Community

It’s a very gray day. Today is exactly the sort of day I am most grateful for dogs.

The River Valley Pioneer Museum hosted an artist’s reception for artist Michael Longhofer’s new exhibit, “Eclectic Too” on Friday, March 13 from 5 pm-7 pm. The public was invited to come and meet Longhofer, who visited with patrons and discussed his new exhibit. Longhofer was proud to display his latest collection, which he says “chronicles people and places I have seen or imagined.”

Christina Hadaway introduced Trent Hill, vice president of Philanthropic Partnerships for the Amarillo Area Foundation. Hill was born in Amarillo, and graduated from West Texas A&M University before going on to earn his Ph.D. He spent 28 years in higher education, retiring as vice president at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. After retirement from academia, Hill began a second career with the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2017, and now serves as philanthropic advisor. Hill specializes in estate planning with charitable components, working with donors who would like to contribute a portion of their estate as an endowment to further the ideals and endeavors of the Amarillo Area Foundation. As Hill explained, there are many ways to give through the foundation; one-time donations, special gifts, and estate gifts. Trent is able to work with families in estate planning, minimize attorney fees and court costs, minimize taxes, and provide privacy for the family. If you are interested in learning more, contact Trent Hill at trent@aaf-hf.org.

I was first served this dish at a party in Houston, and the following day, I went to my favorite bookstore, housed in an old movie theatre, and bought The Silver Palate Cookbook. I have prepared many recipes from this book—my favorite, Chicken Marbella, is delicious served hot or at room temperature. Because it is such a spectacular party dish, this recipe serves 10-12 but can be divided to make a smaller amount if you wish. But I am telling you, don’t do it—it is even better the next day!

Janet Guthrie introduced Luke Thrasher (in photo above) of Canadian Feedyard to Rotarians last week. Luke said he thinks the feedyard started in about 1975 with 1,000 head of cattle. Now, they have 11,000 acres and room for 40,000 head of cattle. Currently, they have 35,000 head, 33 employees, and four day workers and summer help. They farm 760 irrigated acres of wheat. The first employees begin at 5 am to start feeding—the first of three feedings each day. The animals come in at 500-1,000 pounds and are fed to about 1,400 pounds before sale, adding up to about 46 million pounds of feed per month.

I think Pollyanna might have gotten a bum rap. More than once in my life, I’ve been accused of having a “Pollyanna attitude.” I didn’t actually know what this meant, except that it was not a good thing. Being “a Pollyanna” implied having an unrealistically sunny view of whatever was happening. Since Pollyanna and I had been linked so often, I thought I should finally read the book.

MUSEUM HAPPENINGS

Sequins, fringe, and fedoras filled the River Valley Pioneer Museum during Saturday’s Canadian/Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce Roaring 20s Casino Night. The chamber’s annual banquet hosted approximately 80 people, who drank beer and wine while they enjoyed games of blackjack, craps, and roulette. Catered by Alexander’s, tables overflowed with heavy hors d’oeuvres, fine cheeses, bacon-wrapped chicken, jalapeno poppers, small sandwiches, fruit, and a decadent chocolate fountain. Special entertainment was provided by singer Casey McKanna, who delighted the crowd with Elvis covers and more. The evening closed with award presentations, made by chamber board members.

Tina Jarosek shared this recipe (and delicious pie) with the newspaper staff on a Wednesday. That and coffee from Brown Bag next door got the Canadian Record to press. Delicious, not too sweet, you will love this pie!

Bob suggested we all do push-ups.