Focus Magazine Fall 2022

The Texas Panhandle summer has faded, and we find ourselves sliding into fall. Leaves on the trees are turning bright yellow and orange and will soon begin to litter the yards and streets. Today’s fall festivals, football games, pumpkin patches and corn mazes will soon give way to holiday gift fairs, Christmas tree farms, snowy winter days, and festive seasonal baking. While seasons seem to change faster than the speed of light, there is so much to experience and to share along the way! So, as we turn the calendars, it is important that we take every opportu nity to celebrate where we have been, treasure the gift of today and of each other, and anticipate all that is to come!

This issue of Focus Magazine welcomes the season of grati tude, and is filled with stories to encourage and inspire… of love, friendship, sacrifice, selflessness, resilience, faith, and hope.

With thankful hearts, Robert and Kerri Forester

10 Born to Be a Cowboy Meet R.W. Hampton... Cowboy, Songwriter/Singer, Actor and Playwright. John Carlson gives an overview of the extrordinary talent and acheivements of this artist.

17 Dad and R.W. Kerri's Dad has been following R.W. Hampton for years... Kerri elaborates on her father's appreciation for this man and his talents.

19 Just Minding His Own Beeswax!

A stinging exposé of a Pampa couple, Rickey and Sharron Brown... attacked by bees and how they survived to tell the tale.

23 The Panhandle Gives

Grey County non-profits prepare for the annual fundraising event set for November 21st thru 29th.

28 The Contested Plains Premiers

Thousands attend the film premiers of this docudrama, produced by the White Deer Land Museum... We have pictures to prove it!

Kids Can Cook

Mimzy shares a couple of great recipes that little ones can help with. Yum!

Love Birds

Three local couples, all from the Lefors Class of 1952, celebrate 70 years of marriage. Brenda Scott Tucker helps uncover their secret!

Pampa ISD Hall of Fame

2022 Hall of Fame recipients carry resumés worthy of the honor.

Looking Back on... Chautauqua

The annual event passes its 40th year. Lee Cornelison tells us how it all began.

Mrs. Morgan... just be glad ya ain't got nothing!

A humorous short story handed down for generations.

This Town is Your Town!

Michael Sinks pays tribute to Thelma Bray. Mrs. Bray was not only active in the formation of the Woody Guthrie Center, but many other civic projects in Pampa!

Advertiser Index

LOOK!

Do we have your attention?

About the Cover R.W. Hampton is an award winning Cow boy Singer and Songwriter. His lyrics demonstrate his love for God, country and

John Carlson has been a fan of R.W. since

tled "Born

and has outlined the

Be

in

of

starting on

Focus is a FREE magazine, there are multiple outlets list ed on page 58, but if you would like to receive FM by mail, subscriptions are available (see the bottom of page 5). A Focus Magazine subscription makes a great gift for someone who wants to “keep up” with Pampa and the Texas Panhandle!

Focus Magazine can also be found online at: www.gofocusmag.com

R.W. Hampton BORN TO BE A COWBOY by John Carlson

Jaymie Dunlap Photography

BORN TO BE A COWBOY

“I entitled this article after one of my favorites of R.W. Hampton’s many (over 100) original songs. It was about 1994 when I first heard R.W. in concert, and I have been fascinated by the man and captivated by his music for 28 plus years. I’ve tried to capture and share my observations (and those of others) of this exceptional cowboy/songwriter/singer/actor/playwright that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.”

John Carlson

Red Steagall, cowboy/western singer and “The Official Cowboy Poet of Texas” recently had R.W. Hampton as his guest on Red’s “West of Wall Street” Program on RFD-TV (Episode#146) and introduced R.W. this way…

RED STEAGALL: “Today, I am really happy to introduce you to one of my very favorite people in the whole world, and one of my favorite ballad sing ers. He lives out in New Mexico, but he was born and raised in Texas. And he now has a home in Amarillo, so he can still say he’s a Texan. He’s a great, great songwriter. He’s a cowboy, recording artist, a great performer, and a very dear friend. He’s even been in some movies. I want you to meet R.W. Hampton.”

R.W. HAMPTON: “Howdy Red! Man, I’m so happy to be here...”

So, the story begins…

Hampton dreamed of being a cowboy during his childhood in north-central Texas. He owned a horse and was an active member of his high school’s rodeo team. During summer vacations, he worked in the “horse depart ment” at the Boy Scouts of America’s Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimar ron, NM. Hampton says, “It was those summers at Philmont that convinced me to pursue a career as a cowboy after I graduated high school. And, at that time, all I ever wanted to be was a working cowboy... a lifestyle that I fit, and it fit me!” Those summers at Philmont were also crucial moments in his music career development, as some of his first singing performances were at a local hotel. The wide open ranges at Philmont and the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains, along with the local residents, inspired him to write the song he later recorded, “Cimarron”. Hampton began his profes sional cowboy career on the Spade Ranch, their New Mexico division, and later returned to his beloved Cimarron area in New Mexico... but wanted to explore. As he worked on cattle ranches in Nevada, Wyoming, Oregon, the Panhandle of Texas, and other areas in New Mexico, his focus became the Cimarron, NM area as a preference to live and work. While cowboying, R.W. continued to develop his skills on guitar, songwriting, and singing in any spare time he had. R.W. said, “I always had my notepad and guitar, and regularly sang for other cowboys... My first major performance was at the Golden Spur Awards in Lubbock, Texas in 1978.”

Hampton’s talented songwriting/singing/recording career has been very productive and successful for 43 years. His first song, “Travelin’ Light” was published in 1979 and his first Album, Travelin’ Light was released in 1984. R.W. has released 14 albums to date. I have 11 in my personal collection,

Jaymie Dunlap Photography

each having had a lot of play time. (A discog raphy of my collection is a part of this article.)

His most recent CD album, My Country is soon to be released. He has performed at many major venues... the Grand Ole Opry, the Smithsonian, and at cowboy festivals in Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and all over these United States. R.W. has been one of the leading performers at cowboy poetry/singing gatherings all over the south west. R.W.’s strong and rich baritone voice has such unusual clarity and his attention to enunciation makes it impossible for the lis tener to misunderstand a word or the mean ing of his lyrics.

American Cowboy Magazine (2013) named Hampton among the top 50 singers of all time of Country Western Music... among art ists like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers. Personally, I would add Red Steagall, Michael Martin Murphy, Don Edwards, etc.

His formative years as a ranch-cowboy and his rich experiential-based career give great authenticity to his song lyrics. He casts the vision of his life as the “true cowboy” that he continues to demonstrate in real life today!

“I hope when people listen to my music, they will say, ‘I can tell what this guy’s about.’ I don’t want to preach my beliefs to people but I want them to know what they (my beliefs) are because that’s what makes me who I am.”

When I listen to the lyrics of the songs he has penned it is like reading his autobiography. R.W. is a devoted Christian and has written several inspirational songs you will find on two of his CD albums entitled, Then Sings My Soul and I Believe. He has also written and recorded several patriotic songs that il lustrate his devotion to this country he loves. (He has one son that serves in the U.S. Ma rines.)

“God, Country, Family, then…Career”

“If I do this thing called LIFE right... no matter how much of an impression I make in the entertainment world, the one (impression) that really matters is on my kids and their kids.”

R.W. adds, “We set the example of the prin ciples I hope they live by. When it’s all said and done, I want to be known not just for my voice but for my heart and values. Lisa and I have six kids between us - one daughter and five boys. The older ones are grown and raising families of their own from the East Coast to here in Texas and New Mexi co.” (One high school-aged son still lives at home.)

Is Western Music still relevant today?

R.W. says, “Western music is the country music of the American West!...” And he cel ebrates what Western music has continued to be. “There’s a whole lot of love in Western music,” he said. “It may sound corny in to day’s sophisticated, woke and cynical world, but, we apologize to no one when we sing about love for the land, this country, our free doms, our animals, our spouse and family, heritage, traditions, and God... Yes, God! Not a ‘politically correct’ God... but GOD.”

Hampton's Christian faith and values become apparent as you observe him and listen to his music... he has penned some great ballads that he has recorded on two Gospel projects with additional songs from other fine songwrit ers. In the past, R.W. has visited my family's

churches to share his faith in testimony and song, and is always extremely well received. I saw a facebook post recently that he would be at the "Cowboy Church" in Glenrose, Tex as. Follow his page to find information about his schedule. This is posted on his website too, http://www.rwhampton.com. On October 28-30, 2022, R.W. will appear at Red Stea gall's "31st Annual Cowboy Gathering" at the Fort Worth Stockyards. He has been a reg ular entertainer at this event in past years. In addition to his concerts on Friday and Satur day evenings, R.W. will take the lead role in a Cowboy Gospel Concert at Stockyard Station from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, with other cowboy singers joining him on stage, includ ing Jean Prescott, Red Steagall, Dan Roberts, Kristyn Harris, Mikki Daniel and Hailey Sandoz.

Jaymie Dunlap Photography

R.W. Hampton, the Singer and Songwriter

2011 - R.W. Hampton was inducted into the “International Western Music Hall of Fame”

2018 - R.W. Hampton was honored by the Boy Scouts of America as a “Philmont Scout Ranch Distinguished Alumni.” The honor recognizes those whose distinguished and exceptional personal success and achieve ments on a national and international level bring honor and credit to the legacy of Philm ont... Previous recipients include astronauts and wilderness explorers.

2021 - R.W. Hampton accepted the presti gious “Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award” at the 60th Annual Western Heritage Award Ceremony. The award is among the highest honors given to a recipient that “exemplifies the ideals of individualism, honesty, humility and integrity…demonstrating an unwaver ing commitment to Western ideals and val ues.” R.W. told the audience that “my best moments of being a cowboy are when being alone…just myself, a good horse, and God Almighty…and I’m so proud to be honored by folks in this industry that I respect so much and to be surrounded by family and friends!” R.W. then led the 1200 black-tie attendees through the gospel standard, “How Great Thou Art.” Among the celebrities were Reba McEntire, George Strait, Robert Duvall, Rex Linn and others.

VERSE ONE

The painted walls of Palo Duro How my heart can see them yet As a boy of eighteen summers

Long before I knew regret There I rode the bold unwilling And my loop was keen and true And even in the dead of winter The sky seemed always blue.

VERSE TWO

Where, oh where is Bud Delaney He could ride, and ride ‘em tall Haven’t seen him since he quit here

Ten years ago last fall

I hear he moved out east of Kingman

And he’s taken different ways

But, a better hand at punchin’ cows There wasn’t in his day.

CHORUS

And it’s been saddle horse and catch twine

That has been my life

Some say, it’s been my downfall For the world has passed me by The life I live I freely chose I’m at it yet tonight

I was “Born To Be A Cowboy”

And I will be till I die.

BORN TO BE A COWBOY by R.W. Hampton

VERSE THREE

We were camped on Rita Blanca Me and Bud and Steve and Paul

At Old Dick Shepherd's Wagon Way up in the fall Colder than the dickens When the work was done We’d catch a horse and lope to town Just lookin’ for some fun.

VERSE FOUR

In the heat of summer brandin’ We’d get an early start “Jingle-in” the horses Saddle in the dark Ride out on the mornin’

Without a spoken word

The “ring-of-spur” The “fall-of-hoof” Was all that could be heard.

CHORUS

VERSE FIVE I first laid eyes on Darcy Taylor At the Channing Christmas Ball

The daughter of a circuit preacher

The fairest of them all I knew I could never have her But I loved her just the same And I still get that old-time feelin’ When I hear her name.

VERSE SIX

Photographs and trophy buckles

The things you hold with pride

As eyes grow dim won’t mean as much As what you’ve got inside.

But I’ve got lots of mem’ries to me worth more than gold

And I can say “I’m ready Lord”

Any time it’s time to go….

CHORUS

“BORN TO BE A COWBOY” is one of my favorites of over 100 songs R.W. has written to date. It was named by “American Cowboy Magazine” as one of the top 20 songs written in the last 20 years…and has been covered by nine other top artists (a sure mark of a songs’ success). —John

R.W. with his wife, Lisa and horse Butler, on their ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico.

Tycie Jackson Photography

Hampton,

Actor

In the fall of 1999, my wife and I traveled from Dallas to Dalhart, Texas to a showing of R.W.’s one-man stage play performance, “The Last Cowboy-His Journey.”

Using “Born to Be a Cowboy” as a prelude and reprise, R.W. introduced eight original songs and the story script he had written with his brother, Jeff, and playwright, Dave Mar quis in 1993, to portray an old cowboy re flecting back on his life, viewed from the year 2025. Needless to say, we were thoroughly impressed with the entire performance, di rected by Jeff Hampton and R.W.'s wife, Lisa.

R.W.’s acting resumé is predominately west erns, but he's had roles in over 17 movies, to date, including Wild Horses and The Gambler III (both starring Kenny Rogers). He also ap peared in an HBO film starring Kris Kristoffer son called, The Tracker. You may have seen him in the television specials, Kenny Rogers & The American Cowboy and Dead or Alive He has also appeared in TV commercials and has done “voice-over” work on radio… It's no wonder he’s been called “Todays Voice of the American Cowboy.”

In January of 2006 the project, “Oklaho ma-Where the West Remains” was approved as an official Oklahoma Centennial Commis sion event. A team of talented musicians, his torians, producers, and writers prepared and presented this production in September, 2006 to two sold-out performances at Enid Sym

phony Hall, with a 40 piece orchestra featur ing R.W. Hampton, with Rich O’Brien and the Chisholm Trail String Band. R.W. Hampton recalls, “To tell the story of Oklahoma is to tell the story of America with all its triumphs, tri als, victories and tears... Within this glorious story we find and embrace all the best of what we are as Americans. We also see the mis takes we’ve made as cultures collide in a new frontier. The story of Oklahoma [CD-Oklaho ma-Where the West Remains] is a beautiful story of Americans moving west, searching for a home they’ve seen only in their dreams and armed only with their guts, determination and faith.”

R.W. Hampton played the part of a minister and high school rodeo coach in an excellent “faith and values” feature length movie enti tled: Peace River-God, Country, and the Cow boy Way, released to Amazon Prime the first week of September. My family loved this mov ie! Put it on your list to see! Much of this movie was filmed on R.W.’s Clearview Ranch near Cimarron, NM with stirring views of the Cimar ron Valley and the Sangre de Cristo Moun tains. R.W. provided 3 skilled ranch-hands/ extras and three horses who helped in all as pects of the filming. “Jack,” a horse belonging to R.W.'s son Ethan, was used throughout the filming by the leading character, Casey, who plays a handsome young cowboy with a prom ising rodeo career, who enlists as a soldier and is sent to Afghanistan. You’ll have to see the movie to know how his story unfolds.

R.W. pauses for a photo while at the premier of "The Contested Plains" docudrama held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Taken with film director, Ken Spurgeon, and one of the young actresses in the film.

R.W. played the role of U.S. Cavalry Colonel Nelson A. Miles in the docudrama "The Contested Plains."

Most recently, R.W. played a major role in The Contested Plains, a fact-based “docu-drama” about the post-Civil War period (1870’s) of struggles for dominance of the high plains of Texas. And, with his acting experience, it is no wonder why R.W. was the obvious choice for a significant role. He portrayed U.S. Cav alry Colonel Nelson A. Miles, alongside a cast of experienced and talented actors and ac tresses.

Premier showings of The Contested Plains in early September 2022 were met with enthu siasm with an attendance of 1007 in Pampa, 169 in Oklahoma City, 586 in Wichita, KS and 315 in Oakley, KS for a grand total of 2077 in attendance of the Premiers. Very good mov ie! Plan now to watch it at your earliest con venience if you haven’t seen it.

Whether it’s the story of Oklahoma or The Contested Plains, I agree with R.W.’s appli cable statement that “it’s a beautiful story be cause it’s your story and my story... It’s still being written by you and me today, and blank pages are waiting to be filled by our sons and daughters and future generations as well.”

Western Way Magazine, (February, 2021) characterized R.W. as follows... “At a time when many are searching for someone who has their priorities straight, their values in line with their actions, and who quietly tries to make their mark on the world... it is refresh ing to find a humble working cowboy still out there getting the job done - the Western way!”

He was “Born to Be a Cowboy,” and he will be 'til he dies.

—John

Jaymie Dunlap Photography

Fall River Productions

Jaymie Dunlap Photography

Dad and R.W.

By Kerri Forester

The first time my parents saw R.W. Hampton in concert was in the fall of 1994. And that was all it took! Dad was intrigued by the authenticity of R.W.’s tal ent, impressed by the transparency of his faith, and inspired by the wisdom and core values that fill his music! From that day forward, Dad always seemed to know where R.W.’s next per formance was and when his next CD would be available! But, how was that?? Those were very busy times for Dad. His high ly successful career, although motivating and rewarding, was also challenging, demanding and even grueling, at times. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather to his active and growing family, as well as a loving brother, and attentive son to his aging parents. The way he kept things together was his planner. He always had it with him, and the important stuff went inside! So, I am quite certain that there would have been “R.W. Info” mixed right in with corporate meeting dates, dance recitals, business travel, football games, budget deadlines, birthday parties, etc. I can only imagine what a treat it was for Dad to come across one of those little entries, reminding him that R.W.’s newest CD would be showing up in the mail later that week, or that tickets for an upcoming event would go on sale the next day.

Dad was quick to share his excitement and passion for R.W.’s music, and he passed around tickets to anyone available to use them! But, when I stopped to consider how Dad’s appreciation/obsession grew, it hit me… it must have happened during his commute! He spent anywhere from a half-hour to over an hour each way, to and from Down town Dallas… every day. I suspect that a majority of that time was spent listening to R.W. Hampton and his music.

Without question, the hope-filled lyrics and beautiful melodies of R.W.’s songs were motivating and encouraging… a companionship that proved to be the perfect buffer between Dad’s challenging, demanding career and his loving home and family.

So, when Dad retired from Texas Utilities in 2000, a celebra tion was held at their “Beulah Land Ranch” in Lindale, Texas… and R.W. Hampton came to help mark the occasion! Needless to say, he was that evening’s most perfect entertainment. But, most of all he was, the guest of honor’s most honored guest!!

Carlson, passing along the special guitar to R.W. Hampton.

In 2003, Dad happened to read about a huge fund-raising event at Boy’s Ranch. Hosted by a laundry list of singers, songwriters, and cowboy friends, Dad read that all proceeds from the event would be going to R.W. Hampton, who had recently been diagnosed with his third round of Melanoma Cancer in 11 years. This would require additional surgeries and radiation treatments. Having seen R.W.'s participation in benefit concerts and fund-raising efforts such as these, and knowing he had a young family and no heath insurance, this was something that Dad wanted to rally behind. He went to this great event, and recalls, “I was moved... deeply moved by the number of sincere friends, at least a couple hundred, who were up there to see to it that their good buddy, R.W. Hampton got through this.”

That evening, Dad bid on, and won, an item donated by Donnie Blanz, a fel low Cowboy singer, songwriter and ac tor. Donnie’s contribution was a guitar.

There was nothing special about the guitar… except that Donnie had used it, along with a Sharpie marker, to help raise awareness of R.W.’s story and to advance the fund-raising efforts at hand. Dozens of signatures, from a wide vari ety of talented artists, entertainers and notable celebrities, turned this ordinary guitar into something very special. Dad returned home with the guitar and hung it in a gathering place in their home. Since then, it has been a conversation starter... about faith, trusting God, encouraging others, doing your part, being a friend, paying forward, giving back, etc.

The story of this special guitar has been told over, and over, and over, again! But, here’s the rest of the story! Dad planned a lunch meeting with R.W. to get some details in preparation for his article. And, after 20 years, Dad thought it was time for R.W. to have the guitar that held the signatures and well-wishes of many who stood by R.W. through his illness. R.W. would surely love to hang it in his home, and share the story of this wonderfully ordinary guitar. Dad was right, R.W. was visibly moved by the unexpected gift and the story that it held. In return, Dad was

equally touched to pass it along, know ing that its meaning was special, and its great story, worth perpetuating!

Our family membership in R.W. Hamp ton’s Fan Club has grown over the years, and we have remained admirers of the warmth and richness of his voice, the beauty and simplicity of his songs, and the character and quality of this extraordinarily talented man.

Testing & Measurement Covering the Mid-Continent Area

R.W. performing with John at Carlson's Beulah Land Ranch outside Lindale, Texas in 2000.

...Just

Minding His Own Beeswax!

By Brenda Scott Tucker

It was going to be the last of the vegetable gardens due to his decreased mobility. Getting in and out of the chair, even with the support of his walking stick, was becoming too difficult. He had even ordered special okra seeds for the last "HURRAH!"

Rickey Brown enjoyed sitting beside the garden, tending the water hose, giving the squash and tomatoes a drink, and may be even watering the yard. It was a great way to spend time outdoors, just where he liked to be. Friday, August 5th was just such a day. He was out back watering. His wife, Sharron, was about to leave to run errands and came out to tell him good bye. Before she could turn around, he said, “a bee just stung me.” Immediately, a swarm of bees came over the neighbor’s fence. He was covered! There were bees under the brim of his hat, on his ears, neck, arms – everywhere! Sharron helped him out of his chair and with the help of his walking stick, they made it slowly to a chair on the back porch, Sharron praying all the way. It seemed to take forever! Rickey felt like he was on fire. Sharron grabbed the water hose and told him to start spraying himself to get the bees off as she dialed 9-1-1. The call would not go through. So, she headed through the side gate to the house across the street. They were home!

When the neighbor heard the bell, she got up to answer. It rang again. When she opened the door, there stood Sharron, redfaced, out of breath, and covered in bees. Her face and hair were wet from the water hose. She asked the neighbor to call 9-1-1. She said Rickey was in the back yard and couldn’t see to get out. After verifying her house number, she headed back to check on Rickey, leaving dead bees in her wake. They die once they sting. After calling 9-1-1, the neighbor came out to help watch for emer gency vehicles and to encourage Sharron as she was trying to get the bees off herself with water. She said she was upset for days following the incident and seeing Sharron in that condition.

Soon, firetrucks, EMTs, ambulanc es and first responders appeared. They were told of the situation and despite three of them having bee allergies, they went right to work without hesitation. They

sprayed dry CO2, like what is in a fire extinguisher, on Shar ron to break the chain of attack. Then they sprayed her with water with the big fire hose. They went to the back yard and brought Rickey around front and did the same to him. The yard was covered in white “smoke” from the spray. Dead bees were everywhere!!

With an EMT on each arm, Rickey was loaded into the am bulance. Sharron went on the gurney in the back. When Sharron asked if she could call her daughter, the attendant replied that right now there was a life-threatening emer gency and they would call from the ER. Sharron had no idea that her blood pressure was 320/200 or higher and that she was the one with the life-threatening emergency.

Once at the ER, work to remove the bees and their sting ers began. Rickey said there were three people on each side with credit cards that were scraping down his arms to disengage the bees. With them having approximately 300400 bee stings each, it was a long and grueling process. He even had a stinger between his front teeth!

When Sharron finally contacted her daughter, she realized that they had left the house wide open and the water on, so their son-in-law was sent to handle those things. Fortu nately, Sharron never considered going inside the house. There would have had a bigger mess to tend to if bees had entered.

Rickey says, “If it hadn’t been for Sharron, I would have been in deep straits. She got me up to the house, got the hose, called 9-1-1… You know you’re being stung but all you can do is wipe them off.” The neighbor feels that Sharron got the worst of it.

One of the culprits.

“If it hadn’t been for Sharron, I would have been in deep straits.”

Following their ER visit, both were admitted to Pampa Regional Medi cal Center and spent two days under observation and receiving treatment for their massive bee stings. According to their daughter, Sharron’s face was so swollen that she was unrecognizable. A couple of days later, when Rickey blew his nose, a bee came out! Dead, of course…

It took about two weeks to get back to normal. Rickey is retired from Green Country Equipment, but Sharron was back at work at Central Baptist Church the next Wednesday, where she has been for 38 years. What about the garden? Unless a daughter comes to pick it, it sits idle. No watering. No going out back. Porch cushions have all come inside. They feel like captives in their own home since bees are still in the vicinity. They hire their yard mowed and had to wait a while to have

that

that

the one with the life-threatening emergency.

that done. They are too terrorized to venture out back until the bees have a new home. A bottle of vinegar and water sits by the back door just in case they have to go out. Bees do not like vinegar.

At a recent football game, one daugh ter thanked an EMT for helping her parents. When reminded of the inci dent, he replied that it was the scariest thing he had ever been to!

The Browns agree that if it weren’t for the quick response and actions taken by the EMTs, firemen and ER at PRMC, they might not be here to tell their story.

So…what happened? Why would bees swarm someone minding their own business? Evidently, threatening or swatting or killing a bee can trigger a visit from more since an alarm phero mone emits as they try to sting. It is an alert indicating danger and it disperses quickly. Africanized bees attack in larg er numbers than Western or European honeybees and send out a possible 1000 drones. They are aggressive and attack any perceived threat. They then sting their victim until it is no longer considered a threat. It takes a bee specialist to determine if a hive is Euro pean honeybees or Africanized hon eybees. They look very similar – both are yellow and black, about a half inch long. These bees seemed to be darker in color. They may be another variety. Rickey’s arms still show areas where he was stung. Sharron’s eyelid recent ly was found to have had a stinger lodged in it. And there may be another one. There are residual physical effects of this terrifying experience, of course! And, there are also emotional effects, as well. It’s not an incident they will ever forget, nor one anyone else would want to experience. Be warned – if bees are in your midst, find out or get help to know what to do to protect yourself. Some bees can be relocated and some may need to be exterminat ed, depending on the type. Informa tion is key in knowing your options.

Pampa Non-Profits Participate in The Panhandle Gives

by Jana Vinson

The Panhandle Gives is an annual event hosted and coordi nated by the Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF). The event begins on the Monday before Thanksgiving and ends on the global day of giving known as "Giving Tuesday." This year that is November 21 – November 29, 2022.

One hundred percent of all donations raised by the organizations are kept by that organization. In addition, each participating organization that raises at least $250 during the campaign receives a percentage match of the total amount of the Amplification Fund. The Amplification Fund is made up of money given from foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. This fund was established by AAF to AMPLIFY the amount of money participating organizations receive during the campaign.

Ten non-profit organizations from Pampa participate in The Panhandle Gives campaign. Those organizations are: The Pam pa Education Foundation, Pampa Meals on Wheels, PAWS, Pampa Senior Citizens Center, CASA, Gray Cares Living at Home, Pampa Unit ed Way, Tralee Crisis Center, Snak Pak for Kids, and the White Deer Land Museum.

Representatives from Gray County non-profits recently met to plan and coordinate local efforts for the fundraising event.

The Panhandle Gives continues to be a focused effort of the Amarillo Area Foundation to support, empower, and encourage collaborations among non profits across the twenty-six counties of the Texas Panhandle. We hope you will join us in 2022! If you have questions about how to participate, please con tact any participating organization and they will give you directions.

Remember the dates November 21 – November 29, 2022!

On September 4th, over 1,000 folks filed into M.K. Brown Civic Auditorium to see the anticipated docudrama The Contested Plains. The film, produced by the White Deer Land Museum and Fall River Productions, documents the story of a family crossing the plains to Colorado. The family named German, was brutally attacked, parents and children killed and four daughters were kidnapped by Native Americans. See the Spring 2022 Focus Magazine issue, or better yet... see the film!

In addition to the Pampa premier, the film was shown in Wichita Kansas, Oakley, Kansas and in Oklahoma City at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (a must see itself!) Photos were taken by Sharon Wampler and Robert Forester.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

M. K. Brown Civic Auditorium

M. K. Brown Civic Auditorium

Kids Can Cook!

BY KERRI FORESTER

The holidays are very special times!

If your family is like mine, everything seems to revolve around spending time together… and eating good food! We have our favorite recipes that have been around for years. Without them, holiday meals just wouldn’t be the same. Of course, new recipes have been added along the way, but they just have to nestle in and around all of the favorites. Cooking is a major part of the holidays, and takes up a fair amount of time! So, when children are around, it is important to consider them during holiday meal planning and preparation. And the best way to do that is to include them in the process!

Children can be very helpful in the kitchen, but cooking with children isn’t as simple as it sounds! It goes without saying that many of the tools and appliances needed in food preparation are sharp, hot, electrical, and dangerous… and have been designed to be used by an adult-sized person with honed kitchen skills! But, by adapting some workspaces to be more accessible, and by choosing recipes that give opportunity to teach the basics, children can become very successful with many cooking tasks! With a little patience and effort, the following recipes can give even the youngest child the opportunity to learn new skills. So, go ahead! Plan on spending some time in the kitchen with the children in your family! Help them do the parts they can do, and support them by modeling how to do the rest.

Homemade Butter

What you will need:

- canning jar with lid, one with a handle works especially well - heavy whipping cream - sea salt and spoon

Making butter is one of the easiest things to do with a child. The process is simple. Fill the jar 2/3 full of heavy whipping cream, put the lid on, and bring to room temperature.

Model the techniques for shaking the jar safely. Soon, the milk will begin to separate from the milk fats. Continue shaking until the butter forms a solid ball.

Pour out and discard the “butter-milk” or save for use in baking. Shake, then remove lid and stir to remove as much liquid from the solid butter as possible. Add a dash of salt and stir into the butter. Press the fresh butter into a con tainer and store in the refrigerator. Children will be so proud to serve their fresh, homemade butter during the holidays!

TERMS: fill, pour, shake, add, stir, press, store, serve

After all… the only way kids can learn their way around the kitchen is to be invited in!

Cranberry Crescent Rolls

What you will need: refrigerated crescent roll dough canned cranberry sauce wax paper spoon cookie sheets spatula

These simple but great crescent rolls are a nice compliment to a holiday dinner, or the perfect addition to a charcuterie board. Cover a work surface with wax paper. Open, unroll, and sep arate roll dough into triangles. Have children spoon a small dollop of cranberry sauce onto the wide end of the dough triangle. Model how to be gin at the wide end of the dough, and roll to the tip. Carefully, place the filled dough rolls onto a cookie sheet, and bake according to instructions on the cans. Remove from cookie sheet with a spatula. Serve with homemade butter!

Terms: cover, unroll, separate, spoon, dollop, roll, place, bake, remove, serve

Sheila Webb Agent

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES HOME OFFICES: BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.”®

Harry enjoys helping Mommy in the kitchen, especially when she makes cookies!

Platinum, when given as an anniversary gift, symbolizes strength, rarity, endurance and purity of true love. It is appropriate for recognizing the 70th wedding anniversary. All those things must be present for a marriage lasting seventy years. And not many couples reach that milestone. But there are three who did.

Lefors

Class of 1952

3 couples married 70 years all from the same class

May 26, 1952, 33 seniors were grad uated from Lefors High School. Three couples in this class who were high school sweethearts were married that same year in Gray County:

Joe Archer and Wanda Vaughn

Married July 20, 1952

Melvin (Burly) Bigham and LaFern McCathern

Married October 11

Ray Dickerson and Elaine Poarch

Married October 18

Standing L-R: Ray Dickerson, Joe Archer, Burly Bigham Seated

Elaine Dickerson, Wanda Archer, Fern Bigham

The Archers

On a Sunday, July 20, 1952, at 9:00 a.m., two 18-year-olds stood in front of their preacher in the First Baptist Church in Lefors, Texas. They were excited about marrying and could not envision being together in 70 years!

Both were babies of their families, coming years after their older brothers and sisters. In fact, Joe’s sister remarked that they were “unplanned”. One of Wanda’s sisters who was 17 years her senior told her later that when Wanda was three years old, they were at a picnic. To entertain the toddler while things were prepared, the sister took Wanda and Joe’s older brother took Joe to the river to play in the little pools. Joe’s brother said, “wouldn’t it be funny if they grew up and married each other?” Wanda believes it was predestined and God-planned!

Both Joe and Wanda had jobs after gradu ation but decided to move to San Antonio where Joe planned to attend college. They had $300 to live on until they could find jobs. Since she had worked at Ormby Chevrolet in Pampa, she went into a Chevrolet place in San Antonio, applied for a job, and got it! Joe found work washing dishes in the kitchen at Brooke Army Medical Center for $1.02 per hour. When he came home to their little apartment, he told her was being transferred to the pre-na tal ward and wanted to know what that was. After recovering from laughing, she told him. They decided to take Civil Service tests to go to work at Lackland or Kelly Air Force Bases. Both passed and she went to work as a secre tary while Joe built landing gear on airplanes.

When Joe’s dad suffered a heart attack, they loaded all their belongings in a 1936 Ford that they had bought for $175 and headed home to Lefors. Wanda’s dad told Joe that he had heard Northern Natural Gas Company had bought a plant west of town and was looking for workers. Joe went out the next Monday and was hired. He retired 47 years later. They were transferred to Hugoton, Kansas and then to Spearman where Wanda worked as High School secretary for 27 years.

When Wanda’s parents could no longer live by themselves, Joe and Wanda bought a small house and Joe built an apartment onto it for her parents. It was a two bedroom, two bath little house. After their passing, the Archers rent ed it out for a time, but then moved Wanda’s sister into it when she developed dementia. After she passed, the family used the apartment for big family gatherings.

After all their family that they had cared for were gone, they took square dancing lessons and went all over the Panhandle and to Red River every year to square dance. Wanda taught ex ercise classes for 35 years. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis and severe osteoporosis have sidelined her since 2004. She says that her precious, loving Joe is fulfilling the “for worse” in their wedding vows, taking care of her with love and without complaint. They are trying for 75 years now and with Gold’s help and Joe’s excellent healthy, they hope to make it. Their family is now filled with the three sons and their families: 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren!

LEFT: Joe and Wanda, Junior Year, Home coming Night 1951 ABOVE: Joe and Wanda getting married July 20, 1952 at the First Bap tist Church, Lefors.

The Bighams

What has kept them together all these years?

Love, lots and lots of love… and determination to make their marriage work.

The Bighams

Burly Bigham and LaFern McCathern dated their junior and senior years of high school. Fern said that the first time she ever saw Burly walk into their classroom, she said to herself, “this is THE ONE”, because he was so handsome!

Burly Bigham’s family owned and operated W. K. Bigham and Sons house moving so Burly and his four brothers, and sometimes his five sisters, all helped in the business. Fern worked at the Lefors Post Office following graduation until 1959 when she and Burly moved to Lub bock. The family business had largely moved to Lubbock by this time, following the death of his dad in 1965. Burly and his son worked there until 1981. Then Burly started his own business, Bigham Construction and later, Bigham House Moving, Inc. where he worked until he retired in 2020. Fern was a housewife until 1977 when she began as a Customer Service Rep at Lub bock Power and Light. Later she worked at Lubbock Christian College in the business office and later for the Dean of Students. Following that, she worked for Innovative Money, a finan cial advisory company. She retired in 1999 from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center MedNet, one of the very first telemedicine organizations created in the United States.

They lived in their house in Lubbock for 61 years! Their legacy is one of 81 immediate family members with number 82 on the way. They have 5 children, 4 with spouses; 16 grandchildren, 13 with spouses; 38 great grandchildren with one more coming in October, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

What has kept them together all these years? Love…lots and lots of love…and determination to make their marriage work. The example their parents gave of staying committed even when the going got tough. And with 5 kids, Fern told Burly that the first one to leave the marriage had to take all the kids!

Their advice for a happy marriage: Each partner must contribute 100%, have a forgiving spirit as all fall short of what they should be. They encourage lots of laughter and finding joy even in small things.

Fern & Burly Bigham have celebrated many milestones since their wedding day, October 11, 1952 in Lefors... 50th & 65th Anniversaries! They have much to be thankful for as demon strated in the 2018 family photo.

The Dickersons

Just seventy three short years ago, two Lefors High School sophomores, Ray Dickerson and Elaine Poarch, had their first date on October 31, 1949. They graduated in May of 1952 and married four months later, on October 19, in the home of Elaine’s parents, west of Lefors. Fun fact: Elaine wanted a wedding cake that was not like all the ones she had seen. It was unusual, with beautiful fresh flowers on it. Those flowers came from the garden of Milo and Pauline Carlson.

When they married, Ray worked for Inde pendent Natural Gas Company, which later became Northern Natural. Elaine worked for Smiley Henderson at Federal Land Bank of Houston in Pampa. In December, Ray re ceived his invitation to serve in the military, so he enlisted in the Air Force. During the next four years, they lived in Amarillo, Texas; Everett, Washington; Fairbanks, Alaska; and Waco, Texas. Being so young and so far from home was a great education for this young, newly married couple. After basic training and jet mechanic training in Amarillo, Ray’s first assignment was to Paine Air Force Base near Everett, Washington. Elaine was em ployed by Weyerhauser Timber Company as a secretary.

Their paychecks came the first of the month and they enjoyed visiting nice restaurants and going to the movies. It only took one month for them to see that money had to last until the end of the month. They sold pop bottles and ate Malt-o-Meal for a week. That lesson in finance made a lasting impres sion! Their parents would have helped if they had known, but they knew that this was their responsibility.

Next, Ray was transferred overseas…to Fair banks, Alaska. Alaska was not yet a member of the United States. While in Alaska, there was no calling home. They had no telephone. To make a call, they had to make an appoint ment at the commissary at the base to use the telephone booth at a cost of $14 for 3 min utes. With a 4-hour time difference between them and family, an outgoing call was rare. Elaine took a Civil Service exam and found a job as secretary for the Hospital Command er at Ladd Air Force Base. Both were in top secret positions, not fully realizing what that level of clearance meant.

When Ray was honorably discharged in February 1957, the Dickersons returned to Lefors where Ray’s job at Northern Natural Gas Company awaited him. One month lat er, their first daughter was born at Highland General Hospital. Daughter number two arrived in February 1961. Elaine worked for Smith, Teed, Wade & Waters in Pampa from 1958 to 1964. Then they moved to Garden City, Kansas with Northern Natural. Soon after, an other transfer took them to Booker, Texas so he could work at the plant near Elmwood, Oklahoma. During the 34 years they spent in Booker, Elaine worked for Lemon Insurance Agency, and later for Otis Shearer, a partner in the law firm of Lemon, Close, Atkinson and Shearer.

After 30 years with Northern Natural, Ray took a position with Mewbourne Oil in Perry ton and worked 15 more years. Upon retire

Ray and Elaine Dickerson on their wedding day in October 18, 1952. Flowers that were on their came from the garden of Milo and Pau line Carlson.

ment, the Dickersons moved back to Pampa, back to Gray County where it all began. They are members of First Baptist Church in Pam pa where Ray serves as a deacon. They have been blessed with many dear friends, includ ing Joel and Bobbye Combs, developers of Focus Magazine, with whom they attended school in Lefors and worked on school re unions. They keep in touch with those they spent time with while in grade school, high school, Fairbanks, Booker, and Pampa. Once on their Christmas card list, there is no chance of being dropped. They love every chance they get to spend time with their precious family, which includes their two daughters and spouses, five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

These are platinum relationships – strong, rare, enduring. Seventy years of sharing life with their spouses, each of these brides still wear their original wedding rings. The couples were recently together for a visit and a picture. They discussed what kept their marriages strong for so many years. They agreed that they made their vows be fore God, and divorce wasn’t in their vocab ulary. They followed the example that their parents had set before them to stay com mitted even when the going gets tough. Also, they advise to choose your arguments carefully and never go to bed angry.

God certainly has blessed these teenage marriages as they raised their families in Christian homes, setting an example for those in their own families. In Elaine’s words, “life is interesting”. The others would surely agree.

H H H

HolidayEvents

Friday, Nov. 4th, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, Nov. 5th, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Red School House Craft Show, 5 miles north of Pampa on Hwy 70

Saturday Nov. 5th, 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Veteran's Day Parade

Staging will begin at MK Brown at 10:00 am. The parade will begin at 11:00 am, travel down Somerville, across Francis, and down Cuyler.

Friday Nov. 11th, 2022, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Lighting Up the Bricks - Downtown Business Association

Enjoy the nostalgic holiday feeling of walking shop to shop and greeting your neighbors as you pass on the historic brick streets of downtown Pampa all culminating in the most wonderful time of the year...The Lighting of Bricks when all of the downtown Christmas lights.

Friday, Nov. 11th to Dec. 24

Shop Pampa First 2022 Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

This holiday season Shop Pampa First, & enter for your chance to win cash and fabulous prizes from the Pampa Chamber of Com merce & their incredible members. While shopping take a selfie in the store, post a selfie (show your support for the store online), tag @pampachamberofcommerce & use the #shoppampafirst2022 to be entered. Additionally this year the Golden Hopper will be set up inside the door of the EDC/Chamber Building at 200 N Ballard for your chamber member business receipts (make sure you include your name & phone number so when can call you when you win).

Friday Dec 9, 2022, 5:00 PM - 7:45 PM CST

Altrusa Soup with Mrs. Claus, Knights of Columbus, 318 N Cuyler, Pampa

Enjoy a variety of soups and take pictures with Mrs. Claus. Adults and Children 10 & up $10 each, Children 3 - 9 $5, Children Under 2 Are Free

H H H H

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Christmas on the Bricks

Enjoy an evening of shopping along the historic brick streets of downtown Pampa as our fabulous assortment of retail stores stay open late, and the lighted Christmas parade makes it's way through town. Santa will make his way downtown with the parade, and then be available at his house for photos and gift requests for the young and young at heart.

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, 5:30 PM

Pampa Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights

Join us for the 2nd annual Pampa Chamber of Commerce Lighted Christmas Parade from MK Brown, down N Somerville St, across W Francis Ave, and down N Cuyler St. Spend the evening sipping hot cocoa & shopping on our iconic brick streets.

Sunday Dec. 11, 2022, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST 20th Century Cotillion 26th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes

Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 AM TO 5:00 PM and Sunday, Dec. 18, 11:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

Holly Jolly Christmas Craft Show At The Pampa Mall

2nd Annual Pampa Chamber of Commerce Holly Jolly Christmas Craft Show

Contact the Pampa Chamber of Commerce for more information, as time approaches. 806-669-3241

www.pampachamber.com

Pampa ISD Inducts Two into the Pampa High School Hall of Fame

Each year, two outstanding Pampa ISD alum are honored as they are inducted into the Pampa ISD Hall of Fame. The school district held a reception in their honor and the two were recognized at the homecoming football game. Photos of these and past inductees hang in the rotunda of Pampa High School.

Pam Martin Kanaly Pampa High School Class of 1970

PAM MARTIN KANALY is a 1970 graduate of Pampa High School. Her father, George “Moon” Mar tin, was Superintendent of Cabot Oil and her mother, Melba Martin, was a seventh grade English teacher at Robert E. Lee Junior High School. Pam recalls fond memories of her Pampa days with her sister, Vicki Martin Alpern.

Pam’s training as a leader began in junior high when she was elected president of the student body. In those formative years, Pam’s love for cheerleading grew. She cheered her sophomore and junior year and was head cheerleader her senior year. Pam’s teachers selected her as “Miss Howdy,” an honor bestowed for character, attitude and comradery among her peers. Pam was all-school Pin-Up her junior year.

Pam graduated from Texas Tech University – Magna Cum Laude – in 1974 with a degree in elemen tary education. Upon graduation Pam was chosen by her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, to travel across the U.S. training various leaders in strategic planning and chapter development. Pam then pursued her degree and for ten years became an elementary teacher in Lubbock, Texas.

Pam is an active member in her church. For six years she taught a women’s Bible class with an en rollment of 250 women. After becoming a single mother, Pam co-founded a nonprofit, Arise Single Moms, a global outreach whose mission is to empower single mothers. In 2005, Pam started the only traveling single mothers conference in America, bringing emotional and spiritual wholeness to over 17,000 single mothers and children across the U.S. In 2022, Arise Single Moms celebrated its 20th anniversary. What began as a grassroots organization has now brought hope and encour agement to over a quarter of a million single mothers in every state in the U.S. and over ninety countries. Through the Arise Single Moms free on-line resources, mothers have gained practi cal insight in the areas of personal, spiritual, and parental development. The Arise Single Moms podcasts have witnessed over 23,000 downloads. As a motivational speaker, Pam remains one of America’s leading advocates for single mothers raising children alone. In addition to co-founding her own nonprofit, Pam has supported her community as a volunteer for Wings - an organization providing assistance for special needs adults, Christmas Connection - an outreach providing chil dren with winter coats, and The Pink Bag - a ministry providing abused women with necessities.

Pam’s desire to make a difference continued to expand and in 2004, Pam joined forces with Pe ter Spencer, a skilled orator/pastor/apologist whose teaching has been heard in over 100 million homes throughout Western and Eastern Europe. Pam and Peter served as partners through a daily national radio program. They later co-hosted a national television talk-show interviewing heroes of the faith.

Achievements, Awards

• Co-founder of Arise Single Moms, a global nonprofit whose resources have impacted over a quarter of a million single moms in every state in the U.S. and over ninety countries – 2002 – Present Edmond, Oklahoma - Woman of the Year – Edmond Chamber of Commerce – 2016

• National Mother of Achievement – Washington, D.C. – American Mothers, Inc. – 2015

• Top 50 Women in Oklahoma Making a Difference – Oklahoma Journal Record – 2015 Commissioner to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services – appointed by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin – DHS: an agency providing oversight for child/foster care, special needs, domestic violence, and senior adults – 2011

Guest speaker to select members of Congress in Washington, D.C. – Single Parenthood in the U.S.

Published author: Will the Real Me Please Stand Up and The Single Mom and Her Roll ercoaster Emotions – endorsed by Focus on the Family – ranked in the top ten after its release on Amazon in the Single Parent Divi sion

• Guest on CNN – 30 minute program – Single Parents in America

Published author in Guidepost

Pam is married to Rich Kanaly, Edmond, OK, developer and homebuilder. Together they share four children where Pam is fondly known as Grammy Pammy to nine grandchildren.

Ask anyone. Pam’s life motto fits her well: "LET-IT-SHINE"

Pam loves life and it loves her right back!

Randy Johnston Pampa High School Class of 1965

Family stability was a blessing not granted Randy Johnston. Following his parents’ divorce when he was three years old, Randy lived with his grandparents in Shamrock, Texas. At age 12, he moved to Pampa to join his mother and new stepfather, Edgar Paronto—a pipeline welder and lifelong Pampa resident—at 721 North Faulkner Street.

That summer, Randy played Little League baseball on the Western League championship team of Kissee Ford and was selected as starting catcher on the all-star team. He also volunteered Edgar to work for free, welding support structures around the new pony league field.

As a pipeline welder, Edgar had to be where pipelines were being welded; so, the family moved often. But like spokes on a wheel, they always returned to Pampa—the center of their lives.

Randy’s freshman year of high school began in Bellflower, Illinois, where Edgar was working at the time. After a month or two, the family moved back to Pampa; Randy enrolled in Pampa Junior High, where he played basketball and ran track. He also worked in the school cafeteria in exchange for free meals. The following summer, the family settled in Amarillo, where Randy enrolled in Palo Duro High as a sophomore. He saw his Pampa friends mostly at sporting events as he continued to play basketball and run track. Midway through his junior year, the family moved back to Pampa and he enrolled at Pampa High. He ran track but had lost his eligibility for basketball because of the frequent moves.

Start of senior year found Randy enrolled at Highlands High School in San Antonio. But by Decem ber, the family was back in Pampa. When his parents said the family was moving again, Randy told them he would remain in Pampa to finish high school. Determined to graduate from Pampa High, he spent the rest of his senior year living with friends and sleeping on sofas, in spare bedrooms, and even in a garage.

That spring, Randy set both Pampa High and district records in the high hurdles. His records have since been broken. But his name remained on the large plaque just inside the back door of Pampa High for many years. He graduated in 1965—barely surviving his physics class.

Randy accepted a track scholarship from Brigham Young University. After a poor academic (but real ly fun) freshman year, Randy made the Dean’s List every semester. His grades and an excellent LSAT score earned him admission to the University of Texas School Of Law, where he received his JD with honors. Following law school, Randy worked for two large law firms—first in Houston and then in Dallas—before starting his own firm in 1981. Randy quickly established himself as a premier trial law yer. In 1992, he successfully sued Upjohn Pharmaceutical over its sleeping pill Halcion and was on the front page of virtually every newspaper in the country (and appeared on The Maury Povich Show).

But Randy’s real professional distinction is that he sues other lawyers. He handles legal-malprac tice cases all over the nation. He wrote a book entitled Robbed at Penpoint to help people avoid professional negligence. His name is the one name other lawyers do not want to hear. And yet somehow, he has managed to remain friends with those same lawyers. His honors include selection by Texas Lawyer as the “Go To Lawyer” in Texas for plaintiff’s legal

malpractice, the Jim Bowmer Professionalism Award from the Texas Bar College, and the 2016 Trial Law of the Year Award from the Dallas Bar Association. Randy was recently inducted into the inaugural class of the D Magazine Hall of Fame for Best Lawyers in Dallas.

Randy’s devotion to quality legal representation includes over 120 speeches to legal groups dis cussing ways to stay out of trouble. His devotion to education of lawyers earned him a “Stand ing Ovation Award” in 2010 from the State Bar of Texas. When the University of North Texas opened its new law school, Randy was asked to teach the first course on professional respon sibility. It is no exaggeration to say that Randy has changed the practice of law in Texas.

Along the way, Randy developed a reputation for being a bit of a rascal. He and four friends performed as a band he named Blue Collar Crime. He wore his hair in a ponytail in honor of what his grandmother told him was his Native American heritage. As it turned out, DNA tests revealed his MaMaw had exaggerated a bit. Eventually, Randy auctioned off the right to cut his ponytail at a legal aid fundraising event. Randy thought his enemies would want to cut his hair, but it turns out it was friends who bid approximately $15,000 for the right to cut the ponytail. Randy’s devotion to legal aid for the

poor was recognized in 2016, when he received the inaugural “Champion of Justice Award” from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.

Randy still practices law today, proudly with his son Coyt Randal Johnston Jr. (second oldest of his eight children) and his two partners, Robert Tobey and Chad Baruch. But no one mistakes Randy for a workaholic. He has almost as many hobbies as clients. He is an avid skier (snow and water) but has given up black diamond runs for blues and greens with grandchildren. He still rides his mountain bike and is an avid archery hunter. He and his wife, Patricia Maga

dini, shoot sporting clays together—she doesn’t always beat him. And, of course, he still plays guitar (though sadly, Blue Collar Crime has dis banded).

Through a confusing and disorganized ado lescence, Pampa High School provided Randy with an education and a sense of stability he found nowhere else in his life. He sacrificed considerably to attend Pampa High, and the school was the springboard that launched him into college and law school; he will forever be grateful. He never fails to credit Pampa High for his professional achievements.

Photo by Gayle Wheat

My childhood was colorful and fun. We lived on the far west side of town, just off the Borger highway. I suppose it was because we lived on the edge of town and near a highway that the type of businesses occupying the area were most active in the evenings and at night.

There were motels, dance halls and bars and gas stations. But there was one very large vacant lot, where Hampton Village is today. That space was perfect for large evangelist tent meetings, Medicine Shows, circuses, expo sitions, and anything else that came to town by train. They would simply roll off the main rail onto a side-track, open the side of their train car, pull out a stage, and voila’, the Show Was in Town!

During the summers, the night air would be filled with the plink, plink, plink of a tinny, honkytonk piano at the Belvedere, a dance hall at the end of my street, only two blocks away. And the raucous noises of jovial partiers at a bar, or in the motel parking lot, also at the end of my street. It was, after all, just at the end of WWII, and young folks were happy, gaiety was the theme, there was a party mood because young soldiers were finally “home.”

But those noises would be strangely absent when a special event would appear in the big, vacant lot, or at the side rail of the railroad. And on those nights would come wafting the sounds of a charismatic evangelist, crying out, “you must be saved!” On other occasions the loud trumpet sounds of elephants raising the tents for the “Barnum and Bailey Circus!”

When an event came to the “big vacant lot” all other noises ceased: every body went to the lot for whatever was in town. One of the special side rail events was, “Traveling Chautauqua.” The traveling version was an attempt to bring education, art, craft demonstrations, music, politics and maybe even preaching of the gospel to small, rural towns across America. The orig inal Chautauqua is a town in the northwest corner of New York state. The institute was established in 1878 to promote extra-curricular learning and enlightenment. Though the traveling shows are no longer available, the seminar institute still flourishes.

About 40 years after the traveling Chautauqua rolled into town for the last time, a group of folks interested in the very things represented at the New York seminar came together to create a city-wide festival at Central Park, on Labor Day, 1982. Pampa and the area were rich with talent, including native American dancers, weavers, painters, sculptors, singers, folk danc ers, speakers (including two governors while I was chairing the event), and even cowboy poets. And of course, every kind of food one can imagine was available in the early years. Almost every civic organization pitched in with a booth at Chautauqua, 1982.

Faustina Curry and Lee Cornelison

I was even successful in enticing a dear friend, Chas Pinzino, a professional classical guitarist from Kansas City to perform the opening call for a few years.

What began as an idea at an afternoon meeting of Pampa Fine Arts grew into a bustling and very popular final event of the summer. Though the idea was mine, the event plan would not have been successful without the imaginative and energetic assistance of Faustina Curry.

And even today, Chautauqua continues, 40 years later under the very able leadership of Sena Brainard. The numbers are less, but Chautauqua in Cen tral Park has continued. This year I attended for the first time in 25 years. I was nostalgic and happily delighted to see happy faces, wonderful stage events, and lots of good food. I hope the festival continues as long as people are having a great time there!

Thanks Sena for keeping on…

Sena Brainard

Chautauqua 2022

Some stories are worthy of being handed down from generation to generation... some are not. As for my family, this one makes the cut.

I distinctly remember my grandmother recounting this story! And, I recall my mother reminding me of the story, as often as it was applicable… which might have been more than a few times! It was originally handed down to my grandmother from my great-grandmother. Accuracy isn’t in question here… because my great-grandmother WAS Mrs. Morgan! The phrase, "Just be glad you ain't got nothing!" became one of those family sayings that just seemed to fit many occasions… sometimes, when we wanted something that we couldn’t afford, but mostly when hearing of some extravagance, lux ury, or lavish lifestyle. It would always bring a smile!

My great-grandmother, Josephine Scott Morgan, lived from 1873 to 1955. These dates are factual. Going forward, however, I have given my best effort to fill in the details. As for the setting… this story took place around 1915 to 1920, in Houston, Texas. My grandmother and her parents lived close to the Montrose area. This date and location should help set the stage.

The story goes that, after my grandmother left for school, her mother Mrs. Morgan, would occasionally visit an older woman a few houses down the street for morning coffee. This woman's name was never mentioned, but let's call her "Ms. Aida!" She was an older lady, and thought to be of greater means than my great-grandmother. At least, she "put on airs" that she was! My great-grandfather had a very nice career with the Sherwin-Williams Paint Company,

by Robert S. Forester

“Mrs. Morgan... just be glad ya ain't got nothing!"

as some sort of regional manager. It afforded their family a nice living… not lavish, but not lacking.

Conversations over morning coffee, at some point, usually drifted towards Ms. Aida sharing about the many problems she had. I can only guess as to her trials of the day, but I was always led to believe that they were rooted in extravagance… such as is sues with the household help, or her dress maker, or the weeds that were sprouting among the new plants in her flowerbeds... those kinds of things that she thought an average house wife like Mrs. Morgan would know very little about. Ms. Aida would go on and on about how she had so much on her plate. It was almost impossible for her to manage or deal with all the daily issues of her life! I can only imagine the amount of stress this poor old wealthy woman routinely had to deal with. Bless her heart!

It was during one of these rants about her problems that she looked at my great-grandmother and said... "Mrs. Morgan, just be glad you ain't got nothing!"

My grandmother would always laugh when she shared this story. She would joke about Ms. Aida’s ridiculous notions… thinking that having less, like the Morgan’s, would somehow make life easier. Or, that having more was the reason for her daily struggles! Whether a lot, a little, or anywhere in the middle… everyone has their share of challenges in life. It’s all about being able to see the world from the perspective of others.

Personally, I think that this story is worthy of passing on down. My grandchildren will be the 5th genera tion. And, as I have shared with my girls, I’ll share it again… just like my mother did, and her mother did, and her mother did. And, although the story took place over 100 years ago… it is still relevant and applicable. I’ll continue the tradition, gently pack aging the story with a word or two about happiness, contentment, humility, sympathy, compassion, empathy, gratitude, and thankfulness. Mrs. Morgan… Thank you for sharing!

This Town Is Your TTown his Town Is Your Town

A Story about Thelma Bray

Often towns and cities recognize the ac complishments of their citizens years after they have moved away and made their mark upon the world. They may erect stat ues or give awards or even hold parades to hon or the areas’ former sons and daughters, and for good cause. We want our own children to know that even from humble beginnings in a small town, great things are possible and hard work is noticed and coupled with a little luck, it may even be celebrated. Most of these folks never dreamed of or expected to be such an honoree. These people deserve whatever recognition they are granted in great measure. Then again, there are so many among us that go forth every day and do the good work day in and day out with little accolades. Perhaps we take them for grant ed because we become so accustomed to see ing them going about their business day after day and year after year. That’s how I felt about Thelma Bray.

I met Thelma at the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center in 2007 just after I retired from AT&T. I was interested in the jam sessions I had heard about on Friday eve nings and, finding myself with time on my hands, I finally attended one. After the music ended that evening, this very neat and proper and intense little woman asked me if I would be free the coming week to attend a meeting. She said they could use a little help. I thought she meant to enlist me in moving a piano or something like that, but she was very convincing and I acquiesced. It was a Board meeting for The Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center. I met some very interesting people and I was more than a little surprised when I was asked to join them. I have been there ever since. As I said, Thelma could be very persuasive. Now, I could go on and on about ‘the Center’ and the unique people associated with it over the years but I’ll just say this before I move on. Everyone told me this was ‘Thelma’s baby’, she started the concept in 1991 with Glenna Lea Miller and we are celebrating 30 years as Pampa’s Tribute to Woody Guthrie. This project was not met with unbridled enthusiasm. Thelma was undaunted by naysayers and though I wasn’t there, I’m sure she went about recruiting help, writing letters, and doing research with all the enthusiasm and optimism she had been giving other projects for over seventy years. I have no doubt, without her experience and vision, the WGFMC would not exist today.

By Michael Sinks Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center

Thelma Bray was honored by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year in March, 2002. Pictured with children Ron, Rod and Debbie

Thelma never told me about any of her other accomplishments around the city. I would tell someone I knew or met about working with Thelma and they would tell me one thing or anoth er that she had started, been involved with, or got them involved with. I be gan to see a pattern. It wasn’t a pas sion for Woody and his work that was driving this woman. It was a passion for Pampa. You cannot drive across the city today without seeing her handi work. The hike and bike trail, the Free dom Museum, the flowers in front of the Post Office, and the statues around town all have her fingerprints on them.

First, let me give you a little back ground on Thelma Bray and I’ll share some more of the things she worked on. Born on June 13, 1923, as Thelma Mae Osbourn, she came into this world in Hollene, New Mexico, with her twin sister, Velma. They came to Pampa in 1932. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1940.

It was during her time at West Texas State College in Canyon, that Thelma met Clyde Bray. They were in a movie theatre on a Sunday afternoon when they heard the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In November of 1942, Clyde enlisted in the Army. Thelma and Velma transferred to Oklahoma City University to study electronics. They went on to work in the radio depart ment of the Army Signal Corps as ci vilian employees and later at Pampa’s Army Air Field. All this time the couple had been writing letters and Thelma saved all of these and many more in cluding Clyde’s proposal. They were married on December 28th, 1944 in Gulfport, Mississippi where Clyde was finishing his training before deploy ment to Europe to fly B-17s. Later, after Germany’s surrender, Thelma was able to join her husband in Europe for sev en months. Upon becoming pregnant, Thelma had to return home on a hos pital ship with several other pregnant wives. The Bray’s soon had twin boys, Rodney and Ronnie.

Four years later, Thelma was again pregnant, this time with a daughter, Debbie, who would never get to meet her father. Clyde had left the Army af ter the war but was recalled to service because of the Korean Conflict. He was training to fly C-34 transports in Great Falls, Montana. It was December 1st, 1951 while driving home to see his fam ily Clyde was killed in an automobile accident near Stratford. For this rea

son, all those letters became supreme ly important. They were an invaluable link for the Bray children to learn about their father. Thelma had also saved all the letters her mother had sent from the time she left for college and even tually she wrote a book, just for her family, filled with all those memories from 1941 through 1951.

Thelma went on with her life in Pam pa, raising her children, and being in volved with the schools, the church, and the community, much as any parent would. But Thelma always did a little more. Her sense of service and community led to a life of involvement in a wide array of interests.

Wedding of Clyde and Thelma Pictured with Best Man, Charles Brooks, Brides Maid, Velma Osborn and Mother, Mrs. V. N. Osborn

Gulfport, Mississippi, Dec. 28, 1944

All photos courtesy of the family.

The only way I know how to share all of this with you is to just create a timeline.

1956 Pampa Garden Club, Aspen Street Park and many other developments

1960 Pampa Garden Club – Woman of the Year

1963 Woman of the Year – Beta Sigma Phi

1967 Designed and developed the Hike and Bike Trail

1969 Key Club of Pampa High School – Leader of the Year

1971 Pampa Chamber of Commerce Certification of Merit

1972 Pampa Army Airfield Reunion Association.

1975-1976 Gray County Bi-Centennial Celebration

1975 Texas Historical Commission for Distinguished Service

Thelma had a career at the United States Post Office from 1975 until 1999, receiving the United States Postal Service Community Service Award of Lubbock, Texas, Sectional Award IN 1985.

1982 Gray County 80th Annual Celebration / co-chair

Gray County Chamber of Commerce Improvement Committee

1985 Organized the Outdoor Sculpture Foundation

1991 Started Pampa’s Tribute to Woody Guthrie

Organized the Festival of Christmas Trees

1993 Golden Nail Award – Amarillo Chamber of Commerce

1994 Grand opening of Freedom Museum USA

2001 Printing of her book, ‘Reflections: The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie’

2002 Gray County Centennial Celebration

Citizen of the Year – Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Appreciation – Gray County Historical Commission

2006 First Methodist Church Centennial Celebration

2012 Pampa Centennial Celebration

Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration / Plaque presented by Nora Guthrie (Woody’s daughter) and Bob Santinelli from the Grammy Mu seum in Los Angeles to Thelma and the City of Pampa / on display at 320 S. Cuyler

2013 Award of Excellence from Freedom Museum USA

There are back stories to all these proj ects. They are the period at the end of a sentence in a long and loving story. Thelma had a lot of help from a wealth of talented and dedicated individuals, way too many to begin to list here. Sometimes she was the idea person, other times the catalyst for action, or she was a board chairman or co-chair or member. One thing she did not do was stand by and watch. She spent her time and resources and invested her

creativity and enthusiasm to beauti fy and honor her hometown, though she was not born here she was a Pam pa native through and through. After helping organize and celebrate all these centennials, Thelma will cele brate her own next year.

These projects are the result of years of hard work and collaboration, one generation handing down to the next across the years. Some will last, some

In this 2007 Pampa News photo, from article by Staff Writer, David Bowser, Thelma is pictured sorting through family letters, many were love letters from Clyde. These letters inspired her to write a book for her children.

Below is a photo of Thelma and Clyde as an Air Force Cadet. (1943)

will change with new vision and needs, and others will be lost to time. But we are all better for the effort put forth by our friends and neighbors to make our city a better place to live. You know who they are, take a moment to thank them. After all, This Town Is Your Town.

Special thanks to the Gray-Pampa Foundation, Inc., the M.K. Brown Foun dation, Inc., and the David D. and Nona S Payne Foundation of Pampa as well as the Amarillo Area Foundation and all of the organizations that they rep resent. Other supporters include Xcel, Pantex, Burlington Northern, Human ities Texas, and all the individuals and any organizations I may have omitted. Many helped us (the WGFMC) survive and thrive before my time here. All of these and many more do so much for the citizens of the Panhandle that you may never know about. They, too, are unsung heroes that work behind the scenes to make life in our part of the world just a little better.

Cabot Community Credit

Carbucks Second

Carmichael-Whatley Funeral

CASA

Crematory

Furniture

of Texas Auctioneers

& Treasure Shop

Law Firm, P.C.

Tire & Auto Repair

High Plains

Charla Shults Pics

Chief Plastic Pipe

Clarendon

Clements Cleaners

Coney Island

Crawford Roofing

Culligan

D

Dance Academy of Pampa

DeFever Monument

Delete Dents

Doug Boyd Motor

Thank you advertisers!

FIND FOCUS MAGAZINE

Focus Magazine FREE at these locations!

United Supermarket Plaza Mexican Restaurant

Finley’s Fountain White Deer Land Museum B & B Pharmacy Brandon’s Flowers Clements Cleaners

The Sparrow’s Nest Hampton Inn Best Western Prime Kuts

Cut Above

Lumber

Coney

Western Wear

River Steak House, McClain

Guthrie Folk Music Center

Chamber of Commerce