Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center: Wreaths Across America
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Texas Panhandle War Memorial and Education Center
4111 S. Georgia
806-350-8387
Tim Reid
Executive Director
This year the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, together with Wreaths Across America, is sponsoring a wreath ceremony at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 10:00 am. The ceremony will honor and remember our Veterans from each of the service branches who have passed from this life.
The ceremony will take 15 to 20 minutes. This will give time to travel to either Llano Cemetery or Memorial Park Cemetery to participate in laying wreaths on Veterans graves. Both will start wreath laying at 11:00 am.
The ceremony is being planned to be outside, weather permitting. If the weather is too severe then we will move inside the Education Center.
Thank you for supporting the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center and Wreaths Across America and helping us to fulfill our missions to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
Tim Reid
Executive Director
Texas Panhandle War Memorial
4111 S. Georgia
Amarillo, TX 79110
806-350-8387
The mission of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial is to “Honor, commemorate and memorialize the service and sacrifice of Veterans through education and public events.”
To Remember Every War, To Remember Every Service Member, To Remember is to Honor
Christian Women’s Convention
Amarillo to Host Christian Women’s Convention
The Historic Texas Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction presents the 45th Annual Women’s Convention, March 12-14, at Temple of Praise, 1900 West Amarillo Boulevard. Bishop John C. Brown, host pastor.
This power-packed convention will include dynamic speakers during day and night services, prayer, praise and worship and much more!
Wednesday, March 12th, – 10am Mission outreach ministries. This will include nursing homes’ visitation, and partnering with local social service agencies to help meet the needs of the homeless population, women with children, and others who are less fortunate. Also, “Civic Night,” evening service will begin at 7pm and will feature anointed congregational singing, various choirs, psalmists and musicians. During this time, both city and county officials will be acknowledged for their service.
Thursday thru Friday Day services – 10am: Daily Prayer and Consecration; 11am – Educational Institute, followed by praise and worship day service speakers.
Thursday, March 13th (7pm) Official Night. keynote speaker: Bishop W.H. Watson III, (Lubbock, Texas) Jurisdictional Prelate and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Friday, March 14th- 9:30 Prayer Breakfast (tickets are $30). 11Am Educational Institute, 12pm – day service
7pm keynote speaker is Renee Winston. Winston is an international evangelist and shepherdess in the Church of God In Christ. She is a mother, singer, and entrepreneur. Additionally, Renee is known for reaching the multitudes because of her passionate love for God and people. In 2017, Renee released a song titled “Only God Can Do It.” It continues to inspire both secular and Christian audiences via a myriad of platforms. In 2018, Renee released a book titled “Only God Can Do It,” the story being the song, that depicts her testimony. Also, in 2017, Renee was the first female Regional President of Evangelism in the United States of America. She pastors Abundant Remnant Ministries Church of God in Christ – San Francisco.
More than 200 are expected to attend the convention throughout the week. “We have
conventions to train, educate, inspire and uplift women for ministry for better homes, better communities and ultimately a better world,” said Mother Mary Barnes, Jurisdictional Supervisor.
Moving forward, Mother Barnes’s vision for the women’s department is to see anointed women of God equipped to wage warfare “against the devil to the saving of souls for the
Kingdom of God.” To do this, she said, “each one must reach one, so that no woman is left behind. I do believe that everybody is somebody in the work of the Lord.”
Bishop W.H. Watson, III, who oversees approximately 70 churches in the TXNWJ, said, “I believe our country is on a precipice of complete moral decay. The family structure is being weakened; marriage as defined in the bible is being redefined by our government.” He went on to say, “Many people are being guided by opinions of the crowd versus the Word of God.” Watson added that he is glad there are praying women of God who are “are maintaining and even lifting the standard. Mother Mary Barnes (supervisor of the Texas Northwest Women’s Department) is doing a tremendous job of leading the department in this millennium. I am looking forward to the Texas Northwest Women’s Convention because I believe both women and men alike will be encouraged and energized and trained to win souls for Christ and foster holy living in this day and time.”
Mother (Jurisdictional title) Mary Barnes’s Biography
Mother Barnes was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in February 1973 while attending a revival, under the anointed preaching of the late Superintendent Sylvester Colter of Phoenix Arizona.
She was installed as the Jurisdictional Supervisor of Texas Northwest Jurisdiction,
Church of God in Christ, Inc. on November 6, 2009 in Memphis, TN by the International
General Supervisor Mother Willie Mae Rivers. She is seventh in succession of Supervisors for Texas Northwest Jurisdiction, succeeding the retired Supervisor Emeritus, Mother Victorine Mackey.
Mother Barnes received her license as an Evangelist Missionary in 1978 in the Arizona Jurisdiction, under the leadership the late Bishop Felton King and the late Mother Ola H. Garner, State Supervisor. She also served seven years as the State Young People Willing Workers Chairlady of the Arizona Jurisdiction, until moving to Texas in 1986. Mother Barnes began her career in mortgage banking in February, 1972, and has worked in all facets of mortgage banking including management of a National Mortgage
Lending Operation; former Vice President of Underwriting in the corporate offices of Allied Home Mortgage Corporation in Houston, TX, until the Lord lead her to start her own business in March 2002. She was then named Executive Branch Manager of Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation with offices in Brownwood and Buda, Texas.
She attended Arizona State University, Phoenix College and the Institute of Financial Education majoring in Financial Education and business. She is a Certified Mortgage Banking Underwriter, FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter, VA Automatic Underwriter, and a certified IFA Residential Appraiser. She also has education in the medical field as an EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Technologist, Nursing Assistant and Medical Transcriptionist. Mother Mary Barnes and her husband (now resting in the arms of Jesus), Deacon Rudolph Barnes, Sr., have two sons and two daughters (one daughter is deceased). Additionally, she is a grandmother and great grandmother.
Christian Women’s Convention
Amarillo to Host Christian Women’s Convention
The Historic Texas Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction presents the 45th Annual Women’s Convention, March 12-14, at Temple of Praise, 1900 West Amarillo Boulevard. Bishop John C. Brown, host pastor.
This power-packed convention will include dynamic speakers during day and night services, prayer, praise and worship and much more!
Wednesday, March 12th, – 10am Mission outreach ministries. This will include nursing homes’ visitation, and partnering with local social service agencies to help meet the needs of the homeless population, women with children, and others who are less fortunate. Also, “Civic Night,” evening service will begin at 7pm and will feature anointed congregational singing, various choirs, psalmists and musicians. During this time, both city and county officials will be acknowledged for their service.
Thursday thru Friday Day services – 10am: Daily Prayer and Consecration; 11am – Educational Institute, followed by praise and worship day service speakers.
Thursday, March 13th (7pm) Official Night. keynote speaker: Bishop W.H. Watson III, (Lubbock, Texas) Jurisdictional Prelate and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Friday, March 14th- 9:30 Prayer Breakfast (tickets are $30). 11Am Educational Institute, 12pm – day service
7pm keynote speaker is Renee Winston. Winston is an international evangelist and shepherdess in the Church of God In Christ. She is a mother, singer, and entrepreneur. Additionally, Renee is known for reaching the multitudes because of her passionate love for God and people. In 2017, Renee released a song titled “Only God Can Do It.” It continues to inspire both secular and Christian audiences via a myriad of platforms. In 2018, Renee released a book titled “Only God Can Do It,” the story being the song, that depicts her testimony. Also, in 2017, Renee was the first female Regional President of Evangelism in the United States of America. She pastors Abundant Remnant Ministries Church of God in Christ – San Francisco.
More than 200 are expected to attend the convention throughout the week. “We have
conventions to train, educate, inspire and uplift women for ministry for better homes, better communities and ultimately a better world,” said Mother Mary Barnes, Jurisdictional Supervisor.
Moving forward, Mother Barnes’s vision for the women’s department is to see anointed women of God equipped to wage warfare “against the devil to the saving of souls for the
Kingdom of God.” To do this, she said, “each one must reach one, so that no woman is left behind. I do believe that everybody is somebody in the work of the Lord.”
Bishop W.H. Watson, III, who oversees approximately 70 churches in the TXNWJ, said, “I believe our country is on a precipice of complete moral decay. The family structure is being weakened; marriage as defined in the bible is being redefined by our government.” He went on to say, “Many people are being guided by opinions of the crowd versus the Word of God.” Watson added that he is glad there are praying women of God who are “are maintaining and even lifting the standard. Mother Mary Barnes (supervisor of the Texas Northwest Women’s Department) is doing a tremendous job of leading the department in this millennium. I am looking forward to the Texas Northwest Women’s Convention because I believe both women and men alike will be encouraged and energized and trained to win souls for Christ and foster holy living in this day and time.”
Mother (Jurisdictional title) Mary Barnes’s Biography
Mother Barnes was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in February 1973 while attending a revival, under the anointed preaching of the late Superintendent Sylvester Colter of Phoenix Arizona.
She was installed as the Jurisdictional Supervisor of Texas Northwest Jurisdiction,
Church of God in Christ, Inc. on November 6, 2009 in Memphis, TN by the International
General Supervisor Mother Willie Mae Rivers. She is seventh in succession of Supervisors for Texas Northwest Jurisdiction, succeeding the retired Supervisor Emeritus, Mother Victorine Mackey.
Mother Barnes received her license as an Evangelist Missionary in 1978 in the Arizona Jurisdiction, under the leadership the late Bishop Felton King and the late Mother Ola H. Garner, State Supervisor. She also served seven years as the State Young People Willing Workers Chairlady of the Arizona Jurisdiction, until moving to Texas in 1986. Mother Barnes began her career in mortgage banking in February, 1972, and has worked in all facets of mortgage banking including management of a National Mortgage
Lending Operation; former Vice President of Underwriting in the corporate offices of Allied Home Mortgage Corporation in Houston, TX, until the Lord lead her to start her own business in March 2002. She was then named Executive Branch Manager of Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation with offices in Brownwood and Buda, Texas.
She attended Arizona State University, Phoenix College and the Institute of Financial Education majoring in Financial Education and business. She is a Certified Mortgage Banking Underwriter, FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter, VA Automatic Underwriter, and a certified IFA Residential Appraiser. She also has education in the medical field as an EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Technologist, Nursing Assistant and Medical Transcriptionist. Mother Mary Barnes and her husband (now resting in the arms of Jesus), Deacon Rudolph Barnes, Sr., have two sons and two daughters (one daughter is deceased). Additionally, she is a grandmother and great grandmother.
Christian Women’s Convention
Amarillo to Host Christian Women’s Convention
The Historic Texas Northwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction presents the 45th Annual Women’s Convention, March 12-14, at Temple of Praise, 1900 West Amarillo Boulevard. Bishop John C. Brown, host pastor.
This power-packed convention will include dynamic speakers during day and night services, prayer, praise and worship and much more!
Wednesday, March 12th, – 10am Mission outreach ministries. This will include nursing homes’ visitation, and partnering with local social service agencies to help meet the needs of the homeless population, women with children, and others who are less fortunate. Also, “Civic Night,” evening service will begin at 7pm and will feature anointed congregational singing, various choirs, psalmists and musicians. During this time, both city and county officials will be acknowledged for their service.
Thursday thru Friday Day services – 10am: Daily Prayer and Consecration; 11am – Educational Institute, followed by praise and worship day service speakers.
Thursday, March 13th (7pm) Official Night. keynote speaker: Bishop W.H. Watson III, (Lubbock, Texas) Jurisdictional Prelate and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.
Friday, March 14th- 9:30 Prayer Breakfast (tickets are $30). 11Am Educational Institute, 12pm – day service
7pm keynote speaker is Renee Winston. Winston is an international evangelist and shepherdess in the Church of God In Christ. She is a mother, singer, and entrepreneur. Additionally, Renee is known for reaching the multitudes because of her passionate love for God and people. In 2017, Renee released a song titled “Only God Can Do It.” It continues to inspire both secular and Christian audiences via a myriad of platforms. In 2018, Renee released a book titled “Only God Can Do It,” the story being the song, that depicts her testimony. Also, in 2017, Renee was the first female Regional President of Evangelism in the United States of America. She pastors Abundant Remnant Ministries Church of God in Christ – San Francisco.
More than 200 are expected to attend the convention throughout the week. “We have
conventions to train, educate, inspire and uplift women for ministry for better homes, better communities and ultimately a better world,” said Mother Mary Barnes, Jurisdictional Supervisor.
Moving forward, Mother Barnes’s vision for the women’s department is to see anointed women of God equipped to wage warfare “against the devil to the saving of souls for the
Kingdom of God.” To do this, she said, “each one must reach one, so that no woman is left behind. I do believe that everybody is somebody in the work of the Lord.”
Bishop W.H. Watson, III, who oversees approximately 70 churches in the TXNWJ, said, “I believe our country is on a precipice of complete moral decay. The family structure is being weakened; marriage as defined in the bible is being redefined by our government.” He went on to say, “Many people are being guided by opinions of the crowd versus the Word of God.” Watson added that he is glad there are praying women of God who are “are maintaining and even lifting the standard. Mother Mary Barnes (supervisor of the Texas Northwest Women’s Department) is doing a tremendous job of leading the department in this millennium. I am looking forward to the Texas Northwest Women’s Convention because I believe both women and men alike will be encouraged and energized and trained to win souls for Christ and foster holy living in this day and time.”
Mother (Jurisdictional title) Mary Barnes’s Biography
Mother Barnes was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in February 1973 while attending a revival, under the anointed preaching of the late Superintendent Sylvester Colter of Phoenix Arizona.
She was installed as the Jurisdictional Supervisor of Texas Northwest Jurisdiction,
Church of God in Christ, Inc. on November 6, 2009 in Memphis, TN by the International
General Supervisor Mother Willie Mae Rivers. She is seventh in succession of Supervisors for Texas Northwest Jurisdiction, succeeding the retired Supervisor Emeritus, Mother Victorine Mackey.
Mother Barnes received her license as an Evangelist Missionary in 1978 in the Arizona Jurisdiction, under the leadership the late Bishop Felton King and the late Mother Ola H. Garner, State Supervisor. She also served seven years as the State Young People Willing Workers Chairlady of the Arizona Jurisdiction, until moving to Texas in 1986. Mother Barnes began her career in mortgage banking in February, 1972, and has worked in all facets of mortgage banking including management of a National Mortgage
Lending Operation; former Vice President of Underwriting in the corporate offices of Allied Home Mortgage Corporation in Houston, TX, until the Lord lead her to start her own business in March 2002. She was then named Executive Branch Manager of Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation with offices in Brownwood and Buda, Texas.
She attended Arizona State University, Phoenix College and the Institute of Financial Education majoring in Financial Education and business. She is a Certified Mortgage Banking Underwriter, FHA Direct Endorsement Underwriter, VA Automatic Underwriter, and a certified IFA Residential Appraiser. She also has education in the medical field as an EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Technologist, Nursing Assistant and Medical Transcriptionist. Mother Mary Barnes and her husband (now resting in the arms of Jesus), Deacon Rudolph Barnes, Sr., have two sons and two daughters (one daughter is deceased). Additionally, she is a grandmother and great grandmother.
Panhandle Area Regional Forum March 19, 2025 9 am – 4 pm Doors open at 8:30 David’s Quality Electric 1751 SE 16th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79102
This forum is designed for anyone who is interested in working collaboratively to prevent youth alcohol and cannabis use. LUNCH provided. Register at https://bit.ly/panhandleforum Attendance is FREE, but pre-registration is required to ensure sufficient food and seating. Registration deadline is March 14th. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with site-specific details. Day-At-A-Glance Check-in & Breakfast Morning – State and local prevention leaders speak on youth substance use trends, how they affect young people, and the heart of our prevention work Lunch (provided) – Networking Afternoon – Interactive sessions focused on what’s happening in our community and next steps to protect our youth Questions? Contact Veronica Colmenarez at veronica@txsdy.org or call 512.442.7501
Thanks,
LaViza
LaViza Matthews
Traffic Safety Specialist Amarillo District
Child Passenger Safety Lead Instructor
TxDOT Representative-State Board CFRT
Office- 806-356-3338
Cell- 806-290-3584
Laviza.matthews@txdot.gov
Andy Chase: The Amarillo favorite slings songs every Friday at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant. (7 p.m. 700 S. Taylor St.; 806-220-2258)
Texas Panhandle: 1st Annual Overdose Awareness Day- Saturday, August 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Duncan
Email: AmarilloNarcanLady@gmail.com
Phone: (806) 677-3037
Texas Panhandle to Host 1st Annual Overdose Awareness Day
Event Offers Media Interviews Beforehand & Invites Press to Attend
Amarillo, TX – The Texas Panhandle will come together for a powerful evening of remembrance, support, and action at the 1st Annual Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness Day on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sam Houston Park, Amarillo, TX. The event is free and open to the public.
This heartfelt gathering will honor the lives lost to overdose, provide support to those affected, and raise awareness to prevent future tragedies. Guests will experience an evening filled with live music, local food trucks, community vendors, an art show, and a creative “Chalk the Walk” contest. Memorial activities, educational booths, and opportunities to connect with others who understand will provide a space for healing, hope, and advocacy.
The event’s message is clear and urgent:
“Honor the dead. Fight like hell for the living. Carry Narcan.”
Media Opportunity:
Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness is offering interviews with event organizers, local advocates, and families impacted by overdose before the event. These interviews can provide in-depth insights into the overdose crisis in the region, prevention strategies, and how the community is responding. Members of the press are also invited to attend and cover the event live on August 23rd.
About Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness
Founded in 2023 in honor of Drew Seager, who tragically lost his life to an accidental drug overdose in 2018, Texas Panhandle Overdose Awareness is a nonprofit organization committed to changing the local narrative around substance use and overdose. The organization works to educate the public, promote prevention, and provide resources that can save lives.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
🕓 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Sam Houston Park, Amarillo, TX
🎟️ Cost: Free and open to the public
Highlights Include:
- 🕊️ Memorials honoring lives lost
- 🎨 Art & Advocacy displays, including an art show and “Chalk the Walk” contest
- 💜 Community Support through local vendors, educational booths, and resources
- 🍴 Local food trucks and live entertainment
For interviews or press inquiries, please contact:
Angie Duncan
📧 AmarilloNarcanLady@gmail.com
📞 (806) 677-3037
Andrea’s Project to Host 4th Annual Golf Tournament to Prevent Alcohol-Related Harm
Andrea’s Project to Host 4th Annual Golf Tournament to Prevent Alcohol-Related Harm
Sponsorships & Team Registration Now Open
Amarillo, TX – Andrea’s Project is proud to announce its 4th Annual Golf Fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Ross Rogers Golf Course in Amarillo. This fun-filled 2-Man Scramble will not only bring together golfers from across the Texas Panhandle but will also help raise critical funds to prevent alcohol-related harm in our communities.
The tournament will feature a 9:00 AM shotgun start, exciting contests, prizes, and opportunities to support Andrea’s Project through team registration and sponsorships. Funds raised will go directly toward prevention education, victim impact panels, youth engagement programs, and community outreach efforts.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
From Title Sponsor to Hole Sponsors, businesses and individuals can partner with Andrea’s Project to make a lasting impact while gaining community recognition. Sponsorship levels include:
- Eagle Sponsor – $2,500
- Birdie Sponsor – $1,000
- Hole Sponsor – $150
Sponsors receive promotional recognition on event materials, signage, and during the awards ceremony.
Team Registration:
- $250 per team (includes green fees, cart, and lunch)
- 2-Man Scramble format
- Limited spots available — early registration is encouraged!
About Andrea’s Project
Andrea’s Project was founded in memory of Andrea Elizalde, whose life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver. The nonprofit serves the Amarillo area and Texas Panhandle, working to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm through education, advocacy, and community programs.
“Every swing, every sponsorship, every team entry helps us keep another family from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a loved one to impaired driving,” said Shanna James, Executive Director of Andrea’s Project.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM Shotgun Start
📍 Location: Ross Rogers Golf Course, Amarillo, TX
🏌️ Format: 2-Man Scramble
💵 Entry Fee: $250 per team
Register or Become a Sponsor:
Visit www.AndreasProjectTX.org/events to sign up or learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Contact for Sponsorships & Registration:
Shanna James
📧 Shanna.James@AndreasProjectTX.org
📞 (806) 570-9317
Storybridge LIVE 2025 at Hodgetown on Saturday, Oct 4
Also, here is a link to a video we had made last year: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pJdmY8M5rXKtBlq_CXc_B3P0hVMQkkoV/view?usp=drive_web – feel free to use any of that footage.
STORYBRIDGE LIVE CELEBRATES 5 YEARS OF STORYBOOK MAGIC AT HODGETOWN
The event will run from 9-12 this Saturday morning (9-10 is a limited attendance Early Access Hour, 10-12 is General Admission). We would love to have you there!
Live a good story!
—
Phone: 806-599-3560 Ext. 3
Email: chandra@storybridgeama.org
Address: PO Box 50524 | Amarillo, TX 79159
Website: storybridgeama.org
Saturday: Oct. 25th
12 Noon until Sold out: Fish Fry Meal (Fish, Fries, Corn, Salad, Dessert & tea or soft drink)
$15 donation
Dine-in or Take-out. Hilltop Senior Citizen Center 1131 N Taylor Street Proceeds to Benefit Cancer Treatments for Donna Warner