Tradition Continues’
The 2025 4th on Broadway, a 35th annual celebration, will be held on July 4.
The event will include a parade starting at 9:45 a.m. and evening events in Mackenzie Park from 5 to 10:30 p.m., which will include kid’s activities, food vendors, and music.
The parade will have a new route starting at 9:45 a.m. from First Baptist Church, heading east on Broadway to the South Plains Fairgrounds. The theme is “The Tradition Continues.”
There is a parking lot just past Avenue A.
The evening will feature a picnic, a concert, and a fireworks show. The picnic will begin at 5 p.m.
at Mackenzie Park. Food and beverage vendors will be on site.
Law-palooza will start at 7 p.m. featuring Smash Mouth and opening artist DJ Unique and Paul Wall.
The fireworks extravaganza will start at 10 p.m. featuring classic and contemporary patriotic music.
More details are online at https://civiclubbock. org/july-4th/
Learn how to dive into caregiving, July 30
The11th annual Caregiver Conference is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 30 at the Museum of Texas Tech University Sculpture Court, 3301 4th St.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program begins at 9 a.m. Register by calling 806-6870940. The event is free.
“Let’s Dive Into Caregiving” will have speakers and information available.
Topics will include “Caregiving 101” which will explain normal aging and dementia.
“Matter of Balance” is a program designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling and increase their physical activity levels by teaching strategies to manage fall risks.
“Promoting Health and Wellness” is a nutrition guide for older adults and caregivers.
Speakers will include Tam Cummings, Jennifer Alvarez, a registered distician, and Maricella Salinas, involved with an evidence-based initiative.
Tam Cummings, Ph.D., a gerontologist, is dedicated to untangling the complexities of dementia.
She is an internationally recognized author, educator, and keynote speaker who has helped thousands of families and professional care partners understand the stages of dementia and the process of the disease.
The event is hosted by the South Plains Association of Governments, Area Agency on Aging.
One-pot pasta primavera with shrimp
Ingredients
• 10 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets
• 6 ounces green beans, trimmed
• 10 ounces large shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup coarsely chopped basil
• Red pepper flakes (for serving; optional)
Instructions
1. Place pasta in a large, wide-bottomed pot or large, wide, straight-sided pan. Add garlic, salt, black pepper, and 3½ cups hot water. Cover and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, uncover and cook, setting a timer for cooking pasta according to package directions and stirring often.
When 5 minutes remain on timer, stir in broccoli and green beans.
Cover pot and return to a boil. (If pot starts to dry out at any point, add another ½ cup water.)
When 2 minutes remain on timer, stir in shrimp, tomatoes, peas, and butter.
Cover and continue to cook 2 minutes, then uncover and cook, stirring, until pasta is tender, shrimp are cooked
through, and water is almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute more.
2. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest and ½ cup Parmesan and toss to coat. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed.
3. Divide pasta among plates. Top with basil, additional Parmesan, and red pepper, if using.
We don’t know how to act our age. We’ve never been this age before.
My wife asked me if I could clear the kitchen table. I needed a running start, but I made it.
At my age, the closest I get to pole dancing is gripping the shower bar for dear life.
To succeed in life, you need three things: a backbone, a wishbone, and a funny bone. – Reba McEntire
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. – Mother Teresa
How much do you know about July 4th?
By Randal C. Hill
In 1776, the Founding Fathers of the Second Continental Congress declared that we were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and that we were now 13 united, free and independent colonies.
Our upstart Congress adopted their Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson had been selected to write the document’s first draft, and while he did consult with a few others, he largely composed the Declaration of Independence himself over 17 days in a rented room at 700 Market Street in Philadelphia. (Today, that structure is known as the Declaration House.)
The historic document was signed by 56 white men—primarily lawyers, merchants and plantation owners—and included Jefferson, John Hancock, John and Samuel Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.
How well do you know this all-important piece of history? Let’s find out. The Answer Key can be found on this page.
1. Who said, “Freedom is never granted. It is earned by each generation.”
a. Harry Truman
b. Franklin D. Roosevelt
c. Hillary Clinton
d. Ronald Reagan
2. During World War II, the Declaration of Independence was stored where?
a. Fort Knox
b. Annapolis
c. West Point
d. The White House
3. In 1776, the population of the United States was about
a. 2.5 million.
b. 5 million.
c. 12 million.
d. 15 million.
4. Americans consume how many hot dogs each July 4?
a. 50 million
b. 100 million
c. 150 million
d. 200 million
5. Which American president was born on July 4?
a. Teddy Roosevelt
b. Calvin Coolidge
c. Harry Truman
d. George H. W. Bush
6. The oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence was
a. John Hancock.
b. Thomas Jefferson.
c. John Adams.
d. Benjamin Franklin.
7. Independence Day became a legal federal holiday in
a. 1938.
b. 1941.
c. 1945.
d. 1951.
8. Fireworks were first used to celebrate Independence Day in
a. 1777.
b. 1812.
c. 1861.
d. 1899.
9. Which two U.S. presidents died on July 4, 1826?
a. George Washington and Samuel Adams
b. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
c. Samuel Adams and James Madison
d. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin
10. Rather than the bald eagle, Benjamin Franklin wanted the national bird to be a
a. chicken.
b. seagull.
c. falcon.
d. turkey.
11. In 1778, George Washington celebrated Independence Day by giving his soldiers
a. rum.
b. boots. c. coats.
d. rifles.
12. About how many fireworks displays take place in America each year?
a. 5,000
b. 11,000
c. 14,000
d. 18,000
TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Garrison Institute on Aging
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.
• May 11, 1970 tornado
For those who lived through the May 1970 tornado and thought this could never happen again or just held their breath each time a warning came through the area, well you time has come. The storm on June 5th brought back memories of past events. It also encouraged us to prepare for the next occurrence. As we know it is not if this can happen again, but rather when. The following is a list of sites that can assist to begin preparing for future events.
• Weather alerts
Sign up for any and all in the area. Includes LBKALERT, STEAR (State of Texas Emergency Assistant Registry), KCBD Weather App, and other sources.
These sources can assist in preparing for any weather as well as assist with the aftermath. These sources can assist you in staying safe before, during and after the storms.
If you need information on these sources, contact us at rsvp@ttuhsc. edu or 806-743-7787.
The wide spread damage from the latest storm have only reinforced the necessity of being prepared.
• Sirens
And the SIRENS worked - for most of us. We never heard them during the random testing, but they were loud and proud on June 5, 2025. Thank you to the City of Lubbock for putting these alerts back.
Summer down time
The summer has brought some much-needed down time for some of us. This is a great time to tackle some areas we have all been putting off.
• Visit local museums
Lubbock is blessed with numerous venues to explore.
TTU Museum, National Ranching Heritage Museum, Silent Wings Museum, American Windmill Museum, Buddy Holly Center, Science Spectrum Museum, Lubbock Lake Landmark and FiberMax Center for Discovery are some of the sites that are worth the time and the effort. Go to websites for dates and times.
• Gardening & landscape
If you keep putting off getting the outside area of your home in order, this is the time to begin tackling some of the areas that need our personal attention.
• Visit a neighbor, family member or an old friend.
Often, we just get too busy to make the effort and often neglect family and friends.
Take a time out and see what is up with neighbors and family. Many families and schools have reunions in the summer.
If you are one of the lucky ones that has this scheduled, do not pass up a chance to catch up with any and all.
By
Things to celebrate
In case you run out of things to celebrate in July, the following are some I know you will enjoy!
• July 1 is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day and also International Joke day (I am not kidding).
• July 4 is Independence Daycelebrate with the Fourth on Broadway event.
• July 7 is Chocolate Day.
• July 8 is Cow Appreciation Day
- This is one of the reasons we have ice cream.
• July 9 is National Dimples and Sugar Cookie Day.
• July 12 is Pecan Pie Day – yum.
• July 13 is Oxymoron Day13. Wait, I think I am now clearly confused!
• July 15 is National Give Something Away Day.
• July 17 is Yellow Pig Day. Okay, I had to research this one. It is a mathematician’s holiday and the number 17. Doesn’t make sense to me, but I will celebrate with a pulled pork sandwich and ice cream.
• July 20 is National Ice Cream Day (almost everyday in July is an ice cream day).
• July 20 is also Ugly Truck Day - it is a guy thing.
• July 24 is Tell an Old Joke Day
• July 26 is National Day of the Cowboy - National Ranching Heritage Center, here I come.
• July 31 is National Mutts Day. Take your best friend for a walk.
Summer activities
Summer activities continue through July. Included are The Buddy Holly Center, The Buddy Holly Hall, Lubbock County High Noon Summer Concerts, Cactus Theatre,
Alamo Draft House and Lubbock Moonlight Musicals. And do not forget the Stars and Stripes Drive In. They have 3 screens and have showings Wednesday through Sunday. This is just a small sample of the summer entertainment that is available. Enjoy the summer.
RSVP
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) assists organizations and residents to match the needs of the organizations with the talents of our senior population.
Some services can be done at home or in a group. We have a wide range of organizations that can use your time and talents.
If you are looking for an activity that will provide services to those in need in the community- contact our office at 806-743-7787 or rsvp@ ttuhsc.edu. We can provide you with a list of locations that would welcome your assistance.
If you are already volunteering, we would encourage you to engage with us so that your contributions can be counted in our annual efforts.
July Jokes
Why doesn’t fire take a day off on the 4th of July?
• Because fire works! Where was the flag of USA first hoisted?
• On a pole!
Which pro golfer can jump higher than the flag?
• All of them. Flags cannot jump! What would happen if pigs could fly?
• Bacon prices would skyrocket! Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.
~ Jim Rohn
HopeFest 2025: Celebrate life, love & community
The first annual HopeFest, a free, family-friendly event is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9, at the Texas Tech University Recreational Softball Fields.
The fields are just south of University Medical Center, off 10th Street and Texas Tech Parkway.
HopeFest is a day dedicated to honoring organ, eye and tissue donors across 109 Texas counties while celebrating the gift of life and raising awareness about the importance of donation.
A softball showdown will be held between University Medical Center and Covenant Health.
Activities will include a photo booth, face painting, crafts and live DJ music.
The Covenant Children’s Kite Flight medical helicopter and transport team will land onsite and give attendees a chance to explore the high-tech gear.
Lubbock Police Department will showcase their sleek motorcycles.
A mobile blood donation unit will be on-site for donations. Donors will receive a
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
special thank-you gift.
Food trucks will serve ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and snow cones.
“LifeGift’s HopeFest offers hope for the men, women and children waiting for life-saving organ, eye and tissue transplants in West Texas,” says Kevin Myer, LifeGift President and CEO.
“The overwhelming support for this inaugural event shows how deeply our community cares about raising awareness and saving lives through donation.”
More than 10,000 Texans are waiting for life-saving transplants.
Register to become an organ, eye or tissue donor today at DonateLifeTexas.org.
The Bee Gees, Jive Talkin’ and a long Florida bridge
During the first half of the 1970s, the Bee Gees (“Brothers Gibb”) were floundering.
“We didn’t know where we were going,” admitted leader Barry. “We ended up doing dreary ballads. That was totally wrong, but we seemed to be stuck in that mode.”
What was needed was a new outlook. The singers’ friend Eric Clapton urged the brothers to move from Los Angeles to Miami, where exotic music and a thriving club scene offered a profound change of pace.
After the lads relocated, Atlantic Records’ producer Arif Mardin scheduled them to record at Miami’s Criteria Studios.
As they rolled over the road seams, the tires of the Gibbs’ car throbbed with a steady “chunka chunka” rhythm.
One day, Barry’s wife, Linda, remarked, “Hey, listen to that noise. It’s our ‘drive talkin.’” Barry chuckled and began improvising “D-DDrive talkin’,”…
Mardin loved the idea of creating a dance single that featured some of the Gibbs’ lyrics unfolding with the stutter gimmick. But he did want a title change from “Drive Talkin’” to “Jive Talkin.’”
Maurice Gibb later re-
On their daily drive from Miami Beach to the downtown studio, the brothers crossed the 4.4-mile-long Julia Tuttle Causeway.
called, “Arif went, ‘Do you know what jive talking means?’ And we said, ‘Well, yeah, it’s, you know, you’re dancing.’ And he says, ‘No, it’s a black expression for [deceitful talk].”
Some music critics had often dismissed the group as merely a vacuous pop-music machine, even though the trio’s recordings had always featured an element of soul, especially in the way the brothers bounced their highpitched voices off each other when they recorded.
In creating “Jive Talkin’,” the Gibbs discarded the delicate singer/songwriter language of their catalog and replaced it with the kind of hip lingo heard in numerous soul hits of the day. In this case, we hear about a man grown tired of his girlfriend’s deceptive ways:
#LetsDoLunch
J-J-Jive talkin,’ you’re telling me lies
tar, catchy keyboard stabs, and an irresistible synthesizer bassline. The result was a crossbreeding of pop-music hooks and hip soul.
To introduce radio programmers to the “new” Bee
fire and shot to the peak of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it reigned for two weeks.
The success of the single allowed the lads to get a jump on the emerging genre
Blast To The Past!
By Randal C. Hill
Gees, Atlantic Records’ staff mailed the “45” in a plain white sleeve with no explanatory information, as they didn’t want people to dredge up preconceptions about the trio’s prior works.
Released on Atlantic’s RSO label, the tune caught
of disco music, a captivating sound exploding from urban black and gay dance clubs and into the mainstream.
“Jive Talkin’” has a place in recording history as the only million-selling disc to be inspired by a drive across a long Florida bridge.
Jive talkin,’ you wear a disguise Jive talkin,’ so misunderstood Jive talkin,’ you’re really no good
Fueled by a heavily muffled “thump” common in later disco hits, “Jive Talkin’” offered a stomping dance beat layered with a scratchy rhythm gui-
Music teachers: For every person who questions the importance of what we do, there are hundreds who will never forget the importance of what we do. Keep up the great work.
Declutter your spare bedroom: from storage space to income stream
By Dr. Keya Malhotra, M.D. Founder, ResidAlly
That spare bedroom in your home likely tells a story – boxes of photo albums stacked in corners, your children’s outgrown clothes carefully preserved in cedar chests, shelves lined with books you have not opened in years, and perhaps your parents’ antique furniture that holds precious memories.
While these items represent meaningful chapters of your life, they may also be preventing you from making the most of your valuable living space.
The hidden cost of accumulation
In today’s consumer-driven world, it is easier than ever to accumulate possessions.
Items are sold affordably, tempting us to buy impulsively, and before we know it, stuff accumulates.
For many seniors, particularly baby boomers who valued material goods more highly than younger generations who prefer digital possessions, letting go can feel emotionally challenging.
However, holding onto everything comes with hidden costs.
Those accumulated belongings require constant dusting, cleaning, and maintenance.
Studies suggest that 75% of people own more possessions than they need. As
fashions and styles change, many items become irrelevant.
The five-year rule
Here’s a practical approach: if you haven’t used something in more than five years, it’s time to let it go.
This does not mean discarding precious family heirlooms, but rather being selective about what truly deserves space in your home.
Consider the burden you might be creating for your children.
When the time comes, they will already be dealing with the grief of losing you – spare them the overwhelming task of sorting through decades of accumulated possessions.
By decluttering thoughtfully now, you give them (and yourself) a precious gift.
Embracing minimalism and new opportunities
Letting go of attachment to things opens the door to a more sustainable, stress-free lifestyle.
While finding new homes for accumulated items can feel overwhelming, minimalism isn’t about living with nothing – it’s about surrounding yourself only with items that truly serve you or bring you joy.
The greatest advantage of decluttering that spare bedroom? You create an op-
portunity for steady income through homesharing arrangements. Platforms like ResidAlly connect seniors with young tenants seeking affordable, mid-term housing, transforming your space into a reliable income stream while providing companionship and security.
Additionally, a decluttered home makes future transitions much easier – whether you are considering downsizing, moving to a retirement community, or relocating to be closer to family.
Take the first step
Start small.
Choose one corner of your spare bedroom and sort items into three categories: keep, donate, and discard.
Try the 12-12-12 rule: find 12 items to throw away, 12 to donate, and 12 to put back in their proper place.
For items you’re keeping, use clear bins for seasonal items and group similar things together.
When deciding between donating versus discarding, ask: “Would someone else find this useful?”
Good condition
items can go to local charities, Goodwill, or consignment shops, while broken or unsafe items should be discarded.
You’ll be amazed at how liberating it feels to reclaim that space – and how rewarding it can be to turn it into something that serves your current needs rather than storing your past.
True happiness comes from building meaningful re-
lationships with people, not accumulating possessions.
A welcoming spare bedroom ready for a tenant can bring new friendships and connections into your life.
Your spare bedroom has the potential to become more than just a storage unit – it could be your next source of financial independence and the start of a new chapter of your life filled with happiness and connection.
Advance care planning: a loving act
Ensuring your loved one’s end-of-life wishes are honored
In no circumstance is end-of-life care an easy conversation, but if you ever find yourself needing to make those tough decisions for a loved one, it’s comforting to know what they want.
Advance care planning helps ensure their wishes are clearly understood and respected. By having a series of meaningful conversations and preparing the necessary documents, you can help ease the stress associated with such a responsibility.
Advance care planning documents
The most crucial part of advance care planning is the discussions with your loved one about their
choices for medical treatment at the end of their life.
It’s also important for them to record their preferences in legal documents that can be shared with medical professionals.
Advance directives are the documents that fall under the advance care planning umbrella, and can include:
• A living will lets you approve or decline specific medical care, even if it means death is imminent. Generally, this document can be used to decline life-prolonging treatments. In some states, it only applies under certain circumstances such as terminal illness or injury, but it’s still valuable to document your wishes.
vance directives can always be updated as circumstances change; don’t be afraid to establish them early. A significant medical event or major family change can prompt a reevaluation at any time.
Creating a lasting legacy
Advance care planning offers a chance for your loved one to reflect on their life and share their story with future generations.
Encourage them to create videos, catalog pictures or write in journals that can be cherished and passed down.
There are tools and services, such as Storyworth and Remento, that make it easy to create keepsake memoir books, ensuring your loved ones’ memories lives on.
• A durable power of attorney for healthcare, also known as a healthcare proxy or surrogate, lets you appoint a representative to make medical decisions for you and specify the extent of their authority.
• A do not resuscitate (DNR) order instructs medical personnel not to perform CPR if you go into cardiac arrest or breathing ceases. There are two types of DNRs, one that is effective all the time and another this is only effective while you’re hospitalized.
While a living will might not seem essential if there’s a healthcare proxy, having a written document to help guide specific treatment preferences is ideal.
The more information you have about your loved one’s wishes, the better you can ensure those wishes are carried out.
Something to note is that ad-
Advance care planning objectives
At the heart of overseeing your family member’s care is respecting their choices regardless of your personal feelings.
Even if you have opinions that conflict with theirs, they chose you to implement their plan because they trust you to follow it as they’ve outlined. This also means understanding their religious and cultural preferences, and how these will influence their end-of-life care.
The goals of advance care planning are to respect individual patient autonomy, improve quality of care and reduce overtreatment.
“Conversations around aging preferences and advance care should occur early and often. With the prevalence of dementia and cognitive decline, prioritizing discussions are vital to ensure loved ones receive the care they want and need,” said Emily Treasure, senior manager of longevity planning at Raymond James.
By partnering with your loved one in preparation, you can strengthen your bond and make them feel at ease about the care they’ll receive as they age.
Sadly, differing opinions about end-of-life care can make it tough for families to reach a mutual agreement about how to care for their loved one.
Kansas Rancher to receive National Golden Spur Award
Jan Lyons of Manhattan, Kansas, has been selected as the 2025 National Golden Spur Award recipient for her contributions to the ranching and livestock industries.
Lyons will receive the award at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Lubbock, during the annual National Golden Spur Award Honors on Oct. 4.
“The National Golden Spur Award is the most prestigious national honor given by the ranching and livestock industries to one person,” explained Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of the Ranching Heritage Association and National Ranching Heritage Center.
“As the 47th recipient, Jan Lyons continues the tradition of excellence that characterizes National Golden Spur Award honorees.”
A lifelong rancher and co-owner of Lyons Angus Ranch in Manhattan, Kansas, Lyons has dedicated decades to advancing the beef industry with integrity, vision, and resilience.
Her leadership has spanned some of the most challenging and transformative periods in modern ranching.
“It is not an exaggeration to say she is the ‘Gold Standard’ of selfless service to the ranching industry,” said Dee Likes, chief executive emeritus of the Kansas Livestock Association.
“She has been one of the
tallest oaks in the forest of iconic industry leaders and is deserving of the National Golden Spur Award.”
Lyons rose through the ranks of ranching organizations, becoming the first woman president of both the Kansas Livestock Association and the Kansas Angus Association.
She later chaired the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in 1996 and served as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in 2004.
Her leadership during the 2003 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) crisis was widely praised for its calm, science-based reassurance to consumers and producers alike.
A steadfast advocate for beef promotion and genetic improvement, Lyons played a critical role in advancing consumer confidence, guiding public communications, and supporting groundbreaking industry initiatives such as the national checkoff program.
Beyond her many accolades, Lyons is celebrated for her mentorship, consensusbuilding, and unwavering dedication to the ranching way of life.
“Jan built a worldwide trust in American ranchers and beef, which helped lead us to the great market we have today,” said Jay O’Brien, fellow cattle industry leader.
Lyons’ proudest achievement is to have passed to her children and grandchildren, and now greatgrandchildren, her love of ranching and the respect and caring for the land and the cattle in the Flint Hills of Kansas.
Individual tickets for the National Golden Spur Award Honors will go on sale to the public in August. For event details, visit goldenspurhonors.com.
Photo at right: Jan Lyons is the 47th recipient of the National Golden Spur Award, recognizing her hard work and dedication to the ranching and livestock industries. Established in 1978, the award honors iconic industry leaders whose devotion to land and livestock has earned them notable respect and admiration from their peers. Pictured are Jan and her husband, Frank.
Advance care planning
(Continued from Page 8
Emily recommends establishing advanced care preferences and finalizing directives early – long before a crisis arises. Putting these plans in place early ensures that the patient’s wishes are clearly documented, reducing the emotional burden on families during difficult times and preventing rushed decisions, helping families to respect their loved one’s wishes.
Doctors may not always start advance care planning conversations with patients, so advance care planning tasks often are left to family members or close friends.
Seeking support from others who’ve undergone the planning process may help. Additionally, numerous government, legal and medical resources are available – from conversation starters from the National Institute on Aging to advance directive forms by state from AARP.
Implementing advance care planning
The purpose of advance care planning is to be prepared to make decisions that align with your family member’s values.
Even with a living will, some scenarios may not be clearly outlined. If this is the case, decision-making strategies can guide a healthcare proxy’s choices.
Substituted judgement, the preferred decision-making method, involves putting yourself in the place of the person needing care and trying to choose as they would. This may mean remembering your loved one’s strong opinions about a neighbor’s care choices and what types of medical care they’d refuse.
The “best interests” approach, sometimes used in conjunction with substituted judgment, involves considering whether a specific treatment is in your family member’s best interest; in other words, whether it improves quality of life or simply extends a condition of pain and discomfort.
When making these decisions, think about what your family member believed gave their life meaning and purpose, and whether they can still participate in those activities. This intimate knowledge, along with input from medical professionals, should guide your choices.
While the topic is uncomfortable to broach, remember that making care decisions for your family member if they’re unable to do so is a loving act.
With thoughtful discussions and thorough documentation, you’ll be prepared to honor your loved one’s requests if the time comes.
Sources: AARP and the National Institute on Aging
Zach Holtzman, Financial Advisor
Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS
1. Overload
5. Prince of India
10. Biting to the taste
14. Decoy
15. Sharp, painful
16. Official language of Pakistan
17. Indigo
18. Elector
19. To exercise control
20. Taxi
21. Hoarfrost
22. Assumes an attitude
23. Hindu deity
25. Celestial body
27. Shelter
28. Calmness
32. Fungal infection
35. Knowledge gained through meditation
36. Revised form of Esperanto
37. Secondhand
38. Defiles
39. Soon
40. Mouthpiece of a bridle
41. Immerse
42. Brass wind instrument
43. Bring together
45. Prohibit
46. Prescribed amount
47. Feline
51. Small branch
54. Steals from
55. Jamaican popular music
56. Plebeian
57. Brief advertisement
59. Slide
60. True
61. Pertaining to a ramus
62. Rope fiber
63. Lively
64. Edible fruit
65. Catch sight of
DOWN
1. Quick sharp sound
2. Pertaining to the moon
3. Small antelope
4. Jelly
5. Steep-sided valley
6. Pueblo Indian village
7. Coarse fiber
8. Consumed
9. Pronoun
10. Roman goddess of the dawn
11. Shank
12. Doing nothing
13. Membership fees
21. Ostrichlike bird
22. Monetary unit of Yugoslavia
24. Sledge
25. Stagnant
26. Makes brown
28. Aniseed
29. Crossing
30. Image of a deity
31. First-class
32. Brass wind instrument
33. Egyptian goddess
34. Device for fishing
39. Wife of one’s uncle
41. Smoke and fog
42. Flying mammals
44. Fit for eating
45. Prate
47. Marine growth
48. Small islands
49. Scrimp
50. Glad
51. Agile
52. Entreaty
53. The back of
54. Hind part
56. Metal
57. Brassiere
58. One circuit
59. Feminine pronoun
Solution on P. 13
All about brisket, Part 2
Dear Folks,
Since I’ve never smoked or prepared a brisket in the oven, the info in this column comes from the expert advice of Gary, (one of the managers at Market Street), and two of my dear church friends — Dr. John and Darryl.
As mentioned in Part 1, the fullsize brisket has two distinct cuts, the “Point” with total marbling and the “Flat” with no marbling.
If time is an issue for you, regardless of the method, you might consider purchasing “ready-made” brisket. I have two suggestions — the Market Street Deli or Rudy’s on the S. Loop. Rudy’s gives you a choice of either the “flat” or “point” cuts, and includes the BBQ sauce and all the “fixin’s,” Both are always delicious.
Now for my favorite “chefs” methods.
Gary always prepares his “flat’ in his smoker/grill and mesquite is his wood of choice. He did mention if anyone chooses a FULL brisket, it will take at least 8 hours to cook.
Dr. John starts his brisket on his smoker/grill until almost done, then slices it, covers it with BBQ sauce to penetrate the slices, covers it with foil and finishes the cooking time in the oven until tender. In total it takes about 2 to 2-1/2 hours and results in a delicious BBQ flavor, perfect for BBQ sandwiches.
Darryl uses a brisket rub, (purchased at any United/Market Street store), and rubs the meat on all sides generously with that special “rub,” covers it with foil, then bakes in the oven at 300 degrees until done. He always cuts off a small piece of meat to test for doneness, then proceeds as necessary.
As you can see all of my favorite “chefs” have their own method of preparing the “Flat” cut of brisket.
I must advise you no matter the variety of “any” meat, always slice against the “grain.” Slicing with the “grain” will produce “shreds” — UGH!
Until next time, Happy Birthday, USA, Cathy
Sign up to ‘Feed Seniors Now’
Comfort Keepers of Lubbock and Lubbock Meals on Wheels are gearing up for the 15th Annual Feed Seniors Now event.
This benefits Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ Weekend Meal Program which provides weekend sacks to clients in Lubbock and Wolfforth who have no access to food or assistance on weekends.
Because of the growing need, Lubbock Meals on Wheels is now providing weekend assistance to 675 seniors each weekend, 23% more than this time last year.
The need for this program continues to grow.
Sponsorship opportunities start at $250. To learn more, and sign up, contact one of the names listed below. To benefit from all sponsorship recognition, sign up by July 31.
For more information, call Lisa Carson at 806-687-7800 or contact Mary Gerlach at mary@lubbockmow.org or call 806-792-7971
The drive will take place throughout the month of September.
Google it. Check Snopes.com Look in an encyclopedia. Ask a professor in that field. Just do some research first before sharing a post. Pictures and words together do not make them true.
Stop sharing posts before checking the accuracy.
Stop contributing to ignorance.
Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, & 3 Stooges: an all-in-one show
In the late 1970s, TV’s “Happy Days” shone a spotlight on the fictional middleclass Cunningham family.
The show was a ratings smash, and the writers loved the high-paying work it brought.
But things changed one day with an unexpected visit from Garry Marshall, the show’s creator. Marshall strolled into the writers’ office and proclaimed how Scotty, his 8-year-old son, had suggested the possibility of having a spaceman visiting the Cunninghams.
Garry then smiled, departed the room and left behind stunned silence.
Writer and story editor
Brian Levant recalled, “We looked at each other like, ‘That’s the most horrible idea I’ve ever heard.’”
But the boss obviously wanted a script that would please young Scotty, and the boss is always the boss. Right?
A story concept was quickly created for inclusion in a forthcoming “Happy Days” episode. That broadcast, which involved a dream sequence involving Ritchie Cunningham (Ron Howard), featured an appearance by Mork, a goofy alien from the planet Ork who wanted to whisk Ritchie back to his home planet for study.
Several actors—including Dom DeLuise—were offered the Mork role, but nobody showed interest.
What to do?
Ronny Hamlin, Marshall’s older sister and an associate
producer on “Happy Days,” had recently seen an unknown stand-up comedian named Robin Williams present a “spaceman” bit as part of a manic stand-up routine at a local comedy club.
Ronny felt that Robin would be perfect as megaweirdo Mork, and Williams was consequently summoned to the writers’ office.
Brian Levant recalled the meeting as “the most amazing run-through in the world,” with Robin reminding writers of the Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges rolled into one screwball.
“The guy was on fire,” Levant claimed later.
When Williams made his appearance in a “Happy Days” episode during the
program’s fifth season, viewers embraced his ditzy alien character, and it was quickly determined that he deserved his own TV show.
The result was “Mork and Mindy.” Robin was brought together with ex-model newcomer Pam Dawber to play Mindy, Mork’s friend and
1970s 1970s
eventual love interest.
During the show’s threeyear run, an ongoing myth had Robin Williams adlibbing all his lines on “Mork and Mindy.” The reality? During rehearsals, he could
be a whirlwind of brilliant improvisation. But when the cameras rolled, Williams always stuck to the script.
At the end of each show, Mork reported to Orson, his Orkan superior, to explain what he had learned on Earth that week. Here is where the writers could really of-
fer silliness for the viewers. Consider, for example, this conversation:
Quality End of Life Care
Mork tells Orson about the punishment of being sent to a prison on Earth: “This is a place where they give you food, they give you clothes, and they give you housing,” Mork explains. Orson declares, “This doesn’t sound like punishment. What do they do for pleasure?”
“People smoke cigarettes,” explains Mork. “They make you sick, they make you smell bad, and they make you cough.”
“Mork and Mindy” deserves a special place in TV history!
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Madame Alexander doll collection for sale. Little Women, many others, One hundred & four dolls, large & small. All with boxes & wardrobe. Call Linda 806-789-4448 or 806-7973339. 4/25
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
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c emetery lot for SA le
Cemetery lot for sale in the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Great location. $800. Call 806-2984148. 2/25
p o W er W heelch A ir
Power wheelchair, 2 years old, like new. Black & red wheels. New power battery charger. New $2,800, asking $800. Call 806-797-3339.
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Two cemetery plots at Resthaven, $2,000. Call 806-5772895. 4/25
Furnished room for rent in historic neighborhood. No smoking. Call 806-4745728. Leave message. I’ll return your call or text. Must provide references. Must like pets. Also for sale - beautiful mirror.
6/25 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 806-7250465 , or email parkss1@ covhs.org 3/19
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Power chair is 9 months old with battery charger, swing away joy stick; runs great and shows little wear. $2,500. In Denver City, TX. Call 806786-3769 .Original price $20,000. 9/25
Relationships: The lessons and what life throws our way
When we arrive at our later years, if we have been paying attention, we have learned a bit about relationships.
We learn from not only our own relationships but the relationships we observe.
We can learn from watching how couples treat each other, how a parent treats a child, how a child is allowed to treat a parent, or watching one-on-one relationships.
And then we can divide it further by age group, children, teenagers, young adults, middle aged adults, and then seniors.
We should be smarter now in terms of relationships than we have ever been in our lives. That also means that we are typically less disturbed by our relationships because we know people and how they behave.
It doesn’t mean our heart doesn’t hurt when a loved one does something unkind to us. Of course it does.
When people complain to me about their relationship with another person, I’ve often said, “I feel like most people die immature.” I’ve yet to have anyone disagree with me.
Maturity is something that life teaches us if we are ready and willing to learn. Learn what? The lessons of life.
Our lessons typically come by what life throws our way. I really don’t believe anyone has an easy life. Everyone has obstacles in life. Obviously, some people’s lives are easier than others.
You remember the philosopher, Socrates? He is the one who said, “An unexamined life isn’t worth living.”
I think all of life is important, but I do believe we might say we get out of it what we put into it.
If we examine our life as we are living, we will learn. It is no different than children learning to walk. You don’t get mad if a small child falls. They are learning. One of the ways we learn is through our body. Even old people fall, but it isn’t usually for the same reason as a small child.
If we examine our life, what happened, how we responded, how we felt about it, feel the feelings now and allow the feelings to be released, we are a different person.
We may not look different to people. We may not act different, but on the inside, we experience ourselves as different. We can come to a place of peace and acceptance.
And each time we do that with a part of our life, we become richer and more mature. We are a better friend. We don’t need as much from others. We are more willing to be there for others. And each time that happens, it multiplies.
Most people come to maturity kicking and screaming. If not on the outside, we are on the inside.
Usually, we aren’t willing to do the necessary work of looking at ourselves unless there is some kind of catastrophe. Something that
makes us wake up and say, “Hey, I’m going to work on the really meaningful stuff.” Sometimes people say having “this trauma” or “that trauma” was the best thing that ever happened to me because it woke me up.
Most people come to this acceptance like they come to therapy: because of necessity. They have come to a crossroads. Maybe their relationship is on the rocks. Perhaps they did something they find unforgiveable or perhaps they have to deal with an addiction head on. Maybe they are just unhappy.
And perhaps some are born wise and learn to look for deeper meaning without having a trauma.
Without a doubt, our childhood makes a difference in our experience. And one reason we want this maturity is because it also makes a difference in your health.
In 1997, Kaiser Perma-
nente did a study to see if childhood trauma affected people’s physical health later in life. The study found that there is a direct link with how much trauma a person had in childhood with their physical health. When the
doctor would simply ask, “Do you think it is possible that your complaints have something to do with what happened in your early childhood,” patients had fewer office visits.
We all know what emotional maturity looks like because we have seen it in others and hopefully experienced it in ourselves.
Being mature means that we accept our circumstances. Period. We may have to do a great deal of work on ourselves through therapy, prayer, reading, and discussing, as well as other means to get to that point of acceptance. That work is what makes you mature.
You can read the Kaiser Permanente study online: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
When people give me directions and say, “You can’t miss it,” buddy, you have no idea what I’m capable of.
To make a long story short, I became an editor.
‘Jurassic Park Rebirth’
Do we really need yet another Jurassic Park film?
In this case, the answer is an emphatic “yes”!
“Jurassic Park Rebirth” is the sixth sequel to Michael
“It was the only movie that would make me drop everything like a stone and dive right in!” he admits.
Movie Preview
By Randal C. Hill
Crichton’s “Jurassic Park,” the movie franchise begun in 1993 that had seemed to be…well, wearing thin. Until now. Gareth Edwards (2014’s “Godzilla”) handled the director’s chores here. He had been writing an original movie script but couldn’t wait to get cracking on this film once he signed his contract.
In the story, the few surviving Jurassic Park dinosaurs now live in a remote island jungle.
Covert-operations expert Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) is recruited by a pharmaceutical company to collaborate with paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and team leader Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) to undertake a daring and top-secret mission to
infiltrate the island, the site of the original but now shuttered Jurassic Park research facility.
The crew’s goal is to locate the three largest remaining species of these treacherous beasts from land, sea and air, and to obtain DNA samples from them.
Their DNA apparently holds the key to a revolutionary drug capable of saving millions of lives—and making big pharma wealthy beyond imagination.
Eventually, the band encounters a shipwrecked civilian family who had survived an attack by marauding aquatic monsters.
Before long, both groups find themselves stranded on the dense tropical island that
is home to the mutated dinosaurs that have thrived for decades in isolation.
As the teams draw closer to danger, they come faceto-face with a shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades.
There are also deeper issues at play here. The group’s members are forced to examine their values and the broader consequences of their actions.
Ethical and moral questions arise as well, as do questions concerning issues from genetic manipulation to scientific overreach to the responsible limits of human control.
“Rebirth” breathes new life into a franchise that ap-
peared to be headed for its own extinction.
The fast-paced movie pays homage to earlier Crichtonrelated works but also pushes into new thematic territory, including humanity’s rightful place in nature. Director Edwards calls “Rebirth” an “action/horror” feature.
“There’s something very primal about dinosaurs,” he said about the fear element thrumming throughout the tale.
“We’re mammals with millions of years of embedded instinct that tells us that some giant creature at some point is going to chase us and try to kill us.”
The Universal Pictures offering opens July 2.
The older I get, the more I understand why roosters scream to start their day.
We celebrated last night with a couple of adult beverages ...... Metamucil and Ensure.
For those of you that don’t want Alexa or Siri listening in on your conversation, they are making a male version. It doesn’t listen to anything.
High Noon Concerts on Wednesdays
The 2025 High Noon Concert Series is set for noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays from now until Aug. 6, at the Lubbock County Courthouse Gazebo and lawn, 904 Broadway.
The concert series offers outdoor performances by local talent. Various food trucks will be on-site during the concerts. The concerts are free to attend.
Two $50 cash prize drawings will be held during each concert. One ticket per person, and attendees must be present to win.
Sylvia Garza, event coordinator for the concert series, said a
thank you to this year’s food truck vendors, performers, Visit Lubbock for providing the fans, and all friends and supporters.
The concerts showcase the vast array of musical talent Lubbock has, Garza said, and the cash prizes are a fun bonus for two attendees.
Concert schedule:
July 2: Dustin Garrett
July 9: Mark Gillham N’ the Mrs. July 16: Sheena Fadeyi
July 23: Mariachi Lubbock High
July 30: Robert Lopez
Aug. 6: Caldwell Kids
‘Pilgrimage to Freedom’ July 8
Veteran Bill Fuller will share patriotic songs and relate his story of ‘Pilgrimage to Freedom’ from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 8 at Hillcrest Country Club, 4011 N. Boston.
The Lubbock Christian Women’s meeting includes a buffet lunch, program, and door prizes. Cost is $23.
For reservations, contact Sharen at 806-392-0264 or lubbockCWC@ gmail.com. Reservation deadline is July 4. To cancel, text or call Annie at 432-788-4335 by noon July 4.
Men are invited.
Roundtable update
Roundtable will not meet in July.
For the Aug. 2 meeting, Dr. Kathy Rollo, superintendent of Lubbock Independent School District, will present Lubbock ISD: Valuing Data, Developing Leaders, Loving People, Loving this Koko stage of life. Each year she has many things to tell about the changes and happenings in the school district.
The meeting is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carillon Senior Living, Pointe Plaza Building by the Clock Tower, 1717 Norfolk Ave in the Cimarron Room by the dining room.
Cost is $20 cash or check made payable to Roundtable. Anything extra goes into the Scholarship Fund for the Honor’s College at Texas Tech. RSVP for the August meeting to Marie Evans 806-281-3181 or MEvans1398@aol.com
There will be no meeting in September.
The remaining 2025 meetings are Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 2 with the Honor’s College and presentation of the check.
