Golden Gazette February 2023

Volume 35, Number 2

February 2023

24 Pages

Lubbock, Texas 79423

In February & inside 3rd First Friday Art Trail 3rd Wear Red Day 3rd The Day the Music Died 10th New Neighbors .......................... page 5 10th-12th 3D Centennial Projection at Texas Tech University ........ page 23 12th Super Bowl LVII 14th Valentine’s Day 14th

‘Luv-ya-beary-much’ Christian women .................................................... page 4

18th Pancake Festival ..................... page 19 20th Presidents Day 25th CASA Blanca Gala & Auction .... page 2 28th Mardi Gras ................................ page 13 Those vinegar valentines ......................... page 3 Getting past COVID .................................. page 7 Signs your parents need help ................ page 11 Password rage ........................................ page 14

Pat and Hollis Swinney have been married for more than 70 years.

They were high school sweethearts from O’Donnell, Texas.

Mardi Gras 2023 is set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

See page 13 for details.

Any couple that has a healthy marriage and it has lasted many years did not stay happily married based off luck. They sacrificed. They forgave. They rebuilt trust when it was broken. They kept dating each other. They listened.

They apologized. They got help when they were stuck. They made time for each other. They learned how to communicate. They cared more about their marriage than their pride. A good marriage takes work – 365 days a year.

Page 2 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

CASA Blanca Gala & Auction benefitting children set for Feb. 25 CASA of the South Plains will host the firstever CASA Blanca Gala and Auction celebrating the impact CASA volunteers have made in the lives of children in foster care on the South Plains.

The gala will be held Feb. 25, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Texas Tech Frazier Alumni Pavilion.

The CASA Blanca Gala will include dinner, live

music, and silent and live auctions.

The gala will be a time to celebrate together, and an opportunity for caring community members to change the life of a child in foster care.

“Today more than ever, we face an urgent need to advocate for children in foster care ion the South Plains,” said Jaclyn Morris, executive director of CASA of the South Plains.

Funding by Newby Family

“Do I Look Like I Have Swallowing Problems?”

Kara Jones, MS, CCC-SLP

Acute Care Speech Language Pathologist UMC Health System Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Wednesday, February 15 Noon All sessions are in person and open to the public.

6630 S Quaker Ave, Suite G For ZOOM please use the link... https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/93712419544 Available by computer, tablet or phone

“Every single dollar raised during the CASA Blanca Gala will stay right here in our community and go directly to serving our most vulnerable children.”

Sponsorships are available, and CASA is requesting donations for both the silent and live auctions.

Any support will help ensure that foster youth on the South Plains receive the advocacy they desperately need.

For more information about sponsorships, tables, or to donate to the auctions, please contact Stacy

Kelley at stacyk@casaofthesouthplains.org or 806-763-2272.

CASA’s Impact*

1. 500 children received advocacy services from CASA of the South Plains in 2021.

2. 248 CASA Volunteers donated a total of 5,290 hours in 2021, saving county taxpayers $290,950 in county paid attorneys’ fees.

3. 194 youth in foster care found permanency with the help of their CASA Volunteer in 2021.

*CASA 2021 Calendar Year Statistics

CASA of the South Plains empowers community members to serve as volunteers who Advocate for the best interest of children in foster care who have been abused and neglected.

Court Appointed Special Advocates are community members just like you who ensure the needs of each foster child remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while they work to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 3

Sour — not sweet — nothings: those vinegar valentines

By Randal C. Hill It may seem hard to believe, but not so long ago about half of all Valentine’s Day messages sent contained grotesque caricatures of the intended recipient and mean-spirited, truly hurtful notices intended to drive the knife a little deeper.

Sadly, such negativity lives on to this day but now in a much different form.

By the 1840s, people in both England and America were creating Valentine’s Day missives of heartfelt poetry, which were often illustrated by elaborate flourishes that were mailed in quilted-paper cards bound in festive ribbons.

Then improvements in the printing process and paper production heralded a boom in the sale of mass-

produced valentines.

Before long, however, an unexpected sea change began to place. It started quietly, a mere ripple that gradually swelled into a tidal wave.

Some pranksters had enjoyed mailing valentines that involved gentle teasing — a little joke here, a little poke there — that was meant to produce a smile.

But, over time, the mood of such messages soured and slowly turned increasingly crass and, eventually, despicable.

By being sent anonymously, such vitriol could easily sting with insults that would normally never be spoken to another’s face.

They became known as “vinegar valentines” and were the popular evil twin

of the traditional, positive gesture.

Printers, of course, were delighted with the extra revenue, as such one-pennyeach products were easy to produce on cheap, flimsy sheets of paper that were then folded and sealed with a dab of wax.

In the mid-1800s, cards could be mailed without a stamp, which meant that someone receiving such cruelty would also have to pay the postage (also one penny) before reading the snarky contents. (Talk about adding insult to injury!)

Anybody, it seemed, could be considered fair game — neighbors, relatives, employers, friends and colleagues, people from all walks of life and placement on the social hierarchy.

Sometimes the sendings targeted unwanted suitors, but many others made fun of one’s age, weight, looks, occupation or marital status, as well as any number of human foibles.

One often-maligned group was the suffragettes, women attempting to secure voting rights for themselves.

A suffragette might receive a vinegar valentine that claimed Your vote from me you will not get I don’t want a preaching suffragette But those who mailed the cards sometimes got their comeuppance, as a popular retort (assuming that the original sender could be identified) might simply be a terse but powerful threat: No vote, no kiss

So take that, fella!

In time, people tired of the relentless negativity, and vinegar valentines slowly disappeared, giving way to “normal” February 14th cards that featured positive communication.

Today, collectors of 19th century ephemera have little trouble locating traditional Valentine’s Day cards, but finding surviving vinegar valentines is much more difficult because recipients back then usually burned or trashed the items right after they were read.

Regrettably, the modernday equivalent of these valentines — messages of bullying, insults, even threats — flourishes today via any number of internet social media sites. And isn’t that a pity?

Garrison Institute on Aging

“Healthy Heart, Healthy You” Aliakbar Arvandi, MD

Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Where: LIVE and IN-PERSON at the

Academic Event Center, 3601 4th Street

When: Wednesday, February 22nd @ 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

For more info or to RSVP call 806-743-7821 or email malcolm.brownell@ttuhsc.edu

Page 4 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

‘Luv-ya-beary- Monkee Business for 4 insane boys, 17-21 much’ Feb. 14 In September 1965, both semi-documentary debut cluding Neil Diamond and The Monkees TV show, The February meeting of the Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection will be a “luv-ya-bearymuch!” event.

Vicki and Dalton Jantzen of Fort Worth, Texas, will present the program, “Love is a many splintered thing.” Jonny Hughes will present the special music.

The luncheon, program and door prizes are set for Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lubbock Country Club, 3400 Mesa Drive.

Cost is $20, and an RSVP is due by Feb. 10 to lubbockCWC@ gmail.com or Sharen at 806-3920264.

(Reservations not used should be shared or paid for at the next luncheon).

Variety and the Hollywood Reporter ran an attentiongrabbing advertisement: “Madness! Auditions.

Folk and Roll Musicians – Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running parts for four insane boys, age 17 – 21.”

From the 437 hopeful applicants, coveted roles were assigned to Mike Nesmith (22), Peter Tork (23), Mickey Dolenz (20) and Davy Jones (19).

The Monkees were created to ride the slipstream of Beatlemania and were hired to mimic the Beatles’ zany antics in “A Hard Day’s Night,” their 1964

flick. The Monkees’ TV plotline involved a struggling rock quartet in search of their Big Break.

A well-received TV pilot was filmed in late 1965, and in early 1966, NBC-TV picked up The Monkees as a weekly prime-time series.

The four young men then embarked on a grueling schedule of improv classes, band rehearsals, and filming.

Early on, the Monkee members were limited to vocal work, with only professional session musicians providing the instrumental music.

The Monkees half-hour show hit big when it debuted in September 1966. Tunesmiths Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote the band’s first 45 (a Number One winner); “Last Train to Clarksville” featured a chord structure, jangly guitar lines and vocal harmonies lifted directly from the Beatles’ “Paperback Writer.”

The BoyceHart team would eventually create three more winning singles. Other professional songwriters (in-

Carole King) were rushed though, was another issue in to keep the hits flowing. entirely. By the end of the

The Monkees’ eponymous debut album also skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard charts.

The Pre-Fab Four (as sneering cynics often labeled them) were off and running.

By that December, growing pressure led the Monkees to begin touring, with each member hurrying to master his instrument well enough to perform onstage.

No problem, as it turned out, since, akin to the Beatles’ shows, much of the music played was lost to the eardrum-piercing screams that tsunamied in nightly from the vast teenybopper audiences.

Making music was better than faking music, and the Monkee men worked hard to improve. In January 1967, a mere four months after “Clarksville” introduced them to the world, the Monkees held their first recording session as a fully functioning, self-contained band.

second season, the quartet had tired of the filming grind and pronounced the third-season scripts monotonous and stale.

When they suggested a format change to a one-hour variety show, their idea was quickly squelched, and the series was axed, which undoubtedly crushed countless teenage hearts.

During their two-year reign, though, when the foursome often successfully challenged the almighty Beatles, the Monkees sold more than 75 million records around the world.

Had they been just a bubblegum fantasy quartet, one that was never quite real, undeserving of any real respect?

Not to everybody. Vanity Fair writer Mark Rozzo once opined, “They were a pop culture force…They created joy and wonderment and introduced the whole realm of pop music to a huge audience of young people.”

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 5

New Neighbors to meet Feb. 10 Accomplished singer/ musician to perform

The New Neighbors Club will hold its monthly meeting/ luncheon on Feb. 10 at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway.

The program will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be presented by Geoffrey Andrews, an accomplished singer/musician.

Geoffrey, a Lubbock native has traveled the United States and internationally to sing.

He recorded a Christmas album with The London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road in London.

Last Christmas, he performed to a sold-out concert with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.

Lunch will be served after the program, and the cost is $20.

Reservations are required at least three days prior to the event. Members, watch for your Evite in your email or spam email.

One can RSVP through the Evite or contact Roni Allen (text) 281-507-4083 or email okieroni1@gmail.com.

If unable to attend, reservations must be cancelled at least three days prior to the event.

The club must pay for all reservations made, even the “no shows.” Non-members contact Roni.

Optional games afterward; contact your game leaders if interested.

You brought so much love and happiness into my life. I almost stopped believing in all of that stuff, and there you came - everything that I have ever dreamed of. You are my very own miracle.

Page 6 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

Garrison Institute on Aging

TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

By February is here and I am sharing information I have learned about this month.

February comes from Latin word for februa, which means to cleanse.

Seems like January should have had that meaning. Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. I do not care if he sees his shadow. I am praying for rain.

Feb. 12 is Super Bowl LVII (57) guess who I am rooting for (PM)?

Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day. Feb. 20 is Presidents Day. Feb. 21 is Mardi Gras and will follow with 40 days until Easter. This is really a busy month. Seems like February is just one long party! Cheers!

connecting with the right group for your concerns.

Care Partner Academy The Care Partner Academy session will be held Feb. 15, at noon at 6630 S Quaker, Suite G. Kara Jones, MS, CCC-SLP, Acute Care Speech-Language Pathologist, UMC, will present Do I Look Like I Have Swallowing Problems?

This is an informal group that meets monthly to share various topics and is free and open to the public.

For additional information, contact Joan at 806.743.1217 or email at joan.blackmon@ttuhsc.edu.

Healthy Aging Lecture Series Garrison Institute established in The Healthy Aging Lecture Series will honor of Mildred & Shirley Garrison continue on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 3pm.

The Garrison Institute on Aging was established in 1999 and named in honor of Mildred and Shirley Garrison in 2005. Our mission is to promote healthy aging through research and promote educational and community outreach programs.

If you have questions on health issues, aging, chronic disease and mental health, please reach out to us. We can assist in

The event is free and open to the public.

For details on topic and speaker, call 806.743.7821. The event will be held at the Academic Event Center (3601 4th St.).

There is ample parking next to building and ADA parking as well.

Stocking Project

The Stocking Project completed more than 2,500 stockings in 2022 that were distributed to several military bases for shipment to locations around the world. Special thanks to all who assisted in this com3323 SE Loop 289, Lubbock 79404 munity-wide effort.

806-775-2057 or 806-775-2058 Looking to 2023, we mylubbock.us/animalservices can use donated fabric, ribbon, yarn and decorations. We also collect hotel toiletries, of cards, yarn Searching for the perfect addition to your family? decks caps, and business Dogs and cats (and sometimes other furry, scaly, or feathered species, too) promotional items. of all ages and sizes just waiting for the right home.

If you have any

Lubbock Animal Services & Adoption Center

Open M-F - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Saturdays - noon to 4 p.m.

Volunteers always welcome.

items that you feel might be useful, drop them by our office at 6630 S. Quaker, Suite E. We are also looking for seamstresses to assist with the sewing of each stocking.

Call 806-743-7821 for details and answers to any questions.

StressBusting Program StressBusting Program is preparing for the next session. Sessions are in small group, informal settings. There is no charge but a confirmation is required.

All sessions (individual or group) are usually conducted at the TTUHSC Southwest Campus (6630 S. Quaker).

The weekly sessions provide you with skills and techniques to manage stress and develop problem-solving skills. To learn more, contact the office at 806-743-7821.

Respite care program

A respite care program is offered with the assistance of Dr. Jonathan Singer, TTU Department of Psychological Sciences.

If you are an informal (unpaid) caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or other related dementia diseases, he has programs that can benefit you. Participation in his study can assist in providing future services for you and those you care for.

Contact Dr. Singer at 806-834-5884 or email jonsinge@ttu.edu.

February funnies…

• What is the best outfit for February 2nd?

A tu-tu.

• Can February march?

No, but April may.

• What is the best month to tell a lie?

Fib ruary.

• Knock Knock Who is there?

Noah Noah, who?

Noah any good joke about February?

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 7

Getting past COVID: It’s decision time!

With COVID having taken front and center stage for the last few years, it is time to revamp.

It is time for us to redesign our lives.

There is before COVID, during COVID, and now we are ready to start living after COVID. It is time, even though we know we have not seen the end of COVID. I’m ready to run my own life instead of COVID running my life. It doesn’t mean I have to go to rock concerts or be at the Bronco stadium for a game.

I don’t need to be around that many people or be that close to people, but it is time for me to hold the reins of my life, not someone else or some other authority!

I have not been to a gym since before COVID. I am going to start going back to the gym. Yes, I will start out very light, especially light since I hurt my knee.

I don’t think we need to go overboard, but at the same time, I am reminded that most older people fall because they have lost their strength to even catch themselves.

I do want to stay strong, so I am going back to the gym. I will be careful!

And I have gained some weight. I guess it is what people call the “COVID 15” or some such. At any rate, I do not remember a

time in my life that I have been so sedentary as I have been since the beginning of COVID. So, I’m taking the bull by the horns and going to the gym and doing some exercise.

I’ll try to start out with

three days a week. I will start with just a little on the stationary bike if it doesn’t hurt my knee to ride it. I will do some light weights.

While there I will see if there are any classes I might be interested in taking like Zumba or yoga.

Since they were home during COVID, some people bought or used their stationary bikes. Maybe they even put a work-out room in their house.

Others used the time to learn to cook things they had never cooked before. If you haven’t explored different recipes on youtube.com, please do so.

You can find someone trying to teach you just about anything to cook. It would be great if I would just go by the recipe instead of trying to ‘improve” it, right?

And if you are not one to cook, COVID made take out a real “thing.” Instead of eat-

ing in a restaurant, just take something home where you don’t have to share the air with anyone.

I’ve never been a take-out kind of person, but COVID did teach me that I would rather eat at home than in a restaurant. I cook very simply. Today I cooked vegetable soup. And there are no LOUD noises at my house like in a restaurant.

Take stock of whatever it is you are doing and, with intent, ask yourself: am I still living scared to death of COVID? If you are, have a little talk with yourself. Look around and notice that life is

going on, regardless. Maybe it goes on a little differently.

And, God knows, there is healing needed from losing those you loved, friends as well as family.

And maybe, just maybe it is time to open the drapes to our lives once again and look out at that great wild yonder and decide, what am I going to do today.

Because I pretty much do the same thing day after day, I like to say, and what am I going to do today that is different? Like go to the gym?

Learn a new recipe?

I’ve always been around older people, and I’ve learned a few things from them.

If you want to do it, do it now. All we have is now.

We hope and pray for many more tomorrows, but

we have today, so if there is something I am really wanting to do, I owe it to myself to do now.

I am willing to have company for dinner when I offer only a simple soup and salad.

I’m sure they have had better. So what?

I’m willing to have people over when my house isn’t perfect. A few misplaced items is really no big deal.

I’m willing to participate in something I want to do that I have never done before. I’m willing to live!

In many ways we have been blessed to live this long and blessed to have survived the COVID years.

We have a few good years left.

What do you want to do with them?

It is decision time!

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Page 8 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

Don’t make these 3 mistakes when funeral planning Though many of us plan big events like vacations, birthday parties, graduations and family reunions, we tend to fall short when it comes to thinking ahead about our own funerals.

In this article you will learn about three common mistakes of funeral planning. You’ll also learn how to avoid them.

Mistake No. 1: Not planning a funeral in advance The most common regret people have when dealing with the loss of a loved one is not knowing what that person wanted for his or her funeral arrangements.

Family members are faced with planning a funeral quickly, while they are experiencing increased stress and difficult emotions. Planning your funeral in advance takes this hardship off family and allows them to grieve and heal.

Then why if—according to the National Funeral Directors Association—more than 62% of Americans agree that planning ahead is a good idea, do only 21% actually do it?

It’s challenging to consider your own passing, but planning a celebration of life in advance ensures your wishes are followed, and you can lock in today’s prices on many items.

Planning end-of-life details ahead of time gives

you more control over what happens. You can specify everything from the type of service to your final resting place, readings and passages, songs, and even choose a catering menu and flower arrangements.

This can be especially important if family members may not agree with your choices.

A funeral planning guide takes you through the process in private, providing conversation starters and inspiration, so you can begin to explore how you’d like to be remembered and talk about it with your family.

A planner can then take you through a funeral checklist and establish your wishes in writing, giving you peace of mind that your preferences will be honored.

Mistake No. 2: Not documenting and sharing your wishes Maybe you’ve thought about your funeral in detail, right down to what you’d like to wear and which songs you’d like played. But if you don’t document and share your wishes, who will know?

Some people discuss their wishes with family or friends, but they don’t write them down. Others may just choose burial or cremation and think that’s all that’s needed.

Grieving family members may not remember what you said you wanted. They may

disagree about what they think you wanted. Planning allows you to confirm every preference and make your choices known to family members.

By documenting your plans with a funeral home— and letting your family know—you eliminate the confusion and take pressure off your family.

When you plan ahead, don’t forget one all-important detail: Tell your family the name of the funeral home where you made arrangements, so they know whom to contact when the time comes.

your family, planning ahead can save money.

Like many things, funeral costs rise over time, and paying for them in advance lets you lock in today’s prices on many items.

For example, if you preplan your celebration of life and choose a casket that costs $3,000, even if you don’t need a casket for 20 years, you’ve got a price guarantee. No matter how much the cost of that casket increases, you will never pay more than the original $3,000.

What’s more, a prepaid funeral plan helps ensure Mistake No. 3: Not paying your family isn’t faced with financial hardship. Even for funeral arrangements if you’ve planned to pay in advance memorial expenses through In addition to making your life insurance, those funds wishes known and eliminatcan take weeks or months to ing some of the stress on

become available.

Payment for a funeral is expected at the time of service, and not every family has thousands of dollars in cash on hand or a credit card to which it can be charged.

Advance planning means less worry about money for your loved ones.

Bonus Mistake: Thinking your will has you covered Many people believe that just because they’ve made funeral wishes known and allocated money for expenses in a will, that they’re covered.

The reality is that a will may not be consulted until days or weeks after death.

By then, your service may already have taken place, and funds may be tied up in probate for months. Planning ahead solves both.

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 9

New toolkit provides framework for management of obesity

Research finds that overweight and obesity can have considerable health and psychological consequences for all people, and primary care teams need tools and resources to properly address this disease.

Now defined as a disease by the American Medical Association, obesity is a complex medical condition that is linked to premature death from Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

The new The Gerontological Society of America KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults seeks to equip primary care teams with a useful framework to help older people with overweight and obesity issues recognize and care for their condition.

Obesity can also have considerable psychological implications including feelings of shame, low selfesteem, and mood problems in addition to its impact on function and mobility.

Not only does obesity disproportionately impact racial and ethnic groups and individuals with lower income and educational attainment; for older adults, additional chronic medical conditions make addressing obesity complex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, 41.5 percent of Americans ages 60 years or older are obese.

Despite the implications of obesity on older adults’ overall health and well-being, primary care teams may fail to address it.

“Primary care physicians and providers are often challenged when they care for patients with obesity.

“This concern for competence is a derivative of inadequate training in obesity,” said Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, MPH, MPA, MBA, FAAP, FACP, FAHA, FAMWA, FTOS, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an obesity medicine physician-scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

“This toolkit serves as a reference for any clinician who seeks to provide patientcentered care for this patient population” said Cody Stanford, who served as a peer review panelist for the new KAER Toolkit.

In 2015, GSA developed a framework that is useful for primary care teams to address obesity: the KAER (Kickstart, Assess, Evaluate, Refer) Framework.

Using this framework, GSA developed the GSA KAER Toolkit for Primary Care Teams aimed at sup-

porting the well-being and positive health-related outcomes for people living with dementia and for their families.

Building on the success of this widely recognized toolkit and with the support of Novo Nordisk, GSA developed the The Gerontological Society of America KAER Toolkit for the Management of Obesity in Older Adults.

Its principal audience is primary care teams and it supports them to:

• Kickstart

Kickstart the weight management conversation in the primary care setting with a focus on obesity as a disease, not a behavioral issue or problem based on poor choices

• Assess

Assess for overweight and obesity, underlying conditions, contributing medications, and overall health

• Evaluate

Evaluate treatment options based on assessment, discuss with patient, implement, and monitor outcomes

In addition to a section devoted to each of the above-noted four steps in the KAER Framework that includes section takeaways, an overview, and approaches to implement, the toolkit includes information about ways to get paid for KAERbased care and many references and resources.

GSA also makes available additional resources regarding obesity, including podcasts, publications, and more.

“We are grateful to our peer review panel who informed the development of the KAER Toolkit,” said Karen Tracy, vice president, strategic alliances and inte-

grated communications at GSA. “Their expertise allowed us to infuse the toolkit with the best available tools and resources for primary care teams to use while providing care to older adults with obesity.

“The toolkit includes important information that supports primary care teams to identify and address their own biases and practices that impede person-centered, sensitive care for individuals with obesity — an important first step in implementing the KAER Framework to support older adults with these chronic and complex conditions.”

2 ways to read the Golden Gazette:

In Print & Online

Pick up a print edition at any of our 100+ locations throughout Lubbock or go online to www.WordPub.com click on “Seniors” click on “Golden Gazette” choose a ‘pdf version’ or a ‘flip-the-page’ version.

• Refer

Refer for community resources to assist on the weight management jourYou fail all the time, but you aren’t a failure until ney you start blaming someone else. – Bum Phillips

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Page 10 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

Partners in Education celebrate inaugural book drive The Lubbock ISD Partners in Education committee celebrated the success of their inaugural book drive in December with a recognition

event at McCool Academy.

The book drive was initiated to replenish the Little Free Libraries at each Lubbock ISD campus. A project

#LetsDoLunch Once a week, or once a month, use your lunch hour to deliver a hot, nutritious meal to someone who is homebound.

You will make their day, and they will make yours.

Call

806-792-7971 for more info.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels www.LubbockMealsOnWheels.org

of the Lubbock ISD Council of PTAs, former council president Eddy Morelock led the charge to establish Little Free Libraries at every Lubbock ISD campus and completed the project in 2021. Donors have provided almost 500 books for the libraries during the book drive.

The Lubbock ISD Partners in Education committee is composed of community leaders and volunteers whose organizations support the district’s students and staff through projects and events.

Partners In Education is a Lubbock ISD program that connects partners, the business community, the church community, and nonprofit agencies to support Lubbock ISD schools in meaningful ways.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Lubbock,Texas

806-744-2220

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Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 11

Signs your aging parent might need help When you visit aging parents or loved ones, do you sometimes notice things that seem “off?”

Maybe dad can’t find his medications anymore, or mom won’t talk about that mysterious dent on the car.

Maybe one time you noticed that one of them left a kettle boiling on the stove.

These are universal “something’s not right” signs

all feel this way from time to time, consistent or drastic changes can be indications of a more serious issue.

And these changes may be more noticeable after time away.

“Many older adults have spent an increased amount of time at home over the past two years, amplifying feelings of loneliness and lack of connection with friends

6 Signs an Older Adult Could Benefit from More Help at Home A cluttered house

Has the inside of their home become uncharacteristically disorganized or unkept? Are dirty dishes and laundry beginning to pile up?

Don’t write this behavior off as laziness, especially if your loved one is a typically organized person.

An unkept home may indicate their physical health is holding them back from keeping up with the usual housework.

Missed medication & unpaid bills

that might give you pause – signs they could benefit from extra assistance to continue living safely and independently at home. Aging in the comfort of their own home is a priority for many older adults. According to our research, 94% plan to do so.

Some older adults need help to make this desire a reality. Due to distance during the pandemic, you may not have noticed subtle changes to your loved one’s behavior, such as being more forgetful than normal or becoming easily agitated. While we

Are there full bottles of prescription medicine around the house?

Are they paying bills late or not paying them at all?

Not only could these behaviors lead to very serious and family,” said Dr. Lake- medical complications or lyn Hogan Eichenberger, household emergencies, but gerontologist and caregiver they could also be early signs advocate for Home Instead. of dementia or Alzheimer’s “When getting together disease. with your older loved ones, take note of changes in be- Change in behavior or personal appearance havior and attitude that may Have you noticed a dedemonstrate a helping hand cline in personal hygiene? around the home is needed.”

Have they lost a significant It can be difficult to disamount of weight? cuss but acknowledging Are they acting out of the these signs can keep older ordinary? loved ones safe and help It’s important to take note them maintain their indeof any changes that might pendence, while also giving mean they are neglecting to family members peace of (See Signs parents need help, mind.

Page 12)

Celebrating 35 years of “Keeping families close.”

Give a little love #forRMHC through February Ask to round-up your purchase at your local McD to support RMHC of the Southwest.

A cup of

LOVE

Dine-in at your favorite coffee shop on February 14th for “A Cup of Love”!

Scan the QR Code and follow us on social media for a list of participating businesses.

of the Southwest

TEXT “RMHC35” TO 243725 AND DONATE TODAY!

Page 12 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

2431 S. Loop 289 806-771-8008 6202 82nd St. 806-687-8008

Signs parents need help (Continued from Page 11)

Decreased mobility or signs

take care of themselves or of a fall 4138 19th St. suffering from loneliness or Do they have difficulty 806-780-2329 depression. getting up from being seated Committed to providing you with the 12115 Indiana Ste. 2 Mysterious car dents or standing for long periods best possible care, compassion, and respect 806-993-5041 Are you finding unex- of time? in a safe and comfortable setting.

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806-385-3746 into more accidents on the recent fall?

One in four adults ages 65 2431 S. Loop 289 road?

Evidence of this damage and over fall each year.

806-771-8010 could mean their ability to Assessing common home Best trained & friendliest drive is waning and is a seri- safety pitfalls and having staff in Lubbock. ous threat to their safety as more help at home can preCome check us out & experience the many services of Wellness Today. well as other drivers. vent falls.

Top of the line equipment, classes, cardiovascular machines, indoor walking track, Telling your loved one it’s Misplaced vital items free weight equipment, heated pool and hot tub, underwater treadmills, and more! time to give up the keys is Leaving important items Providers of the Call for class schedules: 806-771-8010 hard but may be a necessary like a walker or house keys Silver&Fit and SilverSneakers fitness programs www.WellnessTodayLubbock.com conversation. behind in a restaurant or retail store can indicate cognitive decline and the need for more support like what a care professional can provide.

Any of these signs of decline should trigger a discussion about the types of support your aging loved one needs.

These conversations can be tough, but they’re intended to keep your older loved Find out how Interim can help your family! one safe and well.

When it comes to physical therapy, you do have a choice.

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Be prepared, work hard, and hope for a little luck.

Recognize that the harder you work and the better prepared you are, the more luck you might have.

– Ed BradlEy

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 13

Mardi Gras in Lubbock set for Feb. 28 Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ annual Mardi Gras fundraiser is set for Feb. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

The evening will have more than 35 restaurants providing sample-size portions of their delectable fare, music by Bo Garza, a large silent auction, a Mardi Gras King and Queen in full regalia, cash bars, and a large children’s area with a variety of activities and games.

Colorful beads will be available to make the evening festive.

A Character Selfies Photo Booth will be there to document the Mardi Gras fun for $5 per photo.

Mardi Gras tickets are $50 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Note that the age for youth tickets has changed. The ticket grants you entrance, tasting from all the restaurants, the entertainment, and the children’s area.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at lubbockmealsonwheels.org, at Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ office, any Select-A-Seat location (service charge applies) or for $55 at the door. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards (no American Express). Tickets can be mailed or held at will-call.

To become a sponsor or for more information, call Lubbock Meals on Wheels at 806-7927971. All proceeds help people remain at home, well fed, and independent.

Page 14 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

Password rage — What it is, and how to avoid it (NAPSI)—If you’re like most people, a frustrating online password process has put you in a bad mood. In fact, according to a recent

Aware survey, more than half of consumers report that having to go through a password reset process has negatively impacted their mood — or even their day — while two out of three actively avoid or dread irritating password reset processes.

The Problem

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806-744-2220

“Password rage” describes what happens after someone has endured too much password-related stress or fatigue, such as having to remember different (and long) passwords for every account; being locked out of an account; or having to reset a password or set up a new password-based account in order to purchase something online.

Unfortunately, password rage can drive people to extremes, with more than half of consumers noting they have given up on purchasing a product or service because they couldn’t remember their password.

Common reactions to password rage include yelling at a partner/spouse/ roommate or children; binge eating or drinking; and taking a nap.

With such negative consequences, what can be done to minimize the risk and negative impacts of password rage?

Stay in Control …

You can use your face, eye or finger to keep hackers from getting their hands on your online information.

And When You’re Ready, Consider Alternative Approaches The best thing to do when suffering from password rage is to walk away from the computer and distract yourself until the anger subsides. Take a walk or a deep breath, and try again later.

Longer-term, however, you may wish to come up with some new processes or proactive workarounds.

Perhaps the best solution is to not use passwords altogether, opting for a method with much higher security, such as biometrics — which authenticate individual people through their faceprint, voiceprint, fingerprints or iris scan for

superior convenience and security.

The survey showed an overwhelming willingness among consumers to replace passwords with biometrics for most popular online services.

If that’s not possible, try to avoid forgetting your passwords in the first place.

Come up with a few complex variations of the same password that would be easy for you to remember, but difficult for a hacker to guess.

If you absolutely must write this password down, keep it in a sealed, unmarked envelope or a locked desk drawer.

Alternatively, consider using a password manager (which generates strong passwords and stores them

all in one encrypted place, alleviating the burden of having to remember individual passwords for every account) or a spreadsheet to keep track of all your passwords. However, as the recent LastPass hack unfortunately demonstrated, these aren’t necessarily the safest or most viable options.

What if you forget the password to your password manager or the spreadsheet gets deleted? That would be an easy way to reignite your password rage.

As long as passwords are the most common way to secure online accounts, the threat of password rage will be here to stay, since people increasingly rely on online services and mobile apps.

For further facts and tips, visit www.aware.com.

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 15

West 50th Street A trio of great Lubbock restaurants construction upgrade begins

Dear Folks, With a recent visit from daughter and son-in-law from Phoenix, it gave me an opportunity to visit some great restaurants in Lubbock.

Café J’s First on the list is Café J’s on 19th Street. They are well known for excellent service and high quality food.

So I knew my out-of-town dear ones would enjoy one of Lubbock’s best.

Believe it or not, we had a difficult and dreadful time getting there.

Why you ask? Because of all the crazy construction on 19th Street. It was night and the lighting was extremely poor.

The lanes were confusing, and we went many blocks past Café J’s entrance. Yes, we did turn around and eventually arrived at our destination.

Our dinners were fabulous and well worth the aggravation.

My first order was a bowl of their delicious creamy green chili soup, then daughter and I selected the Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap which had the tuna coated with sesame seeds and quinoa and included were diced cucumbers, tricolor carrots, radishes, a generous amount of iceberg lettuce and two yummy sauces — peanut and sweet chili.

Although, this was considered a “wrap,” it ended

up being a knife and fork deal for me. There was even a generous amount of “take home” for next day’s lunch.

Son-in-law ordered the Pad Thai which was served in a large bowl with rice noodles, roasted peanuts, jalapeños, Napa cabbage, and all combined with J’s famous Thai Sauce.

Everything was absolutely delicious. Although this was an extremely busy weekend, especially for restaurants, we were only 1 of 3 tables being served. Our waitress said the construction has really hurt their business. I did find an easy way out and in. More on that later.

Ike’s Next on our list was an evening at Ike’s on 82nd Street.

After a short wait, we were ushered to our comfy booth.

After reviewing our menus, we all decided to order the grilled Mahi-mahi.

It was perfectly prepared and topped with a delicious lemon wine butter sauce.

Saffron rice and asparagus tips completed the entrée — all so yummy — and excellent service.

Aspen Creek Grill Last on our list was a lunch “date” with a dear mutual friend of mine and my daughter.

She originally lived in Lubbock, then moved to

Phoenix, then back to Lubbock. While in Phoenix, I made sure the two would meet. Dear friend is now very successful in real estate.

It was great to visit with her again.

The decision was made to meet at Aspen Creek Grill on West Loop 289. They were extremely busy, but after a short time, we were given our table.

Aspen Creek’s menu is quite extensive, but I found one of my favorites — potato skins with all the trimmings.

Daughter ordered the Bison Burger Plate complete with veggies, and friend ordered the huge classic salad topped with chicken. All orders were served promptly and all were delicious.

All in all, having the opportunity to again visit with loved ones is a real blessing.

Now for a better way to avoid the “Nightmare on 19th St.” on your way to Café J’s.

Take University to 20th Street and turn west. Go a couple of blocks and on your right, you will see a parking lot. Turn into the parking lot and you will see Café J’s lot on your right. This is easy, and avoids all the danger.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.

– William Arthur Ward

Lubbock County has begun construction on West 50th Street.

The $5.5 million project will improve and widen the street between Upland Avenue and FM 179.

This 2-mile upgrade is part of the ongoing $99.6 million dollar Lubbock County Comprehensive Roads bond package.

Construction work will set traffic control, detours, and barriers along the West 50th construction zone.

Improvements will include the addition of a continuous left turn lane and wider shoulders. These improvements will provide safer travel along the corridor.

During construction, residents and motorists are advised to pay attention to signage, construction equipment, barricades, and construction workers.

This project is anticipated to be completed in early 2024.

For more information, contact Commissioner Terence Kovar at 806-775-1330.

When someone treats you like an option, help them narrow their choices by removing yourself from the equation.

Stay away from negative people.

They have a problem for every solution.

Some things are better left unsaid, which I generally realize right after I have said them.

Need assistance, help or information, and don’t know where to look?

View the directory online:

www.WordPub.com/grd1.html.com Or have a Golden Resource Directory mailed to you.

Publications Include an address send $3 to: Word 2022 82nd St. #101 to mail the directory to.

Lubbock, TX 79423

Page 16 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

At the Cactus Theater Physical therapy exams can prevent

February Feb. 3 Feb. 4 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 18

Jon Wolfe - Texas Independent Country - Cactus Debut!

Buddy and Elvis Rock the House with Moses Snow Caldwell Entertainment: Music of Fleetwood Mac & Chicago Johnny Lee: Lookin’ For Love Pre-Valentine’s Day Show Valentine’s Date Night: “Sleepless in Seattle” Film + Packages Caldwell Entertainment: Music of Fleetwood Mac & Chicago Sounds of West Texas: Love Songs

March March 10 Micky & The Motorcars - Cactus Debut March 11 Tribute to Rod Stewart: starring Vic Vaga March 18 William Lee Martin: Comedy Stampede

April April 16 April 22 April 25

Diamond Rio - Legendary Country Hits Dailey & Vincent Sing The Statler Brothers Special Tribute!

Andy Hedges & Friends: Roll On, Cowboy

Cactus Theater, 806-762-3233, boxoffice@cactustheater.com, cactustheater.com

problems & improve overall health

Annual physical therapy exams aren’t as common as a yearly physical or a regular checkup with the dentist.

However, research shows that moving well is important, so an annual check to find small changes in strength, balance, coordination, or range of motion makes sense.

An annual PT exam is quick and easy. They usually include a history of your injuries, a complete health history, and a review of your movement goals - do you want to run a marathon or just get on and off the floor easier when you play with your grandkids?

Your physical therapist will then assess your strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and more.

What happens next depends on the results of the exam.

You may be good to go for another year, get a few updates to your exercise program, have a short course of physical therapy, or receive a referral to another medical provider if they find something that physical therapy won’t help with.

There is strong evidence suggesting that movement is a valuable predictor of future health and resilience against

disease.

Moving well can keep you healthier and help you live longer. There are a few simple tests that show the power of movement when it comes to predicting future health: First is gait velocity, which is simply how fast you walk.

Studies have shown that if your typical walking speed is over 1 m/s or 3.3 ft/s, you’re likely able to complete typical daily activities independently.

You’re also less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to have adverse events such as falls.

Another series of studies suggests that if you can go from standing to sitting on the floor and back to standing without using your hands, you’re a lot less likely to die than someone who can’t. It’s called the sitting-

rising test. You can find the instructions and examples with a quick internet search.

Notice that both gait velocity and the sitting-rising test aren’t specific to any one thing.

The risk of hospitalization in the gait velocity studies was hospitalization for any reason.

Death in the sitting-rising studies was death from anything.

So science says that moving well is incredibly important to your overall health.

It’s also important for your quality of life.

Considering that moving well impacts your quality of life both now and later, having a regular PT check up to find problems early is one of the best things you can do for yourself this year.

For questions call Physical Therapy Today at 806-7718008.

About The Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, visit www.ppsapta.org.

The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place. – GeorGe Bernard Shaw

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 17

Crock-Pot Chicken Chili Ingredients

• 1 16 ounce jar green salsa (salsa verde) • 1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers • 2 15 ounce cans unsalted white beans, drained • 1 14.5 ounce can low-sodium chicken broth • 1 14 ounce can corn, drained • 1 onion, chopped • ½ teaspoon dried oregano • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin • ½ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Instructions

1. Mix green salsa, diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, white beans, chicken broth, corn, onion, oregano, cumin, salt and black pepper together in a slow cooker. Lay chicken breasts atop the mixture.

2. Cook on low until the chicken shreds with 2 forks, 6 to 8 hours.

3. Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred completely; return to chili in slow cooker and stir.

No matter what you do, someone will always talk about you.

Someone will always question your judgment.

Someone will always doubt you.

So just smile and make choices you can live with.

Page 18 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

Covenant recognized Need a doc? www.LubbockMedGuide.com for exceptional care

Covenant Medical Center is 5-star rated for 12 different procedure outcomes according to new research released

by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients.

“We continually strive to bring our patients the best quality care possible,” Covenant Medical Center CEO Chris Lancaster said. “We are proud of our caregivers and appreciate Healthgrades for recognizing their hard work.

“These accolades prove we are committed to providing our community with the health care excellence they deserve.”

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the topperforming hospitals for specialty care.

Surgery for 3 Years in a Row (2020-2022) Among the Top 5% of Hospitals Evaluated for Gynecologic Surgery for 3 Years in a Row (2020-2022)

Covenant Medical Center received 5-stars for:

Orthopedics Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment,11 Years in a Row (2013-2023) Vascular Five-Star Recipient - Repair of Abdominal Aorta, 4 Years in a Row (2020-2023) Five-Star Recipient for Carotid Procedures in 2023 **NEW** Critical Care Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism 2 Years in a Row (2021-2023) Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Diabetic Emergencies in 2022 **NEW** GYN Surgery Five-Star Recipient for Gynecologic Procedures, 5 Covenant Medical Center Years in a Row (2018-2022) was recognized as: Five-Star Recipient for Best Specialty Hysterectomy in 2022 One of Healthgrades **NEW** America’s 50 Best Hospitals Bariatric Five-Star Recipient for for Vascular Surgery in 2023 GYN Surgery Overall Bariatric Surgery, 4 Recipient of the Health- Years in a Row (2020-2023) grades Gynecologic Sur- C o n s u m e r s c a n v i s i t gery Excellence Award for 3 H e a l t h g r a d e s . c o m t o Years in a Row (2020-2022) learn more about how Recognized by Health- Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a grades for Superior Per- patient-friendly overview of formance in Gynecologic the complete methodology.

Lubbock & area physicians - by specialty & alphabetically + hospitals & related medical services

Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1. Pilfer 6. Fraud 10. Female sheep 14. Farewell 15. The sacred scriptures of Hinduism 16. Egypt’s river 17. Store in a frozen state 19. Swing around 20. Printers’ measures 21. Completely filled 22. Protect 24. Clinched hand 25. Male deer 26. Yesterday morning 31. Moor 33. Expel 34. Turkish governor 35. Killer whale 36. Ninth planet 38. Former Russian ruler 4. Brown-capped boletus 39. Powdery residue mushroom 40. Enticement 5. Peevish 41. Mountain ridge 6. Slender 42. Movement backward 7. Back part of the foot 46. Hip bones 8. Axlike tool 47. Blend 9. Stately 48. Blush 10. Naval officer 51. Ray of light 11. Trickery 52. Viper 12.

12th month of the 55. Was indebted to Jewish calendar 56. Substance that adulterates 59. Distribute playing cards 13. Propagative part of a plant 60. Rotate 18.

Corrosion 61. Water wheel 23. Mature male European 62. Sea eagle red deer 63. Nervously irritable 24. Goat’s milk cheese 64. Molars 25. Obscenity 26. Private cruising vessel DOWN 27. Path 1. Become dim 28. Norwegian dramatist 2. As previously cited 29. Trim 3. Falsehoods

30. Circular course 31. Rime 32. Scottish Gaelic 36. Divide into pages 37. Monetary unit of Italy 38. Stepped 40. Trunk of a tree 41. Illness 43. Conundrum 44. Emitting a strong odor 45. Chair 48. Part of verb to ride 49. Pitcher 50. Faculty head 51. Quiet town 52. River in central Switzerland 53. An agitated state 54. Egyptian deity 57. Part of verb to do 58. Fish eggs Solution on Page 21

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 19

‘Dueling Banjos’ with Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell In the early months of 1973, Top 10 recording artists included such hipsters as Carly Simon, Elton John, War, Steely Dan and Roberta Flack.

In their midst, though, appeared the unlikely duo of Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell, a powerhouse instrumental duo behind the millionseller “Dueling Banjos,” which for four straight weeks locked in the Number Two position on the Billboard singles chart.

tween the pair as a musical conversation.

Lonnie, initially reticent, slowly picks up the tune, tosses in a bit of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” then, much to Drew’s delight, shifts into high gear.

The musical pace builds to a highoctane finish as a grinning local man dances an adlibbed jig.

Cox was a good guitarist, but Redden couldn’t play a note.

During the filming, Billy had to wear a customized shirt that allowed a local musician named Mike Addis to play the banjo while hiding his own arms in Redden’s sleeves.

Weissberg and Mandell didn’t write “Dueling Banjos.” That honor went to ace instrumentalist Arthur Smith in 1954 when he composed “Feudin’ Banjos,” which he recorded later with fellow banjoist Don Reno.

Smith’s original work — a forerunner of the rapid-fire rock ‘n’ roll instrumental - was appropriately named because the track seemed to be just that: an argument of sorts between two banjos. (The 1973 hit single, though, featured not two banjos but a banjo and a guitar.)

“Dueling Banjos” on Warner Records rose next to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached Number Five on the country charts.

Its placement in the latter might have been the impetus that helped Eric and Steve garner a Grammy

Golden Oldies Eric and Steve supported themselves as session musicians, working with such leading lights as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins and John Denver – until a request arrived one day for the pair to record a track for the upcoming Burt Reynolds movie “Deliverance,” a horrific tale of four Atlanta businessmen who canoe down an isolated Georgia river (that’s about to become dammed and made into a lake), with dangerous, churning rapids and mayhem and murder awaiting downstream.

Five minutes into the film, at a dilapidated backwoods gas station, we experience a spontaneous jam session between city slicker Drew (former stage actor Ronny Cox) and a provincial lad — apparently mute — named Lonnie (local highschooler Billy Redden).

“Dueling Banjos” unfolds be-

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.

– Thich Nhat Hanh

Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance the following year.

But not everybody appreciated the success of “Dueling Banjos.” Arthur Smith had not given permission for the usage of his creation nor the credit for writing the hit. (Eric Weissberg was listed as the sole creator.) Smith filed a lawsuit, which was settled two years later in his favor when he received the abundant royalties that

were due him.

(Just how abundant? The first thing Arthur purchased was a 42foot yacht.)

Smith’s creation was parodied when comedian Martin Mull released his own instrumental argument called “Dueling Tubas.”

The silly single sold enough copies to send it soaring to Number 92 on the Hot 100 chart.

Page 20 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

How does SECURE Act 2.0 change saving for retirement? provisions that further raise the reWashington Policy Analyst Ed Mills quired minimum distribution (RMD) outlines key components of the new age, shift to automatic plan enrollment and provide for new matching/ legislation.

The year-end fiscal 2023 govern- emergency withdrawal opportunities.

Most of the key provisions are efment funding bill contained legislation that makes the most significant fective in the 2024-2025 timeframe, changes to the U.S. retirement sav- but smaller adjustments (such as an increase in the RMD age to 73) will ings system in decades.

The SECURE Act 2.0 legislation be effective in 2023. See below for a builds on retirement savings changes detailed overview of the key provipassed in 2019 and contains new sions in the legislation and the effective timelines.

Retirement & longevity

SECURE Act 2.0 is the second bipartisan bill designed to boost access to retirement savings

The SECURE Act 2.0 is a followup bill to the original SECURE Act passed in 2019, which began the process of increasing the RMD age from 70 1/2 and increasing participation in retirement savings plans through various tax incentives and eased administrative rules for employersponsored retirement plans.

The new legislation goes well beyond the original iteration and seeks to expand participation in retirement savings plans through mandatory enrollments as well as increased flexibility in the individual use of advantaged savings accounts.

The new legislation will also extend the savings timeframe before RMDs are required to 75 by 2033 – an almost five-year increase from the original RMD distribution age.

Overall, the changes enacted by the legislation (to be phased in over a multi-year period) are likely to boost the asset base for asset managers through increased participation and interest in retirement savings plans.

Key changes will be phased in over a multi-year period

The most significant changes to the U.S. retirement savings system enacted as part of the recent legislation include a higher RMD age (rising to 75 by 2033), a shift to automatic enrollment for new retirement plans, an allowance for matching contributions to be made for student loan payments (expanding the retirement savings of younger adults), higher catch-up limits for those ages 60-63, and additional opportunities for penalty-free withdrawals/lower

penalties for missed RMDs that are corrected.

Starting in 2025, eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into new employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Contributions will be set with enrollment between 3-10%, rising by 1% each year unless employees elect to opt out.

Under-the-radar provisions include an expansion of multiple employer plans (MEPs) and pooled employer plans (PEPs) to include 403(b)s, 529 to Roth IRA rollovers (max $35,000), and employer-offered de minimis financial incentives (such as gift cards or other financial awards) to increase employee participation in retirement plans.

Detailed descriptions of the key provisions as follows:

• Automatic enrollment:

Eligible employees are required to be automatically enrolled in new 401(k) and 403(b) retirement savings plans with a contribution between 3-10%, rising by 1% annually (up to 15%) unless employees opt out.

Automatic enrollment is effective starting 2025.

• Higher RMD age:

The RMD age is raised to 73 in 2023 and 75 starting 2033.

• MEP and PEP access for 403(b) plans:

Access to multiple employer plans (MEPs) and pooled employer plans (PEPs) is expanded to include 403(b) plans.

• Matching contributions for employee student loan payments:

Plan sponsors may make matching (See SECURE Act 2.0, Page 22)

A couple of kids asked me today what it was like for me growing up.

So I took their phones, shut off their internet, gave them a popsicle, and told them to go outside till the street lights came on.

I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can’t put it down.

I did a theatrical performance about puns.

It was a play on words.

I didn’t like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

Broken pencils pointless.

are

What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary?

A thesaurus.

I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.

Velcro - what a rip off!

Don’t worry about old age; it doesn’t last.

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Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 21

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Page 22 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

SECURE Act 2.0 effects

The higher allowance is effeccontributions to 401(k), 403(b), tive starting 2025. and simple IRA plans for quali- • Emergency withdrawals fied student loan payments made for domestic abuse survivors: by employees effective 2024.

Emergency withdrawals for • Expanded emergency the expenses of individuals expense distribution escaping domestic abuse situations are provided at the lesser allowances: The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has launched a new brand and re-designed Emergency distributions of up of $10,000 or 50% of the value its website. to $1,000 are permitted for un- of the account, to be repaid over The Chamber also celebrated the annual awards winners at its annual meeting and foreseeable or immediate finan- three years with a refund of inawards luncheon. cial needs relating to personal or come taxes paid on the repaid This year’s awards honorees were family emergency expenses once amount. Withdrawals permitted Ambassador of the Year: Greg Rodriguez , South Plains Hospitality Group per year, to be paid back within starting 2024.

Volunteer of the Year: Chase Head, South Plains Food Bank three years (effective 2024).

• Emergency withdrawals Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year: Tony Garcia, One Guy From Italy • Tax and penalty free for disaster relief: Business of the Year: West Texas Land Guys Withdrawals of up to $22,000 rollover from 529 Business Person of the Year: Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Residential from employer retirement acto Roth IRA: Chair’s Choice Award: Marsha Johnson, Sweet Creations, Cakes by Marsha Beneficiaries of 529 college counts or IRAs are permitted for and Consulting savings accounts are permitted individuals affected by a feder2023 executive committee Chris Berry, River Smith’s to rollover up to $35,000 from ally declared disaster.

Steve Beck, chair, Covenant Health These emergency-related Beth Lawson, chair-elect, StarCare Spe- Mark Funderburk, UMC Health System a 529 account in their name to a withdrawals are permitted for Tony Garcia, One Guy From Italy - Uni- Roth IRA account. cialty Health System Rollovers are subject to IRA disasters occurring on or after Casey Doyle, immediate past chair, versity Elizabeth Hill, Burklee Hill Winery / annual contribution limits and January 26, 2021.

Casey Carpet One are available for 529 accounts • Expanded administrative Robert Wood, treasurer, West Texas Law Office of Elizabeth G. Hill, P.C. Bud Holmes, American State Bank which have been open for more cost tax credit Land Guys than 15 years. Rollovers are per- for new businesses: Kay McDowell, secretary, Lubbock P.K. Hufstedler, Texcraft, Inc. Shara Konechney, Piper Boutique mitted starting 2024.

Chamber of Commerce A 50% tax credit for adminMike Lambert, Marsh & McLennan Jeremy Barbee, vice chair, Roy Neal • Reduced penalty for istrative costs incurred by new Agency Insurance / ActionCoach businesses is raised to 100% for failure to take RMDs: Rey Carrasco, vice chair, Kimley Horn Chris Mandrell, Citibus A tax penalty of 50% for fail- companies with 50 or less emDr. Michelle McCord, Frenship ISD and Associates, Inc. ure to take RMDs is reduced to ployees effective 2023.

Chris Chambers, vice chair, Chambers Melinda Pharies, Carpet Tech Dr. Felicia Powell, Lubbock State Sup- 25%. For IRAs, the tax is further • Employer-offered Engineering reduced to 10% if corrected. incentives: Dana Madison, vice chair, Advance Care ported Living Center Reduction is effective as of the Dr. Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD De minimis financial incenManagement bill’s signing. tives (such as gift cards or other Becky Palmer, vice chair, Atmos Energy Paulene Salamon, Kona-Ice of South • Higher catch-up Lubbock financial awards) are permitted Macy Satterwhite, Lubbock-Cooper ISD contribution allowances: for sponsor efforts to boost em2023 Board of Directors Eddie Schulz, Lubbock National Bank For those ages 60-63, the ployee participation in retirement Maridel Acosta-Cruz, Lubbock Heart & Kathy Timms, Geiger catch-up contribution limit is savings plans, effective as of the Surgical Hospital Kelly Tucker, Bayer Crop Science raised to the greater of $10,000 signing of the bill into law.

Greg Ammons, United Supermarkets Lacy Vardeman, Cotter Key Farms or 50% higher than the regular Zach Holtzman Nick Atwood, PFG Advisors Cole Watts, Stages of Recovery catch-up amount.

Financial Advisor Travis Barnett, Centerline Engineering Victoria Whitehead, Whitehead Law, PLLC (Continued from Page 20)

The Chamber: New brand; awards presented

Golden Gazette • February 2023 • Page 23

Founders Day: 3D Centennial Projection, 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 10-12 For three consecutive nights, beginning Feb. 10, the public is invited to the Texas Tech University campus to help celebrate the university’s 100th birthday. Beginning at dusk, a 3D projection will be cast upon the façade of the Texas Tech University Administration building.

The program will tell a short story of Texas Tech and will feature memorable imagery, video, and graphics.

Quality End of Life Care

● Fulltime Medical Director ● Pain & Symptom Management ● 24-Hour Support for Patient & Family ● Grief Recovery / Counseling Center ● Music Therapy ● Non-Profit Serving 19 Counties Since 1987 The Region’s ONLY Pediatric & Adult Hospice

806-795-2751 or 800-658-2648 www.HospiceOfLubbock.org

Page 24 • February 2023 • Golden Gazette

A guide to maintaining a healthy home The clutter is cleared and you’ve spent time organizing the space to fit your style.

But where do you go from here?

Everyone wants a place to call home, a safe space where we can be ourselves and unwind after a long day of hard work.

Going forward, how can you maintain your home in a healthy and safe manner to keep your peace of mind?

What even constitutes a healthy home?

According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, a healthy home is housing that is designed, constructed, maintained, and rehabilitated in a manner that is conducive to good occupant health.

Keep these 6 principles of a healthy home from the NCHH in mind as you move forward.

 KEEP IT DRY

Moisture in homes has been linked to a wide range of health problems, from respiratory problems to lead poisoning, from accidental injury to asthma.

Moisture creates a favorHelping out at home raises self-esteem.

When parents insist that kids do their chores, they are letting them know they are not just loved – they are needed.

– WENDY MOGEL

able environment for mites, VENTILATED rodents, molds, and roaches, Studies show that respiraall of which are associated tory health is related to acwith asthma. cess to fresh air, increasing

 KEEP IT CLEAN

A clean home helps ensure that people are not exposed to contaminants and chemicals, and that pests don’t have food, water, and a place to live.

 KEEP IT PEST-FREE

Studies show that there is a causal relationship between mice and cockroach exposure and asthma episodes in children with asthma.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) addresses the issue of pests holistically, without using toxic pesticides.

 KEEP IT SAFE

Most childhood injuries occur at home.

Falls, poisoning, and burns are the three most common residential injuries for children.

 KEEP IT CONTAMINATE-FREE

Homes have many potential contaminant exposure risks, including lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, and asbestos.

Children are more likely to be exposed to lead, radon, asbestos, tobacco smoke and other toxicants in higher concentration in the home than outside.

 KEEP IT

a home’s fresh air supply reduces moisture, improves air quality, and increases respiratory health.

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily. – ZIG ZIGLAR