Amarillo Magazine | April 2017

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amarillomagonline.com April 2017

Inside the city's pet ordinances creating a dogfriendly backyard Prepare a colorful Easter buffet Volunteer at the Parc

The Simpson family

$1.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE

Pets in the City

Custom Built With Quality Throughout

S

ixteen years ago, Canyon native Andy Lemons shifted from selling new construction homes for a builder to starting his own company, Jadon Homes. Since then he’s made a custom dent in the Panhandle builder market with more than 325 homes.

“I love the creativity and innovation. Being able to do your own thing is always better than doing what someone else wants,” says Lemons. “You deal with me from the beginning and through the entire building process. I’m not handing you off to anybody else.

From starting stages to the warranty work, you deal with one person.”

When it comes to building a home, people have lots of choices. They can start from scratch, select an existing design, or modify a design to suit personal needs and wants. When it comes to finishes, homeowners can go with simple designs or select elements that reflect current trends. Lemons’ wife, Stephanie, works alongside him when it comes to colors, carpets, lighting, appliances, and other highend finishes.

“What’s on trend right now are clean lines, grays and whites, very modern flare. We’re also seeing a lot of outdoor spaces, larger patios and porches, and outdoor kitchens,” he says.

What makes Jadon Homes unique, along with Starpoint Homes by Jadon – which specializes in entry-level homes – is that Andy has worked with the same group of subcontractors and vendors for the entire time he’s been in business. The loyalty among those relationships ensures each homeowner the job will always be done correctly.

“My plumber has plumbed every house. My bricker has bricked every house. I don’t have 20 different painters and framers,” Lemons says. “When people meet with me and compare me to others, they see this as a difference.

“Custom homes can be more stressful, but the reward is bigger. There’s something from nothing. To see someone achieve a dream is very rewarding,” he continues. “I’m grateful to live and work in Amarillo.

I’m humbled to work with great clients and help them fulfill their dreams.”

A Personal Touch • A Professional Attitude • A Quality Home

t See this gorgeous new home during the TPBA Parade April 27-30; May 4-7

7810 Goldenview Circle - The Greenways 4 BR • 3 Bath • 3,144 Sq.Ft.

236.0035 • jadonhomes.com

Contents

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31 16

Features On the Cover

23 Pets in the City In this issue, we explore Amarillo’s relationship with its animal companions.

Sections 16

Flower Power From handbags to dresses, local retailers’ racks are bright with botanicals.

34

Easter Best Chef Josh Fuller shares a few ideas to create a colorful, delicious Easter brunch.

44

Making the Most of Spring Veggies Jessica Higgins’ recipes using spring vegetables will change your mind about less popular varieties like beets, radishes and greens.

By Jason Boyett

Photo by Shannon Richardson

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34

Creating Change The Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center restores dignity to local homeless population.

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Contributors/Online........ 5 Out & About.................... 6 The Way I See It.............14 Dress Code.....................16 Home.............................18 What’s Cooking?........... 34 Events........................... 47 Let’s Eat!.........................61 Retro Rewind.................70 20 Questions................. 72

E d i to r ’ s L e t t e r

Publisher

Les Simpson

Director of Specialty Michele McAffrey

Products/Editor 806.345.3256 michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com

Designer

Kayla Morris

Contributing Writers Jason Boyett Jennie Treadway-Miller

Contributing Mason Dudley Photographers Shannon Richardson Neil Starkey Gunnar Widowski Shaie Williams Avery Wooten

Graphic Artist Mary Anne Garcia

VP of Sales

Digital Sales Director

Major/National Accounts Manager

Cindy Brown Tim Horton Dewey Shanks

Inside Sales Manager Cindy Ledesma

Account Eric Bravo Representatives Natasha Cartwright Sharon Denny Trish Faris Lexy Mata Misti Newsom Jaime Pipkin

Executive Administrative

Assistant

Sarena Poor

Sales Assistants

Heather Contreras Yolanda Gallardo Rebekah McGowan

To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Cindy Brown at 806.345.3373 or cindy.brown@amarillo.com.

Vice President of Audience

Barton Cromeens

Mike Clayton

West Texas Controller

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

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

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e’re animal lovers at Amarillo Magazine, so we looked forward to making friends with all the nontraditional pets we feature this month in “Pets in the City” (see page 23). So far, we haven’t met a feathered, hooved or furry critter with Photographer which we didn’t fall in love. Shooting Shannon Richardson with Princess Anna this cover story made me miss the chickens my husband, Jerry, and I had.

Before we downsized almost two years ago, we raised a small backyard flock, which we housed in a fancy coop Jerry built to match our shed. At first, I had no interest in the new chickens, but before long one of them developed a cute little personality and took her place as the leader of the pack. Her name was Bonnie and she acted like a bossy red-headed dog, often standing at our back door and pecking on the glass, demanding to be let in. She’d let us pick her up and pet her soft feathers, and she didn’t even fuss when Jerry clipped her feathers to keep her from escaping our backyard (she was clever enough to come up with an exit strategy within a few months).

Yes, their eggs were much better than store-bought. But the girls provided so much more than tasty omelets. We loved listening to them contentedly coo and cluck as they scratched around in the grass, watching their funny antics and competitive pecking order, the excited calls that announced “I laid an egg! I laid an egg! I laid an egg!” (show-offs), and the learning experience they offered to our grandchildren. So I understand the draw of urban farm animals, and would tell anyone it’s worth it to own a small flock of hens.

Speaking of eggs, Chef Josh Fuller of OHMS Cafe and Bar and Jessica Higgins of Girasol Cafe and Bakery share a couple of delicious ways make eggs the star of your dinner (or buffet) table, while also incorporating plenty of colorful spring vegetables. These culinary geniuses are two of my favorite creative cooks, and as usual they did not disappoint. Jessica’s quiche is always as light as air, with a slightly sweet crust to complement the savory filling. And I can’t say enough about Chef Josh’s strata and vegetable tart. By the time we finished staging the Easter brunch table for his dishes, we were starving and anxious to try everything. It was the perfect late afternoon snack.

As we welcome spring, we’re still in the midst of ugly March winds. Here’s hoping that the dust has settled and we’re on our way to bright blue skies, beautiful blooms, and an appreciation for renewal.

As always thanks for reading,

Co n t r i b u to r s

Jason Boyett Jason wrote our cover story, “Pets in the City”, on page 23, and “Creating Change” on page 31. He is a journalist, copywriter, ghostwriter, and the author of more than a dozen books. Learn more at jasonboyett.com.

Shannon Richardson Shannon photographed “Flower Power” on page 16, “Pet Products” on page 18, “Send in the Navy” on page 20, “Pets in the City” on page 23, “Creating Change” on page 31, “Easter Best” on page 34, “Making the Most of Spring Veggies” on page 41, “Let’s Eat!” on page 61, and “20 Questions” on page 72. See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

Andy Chase Cundiff Andy, a local artist, singer and songwriter, has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years. See his artwork every month with Jon Mark Beilue’s column (page 14). Contact Andy at 376-7918.

Mason Dudley

Gunnar Widowski

Shaie Williams

Avery Wooten

Mason photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 6.

An Amarillo native, he has had an interest in photography since his high school days.

Gunnar photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 6. He is a professional photographer born and raised in Amarillo.

See Gunnar’s work at gunnarwidowski.com.

Shaie photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 6. His work ranges from editorial to portraiture.

See Shaie’s work at williamspics. smugmug.com.

Avery photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 6. His focus is creative portraiture and fashion. See Avery’s work at avphotographyweb. wordpress.com.

amarillomagonline.com O nline

e x clusives

See more photos from our cover story, "Pets in the City."

We post photos of Amarillo’s best events – and the people who enjoy them – every week in our Out & About section. Watch for updates on our Facebook page!

Register to win Submit your name and contact information to amarillomagonline.com/contest this month for a chance to win a $100 gift card to United.

Last month’s winner was Gene Bailey.

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Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, and stay up to date with our latest online features.

Get Amarillo Magazine on your iPad! Keep Amarillo Magazine on hand by downloading the Amarillo Globe-News iPad app. Browse the magazine at your leisure and enjoy visually pleasing features all month, every month (subscription required).

Subscribe Email michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com to receive Amarillo Magazine by mail.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Out & About

March for Babies Kickoff Luncheon The March of Dimes celebrated its March for Babies Kickoff Luncheon on Feb. 9. Held at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, the annual luncheon precedes the March of Dimes’ walking event.

Photos by Shaie Williams

Hope Johnson, Amy Garrett and Taylor Hackler

Bentli, Shelbi, Brandon and Hudson Miller

Fernando Noriega and Scott Lester

Sabra McFarland and Tish Sanders

Brandon Bussi and Marcus Chorney

Symphony Ball On Feb. 11 the Amarillo Symphony hosted the Symphony Ball. A fundraiser for the symphony since 1955, the 2017 event marked the 62nd annual ball. All proceeds benefited the Amarillo Symphony Guild and its programs.

Photos by Mason Dudley

Savannah and Blake Bailey

Erin Barbee and Justin Lewis

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Elizabeth and Reece Carter

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Carol Lovelady and Wilson Freeman

Mary Donaldson and Monica Kuhn

Celebration of Excellence Benefit Gala The Education Foundation of Canyon Independent School District hosted a gala on Feb. 11. Funds raised benefited educator and student leadership grants and new teacher startup funds.

Photos by Shaie Williams

Dee Dee and Mark Bennett, and David Hutson

Wade and Katelyn Malone

Lyndell and April McDaniel

Javier and Jordan Herrera

Judith Lara and Monica Herrera

Go Red for Women The American Heart Association held its local Go Red for Women luncheon on Feb. 14. The event included free health screenings, a fashion show, and a catered meal.

Photos by Shaie Williams

Holly Cardenas, Rachel Sarine and Sarah Green

Jeremiah and Karla Cunningham

Martha Del Toro and Judy Whiteley

LeAnn Matthews and Lou Osborn

Lenzi Schmucker and Kara Gist April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Out & About

Heroes and Legends Banquet On Feb. 16 the annual Heroes and Legends Banquet was held at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. The event featured Cal Ripkin, Jr., an American former baseball shortstop and third baseman. Proceeds benefited The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center.

Photos by Gunnar Widowski

Courtney and Shawn Corbell

Judy and Jim Rush

Rebecca and Rob Attaway

Terry and Russ Cato

Mandy and Steve Griffin

BBB Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics The Better Business Bureau of Amarillo hosted its Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics on Feb. 16. The annual event honors the best ethics in local business and featured key note speaker Jim Knight.

Photos by Mason Dudley

Monica Horton and Patty Humphrey

Ashlee and Ryan Fairbank

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Miry and Amanda Head

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Miguel and Dina Herrera

Paula and Gary Ward

AC Common Lobby Art Gallery Grand Opening On Feb. 18 Amarillo College held a grand opening for its new AC Common Lobby Art Gallery. The opening was followed by a recital featuring the college’s music faculty.

Photos by Neil Starkey

Ashlyn and Chris Major

Adam and Chrissy Jenkins

Michele Fortunato and Kevin Ball

Reece and Bart Hill

Diego and Nate Caetano

Safari Club International Banquet The local chapter of Safari Club International held its annual banquet on Feb. 18. Funds raised supported education, protection of hunting rights, and wildlife conservation.

Photos by Avery Wooten

Christina Ensminger, Ali McDaniel and Gretchen Young

Barb Pshigoda and Ashley Busch

Krystal Maybree and Courtney Snider

Jordan Jarone and Gabe Sappenfield

Brad Williamson, Hayden Hutchens and David Doan

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Out & About

Amarillo Young Life Banquet Amarillo Young Life hosted a banquet on Feb. 20. Held at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, the fundraiser provided information about the ministry’s work with local youth.

Photos by Neil Starkey

Teel and Steph Atkinson, and Gary Wixom

Claire and Bill Shear

Kim and Nate Stroh

Daniel and Sharon Reagan

Josh and Jenna Welch

Boy Scouts Good Scout Luncheon On Feb. 22 the Golden Spread Council of Boy Scouts of America hosted its Boy Scouts Good Scout Luncheon.

Funds raised supported the Golden Spread Council’s local operations.

Photos by Avery Wooten

Hamdidreza Jalali, Neomi Chapman and Karina Acevedo

Micah and Sarah Richie

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Janna Kiehl and Ginger Nelson

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Joby Mills and Don Thompson

Jesy Hauser and Bowden Jones, Jr.

Eighth Annual Family Support Services Mardi Gras Party Family Support Services held the Eighth Annual Mardi Gras Party on Feb. 25. The party featured an authentic New Orleans-inspired meal catered by Chef Rocky Dunnam and Nineteen49 Catering, casino games, strolling entertainers, live and silent auctions, and music by The Velvet Funk Band.

Photos by Mason Dudley Jill and Eric Albus

Robb and Mary Parker

Mika and Matt Daniels

Steve Garcia and Barbara Pedroza

Ben and Ashley Laycock

Helpful Hints for Healthy Pets REGULAR EXAMS: Prevent and catch problems early with regular yearly exams SPAY AND NEUTER: Cuts down on unwanted pets; may provide health benefits to your pet PREVENT PARASITES: Year-round prevention is key to prevent flea, intestinal and heartworm parasites.

Dr. David Faulker

NUTRITION FOR YOUR PET: One of the most important choices you will make for your pet. Consider age, breed, weight, and any underlying conditions.

We’re here to help with guidelines and advice.

REGULAR VACCINATIONS: Make sure your pet is getting the vaccinations that make sense for your pet’s age, lifestyle, health and risks.

ENRICH THEIR ENVIRONMENT: Keep your pet’s muscles, weight and mind strong with daily walks, scratching posts, window perches, toys and time with you.

MICROCHIP YOUR PET: Only about the size of a grain of rice, a microchip that is registered can help make certain your pet can always find his way home.

DENTAL CARE: Get information about brushing your pet’s teeth, oral rinses and dental treats to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

MEDICATION: Never give your pet people medication! It can be toxic to your pet. Only give your pet medication approved for his safety by his veterinarian.

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April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

11

Out & About

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Banquet The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Banquet was held on Feb. 26 at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. The keynote speaker was Jim Sundberg, who is known as one of the top defensive catchers in Major League history.

Photos by Shaie Williams

Madi, Matt and Vicki Edwards

Tiffany Tow and Blake Washburn

Cat and John Luciano

Melissa and Dr. Shane Holloway

Ashleigh Smith and Colton Lundergreen

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Conveniently located in southwest Amarillo.

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To use ER Reserve and learn more, visit nwths.com Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. ER Reserve should be used only if you decide your care can wait until the time you select. Do not wait if your symptoms or conditions worsen or if you need immediate care since delays may complicate your condition. If you are unsure of your condition or if your condition worsens, then please go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. Some insurance plans may not cover an ER visit if it is deemed urgent care or may apply a different copay.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

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LEADER

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Jon Mark Beilue

If I could just remember it like it was 1965

T

he poor tip of my tongue. As I careen headlong into yet another decade, the tip of my tongue is being asked to carry more and more weight. As in: “Oh, gosh, wait; don’t tell me – man, what is his name?

It’s right on the tip of my tongue.

“Blake. He’s your son. Blake.”

“I told you not to tell me.”

Well, it’s not quite that bad, but it’s well on the way. I don’t know what it says when I can more easily remember what happened 50 years ago than what I had last night for supper, but it can’t be good. (And before you laugh, what did you have for supper last night? No cheating.)

Call it short-term memory loss or brain overload, but whatever it is, I’m a candidate.

WebMD lists some of the reasons for this as alcohol and drug abuse, concussions, other trauma to the head, or vitamin B12 deficiency.

No, I don’t fit any of those. But then WebMD says not to worry about it, that as we age, we often turn into mental Carlsbad Caverns, or words to that effect.

So, basically, it’s an age thing. Hey, isn’t everything?

I used to never have to write down appointments. Just put it in the vault, I’m good. No more. For the past several years, I have had an old-school Pocket Pal calendar, on which I write everything.

When I don’t, it can be disastrous, like a column interview that was supposed to be at 6 p.m. on the night of Jan. 23, for example. I was merrily getting dressed in the gym locker room after a workout that night when this text popped in: “Did you forget? You said you would come by.”

Three apology texts later, we rescheduled. And I made very sure to write this one down. I usually write down only job-related reminders. I’m too proud to expand, but probably should.

I have lost count of the number of times when I brought some clothes to the dry cleaners and was told, “They’ll be ready Thursday.”

By the time I remember to pick up a suit jacket and some slacks, they’ve outlasted several employees. I’ve probably got a leisure suit or two still at Valet Cleaners that never got picked up.

This doesn’t sound possible, but I’m here to tell you that I’ve gone through a fast-food drive-thru, ordered, got my change and driven off without food. That was one humbling trip back to Taco Bell to explain what happened.

Through necessity, I’ve mastered the art of looking for my car in

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

the crowded parking lot when I have no idea where it is. No longer do I shuffle in circles, head turning left and right and looking like a complete doofus to those in cars watching this comedy act.

No, I have learned to stride confidently out to the parking lot, all the while rapidly hitting my key fob hoping the sound of a horn or headlights will lead me to the Promised Land.

This can be complicated by others my age doing the same thing and the parking lot at Market Street sounding like a New York intersection.

Names? Hey, forget it, which I do with regularity.

I will just be introduced to someone and can’t recall their name. It’s ridiculous.

Was her name Linda? No, think it was Lacy? Wait, Lauren, no, Lexi, or was it Lori?

“Yes, it was sure nice to meet you … ma’am.”

I can remember my address in Lubbock when I was 6 years old in 1964 – 1822 E. Brown. I can remember the mailbox we had in Groom in the 1960s – Box 355. And then the second one, Box 591.

I can remember our first telephone number: 248-4751.

I can still remember the opening words of the FFA creed I learned as a freshman – “I believe in the future of farming with a faith born not of words, but of deeds” – and Linus’ soliloquy from “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” as a sophomore – “In examining a work such as Peter Rabbit…”

But remembering to turn off the sprinkler in the backyard on a summer evening is a coin flip.

There’s been more than a few nights when I’ve raised up in bed past midnight with a gasp.

In my underwear, I hurriedly waded out to the backyard, where whitecaps were beating against the fence, to shut off the water. I’m not a water waster. I’m just a water forgetter.

All I know is, when I tell Jon Mark Beilue is a someone that I columnist for AGN Media. remember it like He can be reached at it was yesterday, jon.beilue@amarillo.com or 345.3318. that’s code for saying that I don’t have a clue.

Amarillo’s original coffee roaster!

Two Locations: Georgia & Soncy | roasters.biz AMARILLO GLOBE-NEWS

BEST 2016 OF AMARILLO

Dr e s s C o d e

Flower Power F loral motifs rarely go out of style in the fashion world, especially when frosty winter mornings finally give way to brighter sunlight and warmer temps. For that reason, it may not be too risky of a fashion choice once April arrives, but it definitely fits the sunny mood: What better way to embrace the greening of the Panhandle than to wear joyous, vibrant florals? And this year, everything seems to be in bloom – there’s no shortage of these whimsical, feminine fabrics to refresh a moody winter wardrobe. From handbags to dresses, local retailers’ racks are bright with botanicals. Here are a few of our favorite options.

Photos BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Huangjinwu dress $138, Amistad

Vera Bradley Lighten Up crossbody bag $58, Silverland

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Uncle Frank dress $167, Toye’s Boutique

Mumu Casey collar top $110, Makie Black

Blouse $89.50, Talbots

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Home

Send in the Navy I

f you thought navy was just for dress clothes and seafaring uniforms, think again. Lately, it’s become one of the most in-demand colors for interior design – and not just within those nautical-themed rooms in Pottery Barn Kids catalogs. Though the dark blue color is very traditional, it’s also versatile. Navy walls can be just short of black, so they pop against white trim or wainscoting. Modern designers also love to pair the elegant hue with spring-like colors, from peony pinks to sunflower yellows and vibrant greens, for an unexpected and fun overall look. We’ve accompanied our love for navy with a few botanical elements – like pressed flower prints and faux succulents – to inspire your creativity.

Photos BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Southern Living pillow $69.99, Dillard’s

Embroidered pillow $31.99, Urban Giraffe

Vase $220, Panache

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Threshold table runner $17.99, Target

Succulent arrangement $75, Panache

Botany frame $35, The Nat

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Home

Pet Products T

he foremost indicator that you are a dog (or cat) person is, of course, the existence of a dog (or cat) in your home.

Providing a loving abode for your miniature schnauzer or dachshund (or cat) certainly shows you care. But what really sets you apart from other animal-lovers is the presence of dog (or cat) accessories in your home. Nothing says “you belong here, Fluffy” like surrounding your pet with reminders of their love and acceptance. Fun cat prints on a pillow help your pet know he or she is welcome on the couch. A puppy paper-towel holder shows you’ll forgive him or her for unexpected little messes. Even salt-and-pepper shakers or wine aerators can, somehow, hopefully, signify your allegiance to man’s best friend (or cats). Go all-in with these delightful pet knick-knacks.

Photos BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

Ceramic bust $39.99, Amistad Spectrum wine aerator $27.50, Little Brown House

Cat salt and pepper shakers $2.99 each, Target

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Cat pillow $25, The Nat

Two’s Company decorative plate $22.50, Two Loons Warehouse

Metal dachshund paper towel holder $37.50, Urban Giraffe

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Pets in the City

By Jason Boyett Photos by Shannon Richardson

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mong Amarillo families, households with dogs and cats invariably treat them like four-legged members of the family.

Then there are the less traditional pets – Amarillo’s horses, snakes, rabbits, goats, pigs, ducks and chickens. These animals may not fetch a ball or crawl into your lap while you watch TV, but they fulfill many of the same roles as dogs and cats. They provide entertainment. They offer companionship. They don’t get cited on tax returns, but these pets are dependents in every sense of the word, just like dogs and cats.

In this issue, we explore Amarillo’s relationship with its animal companions. What kinds of pets can and do live here? What does it mean to be a humane, responsible pet owner? And what does it take to create and sustain a thoughtful environment that meets the needs of domestic animals as well as their humans?

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Protecting People and Animals

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he City of Amarillo’s Animal Welfare and Management Department is not surprised at all in the recent uptick of interest in urban homesteading or backyard farming. Not that Amarillo is quite as “urban” as New York City, where a Brooklyn brunch may feature omelets made from locally sourced eggs – as in, eggs gathered from that very neighborhood of brownstones and apartment buildings.

Amarillo has always existed on a fine line between metropolitan and rural life anyway. From the middle of town, look far in any one direction and you’ll see open space. Drive down any main street and eventually you’ll pass a horse or a barn. Around here, raising chickens, goats, pigs, or other barnyard animals in a city environment may not even qualify as a trend. Maybe it’s just the way we’ve always been.

Regardless, the city of Amarillo continues to update its municipal public health code related to pets, fowl and other animals. The original version dates back to 1960.

The most recent revisions took place in 2016.

“We have been proactive in trying to update all our ordinances,” says Richard Havens, the city’s director of Animal Management and Welfare. He was hired in late 2014, having held similar animal control and services positions in Kansas.

An animal lover himself, Havens lives outside the city limits with a menagerie of dogs and cats. He even used to keep pet arachnids, including an Antilles pinktoe tarantula, a Caribbean-native teal spider with pink toes. “It was the fastest thing you’ve ever seen,” he says. He chose the arachnid after hours and hours of research. “I wanted a spider I could handle. When I got my pinktoe, I got the proper terrarium and [monitored] the right humidity and temperature to make sure I properly housed that species,” he says. To have done anything less would be irresponsible, he believes.

Havens brings that same personal sense of animal ethics to the city department he manages. He oversees ordinances designed to protect both people and animals, to ensure pets “have a humane existence and partnership with their human counterparts.”

While the city code is very specific (see sidebar), Havens and his

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animal control team are not peering over fences into backyards and counting chickens relative to acreage. “We don’t actively look for violations,” he says. “[Municipal code] is enforced on a complaint basis. If a citizen calls and complains that there are too many chickens [at a residence], we will follow up.” For instance, investigators might pull up appraisal records to determine the exact size of a property. “If they don’t have enough acreage to have chickens, we tell them that we looked at the tax records. Then we’ll work with them. How long will it take you to find new homes or consume them humanely?”

At the same time, he recognizes the draw of urban chicken farming and the promise of all-natural eggs – or chickens – raised without antibiotics or Richard Havens, hormones. “More citizens are becoming city director of aware of how mass-produced chickens Animal Management are treated from a humane standpoint,” and Welfare he says. “It’s something we understand and respect but we need citizens to be aware of local ordinances. The chickens are not allowed to run around at large. They need to be contained to the property. You need to clean up after them.”

Havens says responsible animal ownership often is as simple as being a good neighbor. “If you have a rooster, you need to make sure the rooster doesn’t interfere with your neighbors.

If it’s crowing in the morning and your neighbor complains, we could be citing you for a noise violation,” he explains.

In fact, Havens recommends opening communication lines before the process even starts. “Just go talk to them. Tell them you’ll have a small, backyard flock and you’ll be in compliance with the local ordinances,” he says. That step – and the neighborly attitude behind it – can get out in front of potential complaints that might involve the city.

The same common-sense approach applies for larger rural animals as well.

Should a city employee see a pet goat in a backyard – and if the time and manpower exists – Havens’ department might investigate that the goat is being kept humanely and in accordance with code. Humane treatment even applies to goats being raised for food. (Slow-roasted goat, or cabrito, is popular in some parts of Mexico.) “Because of how diverse Amarillo is, there’s a lot of different meat consumed here,” says Havens. “That someone would have a goat intended for consumption doesn’t surprise us a bit.” He says the city would likely not intervene “as long as it is humanely euthanized for consumption and then the product not consumed is appropriately disposed of.”

What are the rules?

Municipal code is flexible for other types of pets. Large primates (like chimpanzees) are absolutely against code: “Having a primate is illegal and if I find out you have a primate, I will be coming after you full-force,” Havens says. “They are a severe danger to this community.”

At the same time, he is aware of a few exotic animals kept legally and humanely as pets in the city limits. The rulebook doesn’t feature an exhaustive list of what is allowable. “Always reach out to local authorities to make sure whatever species you are getting is even legal to possess,” he recommends. If not, “you’re putting the authorities in a position where they [potentially] have to bring you into compliance – whether it’s for public safety or humane conditions,” he says.

But the legality of an animal isn’t the only thing a responsible pet-owner needs to consider. “Make sure you have all the supporting pillars in place to own the animal. Do you have a vet who can treat that species? Can you get the right food? Does it take a month to get the food? What happens to the pet if something happens to me?” he asks. As an example, he mentions venomoids – formerly venomous snakes who have had their venom glands and/or fangs removed in a controversial surgical procedure. “Not everyone likes snakes, especially venomous ones,” he says. “What if I’m in the hospital and need you to make sure it has water and is still contained? What happens if the snake gets loose? You’re taking my word that it’s really not venomous anymore.”

He has countless stories of the city having to get involved because people purchase an exotic pet without thinking ahead. “People get in over their heads and don’t know what to do,” he says. In these cases, caring for the pet often falls to authorities like Animal Control. In that case, taxpayers end up picking up the tab for irresponsible pet owners – even those who had good intentions. “We get ferrets and turtles and hedgehogs. Every time a species presents itself here at the shelter but we don’t have housing for it, we have to go obtain [appropriate shelter and food]. That is the humane thing to do. It’s either find proper housing or euthanize it,” he says. Either way, it costs the city budget.

The last thing the city wants to do is put down an animal, says Havens, whose arrival in Amarillo came several months after the highly publicized complaints related to mistreatment of animals at the city shelter. “It breaks our heart every time we euthanize an animal,” he says. That’s why he works hard to educate residents on humane treatment and the perils of over-breeding. “When your neighbor is cranking out puppies because they can get $10 a puppy, ultimately twothirds of that litter will end up here at the shelter. The other third may be euthanized because of overcrowding. The taxpayer is paying the price for that, but the animal pays the ultimate price.”

In a perfect world, people would be responsible with pet ownership, animal control would have a smaller budget, and its funds would be allocated to other city programs. Unfortunately, this isn’t a perfect world. According to Havens, animals still come into the shelter at a faster rate than they leave through adoption, fostering, rescue and reclaims. That scenario leaves the city with few options.

Late on a Friday afternoon, Havens watches a resident surrender three cats to the shelter. “I don’t know his reasons,” he says. “But if you have mechanisms in place to deal with animals when unfortunate things happen, you’re not going to end up here surrendering them.”

Chickens and ducks: “Barnyard fowl” may only be kept in locations zoned for industrial, agricultural, or heavy commercial use. In residential areas, residents may keep up to four barnyard fowl per quarter-acre. The location must not be less than one-quarter acre in size. (The phrase “barnyard fowl” includes chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, guineas, and turkeys.)

Goats: Livestock can only be kept within the city limits if in a private or commercial horse lot. (The term “livestock” includes horses, donkeys, mules, goats, and sheep.)

Pigs: Swine are not allowed to be kept within the city limits, unless under the supervision of schools, fairs, or livestock shows. The exception is for miniature pigs, in which case no more than two may be kept as pets in any one household. These must be spayed and neutered before they are three months old and be vaccinated for rabies.

Male pigs must have their tusks surgically removed.

(Vietnamese potbelly pigs are considered miniature pigs.)

“If someone is curious about whether animals can exist on a property, we just ask that they call us,” says Richard Havens, director of the Animal Welfare and Management Department.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Backyard Farm Animals Afton Simpson and Allen, one of her pet chickens

The Simpson Family’s Fowl

S

everal years ago, Casey Simpson watched “Food Inc.”, an acclaimed 2008 documentary about corporate farming in the United States. It detailed a variety of environmentally harmful practices by large-scale agribusiness – including widespread mistreatment of animals.

“Particularly what disturbed me was seeing how poultry was treated,” Casey says. One of the film’s most talked-about scenes took place on an industrial chicken farm, where heavy-breasted chickens kept falling down, overcrowding caused birds to bump into each other, and chicken farmers complained about the shockingly inhumane conditions that were being forced upon them. The film made Casey think about where her family’s food came from. When she couldn’t get the chickens out of her mind, she asked her husband, Brent, what he thought about raising a few egg-laying hens in their backyard.

He agreed to it. The Simpsons live on a large corner lot in the Olsen area. Using plans they found online, the couple built a small chicken coop. Then, two years ago, they bought four pullet hens from Honey’s Farm Fresh, a farm between Amarillo and Canyon. The hens were around three months old at the time, and started laying eggs a few months later.

Today, Casey says, “we get between two and four eggs a day.” In addition to the unending egg supply, the family of five discovered the chickens had become their new pets. The couple’s children – who are ages 7, 4 and 3 – find the birds endlessly fascinating. “It was surprising how fun it got so quickly,” says Casey. “We’ll just sit around the fire pit or on the porch and watch the chickens peck and scratch around. It’s surprising how attached to them you get. It’s more of a pleasurable activity versus just having them solely for eggs like we intended in the beginning.”

In fact, their daughter, Afton, the oldest, has become obsessed with the chickens. “We call her the ‘chicken whisperer,’” Casey says. “They come running to her. They love her.” Using grapes – one of the birds’ favorite treats – Afton has begun trying to teach them tricks. So far, the chicken training lessons have been unsuccessful, but Afton persists.

“She’s a fanatic,” Casey says.

The chickens even have names. Elsa and Delta are a breed known as Buff Orpington. Fajita is an Ameraucana. And the Rhode Island Red? Her name is Allen, Casey says with a laugh. “That’s what you get when your kids pick out the names.”

Allen, Fajita, and the others share a yard with a more traditional pet – the family’s female German Shepherd. “There’s never been an

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issue. They do their thing and she does hers,” says Casey. The Simpsons keep the door of the chickens’ coop open and let them free-range in the yard until it gets dark, when the birds enter the coop on their own. “It’s easier than I thought. They’re very low-maintenance.”

The Simpson family isn’t alone in Amarillo. More and more local families in residential areas – along with plenty of others outside the city limits – have taken an interest in the kinds of non-traditional pets that, until recently, had been more common on farms than in backyards.

The Stone Family Chickens

Richard Stone grew up around his grandparents’ chickens in Brownfield. Three years ago, when he and his wife, Lori, moved into the residential Boatwright Trew addition between Amarillo and Canyon, they decided to raise chickens. “I didn’t know you could have chickens inside the city limits back then,” he says. (According to city code, four are allowed per quarter-acre – see sidebar.) “I just thought it would be a good thing for my kids to experience.”

The couple has two children – 15-year-old Joshua and 8-year-old Ana – plus 10 chickens who live in an 8-by 12-foot coop in a fenced backyard. Last spring, Richard and Ana picked out the hens from Ranchers Supply on River Road. “I went a little overboard on our coop, but you don’t have to spend that much money on them,” he says.

“They take care of themselves pretty well. They stay in the coop most of the day while I’m at work. In the evenings, we let them out and let them free-range.”

Like the Simpsons, the Stone family’s chickens coexist with the family dog, a lab named Dango. “When we initially got them, we had them in a brooder in our dining room,” Richard says. (A brooder is a heated, protected enclosure for baby chicks until they can care for themselves.) “The dog would come look at them and kind of ‘mama’ them.” Now that the chicks are grown, they share a space with Dango.

“He’s been good with them. They don’t run from him or get in his face or anything. They don’t seem afraid.”

During the winter months, Richard kept a heat lamp in the chickens’ coop to keep them warm, and feeds them a combination of a proteinbased chicken feed and vegetable scraps from the kitchen. They started producing eggs at around eight months, and today provide the family around eight eggs a day. “We have plenty for ourselves,” Richard says.

Kenzie and Tommy Lee with Princess Anna Richard Stone and his chickens

The “Duck Lady”

Lindi Willis lives in the San Jacinto area. Instead of chickens, her nontraditional pets include, in her words, three “urbanized ducks.”

Before moving into the city limits, she lived on a ranch. “I brought my chickens and ducks with me, and eventually got rid of everything except these ducks,” she says.

The male ducks live in a 12-by-12 area behind a short picket fence in her backyard. They have an oversized doghouse to block the wind and swim in a plastic kiddie pool. “Mine are spoiled,” Lindi says.

Unlike chickens, she says ducks can be very high-maintenance. “You really do have to take care of them and treat them right to be a good duck owner.”

Lindi’s ducks are American Pekin, a domestic breed with white feathers and an orange-yellow beak, identical to the famous Aflac® duck. Lindi raised two of them from incubated eggs and rescued the third a year ago from a trailer park in Vega. She named that duck Jack.

“He was in a very sad situation,” she says. Jack had been living in a dark, plywood lean-to in an alley. A friend owned the trailer park and had grown increasingly concerned about the duck’s living conditions.

“He was covered in feces and mud,” Lindi says. “She thought it was inhumane.” The owners allowed Lindi to adopt Jack. She cleaned him up and her flock of two became a flock of three.

“They’re very dependent on me,” she says. “You have to feed them, house them, give them water.” She says her ducks get in their pool almost every day and, at other times, follow her around the backyard.

“They think I’m their mom,” she says. “When friends come over and I go outside, it’s kind of embarrassing.”

The ducks’ diet includes a corn-and-grain chicken feed, which Lindi buys from Ranchers Supply. They also enjoy treats from time to time.

“They go crazy over cherry tomatoes. I can walk out with tomatoes in my hand and they go nuts.”

Lindi’s other pets include two miniature blue heelers who have been trained to work cattle. The dogs have grown up with the ducks and don’t bother them, but have been known to herd them when necessary.

“Recently the ducks got out of their area and into our backyard. They follow a leader and will get right on your heels,” she says. After the ducks got out of their enclosure, Lindi looked out the window and noticed they were following the dogs, who in turn were heeling the ducks. The five creatures had created an endless duck-and-dog circle.

By showing her ducks to elementary-school students and

introducing them to a wide circle of friends, Lindi has developed a reputation. “I guess people know me as the ‘crazy duck lady,’” she says. People approach her on a regular basis, especially when they’ve seen injured ducks in or around local ponds. “I get contacted to rescue ducks all the time,” she says. Though she’s happy with her three, she finds it hard to ignore those rescue calls. “I just love them because they are kind of at the bottom of the food chain. They could easily be prey.”

The Lee Family Pig

Tommy and Tiffany Lee live on an acre of land in the Gene Howe neighborhood near Horseshoe Lake, within the city limits. They raise a dozen chickens alongside three small dogs, a cat, some rabbits, and a pot-bellied pig named Princess Anna.

The Lees have kept chickens for the past six years. The birds live in an insulated coop and can produce up to 10 eggs a day. But the 75-pound Princess Anna – a miniature pig allowed by the city code – is the queen of the house.

“She thinks she’s a dog,” Tiffany says of the family pig. “It’s really not much different from having a dog. All she’s been around are our dogs, so she runs out to the back fence and ‘barks’ like a dog would.” Tiffany describes the sound as a combination of a bark and an oink.

Princess Anna weighed only eight pounds when she joined the family as a piglet. Tommy and Tiffany’s 17-year-old daughter, Kenzie, who has Down Syndrome, loves animals and had become infatuated with the idea of having a pig. Miniature pigs are known for their intelligence and sociability, and Tiffany had read that they could make ideal therapy or emotional support animals.

It turned out to be true – as long as Princess Anna is with her family.

The pig becomes very shy with guests or strangers. “She’s close to all of us, but when we have new people over, she hides,” Tiffany says. “I thought she’d be easier to take up to the schools and see students, but she just doesn’t like being social. We keep her to ourselves.”

That’s fine, because Princess Anna loves Kenzie, who refers to the family pets as her “brothers and sisters.” The pig lives in the house with the dogs, is potty-trained, and sleeps on a dog bed in the laundry room.

“She slept in a crate when she was smaller but she got too big for it,” Tiffany says. “She goes to the bathroom outside just like our dogs.”

Neither of Kenzie’s parents grew up around animals other than housecats. “This is new for us,” Tiffany says. But like most parents, she’s willing to consider Kenzie’s exotic requests – up to a point. “Now she wants a Grant’s zebra. We’ll have to see about that,” she says, laughing. “She’s asked for an elephant, too.”

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard

T

he backyard is a dog’s paradise. Even if a pet spends most of its time indoors, the backyard will become its second home. Keeping that environment safe for your pet – and safe from your pet – should be at the top of a homeowner’s priority list. Local experts share their tips for ensuring a pet-friendly landscape.

Shade or shelter. The presence of shade trees can cool a backyard more than 10 degrees during the hottest part of summer. Jack McWhorter, lead arborist at Amarillo Arborlogical, has experienced this firsthand. “You can go into a backyard with no shade, like one of those new houses in southwest Amarillo. And then you go into Wolflin on the same day. There’s a big difference,” he says. “Go sit in the 95-degree sun for six hours every day and see how you feel.” If dogs must be left outside in a yard without shade trees, McWhorter suggests erecting a doghouse or other protective shelter. Even a shallow wading pool can help dogs cool their paws.

However, Coulter Gardens’ Warren Reid says the solution is not as simple as planting a shade tree in a backyard that’s already occupied by a pet. It’s best if the tree comes first. “If I plant a tree in a yard and the dog comes in later, they don’t bother it,” he explains. “But if you plant a tree and the dog’s already there, his first goal is to rip the bark off that tree, for some reason.” He suggests using protective deer guards around the trunks of new trees.

Mulch. While wood mulch can improve the appearance of landscaping, not every form of mulch is good for dogs. “Most bagged mulches are hard woods and not really a problem,” says Reid. But free mulch from the city’s wood-chipping sites could include soft woods.

“Slivers usually come from soft wood and can get into a dog’s paw and cause infection,” he says. Any soft, natural mulch should be covered with a harder layer of cedar mulch or pecan shells, which won’t shard or splinter.

Ben Thoennes, a certified arborist and owner of a local tree, shrub, and turf service called Grow, cautions pet-owners about using colored or dyed mulch. “As far as danger to a dog’s health, colored mulch is approved by consumer protection agencies” and should be safe, he

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says. “But if you put out black mulch all day, your hands get colored with that dye.” The same can happen with a pet that digs in the mulch or lies down in it. An otherwise light-colored dog could end up with a temporarily dyed muzzle or paws. “Don’t leave mulch bags around,” Thoennes also warns. “Just like with kids, those can be dangerous.”

Larger rocks may be better ground-cover solutions for dogs that tend to dig into or chew upon wood mulch. While small rocks or deconstructed gravel are good options, they can cause problems if accidentally moved into a lawnmower’s path. “I rarely recommend pea gravel or anything under egg-size,” says Reid. “A dog picks a rock out of the flower bed, and the mower shoots it through a window.”

Insecticides. “I am pro-insecticide because of pets with flea and tick issues,” says McWhorter. While many of his customers may prefer organic treatments like insecticidal soaps, those alternatives may be less effective than chemicals. “You can go organic because you don’t want to hurt your pets, but then you may not be killing those pests that are after your pets,” he says. “We’ve had people who are organic until they have an infestation, and then they’re like, ‘Get ’em.’”

McWhorter explains that the insecticides most homeowners use are safe if sprayed responsibly. “The pads of dogs’ and cats’ paws are very absorbent, so it’s really important to follow insecticide label instructions,” he says. “If it says don’t let anything on the yard for six or eight or 24 hours, they’re not playing around.” Insecticides are systemic, which means they move from the soil into a plant’s roots, then through the plant itself. “That means it’s going to be systemic in your skin, too, and it is going to get in [a pet’s] pads easily. It’s probably not going to kill your dog or cat, but it can make them feel bad if they run around on it.” For that reason, Amarillo Arborlogical always doubles its pet protection estimates. “If we’re spraying something and it says eight hours, we tell people 16 hours,” McWhorter says.

Thoennes advises pet-owners to make sure a landscape professional is licensed before they apply fertilizer or pest control. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) licensing includes classes and tests that require the applicator to understand particular hazards related

to human and household pet protection, as well as water and landscape protection.

Gardens. “Most dogs, when you start digging up the dirt, are going to be pretty interested in helping you out,” says Justin Young, who oversees the High Plains Food Bank’s community garden. “Once the grass is off, they want to dig around in it, too. So some kind of barrier is definitely advised. The biggest problem is when pets figure out they’ll find carrots if they dig down far enough.” Young says low fencing usually keeps all but the most persistent dogs out of a garden.

The main thing for gardeners to consider is plant toxicity – specifically the nightshade family of plants, which includes tomatoes and peppers. Because these are vegetables that grow well in Panhandle gardens, Young wants pet-owners to be aware of the potential risks. “If [pets] are eating the fruit off the plants they’ll be fine, as long as the fruit is ripe,” he says. “It’s the vegetation or the unripe fruit that’s the problem. It won’t kill your animal unless they eat a bunch of it, but it’s really likely it will upset their stomach.”

Young recommends creating a hot pepper garlic spray, a spicy organic solution that prevents pests and deters dogs at the same time. “Essentially you’re putting garlic and cayenne pepper in a bucket of water,” along with dish soap or mineral oil to help the spray stick, he says. Online gardening sites offer plenty of recipes.

Other sources of fruit can cause problems as well. “We’ve seen some pets get sick on a crabapple or fruit tree that drops a

lot of fruit, especially when the fruit sits on the ground and rots,” Thoennes says. Beyond keeping the ground clear of fallen fruit, he suggests using a fruit reduction or eliminator spray to keep a tree from producing.

Harmful Plants. Outside the garden, are there other plants pet-owners should avoid? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists hundreds of plants toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. Reid says he answers customer questions about the list on a regular basis, and admits it can be confusing. For instance, daffodils are on the list as poisonous to dogs. “Daffodil leaves and blooms are not toxic, but daffodil bulbs are toxic if a dog digs them up and eats the bulbs,” says Reid.

Similarly, a number of yews are on the list as well. “The Hicks yew is a great shrub, a tall slender evergreen,” says Reid. “You rarely, if ever, see a berry on it. But every once in awhile it’ll put berries on.

The berry isn’t poisonous, but the seed inside it is toxic.”

McWhorter says toxic shrubs or plants are rare in the Panhandle – especially if they originate at a retail garden or nursery. “Obviously, the nurseries are not going to want the liability of selling somebody something that could possibly kill their dogs,” he says. “The likelihood of you getting ahold of a plant that’s toxic if ingested by your pet is pretty low.” A more likely culprit might be exotic plants found in seed catalogs. In those cases, he suggests pet-owners research a plant before buying.

Healthy dog or healthy lawn?

Fescue is one of the best cool-season grasses for local lawns. Unfortunately, fescue doesn’t get along with dog urine. “Female dog urine is really hard on fescue,” says Amarillo Arborlogical’s Jake McWhorter, who has raised Labrador retrievers and now owns a Labradoodle.

He explains that dog urine is high in nitrogen. So is common fertilizer, but the application of too much fertilizer can cause lawn burn. Because female dogs tend to void their bladders in a single place – rather than marking multiple locations like a male – dog urine introduces too much nitrogen to the grass, which turns it yellow or brown as a result. Female dogs that are in heat have even higher amounts of nitrogen in their urine.

“They can burn a spot the size of a volleyball with one squat,” says Warren Reid of Coulter Gardens. He suggests aerating a lawn in the spring to promote drainage. Beyond that, he sells a product called Revive Dog Spot Treatment. “You spray it on the lawn once a month to take it from a volleyball-sized urine burn to a golf ball-sized burn,” says Reid.

Other non-chemical solutions may prove more difficult. “The best move is to train your dogs to use a certain area of the yard, which can be hard,” McWhorter says. Ben Thoennes of Grow agrees. “It’s just tough to have a couple of big dogs and maintain a really healthy lawn – unless you have a dog run,” he says.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Come Home to Witt

F e at u r e

Members work on creative projects like painting and writing.

Creating Change

The Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center restores dignity to local homeless population

By Jason Boyett Photos by Shannon Richardson

C

hristy Graham is 63 years old. Peering through no-nonsense glasses, with strands of her graying hair feathering her face, she leans over an adult coloring book. “I was a horrible color-er when I was a kid,” she says with a grin. “I couldn’t stay in the lines. But by golly, now I can!”

That long-lost ability to color surprised Christy when she first sat down at a fluorescent green table at The Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, or the PARC. Located in a small structure on Sixth Avenue, west of the Chase Building, the PARC is a cozy hive of activity. Soft music plays over the speakers. The air is rich with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. At another table, adults are talking to each other while they paint. Outside, a woman hammers a design into a small piece of

sheet metal.

Christy didn’t know adult coloring books existed until she came to the PARC. These books include a vast array of kaleidoscopic designs and abstract patterns, but Christy says her favorite things to color are whales and dragons. “Whales because they’ve been around since the beginning of time and they amaze me,” she says. “Dragons because they’re mythical and I can’t get them out of my head.”

She is articulate, thoughtful, and homeless. She arrived in Amarillo in January after having lived in Dallas since the 1970s. For three decades, Christy lived with her mother, whom she describes as “her best friend.” Then, six years ago, her mother died. Christy has been homeless ever since. She’s a one-day-at-a-time alcoholic and April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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community.” She struggles to find the word, then it’s there. She smiles.

“I feel un-homeless.”

She says the PARC offers her a respite from the negativity and stress she sometimes encounters at the shelters. Christy loves crafts and loves to read, and the PARC provides a place for her to do those things in safety.

That’s why it exists.

Starving for Connection

PARC Director Valerie Gooch

a recovering addict. For a while, she lived in an apartment with a roommate, until discovering the roommate had a gambling problem.

“She lost her money and couldn’t pay rent. We got evicted,” Christy says. The eviction brought her to Amarillo.

Peace and security are what bring her to the PARC every Tuesday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “I’m here all day, every day,” Christy says. In the process of getting an apartment, she stays in a local homeless shelter at night. When the shelter closes in the morning, she comes here. “Out there, being homeless, it’s very scary. I get lost out there. Here it’s relaxing. You feel like part of the

Getting Involved Robert Lee and Valerie Gooch are the only employees at The PARC, which is entirely funded through donations.

Online financial contributions are accepted at theparc.net, and donations of art and craft supplies are always welcome.

But Gooch says the most important donations are the hours given by volunteers, who teach classes or simply sit with members, engaging in one-on-one conversations as they color, paint or work. “Volunteering here is one of the easiest things, but people have a hard time understanding it,” she says. “People want to do something, but we just want them to sit down and have a relationship and conversation.

Sometimes people feel that isn’t valuable but that’s where the magic happens. The power of presence and attention is very powerful. Those are what we need most and are the hardest to find.”

Hours and commitment levels are flexible. Email volunteer@theparc.net to get involved.

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The PARC is a nonprofit started two years ago by Valerie Gooch and Robert Lee. Gooch is a former children’s pastor who serves as the PARC’s executive director. Lee, the director of operations, has a background in business ownership and management. The idea for their organization came when both were working at a local homeless agency.

“They did meals and gave out resources,” Gooch says of her former employer. “We would watch them come to the meal, and then walk across the street and sit there until the next meal. There was nothing for them to do during the day.” Most shelters close during the day, and other organizations ask patrons to leave between meals. This leaves Amarillo’s homeless residents with little to do in the mornings and afternoons. They starve not only for food, but also for human connection and meaning.

Gooch explains that, for the homeless, the daily pursuit of food and shelter can reduce life to little more than a cycle of eating and sleeping.

Over time, the stress of survival can lock them up emotionally. “They don’t get called by name. They don’t have time for someone to sit and look them in the eye and have a relationship with them,” she says.

“We felt that was the missing link in breaking the cycle and finding confidence to do the things needed to get out of homelessness.”

Until the PARC, Amarillo’s homeless population didn’t have a safe, hospitable place to be productive and creative, a place to engage in meaningful conversation, or even to do something most people take for granted: starting a project and finishing it. “When they come here, we have projects for them to do and classes for them to participate in,” says Gooch. “They can start something and finish it. If they don’t finish it, it will be here the next day.”

Some people paint or color. Others have learned how to knit. One man likes to solder. One volunteer regularly brings wood and woodworking materials to the PARC. “Every week is different depending on what’s on sale at Hobby Lobby,” Gooch says with a smile.

In February, Christy made a Valentine’s Day craft for her granddaughter. “They have an opportunity to be able to give something to someone,” the director says. The PARC lacks storage space for these creations. Instead, Gooch promotes giving to others or thinking beyond their current situation. “Sometimes they make things for when they get a house or apartment,” she says. “There’s a future orientation there. Or if they don’t want it, they can find someone they can bless with it.”

Being Known

While encouraging generosity and creativity, Gooch, Lee, and their volunteers also want to restore the dignity of those who participate. “They say people look at you differently when you’re homeless,” Gooch says. “So for everyone who comes in, we find out their name and introduce ourselves.” Amarillo has no lack of resources for its homeless population (see sidebar), but many of those involve meeting survival needs rather than emotional needs. Lee and Gooch believe emotional health is as important as physical health. The most valuable things that take place in their building may be the daily conversations and accountability it generates.

A few weeks ago, a frequent PARC patron got back on his feet and found his own place to live. Gooch got in touch with

him to ask for a small favor. “He said, ‘This is the only place I go where someone calls me by my name and asks me how I am. I’ll do anything for you.’ They can get resources [all over town] but aren’t known. People don’t look at them.”

Being seen as a person at the PARC helps the homeless get back in touch with themselves. Productivity builds confidence. They remember skills or passions that may have gone dormant over the years. Their countenance changes. “Through the classes and relationships, they see there are possibilities other than the cycle they’re stuck in. They step out and start going to interviews or start thinking about other things they can do,” Gooch says. “It’s like they wake up and realize, ‘I don’t have to stay here.’”

Dalton Snell sits at the same table as Christy. This soft-spoken 26-year-old loves to play chess. He has a part-time custodial job at night and is saving his money while he sleeps in a nearby shelter.

He spends his days at the PARC. “It’s a cool place to hang out and fellowship with people,” he says. His itinerant lifestyle has taken him from Ohio to Illinois to Oklahoma City before arriving in Amarillo on the bus. “I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere. There’s no pressure to prove yourself.”

Dalton uses the PARC as an anchor, a calming buffer between his responsibilities at work and the occasional chaos on the streets or in the shelter. Others are like him, coming in and out during the day between meals, appointments or job interviews. “We only require that they be sociable,” Lee says. “We don’t let them wear earbuds or isolate themselves. They can stay as long as they’re doing something productive.” He and Gooch refer to patrons as “members” to give them a sense of expectation. While there, they are expected to participate in an activity and in any classes that are offered.

After working and talking for an hour or so, Lee and a volunteer begin arranging chairs for a Celebrate Recovery class. Lee says gaining freedom from addiction is an important step for escaping the cycle of homelessness, and while the PARC has a zero-tolerance policy for users, it’s a policy tempered by compassion. “We try to keep it drug-free,” says Gooch. “If someone comes in high, we will ask them to leave, but they can always come back. We don’t ban people. They never run out of chances.”

Dalton and Christy join the gathering. Volunteer-led classes like these vary every day, from creative writing to jewelry-making to financial literacy. Some take place weekly. Others may only occur once a month, depending on the volunteer. All of them are designed to engage members’ minds while offering something of educational value.

A Person to be Known

The change in countenance visible among members like Christy is an important aspect of their work, but Gooch hopes to see a wider change, too. “I feel like we’re helping to change the culture,” she says. Members begin to find their value when they are shown respect at the PARC. “They also begin to show respect to others, to the building, to our supplies, even to the volunteers who come in to teach. They take that respect out into the community.”

She hopes to see the community change, as well. To start, her volunteers begin to view the homeless through different eyes. “We’re seeing signs of that all over,” she says. “People who look at someone who is homeless start seeing the person rather than the stigma of homelessness.”

By finding fulfillment at the PARC, some members of the homeless population are changing. By having conversations with homeless people, some members of the wider community are changing. “I believe the PARC is a big part of that,” Gooch says.

“We’re just people. There’s a person to be known within every one of them. We’re here to get to know each other.”

A Community of Philanthropy While she believes the PARC meets a distinct need that had been missing in the city, Gooch has nothing but praise for Amarillo’s dedication to caring for its homeless residents. “Amarillo is a community of philanthropy. People here are different,” she says. A woman from California recently told Gooch how strange it was to arrive in Amarillo as a homeless person. “In California, if you walked into a bank, they treated you like you were going to rob it,” the woman said. “Here, everybody greets me and asks how I’m doing and tells me to have a blessed day.”

Another man once mentioned how, on a downtown street, a local businesswoman had looked him in the eye and smiled at him. He had recently come to Amarillo, and that simple moment of acknowledgment had been exceedingly rare in his life. “I changed that day,” the man told Gooch.

Beyond the kindness of strangers, Gooch has particular appreciation for Amarillo’s police force and first responders. “Oh, my goodness. They all treat those who are homeless with such kindness and respect that I’m blown away. What a wonderful, kind, loving community.”

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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W h at ’ s C o o k i n g ?

Easter Best A

s of this issue’s publication date, OHMS Cafe & Bar doesn’t serve brunch – but it’s definitely on the horizon. The longstanding downtown eatery is currently finishing up an outdoor patio addition, and when the space is ready, an outdoor Saturday brunch will be on the menu. With that change at least a month away and with only two weeks until Easter, we asked Chef Josh Fuller for a few ideas to create a colorful, delicious Easter brunch.

He starts with a casserole-like strata – a brunch staple – featuring bacon and leeks. “Onions, bacon, and cheese are always a good combination,” he says. He chose the accompanying vegetable tart not only for its taste, but also for its appearance. “It’s really good-looking,” he says, due to the bright hues of the tri-colored bell peppers, asparagus, artichokes, and fresh herbs. The raspberry coffee cake recipe is one that OHMS has used forever. “It’s a crowd-pleaser,” Fuller says, thanks to the atypical use of cream cheese as an ingredient.

The traditional English Pimm’s cup blends lemonade, strawberries, cucumbers, and Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, a low-alcohol ginbased drink. “It’s just real refreshing,” he says, which makes it the perfect liquid complement to the rest of these rich, savory brunch items.

Photos by Shannon Richardson Recipes courtesy of Chef Josh Fuller, OHMS Cafe & Bar

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Bacon and Leek Strata 1 pound bacon, diced 8 slices hearty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 leeks, chopped and washed 8 eggs 2 cups half-and-half 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried savory 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese ½ cup grated parmesan

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Cook bacon in pan until crisp. Remove bacon and saute leeks in drippings until tender.

In large bowl whisk eggs with halfand-half, salt, pepper, Dijon and dried savory. Combine liquid with bread, bacon, leeks and cheese. Pour into greased 9-by 13-inch casserole pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm.

Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Makes 8 servings

Vegetable Tart 2 puff pastry sheets ½ cup artichoke hearts ¼ cup toasted pine nuts ¼ cup olive oil 2 cloves fresh garlic 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned 1 red onion, julienned 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 ½ cups grated fontina cheese Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 350 degrees. On nonstick baking sheet or sprayed parchment paper, lay puff pastry sheets on top of each other. Fold edges about 1 inch, pinching as you go along. Using fork, poke holes throughout, avoiding raised edges. Set aside. In food processor combine artichokes, pine nuts, garlic and olive oil. Process until semi-smooth.

Spread mixture over puff pastry. Sprinkle fontina cheese across pastry. Toss vegetables in some olive oil with salt and pepper then lay across pastry, staying inside raised edge. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Makes 8 servings

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Cream Cheese Raspberry Coffee Cake Topping: 2 ½ cups flour ¾ cup butter ¾ cup sugar

Filling: 8 ounces cream cheese ¼ cup sugar 1 egg

Cut butter into flour and sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup for topping.

In small bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and egg. Blend well. Pour into batter-lined pan. Spoon ½ cup raspberry preserves evenly over cheese mixture. In small bowl combine reserved crumb mixture and 1/3 cup sliced almonds. Sprinkle over preserves. Bake at 310 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, or until cream cheese is set and crust is deep golden brown.

Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

To remaining crumb mixture add: ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ¾ cup sour cream 1 egg 1 teaspoon almond extract Spread batter over bottom and 2 inches up sides of greased and floured springform pan.

Batter should be about ¼ inch thick on sides.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Makes 12 servings

Pimm’s Cup 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 3 parts lemonade Fresh strawberries and cucumber slices for garnish Combine Pimm’s and lemonade in decanter; stir will to combine. Serve over ice with strawberries and cucumber slices.

Meet the Cook

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Chef Josh Fuller of OHMS Cafe and Bar

osh Fuller doesn’t know what he would have done with his life had his mother not bought OHMS Cafe and Bar. Mary Fuller had begun catering and asked Jonathan Early, the restaurant’s original owner, if she could rent the kitchen to prepare for an event. Instead, he offered to sell her the entire restaurant. That was 1992, and at the age of 15, Josh found himself thrust into a family business. This one happened to be located on Tyler Street in the shadow of the Chase Tower downtown. Josh worked on-and-off at the restaurant through high school until moving to Phoenix in 1996 to attend a culinary institute.

“I worked at a bunch of different places once I got out, then moved back to Amarillo in 2002,” Josh says on a recent Monday afternoon, when the restaurant and bar are closed. “That’s when we changed the concept at OHMS. I’ve been here ever since.”

Before 2002, OHMS served a cafeteria-style lunch and dinner. “You would go through [the line], see everything first, and choose an entree,” he explains. “It was a buffet and we served beer and wine. When I got back, we

got rid of that and went to full-table service at dinner.” He oversaw a remodel of one end of the space, turning it into a sophisticated cocktail bar with signature martinis and an extensive wine list.

Josh also began to develop a new menu, and before long, the cafeteria experience had given way to something else, becoming one of Amarillo’s most-loved fine dining destinations.

“It’s definitely upscale. We specialize in steaks, seafood and wild game,” he says. “A lot of people say it’s like going to Santa Fe.” Though suggesting brunch recipes for this issue, OHMS has always been known for those high-end dinners rather than breakfast or brunch dishes. “We’ve catered some brunches, though,” says Fuller. “And brunch is coming.”

The cafe is just a few weeks away from finishing a brand-new outdoor patio. Weatherpermitting, OHMS will open the patio and bar on Saturday mornings for a regular weekend brunch, just as soon as the space has been finished. “Hopefully it’ll be done in time for good weather,” he says.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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SAVE

-THE-

DATE!

May 20, 2017

“Celebrating Freedom & Honoring Service” Banquet Amarillo Civic Center — North Exhibit Hall 6 pm Public Invited!

Military/Veterans and Families FREE ADMISSION with RSVP For more information: www.celebrateandhonor.org info@celebrataeandhonor.org - (806) 681-1418

W h at ’ s C o o k i n g ?

Making the Most of Spring Veggies

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he list of seasonal vegetables available during April is a short and largely unpopular one. It includes veggies with a reputation for being, well, less popular than their summer counterparts: Brussels sprouts, asparagus, kale, Swiss chard. Then there are the beets. Jessica Higgins believes their lack of love is undeserved. “Beets are kind of the stepchild of root vegetables, but they’re beautiful,” says the owner of Girasol Cafe & Bakery at 3201 S. Coulter St. “They actually have a really gentle taste if they’re cooked properly.”

That endorsement led us to ask Higgins to suggest some recipes

using spring veggies. She describes her beet caprese salad as “a delightful little salad that’s refreshing and about as healthy as you can get.” She praises the delicate flavor of grits made with spring greens. And her radish quiche combines the bite and texture of radishes with garlic, green onions, curry, and coriander. “It all works together in your mouth. The flavors really compliment each other,” she says, especially the subtle dynamic between the mild, green garlic and the peppery radish. “You kind of have this little party going on,” she says.

It is spring, after all. Party on.

Photos by Shannon Richardson Recipes courtesy of Jessica Higgins, Girasol Cafe & Bakery

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Spring Radish Quiche 1 tart shell or prepared pie crust, weighted and par-baked 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees Tart Shell: 10 ounces flour 2 ounces brown sugar 2 ounces sugar 4 ounces butter Pinch of salt 1 egg Quiche Custard 12 ounces cream 12 ounces eggs ½ teaspoon curry ½ coriander seed, crushed ½ teaspoon each kosher salt and pepper

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Pinch of nutmeg Green garlic, thinly sliced on bias Chives, sliced on bias Radishes, sliced For tart crust, cream butter and sugars together. Add egg and incorporate fully. Add flour and salt; mix briefly until flour is incorporated. Finish by kneading and forming into ball and chilling 30 minutes. Roll out to desired consistency and size. Dough is delicate but easily repaired if tears occur. For custard, combine eggs and cream; whisk until smooth. Add spices and veggies; pour into prepared quiche shell. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 ¼ hours, until quiche has risen and is set in center when touched.

Makes 6 servings

Spring Greens Grits with Scallops One quarter of box of grits or equivalent in corn meal 4 ounces butter 24 ounces water 8 ounces white wine 2 eggs 16 ounces heavy cream 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1 tablespoons lemon zest 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 bunch asparagus, blanched and chilled 1 leek, whites sliced thin 1 fennel bulb, core cut out and thinly sliced 1 cup fresh blanched and chilled peas or frozen green peas 4 ounces mascarpone cheese 4 ounces parmesan cheese Scallops

Sautee fennel and leek together until golden and tender.

Blanch asparagus and peas; dip in ice bath to halt cooking. Bring water, wine and butter to boil. Add grits and stir until they start to thicken. Add eggs, cream and spices and cook to desired consistency. Add in spring vegetables and cheeses until melted. Garnish with additional parmesan, salt and pepper. For scallops, heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat on stove. Add pat of butter. Pat dry scallops and place in hot butter – do not touch until you see searing on edges of scallop. Flip and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.

When other side has a nice color, remove for service. Add splash of lemon juice, if desired.

Makes 10 to 12 servings

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Beet Caprese 2 each red and gold beets 1 fennel bulb 1 package goat cheese Tangerine white balsamic vinegar (I buy it at Amarillo Grape and Olive) Salt and pepper

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Peel and slice fresh beets; rub in olive oil and grill on charbroiler on medium-low heat until tender (preferred). Lightly salt and pepper. Thinly slice fennel bulb; remove and discard core. Finely chop fronds and reserve for goat cheese. Roll goat cheese log in chopped fronds and slice (plain dental floss slices the cheese well). Arrange ingredients on platter or serving dish; drizzle with balsamic.

Makes 2 to 4 servings

Meet the Cook

W

Jessica Higgins of Girasol Cafe & Bakery

hen your mom regularly wins amateur chili competitions and state fair prizes for her salsa, you tend to know your way around a recipe or two. That’s the environment in which Jessica Higgins was raised. “I’ve cooked all my life,” Jessica says.

“My grammy was a cook, my mother was a darn good cook, and I grew up in the kitchen with them.”

A graduate of New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, Higgins immersed herself in a corporate hospitality career. “I’ve been in kitchens ever since. I never went to the other [hotel] side,” she says, laughing. She worked for Aramark and Sodexho Marriott, an international food services company headquartered in France, before taking a position with Flying Star Cafe, a multi-location Albuquerque chain known for its artisanal baking. “I’ve worked with

chefs from all over the world,” says Higgins. “I’ve hosted chefs from Spain and worked with them in the kitchens.”

Her most recent kitchen environment included experts from Holland, France and San Francisco. “I met a lot of interesting characters.”

After Jessica’s father, Cliff Higgins, died in 2013, she departed Albuquerque to join her mother, Jeana Higgins, in Amarillo. “I was looking for something to do,” she says, when an opportunity presented itself in the former location of Black Forest Bakery, tucked behind the Toot’n Totum at Holyoke and Coulter. Jessica and Jeana combined resources to open Girasol Cafe & Bakery in early 2016. Jessica describes the business as “a little gleam in my eye for so long” that finally became a reality. Girasol is Spanish for “sunflower” and is a word that reminds Jessica of her father.

Today both Jeana and Jessica operate the artisan bakery, serving fresh, creative fare to a dedicated lunch clientele. Popular dishes

include the turkey pot pie and the duo’s turkey-avocado-Swiss sandwich, served on scratch-baked whole-wheat bread. “People come in all the time and ask ‘Do you make this or that? Do you make it from scratch?’”

Jessica’s answer, of course, is yes. Everything at Girasol is made from scratch. “I think there’s a standard in this town where people are expecting mixes or powders. But everything we touch here is so labor-intensive because it is all from scratch. All real ingredients.”

Over the past few months, Girasol has continued to attract new customers, especially for its weekend brunch on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. “We recently extended our brunch hours,” she says. “They’re going crazy. Every day is almost a record day.”

She says the most popular dish remains her Santa Fe Eggs Benedict, which swaps out the traditional English muffin and Canadian bacon for homemade green-chile-cheddar biscuits and glazed jalapeño bacon. “People are loving it.”

She says any light, refreshing vegetable dishes – like those in this issue – are what she begins to crave when spring temperatures start to rise. Higgins says to watch for a few new salads on the menu at Girasol, infused by locally grown microgreens from Green Wolf Vertical Farm in Panhandle.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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April

Artwork courtesy of Amarillo Convention and visitor council

Events

T

Golden Nail Awards Gala

he annual Golden Nail Awards Gala will be held this month on April 6. Sponsored by the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council Arts Committee, the gala is held annually to honor local and area individuals, businesses and foundations who provide financial or in-kind support or volunteer in the fine arts.

People across the Panhandle are considered for recognition each year, with awards going to contributors to the fine arts in the following categories: Individual, Business, Foundation, Distinguished Volunteer and the Up and Coming Distinguished Volunteer Award.

Other special awards are also occasionally given out: Golden Touch and Summit Awards, which honor new or innovative ideas and outstanding support, respectively.

April 6, 6-10 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 For more information, contact Kashion Smith at the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council, 342-2023

View an updated listing of events throughout the month at amarillomagonline.com.

To have an event listed on the calendar, email details to michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com or fax a press release to 806.345.3282.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Arts & Entertainment April 1 Chamber Music Amarillo presents Ludwig van Beethoven’s Sonatas 10, 3 and 7 8 p.m. Fibonacci Space, 3306 SW Sixth Ave., 236.3545

April 2 Friends of Aeolian-Skinner Opus 1024 presents Katherine Siochi, concert harpist 7:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1601 S. Georgia St., 376.6316, ext. 105

April 7 First Friday Art Walk 5-9 p.m. The Galleries at Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd., 353.5700

April 7-9 Amarillo Opera presents “Evita” 7:30 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 8 International Dance Challenge Competition 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 9 International Dance Challenge Competition 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 11 Peter Rabbit Tales 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 21-22 Lone Star Ballet presents “Swan Lake” 8-10 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 23 West Texas A&M University Theatre presents “Chicago” 2:30 p.m. Branding Iron Theatre, WTAMU campus, Canyon, 651.2804

April 21 Harrington String Quartet Concert 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 651.2840 Jazz on 6th featuring Will and Peter Anderson 8 p.m. Fibonacci Space, 3306 SW Sixth Ave., 236.3545

Evan Taylor Jones Band 11 p.m.

Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 27

April 8

“The Great War in Literature” 6-8 p.m.

Held in conjunction with PPHM’s WWI exhibitions. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 651.2244

Short Stacks for a Tall Cause 8-10 a.m.

Pancake fundraiser will benefit Turn Center. Applebee’s Grill & Bar, 5630 Amarillo Blvd. West, 353.3596

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

April 27-29 West Texas A&M University Theatre presents “Chicago” 7:30 p.m. Branding Iron Theatre, WTAMU campus, Canyon, 651.2804

April 28 NexStar National Talent Competition 6-11 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 28-29

NexStar National Talent Competition 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 30 NexStar National Talent Competition 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Walk MS: Amarillo 9 a.m. walk site opens; 10 a.m. walk begins. Caprock High School, 3001 E. 34th Ave., 468.8005

April 4

April 6 Duane Mark 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 7 Blood Handsome 9 p.m. The 806, 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806 No Dry County 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237 St. Cider 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 8

April 22 Zumbathon 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Funds will benefit AAYC. AAYC Community Center, 816 S. Van Buren St., 373.2292

Casey Donahew Band 10 p.m. Midnight Rodeo, 4400 S. Georgia St., 358.7083

Martha’s Home Second Chance Prom 7-11 p.m. Themed “Alice in Wonderland.”

Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 443.5577

April 28 Best of Texas Storyteller Gala 6 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit Junior League of Amarillo. Derrick Event Center, 814 S. Taylor St., 374.0802 “Perceptions of War” Opening Reception 6-9 p.m. Benefitting Texas Panhandle War Memorial Education Center. Cerulean Gallery, 814 S. Taylor St., 231.0615

Fish Out of Water 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 9 BC and The Big Rig 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 14 Darius Jackson and The Mighty Texas Blues Band 4 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840 Ray Wilson CD Release Party 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237

“Great Gatsby” Party 8-11 p.m.

Amarillo Little Theatre Guild’s adults-only fundraiser. Encore House, 501 S. Grant St., 336.1115

Henry Flower Band with The Ferdy Mayne 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 29

Gary Nix & West! Texas 9 p.m. The Western Horseman, 2501 I-40 East, 379.6555, ext. 2999

Sixth Annual Shoot for Another Chance House 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Amarillo Gun Club, 4521 S. Osage St., 290.8577

West Texas A&M University Theatre presents “Chicago” 2:30 p.m. Branding Iron Theatre, WTAMU campus, Canyon, 651.2804

Benefits & Fundraisers

April 30

April 1

Iris Show 1 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.5613

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

April 3

Ha Ha Tonka and Maggie Burt 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237

Potter County Steak Out 2017 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Presented by the Potter County Buyers Club. Live music from Ken Stonecipher and The Wooden Nickel Band with Danny Cadra. Tri-State Fairgrounds Rex Baxter Building, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 378.3096

Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2017 1-10 p.m. Event will include four shifts: Family Bowl at 1 p.m. or Galaxy Bowl

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Fol de Rol: A Buenos Aires Ball 6:30 p.m. Amarillo Country Club, 4800 Bushland Blvd., 372.7464

Power of the Purse Luncheon 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring Joan Lunden.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 414.9949

April 29

West Texas A&M University Theatre presents “Chicago” 7:30 p.m. Branding Iron Theatre, WTAMU campus, Canyon, 651.2804

Covet and Mount Ivy 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237

“Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music” 6:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 15

April 20-22

JDRF Promise Ball: Fight Night 6-11:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 356.6042

April 6

Gary Nall Lecture with S.C. Gwynne 7-9 p.m. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 651.2244

John Michael Montgomery with special guest Restless Heart 8 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Music

April 25-26

Amarillo Symphony presents “Symphonie Fantastique” 7:30 p.m.

Guest artist: Ilana Setapen, violin; Conductor: Jacomo Rafael Bairos.

Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 13

at 3:15 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m.

Registration required. Western Bowl, 5120 Canyon Drive, 351.2210

April 15

Buffalo Ruckus 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237 Buster Bledsoe Band 10 p.m. Whiskey River, 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163 The Sun Machine 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 17 The Blind Spots 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 18 Koffin Kats 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 21

April 4

Blink 182 with The Naked and Famous and Wavves 8 p.m. Azteca Music Hall, 500 FM 1912, 335.9990

17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Conference 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Tejon Street Corner Thieves 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237

April 6

April 22

Spring Eldercare Conference 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. “Body, Mind and Soul: Protect and Prepare as We Age.” Amarillo College West Campus Lecture Hall, 6222 W. Ninth Ave., 651.3482

Mitch Gray Band 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

Chamber After Hours 5-7 p.m. Rockwood Furniture Co., 11570 I-27, 373.7800

Lee Winright 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

April 26 American Hitmen 11 p.m. Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

Golden Nail Awards Gala 6:30 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 28

April 7

Band of Lovers 7-9 p.m. Chalice Abbey, 2717 Stanley St., Suite A, 576.2480

April 29

PAGD Spring Scientific Meeting 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Allen Biffle Band 9:30 p.m. Broken Spoke Lounge, 3101 SW Sixth Ave., 376.9149

April 8

Heavy Glow with Loudmouth Lisa 11 p.m.

Leftwoods, 2511 SW Sixth Ave., 367.9840

Severe Weather Symposium 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Nature April 1 Saturday Hike 11 a.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007 “There be Monsters!” 1-3 p.m. View some of nature’s mystical creatures. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, 381.7911

April 8 Butterfly Garden 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Registration required by April 7. For kids ages 8 to 12. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, 381.7911

April 15 Easter EGG-citement 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, 381.7911

April 22 Earth Day … Every Day! 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Amarillo Zoo, 700 Comanchero Trail, 381.7911

April 27 Cultural Conversations 6:30 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007

Special Events April 1

QUALITY CHOICE FOR YOUR HIGH-TECH

RADIOLOGY NEEDS

April 15 Eggstravaganza! 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Streit Drive, 355.9547

April 15-16 Crown of Texas Arabian Horse Show 9 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Bill Cody Arena, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 378.3096

April 16 Washington Avenue Christian Church Easter Service 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 20 League of Women Voters Candidates Forum for City Elections 5:30 p.m.

Amarillo College Business and Industry Center Downtown Campus, 1314 S. Polk St., 373.8289

April 21 Diocese of Amarillo Youth Rally 6-11 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 22 Diocese of Amarillo Youth Rally 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Amarillo Child Abuse Prevention Rally 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. AAYC Community Center, 816 S. Van Buren St., 373.2292

Amarillo Walking Tours 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tours will begin at Herring Hotel and will conclude at the Santa Fe Building.

651.2242

Carver Golden Dragon Assoc. Adult Junior-Senior Prom 7:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

WTAMU Distinguished Alumni Awards 6 p.m. WTAMU Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Legacy Hall, Canyon, 651.2311

THE

AIC’s MRI with True Open Design allows: • Patients to see out of the magnet from any position • Patient security and comfort, sometimes eliminating the need for sedation • Larger patients to be scanned more comfortably • Scanning of patients up to 660 pounds • Ultra-wide table enhances accessibility and comfort • High field scan for superior image quality; reduces scan times

Experience the Convenience of Advanced Imaging Center: • Located in the medical community but away from high-traffic area • Curbside access to the front door • Easy check-in • Accurate results faxed to your physician quickly

7400 Wallace Blvd. • 806.353.8333 7010 W. Ninth Ave. • 806.351.8480 amarilloimaging.com April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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April 23

April 8

Diocese of Amarillo Youth Rally 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Southwest Trampoline and Tumbling State Championship 2017 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

Amarillo College Honors/Convocation Ceremony 2-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 27 TxDot Amarillo Safety Banquet 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Grand Plaza, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 AISD Pro Internship Appreciation Luncheon 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 28 YC3: Attack on Amarillo 5-10 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 29 YC3: Attack on Amarillo 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 30 YC3: Attack on Amarillo 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Sports & Recreation April 1 Buff Baseball vs. UT Permian Basin 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Amarillo Bulls vs. Topeka RoadRunners 7:05 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 2 Buff Baseball vs. UT Permian Basin 1 p.m.

Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Amarillo Venom vs. Duke City Gladiators 4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 4 Lady Buff Softball vs. Lubbock Christian 7 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400

April 7 WTAMU Classic and Multi All day. Track and Field Complex, Canyon, 651.4400 Buff Baseball vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith 6:30 p.m. Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Lady Buff Softball vs. Texas A&MCommerce 7 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Buff Baseball vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Lady Buff Softball vs. Texas A&MCommerce 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400

April 9 Southwest Trampoline and Tumbling State Championship 2017 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

April 18 Lady Buff Softball vs. Oklahoma City 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400

April 21 Buff Baseball vs. Tarleton State 6:30 p.m.

Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Lady Buff Softball vs. Texas A&MKingsville 7 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400

April 22 WTAMU Quad Meet All day. Track and Field Complex, Canyon, 651.4400 Lady Buff Softball vs. Texas A&MKingsville 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schaeffer Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Buff Baseball vs. Tarleton State 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400 Amarillo Venom vs. Centex Calvary 7:05 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 23 Buff Baseball vs. Tarleton State 1 p.m.

Wilder Park, Canyon, 651.4400

Trade Shows April 8 The Ruffles & Rust Expo 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amarillo Civic Center Complex South Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 11 Texas Travel Fair 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

April 18 Job Fair 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096

Spring 2017

home

Buyer’s Guide

I M P R OV E M E N T

< SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION >

Buyer’s Guide

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T Spring 2017

Panhandle Closet Solutions A

pproximately one year ago, after seeing their garage renovation and storage company take off, Kayce Carter decided to turn her focus to closets and other areas in the home that could benefit from products with style and organization. Homeowners in the Texas Panhandle need customized solutions for their closets, laundry rooms, pantries, mud rooms, and other similar spaces.

“In bigger cities there are several options for people to utilize for a custom space. Now Amarillo has an option, too. At our first meeting we take measurements to start designing your space,” says Carter. “Most importantly though, we are there to listen to your needs and what you want to accomplish in that area. We design and install your space specific to you. ” Clay Ingram is Carter’s associate, who is with the client from start to finish. He will start the process with a free consultation to discuss the needs and wants of the customer.

With a computer and measurements, a design is rendered. The costumer can see the potential and easily make changes to the design. Once it is perfected, the order is submitted and it is 52

HOME IMPROVEMENT • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

time to prep the area for its customization.

“The space will need to prepped – be it a tear-out of existing items, paint, etc. We can help with this part too,” she says. “The size of the design determines the amount of time it will take to install it. We have a good idea of the timelines when we finish the consultation process.”

The primary goal of Panhandle Closet Solutions is to bring organization and style to a space that needs more function.

When an area is well-organized it puts you in control, saves time, and makes your items more accessible.

“We’d like for people to feel like they can leave their closet door open. We want to create a space they can show off.”

Carter says. “The purpose is summarized best by a quote from Benjamin Franklin: ‘A place for everything and everything in its place.’”

Panhandle Closet Solutions

5562 Bluebird St., Suite 600 • 674.0059

STYLE FUNCTION ORGANIZE

GET TO A BETTER SPACE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; STYLE, FUNCTION, ORGANIZE 806.420.0023

Buyer’s Guide

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T Spring 2017

Panhandle Ultimate Garage Systems (PUGS)

F

ive years ago, Derek Carter wanted to renovate and reorganize their garage, but there wasn’t a specialty company in the area to suit his needs. Thus, the idea for Panhandle Ultimate Garage Systems was born, a one-stop shop for garage storage and renovation.

“We do epoxy floors, custom cabinets, and Monkey Bar shelving,” says Carter. “We set ourselves apart by doing it all.”

The Monkey Bar shelving system creates endless options when it comes to suiting the needs of each customer.

Designed to hang belongings on the wall, the steel shelves, hooks, and bars can be arranged and rearranged over time.

From sports equipment and camping gear to yard tools and storage containers, there is a durable Monkey Bar solution for everyone.

“Our goal is to get everything we can off the garage floor.

All of our products are mounted to the wall. Other than lawn mowers, we can pretty much hang anything,” says Carter. “It’s very versatile. We keep everything in stock, except cabinets because those are custom made. Even if you don’t have a large garage, you can still make the most of your space.”

One of the unique features of the Monkey Bar system is 54

HOME IMPROVEMENT • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

its layered design, which makes it possible to store more items in a third of the space compared to other garage shelving systems.

Professional flooring continues to be a trend in Panhandle homes, especially since a sealed garage floor means the floors inside the house stay cleaner. Decorative concrete, overlays, and other seamless coatings are an appealing upgrade for older, unattractive garage floors.

Since PUGS is a locally owned business, every customer interacts with Carter in sales and Jose “Paco” Jasso with installation. All products have a warranty and there are customizations to fit every budget.

“With all the hook options, it can change as your family’s needs change. Hooks can be swapped out anytime,” Carter says. “Installation happens within a week or two.”

Panhandle Ultimate Garage Systems

5562 Bluebird St., Suite 600 • 220.9934 pugsystems.com Find us on Facebook @ Panhandle Ultimate Garage Systems

DREAM OUTSIDE DREAM OUTSIDE THE BOX. THE BOX.

YOUR REIMAGINED. YOUR GARAGE. GARAGE. REIMAGINED.

DURABLE, VERSATILEPRODUCTS PRODUCTSTHAT THAT DURABLE, VERSATILE ARE ASYOUR YOURLIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE ARE AS AS UNIQUE UNIQUE AS

806.220.9934 806.220.9934

info@pugsystems.com info@pugsystems.com

Buyer’s Guide

Sound by Design / Safe & Sound

P

Spring 2017

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T

edro Limas created Sound by Design in September 1998 to provide customers with the best home entertainment experience available.

Whether it’s to hang a new flat screen or wire the entire house for sound, Limas and his crew have the know-how.

“I got into this installing satellite systems and now we have smart houses,” he says.

“Our specialty is automating your home.

Shades go up or down, lights go on or off, and there’s temperature control. You can operate everything from your iPhone.”

Because streaming is becoming more popular than paying for satellite and cable, Sound by Design also specializes in helping customers make the best product selections for their needs and then centralizing their entertainment choices to one universal remote. With so many options available today, simple decision-making can get overwhelming. Sound by Design makes it easy.

Having been in business for more than 18 years and earning the trust of its clientele, moving into security was a natural progression.

Interactive features give homeowners a sense of security since they can keep tabs on the home when they’re away. These security features enable the client to disarm the alarm, open the garage door, close it, and rearm the system with the touch of a button – all from a remote location. For the homeowner who travels frequently, automating the home offers peace of mind.

In addition, the one-touch control over home security means staying safe couldn’t be easier.

From custom home theaters and home security to hanging a new flat screen and setting up Apple TV, Sound by Design helps customers weed through the tech talk and achieve their entertainment and home automation goals.

Sound by Design/Safe & Sound 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 300 • 352.5884 soundbydesign.com

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HOME IMPROVEMENT • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Amarillo’s one-stop shop for all your technology needs Established in 1998

End the frustration of multiple remotes!!

WHOLE HOUSE AUDIO: Be the ultimate entertainer. Install a music system you can easily understand and operate.

UNIVERSAL REMOTE SYSTEM: Install a system you can operate without having to ask your 15 year old!

MEDIA STREAMING: Enjoy all of the movie and music streaming options!

SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM: Feel more secure with a camera system allowing you to see the perimeter of your home inside and out!

INTERACTIVE NOTIFICATIONS: Install a security system that notifies you when your loved ones are home safe and sound!

GEOFENCING: Install a security system that notifies you if a door was left unlocked or garage door left open if you’ve traveled a certain distance from your home!

806.352.5884 • 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 300

soundbydesign.com

Buyer’s Guide

T

he team at Arborlogical Inc. has been “The Experts” for tree and turf care in the Texas Panhandle since 1999. Arborlogical Inc. has expanded to encompass all facets of tree and lawn care.

“We are proud to have the only board certified master arborist in the region,” says owner Kelley Sims. “Our clients appreciate our commitment to excellence.”

In fact, Arborlogical Inc. was the first Tree Care Industry Association accredited company in the region.

“We have designed a complete series of seasonally specific treatments for this area,” Board Certified Master Arborist Jake McWhorter explains. “Our climate is unique – it is arid, with high elevation, and high soil salt content. It’s incredibly important to consider those factors – and more – when treating trees and turf in this region. Additionally, all of our treatments are designed to work in harmony with your lawn and landscape by promoting the health of your trees as well as your turf.”

Arborlogical Inc. 354.6733 arborlogicalinc.com

Spring 2017

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T

Arborlogical Inc.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Buyer’s Guide

Out-Back Pool & Spa

I

H O M E I M P R OV E M E N T

nstead of booking a tropical vacation that only lasts a week, Roger and Rena Mayfield want to create a backyard oasis for the customer that wants regular relaxation within arm’s reach.

Staycation-style outdoor spaces are the Mayfield’s specialty, and OutBack Pool & Spa can take care of every detail.

“Everyone wants outdoor living,” says Rena. “We put in full outdoor kitchens and more.”

Add to your oasis with a custom-built pool. Options are nearendless, and because every backyard is unique, Roger designs each space according to the customer’s desires, budget and space allowance. There are free-form and geometric pools, lap and sport pools, grottos, natural rock waterfalls, and diving pools.

To help keep the overall budget in mind, there are ways to build lowmaintenance and energy-efficient pools. In addition, automatic pool covers are a popular choice for safety, energy efficiency, cleanliness, and the potential for a longer swim season.

“We can build to any budget,” says Rena. “We can create an entire outdoor oasis, including the pool house.”

Out-Back Pool & Spa

8910 SW 34th Ave., Suite 7 • 806.379.7665 outbackpoolandspa.com

Ready to build your

dream pool?

So are we.

Spring 2017

CUSTOM-BUILT, IN-GROUND-GUNITE POOLS AND SPAS Proper pool care shouldn’t be a mystery.

806-379-POOL | 8910 SW 34th Ave., Suite 7 | OUTBACKPOOLANDSPA.COM

Discover the winning combination for great pools – expert advice from

YOUR STORE NAME HERE and the proven performance of

OMNI® pool chemicals

HOME IMPROVEMENT • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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The Clear Choice For Specialty Heart Care In The Region

Northwest is leading the way in innovative, advanced cardiac care!

• The FIRST in Amarillo to offer AbsorbTM, a fully dissolving heart stent • The FIRST hospital in Texas to use the new CorPath® robotic system for cardiac stent placement • The only dedicated, specialty heart hospital in the Region

Learn more Northwest is the clear choice for you.

at nwths.com/ hearthospital

1501 S. Coulter • Amarillo, TX 79106 Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 170007

Toro® Zero-Turn Mowers Spend more time enjoying your lawn and less time mowing it.

Top 5 Reasons to Buy from Proffitts: Family owned & operated since 1970 Experienced, knowledgeable and courteous staff Competitive prices Products professionally set up, serviced and ready to go Factory-trained service technicians

PROFFITT’S LAWN & LEISURE

7611 S. Coulter St. • 354-8676 www.proffittslawn.com

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Restaurants • Food • Spirits

photo by Shannon Richardson

D Le ep ta’rst Emaetn! t

Aspen Creek Grill

Y

ou might think Aspen Creek Grill is just another chain restaurant along I-40. Think again.

Scratch-based food is the focus at Aspen Creek, where menu items are prepared fresh on-site daily.

You’ll find a fun, casual vibe and high-quality food in the relaxing dining room. Take the family out after a long week or enjoy the lively bar with friends.

One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s over-sized portions make it an affordable place to dine.

You’ll need a healthy appetite and extra napkins when you tackle the Chipotle Bleu Cheese Burger, which is piled high with fried onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, blue cheese, and a savory chipotle mayonnaise. The Happy Hour at Aspen – one of the most affordable in town – is a welcome break after a challenging work day.

4110 I-40 West, 398.2776, aspencreekgrill.com Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees over $21 RESTAURANT KEY y Outdoor Dining ☎ Reservations Recommended T Live Music c Full Bar C Beer and/or Wine only ^ Best of Amarillo Winner 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 michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com.

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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Amarillo The 806 Coffee + Lounge In addition to its vast organic, fair trade coffee and tea offerings, The 806 caters to local vegetarians and vegans with its “foodie” menu. The limited (but tasty) menu includes omelets, bagels, sandwiches, and nachos along with some made-from-scratch desserts. Don’t miss brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays.

Regulars go for coffee that packs a punch and the healthy eats, served with a hearty dose of sass and sarcasm on the side.

2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806, the806.com $ y T Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar When the weather’s nice, enjoy sitting on Polk Street while you sip a margarita and sample a traditional Mexican-style shrimp cocktail. 727 S. Polk St., 373.8889, acapulcomexicanrestaurant.net $$ c T y NEW The Acai Bar For those pursuing the clean eating trend, The Acai 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 organic ingredients. The customer favorite Monkey Bowl – an acai 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, 367.99724 $ Abuelo's The authentic atmosphere and generous portions make for an enjoyable lunch or romantic evening out. If you’re stumped by all the choices, try the Enchiladas de Cozumel, three crepes filled with guacamole and topped with bountiful seafood, fresh spinach and roasted peppers. As a rule, always get the queso. 3501 W. 45th Ave., 354.8294, abuelos.com $$ c ^ Aspen Creek Grill One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature made-from-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Step into the mountain-lodge inspired decor and you can expect to be greeted warmly by the friendly staff, receive excellent service, and over-sized portions on everything from appetizers to entrees to dessert. The Happy Hour at Aspen – one of the most affordable in town – is a welcome break after a challenging work day.

4110 I-40 West, 398.2776, aspencreekgrill.com $-$$ c ^ Atomic Sports Grill & Entertainment Center Get your fill of typical sports bar fare at the city’s newest sports/entertainment venture. Fried food, burgers and pizza dominate the menu, with a few salad

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options thrown in for good measure. Burn off all the calories with enough billiards, video games, dancing, and laser tag to fill an evening out with friends.

2523 Britain Drive, 355.2100, atomicsportsgrill.com $ c Bangkok Restaurant When you’re looking for authentic Thai, Bangkok delivers. Start with the sticky rice, move on to the cucumber salad, and finish with the chicken larb. Your kids will love watching the big fish tanks while you wait for your table. Warning: Spicy means spicy. Bangkok means business.

5901 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.9008 $ Bar 3 Located at Preston West Golf Course, this hidden gem serves a limited bar menu for lunch and dinner. Savor comfort food like smoked pulled pork sandwiches, pork shank, and hearty hamburgers, made fresh to order. Wash it down with an icecold beer or let the helpful staff help you choose something from the drink menu.

9101 S. Coulter St., 353.7003 $ c Belmar Bakery & Cafe Open since 1965, Belmar is an Amarillo tradition. Loyal customers abound and each one has a favorite treat they return for again and again (we’re big fans of the thumb print cookies). The cafe offers a cozy place to meet for early morning coffee and pastries or tasty lunch with friends. 3325 Bell St., 355.0141, belmarbakery.com $ Benjamin’s Donuts & Bakery Family owned and operated, Benjamin’s serves doughnuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and burritos for breakfast, and a variety of lunch and dinner offerings, such as sandwiches, meatloaf, spare ribs, pulled pork and a salad bar. 7003 Bell St., 353.1100/1800 Western St., letseat.at/benjamindonutsbakery $ Big Daddy’s Bar-B-Q This family-owned barbecue joint offers a variety of Texas barbecue in addition to non-traditional items such as baked potatoes and garden salads. The homemade barbecue sauce perfectly complements the meats.

400 E. Hastings Ave., 383.9731 $ Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina Traditional Mexican food, a colorful bar area and live music keep this Route 66 eatery hopping every day of the week.

2822 SW Sixth Ave., 220.2395 $$ y c T Burrito Stop Tacos Garcia restaurateurs’ downtown grab-and-go eatery doesn’t just offer from-scratch burritos on homemade tortillas for breakfast or lunch. In addition to its hearty fare and vegan options such as soy chorizo and spinach tortillas, Burrito Stop boasts trained baristas that serve Roasters Coffee & Tea Co.

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

beverages. 114 SE Ninth Ave., 418.2705, burritostop.com $ y Cafe Marizon Cafe Marizon serves up great, homecooked taste with consistently delicious specials of the day. Go early so you can have a piece of the homemade pie or cake. 6151 Hillside Road, 352.2046 $ y C Carniceria y Taqueria la Popular Part supermarket, part restaurant, Carniceria y Taqueria la Popular is a tasty little gem a few blocks east of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. Head to the small, sit-down dining area at the back of the store for lunch and dine on a variety of simple, authentic Mexican dishes such as chile rellenos, tacos and fresh-made tamales. Finish with a sweet treat from the bakery. 1505 SE Third Ave., 374.6451 $ Chop Chop Japanese Steakhouse Chop Chop’s slogan is “Simple. Fresh.

Fast.” And that’s exactly what you get when you order the hot teppan-style Japanese cuisine. There’s a casual dining room, quick drive-thru and delivery options so you can decide how you want to dine. 3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 1, 457.0700, chopchoprice.com $ Crazy Larry’s Fine Texas BBQ A visit to Larry’s isn’t complete without an order of Frito pie – make it a “moose” with the works. The authentic Texas-style barbecue is finger-licking good, and everything on the menu is delivered with some of the friendliest service in town.

The prices are reasonable, too.

4315 Teckla Blvd., 359.3176 $ ^ Crush Wine Bar & Deli Crush’s excellent tapas, sandwiches, entrees and desserts are a big enough draw. Add an extensive and impressive wine list, one of the few covered patios in town, and excellent service, and you’ve got one of the city’s premier hang-out spots. The Saturday morning brunch is hard to beat, too. 701 S. Polk St., 418.2011, crushdeli.com $$ C y ^ T Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering Head out to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food.

Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery last year, and it’s worth the drive. 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 $ Dyer's Bar-B-Que If you’re a meat lover, Dyer’s is the place for you. The all-you-can-eat lunch special is hard to beat. On Fridays and Saturdays, eat your fill of premium smoked prime rib.

1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite E526, 358.7104, dyersbbq.com $$ c

Eat-Rite The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you; it’s delicious as well. Pile your plate high from the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups and entrees. The marinated carrots are pure, tasty goodness. 2441 I-40 West, 353.7476, eat-rite.com $$ El Bracero Mexican Grill Home-cooked flavor and excellent service make El Bracero worth the drive down Grand Street. You’ll find a full menu of Mexican favorites like fajitas, carne asada, and enchiladas keep local patrons satisfied. 2116 S. Grand St., 373.4788 $$ y c El Manantial For truly authentic Mexican food, this is the spot. A little off the beaten path, a visit to El Manantial is worth the drive.

Start with light-as-air corn chips and salsa.

Every entree is cooked-fresh delicious, especially the barbacoa, seafood and homemade chile relleno. We can’t say enough about every scrumptious bite.

3823 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.1852 $ C Embers Steak House Embers offers an array of cuisine from hamburgers and steaks to buffalo, lamb and seafood. We have our eye on the gourmet burger menu. You’ll savor your meal at lunch or dinner, seven days a week. 2721 Virginia Circle, 350.3303, amarilloembers.com $$-$$$ c y ☎ Espinoza Restaurant and Bakery This bakery specializes in from-scratch burritos, brisket, and traditional Mexican bread and baked goods. The small eatery’s location at the entrance to the historic Sixth Street area from Georgia Street makes it an easy place to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2601 SW Sixth Ave., 350.7591 $ Evocation Coffee You’ll find a thoughtful, simple menu at Evocation Coffee. Pour-over coffees and espresso dominate, but you’ll also find tea, cold press juices, fresh in-house waffles with a variety of spreads, and toast – from bread made by Scratch Made Bakery and Café – that’s drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Visit Evocation for expertly roasted and brewed coffee and a snack. Hang out because of the peaceful, modern vibe.

3300 S. Coulter St., Suite 5, 418.8968, evocationcoffee.com $ Fab Foods Fab Foods serves straightforward home-style meals with busy families in mind. Dine-in, call ahead, take-and-bake, delivery and catering are available for breakfast and lunch. And choose from a rotating daily menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, hot entrees, and desserts. With those kinds of options, you’re guaranteed to please the whole family – no matter how large. 5901 S. Bell St., 398.3663 $

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

1923 S. Western St., 352.8089 $ y Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Options are endless at Fuzzy’s with everything from a variety of Baja-style tacos to enchilada plates, over-sized salads, tamales, and breakfast all day, every day. Party on the patio in this casual eatery that originated in the Fort Worth area. 7408 SW 34th Ave., 352.8226, fuzzystacoshop.com $ C Girasol Cafe & Bakery If you’ve missed having an artisan bakery in Amarillo, you’re in luck. Head over to Garisol Bakery and enjoy fresh baked goods along with a rotating menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, and entrees – many with a Latin influence. Check the bakery’s Facebook page for daily featured items. 3201 S. Coulter St., 322.0023 $

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NEW PATIENTS WELCOME us on 7460 Golden Pond Place • Suite 600 • 806.355.2331 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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I Don’t Know Sports Bar and Grill This Sixth Street grill has a little bit of everything. Chicken-fried steak, catfish, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, wraps, breakfast – there’s a lot for hungry diners to choose from. Enjoy fresh, home-style meals, extra-friendly service and a casual, laid-back atmosphere while you watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs that line the dining room. On your first visit, try the I Don’t Know Club, a meltin-your-mouth hot sandwich piled high with turkey, ham and bacon – and that’s fresh-cooked meat; no cold sandwich slices here. 1301 SW Sixth Ave., 331.7985, idksportsbar.com $ y c ^ PM:

Closing Date: 2/10/2017

Publication: Amarillo Mag

AD: CD:

Trim: 3.9" x 4.875" Bleed: none"

Ichiban Noodle Bar & Asian Cuisine With the inner workings of its kitchen on display, Ichiban makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of a bustling noodle bar on a street in Asia. Endless choices of cold noodles and hot dishes make your dinner decision a tough one.

3309 Wimberly Road, 355.5031 $ AE:

CW: QC:

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 Live: 3.65" x 4.625"

Hummer's Sports Cafe Hang out with friends and eat your fill of Hummer's great appetizers. Start off with a platter of raw oysters and a bucket of beer. We highly recommend the steak.

2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite B2, 353.0723 $$ c y ^

PO:

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

Hop Slice Housed in Midtown Kitchen’s former location, Fire Slice Pizzeria owners’ newest project offers a simple pizza and pub-inspired menu. And when we say simple, we don’t mean there’s a lack of quality ingredients; rather, the menu is limited and carefully curated. You’ll find gourmet wood-fired pizzas, small plates, homemade ice cream, and a healthy craft beer and wine list. 2818 Wolflin Ave., 418.4856 $$ C

Job/Order #: 292635 Operator: cs

Grills Gon’ Wild At Grills Gon’ Wild, you can expect a good time. From the kooky décor to novelty salt and pepper shakers to an off-the-wall order name assignment, Grills’ owners aim to leave a lasting impression. You’ll find fresh food, made to order, aged handcut steaks, and daily specials like chicken alfredo, baby back ribs or fish tacos. The grill is also BYOB. 7200 W. McCormick Road, 418.6001 $

Don E. Sanders, DDS

Brand: Budweiser Item #: PBW2017032

Green Chile Willy's As the owners say, the way you like it is the way they fix it. Hand-cut grilled steaks, excellent burgers, chicken-fried steak and grilled chicken; you name it, Willy’s has it. And you can’t beat the country atmosphere for a relaxing good time. 13651 I-27, 622.2200, greenchilewillys.com $$ ^ T

Hoffbrau Steaks 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, hoffbrausteaks.com $$ c

MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL

Gooney’s Bar and Grill 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 always-reliable Charlie’s Special, chow mein, curry wings, even hot-off-the-grill rib-eyes and steak kabobs.

705 S. Polk St., 367.9585 $ y c

The barbecue is savory and sweet, and the jalapeño cheese sausage makes for a tasty snack. And for you early birds, Henk’s also serves a satisfying breakfast.

1508 S. Grand St., 372.9011 $

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

THIS BUD’S FOR YOU, TEXAS. © 2017 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, BUDWEISER® BEER, ST. LOUIS, MO

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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menu will change with the seasons in order offer fresh local ingredients.

4201 S. Bushland Blvd., 414.2114, itsapunjabiaffair.com $ y

A new baby is like the beginning of all things ... wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

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 Café. 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 $ c Joe Daddy’s If you’re in need of some comforting, we suggest drowning your sorrows in Joe Daddy’s homestyle fare. The hot dog fries, ribs or homemade Nanner Puddin’ could be your new best friends. For a weekend brunch, you just can’t turn down the chicken and waffles.

2108 Paramount Blvd., 353.1227, joedaddys.net y T c $$

Back Row: Gregory May, MD; Cullen Hopkins, MD; George Barnett, MD; Dudley Freeman, MD; Jamie Wilkerson, MD; Front Row: Haylee Devries, PA-C; Sarah Bergeron, WHNP; Brenna Payne, WHNP

7620 Wallace Blvd. Amarillo, Tx. 79124 • 806-359-5468

Now Available At

Same prices as

EDES MARKET

EDES STEAKS

6700 W. McCormick Road edesmeats.com

806.622.0205 64

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Joe Taco Great atmosphere and a variety of Southwest favorites make Joe Taco a great place to sit and relax, especially while enjoying a signature margarita.

7312 Wallace Blvd., 331.8226, joetaco.net $$ c T y ^ Jorge's Mexican Bar & Grill In the mood for fajitas? Look no further than Jorge’s. Portion sizes are generous and prices are reasonable. 6051 S. Bell St., 354.2241, jorgesmexican.com $$ c T K-N Root Beer If you’ve tried K-N’s yummy burgers and floats, then you know why it’s been a success for more than 40 years. The K-N Special, a double-meat, double-cheese burger, melts in your mouth. You can’t beat the old-fashioned, icy mug of root beer. 3900 Olsen Blvd., 355.4391 $ y Kathy’s Kitchen This is the simple, Texas Panhandle home-style food locals crave. Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more.

4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $ La Fiesta Grande Authentic taste and a lively atmosphere make La Fiesta a great place to take the whole family. From nachos to barbacoa, there’s something for every taste.

2200 Ross St., 374.3689/ 7415 SW 45th Ave., 352.1330, lafiestagrande.com $$ c Leal's Mexican Restaurant Leal’s serves dishes that blend the traditional flavors of Mexico with a few twists that will delight you. Try excellent, non-traditional items such

as quail and salmon along with new sauce combinations and desserts. Let’s not forget about the fresh-squeezed lime margaritas, some of the best around. 1619 S. Kentucky St., 359.5959, lealsmexicanfoods.com $$ c T Lemongrass Sushi & Wok The thought of fried spring rolls, steamed gyoza and tempura shrimp is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble, but the food at Lemongrass can easily halt that hunger. Chef Lee Doan offers Asian specialty dishes straight from the wok such as stir-fried udon noodles and Mongolian beef. The enticing sushi menu is ample. Keep water within arm’s reach when sampling the Red Hot Cajun and Flying Dragon.

2207 S. Western St., Suite B1-80, 352.5535 $C Ly’s Café If you’ve never tried Laotian food, head over Ly’s Café and fill up on authentic, fresh and delicious food. Handmade sausage, beef jerky, duck – add the essential sticky rice and a hot tea for a classic meal. The friendly staff will help you choose from the ample menu if you’re stumped. 5615 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.1569 $ Macaroni Joe’s Macaroni Joe’s isn’t just a place to eat a great meal. The Tuscan-inspired rooms are the perfect place for creating memories.

Whether for a first date, the start of a new life together, or celebrating important milestones, the restaurant offers excellent service and an exquisite food and wine menu. It’s at the top of our list.

1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite D1500, 358.8990, macaronijoes.com $$-$$$ c y

☎^

Marshall Coffee Company This locally owned coffee shop has been serving its signature drinks since 1996. Sip on espresso, hot chocolate, or tea while you snack on standard coffee-shop fare like oatmeal, bagels, cookies, and even kolaches or vegan cookies. 4709 Bell St., 356.7944, marshallcoffee.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 S. Coulter St., 355.9541, mythaiamarillo.com $ ^ Napoli’s Fine Italian Restaurant Napoli’s has created an oasis in downtown Amarillo. Indulge yourself with the housemade bread while you browse the ample menu. We gently nudge you toward the Amarillo Special or a personalized New York-style pizza. 700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com $$ c Ty^

Nu-Castle Diner Patrons gather at Nu-Castle for classic American cooking. The small, downtown lunch spot is usually crowded with regulars so arrive before the clock strikes noon. You can’t go wrong with one of the hamburgers on a fresh bun or a chickenfried steak breakfast. 518 E. 10th Ave., 371.8540 $ OHMS Cafe & Bar Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves lunch buffet-style and dinner in style.

The chef features specials each week that range from seafood and smoked duck to beef tenderloin. Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger. 619 S. Tyler St., 373.3233, ohmscafe.com $$$ ☎ c 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 Wallaby Darned and Pepper Mill Steak? Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under.

7101 I-40 West, 352.4032, outback.com $$ c Palace Coffee Company Open since 2011 – first in Canyon and now with two locations in Amarillo – Palace has earned a reputation for a trusted staff and carefully crafted brew.

In addition to its coffee and tea menu, enjoy sweet and savory baked goods every day, with brunch at the downtown location on Saturdays. 817 S. Polk St., Suite 102/7304 SW 34th Ave., Suite 2, 476.0111, palacecoffee.co $ 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 $ C The Plaza A long-time Amarillo favorite, the many loyal customers of the Plaza attest to the great food and affordable prices. Eat your fill of fresh chips and hot sauce and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for a family night out, the menu offers enough variety to suit the pickiest eaters.

2101 S. Soncy Road., 358.4897, theplazaamarillo.com $ c

house favorite, a generous portion of meatloaf comprised of ground duck, pork and Angus beef with mashed potatoes, a house-made pimiento grilled cheese sandwich, or enticing nightly specials.

3333 S. Coulter St., Suite A, 398.7777, publichouseamarillo.com $$-$$$ c ☎ 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, rainsushiamarillo.com $$ c y RibCrib BBQ & Grill RibCrib has your hankering for smoky barbecue covered. Choose from chicken, pork and beef on the Crib’s extensive menu, with a variety of sauces as well.

Visit early for Happy Hour and stay to enjoy the Pigman, a half-pound sandwich heaped with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and sausage, then covered in sauce, pickles, and onions. Quench your thirst with a glass of refreshing lemonade.

5050 S. Coulter St., 803.9360, ribcrib.com $$ c y

Roosters Restaurant and Catering Roosters offers more than just a good cup of Joe. Stop in and plan on staying for a hot breakfast pastry or one of the delicious lunch specialties. It’s the perfect place to relax with your friends for lunch.

3440 S. Bell St., 353.7309, silver-fork.com $ y 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 $$-$$$ c Scott's Oyster Bar If you are a fresh oyster connoisseur, Scott’s is the place for you. Even though it’s a little on the small side, the quick service and excellent seafood make it one of our favorite places to hang out.

4150 Paramount Blvd., 354.9110 $$ y C

s g n i r B d Great Foo gether!

People To Public House You’ll want to take your time to enjoy the ambience and upscale Southern comfort food at Public House. Savor the

Rise ‘N’ Shine Donuts In addition to its glazed, cake or filled doughnuts and fresh pastries, start the day off right with a savory kolache or croissant breakfast sandwich.

3605 SW 45th Ave., 398.9622 $

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

s g n i r B d o Great Fo ! r e h t e g o T People BRUNCH MENU

Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

LUNCH MENU

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR

Mon.- Sat. 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Mon.- Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

I-40 & Ross • 374-3689 | 45th & Coulter • 352-1330 lafiestagrande.com • Carryout & Catering Available April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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combinations will keep you going back for more. 1612 S. Georgia St., 359.7330 $y^ SilverFork Cafe & Bakery The newest venture from the owners of Roosters Restaurant, SilverFork features the same delicious sandwiches, salads, quiche, and dessert as the Bell Street location, on a much smaller menu.

Choose from three options in each category, along with a rotating menu of desserts. 3208 SW Sixth Ave., 322.2297, silver-fork.com $ Sushi Express With more than 150 types of sushi – cut, fried, baked, rolled, nigiri, and sashimi – you can spend each visit to Sushi Express finding your new favorite style. Sit at the bar and relax after the end of a long day while you watch the chefs create beautiful cuisine. 7402 SW 34th Ave., 803.9610 $-$$ C Tacos Garcia Mexican Cafe At the Cafe, serving authentic Mexican food is a family affair. In the same location since 1999, the Veloz family serves up traditional favorites that keep loyal customers coming back time after time. Try the Swiss enchiladas or the chile relleno lampriados. You won’t be disappointed. 1100 Ross St., 371.0411, tacosgarcia.com $$ c y

Taste Dessert Bar You’ll find big city vibes and small-town charm at Taste Dessert Bar. With its cozy, chic decor, small savory plates, handcrafted cocktails, full wine and beer list, and variety of homemade desserts, we guarantee you’ll want to linger at Taste. 1909 S. Georgia St., 398.2000, tastedessert.com $-$$ c T y NEW Texas Chicken Wok You’ll find plenty of affordable lunch and dinner options at Texas Chicken Wok. The presentation of each entree speaks more to gourmet than lowbudget, with a dazzling array of fresh-cut vegetables adorning every dish. We recommend the sushi or Okinawa Special.

3205 I-40 East, 351.2600 $ Thai Arawan You’ll get your fill of fresh, authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Arawan. We recommend the angel noodle and the chicken fried rice. Consistently good flavor and friendly service make this one of our favorites.

2834 Wolflin Ave., 463.7167, thaiarawan.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. 2014 Paramount Blvd., 331.2271, tylersbarbeque.com $ ^ y 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. In the evening, listen to live music while you sip. 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 100, 433.9049, urbanacoffeeworks.com $ T Virdinski’s Rub Shack The folks at Virdinski’s clearly know their way around a kitchen. You’ll find impressive steaks, chicken-fried steaks, generous salads, sea food, catfish, outstanding burgers and owner Chris Virden’s award-winning hickory smoked barbecue with all the fixings.

The presentation – down-home comfort food meets gourmet styling – makes an impression as well. We recommend saving room for the homemade banana pudding. We’re big fans. 3701 Olsen Blvd., Suite B, 318.3382, virdinskisrubshack.com $$ C Wild Bill’s Fillin’ Station Decorated like a classic gas station, Wild Bill’s offers American food and friendly service. Bring the whole family since

there’s plenty of seating inside and out.

The green chile cheese burger with handcut, seasoned fries is our favorite.

3514 SW Sixth Ave., 372.4500 $ y C T YCSF Craft Formerly located on 10th Avenue, YCSF now has new a dine-in location to serve its popular gourmet eats. The diverse and expanded menu boasts burgers, tacos and daily specials, and features craft beer and a well-rounded wine list.

2916 Wolflin Ave., 223.2882 $-$$ C Zombiez Bar & Grill Don’t be fooled by the garish green exterior – locals rave about the straightforward offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials like pork chops, rib-eye steaks, or burgers, or the infamous Zombie Dogs, bacon-wrapped, deep-fried hot dogs topped with your choice of themed creations like the American, Mexican, and German. Save room for the homemade cupcakes. Dinein, takeout and delivery are available.

711 SW 10th Ave., 477.0199 $ c T

Canyon 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

President Juan Domingo and First Lady Evita Peron of Argentina visit Amarillo for

Fol de Rol:

A Buenos Aires Ball April 1, 2017 • Amarillo Country Club Imagine…

You and your friends have arrived in Buenos Aires to attend the Gala at the magnificent Teatro Colón. The excitement escalates as you prepare for an elaborate evening of feasting, imbibing, dancing, entertainment and maybe an April Fool’s prank or two! Visit the interesting shops, watch street performers and enjoy aperitivos at one of the popular Tango Bars or Casinos.

If you listen carefully, you may hear Evita proclaiming her love for Argentina and asking Argentina to love her!

CO-CHAIRS:

Beverly and Rhett Plank Roni and Patrick Swindell

AMARILLO OPERA

Call 806.372.7464 for reservations 66

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

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 $ Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe You’ll leave your hunger behind when you visit Buffalo’s.

Offering hearty eats with choices such as hot wings, pasta, tumbleweed chips, and Smoky Mountain Nachos, you’ll also want to save room for the scrumptious cobbler. 2811 Fourth Ave., 655.4400, buffalos.com $cy Fat-Boys Bar-B-Que Fat Boy’s 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 that off with sweet barbecue sauce and a few homemade sides. Your taste buds will thank you.

104 23rd St., 655.7363 $ Feldman's Wrong Way Diner Step into Feldman’s and you might wonder where you are: a model train shop or an eatery. As soon as you catch a whiff of the classic American food, you’ll know.

The fun, casual atmosphere and model trains that run a course along the ceiling make Feldman’s a great place for the whole family. Try the made-fresh burgers or the Tortuga Chicken, satisfaction guaranteed.

2100 N. Second Ave., 655.2700, feldmansdiner.com $cy Imperial Taproom Canyon’s newest restaurant entered the scene in September 2016, and they’ve made quick fans of the community. Featuring fresh, in-season locally sourced foods and an extensive craft beer and wine list, Imperial provides a hip, industrial-chic vibe to linger and enjoy your meal. Feast on entrees with an upscale presentation that are pleasantly easy on your pocketbook. 410 15th St., 452.8004 C $$

Discover the difference!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

— April 9 —

Palm Sunday, Family Easter Event, John Stiff Park at 5 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt, cookout and lots of family fun — April 13 — Maundy Thursday Service in the Chapel at 6 p.m.

— April 14 — Good Friday Service led by our Youth in the Sanctuary at 6 p.m.

— April 16 — Easter Worship Celebration in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 3001 Wolflin Ave. • fccama.org • 806 355-6526

The King and I Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar 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 $$ C KJ’s Coffee & Cafe Located a few blocks south of the WTAMU campus, KJ’s serves early breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. Classic, simple fare awaits, with customer favorites like breakfast burritos, Frito pie, hamburgers and house-made chips, and fried apple pie. 1202 S. 23rd St., 654.3397 $ 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 from mild to spicy, including its infamous ghost pepper version.

2808 Fourth Ave., Suite C, 557.4166 $ Sayakomarn’s Sayakomarn’s offers a variety of traditional Thai dishes with daily lunch specials that won’t empty your wallet. Be sure you 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 $ c

April 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine

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W

hen Drew Baccus started Affluent Construction, he began with one simple but essential rule: Don’t cut corners.

“I set a precedent that it had to be done right.

There would be no compromises. If something doesn’t look or feel right, tear it out and redo it,” says Baccus. “I’ve watched too many builders throw up stuff for profit. Sure, money is important, but money is the bonus. I enjoy getting up every day and getting to build.”

When it comes to the company’s reputation, Baccus considers the long term. Just as he rips out kitchens built 30 years ago and discovers design flaws, his work will also be pulled out and replaced when it becomes outdated. Even then, he wants Affluent Construction to be known for its quality and value.

“When it’s all said and done, I want everything to flow right, even down to where the light switches are placed,” he says. “I spend a lot of time on plans so they are perfect. There are too many times when I’ve walked in houses where the light switches are behind doors. Stuff like that is wrong. You have to be on your game so everything is where it needs to be.”

At Affluent Construction, the building experience goes well above superior design.

Clients get an advisor who always has their best interests at heart, because while Baccus wants to make sure homeowners love where they live, he also wants them to be able to sell their home if and when the time comes.

“I love that client interaction,” he says. “Let’s make a plan and let’s make sure it’s right. That home will eventually be resold and we have to keep that in mind when we make decisions.”

image from Amarillo Public Library Archives

Retro Rewind

S

El Rancho Courts

outh of Interstate 27, the north-and-south oriented Fillmore Street reaches a set of train tracks and gradually curves to the west, joining up with SE 36th Avenue. At that curve, motorists pass a long, ranch-style, stone building located in a mostly commercial area. A covered porch runs the length of the building, past several individual doors, with concrete parking out front. The address is 3517 S. Fillmore St.. Most Amarillo residents have few opportunities to drive to this far southern end of Fillmore Street, but that wasn’t always the case.

The building was once known as El Rancho Tourist Court, an eight-unit motel located along the busy U.S. Highways 60 and 87 through Amarillo.

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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Upon its construction in 1939, when Amarillo only had 50,000 residents, El Rancho was known as one of the city’s newest and most convenient motels, located just a five-minute drive from downtown. The original owner was I.S. Doak, who rented rooms to travelers for $1.

The building was severely damaged and rebuilt after the neighborhood suffered a direct hit during Amarillo’s deadly 1949 tornado, which flattened 200 homes, blew three dozen Santa Fe cars off the nearby train tracks, and destroyed dozens of aircraft at Tradewinds Airport. Seven people died in that storm. Today, the privately owned 3,700-square-foot property is divided into rental townhome units.

Natasha Cartwright Amarillo Globe-News AGN Media

2017

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Inductee Presented annually to the top sales professionals within Morris Publishing Group, LLC.

Congratulations!

Morris Publishing Group, LLC

20 Questions

with

Tiffany Laur MA, LPC, MT-BC

72

Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • April 2017

Photo by Shannon Richardson

What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career? Do what you love and follow your passion. My father was adamant that I follow my passion and do something I love. My mother modeled this for me, too. She pursued her dream of becoming an RN just two years after graduating high school. She was a nurse for more than 30 years. How do you use social media to grow your network?

I utilize LinkedIn professionally and Facebook for personal contacts. I love to support businesses that keep me tuned in to what is going on in our community, while also having detailed information about other professionals at my fingertips. How do you maintain balance? I find it helpful to schedule everything, including self-care and family time. I am protective of family/personal time, even if it means turning off my email for the weekend or evenings. What has been your wisest investment? Training and continuing education opportunities. It is important to never stop learning. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? With each leadership opportunity, I add more and more to my skillset through trial and error. I remind myself that the power of a positive attitude is contagious, but a negative attitude can be even more infectious. What is the best part about your job? I get to be a part of potential life-changing impact. As a music therapist, I get to be creative in my helping role. Music and the arts are tools that help clients reach deep within themselves and work through issues in their lives. How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? It provides a safe, confidential place to process, problem-solve, and explore ideas, but a good mentor will always make sure you are incorporating an appropriate amount of self-care as well. Which living person do you most admire and why? My maternal grandfather. At 82, he has faced many challenges and manages to remain positive and pleasant. He is an inspiration that it is possible to overcome any obstacle. Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe? “OMG”. It makes a person appear unprofessional and silly. What is your business philosophy? Invest in good people, treat them with respect, invite feedback, and extend grace. Which quality do you most value in an employee? Good communication. What personality trait has most helped you succeed? Perseverance. I have encountered some unexpected challenges in my career – some that made me want to give up. Because I managed to make it through, I believe it propelled me to grow professionally. Who is your favorite author? I love David D. Burns, M.D., a cognitive behavioral theorist. I also enjoy Joan Garry, a blogger, who has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit world. What did you learn from your best boss? To have high expectations for people. It inspires them to work hard. Your worst? The damaging effects of micromanagement. How can Amarillo improve its business environment? I feel it is important to have a heightened awareness of community resources and strive not to duplicate services. Instead, work to collaborate with other organizations to be more effective in our community. Most important tech tool: iPhone – it holds my calendar, contacts, to-do lists, music, I can check my children’s grades, and having Amazon at my fingertips is a dangerous convenience. Best time management tool: A calendar has always been my best tool.

I check it every evening to plan the next day, and look ahead to plan my week and prioritize tasks. I can’t live without my: calendar and watch. I would be lost without either. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: The support of local business and local non-profit organizations. We have a very giving community. Most unusual job or task: When I was 17, I was hired as a ticket writer at a local car wash. One day, it was raining so I was advised to clock out and wait for customers before I could clock back in. In a six-hour day, I was paid for one-and-a-half hours. It was a learning experience about labor law violation and disrespect of employees.

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