Archives for September 2002

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs recognized Panhandle Community Services (PCS) with the largest merit award over 52 other agencies. 

PCS received $12,180.00 for outstanding performance in transiting families out of poverty.

The Executive Directors Conference held in San Antonio recognized community action agencies for addressing Federal Welfare Reform mandates.  PCS competed with 52 agencies that compete for awards.  The state of Texas awarded $98,365.00 to 24 agencies.

Johnny Raymond – Executive Director, Phyllis Cook – Deputy Director, and Paulette Flores – Administrative Assistant received the award on behalf of PCS.

“This award is truly appreciated on behalf of  our 13 centers,” Raymond stated.  “It illustrates what Community Action Agencies accomplish.  They truly help people and change lives.”

Robbie Hill, local Center Coordinator, and her staff received recognition for their contribution to the success of the recognition.

The local staff helps clients with housing and Families in Training in four counties along with  medical and local transportation which includes transporting children to school.  They also have out of town medical transportation to surrounding towns. 

Clarendon PCS oversees the energy program in Donley, Hall, Briscoe, and Armstrong counties.  They have the weatherization program that helps make homes more energy efficient.  They also oversee a food pantry for those who are in need of emergency help with groceries for their families. 

They also have intake and referral services; and they try to keep the names and numbers of agencies that can provide assistance.

The local staff includes Robbie Hill, Lori Mays, Linda Horton, Peggy Soneth, and Mac Smith.

The appearance of the General Motors dealership now known as Suna AutoMall is changing, and new owner Mark Suna says he’s even more excited than when he took over two weeks ago.

The change is readily apparent when a customer walks in the front door of what was Chamberlain Motor Company. The showroom is full with 22 vehicles on the floor, and product literature is within easy reach and eyeshot near the entrance. This week Suna had five televisions delivered and plans to have them installed in the dealership’s main lobby.

“We have one for each GM division line, and each will be running commercials for that line from the 50s, 60s, and 70s to the millennium,” Suna said. “We also will run competitor’s commercials to show how the GM product is far superior.”

New canopies and signs will be installed at the dealership in four to six weeks. Inventory is arriving daily, and General Motors has agreed to supply Suna with 150 new vehicles.

Suna says his goal is to help Clarendon grow, and to that end, he has seven new employees moving to town. The dealership is also looking to hire college students to fill part time positions at the switchboard, in sales, and staffing the CellularOne desk.

“No one is being replaced,” Suna said. “The biggest asset I inherited was the employees. That’s what set Chamberlain’s and now Suna AutoMall apart from the rest.”

Suna said so far only one employee had left the business since the change of ownership occurred and that was the employee’s own choosing.

Suna says he has great respect for former owner Trey Chamberlain and his family, and he hopes to run the dealership the way they wanted it to be.

“My hat is off to Mr. Chamberlain for the way he took care of his employees,” Suna said.

Those employees are now looking to Suna for leadership.

“He’s going to be a great leader,” said Glenn Dale Hearn, who has been with the dealership for 24 years. “He came down personally twice and talked to us as a gentleman. He’s been straight with us.”

Other employees say they are already seeing positive changes.

“There is more action here and more traffic,” said salesman Russell Simpson. “Everyone is in better spirits.”

“Something is going on here, and I’m receiving a lot of positive feedback from customers,” said salesman Jody Dixon, who has been calling past clients and telling them about the new ownership.

Suna says he has a hands-on management style and works with his staff to serve the customers.  He says his staff has “all the makings of an orchestra” and likens his role to that of a conductor.

“Every one of these guys is important to me. They see me with them, and I’m the last one to leave.”

Suna says he’s still amazed at the warmth the local people have shown although some still ask him why he chose to move here from Dallas.

“I came here because I wanted to,” he said. “I saw a community looking to grow.

“The Panhandle still has the pioneering spirit to embrace new businesses and opportunities. I think people who live in the Dallas area are missing out.”

Two separate ceremonies will be held in Clarendon next Wednesday, September 11, in connection with the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America last year.

The Donley County Memorial Post 7782 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will hold a remembrance ceremony at the flag pole in front of the VFW Post Home at 7:48 a.m. – the exact time American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Activities will include lowering the flag to half-staff at 8 a.m., a remembrance speech from Post 7782, and a moment of silence. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Later that afternoon, a reception will be held at the Bairfield Activity Center to honor those who serve and protect the citizens of Donley County. The reception begins at 5 p.m. with a program at 5:30.

District Judge David McCoy will deliver a patriotic address at 7 p.m.

Local citizens are urged to come out and show your support for the personnel of the Clarendon, Hedley, and Howardwick fire departments; the Clarendon EMS, the Donley County Sheriff’s Department, the Greenbelt Lake Patrol, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

The Donley County Historical Commission has begun what it calls its final appeal to raise funds for the restoration of the 1890 Courthouse.

Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses are being offered the opportunity to have their names permanently affixed to the wall of the Courthouse lobby. For a donation of $1,000 or more, donors will receive a 3” x 5” bronze plaque with ¼” raised letters to commemorate their family or organization.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor your family or business and play an important role in the restoration of the courthouse,” said commission chairman Jean Stavenhagen.

Donors who have already contributed $1,000 or more will automatically receive the plaque. Other businesses and individuals who have made donations below $1,000 can add to their previous gift to in order to reach the level to receive a plaque.

Families are encouraged to pool their donations in a group effort to honor either their entire family or a pioneer ancestor.

The cast bronze plaques will accommodate three lines of 20 characters each and will be ready for the dedication of the courthouse later this year.

Stavenhagen urges her fellow citizens to act quickly as time is limited as the end of the restoration project draws nearer.

Those wishing to make a donation to the project may send their gift to Courthouse Restoration Fund, PO Box 905, Clarendon, TX 79226. A form will be provided for $1,000 donors to specify what they would like to have on their plaque. For more information contact Jean Stavenhagen at 874-3905.

Subsidized family planning services, through Title XX, is now available again in Clarendon through the Clarendon Family Medical Center. 

Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, a contractor of the Texas Department of Health, announced this week that it will subcontract with the Clarendon Family Medical Center, effective September 1, 2002, to provide family planning services in Clarendon and the surrounding counties. 

“The Center is located at One Medical Center Drive and is under the professional direction of John Howard, M.D.,” Claudia Stravato, CEO of Planned Parenthood said.

“We look forward to working with Planned Parenthood to provide family planning services in Clarendon,” John Howard, M.D., said.

“Planned Parenthood closed its offices in Donley County in 2001 due to decreasing federal funds,” Stravato said. “By reestablishing services in Donley County, with a local provider, patients will not have to travel so far for these critical services.  And by subcontracting with a local provider, the costs to deliver the services are reduced, thereby allowing more uninsured patients to receive services.”

“We are especially pleased that the students at Clarendon College will now have reproductive health services easily available to them,” she said.

Through Title XX, Planned Parenthood has provided funding for subsidized health screening and family planning services for over 30 years in the Texas Panhandle.  These services include clinical and physical exams, pelvic exams, STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, diagnostic laboratory testing including Pap Smears.

Patients can also receive subsidized testing for anemia, screening for diabetes and urinary tract infections, diagnosis and treatment for vaginal infections, and HIV testing. 

“Planned Parenthood of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle does not provide abortion services,” said Stravato.

Appointments can be made by calling 874-3531. 

Screening for Title XX eligibility is determined on site, and charges are based on a sliding fee scale.  If screening determines that a patient will owe a portion of their costs, these costs are expected to be paid on site.