Amarillo Magazine | January 2020

JANUARY 2020

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Mission of Mercy Family Support Services’ work to heal the hurting $5.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS 6 CONTRIBUTORS/ONLINE 8 OUT & ABOUT 12 ANDY’S WORLD 14 REALITY CHECK DRESS CODE 16 PERFECT PLANNING HOME 18 SHADES OF BLUE

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COVER STORY 20 MISSION OF MERCY

16

Family Support Services’ work to heal the hurting

20 ATLAS, FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES’ THERAPY DOG

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26 TUMBLEWEED FARM BAKERY

WHAT’S COOKING? 26 SPICE OF LIFE 31 LET’S EAT 39 EVENTS 42 PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVE 44 20 QUESTIONS

31 44 LARA ESCOBAR, AMARILLO AREA CASA

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

JANUARY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Editor’s Letter

Regional Director of Specialty Products/Editor Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@amarillo.com Regional Designer Kayla Morris Contributing Designer Darren Hendricks Contributing Writers Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett Andy Chase Cundiff Rick Treon

Contributing Photographers Shannon Richardson Shaie Williams Creative Consultant Ellie Boyett

General Manager/Advertising Director Belinda Mills Account Representatives Arien Canales Sharon Denny Jaime Pipkin To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Belinda Mills at 345.3373.

Regional Executive Editor Jill Nevels-Haun Regional Distribution Director David Morel Regional Accounting Manager Sheryl Rycerz

600 S. Tyler St., Suite 2300, Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of AGN Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.

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Just for fun, I recently researched predictions from past decades about what our predecessors believed the world would look like in 2020. Futurists’ imaginations went wild with bizarre ideas about the technology that should be commonplace by the year 2020. Some of the most outlandish came out of the ’50s and ’60s, and included flying houses that we’d simply clean with a hose (because everything would be made out of waterproof plastic), no need for cooking because we’d eat freeze-dried bricks of food, and everyone would own a small “personal” helicopter.

I’m grateful for advances in technology, like cell phones that “learn” our habits so they become quicker and easier to use. But I’m certainly glad that our world isn’t a place where practicality is the only standard – if we’re fortunate, we can still create beautiful living spaces and craft a wonderful, home-cooked meal from fresh ingredients rather than gnawing on a nutritious brick!

Most of us enjoy a good standard of living in Amarillo. One of the things that makes this city an enjoyable place to live is the generosity of its citizens. Everywhere you look, there are people working to improve quality of life for others. I might have the privilege of seeing these labors more closely than the average person, because my daily work involves meeting the doers and telling their stories every month. So in planning our editorial calendar for 2020, we wanted to make sure we began the year highlighting the good – seen and unseen – that is all around us. It certainly helps fine tune your perception for the better when it’s focused on positive things rather than on what’s lacking.

Our first cover of 2020 turns that focus on the good work of the local nonprofit Family Support Services. Its work is so far-reaching that we felt an in-depth feature would help our readers understand the scope of the hope and healing that FSS has provided for decades. Learn more about their vital programs beginning on page 20.

We’re grateful for another year in our beautiful city. We look forward to meeting more of its people, learning new things, and discovering more and more reasons to love Amarillo.

Happy New Year!

Contributors

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

DARREN HENDRICKS

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics, and he reports on the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles for High Plains Public Radio. In his spare time, he writes crime novels.

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo,” a local interview podcast.

Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

Darren is a graphic designer who has worked with newspaper, publication, website and advertising clients around the country for more than 20 years. He lives in McPherson, Kansas, with his family. See his work at dviso.com.

SHAIE WILLIAMS

ELLIE BOYETT

Shaie is a professional photographer born and raised in the Amarillo area. His work ranges from editorial to portraiture with both film and the latest digital processes. See Shaie’s work at williamspics. smugmug.com.

Ellie is a Media Communications student at West Texas A&M University. An award-winning photographer, she is employed by Cerulean Gallery and is pursuing a career in public relations.

Writer

Writer

Photographer

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Designer

SHANNON RICHARDSON Photographer

Shannon has been photographing commercial/advertising work for more than 20 years.

See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

Creative Consultant

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

Out & About

1.

One on One

The One on One fundraiser was held on Nov. 16, at The Herring Hotel in downtown Amarillo. Funds benefited the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center.

2.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

3.

4.

6.

5.

1. Bob Talley and Brett Stout 2. Zoe Velarco and Emma Mitchell 3. Joshua and Peyton Errington 4. Nan Ashley, Terri Youngblood and Samme Mondini 5. Brooklyn and Clay Golden 6. Nikki and Jared Kirchgessner 7. Jim and Janet White 8. Sarah and Benjamin Burlingance

8.

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7.

3.

1. 2.

4.

5.

6.

The Victorian Nutcracker Ball

On Nov. 23, The Victorian Nutcracker Ball was held at the Amarillo Civic Center Heritage Ballroom. The annual event was hosted by and benefited the Lone Star Ballet Guild.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

1. Vicky McLean and James Farren 2. Rodney and Tanya Garner 3. Jaime Snodgrass and Robin Leeah 4. Chris and Kaci Jackson 5. Drs. Eric and Anitra MacLaughlin 6. Micah and Uriah Sola, Ruben Vidal, and Rosa Reveles 7. Lezly and Cody Welch 8. Gracyn and Holly Gonzales

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JANUARY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Out & About

Center City Electric Light Parade

The Center City Electric Light Parade was held on Dec. 6, in downtown Amarillo. The annual parade was themed “March of the Toys.”

PHOTOS BY SHAIE WILLIAMS

1.

2.

3.

4.

7.

5.

1. Julie, Cindy, Bowen and Reese Sickles 2. Harry and Julie Smith 3. Jason Reed, Tracer Leach, and Addilyn and Jamie Reed 4. Lincoln Ortegon, Cheyenne Martinez, Michael Figueiras, Narrah Martinez, Eli Figuieras and Bentley Ortegon 5. Shad, Paizlee and Paityn Weatherby 6. Lanita, Kelly, and Brody Blackwell, and Sydney Flowers 7. Michelle, Parker, Delt and Reighan Cockrell 8. Kyle and Stormy Ray

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

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JANUARY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Andy’s World

Guitar Advice You Didn’t Ask For

T

his time of year, a lot of people have Christmas or holiday money and they want to spend it on a guitar. I know this because I will be deluged this month with guitar questions. No skin off my nose. I love guitars and talking about them. But you could read this and catch a shortcut or two.

First off, revered singer/songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker said, “Life’s too short for cheap guitars.” He’s right (Jerry Jeff is always right). However much Christmas money you got for a guitar, double it before you go guitar hunting. You’ll be better off in the long run. Cheap guitars are hard on your fingers, and especially on kids that are beginning or taking lessons. They can often become discouraged and quit before they get started because of what I call a “cheese cutter” (cheap guitar). I know, everybody says, “We just want to try an inexpensive guitar to see if the child will stick to it.” That’s flawed logic. The kid won’t, if it’s a cheese cutter.

You may want to start with a nylon string guitar. They are easy on your fingers, and if you spend a little dough, you will wind up with a good tone. Nylon stringed guitars typically have a nice mellow voice (think of Willie Nelson’s guitar) and they travel pretty well. Studentlevel nylon stringed, or classical guitars are a good bet. We have several very good music stores here in Amarillo, and I think if you tell them what you are looking for, you will come out well. Just spend a few bucks. Always get a case, too.

If it says “Esteban” on it, it does NOT count as a musical instrument.

Do not purchase a guitar off an infomercial. If you do, I don’t want to hear about it. I give you my solemn word as a Christian and a gentleman, I will go guitar shopping with you and/or your kid and make sure you get a good deal if you need me. Just don’t do that QVC thing for a guitar. They are not even good for kindling wood. I honestly don’t know how they make a pile of cardboard look that much like a guitar.

I get a lot of questions like, “Should I start with an acoustic or an electric?” If you live with another person or group of persons in the house, I would start with an acoustic. If you are trying to free yourself of a bothersome roommate, get an electric. With a BIG amplifier. And practice a lot.

Try to avoid the “beginner kit.” You know, the triangular box that has it all, including the guitar, strings, picks, and a strap? The add-ons are usually not worth a dime, and the guitar itself is cheap. Instead, a good music store will often throw in real picks, strings, etc. when you buy a

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real guitar. Ask them if they include “case candy.” They’ll know what you are talking about.

It doesn’t hurt to start with a used instrument. Very often you can find a great deal on a really good guitar that won’t cost any more than a beginner kit. Three of my favorite guitars in my collection were acquired as pre-owned instruments, and I will never part with them, not if I have my way.

Let me clarify: I do not “collect” guitars. All of mine are working tools, and they all fill a specific niche in my professional career as a singer/songwriter/producer. (That’s just in case my wife reads this.)

I understand wanting the shiny new guitar, especially if it’s a gift, and by all means, follow your heart on that. Just sometimes you can get a lot more value out of a used one. The guys at B & J’s Guitars and Amps here in town are especially good to check with for instruments that are preowned, pre-loved and even vintage.

If you find a guitar for sale that’s missing a string, do not let that even slow you down. I have heard people say they didn’t buy a guitar because there were strings missing! It takes 10 minutes to restring a guitar, unless you are Buddy Squyres, and then it takes five minutes. At any rate, you probably need new strings on any guitar you purchase.

If you are buying for a child, you will be able to tell fairly soon if he or she is going to take to the instrument or not. The kid who gives you “the look” when you say it’s time to practice probably will be a more casual player. Or maybe a non-player. The kid who you can’t unglue from the guitar, the one you don’t ever have to remind about practice time because the guitar seems to be attached to the kid? That’s the one that will probably wind up being a player.

Last bit of advice: Get a tuner. Guitar great Leo Kottke jokingly said that a tuner is “just another opinion.” That’s fine for Leo, who has been playing at a virtuoso level for at least 50 years, but trust me, you will make friends faster and preserve relationships by keeping your guitar in tune.

Happy New Year!

ANDY CHASE CUNDIFF Andy is a local artist, singer and songwriter, and has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years. He plays at a variety of live music venues throughout the Panhandle. Contact Andy at 376-7918.

Reality Check

Swing big with your New Year’s resolutions

J

anuary is the month of hope. Most of us have come up with resolutions for the new year and have already begun implementing them.

I am no different. In fact, I’m a bit cliché because I used to emerge every year resolved to lose weight.

I had a bit of a different twist on the idea, though. While I’m not big on “challenges” – I did the Facebook-driven ice-bucket challenge for ALS several years ago, but that’s about it – I modified a fitness game.

I had the full 24 hours of Jan. 1 to do one push-up, one sit-up, and one squat (without any weight). On Jan. 2, the number increased to two, and so forth. The first goal was to make it to the end of the month, but the real goal was to do 365 of each exercise on Dec. 31, 2020.

I never made it to the end of the month.

But I held out hope that I would each year. And that, to me, is the point of these resolutions.

I feel like whether I ever got to 31 days, I did my job by desiring to be healthier and having the drive to at least start an exercise program, no matter how unscientific and gimmicky. And the more times I started, the greater the chances it would stick.

My evidence for this is purely anecdotal. But as I reflected on my last year – another New Year’s tradition of mine – I concluded that an idea that burrows itself into your brain like “Inception” can grow and bear fruit.

For me, that idea was writing fiction.

I won’t go through my whole derivative story, but like most novelists, I started several stories before finally finishing a manuscript and securing a publishing deal. Those false starts were not failures, but the foundation upon which last year’s events were built.

Among those events were several book signings at Barnes & Noble booksellers across Texas. I also attended and sold books at ThrillerFest in midtown Manhattan – the hub of the literary world – and at Bouchercon, the largest convention for my genre. Add in the Texas Book Festival in Austin, the San Antonio Book Festival, and signings at several independent bookstores and other entertainment venues, and my debut year has been one of the best of my adult life.

The reason for this, though, is not about the venues I just listed. It’s about the people I met along the way.

Hundreds of readers, many of whom have given me feedback for which I am grateful. Dozens of authors who have offered advice and friendship. Industry professionals who have helped make me a

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better writer.

All of them made 2019 incredible.

And it all started with a promise to finish a manuscript on New Year’s Day 2016.

It took more than two years to do that. But once the final words were typed – I don’t write “The End” – I had another step. So, on Jan. 1, 2018, I resolved to sign a publishing deal.

I don’t usually wait for the calendar to tell me when I should set potentially life-changing goals. That’s why my go-to had been unscientific methods of getting in shape.

I am also a skeptic. I’ve never been able to decide whether I am skeptical because I was a journalist or whether I was a journalist because I’m skeptical. Either way, I spent much of my adult life not believing New Year’s resolutions were worth the brainpower to formulate.

But now I see the value in using the start of a new year to reset.

The goals do need to be achievable, though. That’s why getting completely out of debt was not on the list for this year – though I hope for some of you it is achievable and on your list of resolutions.

The goals also need to be important. And improving my health is just that, though I know now a numbers game is a poor vehicle for the true resolution. And a real plan to get healthy is never-ending, so that’s not a resolution of mine anymore.

So what am I resolved to accomplish in 2020?

I was fortunate enough last year to secure another publishing deal.

And because I signed a contract to write my third novel, I can’t make that a resolution.

I can diversify my skill set, though. So I resolved by the end of 2020 to learn how to write screenplays and complete one.

I hope you, too, have set a worthwhile New Year’s resolution. There are plenty of reasons to be skeptical about the future right now.

But perhaps we can all find one dream to chase this month.

And then continue the chase in February.

RICK TREON Rick is an award-winning suspense novelist and former managing editor of the Amarillo Globe-News. His debut novel, “Deep Background,” is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon.com. Learn more at ricktreon.com.

Dress Code Lucy Darling planner $27.50, Two Loons Warehouse

Wise Words planner $38.99, Purpose + Passion

Perfect Planning N

Gina B. Designs magnetic calendar $13, The Secret Place

o time is better than the cusp of a new year to begin strategizing about the months ahead.

Maybe you’re a student trying to stay on top of homework assignments. Maybe you’re a busy parent tracking your kids’ practices and pick-up times. Maybe you’re in the workforce and tired of missing deadlines or arriving late to meetings. Regardless, you’ve decided that you need a calendar or planner – anything, really – that helps you organize your day to day.

Of course, our phones and computers offer plenty of options when it comes to date-keeping or task-reminding.

But there’s something about the satisfaction of adding a task to the printed page – and then marking it off – that just feels so tactile and productive. Everything may be digital in 2020, but there’s still a daily planner or calendar that’s perfect for you.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Karen Adams desktop calendar and easel $62, Weathered Elements

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Home

F

Shades of Blue

ew home-design trends have lasted as long as blue-and-white porcelain. In fact, this style – which is inspired by ancient Asian design and has more recent origins in Dutch Delftware from the 1600s – is so old it can hardly be described as a trend. Your grandmother probably has a few blue-and-white jars or vases herself. No, this is less of a current style and more of a decorative mainstay.

But this mainstay is definitely having a moment.

From HGTV to the kitchens of your favorite reality stars, you’ve definitely seen an uptick in the number of vases, pitchers, bowls, coasters and even picture frames on display. These aren’t just on TV or in magazines, either. You can also find plentiful products bearing these cool, calming color options in Amarillo boutiques. Here are a few of our current favorites.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Ginger jar $30, Panache Interior Design & Home Boutique

Juliska Country Estate cereal bowl $42, Et Cetera

Royal Copenhagen Half Lace dessert plate $140; Royal Copenhagen Princess dinner plate $95, Little Brown House

Urn $60, Reserve

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Barclay Butera Dynasty floral vase $30, Avant Garden

Reading Nook

BURROWING OWL FAVORITES Reading Recommendations “Will my Cat Eat My Eyeballs?” by Caitlin Doughty. Big Questions from Tiny Mortals about Death from the experience of the funeral director – Caitlin Doughty.

“Small Fry” by Lisa Brennan-Jobs. A memoir and award winning book, the daughter of Chrisann Brennan and Steve Jobs recounts her childhood growing up in California during the seventies and eighties.

FIND YOUR NEXT FAVORITE READ AT: BURROWING OWL BOOKS 419 16TH ST., CANYON

BURROWING OWL BOOKS 34TH AND COULTER, SUMMIT SHOPPING CENTER, AMARILLO

SPONSORED BY:

Cover Story MANDI HOUK AND DANA MORRISON

Mission of Mercy Family Support Services’ work to heal the hurting

By Jonathan Baker

I

f you live in the Texas Panhandle, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know has been helped in one way or another by the staff of Family Support Services. The organization’s reach is so wide ranging, its efforts so varied and work so tireless that it’s no exaggeration to say Amarillo would be a bleak place without it. From the counseling it provides to those suffering from depression, eating disorders or anxiety, to diligent assistance to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, to its work with veterans recovering from PTSD, Family Support Services leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit to heal hidden – and sometimes very visible – wounds.

A Lasting Legacy

Family Support Services traces its origins back to 1908, when it began its existence as a traveler’s aid society called, first, Associated Charities, then later the Social Welfare Association. The organization was founded by a group of Amarillo businessmen who felt compelled to help those on the High Plains who were suffering.

“Over the years,” says Jim Womack, CEO of Family Support Services,

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“we’ve changed names and split up and come back together. More recently, back in the ’80s, what was called the Domestic Violence Council merged with the Rape Crisis Center to form the Rape CrisisDomestic Violence Center. And then they merged with the Family Guidance Center. That was in 1993. Ever since then, it’s been Family Support Services.”

Womack has been serving as Family Support Services’ chief for six years, though he also worked for the organization back in the ’90s. “It was a life-changing experience,” he says. Before originally coming to FSS, Womack had been working in the criminal justice system. What he saw at Family Support Services – the compassion, the healing – changed him forever. “It helped me with my personal mission of wanting to help people.”

Currently, Family Support Services has five departments: Emergency and Transitional Housing Services, Behavioral Health and Wellness, Crisis Response and Support, Education and Prevention, and the Veterans Resource Center. Through these five outlets, the organization is able to perform a remarkable amount of assistance in the region, from prevention to post-trauma recovery services and everything

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

in between.

“We had four departments last year,” explains Womack.

“But then we split off our safe house from those four, in order to be able to put more of a focus on our shelter services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.” The creation of the Emergency and Transitional Housing Services Department has allowed the organization to dedicate an entire team to those efforts. FSS has also recently started a transitional housing program for those same survivors.

FSS’S SAFE HOUSE (TOP TO BOTTOM): A SECURE PLAY AREA, LIVING QUARTERS, AND KENNEL AND DOG RUN

A House and a Home

The newly created Emergency Housing Services Division provides safety, food and necessities to individuals and families in urgent need of protection from violence. In addition to providing shelter and three meals a day, the department offers nearly every kind of help you can imagine, from individual counseling to support groups, equine therapy, children’s groups, cooking and recipe events, job searches, addiction recovery, educational guidance and more.

The department’s director, Michelle Shields, says that most often these services begin through the hotline, where the caller will be given time to explore which direction they want to take after an assault or traumatic event. “Our services are all victim centered,” Shields says. “We believe that the client is the expert on their life, and we are there to support them in whatever choices they make. We educate about the cycle of violence, and power and control, give them a safety plan and provide resources for them. We have a 24-bed safe house, staffed 24 hours with advocates, case managers, a manager and maintenance person. We accept men, women and children seeking safety, and we have a pet shelter as well. During their time at the safe house, survivors will be encouraged to work on their healing, they’ll be provided with support and resources to create a life free of abuse.

“On average,” says Shields, “a single person will stay 30 to 45 days, and a family 45 to 90 days, based on their needs.”

In that time, Shields often sees people transformed. “I love having a deeper conversation with someone and reminding them of their worth.”

The safe house, which for years was called the Domestic Violence Shelter, opened in the ’80s with the help of the Junior League of Amarillo. However, the facility’s philosophy has changed since it opened. For example, Family Support Services has recently placed more of a focus on shepherding people through the trauma recovery process. “Years ago,” explains Womack, “when survivors would come out of a domestic violence situation and come into the safe house, they would have to live by certain rules. And if they didn’t meet those rules, there was a chance they might be asked to leave. [Now], we’ve kind of flipped that. The safe house is their home and we’re here to help. We try to make it more of a home-based environment, so they’re not coming out of one controlling environment and going directly into another one.”

In addition, Family Support Services changed the name from Domestic Violence Shelter because the safe house serves other groups besides domestic violence survivors. “We’re also serving human trafficking survivors, and we’re serving some sexual assault survivors, so we wanted to reflect that.”

Another important change to the safe house in recent years has to do with the site’s secrecy: “Everybody said, ‘Your shelter needs to be hidden from everybody,’” says Womack.

“But what we’ve realized is that the people who were finding out where the shelter was were the people we didn’t want

JANUARY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

21

to find out where it was.” Womack was quick to note that the shelter has never seen a violent attack from an abuser; nevertheless, the secret location seemed to come with more drawbacks than benefits. So today, FSS is trying to bring the shelter out of the shadows. “We’re trying to open up awareness of our safe house now. So we do community tours with the United Way and some other foundations, to let community members know about us … A lot of people are surprised to learn we have a safe house. We need to get the word out about that.”

“We’re Listening”

Like many elements of the Family Support Service operation, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Division has undergone some name changes. Once known as the clinical division, the Behavioral Health section of FSS’s mission focuses on counseling services and treatment of emotional and trauma disorders such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. “We have highly qualified counselors on staff,” says Womack. “And a lot of them focus on trauma issues, like survivors of assault or survivors of a homicide in the family.”

But FSS doesn’t just focus on the hardest of travails. “We also provide marriage counseling, family counseling, play therapy,” says Womack.

The Behavioral Health Division even offers trauma-informed yoga therapy, a no-cost evidence-based therapy to help people who have had traumatic experiences.

In addition to counseling services, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Division also offers a safe location for supervised visitations, as well as a Battering Intervention and Prevention Program, which provides abusers on probation with tools to end the cycle of abuse, whether physical, verbal or emotional. The BHW Division also offers equine therapy, a form of experiential treatment that involves interactions between patients and horses. Equine Therapy has been shown to be successful in treating everything from ADD to dementia, autism and depression. “It’s really blown up over the last couple of years,” says Womack. “It’s a very effective and popular therapy.”

Perhaps most importantly, the Behavioral Health Division will work with clients to ensure they can afford treatment. “The difference between our practice and that of most others is that we have grants and United Way funding that allow us to offer services on a sliding scale basis,” explains Amy Hord, the division’s director. “We are also providers for insurance, Medicaid, some Employee Assistance Programs, and have many contracts with community partners.”

Crisis Averted

The Crisis Services Division performs some of the most vital and urgently necessary work at the agency. The department works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing crisis intervention, resources, support and advocacy. As the division’s director, Kathy Tortoreo, explains, “We provide community education on the topics of domestic violence and sexual assault, and provide certified volunteer advocates to victims of sexual assault at the hospital emergency room and the Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center, following reports of rape and sexual assault.”

“One of the main duties of the Crisis Services advocates,” says Womack, “is, if a sexual assault survivor goes out to the hospital for a sexual assault exam, our advocates will go to the hospital and help the survivor and their family through the exam process. Sometimes it’s just holding their hand through the process.”

These advocates also often help with legal issues. “If there needs to be a protective order in place,” says Womack, “our staff will help with that, guiding the survivor through that process.” Advocates will also supervise support groups for these survivors. Thus, the FSS advocates serve as both a first line of contact and a steady ally throughout the recovery process. “We’ve found that support groups are very important for trauma survivors,” notes Womack. “Whether it’s domestic violence or sexual assault, or within the veteran’s program. It’s a very effective way to help

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FSS CEO JIM WOMACK

“...we’re trying to head HANNAH FINKENBINDER, ALEXIS ROBERTS AND JOLENE BARRERAS

off problems earlier and get people out of situations before they get deeply involved. And help them to live healthy lifestyles.

– Jim Womack

”

people heal.”

Domestic and sexual violence remain a continuing problem, not just in the Texas Panhandle but nationwide. Sadly, notes Tortoreo, “our community has the dubious distinction of having some of the highest rates of both domestic and sexual violence in Texas. The Crisis Department must respond to victims and work in tandem with the Domestic Violence Coalition and Sexual Assault Response Team to continue to investigate how these partnerships as a whole can reduce these rates in our community.”

Tortoreo says the most rewarding part of the job, for her, is “watching victims become empowered on their own through their adversity, to become stronger and more resilient, and to overcome their pasts.”

“It can take a survivor seven or eight times of going back before they actually leave [for good],” adds Womack. “So we don’t say ‘You can’t come back.’ We’ll give them the tools, a safety plan on how to escape if it happens again. We help them through that process and don’t shame them for going back to somebody.”

An Ounce of Prevention

BRANDI REED, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

As mentioned, the Education and Prevention Department has grown to become the largest of the five divisions under the Family Support Services umbrella. The effort is based around “trying to head off problems before they develop,” says Womack.

“We work with whole families at risk for child abuse, substance misuse, violence and poverty by providing them with intensive parent coaching, counseling, social supports and educational attainment options,” explains Brandi Reed, who has been FSS’s director of education for nearly 13 years.

In addition, says Reed, the education division provides more than 5,000 Panhandle teens with prevention education in the areas of teen dating violence, sexual harassment, conflict resolution, cyber safety, human trafficking and bullying. The department also provides those same teens with support groups, self-care strategies and connections to likeminded peers. And when an at-risk youth or a kid with an incarcerated parent needs a mentor, the Education Division will provide that, too.

These mentors, says Reed, “increase their odds of graduating from high school by giving them the confidence and self-esteem to create big goals.”

The list of FSS education programs goes on, and Reed is happy to list them. The amount of preventative work being done by the organization is truly staggering. “We implement youth leadership programs and parent education workshops in after school programs, community centers and on low income housing developments to prevent unplanned pregnancies and STIs. We’re implementing unique intervention strategies, such as beat making, filmmaking and dance, working with today’s youth to address tough topics. Our community mobilizers are organizing the first-ever antitrafficking collaborative in the Panhandle.”

One of the reasons for the Education and Prevention Division’s explosion in size in recent years is the launch, a few years ago, of a Child Abuse Prevention Program. This exhaustive and intensive program sees advocates visiting the homes of children who are at risk of abuse.

As Womack explains, “[the advocates] help the parents learn coping techniques, parenting skills, stress management skills, so that they know how to be better parents. These parents, they may not have ever had a role model before. So it’s been a very effective program.”

The education branch also boasts a school-based Strengthening Families Program, which helps families develop various skills related to keeping a family strong. The organization’s work in the schools begged the question: How exactly does the staff at Family Support Services locate kids in need, to begin with? “A lot of times they’re referred by the school districts, doctor’s offices, or other social service agencies,” explains Womack. “We have a good relationship with the school districts.” Indeed, the group even provides some counseling services to Canyon ISD. “But,” continues Womack, “you’d probably be surprised: There’s a lot of kids that know they need help. And they reach out to us, too.”

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ATLAS, FSS’S THERAPY DOG

Healing Wounded Warriors

In addition to its vast network of other services, FSS takes care of those who’ve answered the call of serving their country. The FSS Veterans Resource Center is a drop in, peer-run facility that provides veterans, family members and surviving spouses with the opportunity to make connections with those who’ve experienced similar traumas and travails. At the center, veterans can obtain help finding housing and employment, learn about benefits they’re eligible for, and receive aid in recovering from PTSD. “Whatever the veteran’s need is,” says Womack, “if they come into the facility, we can assess them and help them.” The Veterans Resource Center got its start after Family Support Services received a mental health grant, so there’s a big focus on mental wellbeing at the center.

That means, on any given day, there’s a lot of therapy happening there – but “therapy” can often mean simply speaking to someone who’s been in the same boat. “A lot of times,” notes Womack, “it’s just about talking with other veterans.”

The Veterans Center has also partnered with a group from Lubbock to provide housing to veterans in need, under the Housing First model (a national program that focuses on putting a roof over the heads of those in need, before other issues are addressed). Jim Womack says the Veterans Resource Center has “a very high success rate of getting veterans into homes.” In fact, during a single three-month period in 2019, the center found homes for 50 veterans. “You wouldn’t think there’d be that many veterans who are homeless,” laments Womack.

“It’s kind of amazing.”

Once those veterans have a place to live, FSS and the Veterans Resource Center also have a high success rate of getting them jobs.

That successful track record is largely due to the fact that everyone who works at the Veterans Resource Center is a veteran. The center’s director, Verlene Dickson, is a retired Sergeant Major, having served 27 years in the Army. In addition, the center’s three navigators, who

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oversee veteran cases, each come from either the Army or the Navy.

And like the other divisions, the Veterans Center relies heavily on volunteer help. In the past, agencies like Pantex, Bell Helicopter and Xcel Energy have sent veterans to perform all kinds of tasks, from teaching financial education classes to helping plant trees in the Veterans Center courtyard.

Expanding Services

Almost all the services FSS provides are given at no cost – the exception being counseling services, which are offered on a sliding scale according to the client’s ability to pay. This means that veterans, or victims of assault, don’t have to pay a dime to receive the caring attention of the FSS staff – not to mention shelter, food and whatever else they need. It’s all paid for through grant funding, as well as donations from the kind-hearted citizens of the High Plains.

But paying for it all is never easy, says Jim Womack. The staff at Family Support Services is constantly having to think of new and creative ways to bring in money. “It forces us to look for some of those grants that are sort of outside the box. Not just insurance funding or Medicaid funding, but for example, grants that will pay for veterans’ counseling. Or we have a dedicated grant that can pay for counseling for first responders.” To gather the necessary funding, Womack and the heads of the various divisions split the onerous work of writing innumerable grants each year.

Furthermore, the counselors at Family Support Services are often working for a fraction of what they could make elsewhere. “They really have a heart for this,” says Womack. “They believe in the work.

“All of our departments can use some kind of volunteer help,” adds Womack. “We have our special events, and two yearly fundraisers.”

Another area where Family Support Services could use a helping hand is in its safe house. “We have a 24-hour crisis line that’s housed over there. So we’re looking at expanding that volunteer base.” But, according to Womack, the area where the agency needs the most

How to Help Donations are always welcome. Givers can either donate by calling or dropping in at the organization’s downtown office (at 1001 S. Polk St.), or they can donate online at www.fss-ama.org. That funding could go toward any of the myriad aspects of FSS’s mission. “For example,” says Jim Womack, “we don’t have funding to purchase food for any of the veterans who come into our VRC, who may be homeless. We’ve been buying it out of our own pockets, sometimes, so that they’ll have a snack or lunch.”

Food isn’t just provided through funding, though. “We’ve had volunteers come and do cookouts for our veterans, and also for our safe house.” Other needs include unused pillows and blankets for the safe house, as well as toiletry items for the safe house and the Veterans Resource Center.

“That’s a big one,” notes Womack.

volunteers is in the Crisis Services Division. “We have a volunteer pool,” explains Womack, “and they go through an intensive training process to become domestic violence and sexual assault advocates. And then they can actually go out on some of those calls to the hospitals and help those survivors. It’s a [rigorous] process, but it’s very rewarding.”

“It would be fantastic,” says Jim Womack, “if we could one day put ourselves out of business.” But, despite the best efforts to create a Panhandle that has no need of its services, the work continues.

These days, says Womack, the good folks at Family Support Services are staying busy. “There’s definitely a need for our services here [in Amarillo].”

Since Womack returned to the fold six years ago, Family Support Services has grown in size, though Womack is quick to share the credit.

“That’s more a function of our leadership, our board and our directors.

We still respond to crisis and provide counseling and that kind of thing.

But we’ve also put more of a focus on intervening earlier, breaking cycles. Seven years ago, our Education and Prevention Department was our smallest department and now it’s our biggest. Because we’re trying to head off problems earlier and get people out of situations before they get deeply involved. And help them to live healthy lifestyles.”

Amy Hord agrees, calling Family Support Services “vital to Amarillo for so many reasons.” She adds, “Without FSS, the community would have no formalized operation to help prevent and intervene in situations related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.”

“The services we provide aren’t duplicated anywhere else in Amarillo or Canyon,” says Womack. “Other than counseling, which is underserved.” Kathy Tortoreo is straightforward about the importance of the work of Family Support Services. “This agency helps many thousands of people every year who would have no help otherwise.”

“Without FSS, the Panhandle would suffer greatly,” says Michelle

The Present, and the Future

Shields. “A mentor once told me: Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to sit with them and witness their suffering. My agency is a testament to this. We witness the most horrific events in someone’s lives and hear tragic narratives, and we witness amazing strength and courage.”

“I absolutely love my job,” adds Amy Hord. “I have so much respect for my staff … My excitement comes in seeing the healing: a child that hasn’t seen their parent in many years and, after [a long] time, shows so much excitement in seeing their parent; a domestic violence offender who starts to become accountable for not only the offense he was charged with, but accountable for many other ways he may have hurt his partner and recognizing his desire to change. My excitement also comes from seeing the many lives that are changed by breaking the bonds of traumatic events and moving forward in a healthier manner.”

Brandi Reed has innumerable stories about the importance of the agency. “I’ve been employed here for so long that I’ve been able to see some major success stories – real life tear jerkers that are documentary worthy. I’ve worked with foster youth who were dealt the worst hands in life, and who are now parenting their own kids like champs. They’re in successful marriages and living out of poverty. I’ve worked with victims of human trafficking, who experienced torture and assault you can’t even imagine, and who have now graduated from college with degrees that I wouldn’t be able to pass any of the classes in. I’ve seen children raised in homes filled with years of domestic violence, who turned into advocates and motivational speakers. I’ve seen a teen who was seconds from ending their own life, now loving life and sending me selfies with their family at Disney World. I could go on and on.”

“We are making a huge impact,” concludes Womack. “It all comes down to breaking some of those cycles and expanding awareness of our services so we can reach more people. We’re not reaching everyone who needs our services. We have to figure out ways to do that.”

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What’s Cooking

Spice of Life

S

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STOCK PHOTO

urrounded by spices, proprietors Tucker and Miranda Norrell of SALT Spices & Specialties in Wolflin Village have built their entire careers around flavor. She works the register while he encourages customers to taste generous samples of herbs, gourmet salts, cooking blends and more.

“There’s been a great, emergent food culture here,” Miranda says of Amarillo.

SALT has just started its fourth year in business and counts home chefs, bakers and brewers among its regular customers. “Our customer base is all ages and all demographics. Food is for everyone,” she says. Selling close to 20 different kinds of salt and a variety of whole and ground spices, the couple’s business continues to grow. We asked them to highlight a few of their favorite flavors.

PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Gray sea salt

Pink Himalayan salt

Tucker calls this “a good, everyday salt.” It’s not iodized but contains several minerals and is one of the highest salts available for magnesium content. Like the difference between a Bordeaux and a standard red wine, gray salt has a deeper, richer flavor.

This exotic rock salt from the foothills of the Himalayas contains 84 different trace minerals and is especially popular for people looking to add a little extra nutrition to their diet. It’s commonly used in cooking or as a table salt.

Cyprus f lake

Black lava

Crystalized and flaky, this salt is primarily used for presentation and often added atop desserts, chocolate or caramel. “It’s a gorgeous salt and the taste is great, but it’s used more for the visual element,” says Tucker.

Tucker describes this salt, which comes from Hawaii and contains activated charcoal, as a “finishing salt.” It’s intended to be added to a dish or soup after it has been cooked, using the rich, black color to enrich the table presentation of the food.

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Oregano SALT offers both Mexican and Mediterranean versions of this herb. The Mexican one is popular with chili, enchilada sauce and other dishes common to that cuisine, and pairs well with cumin. The distinctive Mediterranean version adds familiar flavor to pasta sauce and other tomato-based dishes. “You would use it with spaghetti, for instance,” he says.

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Fennel “This is very pungent with that licorice taste like cumin,” Tucker says. “I crack it just a little and you can immediately smell it.” Fennel seed pairs well with Mediterranean oregano and is popular ground into homemade sausage.

Coriander Widespread across a variety of cuisines, coriander powder is used frequently in curries and some Mexican dishes. The whole seeds are popular for home-brewing and as pickling spices.

Cumin

Fenugreek

This distinctive spice is often tasted in Mexican and Central American dishes and pairs well with Mexican oregano. While some customers use the whole seeds for pickling, brining or roasting, Tucker says the ground version is preferred for cooking.

Though less known in Western cuisine, fenugreek smells like celery and is central to Indian and South Asian dishes, adding the recognizable golden color to curries. “A lot of people like it for health purposes,” says Tucker.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

Storage Most local pantry shelves are, unfortunately, filled with old, out-of-date spices. “I recommend keeping your spices for just a year – whole or ground – and then tossing them out after that,” Tucker Norrell says. Otherwise, it’s impossible to maintain a spice’s freshness and quality. Just like a soft drink goes flat after exposing it to air, a spice can lose its pungency and flavor after frequent exposure.

The Norrells say there’s no guarantee that the commercially sold spices on supermarket shelves are fresh. “It’s been sitting on a grocery store shelf for who knows how long,” Miranda says. “You just don’t know.”

To ensure customers are using quality products, the Norrells have scheduled a “Spring Spice Trade Out” for the month of March. Simply bring in any old spices off your pantry shelf, and get a discount on fresh replacement spices from SALT.

Peppercorns Peppercorns are not grains or related to corn at all. These are actually small berries that grow clustered on vines like grapes. The color of the berry after processing is what gives a black, green or white peppercorn its name.

Black The classic black peppercorn is picked before it ripens and allowed to dry in the sun. “Enzymes in the berries cause the skin to turn black during the drying process,” says Tucker. When ground fresh – these are used to create familiar tabletop black pepper – the strong flavor of these peppercorns provides that sharp, spicy kick to a garden salad or soup. According to Tucker, pepper aficionados tend to prefer Tellicherry peppercorns, which are a higher-grade version of black pepper with a more robust flavor.

Green Green peppercorns are picked at the same stage of ripeness as black peppercorns, but not allowed to dry. As Tucker explains, these are often pickled in vinegar or brine, or freeze-dried and dehydrated. While black pepper is typically used to enhance existing flavor, the earthy taste of green pepper often plays a more leading role in a dish. “Their flavor and spiciness is less concentrated than black peppercorns. They are the least pungent,” he says.

Pink Not technically a peppercorn, these are actually dried berries from a shrub and members of the cashew family. However, the berries resemble traditional peppercorns and have a slightly fruitier flavor. “It takes on the characteristics of peppercorn,” says Tucker. “It’s a little sweeter and a little tarter. It pairs really well with lamb.”

White These are the mature berries which ripen to a red color before being picked. Once harvested, they are soaked and rubbed free of the outer skin, exposing a smooth, white under layer. While drying, they become further bleached by the sun. Slightly milder in taste, white pepper is often used in Asian cuisine and as an aesthetic choice in light-colored dishes.

Tucker says it appears frequently in French and Cajun cuisine and pairs well with cayenne pepper. “It has a very earthy, hot flavor, and a lot of barbecue people use it,” he says.

Whole Nutmeg/ Cinnamon/Star Anise Popular among bakers, these products are almost always sold in the ground form rather than whole. But SALT does sell whole nutmeg and cinnamon sticks, which are most often used by baristas and others who are serious about coffee. “They might have an espresso machine at home and will make their latte, then grind some on top,” Tucker says.

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Meet the Experts: Tucker and Miranda Norrell

“I

call him the ‘Mix-Master,’” Miranda Norrell says of her husband, Tucker. “He has always loved to cook and does such an amazing job blending herbs and spices. Food at home has always been his thing.”

Despite that passion, Tucker had spent a decade working in the liquor industry when the family went on vacation in 2014. In Bend, Oregon, they encountered a spice shop franchise. “We spent half our life savings there,” Miranda jokes. On the way home, the couple began thinking about opening a similar store in Amarillo, where Tucker had been born and raised. A locally owned and operated spice shop seemed like a fun and fulfilling family business.

The couple looked into the franchise model, however, and found it was far too expensive for what they had in mind. “We couldn’t afford it,” she says. “But [Tucker] thought we could just do it on our own.”

So they did. Tucker quit his job in May 2016 and SALT Spices & Specialties opened in December of that year.

Located in Wolflin Village, it offers an extensive variety of spices, fresh salt, raw sugar, loose leaf teas and more.

Tucker grinds spices sourced from all over the world and mixes many of them into proprietary blends. “It’s easy for him to talk about food and talk about spices,” Miranda says of her husband, who takes on a large portion of the shop’s sales role. “People are wanting to learn how to cook.

They’re wanting to eat healthier and wanting things to taste better.”

Everything the couple sells is fresh. Each bottle has a “bottled-on” date, reflecting the day Tucker ground the spice. “I bottle everything fresh. We don’t keep any back stock of our products,” says Tucker. “If we have it, we have it. I’d rather be out of something for a couple of days than it not be fresh.”

The Norrells take pride in the fact that their products are sold in glass bottles and always available for sampling.

“We want you to be able to see the difference and taste the difference,” Miranda says. “Until you come in and experience it, you’re not going to know.”

Let’s Eat!

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

Tumbleweed Farm Bakery

T

his Keto-friendly bakery offers more than just sweet treats. With a full lunch and early dinner menu (the shop closes at 7 p.m.) enjoy gluten-free, low-carb entrees, sandwiches, and salads.

All of Tumbleweed’s baked goods are made from scratch in-house, including the bun on the Farmhouse burger, a hefty double meat, double cheese burger paired with a healthy side salad.

Follow Tumbleweed Farm on Facebook for daily specials, menu updates, and special order information.

PHOTO BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

4137 SW 34th Ave. 223.6523 tumbleweedbakery.com

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21 NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE

Updated entry

THE LET’S EAT! GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE AMARILLO MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT MICHELE MCAFFREY AT MMCAFFREY@AMARILLO.COM.

JANUARY 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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Amarillo

5060 S. Coulter St., 322.3888, blueskytexas.com $$

ACAPULCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT & BAR

BUBBA’S 33

When the weather’s nice, enjoy sitting on Polk Street while you sip a margarita and sample a traditional Mexican-style shrimp cocktail. 727 S. Polk St., 373.8889, acapulcomexicanrestaurant.net $$

AMERICAN MADE COFFEE HOUSE

American Made’s menu includes fresh sandwiches, gourmet coffee, and freshmade sweets. Stop by for speedy and friendly service before you begin the workday. 6402 River Road, 236.0005 $

BANGKOK RESTAURANT

When you’re looking for authentic Thai, Bangkok delivers. Start with the sticky rice, move on to the cucumber salad, and finish with the chicken larb. Your kids will love watching the big fish tanks while you wait for your table. Warning: Spicy means spicy.

Bangkok means business. 5901 Amarillo Blvd. East, 381.1590 $

BEEF ‘O’BRADY’S

There’s something for every member of the family at Beef ’s. Plus, you can enjoy the game while you eat. If you’ve never eaten fried Oreos, it’s worth every calorie.

7306 SW 34th Ave., 358.0997, beefobradys.com $$

BELMAR BAKERY & CAFE

Open since 1965, Belmar is an Amarillo tradition. Loyal customers abound and each one has a favorite treat they return for again and again (we’re big fans of the thumb print cookies). The cafe offers a cozy place to meet for early morning coffee and pastries or tasty lunch with friends. 3325 Bell St., 355.0141, belmarbakery.com $

BITI PIES

Biti Pies are miniature versions of traditional pies everyone loves. It’s just the right size for one person and possibly a friend – that is if you feel like sharing. Don’t miss out on this bite-sized treat that is melt-in-yourmouth good. 604 S. Maryland St., 367.6413, bitipies.com $

BLUE SKY TEXAS

Blue Sky’s burgers and homemade fries are the perfect companions to a Lone Star Beer or an Oreo shake. Be prepared to share the one-size-feeds-a-lot cheese fries.

4201 I-40 West, 355.8100/ 32

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

The newest sports restaurant on the scene in Amarillo, Bubba’s boasts made-fromscratch food and three restaurants in one: family dining, the garage bar, and a dining area with a bar. Feast on hand-tossed pizza, fresh-ground burgers, and tender rib-eyes. 2813 I-40 West, 353.0033, bubbas33.com $$

BUNS OVER TEXAS

If you’ve ever been to Buns, then you know “Your buns are up,” means dinner’s ready.

The made-to-order burgers will fill you up fast. Pair one with some of the best cheese fries around, and wet your whistle with the refreshing ice tea. 6045 SW 34th Ave., 358.6808, bunsovertexas.com $

BURRITO STOP

Tacos Garcia restaurateurs’ downtown grab-and-go eatery doesn’t just offer fromscratch burritos on homemade tortillas for breakfast or lunch. In addition to its hearty fare and vegan options such as soy chorizo and spinach tortillas, Burrito Stop boasts trained baristas that serve Roasters Coffee & Tea Co. beverages. 114 SE Ninth Ave., 418.2705, burritostop.com $

CAFE BLVD. & BAR

Serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Cafe Blvd. also offers a lounge area and full bar for a relaxing evening out. The limited menu features classics like chicken wings, pho, bun bowls, and banh xeo. You’ll enjoy fresh food, generous portions and affordable prices. 5316 Amarillo Blvd., 367.9780 $

CATTLEMAN’S CAFE

For a hearty meal to start the day, Cattleman’s is the place to go. Order the Cowboy Breakfast to curb those early morning hunger pangs. Customers keep going back for the enchiladas or traditional chicken-fried steak. 3801 Amarillo Blvd.

East, 383.4818 $

CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

There’s a reason there is always a crowd at Cheddars. You’ll find outstanding Americanstyle food at prices that won’t break your budget, which makes it the perfect place to bring the whole family. Treat yourself to a basket of buttery, honey-kissed croissants with your meal, and no matter what you order, you’ll discover that everything’s good. 3901 I-40 West, 358.2111, cheddars.com $$

CHILL NATURAL BAR

Fill up on Ezekiel Bread toast topped with spreads, fruit or vegetables, protein-dense Greek yogurt topped with fruit, açaí bowls, hearty salads, fresh-pressed juice, and smoothies at this small dine-in or take-out storefront. Chill’s location on busy Hillside Road makes it the perfect place to grab a healthy treat. 6200 Hillside Road, Suite 100, 355.7100 $

CHIYO’S ORIENTAL RESTAURANT

This small, cash-only dive offers authentic Thai food at affordable prices. The generous portions make it easy to share, or take the extra to go for a tasty late-night treat.

4313 Teckla Blvd., 468.9385/1300 Ross St., 374.6146 $

COFFEE FIXX

Serving breakfast and coffee all day, Coffee Fixx’s menu is bolstered with daily lunch specials featuring hot and cold sandwiches, soups and nachos. 3020 SW Sixth Ave., 584.2445 $

COMPADRES TACOS

If you love tacos as much as we do, then you need to head over to Compadres Tacos and fill up on some of the tastiest, most affordable street tacos in town. Every taco is made fresh to order. Meat options include bistek (beef steak), pollo (chicken), asada (grilled steak), lengua (beef tongue), pastor (pork), barbacoa (beef cheek meat) and chorizo (pork sausage) and they’re only $1.75. You read that right. Get moving!

2648 SW 34th Ave., 433.3154 $

CRUSH WINE BAR WOLFLIN

Crush’s excellent cuisine and wine list have a new, second home. Nestled in Wolflin Village, Crush Wolflin offers appetizers, small plates and a few entrees, along with a beautiful dessert menu. You’ll find a variety of wines by the glass or bottle and on tap, with a healthy craft and domestic beer list.

Stop by to create your own cheese, meat and chocolate tray, grab a bottle of wine from the wine room, and you’re all set for a delicious evening. 2806 Wolflin Ave., 517.2130, babycrushamarillo.com $$

DANIEL’S DRIVE IN

Located on old Route 66, Daniel’s offers old-fashioned drive-in fare. Fresh-cooked burgers, tots, onion rings and plenty of soda fountain drinks make this the ideal spot for a sunny-day lunch or afternoon snack.

2911 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.0066 $

DELVIN’S RESTAURANT & CATERING

Head to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food. Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery in 2015, and it’s quickly become a favorite lunch and brunch stop. Sample a three-meat combination barbecue plate, or traditional American favorites like fried chicken, soul food, and fresh fried catfish. Finish with the homemade buttermilk pie.

1300 N. Hughes St./701 S. Taylor St., 803.9111 $

DOUBLE J’S MEXICAN CAFE This breakfast and lunch storefront specializes in delivery, pick-up and catering orders, with a variety of tamales, lunch plates – which the eatery announces daily on Facebook – burritos, tacos, and other Tex-Mex favorites. 5901 Bell St., Unit 30-C, 418.6796 $

DYER’S BAR-B-QUE

If you’re a meat lover, Dyer’s is the place for you. The family-style, all-you-can-eat lunch special is hard to beat. On Fridays and Saturdays, eat your fill of premium smoked prime rib. 1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite E526, 358.7104, dyersbbq.com $$

EAT-RITE

The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you; it’s delicious as well. Pile your plate high from the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups and entrees. The marinated carrots are pure, tasty goodness. 2425 I-40 West, 353.7476, eat-rite.com $$

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EL BRACERO MEXICAN GRILL

Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero a popular stop for authentic Mexican food. You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas that keep local patrons satisfied. 2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788/2028 Paramount Blvd., 398.4440 $$

EL CARBONERO RESTAURANTE Y PUPUSERIA

This hidden gem specializes in authentic Salvadoran cuisine. Discover pupusas, a fresh-made masa cake (much like a pancake) filled with your choice of ingredients like queso and loroco (an earthy, green vegetable), pork and cheese, or zucchini and cheese. Traditional options

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like fajitas, fried fish and asada abound.

1700 Amarillo Blvd. East, 373.1973 $

area. 7408 SW 34th Ave., 352.8226, fuzzystacoshop.com $

EVOCATION COFFEE

GATTI’S PIZZA

You’ll find a thoughtful, simple menu at Evocation Coffee. Pour-over coffees and espresso dominate, but you’ll also find tea, cold press juices, fresh in-house waffles with a variety of spreads, and thick-sliced toast drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Visit Evocation for expertly roasted and brewed coffee and a snack. Hang out because of the peaceful, modern vibe.

3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 5, 418.8968, evocationcoffee.com $

Food galore is what you’ll find at Gatti’s, with unlimited pizza, pasta, salad bar and desserts. You won’t have to tell the kids twice to finish their meal because once they do, they can head to Gatti Town and feed their fun. 4412 S. Western St., 355.5601, gattispizza.com $

GIRASOL CAFE & BAKERY

From seafood and coleslaw to cheeseburgers and steaks, Fatcat Fish & Grill offers fresh-cooked food at a reasonable price. 1309 N. Fillmore St., 373.3581 $

If you’ve missed having an artisan bakery in Amarillo, you’re in luck. Head over to Girasol Cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods along with a rotating menu of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees – many with a Latin influence. Check the bakery’s Facebook page for daily featured items.

3201 S. Coulter St., 322.0023 $

FIRE SLICE PIZZERIA

GLORIA’S RESTAURANT

FATCAT FISH & GRILL

You know you’re in for a good time at Fire Slice when you see the menu. Choose from pizza specialties, such as “Tommy Boy” and “Hot Momma,” or build your own. Each pizza is made fresh in a custom-built pizza oven. Try savory Italian brunch items on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 11 a.m.

7306 SW 34th Ave., Space 10, 331.2232, fireslice.com $$

FIREHOUSE SUBS

Firehouse’s sandwiches are set apart by the nationwide chain’s presentation. Every hot sub is steamed before serving, and features premium meats and cheeses. Founded by firemen, the eatery sets aside a portion of every purchase to donate to local first responders to provide them life-saving equipment. 1901 S. Georgia St., 418.6651, firehousesubs.com $

FRANK’S BAKERY

Transport yourself to Europe at the only boulangerie in Amarillo. No matter what you choose, you can’t miss with French specialties like fresh baguette sandwiches, quiche, feuillete (a puff pastry filled with chicken, bechamel, and mushrooms), crepes, and croissants – if you can break away from the divine pastry case to order an entree. We’re big fans.

1923 S. Western St., 352.8089 $

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP

Options are endless at Fuzzy’s with everything from a variety of Baja-style tacos to enchilada plates, over-sized salads, tamales, and breakfast all day, every day. Party on the patio in this casual eatery that originated in the Fort Worth 34

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Gloria’s menu consists of seafood, Mexican, Tex-Mex dishes and Salvadoran food.

The lightly spiced tamales are handmade, steamed in banana leaves and filled with chicken, potatoes, sweet peppers and tomatoes. The sopa siete mares, a brothbased soup made with shrimp, scallops, halibut, perch and vegetables, is full of flavor. 1300 S. Grand St., 373.2722 $

GOLDEN LOTUS RESTAURANT

This Chinese, Lao and Thai eatery isn’t just loved for its food and great prices; the staff is friendly and hospitable. In addition to traditional dishes such as pad thai, sesame chicken and chow mein, Golden Lotus also serves dishes that require customers to branch out. The papaya salad, clams in black bean sauce, or mango catfish are just a few of the out-of-the-ordinary menu items that will surely impress. 2417 Amarillo Blvd. East, 331.7824 $

THE HANDLE BAR & GRILL

Open at 7 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the breakfast crowd, The Handle Bar serves Texas-style comfort food – the handmade burgers are a customer favorite. Dine outside on historic Route 66 or cool off inside while savoring an ice-cold beer. 3514 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9538, thehandlebarandgrill.com $

HENK’S PIT BAR-B-QUE

If you’re a local on a quick lunch break or a tourist driving through, stop at Henk’s.

The barbecue is savory and sweet, and the jalapeño cheese sausage makes for a tasty

snack. And for you early birds, Henk’s also serves a satisfying breakfast.

1508 S. Grand St., 372.9011 $$

HOME PLATE DINER

Take your favorite baseball fan out for a baseball-inspired meal. The walls are covered in local and national baseball memorabilia, and Home Plate serves everything you might order to eat at a game at prices that are easy on your wallet. 5600 S. Bell St., 359.4444, homeplatedineramarillo.com $

IDK DOWNTOWN EXPRESS The Sixth Street eatery best known for its beer selection has opened a second lunchonly location in downtown Amarillo. While you can’t order a beer, you can feast on favorites from the original IDK menu, along with a few new additions for downtown diners. 114 SW Sixth Ave., 553.4158 $

IT’S A PUNJABI AFFAIR

If you were among the many Indian food fans that despaired when Amarillo Hut closed its doors, brood no more. Punjabi Affair serves Indian-style street food, available for dining in or to take out. Savor classics like flat bread, butter chicken and samosa, and a few you might not be accustomed to like lamb curry, or marinated and fried tilapia. You’ll also find options for vegans and vegetarians. The menu will change with the seasons in order to offer fresh local ingredients. 4201 Bushland Blvd., 414.2114 $

JACOBO’S CAFE

The shrimp tostadas with pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado and rice, and Don Jacobo Burger, two half-pound patties with ham and asadero cheese, caught our eye at Jacobo’s Cafe. But if you’re in the mood for breakfast, the Belgian waffle or breakfast burrito will surely satisfy. 3701 Olsen Blvd., Suite L, 418.8850 $

JERRY’S CAFE

Craving breakfast food? Jerry’s Cafe has the solution. You can’t miss with anything off Jerry’s lengthy breakfast menu, served all day every day. Tex-Mex options fill up the rest of the menu with favorites like chile relleno, fajitas and barbacoa.

1601 S. Grand St., 374.4335 $

JOE’S PIZZA & PASTA

Joe’s has been an Amarillo favorite for years thanks to its dependable, prompt service and generous, satisfying Italian fare. The combination of the New York-style pizza’s

crispy, thick crust with the perfect amount of sweet and zesty sauce is irresistible. 19151 I-40 West, 356.8191 $

K-N ROOT BEER DRIVE-IN

If you’ve tried K-N’s yummy burgers and floats, then you know why it’s been a success for more than 40 years. The K-N Special, a double-meat, double-cheese burger, melts in your mouth. You can’t beat the old-fashioned, icy mug of homemade root beer.

3900 Olsen Blvd., 355.4391 $

KATHY’S KITCHEN

This is the simple, Texas Panhandle home-style food locals crave.

Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more. 4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $

LA CAMPANA

La Campana offers flavorful, inexpensive Tex-Mex with options that will please the entire family and the salsa is made fresh daily.

We suggest the manchacas and huevos rancheros served with beef sauce. Don’t overlook the papas frijoles covered with cheese.

2220 Canyon Drive, 373.4486 $

LAS PARRILLADAS NORTEÑAS

With cuisine typical of northern Mexico, Las Parrilladas Norteñas features parrilladas, mixed grill items designed to feed more than one person. Grill plates come with chicken, beef and pork. Or feast on the parillada de mariscos, a plate brimming with shrimp, crab legs, oysters, lobster, tilapia, and ceviche, which feeds four people.

Customers love the buffet with traditional Mexican entrees and sides. 1706 Amarillo Blvd. East, 803.9566 $$

LEMONGRASS SUSHI & WOK

The thought of fried spring rolls, steamed gyoza and tempura shrimp is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble, but the food at Lemongrass can easily halt that hunger. Chef Lee Doan offers Asian specialty dishes straight from the wok such as stir-fried udon noodles and Mongolian beef. The enticing sushi menu is ample.

Keep water within arm’s reach when sampling the Red Hot Cajun or the Flying Dragon. 2207 S. Western St., Suite 800, 352.5535 $

MARIA’S COCINA MEXICANA

Find all your favorite Mexican dishes at Maria’s. We’re taken with the fresh tamales, but there’s plenty to choose from. In-the-know diners eat at Maria’s for the menudo, chile verde, and traditional enchiladas. 1316 SE 10th Ave., 373.8841 $

MCALISTER’S DELI

McAlister’s is not just another deli. Its made-to-order menu is chock full of fresh sandwich and salad options that make for a quick and tasty lunch. And let’s not forget the Famous Sweet Tea that is handcrafted in-house daily. 8605 SW 34th Ave. 355.7500/ 4104 I-40 West, 352.3354, mcalistersdeli.com $

MOE DOGS GRILL

Memories of Route 66 come alive at Moe Dogs Grill. What once served as a gas station now offers hot dogs, burgers and other Americana classics. Decorated with memorabilia yet updated with flat screen TVs, Moe Dogs patrons have the opportunity to earn a free meal – that is if they can down eight jumbo hotdogs piled with

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chili, cheese and jalapeños within 30 minutes. And yes, there are fries with that. 3515 SW Sixth Ave., 220.2198 $

MR. FISH

Another quirky dive has popped up on Sixth Street. The former owner of now-closed Pattaya Restaurant takes another approach with a small fish-and-chips joint. A rotating menu of Asian specialties, including sushi, will supplement the affordable fish and fries offerings. 2806 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9434 $

With the New Year comes new opportunities for a healthier you.

NAPOLI’S FINE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Napoli’s has created an oasis in downtown Amarillo. Indulge yourself with the house-baked bread while you browse the ample menu. Try the hearty lasagna or one of the over-sized calzones while enjoying live music on the spacious patio. 700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com $$

OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN KITCHEN

Olive Garden will tell you, “When you’re here, you’re family,” and that’s the truth. The portions couldn’t be more generous. With endless salad and breadsticks, no matter the entree, you’ll leave satisfied. 4121 I-40 West, 355.9973, olivegarden.com $$

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

Let’s just start with the Bloomin’ Onion. We could actually end there and be completely satisfied, but what’s a trip to Outback without a Victoria’s Filet Mignon and Bacon Bourbon Salmon? Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. 7101 I-40 West, 352.4032, outback.com $$

PALIO’S PIZZA CAFE LOCAL EXPERIENCED TEAM • Technologists: 224 years of combined patient care experience • Radiologists: 500 years combined board certified experience EACH LOCATION • Results to your physician in a timely manner • Radiology consulting

IN ALL MAJOR FIELDS OF RADIOLOGY • Neurology • Pediatric • Musculoskeletal • Vascular • Ultrasound • Body Imaging ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY • The only “true open magnet” in an outpatient facility • The only 64 slice CAT scan in an out-patient facility

Palio’s has all your Italian food cravings covered. From generous subs and pasta dishes to fresh-made pizza, the cafe promises “real” food with made-from-scratch dough, fresh produce and all-natural ingredients. There are even gluten-free options for celiac sufferers.

3562 S. Soncy Road, Suite 301, 398.7256, paliospizzacafe.com $$

PAN-HANDLERS CAFE

Kick your lunch experience up a notch at Pan-Handlers. Settled in the basement of Amarillo National Bank Plaza One, this family-run restaurant supports the community by using farm-fresh produce.

With a list of daily specials ranging from Mexican to seafood and cleverly concocted sandwiches (try the ANBLT on ciabatta bread), your dining experience will be anything but bland and boring.

410 S. Taylor St., 352.2590, thepan-handlers.com $

PESCARAZ ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Come ready to linger when you visit Pescaraz. From the charming decor and cozy bar area to the array of entrees, soups, salads and impressive wine list, you’ll want to take time to savor every bite.

Enjoy excellent service and live music in the evenings.

3415-K Bell St., 350.5430, pescaraz.com $$

RANCHO VIEJO RESTAURANT 7400 WALLACE BLVD. 806.353.8333 7010 W. NINTH AVE. 806.351.8480

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Breakfast is served all day at Rancho Viejo, and with free coffee.

Choose from plenty of Tex-Mex entrees priced under $10.

1915 I-40 East, 517.2170, ranchoviejoamarillo.com $

RED RIVER STEAKHOUSE

Experience the flavor of Texas at Red River Steakhouse. With plenty of beef on the menu – customer favorites are the prime rib, barbecue ribs, and hand-cut steaks – and rustic windmill-

themed decor, the well-known steakhouse promises quality and quantity in every meal. 4332 SW 45th Ave., 367.9732, redriversteakhouse.com $$

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

Choose from an extensive sushi menu that includes nigiri style, cut rolls, special rolls, spicy rolls, sushi salads, and for the beef lover, Texas sushi. At Sakura, get ready to be entertained by chefs who prepare your meal at the table. We wholeheartedly recommend the swordfish. 4000 S. Soncy Road, 358.8148, amarillosushi.com $$

SINALOA HOT DOGS AND MEXICAN FOOD

The hot dogs Mexicanos are the star of the menu at Sinaloa (although the roasted chicken is pretty tantalizing, as well).

The extra messy hot dog, topped with bacon, avocado, onions, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup comes on a toasted bun. We recommend extra napkins. 2618 Amarillo Blvd. East, 367.8935 $

SUPER BOWL NOODLES

In a sea of Asian restaurants, this popular eatery stands out from the rest. It stays busy thanks to its super-sized noodle bowls (hence, the name) and authentic Thai and Lao food. Try the beef or chicken larb, pho, or classic pad thai. 810 Columbia St., Suite 300, 418.8580 $

TACOS GARCIA

At Tacos Garcia, serving authentic Mexican food is a family affair. In the same location since 1999, the Veloz family serves up traditional favorites that keep loyal customers going back time after time. Try the Swiss enchiladas or the chile relleno lampriados. You won’t be disappointed. 1100 Ross St., 371.0411, tacosgarcia.com $$

TEXAS FIREHOUSE SPORTS BAR & GRILL

Texas Firehouse offers everything from a delicious, fried green bean appetizer to steaks to pizza, all in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. Watch all your favorite sporting events while you eat.

3333 S. Coulter St., Suite D1, 351.1800, txfirehouse.com $$

THAI PALACE

We’re everywhere!

With more than 100 entrees available, your first visit to Thai Palace might feel somewhat overwhelming. Rather than settling for boring chicken fried rice, mix things up and opt for something from the curry menu. With red, green, yellow, Panang, or Masaman, there’s a flavor for every palate. 4723 S. Western St., 331.6011 $ NEW

TUMBLEWEED FARM BAKERY

This Keto-friendly bakery offers more than just sweet treats.

With a full lunch and early dinner menu (the shop closes at 7 p.m.) enjoy gluten-free, low-carb entrees, sandwiches, and salads.

4137 SW 34th Ave., 223.6523, tumbleweedbakery.com $

WILD BILL’S

Wild Bill’s offers American food and friendly service. The green chile cheese burger with hand-cut, seasoned fries is our favorite.

Enjoy billiards, darts and arcade games while you wait, or after you dine. 3811 SW Sixth Ave., 372.4500 $

Start at amarillomagonline.com.

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ARTWORK COURTESTY OF THE BARRIO ART PROJECT

Events | January 2020

T

he Barrio Art Show will be held on Jan. 16-18, at the Wesley Community Center. The show will be open to all media and subject matter in any style, and will feature the work of local artists’ representational art related to the “Historical Sites and People” within the Amarillo Barrio Neighborhood.

The Barrio Arts Project will capture the history of the Amarillo Barrio neighborhood through art and story. The show will be held as an exploration of the Barrio’s rich history in hopes of inspiring minds, and touching hearts. Proceeds from the project will benefit the Barrio Neighborhood Projects.

Wesley Community Center 1615 S. Roberts St. 437.6592 barrioartsproject.com

Visit the show on Jan. 16, 5:45-9 p.m.; Jan. 17, 2-8 p.m.; or Jan. 18, 5-8 p.m.

VIEW AN UPDATED LISTING OF EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE MONTH AT AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM. To have an event listed on the calendar, email details to mmcaffrey@amarillo.com.

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Arts & Entertainment

JAN. 2 SESAME STREET LIVE! LET’S PARTY!

1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 3 FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

5-9 p.m. Barnes Jewelry, 100 Westgate Pkwy. West, 355.9874

JAN. 4 “AMOA OPEN” RECEPTION 7 p.m. Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St., 371.5050

JAN. 10 THE DRIFTERS, CORNELL GUNTER’S COASTERS AND THE PLATTERS

7:30 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 11 CHAMBER MUSIC AMARILLO PRESENTS “CONCERTO EXTRAORDINAIRE” 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1200 Streit Drive, 236.3545

JAN. 11-12

JAN. 17-18

JAN. 18

AMARILLO SYMPHONY PRESENTS “BEETHOVEN @ 250”

2020 POLAR PLUNGE

7:30 p.m. Guest artist: Simone Porter, violin; Conductor: Jacomo Rafael Bairos. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

THE BIG CHEESE

8 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

6-8 p.m. Funds will benefit The Hope and Healing Place. Tri-State Fairgrounds Rex Baxter Building, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 290.8640

JAN. 18

JAN. 25

BARRIO ART SHOW

CRAB FEST

5-8 p.m. Wesley Community Center, 1615 S. Roberts St., 437.6592

6 p.m. Khiva Shrine, 305 SE Fifth Ave., 373.2845

JAN. 19

6 p.m. Featuring The Harriett and Harmon Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper.

Amarillo Museum of Art, 2200 S. Van Buren St., 371.5050

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

2:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

JAN. 23 AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

7:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

JAN. 24-25

“THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG”

JAN. 16

JAN. 26

BARRIO ART SHOW

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

5:45-9 p.m. Wesley Community Center, 1615 S. Roberts St., 437.6592

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

7:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

JAN. 17 BARRIO ART SHOW

2-8 p.m. Wesley Community Center, 1615 S. Roberts St., 437.6592

8 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

2:30 p.m. Amarillo Little Theatre Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle, 355.9991

JAN. 28 NATHAN FRYML

7:30 p.m. Amarillo College Concert Hall, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5000

JAN. 28 BURNS SUPPER

6-9 p.m. Fundraiser will celebrate the works of poet Robert Burns and feature Scottish foods, bagpipes, poetry readings and more. Funds will benefit Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Esquire Jazz Club, 626 S. Polk St., 352.6007

Music

JAN. 8 CHLOE BETH AND RACHEL LYNCH

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 10 JERK

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 11 SHAUN PEACE BAND

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 15 MISSISSIPPI JAKE

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 11

JAN. 16

11 a.m. Funds will benefit Make-A-Wish. Tri-State Fairgrounds Rex Baxter Building, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767 AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

“ACHIEVEMENT IN ART” GALA

Benefits & Fundraisers TRI-STATE OPEN CHILI CHAMPIONSHIP

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JAN. 24

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

AMARILLO LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS “BASKERVILLE”

7:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

9-11:30 a.m. Benefiting Special Olympics Texas.

203 SW Eight Ave., Suite 400, 374.7171

KEITHA JONES

6-8 p.m. La Bella on Olsen, 3801 Olsen Blvd., 352.5050

JAN. 18

JAN. 4

MONARCH BAND

TRAIL RUN-OH-RUN

8-11 p.m. Smokey Joe’s on Route 66, 293 SW Sixth Ave., 331.6698

BLACK MAGIC FLOWER POWER

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 20 AND THEN CAME HUMANS

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 25 BART CROW

7 p.m. Hoots Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548

LINDSEY LANE

7 p.m. Amarillo VFW Post 1475, 1401 SW Eighth Ave., 373.3521

SAYED SABRINA

9 p.m. Esquire Jazz Club, 626 S. Polk St., 350.4299

JAN. 27 HOLD S

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 29 NALANI PROCTOR

9-10 p.m. The 806, 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806

JAN. 30 SUNSET AND SONGWRITERS

6:30 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007

JAN. 31 THE HEROINE

1 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

CAMPFIRE SING-A-LONG

6:30 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

JAN. 11 COWBOY COFFEE

8 a.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

JAN. 10-12 MC3 TEAM ROPING

8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

7 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 12

JAN. 18

STATE OF THE ECONOMY

ORIGINAL TEAM ROPING

12-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 18 TRAIL RUN-OH-RUN

1 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

JAN. 25 DOG DAY HIKE

11 a.m. Bring your dog for a group hike. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007

GEOLOGY WITH JEFF

1 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

STAR PARTY

8 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

AGN MEDIA’S MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR LUNCHEON

JAN. 3

7 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

1 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

Special Events

10:30 a.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

AMARILLO BULLS VS. KENAI RIVER BROWN BEARS

AMARILLO BULLS VS. ODESSA JACKALOPES

JAN. 30

MINDFULNESS FIRST DAY HIKE

JAN. 3-4

ATLATL IN THE AFTERNOON

9 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

JAN. 1

Sports & Recreation

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 31 KICKER MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS

7:30 p.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

9 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

AMARILLO BULLS YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 18-19 PANHANDLE CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION

8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767

JAN. 19 AMARILLO BULLS YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 20 AMARILLO BULLS YOUTH HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

JAN. 31 AMARILLO BULLS VS. CORPUS CHRISTI ICERAYS

4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

MOON IN THE AFTERNOON

5 p.m. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy. Park Road 5, 488.2227

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Panhandle Perspective

Late Fall at Palo Duro Taken at Palo Duro Canyon in late November, this image shows the beauty that bare tree branches bring to a fall landscape.

Foliage is pretty but the bare trees cast a different mood.

NANCY SMITH A Boston native, Nancy moved to Amarillo in 2010 after living in Tucson, Arizona, for 17 years. She has been a photographer for 30-plus years, after attending art school. Nancy photographs weddings, portraits, musicians, wildlife, nature, wrestling and Native American events. She travels througout the Southwest and different areas of Texas, which allows her to capture many different images and meet incredible people.

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GET TO KNOW THE REALTOR Do you have a network of mortgage lenders and builders you collaborate with?

Cindy: As a company we work with many local lenders, It is important that our lenders know what is best for our clients. They have many options and being local gives them the personal contact that puts them at ease. We are also a member of the Texas Panhandle Builders association, which helps us to get in touch with many contractors to assist our clients as needed.

Top 3 Buying Tips?

TJ: Go to a lender to receive mortgage approval before searching for a new home. Talk with a Realtor, make sure you feel comfortable and that you can trust them. Know your needs and wants such as the location and price point.

What do you identify as a “successful closing”?

Rocky: I consider it a successful closing when my clients complete the buying or selling process with no surprises at the closing table, feel fully confident they have made the best decision for them, and are completely satisfied with the service they have received. I want my clients to be fully informed of everything they can expect to happen, be completely aware of what they owe or are due at closing, and for those expectations to be fulfilled. This is what I strive for with every transaction, and when all this happens, I consider it a successful closing.

Why Real Estate?

Michele: Real Estate brings me such joy by helping Families and individuals find the perfect home that suits their wants and needs!

Charles: In 2006 my mother came to me and asked if I would be interested in joining the real estate business with her. She told me how great the business is and how rewarding it is to work with all the different clients. Her enthusiasm for the business and the people intrigued me, so I decided to pursue a career in real estate. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I made the right choice. I love working with clients, building the trust needed, and maintaining a lasting relationship with them.

It truly is an honor to be in this business.

Photo location: Cerulean Gallery/The Derrick Event Center

7659 Hillside Rd Suite 400 Amarillo, TX 79119 - 806.433.5526

20 Questions

LARA ESCOBAR, MPH What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career?

Recently, Vickie Spriggs, CEO for Texas CASA, told me, “Only mediocre organizations are always at their best.” I have kept this message in my head while leading an organization in an ever-changing environment. How do you use social media to grow your network? At CASA, we use social media to increase awareness of our program, its need to recruit volunteers, and as a platform to educate the community on important issues. How do you maintain balance? I was once told that there is no such thing as work/home balance.

There is work and there is home. When I am done at work, I leave work at the office so I can be present for my family. I also prioritize self-care and work out a least three times a week. What has been your wisest investment? My education and degrees obtained from Texas A&M University. Not only for the education, but also the network it has afforded me and the skills I gained in class, internship opportunities, and civic club participation. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? Starting at the bottom of an organization and working your way up adds strength to your leadership because you know what it takes on the front lines. What is the best part about your job? Getting to see children that come from hard places find their peace and happiness. How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? It is important to surround yourself with people that will inspire you to grow and challenge you in your thinking, but also be a sounding board for you. Which living person do you most admire and why? My husband, Adrian Escobar. He is a caring and hardworking individual and a big dreamer and is always pushing me to do better and be better. Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe? “Like” – especially when my children use it every other word! What is your business philosophy? Do what is right! Sometimes we have to make decisions that are difficult, but if you keep the focus on the mission, the rest will fall into place. Which quality do you most value in an employee? Integrity. In an ego-filled world, it is so important to have integrity in all you do because at the end of the day, that is what will allow you to sleep at night. What personality trait has most helped you succeed? Determination!

Many times, I have set out to do things that most might say are crazy or out of my reach. Once I set my mind to make something happen, I will see it through.

Who is your favorite author? Nicholas Sparks. What did you learn from your best boss? You need to take care of your staff and they will, in turn, take care of the program. Your worst? I was able to take away things that I did not want to do, such as lead by fear. How can Amarillo improve its business environment?

I would like to see more volunteerism encouraged by businesses. Some bigger companies will encourage their employees to volunteer and even match volunteer time monetarily. When we send a message to our employees that to be successful our community needs to thrive, we all win! Most important tech tool: I could not do my daily work without my laptop and phone. Best time management tool: My calendar. I put everything in my calendar, work and personal, to keep me on task. I also use the last 15 minutes of every day to plan my goals for the next day, and I write them down on a small whiteboard on my desk. It feels good to mark them off during the day! I can’t live without my: family, coffee and “Friends” re-runs. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: the generous spirit and small-town feel. Most unusual job or task: Honestly, every day is a new adventure working in child welfare.

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AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2020

PHOTO BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMARILLO AREA CASA

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