The Rotary Club of Amarillo

10/28/2026

Beth Duke recently spoke to the Rotary Club about the work of Amarillo’s Center City, highlighting three decades of downtown revitalization, new developments and recognition on the national stage. Center City was established in 1996 to help improve and revitalize downtown Amarillo. As the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, its efforts continue to shape the area through investment, new attractions and historic preservation. Duke spoke about Center City’s role in supporting downtown businesses, encouraging development and creating a destination for residents and visitors.

Since 2007, Center City has reinvested $887 million into downtown Amarillo, reflecting the growth and continued development of the area. One of the most significant additions to downtown is Hodgetown, which brings an estimated 400,000 people to the area annually. The ballpark has helped attract visitors and increase activity downtown. Amarillo has also seen new hotel development, including the refurbishment of the historic Barfield hotel, with as many as three additional hotels expected in the future. Center City’s efforts have also earned national recognition. Amarillo is one of eight finalists for the Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities working to revitalize their traditional downtown districts. Being named a finalist highlights the progress made in downtown Amarillo over the past three decades.

Duke also discussed the historic Bivins House, which is home to the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Center City. The 125-year-old building remains an important part of Amarillo’s history and serves as a gathering place for community and business leaders. A current attraction bringing people to the historic property is Jazztober, a series of jazz concerts held on the Chamber’s porch. The City of Amarillo recently invested $1.2 million to refurbish the porch, helping preserve and improve the space for community events and
gatherings.

Another recent milestone for the city is the completion of the First Responders Memorial. Duke told the Rotary Club about the memorial, which is scheduled to be dedicated Oct. 28. The memorial will honor first responders and recognize their service to the Amarillo community. As Center City marks 30 years of work in downtown Amarillo, the organization continues to focus on preserving the city’s history while encouraging new investment and activity. From
historic buildings and community events to major attractions, hotels and millions of dollars in reinvestment, downtown Amarillo has experienced significant change since 1996.

With its nomination as a finalist for the Great American Main Street Award and additional development anticipated in the coming years, Center City’s anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the continued efforts to strengthen the heart of Amarillo.

10/21/2026

😁😁😁😁

With strong winds sweeping across Texas today, wildlife officials have confirmed the first major trampoline migration of the fall season.

Residents across North Texas have reported seeing entire flocks of backyard trampolines taking flight, some traveling in the traditional V formation commonly associated with geese.

According to experts, the North American Backyard Trampoline (Bouncus Maximus) is a seasonal migratory species that typically remains dormant throughout the summer before becoming airborne during the first significant wind event of autumn.

“It’s really quite beautiful,” said one local wildlife observer. “You can always tell when fall has arrived in Texas. The leaves start changing, the temperatures drop a little, and somebody’s $400 trampoline flies over your house.”

Scientists believe the trampolines are heading south toward warmer climates, although their migration patterns remain unpredictable. Some have reportedly traveled several miles, while others have ended their journey in swimming pools, power lines, and neighboring rooftops.

Wildlife officials are reminding Texans not to interfere with the migration.

“If you encounter a trampoline in your yard, remain calm. It’s likely just resting before continuing its journey. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to ride it.”

Officials expect migration activity to continue as long as the wind keeps blowing.

No trampolines were interviewed for this story.

10/21/2026

Amarillo Rotary Club members attended the annual Llano Cemetery Historical Tour this past Saturday. Llano's cemetery has so much history.

Some of the famous graves we noted were:
Charles Wolflin, 1902-1991. Among many accomplishments, he was a member of the Amarillo Rotary Club!

Rabbi Arthur Bluhm, 1899-1962, he served as a rabbi to various communities in Europe before he was arrested by the N***s in the fall of 1938. After he was sent to the Dachau concentration camp for 22 days, he was ordered to leave Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1939. Bluhm formed close ties with the Amarillo community and its other religious leaders. In addition to acting as a part-time chaplain at the Amarillo Air Force Base, Rabbi Bluhm was involved in many civic organizations, including the USO, United Fund of Amarillo, Young Women's Christian Association, Amarillo Friends of the National Jewish Hospital, and the Amarillo Rotary Club.

Mayvi Amarillo Cornelius Smith was the first female child born in Amarillo. She was born in 1888 and graduated in 1907 from Amarillo's first school.

Matthew "Bones" Hooks, born to former slaves, is best remembered as a famed cowboy, an Amarillo civic leader, and the first Black person to serve on a Potter County grand jury.
Hooks was also a religious leader and businessman who lived in the early Texas Panhandle towns of Mobeetie and Clarendon. He worked to establish the North Heights subdivision in Amarillo.

Spanish Flu section of the cemetery. No one knows exactly how many people died during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. During the 1920s, researchers estimated 21.5 million people died during the pandemic. More recent estimates place global mortality from the pandemic at between 30 and 50 million. It is thought that 675,000 Americans died (greater than the number of Americans killed during World War I).

We then met Michael Mitchell, the great-grandson of Gypsy Queen Florence Mitchell, who shared some of his family history. It was a very interesting presentation.

Thanks to everyone who attended!

10/20/2026

Mallory Rae joined us on October 8 to discuss her debut novel Duck Dive. Mallory, her husband, and children reside in Amarillo. “She is a multifaceted writer whose debut novel Duck Dive marks the start of her own literary voice, blending personal storytelling with imaginative themes, and rooted in her Texas heritage.”

“The story follows May, a 15-year-old living in a quirky Malibu restaurant, who experiences a magical shift in time with her best friend Abee. In this altered past, May’s mother is alive, and she must decide how much to change. The book mixes emotional depth with whimsical elements.”

Before Duck Dive, Rae built a writing career through freelance and institutional projects. Her writing is available on Amazon, Goodreads, and Audible. She is active on social media, including TikTok () and Instagram, and shares her creative process and updates via her official website: malloryrae.com.

10/18/2026

...And so it begins... I was drinking from my water bottle yesterday while at the Llano Cemetery Historic Tour and as I looked up to the sky, I noticed the beautiful changing of the leaves. So subtle, yet so beautiful. It won't be long... I love Fall.

10/18/2026

Amarillo Rotary Club! Save the Date for our Christmas Party!!! RSVP please 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄