This week's community news includes Santa photos, philanthropy awards, conferences

Northwest Branch of Amarillo Public Library closing Nov. 6 for renovations

The Northwest Branch Library is getting some much-needed repairs and upgrades that will require closing the branch to the public starting Monday, Nov. 6. The Amarillo Public Library said it will reopen the location as soon as possible, but renovations could take up to one month.

Monthly programs such as the Women’s Book Club and Bullet Journaling, along with Miss Kim's Wednesday Laugh and Learn, will move to the Downtown Library while the Northwest Branch is closed. Early voting will still be accessible at the Northwest Branch on Nov. 6 and 7, but the library will be closed to patrons and book returns will be inaccessible.

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit one of Amarillo Public Library’s four other locations and to follow APL on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Studio offering free photos with Santa on Friday, Nov. 10

This next Friday, November 10, the Studio is hosting its Third Annual Free Photos with Santa event, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 5461 McKenna Square, Suite 104 in Town Square Village.

Those who participate in this free community event will receive their photos via email within two weeks. The Studio will also have Christmas themed snacks and hot chocolate available for guests to enjoy.

"The Studio is passionate about giving back to the community in ways that impact individuals personally," an announcement says. "As simple as a photo with Santa may be, we understand the feeling a child or family gets when given a chance to participate in something they wouldn't be able to otherwise due to financial limitations."

For more information, visit www.thestudioamarillo.com .

Speaker, movie screenings and more at Texas Panhandle War Memorial in November

Texas Panhandle War Memorial has several events coming up this month, which started with its Monthly Speaker Series on Nov. 4 with Army veteran Jason Allen will be sharing about his experience guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The center is also screening a new film titled "War to End All Wars," at 2 p.m. Nov. 5, 6 p.m. Nov. 10, 2 p.m. Nov. 12, and 6 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18. $5 tickets will be available at the door or for puchase online.

Sabaton’s “History Rocks” museum initiative kicks off with more than 100 museums from 27 territories confirming their participation in the worldwide premiere of “The War To End All Wars – The Movie” this November. The global premiere of the band's new animated film, “The War To End All Wars – The Movie” will take place between Nov. 4 and 19, in the two weeks surrounding the 105th anniversary of Armistice Day. For more information, visit https://movie.sabaton.net/ .

Then on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the memorial will host its annual outdoor ceremony, starting at 11 a.m. The event includes the traditional posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, prayer, flyover, recognition of Gold Star Families, remarks from a featured speaker, salute to the services, and more. It is free and open to the public.

To learn more, visit https://www.texaspanhandlewarmemorial.com/ or call (806) 350-8387.

Buddy Teaster to be keynote speaker at annual Philanthropy Day Celebration

The Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is presenting the 31st annual National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Awards Recognition, sponsored by Amarillo Area Foundation, Amarillo College Foundation, Amarillo National Bank, CAPTRUST, Estancia-JW Companies, Mary E. Bivins Foundation, Panhandle PBS, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, The Brumley Foundation and West Texas A&M University Foundation.

The Awards Recognition will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 in the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza Room, 401 S. Buchanan St. The annual NPD ceremony will recognize individuals, volunteers, foundations, events, and others whose philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact across the Texas Panhandle, according to a news release.

This year’s honorees are:

• Michele Agostini, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser nominated by Turn Center

• Barbara & Ray Bain and family, Family Philanthropic Spirit Award nominated by West Texas A&M University

• Education Credit Union, Outstanding Large Business nominated by Education Credit Union Foundation

• High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, Outstanding Foundation nominated by Downtown Women’s Center and West Texas A&M University

• John & Nancy Kritser, Outstanding Philanthropists nominated by Amarillo College

• Miracle Week – Children’s Miracle Network, Outstanding Fundraising Event nominated by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

• NewChannel10 Media, Outstanding Media nominated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo

• Rockrose Development, LLC, Outstanding Small Business nominated by Kids, Inc.

This year’s keynote speaker is Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit that turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities. Since 2006, more than 94 million pairs of shoes and pieces of clothing have helped create opportunities for people across 137 countries. Soles4Souls was honored in 2023 by The Nonprofit Times as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For. Teaster is a thought leader, speaker, and author of the book "Shoestrings: How Your Donated Shoes and Clothes Help People Pull Themselves Out of Poverty." He has been a YPO Global Impact Award Finalist and was included in Footwear News’ 2019 Power List for his leadership in the nonprofit and footwear space. For more information on him and Soles4Souls, go to soles4souls.org.

Amarillo park restrooms to close Nov. 13 for the winter due to cold temperatures

In response to cold temperatures, the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will begin closing and winterizing all public restrooms in city parks on Nov. 13.

All city park restroom facilities will reopen the week before Spring Break, the city said in a news release.

“Cold and freezing temperatures can damage the viability of pipes and infrastructure in park restrooms,” said parks Director Michael Kashuba. “The best way to ensure that our park restrooms are properly maintained is to close them during colder months. Park restrooms will reopen in the spring of next year.”

In addition to cold weather causing damage to restroom infrastructure, the city said park restrooms have sustained damage during the winter months from homeless individuals.

For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov

Former NBA player to speak at training for addiction prevention

Tobacco Free Amarillo and Amarillo College Criminal Justice Programs will host a compelling and inspirational event featuring former NBA player, Chris Herren, who tells of his journey through addiction. This free training will emphasize the significance of proactive measures in the battle against addiction and is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at Amarillo College West Campus, Lecture Hall, 6222 W. 9th Ave.

Tobacco Free Amarillo invites professionals in the fields of addiction, mental health, public health, law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, education, counseling, social work, legal and all other related professions to attend this free training.

Herren's journey from a promising basketball career to the depths of addiction, and ultimately achieving sobriety, paints a story that is both cautionary and motivational. The program will kick off with a film showcasing highlights of Herren's basketball career and his dream of playing in the NBA. Despite the setbacks caused by poor choices, Herren's story reflects the universal theme of redemption. Born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Herren climbed the ladder from Division 1 basketball to the NBA. He will take the audience through his personal journey, from addiction to sobriety, providing insights into the perils of gateway drugs, prescription drug misuse, vaping and the crucial role of prevention.

The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A session with Herren.

"The focus oftentimes is about the worst day when it comes to speaking about addiction and not the first day,” said Herren. “Kids need to understand how this begins rather than how it ends. Prevention starts with all."

Attendees will be eligible for TCOLE credit. Additionally, requests for TJJD credit are in process. CEUs will be awarded for social workers and LPC/LMFTs. Amarillo College is recognized by the State Board of Educator Certification as a provider of Continuing Professional Education (CPE), and general CEUs will be granted to all participants upon successful completion of the program. To register, visit https://TobaccoFreeAmarillo.com/herren.

Women’s Leadership Conference slated for March 4, 2024 featuring keynote by Dominique Dawes

The Junior League of Amarillo, in a landmark collaboration with Glass Breakers, announces their debut Women’s Leadership Conference slated for March 4th, 2024.

This event, destined to be a keystone in women’s empowerment, is meticulously designed to spotlight and uplift women leaders who have confronted and overcome barriers in their professional journeys.

A major highlight of this conference will be the keynote address by Dominique Dawes, a three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, brand ambassador, and sought-after motivational speaker. Dawes holds the distinct honor of being the only American gymnast to medal in team competitions at three separate Olympic Games and the pioneering African-American gymnast to clinch an Olympic Gold medal. Her life’s journey and achievements encapsulate the spirit of perseverance and leadership, making her an ideal voice for this empowering event.

Local businesses are invited to be active participants. From Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2024, the public can nominate women who have shown unwavering dedication and leadership for the Glass Breakers Awards. Nominations for High School Senior Breaking Barriers will also recognize students for their outstanding achievements. Nominations can be submitted using the nomination forms available online: https://www.jlamarillo.org/womens-leadership-conference/

Businesses who are interested in sponsorship will benefit from high visibility across varied JLA communication outlets, name recognition on all promotion for the event, premium seating and attendance at the event, VIP Meet & Greet and Q&A with Dominique Dawes, and a platform to echo your brand’s commitment to celebrating women’s leadership.

For more information about this event and the Junior League Amarillo, please visit https://www.jlamarillo.org/womens-leadership-conference/ or contact McCall Money at jlaplainspeaking@gmail.com.

Amarillo Symphony offers free tickets to veterans and first responders for Heroes Night

On Friday, Dec. 15th at 7:30 p.m. at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, the Amarillo Symphony is hosting a Heroes Night at their annual Happy Holiday Pops concert where veterans and first responders can receive free tickets to the performance as well as up to four 50% off tickets to family members.

Heroes and their families will enjoy their favorite holiday music, featuring a mix of carols, timeless classics, and an interactive sing-a-long. Heroes Night is a special addition to the annual Happy Holiday Pops concerts series.

Veterans and first responders are also welcome to redeem their free tickets for the Saturday,Dec. 16 performances happening at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Veterans and first responders can get their free tickets by calling the Amarillo Symphony office at 806-376-8782 or by emailing Patron Communication Manager Naomi Bencomo at naomi@amarillosymphony.org. Veterans and first responders are encouraged to reserve their free tickets by Nov. 6 before the additional Holiday Pops concert is open to the public.

Heroes Night at Happy Holiday Pops is sponsored by Happy State Bank, Caviness Beef Packers, and Julia Pierce.

General public tickets to Happy Holiday Pops are available now for the Dec. 16 performances. Tickets for the special Dec. 15 performance will be available for the general public starting Nov. 6. Tickets are available to purchase at amarillosymphony.org.

AgriLife Extension plans Wildfire Preparation and Response meetings Nov. 9 in Pampa, virtual satellite locations

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host the Texas A&M AgriLife Wildfire Preparation and Response workshop Nov. 9 at locations in the Panhandle and South Plains region. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m.

The speakers will be in person at the Pampa location, with virtual satellite locations across the High Plains. There will be a $10 registration fee and registration will begin at 9 a.m. at each location.

RSVPs were requested by Nov. 4. The satellite locations, along with numbers to call, are:

• Economic Development Corporation, 200 N. Ballard, Pampa, 806-669-8033.

• AgriLife Extension office for Garza County, 225 Main St., Post, 520-405-0221.

• AgriLife Extension office for Lubbock County, 916 Main St., Suite 201, Lubbock, 806-775-1680.

• AgriLife Extension office for Crosby County, 201 W. Aspen, Crosbyton, 806-675-2347.

• AgriLife Extension office for Potter County, 3301 S.E. 10th Ave., Amarillo, 806-373-0713.

• AgriLife Extension office for Hansford County, 223 Main St., Spearman, 806-659-4130.

Lunch will be provided by Capital Farm Credit at the Pampa site only. Brandon Dukes, Ph.D., will provide an update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service on Environmental Quality Incentives Program, EQIP, opportunities and the Conservation Reserve Program, CRP.

“With early and late summer rainfall, the amount of grass grown has created opportunity for wildfire events this year and into 2024,” said Danny Nusser, AgriLife Extension program leader for the North Region, Amarillo. “We hope the moisture is abundant this winter, but dormant grasses provide fuel for pastures to be exposed to fire.”

The following topics and speakers are on the agenda: wtrategies for wildfire preparation utilizing grazing and fire, Laura Goodman, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University state range Extension specialist, Stillwater, Oklahoma; effects of wildfires on rangeland and how to manage pastures post fire, Adam Isaacs, Hemphill County rancher; and brush management impact on fire prevention, Jason Abraham, rancher, owner and founder of Brush Bullet, Canadian.

The program will conclude with a panel discussion at 1 p.m. on “Preparing for the Response and Understanding Roles.” Panelists will include ranchers, county officials, Texas A&M Forest Service experts, fire chiefs, emergency management coordinators and volunteers.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for Nov. 5, 2023