1 hometown living at its best
2 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
8 AUTISM ISN’T PERSONAL IT’S INDIVIDUAL By working together, parents and Applied Behavior Analysis Centers help children with autism reach their full potential. 14 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Amarillo Living Winter Delivery Party 18 HEARTS FOR SERVICE United in matrimony and mission, Perry and Diann Gilmore have been pillars in Amarillo’s recovery community for decades. 24 HOMETOWN WEDDED BLISS Announcing the marriage of Matthew and Brianna Albracht. 26 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating and praying over the class of 2023. 32 POSTCARDS FROM THE PANHANDLE Forgotten Road Series, the second edition 38 ROUTE 66 FEST The Annual Texas Route 66 Festival kicked off this year with 10 days of yesteryear-inspired celebration and events. 50 IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS MAAC, the only martial arts child care center in the nation is making a positive difference for area youth—just ask Tanner Varela. 56 4-H SPOTLIGHT: TRISTA PENNINGTON Daughter of Shad and Mareechia Pennington and member of the Potter County Rawhide 4-H Horse Club, Trista shares about her time of service, showmanship and life experience learned. 60 LESSONS IN LOVE Licensed clinical social worker Chelsea Terry discusses some of the challenges faced by couples—especially military—and ways to combat them. 66 MR. GOLF OF AMARILLO A look at Sherwin Cox’s impressive legacy of improvement for Amarillo’s golf scene. On the Cover Photo by Ashley Ray Photography Contents 14 38 66 4 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 5 FirstBank & Trust is MEMBER FDIC and EQUAL HOUSING LENDER T E X A S MEMBER FDIC Local Bankers. Big Results. Great Rates. Scan here to learn more! Contact a Personal Banker or visit your local banking center to get started. firstbanktexas.com
A Amarillo Living Magazine© is published quarterly by Hometown Media Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 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 Don Davis Taylor Grimm James McAfee Martha Mobley Chelsea Terry PHOTOGRAPHERS Ashley Ray Henry Bargas Matt & Heather Martin Executive Publishers “…By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh.” - Romans 8:3 After beginning summer with a cluster of catastrophes in the panhandle, I am in awe of the community. Through the dangers of tornadoes and flood, we’ve persevered thanks to each other. The care and support displayed between neighbors has been truly moving. The leadership offered from those without the formal responsibility of it is incredibly inspiring. We are so proud of one Amarillo Living contributor, Brady Smith, who is one of those leaders. I have no doubt those reading either know someone that is, or are a hero themselves. I can’t help but notice that same theme of care for one another in many of the stories this issue. These Amarillians saw the community’s needs and took it upon themselves to provide, figure out or rally efforts for a solution. Many of them have been at it for decades, continually helping others survive and thrive. I can only think of one display of love greater. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 I pray you are shown this love, and that you show it to someone else. And that you have fair weather for it! Blessings Taylor Grimm Howdy Amarillo! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Pam Wilson Sales Account Executive pam@hometownmedia.group ON THE COVER Photo by Ashley Ray Photography 6 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
8 amarillo living magazine Autism isn’t Personal, It's Individual Kayte & Rebecca 8 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 9 O Written by MARTHA MOBLEY | Photos courtesy of REGINA MATA-ELIZALDE and REBECCA CHANCY One parent said to another, “I believe Kayte lived on macaroni and cheese from the time she started eating solid food, and she would wear only one brand of socks.” The other said, “You know, my son is curious, an explorer with no fear.” Although this sounds like a casual chat between parents, these are parents discussing life with children on the autism spectrum. Sensory and textural issues have a major impact on the behavior of a child with autism. Many are unaware of danger—they may climb and explore without being aware of their surroundings. Sometimes social settings such as eating out will over-stimulate a child with autism, making family outings difficult. These challenges, though, can be mitigated and even overcome. Both families sought assistance in understanding and managing their child’s behavior and learning new parenting skills. This led them to an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) facility like Galliant, one of Amarillo’s two. Regina Mata-Elizalde, one of Galliant’s Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), said Galliant initially provided in-home therapy, but as their clientele grew they established a clinic to accommodate the By working together, parents and Applied Behavior Analysis Centers help children with autism reach their full potential.
10 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group demand. Regina said ABA centers focus on several developmental, communication, and social skills. They also teach adaptive living skills such as toilet training, hygiene, feeding oneself, and dressing oneself. Generally, ABA centers have a long-term goal for the child to advance to their full potential. That can look very different for each child. Rebecca Chancy’s 18 year old daughter, Kayte, was evaluated and diagnosed with autism at five. Kayte is the child who lived on macaroni and cheese and only wore one brand of socks—the ones without an inseam across the toe. The sock issue was so intense that Rebecca, who was living in Maryland at the time, would ask her mother here in Texas to mail her the socks. In addition to sensory issues, Kayte did not seem to have an imagination and behaved aggressively toward her two younger brothers when the three children did play. Nick & Kayte
Kayte’s Father, Nick Murja, was in the army and had been assigned a base in California at the time of her diagnosis. The family had Tri-Care military insurance, so Kayte was enrolled in ABA therapy. As she advanced in skill areas, her parents also learned new skills to parent and communicate. After Nick’s discharge from the Army, the family moved to Amarillo. At that time Amarillo did not have an ABA center. For the next two years, her parents relied upon the skills they had learned earlier. When Kayte was nine, an ABA center opened in Amarillo. Kayte began after-school ABA therapy. In the middle of the fifth grade, Kayte told her parents she felt she was different from her school friends, so they enrolled her in the full-time school program at the ABA center. She completed fifth, sixth, and seventh grade through online classes at the clinic while continuing her regular ABA therapy. In the eighth grade, Kayte returned to public school. She has done amazingly well thanks to skills she learned in ABA therapy and the assistance of a case manager through the Amarillo I.S.D, who has helped Kayte navigate through her high school years. Kayte said she feels comfortable talking to her case manager about any of her concerns. Kayte is scheduled to graduate high school next year and also has a part-time job. Other children are diagnosed earlier in life. Owen Iler’s parents, Johnathan and Keiri noticed Owen was not making baby sounds, and they enrolled him in the speech program at the Turn Center when he was six months old. Then when he was two, they noticed that he played with toys differently than other children his age. He still hadn’t started talking and was curious, exploring to the point of “disappearing” or fearlessly climbing, regardless of height. Owen would express hometown living at its best 11
frustration by hitting or biting. When he was excited about anything, he would flap his arms, still without vocalizing it. Owen’s pediatrician arranged an evaluation by a Fort Worth neuropsychologist who saw patients in Amarillo regularly. She diagnosed Owen with autism and delayed speech development.Owen began therapy, and now at age five has mastered life skills like dressing and feeding himself. He continues to learn personal hygiene skills such as washing his hands. Although he is still non-verbal, he has developed communication skills by using an electronic tablet that facilitates his expressing his needs, wants, and feelings. He presses icons on the tablet to create simple sentences such as “I want water.” Owen’s parents said that this fall Galliant and the Turn Center will work together to further his language and communication development. Owen still has some social anxieties. He is hesitant to initiate friendships, and he is often content to simply watch other children play. Owen’s parents are confident that as he continues to develop life skills, these social anxieties will decrease. By working together, parents and ABA centers can help children with autism learn skills that will help them, not just cope, but truly function well as adults. As the Ilers expressed, “Early intervention is the key to success in the life of a child with autism.” † 12 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 13
AMARILLO LIVING HOMETOWN Happenings Photos provided by HENRY BARGAS Amarillo Living Magazine would like to thank everyone that came out and made our winter delivery party such a success! We had a fabulous time reading the magazine in company of those who helped create it. Advertisers, writers, photographers and feature subjects enjoyed a coffee on us, and we enjoyed being able to put a face to their name. We hope to see you at the next one! Winter Delivery Party
hometown living at its best 15
16 amarillo living magazine hpch.org Love. ...the greatest of these is and Family Services, Inc. High Plains Children’s Home
hometown living at its best 17
18 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
UNITED IN MATRIMONY AND MISSION, PERRY AND DIANN GILMORE HAVE BEEN PILLARS IN AMARILLO’S RECOVERY COMMUNITY FOR DECADES. Written by MARTHA MOBLEY | Photos by ASHLEY RAY PHOTOGRAPHY and courtesy of DIANN GILMORE Service Hearts for AAlthough their career paths were different, retired Amarillo Police Department Colonel Perry Gilmore and his wife Diann share a common goal: to serve people in everything they do. With his career in law enforcement for 37 years and her 47 years in social work, they have similar visions to assist those who are homeless in Amarillo by addressing the root problem. During his law enforcement career, Perry Gilmore recognized the connections between homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and criminal activity. While still employed at the Amarillo Police Department, he earned an a master’s degree, and Ph.D. in psychology. His education led him to create a charity and establish a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Amarillo for the homeless. His vision was that this new facility would replicate the services provided by 30-day inpatient treatment centers, with the shelters providing the safe residential portion of the program. It took several years to raise the funds needed for startup, but Amarillo Recovery from Alcohol and Drugs (ARAD) saw its first patients in 2013. Those referrals came from not-for-profit agencies that assisted those who were homeless and marginally homeless and needed treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. The ARAD shelter hometown living at its best 19
20 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group program was a success. Two-thirds of the patients completed the 30-day program. Compared to the year prior, patients who participated in ARAD treatment saw an 85% reduction in arrests and a 15% reduction in hospitalizations the year after. Two-thirds of graduates were clean and sober one year after treatment. After retiring from the police department, Gilmore went to work creating Amarillo’s first residential in-patient treatment facility. Gilmore worked pro bono on the project. The original plan and fundraising effort was for a new facility, but after a substantial amount was raised, the Mary E. Bivins Foundation donated a vacant nursing home facility. The funds were redirected to renovations, and the second ARAD program opened its doors for residential treatment in 2018. Soon after, the Amarillo VA Hospital contracted with ARAD to provide overnight lodging for veterans in the VA’s outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. ARAD provided a safe, drug-free, supervised overnight environment for these veterans.
Another hurdle Gilmore faced was to get ARAD accepted by insurance companies as an “In Network” drug and alcohol rehabilitation provider so that the newly formed facility could accept insured patients. Over the years ARAD and its Board of Directors raised about $3.5 million for both projects. After two years of operation, Gilmore approached Cenikor, a not-for-profit program with similar facilities in several major Texas cities, about taking over the ARAD programs. In 2018 Cenikor accepted the offer and operates both programs today. After a short period of consulting for Cenikor, Gilmore became the executive director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial in November 2019. The memorial had moved into the Randall County Annex. His duties as executive director included setting up a business model, raising a quarter of a million dollars in operating capital, serving as the marketing director, and providing news releases to the broadcast media. Soon after the effects of COVID-19 left him as the museum’s only employee. As people brought in artifacts from various wars, he took on the roles of historian and museum curator. He also arranged the exhibits. One special project, and a big research challenge, he took on was the Medal of Honor recipients display. At first, there were only three persons known to have received this award. Two were from World War II and one was from the Vietnam era. Further research yielded a total of 33 Medal of Honor recipients, who were either panhandle residents or fought a battle in the Panhandle. Six of the recipients were at the Battle of Buffalo Wallow where two army scouts and four soldiers held off 125 Comanche and Kiowa warriors. This is the only time a whole company has earned the honor. With a desire to honor these men and their history, Gilmore retired after successfully starting the War Memorial. Similar to her husband, but with a very different path, Diann Gilmore, LMSW-AP (Licensed Master Social Worker, Advanced Practitioner), has devoted over 47 years to those in difficult situations such as homelessness, domestic violence, and drug or alcohol addiction. Diann has been essential in the formation of the community’s key assistance facilities. In 1987, she participated in founding the Amarillo Coalition for the Homeless. Then in 1993, she helped start the Tyler Street Resource Center, now known as the Guyon Saunders Resource Center. Additionally, since 2001 she has been the executive director of the Downtown Women’s Center upon the retirement of its founder, Sister Mary Virginia Clark. The Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) was founded in 1989, and in its formative years, it consisted of just two buildings, the office and the Abba House, a two-story house that had been remodeled into ten efficiency apartments to house the residents and their hometown living at its best 21
Haven House is the entry point for women without children, as it is a dormitory-style residence. The first phase is a rigorously structured program that focuses totally on becoming and staying sober. Requirements include attending and graduating from Cenikor’s Shelter Program (formerly ARAD – Amarillo Recovery from Alcohol and Drugs) for drug and alcohol treatment, attendance at AA/NA meetings, finding part-time employment, group and one-on-one counseling as well as group meetings where women learn to live in a group setting, follow the rules of the house, and consistently work toward relapse prevention. Abba House has 10 efficiency apartments and is the entry point for women with children. These women with young children come to DWC from the streets or are referred by Haven House or other shelters or individuals. Many Abba House residents are new in recovery with nowhere to place their children during their treatment. These women and children work with a case manager, attend required meetings, attend, and graduate from Cenikor’s Shelter Program (was formerly ARAD), arrange for childcare, find a part-time job, and prepare to move to Gratitude House with less structure after being at Abba House 6-9 months. In 2016, DWC doubled the number of women and quadrupled the number of children served with the addition of the 40-unit Gratitude House (GH) apartments. Gratitude House, the newest shelter located at 11th and Jackson Streets in downtown Amarillo, is the second phase of the DWC Recovery Program. Single women in recovery at Gratitude House pay rent of $200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, fully furnished. Moms with children pay $250 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Women in this second phase are expected to work and/or attend school, continue attendance at AA/NA meetings, attend weekly mandatory in-house meetings and counseling sessions, and participate in case management. DWC women learn budgeting, how to improve parenting and homemaking skills; they work on self-esteem, and other everyday life skills. Attention is also given to deepening their spiritual beliefs and practices, restoring family relationships and returning to a productive drug-free lifestyle by setting educational and financial goals. DWC may now serve up to 70 women and 60 children. “After graduating from DWC’s Recovery Program, women with and without children may enter DWC’s Transitional Housing Program and continue living in the same apartment at Gratitude House or DWC’s Meridian Apartments, a 35-unit non-smoking, non-drug or alcohol usage apartments while receiving services and pursuing employment and/or a higher education.” 22 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
children. There are now three shelters at DWC for women in recovery from substance addiction and for their children. Diann is very humble about these accomplishments. She said,” God chooses the most unlikely to do His work.” She credits God for her good health, and she wants to “work harder than anyone else at the Downtown Women’s Center.” She credits her well-qualified staff for their skill and diligent efforts to advance the work of Downtown Women’s Center. DWC provides a continuum of care for homeless individuals and homeless women in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. DWC provides a supportive environment based on inclusiveness and unconditional love, treating every individual with respect and dignity. DWC has high ethical principles, creating an atmosphere of integrity and trust, and recognizes the power of faith to provide strength and direction in daily lives and in the lives of women and children DWC serves. The letterhead and mission statement of the Downtown Women’s Center say it best. “Our mission is to provide housing and services to overcome homelessness and addiction.” The footer of the letterhead quotes this Bible verse: “Kindness shown to the poor is an act of Worship. Proverbs 14:31” Words that we certainly see lived out by Perry and Diann Gilmore. † Kindness shown to the poor is an act of Worship. Proverbs 14:31 Diann invites you to come see their recently renovated Shops in downtown Amarillo! Uptown Shoppe and Thrift City are now under one roof located at the northeast corner of 10th and Adams. Thrift City Too is just two blocks east on 10th Street. We offer a full selection of items in all three stores with low prices as well as many designer brands in Uptown Shoppe. Proceeds from all sales fund the Downtown Women’s Center’s mission, “to provide housing and services to overcome homelessness and addiction.” We accept donations in the north parking lot at 10th and Adams or call 806-372-3625 to schedule a donation truck to pick up your donations. hometown living at its best 23
PHOTOS BY RAY PHOTOGRAPHY & YRITCHEY PHOTOGRAPHY Technically, it all started when Gordon Estes and Wanda Cockrell married on April 20th, 1958. They dreamed of a small-town life to raise their children in and moved to Mobeetie, Texas. In August of 1990 a young Chiropractor, Dr. Jack Albracht, decided to start his practice in Pampa, Texas. Fast-forward several years down the road and Gordon and Wanda sought out Dr. Jack for Chiropractic treatment. During one visit Wanda told Jack about how her daughter, Sheryl Estes, had started a new company in Austin, Texas, and was looking for some hired help. As it turns out, Matthew Albracht had recently relocated to Austin and was in search of a job. The two arranged for Sheryl and Matt to meet and he got the job. As soon as Sheryl hired Matt she began telling Brianna Ray, her niece, that she had to come meet Matt. After several months of Sheryl trying to arrange meetings between the two, it happened. The two met and had lunch on January 21, 2019, and have spoken to one another every single day since then. Matt finally worked up the courage to ask Bri out on a date and drove all the way from Austin to Pampa, to meet her in Amarillo. That first date occurred on March 2nd, 2019. Nothing went as planned, except for dinner, and a snowstorm hit that same night. When Matt dropped Bri off she tried to insist he could sleep on her couch so he wouldn’t have to drive in the snow. He wouldn’t do it, wanting to prove he respected her more than that, and stubbornly drove home in the snowstorm. Little did the two know they had both texted their respective group chats and told their friends “She’s the one I’m going to marry,” and “I’m going to marry him someday.” And then began the back-and-forth trips between Amarillo and Austin. On March 30th, 2019, the two made it official and began exclusively dating. The long-distance relationship continued well in to 2020 until Matt returned to the panhandle that spring. In between that time life happened. Joy, accomplishment, worry, grief... you name it. The two continued to grow and experience challenges and victories together. On August 8th, 2021 Matt asked Bri to marry him, and on October 1st, 2022 the two joined in marriage. Hometown Wedded Bliss MATTHEW AND BRIANNA ALBRACHT OCTOBER 1, 2022 24 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 25
26 amarillo living magazine 1 2 3 4 5
hometown living at its best 27 6 8 7 9
28 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 29
‘Forgotten Roads’ is truly a work of heart. It’s not so much an obituary as a visitation. Spiritual hospice. Brady and I grew up on forgotten roads. This, our inaugural collaborative series of artwork and prose, depicts a descendent story of pioneer masses yearning to breathe free, of vanishing breeds, of success and heartbreak. The objective is to spark memories in the hearts of the old ones and questions in the minds of the young. Conversations will surely follow. That is our hope. forgotten road series Illustrated and photographed by BRADY SMITH | Poetry and explanation by GLOVER DON DAVIS THE SECOND EDITION 32 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
Boot on a Fencepost Like a boot on a fence post I was outgrown. I lost my mate and now I’m alone. Will somebody see me as they’re driving by? Will I ever catch somebody’s eye? I’m old and forgotten. I don’t know when my skin turned to leather and my soul wore thin. When I was new with a polished shine, I never imagined there’d come a time When I, like an old boot, would be left to wait for a savior to come and determine my fate. ©Glover Don Davis, 2022 hometown living at its best 33
Amber Waves She wanders barefoot along the strand of an endless ocean in No Man’s Land. She imagines that she’s in Monterrey as the windy waves of amber sway. Then, off in the distance, she spies mountain peaks under azure skies. She imagines she is in Tacoma far from Turpin, Oklahoma. Her ocean is just fields of wheat. Distant clouds her snowy peaks. God blessed the barefoot visionary. Her big wide world is imaginary. Tonight, in bed, snug and warm, she dreams of things beyond this farm. As on the thin roof raindrops patter, she is home and that is all that matters. ©Glover Don Davis, 2022 34 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
Genre: Poetry Author: Glover Don Davis (The Colony, TX) Author of “The Family Jewels” Davis/Davis Vantage Press, 1995 Background: Inspired by a follower on social media The author’s formative years (~1956-1975) were spent in the Texas Panhandle. His first 18 years were spent in Borger and Spearman. But his works are also built upon the spirits of Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. Many knew him as ‘Donnie’ or ‘DACO’. “Camp Town Days” will also be included in his upcoming anthology titled “Wisps of Life.” The anthology will be a ten-volume set (9-Poetry / 1-Short Stories). The collection began on the day that Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic. The anthology is somewhat reflective of the social climate and emotions of 2020-2022. No publication date has been set. DON DAVIS About the Author 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 that hope is that which we surrender ourselves to in moments that we believe all has been lost, and 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, and 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, 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. About the Artist BRADY R. SMITH 35 hometown living at its best
WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We are currently seeking part-time/full-time Sales Account Executives and Freelance Writers in the Panhandle area. Are you ENERGETIC, SELF MOTIVATED and ENJOY MEETING PEOPLE? If so, we want to hear from YOU! Please contact casey@hometownmedia.group or call 817.599.6167 for details. 36 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
37 hometown living at its best
Route 66, the road that shaped America, is turning 100 years old in 2026! The annual Texas Route 66 Festival will kick off years of celebrations starting in 2023 leading up to the centennial of Historic Route 66. Amarillo Living covered just a few of the many family-friendly events to select from during the 10-day event. Next year’s festival will be held June 6 - 15, 2024. The nine days will be packed with events along the Texas route, including classic car shows, Texas Route 66 bus tours, cattle drives, parades, music festivals, and a grand finale festival on Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District. See visitamarillo.com for more information and tickets. ROUTE 66 FEST 38 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
Photos provided by AMARILLO CVB Attendees enjoyed live music by Danny Freeze and the Earthlings, food trucks Kobe's Grill and Cheesecake HSTL, and more at the Texas Route 66 Visitors Center on Wednesday, June 7. TEXAS ROUTE 66 Visitors Center Event hometown living at its best 39
At this unique opportunity to experience the rich history of the American West, spectators lined up through downtown Amarillo to cheer on the cattle and riders as they made their way to the fairgrounds on Saturday, June 3rd. 60 longhorns traveled through downtown in an exciting parade featuring chuck wagons and motorized vehicles. COORS COWBOY CATTLE DRIVE & Parade Photos by SAMANTHA MELTON, BROOKE MADELEY, VANESSA UNDERWOOD, JACOB DOTSETH, DAVID PENDEGRASS, and ALEJANDRA CORONADO 40 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
42 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
43 hometown living at its best Photos provided by LIZ SINCLAIR Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, riders took a fascinating journey through Route 66's rich history and culture with our Texas Route 66 East tour! This exclusive bus tour traveled from Amarillo to Shamrock, stopping at all the iconic landmarks and hotspots that have shaped the history and culture of this legendary road. EAST ROUTE 66 Bus Tour
Finishing out the Route 66 Fest on June 10th in the Route 66 Historic District, Amarillo National Bank hosted a free celebration. Attendees enjoyed a wide range of attractions, including vendor booths, food options, live music, Elvis impersonators, Miss Texas Route 66 Pinup Pageant, kids' activities, corn dog eating contests, a car show, and much more. AMARILLO NATIONAL BANK Route 66 Celebration Photos by ELEVEN FOUR PHOTOGRAPHY and CHRISELDA PHOTOGRAPHY
46 amarillo living magazine TRADITION IN MOTION DATE TIME AT OPPONENT LOCATION 2023 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE September 2, 2023 T.B.D. Away Western Colorado Gunnison, CO Mountaineer Bowl September 9, 2023 7 p.m. Home Adams State Canyon, TX Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium September 16, 2023 7 p.m. Home Midwestern State Canyon, TX Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium September 23, 2023 6 p.m. Away UT Permian Basin Midland, TX Astound Broadband Stadium September 30, 2023 7 p.m. Home Western Oregon Canyon, TX Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium October 7, 2023 7 p.m. Away Texas A & MKingsville Kingsville, TX Javelina Stadium Homecoming October 14, 2023 7 p.m. Home Western New Mexico Canyon, TX Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium October 21, 2023 8 p.m. Away Central Washington Ellensburg, WA Tomlinson Stadium October 28, 2023 7 p.m. Home Angelo State Canyon, TX Bain Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium November 4, 2023 1 p.m. Away Eastern New Mexico Portales, NM Greyhound Field
Think BBQ, cheddar cheese and a savory buttery sauce all on a slightly sweet Hawaiian bun. BBQ Chicken Sliders 1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. 2. Line a baking sheet or a 9×13” baking dish with foil. Spray very lightly with cooking spray. 3. In a microwave safe large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. (Use as much barbecue sauce as you’d like…more or less!) 4. Heat the chicken and bbq sauce mixture in the microwave if it is not warm. This will help the sandwiches heat through properly. 5. Use a large serrated knife to slice the rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. Place the bottom of the rolls onto the prepared baking pan. 6. Evenly distribute BBQ chicken mixture over the rolls. 7. Top with the slices of cheese. 8. Place the tops of the rolls onto the sandwiches. 9. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, beef broth, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Brush butter mixture over the rolls. 10. Cover the rolls loosely with foil. 11. Bake in the preheated oven until the rolls are lightly browned and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 3-5 minutes. 12. Slice into individual rolls to serve. Serve warm. Ingredients • 3-4 cups shredded chicken • 1 cup barbecue sauce • 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese • 12 Hawaiian bread rolls (1 package) • 1/3 cup melted salted butter • ¼ teaspoon beef broth base (Better Than Bouillon) • 3 sprigs of thyme (stems removed) • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese Courtesy of Tastes of Lizzy T 47 hometown living at its best
48 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
50 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group 50 amarillo living magazine
hometown living at its best 51 Written by MARTHA MOBLEY | Photos by HENRY BARGAS MARTIAL ARTS & ATHLETICS CENTER (MAAC), A MARTIAL ARTS AND CHILD-CARE CENTER IN AMARILLO IS THE ONLY LICENSED CHILD-CARE FACILITY IN THE NATION. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS
52 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group ike Lister, a Grand Master in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do, felt that attributes such as responsibility, self-esteem, courtesy, humility, and selfcontrol were lacking in the lives of many children and teens. These disciplines are part of the tenets of martial arts, and in 1984 Mike established an afterschool program he named Martial Arts & Athletics Center (MAAC). Mike’s main thought in starting MAAC was, “It’s All About the Kids.” His first location was an expensive rented space. By 2001, Mike was able to put some cash down, found an investor for the rest and MAAC moved into its main campus. In 2004 MAAC became licensed as the only afterschool martial arts and childcare center in the nation. Today MAAC operates three campuses in Amarillo. From 1993 through 2016, Mike and other instructors from MAAC taught Tae Kwon Do in the four Amarillo Independent School District high schools and in several of the middle schools as a choice in the Physical Education Program. Mike chose HEATT, an acronym for Higher Esteem and Achievement Through Tae Kwon Do, as the name for this program. Currently an instructor at MAAC, Tanner Varela is only one of many whose lives were greatly impacted by the HEATT program. When Tanner was about eight years old, his brother had a brain tumor which led to a stroke. After years of medical attention, some of which was in Dallas, the brother’s resultant disability qualified him to live in a group home in southwest Amarillo. The brother’s health issues had a great impact on the family who loved him.
hometown living at its best 53 Around 13, he started hanging out with older teens who encouraged him down a rocky path: drinking and skipping school. Tanner did, however, play football at Caprock High School during his freshman year. He did the two-a-day practices the following summer to prepare him for football his sophomore year. Late that same summer Tanner’s family moved to the Amarillo High School district in southwest Amarillo to be nearer Tanner’s brother. Tanner wanted to continue football at Amarillo High; however, this was not a smooth transition. The coach had to confirm that Tanner had done the two-a-day practices, and there were delays in issuing Tanner his football gear. All the while Tanner was to be at first period athletics, just watching the other players practice because his gear had not been issued to him. After about a week of these discouraging delays, Tanner reverted to one of his former behaviors, skipping school. He recalled, “I would go to Toot n Totum during first period, have a coke and candy bar, and then go to second period.” This worked well for about a week or so, that is until Principal Balke and the school liaison officer located him. They brought him back to school and into the principal’s office. He was given a choice: go back to athletics, even if it meant standing on the sidelines until he got his gear, or choose another activity for his PE credit. A friend had told him about the HEATT program which taught Tae Kwon Do. Tanner thought that would be a great place for him. Learning Tae Kwon Do brought discipline, responsibility, and structure into his life. These attributes affected his classwork, resulting in consistent attendance and better grades. In the three years he was in the HEATT program, Tanner went up in the belt rankings and became a model martial arts student. He became a helper and guide to the younger students entering the HEATT program. In 2011, Tanner graduated from Amarillo High School. As a young adult, he worked at several jobs where the disciplines he had learned
through Tae Kwon Do were evident in his work ethic. In the three years he worked at Border States Electrical, he advanced from receiving clerk to lead counter representative. In 2018, after working at several other jobs, Tanner decided to go work at MAAC. Some of his previous job changes had been based on getting a better income or getting better benefits, but this job change was motivated by how the HEATT and MAAC programs had helped him. He wanted to help other young people just as he had been helped. Also, since many students are being raised by single mothers, he felt it important to be a positive male role model. His first jobs at MAAC were being an instructor and watching the children. Later he was transferred to the MAAC 2 campus as lead instructor for the school-age children. He is now the program director at the main campus. Tanner’s message can be repeated time after time by others who have benefitted by the disciplines taught through martial arts. In everything they do, Tanner and the other employees of MAAC display this motivation: “It’s All About the Kids.” † 54 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
55 hometown living at its best
TRISTA PENNINGTON photos provided by the pennington family WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Amarillo 4-H Spotlight ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? I’m the President of the Horse Club HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? 4-H has prepared me in so many ways for the future. Public speaking, staying organized, how to work with people, networking, and that’s just some of it. It has given me goals to accomplish, from becoming President of a club, becoming a representative of the equine industry in Texas by becoming an Equine Ambassador, to trying out events just to learn. PARENTS Shad & Mareechia Pennington WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing about showing horses is how much fun it is and how much you learn. My least favorite aspect would be how long they are, I’ve been to an 11-hour show before. 4-H CLUB Potter County Rawhide 4-H Horse Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? 9 years. WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN? Equine Quiz Bowl, Horse Judging, Soil Judging, community service, the Horse Club, Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador, and Potter County Council. 56 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 57 WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? Through 4-H, I’ve met some incredible people and it has taught me more than school has when it comes to being a person living in this world. OTHER GROUPS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? In my school, I’m in the National Honors Society, Yearbook, and I founded the Book Club. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H TO PERSUADE THEM TO JOIN? It depends on the person and age group. For example, if they’re young, such as a 5th or 6th grader, then I’d say: You can make many amazing friends and win awards for doing well in events as well as learning so much! Whereas if they were in the high school age group, I’d say: You can get out of school for certain events such as horse judging, there are scholarships if you’re good at what you do, and you learn real-life skills. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? A few shows I’ve been to with horses were: the AQHYA World Championships twice in Oklahoma, the Tri-State Fair, and the WTAMU Winter Series. Other contests include: Equine Quiz Bowl (this year is the second year we qualified for state competition), Horse Judging, and Soil Judging. Some awards I’ve won include: the Gold Star award, the I Dare You award, 10 buckles (from horse shows), 4 metals (from contests), as well as receiving a Certificate of Excellence from Congressman Ronny Jackson.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? Well outside of 4-H and horses, I love to read and write, I enjoy playing DnD, as well as snow skiing and cycling. Though there is so much I want to learn, such as archery and roller skating. I love learning new skills. WORDS OF WISDOM: Always stay open-minded to everyone, no matter how different they are and follow your gut, it’s always right. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. During shows, after we’re done warming up and watching everyone else warm up, my horse, Ruby, and I tend to make the same facial expressions at both horses and people while my mom laughs at us for making the same face. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? OR WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? Well, ‘growing up’ is just around the corner now, so I think I’ve landed on being an Agriculture Journalist. For college, I’m going to start out at Amarillo College and then probably go to WTAMU for their Ag Journalism program. WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? Primarily, my mom. 58 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 59
60 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best 61 From the stress of deployments to frequent moves, military couples face a number of unique challenges. Mental and physical changes that result from a military career can also be intense: PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping are just a few. Chelsea Terry, a licensed clinical social worker with 11 years of experience, discusses some of the challenges faced by many couples—especially military—and ways to combat them. Deployments are a big part of the military experience. Most are aware of what that means for the service member; being away from home, living outside the continental U.S., and carrying out military action or missions. However, a military deployment also closely impacts a spouse, besides just missing their partner. For example, a deployment means a spouse will have to take up all the roles of a two-person household rather than splitting them as they normally would. A deployment could place a burden on that relationship and a couple might need to address certain aspects with open communication, coping strategies, or sometimes therapy. Military couples also face more transitions than many civilian couples, whether that be moving every couple of years or even leaving the military for civilian life, which can be challenging for a multitude of reasons. Not only is it a big decision for the service member and the couple that takes planning and preparation, but going from an active, highenergy job where decisions on your future are often out of your hands to a civilian position can cause unavoidable stress. When looking at veteran couples, there can also be changing relationship dynamics, like a spouse becoming a caregiver for the service member. SPECIFIC CHALLENGES TO BE AWARE OF FOR MILITARY COUPLES Lessons in Love By CHELSEA TERRY | Photos Courtesy of COHENS VETERANS NETWORK
Try the “Soft Start-up” – Be mindful about how you approach conversations. Whether you’re a military or civilian couple, sharing your perspective on a certain situation is critical. So is communicating your feelings in a non-confrontational way. Instead of criticizing and blaming, calmly and respectfully share your needs to come to a more amicable resolution. Try using “I” statements, instead of “you” statements. For example, “I long for us to work as a team. When I do most of the daily cleaning, we are not a team.” Versus, “You never help me! You want to live like a slob!” Remember, the more you communicate how you are feeling in the moment, the less likely arguments and disagreements will turn into fights because you will have communicated through the small and big things. Anytime is a good time for couples therapy! Seeking couples therapy does not mean a relationship is ending. I see couples when they are in a good place, not doing so great, or just stuck in a rut. Some signs that couples therapy can be helpful would be: feeling stuck in a cycle in your arguments, i.e. “you are always late; why does this keep happening,” or trouble communicating because you grew up not liking conflict. SIGNS THAT IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR COUPLES THERAPY RELATIONSHIP TIPS ANYONE CAN EMPLOY TO STRENGTHEN THEIR RELATIONSHIP: 62 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
Couples therapy is NOT a place for the therapist to side with your spouse. It is also not a time for your therapist to tell you that you are doing a bad job. Couples therapy is an effective way to get out of the cycle of disagreements you may be in. It is a way to offer a different perspective that you might not be able to see because you are frustrated. Couples therapy can even help with how to co-parent effectively or focus on how to work together if you are starting a business. Couples therapy can be a fun, safe, and effective way to learn more about yourself and your partner. † SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT COUPLE THERAPY ABOUT CHELSEA TERRY, LCSW/LICENSED CLINICIAN I am a licensed clinical social worker with 11 years of experience, five of which have been focused on mental health and therapy. For the last one and a half years, I have worked as a clinician for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare. I also personally understand my clients concerns and perspective as I am the spouse of an Army veteran. My passion is working with veterans and their families and my goal is to bring awareness to the importance of military mental health. Read more of CVN’s facts about couples therapy that might surprise you.
64 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
65 hometown living at its best
66 amarillo living magazine Written by JAMES MCAFEE | Photos courtesy of SHERWIN COX and HMG MR. GOLF of Amarillo
67 hometown living at its best SSherwin Cox, 72, who still lives here in retirement, has been called “Mr. Golf of Amarillo” in recognition of all his contributions during 37 years as the golf professional for the city. His legacy will also be woven into the fabric of golf in West Texas and Texas for other things he did during his time there. “Not enough can be said about his importance to the community,” Vance Reed, owner of Reed Beverage in Amarillo, said after his retirement on Dec. 31, 2017. “So many things could not have been accomplished without his leadership.” Long-time assistant pro-George Priolo, now the general manager over all 72 holes, echoed these words, “Sherwin really accomplished a lot, especially with major tournaments and fundraisers, and I am proud to continue what he started.” Cox says he got “hooked on golf” at the age of 10 when a friend asked him to come out to Pampa Country Club to caddy. The caddies could play for free on Friday mornings. He played some high school golf, shooting in the mid-70s and low 80s in competitions, but never played any junior events. “I did not attend college because my parents didn’t have the money and I assumed I would get drafted to the Vietnam War since I had a low number in the lottery at that time,” Cox said. “It was close. I even had a physical and filled out paperwork, but just missed.” Having also worked at the Pampa course cleaning clubs, watering greens at night and even helping out in the golf shop, he decided to try golf as a career. He became an assistant golf professional in December 1971 until August 1976 under Hart Warren, a past president of the Northern Texas PGA. Cox then worked for Johnny Austin at the Tascosa Country Club from August 1976 until January 1980, before spending 11 months as head professional at the nearby Canyon Country Club. A LOOK INTO SHERWIN COX’S IMPRESSIVE LEGACY OF IMPROVEMENT FOR AMARILLO’S GOLF SCENE.
After becoming the golf professional at the Ross Rogers Golf Course on January 1, 1981, Cox orchestrated many changes at the 36-hole facility. He said, “I quickly realized the best way to increase play was to have a course that the public wanted to play, not one they had to play.” Cox’s vision paid off as the number of rounds played went from 50,856 in 1980 to 100,140 in 1990. “We proved golf could be profitable for the city,” he added. Cox mentioned that he got plenty of advice from other golf professionals including Warren, Austin, Martin Reeves, Jay McClure of Lubbock and Buster Creagh of Richardson after getting the Ross Rogers job. “I remember Creagh telling me to take care of the city first and your success will follow,” he said. “I have tried to live up to those words and realize how important his advice has been to me through the years.” Thinking about how he had missed out playing junior golf, Cox started a citywide junior clinic during the first two weeks of the summer that ran for 22 years with a daily attendance of 150 to 180. In addition, he created the Junior Coca-Cola Classic that ran for 32 years, established the city junior championship, hosted other NTPGA junior events and qualifying events for the Texas State Junior. He didn’t forget the adults either, reestablishing the men’s city championship, starting a men’s stroke play tournament, revitalizing the ladies’ city championship and creating the Amarillo Tournament of Champions. Cox said he made sure all of the events at Ross Rogers had a corporate tournament sponsor. “After seeing how much money could be raised for a charity by an appearance by Lee Trevino in 1981, I helped start a calendar of other charity events that raised more than $10 million during my tenure at Ross Rogers,” Cox said. “Working with these charities to raise funds was one of my fondest memories.” Amarillo Junior Clinic which was held the first two weeks of the summer that ran for 22 years with a daily attendance of 150 to 180 kids. COX CREATED THE JUNIOR COCA-COLA CLASSIC THAT RAN FOR 32 YEARS, ESTABLISHED THE CITY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, HOSTED OTHER NTPGA JUNIOR EVENTS & QUALIFYING EVENTS FOR THE TEXAS STATE JUNIOR. 68 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx