Amarillo Magazine | January 2021 by Amarillo Magazine

JANUARY 2021

amarillomagonline.com

‹The ‹‹

Kindness Issue $5.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE TREMAINE BROWN, RESTAURATEUR AND ACTIVIST

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Higher Standards • Greater Hope

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CONTENTS 5 CONTRIBUTORS 6 CHIP’S CORNER HOME 8 SO-CLEAN CLEAN COVER STORY 10 GLAD TIDINGS

Making the best of an unusual holiday season

FEATURES 18 FRIENDS FOREVER

How the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild built a lasting community.

20 BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Judie Boothe says a proper balance of nutrition, supplements and beneficial health practices can improve almost every aspect of a person’s life.

18 2

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

22 33

CRAFT COCKTAIL BAR

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WHAT’S COOKING? 22 WARMING WINTER RECIPES 33 LET’S EAT! 40 806 Inc. 42 PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVE 44 20 QUESTIONS

42 Correction: We published an error in our December “Let’s Eat!” section. We incorrectly said that the Blank Spaces team painted the mural on the outside of Pizzeria Nomad. The mural was actually created by artist Malcolm Byers. We apologize for the error.

ON THE COVER PHOTO BY RALPH DUKE

LISA KNAFF, OWNER, ABUNDANTLY BLESSED CARE HOMES OF AMARILLO

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Editor’s Letter

Regional Director of Specialty Products/Editor Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@amarillo.com Regional Designer Kayla Morris Contributing Writers Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett Chip Chandler

Contributing Photographer Ralph Duke

Regional Advertising Director Shoni Wiseman Account Representative Jaime Pipkin To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Shoni Wiseman at 766.8631.

Regional Executive Editor Jill Nevels-Haun Regional Distribution Director David Morel

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.

I’ll timidly say we made it with a bit of trepidation tempered by hope for better days in 2021. My goodness, what a year. So terrible in many ways, but I’ve seen so much good in our city over the past year, too. I think we can all agree that we need to be kind to one another. I’ve seen that word tossed around repeatedly on Facebook lately. Which got me thinking. What does kindness mean to you? When you think about kindness, does it mean simply being nice – opening the door for someone, being polite to others – or is it something deeper? Demonstrating selflessness and sacrifice to others that might not share the same beliefs, perhaps? I think it’s the latter and that type of kindness takes courage and strength. It’s not natural for most of us. The first person who came to mind when contemplating kindness was Tremaine Brown. He has made a huge impact on the city’s underserved lowincome children and families for the past several years, but came into the spotlight this year curing the COVID crisis. I couldn’t wait to share his story in our Kindness Issue (see page 10), and I have teared up every time I’ve read it during our editing process. We also asked a few community members from diverse backgrounds to share what kindness means to them – how they’ve seen evidence of kindness in their own lives, whether it’s something they’ve witnessed, a way that they’ve shown kindness, or an instance that kindness was shown to them. The essays that we’ve received have been a tremendous encouragement to me, as I hope they are for you. In keeping with the “kindness” theme of this issue, we also feature the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild (see page 16), a local nonprofit which exists to support people with Down syndrome, their parents, and their family members. Our youngest son recently welcomed his firstborn, a boy, who has Down syndrome. So there’s a personal connection for me with this feature. As I write this letter from my home office, I’m still a bit baffled as I look back over the past nine months. The isolation has been brutal, but the ability to continue to create this magazine is one of the greatest gifts and something for which I’ll always be grateful. It’s an honor to celebrate this city and its people. With hope and gratitude,

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

Contributors

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

CHIP CHANDLER

RALPH DUKE

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics. 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.

Chip Chandler is the senior communications specialist at West Texas A&M University. An awardwinning journalist, he has covered arts and entertainment in Amarillo since 1998 and is a member of the Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council arts committee. He is a 2020 Golden Nail Award winner and a 2017 National Philanthropy Day award winner. He is a member of the national GALECA critics group.

Ralph Duke captures the images of Amarillo. His years as a photojournalist at the Amarillo Globe-News shaped his vision for people, places and things that tell our story. From open fields to historical places and from faces to food, he uses light to paint the unique culture of the Texas Panhandle. See Ralph’s work at ralphduke.com.

Writer

Photographer

Writer

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JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Chip’s Corner

riends, we made it. It’s 2021, and that hellscape of a year is behind us. Things are far from back to normal yet, but let’s celebrate a new year and new hope while we can, shall we? (Needless to say, everything below is still subject to change.)

AMARILLO ARTS CONCERTO EXTRAORDINAIRE: Chamber Music Amarillo’s

annual concert promises “Shamelessly Popular Music” in this year’s edition, set for 7:30 p.m., Jan. 9, in the Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall at West Texas A&M University. Violinists Evgeny Zvonnikov and Natalia Korenchuk, flutist Helen Blackburn and the Amarillo Virtuosi chamber orchestra, under the baton of conductor Michael Palmer, will perform such favorites as Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” and Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.” (806-376-8782, amarillosymphony.org)

“LITTLE WOMEN”: Louisa May Alcott’s iconic classic novel gets a new

spin in this production from Amarillo Little Theatre, set to be staged Jan. 14-24 on the ALT Mainstage, 2019 Civic Circle. Cast members include Marlee Wall as Meg, Kendall Carnahan as Jo, Jennifer McClellan as Beth and Zoë Parrish as Amy, with Carrie Huckabay as Marmie. (806-355-9991, amarillolittletheatre.org)

AMARILLO SYMPHONY: The orchestra plans to kick off its live

concert series with the return of guest ensemble PROJECT Trio, performing a world-premiere work by Chris Rogerson, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s immortal “Symphony No. 5.” The concert, for now at least, is set for Jan. 22 and 23 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. (806-376-8782, amarillosymphony.org)

her rescued and to reach the astronauts in time for them to attempt a return to the moon, Lofthouse sets off on a trek across the unforgiving Arctic wasteland. Meanwhile, on the exploratory ship, Sully (Felicity Jones) and Tom (David Oyelowo), the commander, are celebrating a pregnancy (Jones’ real-life condition was written into the script), while Sanchez (Demián Bichir), Maya (Tiffany Boone) and Rembshire (Kyle Chandler) are missing their lives and families back home, unaware of what’s going on. The narrative bounces back and forth between these at first separate stories, each culminating in outstanding set pieces unlike anything Clooney’s ever directed (though, it must be noted, quite similar to what Clooney the actor went through in “Gravity”). The ship encounters a meteor storm, resulting in a balletic dance of weightless blood globules. Lofthouse and Iris, for their part, wander into a cut scene from “The Revenant.” I wanted to like this film more than I did. It looks sensational, and Clooney brings weight and gravity (not the film) to his role. The astronauts, to a one, are wasted, with only Jones and Oyelowo even given remotely dimensional characters. When the parallel plots finally click into place, some may be willing to take the ultimate leap. It was a trip too far for me. (Available now on Netflix)

MOVIES “THE MIDNIGHT SKY”: George Clooney stars in and directs this

It’s incredibly suited for these pandemic times, in other words. And it’s frequently gorgeous to watch. If only it weren’t so ultimately hollow. Clooney’s astrophysicist, the fancily named Augustine Lofthouse, bids farewell to the crew of his Arctic research station, headed to friendlier climes to better try to survive an unspecified apocalyptic disaster that has apparently left most, perhaps all, of Earth an uninhabitable mess. Lofthouse stays behind because, 1, he’s dying anyway and 2, he’s trying to contact a quintet of astronauts returning to terra firma after voyaging to an inhabitable moon of Jupiter (discovered years earlier by Lofthouse, played in his younger days by Ethan Peck).

“PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN”:

Soon, though, Lofthouse discovers an apparent foundling, Iris (Caoilinn Springall), a mute young girl mysteriously wandering around the station. Desperate to get

Carey Mulligan stars as Cassandra Thomas, and after a dynamic opening scene, we discover that she’s a medical-school dropout who is single-mindedly focused

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • DECEMBER 2020

Unsettling, yet vibrant and shockingly funny, “Promising Young Woman,” the debut feature from writer/director Emerald Fennell (“Killing Eve,” “The Crown”), offers unexpected thrills in what appears to be a familiar package.

PROVIDED PHOTO

melancholy sci-fi drama (adapted from Lily Brooks-Dalton’s novel “Good Morning, Midnight”) about a lonely man left behind to die on a disaster-struck Earth.

on targeting allegedly “nice” guys who are so nice that they’re capable of taking advantage of an apparently incapacitated woman. That’s Cassie, who’ll feign drunkenness and accept a ride back to her target’s home, only to pop up, stonecold sober, when the nice young man is busy molesting her. Invariably, they play the victim themselves, saying she led them on or that they thought it was consensual even though she seemed virtually unconscious. Cassie’s mission was inspired by the rape of her lifelong friend Nina, whom school officials and the police don’t believe when she was attacked by another of those nice young men. “What would you have me do? Ruin a young man’s life every time we get an accusation like this?” rhetorically asks the med school’s dean (Connie Britton). There’s no question how Cassie would answer that question, nor how Fennell herself would. But she complicates Cassie’s story by bringing in another of her former classmates, Ryan (Bo Burnham), who’s now a pediatric surgeon deeply attracted to Cassie, though he can’t understand why she dropped out of school and now works in a coffee shop (alongside the delightful presence of Laverne Cox as her manager, Gail).

“ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI”: Regina King makes her feature-film

directorial debut with this corker of a chamber drama, a historical fiction imagining a celebratory evening in 1964 shared by boxer Cassius Clay (fresh off beating Sonny Liston) and his friends Jim Brown, Sam Cooke and Malcolm X. Based on a one-act play by Kemp Powers (who also wrote the screenplay), the film walks a delicate balancing beam, recognizing this quartet as major cultural figures but never losing sight of the fact that they’re all complicated men. Malcolm (Kingsley Ben-Adir) is the firebrand we expect, but we see his earnestness and warmth, too. Clay (Eli Goree) is the preening peacock we know, but he’s still young and, surprisingly, a little shy. Brown (Aldis Hodge) is surprisingly deep, and Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) gives as good as he gets from Malcolm; their fight over the responsibilities of the famous, and in particular that of black celebrities, still resonates in these #BlackLivesMatter days. It’s simply sensational, with four powerful performances at its center. (Debuts Jan. 15 on Amazon Prime)

In many ways, this feels like a standard-issue revenge film, but it’s more complicated and fascinating than that. As Cassie’s ventures get more outlandish, Fennell pushes boundaries of her own, daring us to continue to sympathize with her. It’s no accident that she cast actors mostly known for playing nice young men – Adam Brody, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Sam Richardson, Max Greenfield, Chris Lowell – and subverts their images, forcing us to consider what lurks in the hearts of those we think we know well. (In theaters now)

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WINTER READS “Braiding Sweetgrass”

“The Beak of the Finch”

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowledge together to take us on “a journey that is every bit as mythic as it is scientific, as sacred as it is historical, as clever as it is wise” (Elizabeth Gilbert).

On a desert island in the heart of the Galapagos archipelago, where Darwin received his first inklings of the theory of evolution, two scientists, Peter and Rosemary Grant, have spent twenty years proving that Darwin did not know the strength of his own theory. For among the finches of Daphne Major, natural selection is neither rare nor slow: It is taking place by the hour, and we can watch.

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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

by Jonathan Weiner

SPONSORED BY:

BURROWING OWL BOOKS 34TH AND COULTER, SUMMIT SHOPPING CENTER, AMARILLO DECEMBER 2020 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Home Frey biodegradable dryer sheets $12.50, Texas Trio

SIPS Drinkware glass bottle with bamboo lid $26.99, Purpose + Passion Boutique

So-Clean Clean W

e’ve been paying a lot of attention to the sustainability of our planet lately, from last year’s drought to our smoky summer due to fires in the Mountain West. On an individual basis, we can’t necessarily control those things, but the sustainability of our homes is a different story. How environmentally friendly is your immediate environment? The products on these pages – from biodegradable dryer sheets to chemical-free deodorant – are designed to make your home cleaner, greener and more natural. Every journey starts with a few small steps, including the journey toward a more eco-friendly home. Where will you start? PROVIDED PHOTOS

Mama Suds All-Purpose Cleaner $12.95, Fluffaholic

Joseph Joseph GoEat on-the-go cutlery set $15, Little Brown House

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater stain treater $9.99, Silverland’s Hallmark

Rockin’ Green Platinum Series Active Wear laundry detergent $24.95, Fluffaholic

SmartyPits aluminum free deodorant $9.99, Purpose + Passion Boutique

Natural beeswax candles (clean-burning and soot-free; help eliminate dust, odors and mold) $11, $16 and $21, Creek House Honey Farm

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Cover Story

kind·ness noun

Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness. Being kind often requires courage and strength.

TREMAINE BROWN STANDS OUTSIDE OF SHI LEE’S, THE RESTAURANT THAT HE OWNS AND OPERATES WITH HIS MOTHER, CHARLOTTE BROWN.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

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A Thousand Blessings By Jason Boyett

“I

feel really blessed to be someone else’s blessing,” says Tremaine Brown during a rare day off from Shi Lee’s Barbecue and Soul Food Cafe. He describes himself in humble terms. He’s just a single dad being a good example for his daughter. Just a man out there doing his best. Just “a vessel” trying to do God’s work. What he doesn’t always mention is how extensive that work really is. Tremaine is just one man – a heavily recruited, linebackersized man who played for the University of Texas – but he has been a blessing to literally thousands of Amarillo schoolchildren and families this year. And the year before that. And the year before that. And so on. Thousands. Describing his leadership and community impact as the result of “kindness” doesn’t quite do it justice. Kindness is buying lunch for a stranger. Buying lunch for a thousand strangers requires a bigger word. A better word. An article filled with words. Along with his mother, Charlotte Brown, Tremaine owns and operates Shi Lee’s, a now-legendary restaurant in a tiny building on Southwest Third in a heavily industrial section of Amarillo. Among hungry office workers and the blue-collar set alike, Shi Lee’s has been known for its delicious lunch menu, highlighted by chicken-fried chicken, brisket nachos, catfish and more since it opened in 2010. But for an even larger segment of Amarillo, Shi Lee’s is known for a multi-year streak of incredible generosity. October saw Shi Lee’s Fifth Annual “Trunk or Treat” celebration at Bones Hooks Park, during which Tremaine and his family handed out candy to neighborhood children. November meant giving away 100 boxes of turkeys and sides for Thanksgiving. December brought Shi Lee’s Eighth Annual Christmas Toy Drive, which cumulatively represents more than 400,000 toys and bikes collected and given away to needy families. Beyond these recent events, Shi Lee’s is known for hosting citywide Easter egg hunts, school supply giveaways, events at the park

PHOTOS BY RALPH DUKE

and meals for the homeless. Then there’s Shi Lee’s Kids Free Lunch Program, which had been several years in the making even before 2020 and COVID-19. Living near Bones Hooks Park, Tremaine had noticed years ago that children in his neighborhood had largely been left to their own devices during Spring Break. “It kind of clicked: They don’t get breakfast and lunch at school [during the break]. Some probably weren’t getting dinner. They were probably starving,” he says. He began setting up a grill at the park and offering to cook hot dogs or chicken legs for anyone who showed up, announcing his plan on Facebook and hoping families took notice. They did. So he continued the practice in the summer. “If they’re missing [lunch] during Spring Break, they’re missing during summer,” he explains. Then the program began to evolve. Parents asked him if he’d set up in other neighborhoods – like Mary Hazelrigg Park nearby, or San Jacinto Elementary Park to the west. He knew these also were needy neighborhoods. Sometimes 50 kids would show up, sometimes hundreds more. “I just never stopped giving after that,” he says. When the pandemic reached Amarillo in March, the city closed the parks and Tremaine had to abandon his free lunch plan for the week of Spring Break. But then the schools didn’t reopen at all. “I was like, well, I have to do something,” he says. He went to Sam’s and spent $600 on hot dogs and nonperishable snacks. That was enough to make 400 lunches. On Facebook, he told families he’d be giving away the lunches starting at 11 a.m. from Shi Lee’s. “That first day, we ran out of lunches,” Tremaine says. “I just wanted to buy parents a little time until they figure out what the next meal is gonna be.” So he went back to Sam’s, bought more supplies, and did it again the next day. “We gave away 1,600 lunches that day,” he says. Eventually, the police showed up, wondering why traffic was stopped up and down Third Avenue. Tremaine pointed out the cars filled with parents anxious to feed their kids during a moment of crisis. “I just told them I was doing my best,” he says, laughing. “I was like, ‘Come down here and give me some help!’” Then he and his family just kept doing it, day in and day out. For the next 10 weeks, they prepared and gave away around a thousand lunches a day. They kept at it through the summer and into a new school year. Finally, in November, the Amarillo Independent School District announced that it would be providing free meals for any student needing one, including children who didn’t attend AISD, for the rest of the school year. Tremaine shut down Shi Lee’s program at that point, having given away around 90,000 free lunches. Ninety. Thousand. He says his ability to react quickly was key to the sustained giveaway. “The food was coming out of the restaurant and I already had my [food establishment] permit, so there was no red tape to cut through,” he says. “You just don’t know what people are going through. Some people went from a two-income family to a no-income family in

the blink of an eye. Some families came in every single day.” While neighborhoods on the North Side already knew Tremaine and Shi Lee’s, the rest of the city began to get wind of the program, thanks to a flurry of media coverage in the first weeks of the pandemic. Soon, corporate partners like Plains Dairy and Mrs. Baird’s began contributing to the giveaway. Individuals and businesses donated money, keeping the project afloat as they continued to run Shi Lee’s. Extended family got involved, and Tremaine says it helped them grow closer as they served others. “After two or three weeks of thousands of lunches a day, I started telling these youngsters, ‘You need to take pictures of this. Y’all are making history. Y’all are doing something nobody else will ever be able to say they were a part of.’ It’s been an amazing honor.” But Tremaine wasn’t done. On Sept. 15, the nonprofit Keep Amarillo Clean organized a citywide campaign on National CleanUp Day. Tremaine agreed to supervise cleanup efforts around Carver Elementary, where his daughter, Shilah, attends. “I had an area that stretched from Amarillo Boulevard to NE 24th, and Hughes to McMasters. A big chunk of real estate,” he says. “I drive this neighborhood TREMAINE GETS every day.” AN EARLY START PREPARING Weeks before that Saturday, he knew CORNBREAD FOR A that a single day wasn’t going to put a WEEKDAY LUNCH. dent in the accumulated trash that had been dumped in this long-neglected neighborhood. Alleys were filled with abandoned furniture. Empty lots were filled with discarded tires. “I said, ‘Well, if I’m gonna make any kind of impact, then I need to start early,’” he says. So during a week off from the restaurant, Tremaine and a neighbor towed a pickup and trailer through the community. “We couldn’t make it down a street or alley without running into couches or mattresses. We were going to the dump five or six times a day for two weeks.” Some of the trash had been around for years. He posted photos of the trash loads on Facebook, which resulted in additional media attention. Amarilloans Dan Zwinck and Jacob Breeden saw the coverage. “They just showed up one day and said, ‘You’re embarrassing us. We’re living our lives and you’re feeding thousands of people and hauling off trash,’” he says. Zwinck offered use of a big flat-bed trailer. “That’s when we really started moving trash.” Using the trailer, they hauled off a 7,000-pound load. Then they did it again. Clean-Up Day came and went. The next weekend, members of the Palo Duro High School football team pitched in. Tremaine and crew expanded out of the North Heights and into the Hamlet neighborhood and Mesa Verde. They made dozens and dozens of trips to the dump. “Every time we went across the scale, we’d write the numbers down,” he says. “All told, it was 78,562 pounds of trash out of that section of the city.” His Facebook photos caught the attention of the city government, and Tremaine ended up in multiple meetings with everyone from Amarillo’s Director of Public Works to Mayor Ginger Nelson. He didn’t shy away from calling on the City to do better, pointing to the trash as an example of systematic neglect. “It’s just oversight,” he says. JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

“You have a wheel that’s in motion and it appears to be working for everybody because nobody is saying the wheel is broken. But the wheel has never been inspected.” By picking up so much trash, Tremaine made it clear the wheel was broken. He believes it is the result of decades of disenfranchisement of Amarillo’s poorer residents, especially neighborhoods like North Heights, which are predominantly Black. And if personally overseeing the removal of 40 tons of trash was necessary to get government attention, Tremaine says the effort was worth it. Just like Martin Luther King, Jr., transitioned from civil rights marches to a focus on the labor movement before his assassination, Tremaine recognizes that free lunches and moldy couch removal are different stops on the same road to social justice. He points to the graphic on his sweatshirt, which reads Proudly serving in the War on Injustice. “The war on injustice doesn’t have to be a black and white thing. It can be a trash thing. It can be a neighborhood thing. Some things have to change. The neglect has to stop,” he says. That’s part of the reason Tremaine gives so much to North Amarillo.

“

The war on injustice doesn’t have to be a black and white thing. It can be a trash thing. It can be a neighborhood thing. Some things have to change. The neglect has to stop.

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– Tremaine Brown, Restaurateur and Activist

I Human/Kind

But there’s another reason – one even closer to his heart, if that’s possible. Tremaine is a single father to 7-year-old Shilah. “The day that changed everything was the day I left the hospital with a baby. I’m a single father in every sense of the word. She still, to this day, has never seen her mother,” he says. “I was in charge of a life and I wanted to do my best to try to inspire that life and teach that life and guide that life to the best of my ability.” He didn’t want Shilah to grow up being materialistic. He wanted her to know “how to give a little of yourself and your time.” So he’s been showing her what that looks like. Whether in the kitchen at Shi Lee’s, on a stranger’s doorstep at Christmas, or surrounded by trash in a North Heights alley, Tremaine Brown has given more in 2020 than almost anyone we know. Kindness? Yeah, it’s kindness. But it’s also passion, generosity, optimism, responsibility, truth-telling and justice. Tremaine embodies all those things. He’s not “someone else’s blessing,” as he put it. He’s a thousand blessings at once – and Amarillo is the beneficiary.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

”

t’s good to be good to others. After a long, discouraging year – one filled with economic uncertainty, political division, and energy depleting Facebook arguments – our main takeaway from 2020 will be the truth that kindness matters. Phrase it however you’d like: Be nice to people. Practice empathy. Don’t be a jerk. The sentiment is the same. As we start a new year, we are focusing our energies toward doing what is necessary to improve the lives of the people around us. Maybe it’s a small gesture, like paying for the vehicle behind us in the drive-thru line. Or maybe it’s something much bigger, like the incredible efforts of community leaders like Tremaine Brown. Regardless, we realize more than ever that human kindness is critical to the survival of humankind, and locally, we want to promote it as much as possible. With that in mind, we asked a few of Amarillo’s most thoughtful citizens to share their perspective on the importance of kindness within their own lives and within our community. Be inspired, and then? Follow their lead.

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Being kind can change your life. It’s also contagious. A single act of kindness is capable of creating people that show more kindness to others.

”

“Kind, Kinder, Kindest …” Michael Timcisko Executive Director, PASO

hat I have come to believe and embrace is that we are on this earth, not for ourselves, but for other people. We “receive” from other people, we “learn” from other people, we are “affected” by other people. I know that my actions can “affect” other people as well. There is one thing that all of us can do, and it costs us NOTHING! We can be KIND to one another. Being kind can change your life. It’s also contagious. A single act of kindness is capable of creating people that show more kindness to others. 2020 was a year like no other for most human beings. An invisible invader made its way into our world and has been wreaking havoc ever since it arrived. We are experiencing, and are in the throes of another worldwide pandemic, too. Not a single one of us is immune. It’s not a hoax, not a conspiracy, and everyone on the planet is vulnerable to being infected. COVID-19 kills people. So does HIV. Yeah … HIV is still around, and continues to infect people around the globe. I believe I started to really understand what kindness is, and what it can do, during the early years of the HIV pandemic. During those early years, HIV was misunderstood and was thought to only infect a few “groups” of people. This thought allowed fear to expand into misinformation, conspiracy theories, discrimination, and outright violence against sick and dying individuals. HIV, like COVID-19, became very politicized. In the early years, landlords evicted individuals upon learning of someone’s illness. Families disowned and rejected their children and siblings for becoming sick. Doctors and nurses refused to care for those that were sick. People who were sick were shunned. There was very little kindness during this tragic time. As we faced HIV long ago, and now with COVID, individuals refused to modify their behavior in an effort to reduce their risk of infection. We see the same issues today as people decide not to wear masks, socially distance, and take common sense recommendations from our public health officials seriously. During those early years facing HIV, my partner Jason and I knew several people that contracted the HIV virus. As they were dying there was no one to help them. They were dying alone. We realized

that HIV infection could happen to anyone and everyone. We had to do something. We began to offer kindness. We offered to clean someone’s house, or offered to go grocery shopping. I often cooked and took prepared meals to people so they could eat. Many people did not have the strength to even cook a meal for themselves. We helped plan funeral services. We listened to their fears and felt their loneliness. We held hands. Sadly, we were often relieved when someone died since they were no longer suffering – physically, emotionally, spiritually. I became confident that our kindness eased suffering. This realization allowed us to heal. We had lost so many wonderful and loving friends. We are losing people today at an alarming and terrifying rate. Rapidly and quickly. Needlessly. I urge you to start being kind TODAY. Or, even KINDER today. Say “good morning” to someone, and mean it. Ask how someone is doing today, and mean it. Open a door for someone. Pay it forward while in the drivethru at McDonald’s. Carry in sacks from the grocery store for an elderly neighbor. Better yet, offer to go grocery shopping for them. Rake the leaves from a neighbor’s yard. Let someone have that parking spot you were eyeing so closely. Offer to drive someone to a chemotherapy treatment. Deliver food to a hungry family. Call a friend or family member that you know is lonely. Tell someone that they are appreciated. Tell someone that you love them. None of us has time to lose. We must be kind to one another. We must be respectful. We must be loving. We must be there for “other” people. As we move forward and into the new year, let’s celebrate that 2020 is over. Let’s look forward to a new and brighter year. A COVID vaccine has arrived. The COVID nightmare can be behind us soon. I urge you to be kind. Take the vaccine when it is available to you. It will protect you. It will protect your family. It will protect your neighbors. Protecting one another … is kindness. PASO (Panhandle AIDS Support Organization) offers free support, education and assistance to people with HIV and AIDS, along with their loved ones. JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Valerie Gooch, Executive Director, The PARC

s the Executive Director of the PARC, I consider myself one of the least likely people to do what I do. At the PARC, we provide care for the homeless in Amarillo. I have never been homeless, used drugs, been in jail, rejected by my family, or wondered where I was going to sleep. Before I worked at the PARC, I basically lived in a bubble. The thing I cherish about the PARC is that our members don’t judge me for my lack of experience in the things they are going through, and we don’t judge them for the place in which they have found themselves. We are a place for the homeless to come during the day where they can be shown kindness, a place where they can be called by their name, treated with respect, and have expectations placed on them to remind them that they are valuable and capable. Homelessness is not their identity; it is their situation. At the PARC we see people as they really are and the potential for all they can be. Working here has been the greatest honor of my life. I have gotten to know the most amazing people, people I would never have known if it wasn’t for the PARC. Being able to witness the kindness of our members causes me to examine my own heart. Many who walk through our doors are difficult. They are angry, hungry for attention or just lost. The work we do is hard and I admit that I sometimes grow weary of listening to their stories or watching them make the same bad choices over and over. It is in those times that I will just watch them interact with each other. Every day, I see those who are homeless showing kindness in the simplest ways: giving their full attention to someone who talks nonstop, truly engaged in the conversation. They demonstrate tolerance for those who are mentally ill as they carry on conversations with imaginary people. I watch them share the little bit of food that has been provided for them. Sometimes, they offer their last cigarette to someone who is agitated and struggling. They often shrug and say, “I thought it might help him.” I could go on and on, but when I think of kindness my thoughts immediately go to the PARC. The story that impacts me the most is when my sister had cancer a few years ago. She was given a 4% chance of survival. And so our members prayed. She was given bad report after bad report and told by MD Anderson that there was nothing else they could do; she needed to go home and check into hospice. The members continued to pray. They called her a “4 percenter.” My sister is now completely healed and well. When she went to her last appointment to confirm her remission, I sat with her in the examining room in Lubbock waiting for the doctor. My thoughts went to our members at the PARC, and I checked our security camera to make sure things were going well. What I saw brought tears to my eyes. There were our members, standing in a circle, praying for my sister. They didn’t know her and had never even met her, but they believed for her and prayed. Some of those members have since moved on to their next, but if they visit they still ask about her. They invested in her healing. They gave of themselves to believe when I couldn’t, and to fight when I was so very tired. While homeless and with so many needs, they were kind enough to take their focus off themselves to pray for someone that I loved. What an extraordinary example of kindness. Valerie Gooch is the Executive Director and co-founder of the PARC. The Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, located in downtown Amarillo, provides educational and creative opportunities for the adult homeless population as it seeks to build relationships with each individual.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

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Every day, I see those who are homeless showing kindness in the simplest ways.

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Alan Keister, M.D., Founder, Heal the City

What I love about the Panhandle is that kindness is not simply a one-time act but a lifestyle.

”

s I write this article, our community is in the middle of a surge of COVID cases and it is the week before Thanksgiving. It is a strange time to reflect on thankfulness with so much chaos around us. One of the things I am thankful for is the kindness of the Panhandle community. According to Webster’s dictionary, kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. In the Christian tradition, kindness is manifested as loving your neighbor. I have had the privilege of experiencing the kindness of the Panhandle firsthand while working with Heal the City. Over the past six years, I have witnessed our city displaying kindness as those with resources have shared so others might receive health care. What does it look like? It is generous donors, businesses and foundations that provide financial resources to provide hope and transform health care. It is a group of board members that volunteer their unique skills to help accomplish the mission of the clinic to provide quality health care to the uninsured of our community and to communicate the love of Christ to our patients and volunteers alike. It is a staff of incredible people who choose jobs that pay less to serve people who need more. It is a group of medical professionals that volunteer their time and expertise to help patients who could not otherwise have access. It is the small groups that cook each week to provide meals for volunteers. It is the simple acts that are not seen by others that encourage me, like a business that shows up to light the HTC outdoor Christmas tree for the holidays. What happens when people are treated with kindness? They behave differently and the gift is paid forward. I am amazed at the generosity of HTC patients as they seek to give back. I see this as patients return to volunteer for the Shalom food assistance program through Snack Pak. I see it as our patients share notes of encouragement to our staff that cares for them. I see it as incredible young people come to work at Heal the City because of the care and kindness their families have received from the clinic. I see it as patients who did not think they could escape from their trials graduate from Heal the City and get jobs and insurance on their own. In turn, more neighbors who need a hand can be served. I am a recipient of the kindness of this community. Daily I am encouraged to see the unique ways people show their concern for me. During the pandemic, our community has prayed for me, provided masks for our practice, and gone out of their way to support the work of Heal the City. What I love about the Panhandle is that kindness is not simply a one-time act but a lifestyle. I love raising my family here because they see a city of people who care about their neighbors. Dr. Keister founded Heal the City in 2013. HTC offers free quality medical care to the city’s uninsured.

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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The kindness the citizens of Amarillo show when volunteering to help their fellow man, not just with Habitat for Humanity, but at any one of the hundreds of nonprofits in our area proves that even in times of personal crisis, our community shows up for one another.

Sarah Curtis, Director of Family Services, Habitat for Humanity

orking in a local nonprofit has afforded me the unique opportunity to witness our community’s kindness every single day. For those that might not be familiar with Habitat for Humanity, our program offers low income families the chance to purchase a safe, affordable home with a zero percent interest mortgage. This interest rate is earned by the family through volunteerism and their participation in financial literacy courses to help prepare them for homeownership. With the use of volunteers, we keep our build costs low and give single parents, refugees, our elderly community and many others the opportunity to live out the American dream. As you can imagine, volunteering to build a home can be a labor-intensive endeavor. There are walls to be raised, rooms to paint, windows to install and siding to be hung. What amazes me personally is that most of our volunteers have their own full-time careers and choose to spend their precious time off in service of others. While many of our volunteers may not be directly associated with our program, others have purchased a Habitat house themselves and know firsthand the way their lives changed when they were placed into stable housing. In fact, Mugisha, who grew up in a Habitat home and is a graduate of Texas Tech University says that his own success in life is attributed greatly to the volunteers he worked with while building his parent’s house. I recently learned that while building his home, Mugisha was encouraged to apply for school and guided through the process by a group of WT volunteers he developed a close friendship with during their time on

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

”

a Habitat jobsite. Our volunteers aren’t only building a house – they are building the foundation for a family to have stability and dream larger than they ever have before. None of these things could be completed without the individuals in our community that step up to help their neighbors. Our volunteers believe in the impact our program makes and they come devote their time, energy and skill sets to making our goals as an organization become a reality. Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The kindness the citizens of Amarillo show when volunteering to help their fellow man, not just with Habitat for Humanity, but at any one of the hundreds of nonprofits in our area proves that even in times of personal crisis, our community shows up for one another. In 2019 alone, Habitat had 5,161 hours of volunteer time donated to our organization and since our inception in 1981, we have been fortunate enough to complete 115 homes for low income families in our area. This would not have been possible without our kindhearted donors and volunteers that believe every person deserves the opportunity to provide a safe, decent home for their families. Habitat for Humanity was established in Amarillo in 1981. Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion.

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JANUARY 2021 â&#x20AC;˘ AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Feature

Friends Forever

PROVIDED PHOTOS

How the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild built a lasting community By Jonathan Baker

ach year, about 6,000 babies nationally are born with Down syndrome. Although the incidence is somewhat common, misperceptions remain about what Down syndrome is. For parents who’ve just received a diagnosis that they’re going to birth a Down syndrome baby, the news can seem by turns scary and daunting. And yet, parents of kids with Down syndrome say their lives have been enriched in countless ways. One local organization, the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild, is on a mission to educate new parents, while building a strong and lasting community around their shared experiences.

Growing Strong

Vicki Gordon’s son, Philip, was born with Down syndrome just before Christmas 2000. When her son was born, Gordon had no idea that he would have Down syndrome. “I was very shocked,” she recalls. “I was 31 years old, and I just didn’t think that would happen to a 31-year-old. But it did.” Grappling with what to do, Gordon quickly turned to ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) for help – a decision that would eventually, through a twisting path, lead to the creation of the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild. Gordon, the current President of the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild, has been with the organization since its beginning in 2002. Gordon says it took a full year to “wrap her brain” around the fact that she was now mother to a child with Down syndrome. She began to yearn for some community, some other folks to talk to who would understand her experience. In those early days, Gordon had “a wonderful case manager” at ECI named Jennifer Womack, who helped a great deal. However, because of HIPAA laws, the ECI couldn’t give Gordon any names of other families in the area that had Down syndrome children. Because there was no support group in the Panhandle, Gordon decided to write a letter and send it out widely. “I just said, ‘Hi, my name is Vicki. I have a son named Philip with Down

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

syndrome, and I would love to talk to other parents.’” And Jennifer Womack, “being as wonderful as she is, made copies of that letter. She gave it to any of her families that it would pertain to.” Womack also delivered copies of Gordon’s letter to other caseworkers in the area, to pass along to their families. Soon enough, Gordon began to receive responses to her letter from other families in the region. The result was the first meeting of what would become the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild, held at Southwest Baptist Church on April 15, 2002. “We had about five families come at that point,” remembers Gordon. “But it was wonderful.” Over the ensuing 19 years, the PDSG continued to grow – mostly from word of mouth, and through the visibility of the group’s various events, most prominently the yearly “Buddy Walk.” Established by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995, the Buddy Walk is now the major national event for people with Down syndrome, a yearly occurrence that helps to raise awareness, while giving friends, family members and advocates a chance to gather and celebrate those in their lives with Down syndrome. “This year,” says Gordon, “we couldn’t do a walk because of COVID. So we did the ‘Amazing Buddy Race,’ a scavenger hunt around Amarillo and Canyon.” The Buddy Walk is just one example of the types of events that have resulted in PDSG growing its membership over the past couple of decades. This year, as with pretty much every other endeavor, the pandemic has made the work of the PDSG more difficult. “When the pandemic started,” says Gordon, “literally like two days before we went into shutdown mode, we’d sent off our sponsor packets for our Buddy Walk. And then of course, because like so many people we didn’t think this pandemic was going to be much, we were like, ‘Oh, by the time October rolls around, when we have our walk, this will all be over, this will be water under the bridge.’” Of course, that prediction proved inaccurate. In May, the PDSG leadership held a Zoom meeting to discuss how to proceed. “We’d

already had some sponsors sending in their sponsorship money. We went back and forth and back and forth. [Ultimately], because our kids have suppressed immune systems, [we decided] it wouldn’t be a good thing for us to host an event for our kids. So that’s why we did the scavenger hunt instead.”

Growing Strong

As Gordon recounts, there “was clearly a learning curve” for the group during the early years. But the incipient group felt a sense of purpose, so they went all out – even taking on the task of hosting the Buddy Walk during that first year, an enormous endeavor for such a young organization. Gordon estimates that the initial PDSG Buddy Walk attracted “maybe 400 people” – not too shabby for a first-year event. But that was just the beginning. Like the organization itself, the PDSG’s Buddy Walk has grown year by year, now drawing upwards of 4,000 Panhandle residents (with the exception of COVID-impacted 2020, of course). However, the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild isn’t totally about fun and games; there’s a serious side to the organization’s work as well. Much of that work has to do with addressing the needs and fears of new Down syndrome parents, or parents who’ve just received a Down syndrome diagnosis. “When I had Philip,” Gordon reiterates, “I did not know that he had Down syndrome. I was given a tiny packet of information that was very antiquated, very gloom and doom stuff. I mean, if you weren’t already sad that your baby had Down syndrome, [the packet] listed all the other things that could go wrong – and there were no pictures, no nothing.” For this reason, one of the first projects the PDSG decided upon during that initial April 15 meeting was a plan to present better materials to the hospitals, newly written and more attractive packages to give out to families. Nineteen years later, the PDSG gives out their “parent packs” to every hospital in the Panhandle, as well as obstetricians’ offices and other relevant facilities. Each parent pack consists of a notebook featuring personal stories of local families, along with contact information for those families, and lots of pictures of the local Down syndrome community. “I mean,” says Gordon, “certainly there’s some [difficult] information associated with Downs, but there’s [also] a lot of positivity.” Along with the parent packs, new Down

Vicki Gordon: Advice for New Down Syndrome Parents “I tell new parents that it’s OK to mourn, it’s OK to be sad over the diagnosis initially. Nobody wants their child to have ‘something wrong’ with them. We all want to come home from the hospital with that healthy, ‘perfect’ child. But you’ll get over that initial shock and grieving period, which is very natural, and which so many parents feel guilty about feeling. I mean, I felt guilty. I was sad that Philip had Down syndrome. But I got over that hump, and you know what? I would not change my path with having a child with Down syndrome for anything. Philip has just made me a better person. He’s made my oldest son, Gentry, a better person. I have so many life experiences that I would never have had in a million years had I not had Philip. And Philip is his own unique individual, just as my other son Gentry is, but in a different way. Philip adds so much to our family. I wouldn’t take that away for anything.”

Common Misconceptions One important element of the work performed by the PDSG is to educate the public about the realities of Down syndrome. “I think,” says Gordon, “people [tend to] lump everybody with Down syndrome into one category, like they’re all kind of the same. They say, ‘Oh, OK, I can tell you have Down syndrome so you’re probably always happy.’ Or they put people with Down syndrome in a box as far as their intelligence. But, oh my goodness, people with Down syndrome are just as different as everybody else is! Everyone with Down syndrome has their own talents and strengths and weaknesses.” As examples, Gordon names several locals with Down syndrome: one writes poetry, another is an avid reader, another just graduated from WT, another is in her high school marching band, and yet another was a kicker on the Bushland football team. The list goes on. “I think so many times as a society,” Gordon notes, “we put limitations on people – not just people with Down syndrome, but people in general. And then we have to overcome those limitations. We have to push our kids to be the best they can be.”

syndrome parents also receive a book: “Understanding Babies with Down Syndrome.” Beyond that, the PDSG has supplied the local libraries with current information about Down syndrome. “Because again,” recalls Gordon, “the first thing I did back in 2000 was go to the local library, and they had some books on Down syndrome that were written in like 1974, 1982. Scary information. I mean the life expectancy of somebody with Down syndrome in 1950 was like 7, whereas today the life expectancy is like 65. So if you read [those older books] like I did, you just think, ‘Oh my goodness.’” Today, through the work of Gordon and her volunteer colleagues, Panhandle libraries are stocked with up-to-date information about Down syndrome. That word, “volunteer,” is worth noting. “We don’t have any paid staff,” says Gordon. “We’re just a bunch of parents, and grandparents as well.” In addition to these family members, the PDSG receives help from locals who have hearts for service, “great community people who come to our events, come to our meetings, and help out, just because they have fallen in love with our families, our kids and adults with Down syndrome.”

A Bright Future

Today, the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild boasts a membership upwards of 200 families. “We have families throughout the Panhandles, not only of Texas, but we’ve got some Oklahoma, and we’ve got some New Mexico families.” Gordon adds, “Some of the more active families live in the little communities outside of Amarillo, where their child or adult with Down syndrome may be the only person in that community that has Down syndrome, or may be one of just a few. So people in those smaller communities seem to be eager for that camaraderie and that acceptance we all get through the group.” Furthermore, the PDSG is always looking for new members. “In nonpandemic times,” says Gordon, “we would love to have people come and volunteer and help when we have meetings and things like that. We know this pandemic isn’t going to last forever, and we certainly always need lots of help once the Buddy Walk rolls around. But [in the meantime], people can just educate themselves about what Down syndrome is, because there’s just a lot of misinformation out there about Down syndrome.”

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Feature Feature

Be Kind to Yourself

By Jason Boyett

n this issue, we’ve been focused on kindness to others, kindness to our environment and more. But what about self-kindness? What does being kind to your body look like? “It means having health practices that give us a sense of well-being,” says Judie Boothe, a certified clinical nutritionist (C.C.N.) and owner of Fountain of Health, a legendary retailer in Amarillo’s health community. Boothe says a proper balance of nutrition, supplements and beneficial health practices can improve almost every aspect of a person’s life. She should know. Five decades ago, before opening her shop, Boothe endured 4 ½ years of illness. It started with a staph infection after the birth of her daughter, followed by bouts with rheumatic fever, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, low blood sugar, lupus and early kidney failure. “I spent two years in bed and had no hope of getting well,” she says. That was 54 years ago. Today, Boothe is a healthy and vibrant 79 and still maintains a constant presence at her store on Western in the Shops at 34th. “God had plans for me, so here I am today and I can outwork people half my age,” she says. In fact, she’s just a few months away from turning 80. “People are shocked when I tell them that.” Judie is even a little shocked herself. But her good health is a testament to taking care of her body. During her health crisis, improving her diet and experimenting with supplements restored her to better health, and led to Judie and her husband, Ron, becoming owners of Fountain of Health 45 years ago. Since then, she has studied with master herbalists and naturopathic doctors, gained her nutritionist certification, and maintained ongoing education efforts to stay current with new research and products. Naturally, we wanted to hear from Boothe regarding her advice about living the healthiest life possible. She provided a succinct overview: “It includes healthy eating and drinking plenty of pure water, getting quality dietary supplements, getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep a night, and getting appropriate exercise. It’s also paying attention to our spiritual health and having a positive mental outlook, giving thanks each day for blessings, even small ones.” Boothe then broke things down a little further.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

Healthy Eating Her advice is to eat nutritious food that is as close to that food’s natural state as possible. In other words, avoid fast food, convenience foods, and heavily processed foods. Instead, pursue a balanced diet of leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and quality protein. But try to become as educated as possible about those foods, she says. “People think if they eat a salad or a meat every day they are healthy,” says Boothe. But that doesn’t mean a standard side salad is particularly nutritious. Boothe warns that traditional iceberg lettuce doesn’t provide much nutritional punch. Instead, she recommends other greens, like broccoli, asparagus, kale, spinach, and celery. “It’s a high-antioxidant food,” she says of the always underrated celery. “We look at it and think it’s not that great, but it’s a very good food.” She also loves cabbage, green and yellow squashes, and purple onions. “People will always say, ‘If I shouldn’t eat this [sugary or processed] food, what am I going to eat?’ They just have not looked at all these wonderful, beautiful, colorful foods!” Boothe always recommends organic or frozen organic foods when possible.

Vitamins and Supplements Fountain of Health sells a vast variety of nutrition products and supplements. “With the world we live in today, we really need quality dietary supplements,” explains Boothe. The only exception is for those who maintain a diet extremely well-balanced with natural, organic foods. Even then, she believes that may not be enough. “I don’t think we can get the nutrition we need out of our foods.” For everyone, male and female, Boothe recommends a basic daily multivitamin, as long as it’s a high-quality supplement. Most multivitamins, however, don’t contain enough vitamin E or vitamin C, so she recommends additional supplements of those nutrients, along with extra minerals and a good probiotic. Boothe and her staff are always willing to help customers choose the best-quality vitamins and supplements from the shelves at her store. “We work with individuals to assess their particular nutritional needs,” she says. Boothe is board certified in clinical nutrition and accustomed to reading medical lab tests and health histories to help determine other supplements to add to a customer’s diet – even going so far as to analyze a person’s nutrition intake and sleep patterns. “There are quite a few questions we’ll ask. Our health [condition] can show up in [the appearance of] our fingernails, hair and skin,” she says. “So there are a lot of things we look at to help guide a person so that they feel a sense of well-being and feel healthier and enjoy life.” Since Boothe’s expertise is based only in nutrition, she does advise customers to speak with their doctors about finding the right balance between supplements and medication to achieve positive health results.

Lifestyle Boothe also recommends that people stay hydrated throughout the day, drinking at least a half-ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. The right amount of exercise is also critical. Most people tend to assume they aren’t exercising enough, but Boothe has also encountered some individuals who exercise too much. In pursuit of good health, they put too much stress on their bodies and end up causing injury or decreasing their overall wellness. “You need to try to hit a happy medium,” she says. Sleep is also vital to well-being, and Boothe regularly finds herself advising customers who are desperate for healthy, natural sleep aids. “Sometimes they just need to develop better habits for good, quality sleep or [they need] a supplement that will help them relax.” Relaxation before sleep is important, because our overly stimulated minds are often the culprits when sleep is poor. “Sometimes our minds are just going, going, going.” More than anything else, Boothe advises customers to prioritize their health – a concept that’s been at the forefront of our minds during the pandemic. She points out that it’s a challenge to enjoy anything else about life when you don’t feel good. “To me, a strong, healthy, vibrant body is essential,” says Boothe. “It’s the most important thing. It’s more important than having money. If you don’t have good health, you don’t even enjoy having wealth.” Judie Boothe made that discovery when she first got sick more than half a century ago. The fact that she’s still around to teach customers gives credence to her advice. She’s not just advocating for good health. She’s proof that it matters.

Judie Boothe

Judie can be reached at the Fountain of Health, 4151 SW 34th Ave., 355.5162, fountainofhealthmarket.com

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

What’s Cooking?

Warming Winter Recipes

s winter drags on and we’re still stuck inside, these comforting dishes are guaranteed to warm you up from the inside. With seasonal vegetables for vitamins and vitality, color from tomatoes, and glutenfree, vegetarian and vegan options, these classic recipes help provide nutrition for the entire family.

Recipes courtesy of More Content Now

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

STOCKPHOTO

Cottage Pie (gluten-free)

1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered ½ stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated ½ cup whole milk, or more as needed 1 pound ground beef 1 small onion, diced 2 strips bacon, chopped 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (almond, buckwheat, oat or rice) 1 ½ cups hot beef stock 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained on paper towels Salt and pepper to taste Boil potatoes in water to cover, about 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Drain; return to pot. Mash with butter and milk. Stir in grated cheese. Season; set aside. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a deep-dish pie plate. Cook bacon in a skillet; leave bacon and a tablespoon of fat in pan. Add onions; cook on medium-low heat until softened. Sprinkle in flour; cook until lightly golden. Add beef. Cook until lightly browned. Stir in stock. Simmer, 5 to 8 minutes, until sauce forms. Transfer beef mixture to buttered pie dish, layer mixed vegetables and top with mashed potatoes, sculpting like piecrust. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until top is golden. Makes 6 servings

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Pasta al Cavolfiore (vegan without cheese)

1 head cauliflower 28-ounce can best-quality plum tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, peeled and lightly crushed 2/3 cup hot water Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound ziti or other large tubular pasta ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (skip for vegan recipe) 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat parsley Trim cauliflower; break into florets. Puree tomatoes in food processor or blender. Heat olive oil in large, heavy pot. Add garlic, pushing it around pan until lightly golden; remove and discard. Add tomatoes; bring pot to a boil. Stir in cauliflower, hot water, salt and pepper. Cover; cook on low heat, 30 to 45 minutes until cauliflower is very tender. Cook and drain pasta; add it to pot of cauliflower-tomato sauce; toss to coat. Ladle into serving bowls; finish with Parmesan and parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Makes 4 hearty portions or 6 smaller

Welsh Rarebit 8 slices toast, crusts removed 1 pound cheddar cheese, grated 2 tablespoons flour ½ cup beer or ale 1 teaspoon Worcestershire ½ teaspoon dry mustard Pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste 2 egg yolks Heat oven to 400 degrees. In saucepan off heat, stir together cheese and flour. Add beer, butter, Worcestershire, mustard and cayenne. Place saucepan on top of double boiler on low heat. Cook on gentle heat, never boiling, stirring constantly. Whisk egg yolks in small bowl. Take cheese mixture off heat and slowly stir tablespoon of it into egg mixture, tempering it. Gradually stir remaining yolk mixture into cheese. Place toast in 6 baking dishes; pour cheese mixture over each. Transfer to oven for 1 to 2 minutes, until cheese bubbles. Makes 6 servings

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

Black Bean Orange Soup (vegetarian)

(To expand flavor, use a fresh orange, grating zest into soup with juice.) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup chopped yellow onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons cumin powder Salt and cayenne pepper to taste 1 medium carrot, diced 1 medium bell pepper, diced 2 cans black beans, rinsed well and drained 1 ½ cups orange juice Sour cream, chopped cilantro, salsa, for topping (optional) Heat olive oil in skillet. Add onion, garlic, cumin, carrot and bell pepper; cook on medium heat until very tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to heavy stock pot; add beans. Simmer 15 minutes. Stir in orange juice, salt and cayenne. Puree 1/3 of soup in blender or food processor. Return to pot; simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes longer until heated through. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Classic Beef Stew 5 ½-pound chuck-eye roast, cut in 1-inch cubes, seasoned with salt and pepper 2 strips bacon, diced 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch rounds 1 ½ teaspoons chopped thyme leaves 2 to 3 tablespoons flour 3 cups beef stock Cook bacon in large ovenproof pot, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove; transfer to paper towels. Brown beef in batches on medium-high heat, 3 to 5 minutes; remove and set aside. Reduce heat to medium; add and heat oil. Add onions and thyme; cook, stirring, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add stock; turn up heat and stir any bits from bottom of pot. Reduce heat to low. Add bacon, beef, carrots, and potatoes, if using. Cover and simmer until tender, 2 to 2 ½ hours. Makes 8 servings

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

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New Year, New You W

elcome, 2021. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned the importance of good health, self-care and a positive attitude over the past months. In this section, we feature resources for continued good health during the new year, along with a list of suggested goals to begin 2021 on the right path.

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New Year, New You

New Year, New You By Allecia Vermillion More Content Now

ealth-club employees brace themselves each year for the crowd of resolutionmakers who flood the gym in January. But come March, it’s much easier to get a treadmill or a front-row spot at yoga class. When the going gets tough, how exactly do the tough keep going? Experts say if you want to stick to your health goals for 2021, you’ve got to know the classic mistakes, work to avoid them and take things one day at a time.

Exercise more

A classic mistake is expecting immediate results. Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise, notes that weight gain doesn’t happen over two to three weeks, and neither does weight loss. He advises shooting for three workouts per week; try working out twice during the week and once on the weekend. Find activities you enjoy. If you’re not a runner, consider brisk walking. If lifting weights seems dull, try a volleyball league or dance classes. Sneak some extra activity into your commute. Park at the other end of the lot or get off the bus one stop early.

Quit smoking

Not being prepared for withdrawal or not knowing the right tools can easily sabotage this resolution. According to Scott McIntosh, Ph.D., acting director of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s smoking research program, quitting smoking requires three things. Research proves just one of these doubles your chances of quitting. 1. Seek social support. In addition to family and friends, McIntosh recommends the national hot line (800) QUIT NOW, and smokefree.gov for counseling, tips and information. 2. Learn new behaviors to replace reaching for a cigarette. Fight stress-induced cravings by meditating or going for a walk. 3. Use medication. Patches, gum and lozenges are available over the counter. Doctors can prescribe inhalers, sprays or anti-craving drugs like Zyban and Chantix.

Eat right

It’s more realistic to make small shifts in eating habits rather than adhere to broad diet restrictions, advises Mary Ellen Beindorff, a registered dietician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. If the recommended five per day seems overwhelming, Biendorff suggests starting with one serving and increasing. Plan ahead with healthy snacks. An apple or some pretzels can keep you away from vending machines and drive-thru windows. Switch to whole grains and healthier fats. “People who get more fiber tend to feel more full and satiated,” Beindorff said.

Make time for yourself

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by getting caught up in others’ needs at work, with kids or around the house. Whether getting quality sleep, taking up a hobby or joining a book club, self-oriented goals can crumble under the strain of daily responsibilities. Sharon Gordetsky, a psychologist in Brookline, Massachusetts, says that “me time” often requires childcare. Securing support from your spouse can help, too. Perhaps your partner can cover breakfast Saturday mornings, giving you a few precious hours. Swapping childcare with a friend costs nothing for either of you, and time alone will feel like a godsend. Even if you can’t leave the house, meditating can also help. Envision yourself rested and relaxed, finishing that scrapbook or otherwise personally fulfilled. That vision can help keep your focus in busy times. 28

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The Psychology of Change Throughout the year, psychologist Sharon Gordetsky sees patients who want to make a life change and berate themselves mercilessly when they fail. That frustration and sense of failure, she said, is the fastest way to derail a New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s losing weight, running a marathon or even cutting salt from your diet, “People need to understand that any kind of change is difficult,” said Gordetsky, who has a private practice outside Boston and is affiliated with Tufts University. “It’s very important to be nonjudgmental and compassionate with yourself.” Psychologists know that real change happens in very small increments. Gordetsky helps her patients find success with these five techniques: • Reflect on past efforts. Do you make the same promise every December? Think about what has worked before and what hasn’t. Don’t waste time on tactics that have already proved ineffective. • Think about how your actions will make you feel in two hours or two days. “Many people make decisions to feel better in the moment,” Gordetsky said. Imagine that feeling of achievement upon meeting a goal, and it can push you in the right direction. • Tackle projects in manageable doses. Losing 40 pounds may seem insurmountable, but 3 pounds a month is a doable goal. In Gordetsky’s eyes, “These smaller successes lead to larger success.” • Don’t make excuses. Be a creative problem-solver. Need motivation to exercise and can’t afford a gym? Walk with a friend. Want to take Spanish lessons but won’t be there to make dinner? Prepare lasagna and write out heating instructions. When Gordetsky’s patients bring her obstacles, she works with them to create opportunities. • Reward yourself now and later. Gordetsky believes in short- and long-term rewards. A bubble bath or hour spent watching a favorite TV program can reward a week of positive choices. Tickets to a concert, a weekend trip or a pair of shoes can be a powerful six-month incentive.

Cold or allergy? Telltale signs of each By Deena Bouknight More Content Now

all-into-winter is cold, flu – and this year, COVID-19 – and allergy season. Many times those symptoms are confused for aggravated allergies. But is it? Could it be the start of a cold, or worse, the flu or COVID? The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains allergies: “... your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.” Dr. Corinna Bowser, owner of Narberth Allergy and Asthma in Narberth, Pennsylvania, said there are specific telltale signs that symptoms are allergic versus cold- or flu-related: • Symptoms always occur at the same time of year; there is a pattern of exposure. • There has been no known contact with anyone who is sick. • Presentation is evident; for example, mucous is clear. Plus, Bowser said, “There is more itching/annoyance ... less pain with allergies. Allergies don’t cause fever ... viral infections usually get

worse for four days, then get better for four. Allergies may last longer without treatment.” “The difficulty is that often when school starts again everybody gets sick, and often fall allergens and exposure to school buildings can trigger allergies,” she said. “All that makes it tricky to discriminate between allergies and infection.” For the common cold, medicalnewstoday.com advises the standard: rest, hydration, over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants. The first signs of the flu, such as fever, body aches or headache, should motivate an individual to see a doctor and obtain a flu test. For allergies, Bowser suggests a plan of attack. If you know the specific things that you’re allergic to, avoid those allergens if possible. Protecting the interior of your home also helps to alleviate symptoms; stay indoors or change clothes or shower after extended outdoor exposure or yard work (if outdoor allergy is suspected). Try medications such as antihistamines or intranasal steroids to achieve relief of symptoms. “Allergy testing by an allergist may be helpful to reduce future attacks ... by knowing what to avoid,” she said.

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New Year, New You

Straighten Up By Deena Bouknight More Content Now

he American Association of Orthodontists announced in February: “Parents no longer take the back seat while their kids reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment. With 1 in 3 orthodontic patients older than 18, the number of adults seeing an orthodontist is at an all-time high.” In fact, AAO cited that an estimated 1.61 million adults underwent orthodontic treatment in the United States in 2018. Why are so many adults getting braces? AAO provided five main reasons: • Teeth sometimes shift as a person ages. • A person may not have had braces as a child but always desired straight teeth. • Untreated misaligned teeth may lead to other dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, and difficulty chewing. • Teeth are misaligned due to an injury. • A person’s bite is off, causing headaches, teeth grinding, back pain and more. There are several factors adults might want to consider before embarking on braces. “Depending on the complexity of the case,

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as well as what the patient wants to achieve, a short-term touch up can take as little as several months while comprehensive treatment can take much longer,” informed AAO. Options for adult orthodontic treatment have a wide range, including clear aligners, tooth-colored braces, smaller but more traditional metal braces, and braces designed to fit behind the teeth. An initial evaluation for braces involves assessment of the problem, options to correct the problem, customized treatment goals, whether other services are needed to reach optimal dental health, an estimated length of time for orthodontic treatment, and estimated cost of care. At the initial evaluation a panoramic X-ray will be taken, and likely another type of X-ray, cephalometric radiographs, will be taken so the orthodontist can see clearly the side view of the patient’s head. Some insurance plans cover adult orthodontics, while out-ofpocket payers can expect costs anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000, according to U.S. News and World Report in June.

SPECIALIZED ORTHODONTICS FOR ALL AGES

As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, consider doing something for yourself. Dr. Mike Caden Ross, Chief Orthodontist at APDO, specializes in building self-confidence by building beautiful smiles. Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Ross welcomes patients of all ages looking to straighten their teeth, align their jaw or correct their bite with either traditional braces or Invisalign®, the clear alternative to braces. The APDO team provides exceptional care in a fun, friendly and informative environment that adheres to the strictest safety protocols. We invite you to schedule a free consultation and learn more about finding a new you in the new year. • Free Consultations • Same Day Braces • All-Inclusive Treatment • Affordable, Specialized Care

DR. MIKE CADEN ROSS DDS, MS

APDO WOLFLIN 2300 WOLFLIN AVE. WOLFLIN SQUARE (806) 350-5437

APDO WEST 3501 SONCY SUITE 129 (806) 376-4770

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Let’s Eat!

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

Craft Cocktail Lounge

reat yourself to a relaxing evening at Craft Cocktail Lounge on Polk Street. Housed in the former Esquire Jazz Club, the updated interior and menus are designed for unwinding in style. Craft’s specialty cocktails are just that – treats that are almost like dessert. There’s also a full bar, of course, and plenty of “Lite Bites” to snack on while you unwind in Craft’s gorgeous lounge area. We’re excited about the deviled egg flight, savory meatballs, and salty soft pretzel.

626 S. Polk St. 231.0561 Open Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; and Saturday, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

PROVIDED PHOTOS

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 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Amarillo 575 PIZZERIA

Toppings runneth over at 575 Pizzeria, not to mention the specials that rotate every month. (Check the board when you walk in.) 575 is family-owned and family-friendly, so it’s a great Friday night dinner choice. 2803 Civic Circle/7710 Hillside Road, Suite 700322.5575, 575pizzeria.com $$

THE AÇAÍ BAR

For those pursuing the clean-eating trend, The Açaí Bar can keep you on track. Choose from filling bowls or smoothies as an alternative to a fast food breakfast or lunch. Each menu item is made fresh with mostly organic ingredients. The customer favorite Monkey Bowl – an açaí blend topped with granola, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds and honey – will keep you satisfied past the daily 3 p.m. slump. 7306 SW 34th Ave., Suite 9, 367.9724, theacaibaramarillo.com $

ALDACO’S TACOS

Located on historic Sixth Street you’ll find this small, authentic Mexican restaurant. The wait staff is friendly so it’s easy to have fun at Aldaco’s, especially on live music nights. Try not to fill up on the homemade chips and salsa so you can enjoy the rest of the delicious food. 3623 SW Sixth Ave., 374.4945 $$

BEEF BURGER BARREL

Open in the same location since 1952, the Barrel is an Amarillo icon. The walk-up diner offers typical burger-joint fare at an affordable price, along with sandwiches, a chicken basket and fried jalapeños. 3102 Plains Blvd., 374.0101 $

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 $

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. East, 367.9780 $

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

NEW

CRAFT COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Treat yourself to a relaxing evening at Craft Cocktail Lounge on Polk Street. Craft’s specialty cocktails are just that – treats that are almost like dessert. There’s also a full bar, of course, and plenty of “Lite Bites” to snack on while you unwind in Craft’s gorgeous lounge area. We’re excited about the deviled egg flight, savory meatballs, and salty soft pretzel. 626 S. Polk St., 231.0561 $

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., 803.9111/ 701 S. Taylor St., 350.7441, delvinsrestaurant.com $

EAT-RITE HEALTH FOOD & RESTAURANT

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 $$

ENGLISH FIELD HOUSE RESTAURANT

Visit a piece of Amarillo history at the English Field House, which sits just south of Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. Named for the city’s first airfield, the restaurant offers great, cooked-fresh cafe food. Take the family for Sunday breakfast. It’s worth the drive. 10610 American Drive, 335.2996, englishfieldhouse.com $

FIRE SLICE PIZZERIA

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 $$

FLAMINGO’S LATIN BAR & GRILL

You’ll find traditional Mexican dishes with a smattering of Latin American dishes at Flamingo’s. We’re tempted by the Chapin breakfast special, which includes fried plantains, the pupusas, and decadent flan. 701 Amarillo Blvd. East, 367.7304 $

GLORIA’S OYSTER BAR

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 $

GOONEY’S

You won’t get bored with Gooney’s menu. This downtown eatery and lounge cooks up pretty much every Asian dish you can think of – egg rolls, lettuce wraps, the alwaysreliable Charlie’s Special, chow mein, curry wings, even hot-off-the-grill rib-eyes and steak kabobs. 705 S. Polk St., 367.9585, gooneys.business.site $

HOFFBRAU STEAK & GRILL HOUSE

Family-owned Hoffbrau has been serving Texas-style steaks and beer for three decades. We recommend one of the Gr8 Steaks or something from the Hill Country Favorites list upon your first visit. Guaranteed, you’ll go back again. 7203 I-40 West, 358.6595, hoffbrausteakandgrill.com $$

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, punjabiamarillo.com $

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, jacoboscafe.com $

LONG-TERM CARE When it's time to choose a better "home" for your loved one, Bivins Pointe offers an environment of elegance and dedicated care that will give you peace of mind.

JIMMY’S EGG

Fast, friendly service, a bright and cheerful dining area, and plenty of breakfast and lunch items from which to choose will keep you going back to Jimmy’s Egg. Order any menu item beginning at 6 a.m. and customize your entree to your liking. Catering, dine-in, and easy online to-go ordering make your visit an easy one. 2225 S. Georgia St., 418.6752, jimmysegg.com $

REHAB Specialized therapy designed to fit each patient's individual needs is our specialty. Let us help your loved one regain strength and mobility and be able to return home safe.

KABUKI ROMANZA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR

A TRUSTED NAME Bivins has been a trusted name for senior care An outpatient therapy gym that in our community for more thanprovides 70 years.free transportation makes us stand out fromand thewe rest. Experience our standard of excellence, are Ask your doctor if outpatient therapy might be a confident you won’t be disappointed! good "fit" for you.

Who says you can’t enjoy fresh sushi aboard a boat in the heart of the Panhandle? Kabuki Romanza serves teppan-style cooking and fresh-sliced sushi in a dining area that resembles a boat, surrounded by special effects that add to the tropical feel. 8130 I-40 West, 358.7799, kabukiromanza.com $$

Bivins has been a trusted name for senior care in our community for more than 70 years. Come, see the difference!

LA FUENTE TORTERIA

Served on fresh bolillo bread, La Fuente’s hearty tortas are filled with everything you might expect to find in a burrito. Choose from ham and cheese, pork shoulder, sausage and asada beef. You’ll also find traditional tacos, burritos, tamales, and menudo (only on weekends). 511 S. Grand St., 444.6761 $

Drive | www.bivinspointe.org 6600 Killgore 6600 DriveKillgore | www.bivinspointe.org | (806) 350-2200. AM-16092195

THE LOST CAJUN

You’ll find southern-style comfort food at The Lost Cajun. Enjoy the open kitchen as you dine on New Orleans favorites like fried catfish, oysters, gumbo, po-boys and beignets. 2401 I-40 West, 576.0019, thelostcajun.com $$

MALCOLM’S ICE CREAM & FOOD TEMPTATIONS

Malcolm’s offers the ultimate in classic soda-fountain food: burgers, sandwiches and salads – everything’s good. Be sure you save room for dessert. Better yet, start with a treat. After all, it’s the most important part of the meal at Malcolm’s. 2100 Paramount Blvd., 355.3892 $

METROPOLITAN-A SPEAKEASY

Start your day with a coffee and pastry at Metropolitan. If a midday lunch with colleagues is in order, impress them with Metropolitan’s twist on classic favorites like a BLT. Or celebrate the end of a

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

productive workday with a classy cocktail, savory small plate, or scrumptious homemade dessert. The menu changes frequently so check the club’s Facebook page for updates and special menu offerings. 9181 Town Square Blvd., Suite 1201, 242.0117, metroofamarillo.com $$

MY THAI

It’s hard to find authentic Thai cuisine that compares to My Thai. We recommend the angel noodle with sauteed tomatoes and mushrooms for a tasty alternative to fried rice. 2029 Coulter St., 355.9541, mythaiamarillo.com $

NORTH HEIGHTS DISCOUNT & CAFE

Part convenience store and part neighborhood eatery, North Heights Discount & Cafe serves made-to-order soul food every day but Sunday. Portions are huge at Discount, but can you ever have too much smoky ribs, fried catfish, french fries, or mac-and-cheese? We don’t think so. 1621 NW 18th Ave., 418.6751 $

OHMS CAFE & BAR

Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves a buffet-style lunch then switches to wait service in the evenings. The chef features specials each week that range from seafood and smoked duck to beef tenderloin. Start with daily Happy Hour and give the Bar Burger a try. (It’s not on the menu, but it might be the best burger in town.) Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger. 619 S. Tyler St., 373.3233, ohmscafe.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

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-fromscratch 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 $$

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

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 $

THE POTATO FACTORY

Come hungry to The Potato Factory, where you can fill up fast on huge baked potatoes loaded with a variety of toppings, from veggies to chili. The restaurant also has some of the best chili dogs and Frito pie in town. 4631 S. Western St., 463.7783, thepotatofactory.net $

RAIN PREMIER SUSHI BAR & LOUNGE

Rain lights up Polk Street with its sleek, energetic ambience and exceptional menu of contemporary Asian cuisine. Grab the gang for an evening of flavor and fun. 817 S. Polk St., 331.1155, rainamarillo.com $$

RED RIVER STEAKHOUSE

Roosters offers more than just a good cup 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 wellknown steakhouse promises quality and quantity in every meal. 4332 SW 45th Ave., 367.9732, redriversteakhouse.net $$

ROBINSON’S BBQ

Robinson’s has mastered the art of barbecue. Especially with its chopped beef sandwiches. But don’t limit yourself to just a sandwich; try the tasty Frito pie. If you’re in time for breakfast, grab an excellent breakfast burrito. 5920 Hillside Road, 358.2194 $ UPDATE

S&J COFFEE HOUSE

New in downtown Amarillo inside the FBSW tower, S&J Coffee House offers its signature dark roast coffee along with breakfast items and a full lunch menu. 600 S. Tyler St., 513.0927, sandjcoffeehouse.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 $$

SHARKY’S BURRITO COMPANY

Think of Sharky’s as a burrito assembly line, a place where you call the shots and load a tortilla (flavored or not) with all your favorite toppings. Start with the meat and work your way through a plethora of options including beans, rice, veggies and cheese. The endless combinations will keep you going back for more. 1612 S. Georgia St., 359.7330 $

SHI LEE’S BARBECUE & SOUL FOOD CAFE

You’ll find classic barbecue along with fried chicken wings, catfish, pork chops and a featured soul food meal of the day at Shi Lee’s. Meat lovers can feast on platters piled high with ribs, sausage and brisket, with plenty of sides to fill up even the hungriest diner. 1213 SW Third Ave., 220.0032 $ NEW

SUMO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

From sushi to noodles and stir-fry to traditional Japanese cuisine, you’ll find a packed menu and excellent cuisine and presentation at SUMO. With the city’s only master sushi chef, SUMO offers a generous sushi and sashimi menu, using the freshest quality ingredients. Order online or dine-in six days a week. 2300 Bell St., 803.0874, sumoamarillo.com $$

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 STAR

Thai Star has some of the most flavorful Thai dishes around, and people from all over rave about this little hole in the wall. The pad thai is a favorite among many, but if you want to challenge your taste buds, we recommend the pad piek. And if that’s not spicy enough for you, we dare you to try the ghost pepper. 3800 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.4727 $

TORCHY’S TACOS

Feast on Torchy’s breakfast and savory tacos, many with the eatery’s signature use of pickled ingredients, making for a spicy, zesty twang of flavor in every bite. Start with the queso and a Happy Hour special and linger in Torchy’s hip atmosphere as the perfect end to a workday or for day-time weekend relaxation with friends. 3562 Soncy Road, Suite 101, 398.1111, torchystacos.com $

TYLER’S BARBEQUE

Going back to the basics, Tyler’s Barbeque combines a straightforward menu with a relaxed atmosphere. We suggest the mouth-watering Man-Sized Double Meat Sandwich or the tasty Frito pie. 3301 Olsen Blvd., 331.2271, tylersbarbeque.com $$

URBANA COFFEE WORKS

Southwest Amarillo can get its caffeine fix a little closer to home with the opening of Urbana Coffee Works. Hang out with a fresh brew and breakfast pastry, or enjoy lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily with hearty, hot sandwiches, tapas, soups and salads, and desserts like gelato or cupcakes. 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 100, 803.9022 $

VENEZIA ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA

Venezia’s ample menu is filled with pasta, pizza, hot subs, salads, and more. The pizzeria offers lunch specials, dine-in, carry-out and Doordash delivery. The fresh-made garlic cheese rolls just might ruin your appetite. 2813 SW Sixth Ave., 367.6217 $$

We’re everywhere!

VINCE’S ITALIAN PIZZA

Vince’s calzones are some of the best we’ve had. The pizzeria also offers huge Greek salads, gyro and an even larger familysized pizza. Enjoy the quirky atmosphere or get your food to go at the convenient drive-up. 2413 S. Western St., 352.2656, vincesitalianpizza.com $

WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX

You’ll find Cajun-style cuisine at Walk-On’s, including seafood, traditional favorites, enormous burgers and more. Voted the no. 1 Sports Bar in America by ESPN, enjoy the big game with a taste of Louisiana. 3506 S. Soncy Road, 398.2003, walk-ons.com $$

WESLEY’S BEAN POT & BBQ

Loyal customers return again and again to Wesley’s. The atmosphere is friendly and the barbecue is genuine Texas style. The baby back ribs and brisket The baby back ribs and brisket are customer favorites. 6406 River Road, 381.2893 $

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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, wildbillsbarandgrill. com $

YCSF CRAFT

YCSF Craft serves its popular gourmet eats for lunch and dinner. The diverse but limited menu boasts burgers, tacos, and daily specials, and features craft beer and a wellrounded wine list. 2916 Wolflin Ave., 353.9273, yellowcitystreetfood.com $

YE OLDE PANCAKE STATION

With breakfast this good, you’ll be glad to know the Pancake Station serves it all day long. The restaurant also offers great dinerstyle entrees for lunch. We recommend the over-sized omelets, fresh pancakes, and southern fried chicken. 2800 Virginia Circle, 355.0211, pancakestation.com $

YOUNGBLOOD’S CAFE

Experience the Western heritage of Amarillo at Youngblood’s Cafe. The Cafe serves up excellent chicken-fried steaks to satisfy your craving for beef. Plus, Youngblood’s also offers a hearty breakfast every day starting at 6 a.m. 620 SW 16th Ave., 342.9411, youngbloodscafe.com $$

ZOMBIEZ BAR & GRILL

Locals rave about the homestyle offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials, burgers, chicken-fried steak or chicken-fried chicken. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are available. 711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 $

Canyon BACK 40 GRILL

With daily specials and live music, Back 40 Grill is set on livening up the square in Canyon. American food favorites like burgers and fries, nachos, and chicken fry fill the menu. No matter your choice, you’re in for a rocking good time at Back 40. 1512 Fifth Ave, Suite 101, 557.3700, theback40grill.com $$

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

CANYON RANCH STEAKS & SPORTS

Located in the former Imperial Taproom building, Canyon Ranch serves classic steakhouse fare. Watch the restaurant’s Facebook page for daily specials, events and more. 410 15th St., 452.7269 $$

BEAR’S BURGERS & DAWGS

Choosing from the simple offerings is an easy task at Bear’s. Other than handmade burgers, hot dogs and fries, a few comfort food items like Frito pie and loaded baked potatoes round out the menu. Ice cold beer will help you wash it all down. 2001-A N. Second Ave., 452.8033 $

BEST THAI

Open seven days a week, there’s always something on the menu at Best Thai to satisfy your cravings for good Thai food, such as the vegetarian Curry Joe with yellow curry and steamed rice. Check out the Canyon’s Favorites menu; the pineapple fried rice and Charlie Special are full of flavor. 210 23rd St., 655.7299 $

BUFF’S

Buff ’s specializes in home-style comfort food and more-than-generous portions. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll find plenty of crave-appeasing items all day long. 2201 Fourth Ave., 655.2833 $

CREEK HOUSE HONEY FARM AND HONEY BUZZ WINERY NEW

The menu at Honey Buzz is full of delightful homemade items that contain Creek House’s famous honey. Nibble on cheese boards, salads, sandwiches and baked goods while sipping a mead specialty drink or flight. Time spent at the winery is truly a treat. 5005 Fourth Ave., 381.3446, creekhousehoneyfarm.com $

EL PATIO MEXICAN RESTAURANTE

Sometimes the only thing that will satisfy pesky hunger pangs is great Tex-Mex and that’s exactly what you’ll find at El Patio. The comfortable atmosphere and exceptional service add up to a perfectly satisfying meal. 1410 Hereford Highway, 655.4300 $

FAMILY SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT

You’ll find plenty of mouth-watering options at The Family Soul Food Restaurant. Feast on traditional family recipes like chickenfried chicken, fried ribs, catfish, or cheesy meatloaf with all the sides, topped off by a slice of sweet cornbread. Save room for the rotating dessert menu. 1205 23rd St., 463.4686 $

FAT-BOYS BBQ

Fat Boys has been dishing up delicious Texas-style barbeque since 1988, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. The meat has the perfect amount of smoky flavor. Top it with sweet barbecue sauce and add a few homemade sides. Your taste buds will thank you. 104 N. 23rd St., 655.7363, fatboysfamilybbq.com $

FELDMAN’S WRONG WAY DINER

Feldman’s fun, casual atmosphere and model trains that run a course along the ceiling make it a great place for the whole family. Try the made-fresh burgers or the Tortugas chicken, satisfaction guaranteed. 2100 N. Second Ave., 655.2700, feldmansdiner.com $

HIL’S BURGERS

This burger joint’s menu is pretty snazzy. The Philly cheese steak sandwich pairs perfectly with a side of sizzling, thinly sliced onion rings, but you can’t go wrong with the chicken-fried steak sandwich topped with chili, either. 1302 23rd St., 656.0810 $

HUDSPETH HOUSE COFFEE SHOP

Open on weekdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., the historic bed & breakfast’s new coffee shop serves homemade baked goods, breakfast items, quiche, sandwiches and soup. Enjoy afternoon tea in the house’s quaint dining area. 1905 Fourth Ave., 655.9800 $

JOE TACO

One of Amarillo’s most beloved Tex-Mex restaurants has made its way to Canyon. Located on the bustling square, the new location offers the same Tex-Mex favorites and energetic vibe as its Medical Center location. Enjoy lunch and dinner seven days a week. 502 15th St., 452.8226, joetaco.net $$

THE KING AND I

Craving fresh sushi? The King and I will surely satisfy. Try the customer favorite, the Canyon Roll, and savor every scrumptious slice of crab, tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and cream cheese topped with red tuna, white tuna, shrimp and eel. If you still have an appetite, order the fried bananas covered with powdered sugar and strawberries. 104 15th St., 655.2491 $$

PEPITOS MEXICAN RESTAURANTE

Choose your favorite Tex-Mex entree from the extensive menu, with traditional items like chile relleno, chimichangas, or sizzling fajitas. Enjoy the complementary chips and salsa while you wait. 408 23rd St., 655.4736 $

PONY EXPRESS BURRITOS

Based on the build-your-own burrito concept, Pony Express offers 14-inch burritos or bowls, tacos, quesadillas and a variety of fresh salsa flavors from mild to spicy, including its infamous ghost pepper. 2808 Fourth Ave., Suite C, 557.4166 $

RANCH HOUSE CAFE

The Ranch House Cafe has a small-town, family atmosphere. The Cafe offers breakfast all day, every day, and lunch, dinner and made-from-scratch desserts, as well as specials seven days a week. 810 23rd St., 655.8785, theranchhousecafe.com $

ROCKIN’ ZEBRA SODA SHOPPE

Located on the square, the Rockin’ Zebra Soda Shoppe offers classic soda shop fare like French dips, pulled pork sandwiches, or a grilled cheese sandwich. Cool off with a specialty drink or ice cream sundae. 404 15th St., 655.3381 $

SAYAKOMARN’S RESTAURANT

Sayakomarn’s offers a variety of traditional Thai dishes with daily lunch specials that won’t empty your wallet. Be sure to try their boba tea made with tapioca balls and shaken into fruit-flavored or milk tea. It’s yummy. 421 16th St., 655.2698, sayakomarns.com $$

SHARKY’S BURRITO COMPANY

Sharky’s newest location joins a few other Amarillo favorites inside WT’s JBK food court. Expect the same excellent food and service. 2501 Fourth Ave., JBK Food Court, 651.2759 $

TAQUERIA EL TAPATIO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

El Tapatio’s second location in Canyon serves up the same authentic Mexican food at affordable prices. The carne el pastor is a customer favorite. 2301 12th Ave., 510.7703 $

THAI KITCHEN

The generous menu will keep you coming back for more at Thai Kitchen. Choose from affordable Thai classics – soup, salads, noodles, pork, seafood and more. The small eatery is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. 713 23rd St., 655.4741 $

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JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

806 Inc.

his month, we introduce a new section in Amarillo Magazine: “806 Inc.” You’ll find news related to Amarillo-area business, such as ribbon cuttings, Chamber news, promotions and new hires, upcoming business openings and other event coverage. The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce recently announced its new President, Jason Harrison. Learn more about Jason in this month’s Spotlight. We’ve partnered with area chambers of commerce to share news and information vital to area business owners. Do you have business news you’d like to see in 806 Inc.? Email us! Send mmcaffrey@amarillo.com news and updates about your Amarillo-area business for consideration in an upcoming issue.

DOVE CREEK RIBBON CUTTING Courtesy of the Canyon Chamber of Commerce

PROVIDED PHOTO

Canyon Chamber of Commerce member Dove Creek Equine Rescue recently celebrated the renewal of its chamber membership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the rescue’s location outside of Canyon.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT:

Amarillo Chamber Board of Directors Names Jason Harrison President & CEO

PROVIDED PHOTO

he Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has promoted Jason Harrison to President and CEO. Harrison is a native of Amarillo and is a Tascosa High School and West Texas A&M University graduate. He began his career with the Chamber in the Convention & Visitor Council (now Bureau) in 2007 in the convention sales department before taking over the role of Vice President of the Business Development and Governmental Affairs of the Chamber in 2009. Jason has spent the last 2 months serving as the interim president while the search committee explored a number of other candidates. Chamber Board of Directors Chairman, Dusty Doyle, commented, “I think we are very fortunate to have one of our own carrying the torch into the next era. Jason has great relationships with our staff and membership, which has allowed for a very smooth transition. He is well respected by the Amarillo business community, as well as our state and local government officials. We’ve got the right man for the job and are extremely grateful that he has accepted the position.” Jason is married to Dr. Natalie Harrison, another Amarillo native and a local veterinarian. Courtesy of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce

JANUARY 2021 • AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

Panhandle Perspective

PALO DURO CANYON SUNRISE

am not a photographer by trade (I take care of social media for PDC), but this sunrise was too beautiful to pass up. It was an unusually still day at Palo Duro Canyon when I captured this 360-degree shot at the scenic overlook.

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM â&#x20AC;¢ JANUARY 2021

LINDSAY PANNELL Lindsay is the Interpretive Ranger at Palo Duro Canyon State Park where she helps inspire stewardship and love of nature in the public. A historian by training, Lindsay received her BA and MA at WTAMU and specialized in smellscapes of 16th Century England. She currently spends her time writing speculative fiction, adventuring with her spouse and children, and exploring concepts of identity, self and the environment. PROVIDED PHOTOS

JANUARY 2021 â&#x20AC;¢ AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM

PROVIDED PHOTO

20 Questions

LISA KNAFF OWNER, ABUNDANTLY BLESSED CARE HOMES OF AMARILLO What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career? To trust God, believe in myself, stop thinking about what could go wrong, and start believing in what could go right. How do you use social media to grow your network? I just started using social media; however, I have published ads and videos on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. I also have a webpage that is being designed at the moment. How do you maintain balance? First and foremost, I take care of myself. I cannot accomplish anything if I am unhealthy. I take time out at the beginning of each week and assess what needs to be done. I prioritize my daily tasks, and last but not least, I expect the unexpected. What has been your wisest investment? Investing in myself and my business. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? It has made me goal-driven, a planner, determined and unwavering. I’m also able to handle obstacles even in the face of adversity. What is the best part about your job? I have a great group of employees. It’s a family environment where everybody is there for each other. There is a genuine spirit of cooperation and shared goals that revolve around giving the best care possible to our residents. How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? Having a mentor meant that someone cared about me and my growth in my professional life as well my personal life. It has also pushed me to help others. Which living person do you most admire and why? I would have to say that it is my aunt, Stella Bagley. She is the glue that holds our family together. She has the biggest heart ever and even when she is down to nothing she never stops trying to make a way. Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe? “Its life; deal with it”. What is your business philosophy? Think big and start small. I’m always open to listening and learning from other people; there is always room for growth. Which quality do you most value in an employee? Integrity, hard work, and compassion for the residents. What personality trait has most helped you succeed? Resilience and willingness to learn. Who is your favorite author? Maya Angelou. What did you learn from your best boss? Effective time-management skills, that it’s OK to ask for help if I need it, its OK to say no if I can’t do everything myself, to follow my passions and create my own opportunities, and to strive for a healthy work/life balance. Your worst? No job is more important than my well-being. How can Amarillo improve its business environment? Expand services to help the city’s most marginalized residents feel more welcome. Most important tech tool: Project management; keeping track of tasks

AMARILLOMAGONLINE.COM • JANUARY 2021

and schedules. Best time management tool: I like to use FunctionFox. It lets me do everything I need in one app. I can’t live without my: cell phones, laptop and fax machine. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: it is a small town that is a great place for families and retirees. Most unusual job or task: The first thing that comes to mind is having to keep a deceased resident overnight, because the body couldn’t be touched due to their religious beliefs.

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100 Westgate Parkway Amarillo, TX 79121 806.355.9874 www.BarnesJewelry.com

Amarillo Magazine | January 2021

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