This week's community news includes donations, National Merit semifinalists
Goodwill Industries of Northwest donates to Perryton and Matador tornado recovery efforts
Lubbock – Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas, announced this week that donations were made to aid in rebuilding Matador and Perryton after being ravaged by EF-3 tornadoes in June. Through the month of July, all West Texas retail stores donated their RoundUp proceeds to the Matador Disaster Relief Fund and the Perryton Texas Benefit Fund.
As a local nonprofit, GINWTs’ mission is helping people overcome challenges, build skills, find jobs, and grow careers. The RoundUp Program provides customers an opportunity to help support this mission by donating leftover change from their transactions.
“On behalf of the Goodwill Board of Directors, we are humbled to be able to provide the communities of Perryton and Matador a hand up in the rebuilding process.” Robin Raney, President & CEO.
For more information about Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas, please call (806) 744-8419, or visit goodwillnwtexas.org .
Repair project begins for Buchanan Street underpass
A repair project is underway for the Buchanan Street underpass between S.E. Second Avenue and N.W. First Avenue, the city of Amarillo announced. The city said the underpass was closed in July due to a water main break.
TxDOT owns the road and right-of-way, while the city of Amarillo has a maintenance agreement with TxDOT for the roadway. Costs of the repair project are not yet finalized. TxDOT has started the repair project and will install a new concrete road surface.
The repair project will take 45-60 days, depending on weather conditions.
For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
Canyon ISD celebrates 2 students named semifinalists in 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
CANYON — Canyon Independent School District (Canyon ISD) announced this week that Megan Brue of Randall High School and Grace Vareed of Canyon High School have been selected as semifinalists in the prestigious 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, today, announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists from across the nation as part of the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Megan Brue and Grace Vareed's outstanding academic achievements have earned them this remarkable distinction. These accomplished high school seniors are now in the running for approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships, collectively valued at nearly $28 million, to be awarded in the spring of 2024.
"Canyon ISD is exceptionally proud of Megan Brue and Grace Vareed. These students exemplify the district's commitment to academic excellence and are shining examples of the outstanding talent we nurture within our schools," a news release states.
To progress to the finalist stage and be eligible for a Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must meet specific requirements, showcasing not only their academic prowess but also their commitment to excellence in various areas of their lives.
The journey to becoming a National Merit Scholar begins with more than 1.3 million juniors from around 21,000 high schools nationwide participating in the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This test serves as the initial screening process for program entrants. The semifinalist group, which represents less than 1 percent of high school seniors in the U.S., includes the top-scoring students from each state.In February, students will be notified of their designation as finalists.
For more information, please contact Lisa Johnson lisa.johnson@canyonisd.net / Director ofDistrict Communications.
NWTHS makes donation to Family Support Services LOSS team
The Northwest Texas Healthcare System presented the Family Support Services LOSS (Local Outreach for Survivors of Suicide) team with a $1,000 donation check as selected by employees of Northwest. Employees purchased shirts, and proceeds were designated to go to this organization.
The LOSS team is a response program designed to assist family members, friends, and loved ones of people who have died by suicide. The program consists of mental health professionals as well as community members who have experienced suicide loss themselves.
“We are committed to providing resources to our community and partnerships as this are an important part of the healing process,” commented Jennifer Oliver, NWTHS Behavioral Health Liaison.
WT Piehl Lecture to explore new scientific frontiers in dyslexia
CANYON — A neuropsychologist who hopes to dispel myths about dyslexia is the guest speaker at the 11th annual Helen Piehl Distinguished Lecture for West Texas A&M University’s Center for Learning Disabilities.
Dr. Jack M. Fletcher, a research professor in the University of Houston’s Department of Psychology, will speak at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 5 in Legacy Hall in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center on WT’s Canyon campus. The event will be simulcast as a webinar.
Register at wtamu.edu/cld; fee is $10 or $25 with continuing-education credit. Registration is free for WT students.
NWTHS hosts Better Breathers Club
Northwest Texas Healthcare System is facilitating the Better Breathers Club on Sept. 20, in the Community Lecture Room at Northwest hospital located at 1501 S. Coulter from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
Guest speaker for the event will be leading expert and distinguished specialist, Victor Test, MD from Texas Tech University hospital in Lubbock, who will be presenting “Pulmonary Hypertension.” Dr. Test was honored by the American Medical Association with a Medal of Valor for his work on behalf of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Better Breathers Club is an initiative from the American Lung Association to provide education, support, and a sense of connection to others living with chronic lung disease. The public is invited to attend at no cost. For more information, visit nwths.com/events.
Don Harrington Discovery Center celebrates opening of new exhibit, Discover Through Time
The Don Harrington Discovery Center (DHDC) invites the community to the opening celebration of a new long awaited exhibition, Discover Through Time, on Sept. 24th. The public opening signals the kick-off of access to an exploration of the High Plains throughout the millenium.
Featuring more than 30 species of animals, full-sensory environments, hands-on exploration activities, a life-science observation lab, a second story exhibit space overlooking the West Wing, breakout rooms, and reading nooks, this new addition to the Discover Center will educate generations of community members. It’s immersive andfun for all ages.
The DHDC is proud to permanently have Discover Through Time as part of the Discovery Center as the first modification to the building in decades. To create this exhibit, the DHDC partnered with professors from WTAMU’s Wildlife Biology Department, Sims + Architects, and Total Habitat. This exhibit received a $350,000 grant from the Paul F. and Virgina J. Engler Foundation, supporting its completion. The Education Credit Union Foundation contributed a substantial amount supporting the completion of the second floor space. The exhibit space is also in dedication to Billy Diggs, a close family member of a volunteer at the Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center.
For more information, visit DHDC.org or give them a follow on Facebook.
1st Annual Behavioral Health Community Block Party 2023
The public is invited to the 1st Annual Behavioral Health Community Block Party event Saturday, Sept. 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Amarillo VA Medical Center, located at 6010 W. Amarillo Blvd., and the Amarillo College West Campus at 6222 W 9th Ave.
This event is presented by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Amarillo VA Health Care System, Amarillo College, Northwest Texas Healthcare System Behavioral Health, and Andrea’s Project. The purpose of this event is to bring the community together and celebrate life in honor of Suicide Prevention Month and Mental Health Awareness.
The day will kick off at 8 a.m. with a special Flag Raising Ceremony sponsored by Northwest Texas Healthcare System Behavioral Health at the Amarillo VA Medical Center followed by a Memorial Mile Walk/Run around the medical center and a car and motorcycle show. The Amarillo College campus will have live music from Lindsey Lane and Touching Voodoo, food trucks, family fun, resource fair, pet parade, and more. There will be a special presentation by Dr. Traci Rogers on Human Trafficking at 10 a.m. at the Amarillo College Lecture Hall.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with a qualified professional at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 confidential crisis support or visit veteranscrisisline.net for Veteran specific support.
Discovery Center offers beginners coding course to get ahead of the game
The Don Harrington Discovery Center has announced they will offer an beginners-level coding course titled Code Your Future for students in 4th-8th grade.
This beginners course will introduce participants to today’s most popular programming language JavaScript and explore video game design and coding in Construct 3. This class will also offer a hybrid option for students to continue their learning outside of the classroom.
Coding teaches skills such as problem-solving, logic-reasoning, and attention-to-detail. It often puts kids ahead in higher education and their careers as well. With the dynamic curriculum this course offers, students will gain an academic boost toward their future. Amarillo College instructor Mark Nair will be returning as the instructor of this course. This three-week program will give students 12 hours total of instruction time.
The program will run from September 26 through October 12 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm. Class size is limited. Register today at DHDC.org. Pricing is $149 for members and $174 for non-members. Follow The Discovery Center on Facebook and Instagram or visit DHDC.org for more information on their community programs.
Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm opens for the season
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm opens this weekend for its 16th Annual Fall Festival. The farm, which provides 80 acres of country family fun, features 30+ attractions for people of all ages including the ever-popular pumpkin patch, giant maze, and sunflower fields.
The first two weekends of the Fall Season will also include a special “Thank You” for the region’s first responders. The Farm is also excited to show off new digs for the animals and will feature huge firework displays every Saturday night in October.
Come hungry and enjoy a smoked brisket sandwich, a BBQ rib plate, twisted tators, a stuffed churro, spicy cheese curds, or some delicious hatch green chili mac and cheese.
Maxwell’s 30+ attractions include the giant maze, pumpkin patch, low ropes course, cornhole acres, wagon train ride, tube slides, pedal cars, apple cannons, cattle ropin’, bunny village, cow train, giant jump pad, hayrides, magic carpet ride, lovable farm animals, and much more. For more information, visit maxwellspumpkinfarm.com.
Got guts? Blood donors to receive T-shirt, free entry to attractions and more
Spooky season is coming, but don’t be a scaredy cat: Community members are urged to help save a life this fall by giving blood with Coffee Memorial Blood Center.
All eligible blood donors during the month of September will receive a limited-edition, glow-inthe-dark “Got Guts?” T-shirt, one free entry to the OKC Zoo, one entry to the Don Harrington Discovery Center and a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes.
“Bundtlet’s With Bones is all about having fun with all things Halloween, but the reality is, every two seconds someone needs blood to see tomorrow,” said Dr. John Armitage, president and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “By giving just an hour of your time, you can save the lives of up to three patients in immediate need or going through treatment at our local hospitals.”
Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.
Parker Family Reunion taking place in October
The 70th annual Parker Family Reunion is fast approaching; this year, it will be held on Oct. 13-15 at Fort Parker State Park in Groesbeck Texas. Registration begins on Friday at 1:30 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
"As descendants of Elder John Parker, Cynthia Ann Parker and Chief Quanah Parker, we want to share the legacy and family history with our many relatives. The Parker family name is known around the world," an announcement says. "We currently have over 56,000 names on our family tree. Elder John Parker was the father of 13 children. We invite and welcome relative from all 13 lines to join us."
Saturday will begin with a Parker Family Meeting, a family group photo, and a pot luck lunch (please bring a dish to share). Then we will travel to Fort Parker and we will watch a special program by The Texas Sons, and Daughters of the America Revolution. Later the descendants of Quanah will prepare Indian Fry bread to go along with our dinner. We will finish off the evening with a discussion on genealogy and family photo sharing.
"If you are a descendant of Elder John Parker, or think that you may be, please contact us. We would love to meet you and have the largest group ever to celebrate our 70th year. Please contact us: Parker Reunion P.O. box 1811, Palestine Texas 75082 or email us at parkerreunion23@gmail..com You can also check our facebook page: ParkerReunion ."
What will Amarillo look like in 2045? Participate in City Plan: Vision meetings Tuesday
The future of Amarillo is in Amarillo’s hands. City Plan: Vision 2045 is an initiative by the city of Amarillo to create an inclusive and comprehensive plan for the city’s future – from economic development to city infrastructure to housing to quality-of-life amenities such as parks. In summation – City Plan: Vision 2045 is about Amarillo’s future.
The city kicked off public meetings for community input on City Plan: Vision 2045 last March and more are coming.The next public meetings are set for Tuesday, Sept. 19. The first meeting is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave., and the second meeting is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Northwest Library, 6100 S.W. Ninth Ave.
For more information on City Plan: Vision 2045 go to: amarillo.gov/our-city/cityplan . For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for Sept. 17, 2023
