Golden Gazette March 2024

Volume 36, Number 3

March 2024

24 Pages

Lubbock, Texas 79423

The final Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon, March 20

SONG: The Mac Davis Center for Songwriting In March & Inside

1st First Friday Art Trail 2nd Roundtable .......................................4 5th VOTING in Texas ..............................9 7th Women of Excellence .......................3 7th Slam The Scam..........................10,12 8th New Neighbors ...............................23 10th Daylight Saving Time Spring forward 1 hour. th 17 Saint Patrick’s Day 20th Beans & Cornbread Luncheon ..........1 20th Alzheimer’s support group ................3 24th Palm Sunday 29th Good Friday 31st Easter Sunday 5 tips to begin downsizing .......................7 LHUCA members get free admission ....17 Mini-grants for teachers ........................17 I-27 bridge replacements ......................18 Sign company honored ..........................20

SONG (Songwriters of the Next Generation) - the Mac Davis Center for Songwriting, is a cultural initiative dedicated to advancing the art of songwriting and honoring the legacy of the revered music star, songwriter, and actor, Mac Davis.

SONG seeks to establish SONG in Lubbock, Nashville, and Los Angeles as learning and entertainment hubs for songwriters, musicians, and music enthusiasts of all ages. The Lubbock cultural campus will become a landmark that celebrates the life and contributions of Mac Davis, while amplifying the well-established musical heritage of West Texas which produced Mac Davis, Jimmy Dean, Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings and many more.

Inspired by Mac Davis, that campus will feature the SONG Experience, reinforcing the storytelling power of songs and the Song Painter Stage – A Listening Room. SONG will also establish the International Songwriting Academy campuses in all three cities as premier training sites for songsmiths (See SONG: The Mac Davis Center, Page 5)

After 35 years, Hospice of Lubbock’s annual fundraiser, the Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon, is returning for its final year. This longstanding event has brought the community together to support the work of Hospice of Lubbock.

Hospice of Lubbock will host the Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 20 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.

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 at https:// covenanthealth.ejoinme.org/beansandcornbread or by calling Hospice of Lubbock 806-795-2751 or the Covenant Health Foundation at 806-725-6089.

The luncheon will feature performances by talented singers and musicians including The Caldwell Collective Band, Jason Fellers, Butch Avery, Kassidy King, Dustin Garrett, and John Sprott.

This year, Hospice of Lubbock is celebrating (See The final luncheon, Page 5)

Page 2 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

So much more than a sewing machine 71-year-old antique stitches generations together with lost love note

eagerly searching for an antique Singer sewing machine to honor precious memories.

“My grandma sewed all the time. She made clothes for all of us grandkids. I was probably around 10 years old when I learned from watching her,” Payne recalled.

“I just sewed constantly. I follow in her grandmother’s passion for sewing, she also couldn’t even sleep at night. out there and sew.”

Payne said she always footsteps. Just as she ab- spent her career as a wedI couldn’t shut off my brain because I just wanted to get felt an affectionate draw to sorbed her grandmother’s ding cake maker, just like grandma.

Years later, after her grandmother had passed, Kim had retired and felt the itch to reignite her love of sewing, but learned the old Singer had been sold in a garage sale. “That broke my heart. I tried to track it down in my area on Facebook, and I wasn’t having any luck.”

After months of disappointment, Payne’s fortunes Find out how Interim can help your family! changed. She was excited to find an ad for an antique Singer sewing machine exactly like her grandmother’s.

The ad was placed by Tia Dunlap of Caring Transitions 3223 S. Loop 289 Ste. 110 – a company that specializes 3223 S. Loop 289 Ste. 101 in senior relocation, downsizing, estate sales and more.

“We were doing a large estate sale that was for a family where the father had passed and the mother was

How could a simple household item, a sewing machine, mean so much to someone?

Where most would just see spools, spindles, bobbins and needles, others see memories and family bonds that have been stitched together over time.

That was the case for Kim Payne, a 62-year-old Oklahoma woman who was

Home Health

Hospice

(806) 791.0042

(806) 791.0043

Interimhealthcare.com

(See So much more, Page 4)

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 3

Alzheimer’s Women of Excellence recognition, March 7 Ten women will be  Pamela Roddy $1,500. Visit ywcalubbock.

Support Group recognized Individual tickets are $150 org or call 806-776-9508 for at the Annu-

An Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group will meet on the third Wednesday of each month from10 to 11 a.m. at the Alzheimer’s Association Lubbock office, 4601 50th St. Ste. 216.

The upcoming meeting will be March 20.

The support group is sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association of West Texas. The meetings will be led by a trained facilitator who has worked with support groups for 10 years.

The support group will be a safe place for Alzheimer’s care partners to develop a support system, and exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions.

The group will also talk through issues and ways of coping, and share feelings, needs and concerns.

Attendees will also learn about community resources available.

Visit www.alz.org/westtexas to learn more or alzconnected. org.

al Awards Celebration each, and tables of 8 cost more information. and Dinner at 6 p.m.

March 7 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.

These women embody the spirit of excellence and will be honored by the YWCA of Lubbock for their outstanding efforts.

Honorees are  Jeye Johnson youth leadership  Amanda Mead Jane Burns award  Betsy Bass, Mary Nell Strong award  Janelle BarringtonSpivey  Julie Doss  Nancy Ruth Neal  Shelia PattersonHarris  Misty Lynn Rieber  Ruth Robillard

G N & BLADE SHOW Sat. 9-5 Sun. 10-5

LUBBOCK CIVIC CENTER Admission: $8 adults, $1 ages 5-12 2-Day Pass: $14 (CASH ONLY for ADMISSION)

www.lubbockgunshow.com info@silverspurtradeshows.com

806-253-1322

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Page 4 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

Roundtable set for March 2 The Roundtable meeting is set for March 2 and Murvat Musa, chief executive officer of the Reese Technology Center, will be the speaker. The title of her talk will be “Reese Technology Center - an Air Force Base Redeveloped.” More than 25 years have passed since Reese closed.

On April 6, Sheriff Kelly Rowe will be the speaker.

The meetings are at Carillon Senior Living Center, 1717 Norfolk Ave off Quaker in the Pointe Plaza building.

It is in the Cimarron Room next to the main dining room. The price is $18 and anything given extra goes into the Scholarship Fund for the Honor’s College at Texas Tech. The time is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pay by cash or check made out to Roundtable.

RSVP to Marie Evans MEvans1398@aol.com 806-281-3181

So much more than a sewing machine (Continued from Page 2)

moving into memory care,” said Dunlap, franchise owner of Caring Transitions Western Oklahoma.

“We were opening up, and Kim pulls up to the gate and asks, ‘Can I get in early?’ She instantly went straight for that sewing machine.

Her husband looked at me and said, ‘All she’s talked about is this sewing machine,’” Dunlap explained.

“I went straight to the machine and I stood by it. I even put my hand on it because I knew I was going to buy it and how happy it would make me,” Payne said.

Caring Transitions reconnected Payne to memories of her past and her grandmother. Instead of being thrown away, the 71-year-old machine once again had a place of

ALAN D. ROW MD, EYE PHYSICIAN PART-TIME OFFICE JOB

Email Bertha Gonzalez at alanrowjob@gmail.com or call 806-797-9550

prominence, and meaning. Another household filled with the familiar whirr of the straight-stitch Singer.

“I made a shirt first. I think of my grandma when I wear the shirt, I think of this sewing machine, and I think of Betty, the original owner, who I know loved it, too,” Payne said. “I know this machine has made a lot of people happy, and it continues to make me happy.

“I just love old things. I look at them, I put my hand on them, and I try to imagine the story they could tell if they could talk to me.”

But there was more, something completely unexpected, a message from the past that touched the hearts of Payne, and everyone at Caring Transitions.

“About a week later, I got a letter in the mail from Kim, and there was nothing but a small, green piece of construction paper that said, ‘I love you,’” recalled Dunlap. “Kim sent me that and said, ‘When we were cleaning the machine out, this little piece of paper fell out from the drawer.’”

“It looked like a child had written it,” Payne remembered. “I could just visualize some grandchild writing that note and giving it to her while she was sewing. I said, ‘Can you get it back to the family?’ I just thought that love note would trigger a memory deep down inside on one of her good days.”

Dunlap took the note to the nearby assisted living community and found the original owner of the sewing machine, Betty, who was enduring a struggle with memory loss. Dunlap discovered the love note was written years prior by a grandchild.

“She just kept rubbing that little

piece of paper with her little fingers,” Dunlap recalled. “To me, that tells me that we’re doing exactly what we need to be doing because maybe it wasn’t that day, but that small little note from a grandchild that said, ‘I love you’ maybe triggered a sweet memory for her another day.

Honor generations of cherished items While Payne found her treasured sewing machine at a local estate sale, there are loads of prized possessions to explore on Caring Transitions’ online auction platform, ctbids.com.

“It has really started to intertwine the generations again,” says Carrie Coumbs, senior strategic advisor for Caring Transitions. “CTBIDS is a way that you can honor generations now, past and in the future, because these memorable items that are shared on the auction platform, they just bring new memories to life.

“Do you know who benefits?

The senior. They were able to pass along these memories and items to people who would love them and cherish them, and the funds that are raised go toward the care they need in a very important time of life.”

Whether it is a specific item you’re after or just to browse for the perfect gift for a loved one, CTBIDS is full of thousands of prized possessions that can have a lasting impact on families across the country.

To read more stories about life’s transitions, go to GrowingBolder. com/Caring-Transitions. https://growingbolder.com/stories/ sewing-machine-caring-transitions/

SONG: The Mac Davis Center (Continued from Page 1)

at all levels of accomplishment. As a result, SONG ultimately will become a mecca for the global songwriting community.

Through the power of song, SONG will inspire generations to come, ensuring that Mac Davis’ legacy and the art of songwriting remain vibrant and influential on a national scale.

It is a place where stories are penned, narratives are performed, and songs resonate as timeless vessels for the stories that define us as a nation.

Last September, the non-profit’s board of directors held meetings with representatives from Chalk Consulting, LLC to chart a unique path toward the creation of this exceptional center.

Leadership in Lubbock and throughout the music industry met with members of the board of directors to set the stage for the forthcoming steps.

Phoebe Chalk-Wadsworth, Ed.D.,

and Michael Bassoff of Chalk Consulting, LLC will commence discussions with individuals, corporations, and foundations at both local and national levels to communicate the vision and gather feedback on the project.

One-on-one interviews, interactions with focus groups, and an online survey will provide the crucial insights required for the Board of Directors of SONG The Mac Davis Center for Songwriting to pave the way forward.

The board of directors from Lubbock are Don Caldwell, Cami Caldwell, Phyllis S. Jones-Beasley, David Langston, Marc McDougal, and Ainsley Nelson.

The final luncheon (Continued from Page 1)

37 years of service to West Texas. The Mayors’ Beans & Cornbread Luncheon has given Hospice of Lubbock the opportunity to raise funds providing free hospice care to the unfunded and underfunded in 19 counties in the region.

“This by no means says our work is finished,” Dr. Jeremy Brown, Hospice of Lubbock executive director said. “We are still committed to providing hospice care to anyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.”

Even false prophets preach the truth once in a while. That’s how they deceive you: mixing truth with false doctrine. Read the Bible yourself.

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 5

Page 6 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

‘Carrie’ won him the lottery; Stephen King’s surprise gift It was the early 1970s, and times were tough for Stephen and Tabitha King.

They had married young soon after graduating from the University of Maine and produced two children in as many years. Stephen taught English at a private high school near Bangor, and Tabitha worked second shift at a Dunkin’ Donuts shop downtown.

Stephen had always wanted to be a writer, and Tabitha had set up a makeshift desk in the laundry room of their rented doublewide trailer that they called home outside of town.

To supplement his teacher’s pay, King wrote short stories for men’s magazines. Occasionally a small check would appear in their mailbox, and the Kings were once more saved from a possible trip to the welfare office.

Stephen came up with a book idea about a girl named Carrie White, a lonely social outcast being raised by an unbalanced religious fanatic mother. King based his character on a pair of ostracized girls that he remembered from his own school days.

In his tale, Carrie White is afraid that she’s bleeding to death when she experiences her first period while showering after gym class, and her unsympathetic classmates cruelly tease and taunt her. But Carrie eventually

discovers that she can use telekinesis (the supposed ability to move objects just by thinking about them) to enact revenge on those who have made her school life a living hell.

Three pages into “Carrie,” though, King decided that his idea simply wasn’t working out. He wadded up what he had typed and tossed the single-spaced sheets into his wastebasket.

The next day, while cleaning Stephen’s writing area, Tabitha found and read the discarded balls of paper. When Stephen came home from school, Tabitha said, “You’ve got something here.”

With his wife’s encouragement and guidance, Stephen spent the next nine months bringing “Carrie” to fruition. After 30 publish-

ers rejected his creation, Doubleday Publishing Company finally offered a $2,500 advance for the hardcover release of Stephen’s book.

Mother’s Day afternoon of 1974. Tabitha had taken both children to their grandmother’s house and was on her way home. Stephen decided

It wasn’t enough to let him quit teaching, but it was the most money he had ever earned from a single writing project. The Kings moved into a cramped and rundown Bangor apartment.

“Carrie” sold just 13,000 copies, not enough to let Stephen write full time.

But a Sunday phone call changed everything when King learned that Signet Books wanted to buy the paperback rights to “Carrie” for a mind-blowing $400,000, of which, due to various publishing contracts he had signed, Stephen would receive half that amount. Still, it was like winning the literary lottery.

The phone had rung on

to surprise his wife with a gift—something unusual, extravagant and expensive!

He walked to downtown Bangor, where the only place open was a hometown drug store.

When Tabitha returned home, Stephen couldn’t wait to show her his unwrapped gift.

It became the first hair dryer that Tabitha had ever owned.

Love what you’re doing, and whatever that is for you, give it your best shot every time. Give it your best shot and don’t ever take anything for granted.

That’s the secret, man. Be glad for every single day.

– Smokey Robinson

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Saturdays noon to 4 p.m.

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Searching for the perfect addition to your family?

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

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Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 7

5 tips to begin downsizing: make the transition easier

and your relatives that came before past, you find yourself letting go of you. Paxton said determining these a lot more,” Paxton said. “You now first and knowing you are honoring just want that joy to go on to some2. Know your why these people, and these stories, will one else who will appreciate it.

Next, why are you moving? Is it help you let the other less important 5. Upsize what you don’t for health reasons? To be closer to items go. family? To spend less time maintainwant or need 4. Document other stories ing a large home?

Collect items you no longer need We all have more stories than or want that are in good condition Paxton suggests writing your reasons down and posting them where items we can or want to keep. And and donate them to a local non-profit it’s the stories that they represent that where they will be appreciated by you can see them.

Going through your things and let- really matter the most to our loved someone else. ting go of items can be an emotional ones.

Outdated items like china can With updated technology we can be repurposed – broken into pieces process as you relive old memories.

Remembering why you’re making now preserve the stories digitally and by an art studio and used to create the change and focusing on the posi- let the objects go, by taking photos of mosaics. tives it will bring can help you stay items and documenting the stories.

It’s a process to go through a lifeOnce you have a digital record of time of items and memories. Start motivated to move forward. an item and the story it represents, with small steps and give yourself 3.

Pick your legacy items it’s easy to share with family mem- time and support to make the experi1. Create a finish line Not everything needs to go.

What bers and friends.

Where are you moving to? Before ence as painless as possible. When “When you really get used to tell- you’re ready to move, your Caring you begin going through your things, are the five or six most valuable things in your home? ing the stories and you celebrate the Transitions team is ready to help. identify your next location.

Not necessarily financially valuKnowing what your new environment will be like will inform what able, but rather those items that tell - https://www.caringtransitionssouthplains.com/blog/2024/02/07/5-tips-to-begin-downyou take with you. How much space the story of your life, of your family, sizing/fbclid/iwar1jnenheeegchwosw9rf6ev6zhbs-4d-nmw3m_vmjgd9qsh3sohgkbheta Is this the year you’re making a move? Or moving your parents or a family member?

Downsizing can be a challenge, especially emotionally, and it’s never too early to begin.

A lifetime of living means a lifetime of accumulating objects.

While to some it may seem like “stuff,” to others it represents a lifetime of memories.

Matt Paxton, host of the television shows, “Hoarders” and “Legacy List,” is the author of the book, “Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff.”

He has several tips to make the process of transitioning easier.

will you have, what will your consistent activities be in your new home?

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

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

Call

806-792-7971 for more info.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels www.LubbockMealsOnWheels.org

Page 8 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

2 ways to read the Golden Gazette:

In Print & Online

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

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Ingredients • 8 ounces fafalle pasta • 6 salmon fillets, skin removed (approx 1½ pounds) • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons olive oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes) Our 35th year in publication Published monthly by Word Publications • 1 (3-4 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped www.WordPub.com • 3 cloves garlic, diced • ½ cup yellow onion, chopped To subscribe to the Golden Gazette, call 806-744-2220.

• ¼ teaspoon paprika $ 30 for the year; $60 for two years.

• ¼-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning 2431 S. Loop 289 • ½ cup chicken stock 806-771-8008 • ¾ cup low-fat Mootopia or Fair Life milk • ¼ cup half & half 6202 82nd St. • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped 806-687-8008 Instructions 4138 19th St. 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until al 806-780-2329 dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water and set aside.

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Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 9

On the ballot for March 5 primary elections in Texas What’s on the ballot?

While there is a presidential election this year, eligible Texans can also cast their ballots for many Texas officials running for office at the federal, state and local levels.

This includes representatives in the U.S. and Texas houses and the following elected offices: • 1 U.S. Senator (Ted Cruz) • 1 of 3 Railroad Commissioners • 15 State Senators • 7 State Board of Education members • 3 members of the Texas Supreme Court • 3 members of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals • 5 Chief Justices and various justices for Texas Courts of Appeals Lower-level judges and local county offices will also appear on the ballot: • Various district judges, including on criminal and family courts • County Courts at Law • Justices of the Peace • District Attorneys • County Attorneys • Sheriffs • Constables • Tax Assessor-Collectors In the March 5 primary election, Texans will be narrowing candidates for these elected offices within the Democratic and Republican parties.

The candidate who wins the majority, or more than half, of votes in a race will face candidates from other parties in the November general election.

In Texas, voters can only vote in one party’s primary and runoff or in a third party’s convention.

President

U.S. House District 19

Democrat

Joseph R. Biden (Incumbent) Gabriel Cornejo Star Locke Frankie Lozada Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato Dean Phillips Cenk Uygur Marianne Williamson

Republican

Democrat

No primary candidates running

Republican

Jodey C. Arrington (Incumbent) Vance W. Boyd Chance Ferguson Ryan Zink

Railroad Commissioner Democrat

Bill Burch Katherine Culbert

Ryan Binkley Chris Christie* Ron DeSantis* Nikki Haley Asa Hutchinson* Vivek Ramaswamy* David Stuckenberg Donald J. Trump

Republican

Christie Clark Christi Craddick (Incumbent) Corey Howell James “Jim” Matlock Petra Reyes

Republican

Jane Bland (Incumbent)

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Chief Justice Democrat

Holly Taylor

Republican

Sharon Keller (Incumbent) David J. Schenck

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 7 Democrat

Nancy Mulder

Republican

Barbara Parker Hervey (Incumbent) Gina Parker

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Place 8 *Christie, DeSantis, Hutchinson and Texas Supreme Court Place 2 Ramaswamy have dropped out of the race.

U.S. Senate Democrat

Colin Allred Meri Gomez Mark Gonzalez Roland Gutierrez A. Robert Hassan Steve Keough Heli Rodriguez Prilliman Carl Oscar Sherman Thierry Tchenko

Republican

Ted Cruz (Incumbent) Holland “Redd” Gibson Rufus Lopez

Democrat

DaSean Jones Randy Sarosdy

Democrat

Chika Anyiam

Republican

Lee Finley Michelle Slaughter (Incumbent)

Republican

Jimmy Blacklock (Incumbent)

Texas Supreme Court Place 4 State Board of Education Democrat District 15 Christine Vinh Weems

Democrat

John Devine (Incumbent) Brian Walker

Republican

Republican

Morgan Kirkpatrick Aaron Kinsey (Incumbent)

Texas Supreme Court Place 6 Texas House District 84 Democrat

Bonnie Lee Goldstein Joe Pool

Democrat

Noah Lopez

Republican

Carl Tepper (Incumbent)

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/2024/offices2024.shtml https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/15/texas-voting-primary-2024/

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Page 10 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

What’s on your mind?

Send your “Viewpoints” to: Golden Gazette 2022 82nd St. #101, Lubbock, TX 79423

Trust no one online or on the phone. Verify. Verify. Verify.

Local man hit by #SlamTheScam 2024 online scammers Every day we get emails and phone calls promising fame and fortune if we’ll just listen and jump on the band wagon of what’s being sold that day. And are they convincing? Absolutely.

But one Golden Gazette reader found an evil and sinister scam that even involved his bank account and theft of more than $5,000. The real catch: There was absolutely no way to recover the money he lost to the scammers.

And the scammers knew exactly what to do to make that happen.

It all started with listing a car for sale online. It was in great condition and had only 14,000 miles on it, so Joe decided to make a little extra money by selling it himself.

Well, he started getting quite a few calls about the vehicle. The callers wanted a VIN number so they could get a VIN report that tells a person all about a vehicle.

The odd part about the requests for the VIN report was that most all of the callers wanted the report from one specific website. Anyway a deal was made to sell the vehicle, and the money was supposedly on its way to Joe’s bank.

In a convoluted process, people in the states of Massachusetts, Florida, California and Texas all got involved.

Then came the calls to see if Joe had deposited the check. Well, he did deposit it the next day.

And in a not-so-very-long time, the bank called and said the check had been returned - it was no good, and the funds were not in his bank account.

So Joe was left with no car, no money for it, and no way to recover either. Who could have possible known that a well-intended person with a valuable possession to sell got scammed.

Beware. Be cautious. Scammers will stop at nothing.

National “Slam the Scam” Day is designated by Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General to raise awareness of government imposter scams, which continue to spread across the United States.

Slam the Scam Day is Thursday, March 7, 2024, as part of National Consumer Protection Week, which takes place this year from March 3-9.

Help protect your loved ones and people in your community this Slam the Scam Day by: • Educating them about government imposter scams. Let them know they shouldn’t be embarrassed to report if they shared personal information or suffered a financial loss. It is important to report the scam as quickly as possible.

• Sharing the Scam Alert fact sheet (see Page 12) and helping educate others about how to protect themselves.

Report Social Security-related scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

Help all of us stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.

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See “Scam Alert” on Page 12 How to recognize scammers and how to avoid a scam.

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 11

Clinical pastoral education program returns Covenant Health has announced the return of its Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program after a brief pause due to COVID-19.

Clinical Pastoral Education is interfaith professional education for ministry. It brings theological students and ministers of all faiths (pastors, priests, rabbis, imams and others) into supervised encounter with persons in crisis.

As a faith-based ministry, Covenant Health recognizes the role of spiritual and pastoral care in healthcare. The Clinical Pastoral Education Program’s reboot is a vital step in meeting the increasing need for pastoral care in healthcare and other settings.

“At its core, CPE is designed to assist participants in a process of self-examination and discovery of themselves as persons and ministers,” CPE Manager Ed George said. “They learn how who they are as a person impacts their ministry and how they can transform into the pastoral care provider they desire to be.”

The program offers various fulltime and part-time programs tailored to meet the needs of pastors, seminarians, prison/hospice/fire/police chaplains, experienced ministers who have completed their education, and interested lay people.

Participants will gain skills in emotional and social intelligence, communication, ministering to people in crisis situations, and grief bereavement.

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit covenanthealth.org.

Page 12 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

Criminals impersonating state, threatening to seize assets Some taxpayers have received fraudulent letters claiming the state of Texas will seize their assets and property for unpaid taxes unless payment is made within seven days.

These illegitimate letters did not originate from the Comptroller’s office.

For years, criminals have used aggressive and threatening scam faxes, letters and phone calls impersonating state agencies.

The criminals demand immediate payment, often via a specific payment method, and threaten to seize assets and property or significantly increase the liability if you fail to pay or provide sensitive personal information.

Be wary whenever you receive unexpected messages like these, as they can be a trap.

The criminals’ threats are designed to get you to react by calling the criminals’ phone number or clicking on a fake link to solve the problem.

The consequences can be catastrophic.

Not only can you lose your money, but if you click on links in scam emails or texts, you also could become a victim of identity theft or have malware installed on your phone or computer.

If you receive an unexpected message of this type, do not call the phone number or use the website or link provided in the letter, email or text.

Most importantly, do not give the sender personal information or money. Instead, call the Comptroller’s Collection Team at 800-252-8880.

The arts gala, April 20 Celebrating the Arts Gala, LHUCA 2024, is set for April 20 at the Louise Hopkins snderwood Center for the Arts, 411 Ave. K. The gala begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment.

An after party will begin at 9 p.m. with music, dancing and drinks.

For tickets go to LHUCA. org/gala or call 806-762-8606.

Individual tickets are $325; tables for 8 are $2,500.

Proceeds from the events help support LHUCA’s mission to cultivate and celebrate the arts by inspiring creativity and engaging with the community.

He wrote: “Your adorable.”

I responded: “No, you’re adorable.”

Now he thinks I like him when all I did was point out his grammatical error.

You never know what I have up my sleeve. Today for example it was a dryer sheet.

The old saying “from dust we came, to dust we shall return” is why I don’t dust. It might just be someone I know.

I don’t know if Facebook has ever caused the lame to walk, but it sure has caused the dumb to speak.

No matter how big and bad you are, when a 2-year-old hands you a toy phone, you answer it.

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 13

Page 14 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

All about IRAs: those powerful retirement savings tools Generally, you must have at least as much taxable compensation as the amount of your IRA contribution. But if you are married filing jointly, your spouse can also contribute to an IRA even if he or she does not have taxable compensation, provided the total contribution amount does not exceed your compensation for the year.

Both traditional and Roth IRAs feature taxWhat types of IRAs are available? sheltered growth of earnings. And both typically There are two major types of IRAs: traditional offer a wide range of investment choices. HowIRAs and Roth IRAs. Both allow you to make ever, there are important differences between these annual combined contributions of up to $7,000 in two types of IRAs. 2024 (up from $6,500 in 2023).

Taxpayers age 50 and older may also make ad- Traditional IRAs offer tax deductions A key benefit of a traditonal IRA is the potential ditional “catch-up” contributions of up to $1,000 ability to take a tax deduction for your contribuin 2024 (and 2023). tions. Tax-deductible contributions lower your taxable income for the year, reducing your overall income tax obligation.

If neither you nor your spouse is covered by a worksponsored retirement plan, you can generally deduct the full amount of your annual IRA contribution. If one of you is covered by such a plan, your ability to deduct contributions depends on your annual income and tax filing status. You may qualify for a full deduction, a partial deduction, or no deduction at all.

An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. In fact, IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you.

Even if you’re already contributing to a workbased retirement plan, you might also consider investing in an IRA.

their MAGI is $123,000 or less. Taxpayers who are not covered by a retirement plan, but whose spouse is, may take a full deduction if their MAGI is $230,000 or less. Following are the limits for a partial deduction or no deduction.

Filing status

Deduction is limited if MAGI is between:

No deduction if MAGI is equal to or more than:

Single/Head of household

$

77,000 and $ 87,000

$

Married joint*

$

123,000 and $ 143,000

$

Married separate

$

0 and $10,000

$

87,000 143,000 10,000

* If you’re not covered by an employer plan but your spouse is, your deduction is limited if your MAGI is between $230,000 and $240,000, and eliminated if your MAGI is $240,000 or more.

When you take distributions from traditional IRAs, the portion that represents deductible contributions and earnings will be subject to income tax. In addition, you may have to pay a 10% earlywithdrawal penalty if you’re under age 59½, unless you meet an exception. For details, visit the IRS website.

You can continue deferring taxes on your traditional IRA only until April 1 of the year following the year you reach age 73 (or 75 if you reach age 73 after December 31, 2032). That’s when you have to take your first required minimum distribution (RMD).

Are you (or your spouse) After that, you must take annual RMDs by the end of every calendar year for the rest of your life covered by a retirement (or until your funds are exhausted). plan at work?

You can always withdraw more than required in In 2024, taxpayers who are any year; however, if you withdraw less, you’ll be covered by a work-sponsored hit with a 25% penalty on the difference between plan and are filing as single or the required minimum and the amount you actualhead of household may take a ly withdrew. (The penalty may be further reduced full deduction if their modi- to 10% if you self-correct in a timely manner.) fied adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $77,000 or less; Roth IRAs offer tax-free income Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductmarried taxpayers filing jointly ible — you can invest only after-tax dollars in a may take a full deduction if (See All about IRAs, Page 15)

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 15

Wings to Dine For

Need a doctor?

www.LubbockMedGuide.com Lubbock & area physicians listed by specialty & alphabetically + hospitals & related medical services

All about IRAs: those powerful tools (Continued from Page 14)

Roth IRA. However, the primary benefit of these types of IRAs is that if you meet certain conditions, your withdrawals will be completely free of federal (and possibly state) income tax, including both contributions and investment earnings.

Not everyone can set up a Roth IRA, and even if you can, you may not qualify to take full advantage of it. Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your MAGI and your income tax filing status.

In 2024, taxpayers may generally contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA if they are single/head of household with a MAGI of $146,000 or less, or if they are married, filing jointly, with a MAGI of $230,000 or less. Following are the phase-out limits for partial contributions.

Filing Status

Contribution is limited if MAGI is between:

No contribution if MAGI is equal to or more than

Single/Head of household

$

146,000 and $ 161,000

$

Married joint

$

230,000 and 240,000

$

0 and $10,000

$

161,000 240,000

$

Married separate

$

10,000

To be eligible for tax-free distributions, you must hold your Roth IRA for at least five years and meet one of the following conditions: • You have reached age 59½ • The withdrawal is made because of disability • The withdrawal is made to pay first-time homebuyer expenses ($10,000 lifetime limit from

all IRAs) • The withdrawal is made by your beneficiary or estate after your death Qualified distributions will also avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

This ability to withdraw your funds with no taxes or penalty is a key strength of the Roth IRA. And remember, even nonqualified distributions will be taxed (and possibly penalized) only on the investment earnings portion of the distribution, and then only to the extent that your distribution, plus all previous distributions, exceed the total amount of all contributions that you have made.

Another advantage of the Roth IRA is that there are no required distributions during your lifetime.

You can put off taking distributions until you really need the income, or you can leave the entire balance to your beneficiary without ever taking a single distribution.

Making the choice

Assuming you qualify to use both types of IRAs, which one might be appropriate for your needs? The Roth IRA might be a more effective tool if you don’t qualify for tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA or if you want to help reduce taxes during retirement and preserve assets for your beneficiaries.

But a traditional deductible IRA may be more appropriate if you want to lower your yearly tax bill while you are still working and are possibly in a higher tax bracket than during retirement.

Note: You can have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, but your total annual contribution to all IRAs, both traditional and Roth, cannot exceed the annual contribution limit.

Wings seem to be a huge favorite everywhere.

Besides the restaurants, you’ll find them on many buffets and, of course, the ever popular tailgate parties at all our favorite football games.

There are so many delicious versions to choose from that you really can’t miss. However, we found the absolute best at Capital Pizza – through the delivery service of Door Dash. These are so delicious they have to be rated #1. The restaurant is always consistent in the size of the wings and the wonderful authentic sauce.

It’s hard to believe a pizza restaurant would be at the top of the “Wing Game.” Some other well-known locations we’ve tried can be very “spicy” or offer different sauces not to our taste.

I’m sure there are many other folks who prefer “hot & spicy,” or other versions. Whatever your taste buds crave, there are many out there from which you can choose.

In our house we are definitely “wing nuts.”

We never get tired of enjoying them for lunch or dinner, and they always keep well in the fridge.

Do make sure you order plenty of the dip. The dip is always a condiment and a complement to any wings.

Several columns ago, I mentioned that my dear friend from Buffalo, New York gave me the “true scoop” on the beginning of Buffalo Wings.

Here’s the story: A chef was about to close up for the day when a group of hungry patrons came in his restaurant. All he had left was a good supply of chicken wings. He also improvised a great butter sauce, and – WALLA – the beginning of the ever popular Buffalo Wings. I only hope that chef became a famous millionaire. He certainly earned it.

“Now you know the rest of the story.” Of course there’s been a lot of “wannabies.”

A blessed Easter to one and all!

Cathy PS www.ordercapitalpizza.com

Page 16 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Garrison Institute on Aging

in the Park Day. Hope the March is predicted to weather cooperates. come in like a lamb according to the Farmer’s Almanac. • March 31 Easter Sunday.

There are also numerous But in Texas, it is probably more a wait and see. Seems eating and drinking days in like each day brings a big March, so enjoy. swing in temperatures and Elder Law & Estate wind. It is OK…I can live in Planning my flip flops and parkas!

The Care Partner AcadeApril 8 my will meet at noon March 13. Lee Franks, Elder Law total solar eclipse FYI…The Sun is going Attorney, will present the to disappear from the sky on ABC’s of Elder Law and April 8. Texas is in the path Estate Planning - Not Just for and the total darkness is ex- the Elderly or Seniors.

The topic will detail the pected to last up to 4+ minutes. Mark your calendars process of helping you to and prepare with appropriate prepare for all stages of life.

It is important to keep your glasses!

• March 1 is National Em- documents up to date.

The event is free and open ployee Appreciation Day. • March 3 is Soup Day and I to the public and is held at want you to be happy day. 6630 S. Quaker Ave. Suite • March 6 is Oreo Day and E. You can view on ZOOM Dentist’s Day. These two as well (see ad for link). Call 806-743-1217 for details. really match!

• March 10 Daylight Saving Time - Spring ahead 1 hour.

• March 12 is National Girl Scout Day (and you can eat your leftover GS Cookies!).

• March 14 is PI Day (3.14).

• March 17 is Saint Patrick’s Day. • March 30 is Take a Walk

Mental health for caregivers

We are continuing to host mental health sessions for caregivers as well as offering a free respite care program with the guidance of Dr. Jonathan Singer, Texas Tech Department of Psychological Sciences.

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 thru research, promote educational and community outreach programs, and serve the community with services and contacts. If you have questions on health issues, aging, chronic disease and mental health, please reach out to us. We can assist in connecting you with the right contact for your concerns.

He currently has openings for free respite care on Mondays and Thursdays of each week. Dr. Singer has spots available for either day. Contact him at 806-834-5884. If you are an informal (unpaid) caregiver of someone with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or other related dementia diseases, there are programs that can benefit you at no cost.

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

By

(806-743-7821) and to reserve your place.

cal pharmacies that will take your medications throughout the year.

RSVP Contact at 806-743-7821 RSVP is a federal grant for more information. funded program that assists older Texans in finding vol- March Jokes… unteer activities that match What group of people love their time and talents.

March?

We are located at the Gar- • Bands. rison Institute on Aging. If Who does not love March? you are 55 or older, retired or • Soldiers! not, and want to give back to Why did Twitter (X) begin in the community, call us.

March?

We have several areas that • Because birds love to can use your help. These tweet! include but not limited to- People are named after April Lubbock Meals on Wheels, and May, but why not Friends of the Library, March?

SPFB, local hospitals and • That would be madness! clinics, Hope Lodge, Ronald What falls during March but McDonald House, churches, never gets hurt? civic organizations, crafters, • The rain! and so many others.

Arthritis & Other Success is not final, failure Our volunteers make LubAches and Pains is not fatal: it is the courage The Healthy Aging Lec- bock a great place to live and to continue that counts. ture Series will host Dr. John contribute to the community. ~ Winston Churchill Culberson, TTUHSC to ad- Medication dress “Arthritis and Other Cleanout I think we can conclude Aches and Pains.”

April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 t h a t t h e ‘ t i m e o u t ’ Dr. Culberson is an associp.m. is the Medication Clea- generation did not work ate professor at Texas Tech nout day at the Texas Tech out as well as the ‘butt Physicians. He serves as the Physicians. whoopin’ generation.

Bernhard T. Mittemeyer, Place all medications, Endowed Chair in Mediincluding over-the-counter, Just letting y’all know it’s cal Excellence in Geriatric in a bag and drive through to OK to not have a Valentine Medicine. drop off. on Valentines’ Day. I The event will be held Do not mark out names at Carillon Senior Living, didn’t have a groundhog or other information. All Windsong Building at 4002 on Groundhog’s Day. donations will be handled to 16th St. from 3 p m. to 4 reduce any environmental p.m. on March 27.

If you ever say, “I put it in concerns.

Parking is available next If you are unable to partic- a really safe place,” just to the building and light reipate this day, call our office know that we’ll never see freshments will be served. for information regarding lo- it again.

Contact the office for details

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 17

Conservation reminders

How much water do you use each day? Our regional water plan shows residents average 150 gallons per day per person.

Is it possible to find ways of reducing that figure?

Groundwater conservation is always important, and HPWD was created to promote water conservation. Do you have a civic club or other group that needs a presentation? Contact Jennifer McClendon at 806-7620181 to schedule a conservation program.

- High Plains Underground Water Conservation District #1, 2930 Ave. Q, Lubbock 806-7620181.

LHUCA members get free admission at hundreds of museums Did you know LHUCA North American ReciproMembers at the $50 level cal Museum Association and above also get NARM (NARM) is a program that Membership? offers LHUCA members

free admission and/or discounts at 1,300+ museums across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The list of participating NARM museums is long and includes popular spots for Lubbockites such as Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, and Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. Enroll as a 2024 LHUCA member and take advantage of the NARM program all year long.

LHUCA, Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, 511 Ave. K, 806-7628606, www.lhuca.org

Apply NOW! This program provides small grants to elementary and secondary school teachers to enable them to enhance their class curriculum and make learning memorable for students.

These grants empower teachers to acquire innovative teaching materials that excite young minds.

In 2023, 29 teachers in Lubbock and the surrounding South Plains school districts received $25,162 in mini-grants.

To learn more about Mini-Grants and to complete the online application, visit

cfwtx.org/mini-grants-for-teachers

The Community Foundation of West Texas exists to improve the quality of life for all people in West Texas through the development of organized philanthropy.

806-762-8061

julie@cfwtx.org

Page 18 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

Interstate 27 bridge Need a doc? replacements north of city www.LubbockMedGuide.com

The Texas Department of Transportation has begun work on a $24.3 million project to improve mobility along I-27 in Lubbock County.

“The project will rebuild three I-27 bridges, including the Yucca Lane bridge, which will be raised to meet the revised TxDOT standards for freight corridors, and will require both the north- and south-bound I-27 frontage roads to be raised,” said Joe Villalobos, P.E., Lubbock area office engineer.

“The southbound on-ramp bridge and northbound offramp bridge, located south of Yucca Lane, will also be rebuilt.” Project contractor is Webber, LLC., of The Woodlands, Texas.

I-27 drivers should anticipate various lane closures, traffic detours and reduced speed limits throughout the duration of the project, Villalobos said. Drivers are asked to use caution through the work zone, since crews will be working near traffic.

Keep the following tips in mind:

• Slow down and always follow posted work zone speed limits. Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Traffic fines double in work zones.

• Pay attention. Workers and heavy equipment may only be a few feet from passing vehicles.

• Be patient. Delays from highway construction can be frustrating, but it only takes a few extra minutes to slow down for a work zone.

The project’s completion date is scheduled for summer 2026.

Things I’m super good a

1. Forgetting someone’s name 30 seconds after they tell me.

2. Running. Late, that is.

3. Making plans; then regretting making plans.

4. Thinking of a great comeback - an hour later.

5. Digging through the trash for the food box I just tossed because I already forgot the directions.

6. Adding items to online carts. Then deleting.

7. Googling my ailments. Then panicking.

8. Leaving laundry to wrinkle in the dryer.

9. Forgetting why I walked into the room.

10. Calculating how much sleep I’ll get if I can just ‘fall asleep right now.’

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

Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

1. Discharge of a firearm 6. Small blemish 10. Facet 14. Monetary unit of Yugoslavia 15. Air (prefix) 16. Radioactive gaseous element 17. Undoing 18. Treacherous 20. Consumed 21. Grid 22. Not limited to one class 24. Soil with mire 28. Snare 29. Faculty head 31. Nae 32. Disfigure 33. Joyous 34. Large cask 35. Friends 36. Violently intense 37. Sixth letter of the Greek alphabet 38. Israeli submachine gun 39. Sweetheart 40. Free from contamination 41. Turkish headwear 42. 6th month of the Jewish calendar 43. Baby powder 44. Gallic 46. Curved like a bow 49. Tranquility 52. Pull laboriously 53. Poisonous to nerve tissue 56. Gentlewoman 57. Relaxes 58. Furniture wood 59. On the top 60. Efface

61. Supporter 62. Saucy

DOWN

1. Mine prop 2. High-toned 3. Become Oriental 4. Convert into leather 5. Subordinate ruler 6. Jeopardy 7. Spoken 8. Labor 9. Children 10. Seraglio 11. Fuss 12. Former coin of France 13. Abstract being 19. Loose outer garment 21. Metric unit of mass 23. Greek goddess of strife 25. Interpose 26. Path

27. Sicilian volcano 29. Prohibit 30. Ireland 32. Large drinking bowl 33. Mother 36. A cardinal 37. Member of a Nguni people 39. Milk sugar 40. Large almost tailless rodent 43. Crafty 45. Nostrils 48. Country in NE Africa 50. Roster 51. Jump in figure skating 53. Born 54. Organ of hearing 55. North American nation 56. One circuit Solution on P. 21

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 19

The mystery of health & the understanding that comes with age Age gives us an eye full of health problems, whether they be ours or our friends and family.

We truly understand when people say wealth is health, or what good is wealth if you don’t have your health. Real understanding of that comes with age.

For a moment, open your mind. What is the one thing that, if you were king or queen of the world, you could mandate that would change the course of health for the better?

You do realize that health of the entire population has gone down.

When I was a child, I only knew one child who took medication. I never gave any thought to medication. That was a world for old people.

But today many children are on medication, not for 7 days, but for the foreseeable future.

So what happened to our bodies?

I remember listening to a journalist, at least 15 years ago, who had taken a very

expensive blood test to determine the man-made chemicals running around in his blood stream.

He was absolutely blown away by the number of chemicals in his own blood.

We know there are chemicals in the ocean, in lakes, in the air (pollution), but in our bodies? Yes, in our bodies.

If I were Queen of the World, I would ban certain chemicals.

Chemicals are a part of everything these days. Some are necessary, but we have so many that are very toxic.

All of these chemicals have an effect on our body.

Most of them can become part of our body and cause all kind of disruptions in our chemistry.

Hopefully you will never experience being told you have cancer. Often when people have cancer, they ask what caused it.

If you research, many cancers are related to our bodies being invaded by chemicals that don’t belong there.

Of course, cancer isn’t the

only end-result. Likely most of the chemicals that have made their appearance since I was a small child, have created many of the health problems we have.

However, there is no will in government to change things to make our health better. I do not want to go back to the stone ages, but can’t we have limits on chemicals?

Well, there is a problem with that because it is related to money. We need to promote that our health is more important than certain people making big money.

Many people are aware of their problems with chemicals. Skin problems are at the top of the list. Those sheets people put in the dryer to make your towels and sheets softer, is often the cause of

dermatology visits.

I have a problem with macular degeneration. When I was 15 I started wearing contacts and used a fluid to put them in my eyes. That fluid had mercury in it. Is that why I have macular degeneration?

Even though there has never been a double blind, placebo-controlled study on any vaccine, people are full of the chemicals that are in the vaccines. Could they have a negative effect?

Have you quit using deodorant that has aluminum in it?

And do you prefer to eat organic foods?

Mattresses and pillows have fire retardants in them that are made from chemicals that some people are sensitive to. Fires aren’t

good, but neither is sickness from chemicals.

Sometimes when you go into a fabric store, your eyes can burn from the chemicals in the fabric.

I can’t get away from chemicals. Neither can you.

They are everywhere.

It appears the best thing to do is to limit what you can.

Choose organic when you can. Use air filters in your home. Use filters on your water.

Learn through experimentation what bothers you and avoid it.

Today I saw a headline that said they are expecting a 77% increase in cancer by the year 2050. You and I will likely be in the great beyond by that time.

But I know you care, as I do, about those left here when we leave.

Avoid chemicals when possible.

Every day you are face to face with chemicals you can’t even see.

Make wise choices to positively impact your health.

Call 806-744-2220 to be included!

cations

rd Publi Published monthly by Wo

pub.com

• 806-744-2220 • www.word

or email cswinney@wordpub.com or maedwards@wordpub.com

Page 20 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

The sign for Jackson Pediatric Dentistry is one of many creative signs done by SkyRite Sign Co.

SkyRite Sign Co. wins innovation award A sign company with locations in Amarillo and Lubbock is the recipient of the Frank Page Award that recognizes a company for the most innovative and creative sign in Texas.

SkyRite Sign Co. offers a comprehensive suite of sign design, installation, and repair services. The company has expertise in both electric and non-electric signage. SkyRite is known for its specialization in neon sign services, vintage and historical sign restoration, and commitment to preserving the character of classic signage.

SkyRite serves clients in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico.

Quality End of Life Care

Ruidoso Map Map folds out to 34.5” x 22.5”

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

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

Street Map & Scenic Locator Buy a Ruidoso Map & have it mailed to you. www.RuidosoMap.com or mail a check for $3.25 to:

Word Publications 2022 82nd St. #101 Lubbock, TX 79423

Include an address to mail the map to.

806-744-2220

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 21

• Want Ads • Want Ads ProfessionAl ironing

Professional Ironing $1.50 most items. Flexible hours and quick turnaround. Call 8063/24 748-6266.

eyeglAss rePAir & rePlAcement Frame repairs, new lenses, new frames and/or adjustments. Serving West Texas since 1977! midwest optical, 2533-34th, 806-7971/22 5534

volunteering?

Over the hill? I’ll never be over the hill. I’m to darn tired to climb it!

I was alive in 4/4/44, 5/5/55, 6/6/66, 7/7/77, 8/8/88, 9/9/99, 10/10/10, 11/11/11, 12/12/12, and 2/2/22.

Yep, that officially makes me old.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until they speak.

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 or3/19 talh1@covhs.org

WANT ADS in the $

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

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

Email: maedwards@wordpub.com Mail to: Word Publications 2022 82nd St. #101 Lubbock, Texas 79423

FREE ADS

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

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2 burial spaces in Resthaven Cemetery, Lubbock, TX. Bargain price! 2,750 for one; $5,000 for both. Call Lynn at 806-787-8474 or 806-6879/23 0077.

looking for volunteers 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 8066/1 775-8760.

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I have found that if you love life, life will love you right back.

– Arthur Rubinstein

I’m not clumsy. It’s just that the floor hates me, the table and chairs are bullies, and the walls get in my way.

Page 22 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’ Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry Sunshine on the water looks so lovely Sunshine almost always makes me high - John Denver “I had written the song in a fit of melancholy one dismal late-winter/early-spring day in Minnesota – the kind of day that makes every Minnesotan think about going down to Mexico,” John Denver recalled. “The snow was melting, and it was too cold to go outside and have fun. I was ready for spring.

“You want to get outdoors again, and you’re waiting for the sun to shine, and you remember how sometimes just the sun itself can make you feel good.”

To Denver, his visualization of a perfect day, one warm and satisfying and wonderful, brought him feelings of contentment—pure joy, actually— that he wanted to share with the world.

The message of his gentle acoustic-guitar tune focused on the virtues of the love of nature and the love of life itself.

John had struggled for years before finding international success. His first three RCA Records albums—“Rhymes and Reasons,” “Take Me to Tomorrow” and “Whose Garden Was This?”—had failed to catch fire. Then came “Poems, Prayers and Promises.”

Folk-music lovers became fans, cash registers “ka-chinged,” and he rode a rocket to stardom. As time went by in the early 1970s, he found celebrity with an ever-growing audience who appreciated his heartwarming tunes that often dealt with finding pleasure in the simplest things.

The original 1971 version of “Sunshine on My Shoulders” was a long album track—it ran over five minutes—on “Poems, Prayers and Promises.”

Denver’s ever-growing fan base had focused on the LP’s breakout hit single of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and seemingly paid little attention to what would become John’s first Number One single two years later.

In late 1973, he and RCA Records decided that “Sunshine on My Shoulders” from his first hit album could make a great 45 if redone right.

With RCA’s approval, John shaved off two

Blast To The Past!

By Randal C. Hill

minutes of running time on his re-recording, and added strings and woodwinds made it more “commercial.”

The changes made paid off, as that release became the first of four Number One John Denver singles released during the 1970s.

The song received a boost when it was used in a 1973 made-for-TV movie called “Sunshine.” John explained, “It was the true story of Lyn Helton, a courageous lady who chose to live her short life to the fullest even though she knew she would die of a rare bone cancer in a matter of months.

It seems that in the last year of her life, she found some happiness in my music. I was most honored to have my song used as part of that television show.”

If I had a day that I could give you I’d give to you a day just like today If I had a song that I could sing you I’d sing a song to make you feel this way

Local celebrities to be honored at luncheon on April 16 The annual AWC Celebrity Luncheon honoring outstanding people is set for 11:30 a.m. April 16 at the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, 2322 Mac Davis Lane.

The luncheon celebrates the positive contributions and achievements of individuals and organizations who make Lubbock a great place to live.

Individual tickets are $75 and reserved tables of eight are $1,000.

Tables and tickets may be reserved and purchased by contacting Valerie at 806-252-3707 or email valerie@ memorialdesigners.net.

Headliner awards are presented to individuals or groups whose achieve-

ments have received positive recognition through the media.

Headliners for 2024 are the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, the Guidance Entrepreneurship & Outreach Center, Josh Jung with the Texas Rangers, and Wes Kittley, track and field coach at Texas Tech.

Gold Medal awards are given to those who have worked to improve the quality of life for the Lubbock area.

Gold Medalists recipients are Renee Davis, Phyllis Gant, Aaron Garrett Alliance, and Cassie Johnson Milestones for Children.

Wrench It Forward will be award-

ed the Louise Allen Award for outstanding corporate community service for their support of Legacy House for Women.

Pete Christy will be awarded the Mary Ann Edwards Professional Communicator Award that recognizes an individual in the field of communications who has made significant contributions and positively impacted the community.

The Rising Star award will be awarded to Nicholas Bergfeld.

The George Mahon Award and the Beth Pratt AWC Communicator of the Year will be announced at the luncheon.

The George Mahon Award recognizes an individual for extraordinary public service and is presented to a person who has dedicated his adult life to a broad array of public service efforts.

The Beth Pratt AWC Member of the Year Award recognizes a member who has demonstrated excellence in the profession and given positive support to the AWC chapter.

Funds raised provide scholarships for students and support professional development opportunities for chapter members of the Association for Women in Communications.

Golden Gazette • March 2024 • Page 23

New Neighbors, March 8 New Neighbors Club of Lubbock will hold its March meeting at 10:30 a.m., March 8 at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway.

The program will be given by Tim Thornton, a motivational speaker, followed by a luncheon.

Cost for the lunch is $20. For reservations, text 281-507-4083 or email okieron1!@gmail.com.

Celebrate the thriving Texas wine industry by trying wines from across the state, enjoying food from local food trucks and small businesses, and listening to live music from 1 to 6 p.m. April 6 at the American Windmill Museum. General admission tickets are $50 when purchased in advance, and $65 on the day of the event. Tickets for people ages 6-20 are $25 and must be purchased in-person at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. VIP tickets are $100 and must be purchased in advance.

The three grand essentials of happiness are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.

– Alexander Chalmers

Funding by Newby Family

"ABC's of Elder Law and Estate Planning" Not Just for the Elderly or Seniors Lee Franks, JD Elder Law and Estate Planning All sessions are in person and open to the public.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Noon 6630 S Quaker Ave., Suite E For ZOOM please use the link... https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/93712419544 Available by computer, tablet or phone

Page 24 • March 2024 • Golden Gazette

Holiday Extravaganza 2024 helpers needed The holidays are over, but the Holiday Extravaganza crew is already beginning work on this year’s event, and they need more volunteers.

What does this entail?

Putting together gift baskets, making bows, assembling wreaths, organizing donations, and pricing items are just some of the tasks needed.

Creativity is welcome but definitely NOT required. There is a job for every skill level.

If interested in helping, come enjoy some great camaraderie with a fun group.

Join them beginning March 6 on any Tuesday you are available.

It’s at the Community Christian Church 3417-96th St., Tuesdays from 9:30a.m. to noon.

It’s all about preparing for the Holiday Extravaganza (Nov. 1 & 2) to benefit Lubbock Meals on Wheels.

Delivery drivers needed at Meals on Wheels Volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels to help make a difference in a person’s life and help someone maintain independence.

Deliveries are Monday through Friday with meal pickup times at 10:45 and 11:15 a.m.

Come away feeling that you have received more than you have given.

Sign up online at www.lubbockmealsonwheels.org/volunteer, or call 806-7927971 and ask for Nicole or Vicki.

What’s it like to raise a boy?

Well, I have a 12-foot ceiling in my living room, and there’s chili on it.

I wish a bright star would appear in the east over Washington D.C. We could use a few wise men up there.