Center offers free basic car maintenance and safety workshop for women
The Lucille and Leo Caiafa, Jr. Center for Advancement will host a Powderpuff Mechanics Workshop at their location, 2308 SW 7th St., on Saturday, July 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. The workshop is free and open to any woman in the community.
The workshop will cover basic car maintenance and safety tips including the following topics: how to check the fluid levels on your engine and how to add the correct amount and type of fluids; how to check the tread depth and pressure in your tires and what it all means; how to safely jump start a battery; how to check the belts, hoses and filters for wear; how to replace windshield wipers; what all the lights on your dashboard mean and is it safe to drive when they are on; and much more.
Attendees may have the chance to sign up to have their vehicles checked out at the workshop for free as well, but it's limited to the first 10 vehicles registered. They will also have several door prizes along with refreshments.
Space is limited; register by July 23 by calling 806-358-7803, email cfa@sharinghopeministry.org or online at https://form.jotform.com/241794282022151 .
For more information, contact Kim Lester at 806-358-7803. For more information on the organization, visit their website at www.sharinghopeministry.org .
Mosquito precautions remain priority as first Texas case of West Nile virus reported
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) is reporting the first human case of West Nile virus – a patient diagnosed with West Nile fever - in Texas this year.
“This information from the state of Texas serves as a reminder to the Amarillo community to always take precautions against mosquitoes,” said City of Amarillo Director of Environmental Health Anthony Spanel. “During the summer months with so many outdoor activities it can be easy to forget about the presence of mosquitoes. There are many things our community can do to lessen the impact of mosquitoes.”
The city's Environmental Health Department began its mosquito spraying program in April and will continue to spray in locations around the city throughout the summer, the news release said.
According to the TDSHS, West Nile virus was reported in a Montgomery County resident. The TDSHS has identified nearly 800 mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus in 24 counties. To see the news release from the TDSHS, go to: bit.ly/3WnbjpC .
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people exposed to the virus don’t get sick, but about 20 percent develop symptoms like headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. In a very small proportion, less than one percent, the virus affects the nervous system, leading to the more serious West Nile neuroinvasive disease that can cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death.
In addition, TDSHS has identified 10 travel-associated dengue cases for 2024. Most dengue virus cases in the U.S. have been linked to travel to places where the virus is endemic, including in the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America and Africa. Dengue virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and about 25 percent of infections become symptomatic. “Unfortunately, many mosquitoes in Texas are capable of spreading diseases, such as West Nile and dengue. These diseases are often mild, but some people will develop severe illness,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “So, it is important for Texans to know how to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”
A primary tip for Amarillo and Texas Panhandle residents to control the mosquito population is to remove standing water from their property as mosquitoes thrive in water. In addition, there are the four Ds:
- Drain all standing water to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
- Dress in long sleeves and pants
- Wear insect repellant with DEET.
- Daily: Follow these steps all day and every day.
Amarillo residents can report potential mosquito breeding locations to the city's Environmental Health Department at (806) 378-9472 or by email at ehealth@amarillo.gov. Mosquito prevention tips can be found at: bit.ly/44oUz23 . For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager David Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov .
TxDOT bridgework to resume on Amarillo Boulevard with new contractor
Beginning in August, crews with Coppell Construction Company, Inc. will resume work on the bridge at the BNSF Railway on Amarillo Boulevard. The new contractor is taking over after the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) defaulted the previous contractor.
TxDOT said the work is expected to be completed by the end of this calendar year, with disincentives in place if the project is not completed by that time. For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit www.drivetexas.org .
DHDC’s Wizarding School is going to be magical
The Don Harrington Discovery Center will be turning its museum into a Wizarding School to enchant magic lovers of all ages on Saturday, Aug. 3 - no acceptance letter needed.
Step into a world of enchantment at DHDC, and watch it transform into a renowned academy of wizardry: the Discovery Wizarding School. This event will include classes filled with the magic of science, mystical science demonstrations, costumed creatures and wizards alike. Guests can also stop by Platform 9 3/4 for a special photo, purchase realm-renowned Butterbeer ice cream, and snag a Wizarding School exclusive t-shirt. (Butterbeer andt-shirts are not included with an event ticket.)
This will be a time-ticketed event. Timed admission options are 10 a.m.-noon and 12:30-2:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $5 per person for members and $8 for non-members.
Amarillo Parks and Recreation to celebrate Harry Potter's birthday
The community is invited to celebrate with the Amarillo Parks and Recreation for Harry Potter's Birthday Party at Westover Park on Saturday, July 27. Play Quidditch, drink butterbeer, and enjoy a Harry Potter themed night, ending with a showing of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" when it gets dark.
The event is free and open to the public (muggles and wizards alike) and does not require registration. Those who wish to RSVP can click the link for Harry Potter's Birthday event on the parks and recreation Facebook page.
WT to offer on-campus system for students recovering from substance abuse
CANYON — West Texas A&M University will launch a new, on-campus support system for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Beginning this fall, Buff CARES — or College Addiction Recovery, Education and Support — will provide a dedicated staff person, weekly meetings, counseling sessions and other support for students facing addiction issues. They also will live in a dedicated wing of Guenther Hall on WT’s Canyon campus.
“Building a community of support for students in recovery is vital to the student’s academic success, but most importantly, it is vital to their success in life,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which will administer the Buff CARES program. “Recovery can be a lifelong journey, and we believe we are laying a foundation that offers students the best opportunity to continue their recovery journey in a safe and supported environment, breaking the cycle of addiction for themselves as well as future generations.”
The program, which is part of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education program, will launch with 10 students, with plans to grow over coming years. Philanthropic support for the first year of the program has been secured, and ongoing fundraising will ensure the long-term viability of the program. About 200 similar programs exist among other U.S. colleges and universities.
Students must be in recovery for a year to qualify. To remain in the program, they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and attend counseling sessions and weekly addiction support meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Key features of the program include wellness activities like yoga or meditation; academic support including tutoring, mentoring and other resources; sober social events and activities; and referrals to on campus and community resources for additional support.
WT’s Cornette Library hosts first Panhandle Librarians’ Symposium
CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s Cornette Library hosted the first Texas Panhandle Librarians’ Symposium on July 17. The one-day conference allowed librarians at secondary schools to connect with fellow librarians from across the Panhandle, including those at WT, to share resources and wisdom, said Kelly M. Hoppe, Cornette Library associate director and head of outreach and instruction.
The event, themed "Connect, Collaborate, Thrive," included discussions of artificial intelligence and information literacy, as well as panels featuring WT students and faculty discussing the keys to college success and how secondary librarians can help prepare high school students for college. Librarians from Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland and Claude independent school districts had registered for the free symposium.
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