Createmagazinefall2017

create

Fall 2017

Life. Community. Growth.

HISTORIC CITY AUDITORIUM BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE SAN ANGELO CHEFS COMPETE TO STAY OFF OF THE CHOPPING BLOCK

Lasting HONORING HENRY HOGEDA, SR.

BORN IN A BUS BIN FEATURING

ASHLEY

YOUNG-TURNER

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Looking for your dream career?

Howard College is here to help YOU. We offer an affordable education to advance your educational and career plans, with a dedicated faculty and staff to help you make your dreams a reality.

Associate Degrees Cosmetology Career and Technical Education Health Profession Programs Continuing Education and Workforce Training

Your dream starts here...to get YOU there.

Visit our website at howardcollege.edu or call us at 325-481-8300 and let us put YOU on the path to creating your dream.

COMING MARCH 2018!

Howard College, in partnership with our community, is excited to offer a new

construction trades program March 2018.

Scholarships are available to cover the cost of the 10 month program.

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER TODAY!

Michael Biggerstaff

Chairman, Howard College San Angelo Trades Committee Chairman, Texas Builders Foundation Owner, Sunbelt Construction Co-owner, Fireside Partners

Project Donors 2D Construction AB Builders, LLC American Electric Power Angelo Building Specialties Angelo Glass & Mirror Biggerstaff Cabinet Building Biggerstaff Homes Bond Custom Building City of San Angelo Development Corp.

Crawford Construction Darnell Construction Decker Custom Homes Diaz Construction Ener-Tel Services

FastSigns of San Angelo Fentress Engineering Ferguson Enterprises Ford Contracting Granite Grotto Henry Schmidt, Architect Home Builders Assoc. of San Angelo Howard College SA Foundation Ingram Ready Mix Kelly-Moore Paint Company Kiser Carpet Knock Out Plumbing Lorraine Urey

McCoy’s Michael Biggerstaff & Family NuHome Constructors Ortiz Electrical Contractors REW Materials Texas Association of Builders Texas Builders Foundation San Angelo Health Foundation SKG Engineering Unlimited Air Sunbelt Construction Wetz Insurance

Call Terri Nix, Dean, Career and Technical Education to register 325-481-8300

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2017 Fall E d i t i o n

Features

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ART & AN AIRMAN Alejandro Castañon: transforming a hobby into sought after events

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The Cover

CASTING! The San Angelo Stephens Performing Arts Center creates a fresh theatrical experience for the community

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Kim Torres Photography

SAN ANGELO: HISTORIC AUDITORIUM REVITALIZED Elta Joyce Murphey: A passion shared with an entire city

Ashley Young-Turner can often be found in the backyard of her San Angelo hot spot, The Concho Pearl Ice House, surrounded by friends and family. We highly suggest you visit and try the stuffed avocado dish.

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LASTING LEGACY Celebrating Henry Hogeda, Sr. and his contribution to San Angelo

I AM the bread of life

He who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst.

-Jesus

Email us at info@gracemediacompany.com with your desire to be contacted about living life in the image of Jesus Christ and how to take the steps to be on that glorious path.

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Features

A CULINARY CHALLENGE! The San Angelo Symphony brings out culinary talent through a fantastic avenue which showcased 4 chefs’ skills (2 profiled in this edition)

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THE MESSAGE BOARD Pastor Kyle Hooks takes his fingers to the keyboard to deliver what we like to think is a message that will impact you and drive you to enrich not only your life, but the lives of others

create Life. Community. Growth.

PUBLISHER JOSE PALOS jose.palos@gracemediacompany.com WRITERS AMANDA RAZANI AMI MIZELL-FLINT RENE PECKHAM SARA NEGOVETICH KYLE HOOKS

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BORN IN A BUS BIN Ashley Young-Turner didn’t play things out as she expected, but when passion and a skill-set that’s unmatched are used to execute a plan... Greatness.

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY KIM DENDLE DIGITAL DIRECTOR KYLE HOOKS

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RAW 1899: Untamed elegance created by inspired artists

PHOTOGRAPHY KIM TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY LORD AND HOOKS PHOTOGRAPHY KEN GRIMM PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS LARAE RUSSELL CONEXION HISPANA

Be sure to check out our website:

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ACTIONS & WORDS EQUALLY LOUD When it comes to youth and building them up, Kevin Kirkland has an effective approach: coaching their hearts.

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Create magazine is a Grace Media publication.

Copyright © 2017. Create Magazine is published bi-annually and is free of charge to San Angelo and surrounding communities and businesses. Mail may be sent to Grace Media, P.O. Box 5931, San Angelo, TX 76902. For advertising rates or editorial correspondence email info@gracemediacompany.com or visit create-mag.com

Christmas OPEN HOUSE

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018 FALL 2017

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Letter from the Publisher JO SE PALO S

In the early Nineties, my brothers, Rey, Jake, and I spent our summers in San Angelo slightly different than most young boys between the ages of ten and fourteen years.

We’d start off our days by walking down North Chadbourne Street on the lookout for a “jackpot.” Motivated to find that house we knew would deliver us our proud moment of achievement, I would look over at Rey and ask him if he’d like to switch duties for a block or two. He’d nod is head and I’d hand him the reins to our 5.5 hp Briggs & Stratton lawn mower as he passed me the red one-gallon fuel tank half full of gasoline.

We would work at trying to find our “jackpot” well into the afternoon, but most days, anyone driving by us would have known from our body language it was a day of defeat. We never held back, the goal was heading to the Town & Country to order a cheeseburger and a large soda fountain drink… hey, we weren’t giving up so easy. With the mower safely stored, we’d exchange our equipment for large garbage bags, and make our way to the closest alley. As we stared down to the end of the alleyway the view of dumpsters lined up gave a promising chance that Town & Country was where the dinner bell would be ringing. As the oldest, I remember being compelled to be the first one to jump into that dumpster to begin digging and tearing through plastic bags to begin our search for those shiny aluminum cans. I’d throw those cans out of the dumpster as I rummaged, and Rey and Jake would give a swift raise of their leg and bring their foot down hard with a crunch… what a wonderful sound of what might as well have been coins being produced at the United States Mint.

On a great day, we’d fill a bag almost completely and again we would share the responsibility of carrying it over our shoulders as we walked for what seemed like 5 miles to the recycling center. At forty-five cents per pound we were happy to feel the weight of the bag on our back, the reward was always worth it. Sitting on a curb enjoying that cheeseburger and sharing a soda with my brothers is only one of the memories that I will cherish about my childhood. The journeys we’ve experienced together gave me the foundation for the passion I have in all I do.

Create: Life. Community. Growth. A magazine dedicated to the journey individuals and companies of San Angelo take to create and grow their passion, folks who wake up every glorious morning sharing their gifts and talents, striving to pursue a goal with the same motivation to create a community life in which our children thrive, our neighbors are our friends, and our town grows. These are the characteristics you will find in the individuals and companies highlighted in the content and photos you read and see. Enjoy learning about our town, and those that play a vital role in making San Angelo home. And if you see three strapping boys along your journey, let them mow your yard.

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When Alejandro Castañon moved to San Angelo in 2011 after eight years in the Air Force, he looked for a paint and sip class, similar to the ones he had taken in Dallas. At that time, there were none in San Angelo.

That didn’t stop him from finding a way to participate in his hobby. He talked to some downtown business owners about his desire to bring paint and sip classes to San Angelo, and “they were all confident it wouldn’t work here,” he said.

“So, I decided to do it myself,” Alejandro said.

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ART & AN AIRMAN

BY AMI MIZELL-FLINT

KIM TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY FALL 2017

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“I bought easels, paints, and contracted with Crystal Goodman,” a local artist.

Together, the two started the first paint and sip classes in San Angelo, and his business, Vino Dipinte, was born.

“I was the assistant for a while,” he said. “During class, I would sketch out of boredom.

One day, she (Goodman) noticed I had some rough skills that could be developed, and suggested I try painting.”

While he says he started out “rough,” eventually he got good enough for Goodman to start mentoring him.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said, “but it wasn’t until I sold my first one that a light bulb went on.”

Alejandro had been working at Time Clock Plus, and got called into the office of company president Jordy Moorman, where he was told, “This is not your passion.”

During that meeting, Alejandro noticed a 20 Under 40 plaque on Moorman’s wall.

The rest of that conversation was prophetic, as Moorman told him, “This will be the last job where you have a boss.”

“I too and it k a step s hab back, looked at the city its, and made a big change” -AC

See what

A l ej a n d r o Is up to by

visiting his gallery

@ 602

Orient St. He’s always up

to something interesting.

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Disrupt or Be Disrupted

options in several venues.

“That allowed me to “When the Painting with grow as an artist,” Alejandro a Twist franchise came to San said. “Had Jordy not pushed “I wanted to create something that’s going to challenge Angelo, I looked at our business me in that direction, I would the industry,” Alejandro said. “I have to be the leading model, and asked, ‘What can set probably still be at Time innovator that’s going to capture the audience.” us apart?’”

Clock Plus.”

San Angelo is a great place for up-and-coming artists, “I took a step back, looked at In 2015, Alejandro was the city and its habits, and made honored with his own 20 Alejandro said. a big change.”

Under 40 nomination, and Alejandro sells prints of his paintings on his Etsy page, While Vino Dipinte still was presented his plaque by as well as in his gallery in San Angelo. does paint and sip classes Jordy Moorman. periodically, their main focus is “It was kind of “I could go to the big city and try to make it big, but on artisan classes, such as “Secret bittersweet,” Alejandro said. everybody’s going there. San Angelo is an opportunity for Sushi,” “Beer Brewing,” “MakeFor a while, Alejandro any artist.” up Makeovers and Margaritas,” and Goodman had a second, “The opportunity is there (in San Angelo),” he said, and others. larger location on the corner “You can only do so many of Oakes and Concho “All you have to do is raise your hand and show up.” paint and sip classes before you for their popular classes, get bored,” Alejandro said. “My called Art on the Concho. customers matured. Once they In December of 2016, Six years after Alejandro helped get a taste of art, they want to explore Alejandro decided to focus his efforts bring paint and sip classes to San on Vino Dipinte, so now Goodman is and find more.”

Angelo, there are now many similar sole owner of that location.

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Ready To Move?

LET’S ROCK N’ ROLL!

Shawn Razani, Realtor

325-212-3808

shawnrazani@gmail.com, Find Me On Facebook

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Located on Gillis Street, stands the newly constructed Stephens Performing Arts Center, a beautiful space

that provides a new home for the arts of San Angelo.

When staring at the center, it is difficult to fathom that the building was once the old Coca-Cola warehouse before a group of performing arts enthusiasts came together with an idea that would change San Angelo for the better.

BY AMANDA RAZANI

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Stephens Performing Arts Center

“

Getting kids to see a show, appreciate a performance and want to read the book afterwards, is one of our biggest accomplishments

�

- Mark Levine

Other family performances coming up soon include, Alice in Wonderland and The Great Gatsby, both scheduled for March of 2018.

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L O R D A N D H O O KS P HOTOGRAP HY

Several years ago, this group of people wanted to establish a better place for a more consistent environment for the Angelo Civic Theatre. The theatre was in a bit of disarray. Rather than putting in some money here and there to fix issues, they thought it would be great if there was a venue available for ACT that was brand new. This organization got together to scope out a good facility for that. Upon further discussion, they thought it would be great if all the arts groups could have a home they could call their own, where all kinds of performances could be available to the community. This idea for a place with one centralized box office that people could visit to purchase tickets to any of those productions grew in popularity, with several different organizations expressing interest.

When the old Coca-Cola building was discovered, the location made perfect sense, being right by the city auditorium. They realized the city auditorium needed work as well. Plans started being discussed for the conversion of the warehouse building into a small theatre, complete with offices for the arts, along with giving the city auditorium a much needed upgrade that would allow it

to bring in larger shows.

It took a few years and lots of hard work to coordinate and fundraise for the project, with most of the money raised privately, but the goal was accomplished, and the renovations were completed. Mark Levine was hired as the Executive Director for the Performing Arts Center, with the charge of bringing in touring for the performing arts that had not been available before.

“Right before I began, the community started getting regular concerts at the coliseum and sort of a burst of touring events and live entertainment in general. Now there are regular tours coming through San Angelo, along with the shows provided by BE Theatre, the San Angelo Symphony, San Angelo Broadway Academy, Angelo Civic Theatre and the San Angelo Civic Ballet and more. There is a plethora of arts and entertainment,” says Levine.

San Angelo Civic Ballet is a tenant in the building and provides regular weekly classes. There are several dance studios, along with a Pilates studio and scene shops.

The rest of the complex is made up of storage areas, dressing rooms, a hospitality room, the box office, a 300 seat theatre, and a black box performing space, which is an empty black room designed to put any kind of event into the space.

“You can purchase tickets to any performance located here or in the city auditorium, now the Murphey Performance Hall,” explains Levine.

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The hallways of the Stephens Performing Arts Center are illuminated with various rotating colors making it hard to not stand and just enjoy the view.

The first touring presentation at the Murphey Performance Hall was the Vienna Boys Choir on November 1, 2017. Over 30 productions are slated for the Performing Art Center’s full season.

Several of those productions will offer multiple performances.

In an effort to involve more of the community, the Stephens Performing Arts Center offers special package deals to many of these shows. These special deals provide a discounted rate to the shows, as well as allow people to purchase tickets to shows before they are available to the general public. One such package is the Family 4x4 Package.

In regards to the family performances, such as, Call of the Wild, which was the theatre’s very first touring presentation, Levine shares, “Getting kids to see a show, appreciate a performance and want to read the book afterwards, is one of our biggest accomplishments in bringing in these types of performances.”

L O R D A N D H O O KS PH OTOGRAP HY

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Performance Hall and RFORMANCE HALL ANDStage STAGE Creating a beautiful space for the arts Elta Joyce Murphey McAfee will forever be praised for her contributions and desire to see the arts continue to hold a place in San Angelo. All who have the pleasure of experiencing a play, symphony or ballet at the historic City Auditorium, which reopened its doors in early October after being closed for about eight years, will now do so at the Elta Joyce Murphey Performance Hall and Stage at City Auditorium, named in her honor and family’s legacy.

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Lasting The celebration of Henry Hogeda, Sr.’s life will take place in the hearts of loved ones and in the life of those he impacted through his passion and generosity, but always at The Original Henry’s Diner.

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A

NY BUSINESS OWNER WILL SAY THAT OWNING A BUSINESS HAS TO BE A LABOR OF LOVE. BUT FOR THE OWNERS OF THE ORIGINAL HENRY’S DINER, IT ALL STARTED WITH A LOVE STORY.

By Ami Mizell-Flint Photography Kim Torres Photography

O

felia Hogeda was a busgirl at the Original Zentner’s, in Rowena, in 1963, when she met Henry Hogeda, Sr., who was a cook there.

“We dated for two years before I finally gave in and married him,” Ofelia Hogeda said with a smile.

Ofelia learned early on that her husband was a go-getter.

When the couple opened the first Henry’s restaurant location in 1973, they worked from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. by themselves, because they couldn’t afford help. Rent for the space was $50 a month.

Henry, Sr. would go in and prep in the morning, then go work as a carpet layer, and then come back and help with the noon rush- the three tables that filled their restaurant. After two years, they were able to hire a cook to help them.

The business moved to their next location on Chadbourne five years later, and added Henry’s BBQ right next door. Henry, Sr. realized employees needed affordable housing, and built apartments for them behind the restaurant.

“He had so many ideas,” said Rosa. “He loved buying businesses and renovating them.”

Henry, Sr. wanted to open restaurants in San Antonio and Austin, but his family didn’t want him gone so much.

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If you like it, tell others.

If you don’t like it, tell me 28

- Henry Hogeda, Sr.

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Over the years, the couple helped family members with their own business ventures, never forgetting the importance of raising their own children and teaching them the value of work ethics and family values.

Henry, Sr. and Ofelia’s three children, Henry, Jr., Rosa Torres, and Karen Baretto, who lives in San Antonio, are all co-owners of The Original Henry’s Restaurant, which has been in its current location on Sherwood Way since 1992.

Madelyne Torres, 9, is Rosa’s daughter, and can be seen helping in the restaurant when she’s not in school. She said she enjoys working at the restaurant, and that her favorite part is “The food!”

Like the rest of her family, Madeline is proud of the restaurant started by her grandparents, and is planning to keep her grandfather’s namesake going when she grows up.

Henry, Sr. passed away from lung cancer in May, 2017, but his legacy lives

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“My sister and I have grown up in this industry,” said Henry, Jr. “We want to represent my dad and support my mom. It is important that we fulfill my dad’s dreams, and keep it going.”

A family of faith, Henry, Jr. said that his father always reminded them that God blessed them with all that the restaurant provided.

“He was full of faith,” Ofelia said. “I have a lot of faith in God. We both did. We would pray a lot together. Whenever we opened a new restaurant, we prayed about it.”

The Hogedas have not forgotten the importance their dad placed on giving back to the community that has supported him over the past decades.

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“My dad always wanted more, so we can give back more to the community,” Henry, Jr. said. “All that we know is because of him.”

Rosa said their father spent his free time going to other restaurants, looking for ideas to make his own business better.

“He would tell people, ‘If you like it, tell others. If you don’t like it, tell me,’” she said.

Her dad was a “hard man to work for, a work-aholic,” she said, but he worked as hard as he expected his employees to work, and rewarded them for a job well done.

“I don’t care how tired he was,” she said of her dad, “he would stay here and work until he couldn’t work anymore.”

“My sister and I have grown up in this industry,” said Henry, Jr. “I want to represent my dad, and support my mom, fulfill my dad’s dreams, and keep it going.”

Rosa remembers sleeping in her parents’ van on a mattress with her siblings, while Henry, Sr. and Ofelia worked in their restaurant until 1 a.m.

There are over 50 Mexican Consulates in the United States with about 20% of them located in Texas alone. The Mexican Consulate is one of over 1500 foreign representations in the United States.

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2017 February 3, 2017: the Mexican Consulate in Del Rio, Texas, Directed by Carlos Obrador Garrido Cuesta, grants recognition to Henry Hogeda, Sr. founder and owner of the famous Original Henry’s Diner restaurant for being a tireless promoter of the Mexican gastronomy and a mentor of the new generations of Mexican-American and Mexican entrepreneurs in San Angelo, Texas.

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“We are very proud of what we’ve built,” Henry, Jr. said, “and we would like to thank the community and surrounding area for all their support.”

As the family talks about their patriarch, their love and respect for him is evident. Looking to the future, they want to move ahead, but keep the memory of their dad alive in the restaurant where the family has dedicated their lives. “We have to keep going with our restaurant,” Ofelia said. “That’s the legacy he left us.”

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Artisan &

Trinity Lutheran School & Early Childhood Center theran School & Early Childhood “Growing Together In Christ” School & Early Childhood Center ity Lutheran School & Early Childhood CenterCenter

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inity Lutheran School & Early Childhood Centerchocolates

Providing Quality Christian Education for all Children in the Community ach Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, OutreachLCMS Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS Beginning our 65th Year in San Angelo James Crowder – Owner & Chocolatier Outreach Ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church,with LCMS Beginning our 65th Year inAccreditation San Angelo and National Excellent Rating • Daily Devotionals and ity Christian Education Providing for all Children inState the Community Quality Christian Education for all Children in the Community

“Growing Together In Christ”

Beginning our 65th Year in San Angelo

Bible Study • Experienced, Certified, Christian Teachers • Technology Integration Providing QualityRating Christian Education for all Children in the Community editation • Daily Devotionals and Statewith and Excellent National Accreditation with Excellent Daily Devotionals and • Fine Arts (Including BandRating Grade •4-9) • Interscholastic Sports (Grade 4-9) • Volleyball, d, Certified, Christian Teachers • Technology Integration Outreach Ministry of •Trinity Lutheran Church, LCMS Bible Study • Experienced, Certified, Christian Teachers Technology Integration Basketball, Golf and Cheerleading • Before and After School Care and National Accreditation with 4-9) Excellent Rating •Year Daily Devotionals and Beginning our 65th in San Angelo Grade 4-9) • Interscholastic Sports (Grade • Volleyball, • Fine Arts (Including Band Grade 4-9) • Interscholastic Sports (Grade 4-9) • Volleyball, Providing Quality Christian Education for all Children in the Community and • Before and After School Care udyCheerleading • Experienced, Certified, Christian Teachers • Technology Integration Ron Fritsche M. Ed., Principal Basketball, Golf and Cheerleading • Before and After School Care

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School (K-9th) 3516 Lutheran Way (Off Sunset Dr) 947-1275 (K-9th) 3516 Lutheran School Way (Off Sunset Dr) rinity Lutheran Church, LCMS Technology Integration ••Certified, Fine Arts (IncludBasketball, Golf and Cheerleading Before and After Care Bible Study • -School Experienced, Christian Teachers • Technology Integration WWW .trinitylutheranschoolsanangelo.com hildhood (18 mos-PK4) WWW.trinitylutheranschoolsanangelo.com 5th Year in San Angelo 947-1148 -Early Childhood facebook.com/tlssa (18 mos-PK4) ing Band Grade 4-9) • Interscholastic Sports facebook.com/tlssa • Fine Arts (Including Band Grade 4-9) • Interscholastic Sports (Grade 4-9) • Volleyball, cation for all Children in the Community

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Basketball, Golf and Cheerleading • Before and After School Care 947-1275 -School (K-9th) h Excellent Rating • Daily Devotionals and School3516 Cheerleading • Before and After CareLutheran Way (Off Sunset Dr) WWW.trinitylutheranschoolsanangelo.com 7-1148Teachers -Early Childhood (18 mos-PK4) Christian • Technology Integration facebook.com/tlssa Ron Fritsche M. Ed., Principal 947-1275 -School (K-9th) 3516 Lutheran Way (Off Sunset Dr) Interscholastic Sports (Grade 4-9) • Volleyball, WWW.trinitylutheranschoolsanangelo.com 947-1148 -Early Care Childhood (18 mos-PK4) ding • Before and After School facebook.com/tlssa Ron Fritsche M. Ed., Principal 3516 Lutheran Way (Off Sunset Dr)

os-PK4)

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PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________

Mon.-Fri 10:00 am - 6:00 pm • 2411 College Hills Blvd., San Angelo, TX

O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE _________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ BY: __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ ADVERTISER: TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL PROOF CREATED AT: 8/18/2017 2:28 PM

SALES PERSON: Lori Summerlin PROOF DUE: NEXT RUN DATE: 08/20/17 NLINE CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE PUBLICATION: SA-1266 OWN LOCAL SIZE: 6 col X 4 in ED AT: 8/18/2017 2:28 PM INITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL PROOF CREATED AT: 8/18/2017 2:28 PM NEXT RUN DATE: 08/20/17 Lori Summerlin PROOF DUE: NEXT RUN DATE: 08/20/17 SA-1714019.INDD n SA-1714019.INDD A-1266 OWN LOCAL SIZE: 6 col X 4 in

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The foundation of Angelo Catholic School is solid, built on Christ Jesus. The foundation of you teaching at home is solid, built _______________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ on Christ Jesus. Therefore we would like UBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE to co-labor with you to keep your child’s NF SCHOOL CREATED AT: 8/18/2017 2:28 PM O.K. BY: PROOF __________________________________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ PROOF DUE: NEXT RUN DATE: 08/20/17 focus on this firm foundation, reinforcing SA-1714019.INDD AL SIZE: 6 col• X 4 in READ CAREFULLY SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE Catholic morals and ethics.

ER: TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL PROOF CREATED AT: 8/18/2017 2:28 PM RSON: Lori Summerlin PROOF DUE: NEXT RUN DATE: 08/20/17 ION: SA-1266 OWN LOCAL SIZE: 6 col X 4 in

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Chefs Battle To stay Off the Chopping Block How’s this for a first?

Back in April, the San Angelo Symphony took it straight to the kitchen in a classy fundraising effort that followed right along with the culinary buzz around town. Chefs competed for the ultimate bragging rights and to hold the title “Culinary Challenge Champion.” All four chefs are great; Chef Tim Condon of The Angry Cactus, Chef Virginia

Dalbeck of Cork & Pig Tavern, Chef Jason Helfer of Peasant Village, and Chef Sergio Rico of JL Bar Ranch.

In this edition of Create: Life. Community. Growth, we’ll take you back to how it all started for Tim Condon and Viginia Dalbeck’s as well as some details about their journey, you’ll want to visit all four Chef’s venues to get a serving of the culinary action.

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325-716-5124

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If that cool piece of hardware Tim Condon is holding doesn’t give it away, Condon brought the heat in the first Culinary Challenge and took home a big pot of bragging rights and can proudly display that he is the 2017 Culinary Challenge Champion.

Congrats, Tim!

A Guy Walks Into A Restaurant...

Restaurant...

Tim Condon set out to bring a specific culinary experience to San Angelo.

He found a few hurdles along the way, but fueled with passion and ambition he cleared them in true champion form.

By Amanda Razani Kim Torres Photography

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If you have driven downtown San Angelo, Chances are you have seen the giant, spiky Cactus staring down at you from The Angry Cactus restaurant

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topic of much discussion during the planning stages, Tim Condon, the owner and chef, never backed down from his vision, and it has paid off big time. These days, that sign is a big draw for tourists and locals alike, marking the entry into a very unique dining experience.

Condon says his passion for cooking grew from his first job at Burger King in Omaha, NE, where he learned the basics of a restaurant business in general.

From that simple job, he knew the cooking business was his calling. After that, his career just snowballed into what it is today.

“I went around from restaurant to restaurant, to country club to country club, and I learned how different people do things. I studied different techniques and the way people ran businesses, because I knew the business side was bigger that the culinary side.”

Condon graduated from the Institute for the Culinary Arts in Omaha NE while working at a top restaurant. After graduating, he chose to move to Hawaii. Upon his arrival in Hawaii, he decided to enjoy his first day at a nice hotel and check out the beautiful beach. Sitting there on the beach, looking at the pristine resort, he thought it would be amazing if he could work there and get to enjoy that beautiful view every day.

“Little did I know that 30 days later I’d be the Executive Chef at that hotel, the Ko Olina Resort at Paradise Cove, home to the largest Luau in Oahu, “says Condon.

From cooking for dignitaries from all over the world, to preparing the food for the NFL Pro Bowl, he gained a lot of knowledge there. Some years went

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by, and he decided to move to San Angelo, TX and start a new chapter with what he’d learned.

“I realized there were not many 5-star resorts here, but I saw a need for food trucks. That is when I opened Lone Star Cheeseburger,” explains Condon.

Since opening, it has earned several awards including, Best Food Truck Burger in Texas, and the 4th Best Burger in North America by Mobile Cuisine magazine.

A few years ago, a friend told Condon about an amazing old building he needed to check out.

It was all boarded up, but when he glimpsed the archways and blocks of stone inside, he could not stop thinking about opening a restaurant there.

“I had been actively looking for something else to work on, and I knew that building could be transformed into the coolest restaurant ever. “ In 2016, on Black Friday, The Angry Cactus opened its doors.

The reaction was remarkable.

The restaurant provides unique experiences to diners, including the Chef ’s Table Dinner Club that offers 8-course dinners, as well as special events like the recent Murder Mystery Dinner. Everything in the restaurant is made from scratch.

There is also a full bar with an extensive menu.

ind it?

Where to f e town to th Head down ncho and o corner of C e St, you n r Chadbou the won’t miss tus-West Angry Cac & Grill Texas Bar

tI u b , p u d rde a o b ld l u l o a c s I a w e It pac s a d n fi d e o t k e d e e p g a nI e man h w d n a h,, d n g u a o r s h y t a w k ch loo r a e h t w sa et d g n t a o n e d i d l s in cou I , e n o t s f o of s a k e c d o i l b e h t om r f y a w a . e r e h t my mind t n ura a t s e r a opening on Cond m i T -

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I was told I couldn’t do fine dining in San

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Angelo, but we are doing it, and doing it well.

My inspiration for this restaurant was to take old favorites and refine the technique. I wanted to share what fine dining means and provide something people couldn’t get anywhere else in the world.

- Tim Condon

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These days, aside from running a restaurant and a food truck, Condon mentors others who are interested in entering the culinary profession. He and several other chefs work with students at Central High School to educate them about the industry.

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More than a company, the working owners of Aguero Tile and Flooring service San Angelo as community members, neighbors, friends and family.

With over 35 years experience and professional relationships in San Angelo, no one understands the dream you have in your next project better.

325 277 8227 •

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See what we are F A L L 2 0 1 7 working C R E Aon TE-MAG.COM

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This Little Piggy Went to Market

By Amanda Razani

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few years ago, a new restaurant opened up in San Angelo, TX, surrounded by exciting gossip about one of the chefs having been on the popular television show, Hell’s Kitchen. That restaurant is Cork and Pig Tavern, and the story was true.

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Chef Virginia Dalbeck, one of the four highly skilled owners of the restaurant, was indeed a competitor on the show.

In fact, she was the runner up on Season 2, quite an honor. The other three owners of Cork and Pig Tavern are Chef Felipe Armenta and Chef John Nestor, who have both been in the restaurant business for many years, as well as Ed Buenaventura who has extensive experience in managing restaurants.

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ly e t u l o s b a I d n A o d I t a love wh ck

e b l a D a i Virgin

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Cork and Pig Tavern, which is located at 2201 Knickerbocker Rd, is just one of three locations! Odessa and Fort Worth are two lucky cities that have added Cork and Pig Tavern to their culinary scene.

named, Pizza Mozza, which was thought it would provide a casual, Chef Dalbeck says the an Artesian-style restaurant. The gastro pub feel that we wanted, so motivation to become a chef came from her sister. She didn’t know owner, Mario Batali, introduced we jumped on the chance.” what she wanted to do, but her her to the artesian practice of The restaurant does a great brick oven pizza. This experience job of providing that exact feel, sister told her that she had always became the inspiration behind offering a very cozy and relaxed enjoyed cooking. So she decided to attend the culinary atmosphere. Along with school in her home state, amazing pizzas, the menu the Hotel Restaurant offers traditional cuisine with a personal flair to Culinary School in Santa Barbara, California. It it. Cork and Pig Tavern also offers a full bar with was there that she had the special experience of special cocktails made from fresh ingredients cooking for Julia Childs, and homemade juices. a world renowned chef.

She was able to take a One popular drink is the Jalapeño Margarita. It picture with her too.

About her school has a lovely bite to it. The restaurant also serves a experience, Dalbeck Chef Virgina Dalbeck and TV culinary legend Julia Child at says, “I really liked it and variety of local craft beers the Hotel Restaurant Culinary School, Santa Barbara where enjoyed it, and I knew I and has an extensive wine Dalbeck attended from 2001-2003 list. In fact, Dalbeck took could get a job right away classes to expand her knowledge of and wouldn’t have to struggle.” the food served at Cork and Pig Having finished school, Chef Tavern. different wines.

Dalbeck lived and worked in Los When asked how she and When it comes to being a chef and restaurant owner, Chef Angeles, New York and Florida, her partners chose the location, Dalbeck says, “I try to follow gaining more and more knowledge Chef Dalbeck responds, “The and experience, before she ended this advice; be kind, be persistent opportunity to open this restaurant up in San Angelo, TX, where just kind of fell in our laps. A good and never work a day in your life her friend and business partner, friend made us an offer we couldn’t by doing what you love. And I Felipe lived. During her time in refuse on this building, which absolutely love what I do.”

Los Angeles, she visited a pizzeria was once an old gas station. We

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e h T

Message Kyle Hooks

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didn’t remember ever hearing the word Cyclothymia, but it perfectly described what I was experiencing: Periodic episodes when my brain just cannot produce a good feeling.

Thankfully, a friend reminded me what to do: get to the wilderness.

I left a few days later. I went to the mountain where God first called me to be a pastor.

L OR D AND HO O KS P HOTOG R AP H Y

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board at d is th .” o G t u abo ated e learn ing, God cre n the w g n i le. O ginn st th The fir e. “In the be s of the Bib n in Our d a v r ti o e the five w t Us make m 1:26) is crea r t a e s h r h s fi , d s, “Le ly the : pray ” (Gen things w hikers, an .

Literal ge, God say ur likeness. ho, in their e e r h pa ello ugh do t to O an w ary same with f ed to ts, tho ording ct of a hum g unnecess c c a , I want bout Jesus st snapsho ’s are image s the produ s somethin ews a to God Not ju te mediums i e g t t n r i a e d A r r i good n d pictures. c r did ess, l acco y favo oo e liken ly beautifu o what God .. n y i take g e art, and m eras. v a i d d t e firs we d m ov ay, ectiv Art. I l ood and ca ry good the o the first d nd obj Art is when his image. a e w S v ring , n d. words light wasn’t kers, either. yed. I hiked andar e’re made i sus in resto s t s se w h Je I pra The quire re I ny hi becau throug warped re mplished n’t ma t goal. And a lot. I’m su e k r r e o w w o . a His There d on my firs have s im. It is acco ished work I cried ering from . e m w i h e n e v o h fi ag I focus us. I sang t e I was reco the im ication with and his the s c e n s n J i u u d s s h wit But e. comm faith in Je secon s. crazy. n’t car d the e exist but we n rough ssed in art. i looked sorder, I did pretty blan t I met z h t a g te, ma u re di ill is exp why Create need to crea re: humans mood light was st he summit. B ple from t I hey cou to t The That’s ly, we don’t f what we a . any. T ed up mala and a m r k i e h G od I cal eo radoxi ate becaus a creative G day as from Guate friends from u up here a P e n ly of o cr e of re yo p. Ca a fami and a pair have t in the imag tion: “A d at the to s e u d q n d frien same Engla create ting a d the e s e e a k m s w a t l al . I’m ligh ” Nope y, the ? alone? about Him the next da ake art. m ou h, I tell y next day. O res. I got to u t e c h i T my p . I got t c e f r pe FALL 2017 CREATE-MAG.COM

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BORN Bus 52

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in a

Bin

Ashley Young-Turner didn’t play things out as she expected, but when passion and a skill-set that’s unmatched are used to execute a plan... Greatness.

By Sarah Negovetich

Photography Kim Torres Photography

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or those who knew her growing up, it was a safe assumption that Ashley Young-Turner would eventually end up in the restaurant business. She was “born in a bus bin”, as those in the industry like to say, and spent her formative years helping her parents manage several restaurants in Dallas.

But Ashley had other plans.

And those plans included anything except working in a restaurant. fter high school, she went off to college where she studied archeology and ancient history, two subjects that couldn’t possibly be turned into a career in the family business.

Ashley thought she might go to graduate school to become a college professor or maybe law school. The options were limitless. She even went overseas to study archeology which is where she met her husband John, who also had no interest in going into the restaurant business.

Ashley was well on her way to never bussing another table for the rest of her life. But just like the siren calls to the lonely fisherman, the business slowly pulled her back in.

Ashley and her husband were living in Austin when they got the call.

Her parents were opening a catering business in San Angelo and needed some help getting things up and running.

A

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It would be so much easier if someone already familiar with running restaurants could help them instead of trying to hire someone without experience.

So the Young-Turner duo packed up and moved to San Angelo...but only temporarily. After all, Ashley was not going to make her career in restaurants.

But family is family and they were willing to help for a little while.

That was almost six years ago.

Since then John and Ashley have settled down in San Angelo to raise their three “bus bin” kids and shake things up in this West Texas town.

They helped her parents turn Rio Concho Catering into one of the premier catering options in San Angelo, eventually expanding with Peepsi’s Barbeque. But Ashley had the restaurant bug in her system, so it wasn’t long before she started dreaming about a restaurant of her own.

Go. Eat. This. Now. A fried, brisket stuffed, avocado.

Need we say more?

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n March of 2014, that dream became a reality when she opened The Concho Pearl Icehouse.

But Ashley wasn’t wasting all those years studying archeology and ancient history. Her very intentional focus on everything nonrestaurant had given her an appreciation for creating something unique and people focused. This is why it’s no surprise that “The Pearl” stands out as a gem in a city with a barbeque restaurant on every corner.

Creating something special started well before the first plate was served. Ashley spent months searching out just the right location for her new adventure.

She needed a place with a unique atmosphere, room for a smokehouse, and a big backyard. Because she had big plans.

And finding the right location was only the beginning. Ashley wanted a place the whole family could come to eat. But she didn’t want parents to have to choose between a kid-friendly vibe and amazing food. So she gave San Angelo both.

The Pearl features a large, covered, outdoor seating area complete with a playset where kids can run themselves silly while they wait for their prepared to order meals.

Inside the Icehouse is no exception to Ashley’s family focus. Both the bar and all the restaurant’s tables are made of reclaimed wood from Ashley’s grandma’s house out in Paint Rock.

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Ashley wanted a place the whole family could come to eat. But she didn’t want parents to have to choose between a kid-friendly vibe and amazing food. So she gave San Angelo both.

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nce the atmosphere was set, Ashley turned her attention to the menu where she had plans to be so much more than just another barbeque joint. But it wasn’t easy. Texans expect to find brisket and ribs when we sit down for a good meal, so those were a must have, but Ashely wanted to serve more than just the usual fare. So diners at the Pearl are welcome to chow down on baby back ribs or pecan-smoked brisket, but they can also find Jagerschnitzel, smoked shrimp tacos, or their one of a kind brisket-stuffed avocado.

Now any good Texan knows that smoked meat goes best with a cold beer, and Ashley wasn’t about to disappoint, but even when it came to the tap selection, she insisted on being original. When you check out the beer selection at The Pearl you won’t find Bud Light on draft. But you will find a diverse selection of hand-crafted beers from all over Texas and a bar staff ready to help you find something a little different.

Ashley told us she wanted to keep her menu accessible and familiar, but always with a twist.

You can find this hot spot serving

Deliciousness at 1605 S. Chadbourne

The main theme is Texas centric, but with plenty of opportunity to try something new. And the same goes for Young-Turner when she isn’t hard at work at The Pearl.

When Ashley had trouble expressing exactly what she wanted for graphics to highlight her menu and website, she didn’t just go with good enough. She took a graphic design course so she could just make them herself. And on those rare days off of work she’s driving to Austin for a run around her favorite lake or trying out a new painting technique.

That constant quest to try something new is exactly what led her to her newest adventure, opening a sister restaurant in Detroit Michigan.

Concho Pearl Texas BBQ & Draft House will stay true to the original, but with some twists of its own to set it apart. The wood from Ashley’s grandma’s house is all gone, but a reclaimed bowling lane makes for a great bar top. And while barbeque is definitely on the menu, the new restaurant will feature Michigan cherries and an entree mac n’ cheese, two must-haves for the area.

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Yes.

The Pearl creates great drinks and dessert too. The atmosphere, live music, large patio WITH playground provides San Angelo with a venue its never seen before.

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Good food

and

d og o

y n a p m o c

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Ashley isn’t done there. In the next five years she hopes to open other restaurants both in and out of San Angelo while she’s busy raising the next generation of restauranteurs. Her oldest son, Chef Declan as he’s called at The Pearl, already has plans to become a cowboy chef...or maybe an archaeologist...just like mom.

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RAW 1899: UNTAMED ELEGANCE created by

INSPIRED ARTISTS

By Rene Peckham Special to Create LaRea Russel Photography

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Nathana Cox and Lisa Curry are the owners of Raw 1899, a talk-ofthe-town art lounge at 38 North Chadbourne Street in San Angelo.

In addition to being daughters, mothers, (Nathana is a grandmother, too!), sisters, colleagues, and friends, they’re very good artists.

Both women love to create, and their art is as unique as their personalities. Raw 1899 is the result of a spectacular collision of their individual talents.

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NATHANA’S COLORFUL MOTIVATION Many things inspire Nathana, and nature is high on that list: beautiful sunsets, blooming flowers, reflections in water, and the colors that bring them all to life.

“I love color!”, she says.

“I believe color can change a mood and can make you feel happy, serene, even sensual. So, more often than not, my art is driven by bold color statements.”

At age 43, Nathana, known to her friends as “Thana,” picked up a paint brush for the very first time and her passion for the visual language of art blossomed.

Immediately, she was enamored with oils — everything about them: the hues, the smells, the luminosity. But, it’s the spirit of improvisation in abstract art that motivates her.

“I’m most creative early in the mornings when it’s quiet and peaceful and when the world is fresh. I love to disappear in my thoughts and see where the paint takes me,” she says. “It’s therapeutic, and I can express myself in a way that isn’t possible except by painting. It brings me joy.”

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A CREATIVE TRANSFORMATION Early last year, Lisa and Nathana set out to find space for an art studio, a retreat to pursue their painting passion. In March 2016, they found 38 North Chadbourne Street and purchased it.

The new owners named it Raw 1899 in honor of its rough-hewn walls and approximate date of origin. The century-old walls, original tin ceiling, and floors made with Concho River sand echo the past.

“After we purchased the property, the space and our thinking evolved,” Lisa said. “As we chipped away at it, we discovered more of its beauty, and we knew we needed to share it.”

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The creative process began as they envisioned this amazing, untamed space as a place of stunning black and gold beauty.

On October 27, the two also purchased the adjoining space. Their original idea of an art studio had officially expanded to include an art gallery and lounge.

“We both love taking something old and turning it into something new!”, Nathana said. “That’s what we did with Raw 1899. Now our labor of love is a place to unwind and recharge with a glass of wine or beer, and small bites.”

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FIND THIS AMAZING ADDITION TO DOWNTOWN SAN ANGELO AT 38 N CHADBOURNE ST.

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the most tasteful fru f o o its w t g in in Comb to get a VIBRANT and flavorf

ul p ast ry

Peach Strawberry Pie

30 Min prep 1 Hr bake time Serves 8-10 Pie dough Peaches 4 peeled and sliced into wedges Strawberries 12 oz. cut into quarter inch slices Sugar 3/4 Cup Corn Starch 3 Tbsp Cinnamon 1 Tsp Nutmeg 1/4 Tsp Unsalted Butter 3 Tbsp Egg 1 72

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place foil on bottom rack of oven to catch any overflowing juices • Mix dry ingredients together until combined • Place peaches and strawberries in a medium pan over medium heat • Sprinkle dry mixture over peaches and strawberries while constantly stirring until combined • Evenly cut

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in butter and bring mixture to a simmer then remove from heat and let cool 15 min • Pour mixture into dough lined 10” pie dish and fold over edges ensuring to keep about 50% of the filling exposed • Beat egg and brush over the pie crust • Place in middle rack of the oven and bake for 1 hr.

FOR YOU HAVE BEEN BOUGHT WITH A PRICE

1 Corinthians 6:20

1 Corinthians 6:20

The price was the life of Jesus Christ. His life, his breath... sacrificed because He loves YOU. We can be Redeemed. You know, there are some around you that you feel love from. Maybe you don’t feel love from anyone. Maybe you have never felt love at all. Could you imagine that there is a love for you that completely over powers all that you know about love? I am here to tell you, that it exists. The love the Lord has for you is overwhelming and oh so amazing.

None of us are perfect. No one walking this earth can be perfect.

Let’s gather and share our stories and maybe, just maybe we can help each other. Email us to learn about our gathering of people who want to be a part of something greater than ourselves. gather@gracemediacompany.com

ACTIONS & WORDS FOR KEVIN KIRKLAND

EQUALLY LOUD

By Kyle Hooks

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Lord and Hooks Photography

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B

ecause he does so much, “What do you do?” is complicated. But “Whom do you serve?” is almost immediately obvious.

“Can I just put the money over here?”

Her daughter’s first private tumbling lesson with Coach (Pastor, Evangelist, Speaker, Author, Clothing Designer, American Ninja Warrior) Kevin Kirkland was wrapping up.

“Oh yeah. Everyone knows to just put it there. Seriously, I don’t keep track. I would have no idea if people didn’t pay.”

To Kevin, money isn’t the point.

On her way out, he stops his new athlete. “Hey, you’re awesome, OK? Don’t let anyone tell you different.”

During other lessons, Kevin talks boys with his girls. The rule is they have to bring a boy to meet him before they can “get serious.”

Christoval Senior Adyson Ocker said a private lesson with Kevin is more like a counseling session. During an hour-long session, they might spend half the time talking. Conversations roam from proper form to social media posts to cheer tryout strategies to parents, then back to tucking knees. And back and forth frequently to and from Jesus. “Doing life together.”

Kirkland’s sessions have an ingrained positive culture. Encouragement is constant. Failures are corrected with humor and tickle attacks instead of yelling.

To Kevin, building athletes isn’t the point, either.

“It’s a means to an end,” he said. “I want to be that call they make when things are hard.” According to his students, he is. He’s working on a third book. The title sums up his philosophy: “Teach the skill, coach the heart.”

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Kevin Choaches at Tumble Weeds Gymnastics located at 2909 S A and M Ave, N.

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MOST PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO ANSWER, “WHAT DO YOU DO?” EVEN IF THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO ANSWER, “WHOM DO YOU SERVE?”

BUT, KEVIN KIRKLAND ISN’T MOST PEOPLE. Kevin is photographed praying at the Fields of Faith event Oct 11, of which he was invited to deliver a spiritual message. The Fields of Faith event, which is led by students, attendance is made up of students who are invited by peers and challenged to pursue a path of life in the image of Jesus Christ.

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If you are a high school athlete or a teen, I urge you to follow @conchovalleyfca on Facebook to learn more.

In his first book, 2009’s Broken Walls: and those called to repair them, he wrote, “Week after week, I stand in front of a generation of young people who are broken and beaten by the world we have created for them.” Kirkland wants to create a different world. In his thinking, that kind of world building is what creativity boils down to.

“Creativity is greater than imagination. It’s imagination for building. It’s a matter of vision . . . it’s something in your heart God gives you a picture of that you want to see through.”

Kirkland’s vision is for the message of Jesus to restore and transform the hearts of the next generation.

He sees a generation that needs Jesus, so he tells them about Jesus. He sees a generation without father figures, so he becomes a father figure. He sees a generation with unprecedented resources to learn a skill but no character, so he became a coach. He has an imagination for building. So he builds the kingdom of God into his own children and his athletes and students (treating them as if they were his own children) and their parents and magazine writers and fellow coaches and church members.

When asked, “What do you tell people you do?”

Kevin throws his head to the side, shrugs just a bit, and look up just enough to suggest he himself had already asked someone else that question. He looks back with resignation. It’s the wrong question, after all.

He kept saying, “This is all just an means to an end.” He must have been talking about more than just coaching.

For Kevin, the question is not “What is the means?” but “Who is the end?”

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Pssst!

What do you think?

That’s right, we want to hear from YOU. We need your input and future magazine ideas...

We’d love to hear about your thoughts on what you’re seeing and reading. Tell us about them.

Did we give you an idea of what we should write about?

Tell us that too! email us at:

info@gracemediacompany.com w no at k h rs de ... w be a e o r r ou d could u o et hat y his l , es .. w ... T re s s . e e ine u are ts ar ht h ny.com s Bu yo duc , rig ompa o c o u yo media wh ur pr ce yo gra @

ing

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Thank you for picking up this edition of Create. It was established just for you, I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly enjoyed working on this and am humbly thankful to the people involved with making it happen.

Thank you to all who contributed.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23

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