1 hometown living at its best
2 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
3 hometown living at its best
4 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group 8 A SAVING GRACE How one dog’s rescue led to saving countless others, and the Amarillo family behind it all. 14 GOLFING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Professional golfer Ryan Palmer uses his platform for philanthropy. 22 CELEBRATING AN AMERICAN FOLK DANCE The Lone Star Kickers keep clogging alive in Amarillo. 30 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating area graduates with prayers and well wishes for their future endeavors. 36 PANHANDLE PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF FIRE When devastating wildfires engulfed the panhandle earlier this year, communities went out of their way to support each other in a multitude of ways. 44 HOMETOWN HAPPENING SPCA Muttfest On the Cover Contents 48 EXPRESSING EMOTION THROUGH ART Experience the healing power of art through the Amarillo Art Institute. 56 4-H SPOTLIGHT: DEVELYNN HSU Daughter of Michael and Nicola Hsu, and member of the Rawhide Horse Club, Devalynn shares about her time of service, experiences and memories made. 62 BRINGING AMARILLO THE WEATHER AND GOOD NEWS— FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS If you’ve lived in Amarillo for even a short time, you’ve no doubt turned to Doppler Dave for the latest weather report, and for a little bonus, some Good News. 68 TELLING TALLIE’S TALE A bobcat’s journey to wellness and the Amarillo organizations that made it possible. 22 68
6 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group Amarillo Living Magazine© is published bi-annually 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 Sara Hook James McAfee Martha Mobley Rebecca Sanchez Don Thompson Jessica Wesson PHOTOGRAPHERS Adair Photography Henry Bargas Ashley Ray Howdy Amarillo! Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Taylor Grimm Marketing & Client Relations taylor@hometownmedia.group Susan Avery Lead Creative Design ON THE COVER Lilly George Photo by Adair Photography H “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - James 1:2-5 Taylor Grimm Happy Summer! This has got to be my favorite time of year. The long, sunny days; the explosion of new life; the watery playgrounds of the pool and lake. I— like many of you, no doubt—become dedicated to my garden pursuits. It is so restful for my mind, and if you’re anti-processed food like me, you understand the immense satisfaction of growing what you consume. After planting seeds I patiently waited for weeks to enjoy the fruit they’d bear. You can imagine my disappointment when the first few rounds of zucchini and squash just shriveled up on the vine halfway to ripeness. I realized their flowers weren’t being properly pollinated (which sent me down the #SaveThePollinators trail) and learned how to remedy that. Thus began my new routine: every morning while the blooms are still open I use a small paintbrush to transfer pollen from male flowers to the fruit-bearing females. This works pretty well, by the way, but I also planted and seeded flowers nearby to help attract the pollinators to my little gardena area. I quickly started harvesting squash and zucchini–enough to share! Then, one evening I came out to find a few monarch butterfly caterpillars chewing up my brussel sprouts. I relocated them, hoping they’d be satisfied with the new menu and went about tending my plants. The next day I returned to find one brussel plant a skeleton, and the other with massive holes. There were caterpillars everywhere. Dozens. I thought, do I save my brussels or help #SaveThePollinators? As you can probably tell by the images, I decided to let them be. While I’m not sure if I’ll have any home-grown brussel sprouts this season, I am hoping my small sacrifice will allow me to see the transformation of all these little pollinators. It’s so cool to watch them grow so quickly. Instead of being upset about potentially killing my “crop” I’ve decided to enjoy this front row seat nature and The Lord gave me. I’ve thought about this for a couple days now and I wonder how many times a change in circumstance [that’s perfectly in God’s control] has been allowed to control my emotion? And If there is more to gain from plans gone awry than the initial disappointment? The more I apply this mindset all around me, the more positive I see my outlook become. I intend to continue this trend of faster, more positive thinking. I hope next time life throws you a curveball you are encouraged to seek its beauty; find the up-side. Make lemonade out of lemons as they say. No doubt–stick to your goals and plans–but don’t become so absorbed in them that you fail to acknowledge the needs of those around you. I hope you enjoy our summer issue, thanks for reading. P.S. Pollinators are necessary or all ecosystems collapse. #SaveThePollinators Camela Dietrich Accounts Recievable accounting@hometownmedia.group
I WRITTEN BY JESSICA WESSON | PHOTOS BY HENRY BARGAS Grace A SAVING In 2017 the Tebeest family started volunteering for an organization that built fencing for dogs that were chained up. About a month in, one of the other volunteers told them about a dog from a post she had seen on social media. The dog and her two-day-old puppies were scheduled to be euthanized in two days at the pound. The Tebeests had zero experience with rescuing or fostering dogs, but this one stood out to Loretta Tebeest. “The dog from the post was a Rottweiler, and I knew we had to intervene,” Loretta said. “We’ve had Rottweilers for 30 years, so we went and picked up Gracie and her puppies. My daughter named her Gracie because she was saved by the grace of God.” 8 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group How one dog’s rescue led to saving countless others, and the Amarillo family behind it all.
After three months, Gracie was thriving in her new home with a family that loved her. The Tebeests took Gracie to the vet to be spayed, but later that night she passed away from surgery complications. With broken hearts Loretta and her family knew they couldn’t let Gracie’s loss be in vain. So, they created Gracie’s Project to honor her memory and to save other dogs from a fate like hers, but Loretta wasn’t quite sure where to start. She was a supervisor for a loan company for 28 years before Gracie’s Project, and her husband, Brandon, was a mechanic. Loretta said, “I heard about a dog in a local pound that was euthanized during active labor, so, I focused my attention on dogs in the pound. Sarah Faulkner at Hope Veterinarian Clinic let me use a little area behind the clinic to build kennels. They also offered us discounted veterinary services to help us get started.” Loretta started devoting all her time to her new adventure and quickly realized that it was growing into something larger than she’d anticipated. “I would go before and after work and on my lunch break to feed them and check on them,” Loretta said. “During bad weather, we’d have to go and get the dogs inside the building to shelter them. Gracie 9 hometown living at its best
10 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
11 hometown living at its best I remember digging trenches around the kennels to divert the water around the kennels. I would have to use dog bowls to dig because I didn’t have a shovel.” Eventually, Loretta and Brandon were able to build a facility on their property to house dogs. Today, there are seven facilities in total that Loretta and the Gracie’s Project volunteers manage. “We’ve only been able to do this through donors and fundraisers,” Loretta said. “People think it’s easier now that we have these facilities, but it comes with more responsibility and higher bills. We have building payments, electric bills, the cost of buying concrete, buying more feed for more dogs, etc.” Gracie’s Project currently houses approximately 300 dogs, all looking for their forever homes. Most of the dogs came to Loretta and her team because of good Samaritans in the community. “We usually get a message on Facebook or tagged in a post about dogs needing our help,” Loretta said. “If there’s a dog that’s been injured because of a car or otherwise, we will always try to help them no matter what. We also take dogs from local shelters or pounds that are about to be euthanized.” The dogs in need of medical attention get taken to the vet straight away. After all immediate medical needs are tended to, the dogs are spayed or neutered and microchipped. “We always remain an emergency contact on the dog’s microchip, so that if they ever get lost, we can go pick them up,” Loretta said. “We also take dogs back if the adoption doesn’t work out for whatever reason, no questions asked.” Once the dogs are ready for adoption, Loretta and her team make sure that their new home is safe before sending them off. She said, “It’s not just about pushing the dogs out the door. A lot of rescues just want to get them out and never follow up, but that’s not me. I don’t send my dogs anywhere that I don’t feel comfortable with, and we do home checks and have strict adoption procedures.” While the job is challenging for Loretta, her heart belongs to the dogs she helps, all because of a Rottweiler named Gracie. † To donate resources or adopt a dog, visit www.graciesproject.com.
12 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
13 hometown living at its best
14 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group GOLFING for the Greater Good WRITTEN BY JAMES MCAFEE | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAKE MCOLLOUGH AND LESLEY GUINN
15 hometown living at its best A PROFESSIONAL GOLFER RYAN PALMER USES HIS PLATFORM FOR PHILANTHROPY. Amarillo native Ryan Palmer, who has spent two decades playing on the PGA Tour, wasted no time in deciding to join his family and friends in forming the Ryan Palmer Foundation immediately after earning his PGA Tour card in 2003. His initial words were: “What I want from the foundation is to create opportunities for young people–like I’ve had throughout my life. This is my chance to give back to the communities who have supported me.” Palmer was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, which recognizes the best of Texas golf, in 2022. He was then presented with the Arnie Award, which recognizes golfers who give back to the game by Golf Digest Magazine in 2023. “I’m truly honored and blessed to win such a prestigious award,” he said about the honor. “What I truly love about it is that it’s not what I’ve won or done on the golf course. It’s the fact that I’ve watched and learned from many about giving back. Thank you, Arnie for paving the way and showing us what it is to be the ultimate professional.” The Palmers’ foundation has certainly fulfilled its mission to create brighter futures for communities and underserved families by offering access to education, self-care and personal development.
One of the first initiatives, working with the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, was to provide financial assistance allowing juniors to join the popular West Texas Junior Tour each summer. The Ryan Palmer Junior Invitational is now held annually each summer. The foundation also supports the NTPGA Foundation’s college scholarship program and helped build an indoor practice facility for the West Texas A&M University golf program. The Palmers also aimed their charity at the medical field, supporting the Ryan Palmer Foundation Healing Garden, Palmer Playhouse and the Palmer SportsZone at Children’s Hospital of Northwest Texas in Amarillo. It’s a space for children and parents where they can escape all the stress from the intensity of being in the hospital. Palmer also donated $50 per birdies and $100 per eagle to the hospital in 2010 as part of “Birdies 4 Brighter Smiles.” Palmer’s wife, Jennifer, has been involved from the beginning. It was her experience as a licensed dentist that led to another unique aspect of the foundation: Brighter Smiles. Working with three local dentists in Amarillo, the foundation has paid for services for children with need for dental care–from cleft palette to wisdom teeth extraction, orthodontics to implants and many other procedures in between. Ryan said, “We love to see kids smile.” The Palmers added another branch to the foundation after they found out Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, providing funds for a mobile mammogram unit for Texas women who might not otherwise get them. Kits with blankets, books and socks, items that Jennifer liked during her treatment, have been sent to more than 500 women from all over Texas. 16 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
hometown living at its best
18 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
19 Palmer, who grew up playing at the Tascosa Country Club, got his start in golf when he attended the junior clinic at Ross Rogers Golf Course at the age of 7. He then participated in junior events during the summer and played on the Amarillo High School golf team for four years. He spent one year at the University of North Texas in Denton before transferring to Texas A&M University in College Station, where he made all Big-12. As a junior, he qualified for the U.S. Open. Later, he was inducted into the school’s sports hall of fame. Palmer turned professional in 2000, playing on the Tight Lies Tour and Hooters Tour for two years. He moved up to the Nationwide Tour in 2003, winning the Clearwater Classic and finishing sixth on the season money list to earn his PGA Tour card. The 47-year-old pro, now a member at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, has earned more than $33 million and claimed four titles–the 2004 FUNA/Classic at Walt Disney World, the 2008 Ginn sur Mer Classic, the 2010 Sony Open in Hawaii and the 2019 Zurich Classic, the latter with Jon Raum as his partner. He also claimed 11 runner-up finishes and 68 career top-10s. His best finishes in the majors were 10th at the 2011 Masters and a tie for fifth at the 2014 PGA Championship. Palmer played in his 500th tour event in February earlier this season and will continue to play many more events where he is eligible this season, looking forward with eyes on the PGA Champions Tour when he turns 50. †
20 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
21 hometown living at its best
22 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group WRITTEN BY SARA HOOK | PHOTOS BY HENRY BARGAS THE LONE STAR KICKERS KEEP CLOGGING ALIVE IN AMARILLO. Celebrating An American Folk Dance CELEBRATING AN AMERICAN
(L-R) Debbie Loyless, Brian Vick, Roxie Pointdexter, Carlee Garrison and Karen Sasser, pose near the gazebo at Memorial Park, where they practice their dance steps. (Not pictured: Olga McLaughlin]
24 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group Dance has always been important to society, to express emotion, culture, and community, and the United States sports several of those unique cultural dances. Amarillo is blessed to have one of those American folk dances regularly in action throughout the year—on the Fourth of July, in a retirement home, or at any number of other events. Clogging as an American Folk Dance began in Appalachia, brought by immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, England, the Netherlands, and Germany and influenced by First American and African dance among other dance styles. The many folk styles blended to form what has become a uniquely American style, one that is practiced and performed across the country. Clogging came to Texas in the early 1970s and has continued to change and be influenced by other popular dances in the state: Irish, Jazz, Country Swing, Hip-hop, and Square dance just to name a few. In Amarillo, the dance has been preserved by the clogging group Lone Star Kickers. Formed in 2002 by long-time clogger Brian Vick, the members of Lone Star Kickers meet weekly to practice that unique folk dance. Vick himself has been clogging for nearly 40 years, and spent quite a few of those years teaching in Amarillo. In fact, the current members of Lone Star Kickers all began clogging through his classes. Clogging uses special shoes with taps to create rhythms and music, as the dancer strikes heel or toe against the ground. The shoes are different from those used in other styles like tap dancing, and tend to make a louder sound. Member Debbie Loyless first became interested in the folk dance after she saw some tap dancing on YouTube. Curious, she reached out to the Amarillo College Life and Leisure program. Tap dancing wasn’t offered, but there was a class on clogging, so she decided to give it a try. Loyless said, “I signed up for the beginner class, taught by Brian Vick at the time, and fell in love with it.”
25 hometown living at its best The members of Lone Star Kickers grew in their clogging skills together, advancing from beginner level to intermediate and beyond. Because of that connection, the group members are all very close. While they do occasional exhibitions, Loyless said they meet primarily for the companionship the group brings. “You couldn't ask for better people to get together with,” Loyless said. “Our group under the direction of Brian have been together for about 5 years. Weekly practices are my favorite. We always laugh and have a great time learning together. That translates into our performances and how we connect with people throughout the community.” That close companionship and connection has resulted in excellent clogging, which is shared throughout Amarillo through events and exhibitions. Exhibitions have been held at the veteran’s home and retirement homes in the area, and Lone Star Kickers has also demonstrated clogging for kids in
26 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
27 hometown living at its best the school system and performed for Fourth of July celebrations. The group is eager to share their art with anyone who is interested. The many different styles that influence clogging give the dance quite a bit of variety, and make every routine as interesting as the last. Loyless said, “I love to learn more and share it with others.” Those interested in clogging can find education and workshops through the Texas Clogging Council, and other clubs around Texas often do workshops as well. While Amarillo College doesn’t offer its own classes anymore, Loyless said Lone Star Kickers hope to get more people involved and eventually be able to start classes again. “Our plans are just to continue as long as we can,” Loyless said. “We would like to get other people involved, of course, to keep this folk dance going.” Education is a big part of that. Loyless said, “We would like people to know what clogging is, where it came from, and the history of it.” Anyone who is interested in learning more about the folk dance is welcome to visit with the Lone Star Kickers and see what they do, in person or through one of the many videos they have of their work on Facebook. Other resources can be found through the Texas Clogging Council or the National Clogging Organization. While the membership is small, Lone Star Kickers do Amarillo a service in exposing community members to such a unique and history filled art form. Loyless said, “There's only just a handful of us, but we love serving the community through dance. If anybody ever gets the chance to attend a workshop or go to one of the rallies or something like that, they can actually experience the enjoyment of clogging—or come out and watch us and see what we do.” †
28 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
29 hometown living at its best
Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes for their future endeavors. Contact our office for information on being featured in our next HOMETOWN GRADUATES SECTION. office@hometownmedia.group Graduates HOMETOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 30 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
31 hometown living at its best 1. Corley Pearson | Tascosa High School 2. Berklie Benge | Tascosa High School 3. Danae Lopez | Amarillo High School 4. Lilly George | Tascosa High School 5. Jack Farris | Tascosa High School 6. Kinnlee Carey | Canyon High School 7. Savannah Drury | Amarillo Park High School 8. Guy Sadler | Amarillo High School 9. Bray Bradley | Canyon High School 10. Joscelin Watson | Bushland High School Photos by Adair Photography “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’” — Audrey Hepburn 7 8 9 10
32 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group Graduates HOMETOWN 1. Kali Howard | Bushland High School 2. Baylor Billington | Bushland High School 3. Brenna Edwards | Canyon High School 4. Taylyn Shuffield | Amarillo High School 5. Ashlyn Stephens | Homeschool Photos by Adair Photography “All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them.” — Viola Davis 1 2 3 4 5
33 hometown living at its best THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED COLLEGE Attending college is a huge milestone in a young person’s life. Going out on your own for the first time, learning the ropes of adulthood, and working towards a college degree— it’s a combination of exciting and scary to say the least. After attending college for the last 4 years here are some of the things I wish I would have known when I began this life changing journey. When you show up to campus on your first day just remember that you’re not alone. Every other freshman on campus is just as lost and confused as you are, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Chances are those questions about ‘where is this class’ or ‘how do I get to the dining hall’ will lead you right to where you need to be, on time, and possibly with a new friend! Learning how to properly manage your time will be one of the best skills you can learn. That skill will not only get you far in college, but it will also be beneficial when you make your way into the real world. If you have the time I would suggest joining an extra-curricular or club. That is one of the best ways to find friends and community on campus. I was a part of the rodeo team at my junior college, and I made friendships that will last a lifetime. Attending your classes and keeping up good relationships with your professors is another important aspect. A majority of the time showing up for class and being engaged in the conversation goes a long way. College can get expensive fast, so make sure that you are aware of the financial aspects of it. Apply for every scholarship you possibly can, meet up with an advisor to get scholarship recommendations, and research scholarship opportunities. At the end of the day, it is important to know that a college degree doesn’t define who you are or the things that you can accomplish. It’s okay to mess up every once in a while. Life isn’t meant to be perfect; it’s just meant to be lived. by Emery Mask Emery Mask is a Amarillo native and senior at Tarleton State University where she will graduate May ‘25 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications studies. Emery recently completed her internship with Hometown Media Group. She plans to pursue a career as a rodeo journalist while also competing in professional rodeo.
34 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
35 hometown living at its best hpch.org Love. ...the greatest of these is and Family Services, Inc. High Plains Children’s Home
36 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group PANHANDLE WRITTEN BY REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BECCA FERGUSON, JESSICA REED, TEXAS A&M SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE & BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
37 hometown living at its best
38 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group TThe Early months of 2024 brought its usual winds to the Panhandle when temperatures are cool, the grass is dry, and seasonal rains are still far off. When the spark of fire entered the scene, it resulted in the largest wildfire in state history. The Smokehouse Creek, Windy Deuce, and Grape Vine Creek fires caused damage and loss beyond words. Two people died and thousands of animals perished. While recovery often takes considerable time and different forms, many brave and kindhearted people have put forth great efforts of support. On February 26 a fire broke out one mile north of Stinnett, and with the high winds and dry grass for fuel, it spread across Roberts County, Hemphill County, and eventually crossed the Texas-Oklahoma state line. Aerial imaging showed a wide, scorched swath of an estimated 1,058,482 burned acres that the Smokehouse Creek fire left in its wake. Just hours after the Smokehouse fire began, the Windy Deuce fire flared up and spread across Moore, Potter, and Carson counties, destroying 144,045 acres. Consuming nearly everything in its path, the fire burned pasture grass, various crops, hay storage, trees, and animals. In many cases, ranching infrastructure was a complete loss, such as electrical power to run well WHEN DEVASTATING FIRES ENGULFED THE PANHANDLE IN FEBRUARY, NEIGHBORS NEAR AND STRANGERS FAR JUMPED INTO ACTION PROVIDING SUPPORT. FOOD, WATER, ANIMAL FEED, FIRSTAID HELP AND ABLE BODIES WERE EN ROUTE INSTANTLY, AND FOR WEEKS TO COME.
39 hometown living at its best pumps, fencing to contain herds, and shelters to protect livestock. The town of Canadian lost power lines and was surrounded by fire. People who had invested their entire lives and perhaps every dollar in their ranching endeavors lost everything. Many homes were underinsured or not insured at all, and hundreds were either burned down, burned to uninhabitable means or significantly damaged by smoke. According to a CBS News article, at one moment in time 7,000 cows had perished with a projected loss of 10,000, not including those that may have to be euthanized due to their injuries. Almost as immediately as the fire began, Texans, Oklahomans, and people beyond the region launched rescue and recovery efforts. Immediate action and the giving nature of people helped in the first days when there was no water, food, or shelter for ranchers or their animals. Collecting and removing cattle that had died took a toll on those involved. Tending to the hundreds of injured and orphaned demanded immediate attention. Surviving cows needed to eat
40 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group that day and the next. In-between time was crucial. Donations of muscle, knowledge, and supplies headed for the affected counties. Social media rallied with proclamations of how Texans are tough because they have to be—between ranch life and the land itself. Facebook accounts erupted with photos of burned-out vehicles, chimneys without houses, charred metal, and blackened grasslands, but they were quickly overshadowed by images of flatbed trucks loaded with hay and feed, calves with bandages, and videos of volunteer efforts. Help started with facilitation, perhaps with the first phone call saying, “We’re on our way.” Somewhere a first person brought water to volunteers, another assisted in an evacuation, and another lent an RV to a friend without a house. Celebration Family Church [and no doubt others] opened doors to people who couldn’t go home. Both the manager and the owner of The Last Cowboy Resort Motel lost their homes but still provided hospitality to volunteers staying in the motel. In Potter County, a fire battalion chief had grader operators clear a contingency line five blades wide, running from Highway 136 to Parsley Road four miles away, which prevented the fire from crossing. Junior firefighters in Pampa paired up with adult firefighters to hose down fire and heated grass and to provide supplies and water to people.
41 hometown living at its best One woman gave nebulizer treatments to animals that had inhaled smoke in an effort to prevent the chemicals in smoke from causing lung inflammation and damage, which can lead to secondary infections. The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) went to Canadian for 10 days and attended to hundreds of cattle and animals including dogs and cats, donkeys, a pig, and one goat. Cattle with burned hooves, ears, and legs, and orphaned calves needed immediate attention. The Orphaned Calf Project helped heal and nurse orphaned calves back to health for their owners. Donated supplies, feed, and volunteer groups have supported their efforts. Farmers began sharing bales of hay with each other and sharing space to keep cattle. Thousands of pounds of feed and hay arrived from other states, as far as North Carolina, Wyoming, Colorado, nearby Oklahoma, and from within Texas. One man from Decatur was reported to have volunteered just doing the back-and-forth delivery driving.
People with hands-on skills, drivers, other ranchers and heavy equipment operators, all brought their resources. The cities of Borger, Fitch, and Stinnett asked for fire clean-up supplies like shovels, gloves, and trash cans because people can’t begin to handle and move debris when all of their own tools have burned in a fire. Though their entire location was destroyed, 4 Points Kicking Bear Camp is still going forward with summer camp after receiving outside help. Co-owner Becca Ferguson said the community and beyond have shown up in a mighty way, some driving 10+ hours to bring donations and aid. “It’s been a crazy few months, but we have been blessed by our community and various recovery efforts,” she said. After a few workdays and tons of donations, they were back up and running just in time for their first summer camp in mid-June where they, in turn, blessed their campers. Community nonprofits and faith-based organizations donated time, resources, and facility spaces to feed people and store the many donated items. Companies large and small, from near and far have begun to donate. The Amarillo Area Foundation activated grant money from the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund. It will take time to rebuild and recover from the record-setting, devastating fires. Texans and those beyond stepped in to try and minimize the length of time, and to extend a hand. It’s working. Some of the orphaned calves are headed back to their owners. People have taken time to point out the bright green color of new grass sprouting too. It is another sign of hope, and Texas and its neighbors are reaching into their pocketbooks, storehouses, and hearts to support the ranchers on the journey. †
43 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings
45 hometown living at its best Photos by Henry Bargas The Amarillo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) hosted its 30th annual Muttfest on May 19th at Starlight Ranch Event Center. This fundraising event has grown from a small rescue group setting up at a local park to one of the organization’s largest events; with live entertainment, a silent auction, vendor booths, a vaccine clinic, over 1,000 attendees, and the crowd favorite pet contests including the category “Owner-Pet Look Alike” and “Best Costume.” Muttfest raises money to keep the shelter running and provide all of the basic necessities that the shelter needs throughout the year, but it also raises awareness of the need to spay and neuter pets to help prevent the problem of overpopulation that has become rampant both locally and nationally. The event is a pet and family-friendly event with something to do for everyone. Muttfest is held yearly on the Sunday before Memorial Day in May and is free to attend. For more information on Muttfest visit the ASPCA website at amarillospcashelter.com. 30TH ANNUAL SPCA MUTTFEST Amarillo
46 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
47 hometown living at its best
48 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
EXPRESSING EMOTION THROUGH ART WRITTEN BY SARA HOOK | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RACHEL FLORES 49 hometown living at its best
50 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group Experience the healing power of art with the Amarillo Art Institute.
hometown living at its best TThe arts have long been known to have a healing effect, allowing people to understand and convey emotions beyond what mere words can express. The Amarillo Art Institute understands this well, and its Healing Arts program continues to have a great effect on the community. Unlike many of the institute’s other programs, the Healing Arts was not formally structured but grew out of a need. Executive director Rachel Flores said it started with work in Senior Living facilities. Flores said, “We went on site to nursing homes and did art activities to help boost mental health, and really physical health too because you’re working on your motor skills and that kind of thing. It morphed into being more of an overarching program.” Slowly, more and more organizations asked to be involved and the Healing Arts program evolved to cover that need. Flores said, “It’s sort of an umbrella program, where any time we encounter an organization that’s looking for some art outlet for their clients to be able to cope with whatever their going through—some of them are going through some really extreme circumstances—we incorporate that into our programming.”
52 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group Along with the senior living facilities, the institute has worked with refugees, homeless individuals, and kids from the Hope and Healing Place, among other groups. Each group has found benefits through the program. At the nursing homes, program volunteers and staff often saw people remembering they used to practice art. Others have discovered a talent for art or found some identity in practicing art as they learn new skills. “They would go, ‘hey I’m really good at this, this is something I enjoy, this is a component of who I am as a person,’” Flores said. “Especially in homelessness, it’s important for their success to reclaim who they are as a person.” The results don’t stop there. A big part of the healing process is the community involved in Healing Art classes. As art transcends language barriers it can help children, immigrants, and refugees connect with those around them. The meditative nature of art allows people to work through their issues just in their head, while the art itself allows them to let things out without having to share with other people. “Art as a from of therapy is one of the most essential ways for people [to] cope with what they’re going through,” Flores said. There are many different media that can be used in the healing process, but one of the best, Flores said, is clay. Shaping and molding clay takes strength and pressure, which makes it ideal for putting emotions into the work; program attendees can physically push out what’s going on emotionally and mentally inside.
53 hometown living at its best No matter what artistic medium is used, however, Healing Art classes are changing people for the better—and with the Art Institute’s newly renovated building there will be even more opportunities for Amarillo to experience the healing power of art. Flores said, “Now that we have this massive space, we feel very strongly that it is our duty to do more in the community.” More classes will be held on site, allowing access to materials and media that have been too messy, fragile, or equipment-reliant to be easily transported and used in other locations. Flores said activities may be a little more intense and meaningful, and the institute will be able to grow the program and invite more groups to experience what art has to offer.“The program is not closed to certain organizations,” Flores said. “We’re always open to collaborating.” Access to the arts is incredibly important to the health of any community, and the Amarillo Art Institute is doing its best to give those opportunities to as many people as possible through classes, workshops, private studios, exhibitions, and many other programs and events. Hundreds of people have experienced art and healing through art because of the Art Institute, and Amarillo is all the better for it. † “Now that we have this massive space, we feel very strongly that it is our duty to do more in the community. ” -Rachel Flores
54 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
55 hometown living at its best
DEVELYNN HSU photos provided by the hsu family 4-H SPOTLIGHT NAME, AGE: Develynn Hsu, 16 PARENTS: Michael and Nicola Hsu 4-H CLUB: Rawhide Horse Club WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Amarillo, Texas
57 hometown living at its best HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN 4-H PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS? 9 years WHAT 4-H ACTIVITIES ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? Horse Project, Vet Sciences, Market Lamb, Leadership ARE YOU AN OFFICER? IF SO, WHICH POSITION? Yes, Secretary and Treasurer WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR 4-H PROJECTS? My favorite thing about showing is the competition, my least favorite is the early mornings and stress. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4-H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? Vet Sciences has helped prepare me for a future career in veterinary services, I would like to be a veterinarian someday. WHY IS BEING IN 4-H IMPORTANT TO YOU? I get to network and meet a lot of people with a variety of interests, and it has opened doors for future opportunities with colleges and possible careers. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING 4-H? There are many projects to try that would fit many different interests.
58 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? Gold Star Award, Silver Star Award, Bronze Star, Texas State and District Quiz Bowl, our team has been in the top ten the last two years. I was in the Texas State Horse Show top 10 in barrel racing. OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE INVOLVED IN? Panhandle Trail Riders Association, Rolling Hills Riding Club, Meals on Wheels and Animeals, Crown of Texas Arabian Club, and Stampede to Read Program.
59 hometown living at its best WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GROW UP? I would like to pursue Veterinary Science or Cosmetology. TELL US A FUNNY STORY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED WHILE CARING FOR YOUR ANIMAL OR DURING A COMPETITION. While showing at the Potter County Junior Livestock Association show, my lambs Dumpling and Ernie wouldn’t stop licking the bars of their pen. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? I enjoy archery, art and painting, mentoring my fellow 4-Hers, and reading books. WORDS OF WISDOM OR ADVICE: Always listen to your horse at a competition. Know your horse and their “normal” so you know if anything is wrong. hometown living at its best 59
60 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group www.adairphotography.net 806.359.4504 7649 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX 79110 info@adairphotography.net Portrait Photography Studio Amarillo
61 hometown living at its best
62 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group W WRITTEN BY DON THOMPSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OLIVER FAMILY Dave Oliver has been THE Meteorologist at First Alert Weather Team on NewsChannel 10 KFDA in Amarillo for 38 years and counting—since 1986. Born in Wichita, Kansas, the Oliver family soon moved to Oklahoma City when he was a youngster, then when he was in middle school the family moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, so he grew up for the most part in Texas. He later attended the University of Oklahoma and met his now wife, Carol, on campus and they married on the campus itself, so they’re both Sooners. Dave started his weather reporting career in television in Corpus Christi, Texas. To further his career, he moved up to Victoria, Texas, still looking around for the best opportunity to advance his career. He found it in 1986 when he was offered the job as a meteorologist at Channel 10 in Amarillo. In one year, he was promoted to Chief Meteorologist, then “just never left”, as he puts it. “For a meteorologist, there’s no place like Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle area because it has the spectrum of weather to do what I love to do,” Dave said. The Olivers have two children, a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren. His son attended the University of Texas, so, with Dave an OU grad If you’ve lived in Amarillo for even a short time, you’ve no doubt turned to Doppler Dave for the latest weather report, and for a little bonus, some Good News. Bringing Amarillo the Weather & Good News… for almost 40 years
63 hometown living at its best and his son a UT alumnus, who does Dave root for during the annual Texas v. OU football game? “Both,” he said. “I respect the Longhorns too!” He also roots for the West Texas State Buffaloes. Dave has been teaching at West Texas A&M University in Canyon for 10 years, where even his students call him “Doppler Dave.” The obvious questions arise—how did he get the name “Doppler Dave”, and what is Doppler radar anyway? He said, “I got the name in early years making public appearances in little towns around here with the news team and Channel 10 staff, playing basketball games against coaches, city officials, and other teams. One evening an announcer introducing the Channel 10 staff introduced me as ‘Doppler Dave’, for no real reason other than the alliteration. It was done as just a little joke, but the Channel 10 sports reporter latched onto that name and began introducing me on-air as ‘Doppler Dave’ and it just stuck. From then on, I’ve been called Doppler Dave. I don’t mind, it’s a good name!” And what is Doppler radar? A radar that detects a target that is moving away from or towards the radar. For example, think of the sound of a train going by. The sound changes as the train gets closer then fades as the train goes past. That is called “the Doppler effect.” Doppler radar recognizes the different radar signals as an object moves. A Doppler system detects
64 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group “Storm chasing was in my blood long before I became an official meteorologist, ever since I can remember. Some people become meteorologists first, then develop interest in storm chasing, but I was the other way. I was a storm chaser first.” - DAVE OLIVER
65 hometown living at its best rain or a cloud and indicates the direction it’s moving, going towards or away from the radar source, and how fast the target is moving. As you might expect, one of Doppler Dave’s interests is being a storm chaser. He has seen many tornadoes, and been within half a mile of a tornado, but seeing how close he can get is not the goal. “Storm chasing was in my blood long before I became an official meteorologist, ever since I can remember,” Dave said. “Some people become meteorologists first, then develop interest in storm chasing, but I was the other way. I was a storm chaser first.” While storm chasing was an early passion, the Good News segments are actually a favorite part of Dave’s on-air time. Dave said, “In 2017 I realized I had a platform. It can be difficult to watch a newscast because of negativity and bad news, but there’s just as much good news as bad. Good news is not talked about as much, so every week for 2 1/2 minutes there’s the opportunity to hear good news.” “I enjoy putting the Good News segments together every week,” he said. “Some examples of Good News programs that come to mind… there was a lawyer, 100 years old, still practicing law. Another one was a father’s 99th birthday. His family restored a 1950s car for his birthday, then the father got to drive it. Another one was about a tornado in Illinois. A tornado blew the roof off a house, destroyed it, and the Rumba vacuum cleaner could be seen in there trying to do its thing, trying to clean the demolished house. Recently there was a story on a porcupine that survived the wildfires in the Panhandle area. The porcupine was found near Lake Meredith around Fritch. He’s a mascot for hope and survival after the wildfires last year.” “Other Good News stories come in from around the viewing area. In Claude, a family barely escaped a house fire, but the child had injuries, so while the family was in Amarillo for medical attention, the Claude community started a Facebook page for donations. They found a
66 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group house and furniture for the family so when the family came home, they had a place to live. In Clovis, New Mexico a young couple was having a baby, but it came fast and the baby was born in the driveway. Everything turned out okay. At Christmas time in Hereford, a letter to Santa written in 1907 was found and showed that kids haven’t changed much. In Texhoma, a 15-yearold boy ran a farm on his own. He couldn’t even legally drive yet, but he worked hard and had a wheat crop come in.” The next time you see Doppler Dave around Amarillo, or in surrounding towns, out at a lake fishing, or on the West Texas campus, say hello and thank him for bringing weather reports to the Panhandle and for his uplifting Good News reports. He’s always out there enjoying his life and career. “My life and career would have been impossible without a supportive wife and family,” Dave said. “Being a media personality can be difficult, but I’ve had an understanding wife to help me along. Thanks to everyone for making it possible for me to do what I enjoy!” †
67 hometown living at its best RESERVE YOUR GRADUATE GRADUATE ANNOUNCEMENT SPACE TODAY! SPACE TODAY! WANT TO BE HERD? Advertise in AMARILLO living Options for any budget, give us a call at 817-599-6167
68 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group W WRITTEN BY MARTHA MOBLEY | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY STEPHANIE BRADY When an orphaned and underweight bobcat wandered into a homeless encampment near Dallas in October 2023, no one could foresee the six-month journey and extent of teamwork required to nurse her back to health. Tallie’s journey began when her rescuers reached out to the North Texas Wildlife Center, who then contacted Friends of Texas Shelter Pets in Amarillo and arranged for Corbin Geiser with Pilots N Paws in Denton to transport Tallie to Amarillo to begin treatments. He and his daughter, Alex, airlifted Tallie to Amarillo where she was housed at the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation, a facility familiar with animals like Tallie, who are indigenous to this area. Upon Tallie’s arrival in Amarillo, she was first taken to Canyon Road Animal Hospital for a health assessment. She was underweight, had intestinal parasites, and suffered from Metabolic Bone Disorder. They began treating her with UVB light therapy, calcium and phosphorus A BOBCAT’S JOURNEY TO WELLNESS AND THE AMARILLO ORGANIZATIONS THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE. Tallie's Tale Telling
69 hometown living at its best
70 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
71 hometown living at its best supplements, and put her on a diet of whole foods. The staff at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation used frozen chicks which they defrost to feed her. The staff at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation housed Tillie until she made a complete recovery, also under the care of Dr. McKnight and Dr. Janice Wolf of Canyon Road Hospital. Once healthy and self-sufficient, she was released in an area of the Texas Panhandle that is naturally inhabited by her species. There, she can join a clowder of bobcats so she won’t have to depend upon only herself for survival. She can then live out her life in the wild—healed, healthy and where she belongs. Truly, it takes a team, and kudos to those who helped Tallie on her journey: the volunteers who donated their time and skills, the staff at Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation who cared for Tallie daily, and to Dr. McKnight and Dr. Wolf. Each a dedicated individual with Tallie’s continued improvement foremost in their heart. Currently there are no pilots in Amarillo associated with Pilots N Paws. Any pilot interested in volunteering can get further details concerning the organization’s mission and pilot requirements at www.pilotsnpaws.org. †
72 amarillo living magazine | hometownmedia.group
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx