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Heritage Spring 2021
Table of ConTenTs
5
Hulett turning SHS football into a 4A powerhouse by Quinton LiLLey
Brian Hulett called North and West Texas home until 2014, when he decided to lead Springtown High to the winning ways it enjoys today.
11
This dream they call rodeo
15
A dream worth fighting for
19
Pro-Max Powersports
21
Coloring our world
23
Remind me, again‌
by jeSSica mckinney
Kevin Midkiff fell in love with rodeo before his third birthday, and it has been a part of his life ever since.
by jeSSica mckinney
Karen Banes is a mother, a teacher, a business owner, and a fighter.
by SuSan mcfarLand
A business in the works for more than 70 years, owned by a family five generations deep in Springtown, is the epitome of heritage.
by SuSan mcfarLand
Local resident Callie Stiewig shares love of art, nature on the Trinity Trails.
by jeSSica brace, d.c., c.c.S.P.
The earlier you start to support your healthy brain, the better your odds will be that you can beat or control these normal concerns of aging. cover: Photo by Greg roach Photography Spring 2021 Heritage 3
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Publisher............................................................. Kim Ware Editor/Sports Reporter.......................... Quinton Lilley Director of operations.......................... Johnna Bridges Classified/Circulation manager.............. Terry Thomas Bookkeeper...........................................Tonya McDowell Sales................................................................... Tootie Hall Reporter................................................Jessica McKinney Reporter................................................ Susan McFarland Design, graphics................................... Jennifer Harrison
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Hulett speaks with all-state kicker and punter Brendan Hall during a home game last fall.
Photo by Quinton Lilley
Brian Hulett:
From the Panhandle to a Porcupine by quinton lilley
Over the last three seasons, the Springtown football team has become a perennial state title contender in Division I Class 4A, and a big reason for that is a change in culture, led by athletic director and head football coach Brian Hulett.
The 44-year-old took the job in February 2014 after a successful run at Eastland High, where he led the Mavericks to three consecutive district titles from 2011 to 2013. Hulett - whose teams are known for their toughness, and up-tempo style of offense – is from a small Texas Panhandle town called Earth. It was there that Hulett found his passion for coaching that he uses every day. “Growing up, my dad was a football
coach and athletic director at Springlake-Earth High School,” Hulett said. “I spent nearly all year up at that school, whether it was for my practices, or just hanging out in my dad’s office. Those times were when I knew I would someday become a coach.” His father Rick Hulett, who also coached basketball and track throughout his coaching career, helped his son find his love for sports. “As a kid, my first love was basketball. I absolutely loved playing basketSpring 2021 Heritage 5
Hulett, whose coaching background is mostly on the defense side, speaks to his offense before a vital drive against Midlothian Heritage last fall. Springtown went on to win the game in overtime 24-17. Photo by Quinton Lilley
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ball, but obviously, once I got to high school and my dad being the football coach I wanted to do that too and he definitely supported that.” Hulett starred as a three-sport athlete during his playing days at Springlake-Earth, competing in football, basketball, and track from 1991 to 1995. After graduating from SEHS in ‘95, Hulett established his Cisco roots as he played for Cisco College as a quarterback before injuring his shoulder. While a shoulder injury for a quarterback could be talent-threatening for some, Hulett persevered. “I started college as a quarterback until I hurt my shoulder. And after the injury, I really didn’t want to do the rehab it would take to recover from it, so I decided to switch positions.” Hulett proved to be a versatile athlete, switching from QB to defensive back, and was good enough to earn a
college football scholarship to Eastern New Mexico, an NCAA Division II program led by Harold Elliott. With a clear-cut goal in mind of becoming a football coach, Hulett graduated from Eastern New Mexico in ‘99 and earned his first football coaching job in 2000 back where his college career began – in Cisco. Destiny struck when the Cisco High defensive coordinator job opened up because three years before taking the job Hulett had already met his future wife Sunshine, and the two married in 2001 while Hulett coached in his wife’s hometown. “Since day one my wife has been the stability in my family. She supports me and all the dreams I’ve had as a coach and she’s helped me in a lot of ways to reach those goals.” Hulett continued saying, “If I woke up one day and said ‘Hey we gotta move and take a job four hours away,’ she’s always been willing
and able to make it happen.” Hulett’s lauding of his wife’s support was proven true in 2006 when he and his young family moved from her hometown in Cisco 300 miles north to Pampa, where Hulett had been offered the defensive coordinator job. “Throughout my time as a coach I’ve had great experiences working with all kinds of people, at all kinds of schools, small schools, big schools, schools with lots of talent, and schools without it. All of those experiences have helped me where I currently am now.” But after his second stint as an assistant coach, it became clear to Hulett that the next step was to become a head coach and that opportunity didn’t take long to come. Just a year after moving back up to the panhandle to coach at Pampa High, Hulett and his wife moved back to Eastland County as Hulett got his wish and became a head coach and athletic
In another close battle that Springtown's football team was able to win, Hulett galvanizes his defense during their home game against Graham. The Porcupines went on to win the game 19-14. Photo by Quinton Lilley Spring 2021 Heritage 7
“Coaching this close to the metroplex has been a unique challenge because we have the opportunity to face so many high-quality teams who are all within an hour of us. And that forces us to raise our game each week.” - brian hulett director. Most would say his time at Eastland was a successful one as he amassed a record of 35-5 in his final three seasons that included a regional semi-final appearance in 2011 and 2012, and a regional final appearance in 2013. Hulett’s final year at Eastland made the program into one of the best 2A
teams in the state that year as they finished ranked fifth by Maxpreps with a 13-1 overall record. A few months later in 2014, a chance came up to move closer to the metroplex and coach on the 4A level. Springtown came calling and Hulett quickly felt like it was the right move to make.
“After meeting with Mike Kelley and all the district officials, it became clear to me that this school district and community was bought into building a winning program that produced the best young men and women possible.” During Hulett’s first year at the helm, he helped improve the team’s record from 6-6 in 2013 to 7-4 in 2014.
Hulett discusses some offensive strategy with running back Dylan Davis during the Porcupines road game at Godley High. That win ultimately catapulted the SHS offense as they scored 40-plus in four of their next five games. Photo by Quinton Lilley 8
Heritage Spring 2021
SHS Athletic Director and football coach Brian Hulett has been married to his wife Sunshine (center right) for 20 years and they have two children (Sunbri on the left, Hudson on the right) who both attend Springtown High. photo courtesy of brian hulett
While the improvement in the team’s overall record was impressive, coaches’ names are made based on how they do in the postseason. Hulett and his team lost three consecutive first-round playoff games before breaking through in 2017, which began an impressive three-year run, including this past season. The last three years have seen the Porcupines go 8-3 in 2018, 13-2 in 2019, including a state semi-final appearance in 2019, and an 11-3 mark in 2020 along with a trip to the regional finals. When asked what’s changed for his team to be more successful in the postseason the last two years, Hulett’s answer was simple. “Nothing’s changed. We just work hard every day to instill the right morals, values, and standards for being successful.” Hulett continued saying, “My first few years here (at Springtown) were all about teaching the right culture, and the last few years I haven’t had to teach
that as much because guys just know what to expect.” That culture change has shown on the field as the Porcupines have finished each of the last two seasons as a top 10 team in Class 4A Division I. “Coaching this close to the metroplex has been a unique challenge because we have the opportunity to face so many high-quality teams who are all within an hour of us. And that forces us to raise our game each week.” This season has been a special one not only for Hulett, but for his family as well. His daughter Sunbri is a varsity cheerleader who will be graduating this spring, and his son Hudson played in his first varsity game with his dad as his coach during the bi-district round of the playoffs in 2020. Hudson Hulett, who was the only other quarterback to see snaps outside of District MVP Camden Chesney this season, spent most of his freshman year on the junior varsity team. Many may assume he’ll take over
the reins as the team’s signal-caller moving forward as the Porcupines will be trying to replace the senior QB, but Hulett said his son will have to earn his playing time just like everyone else. “As a coach, I see all these players as my kids. Often during the fall I see these guys more than their parents do, so Hudson won’t get any special treatment, but he knows and understands why.” Hulett has expressed his ultimate goal is to win a state title as a coach, and while his team has been close the last two seasons, he knows it will be a challenge to accomplish that. “We’ll need to replace a lot of talent that we lost this past season. A lot of our underclassmen will need to step up, but if they can I think we can have another three-year run as good as the last one we just went through.” While football is king in Texas, its life lessons taught by coaches of all sports that help build the next generation, and for Hulett, that’s something he sees himself doing for a long time. Spring 2021 Heritage 9
CE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
M
ER
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AZLE AREA
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A
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E ARE L Z
R OF COM
Calendar of Events • Monthly Luncheons 1st Tuesday of Each Month, Location: 404 Main St. • Ambassadors Meet 1st Thursday of Each Month
Clay Shoot March 26, 2021
Chamber Golf Tournament May 7, 2021
Sting Fling September 11, 2021
Christmas Parade December 4, 2021
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• Official ribbon cutting at your place of business • Photograph of ribbon cutting in The Azle News • Free listing in Chamber Website Business Directory • Weekly Azle E-Blast • Brochure and business card display and distribution • Member referrals • Marketing Opportunities via Sponsorship and Participation • Leadership Opportunities • Viable Networking and Leads • Social Media Updates and Member Shares The Azle Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business owners and individuals who invest their time and money in a community development program - working together to improve the economic, civic and cultural well-being of the area. If you are interested in being a part of your growing community, we encourage you to become a member of your Chamber of Commerce.
817-444-1112 • www.azlechamber.com 404 W. Main Suite 102, Azle, Texas Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Promoting Business And Community 10 Heritage Spring 2021
Looking out from inside the arena, Kevin waits to entertain the crowd.
Photo courtesy of Greg roach photography
By Jessica mckinney
This dream they call rodeo There is no question that rodeo is the heart of Texas culture. We embrace it from an early age, watching with our eyes wide, taking in all of the action of the athletes and animals.
We gasp as bull riders are bucked off, and scream with excitement when they make eight seconds. We cheer as the barrel racers run the pattern, one faster than the next. We clap along proudly every time they play “Deep in the Heart of Texas.� For Kevin Midkiff, second-grader at Silver Creek Elementary, he fell in love with rodeo before his third birthday and it has been a part of his life ever
since. The Midkiff family received free tickets to the Stockyards Championship Rodeo in 2014 and decided to go have a night out together, enjoying the rodeo. Kevin, like most boys, was thrilled by the bull riding, especially watching the bullfighters. It was exciting. It looked dangerous. And the crowd loved it. He decided then and there he wanted to be a bullfighter too. Spring 2021 Heritage 11
Kevin prepares to help with the calf scramble at a rodeo in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Photo courtesy of Kevin Midkiff
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www.bracechiropractic.com 237 W. Main St. • Azle • 817-444-2170 12 Heritage Spring 2021
Kevin Midkiff is ready to pump up the crowds at an upcoming rodeo. Photo courtesy of Kevin Midkiff
Kevin runs alongside a calf during a weekend rodeo in the Stockyards.
His parents were less excited by the prospect of their young son wanting to take part in one of the most dangerous jobs in rodeo, but they didn’t want to quell his love for the sport so they continued to go watch. His parents had a bullfighter costume made for him, and he donned it proudly for their next visit to the Cowtown Coliseum. When he went to meet
the bullfighters in the arena that night, Jesse Vick and another bullfighter offered to paint his face and introduce him to the audience. It was around that time that Kevin met Coty Cooper, “The Original Rodeo Hobo.” Seeing how Cooper entertained the audience during the rodeo, Kevin decided that he would prefer to take on the role of rodeo clown rather than a
Photo courtesy of Kevin Midkiff
bullfighter, because keeping people entertained is something he loves. From then, a star was born. Kevin has been a regular at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, helping the bullfighters pump up the fans by giving away free t-shirts (launched with a giant slingshot) and doing the hand clap song. He also helps with the calf and mutton scrambles during the Spring 2021 Heritage 13
The World’s Smallest Rodeo Clown visited the Springtown Christmas Parade last year. Photo courtesy of Kevin Midkiff
weekend rodeos. Kevin has enjoyed his time in the limelight, and it has spurred him on to starting his own business ventures. Fans can find his coffee cups for sale at Billy Bob’s Texas. He also makes appearances for local events as the “World’s Smallest Rodeo Clown,” including last year’s Springtown Christmas parade. Rodeo is a part of the Midkiff family and that won’t change any time soon. Kevin’s sister Kelsey Rivard is a barrel racer on the Azle Rodeo Team, and Kevin likes to root her on as she competes against other high school rodeo athletes. Kevin has met many people over the last five years as a rodeo clown, including many singers and pro rodeo athletes. He even appeared in an episode of “Hard to Kill” on Discovery Channel featuring the American Bullfighter. Kevin wants to keep his rodeo dreams as long as possible. “I would love to be a rodeo clown when I get older for a parttime gig,” he said. “I love entertaining and I love meeting new people.” 14 Heritage Spring 2021
Karen Banes grapples with an opponent during a match.
Photo courtesy of Genesis Jiu Jitsu, Karen Banes
By Jessica mckinney
A dream worth fighting for Karen Banes is a mother, a teacher, a business owner, and a fighter. She is a lifelong athlete who always competed in athletics in school, at least two sports at one time. At one point, she took part in six sports in a school year. As a student in Springtown, she set numerous track and field records for the school district. She earned a track and field scholarship to Tarleton State University for the heptathlon. Banes went on to teach elementary school for three years before her son was born, and then she opened a licensed home preschool. Her athletic drive never left her, and in 2005, she placed first in the Azle Lake Run 10K for the 24-29 female division- while pushing her son Dillinger in his stroller. Eight years later, the boy in the stroller expressed an interest in Spring 2021 Heritage 15
Banes took first in her division at the 2016 IBJJF World Championship. Photo courtesy of Genesis Jiu Jitsu, Karen Banes
Genesis Jiu Jitsu Azle teaches many students in the area. 16 Heritage Spring 2021
learning fight sports, so she enrolled him in martial arts classes, where he showed a natural talent. While taking him to the gym every evening, she noticed that there were women training in the adult Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) classes, which seemed like a great way to learn self-defense. Being an avid runner, a sport she often does alone, Banes it would be good to train in self-defense techniques. So, she signed up. “I quickly found out that the cardio I had for running was not the same as the cardio I needed in BJJ.” She found herself being overpowered and easily controlled by her teammates. Her competitive nature wasn’t going to just lie down and accept defeat though. “I wanted to conquer this challenge.” Within six weeks of starting her training, Banes was competing. “My technique was lacking greatly and my opponent and I both ended the match with black eyes due to accidental head-butts.” From there, she knew she was going
Photo courtesy of Genesis Jiu Jitsu, Karen Banes
to have to find new ways to train and improve on the skills she had attained from her martial arts class. Banes and her son met UFC veteran Johnny Bedford at a local tournament after Dillinger also expressed a desire to improve on his own techniques in striking and grappling. During that tournament, Dillinger impressed Bedford as he fought through his matches with one eye swollen shut from a bee sting the day before. Bedford, the current Bare-Knuckle Boxing champion, invited the mother and son out to cross train at his MMA gym near Colleyville. They would spend three to four hours each day training with Bedford, himself a black belt in BJJ. In 2012, Dillinger won the Texas Mixed Martial Arts (TXMMA) Kid Competitor of the Year for the state with many accomplishments in Bra-
zilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, including multiple belts, state wrestling titles, trophies, medals and swords. The following year, Banes herself won the TXMMA title for Amateur and Rookie Fighter of the Year, going undefeated 3-0 in MMA. “Stepping into a cage and fighting was terrifying to me,” she said. “I wanted to do it to face my fear and see what it was like. This was the path my son was going down and I wanted him to never doubt himself. If his mom could do it, then he could for sure!” The following year was a turning point for Banes because she was turning 36, the age at which MMA competitors needed to have an EKG and an MRI in order to compete. “That was my cue that I was getting too old to continue cage fighting, but I felt like I was at the peak of my athletic career. I decided to give all my focus to the ‘gentle art’ of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I
Albert Hughes and Banes at the 2020 Texas State Championship,.
took all the hours I had dedicated to MMA and put them into training and studying BJJ.” Banes began frequenting the Genesis Jiu Jitsu gym in Fort Worth owned by Albert Hughes. When Hughes saw the experience that Banes had in working with children, as well as a solid group of students she worked with in Azle, he allowed her to open her own Genesis affiliate school, and in 2014 Genesis Jiu Jitsu Azle was created. That same year, Banes earned her purple belt and won her first Master’s World Championship title in her division. In 2016, she was promoted to brown belt and went undefeated 10-0 for the year, winning double gold in NOGI Master Worlds, beating a top UFC competitor, Sarah Kauffman. Finally, in 2017, she attained her black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although millions of people train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, an extremely small percentage actually of them attain their black belt. In all of North America, there are only 532 female black belts. In March 2020, Genesis Jiu Jitsu Azle opened its doors at 13551 FM 730 South, and Banes and her team bring their experience to training adults and kids in BJJ. “Everyone can benefit from jiu-jitsu if they give it a try. I look at all my students individually. They all have different goals and I try to meet them where they are at. “Some want to compete, some want self-defense, some are working on selfcontrol, some lack confidence, courage, and strength. Jiu-jitsu encompasses it all!” What makes Banes happy is being able to see each of her students grow from one year to the next. Some of her students have taken on the role of instructor at the gym, sharing their own knowledge and experience with new students. Currently, Genesis is the home gym of four world champions, including Banes, Erica Barnes, Mason Woodward, and most recently Kari Summers, who earned her championship
Photo courtesy of Genesis Jiu Jitsu, Karen Banes
Spring 2021 Heritage 17
Banes' children, Dillinger (left) and Noah Kate are also fight sports competitors. Photos courtesy of Genesis Jiu Jitsu, Karen Banes
18 Heritage Spring 2021
medal back in December. “I feel there is even more of a special bond in the women’s division because not many women want to go in to combat sports, so we tend to share a likeminded nature.” Banes and her team invite anyone who has an interest in learning about the sport to come out to watch and learn. There is nothing stopping whoever has a passion to learn from realizing their dreams. “One thing I’ve learned is to be faithful with the little things and it will grow to be much bigger than you imagined. Just enjoy the journey where you are at today.”
Pro-max Powersports, deeply rooted in the community by SuSan mcfarLand
A business in the works for more than 70 years, owned by a family five generations deep in Springtown, is the epitome of heritage and something Langston Layne is proud of, and rightfully so. Lanye runs a complete automotive machine shop that his grandfather started in 1948. The business has moved from its original location, on the Square behind where AV RANCH Western Wear sits today, and is now located at 123 E. Highway 199. Along with the automotive machine shop, the business evolved and as of 2003 includes Pro-Max Powersports, which provides the street and off-road power sport community with parts, accessories, gear, helmets, and apparel. Roots in Springtown run deep for the family, with Layne’s grandmother, Pauline Montgomery, coming to Springtown in 1936. Her father ran a stone store in Agnes. Pauline Montgomery married Edward “Ed” Layne, a Springtown mechanic. They both graduated from Springtown High School. Ed Layne, who was a United States Merchant Marine during WWII, started L&L Garage, which was three businesses in one – a machine shop, a mechanics garage and an auto parts store. Pauline Layne worked as a beautician for 22 years. Langston Layne’s family lineage continued with his dad Dan Layne, a retired pastor in Corsicana who is also a SHS graduate. Dan Layne married Glenda Simmons, an Azle High School graduate. Along with Langston Layne, the couple had a daughter Grace Layne Sowell, who lives in Corsicana and owns a Dairy Queen in Trinidad. Langston Layne and his wife Cindy Layne are both Springtown graduates from the class of 1983. They have three
edward “ed” Layne and ottis Latham in L&L Garage, a Springtown business that opened in 1948. PHoto courteSy of LanGSton Layn
e
children: Ronnie Gaston, 38; Marcus Gaston, 36 (owner of Gaston’s Automotive and Tire Center in Azle); and Whitney Layne, 33. The couple has 11 grandchildren. Layne went to work for his grandfather in 1982. He said the mechanic
shop ended up as a machine shop because instead of sourcing out work, his grandfather decided it made better business sense to buy the machinery and tools he needed to get the job done. “If he needed a tool, he would invest
Pro-max Powersports, a Springtown business that began in 2003, is part of Layne’s complete automotive machine Shop located at 123. e. Highway 199. PHoto courteSy of LanGSton Layne
Spring 2021 Heritage 19
in it himself,” Layne said. In 1989 at age 23, Layne bought the family business. That year he also got married and bought the property where Pro-Max Powersports is located. The shop was initially like his grandfather’s and included a mechanic shop, machine shop and auto parts store. After other auto parts stores began moving to the area, Layne decided to end that part of the business and switch to something more fun. Thus, Pro-Max Powersports began Dec. 1, 2003. “I’m a gearhead, I’ve got hot rods and motorcycles,” he said. Now the business is “busier than ever,” and along with Layne includes nine other staff members who have all been with the company for many years. At age 55, Layne now has two roles– part business man, part pastor. He said because the Lord has been good to him, he is starting to reap the benefits of many years of hard work and can now find time to relax a bit. Layne built a prayer barn next to his
Workers at Layne’s Complete Automotive Machine Shop, Springtown business that began in 1948. Photo by Susan McFarland
house, where Saturday night services are held. Prior to that, he was a Celebrate Recovery pastor for 10 years. Layne is passionate about Springtown and gets emotional when talking about
how much the city and its residents mean to him. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” he said.
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113 Denver Trail • Azle • 817-444-3249 • www.eaglecrestvilla.com 20 Heritage Spring 2021
Coloring our world Local resident shares love of art, nature on the Trinity Trails By susan mcfarland
Springtown resident Callie Stiewig has a simple message to others: “Take time to observe what’s around you, big and small. Find the beauty in every living thing. And lastly, enjoy the color of our world and explore!” The 25-year-old was selected to paint a mural as part of an outdoor art gallery along the Trinity River. “Painting the River: A Trinity Trails Mural Gallery,” is a Tarrant Regional Water District project that was created to celebrate the river, its beauty and significance to the community. Twenty-one artists from around the state and country were commissioned for the project. The murals transform utilitarian structures into artwork to be enjoyed by all while outside enjoying the trails. The structures are located along the three sections of the Trinity River, including the Clear Fork, Upper West Fork and Lower West Fork, in Fort Worth. Stiewig’s mural is located in the River Oaks area, about 1.5 miles from the Airfield Falls trailhead. Stiewig, who works as a financial advisor in Southlake, found out about the project through a co-worker, who tagged her in a post on social media about TRWD’s nationwide call for artists. Tina Nikolic, TRWD’s neighborhood and recreational enhancement coordinator, said about 250 painters submitted applications. “I made it through the first round,” Stiewig said, which included sending a portfolio. “Then they wanted to see a proposal.” Stiewig was one of 85 artists invited to the next step – submitting specific designs based on the theme of rivers, water and nature. Taking inspiration from a Texas agricultural catalog (sent to her by TRWD), along with nature sights at her property in Springtown, she sent her proposal. “I like the outdoors. As a kid, I remember sitting on a sidewalk and watching ants crawl into the cracks,” she said. So naturally, a mural vibrant and colorful, displaying ants, orb weavers, honey bees, lady bugs, butterflies, dragonflies and other nature critters would be included in her design, “Trail Crawlers,” which is nearly 370 square feet and her biggest work to date. “I feel honored to have participated in the outdoor mural gallery, and to have done what I love in a way that will stay with the community for many years,” Stiewig posted on her Instagram after she completed the mural. “It’s a strange thought that many eyes I’ll never meet will see my work.”
“Trail Crawlers,” Callie Stiewig’s mural, is part of “Painting the River: A Trinity Trails Mural Gallery.” Photo courtesy of Callie Stiewig Spring 2021 Heritage 21
Callie Stiewig with fiancé Omar Trujillo during a trip to Paris, France. Photo courtesy of Callie Stiewig
Stiewig has been painting for as long as she can remember. “Mom sat crayons in front of me as a baby,” she said. “But I began pursuing
it more seriously when I was about 13 or 14 years old.” Along with painting, Stiewig has plenty to keep her busy. She moved to Springtown last year with her fiancé Omar Trujillo, who also works in finance. The couple has plans for a September wedding. The artist is also a cellist and performs with Dallas Millennial Choirs & Orchestras, which has concerts twice per year. With COVID-19 restrictions, the orchestra held a virtual concert for Christmas. “I prefer playing in person, but producing any kind of content is valuable during times like this,” she said. Stiewig also performs with local artist Doug Burr, an acclaimed North Texas musician from Denton. Like art, her love for music also began at an early age, as she started playing the cello at age 9. Stiewig graduated from the Univer-
sity of North Texas in 2017 with a degree in business and a minor in music. She enjoys all aspects of her career, the business side as well as the music and art side, which she says provides a nice blend of experience for her clients. “I believe there is a misconception about left-brain versus right-brain. I work in finance and enjoy helping my clients, and I feel clients appreciate the creativity and how I approach financial plans,” she said. “And I don’t see myself ever stopping my art. I’ll just keep working really hard in all areas.” The artist said she is open for commissions and would like to do more murals. “I would love to do something closer to Springtown or Azle,” she said. To view her art, go to Stiewig’s Instagram account at www.instagram. com/c.a.l.l.i.e.art She can be reached at calliestiewig@ gmail.com.
More than just a pharmacy.
BANK WHERE YOU’RE A NEIGHBOR NOT A NUMBER • Essential Oils • Homeopathic and herbal products • Accepting Most Insurance • Convenient Drive-Thru • FREE Deliveries In Azle City Limits • Most Prescriptions filled within 15 minutes.
Pharmacy Hours
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 6 PM • Sat 9 AM - 1 PM • Closed Sun.
Because We Care 232 W. Main St. · Azle
www.lauraspharmacy.com • Fax 817-406-4550
Pharmacy 817-406-4546
22 Heritage Spring 2021
Locally owned and managed, we not only have the ability to provide financial access and guidance but to also make decisions quickly. We strive to exceed your expectations.
LET US LEND YOU A HAND • Personal Loans
• Business and SBA Loans
• Automobile Loans
• Commercial Real Estate Loans
817-444-4235 405 Commerce St., Azle www.nbt.bank
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Remind me, again‌
We are constantly worried about losing our memory, early onset of dementia or even worse, alzheimer’s. We have read many books about the correlation of wheat and gluten and memory loss; we play countless mind games intending to stay sharp and three out of five take nutritional supplements to help with memory and prevent the loss of it. the issues with memory or similar brain issues has everyone worried that they will succumb to memory loss in their lifetime. this may be a good thing, because the earlier you start to support your healthy brain, the better your odds will be that you can beat or control these normal concerns of aging. There is one plant that has proven to help. This plant is known as the queen of all healing plants, TURMERIC ROOT. Turmeric root contains curcumin as one of its main phytosterols. Turmeric root must be taken in its activated form so it may be absorbed correctly and pass the blood-brain barrier, so that it can do its job and support normal memory function. Many people are already taking turmeric for joint pain and inflammation, but little do they know its benefits for brain function. Many correlate brain function prevention and treatment with ginko biloba, Vitamin E and Omega 3s. All of the above supplements have been proven beneficial, but turmeric wins. Did you know that Indian people have extremely low rates of age-related memory loss? Far lower than in the US, India is a very poor country where most people have little access to pharmaceutical drugs. India grows
more turmeric than anywhere else in the world and Indian people eat more turmeric and curcumin, used to make curry, than anywhere else in the world. It is remarkable, but not surprising, that despite poor access to medical care and prescription drugs, there is little memory loss due to aging in India. Standard Process carries Turmeric Forte that has been activated by infusing turmeric root powder with the highly absorbable fenugreek root powder. This process makes turmeric forte 25-45 times more absorbable and ensures that the turmeric/curcumin passes through the blood-brain barrier to assist in brain function. Turmeric Forte is carried at Brace Chiropractic and Wellness Center, LLC, in Azle. Dr. Jessica Brace and Dr. Matthew Mishio have been long time users of Standard Process and MediHerb products and are always happy to make further recommendations. www.bracechiropractic.com Spring 2021 Heritage 23
Making a Difference. Offering a Choice.
Rehabilitation care for you! At Azle Manor, our licensed therapists provide physical, speech and occupational therapy for individuals recovering from major illness, surgery, neurological conditions, and orthopedic conditions. Each resident is individually evaluated. Rehabilitation services are designed to meet the resident’s unique needs and goals.
· On-site Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy · 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care · Beauty and Barber Shop · Therapeutic Whirlpool® Bath Tubs · Interfaith Religious Services · Family-Centered Wellness & Activity Program · All Electric Beds · WiFi Available · Televisions with DirectTV Provided · Courtyard and Gazebo (Residents can enjoy Outdoor Activities) Give us a call or drop by today! We’ll be glad to show you around. Call Kip Kruger at 817-444-2536 • 721 Dunaway Lane · Azle, 76020
HEALTH CARE & REHAB Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, Private Pay and Insurance
Locally Owned and Serving the Community for Over 47 Years