Volume 33, Number 3
March 2021
24 Pages
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Inside & in March March is: Women’s History Month & Irish-American Heritage Month 1st Meals on Wheels Mardi Gras ...Page 8 3rd National Anthem Day 5th Mayor’s Beans & Cornbread ....Page 1 5th First Friday Art Trail 11th YWCA Women of Excellence ...Page 3 14th Time change 14th 3.14 – Pi day 17th St. Patrick’s Day 20th 1st day of spring 21st Pete Christy to speak ............Page 11 27th Evening on Broadway ..............Page 4 28th Palm Sunday Barbara Pierce Bush coming to Lubbock ................Page 12 Volunteers needed for 4th celebration ...................Page 2 Lubbock Community Theatre making a big move ...................Page 5 City-wide branding campaign ............Page 6 Your elected officials .......................Page 11 2 new museum exhibits .............Page 15, 24 Energy-saving tips ............................Page 16 Jeopardy for the ‘older kids’ ............Page 17
Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread, March 5 The 32nd annual Mayors’ Beans and Cornbread Luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 5. A drive-thru format this year will be safe and convenient for the annual fundraiser for Hospice of Lubbock. “To ensure a safe environment for all attendees and volunteers, this year’s event will be a drive-thru format in the parking lot of the YWCA’s new building at 6501 University (formerly Kmart)” said Jeremy L. Brown, M.D., Hospice of Lubbock’s executive director. Guests will be greeted and served by area mayors, officials, and volunteers. Tickets are $10 and will be available the day of the event. The meals – beans, cornbread, sausage link, cookies and a drink – will be prepared by River Smith’s.
Hospice is a philosophy of care for the terminally ill that allows them to die in peace and comfort, with loved ones close by. For the past 32 years, Beans and Cornbread has helped raise money to allow Hospice of Lubbock to provide hospice care for any person regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice of Lubbock takes great pride in being able to say they have never turned a terminally ill patient away and have been able to offer them quality end-of-life care. Beans and Cornbread luncheon is open to all citizens. Hospice of Lubbock continues to be grateful for the enormous support our community has shown us. For more information, visit www.hospiceoflubbock.org, contact Hospice of Lubbock at 806-795-2751, or contact Covenant Foundation at 806-725-6089.
Page 2 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
July 4th celebration: Volunteers are the most urgent need Planning for the 31st annual 4th on Broadway at Mackenzie Park is underway. Since its humble beginnings by a committee of downtown churches in 1991, the event has become a go-to summer celebration for thousands of West Texans. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Sing.” After having to reschedule and then revamp the 2020 event into a three-hour television spectacular, organizers of the event are excited to be back to planning an inperson, outdoor event. First on the list is to garner as many volunteers as possible. Don Caldwell, Broadway Festivals, Inc. president and executive director, said it takes hundreds of volunteers to make the day run smoothly. He encourages any
church, school, college, civic and other organizations to get involved in volunteering. Cathie Sims has volunteered for the event for years, working with sponsor relations, including sponsor placement banner coordinator and banner chair. “Working as a volunteer for 4th on Broadway for the last few years has been a fun and rewarding experience. I have been able to help on many different venues - musical events, contests, publicity, communications and more,” she said. “It’s given me the opportunity to learn so much more about Lubbock and makes me feel a part of the entire West Texas community.” One of the more intricate areas that needs lots of hands is logistics, for which Noah Mallindine has volunteered.
Quality End of Life Care
“Volunteering with Don and Broadway Festivals was an eye-opening experience that brings together friends and family. It helps one realize the true culture of West Texas and all that it has contributed to the community of Lubbock,” he said. Sandra Thomas is not only a member of the Broadway Festivals board of directors, but she also has given her time as volunteer liaison and runs the volunteers’ hospitality area. “I enjoy every minute of the time I spend volunteering with Broadway Festivals,” she said. “Every job and event are so well planned and organized which makes it easy for all volunteers.” Thomas emphasized that meeting new people and observing how much Lubbock and surrounding communi-
friendships, creating family memories, and having the most fun one can, taking part in a community event. “It really is the volunteers who make it happen,” Caldwell said. “It’s a great way to get involved in the community, and we need hundreds of people. There is a place for everyone who wants to pitch in to help.” Areas requiring volunteers include parking lot attendants, photographers, information booths, and data collection. Volunteers also are needed to work many other areas through● Fulltime Medical Director ● Pain & Symptom Management out the event. ● 24-Hour Support for Patient & Family ● Grief Recovery / Counseling Center For volunteer registration, applications for parade ● Non-Profit Serving 19 Counties Since 1987 entries as well as merchanThe Region’s ONLY Pediatric & Adult Hospice dise and food vendors and other information, go to www.BroadwayFestivals. www.HospiceOfLubbock.org com or call 806-749-2929.
806-795-2751 or 800-658-2648
ties enjoy the events, as well as working with so many wonderful people, have her ready do it all again. Caldwell stressed that working with 4th on Broadway is all about making solid
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 3
YWCA to honor Women of Excellence Nine Women of Excellence will be honored at noon, March 11. Ticket details are available at ywcalubbock.org. The YWCA of Lubbock honors outstanding women as one of its annual projects, recognizing and honoring women in the community who have achieved excellence in their careers or professions and whose contributions to business, industry, organizations, and the community are vital. The 2021 Women of Excellence are Elizabeth Regner Grigsby, Arts & Culture Patricia Francis-Johnson, Education Glenda Grigson, Religion
Homestead Apartments
Excellence award recipients have been inspiring others in Lubbock not only with their professional achievements but A Place To Call Home! also with the work they do for others. By promoting women as leaders in Lubbock, $ the YWCA strives ( 113 value) to empower women $ Norma Ritz Johnson, and their families to establish strong role models for Government • Senior Living • Senior Center • Lunch Program Katelynn Thompson, Hu- future generations of young women. man Services • Grocery Bus • Laundry Care Center Including this year’s nine Amy Thompson, Medi• Spacious Apartments • Lots of Storage award recipients, the YWCA cine Stephanie Massengale, has honored 281 extraordinary women in the 33 years Business Laura Monroe, Profes- of the event. The YWCA has honored sional five women with the Jane Grace Katherine Feist, homesteadinlubbock.com O. Burns Award and seven Youth Leadership Call today to schedule a tour of our Since 1989, Women of have received the Mary Nell Strong Community Service lovely community. Award. 760 hot and ready meals went out to homebound residents that day. Meals on Wheels staff Garrison Institute on Aging were grateful for the help. Volunteers for Lubbock Meals on Wheels are always welcome. The website is https://lubbockmealShannon Galyean, PhD, RDN, LD sonwheels.org/volunteer/ or Nutritional Sciences Texas Tech University email Barbara@lubbockmow.org. When: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Move-In Special: 1 week FREE * Studios 484 a month
5401 56th St. * Lubbock, Texas 79414
806-792-6952
4-wheel drive heroes
During the recent intense cold spell, Lubbock Meals on Wheels put out a call for anyone with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. They needed someone equipped to drive and walk through snow and ice to deliver meals. In true Lubbock community fashion, the need was overwhelming met.
Boomer Benefits Made Easy
“Vitamins & Minerals for Healthy Aging” Where: Your favorite chair / Webinar https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/
WN_Xq6DO3X4Ti2WMAw_JX5ATA Educator turned agent who loves to help others.
Jason Dear
Give me a call at 806-787-3571
For more information, call 806.743.7821
www.ttuhsc.edu/garrison Follow us on Facebook @getfitlubbock
Save the date for the next lecture series: April 28, 2021 “Senior Fitness”
Page 4 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
County Historical commissioners appointed ‘An Evening on Broadway’ Lubbock Lubbock County Commissioners appointed members to the Lubbock County Historical Commission term. celebration set for March 27 It was a signforofthethe2021-2023 times as Judge Curtis Parrish administered the oath of office to memThe Lubbock Women’s Club is celebrating 75 years on Broadway by hosting “An Evening on Broadway” Gala on March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the Gala is $50 per person and will include dinner, live music featuring Broadway hits by Moonlight Musicals, and a virtual auction. A preview of the virtual auction will be available March 22-24 at this secure website: https://bidpal.net/lwcgala2021. The auction will begin at 8 a.m. March 25 and end at 8 p.m. March 27. Additionally, benefit drawing tickets are now on sale for $25 each for a chance to win one of two prizes: a Louis Vuitton ODÉON PM handbag or MasterCard gift cards. Each prize is valued at $1,770. Only 500 tickets will be sold for each prize. All Gala proceeds Map folds out to 34.5” x 22.5” support the Lubbock Women’s Club and the Lubbock Women’s Buy a Ruidoso Club Historical FounMap & have dation. it mailed to you. For reservations or to www.RuidosoMap.com purchase benefit drawor mail a check for $3.25 to: ing tickets, contact the Word Publications Lubbock Women’s 1310 Avenue Q Club, 806-763-6448 or Lubbock, TX 79401 email reservations@ Include an address lubbockwomensclub. to mail the map to. com
Ruidoso Map Street Map & Scenic Locator
806-744-2220
bers at the quarterly meeting on Jan. 26, via Zoom and with Facetime. Returning members are Don Abbe, Sally Abbe, Deborah Bigness, Carolyn Darden, Cindy Martin, Cosby Morton, Floyd Price, Cameron Saffell, Gretchen Scott, Carolyn Sowell, Robert Weaver, John White, Brooke Witcher and Chair Sandy Fortenberry. New members are Peter Laverty, Lacee Hoelting, Kimberly Brown, and Gilbert Flores. The Commission currently will meet these dates Feb. 4, April 7, July 14, and Oct. 13, and other dates as needed. Email the commission at lchtx@gmail.com if you need more information. Phone is775-1330. The Lubbock County Historical Commission is the identification, protection, and interpretation of the history of Lubbock County. These goals shall be accomplished through surveys of historical buildings and sites, Texas Historical Commission designations of historical buildings and sites, preservation of the County’s heritage through written and oral history, and public education about the County’s history. You may not always see the results of your kindness, but every bit of positive energy you contribute to the world makes it a better place for us all. – Lisa Currie When you have more of life to look back on, you really can see that big, beautiful picture.
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 5
Lubbock Community Theatre making a big move
City of Lubbock facilities
Lubbock Community Theatre is making a big move into its new Performing Arts Center. The theater has been providing quality live theater and performances for more than 32 years. The mission has always been to educate, entertain and empower the
community through the performing arts. The theater is out of space and facing restructuring due to size constraints, financial needs, and implementing COVID-19 protocols. The theater is looking at taking ownership of the YWCA Livermore Building at 3101 35th St. The goal in phase 1 is $200,000 with an eventual goal of $900,000 in total. With more than 50,000 square feet, this sports complex features a gymnasium, weight room, and multiple group classrooms along with men’s and women’s locker rooms, and is the perfect space to convert into a Performing Arts Center. This YWCA space has always been a beacon of hope
Burgess-Rushing Tennis Center 3030 66th St. • 767-3727 Hodges Community Center 4011 University • 767-3706 Lubbock Memorial Arboretum 4111 University • 797-4520 Lubbock Adult Activity Center 2001 19th St. • 767-2710 Maxey Community Center 4020 30th St. • 767-3796 Rawlings Community Center 213 40th St. • 767-2704 Safety City 46th & Avenue U • 767-2712 Simmons Community & Activity Centers 2004 Oak Ave. • 767-2708 Trejo Supercenter 3200 Amherst • 767-2705
and a place for growth in Lubbock. The group is hoping to reach its first fundraising goal so the reopening can
happen in the fall. Whether it is $20 or $5,000, every dollar will help build this Community Performing Arts Center. Join the LCT Fam-
ily and leave a lasting mark on the city. Lubbock Community Theatre 4232 Boston Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79413. http://bit.ly/LCTsBigMove
Page 6 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette Drama does not help you to grow. It is a distraction from what really matters. Put your energy toward people and decisions that bring you peace. – NaNea HoffmaN
Lubbock launches City-wide Branding Campaign A City-wide Branding Campaign, coordinated by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, will help celebrate Lubbock’s previous
What a difference your lunch hour can make! 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
Remove 10 pieces of litter every Tuesday
Keep Lubbock Beautiful
A new litter-prevention program: “10 on Tuesday”
Working toward a clean, litter-free city www.keeplubbockbeautiful.org 806-775-3149
success and future growth opportunities. “It is a pleasure to join the Chamber of Commerce to announce the City-wide Branding Campaign. Lubbock is a great place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Dan Pope. “Lubbock has a great story to tell - and it is important we tell it. This rebranding effort will help us better communicate our rich heritage as well as our dynamic future. I want to thank the Lubbock Chamber for leading the branding initiative. It’s a Great Day in Lubbock, Texas.” The four broad goals for the Lubbock branding campaign are to brand Lubbock as a great place to live for all stages of life; a great place for hosting families, visitors, and guests; a pro-business and great place to work; and a great place for learning and healing. The branding committee will be chaired by Sidney Hopper, United Supermarkets, and co-chaired by Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy. A firm will be selected to provide a turnkey branding campaign including a brand positioning statement, supporting messaging, and a resource package of designs, templates, and implementation. “I’m honored to chair this branding initiative along-side
so many talented individuals,” Hopper said. “We all know that Lubbock is a great place to raise a family and do business, and we want the rest of the world to see us that way, too. I’m excited to be a part of history and look forward to moving further into this process.” Some of the past community programs of the Chamber are Lubbock, the Giant Side of Texas; Imagine Lubbock Together; coining the phrase Hub City in the 1930s; and Lucky me, I live in Lubbock. The branding campaign committee members are Sidney Hopper, United Supermarkets; Becky Palmer, Atmos Energy; Grace Hernandez, Texas Tech; Clark Lammert, Texas Tech Athlet-
ics; Beth Lawson, StarCare Specialty Health System; Kay McDowell, Mitchell Communications; Brad Moran, Ramar Communications; Cory Powell, Texas Tech Office of Institutional Diversity; Eddie Schulz, Lubbock National Bank, Craig Wells, Happy State Bank City Council liaisons are Randy Christian, District 5 and Shelia Patterson-Harris, District 2. Lubbock Chamber Liaisons are Eddie McBride and Haily Wells. My wife just stopped and said, “You weren’t even listening were you?” I thought … “That’s a pretty weird way to start a conversation.”
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 7
‘Me and Bobby McGee’ & Janis Joplin’s only #1 hit Kris Kristofferson has earned a place in the history books as one of the great American songwriters. That honor, though, came at a high personal price. In Nashville, the collegeeducated Texan once swept the floors of Music City’s Columbia Recording Studio. In his off hours, Kris created tune after tune in his quest to become a respected songwriter. It took a while, but he eventually gained acclaim by creating such nowrevered classics as “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down.” Kristofferson eventually became a singer/songwriter with Monument Records, which was helmed by Fred Foster, a businessman smitten with a Nashville secretary—Barbara “Bobbi” McKee—who worked in a nearby music office. One night, Foster phoned Kris
and asked him to write a song about her (but spelling her first name differently to make it gender neutral). In their discussion, Kristofferson thought Foster had said “McGee” instead of “McKee.”
The result was the story of a pair of drifters: the narrator and Bobby McGee. Together they hitched a ride from a truck driver and sang “every song that driver knew” as they made their way throughout the south. Later, they went their separate ways, much to the profound sadness of the narrator. Several country artists recorded the song when it first became available, but it took a fellow Texan and soon-tobe-doomed ex-lover of Kris’s to make “Me and Bobby
McGee” a million-selling iconic work. As a teenager, Janis Joplin had been a bright but rebellious misfit who cast herself as a beatnik. She later dropped out of the University of Texas in Austin and hitchhiked to San Francisco, where she became the lead singer of the hard-rocking Big Brother and the Holding Company. A heavy drinker and drug abuser, Joplin later offered a throatshredding performance at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival before headlining as a soloist at Woodstock two years later. She recorded Kristofferson’s song for inclusion on what would become her
fourth and final album, Pearl. (Pearl was her longtime nickname.) Kristofferson, who had once sung the tune to Janis, was unaware that she had recorded it until the day after she died of a heroin overdose. Kris later said, “I couldn’t listen to the song without really breaking up.” “Me and Bobby McGee” was issued four months after Joplin’s death and became her only #1 single on the Billboard chart. It has since been recorded by a variety of artists ranging from Dolly Parton to the Grateful Dead. That high personal price for Kristofferson? He had grown up in a military family that constantly pushed him toward a military career. A gifted academic, he aimed to please his parents
by becoming a U. S. Army captain after graduation. In 1965, though, Kristofferson rejected a chance to teach literature at West Point. After years of spare-time songwriting, he had decided to become a tunesmith in Nashville. His parents disowned him, claiming that Kris’s decision was a rejection of everything they stood for. Apparently they never reconciled.
Medicaid fraud drives up the cost of health care for everyone. It’s everyones responsibility to report fraud & abuse. Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
765-6367
mfcu@oag.texas.gov
Staying Well
at the UMC Activities Center
• Safe • Clean • Social Distancing • Experienced Instructors • A Variety of Beginner to Advanced Level Classes
Senior-focused fitness class. Improve your balance, strength, confidence, and immunity!
Now Accepting Renew Active™ Call
5217 82nd St, Suite 128 Lubbock TX 79424
806-783-8829
806-783-8829 for further information.
Page 8 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Mardi Gras 2021 non-event set for March 1 Lubbock Meals on Wheels is unable to host the 2021 Mardi Gras fundraiser, but thanks to generous supporters, sponsors are continuing to support the cause. Meals on Wheels will be highlighting those businesses in several ways. Precision Body Works is the King Level sponsor, the highest level of sponsorship. There is still a way to help support the Mardi Gras nonevent. You can go to lubbockmealsonwheels.org and donate to ‘LMOW Mardi Gras.’ Your donation will stay local and help homebound neighbors remain at home, well fed, and independent. Meals on Wheels are grateful for support.
It’s an honor to provide: Excellent Care. Every Patient. Every Day.
( 806 ) 791.0043 3305 101 ST STREET
Interimhealthcare.com
Fireplaces were a cherished item during the big chill days in February when temperatures plummeted to single digits and zero. Through Feb. 18, Lubbock reached 165 continuous hours of belowfreezing temperatures. That’s almost 7 days. For 9 straight days, Feb. 10 to 18, Lubbock received a trace of frozen precipitation. High and low temperature records were broken, ranging from 14 to 22 degrees. And record lows ranged from zero to 5 degrees. As a reminder, always check on your friends and neighbors especially during extreme weather times. Make sure they are warm and have food to eat.
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 9
Danger, Dames, Double-O-Seven: Bond. James Bond “Bond. James Bond.” Film critic Peter Bradshaw once wrote, “It is the most famous self-introduction from any character in movie history. Three cool monosyllables. Surname first, a little curtly…and then, as if an afterthought, the first name, followed by the surname again. Connery carried it off with an icily disdainful style, in full evening dress [and] with a cigarette hanging from his lips.” UK writer Ian Fleming’s novel “Dr. No” was first published in 1958. Four years later, the silver screen treatment gave movie fans worldwide a chance to see, for the first time, Fleming’s fearless, dashing, lady-loving Agent 007 in a highly entertaining bit of celluloid melodrama. And its handsome star was
a 32-year-old newcomer with a thin resume. The Scottish breakout actor, Sean Connery, was born in 1930 to an Edinburgh factory worker and a cleaning woman. As an adult, Connery worked as a milkman, a truck driver, a
lifeguard, an artist’s model, and a coffin polisher (!) before he gained fame and fortune via James Bond. As licensed-to-kill Agent 007, our hero was about as sexy and dangerous as one could get. But before the movie-going public was allowed to see (and fall in love with) Connery, director Terence Young first chose to tutor the rough-around-theedges actor in how to display
wit, charm and style as the charismatic Bond character. And although Sean stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall, all the Bond sets and furniture were built slightly smaller than in real life, so as to make Agent 007 appear even larger and more imposing than he actually was. In “Dr. No,” Bond is sent to Jamaica to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and his secretary. He eventually becomes involved with a mysterious and sinister nuclear scientist named Dr. Julius No (Joseph Wiseman), who espouses world domination as his goal. Along the way, Bond has to contend with such inconveniences as a “deadly” tarantula (tarantulas aren’t
poisonous), flame throwers, flying bullets, severe beatings, and a near drowning. Adding to the complications is a trio of temptresses—the Oriental charmer Miss Taro (Zena Marshall), casino denizen Sylvia Trench (Eunice Gayson), and the bikiniclad, seashell-collecting siren Honey Ryder (Ursulla Andress). Dr. No doesn’t actually appear until 1 hour and 27 minutes into the story. At one point, the no-goodnik tries in vain to persuade Agent 007 to join his evil organization. That’s when Dr, No huffs, “I thought you had some style, Mr. Bond, but I see you’re just a stupid policeman.”
“Dr. No” provided the signature elements for the later James Bond movie offerings—its distinctive theme music; head-spinning, highoctane action sequences; alluring young women and even James’s preference for vodka martinis (shaken, not stirred). Footnote: When the feature was released, United Artists had to make some adjustments to the title before it reached foreign markets. In South Korea, for example, the film’s name would have been literally translated as “007 Murder Number,” and in Japan the movie would have been called “We Don’t Want Doctors!”
Need assistance, help or information, and don’t know where to look?
To get the current edition of The Golden Resource Directory call
Page 10 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
What’s on your mind? Send your “Viewpoints” to: Golden Gazette 1310 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79401
Have a flat?
Call Tire Tech’s
Had just left Burklee Hill in downtown Lubbock after having dinner, when the light came on my dash indicating a tire was low. I got to the next stop light and punched the button to see about the ‘low tire’ indicator. Oh wow, my left back tire had 10 pounds of pressure. It’s 9 p.m. on a Friday, so what can I do? I stopped in at United at 50th and Avenue Q, found a bunch of quarters, located the air hose, and started airing up the tire. And then I saw it – a bolt coming out of the top of the tire. We made it to my friend’s house, but I was not going to trust that tire to stay aired up for my long drive home. My friend offered to let me drive her car home so I could deal with the flat tire the next morning. (Now that’s a great friend!) On Saturday morning, I called the location where I had purchased the tires, but they didn’t do things like help customers with flats. I made several calls before I found a true jewel – Tire Tech’s. Before noon, the tire had been repaired. I called and paid them for the repairs. Tire Tech’s is open 6 days a week, and have an after-hours tire service number – 806-319-3591. And just in case you need the details: Tire Tech’s, 368-9685, 1302 50th St., tiretechs@yahoo.com, https://www.tiretechslbk. com/ I highly recommend them.
How to recognize misinformation 1. Read past the headline. 2. Check what news outlet published it. 3. Check the publish date and time. 4. Who is the author? 5. Look at what links and sources are used. 6. Look out for questionable quotes and photos. 7. Beware of confirmation bias - the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. 8. Search if other news outlets are reporting it. 9. Think before you share. 10. Is it a column writer, a talk-show host, or news? - Huffingtonpost.com
Have you visited a fact-checking website?
There are many good fact-checking websites, such as FactCheck.org, International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), PolitiFact.com, and Snopes. com. Do your own detective work and feel more confident in being able to identify fact vs. fiction. - Harvard.edu
1310 Ave. Q Lubbock,TX 79401
806-744-2220
GOLDEN GAZETTE is published monthly by Word Publications, 1310 Ave. Q, Lubbock, Texas 79401.
Submitting information News items, letters to the editor, photographs, and other items may be submitted for publication.
Letters All letters must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. If chosen for publication, only your name and city will be printed with your letter. We prefer letters that are fewer than 200 words. Letters may be edited for clarity, factual information, and length. Personal attacks on individuals will not be published.
Advertising Advertising rates are available by calling 744-2220 or emailing maedwards@wordpub.com or cswinney@wordpub.com.
Subscriptions For a subscription, send a check to Golden Gazette, 1310 Ave. Q, Lubbock 79401. $24 for one year, or $48 for 2 years. Staff: Jo Anne Corbet, Dr. Elva Edwards, Mary Ann Edwards, Randal Hill, Calva Ledbetter, John Martin, Gary McDonald, Margaret Merrell, Cathy Mottet, Cary Swinney, Mary Valentini
View the Gazette online:
www.wordpub.com
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 11
Your elected officials Contact your elected officials. Keep in touch during good times, offer solutions in not-so-good times.
President Joe Biden 202-456-1414, or comments line 202-456-1111 The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW whitehouse.gov
U.S. Senator John Cornyn 806-472-7533 or 202-224-2934 517 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 www.cornyn.senate.gov/contact
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz 214-599-8749 or 202-224-5922 127A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 www.cruz.senate.gov/?p=form&id=16
U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington 806-763-1611 or 202-224-3121 U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 Arrington.house.gov
Gov. Greg Abbott 512-463-1782 Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711-2428 Gov.texas.gov
Texas State Senator Charles Perry 806-783-9934, 512-463-0128 P.O. Box 12068, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711 11003 Quaker Avenue, #101, Lubbock, Texas 79424
Texas State Representative John Frullo 806-763-2366, 512-463-0676 P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768 5717 66th Street, Suite 116-117, Lubbock, Texas 79424
Texas State Representative Dustin Burrows 806-795-0635, 512-463-0542 P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768 10507 Quaker Avenue, Suite 103, Lubbock, Texas 79424
Pete Christy to speak at Administrative Professionals’ Day The annual Administrative Professionals’ Day luncheon is set for April 21 at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway. The luncheon will start at 11:30, and the cost is $25 per person or $165 for a table of six. Pete Christy, sports director for KCBD News Channel 11, will be the inspirational speaker. Christy’s Sports Challenges “I Beat Pete,” were popular as he faced celebrities and viewers in the sport or game they played. This is typically a sold out event so make a reservations early by calling the Lubbock Women’s Club at 763-6448 or reservations@lubbockwomensclub.com
Pete Christy
Page 12 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Barbara Pierce Bush to be featured speaker at Lubbock Women’s Club
Largest showroom in Lubbock.
Innovative Compression Therapy Solutions ✓ Lymphedema garments ✓ Ready-to-wear legwear ✓ Wraps ✓ Bandaging ✓ Donning aids & accessories ➤ The new Jobst dealer in Lubbock. ➤ Very large inventory of Jobst. ➤ Two certified fitters.
Open 8:30 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday
3003 50th Street, Ste. 100 • Lubbock, TX 79413-4137
806.799.6084
Caring for Lubbock with local ownership since 1993
Most insurance plans accepted.
Barbara Pierce Bush will speak at the Lubbock Women’s Club Speaker Series at 11:30 a.m. April 30, at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway St. Tickets will be available beginning March 9 from 10 a.m. to noon. Luncheon tickets are priced at $100, $85, and $75 per person and will include a copy of the New York Times bestseller, “Sisters First,” written with her twin sister and co-author, Jenna Bush Hager. For more information, call 763-6448. Bush will speak on “One Person Can Make a Difference: Confronting Today’s Global Health Challenges.” Bush and her co-founders of Global Health Corps are united by the belief that health is a human right and that their generation must build a world where this is realized. Since 2009, the group has placed more than 1,000 young leaders on the front lines of health equity in many African nations as well as the United States, developing a cadra of creative, effective and compassionate change makers. Global Health Corps is an organization that mobilizes young leaders to solve the world’s most pressing health issues.
Barbara Pierce Bush
Bush is pursuing her master’s degree at Harvard University and is a fellow with Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership. Judi Keller, is president of the Lubbock Women’s Club. “We are thrilled to welcome Barbara Bush back to Lubbock,” Keller said. “I can’t imagine a more timely and important topic than the one Ms. Bush will share.” The Women’s Club was established in 1945 to promote, maintain, and support the common good and social welfare of the people of the Lubbock Community, and to bring about civil betterment and social improvements. The Lubbock Women’s Club Historical Foundation was established to preserve, protect and promote the historic and architectural character of the building at 2020 Broadway, and was organized for
charitable and educational purposes. In 2006 Ernestine Payne Welborn established upon her death a trust that provides funding to bring in notable speakers for the membership and the community. Speakers who have been part of The Ernestine Payne Welborn Endowment Community Speaker Series include The Texas Tenors (2019), AGT teen ventriloquist Darci Lynne and Friends (2019), designer Rachel Zoe (2018), Texas Country Reporter Bob Phillips (2017), Chef Stephan Pyles (2016), Hoda Kotb (2015), former Dallas Cowboys player Daryl Johnston (2015), Zach Thomas, former Texas Tech All-American and Miami Dolphins football player (2014), Jenna Bush Hager (2014), Joan Lunden (2013), Captain Chesley Sullenberger (2013), Heloise (2012), Former First Lady Barbara Bush (2011), William Shawcross, Official Biographer of the Queen Mother (2010), Former United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (2009), David Gaschen, star of Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera (2009) and Carmen bin Laden, former sister-in-law of Osama bin Laden (2007).
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 13
‘Henhouse Parable’ on March 12 The New Neighbors Club of Lubbock will hold its March meeting/luncheon at 10:30 a.m. March 12, at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway. Cost for the meal is $17 to be paid with a check. The program is “The Henhouse Parable” presented by Gail Langston, a storyteller. Reservations are required and need to be made at least three days prior to the event. If unable to attend, please cancel the reservation because all reservations have to be paid for. Since there may be restrictions on occupancy, make your reservations with Marilyn Bals at marilyn.bals@ttu. edu or call 806-791-5217 (no texts) as soon as possible. Optional games after lunch. Contact your game leader.
Chamber President/CEO announces retirement Lubbock Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Eddie McBride will conclude an outstanding 23year tenure on Jan. 31, 2022. McBride has been the President and CEO since 1999. He joined the Chamber after serving as the first executive director of the Lubbock Reese Redevelopment Authority overseeing the redevelopment activities at the closed Reese Air Force Base. As president, McBride has been intimately involved in numerous community initiatives, including local off-premises alcohol sales, the sales tax election to create the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance, “Lubbock, the Giant Side of Texas” image campaign, and Imagine Lubbock Together community visioning plan. He also helped lead numerous ballot measures, including abandoning the Lubbock Memorial Auditorium-Col-
Map folds out to 34.5” x 22.5”
Eddie McBride
iseum and construction of the Lubbock County Expo Center, and is currently assisting the city-wide branding campaign. “I’ve been fortunate to have worked with exceptional business and com-
munity leaders, as well as an outstanding staff at the Chamber, past and present,” McBride said. “With strong board and community support, the Chamber will continue to meet the evolving needs of this region to help Lubbock address challenges and achieve success for all of our residents.” To ensure a smooth transition, the Chamber Board of Directors has begun a search and transition process to replace McBride. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Eddie for his hard work and steady leadership in a rapidly changing business environment and community,” said Dave Marcinkowski, Cham-
ber Chair and managing partner with Madera Residential. “During his tenure, he worked to make Lubbock one of the top places in the nation to do business,” Marcinkowski said. “His efforts were on full display during the Covid-19 pandemic and have been nothing short of excellent. The list of things our nationally recognized Chamber does to help business in Lubbock is extraordinary. That does not happen without a visionary Chamber leader working in collaboration with elected officials at all levels and the local business community. His dedication and commitment to the growth and success of Lubbock are unparalleled.”
2431 S. Loop 289 771-8008
When it comes to physical therapy, you do have a choice.
6202 82nd St. 687-8008
Committed to providing you with the best possible care, compassion, and respect in a safe and comfortable setting.
4138 19th St. 780-2329
www.PhysicalTherapyToday.com
Serving you today for a healthy tomorrow.
1506 S. Sunset Ave. in Littlefield 385-3746 2431 S. Loop 289 771-8010
WWW.LUBBOCKMAP.COM
* Street Map * Scenic Locator * Downtown * Texas Tech University * County * Buffalo Springs Lake * Lake Ransom Canyon
mail a check Word Publications Be sure to include for $3 to: a complete address 1310 Avenue Q Lubbock, TX 79401 to mail the map to. 806-744-2220
Best trained & friendliest staff in Lubbock.
Come 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 fitness programs
Call for class schedules: 771-8010 www.WellnessTodayLubbock.com
Page 14 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 15
Two new exhibits on display at Museum of Texas Tech Two new travelling exhibitions are now open at the Museum of Texas Tech.
Art Deco Glass Art Deco Glass from the Huchthausen Collection includes about 200 pieces of early 20th century glass. A New Moon Rises highlights images taken by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) between 2009 and 2015. Characterized by smooth lines, geometric shapes, and bright colors, the Art Deco glass movement began, in part, as a reaction against the
elaborate and ornate style of Art Nouveau in the late 19th century. Economic austerity generated by World War I launched Art Deco into popularity, with artists, designers, and architects throughout the world adopting the style. Although Art Deco fell out of fashion following World War II, the style regained its popularity in the 1970s. David Huchthausen developed an interest in Art Deco while studying architecture in college. Huchthausen began actively collecting pieces from the Art Deco period in the early 1970s. His personal collection contains more than 300 works; about 200 of them are part of this exhibition. The exhibition, which closes April 25, is accom-
panied by a fully illustrated catalogue with essays by esteemed German scholar Helmut Ricke and independent curator William Warmus. The catalogue is available in the Museum Shop.
A New Moon Rises A New Moon Rises, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian, features 51 large-scale, detailed images ranging from Apollo landing sites to majestic mountains that rise out of the darkness of the lunar poles. The exhibition closes May 9. The images reveal a dynamic place with impact craters, recent volcanic activity, and a crust fractured by the shrinking of a still-cooling interior. The images provide unique views of the lunar surface that not only help answer questions about the
moon’s formation and evolution but reveal stunning landforms both alien and familiar. Launched by NASA in 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft studies the moon from orbit. Although originally conceived to help prepare NASA to send astronauts back to the moon, LRO’s extended mission is now scientific research, exploring Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor in ways never before possible. For example, LROC scientists have discovered small lava flows that are evidence the moon may have been volcanically active as recently as 100 million years ago and young faults that suggest the moon is tectonically active today. Admission is always free
at the Museum of Texas Tech University. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Art Deco Glass from the David Huchthausen Collection has been organized by Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Wash. A New Moon Rises was developed by the National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies and the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. The national tour is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibitions are supported by generous grants to the Museum from the Helen Jones Foundation, Inc. and the CH Foundation.
May we ask a favor of you? Please shop small. Shop with local small businesses. For many small businesses, it’s now or never. We’re counting on you! THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY WORD PUBLICATIONS, A LUBBOCK SMALL BUSINESS SINCE 1972.
Page 16 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Energy-saving tips Dear Folks, As you may know, I’ve been keeping up with the “Chicken Sandwich War” in some of my recent columns. I’ve now received some news by way of my hometown friend (from grade school) who sends me clippings from the Dayton Daily News. I always welcome her letters with all the updates and “goings on” in Dayton, Ohio. Among all the clippings I received a few days ago, lo and behold, by way of the Chicago Tribune’s Nick Kindlesperger, was a well-written and informed history of the KFC chicken sandwich. Kindlesperger said the “NEW” version is “bigger, crunchier, and much better.” He also said that the “current offering, the Crispy Colonel, was weirdly small and not particularly exciting.” In so many words, I guess it was a DUD! The new sandwich offers a quarter pound of chicken breast, double fried, and topped off with thick sliced pickles. It is served with regular or spicy mayo,
and all on a brioche bun. According to my Chicago Tribune nemesis, Nick, I am able to pass on to you more info featured in his column. This “newbie” was tested in Orlando and is currently in select markets. He also ranks this new KFC sandwich between Popeye’s and Chick-fil-a. It is listed at $3.99 which is right in line with most of the popular ones. I called a local KFC in central Lubbock, and the word is it will be available sometime in March. Since this publication is distributed sometime during the first week of every month, you may inquire about the sandwich by calling your nearest KFC, or by checking the company’s website. In case you are wondering, I do send my BFF a Golden Gazette every month. That’s how she knew about my interest in the ongoing “Chicken Sandwich War.” Until next time, I’ll keep my ear to the ground! Happy March and keep the green on March 17th, Cathy Easter
YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR REHABILITATION Short-term & Long-term Rehabilitation We specialize in: • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Stroke Recovery Care • Orthopedic Rehabilitation • Diabetes Symptom Management • Stroke Therapy • Wound Care • Pain Management
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
from Atmos Energy
Due to the historic cold weather and high demand of energy consumption, Atmos Energy needs your help to reduce energy use. Taking small steps can help support the community. Take these steps to reduce energy usage: ✤ Lower thermostat to at least 68 degrees. ✤ Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees. ✤ Reduce shower time and avoid baths. ✤ Refrain from using large appliances like your washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher when extreme weather hits. ✤ Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. ✤ Run ceiling fans clockwise to keep the heat from rising. ✤ Keep fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. ✤ If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run the pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing. I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks in March 2020, we’d go from standard time to the Twilight Zone. Maybe we’ll go back this year.
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 17
A test for the ‘older kids.’ 1. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, “Who was that masked man?” Invariably, someone would answer, “I don’t know, but he left this behind.” What did he leave behind? A ______ ______. 2. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. In early 1964, we all watched them on The __ ________ Show. 3. “Get your kicks, __ _____ __!” 4. The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to _______ ___ _______.’ 5. ‘In the jungle, the
mighty jungle, ___ ____ ______ _______.’ 6. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we ‘danced’ under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the ‘_____.’ 7. Nestle’s makes the very best... _________.’ 8. Satchmo was America ‘s ‘Ambassador of Goodwill.’ Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was ____ _________. 9. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? ___ _____ _____. 10. Red Skeleton’s hobo character was named ______ ___ __________, and Red always ended his television
show by saying, ‘Good Night, and ‘___ ____ .’ 11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their _____ _____. 12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ______ or ___. 13. In 1971, singer Don McLean sang a song about, ‘the day the music died.’ This was a tribute to _____ _____. 14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called _______. 15. One of the big fads of the late 1950s and 1960s
was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the _________. 16. Remember LS/MFT _____ ______ /_____ ____ _______. 17. Hey Kids! What time is it? It’s _____ _____ ____! 18. Who knows what secrets lie in the hearts of men? Only The ______ Knows! 19. There was a song that came out in the 60’s that was “a grave yard smash.” Its name was the _______ ____! 20. Alka Seltzer used a “boy with a tablet on his head” as its logo/representative. The boy’s name was ______.
Lubbock RSVP I T ’ S N E V E R T O O L AT E T O S E R V E Use your special skills or talent in the Lubbock community. VO L U N T E E R S N E E D E D : • • • •
Age 55 or older You choose how you want to give back Volunteers work as much or as little as they desire Annual Recognition Event
T: 806.743.7787 (RSVP) E: rsvp@ttuhsc.edu Ser ving the Lubbock community since 1979
ANSWERS: 1. A silver bullet 2. The Ed Sullivan Show 3. On Route 66 4. To protect the innocent 5. The Lion Sleeps Tonight 6. The limbo 7. Chocolate 8. Louis Armstrong 9. The Timex Watch 10. Freddy, The Freeloader & ‘Good Night & God Bless.’ 11. Draft Cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed) 12. Beetle or Bug 13. Buddy Holly 14. Sputnik 15. Hoola-hoop 16. Lucky Strike/Means Fine Tobacco 17. Howdy Doody Time 18. Shadow 19. Monster Mash 20. Speedy
Jeopardy for the ‘older kids’
Page 18 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Need a doc?
www.LubbockMedGuide.com
Lubbock & area physicians - by specialty & alphabetically + hospitals & related medical services
Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1. 5. 9. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 20. 21. 22. 24. 28. 29. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38.
In addition to Juniper Throng Roster Second son of Adam and Eve Electromagnetic telecommunication Roman poet Deputy Ten decibels Moderate Building Skillful Edible tuber Something that is owed Self-esteem Ornamental fabric Motion picture At a great distance Three-year-old salmon Celestial body Restraint Black bird
39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 46. 49. 52. 53. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62.
Communion plate Acquire through merit New Zealand parrot Minerals Comrade Elaborately adorned Cornmeal mush Careless Involuntary muscular contraction Plants that live from year to year Person who lies Pertaining to the ileum Poker stake River in central Switzerland Dizzy To a smaller extent Dressed
DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4.
Examine thoroughly Adored Designed for usefulness Sorrowful
5. 6. 7. 8.
Plain-woven cotton cloth Tolerate Feat 12th month of the Jewish calendar 9. Having a notched edge 10. Extent 11. Room within a harem 12. Finish first 13. Speck 19. Delicate morsel of food 21. Bog 23. Truth 25. Respectful 26. Once more 27. Bereft 29. Cupolas 30. Level 32. Person who prefers to be alone 33. Small particle 35. Mackerel shark 36. Sway 37. Admirable 39. Strength 40. Long fish
43. 45. 46. 47. 48. 50. 51.
Moats In front Raw hides Ornamental coronet Landed Clock face Alley
53. 54. 55. 56.
Hog Biblical high priest Color Resinous deposit
Solution on P. 21
Covenant Children’s has new ambulance for kids Covenant Children’s has a specialty transport ambulance for kids. In early 2020, Covenant Children’s, in partnership with AMR, received authorization from the Texas Department of State Health Services to start a pediatricfocused transportation service. This ambulance allows a specialized team of experts to provide pediatric care to patients while en route to the hospital from other partner facilities.
For more than 16 years, Covenant Children’s has been transporting neonatal intensive care unit patients to Covenant Children’s has an ambulance the facility dedicated to pediatric care with 24/7 coverage. by having experts accompany other leadership decided to expand this service by funding its service ambulances. In early 2020, Covenant own ambulance and grow-
ing a team of experts to care for pediatric patients of all ages with all health care needs. Experts include nurses trained in pediatric critical care and pediatric-focused respiratory therapists. At the start of 2020, Covenant was transferring five to six neonatal intensive care unit patients each month. In January 2021, more than 30 patients were transported. Patients have been transported to Covenant Children’s from hospitals in Midland,
Odessa, Big Spring, Amarillo, Sweetwater, Abilene, San Angelo, across New Mexico, and more. “Our approach to pediatric care is to focus on the special needs of children,” said Covenant Children’s CEO Dr. Amy Thompson. “When getting from one facility to Children’s, we need to prevent a gap in that specialized care. This ambulance service and our team of experts is the best way to bridge that gap and provide consistent care.”
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 19 Garrison Institute on Aging
TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
By the office 806-743-7787 or 806-743-7821. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is slowly re-opening. Our office remains closed to the public, but we are hopeful that soon we can open our doors to the ‘new normal.’ We will post information as the State of Texas guidelines are followed. The Care Partner Academy has continued sessions via ZOOM. If you are a caregiver and need another caregiver to talk to, maybe a health professional or other professional to ask questions, you are invited to join our sessions. Notify me via phone at 806-743-1217 or email at joan.blackmon@ttuhsc.edu. Sessions are 60 minutes in length and can provide you with an opportunity to discuss topics with others in the community. We should all be encouraged by the COVID numbers that are coming down. Thank you to all who continue to follow recommended guidelines. Start your year by helping others. Numerous opportunities exist to assist others and still stay safe. Lubbock Meals on Wheels, South Plains Food Bank, Friends of the Library, Exodus Prison Ministry, Literacy Lubbock, local hos-
pital auxiliaries, and Ronald McDonald House. Lubbock Literacy provides a variety of resources for all ages. If you are interested in working with ESL, GED prep, Tiny Tots Reading, or tutoring in Math and English (mostly on a one-on one basis and virtual), contact them for more details. These agencies serve others, and pandemic or not, their services are still essential. Call the RSVP office at 806-743-1217 for details. COVID-19 Vaccine - If you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine yet, it is not too late. For the City of Lubbock Health Department, dial 311 for upcoming sessions. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. If you are a veteran, contact the Lubbock VA at 806-472-3400. They have a limited supply of vaccine and can provide you with information. For a local pharmacy, go to heb.com/vaccine/common/landing for availability of vaccine and to schedule an appointment. Other locations have limited supplies. Some pharmacies are expecting limited quantities, so don’t wait. Be proactive and find the source that works best for you.
We have information on the stimulus checks and how they affect your tax returns. If you would like this information, please email me at joan.blackmon@ ttuhsc.edu and you will receive information that was from USA TODAY on this timely topic. I am preparing for April Fool’s with the following jokes you can ask your family and friends. 1. What do librarians take with them when they go fishing? 2. Why did the lion spit out the clown? 3.What do you call a sleeping bull? 4. Why are teddy bears never hungry? 5. Why do fish live in salt water? 6. What sound do porcupines make when they kiss? 7. Why are fish so smart?
ANSWERS: 1. Bookworms 2. It tasted funny. 3. A bull-dozer 4. They are always stuffed. 5. B e c a u s e p e p p e r makes them sneeze. 6. Ouch 7. Because they live in schools.
March will be marching on, or in West Texas, it will probably be blowing. We can expect to experience the ups and downs of the weather, but we can look forward to the other months. We can do some positive things to improve ourselves and others. • March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and also Read Across America Day. • March 14 is Pi day or 3.141592653589…. It is a fun day to celebrate math. It is also the day Daylight Saving Time begins. Spring forward while enjoying that favorite pie (or Pi). • March 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day - also named the “Friendliest Day of the Year” by the Guinness book of World Records. The Healthy Aging Lecture Series is continuing via ZOOM sessions. The March session will be held at 3 p.m. March 24. The speaker will be Shannon Galyean, PhD, RDN, LD from Nutritional Sciences at Texas Tech University. Her topic will be “Vitamins & Minerals for Healthy Aging.” Pull up your favorite chair and join us. To register, go to Zoom. us. Link for the seminar is https://ttuhsc.zoom. us/j/8527492853. Join the session by phone, tablet or computer. For questions, call
Page 20 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
GameStop, Reddit, & Market Mania: What You Need to Know Over the course of 11 trading days from Jan. 13 to 28, 2021, the stock of GameStop, a struggling brick-and-mortar video game retailer, skyrocketed by more than 2,200% — creating a mix of excitement and concern throughout the financial world, as well as among many people who pay little attention to the stock market. Other stocks of small, struggling companies made similar though less dramatic moves. At the heart of this story are two very different sets of investors: 1. professional managers of multibillion-dollar hedge funds, who took large, risky positions betting that GameStop stock would drop in price; and
2. a small army of individual investors, connected through social news aggregator Reddit and other social media sites, who worked together to buy large numbers of shares in order to drive the stock price up. As the stock price rose, fund managers were forced to buy more and more shares at everincreasing prices to “cover their bets,” while individual investors continued to buy shares in hopes of continuing the momentum. The opposing forces created a feeding frenzy that sent the stock to dizzying heights far beyond the fundamental value of the company. The stock price peaked on Jan. 28 and lost al-
most 90% of its peak value over the next five trading days. If you are confused, concerned, intrigued — or a combination of all three — here are answers to some questions you may have about the recent market volatility triggered by “meme” stocks, an Internet term for stocks heavily promoted through social media.
1. What is a hedge fund, and what were the hedge funds doing?
A hedge fund is an investment company that uses pooled funds to take an aggressive approach in an effort to outperform the market. These funds are typically open to a limited number of accredited investors and may require a high minimum investment. Hedge funds use various high-risk strategies, including buying stock with borrowed money or borrowing stock to sell, called buying or borrowing on margin. This enables the fund to increase potential profits but also increases potential losses. (Individual investors can use these high-risk techniques, but the investor must meet certain financial requirements in order to establish a margin account and accept the increased risk.) In this case, certain hedge funds borrowed shares of GameStop and other struggling companies on margin from a brokerage firm and sold the shares at the market price, with the expectation that the share prices would drop significantly by the time they had to return the shares to the lender. The funds could then buy shares at the lower price, return the
shares, and pocket the difference, minus fees and interest. When GameStop share prices began to rise quickly against expectations, the “short sellers” began to buy shares at market prices in order to protect against future losses. These purchases helped drive share prices even higher — supply and demand — which led to more purchases and even higher prices. This created a situation known as a short squeeze. To understand the level of risk faced by the short sellers, consider this: An investor who actually owns shares of a company can lose no more than 100% of the investment, but there is essentially no limit to the potential losses for a short seller, because there is no limit to how high a stock price might go. This is why short sellers were willing to buy at ever-increasing prices, accepting large losses rather than risking even larger losses. In addition, they were forced to add additional funds and/or other securities to their accounts to meet margin requirements; investors must keep a certain percentage of the borrowed funds as collateral, and the higher the stock prices went, the more collateral was required in the margin accounts.
2. What is Reddit, and what were the Reddit investors doing?
Reddit is an online community with more than a million forums called subreddits in which members share information on a particular topic. Members of a subreddit dedicated to investing coalesced around a strategy to buy GameStop stock
in order to push the price up and squeeze the hedge funds. The potential for this strategy was first suggested on the forum in April 2020, but it exploded on Reddit and other social media sites in January 2021, after a change in the GameStop board of directors that encouraged bullish investors coupled with an announcement from a well-known short seller predicting that the stock price would quickly drop. While some investors genuinely believed that GameStop was undervalued, the movement developed into a crusade to beat the hedge funds in what amateur investors perceived to be a “game” of manipulating stock values, as well as a more pragmatic belief that there was money to be made by buying GameStop low and selling high. The fact that many young investors were gamers who felt an affinity for GameStop added to the sense of purpose. The strategy worked more powerfully than the amateur investors expected, and some who bought the stock in the early stages of the rally and sold when it was flying high earned large profits. However, those who joined the excitement later faced large losses as the stock plummeted. Once some hedge funds had accepted losses and begun to close their short positions, there was no longer demand for shares at inflated prices.
3. Why did brokerage firms limit trading activity for certain stocks?
At various points during the peak trading activity, some bro(See Market Mania, Page 23)
I bought Buddy as a surprise present for my husband, but it turns out he’s allergic to dogs. So unfortunately I’m going to have to find a new home for him, and I’m just wondering if anyone out there can help? His name is Alan, he’s 61, great at DIY, drives a nice car, and plans wonderful holidays. Husband: Please bring me a screwdriver. Wife: Flat head, phillips or vodka? And that was when I knew she was the one. Smart people learn from everything and everyone. Average people learn from their experiences. Stupid people already have all the answers. Husband and I went grocery shopping with masks on; got home, took off masks – brought home wrong husband. Stay alert, people! I never called you stupid, but when I asked you to spell “orange” and you asked me the fruit or color, it kinda caught me off guard. I asked my grandpa, “After 65 years, you still call grandma darling, beautiful, and honey. What’s the secret?” He said, “I forgot her name 5 years ago, and I’m scared to ask her.” I often wonder who Pete is and why we do things for his sake.
• Want Ads • Want Ads • eyeglAss repAIr & replACement
CAn’t reACh your toes? ... I CAn!
Frame repairs, new lenses, new frames and/or adjustments. Serving West Texas since 1977! Midwest Optical, 253334th, 806-797-5534 1/21
Professional manicures & pedicures. Top quality products & services. Promoting healthy nails. 20 years experience. Call Alicia at 806-317-5226. 2/17
eleCtrIC tWIn-sIze bed Electric twin-size bed. Can be used as a hospital bed, has detachable rails, can use as a day bed or couch. In perfect condition. Asking $200. Call 806-777-9205. 2/21
professIonAl IronIng Professional ironing, reasonable rates. Quick turnaround. Call 806-748-6266 and leave a message. 2/21
lookIng for Volunteers University Medical Center is looking for volunteers to work as messengers, pop popcorn, & at the information desk. Meet new people, socialize, be appreciated, & have all the free popcorn you can eat, contact Travis Armstrong, 775-8760. Travis. Armstrong2@umchealthsystem.com 6/17
bAby grAnd & ClAssIC guItAr for sAle
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 21
senIor VIsIon CAre Dr. Michael J. Dunn in Lubbock - 38 years of quality vision care. Call 745-2222.
VolunteerIng? 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 3/19
lot At resthAVen Lot at Resthaven near mausoleum. $5,195 value. Make me a reasonable offer. Call 806407-5493. 11/20
Subscribe to the
Please enter my subscription to the Gazette:
Black Baby Grand, Wurlitzer like new, $5,000 or reasonable offer. Vintage 1970s classic guitar by Alvarez, Model 5001, $500. Downsizing and need more space. Call 535-1797. 1/21
resthAVen lot Great location. Section AA, Lot 190. Space 3. Retails for $5,195. Our offer $3,500. We pay transfer fee. Call 806-5005281. 7/20
News and features mailed to you at the first One Year Subscription for $24 of each month. Subscribe to Two Year Subscription for $48 Lubbock’s Senior Newspaper. Mail my copy of the Golden Gazette to: Clip and mail the attached form along with your subscription check.
Name ___________________________________
Mail to:
Address _________________________________
Golden Gazette
City _____________________________________
1310 Avenue Q Lubbock, TX 79401
State ____________________________________
Golden Gazette newspapers are distributed free at 70 locations throughout Lubbock.
Enclosed is my subscription check.
Zip ______________________________________
Page 22 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
This Associated Press photograph shows traffic snarled in downtown Lubbock on Avenue K, looking south. The east side of the Hotel Lubbock (Pioneer Hotel) is on the right. (Feb. 21, 1961)
Snow in February – 1961 & 2021
February snowstorms are not unusual in Lubbock. Sixty years ago (1961), residents of Lubbock and the surrounding areas of the South Plains woke up to one of the heaviest snows in the region’s history to that date. Snowfall ranged from 12 inches in Lubbock to 20
inches in other areas. Traffic was stalled, schools were closed, and scores of travelers were stranded. Some bus students at Wolfforth schools spent the night in the school along with 40 passengers and the driver of a commercial bus. Levelland reported 19
inches of snow which led to the collapse of several cotton warehouse roofs. Telephone calls were curtailed because operators were unable to get from their homes to report to work. - Information and photo - From the Lubbock County Historical Commission’s Facebook page
Photo taken in the Melonie Park area during the snow and ice during the week of Feb. 15, 2021.
Each person has a place at the table and a voice worth hearing First Presbyterian Church 3814 130th Street 763-0401 FPCLubbock.org
Golden Gazette • March 2021 • Page 23
Market Mania: What You Need to Know (Continued from Page 20)
kerage firms stopped the trading of GameStop and other heavily shorted and heavily traded stocks. They also placed restrictions on certain stocks, limiting trading to very small lots and/or raising margin requirements. In a typical situation, an investor must maintain a 50% margin, meaning the investor can borrow shares or funds equal to the shares or funds in his or her account. Restrictions varied in response to the recent trading, but at least one brokerage firm raised margin requirements on certain stocks to 100% for long positions (purchasing stocks to hold) and 300% for short positions. The stoppages and restrictions elicited accusations of unfairness from investors and some members of Congress, who believed the brokerage firms were protecting the hedge funds. In fact, the moves were dictated in large part by clearinghouses that process trades from the brokers. These clearinghouses require that brokers keep a certain level of funding (collateral) on deposit in order to cover both sides of any given trade. As trading and values increased, clearinghouses asked for larger deposits. By halting and/or restricting trading of highly volatile stocks, brokers were able to reduce the required collateral, which enabled them to meet the new deposit requirements in a timely manner. The restrictions also helped protect investors from being overextended and suffering outsized losses amid extreme volatility. And to an extent,
they protected the broader stock market. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) regularly suspends trading of individual stocks when price swings exceed certain limits. On Feb. 2, when the price of GameStop was plunging, the NYSE suspended trading five times throughout the day, with each suspension lasting less than 12 minutes. Although GameStop remained in the spotlight, more than 20 other stocks also had trading suspended throughout that day.
4. What happens next?
It may take months or years before the full effects of the recent activity play out in the financial markets, but one clear takeaway is that social media, combined with accessible lowcost trading platforms, allows like-minded groups of retail investors to exert power that matches large-scale institutional investors. More than 10 million new brokerage accounts were opened in 2020, and many new investors are trading securities online and through smartphone apps. Some hedge fund managers have already stated that they will rethink their focus on short selling. And new services aimed at providing tools for professional investors to track investing discussions on social media platforms have quickly risen and may become a staple of investment research. Although the larger stock market remained resilient throughout the episode, extreme volatility is always a concern, and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a statement saying, “The Com-
mission is closely monitoring and evaluating the extreme price volatility...[which] has the potential to expose investors to rapid and severe losses and undermine market confidence. As always, the Commission will work to protect investors, to maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and to facilitate capital formation.” What about GameStop and other companies involved in the volatility? The huge price swings had little or nothing to do with the actual value of the companies, and they will need to make fundamental business changes to address the underlying weakness that caused them to be targeted for short sales in the first place. The changes on the GameStop board that helped spark the rally, adding leaders with online expertise, may help the company compete in the marketplace, but that remains to be seen. As an investor, the lesson for you might be to tune out market mania over “hot stocks,” especially when there is little to back up the sudden interest other than speculation. The wisest course is often to build a portfolio that is appropriate for your risk tolerance, time frame, and personal situation and let your portfolio pursue growth over the long term. This strategy may not be as exciting as the wild ups and downs of stocks in the spotlight, but it’s more likely to help you reach your long-term goals.
Zach Holtzman HOLTZMAN WEALTH STRATEGIES
We’d be lucky to have you!
Jax
You’ll LOVE it here!
Vol_nteer for RMHC The only thing missing is ‘U.’ We need your help! Please call us at
806-744-8877 & join our team.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Southwest 3413 10th St. • Lubbock 806-744-8877 www.rmhcsouthwest.com Keeping families close
Page 24 • March 2021 • Golden Gazette
Buddy Holly Center hosts ‘Ebova, New Works’ exhibit Visitors to the Buddy Holly Center can view a new exhibit, “Ebova, New Works,” in the Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit runs through March 21. The gallery is free and open to the public. For more information about this exhibit, virtual exhibits, or museum resources that can be accessed from home, visit www.buddyhollycenter.org. For artist features, artifact spotlights, and more, join on social media @BuddyHollyCenter. “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt 26th President of the United States
Rhapsody