Back-to-school events, AFD exam among this week's community news

Deadline is Aug. 4 to apply for AFD's next entrance exam

The Amarillo Fire Department is reminding citizens that Sunday, Aug. 4th is the deadline to apply for its next entrance exam.

"We are seeking motivated individuals to join our family and contribute to our mission of protecting our community by providing the highest quality of compassionate and professional services," AFD said in a release. "We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years old who are interested in a career in the fire service. These Firefighters will play a crucial role in serving the citizens of this city."

The Amarillo Fire Department will be conducting the civil service written exam at the Amarillo Civic Center on Aug. 10th at 8 a.m. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by Aug. 4th in order to sign up for the test. To apply, please visit the City of Amarillo's website at careers.amarillo.gov or use the direct link at https://amarillo.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Amarillo_External_Career_Site/details/Fire-Fighter_JR467?q=fire

Pathpoint Fellowship Church to host 15th annual back to school celebration

The Pathpoint Fellowship Church is hosting a back-to-school event at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4.

For 15 years, the church has hosted a “Back to School Communion and Prayer Service” for the community called “Covered –The Psalm 91 Experience.” "We believe it is a proactive approach to school violence, teen suicides and all the other challenges facing teachers, students and law enforcement in Amarillo/Canyon and surrounding areas," the church says in an event announcement. "It is essential for our families and school faculty members to have God’s protection over their lives. This year, PFC is expecting more than 700 people to attend as PFC kicks off the new school year by leading everyone in a time of encouragement, prayer and communion over the coming year."

An engraved wristband, signifying that we are covered by God’s protection and peace, will be given as a special gift to everyone who attends. It is intended to be a reminder the students and school employees can wear and take comfort in every day during the school year. School teachers will also be given a gift card and school supplies. PFC is also grilling up free lunch following the service and has lots of fun lined up for families and children, including games, bounce houses, and giveaways.

Pathpoint Fellowship Church is located on at 6215 Canyon Drive in Amarillo. For more information, call the church at 806-463-7284.

6th annual Back to School Barrio Bash to be held Aug. 11

The 6th annual Back to School Barrio Bash will be held on August 11th at El Almo Park.

Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed during the back-to-school event, which also includes free haircuts and free hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as entertainment by Los Moonlighting DJs. In addition, many business booths will be set up all around the park to give away items and network.

The haircuts and food will start at noon, with the backpack giveaway at 2 p.m. A horseshoe tournament is scheduled to take place at 2:15 p.m., with sign-ups from noon to 2 p.m. Haircuts and food start at 12 noon.

Marcy Heim to keynote annual Philanthropy Day Celebration

The Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is presenting the 32nd annual National Philanthropy Day (NPD) Awards Recognition, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Amarillo Civic Center Grand Plaza Room, 401 S. Buchanan St.

This year’s keynote speaker is Marcy Heim, whose every keynote, workshop, coaching session or article speaks to living a lifestyle of generosity – in our giving, in our relationships and to ourselves – respecting the unique and special gift we are to the world. She is author of “Empowering Your Board to Serve as Effective Development Ambassadors” and will soon release her second book, “ASK for Anything ARTFULLY!” She has more than 20 years of firsthand experience on the leadership team at the University of Wisconsin Foundation.

The annual NPD ceremony will recognize individuals, volunteers, foundations, events and others whose philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact across the Texas Panhandle. This year’s honorees are:

• Lesly Bosch Annen, CFRE, CAP, Outstanding Fundraising Professional nominated by Mary E. Bivins Foundation
• BOC Bank, Outstanding Small Business nominated by Amarillo College
• Tommy Butler, Outstanding Youth/Collegiate in Philanthropy nominated by Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine
• Melody and Bob Grace, Outstanding Philanthropists nominated by Amarillo Area Foundation
• Laurie Higgins-Kerley, Spirit of Philanthropy Award nominated by Amy Juba, CFRE Nonprofit Consulting
• NoBox Creative, Outstanding Media nominated by Kids, Inc.
• Toot’n Totum, Outstanding Large Business nominated by Kids, Inc.
• Ware Foundation, Outstanding Foundation nominated by Amarillo Area Foundation
• David Wilder, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser nominated by Ronald McDonald House Charities and West Texas A&M University

Tables and tickets are on sale now at www.afptxplains.com/npd .

RHAIA reminds travelers of escalator safety

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA) has launched a new safety campaign to reduce preventable escalator accidents, which can cause injuries, disrupt travel plans and take equipment out of service.

RHAIA advises travelers to use elevators instead of escalators when possible and to follow essential safety tips. With the rise in escalator-related accidents, RHAIA is committed to ensuring a safe and pleasant journey for all passengers. Common causes of escalator falls include carrying heavy bags or more than one bag, pre-existing balance issues, not holding the handrails, turning around, multitasking and inattention.

“Escalator safety is a priority, and we want to do everything possible to prevent accidents by encouraging travelers to follow simple safety guidelines," City of Amarillo Director of Aviation Michael Conner said. “We strongly encourage using elevators, especially for those carrying multiple bags or using wheeled items. Strollers should never be brought on an escalator. Let’s work together to maintain a safe environment for our travelers and staff.”

Escalator safety tips include:

• Watch the direction of the moving step. Step on and off with extra care.
• Face forward and keep one hand free to firmly grip the handrail.
• Always hold children’s hands and do not allow children to sit or play on or near the steps.
• Do not take wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers, hand carts, luggage carts or similar items on the escalator. If you have multiple bags, use the elevator.
• Keep loose clothing clear of steps and sides.
• Step on and off quickly and move away from the area to give those behind you more room. (Senior citizens should pay particular attention to balance while getting on and getting off an escalator.)
• In case of an accident, push one of the “stop” buttons located at the top and bottom of the escalator.

For more safety tips, visit www.fly-ama.com/airport-services/safety-tips

Recent wastewater spill contained near Canyon wastewater facility

CANYON – An unauthorized discharge of untreated wastewater located near the intersection of S Western and W County Road 283 occurred at approximately 7 a.m. Friday, July 26 and was contained at 4:30 p.m. the same day. The city said the discharge was caused by a force main blowout.

The discharge released 100,000 gallons of untreated wastewater onto dry land. The wastewater did not reach any natural waters or impact water supply. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was notified.

For more information, contact the Canyon Public Works Department at (806) 655-5011 or by email at publicworks@CanyonTX.gov.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Back-to-school events, AFD exam among this week's community news