Beautification in Wheeler, Texas is Blooming!
- Wheeler Chamber of Commerce
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
What started as a slow walk has turned into a full-speed marathon! The beauty of Wheeler, Texas continues to grow each year thanks to the dedication of commUNITY members like Chalone Hefley, whose work on downtown planters and mural projects with Mandy Lujan of I.D Creative has transformed these efforts into something bigger than a project—it’s truly a commUNITY movement.
But the murals are not where these beautification efforts began. The Wheeler Chamber of Commerce established a Beautification Committee to dedicate funds and volunteers toward making Wheeler shine. And at the heart of it all is Chalone Hefley, one of our most passionate volunteers. Not only did she help advocate for planters across downtown—she also takes care of them daily!
"In the last several years we (the Beautification Committee & Volunteers) have kinda gotten together and more people are getting involved; and we have really focused on making changes to our downtown, and to our county. To make it more appealing, not only to our residents, but for those who might want to come and be part of our commUNITY."
Chalone expressed this in her interview with Ruben on the Road from Channel 10 News in Amarillo. She is one of Wheeler’s strongest advocates. Beyond the downtown planters, Chalone has teamed up with fellow volunteers to rejuvenate the Wheeler sign along Highway 83, giving it a fresh coat of paint and new plants to welcome everyone driving into town.
"It does make people see that we care here, and people want to be part pf that. Our kids want to be part of that. Our Youth Ambassadors want to get involved. They help water the plants. We have put up murals on some buildings, and it makes everything fresh and clean."
It’s no surprise that Chalone was honored with the “Volunteer of the Year” Award from the Chamber of Commerce during our 4th of July celebration. Her tenacity and dedication are also helping guide our Youth Ambassadors, who lend a hand by watering plants, picking up trash around Wheeler, and assisting with the mural projects led by Mandy Lujan of I.D. Creatives.
What many may not realize is just how long these mural projects have been in the works. Years ago, the idea for the “Wheeler Mural” located by Hyland's Pharmacy and Guns N' Glitter began to take shape. Thanks to Mandy Lujan’s vision and persistence, that dream became reality. Today, Wheeler proudly features the “Family Brand Mural” on the old Conoco station at the 4-way stop, with another interactive mural completed next to Cross Country Barn on the PSS building's west side. We were pleased to have Ruben come back and interview Mandy Lujan and Wheeler ISD students, Karolyne Sierra and Heidy Aviles, on the mural by Cross Country Barn. Art is a foundational method of expression and Mandy has now set a path for future artists as well!
"I've been painting since I was little, and I saw this opportunity [to help Mandy with the mural] and I thought I should take it! ... And you know art has been a method of expression to show your emotions and try to see what kind of person you are." - Heidy Aviles
These murals are a great opportunity for us to feature all the talents in Wheeler and making the town more colorful at the same time! Mandy follows up what Heidy said in her interview with this to say:
"This isn't written in a book. This isn't something you can Google Search the answer to how to make this look how you want it to'..." - Mandy Lujan
We encourage you to reach out about volunteering with beautification, becoming a Chamber Member or sign-up as a Youth Ambassador!
For more information, contact:
Kristen Moudy
EDC & Chamber Executive Director
806-367-0084
Email at kristen@wheelertexas.org
Or stop by the City of Wheeler at 501 S Alan L Bean Blvd
Ruben on the Road Interview with Chalone Hefley
Ruben on the Road Interview with Mandy Lujan