MIDWESTERN STATE UNI VERS I TY TM A Member of the Texas Tech University System WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS ROBERT IBARRA First Generation Student Accounting/Finance, major At MSU Texas, there is a close community, and you get to really know the campus. I feel like I know most of the people in my classes. It’s My University. YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE Schedule Your Campus Tour Today
On the Cover Photo by Nick Viggiano Contents 10 4-H SPOTLIGHT: LEKOTA LARA Daughter of Dustin and Lillian Frazier and member of the Wichita Falls 4-H Horse Club, Lekota shares about her time of service, showmanship and life experience learned. 18 FOUR WHEELING FOR A CAUSE A local group is wheeling around town and partnering with nonprofits to help the community where needed. 26 HOMETOWN BUNDLES Welcome to our communities’ newest residents. Have your photographer submit newborn images to office@hometownmedia.group to be featured in a future issue. 32 THE POWER OF A METAL ROSE Master blacksmith and welder, Larry Roderick passes his skills down to the next generation. 46 EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY The Humane Society of Wichita County’s new facilities allow owners affordable care and more pets a second chance. 56 YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT Thanks to revised policy, more Wichita County children are receiving life-changing services. 70 SUMMER SUPER FOODS Foods and recipes to keep you hydrated and healthy all summer long! 74 A NEW FACILITY FOR THE 82D MEDICAL GROUP MUSTANG MEDICS Serving the needs of trainees, active-duty service members, their families and retired service personnel, the new facility demonstrates energy efficiency and a healing atmosphere. 86 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating and praying over this graduating class. 14, 42, 52, 84 Enjoy a variety of HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS in every issue showcasing the people, places, and events occuring in the Wichita Falls area. Email office@hometownmedia.group to submit yours. 32 56 74 4 wichita falls living
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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 Taylor Grimm Rebecca Sanchez Jessica Wesson PHOTOGRAPHERS Nick Viggiano Shaynah Deason Torin Halsey Richard Carter Richard Carter Just Shoot Me Photogrpahy Taylor Grimm Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers As the warmth of the sun embraces us we find ourselves immersed in the vibrant energy of summer. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to open our summer issue of Wichita Falls Living. Summer is a time of boundless adventures, cherished moments, and unforgettable experiences. It’s with great excitement that we present to you a collection of stories, features, and inspirations that capture the essence of this cherished time. For me and my family, summer has always been a beloved season. It holds a special place in my heart—evoking a sense of freedom and joy that brings families closer together. It’s a time when we can go on vacation, set aside our daily routines and create memories that will last a lifetime. From lazy days spent at the lake to exploring new destinations near and far, we embrace every opportunity to bask in the beauty of the season and make the most of the long days. Wichita Falls Living is more than just a magazine; it is a community of individuals who share a deep appreciation for our area. We believe that quality living extends beyond material possessions and embraces the intangible joys that life holds, and that each season uniquely offers. We hope the heartfelt stories inspire you to embrace the essence of summer and create your own moments of magic. As you embark on your own summer adventures, we encourage you to take the time to slow down, savor the simple pleasures and connect with your loved ones. Let this season be a reminder of the joy that can be found in the everyday moments and may it inspire you to cultivate a high-quality lifestyle that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope that the pages of Wichita Falls Living will become a guide, companion, and source of inspiration on your own summer quest for a life well-lived. With warm regards, Hello Summer in “ the 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 6 wichita falls living ON THE COVER Photo by Nick Viggiano Kayla Durham “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” ~ Colossians 2 : 6-7 photo by Jessica Rachel Photography
TAKING YOUR SKIN HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH 2601 Harrison St. Ste. 500 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | 940-322-9606 www.heightsskin.com | @heightsderm_wichita_falls | Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm i SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS + FULL BODY SKIN EXAMS Don’t skip important preventative measures against skin cancer. Our licensed providers provide the patient with a comprehensive full body, head-to-toe skin exam. Everyone, regardless of age is recommended to have these preventative skin exams at least once a year. If there is a family history or personal history of Melanoma and/or Squamous or Basal Cell Cancer, we do recommend more than one screening per year. We are set apart by our personable approach to healthcare for patients of all ages. Your needs and wishes are first while providing the most current treatments and therapies. We are seeking to partner with and employ military family members either transitioning to civilian life or those just transferring to Sheppard Air Force Base for the first time. • ACNE • SKIN CANCER • PSORIASIS • HAIR LOSS • RASHES MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY • DERMATITIS • SKIN SCREENING • ECZEMA • MOLE REMOVAL • SKIN CANCER REMOVAL DR. TEJAS DESAI Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon KATY BOREN, PA-C Board-Certified Physician Assistant to Greater Heights I G YOUR SKIN HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH 2601 Harrison St. Ste. 500 | Wichita Falls, TX 76308 | 940-322-9606 www.heightsskin.com | @heightsderm_wichita_falls | Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm i SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS + FULL BODY SKIN EXAMS Don’t skip important preventative measures against skin cancer. Our licensed providers provide the patient with a comprehensive full body, h d-to-toe skin exam. Everyone, regardless of age is recommended to have these preventative skin exams at least once a year. If there is a family history or personal history of Melanoma and/or Squamous or Basal Cell Cancer, we do recommend more than one screening per year. We are s t apart by our personable approach to healthcare for pati nts of all ages. Your eeds and wishes are first while providing the most current treatments and therapies. We are se king to partner with and employ military family members either transitioning to civilian life or those just transferring to Sheppard Air Force Base for the first time. • ACNE • SKIN CANCER • PSORIASIS • HAIR LOSS • RASHES MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY • DERMATITIS • SKIN SCREENING • ECZEMA • MOLE REMOVAL • SKIN CANCER REMOVAL DR. TEJAS DESAI Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Mohs Micrographic Surgeon KATY BOREN, PA-C Board-Certified Physician Assistant to Greater ei ts
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. 8 wichita falls living
9 hometown living at its best 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
10 wichita falls living HOWLONGHAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? 3 years LEKOTA LARA photos provided by the frazier family WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Iowa Park 4-H Spotlight ARE YOU ANOFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? I am a 2022-2023 Wichita County 4-H Ambassador and help promote 4-H within the County at events. PARENTS Dustin & Lillian Frazier WHAT 4-HACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Dairy Goats, Horse Project, and Commercial Steer program. I’ve also participated in Veterinary Science, swine, and will be starting in the dog training project. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My least favorite thing about my projects is the fact that theytrytoeateverything. Myfavorite part is that Igainananimal friendthatdoesn’tmindmycompany. 4-H CLUB Wichita Falls 4-H Horse Club
11 hometown living at its best HOWHAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? 4-H has put me in many leadership roles that require me to be prepared and to be on time which will later help me in the future. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? Being in 4-H is important to me because I enjoy getting to present the animals I have worked so hard with and on throughout the year and the reward I get for putting in the work. WHAT OTHER GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? I am involved in SKILLSUSA and will be a 2023-24 District 4 Officer. WHATWOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-HTO PERSUADE THEMTO JOIN? 4-H has so many benefits that’ll be fun as well as helpful for later in life. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED ANDWHAT AWARDS HAVE YOUWON? I was the Reserve Champion Speed Horse at the County Show and had a 4th place with my Dairy Goat.
12 wichita falls living WHO IS YOURMENTOR? My mentors would be my lovely agents, Katrena Mitchell and David Graf, as well as my mom. WHAT ARE YOURHOBBIES/INTERESTS? Riding horses and raising chickens and turkeys. I like being outside and being with my family. We always have a lot of fun. WORDS OFWISDOM: Don’t be afraid to do what makes you YOU. WHAT DO YOUWANT TO DOWHEN YOU GROWUP? I plan on either going into the Army or going to UTI to be a diesel and motorcycle technician. TELLUS A FUNNY STORYABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. At thecountyshowthisyear,while Iwas getting ready to showmy Dairy Goat, she ate her stall sign with her name.
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HOMETOWN Happenings The first-ever Perfect Pair dinner event was a perfect affair! The Arts Council WF had a fun night celebrating the art of food pairings and collaborating with our local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and the brewery. Guests were entertained by Chance Harmon, Managing Director of the Lawton Community Theatre, and Rick Hatcher of Hatch Entertainment. This fundraiser helps support our free arts education programs like weekly Studio Saturday lessons, Camps-OnThe-Go, Art In Transition, and Story Time In the Gallery. Courtesy of KRISTEN CONRADY SHIPLET THE DINNER Perfect Pair
15 hometown living at its best Partners of the event include: 6thstreetwinery Hook & Ladder Coffees and Wine Co. Horseshoe Bend Cellars Vineyard & Winery OG Cellars Fox Hill Restaurant Bistro Express Karat Bar & Bistro Progress & Provisions Craft Kitchen Chef Laboy-Chartwells Wichita Falls Brewing Company
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18 wichita falls living FOUR WHEELING CAUSE FOR A
19 hometown living at its best G Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos by NICK VIGGIANO Courtesy of JULIA ROBERTSON A LOCAL GROUP IS “WHEELING” AROUND TOWN AND PARTNERING WITH NONPROFITS TO HELP THE COMMUNITY WHERE NEEDED. Getting the organization started was a labor of love . Red River Of f - Road Syndicate is an organizat ion that facilitates events and meets for all 4X4 enthusiasts. Founders Julia and Justin Robertson wanted to gather like-minded jeep and 4X4 vehicle lovers for group four-wheeling with them, or as they call it “wheeling.” Through mutual interests they have formed a community that supports each other and helps community members in need. Off-Road Syndicate (ORS) partners with other organizations and nonprofits to help fi l l needs where some have fallen through the cracks. The current president of the syndicate Julia said, "If we all come together and do a small part, at the end of the day it makes a huge impact. We have an obligation to leave this world better than we found it. This is the vision of Service in Action.” Prior to the syndicate’s formation, Julia and Justin participated in the Jeep show at Hooters for Autism Awareness. Only two Jeeps showed up to support the cause. It broke their hearts, and that is one of the factors that led to the formation of ORS. It was a struggle to organize and start the group, but their community involvement that caught the attention of many. With perseverance and sheer will, the OFC is now going strong and active in the community.
They have raised money to help the women’s shelter, Faith Refuge, and are collecting clothes and various decorations for the Chi ldren’s Ai d Soc i e ty. The Children’s Home is requesting clothes and any type of hol iday decorat ions from Valentine’s Day to Christmas, and any other events they can use to bring smiles to the children. Julia said, “The children get pulled from their homes with nothing. Sometimes all they have is an empty duffel bag. These kids are old enough that they know that they were stripped of all their possessions. It is so sad.” She said the syndicate’s work allows them the opportunity to bless others. ORS also comes with their Jeeps for the children to climb and play in during the event. Julia learned first-hand how important that aspect is to the children. When she had just finished rebuilding her Jeep Safari, she and her husband went to a children’s event. “Kids were climbing
21 hometown living at its best in the Jeep playing on my new leather seats and God said, 'I didn’t give you this gift just for you.'” She knew the Jeep was more than just a fun vehicle for her to enjoy. She said in another instance, six or seven ORS Jeeps were having a meet at a local restaurant where a small boy and his parents came out. “He was five or six years old, and he had autism. You could just tell he was enamored with the Jeeps,” Julia said. “We turned on our rock lights and he was thrilled. You could tell that he got to go into a world where he was okay.” Jul ia holds a special place in her heart for children with autism as her two children are on the spectrum. “Our youngest is very high functioning, but he comes home from school every day and he struggles,” she said. “He is 10. When you interact with him most people can’t tell , but he always feels out of place. That little boy at the meet, I could tell he found a place where he didn’t feel out of place,” she explained. Another way the group serves is the Stand Down event for Base Camp Lindsey. Board President of Base Camp Lindsey Chris De La Garza said “stand down” is a military term. “It is basically when soldiers would come in from the field and were told to stand down; that the next watch was covered by someone
else.” She said that is where and when they could go and get their needs met. Stand Down is in December and Chris said they provide a gift bag for the homeless in Wichita Falls. “We give them a good hot meal and coats and shoes and blankets and hygiene items to help get them through the winter,” she said. BCL is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless veterans and the homeless in general. They are in the process of converting an old nursing home into a housing place for these veterans. Chris said Off-Road Syndicate was a great help for the cause. “They donated nearly $800 of blankets and hygiene supplies,” she said. “Plus, they came out to the building to serve the veterans and help with the meal during the stand down. The whole group was there. I ended up with more help than I needed,” she said with a grin. “They just pulled up in the parking lot and started unloading. We have a food pantry every Saturday, and we are still giving out stuff that they brought. It was truly a blessing," Chris said. Their turnout was even more than what she could’ve expected. “We hope to see more of them. Those are the kind of volunteers that I like,” she said. 22 wichita falls living
23 hometown living at its best It has sometimes been an uphill battle, no pun intended, but that hasn’t stopped them and the group has grown to over 100 participants with a Facebook group of almost 400 and an Instagram fol lowing of 1000 people. They wanted the organization to be able to give back to the community. This spring ORS is co-hosting another car show at Hooters to raise money—this time benefitting Gaby Vigil, a local woman battling cancer. Along with a gun and various raffles, 25% of the sales at the ORS booth will be donated to the fami ly. As Jul ia said, “We believe we can do more together than apart!” † For more information on their upcoming events and getting involved, or videos that thrill, visit their website or Facebook page. They even have T-shirts and tumblers with their logo to help spread the word!
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27 hometown living at its best 1. William | Parents: Chris & Emily Jackson 2. Baylee | Parents: Jonathan & Destiny Brooks 3. Madelyn | Parent: Haley Alexandria 4. Remington | Parents: Austin Bradley & Heaven White 5. Landri | Parents: Jake & Whitney Landon 6. Parklyn | Parents: Josh & Kaylee Haisten 7. Charli | Parents: Louis & Olivia Griego 8. Beau | Parents: Travis & Skye Dangelmayr 9. Addison | Parents: Quinton & Amanda Walter 10. Emma | Parents: Blake & Presley Thomason 11. Everett | Parents: Zac & Jobeth Leonard 12. Susanna | Parents: Mitchell & Katie Steinberger 13. Olanna | Parents: Chukwudi & Clare Obiagwu 14. Bryce | Parents: Cole & Elizabeth Hemmi 15. Ava | Parents: Shawn & Lavada Strickland 16. Carson | Parents: Spencer & Katie Veitenheimer 17. Araceli | Parents: Salgado & Abigail Rangel 14 Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography 15 16 11 12 13 17
28 wichita falls living 1. Annie Jo | Parents: Bobby & Makenzie Stone 2. Catalina | Parents: Jose & Cristina Gutierrez 3. Mateo | Parents: Javier & Kayla Quistian 4. Harlow | Parents: Brendan & Christina Bell 5. Riley | Parents: Chad & Mari Johnston 6. Rhett | Parents: Eric & Jenny Stevens 7. Luke | Parents: Cody & Callie Reed 8. Maddie | Parents: Hunter & Mindy Holbrook 9. Allison | Parents: Jose & Sarah Gonzalez 10. Sawyer | Parents: Ty & Lindsey Duncan 11. Charlotte | Parents: Jesse & Sarah Pruitt 12. Parker | Parents: Eli & Madison Shaw 13. Dutton | Parents: Thomas & Kelsie Boddy 14. Bo Henry | Parents: Jay & Macey Krottinger 15. Wesley | Parents: Gregory & Nicole Winfrey 16. Cameron | Parents: Wyatt & Adri Grohler 17. Skyleigh | Parents: Nathan & Candace Ho 18. Wyatt | Parents: Josh & Bianca Reyna 19. Hadley | Parents: Jeffrey & Lacey Davis 20. Clara Jane | Parents: Justin & Emily Looney 21. Carter | Parents: Cory & Tessa Reece 1 2 3 7 4 6 5 8 Photos by Jenna LaRue Photography
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32 wichita falls living L Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS Photos by NICK VIGGANIO and courtesy of LARRY RODERICK Larry Roderick is not a traditional type of teacher. His classroom is outdoors, or in a shop, and his materials are metal. His students are of all ages and come from all over the area to learn from him. A kind of renaissance man when it comes to building, Larry is a wealth of knowledge in welding and blacksmithing— operating on everything from steel buildings and tractors to water wel ls and antique machines. “I don’t do windows,” he said, laughing. Not only is he an expert on these things, but he is helping to create the next generation of experts. MASTER BLACKSMITH AND WELDER, LARRY RODERICK PASSES HIS SKILLS DOWN TO THE NEXT GENERATION.
33 hometown living at its best THE OF A POWER METAL ROSE
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35 hometown living at its best “You see I started learning when I was 10. I built my first building when I was 13. It is still there, and I will be 65 this fall,” he shared. He knows children are the ones who will carry these skills to the next generation after them. “I am continually pushing the art of blacksmithing to these kids,” he said. Larry’s love for educating children started about seven years ago when he was teaching his grandson, Ian. Larry taught Ian to make roses, among other things, for his mother. Both Larry and Ian had a ball. Since then, he’s also taught his granddaughter Brooklyn some of the trade. He said, “I try to encourage the kids to get involved in that to further their education and become well-rounded. I teach welding and blacksmithing, well, a combination of the two.” He said once they start to create, they are usually enamored with the process. It’s not just children, or even only men, who come for lessons. Larry said at a conference years ago, a woman from Wisconsin came with her husband and saw the roses and said, “No, no; that is for my husband.” Larry told her it was for women too, so she gave it a try. By the end of the week, she had made her rose and was “hooked.”
36 wichita falls living Her husband came to Larry for a “personal conversation.” He said, ‘Sir, I am not happy with you. You have exposed her to flowermaking, blacksmithing, working with tools fabricating metal, and now I have a list of tools that I have to get when we get home.’” Larry sets up at the Art Walk, held one night a month spring through fall. Artists and artisans, crafters, and yes, a blacksmith set up a street-side shop downtown. “That is what usually happens, even at the Art Walk the kids come up and hammer and hammer. Kids that want to watch, I’ ll pick up a hammer and point the handle at them and say, ‘It’s your turn, and they start hammering,” he said with a grin. They help to create a rose out of a flat piece of metal. Parents are usually close by watching smiles on their children’s faces. “You are not going to get burnt. Parents look at it and see there is no fire involved, so they will let their kids do it. So, they take a step into that, and they will want to do something else and something else.” That is where the class comes in.
37 hometown living at its best Twice a year Larry teaches six-week courses on how to manipulate metal through blacksmithing and welding. It is open to al l ages, but the children are special to him. They come from across Wichita County, and those surrounding: Archer, Jefferson, Comanche. The children are taught skills for life like how to work with their hands, use complex math skills and make hard work fun. “The rose is more on the simple side of things because there is no fire,” he explained. “Sometimes at first , they get scared of the welding because sparks are flying, so I start them off making roses, on the blacksmithing side of things. When they see the roses, where they can see a flat piece of metal and make it come alive, that pretty much drives it home.” He said students then move on to the fire side
39 hometown living at its best of things. “I’ ll hold the tongs and I let them swing the hammer. Now you have control of the hammer and I have control of the iron. So, it is not going to jump out of your hands,” he explained. He takes his students step by step, so safety is first, but fun is a requirement. The courses are a part of a LIFE Group. LIFE is an acronym for Living In Faith Everyday. “All sponsored by Lake View Church of God in Iowa Park. So, there is no charge with the exception of materials,” Larry explained. The students and their parents donate needed supplies. “Some people bring in five gallons of gas, or a handful of welding rods,” he said. “Some will bring in a 20-gallon can of propane. Everything we do, they try to help with the materials that we need to do this work.” Larry has a huge blackboard in his shop with “recipes that detail how to create” things like crosses. “I believe that the more times you hit the wrong nail, the more you are getting educated. That is the key and my saying is ‘It is okay to make a mistake, as long as you learn from it,” Larry said with conviction. †
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HOMETOWN Happenings
43 hometown living at its best Results Longest Distance, with 364 miles was a 2008 Dodge Charger Offtoptakingoff Seymour Special: 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Chris Phillips Under Construction: 1964 Chevy, Carl Porter Best Engine: 1964 Dodge, Steve Van Allen People's Choice: 1928 Ford truck Rat rod, Dustin Nutter Best Paint + 1st place pre-1950s: 32 Ford, James Wiesman 50-59: 1958 Chevy, Don Reeve 60-69: 1969 Chevy C10, Robert Bindet 70-79: 1979 Trans Am, Mark Hood 80-89: 1986 Pontiac Fiero Se Turbo, Lloyd Swayne 90-99: 1999 Pontiac Firebird, Tammi Mills 00-10: 2003 PT Cruiser, Cliff Harney 10+: 2014 Mustang, James Roy Motorcycle: 1970 SL 100 Honda, TimMoreland Seymour Helping Hands hosted the 2023 Spring Fling on Saturday, May 6th. About 2,000 attendees enjoyed a variety of cars through the ages, and food and drink vendors. The event hosted attractions for the whole family, with a free kid zone offering a Bounce house, face painting and Crunch gym even held relay races and gave out free T-shirts. Of the 55 cars entered, awards were given out to best of each decade as well as specialty awards. Judges were Mike Penland, Big Jim, Keith Vaughn and Matt Penland. Courtesy of JUST SHOOT ME PHOTOGRAPHY AND KIMBERLY STEVENSON SEYMOUR HELPING HANDS Spring Fling
45 hometown living at its best Oswald, Wichita Falls area resident Mike
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47 hometown living at its best A Written by JESSICA WESSON | Photos by NICK VIGGIANIO Every Dog Has Its Day THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF WICHITA COUNTY’S NEW FACILITIES ALLOW OWNERS AFFORDABLE CARE, AND PETS. Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters in the U.S. every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Animal homelessness is a big issue for most of America, and Wichita County is no exception. Buk Bukowski, board chair of the Humane Society of Wichita County, said one of the goals of the shelter is to provide a temporary home for animals until they are placed in their permanent homes. “Sometimes people have no means of taking care of their animals, so they have to give them away or dump them,” Buk said. “Sometimes they’re neglected or abused, and that’s where the heartbreak comes in.”
48 wichita falls living Withsomanyanimalsfacinghomelessness, the Humane Society needed to upgrade to accommodate the influx of animals. “The facilities were originally built in the 1970s, and we were acting as the city intake,” Buk said. “With all the reckless breeding and dumping, we didn’t have enough space for all the animals we were taking in.” The Humane Society acted as the city dog pound for a time, which gave it a poor reputation. “We had to dig our way out from underneath that, and make people realize that we were a no-kill shelter,” Buk said. “Once we started changing our reputation, we got donations coming in.” The Humane Society then put together a plan to build a new facility to better care for the animals. Buk said, “We were constantly spending money for upkeep of the old building. This new facility gives us something that we can be proud of and gives a better quality of life to the animals.” The project is complete and offers new services to pet owners, as well as the animals that call the shelter home for now. The new building has a surgical suite for spay, neuter, and vaccinations at a low cost to the public. Beneficial for the community and the shelter, this is one of the ways that the Humane Society can provide for its operating cost outside of donations. Buk said, “Sustainability is the toughest thing when you’re a nonprofit.” With that in mind, services are added, and facilities are upgraded to further the original goal: help animals. “We are wanting to remodel another building here on the property to be a boarding facility, so we can be more self-sufficient in making an income,” Buk said.
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50 wichita falls living Al ong wi th the new se rv i ces , the remodel is giving animals a better chance of connecting with loving families. Cheryl Heineken, executive director for the Humane Society, said the new building offers two acquaintance rooms. “We really wanted a place where people could come in and take their time to get to know the animals they were interested in adopting,” she said. “Texas weather can be brutal, and we wanted a space where people could get out of the elements.” The future is bright for the animals of Wichita County, and the Humane Society has big plans. Another improvement they hope to make is in the cat room. Cheryl said, “We don’t put our cats in cages, because they get sick and anxious when they are kenneled for long periods of t ime. It ’s important for them to have the ability to roam.” She said they want to renovate or even build a new cat habitat where felines are allowed to roam freely in one big room. The Humane Society of Wichita Falls also works to help pet owners keep the animals in their original homes if possible. Cheryl said, “If the owner can’t afford pet food or a vaccination, we’ ll do our best to help them out. Sometimes we’ ll do a fundraiser if an animal needs surgery that they can’t afford.” The Humane Society has a pet food pantry available for community members needing help. While this new facility is a huge step in the right direction, the Humane Society of Wichita County is excited for more animals to get their day—their adoption day that is. †
HOMETOWN Happenings Sculpture Garden The Arts Council WF hosted the annual Sculpture Garden Party at the Kemp Center on Saturday, May 13th. Attendees met the visiting artists and jurors, enjoyed live music by members of the Steel Drum Band of Wichita Christian School, light appetizers, drinks by the Traveling Tavern Mobile Bar, and of course, good company! Awards for first, second, and third place will be given out to the artists that evening, as well. This exhibit is nationally recognized and represents local, regional, and national artists. This year, artwork was juried by Chad Plunket, who is the Director of the Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP) in Lubbock, TX. This yearround outdoor exhibit is open to the public during business hours and special events. It presents a unique art viewing opportunity for the community, as well as tourists and travelers visiting the Wichita Falls area. Download the Otocast app for a free GPS-activated audio tour of sculptures and listen to the artists describe their work and what inspired them to create each piece. 19TH ANNUAL Photos by RICHARD CARTER & TORIN HALSEY EXHIBIT & GARDEN PARTY
53 hometown living at its best Selected artists are: 1st - Jim Robertson, Trinity, TX 2nd - BC Gilbert, Wichita Falls, TX 3rd - Ellis Barber, Waco, TX Steven Buduo, Saint Louis, MO Danville Chadbourne, San Antonio, TX Chad Hines, Temple, TX Suguru Hiraide, Wichita Falls, TX Dewane Hughes, Troup, TX Jenn Peek, Norman, OK Seward Johnson, Hamilton, NJ
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55 hometown living at its best
56 wichita falls living THANKS TO REVISED POLICY, MORE WICHITA COUNTY CHILDREN ARE RECEIVING LIFE-CHANGING SERVICES. Anything YOU CAN BE YOUWANT Written by TAYLOR GRIMM | Photos courtesy of CRISTINA VANARSDALL and VICTORIA RAIN S Stephanie Amaya’s son was just over when he was diagnosed with Autism. Her world was turned upside down. “When my son got diagnosed I panicked,” she said. “It's going to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders because time is of the essence.” Shortly after diagnosis, they began athome therapy. They selected a company and were set up with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) . When the at-home program didn’t work out, their BCBA recommended they come into Rose Street and start therapy. Stephanie was nervous for her baby but knew she needed to act quickly. “If they' re like my kid, who was diagnosed extremely early, it's hammered into your head that time is of the essence because the developmental years are so important,” she said.
58 wichita falls living It was fairly simple, since they had done ABA in-home they were familiar with the environment. Stephanie said, “The only transition we really had to make was putting him into a center. At the time he was two, and putting him in a different environment was hard on my mom-heart.” That fear was eased knowing he was going to be taken care of by his BCBA. “I knew it was going to be one-on-one, it wasn’t like a daycare where he’d be thrown into a class and his needs weren’t going to be met,” she said. One of Rose Street ’s BCBA’s and outreach coordinator Christina Varns sa id a BCBA studi es behavior and creates plans to improve or change problematic behaviors. She said, “They often work wi th people who have developmental disabi l i t ies , brain injuries or emotional control, social or behavioral issues.” ABA is Applied behavior analysis, the science in which the principles of the analysis of behavior are applied systematically to improve soc ial ly s igni f i cant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behavior change. Stephanie said starting there was very simple. His goals with the previous company transitioned over and his hours were already set up. They had a long way to go and not much time to get there. When they began remediation he was completely nonverbal. Communication was Stephanie’s main goal. She said, “He made no eye contact, wouldn’t respond to his name or ya know, the normal things that two-year-olds do-he was not doing.” His BCBA first taught him sign language. Stephanie said it was reassuring to know he only has one caregiver teaching. “That’s what I love about ABA; it's one-on-one, really intensive therapy and our children build a bond with their therapist, and it's not a random situation, it's very personalized," She said. “We really got a step-by-step process of how to get him to communicate with us in an efficient way.”
59 hometown living at its best Communication was my ultimate goal and within a very short time, we went from being nonverbal to communicating through sign language and pictures and pointing, and making sounds. About a year into being there five days a week, he began talking at the age of three. “Now, we can’t get him to stop talking,” Stephanie joked. He’s eight and has been in the program for six years. This type of therapy and education is l i fe-changing. Start ing early in childhood development can make a difference in l ife qual ity for some students. “I don't feel dread about the future as far as will he go to college or get a job or any of that stuff,” Stephanie said. “They are very positive about what his future looks like and it gives me a ton of hope to know there is a community, not just me and his dad, but a whole community here in WF that will look out for him and will advocate for him if I am not able to.
60 wichita falls living Christina said the most rewarding part of her job is being a part of that community and watching a chi ld f lour ish, even i f the gains come slowly. One student she recognized with wonderful gains is 18-yearold John, who has been in the program for four years. Currently on track to get his GED and driver’s license, working toward both has been a part of his program curriculum. “I don't like math, but I have to do it for my GED book. It frustrates me but I get help, and we work through it and it makes me feel a lot better about myself.” John goes two days a week and loves it. “My favorite part about going would have to be everyone who's there,” he said. “I love the staff there; I love the kids there; I hope to maybe work there one day. I would be working with my friends—that's what they are basically.” When he gets there he is greeted by one of his friends and grabs his curriculum materials for the day. He said, “I ' ve learned so much! ” The f i rst thing they do is set a goal for the day. That might be researching a topic or completing a task, but it has to line up with a specific value. John said values are friendship, or family, or education–something that you strive towards improving. John said his father wants to build a chicken coop, so one of his recent goals was chicken research. “That ' s what I chose for today so that I could maybe help out my dad,” he said. “So, lots of prosocial things are going on.” After that students journal about how they’ve moved toward their values throughout the day. That day John chose to write about education, health, and friendship. “I wrote for friendship that I 've been doing very well,” he said. “I’ve always struggled with that, but they’ve really helped. I used to be an absolute shut-in, so secluded in my own world but then they helped me regulate my emotions and learn that it's okay to be social , and it's okay to reach out and get support when you need it.”
John’s progression toward his values has changed his outlook on life. He said, “I've learned that if you really set your mind to it you can do anything you want. It's really special because I thought that I would never be able to make friends; I’d never be able to do this or that; I'd never be normal . It always confused me and made me upset . I ’d have a lot of real ly bad days because of it and it really made my mom and dad worry. Ever since I went to Spectrum I learned all these things, met all these people, and finally branched out. Now I go to the mall or other places and am able to regulate my emot ions and process things in a way that better suits me.” Christina said exciting changes are happening in Texas to make these expensive services more accessible. “For the first time Medicaid, is becoming
a provider that will now pay for ABA services, and we have started that credential process,” she said. “This would serve a very underserved demographic, including children in the foster system, parents whose jobs don’t offer health care, or they may have as a secondary to pick up where the primary insurance does not.” With more providers, they can serve smaller caseloads and really give them the attention that they need, which many corporate clinics cannot. They also partner with Wichita Falls County Autism Awareness. They have color runs, fundraisers, community events, etc. to raise awareness and scholarship money for children to attend ABA services and our summer camps. Rose Street offers free parent training and information sessions for parents to see what we are about and the process, parents' night out activities for parents that have never been able to have childcare and just do something for themselves, and an overall supportive and transparent working environment. Knowing what she knows now, Stephanie highly encourages other parents to bui ld a community and take advantage of their experience. It's important to find out what fits your family. “40 hours a week in therapy may not be for your kid, but half a day at preschool and half a day at therapy might.” She said you have to find what works for your family, and there are tons of resources to help, a major one being other autism moms. “We’re extremely resourceful when we have to be,” she said. “In the beginning, I was literally given a diagnosis and said good luck. I had to find out about ABA and Speech and OT and school services all on my own. It's tough, that's why I say reach out to other moms because we’ve all been there and can help you with what steps to take depending on which route you decide to take.” She said "creating a community will hopefully help you hit the ground running, and get whatever it is your child needs.” When needs are met, the sky is the limit! As John said, “I've learned you can do whatever the heck you want, you can get that job; you can get that GED; you can drive. As long as you have the support you need, and your friends by your side.” † 62 wichita falls living
63 hometown living at its best
Specializing in Long Term Acute Care Hospital Services Neuro/Trauma Recovery Complex Wound Care Advanced Respiratory Recovery Extended IV Therapy Bridge to Rehabilitation Program CONTACT US! Phone (940) 213-9370 Fax (940) 228-4235 1103 Grace Street Wichita Falls, TX 76301 Accepts Medicare and most major insurances! 64 wichita falls living
. Your friendly local bank. Local People. Local Decisions. Local Service. L Susan Brooks Vice President Commercial Loan Documentation Abby Brown Vice President of Compliance Jeremy Woodward Assistant Vice President 65 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings ArtZeum is where Wichita Falls families can come to the Kemp Center for the Arts and enjoy free play-based and hands-on learning experiences and activities. Our interactive stations are designed to engage learners of all ages, so families and caregivers are invited to join in on all of the activities. These stations are created to inspire imagination, creativity and a love of learning. This year's theme is "Farm Animals", featuring multiple interactive art activity centers, plus “The Unchosen Ones” photography series by award-winning National Geographic agriculture photographer, RJ Kern. Courtesy of KRISTEN CONRADY SHIPLET ARTZEUM: Interactive Youth Exhibit
Open to the public through August 12th at the Kemp Center for the Arts,1300 Lamar, Wichita Falls. • Self-guided art exhibit and activity stations FREE! Open free of charge to all visitors though August 12th • No registration needed, drop in once or come several times throughout the summer. • All ages are welcome. • Families, caregivers, guardians, daycares, youth groups are all welcome. To schedule a group tour, please contact programming@artscouncilwf.org or (940) 767-2787 ext. 202 67 hometown living at its best
68 wichita falls living
69 hometown living at its best
S U M M E R North Texas summers are no breezy walk through the park. The intense sun and soaring temperatures begin to dehydrate our bodies and damage skin in minutes. If there is a season to stay away from processed snacks and sugary frozen desserts, it’s summer. Fortunately, summer is packed with natural desserts: berries, stone fruits, melons, and tropical treats making it easy to go the naturally sweet route. We’re here with some tips and recipes to keep you healthy, hydrated, and sunshine ready all summer long. Instead of picking up a bag of chips or processed foods to bring to a barbecue, make a dish you’ll feel good about eating and sharing. Try incorporating some of these summer superfoods into your current routine and test out some new recipes! Getting them from your local farmer’s market is even better, as you’ll find foods with a higher nutrient value. Pineapple – This sweet treat contains a powerful anti-inflammatory digestive compound that breaks down protein and boosts overall digestion. Rich in Vitamin B6 and copper makes for healthy hair. Pineapple also balances water and heat in the body. Celery – A natural diuretic that can cool, detox and flush the body. The silicon supports skin elasticity, hydration and healthy hair. It also defends against high blood pressure, inflammation, and wrinkles! Cucumber – At about 95% water, cucumber is a great go-to for a hydration and detoxification boost. Cucumbers are anti-inflammatory, kidney-cleansing foods that prevent water retention. It’s also a surprisingly good source of Vitamin K, and super low-calorie. Collard Greens – Collards are a good source of potent cancer-preventative compounds. Low in calories and high in beta-carotene for healthy hair, skin, nails, eyes, and a hefty dose of vitamin C. They are rich in chlorophyll to oxygenate your blood; vitamin K for blood vessel health; and folate, important for red blood cell production and healthy pregnancy. 70 wichita falls living
71 hometown living at its best SWEET SUMMER COOLER Refreshing and deeply hydrating for the hottest summer days, you can swap out raw ingredients for pineapple juice and bottled coconut water, but you’ll always get more benefit from fresh, unprocessed pineapple and coconut water. Serves 4 to 6 • 8 stalks celery • 1/2 fresh pineapple cut into large chunks (or 8oz juice) • 2 young coconuts (or 20 oz bottle coconut water) With your juicer, extract the celery and pineapple juice. Pour into a large pitcher. Open the young coconuts and drain water into pitcher. Stir to combine and chill until ready to serve. GREEN WRAPS WITH FISH, PINEAPPLE, CUCUMBER AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated in water and drained • 1 tsp red curry paste • ½ cup natural mayo • Leaves of 2 fresh oregano sprigs • 10 large collard leaves, stemmed • ½ pineapple • 1 cucumber • 2.5 lbs of white fish like trout or tilapia • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 2.5 cups of sprouts like alfalfa or mung beans In a food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, curry paste, mayo and oregano and process until well-combined. Using a sharp paring knife, shave down thick areas of the central spines of the collard leaves, taking care not to tear them. Cut the pineapple into thin strips and the cucumbers into thin rounds. Place collard leaves, spin-side down, on a work surface. Top with about 1tbsp of sun-dried tomato pesto. Top with the pineapple and cucumber slices. Start grill at medium high. Rinse the fish, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap in foil, place on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cooked. Portion among the wraps and top with the sprouts. Form each wrap by folding the sides of the leaf over the filling and rolling up the bundle bottom to top like a burrito. Enjoy!
72 wichita falls living
73 hometown living at its best
Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos by TORIN HALSEY A New Facility for the 82D MEDICAL GROUP MUSTANG MEDICS 74 wichita falls living
T The Sheppard Air Force Base 82nd Medical Group Mustang Medics have a new home. Continuing to serve the needs of trainees, active-duty service members, their families and retired service personnel, the new facility demonstrates energy efficiency and a healing atmosphere. The 82nd TrainingWing at Sheppard AirForceBaseprovidesmedical, technical, and field training for officers, airmen, and civilians from all branches of the military. As the base is also home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), the 82nd Medical Group serves the United States military, their families, military retirees, foreign military members, and their family members. 75 hometown living at its best
Timely, quality health care is vital to the success of the international training at Sheppard. Ideally, health care services for the trainees need to operate as smoothly as the training cycles themselves. Consolidating services once housed inmultiple buildings to a s ingle structure increases thei r efficiency for returning members to duty. Trainee care is a priority because missing substantial instruction time could mean restarting a block of training over again. Such a facility also needs to be one with a positive atmosphere of wellness. Military healthcare facilities worldwide fall under the watchful eye of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) . Overseeing and monitoring facility maintenance status, managing funds, and determining cost effectiveness related to operations, repairs, and replacements are on their radar. For the old Sheppard facilities, consolidation and replacement were deemed more costeffective steps than repair. Ret i red Ai r Force member Nancy Dickinson served as the DHA project officer for construction and facility outfitting and transitioning. She says, “Congress approved the new facility due to the aging infrastructure and the associated costs to maintain the 1960s structure. When 76 wichita falls living
77 hometown living at its best
78 wichita falls living they reach a certain age, a cost-benefit analysis is accomplished to determine if facility replacement is required or if renovation is acceptable. Based on the age of the facilities and issues they were facing in some of their real property inventory, such as HVAC systems, it was determined they needed a new, more energy efficient and properly sized building.” Movement on the project began with congressional approval for funding, then design plans and contracts in 2017. Congress allocated and approved $91 million for the construction and outfitting of the new 82nd Medical Group bui lding and the subsequent demolition of the aged structures it replaced. Construction broke ground in the fall of 2018, and the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) who oversaw the project accepted the building in the spring of 2022. The big move was completed in the first week of November 2022 with commodities, equipment, fixtures and people transferred from the old site to the new building. Large medical equipment already sufficient and meeting medical needs, such as CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasound machines in the radiology department , were reutilized. Funding also provided for new furniture, some newmedical equipment, and interior design choices with elements conducive to healing. With my mother being a nurse and my father an Air Force officer, I AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO MAKE A WORK OF ART FOR THE NEW FACILITY FOR THE 82ND MEDICAL GROUP MUSTANG MEDICS AT SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE. This stateof-the-art building not only demonstrates energy efficiency and forward thinking with its design, but with all of the incredible art from our community, it masterfully cultivates an environment of healing and solace for our servicemen and women, their families, and retired personnel. – Artist, Steve Hilton
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