Education

Engage, Encourage, Enrich

Combining Robust Academics with Lutheran Faith at Epiphany School Article by Laura SanchezQuan Epiphany school is preparing learners (from preschool through middle school) for life through opportunities of growth in a Christian environment. Read on to learn how they're equipping the next generation to make a positive impact in the school and the community.  Tell us a little bit about Epiphany School Epiphany Lutheran School weaves robust academics with Lutheran faith formation for children...

Life + Culture

The Wild Work of Corbin Maxey 

Internet Star, Animal Rescuer & Educator Article by Erica Hernandez Beneath a blazing Midwestern sun, an 8-foot pet alligator named Chompers, basks on a sandy beach next to her bridal bouquet. Loved ones took in the scene from afar as Chompers slipped into a pool flecked with floating rose petals. She wasn’t alone for long—Soni, her 500-pound alligator fiance, soon plodded off the beach and swam to her side. Standing on the beach was proud owner Corbin Maxey, a wildlife expert and YouTube...

Education

Ready, Set, Prep

Turning Disaster Preparedness into Hands-on, Heart-first Mission to Empower Kids Article by Stephanie Parnell When Michele Fortenberry first began teaching children about emergency preparedness in the late 1990s, she didn’t envision it would someday lead to a nonprofit serving hundreds of kids in the Houston area. But as the founder of Kid Prep, she now stands at the helm of a movement that’s empowering young learners to face life’s biggest uncertainties with confidence—and a custom-packed...

Local Services

Pawsitively Devoted

Meet the Heart Behind Livewell Animal Hospital; Blending Advanced Veterinary Care with Warmth and Compassion Article by Stephanie Parnell | Photography by CS3 Photography When Dr. Brendan Kennedy opened Livewell Animal Hospital in Cypress, he had more than medical care in mind—he had a vision. One rooted in compassion, communication, and connection, not just with pets but with the people who love them. “What inspires me most about Livewell Animal Hospital is the opportunity to improve the...

Arts + Culture

Storybook Capital of America

Visit Abilene & Your Favorite Characters from Children's Literature Article by Laura SanchezQuan Take one last chance for an end of summer road trip and take in the sites of your favorite childhood-books-come-to-life! When you first arrive at the Storybook Capital of the World be sure to grab their Adventure Guide and see how many of your favorites you can find! In 2017, the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden was unveiled on the southeast lawn of the Abilene Convention Center with thousands of...

Professional Services

Fur Loving K

Your One-Stop Shop for Reliable, Loving Pet Care Article by Laura SanchezQuan With a passion for pets and for serving others, Fur Loving K CEO and Founder, Karly Cassidy, saw the clear needs for high-quality, dependable, pet care. With deep roots in entrepreneurship–both of her parents had entrepreneurial backgrounds–owning a business felt like the natural path for Karly. “My late mother remains my biggest inspiration and the driving force behind my decision to take a leap of faith,” says...

Home + Design

Choose Smartly

Explore Fully Automated Custom Solutions; Bringing Advanced Smart Home Technology to Your Doorstep Article by Kaylee Dusang Local, family and veteran owned and operated, Fully Automated Custom Solutions provides smart home integration for any type of control system within the home or an office space. Interior and exterior lighting, shades, security, and multi-audio systems, among others. Not only does the company specialize in durable and reliable technology, but they also strive to form a...

Real Estate

Pickleball Social

A Perfect Blend of Friendly Competition and Social Gathering Article by Laura SanchezQuan | Photography by Sunny Rajabi The unique family- and pet-friendly social hot spot and pickleball venue, Pickleball Social, offers seven indoor courts and six outdoor courts as well as a sports bar, food trucks, huge TV screens, Karaoke rooms and a pro shop with pickleball gear.  I had the opportunity to sit down with owners Juan Carlos Flores and Ivan Alvarez to get to know them and discover what...

Auto + Marine

Where Grit Meets Gloss

From Custom Paint to Full Restorations, Hardcore Kustoms Turns Raw Metal into Rolling Masterpieces Article by Stephanie Parnell | Photography by Sunny Rajabi Tucked away in the heart of Cypress, Hardcore Kustoms has been a cornerstone of the local automotive scene since its establishment in 2005. Founded by passionate car enthusiast Josh Hendon with the support of his wife, Bonnie, the shop has grown into a premier destination for vehicle restoration and customization, serving the local...

Travel

Offbeat Texas Sights

Unique and Quirky Attractions to Explore on Your Next Road Trip Article by Laura SanchezQuan Cadillac Ranch | Amarillo  Created by Stanley Marsh 3 (an American artist, businessman, philanthropist, and prankster from Amarillo) and The Ant Farm group, Cadillac Ranch is a quirky yet charming public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo paying homage to the American automobile culture. Inspired by the aesthetics and symbolism of Route 66 the installation consists of a row of ten Cadillacs...