Amarillo area community news, invites, events and more

Coffee Memorial Blood Center calls on donors to replenish low platelet supply

The Coffee Memorial Blood Center is calling on donors to step up and give platelets as the current supply is running low.

Platelets are essential parts of blood crucial for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Hospitals rely on platelet transfusions to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplants, major surgeries, and those battling various medical conditions such as leukemia and aplastic anemia. Platelets have a short shelf life, typically lasting only 4 to 5 days after donation. Consequently, they are constantly in demand in hospitals.

"Platelets play a critical role in medical interventions, and maintaining an adequate supply is essential for providing quality healthcare to those in need,” said Dr. John Armitage, president, and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “Hospital patients need donors to step up to ensure enough platelets are available for when they are needed.”

Successful donors will receive a “Stand Tall and Donate” giraffe-themed T-shirt. Visit obi.org or call 877-340-8777 to make an appointment. Anyone can give blood who is healthy and at least 16 years old (weighing 125 pounds or more, with signed parental permission; those age 17 must weigh at least 125 pounds, or at least 110 for ages 18 and older. Photo ID required.). One donation typically takes only about an hour and can save up to three lives. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777. Walk-ins are also welcome.

WT alums invited to celebrate golden, diamond graduation anniversaries

CANYON — Buffs celebrating milestone anniversaries of their graduations will be honored at an upcoming special event leading into commencement weekend at West Texas A&M University.

Alumni who earned their degrees 50 or more years ago will celebrate at the Golden and Diamond Buff Reunion on May 9. The class of 2024, meanwhile, will graduate May 11. The reunion will celebrate all alumni classes from 1974 and earlier, with special recognition for the class of 1974’s 50th anniversary and the class of 1964’s 60th anniversary.

Deadline to register is May 6. Registration fees are $25 at wtamu.edu/goldendiamond.

The day’s events will include a meet-and-greet at 10 a.m. in Legends Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center; lunch at President Walter V. Wendler’s home; bus tours of the campus; and a presentation by the Student Government Association. For information, call 806-651-2311.

WT ag alumni in Hereford area invited to free lunch May 1

CANYON — Representatives from the department, part of WT’s Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, will travel to Hereford with the WT Alumni Association and the Agriculture Development Association to host a free lunch for WT ag alumni from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 1 at the Hereford Country Club, 726 Country Club Drive.

Planned attendees include Dr. Lance Kieth, associate dean of the Engler College; Dr. Bob Robinson, professor of agriculture; McKenzie Begert, recruitment coordinator; Gary Culp, a founding ADA member; and Abigail Waters, assistant director of alumni relations and university engagement. Cody Chandler, ADA board member and former president, is master of ceremonies.

The event is free. Lunch is sponsored by Pinnacle Premix. To RSVP, visit bit.ly/wt-aghereford.

In the past 20-plus years, ADA has raised nearly $2 million for the department, which is strictly used for recruitment efforts. In that time, enrollment has risen from a few hundred students to more than 1,100. The association annually hosts Ag Day, its major annual fundraiser; this year’s event is set for Sept. 7. ADA currently is the largest department-affiliated chapter for WT’s Alumni Association.

Additional events are being planned around the Panhandle region.

Registration now open for TTUHSC Summer Pharmacy Camp

Registration is open for Rx Summer Camp at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. Rx Summer Camp is a STEM driven, college-prep experience designed for high school students interested in learning more about the pharmacy profession.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24-26 at the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, located at 1300 South Coulter.

“The immersive day camp experience will allow students to participate in laboratory activities, career exploration sessions, projects, simulations and campus tours,” Krystal Haase, Pharm.D., regional dean of the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, said. “Activities will help students discover the sciences behind medications and learn the key roles that pharmacists play in health care.”

Camp registration is $75. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3JqGzg5. Applications must be received by May 28.

Downtown Women’s Center hosting Spring Luncheon and 35th anniversary event

The Downtown Women's Center (DWC) is celebrating its 35th Anniversary of providing housing and services to overcome homelessness and addiction. DWC owns and operates three shelters housing over 75 women and children, three retail stores on 10th Street, and one apartment complex providing quality affordable housing for 35 moderate to low-income men and women.

DWC is celebrating 35 years of serving people in need at its Spring Luncheon on May 7 at the North Exhibit Hall in the Amarillo Civic Center. Shopping will open at 11 a.m., with the luncheon from 11:50 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Shopping continues until 1:30 p.m. Their very first DWC Pop-Up Shop will have merchandise from DWC's three retail stores. Everything will be tax-free at the luncheon only.

In addition, DWC is promoting its first book, “Everyone is Redeemable – Daily Devotional” and it will be for sale at $20 at the event. Other items for sale will include DWC’s red “We Can Do It” Rosie the Riveter t-shirts for $20; the Tree of Life ornaments handcrafted by program women from broken jewelry donated to DWC’s retail stores; and much more.

Join them on the special day of Tuesday, May 7, to help celebrate all those they have served in the last 35 years, and for all those to come in our future.

BSA Hospice of the Southwest to host Grief and Loss Conference

BSA Hospice of the Southwest, in partnership with Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation and Olivia’s Angels, will host a Grief and Loss Conference on June 14 at the Amarillo College West Campus Lecture Hall at 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Grief and Loss Conference aims to provide valuable insights and resources to all community members seeking support and understanding of the complexities of grief. This event is open to the public. BSA Hospice is encouraging members from all walks of life to join in on the conversation and gain valuable insights into the dynamics of grief. The conference is also an opportunity for professionals seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

"We recognize the importance of fostering a supportive environment for individuals experiencing grief," said Alyssa Jenkins, Bereavement Coordinator for BSA Hospice. "This conference will serve as a platform for education, reflection, and connection, emphasizing that grief is a universal experience that impacts us all."

By fostering understanding and empathy, the event aims to empower individuals and communities to navigate the challenges of grief more effectively. Attendees will hear from three local distinguished speakers, each addressing critical aspects of grief and healing. Topics include:

• “Understanding, Adapting, and Healing after a Death” with Kimberli Phillips, PhD, LCSW, ACHP-SW

• The Magic Eye of Grief: Disenfranchised and Ambiguous Grief” with Amy Hord, LCSW-S

• “Anticipatory Grief: The Long Goodbye” with Dede Schuler Ballou, MBA, MEd, NCC, LPC-A

In addition to these sessions, attendees can explore several resource booths and engage with community partners. Breakfast will be provided by Olivia’s Angels and Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation.

The conference is free and open to the community, however, registration is required for those seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To register, go online to the BSA website. Space is limited, community members are encouraged to register early. For more information, call 806-356-0026 and ask for Alyssa Jenkins.

The United Family’s pharmacy teams gear up for World Immunization Week

LUBBOCK — The United Family’s pharmacy teams gear up as the end of April marks World Immunization Week (April 24-30), a CDC-supported initiative promoting the importance of vaccination in helping protect communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Vaccination appointments can be scheduled by appointment or walk-in, with most locations offering evening and weekend time slots. Guests can also schedule multiple immunizations at once if needed. Follow this link for the online vaccine appointment scheduler.

In honor of World Immunization Week, guests will receive a coupon for 10 percent off their next grocery purchase up to $100 and access to a free digital vaccine record for every vaccination received at a United Family pharmacy. This discount will only be available to guests signed up for the Rewards program.

APD: Beware of scammers impersonating Police Chief Birkenfeld or any officers

The Amarillo Police Department (APD) is warning the public of another scam circulating in the area.

Recently, a woman visited APD to report a call she received, supposedly from Chief Martin Birkenfeld, about illegal online activities. APD wanted to clarify for all Amarillo residents that the police will never call you to threaten or demand money over alleged illegal activities.

APD said the phone number used was a spoofed version of the police department's dispatch number, 806-378-3038.

"We urge everyone to remain vigilant, double-check, and verify any calls purporting to be from law enforcement or asking for personal information or money," APD said in the community update. "Scammers are persistent and crafty, using various tactics. If you're ever contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement, insisting you're involved in illegal activities and asking for money, always verify independently by contacting your local police department directly using a number you look up yourself."

AC recognizes outstanding academic achievements at Honors Convocation

Each spring, Amarillo College recognizes its most outstanding students at a formal and celebratory Honors Convocation, which this year was held April 14 at the Amarillo Civic Center. For the full list of award winners, visit the Amarillo College website. These include the Academic Excellence Awards, Regents Excellence & Achievement Scholarships, Outstanding Major Awards and more, as well as the following:

• Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society: The members of this national group must maintain a 3.6 grade point average in a business major - Carlee Garrison, Joy McDonald, Angel Tefertiller, Brandon Watson and Blue Blazers. Members are nominated by Amarillo College faculty and staff based on grade point average and sophomore standing. Blue Blazers serve as the student hosts of Amarillo College: Shaylee Fairchild, Arianna Given, Mahkayla Nguyen, Jasmine Quintana, Erica Valdez and Mayzie Zinck.

• Presidential Scholar Honors Program: The learning community is geared for motivated, intellectually curious students who appreciate a unique approach to learning. Students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average: Evan Adams, JP Butoto, Abrham Cruz-Herrera, Bradley Dalpaz, Brenna Decker, Kalyssa Esquivel, Samantha Fields, Connor Frausto, Emerald Hteewahnaing, Denascia Johnson, Jared Johnson, Jetta Lewis, Maiya Maldonado, Nhu Phan, Arleth Saucedo, Jake Seitz, Kristin Sihaphonh, Kaden Snyder, Madisen Stewart, Peyton Tijerina, Erica Valdez, Thiri Win and Kayla Wright.

• All-USA Academic Team Award: Scholarship Funding is made possible through the Amarillo College Foundation 2022/2023 Annual Campaign: Evan Adams and Argenis Cunha.

• Artle J. Lynn Engineering Award: Katie Schilling

• Hinkson Memorial Campus Outstanding Student Award: Hirayma Rocha

• Moore County Campus Outstanding Student Award: Gay Ku Paw

Students are selected by Amarillo College faculty based on academic standing, growth while at Amarillo College, work within the department, and potential for contribution to the major area.

STEM Scholars: Students in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics pathway. They completed an application into the scholars program, have earned at least 30 credit hours, and are active in the program. They must maintain a 3.0 GPA: Aden Cothrin, Alexander Wooten, Brooke Trayler, Dalton Peoples, Daniel Guillen, Daphne Ervin, Dominic Narvaez, Elena Munoz, Isabella Contreras, Le Phan, Mee M Su, Mia Arguijo, Ramses Boukinda, Tara Lincoln and Xyander Renteria.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for April 28, 2024