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summer 2021

Enjoy Peace of Mind knowing that your loved one is getting the best in care. Azle Manor offers services for older adults in need of support from a caring and attentive staff. Through the personal relationships we develop with our residents and families, we offer genuine holistic care that meets the needs of each individual resident. We recognize how difficult it can be to leave ones’ home, whether it’s short term, transitional care stay, or extended stay. At Azle Manor we will do whatever we can to make your experience what you want it to be. Give us a call or drop by today! We’ll be glad to show you around.

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Heritage Summer 2021

Table of ConTenTs

More than father and son

When words fail, the art speaks

by Quinton LiLLey

It took three seasons, but Azle pitcher Luke Smith finally got the hang of playing for his father Stephen while still being just one of the guys.

by jeSSica mckinney

Joshua West would not allow his ambition as an artist to keep him from being present as a husband and father.

A purr-fect sanctuary

Love is always in bloom

Getting to know Scott Sturgeon

Reel Recovery

What even is gluten?

by SuSan mcfarLand

Each cat has a different story; they all are special to Porta and are a part of her family at Mollie’s Cat Place in Parker County.

by jeSSica mckinney

Five decades of being in business, from hothouse tomatoes, to landscape design and hanging planters, to a premier wedding venue.

by SuSan mcfarLand

From Amarillo to Corpus Christi and from El Paso to Hemphill, local musician Scott Sturgeon has performed his way through the Lone Star State.

by Quinton LiLLey

Treating cancer with fly fishing; Reel Recovery is doing their part to effect change in the lives of men fighting against cancer.

by jeSSica brace, d.c., c.c.S.P.

Wondering if your child could be sensitive to gluten or benefit from a glutenfree diet? What are the symptoms of a child with gluten sensitivity? cover: Photo by azle Sports Photography Summer 2021 Heritage 3

321 W. Main Street, Azle, Texas (817) 270-3340 www.azlenews.net

109 E. First Street, Springtown, Texas (817) 220-7217 www.springtown-epigraph.net 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 Heritage Magazine is published quarterly as a supplement to the Azle News and Springtown Epigraph. The entire content of each issue of Heritage Magazine is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher. © 2021 Azle News/The Springtown Epigraph

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Pharmacy 817-406-4546

Heritage Summer 2021

Azle High pitcher Luke Smith achieved one of his goals this past February when he signed with Seminole State.

More than a father and his son

Photo by Azle Sports Photography

by quinton lilley

Being a successful varsity baseball pitcher is a hard enough job to master. Doing it while also playing for your father can be even more difficult, yet Luke Smith feels in his senior year he’s finally gotten the hang of playing for his father Stephen Smith while also just being one of the guys in the dugout.

Luke Smith is a 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher who plays for the Azle Hornets varsity baseball team and has already committed to play Junior College baseball at Seminole State in Oklahoma next season. His father, Stephen Smith has led the Hornets’ program each of the last six seasons. Including three-consecutive playoff appearances. While the Smith family has only been synonymous with the Azle baseball program since 2016, the Smith family’s baseball roots go back much further. “As a kid, I grew up in Burkburnett. I

remember when I was about four was when my father and uncle first introduced me to the game, and ever since then I loved it,” Stephen said. “I knew from an early age that my calling was to do something with the game of baseball and I’ve enjoyed my life doing it so far.” Stephen played college baseball at Seminole State (where his son will be next season) before transferring to Texas State, where he finished his collegiate career. Ultimately, the future coach went on to play professionally in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system before he Summer 2021 Heritage 5

decided to pursue his long-term dream – coaching. “When Luke was born I tried really hard to allow other coaches to guide him and I would always be there just to give my input as needed. But when Luke was younger I spent a lot of time out of town because I was coaching out in Hamilton where I was the head baseball coach during Luke's elementary years.” Stephen Smith said over time he knew he needed to find a coaching job closer to the metroplex because Hamilton was nearly two hours south of DFW, close to Stephenville. That’s when the Azle position opened up in the summer of 2015 and Stephen was hired for the job a few weeks later. He said it was a perfect fit. “My wife and I had just moved to North Richland Hills and the Azle job seemed liked a really good opportunity for me to continue coaching, while also being around for Luke at a time in his life when sons need their father the most.” When asked if there was ever a thought of Luke playing at Richland High (his hometown school) both father and son recall the situation slightly differently. Luke said, “While my dad never told me I had to come to Azle with him, I knew it was something he wanted. For us to have four years to be together and work towards a common goal on the field was something I knew he wanted, and ultimately I wanted that too.” Stephen Smith said, “I never wanted to make that decision for Luke because I knew he had lots of friends from his club team and the neighborhood that were going to Richland. Luke was also big into basketball at the time and that was something he wanted to do if he stayed in Richland as well.” After deliberating as a family for the summer, Luke Smith decided to join his father in Azle and he went to middle school in the district for two years before joining his father’s team in 2017. But while father and son were finally able to share their time together on the field every day, it came at a cost in 6

Heritage Summer 2021

Luke Smith was one of two primary starters for AHS this past season. Photo by Quinton Lilley

some areas. “The first couple of years were really hard for us. We were commuting to and from school five days a week for an hour each way and then spending three to four hours around each other at games or practice, and then my dad would want to talk about the game afterwards on the ride home.” Luke continued saying, “I kind of felt like baseball was all we ever talked

about and if I had a bad day or made a mistake on the field it would carry over off the field and lead to some arguments." Being a pitcher on the field is somewhat similar to the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in football. If you’re off your game everyone notices and that makes it nearly impossible for your team to win.

There were some of those instances for the Smith family where father and son couldn’t separate being on the baseball field from being off it. “I don’t think I did a great job of that Luke’s first couple years. And I didn’t know how to turn off being his coach and get back to being his dad after practice or when a game is over.” Stephen continued saying, “But this year things have been different. After games and at home, we don’t talk much about baseball. We talk about life, school, and other things which have helped us tremendously.” This year father and son have found a life balance between their additional coach-player relationship and it’s helped them perform better on the field as well. The Hornets made the playoffs for the third-consecutive season (not including a COVID shortened 2020), and Luke was a big part of that success as

Stephen Smith (left) was a minor league pitcher before going into coaching when his son Luke (right) was born. Photo by Quinton Lilley

Azle High coach Stephen Smith addresses the team before a district home game. Smith just completed his six season at the helm for Azle. Photo by Quinton Lilley Summer 2021 Heritage 7

Great Smiles Start Here

one of Azle's top two starting pitchers. In mid-February, Luke signed an athletic scholarship to attend Seminole State College in Seminole, Oklahoma which he hopes to use as a springboard to his long-term plans. While junior college wasn’t originally in the Smith family’s plans for Luke, they remain optimistic that this route will better prepare him for Division-1 baseball. “It’s always been my dream to play baseball at Texas A&M, and while I wasn’t quite ready to make that jump to D1 ball out of high school, the junior college route will help me raise my game to the level I need to be at to compete with those guys in the SEC.” Until then, the Smiths are simply hoping to enjoy some quality time together, because they know things will be different when Luke heads off to college. “Having Luke on the team has taught me a lot, I’ve become a better coach because of him, and I’ve realized that while winning is important, it’s also important to create livelong memories. I have more compassion for my players now and I owe that mostly to my son. I’ll miss having him on my team when he’s gone.” While there are no guarantees that Luke will get that division one scholarship, he’s got the genes, wisdom, and support to take baseball as far as he desires. And like most things in life, we deal with the hand we’re dealt.

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At Eagle Crest Villa, every aspect of our community is designed to foster friendship and connection. Neighbors become lunch buddies. Staff becomes family. And together, we enjoy the gift of each other’s company. Our door is always open at Eagle Crest Villa. Come make your home in this exceptional community where you will find a heartfelt desire to meet your every need. You will notice something different about Eagle Crest Villa from the moment you arrive.

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Heritage Summer 2021

Joshua West works in his home studio in Azle.

Photo courtesy of joshua west

When words fail the art speaks by jessica mckinney

“As to those for whom to work hard, to begin and begin again, to attempt and be mistaken, to go back and rework everything from top to bottom, and still find reason to hesitate from one step to the next – as to those, in short, for whom to work in the midst of uncertainty and apprehension is tantamount to failure, all I can say is that clearly we are not from the same planet.” – Michel Foucault, “The Use of Pleasure"

Joshua West knew from a young age that he wanted to be a professional artist. But as with so many who endeavor to create a business with their craft, there was fear. Can one really support themselves, let alone a family, as an artist? The reality is that it can be difficult to earn a living as a professional artist. So, West chose to pursue an interest that offered more stability as a career path. “After high school, I attended Texas A&M University for architecture but

quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I am a naturally curious person and so I tried out a bunch of other things looking to find a good fit. I bounced around a number of different majors including computer animation, graphic design, general studies, and even considered going into the sciences. Nothing felt right.” West tried to find something that would ignite a career he could be passionate about, but didn’t find it there. “We spend such a significant portion of our lives at work and the idea of Summer 2021 Heritage 9

artwork by West on display at the Haley-Henman gallery in dallas. PHoto courteSy of joSHua WeSt

spending so much of mine at a job I hated, even if it made a lot of money, was simply unacceptable. After all, this is America. We’re supposed to pursue our dreams I knew what mine was, but I was just too scared of how hard it would be.” West decided to take a year off from school so that he could try to figure out what to do with himself. That summer, he went to work at a youth camp in East Texas called Pineywoods Baptist Encampment. While there, he met some of his closest friends and the woman who is now his wife. West’s experience at the camp sparked his interest in social work and counseling. He enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University and graduated in 2007 with a double major in psychology and art. “Still afraid of the perils of an artistic career, I began working on a Master’s degree in counseling at the University of North Texas and got a job as a social worker at an institution for adult individuals with various forms of mental retardation called Denton State School.” He then transitioned to a job as an investigator with Child Protective Services, spending two years investigating allegations of abuse and neglect. During that time, West began a relationship with Kayla, “the most amazing woman I have ever met,” and they got married. “My wife, Kayla, has been deeply supportive of my desire to become an artist from the very beginning. She knew the work I was doing as a social worker, while certainly worthwhile, was 10 Heritage Summer 2021

Thaddeus

PHoto courteSy of joSHua WeSt

not what I really wanted to do. I was deeply unhappy to the point of depression. “Partially as a way of dealing with that, I put together my first solo show in my spare time and I sold some work and even got some media attention from a local TV channel.” West was then introduced to Millie Giles, an art professor at UNT. He applied to the MFA program there and was accepted. “The same year I graduated from the program, Millie retired and I was honored to become her replacement as the head of the Watercolor Program at UNT where I taught from 2013 to 2016. I also taught classes at Richland College on the side to make extra money.” West was grateful for the experience to teach what he loved, but it wasn’t long before the commute and the long hours began to take their toll. “[It] left me with no time to pursue my own artistic career, much less have a family life. By then, the first of our two daughters were born. From the beginning, I knew that if I made the choice to become an artist, two things were non-negotiable. “First, I would not allow my ambition as an artist to keep me from being present as a husband and father. Second, if I was going to be able to reach the level that I aspire to as an artist, it had to be my only profession.” West and his wife saved up and bought a house in Azle, and built the studio in which West works today. When he is working in the studio, you’ll often hear him playing an album over and over while he is making a piece, the feel or tone of the music finding its way into the overall feel of the painting. For West, art is “another way to communicate the intangible aspects of our human experience and enrich our understanding.” He paints because he has found that he has an aptitude for the medium, and he enjoys experimenting and finding ways to manipulate the paint into creating images. “The research that I do for each

Selah can be seen along the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth.

painting helps me understand just a little bit more about this world that can be as bizarre and terrifying as it can be awe inspiring. It allows me to talk about things that are difficult to discuss with people close to me, or anyone really.” It is his desire for understanding, and to “resist the very human urge to tell ourselves and others what we want to hear rather than what is true.” “In my paintings, ideas about the future, stories from history, and sometimes even from my own life clash with current events and are represented with a sort of orchestral madness.” When offering advice to young artists, West says, “The truth is that there is no silver bullet that anyone can offer to ensure that you will make it. The only certainty that anyone can offer is that if you do not try, you will not succeed. “Each artist begins at a different starting point and as such all paths will be a little different. Learn as much as

Photo courtesy of joshua west

you can about how artists you respect found their way and apply what you can to your own situation. “For me, personally, I would never have pursued this career if it were not for the love and support of my wife. The difficult times can really put a strain on any relationship but if you’re not on the same page, it can be untenable. In my opinion, life is best lived when you have someone to share it with. And if you choose such a career, remember that life is not all about you. Make sure that you put as much, if not more, into creating a good life for your partner as they put into supporting you.” West is one of the local artists chosen to paint a mural on a floodgate along the Trinity Trails. His piece, titled “Selah,” can be seen near Shamrock Avenue off of University Drive. He will be part of a group show at Studio 101 in Fort Worth May 25-29. His artwork can be viewed at his website, www.joshua-west.com, and on Instagram @joshwestart. Summer 2021 Heritage 11

A purr-fect sanctuary

Iris Porta hugs Bailey on the porch at Ginger’s House, one of the cabins at Mollie’s Cat Place. Bailey, one of more than two dozen cats at the sanctuary, loves to climb upon people. Photo by Susan McFarland

Mollie’s Cat Place provides love, health, happiness for old, ill felines by susan mcfarland

Iris Porta’s cats come from many places. Some are strays who were living outside, some were adopted from shelters, some taken in because they have special needs or were in danger. Many were feral cats who turned out to be friendly. Each with a different story, they all are special to Porta and are a part of her family at Mollie’s Cat Place in Parker County. Established in 2009, Mollie’s Cat Place is a lifetime home for senior cats and cats with health issues such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). In 12 Heritage Summer 2021

2012, the organization received status as a 501(c)(3) charity. Porta created this sanctuary to house cats that are hard to adopt due to age or health conditions. They have several fenced acres to roam plus cabins to live in that were built and furnished with them in mind. Each cabin has heat, air conditioning and a large porch that was “catified” by adding wide railings for the cats to sit on. The porches are enclosed with chicken wire so critters cannot get in and the cats cannot get out, unless its time to play outside. The cabins also

have lofts, giving cats more room to roam and to satisfy their need for vertical space. At Mollie’s Cat Place, “every cat deserves a life, including those who are old or who have medical conditions. We do our best to provide love, health, and happiness to as many cats as possible, within the necessary constraints of our budget, time and ability.” Porta said the most rewarding part of her role is rescuing an old, sick, or otherwise unwanted cat and providing it with the love and care it needs to thrive and be happy.

“I love watching a cat’s personality change as it becomes accustomed to being safe, pain free, adequately fed and loved,” Porta said. “It is a pleasure watching a formerly withdrawn cat become animated and run across the woods and up a tree just for the joy of it.”

The beginning The idea for Mollie’s Cat Place began in 2008, at a time when Porta and her family had two cats with no intention of adopting any more. Porta became concerned after noticing a group of cats living behind a local restaurant, and learned the feral cats were multiplying and becoming a nuisance to the restaurant owner. Porta began to research and learned about a program to trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) feral cats, thus her work began. One of the first cats trapped was Sam. When Porta took him for neutering and vaccinations, he tested positive for FIV. Porta said at that time, not much was known about FIV and the veterinarian requested she not release him to the outdoors to mingle with other cats, so she took him home

Maddie, on the crossbar over a gate at Mollie’s Cat Place.

Lewis and Ginger on railing ouside Ginger’s House, one of the cabins at Mollie’s Cat Place.

Photo courtesy Iris Porta

Summer 2021 Heritage 13

and built a cabin behind the house for him to live in. Shortly after, a fence was erected so that Sam could go outside and later Porta adopted another cat so he could have a companion. As more cats were acquired, more cabins were built and the fence was extended. The fence, which is constructed from 5 feet of chicken wire topped by two feet of plastic mesh, keeps cats inside the property and other animals out. The fence is subdivided into five sections to separate cats that do not get along and those with special needs. Cats are allowed outside during the day and brought back in before dark. Mollie’s Cat Place was named after Porta’s first cat Mollie Louise, who enjoyed going outside and exploring the woods surrounding the house. Mollie’s legacy not only lives on in the name of the non-profit, but also in its philosophy to provide a cage-free indoor/ outdoor environment where cats can safely wander at will over several acres of woodland and clearings.

The cabins Cabins are named after its longest-term resident. Nelson’s Cabin houses cats who have tested positive for FIV. It includes a hayloft for the cats to play in, ledges and sitting areas along the walls and in front of the windows, and an additional loft across the center of the cabin at ceiling height. At this house cats have plenty of places to perch up high, and multiple paths that allow more timid cats to get around the cabin without encountering other cats. Walkways and ramps connect one level to another for easy access to both lofts. Ginger’ House, the largest cabin, is home to cats who do not have contagious health conditions. This cabin has cages to help new cats become accustom to their new home and cat cubbies – places for cats to sleep that also serve as pathways to climb from the floor to the lofts. Mikey’s place, the newest cabin, was built to house cats that have tested positive for FeLV. Like the other cabins, Mikey’s place has plenty of win14 Heritage Summer 2021

Cats at the gate at Mollie’s Cat Place, a sanctuary that allows the felines to safely roam and explore several acres of wooded area. Photo courtesy Iris Porta

dows offering natural light and several cat perches.

The challenges With more than two dozen cats residing at Mollie’s Cat Place, the greatest challenge the non-profit faces is keeping up with veterinary bills. “Because we take in old cats and cats with health issues, our veterinary bills

are always high, and we often have to make the decision to postpone less urgent veterinary procedures until we have more funds,” she said. The best way people can help is to become a sponsor, which is commitment to donate a specific amount of money such as $25 (or other amount) toward the care of a specific cat. “One of our long-term goals is for

each cat to have six sponsors,” Porta said. “If each cat had six sponsors, we would be able to cover our expenses without additional donations.” Another need is for volunteers. “We always need volunteers to help with tasks such as providing food and water, scooping litterboxes, cleaning the cabins, administering medications, and spending time playing with and brushing the cats,” Porta said. Currently, volunteers are needed to scoop litterboxes and clean up on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The rewards

Iris Porta spending time with her fur babies at Mollie’s Cat Place, a sanctuary she created to house old and ill cats. Photo courtesy Iris Porta

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Fort Worth resident Sheri Shull began as a volunteer at Mollie’s Cat Place and is now employed there. A typical day for Shull includes many tasks including giving the cats lots of love. “Oh where do I start,” Shull said when asked about her work. “Prepping food/meds twice a day. Dishes. Love

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Iris Porta spending time with her fur babies at Mollie’s Cat Place, a sanctuary she created to house old and ill cats. Most cats crave human attention, and the volunteers are often too busy to give them the attention they deserve. Photos courtesy Iris Porta

on some kitties. Laundry. Scoop. More dishes. Clean. More lovin’. Basically I’m their servant!” Shull said the one skill she is still trying to perfect, is herding cats. She also finds challenges trying to figure out what they are in the mood to eat. “Apparently their taste buds change just like ours does,” she said. “Or they just like to keep me on my toes.” Shull said it’s pretty cool to “get paid to hangout with some of the sweetest, most loving cats you’ll ever meet.” Porta said the one thing she wishes more people knew about Mollie’s Cat Place is that they are welcome to come out and spend time with the cats. “Most of our cats crave human at16 Heritage Summer 2021

tention and we are often too busy with chores to give them the attention they deserve,” she said. Azle resident Cindy Freckman also volunteers at Mollie’s Cat Place. Freckman, who manages several cat colonies around Azle using the TNVR program, found the sanctuary while trying to find an organization to take in Ollie, a male cat about 10 years old who was diagnosed with FIV and FeLV. “The vet wanted me to put him down. I couldn’t do it,” Freckman said. “I went looking for a rescue and found Mollie’s. I go see him once a week.” Freckman said Ollie is such a sweet cat, with potentially a lot of life left.

“Some live a long time, there is a lot of variation in the virus,” she said. Freckman said at first, there was a little difficulty getting Ollie acclimated, but now he is doing great. “He’s got the best of all worlds. A nice, indoor place in the winter, space to roam, and he gets everything he needs including medical care.” Freckman also helps clean and cares for other cats during her visits with Ollie, who she says gets a little jealous when she holds other cats. More information about Mollie’s Cat Place can be found at molliescatplace. org, on Instagram at molliescatplacesanctuary and on their Facebook page @MolliesCatPlace.

Love is always in bloom

by jeSSica mckinney

five decades is a long time for any business to be operating. for one that has evolved from hothouse tomatoes, to landscape design and hanging planters, to a premier wedding venue, it is incredible. A and M Gardens was started in 1971 when Allen and Melody (A and M) Shelton purchased seven acres of property near Eagle Mountain Lake, just north of Azle. The couple originally planned to start a nursery. They grew Manapal tomatoes, which they hand-pollinated and hand-picked themselves. “It was exhausting,” said Shelton. “At one point, we had 10,000 vines grow-

ing, and those vines were about 35 feet apiece. To say it was a lot of work is an understatement.” After five years of growing, boxing, and shipping tens of thousands of tomatoes, Allen and Melody decided to take their business in a new direction. “We started creating beautiful hanging baskets and plants for sale. We did those for a few years before it was time to go in another direction.”

It wasn’t too long ago that someone called the venue to ask if they were still making “those beautiful hanging baskets.” “It’s been 40 years or so since we made those baskets, so I guess that says something!” The couple decided to begin offering tours. With the bike trails, it made for an enchanting afternoon around the gardens. Soon, visitors began asking if Summer 2021 Heritage 17

melody Shelton and bobby Pickett exchanged vows in the gardens where they have hosted so many other loving couples. PHoto by jeSSica mckinney

Shelton and her tomatoes were featured stor y.

18 Heritage Summer 2021

in a 1974 Azle News

fiLe PHoto

they could hold their wedding there. “It was an interesting idea,” said Shelton. “There weren’t any wedding venues nearby back then. Now, there are so many. It’s really a business that has taken off for so many. We’re lucky to have been among the first, and to be here so many years later welcoming wedding parties.” The first wedding at A and M Gardens was in 1985. Since then, the venue has grown to include a banquet hall as well as an outdoor pavilion, hosting up to 150 guests at any special event. After 48 years of marriage, Allen passed away. Melody knew that she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the business they grew, and so she keeps going. “We love our guests. They become our family and we love welcoming them here, helping them plan their perfect day.” Two years ago, Melody found love again with Bobby Pickett. The couple exchanged vows in the gardens where they have hosted so many other loving couples. The bride was stunning in red, trimmed with sparkling accents (and shoes to match) which you can only find at a Texas wedding. Fifty years is a testament to the strength of Shelton, a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, and her love of A and M Gardens. Cheers, to 50 years!

Getting to know Scott Sturgeon Springtown musician shares his thoughts about passion and drive for making good music.

by susan mcfarland

From Amarillo to Corpus Christi and from El Paso to Hemphill, local musician Scott Sturgeon has performed his way through the Lone Star State. Sturgeon, who has been in the music business for more than 20 years, has played everywhere from Billy Bob’s Texas and small dive bars, to Maddie Lou’s Bar & Grill on the Square in his hometown of Springtown. Here, the Texas County Music Association nominated singer and song writer shares a few thoughts about how he got started in the industry, who inspired him and how his creative process works.

What first got you into music? “When I was young my dad would crank Elton John on the home stereo, so that’s how piano found its way to my head; Mamas and the Papas, Bee Gees were my early influences.”

Who inspired you to make music? “I have a song that I wrote about this topic. So my Uncle John lived with us for a while. Back in the day

he had a friend named Wesley that would come over and play guitar upstairs. We weren’t really allowed to go up there. I think I was nine or 10, and lets face it, they probably didn’t want us snooping around. A few years later my brother had a friend named Chuck Angeley who could just wail on the guitar. And that’s who I wanted to be. David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. Last but not least Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osborne guitarist) would just make me cry with his solos. I could go on for hours on this topic.”

How would you describe the music that you typically create? “My music stems from personal expe-

riences. I have recorded everything from heavy metal to Christian inspirational songs to old school outlaw country.”

What is your creative process like? “This started for me way back in grammar school. I was a day dreamer. ADD is the term now. I used to hear full pieces of music in my head. I could hear every instrument and melody to songs that have never been created yet. I never knew what it was so I really never told anyone about the (sounds in my head). Here’s where it gets weird. I normally write songs (in the bathroom) but I don’t write them so to speak, they more or less come to me. All at once like in grammar school. I wrote songs Summer 2021 Heritage 19

driving an 18-wheeler as well. When it’s just me and the open road, they would come to me. I’d pull over and just write what I heard.”

What is your favorite song to perform? “My favorite Scott Sturgeon song is probably “Virginia” and my favorite cover song would be Jamey Johnson “In Color” who I dedicate to overseas troops, first responders and most importantly my grandpa who I lost 20 years ago.”

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career? “I’d be wearing a wig and a dress selling ladies shoes out of a station wagon.... No, I’m a huge fan of Nitro Racing. I’ve worked for several high profile Top Fuel teams. I’m a gypsy soul. I love traveling so I’d be on the road either driving an 18-wheeler for race teams or hauling frac sand again.”

What’s next for you? “Hopefully not selling women’s shoes in a wig and dress out of the back of a station wagon. I have just finished my third studio album - “Porcelain Diaries,” which follows “Summertime” and “El Chingon.” “Porcelain Diaries” and “El Chingon” were recorded at the hallowed grounds of SG Studios owned by Springtown resident Greg White.

What is one message you would give to your fans? “Follow your dreams. Don’t follow someone else’s dream. Always try to make people laugh.”

Do you have any upcoming shows? “I do have shows coming up on the DFW WORLD TOUR you can find at FB Scott Sturgeon Music (website www.scottsturgeon.com). Scott Sturgeon Music can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Scott Sturgeon plays at Billy Bob’s Texas. Photos courtesy Scott Sturgeon

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Reel Recovery

Treating cancer with fly fishing by quinton lilley

Almost everyone at some time in their life has been affected by cancer, whether it was their own diagnosis, the diagnosis of a family member or lost someone who fought cancer as long as they could. While fishing may not be able to heal cancer medically, a national non-profit is doing everything they can to help men going through rough patches realize they are not in the fight alone. Reel Recovery offers free fly fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer. The retreat combines introductory fly-fishing instruction with "courageous conversations” about life, happiness, and living your purpose to the fullest.

The organization offers services specifically to men living with all different types of cancer and uses those diagnoses as a way to help men bond together through common circumstances and interest in fishing. Back in 2003, a group of avid flyfishers founded Reel Recovery after seeing the stellar benefits fly fishing had on their friend who was battling brain cancer. Four years later, Warren Wolf

brought Reel Recovery to Texas a year after being so strongly impacted by a Reel Recovery retreat in Colorado. Wolf, who was also fighting his own form of cancer, passed in 2011, but efforts have continued to keep Reel Recovery going in Texas. Michael Emerson currently acts as the liaison for the North Texas chapter in Tarrant County. Emerson said being able to effect the lives of others is a special gift to give to Summer 2021 Heritage 21

others and that Reel Recovery is doing their part to effect change in the lives of men fighting against cancer. “Seeing smiles on the faces of the men we serve at retreats is the best reward for me," Emerson said. Locally in Tarrant County the group has two-three day retreats. Participants share stories of how living with cancer has affected their lives. Facilitated by a counseling professional, “courageous conversations” allow each participant to express their innermost feelings about their life today. Reel Recovery retreats are often described by participants as a “brotherhood,” a camaraderie among men that share the same life changing events. Emerson also added, that as the local group has grown over the last two decades, continued growth in participation is something they all look forward to. Previously Reel Recovery was only in

one region but has since grown in to three chapters — North Texas, Southeast Texas and the Hill Country. “We’re currently serving around 84 men per year at our six annual retreats," Emerson said. And after a year away because of COVID-19 restrictions, Reel Recovery is excited to return to full force this year. Reel Recovery is a part of the North Texas Giving Day Organization and additional info can be found at www. northtexasgivingday.org/reel-recovery-inc including donation links, social media pages, and how to register for upcoming events. Reel Recovery’s mission statement is “to help men in the cancer recovery process by introducing them to the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer with others who share their stories. Our purpose is to

address the growing demand for and limited supply of support services specifically tailored for men with cancer.” According to a study done in 2018 by Medical News Today, nearly 600,000 people died from cancer related complications. The same study also stated that cancer has become the second-most deadly disease in the United States just behind heart disease. Emerson said while 2020 saw retreats get suspended there are tentative plans to resume get-togethers this fall. Each chapter will take turns hosting the other two twice a year moving forward. The North Texas Chapter usually hosts retreats at Arrowhead Camp in Glen Rose. Interested donors can find more information on North Texas Giving Day’s website. A formal event will be held Sept. 23.

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What Even is Gluten? Wondering if your child could be sensitive to gluten or benefit from a glutenfree diet? What are the symptoms of a child with gluten sensitivity?

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Symptoms of gluten sensitivity

Chances are, you know someone on a gluten-free diet. Or maybe you know someone who cannot eat gluten, a protein combination found in cereal grains like wheat, rye and barley. There are a few reasons for this recent interest in going gluten-free: About 1 percent of the United States population has celiac disease. When these people eat foods with gluten, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine and can lead to longterm problems, like autoimmune diseases such as thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis or osteopenia. But as much as 6% of the population may have a non -celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). These people tend to “feel better” when they avoid gluten, even though they test negative for celiac disease. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, which promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.

Compared to people with celiac disease, people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity have more symptoms that are not gastrointestinal in nature. The symptoms may also appear hours to days after consuming gluten. Here are some of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity: • “Brain fog” This is the most common characteristic of gluten sensitivity. Kids with brain fog may often feel tired, or like they just got out of bed. They may be especially forgetful and may have trouble focusing or completing tasks. • Headaches or migraines: It is not normal for children to experience chronic headaches or migraines. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, he should be taken to a doctor for an evaluation. It could be a sign of gluten sensitivity. • Dizziness: General dizziness and a foggy feeling. • Acne or rashes: Itchy elbows, knees, buttocks and the back of the neck has been associated with gluten sensitivity. • Joint pain or numbness: Chronic joint pain and tingling and numbness in the fingers, arms or legs are clear signs of a health issue. In those with a gluten sensitivity, it happens frequently for no apparent reason. • Diarrhea, gas or constipation and distended stomach or bloating: General stomach upset and carrying extra weight around the belly.

Next steps Think your child may have a gluten sensitivity? Before you begin cutting gluten from your child’s diet, I would suggest meeting with a gastroenterol-

ogist for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity testing. Your child’s sensitivity could just as easily be another food trigger and blood sensitivity testing is so much easier than elimination of one trigger at a time. Other triggers can be due to fructose or lactose intolerance, wheat allergy, sensitivity to food additives (MSG and sodium benzoate) or sorbitol. After you have met with a specialist and ruled out celiac disease and other disorders, the best way to determine whether your child has a gluten sensitivity is to eliminate foods with gluten from your child’s diet and see if their symptoms improve. Doctors will usually confirm that gluten is the culprit when reintroducing some gluten foods causes symptoms to return. What should you do if your child is diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity? According to a pediatric gastroenterologist, it is important to meet with a dietitian to help you through this process and to help your family figure out a healthy, gluten-free diet for your child. There are now a lot of processed gluten foods out there that have lots of sugar and fat in them that are not healthy for other reasons. Clinicians can help your family create a more natural gluten-free diet. At Brace Chiropractic, Dr. Mishio and Dr. Brace are well-equipped with the knowledge to help guide dietary restrictions and decisions for your family and your child. Dr. Brace has recently ordered Gluten Sensitivity and general food sensitivity testing on one of her four children after years of migraines, brain fog and joint pain. Her life has changed for the better and she is so happy to have some answers. There are definite sacrifices with gluten sensitivity and some days are better than others. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions!

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The right care, right here in Azle. You don’t have to go far for quality health care. You can get it right here in Azle. Texas Health Azle offers many services and advanced technologies, so you can get quality care closer to home. Plus, we are part of one of the largest health systems in North Texas, so you can feel confident trusting Texas Health Azle with all your health care needs. And, as always, we have protocols in place designed around your safety.

3D Mammography ■ MRI ■ EKG ■ Bone Density Testing ■ Emergency Services Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy ■ Gastroenterology ■ Surgical Services Texas Health is right there with you.

1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org/Azle