Golden Gazette March 2023

Volume 35, Number 3

Inside & in March

March 2023

3rd Mayor’s Beans & Cornbread luncheon ............................. page 8

3rd National Anthem Day. The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key. He wrote the lyrics on Sept. 14, 1814, during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.

4th Wind Institute professor at Roundtable ................... page 24

4th A Walk to End Racism ...... page 14

9th YWCA to honor Women of Excellence ...................... page 2

10th New Neighbors ................... page 2

12th Daylight Saving Begins

14th ‘Finding Your Peace’ Christian Women ............. page 14

14th Pi day

17th St. Patrick’s Day

20th First Day of Spring

King Ranch exhibit ..................... page 5

St. Patrick’s Day trivia .............. page 17

Women’s History Month

Irish-American Heritage Month

Coming in April

Lubbock Uncorked, April 1

Palm Sunday, April 2

First Day of Passover, April 6

Good Friday, April 7

Easter Sunday, April 9

24 Pages

Lubbock, Texas 79423

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic cathedral, is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The building is a busy place that serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction, and as a host for many events. It has been called a house of prayer for all nations. The cathedral is a place where history is alive and tradition reigns, where lives are remembered and transformed, and where all are welcome to experience and explore the loving presence of God. - From the website, https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie

- Photo by Gary McDonald

Therapists of

Trustpoint Rehabilitation Hospital of Lubbock

Wednesday, March 15 Noon

6630 S Quaker Ave, Suite G

For ZOOM please use the link... https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/93712419544

Available by computer, tablet or phone

YWCA to honor 9 Women of Excellence

Nine Women of Excellence will be honored by the YWCA of Lubbock during its 35th annual awards celebration & dinner on March 9.

A reception will begin at 6 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Banquet Hall, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.

The nine 2023 YWCA Women of Excellence are Emily Wilkinson, arts & culture; Lisa Stane, education; Olivia Boggs, government; Traci Cheek, human services; Jessica Gray, MD, medicine; Murvat Musa, professional; Megan Estrada, social justice; Gabriella Contreras, youth leadership; Nanette Beso, Jane O. Burns award.

Individual tickets are $125 each; Tables for 8 are $1,000 each.

Tickets and tables can be purchased online at ywcalubbock.org or by calling 806-776-9757.

New Neighbors, March 10

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

The program will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be presented by Michelle Olson. She will provide a powerpoint history of the Lubbock Women’s Club.

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

Reservations are required at least 3 days prior to the event. Members, watch your email or spam for the Evite. One can RSVP through it

or contact Roni Allen (text) 281-507-4083 or email okieroni1@gmail.com.

If unable to attend, reservations must be cancelled at least 3 days before the event. The club must pay for all reservations, even the “no shows.” Non-members contact Roni.

Optional games afterwards; contact your game leaders.

There are more Irish in New York City than in Dublin, Ireland; more Italians in New York City than in Rome, Italy; and more Jews in New York City than in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Funding by Newby Family

"To Mobility and Beyond"

Lubbock Uncorked set for April 1

Get ready to Sip, Savor, and Celebrate on April 1 at the American Windmill Museum, 1701 Canyon Lake Drive, during Lubbock Uncocked.

Events are planned from 1 to 6 p.m.

A celebration of West Texas wine and grapes, Lubbock Uncorked showcases notable Texas wineries. Attendees sample a variety of wines as winemakers from throughout the state share their wine wisdom.

While the event showcases the grape growing industry of the region, it also includes a beer garden, local food trucks and restaurants, and a lineup of musical entertainment.

Tickets may be purchased for $50 in advance online, and $65 the day of the event.

Tickets include admission

into the event & ten 1-ounce wine tastings tickets, more tickets for wine tasting will be available to purchase at the event.

VIP tickets are $100 in advance online, and $115 the day of the event or until sold out. Only 150 will be sold. The VIP ticket includes admission into the event, Ten 1-ounce wine tastings, and entrance into the VIP Tent which gives attendees the ultimate luxury experience. The VIP area will provide premium wine tastings and specially crafted hors d’oeuvres & food tastings.

Don’t let them know BE SAFE ONLINE

Social engineering is big business.

What is it? Figuring out who you are and then using that information to make money off of it.

Wine basics $35 - Learn how to taste wines like the pros from an industry expert. Learn the 5 S’s: see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Lubbock Uncorked. Uncorked and on fire (wine & food pairing) $50

- Angie Ragan, Next Level Chef and owner/executive chef at Salt by Angie, has crafted four bites that will tantalize tastebuds.

Each bite highlights a different Texas staple and is served with paired Texas wines. Learn how to pair foods with wine. 3:30 to 5 p.m.

People list password challenge and identity verification publicly on their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages and feeds without giving it a second thought. Maiden name? Check. Favorite pet? Check. High school? Check. Town they grew up in? Check. Favorite or first car? Check.

Throwback Thursday is a social engineer’s dream. They love this stuff.

Combat this by

A. Not posting that information online anywhere or

B. Always giving false password and identity challenge and verification information to the sites and services that require it.

Keep the answer file offline. Remember, if it’s a handwritten list, you can still take a photo of it.

- Online safety tips from Bazar Solutions, Lubbock.

Wife said, “Our new neighbors are so in love. He kisses her, strokes her hair and hugs her. Why don’t you do that?”

Husband said, “Because I don’t know her that well yet.”

Who: Dr. Jonathan Singer, Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology, Texas Tech University

Garrison Institute on Aging

Ways to help save your senses

It may not be possible to reverse or prevent all the results of aging, but saving your senses and managing the effects of sensory loss could be within reach.

Check out these ways to prevent or improve your senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch, and stay mobile.

1. Find doctors and specialists you trust.

Regular check-ups become more important as we age.

Staying on top of symptoms with a general practitioner or geriatrician can help pinpoint important changes in sensory loss.

2. Eat like your life depends on it. A poor diet can jeopardize health and contribute to a decline in senses.

3. Stop smoking and other hazardous habits.

In addition to being bad for your health overall, your senses could benefit from giving up the smoking habit.

4. Celebrate the sun safely. The sun provides important Vitamin D that can boost health, But do wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

5. Turn down the volume. Seniors and Boomers grew up with 60s and 70s rock and roll music. If you don’t want to have to turn up the volume as you get older, crank it down now and avoid other loud noises.

6. Exercise your sense of smell. Smell begins to deteriorate for

older adults, especially after the age of 70.

7. Keep moving. Exercise has been called the fountain of youth, helping to keep the heart strong and manage conditions such as arthritis. As it turns out, exercise also could improve sight by helping increase blood flow to the eyes.

8. Protect your head and sinuses.

Head injuries and sinus infections are leading causes of smell decline, which could also lead to problems with taste.

9. Get help when you need it.

Consider home care to help mitigate the impact of sensory loss. Assistance at home could keep older adults who are suffering from loss of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch independent longer.

https://www.homeinstead.com/careresources/wellness-lifestyle/

Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the people I do like, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

What you may discover along life’s journey:

1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and All-Bran.

3. I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.

4. Funny, I don’t remember being absent minded.

5. All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.

6. If all is not lost, where is it?

7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

8. Some days you’re the dog; some days you’re the hydrant.

9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.

10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents; accidents in the back seat cause kids.

11. It’s hard to make a comeback when you haven’t been anywhere.

12. Only time the world beats a path to your door is when you’re in the bathroom.

13. If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.

14. When I’m finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?

15. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter. I go somewhere to get something, and then wonder what I’m here after.

King Ranch – Legacy in Art exhibit at National Ranching Heritage Center

View the King Ranch through the brush of an artist in a stunning display of paintings at Texas Tech University’s National Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth Street.

The artist, Noe Perez, and King Ranch historian, Bob Kinnan present a beautiful, informative account of the ranch and its artistic heritage through 20 paintings, said Robert Tidwell, Ph.D., NRHC Interim Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Collections, Exhibits and Research.

The paintings are made available for the exhibit courtesy of King Ranch, Inc.

A book, “King RanchLegacy in Art,” is available for purchase at Cogdell’s General Store at the center.

Noe Perez is a contemporary Texas painter living in Corpus Christi.

He has painted his native south Texas his entire life, and his work has been on exhibition in several museums and institutes.

“Noe’s landscapes are authentic and serve as a reminder of the beautifully rugged place that is the King Ranch,” said James “Jamey” H. Clement, Jr., a 5th generation member of the King Ranch family.

“I can think of no better artist to provide an inside view of our family home and convey in a small way why we are so proud of it and its legacy. His paintings are a

motivating force for me to live up to the standards set by Captain and Mrs. King, working to preserve this glorious heritage.”

Over the course of 170 years, King Ranch led some of the first cattle drives, developed the Santa Gertrudis and Santa Cruz breeds of cattle, bred the finest Quarter Horses, and produced champion Thoroughbreds – all under its iconic Running W brand.

Today, King Ranch continues to foster a culture of uncompromising quality, stewardship, and authenticity - a true testament to Captain King’s integrity and commitment to the land.

In addition to the exhibition, visitors can see a portion of the historic Caesar’s Pens from the King Ranch, once the largest cattle shipping enclosures in the world, that were given to the center to be a part of the railroad complex in the Foy Proctor Historic Park.

The ranching center is a 27-acre museum and historical park that offers educational programs and exhibits about ranching history and contemporary ranching issues.

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The exhibit will be open through May 24.

Kineños (La a Corrida) (Santa Gertrudis), 2020

Oil on Canvas by Noe Perez - The original Kineños traveled from their northern Mexico home of Cruillas in 1854 with a promise from Captain King of a home and livelihood on the Santa Gertrudis. The King’s people have served King Ranch for seven generations. Perez saw many photos depicting this sort of mounted vaquero lineup and followed that tradition in this painting, hoping to honor the legacy of the south Texas vaquero.

Overdosed America: How & why medicine has changed

Life in 2023 is so different than when we were kids, and much of it concerns communication and technology. Compare your life now to when you were a child.

We had no cell phones, no computers, no surround sound, no cars with electronics in them.

Have you ever wondered how the many electromagnetic forces affect your body?

The research is clear that it does. Watch your grandchildren or great-grandchildren, and you can see with your own eyes some of the effects.

Some years ago, I had a patient who brought her 11 year-old son in because of his ADD and ADHD.

His problems were obvious. I suggested her limiting all kinds of things. It was about 6 months before I saw her again.

I asked how her son was. When school was out, she said she told him, for the summer there would be no TV or internet or cell phone, and he needed to play outside.

She said she bought only real food, passing over all the processed food. The result:

I don’t even subscribe to television. I didn’t use the washer or dryer. I didn’t go outside. I did a great deal more reading.

At the end of my jail sentence of 2 days, I thought about when my grandparents were children and what it must have been like for

tronics, so I wouldn’t do it. I would stay on my EMF diet (electro-magnetic forces).

I have many books I have bought over the years and never read. I pulled one off the shelf and read it. It is around 20 years old.

The book is, “Overdosed America,” by John Abramson, M.D. He has been on the faculty at Harvard medical school for years and, I believe, still is.

Osteoporosis, 210.

If osteoporosis drugs prevent hip fractures, 215.

Coronary heart disease, 220.

Stroke and the 3-hour window, 225.

Type 2 diabetes, 228. Depression and anxiety, 232.

Cancer, page 234.

“He is a different child.”

I recently spent several days in what I called EMF (electro-magnetic forces) jail. I unplugged the modem, turned off the computer as well as the iPhone.

I kept the overhead lights off in the house. I did use the electric stove, but minimally. I never use a microwave.

their parents out on a farm. I understood having so many children.

We have either come a long way in that 125 years or we have fallen a long way. The future history books will probably tell the tale.

Every time I thought of doing something, I would realize how it was tied to elec-

As I read the book, I kept thinking, “And this book is 20 years old. Things are a lot worse now.” You can be the judge.

The book is a great reference book for me. The way I use it is when people are wondering about taking a cholesterol medication, I will say, go to the library and get this book.

I know most people will not want to read the whole book. They like for me to read it and then tell them what page to turn to. OK, I can do that.

The whole book paints a picture of how medicine has been captured by the pharmaceutical companies. It is interesting because it was less obvious when he wrote the book, but he was a man ahead of his time.

I will use the book this way: when my patients ask about these issues, I’ll give them these page references.

VIOXX issues, page 201.

Arthritis, 189.

Obesity, page 235. Putting the scientific evidence together to find health, 237.

How organisms are distinguished? 195

If I want to explain to them how sometimes normal aging has been turned into a “disease,” I will refer to page 210.

If I want a person to see what the research really shows about staying healthy and that medical care is not the first answer, I send them to page 209.

Obviously, the book is much more than this, but it is a picture of how medicine has changed and why.

I like to give references to people so they can read it for themselves instead of taking my word for it.

The whole book, in a way, is about how it has worked out to take people’s word for it. Think: VIOXX.

If you are experiencing any of the above problems, see what the book has to say about it.

You might be surprised.

14 ideas for life after retirement

If you’ve recently retired from your job, don’t worry. There are many more exciting things to enjoy and explore post-retirement. Here are 14 ideas to help inspire you!

1. Take a class

Keep your mind sharp and gain new skills in retirement by taking a class at a local college or community center. From photography to woodworking, there’s something for everyone.

2. Join a club

Don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. Joining a group of people with similar interests adds structure and camaraderie to retirement life.

3. Get creative

Dig out your arts and crafts supplies or try something new from painting to scrapbooking. Exploring creative outlets can increase overall wellbeing and sense of purpose in retirement.

4. Volunteer

Put your passions into action by volunteering with causes that are important to you - from mentoring students to helping animals in need, you’ll be making an impact on the world from the comfort of home.

5. Try cooking different cuisines

Explore cultural dishes from around the world with cooking classes online or purchase ingredients for reci-

pes on YouTube videos. Bon appetite.

6. Tour nearby locations

For locals and visitors alike, there are many sights to explore near home - check out popular tourist spots in your city or venture farther out to see rural areas nearby depending on travel restrictions where you live.

7. Learn something new

Retirees have more free time than ever before so why not start learning something completely new or brush up on old skills such as playing the piano, doing flower arranging, and getting back into art?

8. Plant an indoor garden

Nothing says relaxation like the beauty of nature; growing microgreens, flowers or herbs in pots indoors can bring peace right into your home while bringing a touch of natural flair indoors.

9. Organize your digital life

Cleanup digital clutter by organizing old files, photos and documents that might be taking up too much space on devices like phones and computers. Be sure it’s secure before disposing of older items, too.

10. Start writing your memoirs

Retirement may be a great time for reflecting. You

might have stories worthy enough for publishing so consider writing them down or start recording meaningful conversations with family members.

11. Create DIY projects at home

Use spare time constructively by creating simple projects around the house such as installing shelves, building furniture pieces, even reupholstering chairs brings out those handyman skills.

12. Organize virtual gatherings with friends & family

‘Zoom fatigue’ is real but don’t let it stop socializing safely from afar – plan game nights, host movie nights with friends- who knows there’s so many ways just engage digitally without exhausting oneself.

13. Practice meditation

Get away from daily stress by channeling mindfulness through daily practice of meditation. It is proven to boost physical and emotional health significantly especially with age.

14. Play music to de-stress

There are tangible benefits offered by listening to music. For retirees just learning how playing different instruments lowers cortisol level can be helpful.

Retirement is a brand new chapter of life where you are no longer restricted by the obligations of your job or financial responsibilities. With time on your hands to explore and grow, this can be an exciting time filled with endless possibilities.

Take up new hobbies and activities, volunteer in the

community, join groups and clubs, travel to destinations near and far; there are so many ways you can live a purposeful life after retirement.

Caring Transitions provides help with downsizing, estate sales and more - giving you more time to focus on enjoying your retirement.

It's crazy! From 2000 to 2021, the number of households headed by older Americans (people age 55 or older) grew by a stunning 65 percent in the United States, according to the latest gures released by the Census Bureau.

This was more than double the 24 percent rise in total households. Compare this with the number of households headed up by people, ages 35 to 54, which fell 3 percent.

And the number of households headed by young adults? Well, they only grew by 9 percent during that time frame.

Older Americans are now in charge of 46 percent of our nation's households and over three-quarters of its wealth!

If your business doesn't have a marketing plan in place to reach this booming, older demographic, then you’d be crazy!

34th annual Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon set for March 3

The Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon is returning to the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center for a hybrid in-person and drivethru event.

After several years of drive-thru events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the luncheon will be back at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 3.

For $20, each guest will receive a full plate of beans and cornbread, along with all the fixings. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for prizes. Tickets can be purchased online, https:// covenanthealth.ejoinme.org/ beansandcornbread, or by calling Hospice of Lubbock 806-795-2751 or the Covenant Health Foundation at 806-725-6089.

If attending in-person, park on the upper level and enter the north doors.

If visiting the drive-thru, drive around the north entrance and enter the parking lot facing the covered parking of the civic center.

The annual Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon is Hospice of Lubbock’s opportunity to raise funds to provide free hospice care to the unfunded and underfunded in 19 counties in the region.

“We are excited to bring this longstanding tradition back to the civic center for our 34th annual event,” said Dr. Jeremy Brown, Hospice of Lubbock CEO. “The money we raise helps support the amazing work Hospice of Lubbock provides for terminally ill patients and families in Lubbock and 18 surrounding counties.”

By Randal C. Hill

With legendary heroes, myths about them often become entangled with the truth, and we end up being uncertain about the validity of their stories.

Take St. Patrick, for instance. Was Patrick really his birth name? Was he from the Emerald Isle? Did he drive snakes from Ireland? Was March 17th the day he was born? Did he become he a full-fledged saint?

Let’s see what we know and don’t know here.

Sometime in the fifth century, when he was about 16 years old, Maewyn Succat was captured by Irish pirates from his wealthy family’s villa in Roman Britain, probably in the area we now know as Wales. He was whisked away to become a

slave in Northern Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd for six years and spent his precious spare time in prayer.

In his early twenties, Succat claimed he heard a voice telling him that he would be going home soon. At the right moment, he fled his master and made his way to a port 200 miles away, where he found a ship’s captain willing to return him to Britain.

Once back home, the pious young man studied to be a Christian missionary, all the while planning to return to Ireland in hopes of replacing their bizarre pagan religion—which sometimes demanded animal and human sacrifices—with the Catholic faith.

After becoming a priest,

Maewyn Succat changed his name to Patricius, the Latin term for “father figure.”

In his missionary work, he used the common three-leaf shamrock to teach the Irish about the Christian doctrine

of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Ghost. By the way, a shamrock always has three leaves, while the similar clover can occasionally but rarely have four. (The chances of finding such a plant are about one in 10,000.)

Supposedly, St. Patrick chased all the country’s snakes into the sea during a 40-day fast he was undertaking on top of a hill. That never happened. Since the Ice Age, the Emerald Isle has been snake-free, so there was nothing for Patrick to banish.

Today, we honor Patrick each March 17, which is thought not to be the day he was born but the day he died. Historians can never be certain of this, however, and St. Patrick’s own writings don’t

provide evidence for dates more precise than the fifth century in general.

Perhaps the biggest myth of all? Although he is widely venerated today, the patron saint of Ireland has yet to be canonized by a pope.

As for today’s celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day often means parades. Contrary to belief, they didn’t start with the Irish. The first such event took place in Boston in 1737, with New York City following 25 years later. Dublin didn’t offer a parade until 1931.

In the Big Apple’s iconic event, about 150,000 marchers walk for up to five hours on Fifth Avenue. It doesn’t take that long in Hot Springs, Arkansas; their parade route measures 98 feet in length. And that’s no myth.

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Jesus was not killed by atheism & anarchy. He was brought down by law and order allied with religion – which is always a deadly mix. Beware those who claim to know the mind of God and are prepared to use force, if necessary, to make others conform. Beware those who cannot tell God’s will from their own.

~ Barbara Brown Taylor

priEst, author, profEssor,

Update your wishes: It’s just taking care of business

It’s already two months into 2023. You’re probably getting info ready for the accountant because April 15 will be here soon.

In the process of getting things in order, be sure to look over those important papers – powers of attorney, wills, etc. Read them over. Is it still what you want? Have some events occurred in your circle of family or friends that changes everything?

If you wrote out a will in 1973, that’s 50 years ago. I’ll guarantee you, things have changed.

2 Lubbock law firms to contact for advice:

Bazemore Law Firm - 806-329-4601

Law Offices of Lee Franks - 806-368-8805

You wrote a standard ‘I love you will’ meaning that whichever spouse goes first, the other spouse gets everything. That’s pretty simple. But what happens after that last spouse dies?

Here’s a scenario: You have 4 grown children. What if one dies before you do? Have you considered those spouses of your adult children? You’ve treated them as your own since the marriages. So have you allowed for them in your will?

What about your son’s wife who had taken care of her ailing husband (your son) for years. Is she left out of everything because he died before you did? It can be a real ‘gut-punch’ when you realize someone you thought had been looking out for you didn’t bother to take care of business.

And what if you are in that growing group of folks called elder orphans?

A Facebook group for elder orphans is restricted to individuals over 55 who live without the help of a spouse, partner, and children. Information on the site states that if you feel you’re aging alone, with little support, you belong.

If you indeed want to leave someone out of your will, it is totally your prerogative. But please, look over those important papers every year. Just make sure it’s what you want.

And if you don’t have a will in place, the State of Texas has a plan for you. A person will be appointed to dispose of your possessions according to state law.

An attorney and the courts

will charge your estate for handling every detail you could have made provisions for.

Now that’s a good reason to get off your ‘duff’ and get a will drawn up.

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Episcopal

thEologian

How to stop those annoying spam texts

By Cobb & Counsel Regulatory Risk Analysis and Compliance

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the federal government agree on at least one issue: robotext scams are getting out of hand.

that consumers “read nearly all texts they receive, and they do so nearly immediately.”

In 2020 alone, scammers stole more than $86 million through spam texting fraud schemes, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The median amount stolen from consumers in such scams was $800. All of this is bad news for consumers and a challenge for regulators.

bringing text blocking requirements in line with call blocking requirements.”

Until the FCC adopts new rules, or federal and state authorities ramp up enforcement efforts, there are a few things you can do right away to cut down on the number of spam texts you receive.

• Block the spammer’s phone number. This isn’t a panacea, of course, but at least you won’t receive spam from that phone number again.

In January 2023, Texas AG Paxton and 50 other state attorneys general sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging it to require mobile wireless providers to block illegal text messages at the network level when the messages appear to be from invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers, and numbers on a do-not-call list.

While the FCC considers rule changes, there are a few things you can do right away to cut down on the number of spam texts you receive.

Scammers are “increasing their focus on text messaging schemes,” shifting away from robocalls and toward “consumers’ most favored method of communication— text messaging.” According to the FCC, data indicates

FCC rules already ban text messages sent to a mobile phone using an autodialer, unless the recipient previously gave consent to receive the message or the message is sent for emergency purposes.

In September 2022, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, proposing rules to “require mobile wireless providers to block texts, at the network level, that purport to be from invalid, unallocated, or unused numbers, and numbers on a Do-Not-Originate (DNO) list.” The FCC also sought comment on (i) what steps it could take to identify and block texts from spoofed numbers and (ii) applying caller ID authentication standards to text messaging.

In January 2023, Texas AG Paxton joined a multistate letter in support of the FCC’s proposed rules, which state attorneys general see “as a crucial first step in

• The FCC suggests reporting scam texts to your wireless provider by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 (SPAM).

• Sign up for both the Texas No-Call List (which covers text messages) and the National Do Not Call Registry (which also covers text messages).

• File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and/or the Federal Trade Commission. If you decide to file a complaint, keep in mind that not every unwanted text is illegal. There are federal and state exemptions to the donot-call rules. For example, under FCC rules, political text messages can be sent without the intended recipient’s prior consent if the message’s sender manually dials them (as opposed to using autodialing technology, which would violate FCC rules).

Lubbock’s famous ‘Star’ – an all-time favorite

Yes, folks, this month’s column is about China Star Restaurant, 1919 50th St., here in Lubbock. Years ago, the “Star” was one of my late

husband’s favorite buffets. So, after many, many years I decided to patronize the “Star” again.

I thought now would be

a great opportunity to touch base. My youngest daughter and I decided to go for a Sunday brunch to give me a free day out of the kitchen.

OMG – I couldn’t believe the expansion of all the great selections. First, there was a huge heaping container of crayfish, then a large tray of two whole salmon fillets, a large container of Portabella mushrooms, and yes, even enchiladas for those “South of the Border” taste buds. The list of newbies could go on and on – at least the selections are all new to me.

It was impossible for each of us to taste everything, but what we selected was all so delicious.

The beef and broccoli was out of this world. The beef was so tender and the sauces so yummy. I also selected many varieties of chicken –even chicken nuggets. One of my chicken selections was even topped with sesame seeds.

Daughter also chose beef and broccoli, plus an egg roll, and a serving of chou mein noodles. If shrimp is your preference, then there are several choices, as well.

The fruit and pudding selections are extensive and there’s another buffet table with many cookies and other

goodies. I didn’t even get to that one. My favorite “dessert” from years ago, sliced bananas in strawberry glaze, is still one the choices on the fruit buffet. Now that’s what I call consistency. It has to be extremely popular to survive all those years.

Another “newbie,” at least to me, is a huge rice cooker on one of the buffets. If anyone desires hot steamed rice, this one’s for you. There’s also a made to order “Mongolian Chef Grill” area for your personalized entrees.

This “Star” was born in 1994 and has weathered all the economic storms since. It’s been their superior quality of food and service that has made their buffet a survivor.

Adam, one of China Star’s long-time servers, has become a type of TV celebrity. He’s been featured on many commercials, and has seen the 2nd generation of patrons coming to him – quite an achievement.

As you can surmise, this is one of my all-time favorites. Until next month, Cathy

Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Canada is an Indian word meaning ‘Big Village.’

Next to Warsaw, Chicago has the largest Polish population in the world.

Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, carries the designation M-1, so named because it was the first paved road anywhere.

Istanbul, Turkey, is the only city in the world located on two continents.

In honor of the Garrisons

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, promote educational and community outreach programs, and serve the community with services and contacts throughout the community.

If you have questions on health issues, aging, chronic disease and mental health, please reach out to us. We can assist in connecting with the right source for your concerns.

The armadillo

After the crazy weather in February, I have finally found the answer as to why. The armadillo in Texas did not see his shadow so we can expect snow, rain, cold, heat and as always, windy!

A transition month

March has become a transition month. It has weather that spans the thermometer but also holidays to celebrate. March 8 is International Women’s Day -- not sure why this is not a special day every day. March 12 is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time -- let’s hope this is the last time to recognize this. March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day -- a day we all pretend we are Irish. And kiddos will have Spring Break - I think we all need

one too. Coke was invented in March and the telephone was patented in March. Time to sit back and enjoy the month.

Trust Point Rehab

The Care Partner Academy session will be held at noon March 15, at 6630 S Quaker, Suite G. Trust Point Rehabilitation Hospital of Lubbock will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about services they can provide for numerous conditions. This is a session you will not want to miss. The Care Partner Academy is an informal group that meets monthly to share various topics and is free and open to the public. Light snacks are provided. For additional information,

contact Joan at 806-7431217 or email at joan.blackmon@ttuhsc.edu.

Coping, Stress & Caregiving

The Healthy Aging Lecture Series will meet March 22 at 3 p.m. Jonathan Singer, Ph.D. will present Coping, Stress and Caregiving as We Age. Dr. Singer is a clinical psychologist at Texas Tech, who is conducting sessions for caregivers and respite care. This event is free and open to the public. The event will be held at the Academic Event Center, 3601 4th St. There is ample parking next to the building and ADA parking as well. Contact Malcolm Brownell to confirm attendance (Malcolm. brownell@ttuhsc.edu or 806743-3751).

Quality End of Life Care

Mental health sessions

By

We are also hosting a mental health session for caregivers as well as a respite care program with the guidance 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. Caregivers are encouraged to contact Dr. Singer for additional information. You can contact him at 806-8345884 or email at jonsinge@ ttu.edu.

March thoughts…

• Stealing someone’s coffee is called mugging.

• The other day I held the door open for a clown. It was a nice jester.

• Definition of pasteurize -- too far to see.

• No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery.

• The Energizer Bunny was arrested. He was charged with battery.

• I put my grandma on speed dial. I call that instagram.

• The only day of the year that gives an order –March 4th.

I try not to limit my madness to March. ~ Maxine

Garrison Institute on Aging TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

A Walk to End Racism set for March 4

A Walk to End Racism is set for March 4, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the East Lubbock Art House, 405 MLK Jr. Blvd.

Participants may also walk at home at their own pace.

This event supports East Lubbock Art House programming and general support and was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s quote, “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward”.

The event will start at the East Lubbock Art House and

go to South Broadway on MLK, then to Parkway and back to the East Lubbock Art House.

MOJO’s will be providing food for purchase as well.

Registration prices are from $5 to $100.

‘Finding Your Peace’ March 14

The Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 14, at the Lubbock Country Club, 3400 Mesa Drive.

“You’re Always A Winner!” will feature Penny Arnold of Jones, Oklahoma, speaking on the topic of “Finding Your Peace … in Chaos.”

For more information, call 979-338-9238 or emaileastlubbockarthouse@gmail. com.

A style show will be presented by Mindy, the store manager at J Jill.

Cost for the luncheon, program and door prizes is $20.

RSVP by noon March 10 to LubbockCWC@gmail. com, or to Sharen at 806392-0264.

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

Trivial English questions

The fact that Kansas and Arkansas are pronounced differently bothers me way more than it should.

Pronouncing words that end in ‘ough.’ Couch, bough, rough, dough, through, though.

Is the ‘s’ or ‘c’ in scent silent?

Why does fridge have a ‘d’ in it, but refrigerator doesn’t?

Why are Zoey and Zoe pronounced the same, but Joey and Joe aren’t?

Where to find the book?

“A Perspective on Race and Religion” is available on Amazon.

Learn more

Gene Heil spent 20 years in the military, and is an ordained minister.

Heil participated in prison ministry, and has devoted his life to prayer.

For facts on Heil’s life and works, go to www. geneheil.com.

A perspective on race & religion

(NAPSI)—Do you contribute to racial unity or disunity?

That’s the focus of a new book, which offers a surprising perspective on race relations in America today, and offers suggestions to improve racial conditions.

One man’s story

Young white man experiences beatings received from black men in his community. The trauma associated with the beatings had the potential to destroy any favorable constructs of black people in his life.

But the author, Gene Heil, now an ordained minister, refused to allow racial hatred to control him.

Instead, inspired by God, he gained a different perspective of racial disunity, which, according to Heil, is rooted in understanding the impact the dominant white culture has had on the black culture through generations of cultural abuse and systemic racism.

God taught him to forgive his oppressors, and led him to blend into the black com-

munity to gain insight, and to prepare him to become an advocate for racial healing.

Race and religion

“Instead of allowing me to distance myself from blacks because of the abuse I encountered, God put me smack in the epicenter of the black culture—the church,” Heil said.

“There is nothing more powerful in the black community than the church.”

Heil’s perspective on race relations changed during this encounter, and he experienced the dynamism of love and forgiveness. He said he believes racial healing takes place through gaining cultural insight, applying love, and forgiveness.

In doing so, society becomes more inclusive, collective and everyone can live harmoniously together. The

road to racial healing

Heil’s book, “A Perspective on Race and Religion: A Pathway to Healing,”

provides a road map to bring about racial unity. The book sheds light on the controversial issue concerning the silence of the church on racism and opens a thoughtprovoking perspective designed to open discussion of the topic within communities.

Heil challenges the reader to review their individual perspective and ask if they are on the side of unity or division.

“There is no middle road,” Heil said. “As a country, America must decide how all people want to live amongst each other.”

J. Botha, a book reviewer, wrote, “the book really made me question things, like am I really innocent when it comes to racism. It opened my eyes and made me question who we are as a society.”

The book discusses systemic racism, the historical role of the church in maintaining the racial divide, and current racial problems.

He pleads for national healing, and paints a clear picture of what the country can do to eliminate the racial divide.

“We are in serious racial division in America,” Heil said. “My experience will teach people to love and not hate those who have wronged you. It also spotlights the terrible systemic racism that oppresses

black people. Joining a black church helped me to heal, and has given me a perspective that most whites will never see while living in privilege.”

What this book can mean for you?

This book will help identify bias that is often hidden, and it challenges the reader to self inspect.

He constantly stirs the reader, asking if they want to be part of the solution or part of the problem.

Heil encourages an honest introspection because it is the only way to bring about lasting racial change. He warns that unless America addresses the racial divide, we will undermine the strength of the country. According to Heil, people can’t move forward in life until they acknowledge their problems, and then be willing to face them.

The dismantling of racism is long overdue.

He provides tips for national healing and opens doors for conversation.

“A Perspective on Race and Religion: A Pathway to Healing” can help bring positive change within your life as you accept the challenge of identifying your racial bias. Heil said people may rarely want to talk about such a detrimental topic, but the transparency in his book can inspire national healing and genuine change.

A new book by Gene Heil offers a unique way of looking at - and dealing with - race relations in America Today.

com.

When the greatest met the greatest

“Gorgeous George” was born George Raymond Wagner in 1915. He grew up in a tough Houston neighborhood, where he learned to wrestle at the local YMCA and soon established himself as a freestyle champion.

proceed to vanquish each challenger.

In the late 1940s, in the early days of television, he helped bring professional wrestling—with all its wellrehearsed antics—into America’s living rooms. By the

Asked what Gorgeous George would do if he lost to his opponent, the aging showman thundered, “I’d crawl across the ring and cut my hair off! But that’s not going to happen, because I am the greatest wrestler in the world!”

After the interviews, the 46-year-old George gave the 19-year-old Clay some sage advice: “Boxing, wrestling, it’s all a show. A lot of people will pay to see someone shut your mouth. So keep on

bragging, keep on sassing, and always be outrageous!”

Cassius took the words to heart. As the Louisville Lip, he began boasting that he was the greatest boxer ever. (Like George in his prime, he had the skills to back up those boasts.)

Clay would also offer such witticisms as “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked!”

George’s star eventually dimmed and, on the day af-

ter Christmas 1963, he died anonymously at 48 of a heart attack.

Two months later, on Feb. 25, 1964, Clay, at age 22 a 7-to-1 underdog, defeated heavyweight boxing champ Sonny Liston.

That night, Cassius—soon to become Muhammad Ali— echoed the words of the man who had changed his future and bellowed to the ringside press, “Eat your words! I am the greatest!”

And, truly, he was.

He later became a selfpromoting professional wrestler and the sport’s first superstar villain. After growing his blonde hair long and dyeing it platinum, Wagner began calling himself Gorgeous George.

And that was just the beginning. The savvy showman also started making entrances that could be labeled bona fide spectacles. Amid catcalls and jeers from the sellout crowds, George, bathed in a purple spotlight, would stroll slowly down the aisle in a red velvet gown on a red carpet amid the booming strains of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Once inside the ropes, his valet would spray a scented mist around the ring. After loudly proclaiming his greatness to the people there, George would then usually

1950s, George was the bestknown wrestler in the world, raking in over $100,000 a year (when the hourly federal minimum wage was $1) and becoming one of the highest-paid athletes of his time.

One day in June 1961, at a Las Vegas radio station, he met a rising young boxer from Kentucky named Cassius Clay.

Each was there to give an interview to promote an upcoming event in their respective fields at the nearby convention center.

Clay went first, calmly and politely answering questions about his future opponent, a Hawaiian named “Duke” Sabedong.

Things changed when George, who was there to wrestle “Classy” Freddie Blassie, took the mic.

The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen supply.

St. Patrick’s Day trivia for that March 17 bash

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not in Ireland.

The color originally associated with St. Patrick was not green.

Brush up on St. Patrick’s Day trivia and be ready for March 17.

1. Of which country is St. Patrick the patron saint?

2. Where and when was the first St. Paddy’s Day parade in America?

3. According to Irish lore, what animal did St. Patrick drive out of Ireland?

4. What does a three-leaf shamrock symbolize on St. Patrick’s Day?

5. What are the odds of finding a “lucky” four-leaf clover?

6. What’s the highest number of leaves ever recorded on a single clover stem?

7. What does the circle at the very center of a Celtic cross represent?

8. What is a boxty?

9. Which Southern city has had a huge St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration since 1813?

10. How many people visit New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral each year?

11. Where was the real St. Patrick born?

12. Name the giant, iconic ferris wheel that turns green to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in England.

13. What does “Erin go bragh” mean?

14. Why is St. Patrick’s

Day celebrated on March 17?

15. How do leprechauns earn their gold?

16. What year did St. Patrick’s Day switch over from a strictly holy day for Catholics to an official Irish public holiday?

17. About how many Americans claim to have some Irish ancestry?

18. What American city has dyed its river green every St. Patrick’s Day since 1962?

19. How many pounds of green vegetable dye are now used to turn the Chicago River green?

20. What is another name for Ireland?

21. How many days does Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day festival last?

22. What is the national flower/emblem of Ireland?

23. What is the traditional main dish served at many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America?

24. Up until the 1970s, pubs were closed in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day—what place was the one exception?

25. Which pope canonized St. Patrick?

26. What was St. Patrick’s name when he was born?

27. Name a historic site that has been lit up in green on St. Patrick’s Day in recent years.

28. What happened to Saint Patrick at age 16 before becoming a priest?

29. How many people march in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade?

30. Where is St. Patrick buried?

31. St. Patrick was originally associated with what color?

32. How many pints of Guinness do drinkers consume on St. Patrick’s Day worldwide?

- Credit to Irene Richardson https://www.countryliving.com/ life/entertainment/a38903994/ st-patricks-day-trivia/

32. 13 million

31. Blue.

30. No one knows exactly where he is buried, but Down Cathedral in Ireland is the most widely accepted location.

29. About 150,000.

28. He was abducted and brought to Northern Ireland.

ney Opera House, and the Empire State Building are among the possible correct answers.

27. The Roman Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Syd-

26. Maewyn Succat.

25. Trick question! St. Patrick was never canonized by a pope.

24. Beer vendors were allowed at the big national dog show, which was always held on St. Patrick’s Day.

23. Corned beef and cabbage.

22. The Shamrock.

21. Four. (Some years, it has expanded to ve!)fi

20. “The Emerald Isle.”

19. 40 pounds.

18. Chicago.

17. 31.5 million.

16. 1903, which is also the rstfi year a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Ireland.

15. Making and mending shoes.

14. It’s the day St. Patrick died.

13. Ireland forever.

12. The London Eye.

11. Britain.

10. More than 5 million.

9. Savannah, Georgia.

8. An Irish potato cake.

7. The sun.

6. 56, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. That’s a lot of luck!

5. 1 in 10,000.

4. St. Patrick was said to have used the three-leaf clover to demonstrate the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) to potential converts. It can also symbolize love, hope, and faith.

3. Snakes.

2. Boston in 1737. (In Ireland, the rstfi St. Patrick’s Day parade wouldn’t take place until the early 20th century!)

1. Ireland.

Answers

A love for words

I changed my iPod’s name to Titanic. It’s syncing now. England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool .

Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.

This girl today said she recognized me from the Vegetarians Club, but I’d swear I’ve never met herbivore.

I know a guy who’s addicted to drinking brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.

When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.

I got some batteries that were given out free of charge. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress. Police were summoned to a daycare center where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the fellow whose entire left side was cut off? He’s all right now.

A bicycle can’t stand alone; it’s just two tired.

The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine last week is now fully recovered.

He had a photographic memory, but it was never fully developed.

When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she’d dye.

Acupuncture is a jab well done. That’s the point of it.

Those who get too big for their pants will be totally exposed in the end.

Lever for rowing

26. Reflected sound

27. Very great

28. Assume

29. Move off hastily

30. Tuxedo

32. Image of a deity

34. River in Switzerland

35. Engage in prayer

37. Long-sleeved linen vestment

38. Remove from action

40. Amusement

41. Spread for drying

43. Large quantity

44. Demeanor

46. Person who prefers to be alone

47. At what time

49. Learned

50. Peruvian native

51. Former Russian ruler

53. Large wading bird

54. Floating ice

55. Portable shelter

58. Weep

This Lent keep the chocolate and give up bigotry, judgment, misogyny, hatred, bias & divisiveness.

Love God, love your neighbor. No exceptions.

Aging, mental health, and caregiving

As many as 8.4 million family members in the U.S. care for relatives who live with emotional or mental health conditions (not including cognitive impairment).

If you’re one of those caregivers, you may face unique challenges that make caregiving even more difficult – and more stressful – than what a typical family caregiver might experience.

Mental health conditions affecting seniors and their caregivers

The National Alliance for Caregiving published “On Pins and Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness,” a report on mental health caregiving.

The study found that the average mental health caregivers are women who are 54 years old and are typically caring for a relative (88%) with one of the following conditions: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, alcohol or drug abuse.

Mental health caregiving

If you’re caring for a loved one with any of these disorders, you may be dealing with challenges other family caregivers never grapple with, such as:

 Providing full or partial financial support to your loved one

 Managing their medication and complex medical care coordination

 Being the sole caregiver because no other family members are able or willing

 Investing much more time and effort into care advocacy for your loved one

 Higher levels of personal stress and daily care burden than other family caregivers

Most older adults do not suddenly receive a serious mental health condition diagnosis later in life, but conditions like depression or anxiety can arise in older age.

Any significant or prolonged change in your loved one’s behavior or mood deserves to be evaluated by a mental health professional. Helping your loved one can be a challenge

Accessing mental health status is an issue in general and older adults, in particular, often balk at seeing a mental health specialist.

The idea of going to a therapist or counselor may be resisted because of the stigma surround mental health, or for more practical reasons, such as paying for treatment, finding a provider, or getting transportation to appointments.

Beyond the interpersonal challenges of getting your loved one the right care for a mental health condition, caregivers may also experience issues with insurance coverage, finding providers, dealing with in-patient

mental health stays and other challenges the average caregiver never copes with.

Help for mental health caregivers

Caring for a loved one with a mental health disorder can cause significant strain or stress.

In fact, 72% of the National Alliance for Caregiving survey respondents said they were under high emotional stress, and 62% said caregiving has had a nega-

tive effect on their personal health.

The National Alliance for Caregiving created Circle of Care, a free mental health guidebook that can help caregivers understand the challenges of finding and receiving care in the mental health system.

The guidebook also provides disorder-specific symptoms and a four-part caregiver health self-assessment to assist you in understanding

your own physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial health.

Circle of care guidebook

The guidebook focuses on 12 areas of mental health caregiving that affect family caregivers, including:

✤ Finding the right provider

✤ Communicating with mental health professionals

✤ Getting an accurate diagnosis

Social Security Retirement Benefit Basics

Social Security was originally intended to provide older Americans with continuing income after retirement. Today, though the scope of Social Security has been widened to include survivor, disability, and other benefits, retirement benefits are still the cornerstone of the program. How do you qualify for retirement benefits?

When you work and pay Social Security taxes (FICA on some pay stubs), you earn Social Security credits. You can earn up to four credits each year. You generally need 40 credits (10 years of

work) to be eligible for retirement benefits.

How much will your retirement benefit be?

Your retirement benefit is based on your average earnings over your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits, so if you have some years of no earnings or low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily. Your age at the time you start receiving benefits also affects your benefit amount. Although you can retire early at age 62, the longer you wait to retire (up to age 70), the higher your

retirement benefit.

You can find out more about future Social Security benefits by signing up for a My Social Security account at the Social Security website, ssa.gov, so that you can view your online Social Security statement. Your statement contains a detailed record of your earnings, as well as estimates of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. If you’re not registered for an online account and are not yet receiving benefits, you’ll receive a statement in the mail every year, starting at age 60. You can also use the Retirement Estimator calculator on the Social Security website, as well as other benefit calculators that can help you estimate disability and survivor benefits.

Retiring at full retirement age

Your full retirement age depends on the year in which you were born.

If you retire at full retirement age, you’ll receive an unreduced retirement benefit.

Retiring early will reduce your benefit

You can begin receiving Social Security benefits before your full retirement age, as early as age 62. However, if you retire early, your Social Security benefit will be less than if you wait until your full retirement age to begin receiving benefits. Your retirement benefit will be reduced by 5/9ths of 1

percent for every month between your retirement date and your full retirement age, up to 36 months, then by 5/12ths of 1 percent thereafter. For example, if your full

1943-1954 66

1955 66 & 2 months

1956 66 & 4 months

1957 66 & 6 months

1958 66 & 8 months

1959 66 & 10 months

1960 or later 67

Note: If you were born on Jan. 1 of any year, refer to the previous year to determine your full retirement age.

retirement age is 67, you’ll receive about 30 percent less if you retire at age 62 than if you wait until age 67 to retire. This reduction is permanent—you won’t be eligible for a benefit increase once you reach full retirement age.

However, even though your monthly benefit will be less, you might receive the same or more total lifetime benefits as you would have had you waited until full retirement age to start collecting benefits.

That’s because even though you’ll receive less per month, you might receive benefits over a longer period of time.

Delaying retirement will increase your benefit

For each month that you delay receiving Social Secu-

rity retirement benefits past your full retirement age, your benefit will increase by a certain percentage. This percentage varies depending on your year of birth. For example, if you were born in 1943 or later, your benefit will increase 8 percent for each year that you delay receiving benefits, up until age 70. In addition, working past your full retirement age has another benefit: It allows you to add years of earnings to your Social Security record. As a result, you may receive a higher benefit when you do retire, especially if your earnings are higher than in previous years.

Working may affect your retirement benefit

You can work and still receive Social Security retirement benefits, but the income that you earn before you reach full retirement age may affect the amount of benefit that you receive. Here’s how:

• If you’re under full retirement age: $1 in benefits will be deducted for every $2 in earnings you have above the annual limit

• In the year you reach full retirement age: $1 in benefits will be deducted for every $3 you earn over the annual limit (a different limit applies here) until the month

If you were Full retirement born in: age is:

Simplifying Soci A l Security

You are not alone! Simplifying Social Security is here to assist you in your SSA journey. See www.simplifyingsocialsecurity.org or call 806-336-2978. Rates are reasonable.

l ooking for volunteer S

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 806775-8760. 6/17

Back in Business!!

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)

e yegl ASS r epA ir & r epl A cement

Frame repairs, new lenses, new frames and/or adjustments. Serving West Texas since 1977! midwest optical, 2533-34th, 806-7975534 1/22

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

cA n’t re A ch your toe S ? ... i c A n!

Professional manicures & pedicures. Top quality products & services. Promoting healthy nails. 20 years experience. Call Alicia at 806-3175226.

Aging, mental health, and caregiving

✤ Health insurance considerations

✤ Community support services

✤ Planning for the future

✤ Family involvement

Find additional resources and support

Consider the following local and national resources if your loved one is experiencing mental health issues:

 Hire outside help to provide companionship and assist your loved one at home, giving you some respite. Find a professional CAREGiver.

 Suicide Prevention

Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

(8255) or TTY: 1-800-7994889

 Veteran’s Crisis Line:

1-800-273-8255 or TTY:

1-800-799-4889

 Eldercare Locator includes local mental and behavioral health services

Don’t overlook self-care

Taking care of a relative with a lifelong mental health condition takes patience and stamina, but don’t forget self-care. You cannot draw from an empty well.

Don’t hesitate to call on family members to provide you with respite – or to schedule a professional CAREGiver to give you time to pursue your own interests and refresh yourself mentally and spiritually.

You deserve it.

https://www.homeinstead.com/ care-resources/health-conditions/ aging-mental-health-caregiving

‘Rocky Mountain High’ the official 2nd song

John Denver and his wife Annie moved to Aspen, Colorado, in December 1970, hoping to purchase a home in the couple’s favorite part of their favorite state.

What they discovered was that everything cost much more they could afford.

The two thus bought land in a nearby scenic valley, with plans to build a house there the next year—if John’s career star continued its ascent.

The success of “Rocky Mountain High” would put their minds at ease. He was born in the summer of his 27th year Comin’ home to a place he’d never been before

He left yesterday behind him

You might say he was born again

You might say he found the key for every door

In his autobiography, Take Me Home, Denver stated, “I remember, almost to the moment, when that song started to take shape in my head.”

He recalled how he and Annie and some friends had hiked up to Lake Williams to camp below the stars and watch the Perseid meteor showers.

(They are called the Perseids because the point from which they appear to hail lies in the constellation Perseus.)

“Imagine a moonless night in the Rockies in the dead of

summer and you have it

“We were right below the tree line, just about 10,000 feet...Around midnight, I got

until the tail stretched out all the way across the sky and burned itself out. It was raining fire in the sky.”

Golden Oldies

up and could see the shadow from the starlight, there was so much light from the stars.

I went back and lay down in front of our tent, thinking about how in nature all things, large and small, were interwoven, when swoosh, a meteor went smoking by.…

It got bigger and bigger

He began work on a folk tune about the experience with friend Mike Taylor, an acoustic guitarist who had performed with John and had also moved to Aspen.

The result was Denver’s autobiographical “Rocky Mountain High.”

After John tweaked it for

Social Security Retirement Benefit Basics

(Continued from Page 20)

you reach full retirement age

Once you reach full retirement age, you can work and earn as much income as you want without reducing your Social Security retirement benefit. And keep in mind that if some of your benefits are withheld prior to your full retirement age, you’ll generally receive a higher monthly benefit at full retirement age, because after retirement age the SSA recalculates your benefit every year and gives you credit for those withheld earnings.

Retirement benefits for qualified family members

Even if your spouse has

never worked outside your home or in a job covered by Social Security, he or she may be eligible for spousal benefits based on your Social Security earnings record. Other members of your family may also be eligible. Retirement benefits are generally paid to family members who relied on your income for financial support. If you’re receiving retirement benefits, the members of your family who may be eligible for family benefits include:

• Your spouse age 62 or older, if married at least one year

• Your former spouse age 62 or older, if you were mar-

ried at least 10 years

• Your spouse or former spouse at any age, if caring for your child who is under age 16 or disabled

• Your unmarried child under age 18

• Your unmarried child under age 19 if a full-time student (through grade 12) or over age 18 and disabled if disability began before age 22

Your eligible family members will receive a monthly benefit that is as much as 50 percent of your benefit. However, the amount that can be paid each month to a family is limited. The total benefit that your family can receive based on your earnings record

several months, the resulting RCA Records single became a Top 10 classic.

The Colorado Rocky Mountain high

I’ve seen it rainin’ fire in the sky

The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullaby Rocky Mountain high

However, his creation became controversial when some listeners thought the word “high” referred to drug use. (Nine times we hear high in Colorado in the background whenever the line Rocky Mountain high is sung.)

This led John to testify before a Senate hearing. “My song ‘Rocky Mountain High’ was banned from many radio stations as a drug-related song,” he said.

is about 150 to 180 percent of your full retirement benefit amount. If the total family benefit exceeds this limit, each family member’s benefit will be reduced proportionately. Your benefit won’t be affected.

How do you apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

The SSA recommends that you apply three months before you want your benefits to start. To apply, fill out an application on the SSA website, call the SSA at 800.772.1213, or make an appointment at your local SSA office.

Zach Holtzman Financial Advisor

“This was obviously done by people who had never seen or been to the Rocky Mountains and also had never experienced the elation, celebration of life or the joy in living that one feels when he observed something as wondrous as the Perseides meteor shower.”

End of discussion.

In 1915, “Where the Columbines Grow” became Colorado’s state song.

In 1973, “Rocky Mountain High” was added as the official second one.

Siberia contains more than 25% of the world’s forests.

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 Carl Tepper

512-463-0676

P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas 78768

6515 68th St. Ste. 200-7, 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

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 8-ounces whole wheat pasta

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (15-ounce) can summer crisp corn, drained

• 1 jalapeno, seeds removed & diced

• 4 green onions, chopped

• 2-3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

• ½ cup black olives, halved

• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 2 Haas avocados, chopped

For the dressing:

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt or Skyr

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Zest of 2 limes

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon chili pepper

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• 1-2 tablespoons Tobasco (depending on desired heat)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Combine pasta and salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss to combine.

3. For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour over salad and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Roundtable set

for March 4 Wind Institute professor to speak

The Roundtable meeting is set for March 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carillon Senior Living, 1717 Norfolk Ave off Quaker in the Pointe Plaza building in the Cimarron Room.

The price is $18. Cash or a check made out to Roundtable are accepted.

RSVP to Marie EvansMEvans1398@aol.com. RSVP as soon as possible to help the dining staff plan.

The presenter will be Dr. Brian Hirth, research professor, National Wind Institute at Texas Tech.

West Texas Mesonet is a network of weather data collecting platforms that span West Texas, Eastern New Mexico, and Southern Colorado.

Most visible data are the temperature and wind speed/ directions given by TV meteorologists during broadcasts.

Dr Hirth will give information on the history of Mesonet that consists of 146 stations, 3 SODARs,and one LIDAR.

The data is used by the National Weather service, farmers, utility companies, and others.

It is available free by connecting to the Mesonet website.