IIf you are looking for a caring, qualified dentist in Wichita Falls for your entire family, then look no further. From your first contact with our office, you will notice that The Art of Dentistry is not your typical dentistry. We’ve worked hard to build an exceptional team of dedicated, caring and experienced professionals committed to the dental health of you and your family. Sure, our entire team is committed to providing the best technical expertise in dentistry today, but in the big picture, that is not our primary motivation. Our real business is caring for real people with a wide variety of individual dental concerns. So that’s where we start: With you! Every detail of our practice is directed toward providing the BEST IN-PATIENT CARE: from facilities, equipment, and techniques, to our experienced, friendly staff.We get to know our patients as people, pay attention to their specific situations, listen to their individual concerns, and handle them with care. At The Art of Dentistry, your comfort and confidence are just as important as your teeth. That’s why we take great care of both the smile and the person behind it. Our mission is to provide the highest quality dentistry and patient care available. We offer a full range of treatment options that can be personalized to meet your unique needs and expectations.
We always welcome new patients of every age. Whether you are new to Wichita Falls or seeking an improveddental experience, we inviteyou tocall our office for additional information. 940.691.6066 5 Eureka Circle, Suite A | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | artofdentistrywf.com OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: General Dentistry • Orthodontics • Teeth Whitening Crown and Bridge • Dental Implants • Preventive Care Periodontal Therapy • Endodontics
60 INTEGRATING ART FOR BETTER EDUCATION Dr. Sherie Pierce started at Henrietta High School as a teacher’s aide and has now created an exciting new art department. 70 HOMETOWN HAPPENING 4th Annual Brisket Cook-off 74 LESSONS IN LOVE Licensed clinical social worker Chelsey Terry discusses some of the challenges faced by couples—especially military—and ways to combat them. 80 CHRIST ACADEMY’S 10TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE SOIREE An unparalleled night of entertainment, fundraising and specialty chocolate. 15 OUTDOOR LIFESTYLES Inspiration for this season’s hangout spot! 22 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Sheriff Duke’s Dynamite Chilifest 36 HOMETOWN BUNDLES OF JOY Welcome our communities’ newest residents. Have your photographer submit newborn images to us to be featured in a future issue. office@hometownmedia.group 42 HOMETOWN HAPPENING 26th Annual Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival 46 MAKING A SPLASH The Wichita Falls Elite Swim Team has trained thousands of area swimmers, aimed at building self-confidence and lifelong friendships. Contents On the Cover Photo by Patrick Case 54 4-H SPOTLIGHT Member of the Explorers Club, Leonard “Lenny” Love, shares how 4-H is preparing him for success. A FAMILY AFFAIR Mother-daughter duo blazes a trail through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 26 4 wichita falls living
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Heights Dermatology was founded in 2005 by Dr. Alpesh Desai and Dr. Tejas Desai. They have a passion for providing access to care for patients in underserved areas. From their original location in Houston they have grown the practice to 20 clinics across Texas, Wichita Falls being the newest addition. Heights Dermatology’s mission is to provide high-quality care to patients by taking a holistic approach to medicine. Our goal is to build lasting relationships within the Wichita Falls community. TAKING YOUR SKIN to Greater Heights Katy Boren, PA-C Katy Boren is a board-certified physician assistant and joined Heights Dermatology in 2022. Katy was born and raised in Lubbock, TX. She graduated from East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. Katy previously specialized in emergency medicine at University Medical Center in Lubbock, TX. She was a member of the ETBU Women’s Basketball team that reached the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Dr.TejasDesai Dr. Tejas Desai is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. He is a native of Houston where he completed his undergraduate education at the University of Houston. Dr. Desai went to medical school at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth, TX. He completed his dermatology and surgical fellowship in southern California. Dr. Desai has been a guest on “Dr. 90210” on E! discussing and performing laser tattoo removal on camera. His personal hobbies include tennis and traveling.
SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS AND FULL BODY SKIN EXAMS These services are important because they are a preventative measure 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. • ACNE • SKIN CANCER • PSORIASIS • HAIR LOSS • RASHES MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY 2601 Harrison St. Ste. 500 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | 940-322-9606 www.heightsskin.com | @heightsderm_wichita_falls Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm i We are set apart by our PERSONABLE APPROACH TO HEALTHCARE, providing care to patients of all ages. We put our patients’ needs and wishes first while providing the most current treatments and therapies. We are also wanting to become an INTEGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY by partnering with and employing military family members either transitioning to civilian life or those just transferring to Sheppard Air Force Base for the first time. • DERMATITIS • SKIN SCREENING • ECZEMA • MOLE REMOVAL • SKIN CANCER REMOVAL 7 hometown living at its best
S Wichita Falls Living Magazine© is published quarterly by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain 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 Ellen Slater Susan Turner Taylor Grimm PHOTOGRAPHERS Astone Photography Chase Roberts Glenn Archer Photography LA Saunders Media Lauren Deges Shaynah Deason Photography Taylor Grimm Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers “Just so, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner that repents than over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance.” - Luke 15:7 Spring is such a special time. As the air warms and the sun-lit day slowly stretches, new life sprouts or stands up all around. The land, restored to its green glory for a little while, is teeming with growth. It’s one of my favorite sights. That, however, does not compare to the experience of watching new life catch its first breath, stride or bit of milk. Horses and cows are my favorite but it really doesn’t matter what species, they are all a bit awe-inspiring. Magical, if you will. I’ve never seen a baby take their first breath but I bet that would take the cake, especially as their parent. As I pondered the simple beauty around me I started to wonder how our Heavenly Father feels upon seeing us, his children, receive new life on Earth. The new life that He gave His for, to ensure we are with Him forever. At the instant of our salvation I can only imagine the rejoicing in Heaven! What a sight it will be. I hope this spring you enjoy all the fresh life and growth the Earth yields. More so, I pray you accept the new life freely given to us, and delight in the sanctification that follows. Blessings, Howdy Wichita Falls Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group Mary Ann Bailey Sales Account Executive Lindsey Kruger Social Media &Newsletter Editor lindsey@hometownmedia.group 8 wichita falls living ON THE COVER Photo by Patrick Case Taylor Grimm
9 hometown living at its best Schedule Your Campus Tour Today
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R A I S I N G T H E B A R O F A C C O U N T A B I L I T Y A N D 12 wichita falls living
What sets Crossvine apart from other businesses? The way we treat each other! I believe respect and empathy are two of the strongest determining factors of success. We, as leaders, must create a culture that gives our people the freedom and flexibility to focus on what’s most important to THEM. is a change agent; not only as an experienced and successful professional in the financial planning industry, but also by way of raising the bar of what can be expected from an entrepreneur and, possibly more importantly, from an employer. As the owner of Crossvine A Financial Planning Firm based in Wichita Falls and Fort Worth, Texas, Brian has set out to revolutionize the standard of client interaction and team culture in today's professional climate. At the heart of his success is a set of core values that includes service above self, a desire for personal growth, and anticipating the needs of others. Brian believes that by embodying these values, he and his team can deliver world-class service to their clients, while fostering a culture of support for his employees, which naturally drives growth for the business. What makes Crossvine unique is its organizational culture, which Brian and his leadership team work intentionally to sustain. The leadership team was thoughtfully selected to maintain a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Brian puts his team first, ensuring they have the freedom to share ideas and contribute to the execution of plans. By keeping his team motivated and engaged, Brian has built a loyal client base who value the exceptional service and dedication they receive. The success of Crossvine is a testament to Brian's leadership and his commitment to building a culture that encourages growth, creativity, and collaboration. From having a Zen room for mental breaks and monthly chair massages, to having healthcare costs covered for all team members and their children, the support that comes with being a part of the Crossvine team is more than apparent. Sitting down with Brian to talk about the successes of Crossvine, you very quickly realize why the firm is unmatched. You find yourself in awe of the sincerity and passion that flows from him when speaking about his team. THE AGENT OF CHANGE How do you maintain a positive and collaborative team culture within your organization? We have intentionally created and work to sustain a culture that focuses on what’s really important to those around us. We lean on our team for tough decisions and focus on their development. Because of this, we are on the right track to building a company that can withstand anything. BRIAN BLAIR What strategies do you use to attract and retain top talent? We focus more on our people and their development and their wellbeing, not just keeping eyes on the bottom line. What are you doing within the community to spread the positive impact you have created within Crossvine? Our team loves to give back! Recently, we had the privilege of teaching local students at multiple schools about the basics of financial literacy, how to establish, build, and protect their credit, and the joys of charitable giving. We also engage with the college students and young professionals of the area by offering internships, attending speaking engagements to educate on the importance of networking, being a catalyst for positive change, and managing up within the workplace. 13 hometown living at its best
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LIFESTYLES GUIDE Outdoor T here’s no place quite like the great outdoors, and with spring on the horizon we are itching to relish in it! Whether you’re unwinding from the day, hosting the family cookout or watching a game with friends–good outdoor living spaces are a favorite. Here are a few tips, and some inspiration, to make your space swoon-worthy. 15 hometown living at its best
Utensil Holder When hosting, use plastic cutlery in your utensil holders for easy serving and clean up! H Outdoor Rugs &Pillows are an easy way to add changeable pops of color and style to the space. Citronella Candles are aesthetically pleasing and helpful for pesky bugs. Outdoor Fans are a great addition to increase airflow and beat the heat! H H H "We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. " - Winston Churchill n
CONSIDER THESE DROUGHTRESISTANT PLANTS THAT LOVE DIRECT SUNLIGHT IN YOUR LANDSCAPING. Yucca Agave Plants False Heather English Lavender Succulents hometown living at its best 17
TERIYAKI CHICKEN SKEWERS INGREDIENTS: • chicken breast • teriyaki marinade - made with a combination of water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), cornstarch, garlic powder (optional), black vinegar, & salt. • pineapple • bell peppers - green, yellow & red peppers • red onion • olive oil • white sesame seeds INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Prepare the teriyaki marinade. In a small pot, add the teriyaki marinade ingredients (water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, dark soy sauce, garlic powder, vinegar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the mixture boils and starts to thicken. Transfer the sauce into a bowl and set aside for at least 1 hour to cool off completely. Set aside ⅓ cup of the teriyaki sauce. 2. Marinate the chicken. Cut out chicken breasts into 1.5-inch thick cubes and add them into the teriyaki marinade. Stir with a spoon to coat all the chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best results). 3. Skewer the chicken. Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple. 4. Grill the skewers. Lightly brush olive oil over the grill pan. Preheat over medium high heat for about 5 minutes until sizzling hot. Cook the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes on each side or until its internal temperature reaches 165 F (75 C). 5. Serve. Transfer the skewers onto a plate and drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and serve over steamed rice. Juicy and tender teriyaki chicken skewers with pineapple, bell peppers and red onions are the perfect sweet, and tangy meal with minimal mess. Courtesy of Ahead of Thyme 18 wichita falls living
19 hometown living at its best BLUEBERRY GINGER MOCKTAIL • 1 liter water • 1 ¼ cups fresh blueberries • 1 heaping tablespoon grated ginger • 4-5 tablespoons sugar or adjust to taste INSTRUCTIONS: 1. To a pan on medium-high heat add water, blueberries and grated ginger. Let it all come to a boil. 2. Once the mixture starts boiling, add sugar and mix till it dissolves. 3. Now lower the heat and using the back of your spatula, mash the blueberries. Mash all of it and let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes. 4. Remove from heat and once the syrup has cooled down, cover it with a cling sheet and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This is important so that the flavors mix-in well. 5. After 2-3 hours, strain the syrup into a clear bowl. At this point you can cover and keep it refrigerate until ready to use. 6. To serve the blueberry ginger cooler, fill 2/3 of the glass with the syrup, add ice cubes. 7. And then add lemon-lime sparkling water on top and stir so that the soda and syrup combine well. 8. Garnish with some fresh blueberries and mint leaves and enjoy! INGREDIENTS: • 2-3 cans of lemon lime sparkling water unsweetened • ice cubes • mint leaves TO SERVE: Pair your Teriyaki Chicken Skewers perfectly with this Blueberry Ginger mocktail for a refreshing treat everyone can enjoy. Courtesy of Cook with Manali
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HOMETOWN Happenings
23 hometown living at its best SHERIFF DUKE'S Sheriff Duke’s Annual Dynamite Chili Fest was held Saturday, February 4th at the Elks Lodge. This event is a fundraiser for The Wichita County Sheriff ’s Office Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association, a 501 c3 non-profit organization of graduates from the Citizen’s Academy. After the first class formed the Alumni Association, they decided to build a memorial for fallen deputies and firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for Wichita County. They raised funds by hosting an annual golf tournament, selling numerous products, and hosting a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI)-sanctioned Chili Cook-Off. In addition to the CASI Chili Cook-Off, the event features a silent auction, a country store with all types of baked goods and a 50/50 drawing. The event continues to grow each year, and now have about 25 cooks registered. There is also an open bean cooking contest. There are many great prizes for the top 10 chili cooks, and the top 3 showmanship awards. The event is a lot of fun for adults and children alike, bringing the community together for a great cause. The Alumni Association has raised over $400,000.00 since 2010 and theMemorial Project is nearing completion. The six-foot bronze Deputy and six-foot bronze firefighter with the names of the fallen below are scheduled for completion in 2023. In addition, there is a bronze Deputy’s Prayer on one wall and a bronze Fire Fighters Prayer on the other wall. The Alumni is also in the process of having a fiberglass horse painted with a saddle and boots facing backward in the stirrups to be installed next to the memorial. The Citizen’s Academy is held twice a year There are currently over 200 members. For more information or an academy application, visit wichitacountysheriffsoffice.org. Courtesy of the DEPUTYMELVIN JOYNER Dynamite Chili Fest
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26 wichita falls living any daughters fol low mom’s footsteps when choosing a career path. Usually, the trail blazed by mom leads to becoming a teacher, healthcare professional or another quite traditional female occupation. The path followed by Hailey Wright Hawkins, however, was an actual trail. Through the native Texas landscape—grass, forbs, brush, waterways, and even the wide-open Texas sky. The family’s heritage runs back over 100 years in Texas history. Hailey and her mother DanaWright have the distinction of being the first, and only, mother and daughter working as Wildlife Biologists in theWildlifeDivision of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). A member of the TPWD team since 1992, Dana serves as Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Easternhalf of the 56 county Panhandle/High Plains District. In 2022, she proudly watched Hailey earn her own spot on the roster as a TPWD Wildlife Biologist. Furthermore, the distinction does not stop there! Dana’s father, Chuck Dalchau, worked for both theWildlife and Fisheries Division of TPWD for 21 years, making Hailey a third-generation employee of the TPWD Wildlife Division. “I went with my dad a lot,” Dana said. “I watched him do his work, saw how good he was at it and how much he loved being outdoors.” Chuck startedhis careerwithTPWD in 1966 when a friend told him of an opening there. “My senior year at Tarleton, I began thinking about what I was going to do with my interest in science and biology,” Dana said. In those days there was no internet to search for jobs, so openings were harder to know about. My dad directed me to an opening in the Panhandle with TPWD, and I was hired.” Written by SUSAN TURNER | Photos provided by HAILEY HAWKINS AFFAIR A Family MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO BLAZES TRAIL THROUGH TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
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Dana married Frank Wright in 1994, and they moved to the historic Triangle Ranch. Frank is still employed as a ranch foreman where Hailey and younger brother, Hayden, grew up on the Moon Camp, a division of the Triangle Ranch. Hailey’s childhood was surrounded by some of the greatest treasures of Texas: horses, cattle, the character of people associatedwith ranchwork, wildlife andwideopen spaces. As a child her education included the stewardship of Texas’ lands and livestock. “I grew up riding horses and helping my dad round up cattle on the ranch,” Hailey said. “I learned first-hand about natural resources, the ways of wildlife and the give-and-take necessary for a working ranch to co-exist with native wildlife.” This ranching background coupled with the work her mom did as a TPWD Wildlife Biologist gave Hailey unique preparation to one day step into her mother’s boots. “I knew from the time I was in the eighth grade that I wanted to follow inmymomand grandfather’s footsteps. I remember mom visiting with landowners, helping them draw up wildlife management plans, tracking dove, quail, deer, pronghorns—every species of wildlife in the Panhandle.” Plant and landscape surveyswere part of Dana’s work, and Hailey excelled on her Paducah High School FFA Wildlife Team, which included native plant identification, habitat evaluation and wildlife biology. While working on an associate degree at Vernon College, Hailey complemented her studying withemployment at theTexasA&MExperiment Station in Lockett. Her mother and paternal grandfather, Tom Wright, had also worked for experiment stations, so she knew this was a place to further the career to which she aspired. Froman early age, she never took her eyes off her dream. The laser focus paid off. In 2020 she earned her Bachelor of Science degree fromTexas Tech University in Natural Resource Management with a Concentration inWildlife Biology. In 2022 she started a career with the Texas Parks andWildlifeDepartment. 28 wichita falls living
29 hometown living at its best After graduation from Tech Hailey stood on a solid foundation for a career with TPWD. She had a deeply ingrained work ethic shaped in her youth by ranch work, summer employment as a life guard and by the example set by her parents. She held a degree from a major university, but, until a position came open for her at TPWD, she maintained the patience, drive and foresight to immerse herself in internships and employment opportunities that would fortify her resume. Over the next two years this included internships at TPWDwildlifemanagement areas, working under renowned research biologist Dr. Dale Rollins at the Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, and the Quail Tech Alliance. She researched quail on the historic Nail Ranch in Shackleford County. The workplace settings she chose not only earned her a paycheck, they deepened her understanding of Texas wildlife management. Whether it was conducting surveys of turkey, white tails, mule deer or applying radio telemetry technology to 27 Texas horned lizards, Hailey accumulated wide and varied experience. In December 2021, when at last the TPWD position she wanted came open, she was ready. She gave an answer in interviews that she could back upwith impeccable authority, “I know what it takes to do this job.” "I know what it takes TO DO THIS JOB.” - Hailey Wright Hawkins
DANA MAKES A CONSCIENCE EFFORT TO TRY TO ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN TO HAVE A ROLE WITH TPWD. “I was, of course, thrilled when Hailey got this job. There are several fathers and sons, working with TPWD, but It has been neat to be the first mother and daughter.”
31 hometown living at its best Dana said she was the only female TPWD Wildlife Biologist in the Panhandle for a long time, and it was clear her colleagues doubted her abilities. “Some said I wouldn’t last. I wanted to prove them wrong, and that only mademe work harder,” Dana said. “When they figured out I could do the job, they were more accepting.” She laughed as she remembered revising the seating arrangements in the truck at one point. “Everywhere we went, I rode in the middle. About the second year I decided I did not want to ride in the middle anymore, and we came to an understanding on that. Today I would not take anything for the guys I work with. They are my family.” Dana makes a conscience effort to try to encourage other women to have a role with TPWD. “I was, of course, thrilled when Hailey got this job. There are several fathers and sons, working with TPWD, but It has been neat to be the first mother and daughter.” Their paths cross a couple of times a month, and Hailey and Dana truly enjoy working together. Hailey's respect for her mother is evident, not only in that she chose a similar career, but in Hailey's admiration for the woman that her mother is. “Momwas a perfect mentor,” Hailey said. “She was a trail blazer; she was the only woman working as a Wildlife Biologist in the Panhandle District for almost 20 years. She has a lot of confidence. That is something you have to build up. Mom
32 wichita falls living has that confidence because she knows so much—the environment, wildlife—every aspect of her job. She is also not afraid of work. You have to be a people person in this profession, and I also got that from her. People count on you to help them make decisions, so they have to believe in you.” As with any newposition, the work has just begun, and Hailey has some big boots to fill. “We are about to start dove and pronghorn surveys and will start trapping doves in June. We capture the doves then attach a leg band to the doves, record their age and sex, then set them free. Mom’s quota is over 300 mourning dove per year.” The work of TPWD has certainly evolved since seeds were planted in the early 1900s for anagency to oversee andprotect Texaswildlife and their habitat. Among this technology is GPS collars that ping off satellites to give real timemovement and satellite imagery showing changes in habitat over time. Historically, collecting and logging this data by handwould have required enormous amounts of time and resources. Thetechnologyimprovementsbringgreater efficiency, but the most satisfying element of working as a TPWD Wildlife Biologist has not changed in three generations. The ladies love that each day is a new adventure. “Every day is different,” Dana said. “No two are alike. One day you may be chasing mule deer, the next you are writing a report or a rancher’s wildlife management plan. We get to go out on a lot of ranches that most people do not have access to, and we get to meet some really interesting people. You never knowwho is going to call.” Of course, another thing that hasn't changed is that working outdoors always includes the unpredictable, and this work holds a real element of danger, at times. “Capturing wildlife is definitely a challenge,” Dana says. “I have been stuck in mud and sand and had to walk or call for help. I didn’t have a 4-wheel drive pickup until about 7 years ago. Youmay be out in the middle of a ranch, the weather conditions deteriorate, and you find yourself capturing pronghorns in sideways snow. Some of our wildlife counts are done from the air and flying offers its own set of challenges. I don’t suppose I will ever forget the day our pilot ran off the end of the runway.”
33 hometown living at its best Hailey rides herd over Texas wildlife, but she also keeps a careful watch over family ties. She and husband, Travis, are remodeling a home in his hometown of Knox City. When time permits, Hailey enjoys quilting with her grandmother, Sally Dalchau, and with Dana. The great beneficiary of this facet of Hailey’s life is her hound dog, Piper, who truly enjoys the blanket Hailey quilted for her. Hailey’s grandfather passed away in 2019. He was a trail blazer in his own right by encouraging his daughter to pursue a career traditionally filled by men. It must have been incredibly satisfying to see his granddaughter, a third generation, set out on a path following in his footsteps. One can only imagine the grin on his face if he could hear Hailey say, “I know what it takes to do this job.” †
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36 wichita falls living Join us in welcomingWichita Falls’ newest residents! Have your photographer share your sweet bundle with us for future issues, office@hometownmedia.group. 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 BUNDLES OF Joy HOMETOWN
37 hometown living at its best 1. Blakely | Parents: Lex & Alyssa Love 2. Elmer | Parents: Byron & Sadie Stanley 3. Avery | Parent: Katie Kenyon 4. Dylan | Parent: Jordan Whatley 5. Gabriella | Parent: Marketta Alexander 6. Graham | Parents: Justyn & Adrian Hart 7. Jocelyn | Parents: Justin Seeley & Paisley Ray 8. Murphy | Parents: Rick & Lindsey Gonzales 9. Henry | Parents: Cole & Heather Burns 10. Juliana | Parents: Geordan & Raquel Martinez 11. Kaisyn | Parent: Mikaela Wells 12. Wylie | Parents: Wes & Sydney Hastings 10 11 12 9 8 Photos by Chelsee Thomas Photography
38 wichita falls living 1. Camden | Parents: Matt & Lacey Buckmaster | Chelsee Thomas Photography 2. Everlee | Parents: Colin Pounds & Keeley Trevino | Chelsee Thomas Photography 3. Harper | Parents: Matthew & Harli Womack | Chelsee Thomas Photography 4. Malachi | Parents: Mike & Jessica Childers | Chelsee Thomas Photography 5. Vivi | Parents: Juan & Aleisha Solorio | Chelsee Thomas Photography 6. Lucas | Parents: Tabatha Chan & Lydia Toler | Chelsee Thomas Photography 7. Hunter | Parents: Cole & Sharria Dalton | Jo Brown Photography 8. Cannon | Parents: Cody Choate & Kristina Garrison | Carla Blanchard Photography 9. Adrianna | Parents: Dustin & Katarzyna Nickell | Carla Blanchard Photography 10. Daenerys | Parent: Laura Scott | Carla Blanchard Photography 11. Alejandro | Parents: Victor Campos & Alecia Arenivar | Carla Blanchard Photography 12. Emery | Parents: Justin & Rachel Norris | Carla Blanchard Photography 13. Sandler | Parents: Colbee Routh & Taylor Clement | Carla Blanchard Photography 14. Carter | Parents: Clayton & Carrie Allen | Carla Blanchard Photography 15. Letti | Parents: David & Sara Nix | Carla Blanchard Photography 16. Harper | Parents: Wesley & Savanna Griffin | Carla Blanchard Photography 17. Jhen’e | Parents: Christian & Hope | Carla Blanchard Photography 18. Jovanny | Parents: Jonathan Aleman & Tiffany Zavala | Carla Blanchard Photography 19. Haislie | Parents: Brice & Kayla Blake | Carla Blanchard Photography 1 4 2 3 5 6 7
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Oswald, Wichita Falls area resident Mike
HOMETOWN Happenings
43 hometown living at its best 26TH ANNUAL ARTS ALIVE! The Arts Council WF was excited to present the 26th annual Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival on Feb. 25th and 26th at the MPEC. The Wichita Falls community and surrounding residents came out to show their support for the organization and the businesses and vendors attending this year. They got to see the latest in new home trends and upgrades, connect with our local industry experts, find out what’s happening in gardening and landscaping, as well as check out new lifestyle goods. Popular features of the event included the 40+ Farmers Market vendors, local and regional artists, community non-profit organizations, and a Youth Recycled Art Contest sponsored by Texoma Community Credit Union. Families were entertained by the petting zoo and agriculture area, which featured Little Eden Farm exotic animals, 4-H youth and their farm animals, an interactive “Doorways to Agriculture” exhibit sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau, and the Mobile Dairy Classroom presented by SouthWest SouthLand Dairy Farmers. A new addition this year was Sam Gibbs Music bringing in their piano students in throughout the weekend to perform for the visitors! The year's featured artwork was created by Wichita Falls artist, KimWard. Kim’s piece titled “Life is Sweet” was the inspiration for the “Pop into Spring” theme that was present throughout theweekend and vendor booths. Her artwork was featured in all marketing and promotion for the event. The Home & Garden committee selects a new piece of art to be featured from the annual Mystery Art Fest exhibit and auction that is held each October at the Kemp Center for the Arts. The Arts Alive! Home & Garden Festival makes it possible for the Arts Council WF to offer a plethora of free and low-cost opportunities, including: community art galleries, classes for all ages, camp programs, distance learning through Region 9, fine arts days and more. Save the date for next year - Feb. 24th and 25th, 2024! Information and details can always be found at Homeandgardenwf.org. Home &Garden Festival Courtesy of the KRISTENCONRADY SHIPLET
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47 hometown living at its best S Written by ELLEN SLATER | Photos Courtesy of JULIE LEWIS The Wichita Falls Elite Swim Team has trained thousands of area swimmers, aimed at building self-confidence and lifelong friendships. MAKING A Splash Since its inception in 2012, the Wichita Falls Elite Swim Team (WEST) has coached hundreds of young swimmers each year. WEST is amember of theUSASwimorganization, and according toHead Coach, Julie Lewis, their first goal is to introduce students to thewater. "Kids can try out for the team when they're six," Lewis said. "All we're looking for at this young age is can they stay abovewater and are they comfortable in thewater?We have them jump into the deep end to make sure they're not afraid."
48 wichita falls living Beginning students make up the Red Team and learn the four basic swim strokes - freestyle, breast, butterfly and backstroke. They practice 2-3 times per week. "Our Red Team doesn't compete," Lewis said. "Students canbe any age as a beginner sowehave several different groups based on age." Intermediate swimmers are on the White Team and start to learn endurance training and begin to participate in swim meets. Advanced swimmers make up the Blue Team and are ages 12 and up. "Students in this group practice two hours each day after school," said Lewis. "Practices aren't mandatory and many of our swimmers participate in school sports and extracurricular activities." Many on the advanced teamswimwithWESTalso compete with their high school swim team. Both of Lewis's daughters swim with WEST. Her oldest daughter, Lainy, is a senior this year, and one of WEST's Team captains. "Lainy also plays volleyball and runs track on her high school team," Lewis said. "She's been able to work swimming around her other activities and still excel. Lainy recently won first place at the State Meet in breaststroke. Lewis has been Head Coach of WEST for more than a year. Additionally, the organization has seven other coaches who work with specific age groups." My role as Head Coach is more administrative," she said. "Prior to this I served on the board for seven years." Lewis has been a Math Teacher at BurkburnettHigh School for the past 19 years. She says the fact that WEST serves Wichita Falls surrounding towns is one of the things that appealed to her family. "Burkburnett High School doesn't have a swim team, so for students from the smaller areas surrounding Wichita Falls it's a great option."
49 WEST has had four swimmers in recent years who've gone onto swim in college on swim scholarships. This fall, Lainy will attend Oklahoma Christian University on a swim scholarship. WEST swimmers have also had success at area swim competitions. The organization generally participates in two meets each month. "We usually compete inmeets inEdmondor theDFW area," Lewis said. "We don't normally place as a team because we only have 10 to 20 swimmers competing, but many of our members win individual medals."
50 wichita falls living It's during practice and out-of-town meets that swimmers bond and become great friends. Senior, Michael Roach, serves asWEST's other TeamCaptain and Junior Coach. He said, "I love swimming and all the friends I've made through WEST. It's a fun community." He said he really enjoys the coaching aspect as well. "I love working with the younger swimmers; I like getting to know them. Many of them look at me as an older brother and ask for advice," he said. Michael started swimming with WEST when he was in middle school. "I had an awesome coach when I first started," he said. "He really inspired me to follow in his footsteps." Michaelwill attendVernon Community College in the Fall and plans to continue coaching at WEST.
51 hometown living at its best Lainy also works as a WEST Junior Swim Coach this year. "I've made such great friends, and I enjoy being a junior coach and getting to know the younger kids." When not swimming, Lainy stays busy playing high school sports and also severs as Class Secretary, Student Council President andVicePresident of theNational Honor Society. Sheplans tomajor inBiology at Oklahoma Christian University and one day become a veterinarian. Julie Lewis plans to continue asWEST's Head Coach for the foreseeable future. Her 13-year-old daughter, Becca, also swims with the group. Lewis says her favorite aspect of coaching is getting to know the swimmers. "Since I don't specialize in one age group, I get to know all the kids," she said. "I love seeing themprogress over the years." † For more information onWEST Swimming contact: coaches@westswim.org
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54 wichita falls living HOWLONGHAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? 7 years LEONARD “LENNY” JAMES LOVE photos provided by the love family WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Wichita Falls 4-H Spotlight ARE YOU ANOFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? President of the 4-H Explorers Club and a Jr. County 4-H Ambassador PARENTS Matt & Katherine Love WHAT 4-HACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Shooting Sports, Fishing, Rabbits, Food and Nutrition, Community Service, Performing Arts WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing: Learning something new. Least Favorite: Public speaking can be challenging. 4-H CLUB Explorers
55 hometown living at its best HOWHAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? I have learned many different skills that will help me later in life. I’ve learned to make good consumer decisions. I can speak in front of people. I can build networks to learn from and encourage others. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? It’s a fun way to prepare for growing up. OTHER GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Blacksox Baseball, Greater Wichita Falls Soccer Association WHATWOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-HTO PERSUADE THEMTO JOIN? It’s fun. Come and join us. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED ANDWHAT AWARDS HAVE YOUWON? I have competed in Shooting Sports, Food Competitions, Wichita County Jr. Livestock Show, and the County Show.
56 wichita falls living WHO IS YOURMENTOR? Mom and Dad, my older sister Molly, County Extension Agent, Katrena Mitchell, and 4-H Shooting Sports Coach, Danelle Ivey WHAT ARE YOURHOBBIES/INTERESTS? Baseball,Soccer,Basketball,Tennis,Gymnastics,Piano, Drums, Fishing, Painting, Hiking, Collecting Baseball Cards, and Cooking. WORDS OFWISDOM: Meet someone who is doing what you want to do, ask questions, and get started. WHAT DO YOUWANT TO DOWHEN YOU GROWUP? I would like to do something with baseball. Either play baseball or prepare and support others who play. I would also like to be a professional Angler. TELLUS A FUNNY STORYABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. Don’topenyourmouthwhenyouareflippingchickens.
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Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS Photos by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS and Courtesy of DR. SHERIE PIERCE INTEGRATING Art for BETTER EDUCATION Dr. Sherie Pierce started at Henrietta High School as a teacher’s aide and ended up creating a successful new art department. 61 hometown living at its best
WWouldn’t it be grand if art used math, science, and other subjects to create masterpieces? Dr. Sherie Pierce actually does that in her art and her capacity as an art educator. While she did not seek employment with the school to teach art, with the help of the school administrators, Dr. Pierce created and runs the art department at Henrietta High School. Dr. Pierce first began at the school as a paraprofessional or an instructional aid. The school principal Dave Holbert said though she was credentialed and had a wonderful experience, she thought itwould still be a good opportunity to work with young people. “Shewanted to be part of the school community that her daughter and sonwere experiencing,” he explained. Both of her children, Chloe Curtis Pierce and Presley Curtis Pierce, attended the school after a move to Henrietta. Principal Holbert knew that they were not utilizing her education, knowledge, or her skills. He lobbied for her to get one art class to test the waters. Last year they gave her one art class. There was so much interest and positive buzz throughout the community that they gave her a lab and a full-time teaching position. “How did this serendipitous great thing happen where this Doctor of Art Education ends up a Henrietta High School?” he said. “I have 62 wichita falls living
all of these students that benefit from not only all her education but also her experience in the actual art world.” This year, she is teaching three Art 1 classes and twoGraphicDesign classes. He said she isnowconsideredbymanystudents to be a favorite teacher. “My experience is in art and growing art programs, and doing advance placement, and doing IB curriculum,” Dr. Pierce said. “They are giving me the freedom to grow [this department] and an art lab where I could do multiple things at the same time. I can also do an entire graphic design program in this lab. That kind of goes along with my graduate research because I amdoing art integrationwith technology together and it all mixes up together in a really good way. It's cool because if they are doing something and they need to do research they have computers. Or maybe they need to look at a 3D program to help themfigure out something different than what we are doing here.” She said this is just the first year, and the students seemvery excited to have this option. TOP LEFT: Dr. Pierce gives suggestions to Rayna Woods while she is painting a watercolor of a flower. ABOVE: Dr. Sherie Pierce gives direction to McKenna Murphy over a drawing she is doing to design makeup for a UIL One Act Play called “Frankenstein.” LEFT: Esai Garcia, one of Dr. Sherie Pierce’s students at Henrietta High School, researches details about a plant that he is doing a watercolor painting of for a school fundraiser. 63 hometown living at its best
Dr. Pierce specializes in cross-curricular planning. For instance, her art students are collaborating on a project with the school’s agricultural department. That department is growing different flowers and plants to auction off. Dr. Pierce’s students have each chosen a plant, which they will create a watercolor painting of to accompany the plants when they sell at auction. Dr. Pierce said “We did gridding, and incorporated math into our artwork. We do vocabulary and research the plants. We talk about our voice and purpose in our artwork and whom we make things for and showcasing all of it.” Dr. Pierce remembers creatingart fromavery young age. “As soon as I could hold a pencil, I remember drawing out things that I saw in my mind like stories. I would draw them out and talk to people about them. I think I always expressed myself with visual art pretty much all my life,” she said. She first attended Midland Junior college and got anassociate degree inart. “Myprofessors were really good artists. They preferred to teach in a smaller school, so we had professionals teaching us. Then I went to Angelo state and got my bachelor’s degree. We had really wonderful professors teaching painting and sculpture, and I got my teacher’s certification there,” she said. Shepursuedhermaster’s degreeandfinished her doctorate in Houston. “I ended up moving to Dallas because there was a school there that was teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) curriculum. It was when the STEAM schools had just started to develop. So I came into that school to do arts integration,” she said. “My entire dissertation was on beginning STEAM programs. I used art to increase the actual math scores of students for their state exams. My lesson plans included mathematical concepts and science concepts and vocabulary and all that with technology, and engineering.” Then covid hit, and when that cooled down, and school started again, she decided to move to Henrietta. She is not just an educator; she is an accomplished artist also. Dr. Pierce shows her art at the Wichita Falls Art Association Gallery. Her techniques vary from photorealism to abstract and mixed media. In her piece called “Hope” she created a field with bluebonnets surrounding a white cow resting on the grass. She entitled it that because it represents a new beginning with spring in the air. It is very precise, and she painted it with colored pencils, a technique she discovered. She has another piece that is called the “Hopi Prophesy.” It all started with an “old beautiful book.” It was a great reference book that documented the Native Americans around this region in this area. She took maps of where they came from and incorporated images of the Native Americans with the maps. She then painted a large buffalo across the canvas. It is a mixed-media piece of art and something she calls her science experiment. “I used dyes, and acrylic paint with enamel paint to see how those chemicals responded to each other. She also mixed the enamel paint Dr. Sherie Pierce, the head of the art department at Henrietta High School discusses costume design for a UIL One Act Play of “Frankenstein.” 64 wichita falls living
This a commission piece for a friend of Dr. Pierce that she completed using only colored pencils. It is entitled “Mom.” 65 hometown living at its best
with a solvent like mineral spirits. “Sometimes I use whatever I have and I test it on small pieces. I experimented with the physical properties of liquids. I poured it on and let it drip. Some of the paints underneath dried faster or slower and these kinds of things push and pull with the enamels. I let whatever happened happen.” The last step was to pour resin on it to give it a glass-like finish. “So, this is an example of my science experiments.” “That is one thing I am trying to get the students to experiment with and be comfortable not knowing what the end product is going to be. It may not turn out perfect, but the important thing is that they are experimenting,” she said with a smile. She is teaching her students to open theirminds to creative outlets with varying art supplies and techniques. † TOP: "Hopi Prophesy." This piece of art Dr. Pierce refers to as a science project. She used a number of different types of paints and dyes to create it. It is finished with resin which gives it a glass-like finish. ABOVE: Dr. Sherie Pierce is an accomplished artist and an educator at Henrietta High School. She started and continues to run the art program. 66 wichita falls living
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Jim Johnson Executive VP Brandon Anderson President, Wichita County Your local bank for generations. 68 wichita falls living
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4TH ANNUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HOMETOWN Happenings On February 10th and 11th the American Legion Post 169, along with Outlaw BBQ, hosted the 4th annual State Championship Brisket Cookoff. With a silent auction, numerous vendor booths and live demonstrations, it was an eventful weekend with attractions for the entire family. 25 teams competed for the cookof f championship. Categories were best in: brisket, chicken, porkspare ribs, beans andpeachcobbler. They also had a kid’s chicken competition. Judges were community members, with head judges beingWalker and Judy Keeney of Outlaw BBQ. Winners were awarded ammo cans and a percentage back of the entry fee pot. 27 vendors participated, bringing a variety of services and local restaurants andmerchants fromacross North Texas. Wichita Falls PD SWAT team had a static display, SAFB 82nd Security Forces Squadron provided twomilitaryworking dog demonstrations, and Boy Scout Troop 2 provided a BB Shoot as well. Join them at the legion’s post next year for the 5th annual contest on February 9-10, 2024. Courtesy of TOSHAKURTZ ANDKENNY LYONS Brisket Cook-off
71 hometown living at its best RESULTS: Grand Champion: Richard Johnson Reserve Grand Champion: Randy Burkhart Brisket: 1st Harlan Tourney, 2nd Richard Johnson, 3rd Mathew Fears Chicken: 1st Tim Wooldridge, 2nd Bryce Hrncirik, 3rd Randy Burkhart Ribs: 1st Trace Ashley, 2nd Mike Vernon, 3rd Mike Torrez Beans: 1st Harlan Tourney, 2nd Randy Burkhart, 3rd Bryce Hrncirik Kid’s: 1st Taryn Fears, 2nd Austin Moon, 3rd Jessie Spomer Cobbler: 1st Michael Kurtz, 2nd Joann Kurtz, 3rd Charles Barrett
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FOR MILITARY COUPLES Lessons in Love By CHELSEY TERRY | Photos Courtesy of COHENS VETERANS NETWORK 74 wichita falls living
From the stress of deployments to frequent moves, military couples face a number of unique challenges. Mental and physical changes that result from a military career can also be intense: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping are just a few. Chelsey Terry, a licensed clinical social worker with 11 years of experience, discusses some of the challenges faced by many couples—especially military—and ways to combat them. Deployments are a big part of the military experience. Most are aware of what that means for the service member; being away from home, living outside the continental U.S., and carrying out military action or missions. However, a military deployment also closely impacts a spouse, besides justmissing their partner. For example, adeployment means a spouse will have to take up all the roles of a two-person household rather than splitting them as they normally would. A deployment could place a burden on that relationship and a couple might need to address certain aspects with open communication, coping strategies, or sometimes therapy. Military couples also face more transitions than many civilian couples, whether that be moving every couple of years or even leaving the military for civilian life, which can be challenging for a multitude of reasons. Not only is it a big decision for the service member and the couple that takes planning and preparation, but going from an active, high-energy job where decisions on your future are often out of your hands to a civilian position can cause unavoidable stress. When looking at veteran couples, there can also be changing relationship dynamics, like a spouse becoming a caregiver for the service member. SPECIFIC CHALLENGES TO BE AWARE OF 75 hometown living at its best
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