Kim delaPena News
Horseshoe Arena IDD Training Event Focused on Community Understanding
By Kim delaPena | Nov 19, 2024
The Midland County Horseshoe Arena hosted a training event on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) on November 14 and 15. The event was organized by United Way of Midland and Senior Life Midland, in partnership with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.
Kayla Schear Takes Charge of TLCA Volleyball Program in First Year
By Kim delaPena | Nov 18, 2024
Kayla Schear, the new volleyball and physical education coach at Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA), is stepping into her first year at the school with a vision to build a competitive volleyball program. Previously, Schear spent six years with Trinity School, where she coached at various levels, including junior varsity, and played a key role in developing young athletes.
Permian Basin Unites for The Great Southside Cholla Cleanup
By Kim delaPena | Nov 13, 2024
Community members gathered on Cholla Rd in Midland on November 9 for The Great Southside Cholla Cleanup. The event was organized by Keith Stelter, Vice President of Sales at Maze Environmental and Texas Fabco.
Meet Brighton Mango: 'Servant Leader' at Teen FLOW Youth Center of Midland
By Kim delaPena | Nov 13, 2024
Brighton Mango has emerged as a leader with Teen FLOW Youth Center. A sophomore at Midland High School, Brighton leads Teen FLOW’s “Hype Team,” bringing positivity and energy to youth across Midland.
United Way of Midland Hosts IDD Training for First Responders
By Kim delaPena | Nov 5, 2024
The United Way of Midland, in partnership with Senior Life Midland, is hosting a two-day training on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) for first responders and community members. The event will be held on November 14 and 15 at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena, 2514 Arena Trail.
Second Annual Festival of Trees to Light Up Bush Convention Center
By Kim delaPena | Nov 4, 2024
The Second Annual Festival of Trees will be held at the Bush Convention Center, 105 N. Main Street, on November 8-9. The event raises funds for the Adult Protective Services Advisory Board of the Permian Basin to support elderly and disabled individuals who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Basin Dream Center Expands to Provide Housing Support for West Texas Foster Youth
By Kim delaPena | Oct 31, 2024
Basin Dream Center for Orphans (BDCO), founded in 2017 by Tina Gillihan, is expanding through a capital campaign to develop 14 acres of land with 80 tiny homes and apartments. The expansion will provide housing for up to 150 youth by 2025, addressing the needs of an estimated 11,500 at-risk youth across West Texas.
Midland Declares Disability Employment Awareness Month
By Kim delaPena | Oct 24, 2024
At the Midland City Council meeting on October 24, Mayor Lori Blong declared October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month.” The proclamation is intended to emphasize the importance of inclusive hiring practices in Midland.
Meet Coach Tawanna Flowers: Leading Trinity Basketball Teams In ‘More Than Just a Game’
By Kim delaPena | Oct 23, 2024
Tawanna Flowers, a coach at Trinity School of Midland, brings a wealth of experience to her position. She focuses on building athletes and individuals. Now in her third year, Coach Flowers leads both the boys and girls basketball teams for grades 7 through 12, and serves as the basketball coordinator.
Thriving United debunks myths to ensure continuation of public support
By Kim delaPena | Oct 16, 2024
Thriving United in Midland supports individuals in addiction recovery by providing essential resources, housing, and peer-led community support. The non-profit organization led by Jenn and Pat Brown connects locals in need with tools to rebuild their lives, including recovery programs.
Uptown BPW to Host Annual Women of Achievement Dinner Honoring Krista Escamilla
By Kim delaPena | Oct 15, 2024
Uptown Business & Professional Women (BPW) in Midland will host its annual Women of Achievement Dinner on October 22 at the Petroleum Club from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Krista Escamilla will be honored as this year's Woman of Achievement, according to Heather Kruppi, President of the BPW Board of Directors.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 Honored at Midland Ceremony, Along with Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie
By Kim delaPena | Oct 11, 2024
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 of Midland was recognized on October 10 during an awards ceremony at Senior Life Midland. U.S. Rep. August Pfluger and Unit 19 President Janie Bennett spoke at the event about the auxiliary's work for veterans and their families across Texas. The Midland Times covered the event.
Spotlight on Xane Villa, Programs Director at Teen F.L.O.W. Youth Ministry
By Kim delaPena | Oct 10, 2024
Xane Villa started as a volunteer at Teen F.L.O.W. Youth Ministry before being named Programs Director two years later in the spring of 2023. Villa initially connected with the youth through basketball and helping with transportation after programs, according to Executive Director, Jainah Clark.
Permian Basin Great 25 Nurses held annual recognition ceremony in Odessa
By Kim delaPena | Oct 8, 2024
The Permian Basin Great 25 Nurses will hold its annual recognition ceremony on October 17 at 6 p.m. The event will honor nurses in the Permian Basin who consistently go above and beyond in their care for patients and contributions to the community. This year's award recipients will be recognized and celebrated alongside family and friends. The ceremony will take place at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, located at 801 W. 4th St. in Odessa.
Midland to Host Chalk the Block Event at Centennial Park on October 26
By Kim delaPena | Sep 30, 2024
The City of Midland is hosting its inaugural Chalk the Block event on October 26. The event at Centennial Park will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Children and adults are invited to “create vibrant chalk art on the sidewalks of downtown Midland,” according to Stephanie Delgado, Economic Development Program Manager for the City of Midland.
Love Midland to host community volunteer kickoff event
By Kim delaPena | Sep 30, 2024
Love Midland, a nonprofit launched in 2023, is set to increase volunteer participation in Midland by connecting residents with local nonprofits, city projects, schools, and more. The organization will host a Kickoff Event on October 12, at Astound Stadium to bring the community together for a day of service and fun, according to Katie Summers, Executive Director of Love Midland.
Midland Memorial’s Emergency Department Wins DAISY Award at Annual Ceremony
By Kim delaPena | Sep 26, 2024
Midland Memorial Hospital held its annual DAISY Award ceremony this week to honor exceptional care provided by the hospital’s nurses. The ceremony on Sep. 23 featured several team nominations, including teams in the Bone Marrow, Emergency Department, Operating Room Robotics, Simulation, and Navigations units.
Frisco Defeats RockHounds, Force Deciding Game
By Kim delaPena | Sep 20, 2024
On paper, the Texas League South Division Championship Series appears to be a tremendous matchup between the league's top two teams, the hometown Rockhounds and Frisco Roughriders. Through the first two games, the series has lived up to the billing, according to Bob Hards with Midland Rockhounds Baseball.
The Team at Teen FLOW Youth Ministry Shapes Midland’s Youth
By Kim delaPena | Sep 18, 2024
Jainah Clark has spent the last three years serving as Executive Director at Teen FLOW Youth Ministry, located at 711 S Main Street in Midland, Texas. In her role, she manages daily operations, oversees staff and volunteers, and helps shape the lives of countless teenagers by providing them with structure, faith-based learning, and support.
Rhea Lana’s Midland event sets record with donations to foster families, First Baptist Crisis Center
By Kim delaPena | Sep 17, 2024
A record amount of items, including clothing, shoes, and toys, was donated to foster families and the Midland Baptist Crisis Center at Rhea Lana's children's consignment resell event on September 6. The event was held at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena.