After the Invocation President Jeff requested a "Moment of Silence" in honor and memory of Sherm Harriman. Sherm is the father of Cal Harriman and husband to Genie Farley Harriman.  A memorial served was held at the Boy's Ranch Chapel on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Our sincere condolences go to Cal as we remember Sherm with respect and gratitude for all he did to give a better life and future to many of "the lesser of these".  Blessings to the Farley and Harriman families.

A face many of us know and admire, that of James Allen presented the program. James is a native of Amarillo and has a passion to serve and promote our great city.  Currently James is Head of Community Development for the City of Amarillo.

James began his presentation by saying that yes, our tax dollars do work for us here in Amarillo. One of the primary functions of Amarillo Community Development is in the area of low income housing.  Seven million dollars are spent annually to aid 1,500 households in Amarillo.  The funds are directed to local landlords who in turn are able to reduce rental costs.  This Rental Assistance Program is part of the HUD system. (Dan Quandt 236-5930)They also partner with developers for low to moderate income housing to be built.  Contrary to popular belief, many of those receiving assistance are employed full time, many working more than one job.  The problem is that their wages are at or below the poverty level.  Another factor contributing to the large number of low income families in Amarillo is the refugee population.  Amarillo has the highest percentage per capita of refugees in the United States.

The program also receives grant funds to pave streets and to improve parks and recreation.  Several non-profits are also recipients of financial aid including The Maverick Club, Salvation Army, Downtown Women's Center, Family Support Services and Wesley Community Center.  Plans are also under way to renovate the Downtown YMCA.

Partnerships are a major factor in the success of Community Development.  Financial institutions and businesses play a large role and local contractors help with emergency repairs to help owners stay in their homes.

Other ways federal dollars come back to Amarillo include Community Development Block Grants. The Family Self Sufficiency Program is funded by Hud and is a 5 year program to teach life skills, budgeting and help with buying in to a home.  The Shelter and Care Program provides for the homeless and the mentally ill.  The homeless population in Amarillo has been estimated at 400 with approximately 30 unsheltered and chronically homeless. (Jeff Neely 376-6301) Mental illness and substance abuse is the root cause.  Also, the Summer Lunch Program feeds school children a nourishing weekday lunch at 17 park sites when school is not in session.  They coordinate efforts with our very own project Snack Pak 4 Kids who provide food on weekends.

These partnerships do produce positive results. Many have been equipped to find jobs and become self-supporting.  Others have actually graduated from Amarillo College. Thank you James, for reminding us about the passion to work and serve our community that Amarillo City Personnel possess. We really are blessed to live in this great city!

President's Report
Jeff announced a work day on Saturday April 2 at the Rotary Park.  Please let Jeff know if you will be able to help that day.  A topography study has been done to give direction on how to improve the dirt and turf and bring it back to proper function.  The Amarillo Area Rotary Baseball League has replaced the formerly sponsored Little League.  Thank you Jeff for serving on that board and also for recruiting our new member Madeleine Frume as a board member.

Karen Hicks reported on the St. Patrick's Party and announced that we will have a special Rotary Night at the Amarillo Opera on Saturday, April 2.  Let Karen know if you would like to attend at this next meeting or call Gina.  Pirates of Penzance will be the opera featuring Amarillo native Sara Beckham Turner.  We got a prelude to the great performance coming up as Sara lead us in the National Anthem.  Thank you Sara!

 

The Gambling Rotarians and friends have contributed a total of $3201.00 to the pot.  The grand winner may not have a Powerball  moment but non the less IT WILL BE FUN.

Thank you to members who made the meeting a success:
Greeters - Gail Bram, Dale Bippus
Ticket Sales - Lea Ann Fulton
Presiding - Jeff Lester
Invocation - Daniel Martinez
National Anthem - Sara Beckham Turner
Introduction Guests - Teresa Clemons
Program Chair - Madeleine Frume
Wheels - Mary Stephens