1 hometown living at its best Making Amarillo At Happy, every relationship and interaction is built on over 100 years of tried-and-true experience along with community-focused, know-you-by-name service. Ready to do business? Let’s get started. HappyBank.com Scott Martin Yolanda Castillo Greg Graham Ryan Evans Debbie Loyless Valerie de la Fuente Jamie Esch Bill Latimer Chris Morris Mirna Corral Joby Mills Tucker Lee Shelly Kearns Geoff Phemister Courtney Evans Stacy Armstrong Alisa Scott Ryan Monroe Steve Bowen Jim Bryan Jennifer Currie Todd Wetsel
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4 amarillo living magazine 60 Contents HOMETOWNKIDS’ CORNER This section ismade just for kids! Have your child submit their artwork and jokes for consideration to be featured in future editions. 30AMARILLO COLLEGE’S “CULTURE OF CARING” CHANGES STUDENTS LIVES “Loving the students we have” brings national recognition and dramatic changes to our college and community. 14 STITCHED TOGETHER Friday sew-ins combine opportunities to work on quilts and to develop a healthier “self.” 42 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION: ESSENTIAL FOR NEWBALANCE From its humble beginning in the laundry room of a home in 2016, WildWest Wildlife Rehabilitation has continued to grow year after year both in square footage and impact.
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6 amarillo living magazine Contents 100 AT HOME IN AMARILLO Massachusetts native, Henry (H. R.) Kelly has called Amarillo “home” since 1966. 108 TRAVEL GUIDE This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 112 DATE YOURMATE A couples getaway guide to planning an overnight date. 84 WE ARE A TEAM Brother and sister duo of DrustinWaters and Savana (Waters) Warren have taken their incredible sibling bond to the workforce. On the Cover DrustinWaters, SavanaWarren, Robert &Kristi Waters. Photo by | Brittani Preece Photography 66 SUPER DOCS Meet the local medical professionals you can trust with your family’s health andwellness.
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10 amarillo living magazine Amarillo Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Living, LLC. hometown-living.com 502 N Main 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 Peggy Purser Freeman Martha Mobley Megan Lacefield PHOTOGRAPHERS ROAM Photo HBargas Photos Corbie Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 SALES Pam Moore Kelly Harbert Johnna Oman Page CLIENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR Ashly Caffee office@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt & Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com Ashly Caffee Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. - Proverbs 27:1 Isn’t the end of summer SWEET? Are you soaking up quality time with the kids before school starts? Enjoying the long summer evenings with your spouse? Taking a family trip to cram in all the “vacation feels” before the routine of school, work, extracurriculars *repeat* takes over? My advice: DO IT ALL! These are the days we don’t get back and despite the heat, summer in Texas is glorious! Coming soon are the days with everyone going 100miles an hour in different directions somake the time to be with the kids. Go on the date. Enjoy the vacation. This summer, we were able to squeeze in a trip as an entire family with my in-laws and all the kids. Spending days building sandcastles and nights roasting smores was so good for us; time to be family and enjoy one another. As our kids get older, I hope they remember these times with as much joy as I do. It’s amazing the things we miss until we slow down and take in all of God’s goodness; his blessings in our lives are abundant. This issue of Amarillo Living is full of so many examples of God’s blessings! We are really excited to bring you a look at Amarillo College and the wonderful culture that Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has brought to campus. The changes he has implemented show that loving students at the season of life that they’re in looks different for everyone, and has positive repercussions on the community! An often overlooked part of the community is animals & wildlife and we have a great article bringing attention to the amazing work WildWest Wildlife Rehabilitation is doing for those endangered and injured animals of Amarillo. We are excited to share local artists, boy&girl scout events, and a spotlight on the local SUPER DOCTORS who are serving the people of Amarillowith their skills & talents. A little something for everyone and we whole-heartedly hope you enjoy every page! As always, if you have a story to tell or an event to share, please let us know! We love to hear fromYOU! Email office@hometown-living.com to let us knowwhat youwould like to see within these pages. It is with lots of gratitude and appreciation for this community that we share these pages with you all. From local advertisers, writers and photographers, and those sharing uplifting stories throughout the community-we couldn’t do this without you and we wish nothing but His blessings on each & every heart we should touch. 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 from YOU! Send your resume to: matt@hometown-living.com or call 817.599.6167 to learn more. A Note From Our Team Heidi Rae Photography
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14 amarillo living magazine WR I T T E N B Y MA R T H A MO B L E Y | P H O T O S P R OV I D E D B Y C O R B I E P H O T O G R A P H Y STITCHED Together Friday sew-ins combine opportunities to work on quilts and to develop a healthier “self”
uilting enthusiast, Candace “Candy” Norris, wants to encourage others to become the best “self ” they can be, and she does this through quilting. Technically quilting is the process of layering fabrics so that there is a top, a middle (the batting), and a backing. The earliest found quilted objects date to 350 B. C. when the technique of layering animal skins was done for clothing, armor, and shelter. It has evolved through the years to incorporate a variety of fabrics, threads, techniques, and skills. Candy has enjoyed quilting as a hobby since her high school years. Her love of textiles and quilting has taken her to several places in the world. A four-week quilting trip to Russia and the Ukraine, included interacting with quilting groups in Kyiv, St. Petersburg, and Moscow. It was an opportunity to see beautiful quilts and learn more quilting techniques. As part of a trip to Bali, she added a week to study firsthand batiks and the processes used to create these fabrics. She has also attended numerous quilting retreats, in the United States and Canada, to enhance her quilting skills. In 2004, Candy and her husband, David, moved to Phoenix. David worked for Happy State Bank. Happy State Bank had acquired a trust company, and it was David’s responsibility to prepare the company for its eventual move to the Texas Panhandle. Candy decided to explore other alternatives to her vocation as a lawyer by asking her favorite question – What would she love? She is a teacher with certifications in secondary and primary school and has also taught as an adjunct professor at West Texas A &M. Teaching was high on the list. She had also begun longarm quilting before leaving Texas. Candy was able to capture the best of both worlds and opened a longarm studio next door to her favorite quilt shop in Phoenix. She was also able to secure a part-time position at a local community college as an adjunct professor. She loved the teaching and interaction with her students at Remington College in Tempe, but it was the quilting that created pure bliss. Her relationship with the quilt shop led to many customers and the opportunity to teach quilting classes two to three times a week. 15 hometown living at its best
16 amarillo living magazine In 2008, Candy and David returned to Amarillo where she resumed her law practice. Quilting was her joyful avocation. Her favorite quilt shop was R & R Quilts, owned by Millie Riggs. Millie was a mentor and an inspiration to Candace. At the quilt shop there was always the exchange of ideas and sharing among the customers and staff. Candy even began working and teaching at R & R Quilts. In 2011, when Millie decided to sell the quilt shop, Candace bought it and renamed it Quilted Bliss. Candy took a leave of absence from her law practice and devoted full-time to the shop. Her true passion was working with all the wonderful customers and teaching classes. While Candy loved teaching and working with all the wonderful customers, the business of running the shop was not a joy, and she decided to close the quilt shop in September 2017.
17 hometown living at its best Over the next three years, Candy took time to travel and study all aspects of quilting from the history of various styles and techniques to the practices of transformational coaching. She also wanted to concentrate on her health and physical well-being. Two areas in the transformation arena that peaked her enthusiasm were Transcendance® and Fast Track to Fat Loss. Transcendance® is a dance program developed by Jennifer Jimenez to cultivate inner-peace, joyful expression and purposeful living. Fast Track was all about healthy eating. Through these two programs Candy transformed her health, losing 100 pounds and reversing her diabetes and other health issues. Candy’s motivation was to incorporate the principles from these programs with her love of quilting to enhance the quilter’s quilting experience both mentally and physically. Candy spent 2019 designing a comprehensive quilting program incorporating the elements. The home for this newventure was her former residence, which she turned into a quilting studio. The studio includes ten fully furnished stations complete with machines and all the tools necessary to create the quilt of your dreams. She was ready to launch in March 2020 when Covid-19 shut down everything. Work on the renovations began again this Spring to complete the studio remodel. Prior to that, all classes, Friday sew-ins, and retreats were all done virtually via Zoom.
18 amarillo living magazine As things have reopened, she has begun offering live classes and Friday sew-ins at the studio and virtually. Friday sew-ins are her favorite. Sew-ins are a practice she initiated at her studio in Phoenix. Once amonth the sew-inwould continue after hours allowing those working quilters to join in the fun. At the sew-ins, Candy becomes one of the quilters and gets to work on her projects and enjoy the feedback and banter among the attendees. There is no fee to join the Friday sew-in, and the sew-in is open to anyone to come and experience the fellowship and fun of quilting with other quilters. There is sharing and exchanging of ideas, as well as help and encouragement from the other participants. It is important that all feel welcomed and included. On a typical Friday now, several quilters meet at the studio to work on their quilts, exchange ideas, talk about what is going on in their lives, laughing and even sometimes crying with one another. Typically, these sessions last from lunchtime to about 4:30 PM. When it includes a Friday-night sew-in, it could go past 10:00 PM. Since the Friday sessions may seem a bit like a marathon, Candace uses Transcendance® to lead the participants in several breaks with a little TLC for the quilters’ physical well-being and relaxation. Healthy snacks are provided and, very important to the quilters, is that it includes chocolate. Any interested quilter, regardless of
experience, is welcome to Friday sew-ins. The studio can accommodate ten quilters doing machine work. There is space for a few more if they are doing hand work. All you need to do is bring the project you are working on and any favorite, special tools. While everyone is welcome, it is important to reserve your spot as they are limited and go on a first come basis. But do not be discouraged, if you cannot join in person, Candy provides access via Zoom to join in the fun. With Zoom, there have been quilters from across the United States and from far-away places such as Australia and Great Britain. I visited the group one Friday and enjoyed their camaraderie. During my visit several women shared with me how the fun and fellowship of these weekly sessions has helped them in other aspects of their lives. Two ladies were widows and formed a common bond because of this life experience. Participants are quick to point out another person’s quilting skills such as coordinating colors, discovering a more efficient way of assembling the quilt pieces, or correcting mistakes. Good-natured teasing is also a part of the therapy in the group. Candy teaches a variety of classes in person and virtually, including beginning quilt making classes. Quilting involves a substantial outlay of cash for all the necessary tools. She encourages beginners to take one of her classes and provides the necessary tools for completing their first quilt before they make the investment. It helps a beginner decide if they really like the process and to understand what they need if they decide they want to invest in the hobby. A basic investment in quilting can be about $600. She also does longarm quilting for customers and designs wonderful retreats as part of her new quilting business. For more information about retreats and classes, beginner or otherwise, go to quiltingmadesimple.com or contact Candy at 806-359-6235. †
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25 hometown living at its best n Saturday, April 10 nearly 100 scouts and more than 50 parents teamed up for the 2021 Scouting for Food “Good Turn” program, successfully raising the resources to equip High Plains Food Bank to provide 12,381 meals to neighbors facing food insecurity. About a dozen groups of packs and troops canvassed Amarillo neighborhoods to collect food donations doorto-door for the food bank. In addition, donation barrels were placed at local The People’s Federal Credit Union Branches and the Golden Spread Council of Boy Scouts of America office, and an online food-raiser was held in conjunction with the event for the first time ever. “We are thrilled with the community support and the results of our drive,” said Michael Lopez, Golden Eagle District Executive. “Although there were fewer packs and troops able to participate this year, wemade adjustments to allow everyone in the community to participate.” The annual event, benefitting the High Plains Food Bank, is traditionally one of the largest spring food drives in the Texas Panhandle. “We’re grateful for the Boy Scouts partnering with us again in 2021 and thank them for the nimble planning, which allowed for a successful food and fund drive,” said Zack Wilson, executive director for High Plains Food Bank. “Due to shortages in volunteer groups, we’re excited about the addition of a fund drive. With every dollar that comes in, we are able to quickly secure the products we need and provide about 6 meals per neighbor facing food insecurity across the Texas Panhandle.” Scouting for Food APRIL 28, 2021
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30 amarillo living magazine CULTURE OFCARING AMARILLO COLLEGE’S CHANGES STUDENTS L I VE S “ ” WRITTEN BY PEGGY PURSER FREEMAN PHOTOS BY AMARILLO COLLEGE & CORBIE PHOTOGRAPHY “LOVINGTHESTUDENTSWEHAVE” BRINGSNATIONALRECOGNITION ANDDRAMATICCHANGESTOOUR COLLEGEANDCOMMUNITY
IN 2014, when Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart was named President at Amarillo College, data told a disappointing and even devastating story for the future success of students. Amarillo College’s data indicated that students at Amarillo College were taking six to seven years to complete their degree—if theycompletedat all. Theoverwhelmingmajority of students dropped out to take additional work and meet their immediate needs. By 2018, Amarillo College had gained national recognition and began mentoring other institutions of higher learning on improving student success. Amarillo College hosted a Poverty Summit in June 2018 for over forty institutions across the country. In September of 2020, Amarillo College received national awards as one of two institutions in the country for achieving dramatic changes. Witha 108%growth instudent attainment and transfer rates over the last five years, AmarilloCollege is turning academia heads toward thepanhandle of Texas for answers instudent success. Evenwithimpressiveawardsandrecognition, this is not Amarillo College’s story, nor is it about Dr. Lowery-Hart. Thisstorybelongs toMariaandHarrold, andDr. Lowery-Hart loves to tell their stories. “I want to introduce you to these important students because their future will impact your own. At Amarillo College, we call our average student ‘Maria.’ ‘Maria’ is a 27-year-oldHispanicmotherwhoisafirst-generationstudent going to college part-time while working two jobs. She is smart, determined, hardworking, and she is dramatically different than the typical higher education students from thepast century. ‘Maria’ faces significant barriers to success, WE ALL KNOW ‘MARIA’. WE SEE HERWORKING INOUR COMMUNITY EVERY DAY, BUTWEMAY NOT KNOWHER DREAMFOR THE FUTURE. TO ACHIEVE THAT DREAM, ‘MARIA’ WILL HAVE TO GOHUNGRY ON SOME DAYS, FORGO SOME BOOKS FOR CLASSES, AND POTENTIALLY DROP A COURSE. 31 hometown living at its best
including a bewildering financial aid process. Mostly, ‘Maria’ and the communities in which she resides, needs you to advocate for her as if our country’s future depends on her success – because it does. She needs you to truly see and understand her. Amarillo College’s ‘culture of caring’ teaches our students to see themselves and others in a different way. Education allows them to get out of generational poverty.” Weallknow‘Maria’.Weseeherworkinginourcommunity every day, but we may not know her dream for the future. To achieve that dream, ‘Maria’ will have to go hungry on some days, forgo some books for classes, potentially drop a course (which prolongs her time-to-degree), and scale down her transportation. She hopes and prays her children don’t get sick, her car doesn’t break down, gas prices don’t surge, and she crosses her fingers that her utilities and rent don’t increase. Getting a degree is number one on her list until her family is hungry or sick. “Forstudents livinginthewarzoneofpoverty, it’sessential to help find financial resources to assist them in completing their educational dreams,” Dr. Lowery-Hart explained. “At AmarilloCollege, we knowwemust accelerate ‘Maria’s’ timeto-degreeandholdcostsdownforher. The longer ‘Maria’ takes tocompleteherdegree, themorecostly itbecomesandthe less 32 amarillo living magazine
33 hometown living at its best A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF AMARILLO COLLEGE’S SUCCESS STEMS FROMDR. LOWERY-HART’S ROOTS. GROWING UP IN THE SMALL TEXAS TOWN OF SLATON, HE LEARNED A STRONGWORK ETHIC AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. CU LT UR E OF CAR I NG AMARILLO COLLEGE’S
34 amarillo living magazine likely she is to graduate. Utilizing an intentional system to graduate every student in three years, changing over 80%of classes to an accelerated, eight-week format, ‘Maria’ is not onlycompletingher degreeon time, but she is learningmore in the process.“ Amarillo’s community of giving, combined with AC’s transition to an eight-week learning model, changed everything. “‘Maria’ is remarkable,” Dr. Lowery-Hart continued. “She demands our attention. She deserves our support. ‘Maria’ holds the future of America’s economic growth and prosperity inher hands.Whenour first-generation, povertyridden students can see the finish line, their hope carries them to success.” A significant share of Amarillo College’s success stems fromDr. Lowery-Hart’s roots. Growingup in the small Texas townof Slaton, he learneda strongworkethic and thepower of community. “One person’s success was determined by everyone’s success. We took care of each other. When I was in school, some jobs paid livingwages. In 2020, there are few tonone. Today, the livingwage job requires apost-secondary certificate. Even though it’snot a small community, Amarillo is a community of individuals caring for one another.” The other student, Harrold, was an actual Amarillo Collegestudent.Heworked for anational retail grocerystore. They offered hima 29-hours-a-week job as an assistant “WHENOURFIRST-GENERATION, POVERTY-RIDDENSTUDENTS CANSEETHE FINISHLINE, THEIRHOPECARRIES THEMTO SUCCESS.” DR. LOWERY-HART CU LT UR E OF CAR I NG AMARILLO COLLEGE’S
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36 amarillo living magazine managermaking $12 an hour. His family begged himto take the job and drop out of Amarillo College. Dr. Lowery-Hart explained, “When counseling a student whose family has beenmired in generational poverty, the promise of benefits with an increase to $15 an hour is too great an offer to turn down. Harrold was 18months from completing a computer science degree and could start in a job- with benefits- at $35 an hour. We had to help him understand that he was sacrificing long-termsuccess for a short-termfix.” Amarillo College’s 108% growth rate in students graduating with a degree/certificate in five years brought national recognition and was featured in The Atlantic (June 2018) with over 160 million readers. In September of DR. LOWERY-HART ASKS THEAMARILLO COMMUNITYTO, “LOVETHE STUDENTSWEHAVE, RATHERTHAN THE STUDENTSWETHOUGHTOR WISHEDWEHAD [ENROLLED].” CU LT UR E OF CAR I NG AMARILLO COLLEGE’S
37 hometown living at its best 2020, AC received the 2020AmericanCouncil onEducation/ Fidelity InvestmentAward for Institutional Transformation- created to recognize institutions that have responded to higher education challenges in creativeways and achieved dramatic changes in a short period-and includes a $10,000 investment. Looking toward the newyear, Dr. Lowery-Hart’s vision expands. “I worry about our smaller communities and how we can help them. An example is the nursing program in Hereford. We are working to take training into our rural communities, allowing our students in Hereford to get a nursing degree inHereford and stay inHereford towork in the healthcare industry. By learning who our students are- listening to their educational dreams and understanding the reality of their educational attainment and completion journey–we transformed our institution and ourselves.” While Lowery-Hart’s calling is education reform, his passion is family. His wife, Tara, sons Christopher and Campbell, and daughter, Cadence fill his life with beauty and joy. Dr. Lowery-Hart asks theAmarillocommunity to, “Love thestudentswehave, rather thanthestudentswe thought or wishedwehad [enrolled].Weare fortunate tohave resources anda community spirit that’s about giving anda community college that has restructured around loving the students we have.” †
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REHABILITATION: ESSENTIAL FOR BALANCE IN NATURE Wildlife From its humble beginning in the laundry room of a home in 2016, Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation has continued to grow year after year both in square footage and impact. WRITTEN BY Martha Mobley PHOTOS BY Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Coyotes in Care 42 amarillo living magazine
43 hometown living at its best S Stephanie Oravetz, a single mother of four, moved to Amarillo in 2015. In 2016, with an extensive background as a veterinary tech, she started this rescue facility in her home. She began by housing rescued wildlife in her laundry room. After outgrowing that room, she moved her animal rescue into her garage, and finally into a large storage building on her premises. From this humble beginning, Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation grew into its present facility located on North Soncy just north of Wildcat Bluff. This location is on a portion of 644 acres of land that Mary Emeny had donated to Wildcat Bluff. Mary became aware of the work Stephanie and other volunteers were doing and was instrumental in arranging for Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation to rent 5 acres of the land from Wildcat Bluff. Mary Emeny also donated a double-wide mobile home to their rescue and rehabilitation work. Before the mobile home could be moved, the land where it would be set had to be cleared. Stephanie used social media to make known the need for volunteers and equipment to clear the land. The day of the land clearing, there were so many volunteers with skid loaders and other equipment that the land was cleared in just four hours. This mobi le home, the former office of a caliche mining pit, needed rehabilitation itself. It had previously been broken into and damaged by transients living in it. This was actually a good thing because this need provided excellent projects for Girl Scouts working toward their Gold Award and Boy Scouts seeking the Eagle Scout designation. Each scout was given a room to remodel for its future use such as office space, housing space for rescued animals, storage space, etc. Each scout, after getting their project approved by their scout leader, approached local business owners for donations of materials or monetary donations for their projects. Qualified contractors donated their services by supervising the remodel. The deck and handicap ramp on the outside were also a Girl Scout’s project.
As a part of the housing facilities for these animals, Stephanie moved her storage building onto the grounds, repainted it, and named it Stink Shack. As its name implies, it is where the skunks live. Finally, in 2019, the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation had its Grand Opening. Local news crews from channels 7 and 10 were there as well as the crew of ‘Lone Star Law’ from Animal Planet. Stephanie, the Board of Directors, and volunteers expected about 400 to 500 people to celebrate the Grand Opening, but there were approximately 4,000 in attendance. The number of rescued and rehabilitated wildlife has grown significantly. In 2016 there were 800 rescues, in 2017 the number rose to 1750, and since 2018 there have been approximately 2,000 rescues annually. AFTER BEFORE: This was the building donated to WWWR. Looked a bit scary. 44 amarillo living magazine
stephanie, the Board of Directors, and volunteers expected about 400 to 500 people to celebrate the Grand Opening, there were approximately in attendance. 4,000 Grand Opening
46 amarillo living magazine Volunteers are essential to the ongoing mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. In addition to adult volunteers, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts donate their services as needed. Students fromAACAL and Tascosa High School serve internships at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation. In previous years, students from Amarillo High School and Randall High School have also served internships. These are students who want to become wildlife rehabilitators and are dedicated to the protection and preservation of our wildlife. The scope of their work is the 26 northernmost counties of the Texas Panhandle; however, for the rescue and rehabilitation of skunks and racoons, it extends into the South Plains and encompasses a total of 51 counties. The South Plains Wildlife Center in Lubbock specializes in rescue and rehabilitation of songbirds, raptors (these are birds such as owls and hawks), and a few species of mammals. Because of this specialization, the facility in Lubbock calls upon the Amarillo facility for rescues and rehabilitations of skunks and racoons. During baby season, which is typically March through June or July, Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation receives approximately 75 calls per day to rescue injured or orphaned wildlife. Their work is also affected by the Texas Panhandle’s harsh weather. In a hailstorm late in the summer of 2020, which affected north Amarillo and portions of rural Potter County, numerous wildlife were injured or killed. There were numerous calls from residents to report dead and injured doves in their yards. Stephanie rallied her volunteers, and they rescued over 300 injured doves and picked up approximately the same number of deceased doves. Unfortunately, that storm also injured many hawks and squirrels. WildWest Wildlife Rehabilitation works with other rescue and rehabilitation facilities throughout Texas. On the day of the interview for this article, a volunteer fromAmarillo was in route fromAustin bringing a rehabilitated female coyote to mate with amale coyote at the Amarillo facility. The reason for this match making is that Wild West Wildlife are essential to the ongoing mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. In addition to adult volunteers, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts donate their services as needed. Volunteers Boy Scouts working on outdoor aviary Girl Scouts working on a ramp. It help those in wheelchairs to volunteer. Our Team at a Continuing Education Conference.
Prairie Dog with injured leg
48 amarillo living magazine Rehabilitation always tries to release first year coyotes in a pack or as a pair. This increases their survival rate during the winter months when the food supply is most scarce. Releasing a single male in the winter greatly reduces his chances of survival because he does not have the support of a pack or mate to help with hunting. Unlike many other species of animals which may or may not reject a possible mate, coyotes usually are accepting of the mate in these ‘arranged marriages’. Currently Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation is cooperating in a study by Princeton University. When a coyote is in the Amarillo facility, blood samples and skin biopsies are taken and sent to Princeton for their study of what percent of the bloodline of our regional coyotes is from the red wolf. * Animals in the wild are essential to the balance of nature. For example, opossums kill snakes, eat ticks, and are nicknamed the “janitors of the environment.” Stephanie and the volunteers are passionate about their work of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, thus enabling them to be released into their natural habitat. “We are to have dominion over the animals, and that includes our responsibility to care for sick and injured wildlife with the goal of returning them to nature.” With drought conditions and new housing developments encroaching into their natural habitat, it is not unusual for wildlife to appear in residential neighborhoods. Stephanie cautions individuals not to approach a wild animal because of parasites or diseases wildlife can carry. Call Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation to trap or catch the animal and either release it safely into the wild or take it to their facility for care & rehabilitation. Anyone needing assistance from Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation can call 24-hour number 806-680-2483.† *Note: This facility uses only samples from animals already in their care for this testing. They do not go out and trap animals just for the statistical data. Individuals should not catch wildlife and try to raise it as a pet for several reasons: 1. It is against the law. 2. Many birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. 3. When wild animals become sexually mature, they become aggressive, endangering their “owners.” 4. People often feed the animal an inadequate diet, leading to illness or even failure of the animal to develop properly. 5. Wildlife deserves to live in the wild, their natural habitat. are essential to the balance of nature. Animals in the wild Helping an orphaned Great Horned Owlet
Checking injuries on a Golden Eagle Red Fox in care Great Horned Owl Release Baby Raccoon
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55 hometown living at its best he Texas Panhandle Student Art Show is the highlight of the year for Panhandle art students. The artwork displayed at the Amarillo Museum of Art during this exhibition exempl i f ies the talent , dedication, imagination, and creative manipulation by young artists throughout the Texas Panhandle. Both 2D and 3D pieces consisting of paintings, drawings, printmaking processes, computer graphics, collage, jewelry, ceramics, and sculpture are on display for the public to enjoy. Panhandle Art Teachers enter up to 25 pieces of K-12 individual artwork hung salon style (ceiling to floor) with three-dimensional pieces gracing the gallery floor. High school seniors also exhibit their art portfolios consisting of at least eight works created during their high school years. Those portfolios are adjudicated for scholarships from Amarillo College, West Texas A&M University, the Educat ion Credit Union, and the Texas Panhandle Art Education Association. Individual Awards are also presented to several young artists with cash prices from Amarillo ISD, the Education Credit Union, and the Texas Panhandle Art Education Association. TEXAS PANHANDLE Student Art Show 2021
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59 hometown living at its best People across the country are flocking to a place nestled just north of the DFW airport, in a town just as quaint as the business itself, it's the newest Texas craze for sewers, Box Car Quilts. ox Car Quilts is the latest in rapidly growing quilting shops across the south, however, there’s something a little different about this one. Its uniqueness is noted in the latest Better Homes and Garden’s ‘Quilt Sampler Magazine’, when they named it one of the Top 10 Quilting Shops in the US! Hundreds of people have made the day trip to visit Box Car Quits, whether to take home some hard-to-find designer patterns or be involved inone of their infamous sew-ins and retreats, which many times are set up to benefit local charities. “Their facility is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen,” said lifetime quilter and repeat customer, Jasmine Johnson. “They always have a fresh selection of high-quality fabrics for just about any style.” Co-OwnerAmyTurner says, “Ourbundlesaremade forquilters by quilters. No one has a passion for fabric quite like quilters do. We love getting to knowour customers, who share our passion for quilting, whether it’s in person, or on (co-owner) Laura’s infamous Facebook live events.” Youcanvisit BoxCarQuilts at 101US-377, CrossRoads, TX76227 onFacebook at BoxCar Quilts or theirwebsite BoxCarQuilters.com They also ship across the US and Canada. *Mention this magazine and receive $5 credit towards your purchase. Box Car Quilts
Take a break from screentime while traveling and bring Kids’ Corner along for their road trip entertainment! Email office@hometown-living.com to submit your kid’s favorite jokes or artwork for consideration in future issues! Be sure to include their name and age as well! How do you get a squirrel to like you? Act like a nut What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts In the beginning ... How do we know that the ocean is friendly? It waves Why are fish so smart? Because they live in schools. Peyton, 7 60 amarillo living magazine Why is corn such a good listener?? Because it’s all ears
61 Enjoy a walk in God’s creation and see what you can find. • A snail can sleep for three years at a time. • The male Gentoo and Adelie penguins “propose” to females by giving them a pebble. • Reindeer eyeballs turn blue in winter to help them see at lower light levels. • The flamingo can only eat when its head is upside-down. • The leg bones of a bat are so thin that no bat can walk. • Sea otters hold each other’s paws when they sleep so they don’t drift apart. SCAVENGER HUNT GOD’S CREATION LEAF BUG TREE WORM DOG DUCK SEED BIRD WATER CLOUD SOIL STONE GRASS FLOWER “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” - Genesis 1:31
62 amarillo living magazine In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 HEAVENS NIGHT TREES LIGHT EARTH DAY DARKNESS ANIMALS PLANTS BIRDS WATER BEGINNING SEAS FISH FEMALE MALE CREATED SKY GOD LAND N P S B S K N D S B K J G R L P U D I K O M E A W G N T S I Y V S R Y U E H N R I V G F G S B V D U R R P G N K P O G H C I T S T T X C N A L N D R T P R X I N U X I P J N T E Y V C L O K I Y G Y N N X I S S S J R A O D E C N F Q T T G L S W E E N B R P H W E E L A H H U B A A T I V E G B M M M S T L W I R T S A A B X I A I X X S A A V T E M V V N P F L Y T C E N T B H D E A S E S A E U I F A D E D C N S L S D B E D Go outside and play a version of I-Spy as your prayer time. “Father God, you created everything in the world! You have such a BIG imagination to make so many different kinds of plants, land animals, fish, birds and me!” “Thank you for making something my favorite color.” (ex: Green: A Tree) “Thank you for making something beginning with the same letter of my name” (ex. G … Grass) “Thank you for making something tiny/huge” (ex. A ladybug/a horse) PRAYER TIME
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64 amarillo living magazine Style it up in Canyon 2306 4th Ave in Canyon BlessedBuffalo.com
65 hometown living at its best
66 amarillo living magazine DOCTORS 2021 Hippocratic Oath I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant: I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow. I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug. I will not be ashamed to say “I know not,” nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery. I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God. I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person’s family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm. If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help. SUPER
67 hometown living at its best SPECIALTY: Podiatry EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Both doctors are Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery® HISTORY: Dr. Sicher started Sicher Foot Center in 1997 andDr. Gerig joined the practice in 2013. Sicher Foot Center has built a strong reputation in the healthcare community of West Texas and surrounding areas. WHAT SETS YOU APART: Dr. Brian Sicher and Dr. Mark Gerig are licensed and board-certified podiatrist focusing on comprehensive foot care for the whole family. In a personal, caring environment, they provide the latest treatments and educate our patients about their foot problems, treatment and long-termfoot health, striving tomake surgery the last option. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: In his time off, Dr. Sicher enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, his grown children and his 2 grandchildren. Dr. Gerig enjoys his free time spent with his wife, 9-year old daughter and his two dogs. Sicher Foot Center Dr. Brian Sicher, DPM and Dr. Mark Gerig, DPM 19 Care Circle | Amarillo | 806.353.3366 | sicherfootcenter.com
68 amarillo living magazine SUPER DOCS WHAT SETS YOU APART: We genuinely care. We care about the quality of orthodontics being delivered, we care about the experience at each visit, and we care about the excellence of each outcome. More than anything, though, we care about the person behind the teethwe are treating. We treat every patient as a family member and do not apologize for the fact that we are detail-oriented. Our hope is that every patient leaves an appointment feeling taken care of, listened to, and loved. We not only strive to obtain the absolute best outcome, but we also strive to build relationships and truly connect with our patients throughout the process. At Sparkman Orthodontics we listen, love, and exceed expectations. We are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment. Our team is trained and skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Each member of our team has 10+ years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Giving back to the community is important to all of us here at Sparkman Orthodontics. Our favorite organizations that are near and dear to our hearts include: Hoop 10 Basketball, Palo Duro Soccer, The Ryan Palmer Foundation, The Amarillo Symphony, Amarillo Little Theatre, 24 Hours in the Canyon, Amarillo Soccer Association, Pampa Soccer Association, Kids Inc, Hope Choice, and Little Mended Hearts. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Dr. Sparkman: Outside of Dentistry, Dr. Sparkman, and his wife Ashley, stay busy chasing their six children! They love cooking out, fishing, and anything else they can do as a family. When Dr. Sparkman has some free time (not much) he loves to play golf, snowboard, and watch Aggie football. The Sparkmans are active members of Hillside Christian Church. Dr. Lyons: Dr. Lyons and her husband, Denver, enjoy sports, country music, dancing, and traveling to new places together. Dr. Lyons has a passion for photography and can be found on most weekends with her camera in hand. She is also an avid golfer and loves spending time on the course with her family and friends. Dr. Clifton: Outside of orthodontics, you can find Dr. Clifton spending time with friends and family. He enjoys watching sports of any kind, grilling on the weekends, hiking with his wife and their two dogs, and travelingwhenhe gets the chance. Dr. Clifton and his wife, Jayne, are thrilled to finally be back in the panhandle and explore Amarillo. MOTTO: Here at Sparkman Orthodontics, we strive to provide excellence in orthodontic care by being supportive, caring, and honest-not only with our parents and patients-but also with our fellow teammates. Our daily goal is to create an encouraging, compassionate, and energetic atmosphere where each person involved with Sparkman Orthodontics is impacted in a positive and uplifting way. Sparkman Orthodontics Dr. Kyle Sparkman, Dr. Lindsey Lyons, and Dr. Corbin Clifton 7701 SW 45th Avenue | Amarillo | 806.355.9732 | sparkmanorthodontics.com
69 hometown living at its best SPECIALTY: Otolaryngology-Head andNeck surgery, Audiology, & Allergy EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery HISTORY: Quail Creek ENT began in 2007 with the goal of bringing the best otolaryngologic care to the Texas Panhandle. We have since grown to four board-certified otolaryngologists, two licensed doctors of audiology, and an allergy clinic. The goal is the same – to create a friendly, caring environment where patients feel comfortable. WHATSETSYOUAPART: Nowaitingweeks for anappointment. We have awelcoming environment with the newest technology for efficient and concise care. An in-office CT scanner and ultrasound for quick diagnosis with added convenience and savings for our patients. Our experienced doctors offer comprehensive in-office services including balloon sinuplasty, ultrasound guided biopsies, and allergy testing and treatment. Our Hearing Center offers full audiology services including hearing testing and hearing aids, giving patients the convenience of having all their ear, nose, and throat needs cared for in one location. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: We trulybelieveour community and patients arewhatmakes our practice thrive.We enjoy giving back by sponsoring and participating in the Buddy Walk and 24 Hours in the Canyon. Quail Creek Ear, Nose & Throat Center Robert Stroud M.D | Craig Fichandler, M.D. | WyattWeinheimer, M.D. | SamCunninghamM.D., Ph.D. 6830 Plum Creek Drive | Amarillo | 806.355.9999 | QuailCreekENT.com
70 amarillo living magazine SUPER DOCS SPECIALTY: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. EDUCATION/CERTI F ICATIONS : She re ce ived he r undergraduate degree from the College of Holy Names and her medical degree from Texas Tech University of Medicine in Lubbock. She served an internship and residency in surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center. She’s also Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. MEMBERSHIPS/ AFFILIATIONS: Dr. Piskun is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Texas Medical Association, and the Potter-Randall County Medical Society. APPROACH TO BUSINESS: Dr. Mary Ann Piskun’s plastic surgery practice was carefully designed to promote a clear reflection of aesthetic beauty. At Dr. Piskun’s, we offer a comfortable and relaxed setting with state-of-the-art technology to bring you the latest in cosmetic surgery and treatments to enhance your beauty desires. WHAT SETS YOU APART: Dr. Piskun has been in plastic surgery since 1982 and previously practiced at Panhandle Plastic Surgery in Amarillo. She works closely with area surgeons doing breast reconstruction for women with breast cancer and treats both men and women for cosmetic and specialized surgical treatment. Mary Ann Piskun, M.D. 500 Quail Creek Drive | Suite B | Amarillo | 06.358.8731 | drpiskun.com
71 hometown living at its best APPROACH TO MEDICINE: As Amarillo continues to grow, so grows Dr. Gloria’s drive to help as many families as possible. From babies to grandparents and every age in between, she wants to empower families in Amarillo and the surrounding communities to live their healthiest life and achieve their wellness goals. WHAT SETS YOU APART: Daravida (Spanish, meaning “give to life”) was born from Dr. Gloria’s passion to pass on the kind of chiropractic care she herself received to the community in which she was born and raised: the Texas Panhandle. Chiropractic care helped Dr. Gloria and her husband to conceive their children, enabled her to have healthy pregnancies and natural births, and it has helped her family thrive. She brings that same loving care to her office so that her patients (especially expectant moms) feel welcomed, helped, educated, and appreciated. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT(S): A childhood vow to her ailing mother was the beginning of Gloria’s journey to a career in health and wellness. Dr. Gloria began that career as “Ms. Aguilera”, the high school science teacher. She then became “Coach A.” or “Doc A.”, the high school athletic trainer. Never one to stop learning, Gloria began her Doctor of Chiropractic program in 2012, completing it in 2017. Though her vow to graduate college is fulfilled, Dr. Gloria desires to continue learning, that shemay be a greater resource for her community. Daravida Family Chiropractic &Wellness Dr. Gloria Jaimes DC 6016 SW 33rd Avenue | Amarillo | 806.414.8165 | daravidachiro.com
72 amarillo living magazine SUPER DOCS MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS: Dr. Smith is a Medical Doctor, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellow of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, American Association of Hip andKnee Surgeons, Past Chief of Surgery at BSAHospital, Prior Board Member and Founding Member at Physicians Surgical Hospital, and active member of the Texas Medical Association and the AmericanMedical Association HISTORY: He attended Texas A&M University, Texas Tech, University of Texas, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Mayo Clinic, and the Christine Kleinert Institute of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT(S) : Hi s Research in Shoulder Surgery has been presented at National and International meetings over the years. He has over 30 years of experience here in Amarillo with more than 17,000 surgery cases and tens of thousands of patients from a wide referral area including many surrounding states. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: He has 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and has been married for 33 years to his wife Robin, an active member of the community. He is a commercial pilot, a certified sailing instructor, and enjoys golf and the lake with his family. Aubrey Smith, MD, FAAOS 1600 Coulter, Suite B | Amarillo | 806.359.0718 | DrAubreySmith.com
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