARTHY
24 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group The pantries are available to all clients that are in immediate need of essential items. They include nonperishable foods, clothes, hygiene products, cleaning products, and more. Items for the pantry are mostly obtained through donations from individuals and other organizations in town, such as the Food Bank which contributes items around once a week. “Any resources people offer us, we put out,” McCarthy said. “We’ve actually never run out of food for our clients.” Even people who aren’t Meals on Wheels clients have benefitted from the Case Management Department, as another service they supply is resource information. They collect the details and contact information of businesses and organizations in the community that help with the things they can’t. They are then able to help point anyone in need to those services. Pope and McCarthy are also dedicated to informing the community about such resources. As a result, they can commonly be found at resource fairs around town. This allows them to connect with the community, demonstrate how much they care, and make their presence known to those who may not have been aware of the services they offer. The recent government shutdown that resulted in restricted use of SNAP and other resource supply programs has only heightened the need. As a result, the duo has had to diligently work to keep up the pantries and information on resources that can
25 hometown living at its best help. McCarthy said she’s had to pay more attention to assessing signs of food insecurity than ever with her clients. “We try to solve it as it comes,” she said. Case Management does everything that clients need, including emotional support, resource needs, physical assistance, food distribution, and more. Pope and McCarthy agreed that they approach client’s needs “case-by-case” as each client’s need for resources and living situation looks different. Pope also brought up the fact that some of their clients have physical needs that require assistance which they step up to address. For clients who are immobilized, they are sometimes the person those individuals can count on. “We have a high-risk list where we have clients that have minimal support and visit them at least monthly,” Pope shared. Pope and McCarthy said the program serves around 800 clients, serving around 700 meals a day. They went on to say that their primary goal is to help clients stay calm in times of hardship. Additionally, they shared that they hope their involvement can help clients maintain a sense of dignity when they require help amidst their struggles.
26 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “I get to help the ones who have no help,” Pope said. McCarthy added to that, sharing how fulfilling she thinks it is “To have someone come to you and not know where to turn, and to be able to provide help.” Of course, what Pope and McCarthy do wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community. Their funding and the resources they’re able to provide are entirely supplied through partnerships across the community and the generous donations of individuals and organizations. Currently, they are in need of a few items that are commonly distributed amongst clients, such as adult diapers, hygiene goods, nonperishable food, and cleaning products. These items can be dropped off in person at their building, located at 1000 Burnett Street. In addition, items can be purchased through their Amazon wishlist and sent directly to their location. Their wishlist can be found on their website at www.mowwc.org. †
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30 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS andprovided by RAYMOND HAGER MILES of Service
31 hometown living at its best N AT 95, RAYMOND HAGER IS STILL BEHIND THE WHEEL, HOLDING A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD AND SHOWING WICHITA FALLS THAT PURPOSE, HUMOR, AND HARD WORK DON’T RETIRE. Not many people can say that they are a certified world record holder. However, for local Wichitan, Raymond Hager, it has become a reality and a claim to fame. At 95 years old, Raymond holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest male bus driver and has been driving city buses in and around Wichita Falls for more than 35 years. Before stepping behind the wheel of a city bus, Raymond spent decades working the land. He began his career as a farmer before moving into cropdusting, a profession he worked in for 33 years. For 17 of those years, he owned and operated his own crop-dusting business. When he retired at 60, Raymond quickly realized that slowing down was not in his plans. He wanted to stay busy and continue working outdoors. Not long after retiring, Raymond and his wife Sonya were driving down Kemp Boulevard when a city bus pulled up next to them. Sonya motioned over and said, “That’s what you should do! You love to drive and meet people.” Raymond agreed and decided to apply as a transit driver in March of 1999. “I started part-time in March of that year, and was full-time by August,” he said. Later in 2008, Sonya became ill and Raymond went back to driving part-time.
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33 hometown living at its best Driving quickly became more than a job, it became a way for Raymond to stay connected to the city and its people. Each route brought new conversations, familiar faces, and a sense of purpose that kept him energized day after day. On his 90th birthday, Raymond’s supervisor, Jenny Stevens, hosted a dinner in his honor and asked how long he planned to keep driving. Raymond replied that he would drive until he was 95, as long as his health allowed, and even joked that he planned to enter the Guinness World Records. Five years later, he did just that, with Jenny playing a key role in helping make it happen. The process of earning the Guinness World Record was no small task, requiring documentation, verification, and careful attention to detail. With Jenny’s help and encouragement, Raymond completed every step, never imagining that a lifetime of simply showing up to work would one day earn him such recognition. When Raymond turned 95, he texted Jenny to thank her and mentioned that he would miss working with her. Her response surprised him. She asked who said anything about retiring and offered to keep him driving. Raymond happily accepted and now works every weekday, logging about 20 hours a week. One day a week he drives the Sheppard Express, transporting passengers from Sheppard Air Force Base to Sikes Senter Mall. The other four days, he shuttles students between Memorial High School and Midwestern State University, helping them earn college credit before graduation. Raymond has many funny anecdotes and stories from the road, and one of his favorite ones involves a lunch box shaped like a car battery. On one of his runs between Sheppard Air Force Base and Wichita Falls, there was standing room only on the bus. One of the young airmen was standing directly behind him and noticed the lunch box. The young man was curious and asked why he carried a battery, Raymond with his famous sense of humor deadpanned that he had a pacemaker and needed to “get jumped off” every couple of hours, leaving the young man wideeyed and speechless. When asked about his longevity, Raymond credits staying active and never smoking, though he quickly adds that he is far from perfect. “I have always been active, but my balance isn’t as good as it was. My mind thinks I am 40,” he said with a grin, “I still mow lawns on the side, because I like working with machinery.” Staying busy, both physically and mentally, has been his secret. Raymond believes that purpose keeps a person young, and he has never seen age as a reason to stop doing what he enjoys. Raymond has no plans to slow down as long as he is healthy. He has always been a hard worker and started driving when he was 14. He is also a veteran and served in Europe. He is a widower now, but has “two fur babies,” Skipper and Princess. Though now a record holder, Raymond keeps a humble and grateful outlook. He credits much of his success to Jenny Stevens and says he truly enjoys working for the city and serving the people of Wichita Falls. “Working for the city is great. Everyone is so nice, and the riders, for the most part, are very thankful that they could get around Wichita Falls.” For Raymond Hager, the record is an honor but the real reward has always been the people, the purpose, and the simple joy of staying in motion. †
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36 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 Joy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
37 hometown living at its best 1. Alonso | Parents: Erick & Alexis Gardea 2. Zayan | Parent: Chanda Bajracharya 3. Ameliana | Parent: Andin Beasley 4. Laikyn | Parents: Seth & Paige Oliver 5. Georgia | Parents: Stewart & Emily Johnson 6. Carson | Parents: Carlos Jimenez & Casey Newberry 7. Koa | Parents: Tavian & Jazlyn Brown 8. Lane | Parents: Austin & Lauren Cobb 9. Isla | Parents: Cesar & Ashley Tarango 10. Lane | Parents: Chris & Emily Jackson 11. Vallie | Parents: Braiden & Katie Obermier 12. Marlie | Parents: Mitchell & Brittany Kurtz Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 8 12 11 9 10
38 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group 13. Millie | Parents: Dominic & Adrianna Escamilla 14. Omar | Parents: Omar & Nina James 15. Saige | Parents: Brandon & Mindy Hohfeld 16. Monroe | Parents: Garrett & Lacy Rangel 17. Stevie | Parents: Stephen & Brandi Jonas Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 13 14 15 16 17
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40 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Written by JESSICA WESSON | Photos provided by THE KARSTEN FAMILY AND RB PHOTOGRAPHY When Paige Karsten watched a unit of blood drip into her 13-month-old son’s tiny arm aboard a medical flight to Fort Worth, she never imagined her professional life and personal world would collide so profoundly. A FULL-CIRCLE LIFELINE
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42 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group I“I sat there staring at that unit of blood the entire flight,” Paige said. “I never thought in my life I would watch my child receive something that came from the company I work for.” Paige is the senior donor room supervisor at Our Blood Institute (OBI) in Wichita Falls, where she has worked for more than eight years. Her role oversees daily operations at the fixed-site donation center, ensuring donors are cared for and blood products meet the highest safety standards. But in September 2023, OBI became more than her employer—it became a lifeline. Paige and her husband, Drew, are parents to two young boys: Arlo and Avery. Before Avery’s diagnosis, life was busy and joyful. Drew, a U.S. Army soldier nearing retirement, had just returned home from a six-month deployment in Korea. Paige balanced work and motherhood, filling their days with outdoor adventures.
43 hometown living at its best “We were always doing something,” Paige said. “The zoo, strawberry picking or any event I could find, we were there.” Then Avery got sick. After several days of fever that wouldn’t break, followed by a sudden rash, Paige brought Avery to the pediatrician. Bloodwork was ordered, and hours later, her phone rang. “The doctor told me to go straight to the hospital,” Paige recalled. “That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.” Avery was admitted and given red blood cells as doctors suspected leukemia. Soon, he was placed on a plane to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. That first unit of blood, supplied by OBI, kept him stable long enough to reach advanced care. “At that moment, I realized just how real our mission is,” Paige said. “We help keep families together. Literally.” Avery was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that night. “When the oncologist said, ‘With your son’s diagnosis of leukemia,’ it felt like I was being pulled down a hallway,” Paige said. “My one-year-old had cancer. How do you even process that?” The months that followed were grueling. Paige and Drew traveled to Fort Worth up to four times a week for treatment. They pulled out of a home purchase to preserve financial stability. Their family lived partially separated so Arlo could maintain routine and normalcy. “My parents stepped in without hesitation,” Paige said. “Our neighbors watched our dogs. Coworkers brought us supplies. People just showed up.”
Throughout Avery’s treatment, blood transfusions remained a critical part of his care, each one a reminder of the unseen donors who made his survival possible. Two years later, Paige was given the chance to meet the woman who donated that very first unit of blood. “She gave my son the blood that got him to the hospital,” Paige said. “She gave him a chance to live. I hope she becomes part of our family, because she already gave us a member of ours.” Today, Avery is thriving. He recently completed his final spinal tap, and in February his port was removed, which marked the official end of treatment. “He’s a normal little boy,” Paige said. “He loves being outside. He loves building with his brother. Just don’t take his chair, he’s very territorial about his chairs.” 44 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
45 hometown living at its best Through it all, Paige’s connection to Our Blood Institute has only deepened. “Our Blood Institute is a patient lifeline,” she said. “We supply blood to local hospitals across Wichita Falls and the surrounding areas. If you need blood here, it came from us.” OBI is the sixth-largest nonprofit blood bank in the United States and serves the region with both blood products and essential community programs. One of those is therapeutic phlebotomy, which is provided at no cost to patients who need it for conditions such as hemochromatosis or polycythemia. “We bridge a gap that people don’t always realize exists,” Paige explains. “We’re keeping people healthy without putting them through hardship.” The experience also changed how Paige views her work. “After watching my son receive that blood, everything shifted,” Paige said. “I realized I want other parents to have the same chance I had, to be there for their kids.” For parents facing childhood cancer, Paige offers heartfelt advice. “Follow their lead,” she said. “If they want to play, let them play. Let them be kids whenever they can. They’re stronger than we give them credit for.” In Wichita Falls, Our Blood Institute quietly supports the community every day through donors, staff, and moments of unseen heroism. For the Karsten family, its impact is deeply personal. “It saved my son’s life,” Paige said simply. “And that’s something I’ll never forget.” †
46 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group three state parks one adventure HQ Mineral Wells Plan your adventure @visitmineralwells
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A L E X MOUNTAIN Photos provided by THE MOUNTAIN FAMILY 4-H SPOTLIGHT PARENTS: Rodney & Jennifer Mountain 4-H CLUB: Valley View 4-H and Explorers 4-H WHERE DO YOU LIVE: Iowa Park HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROJECTS? 9 years WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I am currently involved in 10 different 4-H Projects. I started with the Horse Project and worked with only this project for several years. I have since added: Dairy Goats, Dog Care and Training, Photography, Horticulture, Food and Nutrition, Robotics, Leadership and Community Service. I also enjoy participating in the Pathways to Possibilities program and in My Preparedness Initiative.
49 hometown living at its best WHAT LEADERSHIP ROLES/COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN? I currently serve as a Wichita County 4-H Ambassador and I am a volunteer at Whispers of Hope Horse Farm. I enjoy participating in 4-H volunteer activities including the home and garden show, parades, and community events where I help to build awareness of 4-H and the importance of agricultural education, livestock care, and learning new things. This year I have also volunteered with 4-H at Rest Stop 1 for Hotter N’ Hell Hundred, TXOLAN Sweetheart Spectacular & Bluebonnet Stakes Alpaca Show, and buying and putting together meals to donate to local food banks. I am also participating in our County 4-H Challenge to do community service projects every month. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing is getting to care for my dairy goat herd. I really enjoy working with them to get ready for shows, taking care of the babies in the spring, and being able to enjoy spending time with them in their pasture. The worst part is having to clean out the goat shed. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? I have learned leadership and teamwork. I think this will make me a better employee in the future. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? Being in 4-H has given me opportunities I may not have had otherwise. Because of 4-H I began my focus on photography and I have enjoyed learning about photographs and participating in competitions. I was able to increase my knowledge of horses and begin working with livestock because of my 4-H involvement. Other projects have taught me patience and focus. This will help me when I continue my education and begin working.
50 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? I would tell them to give it a try. If they don’t like something they can explore other areas that may be interesting to them. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? Multiple Jackpot Events for Dairy Goats have won several Grand and Reserve breed awards at: Carter County Free Fair in Ardmore OK Tri-State Fair in Amarillo, TX - reserve grand champion recorded grade junior doe in the youth show, second place Nubian doe under 8 months in youth show, third place Swiss breed yearling in youth show, second place senior yearling recorded grade in youth show, second place in ring a and ring b for senior yearling recorded grade in open show, and second place senior Nubian doe in the youth show. State Fair of Texas: Photography: 1st State Fair Theme, 2nd- Still Life, 3rd-Patriotic, Honorable Mention. In dairy goats: 8th place junior Nubian doe under 8 months in youth show, 4th place recorded grade senior yearling in the youth show, second place senior Nubian doe in youth show, and fourth place senior Nubian doe in open show. Wichita County Junior Livestock Show: Reserve grand champion in photography, first place in miscellaneous creative arts for goat milk soap, first place in horticulture for container grown plants Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo: sixth place senior Nubian doe 2 to 4 years old Wichita County 4-H Photography Competition - Grand Champion Senior and 5 photos advancing to the state competition Azle 4-H Archery Invitational - 1st Place young adult NASP WHAT OTHER GROUPS OR ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Whispers of Hope Horse Farm - Volunteer, Show Team, and Special Olympics Team Photographic Society of America American Dairy Goat Association Central Texas Dairy Goat Association Marvelous Mondays Co-Op
51 hometown living at its best WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? I have had many amazing mentors with the different activities I have been involved with. Mary Elizabeth Pearce was my first mentor. She taught me about horses and participating in her horse program led to my joining 4-H. Kelly Martin and Michael Hague have been mentors with my dairy goat project. Kelly Martin has been there to help with choosing animals and answering questions about animal care. Michael Hauge has become an invaluable local mentor who is available to answer questions that require hands-on learning. Dwayne Pierce, Ag/NR Agent has always been a big help with my photography. He is always willing to look over my photographs and provide guidance on how I can improve my work. Katrena Mitchell, my 4-H Agent, has been a great mentor. She has helped with my dog project, Wichita County 4-H ambassadors. She is the contact for everything livestock show related, and she is the person who always knows what I may want to try next. She is always there with suggestions of something new or interesting I can try. Danelle Ivey and Roger Kroes have been my instructors for shooting sports. They have been very patient and helpful as I have started participating in competitions. Kirsten Polk has been a mentor to me from the time I entered 4-H. She was also a youth involved in the 4-H program and kept me actively participating in events when I first joined the program. She is now an ag teacher out of the area and she has made multiple trips to come watch me compete, even when it was out of her way. She is always a big supporter no matter what project I am working on. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? OR WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? I would like to be a welder. I am currently considering WyoTech, Vernon College, and Universal Technologies Institute. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. When my first goat was due to kid last year, I slept in a hammock all night waiting for the kids to be born. But that didn’t happen! My Nubian doe, Artemis, gave birth when I ran into the house to get something to drink. I only left for about five minutes and when I got back, I heard Artemis yell at me then I heard two little squeaks and realized she gave birth on her own to two little babies in about five minutes. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? Shooting sports, Legos, Archery, Trains, Photography, Goats, Horses, attending dairy goat jackpot shows. COMMENTS/WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE: Try it before you say you are not interested in something.
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54 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Written by CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD | Photos by CHRIS DOUGLAS CREATIVE & PHOTOGRAPHY and provided by WELLBORN 2R RANCH WELLBORN 2R RANCH BLENDS COWBOY GRIT, RESPONSIBLE RANCHING, AND COMMUNITY HEART, CREATING A MODERN LEGACY ROOTED IN WESTERN TRADITION. Window to the West
55 hometown living at its best BBetween 1867 and 1871 about 1,500,000 head of cattle were driven north along the Chisholm Trail to Abilene. Although the trail became less traveled as railroads expanded, literature, movies, and television immortalized this small window of western history as the ideal romantic era. Boys who grew up watching westerns dreamed of being a cowboy, and girls dreamed of being Annie Oakley. With grit, determination, training and hard work, some people earn the title of cowboy. Some of the best of the best cowboys work on the Wellborn 2R Ranch, which boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Civil War era. Some of the earliest settlers around Clay County were the Scheer and Sanzenbacher families. Chris and Joan Wellborn purchased the Wellborn Ranch from Henry Scheer in 2005. Chris said, “The family purchased the first eight hundred acres primarily as a country retreat and a place with dark skies to build an observatory. Cattle ranching began as a hobby and grew into a business.”
56 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group In 2016, the Wellborn’s purchased the 2R Ranch from the estate of Robert Priddy, forming the 8,000 thousand-acre Wellborn 2R Ranch. The original 2R Ranch was named after Robert and Ruby Priddy, who had purchased the ranch in 1985. The location just happens to be almost dead center of the distance between the East and West coast of the United States. Like other ranches in Clay County, the Wellborn 2R Ranch is the ideal place to raise Black Angus cattle. Wellborn 2R Ranch is a true working ranch. In 2019, the ranch established strict standards for raising cattle on open pastures that are free of hormones and antibiotics and began selling beef to consumers. Grass fed and grain finished cattle are started on grass and finished on all natural grains for flavor and quality. Aging the beef for thirty days further enhances the taste and tenderness. People are encouraged to go to the ranch to purchase select cuts of beef. Sales are made directly to restaurants and online to customers all over the United States. Many customers purchase and send quality beef to friends, family, and business associates. The Wellborn 2R Ranch has six full-time employees. The authentic, working cowboys ride the open range, overseeing the land and livestock. “These knights in leather live with Mother Nature whisper-close... They are cowboys because even before they were born, that’s what they were made to be. God gave
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58 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group them a kind heart and an honest spirit to care for some of His greatest creations and most beautiful landscapes.” The ranch owner has a house, the lead cowboy lives in a ranch house, and one house is available for customer events and lodging. The other working cowboys live in Henrietta. The need for cowboys on the ranch varies dramatically during the year depending on the season. For example, when the cattle are rounded up and branded, there might be ten or more additional cowboys required. During these times ranchers help each other to get the job done. The ranch generously supports the community, especially helping children. It has made a significant contribution to the University of North Texas Astronomy and Physics department. Chris said, “I am not professionally trained as an astronomer. I mainly do photography through a telescope, and Henrietta provided a great place to build a completely robotic observatory that could be operated remotely from anywhere in the world. “I had a large telescope and sophisticated imaging equipment that was more than I needed and was badly needed by the University of North Texas. A lot of funding has been cut to universities. I donated
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61 hometown living at its best the equipment to them for their observatory and made a lot of friends there along the way. “The ranch is also part of the National Audubon ranching program and is recognized as a leader in environmentally friendly ranching practices. The National Audubon ranching program marries good ranching practices with steps to protect the environment and wildlife. We were already doing much of this and decided to apply to the program. The program encourages things like rotating cattle to maximize the growth of grasses, which helps to prevent erosion and provides habitat for wildlife. They don’t want you to spray wide areas to kill weeds which also kills bird habitat. We are in the program because we think it is the right thing to do. We don't sell under the Audubon Certified BirdFriendly seal because we finish our cattle on grain, and they want grass fed only cattle.” The W2R Ranch House offers the perfect mix of open-air space and modern convenience. Its vaulted main room, expansive kitchen, and large outdoor patios make it ideal for small or large groups. The three-bedroom, three and one-half bathroom house can comfortably accommodate one hundred guests. The large kitchen and prep area function well for full catering available through local partners. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces add to the ambiance. Expansive patios provide space for dining or dancing while listening to live music. Venue possibilities are limitless for weddings and receptions, corporate retreats and team meetings, fundraisers and private dinners, ranch-to-table tasting events, family reunions and celebrations. Recently, Kim McClellan of Wichita Falls joined the team to promote the ranch and market it for meetings, private parties, even weddings. † For more information about the Wellborn 2R Ranch, visit the website: wellborn2rbeef.com
63 hometown living at its best What are You Celebrating? VisitGranbury.com
HOMETOWN Happenings
65 hometown living at its best The Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival returned to Wichita Falls on February 21–22, celebrating its 29th year as one of the region’s favorite destinations for inspiration, creativity, and community connection. Since 1997, the festival has brought together local businesses, artists, and organizations to showcase ideas that help make houses feel more like home. This year’s event featured more than 160 vendors from Wichita Falls and across North Central Texas, offering everything from home renovation and outdoor living solutions to lawn care services, specialty products, and community resources. A large farmers and artist market highlighted local makers and growers, giving attendees the chance to shop for fresh goods, handmade items, and unique artwork. Families were also a big part of the weekend, with interactive children’s activities hosted by Home Depot, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and the WFISD STEAM Bus, providing hands-on learning and fun for young visitors. Powered by volunteers, nonprofit partners, and local entrepreneurs, the festival serves as the largest fundraiser for the Arts Council Wichita Falls. Proceeds help support arts education, exhibitions, and cultural programming that enrich the community year-round, making the Home & Garden Festival both a celebration, and an investment in Wichita Falls’ creative future. Photos by Grace Ainsworth HOME & GARDEN FESTIVAL The Arts Alive!
66 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
3910 WAYNE AVE STE 104 | WICHITA FALLS, TX 76308 940.691.0281 | WWW.KBONDJEWELERS.COM 67 hometown living at its best
Written by MARY LYNN DODD | Photos provided by CAS OF WEST TEXAS, INC. Children’s Aid Society is dedicated to empowering local youth in need with the support and skills they need for a healthy, happy life. A MISSION to Aid our Youth 68 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
The Children’s Aid Society of West Texas, Inc. has a remarkable 113-year history. According to Sheila Catron, the Executive Director, overcrowding as a result of early Texas oil booms and subsequent busts, typical of the early twentieth century, led to deplorable conditions for area youth. The compassionate citizens living in 1912 Wichita Falls decided to act on the problem. The first Board of Directors took their individual time and money and went to Ft. Worth to learn how to formally address the needs of troubled children and orphans. This dedicated group decided to align with the Texas Children’s Home and Aid Society of Ft. Worth and raised the dollars needed to open a local branch. It took time, but they didn’t give up, and by 1917, they were ready to roll up their sleeves. Soon after its inception, a local mother passed away, leaving a baby girl and two little boys behind. The distraught father could not support them, and The Texas Children's Home and Aid Society came to the rescue. The organization aided the maternal grandmother in obtaining legal custody of the baby daughter and assisted the father by establishing a support system to help him care for the boys while he was working. This was the first official case of the newly formed agency. A century and thousands of cases later, the agency continues to serve. It operates two primary programs: the Children’s Home and the Teen Emergency Shelter. The Children’s Home is a 26-bed facility licensed to serve children ages one through seventeen. Admission to the Home is, sadly, the result of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. The Teen Emergency Shelter is specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless and runaway youth, deter school dropouts, and strengthen families. It is an 8-bed facility licensed to accept kids ages ten to seventeen. It is the only facility of its kind within a 100-mile radius. Admission to this facility is voluntary but is often the result of a referral by a school, Juvenile Probation, CPS, the Police, or one of the 34 Safe Place sites. The outreach of the organization extends to 11 counties in North Texas for its Runaway Homeless Youth Program. The agency also contracts directly with DFPS for statewide youth when needed. The Inception Today 69 hometown living at its best
The mission of the organization is “to provide shelter, supervision, and counseling for children and youth in crisis; cooperate with other agencies in order to resolve problems related to the welfare of these children; and assist the families of these children in seeking possible solutions to their problems.” The vision of the organization is “to strengthen social and emotional skills, support healthy family relationships, end abuse and neglect, and ensure that no young person faces homelessness, and that each child experiences safety, stability, and belonging.” This mission and lofty vision annually reaches over 5,700 youth and houses more than 300 children. The Mission IN TEXAS, MORE THAN 4 CHILDREN DIE FROM ABUSE OR NEGLECT ON AVERAGE EVERY WEEK. 70 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
What does a day look like as the doors of The Children’s Aid Society open each morning? Children arrive, often holding the hand of a social worker with DFPS or the SSCC. Some are runaways, often escorted by police. Some are picked up via a call from one of the Safe Place sites. Some are new. Some are returning. All have a similar story: a tale of abuse, neglect, or parental rejection. They may remain for a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months. Here, they experience a place of stability where they receive three meals a day, clothing essentials, school supplies and they celebrate birthdays and holidays. There are many success stories. One young girl shares, “At my house, I was always scared. But here, I can sleep without hiding… I'm safe.” A teen relates, “I thought running away meant losing everything. But at the teen shelter, I finally got something important, myself.” And a mother says, “Knowing my child was in the hands of people who truly cared gave me the strength to keep going during a difficult time. These people helped my family heal.” A Day in the Life 71 hometown living at its best
The organization receives funds from the SSCC, DFPS, Wichita County, RHY Basic Center Grant, Hands to Hands, Community Fund, Special Nutrition Program, and Foundation Grants. But, Sheila explains that there are always additional needs and a planned gift to the Children’s Aid Society by including the agency in a will or estate plan, which can help children for years to come, donations of gift cards for shopping necessities are always appreciated or if local, donations of paper goods, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, prewrapped snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned goods are always in need. More hands-on methods of volunteering that Sheila mentioned include helping with a major project, special event, or becoming a Board member. From buying fall pecans to “harvest kindness” to visiting the kids’ Christmas wish list to “share the toy joy,” the opportunities to actively engage are on-going and most rewarding. Ms. Catron's final thoughts? “The Children’s Aid Society is more than a shelter–it’s a lifeline, a place of healing, and a catalyst for lasting change in our community.” † For more information about the good work being done at The Children’s Aid Society, Wichita Falls visit www.caswt.org or call (940)322-314. To report abuse or neglect call 1-800-252-5400 National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 How to Help OVER 80% OF CHILD ABUSE CASES IN TEXAS AND IN THE U.S. ARE THE RESULT OF NEGLECT. 72 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group
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