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Content

Editor Camey Maldonado806-231-9822

Sales Eric Muehlhausen806-433-6289

Contact Information806-231-9822

6 - Memory Tree 10 - Calendar12 - Fashion Over 50 15 - Rural Health18 - Connecting On Facebook20 - BBB22 - Directory of Services

Volume 3 Issue 8Nov. 2011

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806-231-9822

Camey

The number of children living in a grandparent's home has increased significantly over the past decade, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. I've been following this issue closely for many years and wanted to share some of the highlights of this report.

4.9 million children (7 percent) under age 18 live in grandparent-headed households. That's up from 4.5 million living in grandparent-headed households 10 years ago. I suspect this increase has to do with challenges in our economy over the past five years, including the housing and foreclosure crisis, the loss of jobs and general economic woes. Clearly, grandparents are increasingly providing the stability and security of home for their families.

Approximately 20 percent of these children have neither parent present and the grandparents are responsible for their basic needs. This is a decrease from 2000, when approximately one-third lived without parents. This is most likely because of the increase in multigenerational homes headed by grandparents that include grandparent, parent and grandchild, and another likely result of economic conditions.

1.9 million children are living in households headed by other relatives (2.5 percent of the children in the country). This number is up from 1.5 million in 2000. This figure speaks to the fact that aunts, uncles, cousins and even siblings are also stepping in to support America's children when they need it the most.

51 percent of grandparents who have grandkids living with them are white (up from 46 percent in 2000); 24 percent are Black/African American (down from 28 percent in 2000); and 19 percent are Hispanic/Latino (down slightly from 20 percent in 2000). I think these changes could be an indicator of the broad swath of families, in all socio-economic categories, who have been

affected by the economy. For grandparents reporting responsibility for grandchildren 67 percent are under age 60, which is down from 71 percent in 2000. And 20 percent live in poverty; up from 18.8 percent in 2000.

As increasing numbers of grandchildren rely on grandparents for the security of a home, their grandparents are taking on more of the responsibility for raising them in a tough economy, many with work challenges of their own. For these grandparents, raising another family wasn't part of the plan. But they step up to the plate when their loved ones need them.

Most of these grandparents and other relative caregivers will tell you they gain great joy from their role. But they also face financial, health, housing, education and work challenges that often foil their retirement plans. These new figures magnify the need for more supports, resources and services for these "grandfamilies" so they can more effectively do this important service to their families, and to our country, while building their own security for the future.

Although the statistics are grim and the situations are not ideal; I have great admiration for the grandparents of this new generation. I lived with my grandparents when I was young; I have wonderful memories of vacations and family outings with my grandparents. I had amazing summers with them and all my memories are good ones. I love my grandparents and I am sure if you are raising your grandchildren they will feel the same love towards you as I do mine.

Camey Editor for Silver Magazine

The Holidays are a difficult time. They are especially difficult during the first year following the death of a loved one. Despite what Martha Stewart says, no one’s holidays are a Maxwell House commercial, yet each year we try, egged on unrelentingly by retail and the media, to turn our messy lives into a Hallmark Channel Holiday Movie.

Add to this, the chaos that is grief and is it any wonder that many people just want to go to sleep on Halloween and not wake up until after New Year’s?

As a Grief Counsellor, I am a huge believer in the healing power of ritual. Strictly defined, a ritual is an action or occasion that takes us as human beings from one state of being to another. Weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, religious services, even something as simple as a handshake – all these are rituals. Ritual speaks to us on a visceral level. It begins with the human animal, and through its power, through its link to ancestors, through its connection to all other human animals in the world, it transforms us into Mankind. From this belief in the heal-ing power of ritual was born The Celebration of Life Memory Tree Service.

It is a very simple service. All it takes is a location (even one without walls), a tree (not necessarily a traditional Christmas Tree), music (absolutely vital), and a gathering of people who want, who need, to remember and honour loved ones who have died.

The first year of The Memory Tree Service is the only time the tree stands empty – lit with clear, white lights – but devoid of anything else. Music plays as people enter, then an Odyssey Chaplain offers a prayer and lights the central of the five pillar candles. The Odyssey Executive Director welcomes everyone to the celebration, then introduces each of the Odyssey Hospice disciplines: nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, administrative assistants, marketers, and volunteers. The remaining four candles are lit by representatives of those disciplines while the ED reads words of Grief, Courage, Memory, and Love.

Then comes the placing of the ornaments. Each family, staff member, and business partner in the community has been invited to bring an ornament representing the loved one – or ones – they have lost in the past year. It doesn’t matter whether or not the person was a Odyssey Hospice patient. What matters is only that they have been loved, have died, and someone wants to remember them.

A Celebration of Life – The Memory Tree Serviceby Stephanie Rogers, GC-C, CT

The ornaments we get are amazing. Some are brought in, some flown in to us from out of state or out of country. Some are hand made, some incredibly expen-sive, some personalized and others anonymous, but each represents the love and life of someone who was – and is -- greatly loved. In fact, two years ago, year we had our first pet ornament – a bone encased photograph of a beloved Chihuahua. If someone is unable to bring an ornament, or finds that that once they are at the service, there are others they want to remember, we have simple ornaments available to personalize.

We ask only that the ornament be something the participant is willing to leave behind as a perpetual memorial to their dead loved one. After the first year, the tree is never again bare -- the ritual begins with the tree already holding the ornaments from prior years. This year in Amarillo, we will have four trees bedecked with five years worth of ornaments. Simply decorat-ing the trees before the service has become a ritual in itself.

Following the placement of the ornaments, the attend-ees are invited to join us in a Litany of Remembrance, an interactive piece adapted from a poem by Rabbi Roland B. Gittleshon. Then comes the thank you, a

closing prayer, and an invitation to join the Odyssey Hospice staff for a small reception – tea and cookies and the chance to talk again with the care team who was with you at the end of your loved one’s life. This year, Odyssey Hospice will host Memory Tree Services in three Panhandle locations:

Tuesday, November 1st, at 4:00 p.m. in Pampa, at Harvest Fellowship Church, 2100 West Kentucky

Tuesday, November 15th, at 4:00 p.m. in Memphis, at Memphis Convalescent Center1415 North Eighteenth Street

Friday, November 18th, at 4:00 p.m. in Ama-rillo at Tascosa Road Fellowship, 200 Tascosa Road

We hope that you will join us at any or all of these Celebrations of Life. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Odyssey Hospice at 806 372-7696.

Home Safety Tips For Entertaining

From summer parties on the patio to cozy winter get-togethers, home entertaining is a fun way to spend time with family and friends. Along with your guest list, menu planning, and décor, be sure to include a home safety checklist so you can be the hostess with the mostest who keeps her party guests the safest. Here are 10 home entertaining safety tips as suggested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the leading product safety testing organization.

Secure your electronicsStart the party with safe electronic installation. The last thing you want is a guest knocking the plasma screen off the entertainment center and into the aquarium. Check your television, sound equipment, and other electronics, making sure they are securely mounted on TV stands, shelving and entertainment centers using appropriate hardware.

Brace the furnitureVerify that the furniture in your party area is stable on its own, particularly if kids are on the guest list (they love climbing on shelves and tables). Anchor furniture to the wall or floor to prevent it from being pulled over or knocked down.

Mind your electrical cordsIt’s tempting to run extension cords underneath the rug

so your guests don’t trip on them and kids don’t grab them, but the wiring can become worn, overheat, and pose a fire hazard. Instead, get a longer cord and route it along the walls and out of high traffic areas, and position cords out of children’s reach. In addition, don’t use extension cords that are cut or damaged.

Don’t overload the outletsThe extra set of speakers, additional lighting, and margarita blender may seem a great idea, until they are plugged in and flip an electrical breaker or start a fire. Don’t plug too many cords into an outlet or power strip, and read the manufacturer's instructions for the electric equipment and appliances you plan to use for your party.

Grill safeFor those summer cookouts or adventurous winter grilling, keep the grill outdoors and a safe distance from the house (about 10 feet). Grilling indoors or in enclosed spaces poses a fire hazard as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stand by your panStay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Most fires in the kitchen occur because food is left unattended. If you must momentarily leave the kitchen (or walk away from the grill), carry an oven mitt or another cooking utensil with you as a reminder that something is cook-ing.

Create safety zonesFirst, invite a manageable number of guests to avoid overcrowding your home. Then limit the number of people in high-risk areas, such as the near the kitchen stove or grill. This is especially important if kids are invited to the party.

Reduce temptationFor family-friendly get-togethers, remove items that might tempt kids to climb, like toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.

Remove child-size dangersAs you are rearranging furniture and decorating for your party, get down on your hands and knees to search each room for objects or situations that may endanger children who will be at your home. Pay particular attention to sharp corners and small objects, and be sure pathways are clear of toys, rugs or other items that could cause children (and adults) to trip.

Always think safetyKeeping your home safe should be a year-round mission. Be sure to purchase only products that have been tested for safety. For example, look for the UL Mark on elec-tronics; products that bear the UL Mark mean representa-tive samples have been tested to UL's rigorous safety standards and found to be free of foreseeable safety hazards.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 510:00AM-6:00PMCHRISTMAS ROUNDUPAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERS. EXHIBIT HALL

10:00AM-6:00PMGEM & MINERAL SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

11:00AM-1:00PM“WELCOME HOME”VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONAMARILLO VA FRONT LAWNFREE TO ATTEND

5:00PM-8:00PMCOWBOY POETS FALL ROUND UPFORT AMARILLOCALL 420-0288 FOR MORE INFO

6:30PM-10:30PMCANYON NIGHTS GALAFIRST UNITED CENTER/CANYON$45.00 PER PERSON OR $80.00 PER COUPLE

7:00PM-10:00PMFREEDOM FUND BANQUETAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERGRAND PLAZA

7:00PMMINI SPRINT CAR NATIONALSAMARILLO NATIONAL CENTER$17.00-$23.00 PER PERSON

7:00PM-10:00PMAMARILLO BULLS VS ODESSAAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$8.00-$14.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 610:00AM-5:00PMGEM & MINERAL SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

12:00AM-5:00PMCHRISTMAS ROUNDUPAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERS. EXHIBIT HALL

3:00PM-5:00PMAMARILLO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAFALL CONCERTGLOBE NEWS CENTER$5.00 PER PERSON

6:00PM-9:30PM“SOLID GOLD HITS”LIPS GALAAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERHERITAGE ROOM$50.00 PER PERSON

MONDAY NOVEMBER 711:30PM-2:00PMBEANS & CORNBREAD BENEFIT LUNCHEONAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERHERITAGE ROOM

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 85:30PMMENS GRIEF GROUPTRINITY BABTIST CHURCHFREE TO ATTEND

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 107:00PMWCRA RANCH RODEOAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$16.00-$24.00 PER PERSON

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 117:00PM-9:30PMLOVE & MONEY CONFERENCETRINITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH$20.00 PER COUPLE

7:00PMWCRA RANCH RODEOAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$16.00-$24.00 PER PERSON

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 129:00AM-12:00PMLOVE & MONEY CONFERENCETRINITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH$20.00 PER COUPLE

9:00AM-12:00PMCAMP WILDFIREPANHANDLE PLAINS MUSEUM

AGES 8-14$25.00 PER CHILD

9:00AM-6:00PMFRIENDS OF THE LIBRARYBOOK SALEDOWNTOWN LIBRARY

6:30PM-10:30PMAMARILLO BOTANICAL GARDENS“ANNUAL HUNT” DINNERHOME OF BETSY & BRIAN KELLY$50.00 PER PERSON

7:00PMWCRA RANCH RODEOAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$16.00-$24.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 132:00PMWCRA RANCH RODEOAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$16.00-$24.00 PER PERSON

2:00PM-6:00PMFRIENDS OF THE LIBRARYBOOK SALEDOWNTOWN LIBRARY

7:00PMFASO MUSICAL EVENTST ANDREWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH$20.00 PER PERSONWEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 167:30PM-10:30PMYOUNG FRANKENSTEINAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERAUDITORIUM$25.00-$50.00 PER PERSON

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1711:30AM-1:30PMUNITED WAY VICTORY LUNCHEONAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERHERITAGE ROOM

7:30PM-10:30PMYOUNG FRANKENSTEINAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERAUDITORIUM$25.00-$50.00 PER PERSONS

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November 2011

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 188:00PM-10:00PMAMARILLO SYMPHONY“GET BACK”GLOBE NEWS CENTER$23.00-$56.00 PER PERSON

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1910:00AM-6:00PMARTISTRY IN WOODAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

7:00PM-11:30PMNUTCRACKER BALLAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERHERITAGE ROOM

8:00PM-10:00PMAMARILLO SYMPHONY“GET BACK”GLOBE NEWS CENTER$23.00-$56.00 PER PERSON

8:00PMPANHANDLE BLUEGRASS PRESENTS“STEVE KAUFMAN”AMARILLO COLLEGE CONCERT HALL$15.00 PER PERSON

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2010:00AM-5:00PMARTISTRY IN WOODAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERREGENCY ROOM

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 226:00AM-8:00AMCOMMUNITY PRAYERAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERN. EXHIBIT HALL

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 237:00PM-10:00PMAMARILLO BULLS VS WITCHITA FALLSAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERCOLISEUM$8.00-$14.00 PER PERSON

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 267:00PM“TURKEY BASH”DEMOLITION DERBYAMARILLO NATIONAL CENTER$20.00 PER PERSON

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 299:00AM-5:00PMAMARILLO FARM & RANCH SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERMULTIPLE ROOMS

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 309:00AM-5:00PMAMARILLO FARM & RANCH SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERMULTIPLE ROOMS

THURSDAY DECEMBER 19:30AM, 10:45AM & 1:00PMKINDERKONZERTSGLOBE NEWS CENTER

9:00AM-4:00PMAMARILLO FARM & RANCH SHOWAMARILLO CIVIC CENTERMULTIPLE ROOMS

FRIDAY DECEMBER 29:30AM, 10:45AM & 1:00PMKINDERKONZERTSGLOBE NEWS CENTER

5:00PM-9:00PMFIRST FRIDAY ART WALKSUNSET ART GALLERY OF AMARILLOFREE TO ATTEND

8:00PM-10:00PMEMPTY STOCKING FUND CONCERTGLOBE NEWS CENTER

Remember how much fun it was to shop for clothes in your 20s and 30s? Back then, you may have fallen for all the fabulous looks you saw in fashion magazines, styles that promised to make you look hip, desirable and successful. At that age, some of us were total fashion victims, updating our wardrobes at the slightest rise of a hemline.

For women, one of the perks of hitting "a certain age" is we no longer feel that we must keep a strict running pace with fleet footsteps of fashion. As we've matured so has our personal style and self-confidence. We finally know what looks good on us and what doesn't and can very easily say no to the latest trend if it makes us look or feel silly or uncomfortable. Beside, trends often fade away fast.

Look Fabulous Over 50 Buy and use a full-length mirror on a daily basis. In fact, buy two so you can see yourself from all angles. The rear view is still important.Stay in shape. It's as simple and as hard as that. Walk, run, swim, hit the gym, lift weights, do the treadmill, sweat through spin classes. Eat less. Do whatever it

takes to lose fat and add muscle. As actress/writer Carrie Fisher, who has just dropped 60 pounds, recently remarked; "I thought I was getting old. Turns out I was just getting fat."

Stand tall. People tend to slump and slouch as they age. Remind yourself every day to stand tall and proud. Nothing will make you look better in all your clothes than standing up straight. Shoulders back and down! Stomach in!

Accept yourself. Remember the adage about accepting things you cannot change? There are inevitable aspects of aging that (along with death and taxes) you cannot avoid: the effects of time and sun on the skin (arms, legs, chest, knees, even elbows). If you stayed out of the sun, good for you. Your skin will thank you by looking young a few years longer. But eventually, time catches up with us all.

Keep up. Use fashion magazines or style websites as a compass for colors, prints, trends and fashion directions. Then you can interpret these trends for your lifestyle and your body.

Look Great No Matter Your Age

Also, shopping and updating after 50 becomes more perspirational than aspirational, which is to say, mature women shop with frugality, practicality and comfort at the top of the list. The uncertain economic climate combined with fixed retirement income makes it diffi-cult to justify a new jacket when food, housing and medical expenses need to be paid.

Modesty Is Back: We're not seeing a lot of skin. The body is covered and the look is more about looking feminine and sensual as opposed to overtly sexy. It's looking back at the '70s, which were in turn looking back at the '40s and a return to classic feminine cloth-ing."

Great Lengths: Hems have fallen farther than the stock market, all the way to mid-calf. Is every woman going to embrace a middy length? No, but you will want to cover the knee. If you can only buy one, buy a below-the-knee A-line shape.

Wide Pants: Think Katharine Hepburn. A lot of women won't wear flares and are hesitant about wide legged pants. But this style is actually very flattering because it balances out the hips. And since the waist line is also moving up, the new wide pants will give you a long slim look.

Soft Tops: There are lots of fluid soft blouses this season, especially with ruffles, bows and ties at the neck. The trick is that these pretty tops are paired with man-nish trousers, sturdy jackets and mannish footwear There's a juxtaposition, a kind of high/low masculine/feminine look. There are lots of chiffon and georgette feminine floral dresses and blouses. But what makes them look new is juxtaposing them with a heavier boot or a chunky cardigan or a parka. It grounds the look. Women don't want to look precious or fragile now.

Walk Like a Man: Shoes are substantial. There are lots of menswear inspired shoes, oxfords and loafers with higher, more substantial heels, rounded and squared toes. They are all inspired by menswear's lace-ups, and loafer. There are even flannel, herringbone and tweed shoes.

Color: Grays, blacks and browns are the foundation. There are also deep jewel tones, teals, amethysts, ruby reds and several Mondrian bright bold colors, unusual for fall. And there's a major trend toward colorful bottoms. We're talking bright red or green pants. Many women are fearful of colored bottoms. But if a woman

doesn't want to wear bright red, green or gold bottoms, she can get a great colorful bag that works with gray, black, beige, even denim.

Dirty Metal: Multiple-tiered necklaces are a big trend. And metals are getting downright dirty. Rose gold was hot for spring. Now you'll see brown-, bronze-, choco-late- or mocha-colored metals mixed with faux gem-stones and pearls.

Think Layers: Fall is always a season of layers. This year it's layering a cardigan over a fine-gauge knit. Or it could be as simple as wearing a turtleneck underneath a white shirt or under a simple sheath dress, turning it into a jumper. It's very '70s (i.e. '40s), chic and sophisticated.

Of course, many of us can't afford designer clothing but most department stores translate the trends in various departments, according to personal style, fit, size and price range. It's all about cost per wearing, thinking about how much you will wear a garment, how much use it will get in all areas of your life.

Healthy skin means maintaining a healthy diet, because what you eat can make a big difference in your complexion. If your skin is dull and you've lost your glow, your diet could be to blame. Here, we look at some of the most important foods you need to consume every day for optimal skin health and natural beauty.

Fatty fishFatty fish, including salmon, sardines and mackerel, contain essential fatty acids (EFAs). These powerful omega 3s that help maintain a healthy heart and brain also play an impor-tant role in supporting healthy skin. EFAs are essential to the production of the skin’s natural, healthy oil barrier. Salmon also contains a carotenoid called astaxanthin that gives the fish its pinkish hue and helps support skin elasticity.

If you don’t like fish, have allergies or choose not to eat it, opt for flaxseeds or walnuts two great plant-based sources of omega 3 fatty acids.

Orange foodNo, we’re not referring to cheese-flavored snacks or nacho chips. Orange foods such as carrots, apricots, mangoes, squash and sweet potatoes all contain a mix of carotenoids and antioxidants that can help protect skin from some of the effects of UV light. These foods help fight free radicals that are produced by sun exposure, pollution and the effects of daily living -- and that speed up the aging process in the skin. Boosting your intake of orange-hued goodies goes a long way in helping to protect skin. They're the skin’s first line of defense to the outside world.

Leafy greensDark green leafy vegetables, including spinach, kale and collard greens, are among the best sources of the antioxidant carotenoid lutein. In addition to helping your eyes, lutein lutein can help protect skin from some of the effects of UV light. Lutein also helps support skin hydration, elasticity and

the production of helpful surface oils. Toss leafy greens into a salad, sauté them with garlic and olive oil, or add them to pastas for a nutritious, skin-healthy boost.

MilkMilk is also a good source of biotin, protein and other skin-supporting nutrients including vitamin A. Biotin plays a role in healthy skin formation, vitamin A can help support skin tissue, and lean proteins support healthy tissue forma-tion throughout the body. Low levels of vitamin A can make skin appear dry, flaky and dull.

Quick fact: Cleopatra bathed in sour milk to enhance the luster and brightness of her skin. Sour milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are used frequently topically to treat acne, dry skin, wrinkles and fine lines.

WaterWhile technically not a food, sufficient water intake is crucial to the health of your skin and your body. Water is arguably the most important “nutrient” for all body func-tions. Water helps with all aspects of skin health, including moisture, elasticity, flexibility and tone. Aim for six to eight cups of water daily, along with green tea, low-sodium vegetable juices and broths, soups, and low-fat or fat-free milk.

5 Foods you need for healthy skin

When a lot of us were in college, keeping in touch with mom and dad usually meant a dutiful Sunday phone call home every week or two. Our parents remained mostly out of the loop as we found our way in the world, some-times falling flat and getting up, staking out our own lives, declaring our independence.

Parents should set some boundaries when using social media. Technological innovations have joined forces with social changes to create a communication explosion between parents and emerging adults in this new century.

Parents can lob email messages back and forth all day with their college students or recent grads. They can Skype to see a dorm room or a first apartment, meet new roommates, or vote on the choice of outfit for a first job interview. They can check in by mobile phone while kids are crossing campus between classes or exchange texts when kids are bored in a lecture or losing focus at a desk job. They can track their grown children on Face-book, if permitted, that is, "friended", or follow their kids' blogs from across the globe. Surely all this commu-nication is a boon to keeping the generations close.

But there are pitfalls, too. The digital tools that connect us can also constrict us. Parents' good-advice emails

allow them to be in their grown children's faces nonstop. Children's texted requests may mean they don't figure things out for themselves. Lurking on Facebook may give parents more information than they need to have (photos of that raucous Saturday night party a young reveler would sooner forget by Monday). A grown child's blog post written in haste or to amuse friends can cause undue parental worry.

Our guidelines can help parents make the best use of digital contact with emerging adults and sidestep the potholes:

Take cues from your grown child's development. Where young people are located along the road to independence affects their need to reach out. In the launching years, college-age children often still rely on parents' guidance in making decisions, what classes to take, how to open a bank account or resolve roommate troubles. The phone tends to ring more after a disappointment or during a crisis and decreases as grown children build their problem-solving skills or consult with their romantic partner or a newly formed network of friends. As young people progress through their twenties, becoming more settled, secure and self-reliant, communication may once again increase, comfortably initiated by either side.

Connecting to Kids in the Digital Age

Follow your child's lead. When your grown kids are first starting to set up their lives, it's usually best to let them set the pattern and pace of contact. Gradually, most parents develop a second sense about when their sons or daughters need a check-in or a thumbs-up and when they want to be left alone to puzzle things out on their own. Unmade or unanswered calls may just mean a child's life is happily full and attention is elsewhere, but they can also be a sign of trouble brewing or a crisis that has deepened into despair. Parents have to make a sensible judgment about each child and each situation. If a longer than usual silence suggests that a child is having a hard time, or if a recent call home has been particularly emotional, it might be time to followup with an email or text — "Just wanted to make sure you're OK" — or arrange a future call.

Get your own e-life. If you're the sort of parent who's tempted by a child's unlocked diary, then beware: the Internet is like one big, unlocked diary and needs to be treated with the same respect and caution. Sure, you can go on your student's college website and get all worked up about the blogs posted there. And if they'll have you, you can become "friends" with your grown kids (and their friends) on Facebook and follow every drama in their personal lives.

But even the friendliest snooping can become intrusion and threaten the all-important boundaries between you and your emerging adults. So it's better to focus on your own life, follow your own favorite blogs and use Face-book to reconnect with long-lost friends from your own colorful past.

However high-tech, digital communication with emerging adults remains a delicate dance between staying connected and letting go. Finding the right balance is a personal decision for every family and an important part of parenting 20-somethings.

If you’re thinking about giving gift cards this holi-day season, be cautious about where and how you purchase them and ask yourself, will they be used and how quickly? Many consumers tell the BBB they found gift cards that are now expired and are

wondering if they can use them. That will depend on the issuer. Gift cards should be treated like cash and used as soon after purchase as possible in order to avoid poten-tial problems.

Crooks copy the numbers on the back of gift cards displayed on retail store racks. Hoping the card is sold and loaded with a balance, the crook calls the store several days later asking for the balance on the card. When they find a card with a balance, they go online for a free shopping spree using that card number. Another scam involves dishonest cashiers who pocket newly loaded cards and hand customers blanks.

Tips for giving and using gift cards:

Buy from reputable sources, preferably directly from the store and, if possible, not off a rack. Gift cards can also be purchased on Internet auction sites, but often-times these cards have been stolen and ultimately hold no value.

Know the rules. New federal rules restrict fees and affect gift card expiration dates. The new rules apply to two types of cards: Retail gift cards, which can only be redeemed at the retailers that sell them; and bank gift cards, which carry the logo of a payment card network such as Visa, or Mastercard and can be used wherever the brand is accepted. Avoid online auction sites, because the cards sold there may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudu-lently. Be wary of online auction sites that promise ‘full

value guaranteed’ gift cards.

Read the fine print before buying. Is there a fee to buy the card? Will any fees be deducted from the card after it is purchased? If you are not happy with the answers or you cannot get answers to your questions, save yourself some grief and make your purchase where you feel you are a valued customer.

Inspect the card before buying it. Verify that no protective stickers have been removed, and the codes on the back of the card haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards. Watch for gift cards that appear to be ‘open’ or out of their original package and cards that state an expiration date that is coming up or that has passed.

Give the recipient the original receipt in case the card is later lost or stolen. Before you buy retail gift cards, consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant. A card from a business that files for bank-ruptcy or goes out of business may be worthless.

Treat the gift card like cash. For receivers, it’s impor-tant to report lost or stolen cards to the issuer immedi-ately. Some issuers will not replace cards that are lost or stolen, while other issuers will, for a fee. Make sure to use gift cards as soon as possible, because it’s not unusual to lose or forget about them.

Check it out. Reputable companies do not ask for sensitive information such as Social Security number, bank account information or date of birth when purchasing gift cards. Make sure you are buying from known and trusted source. Always check out a business at www.bbb.org. .

Janna Kiehl Executive Director / CEO

The Better Business Bureau®

Guide to Gift Card Giving

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ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

CANYONVIEW ESTATES7404 WALLACE BLVDAMARILLO, TEXAS806-356-8346

THE COTTAGES6811 PLUM CREEK DR.AMARILLO, TEXAS806-351-2271

THE CLAIRMONT4707 BELL STAMARILLO, TEXAS806-353-0052

THE CRAIG METHODISTRETIREMENT COMMUNITY5500 W. 9TH AVENUEAMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-352-7244

CONNER HOUSE2 COTTONWOOD DRIVECANYON, TEXAS806-655-5965

EMERITUS AT SEVILLEESTATES7401 SEVILLE DR806-351-2105

MEREDITH HOUSE812 W 25TH STREETPAMPA, TEXAS806-665-5668

POTTER HOUSE6800 PLUM CREEK DRIVEAMARILLO, TEXAS806-353-5185

COUNSELING :

ALZHEIMER’S’ ASSOCIATION415 SW 8TH AVE STE 300AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101806-373-5313www.alz.org/txstar

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES1001 S. POLK STREETAMARILLO, TEXAS 79101806-342-2500www.fss-ama.org

EMERGENCY CARE SERVICES:

AMARILLO URGENT CARE1915 COULTERAMARILLO, TEXAS806-352-5400

AMARILLO SENIOR CARE CLINIC14 MEDICAL DRIVEAMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-358-8300

TRIUMPH HEALTHCARE7501 WALLACE BLVDAMARILLO, TEXAS 79124806-468-9185

HEALTH SERVICES:

TURN CENTER1250 WALLACE BOULEVARDAMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-353-3596

JO WYATT CLINIC1411 AMARILLO BLVD EAMARILLO, TEXAS 79107806-351-7200

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITY3501-L WEST 45TH

AMARILLO, TEXAS 791009806-376-7214www.dads.state.tx.us

OUTREACH HEALTH SERVICES1616 S KENTUCKYAMARILLO, TEXAS 79102806-353-9907

HOME HEALTHCARE SERVICES:

ACCOLADE HOME CARE6300 I-40 WEST, STE 210AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-352-3900

CENTRAL LINE INFUSION1301 S. COULTER STE 201AMARILLO, TEXAS806-352-1212

COMPASSION HOME CARE1301 S. COULTER STE 402AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-351-8522

GOODCARE HEALTH SERVICES4107 S.W. 49TH

AMARILLO, TEXAS806-373-7373

INTERIM HEALTHCARE1901 MEDI PARKAMARILLO, TEXAS806-467-1156

SHEPARD’S CROOK HOME HEALTH2311 SOUTHWEST 7TH AVE.AMARILLO, TX 79106-6601(806) 358-9548www.shepards-nursing.com

GRIEF SUPPORT

HOSPICE CARE OF THE SOUTHWESTwww.hospicesouthwest.com806-356-0026

INDEPENDENT LIVING

BIVINS VILLAGE I & II3201 TEE ANCHOR BLVDAMARILLO, TEXAS806-342-5530/806-350-8144

LONG TERM CARE:

ABUNDANT QUALITY LIVING 6402 OAKHURST DRAMARILLO, TEXAS 79109(806)-358-9807

CHILDERS PLACE6600 KILGOREAMARILLO, TEXAS806-350-2200

ODYSSEY HEALTHCARE6900 I-40 WEST STE 150AMARILLO, TEXAS806-372-7696

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:

APRIA HEALTHCARE2011 SOUTH COULTERAMARILO, TEXAS806-355-2060

Marlene's Home Medical Equipment & Supplies1765 S. AvondaleAmarillo, TX 79106806-418-4609

PHILIPS LIFELINE MEDIAL ALARMS& MEDICATION DISPENSING806-679-2511tori.chewning@philips.com

STAR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT INC.6661 CANYON DRIVEAMARILLO, TEXAS806-331-7778

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

THE GOLDEN PHOENIXPAMPA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTERONE MEDICAL DRIVEPAMPA, TEXAS 79065806-663-5570

Directory of Services

page 23

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:

AMARILLO SENIOR CITIZENS ASSOCIATION1220 SOUTH POLKAMARILLO, TEXAS 79101806-372-3381

RETRIED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER SERVICES321 SW 7TH AVE.AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101806-373-8389Larue.johnson@pcsvcs.org

WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTER1615 SOUTH ROBERTSAMARILLO, TEXAS 806-376-7960

MOBILITY SERVICES:

OPEN ROAD MOBILITY6103 STAR LANEAMARILLO, TEXAS 79109806-353-2747www.openroadmobility.com

HOME NURSES:

NURSES UNLIMITED4037 W 50TH

AMARILLO, TEXAS 79109806-467-06721-888-859-0631

NUTRITION:

FAITH CITY MISSION401 SOUTH EAST 2ND

AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105806-373-6402www.faithcity.org

HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK815 ROSS STREETAMARILLO, TEXAS 79102806-374-8562

MEALS ON WHEELS219 W. 7TH

AMARILLO, TEXAS 79101806-374-1521

WEST TEXAS GROCERY DELIVERYAMARILLO, TEXAS806-433-1403

PHARMACIES:

AVONDALE PHARMACY5135 PLAINSAMARILLO, TEXAS806-352-2708

D&S PHARMACY3324 S. GEORGIA806-352-27113500 N.E. 24TH

806-383-3377

SOUTHPARK PHARMACY5901 S. BELLAMARILLO, TEXAS806-358-2428

VALMED HOME HEALTH & PHARMACY#3 CARE CIRCLEAMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-350-6337www.valmed-hhs.com

REHABILITATION:

TRIUMPHREHABILITATION HOSPITAL7200 W. 9TH

AMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-468-2900

RESPIRATORY SERVICES:

QUALITY RESPIRATORY

SERVICES & REPAIR6633 CANYON DRIVEAMARILLO, TEXAS806-352-4140

SENIOR CITIZEN’S SERVICES:ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES7132 W. I-40 # BAMARILLO, TEXAS806-463-5114

AREA AGENCY ON AGING415 WEST 8TH

PO BOX 9257AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105806-331-2227www.theprp.org

PANHANDLE SUPPORT SERVICES1502 SOUTH CLEVELANDAMARILLO, TEXAS 79102806-373-0392www.pcsvcs.org

WIDOWED PERSONS SERVICE OF AMARILLO2207 WEST 7TH- THE CANYONSAMARILLO, TEXAS 79106806-374-9772

SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

THE ARBORS1910 MEDI PARKAMARILLO, TEXAS806-457-4700

BIVINS MEMORIAL1001 WALLACE BLVDAMARILLO, TEXAS

COUNTRY CLUB NURSING & REHABILITATION #9 Medical Drive. 806-352-2731

HERFORD NURSING & REHABILITATION231 KINGWOOD STREETHEREFORD, TEXAS 79045806-364-7113

TEXAN NURSING & REHAB4033 SW 51ST STREETAMARILLO, TEXAS806-355-4488

STATE AGENCIES:

ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE1-800-252-5400

FOOD STAMPS1-806-376-7214

MEDICARE HOTLINE1-800-633-4227

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION1-800-772-1213

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGING & DISABILITY HOTLINE1-800-252-9240

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE SERVICES:

AMERICAN RED CROSS806-376-6309

SALVATION ARMY806-373-6631

TRANSPORTATION:

LE FLEUR TRANSPORTATION OF TEXAS900 S. NELSONAMARILLO, TEXAS 79104806-367-1476www.LeFleur.net