Hunger Action Month, US 287 study among this week's community news
High Plains Food Bank calls on public to join together in ending hunger
September is Hunger Action Month, and Feeding America is encouraging one million actions nationwide to end hunger. During the month-long campaign, High Plains Food Bank will be raising awareness and inspiring action in the Texas Panhandle. Every action counts, whether it's donating, advocating, volunteering, or spreading the word online.
According to its latest data, USDA estimates that 1 in 7 people in America face food insecurity. In the Texas Panhandle, 1 in 6 neighbors and 1 in 5 children lack reliable access to the food they need to thrive. Swisher and Cottle Counties have the highest food insecurity rate within HPFB's service area. In both, 22.5% of neighbors, or 1 in 4, do not have reliable access to proper nutrition.
People can get involved locally through the actions below:
Go orange! Orange is the color of hunger relief. During Hunger Action Month, raise awareness and show your commitment to the fight against hunger by wearing orange and turning city landmarks and businesses orange. You can purchase an HPFB "Let's End Hunger Together T-shirt here: www.bonfire.com/hpfb-hunger-action-month-2024/
Speak up for neighbors facing food insecurity by sharing why you choose to fight hunger. Tag High Plains Food Bank in your social media posts and use the hashtags HungerActionMonth, EndHunger, and/or WeFeedTXPH .
Learn more about High Plains Food Bank at HPFB.org. Or, explore the Map the Meal Gap interactive tool at map.FeedingAmerica.org to learn more about hunger in your community.
Give food, funds, or time to support High Plains Food Bank or one of our partner agencies. Make a donation here: www.hpfb.org/?form=HungerActionMonth2024
Local Donut Stop locations are donating a portion of proceeds to HPFB on Hunger Action Day, Tuesday, Sept. 10. Stop by and get your official Orange Donut. On McDonald's Give Back Day, which is Tuesday, Sept. 17, go by any McDondald's in Amarillo, Canyon, Dumas, Dalhart, and Borger, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to High Plains Food Bank.
"High Plains Food Bank currently assists an average of 12,430 households each month – the highest in our history," said Zack Wilson, Executive Director at High Plains Food Bank. "Everyone's contributions during Hunger Action Month will immediately help our neighbors in need throughout each county of the Texas Panhandle."
Learn more about how you can take action by visiting: www.hpfb.org/hunger-action-month/
Amarillo residents invited to participate in Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Exposure to wildfire smoke increases the risk of being diagnosed with dementia more than other types of air pollution, according to a decade-long study of more than 1.2 million people in southern California, a news release says. The findings, reported recently at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC®) 2024, suggest the brain health threat posed by wildfire smoke is higher than other forms of air pollution.
West Texas is no stranger to wildfires. “With the rising global incidence of wildfires, exposure to this type of air pollution is an increasing threat to brain health,” said Claire Sexton, DPhil, Alzheimer’s Association senior director of scientific programs and outreach. “These findings underscore the importance of enacting policies to prevent wildfires and investigating better methods to address them.”
In Texas, there are more than 459,000 people living with the disease and over 1 million family and friends providing care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease – a leading cause of death in the United States.
The Alzheimer’s Association invites Amarillo area residents to participate in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 28 at Sam Houston Park to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s. There are policies and new treatments that change the course of the disease,” said Brooke Harlan, Executive Event Chair - 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Amarillo. “We hope that everyone in our community can join us by starting a team to help the Alzheimer’s Association raise awareness and funds for families facing the disease today, take more steps toward treatments and finally ending this disease.”
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/walk. For more information Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
In addition, there are immediate opportunities for those individuals needing to complete their service hours. The Amarillo Walk to End Alzheimer’s offers multiple opportunities for volunteering, including set up and tear down, route sign placement, Promise Garden flowers, cheering and the Thank You Brigade. To volunteer, fill out a form online or contact Julie Gray directly at jbgray@alz.org. Other volunteer opportunities are available. From raising awareness to leading a support group to delivering education workshops, find opportunities that fit your interests and availability. Apply today at volunteer.alz.org.
MPO committee to host workshop Sept. 12
The Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee will be holding a workshop on Sept. 12 at 1:30 pm. The meeting will be held in room 275 of the Simms Building.
The public will be permitted to offer public comments as provided by the agenda and as permitted by the presiding officer during the meeting. Agenda items include presentation and discussion on the project priority lists, presentation and discussion on MPO 10-yr plan, update on Congestion Management process, and an MPO Directors Update.
Maxwell's Fall Festival opens 17th season Sept. 21
Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm will soon be offering fall fun, food and fireworks in its annual event, featuring 80 acres of country family fun. Maxwell’s 17th Season opens Saturday, Sept. 21, offering more than 30 family attractions every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 3.
“We’re excited for your family to experience our Giant Maze celebrating 75 years of 'Peanuts' and featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus & The Great Pumpkin,” said Larry Borger, owner of Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 1-7 p.m. Sundays.
Fireworks Saturdays were so popular last year, Borger said, that they are returning every Saturday in October this year. Guests can enjoy the fireworks while savoring fall treats including Brisket Sandwiches, Brisket Frito Pie, Turkey Legs, Brisket Nachos, Hand-battered Corn Dogs and Chicken Baskets along with Funnel Cakes, Churros, Ice Cream Treats and more.
Hayrides carry passengers to the Giant Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Sunflower Fields. Barnyard Ball, Green Acres, Rat Rollers, and Tube Swings top out more than 30 attractions. Other rides and activities include acres of sunflowers, the Applejack Ranch, Barnyard Bubbles, birdhouse, jumping pillows and jumping pad, Ducky Derby, Tire Mountain, Sasquatch Paintball Gallery, Giant Mountain Slides, Pumpkin Jumper, Hay Pyramid, Haybale Hoist, Cow Train Depot, Bunnyville, Corn Hole Acres, Low Ropes Course, Corn Box, Inflatable Corn Maze, Obstacle Course Maze, Lil’ Pumpkin Playground, Apple Cannons, Candy Cannon, Goat Corral and more.
Maxwell’s Farm Pass is $19.95 online per person plus sales tax or $24.95 at the gate and includes all activities except the Apple Cannons, Paintball Gallery, Pumpkins and Mercantile merchandise. Maxwell’s Super Pass is $39.95 online and $44.95 at the gate and includes all the activities, plus a bucket of apples for the apple cannons, a cup of paintballs for the sasquatch gallery, and goat food. Save when you purchase tickets online and children 2 and younger get in free.
Campfire sites and Shindig Shacks are also available for rent. For more information, visit maxwellspumpkinfarm.com . To get to the farm, go east on McCormick from I-27, and turn left on Bell, going north.
Scholar to explore Mexican American identity in 2 presentations for WT’s CSAW
CANYON — A regional expert on Mexican American communities will discuss culture and identity in two upcoming events for West Texas A&M University’s Center for the Study of the American West. Dr. Cordelia Barrera, associate professor of Latinx literature and American Southwest at Texas Tech University, will give presentations both on the WT campus and at the Wesley Community Center in Amarillo.
Barrera will present “Becoming Mexican American in the Southern Plains: Identity and Community” at 2 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Thunder Room in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center on WT’s Canyon campus. Refreshments will be served.
Then, Barrera will present “Forgotten Frontera: Community and Belonging” at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Wesley, 1615 S. Roberts St. in Amarillo. Dinner and loteria games begin at 6:30. Barrera, WT faculty members and Amarillo community members will take part in a discussion panel.
Both events are free and open to the public. Barrera’s appearance is made possible through a $150,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grant won by CSAW in 2022.
TxDOT Amarillo seeks input on US 287 interstate feasibility study
How does US 287 serve your community? The Texas Department of Transportation (Amarillo) has announced that TxDOT is conducting a study on the US 287 Texas corridor and wants to hear your input. For the study, go online to bit.ly/3ynC0Bf . Comments on the interactive survey are due by Friday, Sept. 27.
This study will be guided through a corridor-wide Steering Committee with input from TxDOT Districts and Divisions, the public, and private sectors as well as three Segment Working Groups:
Southeast – From Port Arthur to the Freestone/ Navarro County Line
Central – From the Freestone/ Navarro County Line to the Montague/Wise County Line
Northwest – From the Montague/Wise County Line to I-40/Future I-27 in Amarillo
According to the website, the US 287 Corridor Interstate Feasibility Study, conducted by TxDOT’s Transportation Planning and Programming Division, is geared to prioritize multimodal transportation improvements that facilitate safety and mobility on US 287 and evaluate the feasibility of upgrading the US 287 corridor to meet interstate design standards.
The study corridor spans along US 287 from Port Arthur to Future I-27, which goes through nine TxDOT districts, 55 counties and six Metropolitan Planning Organizations/Council of Governments and is near 68 cities.
Amarillo Zoo seeking Boo Crew Volunteers
The Amarillo Zoo is looking for some volunteers for its annual Boo at the Zoo event in October.
Join the zoo as a Boo Crew Volunteer, between Oct. 18 and 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. The last day to register as a Boo Crew member is Oct 15. Volunteer opportunities include handing out candy, helping with games and crafts, guest services, costume characters and more. Those ages 16 and older are welcome.
Sign up to volunteer online at bit.ly/booatthezoovolunteer .
Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains launches Heart Gallery Program
AUSTIN - The Heart Galleries of Texas is pleased to announce the launch of the Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains in Amarillo, along with state and local leaders, including State Rep. Four Price and Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains provides services to meet the needs of children in the area awaiting adoption, while also being a part of a statewide network of heart galleries, according to a news release. Heart Gallery programs use exhibits, portraits and media to introduce communities to children in foster care who want to be adopted.
“We are so grateful to have the resources necessary to help connect our community to children wanting to be adopted,” said Amy Crowley, Program Coordinator for Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains. “The Heart Gallery enables us to have an organized effort to increase adoption opportunities for our youth, sibling groups and children with special medical needs. Our hope is to engage our community to understand and support all children in foster care waiting for adoption.”
The expansion is supported by funding from the Texas Legislature to increase the number of programs and consistency between programs.The Heart Galleries of Texas is housed within the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas in collaboration with the Texas Center for Child and Family Studies. The Texas Women’s Commission, Office of the Speaker and Office of the First Lady have been strong supporters of the expansion of Heart Gallery programs.
“The Heart Galleries of Texas is dedicated to enhancing communication with local foster care professionals, a crucial step in the ongoing commitment to improve adoption outcomes,” said Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “We look forward to the lasting positive impact on adoption outcomes for children and families across the state.”
For more information, contact Amy Crowley atamy.crowley@heartgallerypptx.org.
APD reminds public of gun safety - right to carry, duty to secure
This week, Shaquille O'Neal and police departments across the country including the Amarillo Police Department teamed up to make sure gun owners everywhere practice firearms security and safety at home.
According to the latest available data, most Americans, including gun owners, agree that firearm security by people who lawfully own guns is reasonable and necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-19 years old. According to Pew, over half of all suicides (55%) were committed with firearms, and according to Harvard’s School of Public Health, access to firearms is associated with increased suicide risk.
Each year, approximately 200,000 guns are stolen in private theft incidents. The leading source for stolen guns is vehicles, and the rate of these thefts is triple what it was a decade ago.
In Amarillo, from January 2019 until August 2024, 1126 guns were taken from vehicles. All those thefts could have been prevented by the gun owner taking their gun inside the home. Gun safes made specifically for autos, are also a responsible way for gun owners to store their weapons. Leaving a gun in your car unsecured is unacceptable and can lead to serious and dangerous consequences in our community.
That's why this PSA is a "slam dunk" for families across America, APD said - take it from Shaq, "You may have a right to carry, but you have a duty to secure your firearms."
WT AmeriCorps recruiting partnerships throughout Panhandle communities
CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s AmeriCorps program is seeking collaborators to help rural communities in need. WT AmeriCorps recruits members to work with its partners in nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies and educational institutions around the region.
“We are a capacity-building organization that helps nonprofits grow in scale or scope of the services they offer in the community,” said Laura Seals, assistant director of WT AmeriCorps. “We want to collaborate with and support organizations to see more community resilience throughout the Panhandle and Texas High Plains. Our partners are doing such great work, and we want to come alongside them to see the organizations and communities thrive.”
The WT AmeriCorps program focuses on economic opportunity, health and nutrition, education, environmental stewardship and disaster recovery. Members may serve as a resource navigators; work as English tutors; help in community gardens; or distribute food at food markets and pantries for low-income adults. Members also serve in city offices, providing community liaison and infrastructure support with police departments and program support at area public libraries. Peer mentors also offer support in first year classes at WT and for high school seniors as they make plans for college or career.
In the last year, 64 WT AmeriCorps members completed nearly 35,000 hours of service in 24 community-based nonprofits, 15 educational institutions and more in 16 communities around the Texas Panhandle. Past and current partners include the City of Dalhart, Don Harrington Discovery Center and Wildcat Bluff, Speiro Legacies, Square Mile, Cactus Nazarene Ministries, Pampa High School, Wellington Senior Center, Tulia High School, and Frank Phillips College’s Rahll Campus, among others.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for Sept. 8, 2024
