Golden Gazette February 2023

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

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.

Pat and Hollis Swinney have been married for more than 70 years. They were high school sweethearts from O’Donnell, Texas.

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.

Volume 35, Number 2

February 2023

24 Pages

Lubbock, Texas 79423

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.

“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.”

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

CASA’s Impact*

Funding by Newby Family

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

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

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.

“Do I Look Like I Have Swallowing Problems?”

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?

Aliakbar

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

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

“Healthy Heart, Healthy You”

Arvandi,

Garrison Institute on Aging

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).

Monkee Business for 4 insane boys, 17-21

In September 1965, both 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

semi-documentary debut 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-

cluding Neil Diamond and Carole King) were rushed in to keep the hits flowing.

The Monkees TV show, though, was another issue 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.”

‘Luv-ya-bearymuch’ Feb. 14

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.

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!

Garrison Institute established in honor of Mildred & Shirley Garrison

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

Garrison Institute on Aging TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

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

The Healthy Aging Lecture Series will continue on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 3pm. 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

Lubbock Animal Services &

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 community-wide effort. Looking to 2023, we can use donated fabric, ribbon, yarn and decorations. We also collect hotel toiletries, decks of cards, yarn caps, and business promotional items.

Dogs and cats (and sometimes other furry, scaly, or feathered species, too) of all ages and sizes just waiting for the right home.

By

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?

If you have any

Noah Noah, who?

Noah any good joke about February?

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

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

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

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-

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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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.

Mistake No. 3: Not paying for funeral arrangements in advance

In addition to making your wishes known and eliminating some of the stress on

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 your family isn’t faced with financial hardship. Even if you’ve planned to pay memorial expenses through life insurance, those funds can take weeks or months to

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.

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

• Refer

You fail all the time, but you aren’t a failure until you start blaming someone else. – Bum Phillips

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.”

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 ‘ ip-the-page’ version.

Refer for community resources to assist on the weight management journey

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

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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Staff: Jo Anne Corbet, Dr. Elva Edwards, Mary Ann Edwards, Randal Hill, Calva Ledbetter, John Martin, Gary McDonald, Cathy Mottet, Cary Swinney

View the Gazette online: www.wordpub.com

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

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

Are there full bottles of prescription medicine around the house?

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

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

and family,” said Dr. Lakelyn Hogan Eichenberger, gerontologist and caregiver advocate for Home Instead.

“When getting together with your older loved ones, take note of changes in behavior and attitude that may demonstrate a helping hand around the home is needed.”

It can be difficult to discuss but acknowledging these signs can keep older loved ones safe and help them maintain their independence, while also giving family members peace of mind.

Not only could these behaviors lead to very serious medical complications or household emergencies, but they could also be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Change in behavior or personal appearance

Have you noticed a decline in personal hygiene? Have they lost a significant amount of weight?

Are they acting out of the ordinary?

It’s important to take note of any changes that might mean they are neglecting to

(See Signs parents need help, Page 12)

it comes

Committed to providing you with the best possible care, compassion, and respect in a safe and comfortable setting.

www.PhysicalTherapyToday.com

Serving you today for a healthy tomorrow.

Come

2431 S. Loop 289 806-771-8008

6202 82nd St. 806-687-8008

4138 19th St. 806-780-2329

12115 Indiana Ste. 2 806-993-5041

1506 S. Sunset Ave. in Little eld 806-385-3746

2431 S. Loop 289 806-771-8010

Best trained & friendliest staff in Lubbock.

check us out & experience the many services of Wellness Today.

Top of the line equipment, classes, cardiovascular machines, indoor walking track, free weight equipment, heated pool and hot tub, underwater treadmills, and more!

Providers of the Silver&Fit and SilverSneakers tness programs

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Signs parents need help

take care of themselves or suffering from loneliness or depression.

Mysterious car dents

Are you finding unexplained dents or scratches on their car? Are they getting into more accidents on the road?

Evidence of this damage could mean their ability to drive is waning and is a serious threat to their safety as well as other drivers.

Telling your loved one it’s time to give up the keys is hard but may be a necessary conversation.

www.WellnessTodayLubbock.com

Decreased mobility or signs of a fall

Do they have difficulty getting up from being seated or standing for long periods of time?

Do they have bruises or wounds that could point to a recent fall?

One in four adults ages 65 and over fall each year.

Assessing common home safety pitfalls and having more help at home can prevent falls.

Misplaced vital items

Leaving important items like a walker or house keys 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 one safe and well.

When

to physical therapy, you do have a choice.

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

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.

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

“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.

Ruidoso Map

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 …

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.

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

A trio of great Lubbock restaurants

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

West 50th Street construction upgrade begins

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.

View the directory online:

www.WordPub.com/grd1.html.com

Or have a Golden Resource Directory mailed to you. send $3 to:

Publications

82nd

#101 Lubbock, TX 79423 Include an address to mail the directory to.

At the Cactus Theater

February

Feb. 3 Jon Wolfe - Texas Independent Country - Cactus Debut!

Feb. 4 Buddy and Elvis Rock the House with Moses Snow

Feb. 11 Caldwell Entertainment:

Music of Fleetwood Mac & Chicago

Feb. 13 Johnny Lee: Lookin’ For Love -

Pre-Valentine’s Day Show

Feb. 14 Valentine’s Date Night: “Sleepless in Seattle”

Film + Packages

Feb. 17 Caldwell Entertainment: Music of Fleetwood Mac & Chicago

Feb. 18 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 Diamond Rio - Legendary Country Hits

April 22 Dailey & Vincent Sing

The Statler Brothers Special Tribute!

April 25 Andy Hedges & Friends: Roll On, Cowboy

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

Physical therapy exams can prevent 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

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.

Covenant recognized 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.

Covenant Medical Center was recognized as:

Best Specialty

One of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery in 2023

GYN Surgery

Recipient of the Healthgrades Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award for 3 Years in a Row (2020-2022)

Recognized by Healthgrades for Superior Performance in Gynecologic

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 Years in a Row (2018-2022)

Five-Star Recipient for Hysterectomy in 2022

**NEW**

Bariatric

Five-Star Recipient for Overall Bariatric Surgery, 4 Years in a Row (2020-2023)

Consumers can visit Healthgrades.com to learn more about how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access a patient-friendly overview of the complete methodology.

Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle

4. Brown-capped boletus mushroom

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

deer

24. Goat’s milk cheese

25. Obscenity

26. Private cruising vessel

27. Path

28. Norwegian dramatist

29. Trim

52. River in central Switzerland

53. An agitated state

54. Egyptian deity

57. Part of verb to do

58. Fish eggs

‘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.

Golden Oldies

Eric and Steve supported them selves 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 -

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

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.

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

– Thich Nhat Hanh

How does SECURE Act 2.0 change saving for retirement?

Retirement & longevity

Washington Policy Analyst Ed Mills outlines key components of the new legislation.

The year-end fiscal 2023 government funding bill contained legislation that makes the most significant changes to the U.S. retirement savings system in decades.

The SECURE Act 2.0 legislation builds on retirement savings changes passed in 2019 and contains new

provisions that further raise the required minimum distribution (RMD) age, shift to automatic plan enrollment and provide for new matching/ emergency withdrawal opportunities.

Most of the key provisions are effective in the 2024-2025 timeframe, but smaller adjustments (such as an increase in the RMD age to 73) will be effective in 2023. See below for a detailed overview of the key provisions in the legislation and the effective timelines.

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

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 are pointless.

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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Looking for vo Lunteers

University Medical Center is looking for volunteers to work as messengers, pop popcorn, and work at the information desk. If you would like to meet new people, socialize, be appreciated, and have all the free popcorn you can eat, call, 806-775-8760

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Professional ironing at reasonable rates. $150 per item usually.

Larger items rate will vary. Call 806-831-5393 leave a message (I will be ironing)

EYEGLASS REPAIR & REPLACEMENT

765-6367

Covenant Health and Covenant Children’s are in need of volunteers. Donate a morning or afternoon each week to help serve patients and families! If interested, call Lauren Orta, 806-725-3309, or email ortalh1@covhs.org

WANT ADS

$10 for up to 30 words 10¢ per word above 30

Ads must be received & paid for by the 20th of the month for the next month’s issue.

Email:

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Mail to:

Word Publications

2022 82nd St. #101 Lubbock, Texas 79423

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Maximum of 15 words, merchandise priced $100 or less, will be run FREE OF CHARGE.

SECURE Act 2.0 effects

(Continued from Page 20)

contributions to 401(k), 403(b), and simple IRA plans for qualified student loan payments made by employees effective 2024.

The Chamber: New brand; awards presented

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has launched a new brand and re-designed its website.

The Chamber also celebrated the annual awards winners at its annual meeting and awards luncheon.

This year’s awards honorees were

Ambassador of the Year: Greg Rodriguez , South Plains Hospitality Group

Volunteer of the Year: Chase Head, South Plains Food Bank

Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year: Tony Garcia, One Guy From Italy

Business of the Year: West Texas Land Guys

Business Person of the Year: Dave Marcinkowski, Madera Residential

Chair’s Choice Award: Marsha Johnson, Sweet Creations, Cakes by Marsha

2023 executive committee

Steve Beck, chair, Covenant Health

Beth Lawson, chair-elect, StarCare Specialty Health System

Casey Doyle, immediate past chair, Casey Carpet One

Robert Wood, treasurer, West Texas Land Guys

Kay McDowell, secretary, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce

Jeremy Barbee, vice chair, Roy Neal Insurance / ActionCoach

Rey Carrasco, vice chair, Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc.

Chris Chambers, vice chair, Chambers Engineering

Dana Madison, vice chair, Advance Care Management

Becky Palmer, vice chair, Atmos Energy

2023 Board of Directors

Maridel Acosta-Cruz, Lubbock Heart & Surgical Hospital

Greg Ammons, United Supermarkets

Nick Atwood, PFG Advisors

Travis Barnett, Centerline Engineering

and Consulting

Chris Berry, River Smith’s Mark Funderburk, UMC Health System

Tony Garcia, One Guy From Italy - University

Elizabeth Hill, Burklee Hill Winery / Law Office of Elizabeth G. Hill, P.C.

Bud Holmes, American State Bank

P.K. Hufstedler, Texcraft, Inc.

Shara Konechney, Piper Boutique

Mike Lambert, Marsh & McLennan Agency

Chris Mandrell, Citibus

Dr. Michelle McCord, Frenship ISD

Melinda Pharies, Carpet Tech

Dr. Felicia Powell, Lubbock State Supported Living Center

Dr. Kathy Rollo, Lubbock ISD

Paulene Salamon, Kona-Ice of South Lubbock

Macy Satterwhite, Lubbock-Cooper ISD

Eddie Schulz, Lubbock National Bank

Kathy Timms, Geiger

Kelly Tucker, Bayer Crop Science

Lacy Vardeman, Cotter Key Farms

Cole Watts, Stages of Recovery

Victoria Whitehead, Whitehead Law, PLLC

• Expanded emergency expense distribution allowances:

Emergency distributions of up to $1,000 are permitted for unforeseeable or immediate financial needs relating to personal or family emergency expenses once per year, to be paid back within three years (effective 2024).

• Tax and penalty free rollover from 529 to Roth IRA:

Beneficiaries of 529 college savings accounts are permitted to rollover up to $35,000 from a 529 account in their name to a Roth IRA account.

Rollovers are subject to IRA annual contribution limits and are available for 529 accounts which have been open for more than 15 years. Rollovers are permitted starting 2024.

• Reduced penalty for failure to take RMDs: A tax penalty of 50% for failure to take RMDs is reduced to 25%. For IRAs, the tax is further reduced to 10% if corrected. Reduction is effective as of the bill’s signing.

• Higher catch-up contribution allowances: For those ages 60-63, the catch-up contribution limit is raised to the greater of $10,000 or 50% higher than the regular catch-up amount.

The higher allowance is effective starting 2025.

• Emergency withdrawals for domestic abuse survivors:

Emergency withdrawals for the expenses of individuals escaping domestic abuse situations are provided at the lesser of $10,000 or 50% of the value of the account, to be repaid over three years with a refund of income taxes paid on the repaid amount. Withdrawals permitted starting 2024.

• Emergency withdrawals for disaster relief:

Withdrawals of up to $22,000 from employer retirement accounts or IRAs are permitted for individuals affected by a federally declared disaster. These emergency-related withdrawals are permitted for disasters occurring on or after January 26, 2021.

• Expanded administrative cost tax credit for new businesses: A 50% tax credit for administrative costs incurred by new businesses is raised to 100% for companies with 50 or less employees effective 2023.

• Employer-offered incentives:

De minimis financial incentives (such as gift cards or other financial awards) are permitted for sponsor efforts to boost employee participation in retirement savings plans, effective as of the signing of the bill into law.

Zach Holtzman Financial Advisor

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

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 favor-

able environment for mites, rodents, molds, and roaches, all of which are associated with asthma.

 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

VENTILATED

Studies show that respiratory health is related to access to fresh air, increasing

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

Helping 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