wichitafallssummer2025

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On the Cover Contents 10 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in celebrating the class of 2025! 19 A JOURNEY TO THE STARS Wichita Falls’ own Carson Minniear’s journey to rising stardom. 28 HOMETOWN HAPPENING THOR32 FOR THE LOVE OF CATS Miss Fannie’s Friends is a local cat rescue organization that is working towards a solution to help stray cats. 40 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Red Dirt Derby 42 TIME WELL SERVED IS TIME WELL SPENT With a life deep rooted in volunteering for his community, one local Wichitan is now on a mission to share Texas History one story at a time. 52 MOFFETT LIBRARY TREASURES The history of rare books in Moffett Library’s Special Collections offer a glimpse into timeless treasures, with one professor inviting the public to explore their significance. 58 CONNECTING HEARTS AND FAMILIES Heart Gallery of Texas shares biographies and images of local children in foster care with the goal of kids being adopted by families in their home area. 64 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Art Battle 68 GOD’S HANDS ARE IN IT ALL Hospice of Wichita Falls celebrates 40 years of service to the community. 74 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Cowboy True Exhibit and Gallery 78 MURAL OF HONOR A mural erected at the Veterans Service Office honors all those who have fought for our freedom. 84 4-H SPOTLIGHT Meet Charlie Norwood, an awarded 4-H’er who is making a name for himself in competitive shooting. 10 28 64 74 84 4 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group

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F Looking for a CARING and EXPERIENCED team of dental professionals? Look no further. From your very first visit, you will see that The Art of Dentistry has been dedicated to providing exceptional family care and creating beautiful smiles for over 45 years. Our comprehensive range of services and digital technology allow us to treat the entire mouth under one roof. Our services include dental exams, professional cleanings, periodontal treatments, restorative fillings, crown and bridge procedures, endodontic care, dental implants, and cosmetic smile enhancements. Our highly trained team has decades of combined experience. We are ready to assist you in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, caring for you and your family as if you were our own.

We always welcome new patients. If you are new to Wichita Falls or seeking an improved dental experience, we invite you to call our office for additional information. 940.691.6066 English, German and Spanish Speaking Team Members - Wir sprechen Deutsch, Hablamos Español 5 Eureka Circle, Suite A Wichita Falls, TX 76308 theartofdentistrywf.com OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY ORTHODONTICS TEETH WHITENING DENTAL IMPLANTS COSMETIC DENTISTRY ENDODONTICS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY BEFORE AFTER Dr. Steve Burross and Dr. Chad Jackson

8 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group T “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” - Ecclesiastes 3:11 Kayla Wichita Falls Living Magazine© is published quarterly by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 N Main Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Cindy Khaler Thomas Todd Giles Rebecca Sanchez Anthony Marsche Steven Tucker PHOTOGRAPHERS RB Photography Veronica Lopez Photography Cindy Kahler Thomas MEDIA GROUP HOMETOWN H Time is a funny thing, it stretches and shrinks, lingers and vanishes. As another school year has come to a close and summer stretches out before us, I find myself reflecting on how quickly it all passes. I’m now the proud mom of a college graduate and a soon-to-be tenth grader. I miss having both of my boys at home, needing their mama in the everyday ways they used to—but I’m so proud of the men they’re becoming. Watching them grow into independence is both beautiful and bittersweet, and this season has tugged at my heart more than I expected. Summer brings a certain kind of magic—longer days, slower mornings, porch chats at sunset, and a calendar filled with everything from lake days, family vacations and cookouts with friends. It’s a time when life feels a little lighter, and the memories we make seem to shine a little brighter. I’m learning to be fully present in these moments. Not to rush ahead or long for the past, but to truly soak in what’s right in front of me. God gently reminds me that for better or worse, it won’t be like this for long. Whether your summer is packed with activities or full of quiet days at home, one truth remains: tomorrow isn’t promised. My faith in Jesus Christ gives me peace about eternity, but it’s the now I’m clinging to— relationships, family, friendships, and all the small things that make life rich and meaningful. That’s why I love Wichita Falls Living. This magazine is a reminder to pause, to celebrate the stories unfolding all around us, and to embrace the season we’re in. From local events and hometown heroes to hidden gems and inspiring stories, each issue is filled with what makes this community so special. Thank you for being part of our journey. May this summer issue bring a little sunshine to your day and inspire you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly savor the season. Warmly, COVER PHOTO Photo by RB Photography Brooke Graham Marketing & Client Relations office@hometownmedia.group Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group Haley Ragsdale Social Media Editor Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group Hello Summer in the Falls!

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10 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes for their future endeavors. Contact our office for information on being featured in our next HOMETOWN GRADUATES SECTION. office@hometownmedia.group 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 7 6

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18 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL CARE WITH A HOLISTIC APPROACH 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 • Dermatitis • Skin Screening • Eczema • Mole Removal • Skin Cancer Removal 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 also offer ... THE SURGERY-FREE CHOICE Surgery is not the only option for treating skin cancer. The GentleCure approach cures 99%+ of basal and squamous cell skin cancers— without surgery, wounds, or long recovery. Discover the surgery-free treatment option at GentleCure.com to Greater Heights TAKING YOUR SKIN

19 hometown living at its best Written by STEVEN TUCKER | Photos provided by THE MINNIEAR FAMILY A Journey to the WICHITA FALLS’ OWN CARSON MINNIEAR’S JOURNEY TO RISING STARDOM.

20 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group AA new star is rising in the Texas celebrity constellation. While he may not yet shine as brightly as established luminaries like Sandra Bullock, Matthew McConaughey, and Tommy Lee Jones, few actors his age can rival his impressive resume and burgeoning talent. This rising star, Carson Minniear, recently took center stage in Wichita Falls for a special pre-screening of his second feature film, Rally Caps. The Director's Cut, shown by special permission in the crowded Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, offered a glimpse into the young actor's promising future. Clearly at ease in front of his hometown crowd, Carson fielded questions about his burgeoning film career and his journey to "the business." "Born here in 2011, I was pretty much a normal, weird six-year-old that played sports – then I got into modeling," he explained, as if the transition from "weird" to modeling were the most natural thing in the world. And perhaps for Carson, with his five-year (and counting) media career and a life that seems to embrace both the ordinary and the extraordinary, it truly is.

21 hometown living at its best Carissa Davis, a local photographer, first introduced Carson to the world of multimedia. She invited him to join her group, The Flamingos, in 2016 when she was looking for younger models and Carson's application immediately caught her eye. Carissa facilitated his participation in various themed photoshoots and Carson's mother and biggest supporter, then sent his portfolio to Wallflower Management, a model agency for fashion print, runway, commercial and TV/film in North Texas. Wallflower quickly signed Carson, and he was soon booked for print media and catwalk modeling gigs with JCPenney, Pier 1, and more. While modeling provided valuable experience, it was merely a steppingstone to other opportunities. Just a week after a modeling gig, Carson was sent to an audition for a speaking role in a Tarrant County College commercial. The audition was Carson's first formal test. After a long day of watching countless children and disappointed parents leave, the Minniears were surprised when the director emerged and asked to speak with them privately. He had chosen Carson as one of the children for the commercial! This experience solidified Carson's comfort in front of the camera. The director of the commercial suggested that Carson's mother look into acting schools, and after researching various options, she chose DTV Studios in Lewisville, drawn to its personalized setting and focus on nurturing young talent. The acting classes involved a significant time commitment, requiring the Minniears to drive Carson to Dallas. However, they viewed it as an investment in his interests, similar to supporting his involvement in sports. At DTV Studios, Carson was not only developing his acting abilities but also gaining valuable life skills—memorizing lines, making eye contact, and taking direction. He was learning to be comfortable in the spotlight and embrace the challenges and rewards of the entertainment industry. Initiation

22 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Hoping to cast a wider net and attract the attention of industry professionals, Carson’s mother submitted his headshot to CastingNetworks.com, a website connecting actors with roles in the professional industry. Her initiative paid off and an email arrived requesting an audition for the role of "Sam" in a film titled Palmer. Weeks after sending in his audition, the casting director requested an in-person callback in Atlanta. This was a significant leap forward. Carson had to transition from lessons and demo recordings to performing live for decision-makers. Both the Minniears and his team knew a callback was far from a guarantee. For a young boy from Wichita Falls with limited experience, the odds were slim. Over 99% of auditions lead nowhere. Securing a role in a major film seemed like a distant dream but Carson was ready to give it his all and despite the competition of ten other boys vying for the same role, Carson delivered a confident and compelling audition. Back home, the agonizing wait began. Carson had tasted a big-league opportunity, but the celebration was on hold. Unbeknownst to the Minniears, Palmer hadn't secured a lead actor yet, and the film was put on hold for over a year. Carson then secured a non-speaking role in the USA Network series The Purge. Carson appeared in the episode "Hail Mary," playing Young Ben, a disturbed child with a penchant for violence. Despite the challenging role, Carson remained focused and professional, drawing on his natural composure and the skills he'd learned from acting classes. While checking into their hotel prior to The Purge role, the Minniears had a chance encounter with Fischer Stevens, the director of Palmer. They hadn't seen him since Carson's audition over a year ago. This unexpected meeting proved fortuitous. Upon returning home, the Minniears found an email inviting Carson to a second Palmer audition, this time for the role of “Toby”, the bully in Palmer. They were astonished by the renewed interest, especially since they had assumed the opportunity had passed. Running into Stevens in New Orleans seemed to have rekindled the connection. The callback for Toby was scheduled for the following week where he had a chemistry read with the lead child actor and just as the Minniears were about to leave, the casting director informed them that Carson had been chosen for the role. He was going to be in a movie with Justin Timberlake! The news was met with disbelief and elation. "This just doesn't happen," Carson's dad exclaimed, still processing the magnitude of the opportunity. Carson, on the other hand, had to ask who Justin Timberlake was. Palmer The Purge

23 hometown living at its best Carson's career continued its upward trajectory with a role in the DC Comics series Doom Patrol. This darkly compelling show, which explored the lives of superheroes ostracized for their tragic origins, filmed its second season in Atlanta. Carson spent three days on set to film a flashback scene that opened the episode "Full Size Patrol." After playing this emotionally heavy role, Carson welcomed some downtime while his mother continued to manage the influx of audition requests. Requests often arrived with little notice, sometimes requiring Carson to audition the very next day. Even after the effort of preparing and performing, the Minniears rarely heard back. They estimated a booking rate of only one to two percent – a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the industry. The Minniears hoped Rally Caps would be a positive experience for Carson. The role was uplifting, and Carson, a passionate baseball fan, was excited about the project. Filming Rally Caps took Carson to various locations, including Camp Scatico in New York, Thousand Oaks, California, and the iconic "Field of Dreams" site in Iowa. This sometimes conflicted with his schooling here at home. Texas schooling regulations are strict, and extended absences could lead to unenrollment, requiring special arrangements for grade completion. Fortunately, Carson excelled academically, testing three to four grade levels above his current level. His family supported his pursuits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his academic performance. "School has the highest priority, no matter what," his dad affirmed. Rally Caps proved to be a rewarding experience for Carson where he further honed his acting skills, tackled a complex character, and contributed to a film with a powerful message of hope and perseverance. While there, he also landed a voiceover role in Disney's Pupstruction, an animated series about an all-dog construction crew, which is now wrapping up its third season. To accommodate his recording schedule, he was regularly pulled out of school for voice-over sessions in Lewisville. His teachers, understanding of his commitments, provided him with "on the road" assignments, ensuring he stayed on top of his studies. Doom Patrol Rally Caps and Pupstruction

24 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group A desire for more positive roles led Carson to his next two projects: Disney's animated series Big City Greens and the live-action film 5000 Blankets. In Big City Greens, Carson lent his voice to Chase, a hyperactive, chaos-loving character in the episode "Little Buddy/Zen Garden." The episode follows Cricket Green, the show's protagonist, as he attempts to improve Chase's unruly behavior. In true Disney fashion, Cricket teaches Chase valuable life lessons about channeling his energy and "taming his heart" through fun and imaginative stunts. 5000 Blankets, a film based on a true story of a family who starts a movement to help the homeless, offered Carson his most fulfilling role yet. He played Phillip, a young boy who the film follows as he and his mother search for his father, who, struggling with mental health challenges, has wandered away from home. During their search, Phillip becomes aware of the many homeless individuals living on the streets, and this experience sparks in him a deep desire to help. 5000 Blankets garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination and win at the 2023 Movieguide Awards. Carson and the cast were invited to the awards ceremony in Hollywood, a momentous occasion for the young actor. Following the excitement of the Movieguide Awards, 5000 Blankets continued to gain recognition. Meanwhile, Rally Caps also garnered attention, earning a spot at the Sedona International Film Festival, where it won the festivals “Audience Choice Award”. The festival, known for its focus on thoughtprovoking cinema and social consciousness, provided another platform for Carson's work to shine. Big City Greens and 5000 Blankets

25 hometown living at its best Site and Beyond Behind the Star Carson's next career move took him to North Carolina for a role in Site, a science fiction film where he played a young boy who was in a tragic accident that left him severely injured. Since then, Carson has also filmed a scifi movie in Georgia, Eye for an Eye, completed the films The Chosen and Mayfair Witches and voiced a character in the animated movie Leo. Long before Carson stepped in front of a camera, his parents instilled in him values like acceptance and a diverse range of interests. They prepared him for the inevitable rejections in the acting world, reminding him that "you are going to be rejected a lot more than being chosen for a job." This foundation of respect, acceptance, and support nurtured Carson's personal and professional growth. Carson, though an ordinary boy with extraordinary opportunities, remains grounded. He appreciates his blessings, acknowledges the support he has received, and faces challenges with resilience. His future seems limitless, fueled by his enthusiasm and the unwavering support of his family and friends. †

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HOMETOWN Happenings

29 hometown living at its best THOR is a 5K-ish outdoor obstacle event which was held this year on April 12th. The event kicks off yearly at Lucy Park and takes runners through a tough off-road course before ending in a finish line village packed with vendors, fun, and entertainment. Since 2011, more than 15,000 people have taken part. Over the last two years, the event has averaged around 1,450 participants, with total attendance well above that once you count spectators. Every year, hundreds of volunteers from Sheppard Air Force Base help make THOR happen. They start days in advance, helping set up the course and making sure the obstacles are safe and ready. On event day, you’ll find them stationed all over—motivating runners, keeping things moving, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Once the race ends, they’re right there again helping tear down and clean up. Their hard work and support are a huge part of what makes this event possible. BENEFACTORSLeadership Wichita Falls Leadership Wichita Falls has been preparing community leaders since 1979. The program helps people get involved, connect with others, and grow into civic leadership roles. With both youth and adult programs, it offers chances for personal growth, networking, and learning how to make a difference in the community. Streams and Valleys Streams and Valleys is a nonprofit focused on connecting people to nature and the Wichita River corridor. They’ve worked on projects like the “Put the Falls Back” campaign that helped build the Falls at the river. They also maintain the Wee-Chi-Tah trail, known as the best urban offroad trail in Texas by the Subaru Trail Doctors at Texas Parks and Wildlife. Wichita Falls Police Officers Association Founded in 1951, the WFPOA works to improve working conditions for local officers and give back to the community. Their efforts support officer training and help with outreach projects that keep Wichita Falls safe and connected. THOR Photos by RB Photography

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For the Love of Cats Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos provided by TERI RUSSELL Miss Fannie’s Friends is a local cat rescue organization that is working towards a solution to help stray cats. 32 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group

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34 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group TTeri Russell is the founder and director of Miss Fannie’s Friends, a cat rescue organization that she started in 2006. She has always been community-minded and was involved in the Christmas in Action program, where elderly or handicapped individual’s houses are chosen for repairs. “It all started when I picked the folder of Fannie Mae Barry, an 88-year-old woman living on the north side of town. At the time we did not know she had stage four lung cancer. We worked on her house and did the little things for her ease of living. She was caring for a colony of cats in her backyard. I befriended her. I would go over there after work and bring her food and help her take care of the cats. It was my first introduction to stray cats, and my first time to see cats having litter after litter of kittens, and feeling like I needed to do something,” Teri said. Unfortunately, Miss Fannie Mae passed away 3 months later. It was then that Teri started doing TNR, known as Trap, Neuter and Return. “I really believe God put me on this path, because of her. I wouldn’t be doing this otherwise. I didn’t go looking to get into cat rescue, I would say it

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37 hometown living at its best found me. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, but it is also one of the most heartwrenching.” Teri was in the Air Force and working a full-time job and would go out in the evenings and trap the cats, take them to be spayed and neutered in the morning, go to work, pick them up later in the day, and recover them for a day or two before returning them to their colonies. Initially, Teri was driving to Lawton to the ABC clinic to spay and neuter them, but in 2007 the P.E.T.S. Low-Cost Animal Clinic opened, and they could get fixed here in Wichita Falls. “P.E.T.S. is a huge supporter and we would not be able to do what we do without them, as well as the doctors at the Animal Hospital of Wichita Falls,” Teri said gratefully. Teri shared that one of the things she is most proud of is when she can take an injured or very ill cat or kitten and turn them around, essentially giving them a second chance at life, “There is no feeling like it.” Teri retired from the Air Force in February 2013, after over 23 years, and since then has managed and cared for Miss Fannie’s Friends cattery/sanctuary. The sanctuary houses several of Miss Fannies' adult cats, many of which can be adopted. Miss Fannie’s Friends is passionate about encouraging the public to practice TNR in their own neighborhoods. The organization can assist people by lending traps and providing information on the how-to’s and the next steps. The main objective is that practicing TNR is a highly effective solution to the cat overpopulation problem. Early on Teri found a couple cohorts, Brenda Kouri, and John McCaskill. Both became dedicated volunteers and would help with TNR. Sadly, John passed away in May of 2023, and due to time constraints, Brenda needed to step back. Teri brought on a few more people over the years, Paula Hill, June Reitz, and Christine Alsip, and in 2016 they became a 501(c)3. While there are essentially three parts to the organization (the TNR program, the cattery/sanctuary, and the fosters/adoptions), the adoption program through PetSmart has been their big focus. On Saturdays from 12:00 to 3:00 fosters and volunteers man the adoption center at PetSmart.

38 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group While Miss Fannie’s is a cat rescue, they do not have open intake, “Just like any shelter or rescue, we are limited due to foster availability, space, and funds. While we would love to help every cat or kitten, we just cannot,” Teri said. Miss Fannie's has no outside financial funding, other than from volunteer’s own pockets. Their largest fundraiser is Texoma Gives, which happens once a year and monies raised last about 4 to 6 months due to vet costs and supplies. They rely on donations and try to raise money in other creative ways. They put out a calendar this year where it was $10 to enter a cat, and every vote cast was worth one dollar. The cats with the most votes ended up in the calendar, which can be purchased during adoption events. They raised over $1000 for the organization after a very heated competition! Miss Fannie’s Friends adopted out over 200 kittens last year and there were over 140 TNRs. In the past 18 years, over 2000 cats and kittens have been trapped, neutered, and released and rescued through the organization. The work Miss Fannie’s has done and continues to do is getting harder and harder with fewer people and funds. They can use more help, in the form of volunteers, fosters, trappers, and always donations! † If you would like to volunteer or become a foster parent, please contact Miss Fannies’ Friends, via their email missfanniesfriends@gmail.com or Facebook page. If you would like to adopt a cat or kitten, please visit Adopt-A-Pet, or contact their website. You can send donations to the organization through PayPal, Venmo, Facebook, their website, or mail to P.O. Box 9021, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.

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HOMETOWN Happenings Photos by RB Photography RED DIRT Derby The Red Dirt Derby, hosted on May 3rd, by the Leadership Wichita Falls Class of 2024, was a night to remember. Blending Southern charm with a strong sense of community purpose, the event brought people together to support local nonprofits in a fun and memorable way. Guests showed up dressed for the occasion, sporting big hats, colorful bow ties and plenty of Kentucky Derby style. Held at The Stone Palace, the evening featured a Southern-inspired dinner, signature cocktails and an atmosphere full of energy. One of the most talked-about elements was the custom horse racing games. Each handcrafted horse was sponsored by local individuals or businesses and painted with unique designs. The crowd got into the spirit by placing friendly bets and cheering on their horses during a series of playful races. The highlight of the night was the Main Event Race, where the winning sponsor, K Bond Jewelry, took home the "Mane Event Horse," a hand-painted trophy horse created by a local artist. It was a fun and fitting finish to a night that had already delivered so much excitement. This event wasn’t just about food and fun. The Red Dirt Derby showed what can happen when leadership, creativity and community come together. Thanks to the efforts of the Leadership Wichita Falls Class of 2024, proceeds from the evening will directly benefit local nonprofits. It was a night of giving that left a lasting impact far beyond the final race.

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42 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group is Time Well Spent Time Well Served Written by ANTHONY MARSCHE | Photos provided by MICHAEL MITCHELL

43 hometown living at its best WWhile not always obvious, a lot of progress being made in Wichita Falls comes from those who take time out of their day and give it back to the community. Michael Mitchell, a Wichita Falls local, is a prime example. “It’ll never hurt you to go out, spread good will and cheer,” Mitchell said. “Being kind is something that you just do.” Throughout Mitchell’s life, he’s taken every opportunity available to be a part of something greater. One of Michael’s longest and largest endeavors is working alongside the Boy Scouts. Starting as a cub scout at six years old, unknowing to Mitchell, the values he would learn during that time would stick with him for the next several decades. With a life deep rooted in volunteering for his community, one local Wichitan is now on a mission to share Texas History one story at a time.

44 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “I had a really good upbringing,” Michael said. “But I saw a lot of kids that needed help. As cheesy as it sounds, they’re the next generation. You’ve got to do for them as others did for you.” Mitchell said the community service provided through scouts has an immeasurable impact on a child’s life, as it did his own. From growing up as a scout to working for the organization. Now, since he loved it so much, he continues to volunteer. On top of his time with scouts, Mitchell is also a proud member of the Rotary Club and has been for a little over three years. Part of this service includes raising money for local nonprofits, like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Wild Bird Rescue. It’s given him the opportunity to meet like-minded people and created a path for him to serve on multiple boards and committees throughout Wichita Falls. His most recent venture is becoming the President of Memorial Band Parent Association. However, with all this time being dedicated to volunteering, life still goes on. While it’s important for people to be involved in their communities, he said it’s just as important to balance those obligations with yourself and family.

45 hometown living at its best “A really good calendar helps. Being very time management savvy helps,” Mitchell explained. It’s important to know your limits and whether you’re capable of dedicating the time needed for whatever seat you’re in. Mitchell went on to say taking on a load at this scale might not be for everybody but encourages people to participate in at least one thing that will help your community. “It all depends on what your passionate about,” he said. Though volunteer work isn’t financially compensated, Mitchell said it brings joy knowing you’re making a difference. In addition to Mitchell’s volunteering endeavors, over the past two years he has dedicated more of his free time to producing “Once Upon a Time in Texas”, a podcast about local history and its impact. The idea originated as a way for Mitchell to promote his home mortgage business but quickly became fueled by a passion for the past. When brainstorming ideas, Mitchell’s first was a podcast over mortgages and financial advice, but after listening to a few to gain an idea of what his could look like, he wasn’t impressed. “They were terrible,” Mitchell explained. “I’m in the business and I didn’t even really want to listen to it.” So, Mitchell switched gears, changing the topic from finance to history. The podcast starts with a few good news stories, events in the community and city council decisions. A quick sponsored segment would follow. Then, Mitchell would dive into all things Texas. Doing all the production himself. “I don’t have somebody edit it. I don’t have music, you know? I don’t have intro and outro music. If I cough or sneeze in the middle, if the cat comes walking through or the dog barks, you hear it,” Mitchell said. “It’s just a raw podcast. There it is.” He says from the feedback he’s received the listeners enjoy the unfiltered quality of his storytelling. One of his favorites was over an elephant buried around the intersection of Brook and Kell. “The masses need to know this,” Mitchell thought after learning this.

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47 hometown living at its best Whether it’s interesting facts about the state, or notable moments in history, Mitchell covers it all. One of his most recent episodes dove into Texas’ state animals such as the Armadillo and the Bat (Ep. 108). However, other topics Mitchell discusses hold a bit more weight to them, like war and slavery. “Just because history is ugly, doesn’t mean you have to sweep it under the rug,” Mitchell stated. Since “Once Upon a Time in Texas” is based off facts and history, Mitchell takes on a certain responsibility in making sure the information he’s sharing is accurate. “I try to balance it and look from both sides of the coin,” he added. “Not everybody, even the winners, weren’t really winners a lot of the time.” At first, Mitchell said he was only going to upload 100 episodes. Earlier in the year he ended up missing a couple of weeks because of other things going on in life. He didn’t think much of it until people started reaching out to him to make sure he was okay. They were all fans of the show who were curious as to why there hadn’t been new episodes. “Honestly, if one person hears it and likes it, it’s a success,” Mitchell said, as it only takes around an hour a week to produce. Mitchell said everything he does is to make the community a better place. While it might not always look the same, he plans to continue volunteering and informing his neighbors for as long as he can. “I fully intend to keep doing it as long as people will have me,” Mitchell said. But Mitchell is only one person, so he’s calling for others to find something that piques their interest as he’s found things that pique his own. “Just whatever you’re passionate about, just go do it. Go find something. Spend an hour or two a month. I mean it takes a little bit to make the world go round,” Mitchell said. “Get out and make your community a better place.” †

48 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group BILL BARTLEY FAMILY YMCA 5001 Bartley Drive Wichita Falls, TX 76302 (940) 761-1000 DOWNTOWN YMCA 1010 9th Street Wichita Falls, TX 76301 (940) 322-7816 JOIN TODAY AT YMCAWF.ORG

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52 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Treasures Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos provided by TODD GILES, PhD MOFFETT LIBRARY

53 hometown living at its best R THE HISTORY OF RARE BOOKS IN MOFFETT LIBRARY’S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OFFER A GLIMPSE INTO TIMELESS TREASURES, WITH ONE PROFESSOR INVITING THE PUBLIC TO EXPLORE THEIR SIGNIFICANCE. Rare book collections such as those in Special Collections at Moffett Library at Midwestern State University contain shelves of cataloged treasures, each one rich with something unique. MSU English Professor Todd Giles has launched an online essay series designed to walk readers through features and images of the rare books titled “Editions & Impressions: A Rare Look into Special Collections.” Giles teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as courses that dive deep into themes both classic and contemporary. He began personally collecting first editions and literary magazines when he was a college student himself. Writing “Editions & Impressions” brings both professional and personal interests together. “I have three community service pillars in my life outside of the classroom: researching and writing about classical music, the visual arts and rare books,” he says, “These are my three main passions in life, so my thinking is why not serve the community by bringing together my love for the arts and my passions as an academic and writer.” Articles about the rare books are just getting started, covering Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, leaf books and will include John Steinbeck this semester. “Five by Frost” discusses the 1915-1945 five volumes of Robert Frost’s poetry including first editions “A Boy’s Will” and “Come in, and Other Poems.” Giles explains features to take note of in each volume. Each article includes scanned images, such as the beautiful interior book cover painting by John O’Hara Cosgrave II.

54 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group “One Precious Leaf” defines a leaf as an original manuscript page inserted to a new book. Giles explains the sources and the significance of a singular manuscript page and possible deep connection to an author. For example, Whitman is said to have taken part in the hand-set type of the first edition printing of his 1855 book “Leaves of Grass” which is the leaf in Guido Bruno’s 1930 “One Precious Leaf from the First Edition of Leaves of Grass.” Giles explains that likewise, the leaf book, “A Noble Fragment, Being a Leaf of the Gutenberg Bible,” selfdescriptive by its title, holds another beneficial link to the past. “A Noble Fragment” is also an example of the leaf-natured paradox that somewhere a complete and original manuscript is unwhole but dispersed great value to the masses by providing accessibility. Nothing equals an original, and as ever-changing digital storage technology is a significant expense for libraries, housing the original texts has benefits that surpass digitization. “I know digital is easier and more accessible, but digital surrogates are just not sufficient enough for everyone,” says Special Collections Librarian Alissa Russell. “For many, we're interested in the materiality of books and manuscript, and there is also just something about holding a physical book and seeing the way it's printed, if there are handwritten notes inside, if it’s associated with a famous author or previous owner…that's definitely something we want to preserve for historical research.” Among the special collection at Moffett is an incomplete, 160 pages of William Shakespeare’s “Second Folio” printed in 1632. Pulitzer Prize winning “Lonesome Dove” author Larry McMurtry, a long Archer City resident, has his books in the Moffett Special Collections as well. Sometimes rare books contain bonus material, ephemera, papers that capture something of the time period or previous owner. “I found pictures, letters, and I've also found little notations,” says Russell. “I pulled a House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorn, a first edition, and one of the previous owners wrote in the back a love letter or love note to somebody. It didn't address who it was, but basically said, ‘Forget me not...’” Whether personalized or one-of-a-kind, rare books in the Moffett Library hold unmatched and intrinsic value.

55 hometown living at its best “As we bluster into the AI era,” says Giles, “I think now more than ever it is important to reacquaint ourselves with the printed word in the form of old books and manuscripts. When concepts such as authorship and originality and truth and creativity are radically being called into question, there’s something wholesome, something real, about handling and reading old books. They are cultural and historical artifacts. Many older books, beyond what they say on the page, can also tell us, not only about those who physically engaged with them through their marginal notes, but also about larger issues like accessibility, aesthetics, and class.” Rare books in Special Collections are one of many at Moffett, along with “Nolan A. Moore: Heritage of Print Collection,” “Wichita Falls Archive” and others of politics, academics, photography and railroad history. As Giles delves further into the rare books at Moffett, the public can look forward to learning more about the treasures among the shelves and consider themselves invited to come visit and see them first hand. †

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58 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group C Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos provided by HEART GALLERY Heart Gallery of Texas shares biographies and images of local children in foster care with the goal of kids being adopted by families in their home area. Connecting the dots creates an image out of what was previously unknown. For kids in foster care, waiting to be adopted and the vision of a new family is waiting to be revealed. Texas Family Initiative serves is connecting the dots for kids awaiting adoption and prospective parents whether they are in the foster care setting, in kinship care or in their post-adoption home. One of the ways TFI draws people together is by sharing the smiling faces of children available for adoption through the Heart Gallery of Northwest Texas. As a community-based care program, TFI works to improve outcomes for youth in the foster care system. Keeping them close to their home area is an important element in that work. To show the community who these children are living among them, Heart Gallery coordinators rally volunteers to photograph children available for adoption. The resulting images not only capture each child’s personality, but they provide a human connection. “Being able to show each child, uniquely, and making that happen right here in our community is what makes it a little more special and a little more at home,” says Kara-Kae James, director of marketing at Texas Family Initiative. “We are hoping to place the kids in their communities because we don't want kids to be ripped out of their schools and their activities. We want them to find a permanent, stable, loving home right where they are, in their own community.” CONNECTING THROUGH ADOPTION

59 hometown living at its best

60 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group After launching its own Heart Gallery in 2024, becoming fully staffed with a website up and running in August, the TFI program had received 64 youth referrals and had featured seven children, two of whom were subsequently adopted. From Cattle County to Montague, from Wichita County to Stephens and even beyond, prospective parents considering adoption can see and read about real kids who live in the same area who hope for a family. Heart Gallery coordinators work with the community to cultivate and maintain volunteer networks. Photographers, hairdressers, studio space owners, caterers and more, all step up to make photo sessions happen and provide event support for all the behind-the-scenes necessities. “People love to volunteer for this type of thing,” Kara-Kae says. “It's so fun and especially when you get to interact with the kids. It’s really just heartwarming to meet the kids and get to know them.” Local volunteer photographers are trauma informed, are patient and kind and spend time with the kids, getting to know their personalities and taking photos that capture their natural vibe. Young people are excited for an image that represents them, so photo shoots may occur outdoors, at an event or while they are participating in a hobby. By capitalizing on websites and social media to share the message, Heart Gallery exposure has had a positive effect.

61 hometown living at its best FOR 2024 ALONE, 515 CHILDREN ACROSS TEXAS WERE FEATURED IN A HEART GALLERY, AND 40% OF THEM WERE PLACED IN ADOPTIVE HOMES. “It definitely makes a difference,” says Kara-Kae, who is an adoptive parent herself and holds the issue close to her heart, “because it just personalizes everything when you look through the gallery and you see those photos, and you know some of the kids being silly playing soccer or doing whatever it is that they love. It connects you to them on a more personal level than reading a file. I think it just helps people see the true need and that these are real human children who just need a home and have been through some tough circumstances that are out of their control.” Community-based outreach and support and staying in their home area is best for kids. Organizations such as TFI and Heart Gallery know that not having to leave their schools, friends and possibly relatives is more grounding and settling. Therefore, Heart Gallery highlights local youth and coordinates with and maintains a local network of volunteers for the effort. After adoption, TFI is there as well, making sure new families have the resources they need such as counseling, training and education.

62 wichita falls living | hometownmedia.group Heart Gallery kids are among the 5,000 children and youth waiting for adoption in foster care across Texas. The need for adoptive families is real. The kids waiting are real people wanting to find the right family. Just like the everyday people who have biological children, adoptive parents don’t have to be child experts, psychologists, counselors or have any other special type of education or background. They merely need the willingness to learn about a child and what is best for them and the desire and love in their hearts to offer a family to kids who long to have one. † If you are inspired to learn more about being an adoptive parent, about supporting Heart Gallery efforts as a photographer or hairstylist or have additional talents you wish to share, visit heartgallerynwtexas.org. If you would like to learn more about children available for adoption in the Wichita region, visit the website to see real kids in need and read a short biography about them.

63 hometown living at its best

HOMETOWN Happenings

65 hometown living at its best By Cindy Kahler Thomas Art Battle Wichita Falls’ art scene is exploding with the ultimate live art tournament, Art Battle. This is an event of live competitive painting, and this year, it took place on March 28th at The Lab. During the battle, twelve artists go head-to-head with six of them creating in the first round, and the other six in the second round. Two artists from each round then go on to the third and final round where one was crowned winner. The artists must take a blank 18X24 canvas and create a piece of art in the allotted 20 minutes for each round. While watching the artists paint, the audience votes on an official Art Battle app on their phones. It is fastpaced and exciting for the artists participating and the audience that watch the canvases fill up and the creations come to life. The audience can then bid on the newly created art, with 50 percent of the sales going back to the artists that created them. Art Battle started in 2001 with over 2,000 events in 20 countries. The event was a city-wide competition where the winners can then move to regional, national and world competitions. According to Anthony Campos, co-owner of The Lab, there will be five to six competitions a year in Wichita Falls with winners competing for the chance to go to regional Art Battles and beyond. The artists this year ranged in age from 16 to 66, and the winner of the evening was Natalia Hernandez Pagan. The Lab was a perfect venue with art lining the walls, plenty of room for the audience. All types of art events take place there from art shows, fashion shows, workshops, dancing, live music, art classes, and even comedy shows. It opened last August with Rob Comello and Anthony teaming up together to create a place that fosters creativity.

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