Amarillo area Our Town briefs for the week of Sept. 4, 2022

Story of the German Girls recounted in 'The Contested Plains,' premiering Sept. 4 in Pampa

A new docudrama about a fascinating event in Texas Panhandle history will premiere in Pampa on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the M.K. Brown Center. According to a news release, “The Contested Plains,” which explores the story of the John and Lydia German family, was filmed in Wichita, Kansas, near Oakley, Kansas, and near Pampa. The film was produced by the White Deer Land Museum Foundation, in association with Fall River Productions out of Wichita, Kansas.

General admission for the premiere is $10, while a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $25. VIP admission includes light refreshments and a meet and greet prior to the film. A silent auction will be available for all ticket holders from 4:00-6:30. Tickets are available locally at the White Deer Land Museum, through the Museum’s Facebook page, and at www.thecontestedplains.com. General admission tickets can also be purchased at the venue the day of the show.

On September 11, 1874, near Fort Wallace in Kansas, a group of Southern Cheyenne Indians massacred John German, his wife, and three of their children, taking four remaining daughters captive. The girls were subjected to exposure, malnutrition, and cruel treatment. They were eventually taken into the Texas Panhandle where the two youngest girls were abandoned. Surviving on their own for six weeks, the two sisters were found by Grey Beard’s band, which was camped north of McClellan Creek, about 14 miles south of Pampa. “The Contested Plains” is a poignant recreation of the girls’ struggle and their subsequent rescue by Lieutenant Frank D. Baldwin and his men.

Attendees at the premiere may recognize distinguished actors Mary McDonough (The Waltons, New Adventures of Old Christine), Buck Taylor (Gunsmoke, Tombstone, Hell or High Water, Yellowstone), and Mo Brings Plenty (Yellowstone, The Good Lord Bird, Hell on Wheels). Other notable cast include Darby Hinton, Wyatt McCrea, R.W. Hampton, Cody Jones, Delno Ebie, Mark Mannette, Nora Dooley, and Olivia Prue. Careful viewers may also spot some Texas Panhandle friends and neighbors among the cast. Actor and award-winning western performer R.W. Hampton, who portrays Colonel Nelson A. Miles in the film, said “‘The Contested Plains’ is a true American story that must be told, and the time is now! For good or bad, it was their story and after all these years, it is OUR story.”

The Amarillo Symphony named recipient of Midori Residency

The Amarillo Symphony is honored to be one of two recipients of a Midori residency facilitated by the Orchestra Residencies Program (ORP). Midori, a visionary artist with a commitment to education, will be in Amarillo for four days in March of 2024, where she will engage with and teach the students of the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra, according to a news release.

While Midori is in residence with the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra, she plans to coach small ensembles, perform for students in various neighborhoods of Amarillo, and perform alongside the Youth Orchestra musicians in a culminating concert at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

The Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra (AYSO) is an educational program of the Amarillo Symphony and serves as a performance-based program for young instrumentalists from around the Texas Panhandle. ASYO focuses on the continued training and development of young musicians. The four ensembles – Preparatory Strings, Sinfonia, Philharmonic, and Youth Symphony – offer a unique musical experience to young musicians ages 8 to 19 of different skill levels. Musicians in each ensemble participate in coaching sessions with Amarillo Symphony members and other area educators and perform two concerts each season at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.

"I am looking forward to engage in artistic and educational activities with the young musicians of the Amarillo Youth Orchestras," says Midori. "Through ORP in Amarillo, I hope to connect with the young musicians as they explore their musical personalities, passion, and inspirations."

"Midori is a visionary artist, activist and educator who explores and builds connections between music and the human experience and breaks with traditional boundaries, which makes her one of the most outstanding violinists of our time," the release says.

United Supermarkets kicks off 'Aisles of Smiles' fundraising campaign for MDA

Throughout the month of September, all United Family locations across Texas and New Mexico will begin raising funds and spreading awareness about muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases during the annual MDA Aisles of Smiles program to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

Now through Sept. 14, guests of United Supermarkets, Market Street, Albertsons Market and Amigos can add any dollar amount to their grocery bill during a 14-day donate-at-the-register campaign. In September, the United Family will also participate in the MDA’s annual Aisles of Smiles campaign. For this part of the campaign, guests have the opportunity to purchase qualifying products marked with Aisles of Smiles tags across the stores. A portion of the sale on these specific products will go to support MDA’s research on treatments and cure for muscular dystrophy as well as other neuromuscular diseases.

“We are so excited to once again partner with MDA for the Aisles of Smiles program across our stores,” said Sidney Hopper, president of The United Family. “Every donation empowers children and adults with neuromuscular diseases, especially now that we’re seeing the impact of MDA’s investment in research resulting in treatments. We are proud to support their mission.”

To learn more about the 2022 MDA Make Your Move program and how to get involved, contact Cindy Clark at 989-413-3878 or cclark@mdausa.org.

Friends of the Amarillo Public Library Brown Bag Book Sale set for Sept. 10-11

The Friends of the Amarillo Public Library is gearing up for its first in-person book sale since 2019. Shoppers can fill a grocery-size bag with books and media and pay $7.50 per bag, or three bags for $20. The library also announced a new feature: If you bring your own reusable grocery bags, the cost drops to $7 per bag or 3 bags for $18.

"We're thrilled that members of Amarillo College's Presidential Scholars program will be assisting shoppers with their bags in exchange for tips," a library newsletter says. "The students are traveling to Cape Town, South Africa in 2023 for a once-in-a-lifetime service and cultural learning experience. While there, they will be serving a school or charity organization in need and are raising money for that purpose. All tips received by students at the book sale will go to this endeavor. So shopping at the book sale gives you a chance to support two great causes at once!"

Friends Only Night will be 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday. The sale opens to the public on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bargain Day will be Sunday, Sept. 11, from 2 to 6 p.m., with cost going down to $5 per bag.

2022 Friends Memberships will also be available for purchase. Individual memberships are $10, and Family Memberships (for three or more people) are $25. For more information, call 806-378-3051 or email Stacy.Clopton@amarillolibrary.org.

Community forum on Alzheimer's Disease, dementia and memory loss to be held Sept. 8 in Pampa

Pampa residents are invited to take part in a Community Forum and listening session on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and memory loss on our community. The event will take place at the New EDC Building (Old Chamber Building) on Thursday, Sept. 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The forum provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to come together to ask questions about the disease, share their personal experiences, learn about available resources and discover volunteer opportunities to support families affected by the disease. The event is free and open to the public.

To register or for more details, visit bit.ly/ALZCFPAMPA090822. You may also contact Maria Llamas, Director of Programs and Services, at 915-257-0246 or mgllamas@alz.org, or Ameka Mobley, Senior Walk Manager at 806-414-4402 or ammobley@alz.org.

Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery launches 6th Smile Again Program

The oral surgeons of Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are seeking deserving locals in need of a smile makeover.

The Smile Again program gives one deserving recipient from the Amarillo area a new smile, a procedure typically costing $50,000, completely for free. The practice is encouraging Amarillo residents with multiple missing or failing teeth who cannot afford restorative treatment to apply to the program online at amarillooralsurgery.com/smileagain . To apply, complete the short application and upload photos of your smile and teeth.

Applications are due by Sept. 29.

Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery want to give back to the community and provide someone with the opportunity to not only improve their overall health, but also help restore their confidence and enhance their quality of life.

Canyon Area Library updates weekly hours

The Canyon Area Library will be operating under new hours starting on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

The new hours open and close the Library one hour earlier during the week, and expand Saturday hours by an additional two hours. The new library hours are as follows:

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

• Sunday: Closed

“The decision to change the library hours was made after reviewing when our patrons are coming in the most,” said Carlene Rittenberry, Canyon Area Library director. “Many times when we went to open our doors there were already people waiting to come in, and expanding Saturday hours gives patrons more opportunities to enjoy the Library on the weekends.”

More information on the Library including programming and more can be found at www.CanyonLibrary.org.

Amarillo Hispanic Heritage Luncheon planned for Oct. 12

Los Barrios de Amarillo, the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee and the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will team up to host the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon and award celebration on Oct. 12.

Lunch is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m.; the program starts at noon at the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza. This year's theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” The celebration will honor and recognize the Hispanic community along with local area leaders.

Contact Teresa Kenedy at 806-437-6592 for more information along with ticket prices for the event.

Cowboy Poetry and Song Gathering set for Sept. 17 in Borger

The Friends of Hutchinson County Museum is hosting a Cowboy Poetry and Song Gathering on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. This event is being held at “The Dome” in Borger. This is also an opportunity to see renovations recently completed at The Dome, with a new wing added.

This is the third year the group has hosted this event. This year, they have added three more entertainers for a total of five; all the artists are award winners and are well known in the Cowboy Poetry World. The featured lineup includes Andy Hedges, Straw Berry, Brigid & Johnny "Guitar" Reedy and Joel Nelson.

The evening is free and open to the public. Since they are serving a meal, reservations/tickets are requested. To reserve tickets, call the Hutchinson County Museum at 806-273-0130, or they can be picked up at the museum in Borger at 618 N. Main St. Tickets are limited, and none will be given out at the door.

During National Preparedness Month, Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now for emergencies

Extreme draught, flooding, tornadoes and wildfires are becoming more frequent, threatening communities in the Panhandle Plains, according to a news release. September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross, Panhandle Plains Chapter, urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

“Being prepared for a natural disaster is just another element of personal responsibility,” said Kiley Murray, Executive Director, Panhandle Plains Chapter. “We can incorporate our preparedness into our daily lives. Keep a preparedness kit readily available at home and in your vehicle. It’s important to always be ready wherever you are because Texas weather can change in an instant.”

Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters: 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.

• Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.

• Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.

• Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders. Include your pets in your emergency plans. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation. Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

Also help your community get prepared. “Be ready to not only help your loved ones, but your neighbors too,” said Murray. “You can volunteer or take a class and learn lifesaving skills.”

Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in their local communities. Join as a Disaster Action Team volunteer to ensure that families don’t have to face tough times alone. Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for a first aid, CPR or other classes available online or in-person.

TxDOT: Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists must follow traffic laws and stay focused

In Texas, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities continue to rise: in 2021, 841 people died in pedestrian-related traffic crashes and 92 died in bicycle-related crashes. These 933 deaths account for 20% of the 4,490 fatalities on Texas roadways last year. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges all Texans to know and follow the laws for safe driving, walking and biking.

Those life-saving laws include the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which went into effect in 2021. Named after a Texas mom who was struck and killed in a crosswalk while walking her 6-year-old son to school, the law requires that drivers stop and yield the right of way to people in crosswalks.

Texas law states if you’re driving: Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks. When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.

If you’re walking: Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals. Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

If you’re riding a bike: Always stop at red lights and stop signs. Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb. Use hand signals when turning or stopping. At night, make sure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for the week of Sept. 4, 2022