AmaSummer22

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4 amarillo living magazine 24 Contents IT STARTSWITH A DREAM Randall County Extension Agent forges livestock-based intervention program targeting at-risk youth. 18 TACKLING CANCER, ONE FAMILY AT A TIME Levi and Shannon Knebusch took their grief and turned it into support for struggling families. LEMONADE DAY Take a look at a few of the area kids who had a blast selling delicious glasses of lemonade. 12 30 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Adobo-Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa on the cover 38 CLOTHES FOR COMPASSION Keely Brown and LindseyWing are on a mission to be the ‘thread of change’. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Dive into this bible reading plan for the whole family. 34 46 TEACHERS&PARENTS 5 things teachers wish every parent knew.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR Mother-daughter duo blazes a trail through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. HOMETOWN HAPPENING 24 Hours in the Canyon POSTCARDS FROMTHE PANHANDLE: HOT PINK ‘55WINDSOR Drift back to yesteryear with the art and writings of local creator, Brady Smith.

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I hold a Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. I first developed an interest in finance while working at Fidelity Investments at twenty-years-old. After incredible success as an individual agent, I launched L Hamilton Financial Planning, LLC, in 2012, acutely focusing on employer-provided retirement plans for K-12 employees. Throughout my tenure, my book of business has surpassed multi-million dollar production--a feat only possible by maintaining a 98% retention rate. From the outset of my agency’s formation, I have been honored with numerous awards and accolades nationwide, including being routinely recognized as top producer by multiple insurance companies. Though I still personally service clients, I am also the managing agent of my financial planners and property and casualty insurance agents. Our agency continues to integrate new financial and insurance services to better assist our clientele- whether educators or other professionals- in whatever their future holds for them. Laura Hamilton, President/CEO Meet the LHAMILTONTeam 4908 Lexington Square STE 100 | Amarillo | 806.367.9756 | www.lhamiltonfp.com I was born in Waco, TX, but have lived in Amarillo for nearly my whole life. After graduating high school in 2015, I attended West Texas A&M and graduated in 2019 with a degree in marketing and finance. I accepted a promotion as office manager at L Hamilton Financial Planning this past summer and bring into the office every day passion for our clients’ financial futures. My daily responsibilities require flexibility in time and task management and my leadership, creativity, and communication skills help me execute my workload with excellence. While my work with the agency is rewarding, I enjoy making memories with my family and friends during my time away from the office. Ally Moreno, Office Manager Financial Planning • Debt Consolidation • Life Insurance • Commercial & Personal Property Insurance I hold a Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Finance from the University of Texas at Arlington. I first developed an interest in finance while working at Fidelity Investments at twenty-years-old. After incredible success as an individual agent, I launched L Hamilton Financial Planning, LLC, in 2012, acutely focusing on employer-provided retirement plans for K-12 employees. Throughout my tenure, my book of business has surpassed multi-million dollar production--a feat only possible by maintaining a 98% retention rate. From the outset of my agency’s formatio , I have been honored with numerous awards and accolades nationwide, including being routinely recognized as top producer by multiple insurance companies. Though I still personally service clients, I am also the managing agent of my financial planners and property and casualty insurance agents. Our agency continues to integrate new financial and insurance services to better assist our clientele- whether educators or other professionals- in whatever their future holds for them. Laura Hamilton, President/CEO Meet the LHAMILTONTeam 4908 Lexington Square STE 100 | Amarillo | 806.367.9756 | www.lhamiltonfp.com I was born in Waco, TX, but have lived in Amarillo for nearly my whole life. After graduating high school in 2015, I attended West Texas A&M and graduated in 2019 with a degree in marketing and finance. I accepted a promo ion as office manager at L Hamilton Financial Planning this past summer and bring into the office every day p sion for our clients’ financial futures. My daily responsibilities requir flexibility in time and task management and my leadership, reativity, and communication skills help me ex cute my workload with excellence. While my work with the agency is reward ng, I enjoy making memories with my fa ily and friends uring my time away from the office. Ally Moreno, Office Manager Financial Planning • Debt Consolidation • Life Insurance • Commercial & Personal Property Insurance 8 amarillo living magazine

I am a hardworking and professional veteran of the U.S. Air Force, after serving ten years on active duty. My military service provided a decade of leadership skills, task and personnel management, and organizational experience--key components to my role as a financial planner with L Hamilton Financial Planning. My educational achievements include two undergraduate degrees and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University. I am passionate about personal finance and helping teachers and other district employees prepare for a successful retirement. I am well-versed in our agency’s retirement plan options and carefully examine how each suits my clients’ individual needs. My years as a public servant and as a private sector employee have developed in me professionalism, punctuality, and the tenacity I offer to my clientele on a daily basis. Andrew Wilson, Financial Planner I am an Amarillo native with a passion for our unique community, welcoming hospitality and those who reside in it. After graduating from Tascosa High School in 2012, I chose to take my servant heart to our local community. Over the last 10+ years, I have utilized my enneagram 7 personality type to thrive in diverse customer service, creative and management roles. I am driven to study and decipher a client’s long term goals—to collaborate on a tailored plan for long term success. With joining the L Hamilton Financial team, I look forward to the endless possibilities to help fellow Amarillo natives and beyond achieve their personal goals within the insurance and financial world. Taylor Petty, Property + Casuality Insurance Agent I graduated from West Texas A&M in 2014 with a Bachelors in General Studies and an emphasis in Education. Teaching for four years at Canyon ISD and Amarillo ISD led me to discover my passion for helping teachers plan their financial futures through retirement, life insurance, and financial planning. I joined L Hamilton Financial Planning in 2018 and find it rewarding to walk alongside teachers and other district employees as they purpose to surpass their future financial goals. Having previously walked in their shoes, I better understand teachers’ needs and expectations from me as their financial planner. My teaching experience further provides my clients and me commonality that they may not usually anticipate in a financial planner. Whether an educator or otherwise, it is an honor to help my clients build their financial future and that they have trusted me with this privilege. I value the family atmosphere that our office and financial planners exude and look forward to meeting new clients daily, helping meet their needs and building a lasting relationship with them. Haley Holt, Financial Planner I am a hardworking and professional veteran of the U.S. Air Force, after serving ten years on active duty. My military service provided a decade of leadership skills, task and personnel m nagement, and organizational experi nce--key components to my role as a financial planner with L Hamilton Financial Planning. My ucational achi vements include two u ergraduat degrees and a Master of Busi ess Admi istration fr Oklahoma City University. I am passion te bout perso al finance and helping teac ers and other di rict employees prepare for a successful retirement. I am well-versed in our agency’s retirement plan options and carefully examine how each suits my clients’ individual nee s. My yea s as a public serv nt and a a private s ctor mployee have dev loped in m professionalism, pu ctuality, the tenacity I offer to my clientele on a daily bas s. Andrew Wilson, Financial Planner I am an Amarillo native with a passion for our unique community, welcoming hospitality and those who reside in it. After graduating from Tascosa High School in 2012, I chose to take my servant heart to our local community. Over the last 10+ years, I have utilized my enneagram 7 personality type to thrive in diverse customer service, creative and management roles. I am driven to study and decipher a client’s long term goals—to collaborate on a tailored plan for long term success. With joining the L Hamilton Financial team, I look forward to the endless possibilities to help fellow Amarillo natives and beyond achieve their personal goals within the insurance and financial world. Taylor Petty, Property + Casuality Insurance Agent I gr duated from West Texas A&M in 2014 with a Bachelors in General Studies and an emphasis in Education. Teaching for four years at Canyon ISD and Amarillo ISD led me to discover my passion for helping teachers plan their financial futures through retirement, life insur ce, and fin ncial planning. I joined L Hamilton Financial Planning in 2018 nd find it rewarding to walk along de teachers and other district employees s they purpose to surpass their future financi l goals. H ving previously walked in their shoe , I bette understand teac s’ ne ds d expectations from me as their financial planner. My teaching experience further provides my clients and me commonality that they may not usually anticipate in a fin cial planner. Whether an edu ator or otherwise, it is an honor to help my clients build their financial future and that they have trusted me with th s privileg . I v lue the family atmosphere that our office and financial planners exude and look forward to mee ing new clients daily, helping meet their n eds and building a la ting relationship with them Haley Holt, Financial Planner hometown living at its best 9

Amarillo Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Living, LLC. hometown-living.com 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Martha Mobley Susan Turner KaleighMeador Brady Smith Sandy Lowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Henry Bargas Photography Ashley Ray Photography Brady Smith CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS Taylor Grimm office@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt&Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com Want to Join Our Team? We are currently seeking a SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE in the Amarillo area. Are you energetic, self motivated and enjoy meeting people? If so, we want to hear fromYOU! Send your resume to: matt@hometown-living.com or call 817.599.6167 to learnmore. A Note From Our Team ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks 10 amarillo living magazine DIGITAL & PRINTMARKETING PamMoore Taylor Grimm Allow me to introduce myself. I am Taylor Grimm, fightin’ Texas Aggie class of ‘19, and the new marketing and client relations leader for Amarillo Living Magazine. I could not be more thrilled to present the Summer issue to you! Though I grew up outside of Houston I’ve lived in North Texas for over two years now and, God-willing, will call it home forever. Like many of you, I am captivated by the rich history of our great state—or maybe I should say the people that shaped it. Because that’s just it, isn’t it? It’s the state’s pioneers who actually created the Texas history we are so proud of. With that in mind, I could not be more proud of the Texans featured in this issue. I won’t spoil their stories, but each one is a unique testimony to the power of love—for one another and the ways of life we cherish. Each family or group so vastly different, yet each so impactful to those around them and the history and culture of the area. Despite their feature in our magazine, I suspect these people would deny the notion that they have influenced history or culture. I would argue they have. I would argue that we all have, whether we want to accept it or not. Your day-to-day job may not involve clothing children, or monitoring delicate ecosystems, but you are impacting someone, somehow. Be intentional with the history you create. We only get one chance to do it. Stay cool this summer, and if you think the impact you’re making would be a good story, email me. Howdy Amarillo, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of our God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Thank you for reading, and God bless,

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he mission of this fun-filled event is “to help today’s youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow...one lemonade stand at a time!” Take a look at a few of the area kids who had a blast selling delicious glasses of lemonade. Sign your child up for next spring’s event and give them a chance to feel the pride of owning and operating their own business for a day. We are proud of Amarillo’s young entrepreneurs. Lemonade DAY AMAR I L LO 12 amarillo living magazine

Photos posted& shared by participants’ families: https://www.facebook.com/LemonadeDayAMA hometown living at its best 13

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hometown living at its best 15 A helpful neighborhood store. Keeping you waiting. Plus Minus At Pet Supplies Plus, our local stores are smaller by choice and our shelves are stocked with just the right products, specifically chosen to help you keep them happy and healthy. With our free 1 hour curbside pickup and same-day delivery we’ll bring your order to you, so you can put more play back in your day! + Price Match Guarantee + Full-service grooming + Self-service pet wash + Made in the USA treats & toys Pet Supplies Plus Amarillo 5807 SW 45th Ave | 806.641.1100 | Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm • Sun: 10am-7pm www.petsuppliesplus.com | Independently Owned & Operated Scan for more info Sign up, shop & get rewarded! 1 Hour Curbside Pickup Save More with Autoship Free Same-Day Delivery Save time, shop online! Restrictions & exclusions may apply. Learn more at petsuppliesplus.com/online-ordering. Subject to terms and conditions: http://www.petsuppliesplus.com/terms-rewards

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Levi and Shannon Knebusch took their grief and turned it into support for struggling families. Having your fourteen-year-old child diagnosed with cancer is frightening enough, but what happens when the doctors have never seen this type of cancer before? Where do you get the answers you need? ow do you know what treatment to pursue? Madison Knebusch’s biopsy traveled to Dallas, and Houston, and was eventually identified at the National Institutes of Health in Atlanta. She had a tumor in her throat and five suspicious spots on her lungs. She fought the cancer for two years and passed away January 12, 2012. Madison’s parents, Levi and Shannon Knebusch, suffered the devastation that comes to all parents who lose a child. “It takes a long time to get through that initial loss,” Levi said. “You have your ups and downs. I like to say I’ve learned to carry my grief differently, but you never get over it. The biggest fear for parents is that their child will be forgotten. Life goes on for other people but not for you and that child.” As Levi and Shannon struggled through the grieving process, they wanted to ensure Madison’s memory and her legacy would not be forgotten. “Madisonwas spunky andwitty. Shewas always our most responsible child. She was highly intelligent but had to study and sheworked hard at it andmade straight A’s,” Levi said. As such a hard-working student, her parents decided helping other students would be a good way to honor her memory. They formed the MTK (Madison Taylor Knebusch) Foundation and awarded college scholarships to students who graduated fromTascosaHigh School, where Madison attended. However, they wanted to do more. “As we reflected onMadison’s life and Written by SANDY LOWE | Photos provided by the MTK FOUNDATION TACKLING CANCER s one family at a time hometown living at its best 17

18 amarillo living magazine our experiences we noticed a perceived lack of assistance for families battling cancer and the shock, disbelief and even self-blame you go through,” Levi said. Madison’s cancer journey certainly took its toll on the whole family. She underwent a complete throat dissection requiring a 13.5-hour surgery. The doctorswere unable to complete the reconstruction, which required a 6.5-hour surgery the following week. She needed two thoracotomies to remove the lung tumors. Those surgeries involved the deflation of each lung, pulled out her back through a removed rib, then replacement of the lungs and re-inflation. “Doctors and nurses are more skilled on the scientific side,” Levi explained. “No one tells you about the times you have to travel for treatment, and you only bring one pair of shoes, then those shoes break and you have to go buy newones.Who’s going to be with my child while I do that? They don’t tell you how worn out you get, or what an emotional toll the experience takes.” The financial strain incurred by treatment and travel also contribute to the emotional hardships faced. Levi called a church friend late one afternoon from Houston to tell that their health insurance deductible for the new year was due, and the family had no funds to pay it. Levi feared Madison’s treatment would have to end. Thanks to friends at Central Church of Christ, the money arrived in Levi’s bank account the next morning. Levi and Shannon wanted to provide that kind of help to other families of childrenwith cancer. So, they moved the MTK Foundation in a brand-new direction. “We didn’t limit ourselves in our bylaws,” Levi said. “We can pay for pretty much anything a family needs: rent, groceries, gas, physical therapy to address side effects of chemotherapy.We also provide what I call ‘non-clinical counseling.’ We’re able to sit down with that family and explain to them what they’re likely to experience. We’ve become big advocates for families of pediatric cancer patients.”

Working as a pediatric nurse at Northwest Hospital, Shannon has met many families whose child had cancer. While painful, Shannon’s experience allows her to bless others in a unique way. She said, “I have experience being a mom of a child with cancer. I can minister to, and love on, pediatric patients and their parents in a different way than other nurses, because I know how they feel. I knowwhat it’s like to live in a hospital, to have a sick child, to realize that they might not make it. There’s pain, suffering, overwhelming grief. Youwonder how you’re going to survive.” Malory Watson and her husband Isaac learned about the MTK Foundation from their Nurse Navigator. Their eight-year-old daughter, Isabella, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone cancer that usually starts in the leg bones or pelvis. COVID-19 put Isaac out of work, and he had only been back for about a month when Isabella was diagnosed. They live inMcLean and had to travel to Dallas for Isabella’s early treatment. Since then, they drive 75 miles to Amarillo at least once, sometimes twice, a week. “They helped me replace the rear end in my car,” Malory said. “They’ve helped with our electricity. If it weren’t for them, we probably wouldn’t have a roof over our heads. I could probably call them in the middle of the night, and they would help us.” Isabella happened to have a chemo treatment scheduled during the MTK Foundation’s Paint the PanhandleGold celebration. The event treats cancer patients to APM’D Adventure Park plus lots of goodies donated by local businesses. “Ms. Shannon brought all of Isabella’s gift cards and the family’s t-shirts to the hospital,” Malory said. MTKalsohosts a5K/10KRunandWalk to raise funds. The top category on the registration form reads “Sleepwalker: Stay at home in your pjs and help anyways!” MTK has also hosted a booth at the 4th of July Celebration in Canyon and aWingFest. While Levi serves as Executive Director and Shannon as President of the MTK Foundation, they do not employ any staff. “A volunteer board and sub-committees pull off our events and do all the work,” Levi said. “Other than helping families, all we pay for are things like insurance for events and some advertising. Through ourTreasurer, aCertified Public Accountant, we knowwhere every penny is.” hometown living at its best 19

Alex Carrillo can attest that the volunteers get the job done. At 13 months old her daughter, Rori, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor on her brain stem. Rori’s treatment prevented Alex from working, placing a financial strain on the family of six. “My husband, Joey, was working super hard but we still didn’t know how we’d pay our rent or feed our family,” Alex said. Then, one of Rori’s nurses provided information to Alex about the MTKFoundation. “TheMTKFoundationmade it so simple,” Alex said. “They are the kindest people I’ve ever met in my life. They’ve been through the same thing I’m going through. I have no idea where we’d be right now if it weren’t for them.” Rori completed thirteenmonths of chemotherapy, with the final treatment in January. An upcoming MRI will showwhether or not additional treatment is needed. In the meantime, Alex has gone back to school to train as a speech therapist and should graduate with her bachelor’s degree inMay 2023. “Levi let me know that meant a lot to their family because Madison worked with a speech therapist who really helped her,” Alex said. The latest effort tobuild awareness of childhood canceris“Tackling PediatricCancer.” TheFoundation partners with high school football programs. The players wear pediatric cancer ribbon stickers on their helmets and MTK volunteers speak at community events. “I do most of the speaking,” Levi said. “I can’t not talk about Madison. The more people we can help in her name, the better for me and the better for our community.” † For more information about partnering with, or receiving help from, the MTK Foundation visit mtkfoundation.org. MTK FOUNDATION BY THE NUMBERS Scholarships provided: 48 Value of scholarships: $50,000 Families helped: 50 Value of help to families: $100,000 Donated to research: $13,000

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Written by KALEIGH MEADOR | Photos provided by KIM MADLEY and HMG IT STARTS WITH A Dream 24 amarillo living magazine Randall County Extension Agent forges livestock-based intervention program targeting at-risk youth.

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26 amarillo living magazine In the midst of livestock chaos, the only thing that matters when entering the show ring is the four-legged livestock at the showman’s side. Families, friends, andmentors surround the ring as the young 4-H’ers proudly showcase their projects. These livestockprojects are a testament to the discipline, tradition, and integrity within agriculture. The same characteristics necessary to create a solid foundation for successful young adults. In 2011 Randall County Extension Agent J.D. Ragland received a partnership intended to change the lives of at-risk youth by introducing them to new experiences and responsibilities within the agriculture family. The partnership formed between the Randall County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the County Commissioners Court stated that the twowould join efforts to intervene with at-risk youth in Randall County. “It was a work in progress,” Ragland said about the process of building the guidelines, creating a programboard, and gathering funds fromthe groundup.Without amagical textbook, guide or manual, Ragland created the Dream Team program, and now 60 young students are proof that his theory worked. At-risk youth are not students that have been in juvenile detention, but those who are on the verge of being sent there. These students need one good opportunity to turn their behaviors around. The 4-H Dream Team Program gives them that chance. This chance requires them to learn responsibility, develop hard work ethics, communication skills, and surrounds them with quality friendships. RAGLAND CREATED THE DREAM TEAM PROGRAM, and now 60 young students are proof that his theory worked.

Ragland explained there is a formal process required for consideration to the DreamTeam. First, he collaborates with school counselors throughout the county to target students that needtheopportunity.Nextarepersonal interviews in which youth can express their interest, and Ragland can explain the determination and work ethic that a livestock project requires. Raglandsaidhe likes togivestudentsapicture of howserious animal caremust be taken. “You’ve never experienced anything like this,” Ragland tells each student upon selection. “It’s going to be a lot of work.” Only eight determined seventh and eighth grade students are chosen to be members of the Randall County Dream Team each year. After selection they receive their animals for the season and begin preparation for the Randall County Livestock Show which runs in the middle of January. These students, and many others, house their animals at the Randall County “Digger” Howard barn. The facility there is crucial for student’s ability to properly care for and train their animals. Raisinglivestockprojectsisabigundertaking without a guarantee of huge success. Each studentcompetesattheRandallCountyLivestock Showwith hopes of making it to the premium live auction sale. For members of the Dream Team, the sale process looks a little different. Rather than directly receiving the full amount, a portion of the sale money brought at the auction is set back into a scholarship or savings fund. This serves as an incentive for students to continue exercising the values instilled through the showseason and pursue their high school diploma. All program members that graduate high school receive the scholarship from the money made by their animal, even if they choose an alternative to attending a university or college. Only ei ght determined seventh and ei ghth grade students are chosen to be members of the Randall County Dream Team each year. hometown living at its best 27

28 amarillo living magazine Ragland knows that he cannot keep the students in the program for more than one year, but he said he hopes the incentive and the learning benefits are enough to carry them through high school and keep them engaged in 4-H projects. Whiletheprogramprovidestheseindividuals withanexperience that changes their immediate lives, it also introduces them to the industry in a way that often leads them down a path to a brighter future. The Dream Team has led students to pursue education and careers in agriculture they might not have discovered without the program. Brooke Madley, a senior at Canyon High School, joined the Dream Team during her eighth-grade year. At the time she attended Westover Park Junior High School, and said she needed a change. While Brooke did not have deep roots in agriculture, she did have an interest in showing swine. After meeting Ragland and completing the interview process, she started a project that has continued far beyond junior high. Brooke immersed herself into the world of agriculture through 4-H and showing pigs. The current senior has big dreams for her future after her high school graduation. Brooke said without the dream team’s influence she doesn’t know what her life would look like, or her plans for the future. “Hard work ethic and more responsibility have already qualified me for several jobs and made a college education a possibility,” Brooke said. Her experienceswithher livestock projects and mentorship from Ragland have given her an abundance of career path options. “Hard work ethic and more responsibility have already quali fied me for several jobs and made a college education a possibility.” - Brooke Madley

hometown living at its best 29 Her introduction to the agriculture industry presented several opportunities to consider after graduation that she never would have known interestedher. DreamTeamstories echo Madley’s because Ragland’s mentorship has gifted light to many teens in Randall County. The local extension agent’s dedicated heart to agriculture and passion for kids has been the foundation for the Dream Team. Ragland works day in and day out to prepare his team to be successful in and outside of the stock show ring. From washing to pep talking or dressing, Ragland has their back. He has so much passion for integrating his DreamTeam members into the world of 4-H, that he once gave the shirt off his back to a new showman in need. Ragland has watched Dream Team members go through the hardships that society and their lifestyle brings. His light guides them out of what they have always known and into the family of agriculture. TheRandall CountyDreamTeamhas played a significant role in sixty-two at-risk students' lives since 2011. There is no better mentor than Ragland, WTAMUGraduate of Distinction, who has provided guidance for youth through 4-H. While the ultimate goal is for the students to receive their high school diploma, the dream is for the youth to seek education and careers in the agriculture industry. The mentorship and the Dream Team show them that they can accomplish dreams, whether it’s traveling down a career path or attending a university. Ragland said, “I hope when I'm eighty, and I'm walking in the mall, I'll have one of these kids walk up to me and introduce themselves, saying that they're a lawyer or doctor.” † To find more information visit www.randall.agrilife.org or call the extension office at (806) 463-0245.

30 amarillo living magazine hometown cookin’ airfryer Adobo-Rubbed Chicken with Avocado Salsa For the chicken: Fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and add ¼ cup salt. Stir to dissolve. Let the water cool to room temperature. Add the chicken to the water and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to brine. Remove the chicken from the water and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the brine. In a small bowl, combine ¾ teaspoon salt, the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, ancho powder, paprika, oregano, and pepper flakes. Spritz the chicken all over with oil, then rub with the spice mix. Preheat air fryer to 380*F. Working in batches, place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and cooked through. (For a toaster over-style air fryer, cook at 350*F; the timing remains the same.) For the avocado salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the onion and lime juice. Fold in the avocado and cilantro and season with ¼ teaspoon salt. Serve the chicken topped with the salsa. Chicken • Kosher salt • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Avocado Salsa • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion • 1/2 cup diced tomato • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 10 ounces avocado, diced • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro • Kosher salt SERVES 4 | DAIRY FREE | KETO FRIENDLY Per Serving: 1 chicken breast + ½ cup salsa | Calories 324 | Fat 15 g | Saturated Fat 2.5 g Cholesterol 109 mg | Carbohydrate 10 g | Fiber 5.5 g | Protein 38 g | Sugars 2 g | Sodium 490 mg

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38 amarillo living magazine Amarillo residents Keely Brown and Lindsey Wing are on a mission to be the ‘thread of change’ eople of all ages have a sense of style and want to feel included, especially at school. So in 2016, Keely Brown and Lindsey Wing founded Colorful Closets. Motivated by words from Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” They saw a need among many school children to have appropriate school clothes. Having children of their own, they knew that feeling good about how one looks is essential for confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. This Christian non-profit helps meet that need for children of all ages in Amarillo, Canyon, River Road, Highland Park, and Bushland school systems. The first school system they approached was Amarillo ISD, in which approximately 67% of the students receive freeor reduced-cost lunch. Essentially, this means the families of 67% of the families there are struggling tomeet their needs, especially clothing. In most of these cases both parents work, but do not earnenough to adequately support their families. Keely and Lindsey spoke with the Director of Community Partnerships at AISD to see if their organization could team with the district to provide up-to-date wardrobes for students who needed suitable school clothing. This partnership formed andColorful Closets began meeting the students’ needs through requests from school counselors. The request information includes pertinent data: gender, age, grade, size, and any specific information such as favorite color, hates ruffles, wears only black, etc. Written by MARTHA MOBLEY | Photos provided by COLORFUL CLOSETS CLOTHED BY Compassion

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40 amarillo living magazine Keely and Lindsey wanted their project to be more personal than just random items of the correct size placed together for the recipient. They thoughtfully considered what a wardrobe capsule should look like, and decided it needed to be two weeks of clothing that could be mixed and matched in different combinations. The wardrobes consist of five bottoms and ten tops— five long-sleeved and five short-sleeved. There is also five new sets of underwear and socks. All the donated clothing is freshly laundered before distribution and accompanied by a toiletry kit of full-sized hygiene products. After establishing the capsule criteria, they were ready to seek referrals. Originally, this well-organized ministry was completely operated by Keely and Lindsey. They collected donated clothing, organized fund-raising events, and processed the goods for distribution. They give God the glory for the way it has grown and how others have stepped up to help with the collection, sorting, laundering, and coordinating the donated clothes into wardrobes. Since the last step in the process of creating a wardrobe capsule is laundering, the ladies found themselves doing a lot of laundry. After calculating it, they realized they had washed and

folded or hung 343 loads of laundry. Laundry had become amonumental task they needed assistance with. Colorful Closets now uses the Wash Tub to do the laundry. The women are very specific that the clothes must be neatly folded without wrinkles. They also have a very effective system in place: drop off on Tuesday, pick up Thursday; and drop off on Thursday, pick up on Tuesday. This system helps Colorful Closets maintain its average turnaround of four days from wardrobe request to delivery. Although Keely and Lindsey aren’t doing the laundry, they still pay for it out of their own pockets.

42 amarillo living magazine LEFT: Lindsey Brown and family BELOW: KeelyWing and family BE THE THREAD OF change

43 hometown living at its best As the requests grewanddonations increased, it became important to have more help. Both women knew that their personal responsibilities as wives and mothers must come first. They manage their households, tend to their family’s needs, and attend their children’s school and sports activities. They have been able to do all these things, and still clothe children across multiple school districts thanks in part to the hard work of their staff and volunteers. One group of volunteers is the BusinessManagement class at Tascosa High School. They serve every Wednesday afternoon from12:30-2:00byhelping pick up clothing donations from the 45th and Bell US Cleaners drop off location. US Cleaners has offered their locations as drop off sites to Colorful Closets for 4 years now. Student volunteers help by sorting through clothing, specifically keeping clothing items that are in great condition and current with today’s trends/ styles. These students see what other students arewearing at school, andwe value their opinion. Having set hours of operation was vital to this efficient system, and two paid employees, Amelia Carlton and Camille Davis staff the office from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Organizations that have made requests can pick up their requested wardrobes during this time. Most referrals are from school counselors, but there are also referrals from other organizations or agencies. These include CASA, Region 16 Educational Services Center, Opportunity School, Sunshine Cottage, and Family Support Services.

Several students have expressed how volunteering with Colorful Closets has impacted their lives. Jett Harris: “Volunteering has opened my eyes to how some others in Amarillo live. Personally, it’s made me more appreciative of what I have. I feel that I have been blessed.” Corbin Blakemore: “It has openedmy eyes to new things. I want to help others. I realize that helping others is more important than just helping myself.” Lily Gowdy: “Volunteering has made me more aware of what others are going through, how having a nice garment can change one’s mood and self-esteem.” Skye Garcia: “It gives me a perspective into others’ lives…how just doing little things canmake a big difference. I’m more aware of what goes on in others’ lives.” Nathan Stovall: “It has given me a perspective on people less fortunate. Sometimes people put on a façade that they are OK, but they really aren’t. Reach out and help.” Keely and Lindsey feel that anyone can be an advocate for someone who needs their services. Although individuals cannot come “shop” at Colorful Closets, any person who sees a child who needs this wardrobe service can contact the child’s school counselor to make the counselor aware of the possible need. The DIGNITY, CONFIDENCE, and SELF-ESTEEMacquired through a wardrobe from Colorful Closets can be a lifelong blessing in the life of a child. That child can BE THE THREAD OF CHANGE. † Visit their website, colorfulclosetama.org, to donate, place an order or become a volunteer. 44 amarillo living magazine

45 hometown living at its best hpch.org Love. ...the greatest of these is and Family Services, Inc. High Plains Children’s Home

46 amarillo living magazine Communication is key. As a teacher, I’ve often wanted to reach out to parents of a student, and I can’t find them. The email listed is returning void or there’s no response. The phone number goes to voice mail, and I don’t want to leave too much information on a voice mail in which I’m unsure. How can I tell parents that I haven’t seen their daughter in 1st period in several days or that their son is not turning in work and risks failing for the six weeks if I can’t reach them? Always make sure the contact info is current, so we can work as a team to help your kid make it to the finish line. In addition, if you have concerns, sooner is better than later! Call me, email me, show up during my conference time. I’m 100% invested in student success. Call me first—don’t jump over my head and go to the principal. That sets us up as adversaries unnecessarily. Most misunderstandings can be solved in just a few minutes if you contact me. Also, I love to hear POSITIVE communication too – reach out to share what you love and what is working! It will make my day! DearMomandDad, Hello! I amyour kid’s teacher, and I’mso glad you stopped by at Parents’ Night to meet me. Besides being a teacher, I’malso a parent, so I do understandwhere you are coming from.We only have a fewminutes to go over this flier Imade, but if I had time, I’d love to tell you…. 5 Things 1 2 3 Teachers Wish Parents Knew Independently check on your kid’s grades and attendance. Most of the time, it’s an easy task—if you don’t know how, reach out. I’ll help you. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve called a parent to talk about grades, and they have no idea. I’ve even been yelled at by a parent because he didn’t know his kid was failing. Yes, it’s my job to touch base with parents, but I have 130 kids to keep up with and generally parents only have a few. If we work as a team, we can often catch problems while they are still small. If we wait until later, it becomes much more difficult. Realize that even the very best kids lie if they are worried about getting in trouble. It’s 100% normal, but remember what your mom used to say, “There are two sides to every story.” Before you find yourself overly upset about something your student says I said or did, please call me. Reach out. Model the kind of behavior you would like to see your kid demonstrate. Do I ever make mistakes? Absolutely. Am I ever wrong? Yes. But at least give me the benefit of a doubt before you call the principal or write a scathing email at 2:00 a.m. †

Hold your kid accountable. Many kids come to school with a victim mentality and can make excuses much easier than showing effort. If your child is caught cheating, didn’t turn in their project, skipped class, or some other infraction, let them feel the heat of their transgression. While the moment may be uncomfortable, and as a mom or dad you might want to swoop in and fix everything, try to picture your kid five years from now. In my case, I teach seniors, and they are so close to adulthood they can taste it. They often act out to test those boundaries between childhood and adulthood. Personally, I’d rather see them fail now while you are still very present to help them navigate failure rather than next year when they are in college or the work force or military and there’s no soft place to fall. 4 5Please remember I am not here for the paycheck. I have 130 kids every day in my classroom, and I genuinely care about each one. Each kid comes to school with their own anxieties, learning issues, medical needs, and friend drama. Some of them come to school hungry, or neglected, or have learning disabilities that I am responsible to address, or are gifted students that I’m supposed to challenge. Some have mental problems, and they might scream at me or throw things, or tell their parents things that are not true about my classroom. I spend many, many hours trying to learn the most current technology to keep them engaged in the classroom. I try to reach out to the quiet kid I worry about, and to encourage the kid who’s given up. Sometimes I have angry parents call and I do my best to let them know I’m doing all I can. I love my job, but it’s often very taxing. † I spend many, many hours trying to learn the most current technology to keep the students engaged in the classroom. I wish you knew your kid lights me up. That we have silly moments where we lip synch and talk about current issues and she shows me a drawing she made that blows me away. I wish you knew that your kid, no matter how he might roll his eyes when you speak to him, brags about you to the class. I wish you knew your kid left a sweet note for me when I was having a bad day. I wish you knew. 47 hometown living at its best

48 amarillo living magazine

Some of the most fascinating aspects of life in the Panhandle of Texas are the countless relics from the United States’ Golden Age. They are scattered about like Easter eggs, time capsules slowly withering in all manner of places and conditions. No matter what pieces stole away, and despite their fading shades of color, through plum thickets, sage brush and golden fields of grass, they remain as symbols of America's industrial revolution and a seemingly forgotten era. Some of it is farm equipment, left in the corners of wheat fields, plowed around every year—until it became more economical to plant grass than food. Other relics set in the drives of old farmhouses that once were home to the families they carried to and from. Some set out beside the old round top, untouched since the day their owner parked them never to return. Many a enthusiasts happen by over the years, thinking the rightful owner might part with them, offer wild purchase prices to no avail. In fact, much to their bewilderment, they are met with stern rejection to every cash offer. To a passerby they might seem as clutter or junk, wasting away. That’s because they know not what these rusted metal history pieces really are. You see, that old cab-less Gleanor combine in the corner of the crop field is the last piece of farm machinery grandpa stepped down from before his love for working the soil made its way into his lungs. That pink Windsor was the chariot that grandma carted us to football games on Friday, picnics on Saturday, and church on Sunday in, before she had to go to the old folk’s home. That canary yellow 68 Chevy Step Side by the round top was the pride and joy of Mr. Jerguson’s oldest son. He parked it there neatly, keys in the ignition, the day he boarded a bus bound for boot camp. There it sits, just as he left it, and it hasn't been touched since Mr. Jerguson got the news his son wouldn't be coming home from one of our many wars fought almost entirely by the sons of the working man. You see these rusted metal machines aren't junk, they are our memories. Representations of our sacrifices, our values, and our history. That means no matter howworn out, dated, or junked they may appear to the worldly eye, they aren't for sale at any price. † HOTPINK ‘55 WINDSOR 50 amarillo living magazine - Provided by BRADY SMITH -

"YOU SEE THESE RUSTED METAL MACHINES AREN'T JUNK, THEY ARE OUR MEMORIES. REPRESENTATIONS OF OUR SACRIFICES, OUR VALUES, AND OUR HISTORY." hometown living at its best 51

52 amarillo living magazine

My introduction to art came in 7th grade when my band teacher had grown tired of my disruptions, and escorted me by the ear all the way across the school to the art room. He knocked on the door and told my art teacher, Mrs. Watson, that I was hers, and she said she was happy to take me. Much to mine and my parents surprise I showed a great amount of natural talent for drawing almost immediately and thrived in Mrs. Watson’s class throughout the remainder of my time in Booker School. I’ve spent my entire life in the Texas Panhandle, all of that in Lipscomb County, except seven years in Amarillo while attending college at West Texas A&M and Wayland Baptist University. Though I didn’t pursue formal art studies following graduation art remained an important part of my life. I believe hope is surrendering ourselves in moments we believe all has been lost. That very much became the role art would play in my life over the next two decades. In 2015, I again turned to art while dealing with personal struggles, this time it would become a profession. Since then I have produced between 1,500 in 2,000 pieces of art, around 400 of which have been either commissioned or sold to private collectors. I’ve exhibited my work in a number of Panhandle vendors, including a solo exhibit at the Wolf Creek Heritage Museum group and exhibitions at Oral Arts. I’ve also done studio special events such as charity auctions pop-up exhibits at the Ellis Theater. My work is currently on display in area businesses such as the Perryton Chamber, Booker Grocery Café, the Booker News and The Last Buffalo. My work is most well known and recognized for extremely vivid impressionistic color and subject matter involving faith, family history, and traditional Panhandle small-town lifestyle and Christian values. BRADY SMITH A word from the Artist hometown living at its best 53

54 amarillo living magazine

55 hometown living at its best

56 amarillo living magazine any daughters fol low mom’s footsteps when choosing a career path. Usually, the trail blazed by momleads tobecoming a teacher, healthcareprofessional oranother quite traditional female occupation. The path followed by Hailey Wright Hawkins, however, was an actual trail. Through the native Texas landscape—grass, forbs, brush, waterways, and even the wide-open Texas sky. The family’s heritage runs back over 100 years in Texas history. Hailey and hermother, DanaWright, have the distinction of being the first, and only, mother and daughter working as Wildlife Biologists in theWildlifeDivision of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). A member of the TPWD team since 1992, Dana serves as Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Easternhalf of the 56 county Panhandle/High Plains District. In 2022, she proudly watched Hailey earn her own spot on the roster as a TPWD Wildlife Biologist. Furthermore, the distinction does not stop there! Dana’s father, Chuck Dalchau, worked for both theWildlife and Fisheries Division of TPWD for 21 years, making Hailey a third-generation employee of the TPWD Wildlife Division. “I went with my dad a lot,” Dana said. “I watched him do his work, saw how good he was at it and how much he loved being outdoors.” Chuck startedhis careerwithTPWD in 1966 when a friend told him of an opening there. “My senior year at Tarleton, I began thinking about what I was going to do with my interest in science and biology,” Dana said. In those days there was no internet to search for jobs, so openings were harder to know about. My dad directed me to an opening in the Panhandle with TPWD, and I was hired.” Written by SUSAN TURNER | Photos provided by HAILEY HAWKINS AFFAIR A Family MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO BLAZES A TRAIL THROUGH TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

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