20 minute read
Word from the Publisher
Word from the Publisher/mensaje de nuestra fundadora
Querídos lectores...
Ioften share that if you drive by my home you will see the American and the Unites States Marine Corps flags flying proudly in honor of my husband Frank Garcia's and my family's veterans who served our country with pride and dignity. On Veterans Day - there's no doubt that we love and advocate for our veterans. If you drive by on a Marine Corps holiday - be prepared to see an influx of flags that Frank takes to a whole new level! Pride in our veterans was instilled in me at a very young age. As a little girl my grandmother Fidencia Castro would share stories about the war and the precautions her family took during WWII, and shared proudly of the service of many of our family members. She discussed stories of my grandfather Castro who served in the Korean War and how handsome he was in his uniform. I loved learning about the service and patriotism my family possessed. Unfortunately, I also heard the inexcusable experiences some of our veterans had with racism when they returned home. Nevertheless, they loved America and knew that the ignorance of some was not a reflection of all. I even recall when my tío John Castro returned home after serving. He was a Vietnam veteran. And despite the negative welcome of many Vietnam Veterans, my uncle John has never stopped loving country. He even continued his service in law enforcement. I learned about the struggles he and many veterans experienced dealing with the affects of Agent Orange, and PTSD. I was a girl that learned from the sacrifices of her family members and was drawn to becoming an advocate. Upon meeting my own husband in college, who was in the Naval ROTC, God knew that I needed a partner to be as strong an advocate of veterans as I. He delivered with flying colors in red, white, and blue! Over the years we have made it a point to create programs and events to showcase the service of these men and women including our "Here's to Our Heroes" Veteran reception. And later, through our nonprofit, Los Hermanos Familia, we also created the Veterans Parade of Lubbock that will be held for the 7th year on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Please come support them or join us. COVID-19 threw a wrench in our annual veteran events, however, last year in 2021 we wanted to remind veterans that we were thinking of them - so we delivered veteran yard signs to let them and their neighbors know that a proud veteran lived in their neighborhood. I still recall when we delivered the first veteran sign to Ronnie Villegas. He was humbled to be the first recipient of the sign and gladly displayed it. We had many stories like that as our volunteers begin distributing almost 300 signs all over Lubbock! I have been blessed to be a part of the veteran community and over the years their issues have become more apparent. This is why I also dedicate my November issue of Latino Lubbock Magazine to them annually. One such issue affecting veterans is that they suffer from the scars that go beyond physical and include mental anguish - PTSD. About 20 commit suicide daily. We must demonstrate that we haven't forgotten them. And, when you hear the term, "Freedom isn't Free" think of our veterans who sacrificed their safety and in some cases their lives for you and me and our freedoms. Then, take pride in that freedom by exercising your right to vote. Election Day is November 8th. Y como siempre, Latino Lubbock Magazine is committed to highlighting the numerous contributions of our Latino community. Thank you to those who support our publication. We are grateful to have 100,000 readers monthly. Please continue to support our advertisers who help make it possible to keep our publication free. Thank you for your support and May God bless you! ¡Gracias por su apoyo! Que dios los bendiga. Sinceramente, Christy Martinez-Garcia Publisher & Latino Market Specialist "Lubbock News from a Latino Perspective" Celebrating 16 Years of Commitment to our Community
Thousands of independent and community pharmacies were dropped from Tricare's pharmacy network in a move advocates say will leave patients in rural areas with few options to get prescriptions filled. This became effective Oct. 24, 14,963 retail pharmacies no longer participate in Tricare's pharmacy network, Defense Health Agency spokesperson Peter Graves confirmed in an emailed statement. "Despite this change, the Tricare retail network will continue to meet or exceed Tricare's standard for pharmacy access," Graves added. "Beneficiaries will continue to have many convenient, local in-network options for filling their medications, including those beneficiaries in rural locations." In a separate emailed statement, a spokesperson for Express Scripts, which manages pharmacy benefits for Tricare, pledged the company will "support any impacted beneficiaries in finding an in-network pharmacy to fill their prescriptions." "Tricare beneficiaries will maintain access to nearly 41,000 chain, grocery store and independent pharmacies, as well as home delivery and military pharmacies," the Express Scripts statement said. "More than 90% of
beneficiaries will have a pharmacy within a 15-minute drive time of their home." Express Scripts started notifying affected beneficiaries last month, Graves said, adding that those who have specialty medications at one of the departing pharmacies "will receive assistance from Express Scripts in transferring those prescriptions to a network pharmacy." The change in pharmacy coverage could affect nearly 400,000 Tricare
Happy Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2022
Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias 24 de nov.
In 1621 the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is now known as the first Thanksgiving. While cooking methods and table etiquette have changed as the holiday has evolved, the meal is still consumed today with the same spirit of celebration and overindulgence.
En 1621, los colonos de Plymouth y los indios Wampanoag compartieron una fiesta de la cosecha de otoño que ahora se conoce como la primera Acción de Gracias. Si bien los métodos de cocción y etiqueta en la mesa han cambiado como la fiesta ha evolucionado, la comida se consume todavía hoy con el mismo espíritu de celebración y de los excesos. beneficiaries, according to the Military Officers Association of America. While some independent pharmacies knew they would be dropped from Tricare next year because they wouldn't accept the terms of Express Scripts' contract, many were blindsided by the Oct. 24 date, said Ronna Hauser, senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association, an advocacy group for independent pharmacies. Many found out by patients bringing them letters from Express Scripts and have struggled to get answers directly from the company, she added. "It's just not a smooth transition process," Hauser said. "It's very abrupt. There's no clear answers. It's causing a lot of frustration for our members, and we know, hearing through our members, it's causing a lot of frustration for patients." TRICARE states more than 40,000 pharmacies are still in the network, including chains like CVS and Walgreens. It has a ‘Find a Pharmacy’ tool on its website.
Important Numbers
Police (Non-Emergency) call 763-5333
Fire (Non-Emergency) call 765-5757
Emergencies call 9-1-1 Program/Service info, call 2-1-1
City services, call 3-1-1
Suicide & Crisis Line 9-8-8 City - call 775-3000. www.ci.lubbock.tx.us
County - call 775-1000 www.co.lubbock.tx.us LISD - call 766-1000 www.lubbockisd.org
Latino Lubbock Magazine 792-1212
news@latinolubbock.net www.latinolubbock.net
Community & Event Brieflies
VETERAN'S DAY
PARADE Sat., Nov. 5, 2022, line up starts at 8:30 a.m., parade starts at 10 a.m. on historic Broadway, Ave. to the the Civic Center parking lot on Ave. M. This year's theme is "You are not alone." Let's show our veterans that we support them. Register at www.loshermanosfamilia.org/veteran-s-day-parade
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL AT WOLFFARTH ELEMEN-
TARY Join us for an evening of fun as we celebrate Dia de los Muertos in our Wolffarth Elementary gym at 3202 Erskine on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 5 p.m.
GENEALOGY FOR BEGINNERS
Start your family history journey by learning the basics of genealogy research and the online websites you can use to trace your family roots! Ages 18+. November 9, 2022 5-6 p.m. at Mahon Library, 1306 9th St.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
MONTH CRAFTERNOON Come celebrate National Native American Heritage month. The local Native American People of the Plains and Beyond (NAPPB) organization will teach some beading techniques. This program is for all ages! November 12, 2022, 3-4 p.m., at Groves Branch Library, 5520 19th St.
FALL & WINTER IRRIGATION GUIDELINES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER
1 The City’s annual fall and winter irrigation restrictions become effective on Saturday, October 1, 2022 and will continue through March 31, 2023. Year round irrigation restrictions reduce the peak demand on our water system. Irrigation restrictions during the fall and winter conserve water and minimize hazardous road conditions during freezing weather. FREE PRACTICE EXAMS Study guides for tests Learn-a-Test, a database of practice examinations, is available at the Lubbock Public Library, 1306 9th St. Hundreds of practice examinations, including SAT, ACT and elementary, middle school and high school skills improvement tests, plus graduate entrance exams, available.
FREE LEGAL AID FOR THOSE
WHO QUALIFY Legal Aid of Northwest Texas provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents in such areas as public assistance denials, divorce and child support, evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence and consumer fraud. Call 763-4557 or (800) 933-4557 or visitlanwt.org for more info.
2-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY QUES-
TIONS 2-1-1 is a free help line answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will link you to health and community services.
DO YOU HAVE NEWS? Submit your business news online at www.latinolubbock.net/ have-a-story. Also submit to our online calendar atwww.latinolubbock.net/events
Our country’s Veterans Affairs system serves the world’s finest and bravest. Members of the U.S. military dedicated their lives and made tremendous sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy today. Nothing we do can ever fully repay these brave men and women, but what we can do is ensure our veterans are cared for, are offered the services they need, and have a place to be amongst peers and appreciated every day. I believe the VA is just that, and if you are a veteran who has not enrolled in the VA, I kindly encourage you to do so. If you have a friend or a loved one who is a veteran not enrolled in the VA, please encourage them to do so. Lubbock’s new VA Clinic is a tremendous asset to our community. In order to ensure it’s the best it can be, we need your help. There are currently about 9,300 veterans signed up to receive resources from the VA. That number is fantastic, but we can do more. And if Lubbock and the South Plains reaches 10,000 members enrolled in the VA, we cross a benchmark set by the Federal Government allowing us to receive more resources for our veterans. I am asking for your support to help us achieve that goal because our entire region would benefit from the increase in access and services for our service members. This project is important. We must continue to take care of our veterans, and having more members sign up for the VA will allow for more and better care. By harnessing your support, I hope we can achieve this goal by the end of 2022. Let’s reach out to our family and friends, encourage them to join, and make this Lubbock community an even better place for our nation’s heroes. Lubbock cares deeply and proudly supports our military veterans. Our city is home to the former Lubbock Army Airfield where over 6,000 Glider Pilots trained during World War II — the Silent Wings Museum honors
Councilman these heroic veterans Steve Massengale and preserves their unique and significant contributions in World War II history. Lubbock is home to the former Reese Air Force Base where more than 25,000 men and women in the Air Force trained. The Lubbock Area Veterans War Memorial, Monument of Courage, and the Texas Tech University Vietnam Center and Archive all pay tribute to our veterans. And most recently, we constructed a brand new, state of the art, Veterans Affairs clinic that serves our city’s heroes. This 94,000 square foot building offers tremendous opportunities to our veterans. Now, Lubbock veterans do not have to travel hours to receive the care they deserve. Instead, world-class health professionals offering surgical care, an eye clinic, radiology services, physical medicine and rehabilitation, among existing efforts to ease the burdens of post-traumatic stress disorder through mental health programs, are offered right here in our own community. Please help Lubbock do more for its veterans by enrolling in the VA if you are eligible, and encouraging every veteran you know to enroll in the VA. Thank you to all veterans for your service. STEVE MASSENGALE has
represented District 4 on the Lubbock City Council since May 2016 and is actively involved in the Veterans Advisory Committee.
Carta Abierta
¿Que Piensas?
We know our readers have a lot to say! Mail letters to Latino Lubbock “Letters to the Editor,” Box 6473 Lubbock, TX 79493, o r email them to news@latinolubbock.net. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number. Mailed letters must be signed. Please note that unsigned letters will not be published. Letters are limited to 100 words, depending on space availability, some longer will be included. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space consideration. Letters are not acknowledged. Opinions expressed in
letters and Op-Ed articles do not necessarily represent the views of Latino Lubbock Magazine.
WE MADE IT TO A GAME
I could totally connect with your October cover! My family and I never got to attend a game and just sat outside and our backyard and listened as the crowd would cheer if they got a score. Even though we weren't in the stadium we were enjoying our family time. As as an adult I finally made it to a game when my boss gave me and my husband his tickets. It was a great experience to be a part of something. Thanks for the memory! Rosalind R. Hernandez
LLM ~ I LOVE IT!
Mrs. Martinez-Garcia I was in Lubbock this past Monday, Oct 10th visiting Texas Tech with my son. I ran across your newspaper and was quite impressed and wanted to give you and your staff a compliment on a newspaper well done, I LOVE IT! You cover a lot of important information for the community and social events. I mentioned to my son if he selected TTU he can always pick up your newspaper for outside information! Keep up the good work. Cristina Medina Dallas, Texas
WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER
So, every October we come up to Lubbock for our annual meeting and every October while waiting for my luggage I pick up and read a copy of Latino Lubbock and this year I really appreciated your personal story in the Words from our Publisher this month. I am on the Board of Directors of the Texas Tech Satellite Campus in Costa Rica, which opened back in 2017. I thought it could be fun to do a story on the campus with Latino Lubbock, given that it is truly a Latino Campus for TTU. Ellen and Luciana run the day-to-day at the bustling campus with students from all over Central America and would probably be the best to interview. The opportunity to connect the two "Latino" communities seems so appropriate. Keep up the good work! Saludos, Jeff Duchesneau
THANK YOU
Thanks for continuing to keep area readers informed about what's happening in our community. I know it's tough to wear many hats but in case no one told you THANK YOU! We love Latino Lubbock, and we're so proud that you are representing us in this community as an elected official. My dad always said that you would be great in office because you sincerely cared about people. I think he and my mom were your number one fans and now, here you are representing us and still doing so much for the community. Keep up the great work and don't stop believing in the good of the world! And don't forget to make time for yourself and your family. Blessings! Sincerely, Joe Rodriguez
GO VOTE
Raza - GO VOTE! Lalo
GET OUT THE VOTE
Early voting is underway in Texas for the Midterm Election! Isn't it funny how the candidates only show up to meet us during this time? Or so they say. As we were celebrating with family we talked about voting - we've come a long way! We all felt that neither party has really made effort to "woo" us. The candidates bash each other during the campaign trail, and bash us the rest of the time. What really gets me is how they say some stuff that we're supposed to be okay with, generalize us, and then expect our vote! ¡Tan locos! I've already decided who I'm going to vote for, but I hope that Hispanics, especially young people also get out and speak up with their vote! Mi gente - GET OUT THE VOTE! Thanks again! Fred
GREAT OCTOBER COVER
Great October Latino Lubbock cover, and a great Word From the Publisher! Sincerely, Monica P.
Get vaccinated! ¡Vacunarse!
Politics/ política
Aurora Chaides-Hernández Frank Gutierrez
Lubbock Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Candidates Share Bios
Two candidates have filed to run for the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 race in Lubbock County including incumbent Aurora ChaidesHernandez (D), and Frank Gutierrez (R). Latino Lubbock Magazine asked each candidate to submit a 100 word bio. Here are their responses. Aurora Chaides-Hernández: She is the first and longest-serving Hispanic to hold judicial office in Lubbock County. She was elected in 1994 and has proudly served the residents of Lubbock County for 28 years. Aurora Chaides-Hernández, BSN, RN, HDFS, and JD, attended Texas Tech earning two undergraduate degrees (Nursing and Human Development & Family Studies) before attaining her Juris Doctorate from the Texas Tech School of Law. She has been married to Victor Hernández, former Lubbock City Councilman, attorney, and Persian Gulf War veteran for 38 years. They have four children and five grandchildren. They are parishioners of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Frank Gutierrez: I'm an American of Mexican Huastec descendants. Dad left San Luis Potosi to pursue American Dreams; endured biases and discrimination, met my Mom, family of eight Lubbock High School graduates (one doctorate). Dad's family values became mine. We hoed the cotton fields of the South Plains to earn money for school clothes. US Army Honorable Discharge (Vietnam 25th Infantry Division) GI Bill to graduate from Texas Tech University. Lead voter registration, fundraising in support of voting rights. Learned about the conditions of our neighborhoods and the grassroots voting. Emphasis on volunteerism in upholding "Duty, Honor, God and Country." Early voting continues through Friday, November 4, 2022. Election Day: Tuesday, November 8, 2022. All early polling locations on the dates, times and locations can be found at www.votelubbock.org ¡Su Voto es Su Voz! Your Vote is Your Voice!
President Biden Touts Federal Deficit Reduction Ahead of Midterm Elections
President Joe Biden delivered remarks on his administration’s efforts to reduce the federal deficit. “We have further proof that we’re rebuilding the economy in a responsible way,” President Biden said. The treasury department said the annual federal deficit fell by nearly 1.4 trillion dollars, to about half of what it was in 2021. “This record deficit reduction includes the cost of my student loan plan and everything else we’re paying for,” President Biden said. President Biden credits his policies for making the difference. “The deficit’s come down both years that I’ve been in office and I just signed legislation that’s gonna reduce it even more in the decade to come,” the President said. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the President’s policies have the country on the right track. “We’ve advanced an economic plan that puts innovation and technology at the forefront of our national agenda,” Yellen said. And with the midterm elections looming, President Biden said American voters should stay away from the Republican’s economic plans. “It’s mega-maga-trickle down,” he said. “The Republican plan would add 3 trillion dollars to the deficit.” But Republicans say it’s “desperate and sad” for the President to take credit for economic progress. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel says it’s “Republican governors and legislatures” that “have delivered.” For now, both Democrats and Republicans are urging Americans to head to the polls and decide which side should lead the country’s economy after November.
Congress Must Find Permanent Solution for Dreamers says USHCC
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program established to provide temporary relief from deportation of thousands of immigrants brought to the United States as children, is unlawful. This "deeply disappointing" decision follows a movement led by Texas and other states who are against finding permanent solutions for DACA and places hundreds of thousands of young immigrants with an uncertain future. In a statement Ramiro Cavazos President & CEO United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said: On behalf of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a bi-partisan probusiness organization aimed at supporting Hispanic business owners throughout the United States, I am extremely concerned by this decision and by its potentially negative impact on the future of the United States economy, which is still rebuilding from the impact of COVID-19. America's 63.5 million Hispanics, contribute $2.8 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy every year, making our collective GDP the 5th largest in the world, when compared to other nations. Since DACA was originally passed in 2012, more than 825,000 young immigrants, known as “DREAMers”, many of whom are Hispanic or Latino, have continued to live, thrive, and become key contributors of the United States workforce and economy, while serving as law-abiding residents. Based on a PBS analysis, it is suggested that DACA increased overall national income by $7,454 per employed DACA recipient. About 75 percent of this increase in income is due to productivity gains and 25 percent to increases in employment among DACA beneficiaries. Overall, this amounts to a GDP increase of $3.5 billion per year. Furthermore, it is estimated that over 200,000 DREAMers were at the forefront of community responses as essential workers in healthcare, education, and food services during the country’s response to the global pandemic. Furthermore, it is reported that America would face a $433 billion reduction in economic growth over the next decade if DACA is suspended. DACA recipients have consistently proven to be an invaluable resource for the United States economy, and the USHCC rejects the idea that this new decision is based on threats to our country or constitution, but rather based on unproductive antiimmigration rhetoric. Today, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joins partner organizations like UnidosUS, the American Immigration Council, and others in calling on Congress to provide a permanent protection and solution for DREAMers as the legality of the program is currently in question by some of our Federal courts in America. At the end of the day, we must work together as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents to build and develop long-term solutions to fix our broken immigration laws and systems, that if unmet will hold back the rebuilding of our American economy that will require a full pipeline of talented and trained skilled workers to meet our growing industry needs. The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of five million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. The USHCC is America's largest small business advocacy group, representing more than 260 local chambers and business associations nationwide, and partners with hundreds of major American corporations.
