Amarillo area Our Town briefs for Nov. 19, 2023

BSA Hospice of the Southwest steps up efforts to help this holiday season

The holiday season, often a time of joy and celebration, can present a stark contrast for those mourning the loss of a loved one, particularly for individuals facing their first holiday season without someone special.

“Our holiday traditions hold a dear place in our hearts, and we look forward to these moments every year,” says Alyssa Jenkins, LMSW, Bereavement Coordinator at BSA Hospice of the Southwest (BSA Hospice). “Yet, the absence of a loved one can cast a shadow over these celebrations, making the season particularly challenging.” In response to this need, BSA Hospice continues to offer its 'Grief and the Holidays' support group. The group met Thursday, Nov. 16, and is scheduled to meet again on Dec. 7. It's free to attend, but registration is required. BSA Hospice is also organizing a 'Coffee and Dessert' gathering on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 5211 SW 9th. This is the second year for this special gathering.

“Our goal is to ensure that no one feels isolated during this holiday season,” Jenkins explained. “That’s why we’re providing numerous opportunities for people to connect with others and enjoy a warm, welcoming environment surrounded by their friends and neighbors walking the same journey.”

Anyone interested in attending any of the events is asked to reach out to Alyssa Jenkins at 806-356-0026 for more information and to register.

9 organizations receive grants from Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation Women’s Circle

The Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation Women’s Circle has awarded nine grants totaling $50,928 to local organizations that impact women’s health and well-being.

Grants have been awarded to Amarillo Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Beloved Community, Downtown Women’s Center, Family Care Foundation, Family Support Services, Hope Choice, Moore County Health Foundation, Sharing Hope Ministry and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

The Women’s Circle merges time, talent and resources among women who share a common interest in healthcare. The mission of the Circle is to support projects that improve the health and well-being of women. With the money raised through membership dues and corporate sponsorships, members take a hands-on approach that directly impacts the quality of women’s healthcare by distributing funds through a yearly grant awards process. 2023 marks the 15th year of the Circle and to date over $420,000 has been awarded to local programs that impact women’s health. In addition to the grants process, members are invited to attend quarterly luncheons featuring programs on relevant women’s healthcare topics.

For further information about the Foundation, please contact Jodi Reid at (806) 331.6939 or visit www.hchfamarillo.org.

Friendsgiving Day Camp at DHDC boosts learning before the holiday

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is offering a Friendsgiving Day Camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 20 and 21 for children ages 3 years old through 4th grade for a chance to make new friends and enjoy some fall festivities. Campers will learn on their level with a science-based curriculum and qualified teachers. DHDC encourages caregivers to sign their young explorers up to let them have fun during Thanksgiving Break and learn something new to talk about at the dinner table.

Spots are limited and registration is now open at DHDC.org. Cost for Kinder-4th grade: $40/day for members, $50/day for non-members; PreK (Half-Day only): $20/day for members, $25/day for non-members. Pre-care and after-care options are available for $10.

Follow DHDC on Facebook and Instagram for more information on their community programs and upcoming day camps. Information can be found on their website as well.

NWTHS partners with food bank during National Diabetes Awareness Month

Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) has partnered with the High Plains Food Bank to offer a Diabetes Support Group. Beginning November 16th, the High Plains Food Bank will be hosting a monthly educational support group from 12-1 for individuals diagnosed with diabetes.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to bring awareness that more than 37 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, that means that nearly 1 in 2 has diabetes or prediabetes. Amanda Ast, Diabetes Educator at NWTHS, has been providing education classes to meet the needs of our communities, most recently she added a gestational diabetes class as diabetes in pregnant mothers has increased. Amand shares her thoughts, “Education is key when learning to manage your diabetes and NWTHS is committed to offering resources and welcomes opportunities to partner with other organizations as we fight to end diabetes.”

To learn more, visit nwths.com – Diabetes Center .

Who will find the Golden Ticket? Give blood, get chance to win $250 Visa gift card

Who will find the Golden Ticket for a $250 Visa gift card, just in time for the holidays? It could be you. Donate blood at Coffee Memorial Blood Center or any mobile blood drive Monday, Nov. 20 through Wednesday, Nov. 23, and receive a Field’s pecan pie, a chocolate bar, and a “Don’t Be a Grinch!” long-sleeved T-shirt. One lucky donor will find a golden ticket in the wrapper of their chocolate bar – redeemable for a $250 Visa Gift Card.

As a bonus, from now through Jan. 12, blood donors can earn double Donor Store points by downloading the new Our Blood Institute mobile app (of which CMBC is a part) and scheduling and keeping their donation appointment.

Blood donations typically decrease during the holidays, according to a news release.

"We are truly grateful to our donors who step up during these extremely difficult months for the blood supply,” said Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “The need for blood is constant, especially around the holidays. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our selfless donors this Thanksgiving season.”

Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old (and meets requirements listed below) or older can give blood. Blood can be donated every 56 days and platelets can be given as often as every seven days, up to 24 times a year. Appointments to donate can be made online at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.

(Participating 16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year-olds must weigh at least 110 pounds. Photo ID required.)

Council approves upgrades at Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Facility

Amarillo City Council unanimously approved Tuesday multiple spending items for improvements and maintenance at the Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Facility (HRWTF). Councilmembers approved four related spending items on the agenda. All are funded with water and sewer revenue:

• A total of $56,373 for replacement parts of analytical equipment at HRWTF and the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant.

• A total of $221,484 for an emergency pump rental for HRWTF.

• A total of $149,600 for emergency filter rental for HRWTF. This will increase filter capacity of the plant’s permanent filters.

• A total of $97,262 for a six-month rental of dewatering sludge rotary drum thickener for HRWTF.

“These expenditures help address some of the more significant needs at the Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Facility, which was built in the 1960s,” said City of Amarillo Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman. “This is an aging facility with many infrastructure issues. Councilmembers have recognized the importance of this plant and how it will be a funding priority in the future.”

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

Operation Christmas Child collecting donations

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, many families and children are giving thanks for all their blessings and sharing those blessings with children in need by packing shoeboxes with Operation Christmas Child.

Shoebox gifts prepared by generous donors and filled with toys, personal care items, and school supplies may be dropped off now during National Collection Week, which runs Nov. 13 through Nov. 20. More than 4,500 drop-off sites are now open across the country, including Amarillo .

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for three decades. In 2023, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children. This season, there’s still time for individuals, families, and groups to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.

Participants can use the online lookup tool to find the nearest drop-off location and hours of operation as they make plans to drop off their shoebox gifts. It is searchable by city or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop off. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry.

Ride on: New multimodal transfer station is on the way

The City of Amarillo has announced that the construction of the Amarillo Multimodal Transfer Station, located at Sixth Street (the Historic Route 66 Route) and Bowie, is entering its final stages.

The new Multimodal Transfer Station is designed not only to meet the practical needs of city transit and regional Greyhound services but also to mirror Amarillo's vibrant identity. The building’s interior color scheme features the city's branding of yellow, blue, and grey. Wooden accents beneath the roofing and inside the lobby add a touch of natural beauty to the modern architecture. Large windows flood the interior with an abundance of natural light, creating a welcoming and bright space for all who enter.

The Transfer Station is designed with the long term in mind. With a design ensuring a 40-year lifespan, it is ready for expansion and technology upgrades as the city evolves. To ensure the long-term functionality of this station, the city of Amarillo, through its Capital Improvements and Development Engineering department, is installing concrete streets around the facility. The city said this upgrade ensures that the streets can handle the weighted loads of buses and secures the viability of this vital community resource.

The Multimodal Transfer Station is an $8.6 million project, with 96 percent of funding coming from federal grants. The construction of the Transfer Station is currently on schedule and, weather permitting, will be on track for an early 2024 move-in and grand opening.

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

Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch launches "Brain Based Parenting" podcast to empower families

Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch has announced the launch of its new podcast, "Brain Based Parenting," dedicated to providing valuable insights, expert advice, and practical strategies to support and empower families. Hosted by celebrated Boys Ranch staff members, Josh Sprock and Suzanne Wright, the podcast debuted Nov. 14th.

"Brain Based Parenting" is a podcast committed to helping families navigate the challenges of parenting. Leveraging the extensive training, knowledge, and experience of Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, the hosts aim to provide expert advice and practical strategies to empower parents and nurture thriving family relationships. Listeners can expect a journey of growth, understanding, and support, building stronger and happier families together.

New episodes will be released weekly, ensuring a consistent flow of valuable content to help families on their parenting journey. The podcast will be available on all popular platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, TuneIn, and Google Podcasts, making it easily accessible to a wide audience.

For more information, visit https://www.calfarley.org .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for Nov. 19, 2023