Sweetwater
Reporter November 2021
THIS ISN’T
OUR FIRST RODEO
You may have met Expedition Royalty Co. for the first time when we sponsored the Big Spring Rodeo or the Howard County Fair. Our commitment to Howard County runs deep. We have made deals for thousands of acres here, and our people have decades of experience serving Permian Basin mineral rights owners. We’re proud to be part of the community, sponsoring and participating in big events year-round. But we’re even prouder to be your mineral advisor in the Permian Basin every day. Get in touch today for a free evaluation of your property and its mineral rights.
Expedition Royalty Co.
ION T I D E EXP CO. Y T L A ROY R E AC H U S TO DAY BY P H O N E O R E M A I L . Rayne Austin 432-755-7065 rayne.austin@expeditionroyalty.com
Michelle Hamlin 432-755-7030 michelle.hamlin@srp-ok.com
O R CO M E V I S I T U S AT O U R D OW N TOW N O F F I C E 220 S MAIN
Connecting heroes, healing hidden wounds
Three days, four heroes, a bond that can’t be broken ...For the past 9 years, veterans have been honored with a special weekend that is focused on giving honor where honor is due, and in the process find a sense of healing and a bond between brothers that will last a lifetime. The annual dove hunt not only honors those who served, but provides a priceless experience.
04
Living Sweetwater Municipal auditorium, rattlesnake roundup, and mustang football are just a few of the main attractions/ events that come to mind when you mention sweetwater to a native. For those who are new to sweetwater or just passing through, joseph grant provides a preview into the sweetwater way of life.
08
Positive Progress for the Future
12
George bancroft, big spring native, musician, family man, and now Executive director of the big spring area community foundation. bancroft has laid a strong foundation at steer nation and has recently transitioned to a new role ... regardless of the hat he wears, leaving a positive impact on the community is the mission bancroft walks out.
• 11 - lessons learned by Kay smith; this month local artist kay smith focuses on sharing some tips of the trade with fellow or budding artists Published by the Big Spring Herald. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Living Magazine is published monthly and distributed to businesses and residents of Howard County. Amanda Duforat is the editor of the Living Magazine. Editorial correspondence should be sent to Living, P.O.Box 1431, Big Spring, Texas, 79721. For advertising rates and other information, please call 432-263-7331.
By AMANDA DUFORAT memories,” Josh Junkin, Dove Hunt Honoree and Army Veteran, said. Community members gathered together for the 8th annual Dove Hunt, taking a moment to honor four brave souls who fought for our nation. The closing ceremonies of the Dove Hunt took place at First Methodist Church last month. “We had two generations come together and form a connection that, in a sense, bridged the gap and strengthened the brotherhood bond,” Mike Tarpley, organizer of the Dove Hunt and Vietnam Veteran, said. “There are many who have sacrificed for their country without ever asking for repayment. There are also those who extend an arm of gratitude for that service simply because it is honorable. This year, four veterans were honored, as a way of saying thank you for all the sacrifices made and the dedication to the fight that earned the freedoms our nation enjoys today.” The four veteran honorees this year were Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Daniel Bernard; War on Terror Veteran Sgt. Jeramy House; War on Terror Corporal Joshua Junkin; and Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Robert “Bob” Ross. Sgt. Bernard was a charter member of a Drum & Bugle Corps named The Graniteers, in 1958. As part of the 79720 corps he travelled all throughout the New England states including the State of New York. Being a bugler, Sgt. Bernard played Taps on several
Camaraderie, appreciation, a weekend that provides healing and strengthens the bond of brotherhood … priceless. Two different generations of veterans came together this year for the 8th annual Dove Hunt and not only bridged a gap, but strengthened the brotherhood that already existed. “For us to be able to click like we did … it brought back
WHEN YOU EXPECT THE VERY BEST!
207 Goliad St., Big Spring, TX
(432) 263-7306 4 Living Magazine
Memorial Day ceremonies. He graduated from Spaulding High School in Rochester in 1966, and seven days later found himself committing to a three-year tour of duty. He completed basic military training in Fort Dix. His military assignments started out in Fort Bragg, NC, HHC as part of 1st Battalion 325th Inf. 82nd Airborne and included Fort Campbell Bravo Company 2nd Battalion 506th Inf. 101st Airborne; he served in Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne in Phuoc Vinh; and he completed his service in Fort Bragg, NC, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 504th Inf. 82nd Airborne. “The being honored now for something we did 50 years ago is very well appreciated,” Daniel Bernard. “This is beautiful.” Sgt. Bernard earned several awards and decorations during his time in the service, including: Expert Marks-
man, Parachute wings, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Presidential Unit Citation (506th Infantry), Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, two Army Commendations Medals (one for Valor), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Ribbon, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, and Viet Nam Service medal. Sgt. Jeramy House served as a Cavalry Scout in a light Cavalry Regiment. He began basic training in 1996 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He is no stranger to West Texas, growing up in Odessa. He entered the Army after graduating from Odessa Permian in 1996. Sgt. House was deployed four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor device and his a second Purple Heart.
Innovative Technologies. Local Expertise. Trust Nutrien Ag Solutions for access to best-in-class solutions and service to help you lead the field this season and beyond.
300 E. Broadway | Roscoe, Texas
(325) 766-3937
Living Magazine
5
“Camaraderie; brings back memories … hanging with the guys, sharing stories,” House said. During House’s time in the service, he earned several awards and decorations, including: Bronze Star Medal with valor device, Purple Heart Medal 2nd award, Meritorious Service Medal 3rd award, Army Achievement Medal 3rd award, Army Good Conduct Medal 3rd award, Army Superior Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-commissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Driver and Mechanic Badge with driver-w bar, Combat Infantry Badge, and Cavalry Combat Action Badge. Corporal Joshua Junkin served as an Ordinance Technician in the United States Marine Corps. During his service he was deployed to Iraq attached to 1st Battalion 5th Marines Lima Company and safely transported munitions throughout the Al Anbar Province and surrounding Forward Operating Bases. Cpl. Junkin entered the Marine Corps in 2006 as a Private. He served a
6 Living Magazine
year in Iraq. “We are honored and very appreciative to the community, to the Hill’s, to the DAV, to everyone who had a hand in putting this weekend together,” Junkin said. During Junkin’s time in the service he was awarded several decorations and awards, including: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with star, Global War on Terrorism, Service Medal, 5th Award Rifle Marksmanship Medal, and Sharpshooter Pistol Medal. Sgt. Ross served in the U.S. Army after being drafted on June 21, 1969. Basic training was completed at Fort Leonard Wood. He served in Vietnam beginning in November 1969 as part of the 101st Airborne Division. He was wounded less than a year later and transferred to Japan for about 10 days, and then moved to Fitzsimmons Army Hospital for two months. He spent the last 11 months of his military career at Fort Leanord Wood. During his time he earned the Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. “The appreciation … we see a lot more from never having it,” Ross said. “We appreciate this weekend; we would have never got it anywhere else.” Ross continued, ““I didn’t like recognizing … it kind of made me mad that they were recognizing these guys and we got zero,” Ross said. “Then I got to thinking, it’s not their fault...” During the time Ross served he earned the Silver Star, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. “The closing event on Saturday, Sept. 18, is an opportunity for the community to join in the celebration and show their appreciation. You get to see how much it means to the community to get to come in and say thank you to a veteran. They (veterans) are less than 1% of the nation they serve and many may not get that opportunity.” The veterans arrived Thursday and
met together for a private stay at Moss Creek Ranch. According to Tarpley, the first night is an opportunity for the veterans to form new bonds with fellow veterans, and during this time many have found a level of healing. “The first night serves as an opportunity for the honorees to share their stories, get to know each other, and it is where many of our honorees have reached a level of healing that they may not have known to be possible,” Tarpley said. “This weekend isn’t just about a hunting trip, but it’s an opportunity to serve those who have served our nation and give back to those who have given so much. The service and sacrifice these brave men and have made has left a legacy of freedom for our community, our nation and so many families. Each one has signed a blank check up to and including their life for your freedom.” The Hill Family – Diane and Byron - has been serving as one of the hosts for the Dove Hunt weekend since the inception of the Big Spring event. The Hill’s connection with Tarpley has grown as they have watched him pour his heart into signs of appreciation of the veterans of the community and those who come through the Dove Hunt weekends. “We love getting to be a part of something bigger than us. I have uncles who served as Vietnam Veterans and it breaks my heart what these men go through and they come back to nothing. I appreciate our service men and women, and we look forward to being part of this as long as they let us,” Hill said.“The meal that we served this evening (Friday) was catered by Carlos’. They are doing their part … even though it’s a monetary thing, they are doing their part, and it means a lot.” The Saturday evening ceremony began with a meal served by Al’s BBQ and concluded with a series of gift presentations to the four honorees. The final gift was a handmade Quilt of Valor that was placed around each veteran’s shoulders. As the attendees left they were encouraged to take a moment and shake the hand of the veteran, and touch the quilt so that the veterans would carry their support with them long after the weekend was over. “This ceremony has been growing for the past eight years. I am proud of our community and how it joins together each year to show honor to these brave men,” Tarpley said. “This year, this ceremony is even more important as our nation is sitting in so much unrest and turmoil. The events that have taken place recently remind us that our soldiers need to know they have not been forgotten.” Hill added, “Get to know your local service men; We appreciate all servicemen and women. Just remember what your freedom cost someone else; another family, what they lost. The love they lost in their life because they were serving us, or their children who grew up without a daddy or mommy, and take those things in to account ... it really makes you want to praise them.” Living Magazine
7
Living Sweetwater By JOSEPH GRANT To outsiders, Sweetwater, Texas, is most-likely renowned as a West Texas city on the cutting edge of renewable energy with its ubiquitous wind turbines dotting the landscape. The city is sometimes referred to as “The Wind Turbine Capital of Texas”. But this wasn’t always so. All one has to do is take a step into Sweetwater and a step back from their cell phone to see the rich history all around them. Sweetwater started off as a frontier town, with trappers in the area setting up after the Civil War when buffalo hunters made their way to the plains. A crude earthen dugout store was pretty much what met the hunters and trappers in 1877. The area’s first post office was established in 1879. Back then, the town was called Sweet Water from the Native American Kiowa word “Mobeetie” which meant sweet water. It wasn’t until 1918 that the name of Sweetwater was officially adopted. In 1881, when Sweetwater and the nation were still young, a man by the name of R.A. Ragland came to Sweetwater and made his name, career and riches as one of the town’s first lawyers. Ragland immediately entered into community affairs. Still only a young man, Ragland’s determination, personality and enthusiasm made him well-known throughout the area. When Nolan County was organized in 1881, the voters voiced their confidence in Ragland and elected him Nolan County’s first
Myers & Smith
Funeral Home & Chapel Funeral, Memorial & Cremation Services
Burial In Any Cemetery Bill & Charlsa Myers, Owners 24th & Johnson • (432)267-8288 8 Living Magazine
county attorney. He held that position for two years but then returned to private practice. No doubt with Ragland’s influence, the city was incorporated in 1897. Born in 1858, Mr. Ragland did well for himself and served as city commissioner, the county attorney and school board member. Sweetwater was coming into its own in that year. The Sweetwater Reporter newspaper, then known as the Sweetwater Advance started publishing in 1881. The Texas and Pacific Railroad established a line through the town the very same year. A store building started construction in 1881 and was completed in 1882 at a cost of $8,755. This new building served as both a jail and a courthouse until a new courthouse was built in 1891. In 1901, as a successful lawyer, Ragland had an edifice constructed in the town square as a one-story building for his law office. The building housed Ragland and his partner’s (Judge R. C. Crane) law firm. It was built in handhewn limestone bricks placed in a random pattern. On the first floor there was a blacksmith shop and a hardware store, as well. Over the years, the second floor has been home to a law office, an early Western Union Telegraph office, an abstract company of Ragland and R.C. Crane, a doctor’s office, a cotton exporter and a sanatorium. The structure typified early Twentieth Century West Texas commercial buildings. While architects like Stanford White were building what amounted to palaces for commercial buildings, the Ragland building was built on a more personal scale. The building exterior is divided by stone pilasters with a six-bay main facade displaying four windows and two recessed entrances. Large double light transoms capped each opening, and wood panels supported the store windows. Interestingly, a metal awning typical of the era was originally attached to the building. This has since been removed.
Agency, Inc.
1701 S. Lancaster (432) 263-5517
ing Sweetwater is the little-known fact that a young Elvis R. A. Ragland’s name was engraved in stone and placed Presley played here twice in 1955. As an up-and-coming on top of the front facade, and is still very visible today. A stone cornice made to resemble a large balustrade flanked regional star in the southwest, Elvis and his band of Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on stand-up bass and D.J. each side of the building’s name plate. In 1906, a second Fontana on drums played at the Sweetwater Municipal floor was added as a part of a major renovation project for the building. In addition, one of the windows was replaced, Auditorium before becoming a world-wide phenomenon a year later. Elvis may have left the building but the building as an opening was added for a stairway. This provided still stands and is used for live music performances and easier access from the street to the second floor. Six plays to this day. windows perforated the new level and featured segmental The annual Rattlesnake Roundup has been a staple in arches. In keeping with the style of the time, a parapet Sweetwater since 1958. It is the world’s largest rattlesnake crowned the building. roundup and is put on by the Sweetwater Jaycees ever Ragland’s name was boldly displayed for all Sweetwater second weekend in March. It is educational as well as it is residents then and now to see. a local extirpation of a dangerous species that are abunBesides the aforementioned metal awning, there has dant in the West Texas area that threaten livestock and been little change to the building since these additions in West Texans. The Round-up also provides an economic 1906. and social importance as it brings in thousands of visitors In 1907 Ragland formed the county’s first abstract comworldwide to West Texas. There is even a Miss Snake pany, The Nolan County Abstract Co., Inc., with offices in Charmer crowned each year with scholarships awarded to Ragland’s building. Ragland sold the structure in 1909. the winner and runners-up. Over the years, the interior of the building has been has There is also Sweetwater’s love of the Friday night lights been routinely renovated to keep up with the times. Since and its state champions, Sweetwater Mustang Football then it has been leased by numerous tenants, among team. Football legend Sammy Baugh played for the Musthem the Nolan County News, various law firms, physitangs. They joined the 700 club in September when they cians, and retail stores. After many years of neglect, won their 700th game in the school’s rich history, which the building was in a sad state of repair. Condemnation proceedings had begun when the building was saved and dates back to the early 1900’s. Sweetwater’s renown does not rest on the pages of hispurchased. The new owners of the structure announced tory but can be found in popular culture, as well. their intentions to restore the exterior to its 1906 appearance. Wild West Wingz is Family owned and operated. Judi (Mom), Garen Ragland also built a home for his wife, (Brother) and Chanda (Sister), are owners and operators. We started our Luella Maddox Ragland in 1906. It was business on Oct. 31st of 2013, and moved to our current location of 1506 E. 4th Street on Jan. 1, 2015. Our new location offers a full menu with built in a classic Greek Revival style. appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts. Also, to further A chapel and brick addition to the front enhance your dining experience with us, we have a full bar with extensive classic cocktail and beer menus. We strive to provide a complete full-service were built when the residence served experience for our guests, with outstanding customer service, updated as a mortuary. We know this house now environment, and excellent food and drinks. With our 16 HD TV’s and all the as the Pioneer City County Museum. major sport packages, you will never miss your game. Outstanding Food, Great Sports, Excellent Drinks. What else could one ask for? R.A. Ragland died in 1938. SweetwaOur Hours: ter named a street in town in his honor. Mon.-Thurs. Fri.-Sat. Sunday The Ragland Building is one of the 11am-10pm 11am-12am 11am-10pm oldest commercial structures in Sweetwater. It was designated a Historical Visit Our Facebook! Visit Out Website! www.facebook.com/wildwestwingz www.wildwestwingz.com Landmark in 1979 as was R.A. RagFrom left: Marion Neighbors, Chanda Neighbors, Judi Rodriguez, land’s home. (432) 517-4368 1506 E. 4th St. Jordan Floyd, Garen Floyd & Wyatt Floyd. Another historical aspect regard-
CRISIS COUNSELING PROGRAM
COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH
HOTLINE 800-375-4357 Having difficulty with emotions related to COVID-19?
FREE COUNSELING SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE Additional resource to help manage COVID-19 related stress found here:
CCP REL AXATION powered by
THE VIRTUAL RELAXATION ROOM FOR THE CRISIS COUNSELING PROGRAM IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
V i s i t w w w. C C P R e l a x a t i o n . o rg Living Magazine
9
& Hardware Store Located in the heart of Downtown Big Spring surrounded by all the fun and tons of local businesses! Our venue is a mix of sophistication, shabby chic, outdoor garden, and tons of old charm!
Megan Crane Photography
The Courtyard
The Courtyard and Party Room is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a unique venue for smaller gatherings of no more than 100-125 guests. You will receive access to our gorgeous outdoor patio which includes cast iron tables, chairs, and a peaceful fountain. The indoor portion has a built-in bar area with a fridge, microwave, and bar stools included. The Hardware Store is an open, 2 story, larger space accommodating around 200-250 guests. This portion of the venue has a bar area with bar stools, upstairs balcony, a private room or bridal room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Megan Crane Photography
Experience the time of your life at The Courtyard and Hardware Store. Downtown Big Spring’s best kept secret. Walking distance to boutiques, restaurants, bars, and The Hotel Settles. We offer 3 rental packages to accommodate any type of event!
We now offer event planning included with every booking at the same great prices we have offered for 10 years. We have partnered with many local businesses to bring you top notch services and recommendations. An assortment of tables and chairs are also available to rent in house. Take a tour and book your next event at the oldest building in Downtown Big Spring! Contact Us Megan Bridges, Manager and Event Coordinator - (432)559-2037 Email: Rental@dowtownbigspring.com Website: DowntownBigSpring.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @DowntownBigSpring – The Courtyard and Hardware Store @TheCourtyardandHardwareStore
10 Living Magazine
Megan Crane Photography
For those grand affairs, such as Weddings, that require more room or multiple entertaining areas, we offer an option to rent out the entire venue as a whole at a great price. When you book the venue, you will receive access to The Hardware Store, The Courtyard, and The Party Room as well as each one’s included amenities.
In the 1936 John Wayne movie, King of the Pecos, Sweetwater is depicted as a singular homestead and a necessary watering stop for the first cattle drive. In the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma!, an act of arson that takes place in Sweetwater. Sweetwater is the name of the town in the film 1968 Sergio Leone spaghetti western Once Upon a Time in the West. The town was also a location in an episode of the American television show Maverick. Willie Nelson’s film, Red Headed Stranger, was made in Sweetwater. On the 1976 Charlie Daniels Band album Saddle Tramp, “Sweetwater, Texas” is the last song. On All the Pain Money Can Buy by Fastball, “Sweetwater, Texas” is name of the last song on the 1998 album. In J.K. Rowling’s book Quidditch Through the Ages, one of the United States teams mentioned is the Sweetwater All-Stars. Sweetwater has seen its history written in the dusty trails of the Wild West and currently its history is written in the wind and upon other economic sectors. With its boot firmly entrenched in proud tradition, Sweetwater raises its Stetson, looks toward the future and takes a confident step forward.
d e n r a e l s on
s s e L “
By KAY SMITH
For the most part, I am pretty much opposed to adopting recipes for painting in any media, but I do advocate the following broad method for making good art. Learn how to draw – hopefully this learned skill you will gain knowledge on how to do it really well, just as learning to ride a bicycle when you were young. Drawing teaching us all how to truly see the world. Learn values. Learn to see the values behind the colors before adding color. Don’t be seduced by all the color choices out there. Learn color, but first use primaries (red, blue, and yellow). Experiment with them to get as many combinations as you can using these three palette staples before you start chasing perfect, exact colors. Learn how to paint from a black & white photo with colors from your imagination, making sure the colors you use match the photo’s value structure. Learn composition and design. Design is much more important than color and technique. The greatest compliment an artist can receive is to hear someone say “I love every inch of this painting.” We definitely do not want to hear “I love the frame” or “I especially like this part.” Paint a subject that has feeling and mood, a subject you know well and understand, a subject that moves you and engages you. Visit Brushworks Studio at 2106 Scurry or online at https://kaysmith. artspan.com Living Magazine
11
Positive progress for the future By ROGER CLINE George Bancroft knows a whole lot of people in Big Spring and Howard County, and a lot of local people know George Bancroft. That’s just one of the things that makes George (or Mr. Bancroft, if you’ve been in Big Spring schools in the past 20 years) a perfect fit for his new role as Director of the Big Spring Area Community Foundation. The job is a big change from his previous role as Big Spring ISD assistant superintendent, Bancroft said. “Emotionally it feels like I got off a speeding train and into a horse-drawn buggy,” he said “It’s a much different pace. The job I had was incredibly reactionary. The capacity I was operating in as assistant superintendent, when I got to work in the morning, I didn’t know what kind of problems I was going to be dealing with. You could bet you wouldn’t make it until about 8 a.m. without something you needed to address. Very reactionary. This is exactly the opposite. I have an opportunity for the first time in a long time to be proactive and to do things to market the organization and to let people know what the organization does.” He’s enjoying the change, Bancroft said. “By nature, I’m a proactive person. The job I had with the district,
that wasn’t the job. I like to say I was a well-paid goalie. Keep things out of the superintendent’s office as much as possible. Defer to him when I needed to, but for the most part try to deal with things from my level down,” he said. “This is entirely different. I don’t have any day-to-day supervision to speak of, so the onus is on my to just do things that are productive for the organization. With frequent conversations with the board president, Drew Mouton, or the vice president, Tommy Churchwell. I speak with either or both of them daily for two or three minutes, just to say, ‘Here’s what I’m doing and here’s what I’m thinking,’ just to make sure I don’t get off the reservation.” Bancroft took over the BSACF Director’s position following the sudden passing of the 14th Annual Christmas Tree Forest previous director, Greg Henry, in July. Opening November 13, 2021 “I’ve been friends with Greg...he’s a little bit older than me, but I’ve known him since I was a teenager. Always liked him. He was a really nice guy,” Bancroft said. “When he got hired as executive director, I had two thoughts. One was, ‘Good for Drew,’ because I knew Drew put in a lot of time here. The other was ‘Good 510 Scurry St., Big Spring, Texas 79720 for Greg,’ because I knew he spent a lot of (432) 267-8255 or (432) 267-9998 time between here and Fort Worth. He had Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm a business in Fort Worth. So it was perfect Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Heritage Museum’s
12 Living Magazine
for everybody. Then he passed away unexpectedly. I thought for types of organizations, he said. about two seconds, ‘Man, that would be a neat job,’ and that’s about “We can give grants to any 501(c)3 organization – non-profits, to how long I thought about it. I didn’t think about it again until Tommy governmental agencies such as the school districts. Educational called me about three weeks after that, I guess. Next thing you organizations or governmental agencies or 501(c)3s,” Bancroft said. know, I’ve got that neat job.” “Some of our funds are endowed. They’re intended to be perpetual. When the BSACF board spoke to him about the position, Bancroft We have some funds that give out money that are what are referred to as ‘temporary.’ If said he took some time to think somebody has $5,000 about it. and they want to give “Tommy Churchwell called me scholarships for the one day and said, ‘Hey, can you next five years, we come down here and visit with can give five $1,000 us?’ They talked to me about scholarships. We can being the executive director for facilitate that.” the Big Spring Area Community The whole idea behind Foundation. I told them, ‘That’s the foundation is maknot an easy decision, I need to ing the community of think about it.’ I took about a Big Spring – and surweek and went back and told rounding communities – them I’d do it. Now I’m doing better places to live. it,” Bancroft said. “I really liked “The whole purpose of what they had to say about the this organization is to purpose of the organization and do things to improve the what my role in it would be. I community, here in Big was concerned quite honestly that my job would be shaking people down for money. The thing that Spring and the surrounding area,” he said. “That could be through educating its youth, to helping a governmental agency get a piece of they said that really made me decide I wanted to do this was, ‘We equipment that’s not in its budget. It could be helping a 501(c)3 with do not want you to be the guy that everybody in town runs away their funding so that they can serve others. But the purpose of the from, that’s not the job. The job is being the face of the organization Foundation is to improve the Big Spring community.” out in public, helping with the grant process and the scholarship process and the awarding of the grants and the scholarship. That’s what you do, facilitate that so it goes smoothly.’” Most local citizens’ impression of the BSACF comes down to its annual Gala, when the organization announces grant and scholarship awards during a dinner and program held at the Settles Hotel ballroom. “That’s our big public event. When we get to the spring, there are a couple or three things Hull’s Meat Company is proud to be a part of the community. that are important. One is soliciting grant apOnce you try our delicious meats and deli selections you plications. We’re planning on doing a seminar will be hooked on Hull’s. We produce the finest beef, pork, for organizations that might want to apply for chicken and deli meats available in Big Spring Texas. a grant on that process and how to go through Our Cookout packs will have you firing up the barbeque for that process. Then we also take scholarship mouth-watering delicious meals. applications. So I’ll be working with the area guidance counselors from Sands High School, Borden County, Forsan, Coahoma, and, of Our specials keep our customers course, Big Spring. I’ll be working with those coming back for more, because we offer counselors to get scholarship applications in. Then once the applications are in for the delectable meats that you can afford! grants and the scholarships, then theres a Follow us on committee that reviews those, and they decide Facebook to what we can award and who we can award it keep up with our to, and we have a big gala to celebrate that monthly specials. and start passing out money,” Bancroft said. “ The Foundation’s funds – provided through private donations – can be disbursed to three Living Magazine 13
Bancroft said he plans in the near future to spread the word about the BSACF and how it works. “I think it’s been done some, but I do plan to put together a professional presentation and go around and speak to some civic clubs and just let them know more specifically what we do,” he said. “A lot of people, I’ve found, they associate the Foundation with the City of Big Spring or the Moore Board, the EDC. We’re really not affiliated with either of those. It’s a stand-alone institution that exists to improve the Big Spring area. We receive our funding from private donations. It doesn’t come from a state agency. All of our funds that
Peak flu season is right around the corner. Vaccinate today, and make sure you’re protected.
Call today to schedule your Flu Vaccine!
we ultimately give out to other organizations comes from donations. So we don’t exist without healthy donations, but we’re more efficient I think than most 501(c)3s can be in how we do that. We’re certainly a lot more efficient than a government agency can be just because we can move a little swifter.“ Bancroft is a Big Spring native and has lived here most of his life, he said. “My family moved here in 1968 when I was three. I went to Big Spring schools through high school, graduated Big Spring High School in 1983,” he said. “Then I went to the University of North Texas for about half of college. Then I took a semester at Texas Tech and did not do well. I had too many friends there. I went back to North Texas and finished. My first job right out of college was as a stockbroker with Edward Jones. I didn’t do that long. I did well at it, but I did that for about a year and a half and decided I wanted to be a songwriter.” Following that dream, Bancroft moved to Austin and started writing songs. “When I could count all of my ribs from about starving to death, I figured I better get a real job with some real health insurance,” he said. “I went back to school in San Antonio at the University of Texas San Antonio and spent about 18 months getting a teaching certificate. I taught in San Antonio for the San Antonio ISD for about five years. Then I went back into financial services for a few years. I was actually doing that when I came out here. Mr. Ritchey needed a long-term sub, and called my wife looking for one and I happened to be home and answered the phone. I said, ‘You know, I have a certificate to teach English. I can do that for you if it’s just temporary. I do most of my work evenings and weekends.’” That temporary teaching assignment lasted 18 years. “I took a job at the semester – a full-time job for a woman who retired at the semester. I took that job in January of ‘04,” he said. “Then I taught English at Big Spring for I guess five years. Then was an assistant principal at the high school, principal at the Junior High, Principal at Washington, went back into the classroom for a year, got hired into the central office as the Community Relations Coordinator. Shortly thereafter, I became the HR Director and then the Assistant Superintendent.”
Dr. Steve Ahmed 1700 W. FM 700 Big Spring, TX 79720 (432) 264-1900
14 Living Magazine
November House Call
Breast Cancer Navigators Breast cancer is one of the most common types of step is through an oncologist or cancer diagnosed in women. a surgeon. Our team also works Receiving this diagnosis is with and refers patients to Kelsey often frightening for patients, Coffman, Shannon Oncology but there are now two certiNurse Navigator, to assist in furfied Breast Navigators to ther cancer treatment assistance. guide patients along their Our goal is to make the patient’s journey to treatment and transition to each department as serve as a point of contact smooth as possible. for any questions they may We want our patients to know have along the way. Wheththey are never alone in their jourer the patient’s needs are ney and that they have a voice medical, emotional, finanin this process. There is fear in cial, or anything else, our the unknown, but we are here to team is here to provide the make them as comfortable and best support possible. informed as possible. We are The main goal of a Breast always available for a call or visit. Navigator is to help provide Breast Navigators are available patients with information and before, during and after cancer educate them on processes treatment care. Each Breast so they do not have to figure Navigator is certified through the things out on their own. It National Consortium of Breast is completely normal to not Centers. Carmen Spencer, CNknow what examinations BA, is a Patient Coordinator and and procedures are needed Melissa Ramos, RT, CN-BI, is a for your specific needs—this Breast Imaging Manager. Each Carmen Spencer, CN-BA, Patient Coordinator, is where we come in to offer guidance and information on and Melissa Ramos, RT, CN-BI, Breast Imaging certification takes many months of training and testing, as well what steps are next. Manager – Shannon Imaging Center as an obligation to maintain and Some of the most common continue education. resources we provide are: For more information, or to schedule an appointment Informing patients on their next steps with a Breast Navigator, please call the Shannon Imaging Explain each procedure in detail, as well as schedule Center at 325-481-2339. the appointments Walk patients through their treatment plan Refer patients to an oncologist, surgeon, or other provider Give patients information and resources on financial aid opportunities 1304 Scurry St Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Be a trusted advocate to give patients Big Spring,TX 79720 Closed Sundays control during their care We work closely with both Shan432-264-6000 non providers, as well as doctors out of town, to meet the needs to each individual. Our department has many resources to connect each patient the care they need, whether the next Living Magazine
15
Welcome Back! Have you been delaying routine care due to concerns related to the Corona Virus? Now is the time to catch up! Martin County Family Clinic maintains a clean and safe environment for you and your family. We want to welcome you back into the facility for all your healthcare needs.
Do You Know Medicare Offers Free Services? These services include: *Welcome to Medicare visit: If you are new to Medicare, this initial "welcome" visit is covered at no cost to you! This visit includes a review of your medical history, education, counseling about preventative services and certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots and referrals for other care.
*Annual Wellness Visit: A yearly appointment with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to create or update your personalized prevention plan.
Call (432) 607-3243 to schedule your appointment today!
FAMILY CLINIC
Now accepting new patients. Same-day appointments are available!