Prairie Acres administrator Jeff Procter (left) congratulates Lonnie Adrian of Muleshoe on winning the People's Choice Award and $200 at the 1st Annual Car Show and Crafts Fair last Saturday. Lonnie and his wife Helen are preparing to drive "The Purple Grape" on a road trip up north along the Mississippi River.
By Becky Riethmayer
I graduated from Friona High School in 1968 and started taking classes at West Texas State University. My academic journey also led me to teach English at Amarillo College for five years. My travels culminated a couple years ago when I served as President of the FISD Board of Trustees. I was proud to have served on the school board for fifteen years. Presently, I am a retired Friona ISD teacher/administrator.
One of my favorite encounters on the road to enlightenment occurred when I was teaching at Amarillo College. A particular student caught my attention because she would come to class every day with a list of questions. She spoke some English. I spoke some Spanish. Reading and writing English was something she took seriously. She wanted to learn. Sometimes I met her before class and sometimes after class to review. The quick intelligence and sincere desire to learn impressed me because it was not easy.
You see, Almadelfina DeLeon came to the United States in 2005 and became a citizen in 2012. She had a husband, Domingo León, and two small children, Sophia & Marco, to care for and family responsibilities. However, I do not remember her ever missing a class.
After I had left my AC classes, Almadelfina would occasionally send me a card, and I would reply. We would often find ourselves at a local school event which gave us a chance to visit. She attend Amarillo College for six years studying basic English and writing. She was proud to inform me of her graduation from WTA&M in May of 2021.
Just recently, I had the great pleasure of meeting Almadelfina at the Primary School Open House. I discovered that she is the new Bilingual Kindergarten teacher. She will be a wonderful addition to the Friona ISD staff. She says that I inspired her, but inspiration is often a two-way street. I hope my friend will let me visit her class once in awhile!
The influence of Friona High School graduates is far and wide. Perhaps this story will inspire others to share their story.
Rodrigo Zapata of Bovina won the Oculus Quest 2 system (top photo) and Sharon White won the decorative door prize donated by Bluebonnet Home Health & Hospice (bottom photo). Prairie Acres residents made crafts throughout the summer and sold them for over $600! All of the proceeds from the event will go to the residents' activity fund. See more photos in our photo section.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12 percent of all new annual cancer cases worldwide.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is encouraging women to get screened regularly for the disease.
"Many of us have delayed life-saving screenings like mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is understandable. But after 19 months it's so important to get back on track with regular breast cancer screening," said Lindsay Rodgers, HHSC associate commissioner for Health and Developmental Services. "Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms."
The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram annually, while women ages 55 and older get checked at least once every two years. Women with extra risk factors could start annual screenings at age 40.
HHSC's Breast and Cervical Cancer Services Program (BCCS) helps fund clinics across the state to provide free breast cancer screening and diagnostic services such as clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies to eligible women. BCCS also provides funding for cervical cancer screenings and treatment for precancerous cervical conditions.
Last year, the program helped more than 26,600 women, including more than 15,000 women who received breast cancer services. Uninsured and underinsured Texas women who have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply for BCCS. To learn more about women's health programs and services offered, visit www.healthytexaswomen.org or dial 2-1-1.
Free Vaccination Clinic - Parmer Medical Center is hosting a Free Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic on Friday, October 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the XIT Recreation Center in Bovina, Texas. Pfizer vaccines are now available for ages 12 and up. Call for an appointment at 806-240-1562 or 806-240-1761. Walk-ins are available.
***
Thank You - Fire Chief Danny Campbell and the members of the Friona Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank everyone who bought tickets for their "50 for 50" fundraiser.
***
To The Pointe - The new Legacy Pointe Senior apartments are beginning to take shape. New showers have been installed and work is underway on the new flooring. Call Housing Manager Cindy Hooley if you would like to add your name to the list of potential tenants. There will also be an "Open House" in the near future.
***
Prairie News - Prairie Acres Resident of the Month for October is Charles Gilbreath. The Employee of the Month is Toby Martinez. Toby works in the nursing department and has been with Prairie Acres since October 2019. Congratulations to both!!!
***
Music for your ears - The Mighty Chieftain Marching Band will compete in the district marching contest on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Dick Bivins Stadium in Amarillo, Texas. Go band!!!
***
Music for your mouth - The band boosters will be selling brisket sandwiches with chips, pickles, onions, BBQ sauce, and water for $8.00 at the October 15th football game. They will begin serving at 5:00 p.m. and serve until they are sold out. Buy early and buy often.
***
October potpourri - During October, asters bloom and so do chrysanthemums. Their colors often pair well with the pumpkins and gourds collected from gardens. October is the month when the five-day workweek was first sanctioned. Several U.S. presidents were born in October, too.
***