Happy Tuesday, Amarillo. In today’s edition: Matthew Reed’s The Remember Book, sip, shop & sparkle hot cocoa at Goodin’s, a family magic matinee, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Community groups rally support: Amarillo groups highlighted food insecurity after shutdown paused SNAP benefits, with High Plains Food Bank and Senior Hunger Solutions aiding as one in six and one in five children struggle — learn how you can help.

Turning heartache into help: Amarillo veteran Matthew Reed has published The Remember Book, a children’s book to help families talk about grief, inspired by his father’s murder and featuring a journal section for memories — read the full story.

Iconic drama takes stage: Amarillo College Theatre presents Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, running Dec 11 to 13 at 7:30 pm, with a Dec 14 matinee at 3 pm — see dates, venue, and tickets.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Shoppers unwrap prizes during this festive holiday event
• Experience Aaron Watson’s Family Christmas tour
• Enjoy free Christmas fireworks at Hodgetown
• Celebrate Christmas with dinner and dazzling performances
• Party with purpose at black-tie toy drive
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Holiday help for elders: Home Instead’s Be a Santa for a Senior has launched in Amarillo, teaming with Adult Protective Services to get basic necessities to seniors who are alone or struggling. Pick an ornament from a Santa tree or shop a wish list, and return items unwrapped. The campaign runs through Dec. 8, with gifts delivered before Christmas and support for homeless seniors. Learn how you can help.

Helping 13,000 Panhandle families: NewsChannel 10 is teaming with High Plains Food Bank for the Together We Can Holiday Food & Fund Drive, live all week at Market Street United. Goal: $250,000 to provide 2.25 million meals by Saturday, Dec. 6. Donate canned goods or add any amount at United/Market Street/Amigos registers through Dec. 7. $1 equals nine meals. See how to donate.

Custom burrito fix: From flour and jalapeño-cheddar tortillas to crisp, generous add-ins, Sharky’s Burrito Company rolls burritos built for daydreaming. Go simple or pile it on; either way, dinner lands fast, warm, and rewarding… a weeknight upgrade that tastes like a tiny win.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎄 ABW Christmas Party @ Tascosa Country Club | Tuesday (12/2) at 5:30pm – Skip the mall chaos and meet me at Tascosa Club for a Christmas shindig where we paint ornaments, trade laughs, and unapologetically demolish heavy hors d’oeuvres. It’s $30, everyone’s welcome, and yes, glitter absolutely counts as festive therapy.

🎬 “Unmodified: Real People. Fantastic Worlds.” Preview Screening Event @ Panhandle PBS Studio | Thursday (12/4) at 6:00pm – Consider this your permission slip for nostalgia and new stories. Panhandle PBS is previewing a free doc about local tabletop storytellers, from dice-rolling D&D crews to Warhammer paint wizards, proving community can spring from tiny armies, big imaginations, and snacks. Concessions and merch await.

🎨 First Thursday Art & Music @ The 806 Coffee + Lounge | Thursday (12/4) at 7:00pm – First Thursday means art at 7, music at 9, and happy-hour prices that never clock out. Start with gallery vibes, slide into a set you can actually hear, then linger with friends who still remember downtown before the condos. Grownup night out, no amateur hour.

☕ Sip, Shop & Sparkle- Hot Cocoa At Goodin’s @ Goodin’s Jewelry | Friday (12/5) at 9:00am – Goodin’s is pouring hot cocoa and doling out free collectible mugs while you browse sparkly jewelry and holiday decor. Consider it adult trick-or-treating, minus the costumes, plus the sparkle, and you get to keep the mug. At the Olsen Blvd spot.

🎶 Erica Lane Music @ Globe-News Performing Arts Center | Friday (12/05) at 7:30pm – Erica Lane returns with a powerhouse holiday performance backed by top-tier musicians, blending genres and glittering seasonal vibes. Expect soaring vocals, lush arrangements, and a concert that feels like stepping into a musical snow globe. A perfect kickoff to your December soundtrack.

This weekend

📸 Holiday Mini Sessions @ River Falls @ River Falls Equestrian Center | Saturday (12/6) at 12:00pm – Nothing says Amarillo holiday like a sharp photo of you and your horse at River Falls. Pick black-background drama or a cozy festive setup, 30-minute sessions, edited images, and no fuss. Book it, smile, and let the barn superstar do the heavy lifting.

🚗 Panhandle Council of Car Clubs @ Paramount Baptist Church | Saturday (12/6) at 5:00pm – Think your daily driver counts as classic? Swing by Amarillo’s first-Saturday Cruise Night, where every club rolls up, the parking-lot chatter is half the fun, and 100-plus rides gleam like fresh gossip. They meet at Paramount Baptist’s south lot, then cruise, grow, repeat.

🧓 Geezers Gone Wild @ The Drunken Oyster | Saturday (12/6) at 7:00pm – Clear your dance card for Geezers Gone Wild, a honky-tonk romp with Jackson Haney, the Texas-bred picker with Bob Wills in his DNA. Expect tight licks, two-step standards, and stories that go down smoother than well whiskey. Less spring break, more swing beat.

😂 Next Stop Comedy @ Old Tascosa Brewery | Saturday (12/6) at 7:00pm – A traveling standup showcase brings top comics to a local spot, with a fresh lineup every time. Expect high-energy sets, intimate vibes, and no parking scramble, laughs audible over your neighbor’s chuckle. Perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or a break from streaming.

🎟️ Sunday Funday Matinee @ Amarillo Magic Co. | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Sunday Funday Matinee is packing The Amarillo Magic Co. with 90 minutes of interactive magic, family-friendly comedy, and the kind of surprises that make kids squeal and grown-ups grin. Bring the kids, the grandkids, and your sense of wonder, no screens required.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/4 First Thursday Art & Music @ The 806 – 7 pm
• 12/5 Erica Lane @ Globe-News Performing Arts Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Jay Siegel @ Old Tascosa Brewery – 8 pm
• 12/10 AAF Amarillo Christmas and Bingo Party @ Amarillo Club – 11:45 am
• 12/12 Aaron Watson Family Christmas Tour @ Globe-News Performing Arts Center – 8 pm
• 12/12 Ben Garcia @ Golden Light Cantina – 7 pm
• 12/12 Katie Beth Mihm Trio @ Butler’s – 9 pm
• 12/13 Goldenlight Beer Garden @ Goldenlight Beer & Wine Garden – 8 pm