Latino Lubbock Magazine Volume 18, Issue 10, October/octubre 2024

Volume 18, Issue 10, October/octubre 2024

Word from the Publisher/mensaje de nuestra fundadora

Querídos lectores...

The scent of fall is in the air. The rain and cool temperatures in late September further prompted excitement about the autumn weather for me.

I have so many childhood memories of the fall season. Especially attending Halloween and Fall festivals.

My parents would load us up in the car in our homemade costumes and we would use pillow cases to go Trick-or-Treating.

My sisters, my younger aunts and uncles that were close in age to us, as well as some cousins that lived with my grandparents, and a couple of kids from the neighborhood would pack into that car.

We would drive to neighborhoods that were known to give out an abundance of candy. After we returned home, my mom and dad would help us inspect our treats to make sure it was safe to consume. My dad would convince us that the candy bars were not up to par, and little did he know that we were aware he was saving them for himself. LOL!

One fall, my parents volunteered with the PTA and helped with our elementary school's fall festival. My sisters and I took such pride in their involvement that year. More so, my dad led an activity that drew many and involved hammering a nail into a log, but the key was to do so it in one single blow.

And as the days became cooler, my sisters and I would enjoy our walks to and from school. We would collect leaves that had fallen and enjoyed the changing color of the trees. And as the weather became even colder, it was great when my dad would surprise us and pick us up from school. When we walked through the door, my mom would have hot meals waiting for us that would warm us up quickly. My mom was a great cook. We often recall when she made cream puffs one cold day. The aroma as we walked in was Heavenly and the taste, comforting. In honor of my mom, I remind you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On this month's cover I collaborated with my brother - local artist, Joey "Wiseone" Martinez. It has been tough for my siblings and I dealing with the loss of our mom to this disease. As such, we remind you to please make time to do self-checks, as well as to schedule your annual Mammograms. Early detection is the key to survival. I also remind you that there has never been a more critical time for the Latino community to be politically engaged. A critical part of our civic engagement work is to ensure that citizens know their rights and get involved in the political process at all levels—local, regional, state, and national.

Some candidates have dismissed the Hispanic community because they say that we don't vote. However, it is not just the Hispanic community that is not voting. We all need to vote, especially Hispanics and millennials. So remember, the last day to register to vote for the November election is October 7th. Make time to vote.

We must claim and become owners of our future because many still see Hispanics only as supplicants and not as decision-makers, as consumers and not as producers, as law breakers and not as law enforcers, and as tax expenditures and not as tax contributors. And while stereotypes about the Hispanic community abound, invisibility is even more pervasive. Get involved, or rest assured that the comfort you and your children know will be in jeopardy.

Como siempre, Latino Lubbock 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. Also, ead us online at www.latinolubbock.net

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!

Sinceramente,

Christy Martinez-Garcia

Publisher & Latino Market Specialist

"Lubbock News from a Latino Perspective" Celebrating 18 Years of Commitment to our Community

Día De La Raza Hails Culture, Columbus Day is Oct. 14, 2024

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

On Monday, October 14th banks and federal government offices as well as many Lubbock offices will be closed in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

While Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World in 1492 is celebrated by some, he has been debated by others and sometimes blamed for bringing slavery, the encomienda system and the diseases of Europe that wiped out some indigenous populations.

For some Hispanics, Columbus is commemorated on Oct. 12, on Día de la Raza, or the Day of the Race.

This day celebrates the influence of Hispanic heritage, the birth of the Hispanic people of the New World and the evolution of ethnic and cultural presence

during the first real contact and interaction between Europe and the New World.

Día de La Raza is observed during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

The term La Raza was coined by Mexican scholar Jos Vasconcelos to reflect the fact that the people of Latin America are a mixture of many of the world's races, cultures, and religions.

Some people have mistranslated "La Raza" to mean "the race," implying that it is a term meant to exclude others. However, the full term coined by Vasconcelos, "La Raza Cosmica," meaning "the cosmic people," was developed to reflect not purity but the mixture inherent in the Hispanic people.

Indigenous People's Day is Observed on October 14th

I ndigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an official city and state holiday in various localities. It began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, which honors Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. Some people do not observe Columbus Day at all, citing the lasting harm

Indigenous tribes suffered because of Columbus's contributions to the European colonization of the Americas.

Indigenous Peoples Day was instituted in Berkeley, California. In 2021, Joe Biden formally commemorated the holiday with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. president to do so, and presidential proclamations have also been issued in 2022 and 2023. Indigenous Peoples’s Day is not a recognized holiday under U.S. Federal Law.

Because this was the beginning of the Hispanic people in the New World, many Latinos believe it is a day worth celebrating.

Important Numbers

Amaris Garcia Happy birthday month and day on October 9th! We love you and are proud of you! Have a Happy & Blessed Birthday! Love, from Mom & Dad!

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Write us at: Latino Lubbock Magazine P. O. Box 6473 Lubbock, TX 79493

Online Calendar

www.latinolubbock.net/events

STAFF

Publisher/Owner

Christy Martinez-Garcia

Sales Consultants

Bridge Communications

Distribution Frank Garcia, Rosario Smith, Luis & Amanda Peralez, Alfonso Ruben Ramos, Leo Cisneros

CONTRIBUTORS

En Aquellos Días Rosario Smith

Forward in Christ Pastor Josh Ramirez

My College Experience

Seeking College Student to write.

A Teen's View Blaise Martinez

Opinion Pieces

Individuals interested in writing an Opinion piece* may contact news@latinolubbock.net. Please include your name, contact number, and subject.

*NOTE: Op-ed pieces are scheduled one to two months ahead, and are at the discretion of the publisher. Latino Lubbock Magazine is published monthly, 12 months per year, and distributed usually the first and second day of each month. With 100,000 readers per month. Over 300 distributions points in LBK, and in out of town delivery in Plainview, Hale Center, Cotton Center, Abernathy, New Deal, Idalou, Wolfforth, Morton, Ralls, Crosbyton, Lamesa, Slaton, Littlefield, Brownfield, Shallowater, O'Donnell, Tahoka, Anton, Lorenzo, and Levelland. Now in Midland and Odessa. Bilingual (English 60%/Spanish 40%). This publication is Hispanic, woman-owned and locally operated.

Copyright 2024 by Latino Lubbock Magazine, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Absolutely no part of this periodical may be reproduced without the consent of Latino Lubbock Magazine. This periodical’s name and logo, and the various concepts, titles and headings therein, are trademarks of Latino Lubbock Magazine.

Editor’s Note: The terms “Latino” and “Hispanic” are used interchangeably by the U.S. Census Bureau and by Latino Lub- bock throughout this publication to identify persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central and South American, Dominican, and Spanish descent; they may be of any race.

Quote

“While it’s important that we are in service industries, we should also be in those white-collar jobs that pay more. We have a strong work ethic. We value higher education, but we need to have industry and institutions meet us part of the way and help us see the opportunities to those higher salaries.” — Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education co-founder and CEO on Disparities of higher education

Dicho

“El que la hace, la paga. Quien mal anda, mal acaba" "As ye sow, so shall you reap."

(Meaning, in no uncertain terms that a life lived badly will end badly!)

¡Feliz cumpleaños! Happy Birthday!

October/octubre

Amanda Vasquez 10/1

Zachary Thomas Perez Jr 10/1

Justin Ramirez 10/1

Jenoveva Requena 10/1

Larry Pugh 10/1

Erin Rodriguez 10/1

Armida Estrello 10/2

Amy Deanda 10/2

Isaiah Armenta 10/2

Lisa Montez 10/2

Sarah F. Garcia 10/2

Eva Requena 10/2

Teresa Martinez 10/3

Ray Alvarez 10/3

Betty Caddell 10/3

Bobby Gutierrez 10/3

Romana Hernandez 10/3

Teresa Salinas 10/3

Penny Garcia 10/3

Jacob Vasquez 10/3

Teresa Martinez 10/3

Lorenzo Cain Sedeño 10/3

Bobby Gutierrez 10/3

Romana Hernandez 10/3

Robert Placencia Jr. 10/3

Joe Gomez 10/4

Destiny Molina 10/4

Ralph Rosiles 10/5

Jeremy Lorenzo Sedeño 10/5

MaKenzie Rey Sedeño 10/5

George Esquivel 10/6

Desi Molina 10/6

Donna Rose Carrasco 10/6

A. B. Hernandez 10/6

Genaro Carrillo Jr. 10/6

Rosa Jimenez 10/6

Meagan Luna 10/6

Abraham Hernandez 10/6

Brett Paxton 10/7

Clara Ramos 10/7

Kaitlyn Denise Diaz 10/7

Alcario S. Ortiz 10/7

Leticia Coronado 10/7

Sammy DeLara Council 11807 10/7

Jesse Garcia 10/8

Hailee Smith 10/8

Amaris Garcia 10/9

Faith Trevino 10/9

Joanne Jiménez Rodríguez 10/9

Ernestina Armenta 10/9

Christian Vega 10/9

Hailee Smith 10/9

Pedro Licon III 10/9

Jacob Ellis Herrera 10/10

Brennon Torrez 10/10

Brenda Wells 10/10

Anita Jaramillo 10/11

Cindy Rangel 10/11

Melissa Rivera 10/11

Anjelica Maria Sedeño 10/11

Amber Ybañez 10/11

Lupe Armenta 10/11

Anita Jaramillo 10/11

Jermiah Salinas 10/12

Max Ramos 10/12

Rita Garza Hiracheta 10/12

Zander J. Rodriguez 10/12

Guadalupe Ramirez 10/12

Eddie Acosta 10/13

Alondra M Licon 10/13

Jennifer "Chismosa" Martinez 10/14

Jadeyn Alexis Sedeño Gutierrez 10/14

JJ Pauda 10/15

Gabriel Chavez 10/15

October/octubre

Steven Hernandez 10/17

Syrna Salinas 10/17

Bertha Gonzales 10/17

Elsie Colon 10/17

Joesia Pardo 10/17

Stella Hilburn 10/17

Adriana Martinez 10/17

Debra Pugh 10/17

Donna Pugh 10/17

Irene Franco 10/18

Nancy Pinkert 10/18

Rick Suarez 10/18

Elisa Morin 10/18

Alexander Liendo 10/18

Evan Bravo 10/18

Reagan Urtado-Martinez 10/18

Mercedes Quant 10/18

Maggie Rivera 10/18

Ramiro Hernandez 10/19

Olivia Hernandez 10/19

Katrina Pardo 10/19

Oscar "Ozzy" Ramirez 10/19

Bianca Martinez 10/19

Alberto N. Ramirez 10/19

Tony Castilleja 10/20

Janie Vasquez 10/20

Joe Rodriguez 10/20

Juan Lopez 10/20

Linda Lopez 10/20

John Hartin 10/20

Monica Garza 10/21

Mando Reyna 10/21

Chris Castillo 10/21

Rosemary De los Santo 10/22

Vanessa Hernandez 10/22

Jim Arbuckle 10/22

Irene Duarte Mejorado 10/22

Danny Marin 10/22

Debbie Rivera 10/22

Rosemary De Los Santos 10/22

Butch Garcia 10/23

Adam Daniel Hernandez 10/23

Freddie Mendoza III 10/23

Ceasrio Garcia 10/23

Charlie Garcia 10/23

Susan Bell 10/23

Irene Trujillo 10/24

Jacob Pauda 10/24

Gabby Saldaña 10/24

Oscar Garza III 10/25

Miquel Cardenas 10/26

Stella Acosta 10/26

Kimberly Iris Diaz 10/26

Sylia Flores 10/26

Ray Lozado 10/26

Jamie Gloria Martinez 10/27

Rudy Rosales 10/27

Jessie Torres 10/27

Ramon Larez 10/27

Nicki Rincon 10/27

Maggie Rivera 10/27

Wayne Pinkert 10/27

Aneda Arriaga 10/27

Ismael Garcia 10/29

Rita Montemayor 10/29

Sylvia Reyes 10/29

Joe Flores 10/29

Harlie Braylyn Perez 10/29

Mary Solano 10/29

Virginia Dominguez 10/29

Sean Rodriguez 10/29

Bobby Garcia 10/30

Josie Alvarado 10/30

Forentino Bravo 10/15

Rey Castillo 10/16

Eddy Valdez 10/16

Sixto Herrera 10/17

Christopher Garcia 10/30

Leslie Angel Flores 10/30

Maria Carmen Torres 10/30

Lupe R. Hernandez 10/31

On the Cover

"A Mother's Prayer" Cover by Joey "Wiseone" Martinez & Christy Martinez-Garcia

This month's cover is very significant and personal as it is a picture of my mother, the late Janie Castañeda who battled breast cancer twice. Sadly, the second battle was lost. Daily, Mom would read her Bible, drink her coffee, and pray for her children and her family. We were blessed because of her. She was a master gardener, and loved roses - note her cup depicting her favorite - a yellow rose. As many of you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But there is hope. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. As such, I urge you to be proactive. More details can be found on our Health pages.

Contents

Word from the Publisher Page 4 Political Pages 6-7

Opportunity/Business Page 8-9

Health/Salud Page 10-11

Preparing for Dia de Los Muertos/Veterans Parade Page 12-13

Education/Youth Page 14-15

Faith & Religion Page 18

Memorials Page 22

Latino Lubbock Magazine's Mission Statement:

"Provide Lubbock news from a Latino perspective for the emerging voice of Lubbock with objectivity, professionalism, cultural competency and understanding, and accuracy; and, give Latinos a publication by, about, and for them that they can take pride in; as well as the community a tool for better understanding and creating dialogue."

"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise," ~ Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

Jesse Madrid

Juan Contreras

Henry Castellano

Tony Aguirre

Paula Montoya

Coach Edward Hernandez

Raymond Rodriguez

Jim Lara

Jenny Sosa

Marina Garcia

To add names, and to keep us updated on the condition

Eloisa Abeyta

Rene M. Dominguez, Sr. Evie Williams

Maria Flores

Joe Leos

Texas Election Reminders & Deadlines

Latino Lubbock Magazine wants to remind you that Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and now more than ever you should consider using your voting power.

Here are important dates to mark on your calendars: Last Day to Register to Vote Monday, October 7, 2024.

Early Voting by Personal Appearance Monday, October 21

through Friday, October 25, 2024. Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked) Friday, October 25, 2024. Last Day to Receive Ballot by Mail Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (Election Day) at 5:00 p.m. (unless a late-arriving deadline applies)

All early polling locations on the dates, times and locations can be found at www.votelubbock.org

Fechas y plazos de elección

La Revista Latino Lubbock quiere recordarle que el Día de las Elecciones es el martes 5 de noviembre de 2024, y ahora más que nunca debería considerar usar su poder de voto.

Aquí hay fechas importantes para marcar en sus calendarios:

Último día para registrarse para votar Lunes 7 de octubre de 2024. Votación anticipada por comparecencia personal Lunes

Re-Elect

de Texas

21 de octubre a viernes 25 de octubre de 2024.

Último día para solicitar boleta por correo (recibido, no matasellado) Viernes 25 de octubre de 2024.

Último día para recibir la boleta por correo Martes, 5 de noviembre de 2024 (Día de las elecciones) a las 5:00 p.m. (a menos que se aplique una fecha límite de llegada tardía)

Hispanic Electorate Data Hub To Include Voter Registration Turnout Data

UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, and the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, a leading nonpartisan research center focused on elections, voting behaviors, and electoral and political participation, announced today updates to the Hispanic Electorate Data Hub that will allow media, researchers and practitioners to see Congressional district-level data on the Latino voting-age population nationwide. This collaboration shines a light on the influential role Latino voters will play in the battle for control of Congress, and on the voter registration opportunity gap of this fast-growing electorate down to the Congressional district level. The Hispanic Electorate Data Hub, launched last November to advance a more accurate understanding of the Latino electorate, provides detailed insights into the makeup, distribution and participation trends

of these voters, and houses multiyear interactive polling data on their priorities, views on parties and candidates and outreach received. Available on the site are UnidosUS’s most recent surveys of 3,000 Latino voters released in November 2023, and September 2024, and a chart of Hispanic voter influence in competitive Congressional districts.

Clarissa Martinez de Castro, Vice President of the UnidosUS Latino Vote Initiative, said, “We thank the Center for Inclusive Democracy for their collaboration and partnership. Our goal in making these tools and data publicly available is to provide the context and nuance needed to cover this electorate accurately and engage these voters more effectively. Eight in ten registered Hispanics vote in presidential elections and will be decisive in the winning equations for the White House and Congress. Yet, they report low levels of outreach.

Candidates and parties need to redouble their efforts if they want to win the support of these voters.”

Mindy Romero, director of Center for Inclusive Democracy at the USC Price School of Public Policy, said, “Adding Congressional districtlevel data to the Hispanic Electorate Data Hub creates a new and unprecedented opportunity for identifying and engaging many more Latino voters, including those who could make the difference in tight congressional races come November. The Center for Inclusive Democracy at USC is excited to contribute to this very important resource.”

For more information about the UnidosUS Hispanic Electorate Data Hub or the 2024 Pre-Election Poll of the Hispanic Electorate, please visit unidosus.org/hispanicvote/.

Political Advertisement paid for by Carl Tepper

Opinion/opinión

Community & Event Brieflies

FIRST FRIDAY ART TRAIL, a program of LHUCA! FFAT is a free, selfguided art tour held in the Lubbock Cultural District that is held the first Friday of each month - Oct. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 7:30 a.m. at 511 Avenue K

DOG DAY HOWL-OWEEN Dog Owners, come one come all to our 20th annual Dog Day Halloween with games and fun for ALL members of your family. Sat., October 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at McAlister Dog Park, 6007 Marsha Sharp Fwy. Free. There will be a costume contest!.

2024 WEST TEXAS WALK OF FAME INDUCTIONS The public is invited to attend the event as we honor and celebrate these talented visual and performing artists: Gerald Dolter, Tina Fuentes, Steve Meador and James Watkins. Free admission. Doors to the seating area will open at 6:30th. Oct 3rd, 7 - 8 pm, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.

CULTURE FEST 2024 Join us at Culture Fest 2024, the largest event of the fall, where the vibrant cultures of Texas Tech come together for one spectacular day of celebration. On October 12th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the International Cultural Center, explore the rich diversity of our community through mouth watering food, electrifying music, mesmerizing live performances, and hands-on arts and crafts. at the International Cultural Center, 601 Indiana Ave.

NEW NEIGHBORS CLUB OF LUBBOCK will hold its General Meeting Friday, October 11th at 10:30 am at the Lubbock Women's Club, 2020 Broadway. The program, Tea Etiquette. A luncheon will follow. Cost is $20. Reservations may be made by emailing andreah7@gmail. com. by October 8th.

2024 DDLM FUN RUN will take place on Saturday, November 2nd at 2525 Cesar Chavez. Register online https://runsignup. com/race/tx/lubbock/2017ddlm

BASIC ENGLISH CLASS – Clase de Inglés – aprender Inglés básico, 3211 58th Street, (east of Indiana) Lubbock. Horas: Cada Miércoles a las 7:30-8:30 de la noche. 806-239-5352 GRATIS!!

CLASES DE INGLÉS COMO SE-

GUNDA IDIOMA La Literacia de Lubbock (Literacy Lubbock) ofrecen clases gratis de inglés como segundo idioma (English as Second Language) para la comunidad. Todos los adultos están bienvenido en estas clases. Para más información, llame a (806) 775-3636.

IMMIGRATION SERVICES If you need help with immigration issues call 806741-0409.

SERVICIOS DE INMIGRACIÓN Si necesitan ayuda con asuntos de inmigración llame a este numero (806) 7410409.

2-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY QUESTIONS 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.

Celebrating the Contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to Agriculture

Each year beginning on Sept. 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in America, and this year is no different.

The theme for this year’s heritage month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This theme was chosen by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers to reflect the spirit of innovation, resilience and unity that define the Hispanic experience. This theme also honors the Hispanic and Latino individuals who are paving the way for future generations to make a lasting and important impact on agriculture in Indiana.

This year’s theme reminds me of visiting my uncle's coffee farm during my summers as a child. His farm was in the Puerto Rican mountains and our days were spent not only playing on the hillside and taking a swim in the river but also helping the workers pick coffee and laying it out to dry on the cement floor in front of the farmhouse. At

¿Que Piensas?

noon, family and friends would unite together for a traditional meal made solely from the products and produce on the farm. This tradition was decorated with many great Puerto Rican dishes, music and a lot of chatter and laughter.

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Indiana only has approximately 570 Hispanic producers across the state, making up less than 5% of producers statewide.

To help increase the number of farms operated or owned by Hispanic or Latino producers, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has designed them as historically underserved producers. This designation allows Hispanic producers to receive priority consideration on financial assistance applications, as well as a higher payment rate and advanced payment to help with the installation and implementation of conservation

practices.

Financial and free technical assistance through NRCS enable Hispanic farmers and landowners to implement conservation practices that promote soil, water and air quality on their land. Here in Indiana, our team works diligently to help Hispanic and Spanish-speaking producers help their land through several methods, including translation services and Spanish publications and documents.

To support Hispanic and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) program applicants and participants, we have developed a resource to help locate and get in contact with Spanishspeaking NRCS employees. The LEP resource website also includes information on translation services and NRCS publications in Spanish. Interested individuals can access the resource website at this link: Español | Indiana NRCS Spanish Speaking Employees (arcgis.com)

Carta Abierta

OUR TIME IS NOW

As a Hispanic woman, I work hard each day to support, encourage and hopefully inspire other Hispanics to lead and innovate in the field of Agriculture. Each person has something to contribute, and Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the continued contributions of Hispanics and Latinos to agriculture.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage each of you to try some new-to-you Hispanic cuisine, learn a new word or phrase in Spanish or research some of the many Hispanic trailblazers who have had an impact on science and agriculture.

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispania! (Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!)

Damarys Mortenson is Indiana NRCS State Conservationist. One of USDANRCS’ core values is respecting the diversity of all people and communities we engage. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 and gives us an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the remarkable agricultural achievements of Hispanic men and women in our country.

We know our readers have a lot to say! Letters to the editor are a forum for discussion and reflect the broad views of Latino Lubbock Magazine readers.

Letters to Latino Lubbock Magazine are limited to 100 words. Entries will not be edited for grammar, punctuation or spelling; we reserve the right to make changes to avoid potential legal issues. Letters are not acknowledged. Opinions expressed in letters and Op-Ed articles do not represent the views of Latino Lubbock Magazine.

We don’t want our Opinion page to become another Facebook comment section filled with name-calling, false claims and petty jabs. We run a professional business. If the letter isn’t up to our standards, we have no obligation to run it. Mail letters to Latino Lubbock “Letters to the Editor,” Box 6473 Lubbock, TX 79493, or 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.

I had the pleasure of reading your article titled "Our Time is Now - Nuestro Tiempo es Ahora" in your Latino Lubbock Magazine, and I felt compelled to reach out to express my heartfelt appreciation for your work. Your eloquent and passionate depiction of Hispanic Heritage Month deeply resonated with me. The way you highlighted our journey, from our rich cultural roots to our present-day challenges and aspirations, was both moving and empowering. Your words captured the essence of our community's spirit and the importance of unity and advocacy in the face of adversity. The statistics and historical context you provided were eye-opening and served as a powerful reminder of our significant contributions to the fabric of American society. It was inspiring to read about the population growth and the potential influence we, as Hispanics, hold. Your call to action for political engagement and community solidarity was compelling, urging us to take a stand against discrimination and fight for our rightful place in leadership and media representation. I was especially touched by your emphasis on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while striving for equality and inclusion. Your message of hope and resilience is exactly what our community needs during these challenging times. As you rightly pointed out, our diversity is our strength, and it is crucial that we continue to advocate for better healthcare, education, housing, and civil rights.

Thank you for being a steadfast voice for our community and for using your platform to foster dialogue and understanding. Your dedication to delivering objective and impactful content is truly commendable. Please continue to inspire and uplift us with your insightful writings. Our time is indeed now, and with leaders like you, I am confident that we will achieve the recognition and respect we deserve.

With sincere gratitude, Javier Palacios

WE APPRECIATE LLM

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Hispanic/Latino/Chicano/Raza community! I worry that our culture gets lost and commercialized as each generation follows, but I appreciate that we can count on you Christy. I know it's not always easy but you have never let our community down and I just wanted you to know that we truly are grateful for all you do for the community. Sending our prayers and blessings over you and Latino Lubbock Magazine.

Sincerely,

La familia Garza

DAMARYS MORTENSON

Pocketbook Issues Still Top Texas Latino Priorities

UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, today released findings from its 2024 Pre-Election Poll of Texas’s Hispanic Electorate. The data shows that the top five priorities for Texas Latino voters, two months out from the election, are dominated by economic concerns, with inflation and wages as the top two priorities, and healthcare costs as the fourth priority. Immigration was the third priority, and abortion and crime/gun violence tied for the fifth priority. Poll results, as well as upcoming additional Congressional district-level data for the Latino voting-age population provided by the USC Center for Inclusive Democracy, can be found in UnidosUS Hispanic Electorate Data Hub, launched last November to advance a more accurate understanding of this electorate.

In 2024, 26% of Latinos in Texas will be voting in their first presidential election.

• 38% of the Texas Latino electorate is new since the 2016 presidential election. While a majority of Latinos are certain they will vote, many are still deciding.

Early outreach is key: 33% plan to vote early, 28% by absentee ballot and 39% on Election Day.

Eric Holguin, UnidosUS’s Texas state director, said, “From their pocketbooks to their healthcare to immigration, Texas Hispanic voters are focused on living a prosperous life regardless of one’s background or origin. While some may be trying to divide Texans on issues like immigration, Latinos believe in a balanced approach that advances legality, particularly for those deeply rooted in our communities, and punishes traffickers and smugglers preying on people’s desperation. Texas can be a thriving place for all, and Hispanic voters want our leaders to reach out and work with our communities on real solutions rather than playing partisan politics.”

Key Findings Include:

On the issues

Texas Latino voters’top five issues are largely consistent with Latinos across the country and continue to be dominated by pocketbook and economic concerns.

• Inflation: Food and basic necessities, housing/rent and gas prices are driving concerns about inflation.

• Jobs: Better pay and concerns about job security top the concerns about jobs and economy.

• Immigration: Path to citizenship for immigrants brought to the US as children, and cracking down on human and drug traffickers are tied for the top concerns.

• Healthcare: Costs of insurance and medication are the driving concerns.

• Abortion: Latino voters are concerned that abortion bans put women’s health and lives at risk.

• Crime/Gun Violence: The top concern is that guns and assault weapons are too easy to get.

On immigration, the top priorities are a path to citizenship for long-residing undocumented immigrants and cracking down on human smugglers/drug traffickers.

On abortion, by a 65% to 24% margin, Latinos in Texas consistently oppose making it illegal or taking that decision away from others, no matter their own personal beliefs.

On voting

• 52% say they have not been contacted this cycle by either party or any campaign.

On the parties and candidates

• On priority issues overall, Democrats are more trusted than Republicans, but 23% of Latino voters responded “neither,” “both” or “don’t know” when asked which party would be better at addressing their priority issue.

• In the Senate race, Democrat ColinAllred holds a +20-point lead in support from Latino voters over Republican Ted Cruz: 51% to 31%

• Vice President Harris holds a +23-point lead in support from Latino voters over former President Trump: 57% to 34%.

Dayana Iza Presas, Mi Familia en Acción’s Texas state director said, “These findings mirror the concerns of our communities in Texas. From conversations with community members, the rising cost of living remains an area of uncertainty that requires urgent attention from the next administration. On immigration, families continue to live in a state of limbo where they face constant legal attacks and lack of security while still having to pay high renewal fees. Mi Familia enAcción is ready to mobilize. We are launching our electoral program to activate Latino voters that have yet to be contacted and encouraged to vote. We are making sure that in this election new voters receive the support that they need to make their voice be heard.”

Conducted by BSPResearch with oversamples in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, the 2024 Pre-Election Poll of the Hispanic Electorate provides a more accurate and nuanced understanding of this decisive, but often misunderstood electorate, and serves as a follow-up to UnidosUS 2023 Pre-Election Poll.

About the survey:

Total N=3,000 Latino eligible voters

• N= 2,800 registered.

• N= 200 eligible, not registered.

• Margin of error +/- 1.8%. Oversamples

• N=300 per:Arizona, California, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania (+/- 5.7%).

• N=400 Florida, Texas (+/- 4.9%).

Field Dates: August 5-23, 2024

• English or Spanish, according to preference.

• Mixed mode: 75% online, 25% live telephone interviews.

Commissioners Approve Budget Funded

ABy No-New-Revenue Rate

s expected, two Lubbock County commissioners again skipped a scheduled commissioners court meeting, to prevent a tax increase. This was the final meeting scheduled before the Sept. 30 deadline.

Under state law, if a tax rate is not approved by Sept. 30, the no-new-revenue rate is automatically adopted.

Commissioners Jason Corley and Jordan Rackler have not been present on the dais in recent weeks, preventing the four members necessary for a quorum when voting on a tax rate.

The three members present did constitute a quorum to vote on all other items; members gave initial approval to a budget that is smaller than one proposed earlier this cycle, and close to the current year’s budget.

“All of these cuts that we have made are going to come back to haunt us,” Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish said Monday.

The approved budget eliminates about $7.5 million in proposed increases over last year’s budget. It is funded by the no-newrevenue rate of 33.4702 cents per $100 valuation, which leads to no tax increase for the average homeowner.

The no-new-revenue rate means, in the aggregate, no additional money will go to the county

from properties on the tax rolls both years. New or significantly changed properties will generate additional revenue. Sales tax growth would also lead to a revenue increase.

During a news conference last month, Judge Parrish said adopting the no-newrevenue rate would mean not just eliminating roughly $7.5 million of requested increases, but another another $7 million must be trimmed because of funding used for the current budget that will not be available next year.

Supporters of Commissioners Corley and Rackler addressed the court, saying families cannot afford the $68 average increase in taxes the court originally proposed.

The initially proposed budget included a proposed rate of 35.8989 cents per $100 valuation. According to data published by the county, the average homeowner, with a homestead taxable value that increased from $207,092 to $219,456, would pay $68.16 more to the county for the year. The total due for a $219,456 property would be $787.82. The proposed rate matched the voter-approval rate, meaning it is the highest that could be approved by commissioners without forcing an election.

Parrish said the walkout will lead to more difficult decisions

in the future.

“This...will not be cheering and celebrating the next fiscal year. We will be continuing to make some pretty tough decisions about what we want to be and who we want to be for the future of Lubbock County,” Parrish said. “Not just the present, but the future.”

The approved budget includes a three-percent raise for county employees. The proposed budget called for a five-percent increase.

The approved budget delays millions of dollars in maintenance at the Lubbock County Courthouse and other county buildings, including the roof at the Lubbock County Detention Center. It also delays $460,000 worth of projects at the Juvenile Justice Center. It reduces county road maintenance to 18 miles for the year, down from around 50 miles per year in recent budgets.

Going forward, Parrish said any unexpected payouts will likely have to come from the county’s reserves.

During a news conference last week, Parrish said reducing reserves to balance the budget could negatively affect the county’s bond rating.

Congress Passes 3-Month Funding Extension To Avoid Government Shutdown

The House and Senate approved a stopgap measure to keep the government funded for three months on September 25, 2024, sending the legislation to President Biden to stave off a shutdown.

The legislation keeps the government funded through Dec. 20 and also includes around $230 million in additional funding for the Secret Service following the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.

Lawmakers had until Oct. 1 to pass the

extension or face a shutdown, and approved the temporary funding measure with some time to spare on Wednesday, as lawmakers leave town for the final sprint toward Election Day.

President Biden did not indicate when he would sign the bill in a statement thanking Congress for working together to keep the government open. He also nudged lawmakers to pass full-year funding bills before the end of the year.

The House and Senate are departing for a lengthy recess and won't return until after the Nov. 5 election. With the three-month funding measure, they'll face a pre-holiday deadline to prevent a shutdown after their return.

Visit us online at www.loshermanosfamilia.org

LHF LEADERSHIP: Some of the board members of Los Hermanos Familia (LHF) took time for a photo at the City of Lubbock Special Recognition. Pictured are Frank Garcia, LHF Vice President; Christy Martinez-Garcia, President & Founder who is also the Mayor Pro Tem of Lubbock; Velnda Betancur, board member; Brian Albiar, Treasurer; and Joanne Harwood, board member. Not pictured are Amaris Garcia, Lisa Velasquez, and Rudy Leal. LHF's objective is "Strengthening Families, Building Community."

La guía de USAGov en Español para votar en 2024

Yec Ya sea que usted es un votante con experiencia o si estas son sus primeras elecciones, es importante estar informado de las fechas clave y los requisitos para poder votar antes del 5 de noviembre, día de las elecciones. Revise la guía de USAGov en Español para votar en 2024 y qué necesita para ejercer su derecho al voto en persona, por correo o mediante otros medios permitidos en su estado.

1. Regístrese votar o confirme si sigue registrado. Si no se ha registrado para votar o no está seguro si se registró, busque su estado en vote.gov para ponerse al día con su registro. Algunos estados cierran las inscripciones hasta 30 días antes del día de las elecciones. Verifique el plazo en su oficina local de elecciones para que no se pierda la oportunidad de votar.

estado.

3. Ubique su centro de votación si planea votar en persona. Averigüe la ubicación y el horario de su centro de votación antes del día de las elecciones y evítese un estrés adicional. Recuerde que, tanto si vota en persona como por correo, tiene derecho a solicitar adaptaciones de accesibilidad para votar si tiene una discapacidad. para el día de las elecciones. Antes de acudir a su centro de votación, infórmese sobre el tipo de identificación que necesita para poder votar. Las leyes de cada estado determinan qué documentos de identidad son aceptables.

¿Quiere informarse más sobre las votaciones?

¡Visite fuentes oficiales!

• USAGov en Español - Sepa cómo funcionan las elecciones, infórmese sobre elecciones estatales y locales, y conozca cómo, cuándo y dónde votar en Estados Unidos.

2. Infórmese sobre el voto en ausencia y la votación anticipada. A pesar de que todos los estados ofrecen la opción de voto en ausencia, las fechas límite y reglas para votar de esta manera varían por estado. Algunos estados requieren una justificación para votar en ausencia. Su estado también podría ofrecer la votación anticipada en caso de no poder votar en persona el día de las elecciones. Conozca más sobre las opciones de voto en ausencia y votación anticipada en su

• Vote.gov - Acceda a información electoral en español. Averigüe cómo votar si es estudiante universitario, nuevo ciudadano de Estados Unidos, si no cuenta con domicilio fijo o si tiene una discapacidad y más.

• EAC.gov (en inglés) - Explore cómo inscribirse para ser un trabajador electoral, conozca respuestas a preguntas electorales frecuentes y aprenda cómo se protege el voto para mantener la seguridad de las elecciones.

Corazón Latino Welcomes Landmark Prescription Drug Deal

Corazón Latino, a leading advocate for environmental and community health through the One Health approach, celebrates the recent Medicare price negotiation announcement by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on the historic deal to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. It’s estimated that taxpayers could save $6 billion on prescription drugs, with Medicare enrollees expected to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in 2026 alone as a result of these lowered costs.

Felipe Benítez, Executive Director of Corazón Latino, praised the administration's efforts:

“We’re relieved for the seniors and families who will benefit from this bold and strategic

move to produce cost savings for the people who need it most. Medicare enrollees deserve healthcare without the burden of exorbitant costs. This achievement not only protects the health of our seniors but also strengthens our communities and economies. By reducing prescription drug prices, we are making healthcare more accessible and equitable, especially for our most vulnerable populations.”

Corazón Latino remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of communities across the nation, advocating for policies that promote public health, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.

Business/negocío

Business & Opportunity Updates

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.

BUSINESS COUNSELING Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can discuss their business ventures and get expert advice from the SBDC staff. All information will be held in strict confidence. For a counseling sessions call (806) 745-1637.

TAX FORMS AT LIBRARIES t hey have forms 1040 and 1040-SR in English and Spanish available at all locations. You can also access all available forms and instructions from home at www.irs.gov.

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 (800) 933-4557 or visitlanwt.org for more info.

LOW INCOME TAXPAYER

CLINIC The TTU School of Law operates a “FREE” Low Income Taxpayer Clinic year around to provide assistance relating to issues involving controversies with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more info call (806) 834-7972 or toll free (800) 420-8037.

Latino Gdp Rises To $3.6 Trillion And Boosts Economy

Anew report by economic think tank Latino Donor Collaborative and Wells Fargo revealed that Latinos contributed $3.6 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2020, a 13% increase compared to the previous year. This growth would rank U.S. Latinos as the fifth largest economy in the word, surpassing the annual economic output of countries such as India, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.

The report highlights that the U.S. Latino economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6% between 2017 and 2022, more than double the 1.8% growth seen in the broader U.S. economy.

"There is no doubt that the U.S. Latino economy is a formidable force, characterized by strong GDP growth, significant population expansion, high workforce participation, and increased educational achievements," Sol Trujillo, Latino Donor Collaborative chairman, said in the report. "This is not a matter of diversity and inclusion; it is a critical business strategy," Trujillo added.

The data, which draws from several sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates that key industries for the Latino workforce include manufacturing, public administration, accommodation and food services, construction,

and transportation. Manufacturing alone contributed $457.4 billion to the Latino economy, marking a significant 48.4% year-over-year growth.

When it comes to geographic distribution, California led the nation in Latino GDP in 2022, contributing $935.2 billion, followed by Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.

In addition to economic growth, the report points to a substantial increase in wealth among Latino households. Over the past decade, the wealth in households from this demographic has tripled, reaching a median net worth of $63,400 in 2022, adjusted for inflation.

This growth has been driven by increasing homeownership rates, rising home prices, and a surge in Hispanic-owned businesses. Nevertheless, a significant wealth gap remains compared to non-Latino white households, which had a median net worth of $283,300 in 2022.

Looking ahead, the Latino Donor Collaborative forecasts that the U.S. Latino economy will continue to grow rapidly, with projections suggesting it will surpass Japan's economic output by 2024 and Germany's by 2027.

This growth is supported by the U.S. Latino population's rapid expansion, which has outpaced non-Latino population growth, particularly in states like Colorado, Washington, and Georgia. The increase is also supported by the fact that Latino population is significantly younger and continues to enter the labor market in large numbers.

"Leveraging the unique and powerful opportunities presented by the U.S. Latino market will benefit every American," Trujillo said.

City Seeking Applicants for Boards & Commissions

The City of Lubbock is now accepting applications for several boards and commissions. The City of Lubbock encourages all Lubbock residents to apply. This is a chance for Lubbock citizens to be an active part in their city’s future. The term for these positions start March 1, 2025, and the deadline to submit an application is Monday, September 30, 2024. If you have previously submitted an application as of January 1, 2023, your application will be considered.

It is encouraged that you login and update your application to ensure the City of Lubbock has the most up‐to‐date information on file. Applications and resumes can be submitted at www.mylubbock.us/ cityboards. Summaries and information about the City's boards and commissions can be found at: https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/ departments/city‐secretary/boards‐commissions/list‐of‐boards‐commissions

www.anaborrego.com

By Advertising in Latino Lubbock Magazine

Alzheimer's Disease Symposium Registration Now Open

The TTUHSC Garrison

Institute on Aging will hold the 5th Annual Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Symposiun on November 19, 2024, and keynote speaker Dr. Allison Applebaum will focus on the caregiver.

The annual campaign occurring in November, holds particular significance due to its alignment with the declaration made by U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 1983. President Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month with the aim of fostering awareness and catalyzing action against Alzheimer's disease, which stands as the most prevalent cause of dementia among older adults.

In 2022, an estimated 6.5 million Americans grappled with Alzheimer's disease in the year 2022, constituting 10.7% of individuals aged 65 and older.

Alarmingly, projections suggest that this number will surge to 12.7 million Americans aged 65 and older by the year 2050.

In the state of Texas, the impact of Alzheimer's disease is poised to be particularly profound, with projections indicating a staggering 22.5% increase in the number of individuals aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia. Moreover, the disease ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, assuming an even more prominent position as the fifth leading cause of death among individuals aged 65 and older.

The event is free but requires registration. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include breakfast and lunch.

Register to be a part of the TTUHSC Garrison Institute on Aging Symposium by November 13th, at (806)743-7821. Seating is limited.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence (DV) can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. It can happen to couples who are mar ried, living together or who are dating. It can affect all individuals re gardless of socioeconomic backgrounds, education lev els race, belief, religion, gen der or sexual orientation. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, eco nomic, or psychologi cal actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes sexual assault and stalking and any behaviors that frighten, timidate, terrorize, manipu late, humiliate, blame, or injure

Abuse can exist in all groups, but Latinas face more barriers than non-Latinas and that they have more culturally Latinas often have taboos regarding their gender role issues and the importance of ‘familia’. A strong sense of culture keeps them from ‘betraying’ long-standing values. They believe their family obligations always come first no matter what personanimosities may ist. Abusers often their partners’ gration status as control. It is very for a batterer to control over his ner’s immigration in order to force stay in the relation-

ship.

Like all victims, Latina immigrant women also are at a high risk for DV, but due to their immigration status, they may face even more of a difficult time escaping abuse. They often feel trapped in abusive relationships because of immigration laws, language barriers, social isolation, lack of financial resources or DV service providers' limited resources and skills to respond to the unique needs of their population.

Furthermore, immigrant batterers and victims may believe that the penalties and protections of the U.S. legal system do not apply to them.

The Lubbock Women's Protective Services Crisis Hotline can be reached at (806)747-6491 or 800-736-6491, and provides services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Octubre es Mes de la toma de La Violencia Domestica

La Violencia Domestica (VD) le puede suceder a cuaquier persona de diferente raza, edad, orientacion sexual, religion o genero. Le puede suceder a parejas casadas, en union libre, o a quienes estan empezando una relacion. VD p u ed e af ec ta r a c u a lq ui e r i n di v i duo independientemente de los antecedentes socioeconómicos, niveles de educación, raza, creencia, religión, sexo u orientación sexual.

El abuso puede ser fisico, sexual, emocional, economic o de action sicologica o de amenaza, la cual influye a la otra persona. Esto incluye as asalto sexual, acosando, cualquier comportamiento que asuste,intimide, aterrorize, manipule, humille, culpe, o que lastime a alguien.

El abuso puede existir en cualquier grupo, pero las Latinas enfrentan mas barreras que el resto de las mujeres que no son latinas, y que tienen más necesidades específicas a nivel cultural.

Latinas a menudo tienen tabúes con respecto a su función relacionadas con el género y la importancia de la "familia". Un fuerte sentido de la cultura les impide "traicionar" los valores tradicionales establecidos. Ellas creen que sus obligaciones familiares siempre vienen primero, sin importar los recentimientos personales que puedan existir. Los agresores suelen usar el estatus migratorio de sus parejas como

una herramienta de control. Es muy común que un agresor utilize el estado migratorio de su pareja con el fin de obligarla a permanecer en la relación.

Al igual que todas las víctimas, las mujeres latinas inmigrantes se encuentran en un alto riesgo de violencia en el hogar, pero debido a su condición migratoria, pueden enfrentarse con situaciones mas dificiles para escapar del abuso domestico. A menudo se sienten atrapadas en una relación abusiva, debido a las leyes de inmigración, las barreras lingüísticas, el aislamiento social, la falta de recursos financieros o recursos limitados de los proveedores de servicios de VD y las habilidades para responder a las necesidades únicas de su población. Un agresor puede convencer a su víctima de que sus acciones violentas no son criminales al menos que estas agresiones aparezcan en público o que el agresor esté autorizado a castigar físicamente a ella porque ser hecho de ser "hombre". Las mujeres inmigrantes a menudo sufren mayores índices de maltrato comparado con los ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos. Además, los agresores de inmigrantes y las víctimas pueden creer que las sanciones y la protección del sistema legal no se aplican para ellos. Llame a (806)747-6491 or 800-736-6491, en español, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Noticias de salud/ Health News

LET’S MOVE Join us in having FUN while learning how to dance a variety of danc es with YouTube! Every Wednes day, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at the Mag- gie Trejo Supercenter, 3200 Amherst St. Free for Ages 50+

ADULT MOVEMENT CLASSES

Start your new year with a new approach to health and creativity! At the Hodges Community Center. Creative Movement starts at 5:45 PM and Essentrics starts at 6:45 PM every Monday. These classes are open to everyone 18+ at all levels of movement.

CHILD CARE AVAILABLE FOR INCOME-ELIGIBLE FAMILIES

who are income eligible may receive fee assistance to attend one of the Early Learning Center’s five centers. Parents or caretakers must be employed or in school. The program is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. through Fri. Call (806) 765-9981.

HEALTHBEAT EQUIPMENT brings the best of the gym to the great outdoors at Buddy Holly Lake of Cesar Chavez Drive. The outdoor fitness equipment is available to the public and has 10 pieces of fitness equipment. This is a project of Los Hermanos Familia. FREE.

OPEN FITNESS Use our fitness equipment to get fit! Treadmill, bikes and more! Ages 13+ (13-16 yrs. needs guardian) 3 p.m., M-F at the Trejo Center. Free.

FREE CLINIC Lubbock Impact holds a free doctors clinic every Wed. at 34th Street and Boston Avenue. Registration begins at 4 PM. Patients must be 18 and older and medically uninsured to receive free medications and doctor visits. Call (806) 799-4320.

FREE SICK CHILDREN'S CLINIC is a free, all-volunteer clinic that treats sick children up to age 15 at 10th Street and Avenue A. Prescriptions at the on-site pharmacy are free. Call 762-1805 for more info.

FAITH BASED AA for Lubbock and the surrounding area, Thurs. from 6:30-8:00 P.M. and Sundays from 7-8 P.M. Call 806793.3336.

FREE PARENTING CLASSES

Family Guidance & Outreach Center pro- vides free anger management classes and parenting classes. For more information or to register for a class, call 747-5577. Visit us online: www.familyguidancecenterlubbock. org.

Early Detection & Screening are Keys to Survival

1. Know your risk Talk to your family to learn about your family health history

2. Get screened Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you. See your health care provider right away if you notice any breast changes like: Lump, hard knot or

thickening • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening • Change in breast size • Dimpling or puckering of the skin • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly • Continuos pain

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight • Exercise • Limit alcohol intake Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable.

Detención Temprana y Evaluaciones son la Clave para Sobrevivir

1. Conoce que estas en riesgo Habla con tu familia acerca del historial medico familiar.

2. Hazte un chequeo Pregúntale a tu doctor que métodos de chequeo son los adecuados para ti en caso de estar en alto riesgo.• Hazte un mamograma cada año después de cumplir los 40 años de edad en caso de estar a riesgo regular.• Hazte un examen de seno cada tres años después de cumplir 20 años de edad.

3. Conoce que es normal para ti. Si sientes algún cambio en tu seno, acude a tú medico para una revisión inmediata, por ejemplo: • Una bolita • un nudo duro o engrosamiento • hinchazón • co-

mezón • calentamiento del seno • enrojecimiento u obscurecimiento • cambio en medida en el seno • arrugas en la piel • dolor o erupción en el pezón • caída del pezón que comienza de repente • Dolor continuo

4. Adopta una vida saludable Mantén un peso saludable para tu edad, estatura • Has ejercicio • Limita la cantidad de alcohol que tomas.

Teniendo un chequeo regular es la mejor manera para la mujer de minimizar las chances de estar en riesgo de cáncer de seno. Los chequeos pueden detectar el cáncer a tiempo, cuando es tratable.

The Doc or Is In

Advice from our Doctors...

Consejos de nuestros médicos

Breast cancer

Although breast cancer is not as common in Hispanic women as in other ethnic groups, it continues to be the leading cause of cancer related deaths in this group. Early detection is very important for the treatment of breast cancer, but Hispanic women, without resources to assist, tend to be diagnosed when the cancer is more advanced and treatments less effective. To

Aprotect themselves, all women should have an annual exam and get mammography based on her age and medical history (usually starting at age 40). Additionally she should learn self-breast examination and seek medical attention if an abnormality is noted. There are several organizations in Lubbock that can assist with the cost of mammography.

El cáncer mamario

unque el cáncer mamario no es tan común en la mujer hispana como en las mujeres de otros grupos étnicos, continua siendo la causa más grande de muertes debidas a cáncer entre las mujeres. La detección del cáncer en sus principios es muy importante pero las mujeres hispanas, frecuentemente sin recursos, suelen ser diagnosticadas cuando el cáncer esta más avanzado y los tratamientos son menos efectivos. Para protegerse, toda mujer debe tener un examen médico

anual y hacerse mamografía según las recomendaciones basadas en su edad e historia médica (normalmente comenzando a los 40). Además debe aprender a hacerse auto examen de los senos y consultarse con un doctor inmediatamente al encontrar alguna anormalidad. Si no tiene seguro médico, existen en Lubbock organizaciones que pueden ayudar con el costo de la mamografía. La prognosis depende en encontrar el cáncer temprano y en la rapidez del tratamiento.

¡Celebrate, celebra! Hispanic Heritage Month, mes de la Herencia Hispana Sept. 15 to Oct. 15

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! ¡Feliz mes de la Herencia Hispana!

SPECIAL RECOGNITION IN OBSERVANCE OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: The City of Lubbock City Council honored selected community members, City employees and organizations at their Special Recognition assembly held in September. Among the recognitions included a Special Recognition for Hispanic Heritage Month presented by Mayor Pro Tem Christy Martine-Garcia. Various organizations were present to accept the recognition collectively. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15 through October 15th. Congratulations from Latino Lubbock Magazine! (Photo courtesy of the Media & COmmunications of the City of Lubbock)

OUR OBJECTIVE “Strengthening Families, Building Community” Join our efforts and become a member today.

El Día de los Muertos Understanding & Celebrating a Tradition

More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death.

It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate.

A ritual known today as el Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

The ritual is celebrated in Mexico and in the United States.

Although the ritual has since been merged with Catholic theology, it still maintains the basic principles of the Aztec ritual, such as the use of skulls.

Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend.

The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during the ritual. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth.

The skulls were used to honor the dead, whom the Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations believed came back to visit during the monthlong ritual. Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.

The pre-Hispanic people honored duality as being dynamic. They didn't separate death from pain, wealth from poverty like they did in Western cultures. However, the Spaniards considered the ritual to be sacrilegious. They perceived the indigenous people to

be barbaric and pagan.

In their attempts to convert them to Catholicism, the Spaniards tried to kill the ritual.

But like the old Aztec spirits, the ritual refused to die.

To make the ritual more Christian, the Spaniards moved it so it coincided with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (Nov. 1 and 2), which is when it is celebrated today.

Previously it fell on the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, approximately the beginning of August, and was celebrated for the entire month. Festivities were presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The goddess, known as "Lady of the Dead," was believed to have died at Today, Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and in certain parts of the United States and Central America.

In rural Mexico, people visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried. They decorate gravesites with marigold flowers and candles. They bring toys for dead children and bottles of tequila to adults. They sit on picnic blankets next to gravesites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones.

In the United States and in Mexico's larger cities, families build altars in their homes, dedicating them to the dead. They surround these altars with flowers, food and pictures of the deceased. They light candles and place them next to the altar.

Locally, in Lubbock, the celebration has taken more of an artistic theme. Many Mexican American groups however, are stepping up and observing the days through their churches. And for some, it is just a day to celebrate and enjoy the memory of their loved ones.

Remembering Our Loved Ones Submit Photos for Virtual Altar

Latino Lubbock Magazine will be collecting photos of those who died of covid complications for a a virtual 2021 Day of the Dead-Día de Muertos exhibit.

Remembering Our Loved Ones is dedicated to the numerous individuals from the South Plains who died from the pandemic.

As a part of this exhibition, Latino Lubbock Magazine invites the public to submit photos of loved ones who died from covid.

These photos will be incorporated into a virtual covid Memorial Ofrenda that will be be displayed

on a virtual altar on their website.

"We hope to honor those who we lost, and incor porate their spirits into our annual tradition," said Christy Martinez-Garcia, Publisher of Latino Lubbock Magazine. In the time of COVID-19, Christy Marti nez-Garcia has been an advocate for the marginal ized and has lived up to the role as a journalist advocating for the community.

Christy utilized her role as a publisher and a community advocate to provide important information and updates to her readers even when her own family experienced the death of six family members to covid complications. To submit a photo go to www.latinolubbock. net. Upload photo, name, and birth and death date. For additional details call (806)792-1212.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE

9th Annual Veterans Parade Will be Held Nov. 9th

In celebration of Veteran's Day, an annual American holiday honoring military and those who have served, as well as Military Family Appreciation Month in November, an inaugural parade will be held.

The annual Veteran's Day Parade will be held in Lubbock on Saturday, November 9, 2024!

"We're inviting all of the community to make plans to be a part of this parade that will honor Veterans, " said Amaris Garcia, Chair of the Parade Committee. She added that they hope to have many supporters to cheer participating veterans from their cars, as well as veterans’ groups and first responders.

"These men and women have served and are serving our community and country with dedication and courage, and for that we are proud to sustain this Lubbock tradition to honor our veterans."

The 2024 theme is: “I Pledge Allegiance”. The public is urged to bring their flags or businesses on that route are urged to fly their flag for the parade to show veterans they are supported. All participants are also encouraged to pay tribute to Veterans and all who have served the community by using red, white, and blue colors, American or military branch flags. Veterans, their family members, businesses, advocates, organizations, marching bands, and all advocates are encouraged to participate.

The 2024 Grand Marshall will be retired Lubbock Fire Chief Shaun Fogerson - Chief Fogerson joined Lubbock Fire Rescue in 1992 and achieved his current rank, Deputy Chief - Opera-

tions, in October 2015. Fogerson holds a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from Texas Tech University, a Texas Commission on Fire Protection Advanced Firefighter Certification, and is currently participating in the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran and holds several commendations for service from Lubbock Fire Rescue, including the Medal of Valor. Fogerson was also named the Lubbock Area United Way 2017 Campaign Volunteer of the Year. He is the 10th Chief for Lubbock Fire Rescue.

The event will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 with set up time at from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and then the parade will begin at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the East parking lot of First Baptist Church at Broadway; participants are urged to enter through Avenue V.

The route will begin off Avenue U, to Broadway, heading East down Broadway, and then North on Avenue M to the Civic Center Parking lot.

This year's 2024 is Title Sponsor, Gandy's. Veteran Advocate Sponsors include Optimum, Latino Lubbock Magazine, and Starcare. A special thanks to the City of Lubbock.

All are welcomed to participate and can register online at www.loshermanosfamilia.org

The event is a collaborate effort by the Purple Hearts 0900, who advocates for Veterans and Purple Heart holders; and Los Hermanos Familia an organization committed to strengthening families, and building community.

Los Hermanos Familia 2024 Reminders

L

os Hermanos Familia reminds you about a few upcoming projects and events. The scholarship applications are open through September 16th. Scholarships for retention and for disadvantaged students will be offered to college and some to high school students.

Heart program. The Warm Heart program focuses on youth, and homeless teens. Donations can be arranged by emailing loshermanosfamilia@gmail.com

The 9th Annual Veteran's Parade will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024. Veterans, organizations, families, and businesses are encouraged to join us as a participant or spectator. Please come support our Veterans.

Los Hermanos Familia is now accepting socks, clear back packs, beanies, mittens and gloves for teenagers for their Warm

Los Hermanos Familia also invite the public to consider making a monetary donation during Giving Tuesday, which will be held on Tue, Dec 3, 2024. Contriutions can be made at https://www.givingtuesdaywtx.org/

Updated dates for 2025 will be included in a complete list of calendar events, projects, dates and details on the online calendar at www.loshermanosfamilia.org.

clean up as part of their service to the Adopt-a-Highway is a Texas-born program that allows volunteers to adopt stretches of state-maintained roadway to conduct litter pickups. Great job!

Education/ Educación

LISD Hires De León as Fine Arts Director

Lubbock ISD recently named César De León, M.Ed., as its new executive director of fine arts. De León brings a wealth of experience in fine arts education and leadership, most recently serving as Fine Arts Supervisor for Austin ISD. In this role, he directed curriculum development and alignment for K-12 fine arts programs, including instrumental and vocal music, visual arts, theater, and nonathletic extracurricular activities. He managed a team of over 600 fine arts educators and was instrumental in securing and allocating $6.8 million in ESSER funds to support arts education across 125 schools.

De León’s career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in education and fostering creativity through the arts. His leadership has focused on expanding access to fine arts education, especially for historically underserved and

Education & Scholarship Updates

marginalized students. With his background in both educational leadership and music education, De León is wellequipped to continue advancing Lubbock ISD's fine arts programs and building strong community support for the district’s arts initiatives.

His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Lubbock ISD’s fine arts department, as he aims to foster a vibrant arts culture and inspire students to achieve success through creative expression. He will start in October. Welcome from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

Ramirez New Marketing Director for LBK Symphony

M

olly Ramirez, a cyber maestro with over a decade of organizational leadership experience, is the new Director of Marketing and Communications for the Lubbock Symphony. She will oversee the communication strategies for the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Lubbock Chamber Orchestra, and Lubbock Youth Orchestras. Ramirez is instrumental in crafting Lubbock Symphony's digital strategy and driving audience growth, greatly enhancing its presence as an entertainment organization universally. Before joining the Lubbock

Symphony, she was part of the Texas Tech Alumni Association's Marketing and Communications Team as the Graduate Marketing and Communications Assistant. Ramirez holds a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in English from Texas Tech University (TTU), obtained in 2021, and a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in mass communications and marketing from TTU, completed in 2023. Congratulations from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

NATIONAL STUDENT NURSES' ASSOCIATION, Inc. (NSNA) Breakthrough To Nursing Scholarships For Ethnic Apply online at www.nsna.org

NATIONAL SCHOOL CUSTODIAN DAY Oct. 2, 2024.

SCHOLARSHIP INFO ONLINE Fastweb.com - This website claims to be the most complete source of local, national, and college-specific scholarships on the net. It lists thousands of scholarships. When you sign up, you can get email updates when new scholarships become available. Good and free resource.

GED/ESL CLASSES free GED and ESL classes are available at Hodges Community Center this fall. Classes are every Thursday and Friday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. To register or for more information about Literacy Lubbock's GED and ESL classes, please visit their website, LiteracyLubbock.org

NATIONAL STUDENT NURSES' ASSOCIATION, Inc. (NSNA) Breakthrough To Nursing Scholarships For Ethnic Apply online at www.nsna.org

AAUW SCHOLARSHIP The Association of University Women Educational Foundation Apply at www.aauw.org

ADELANTE SCHOLARSHIPS www.adelantefund. org/#!scholarships/crij

HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP CONSORTIUM www.hispanicscholar.org/#!apply/c17ip

COLLEGE BOARD is an online tool to help you locate scholarships, internships, grants that match your education level, talents, and background. Apply online at: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search

COLLEGENET A convenient, speedy site which searches scholarships from categories such as ACT and SAT scores, GPA, etc. Apply online at: www.collegenet. com

CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM www.chci.org/scholarships/page/chci-scholarship-program

LA UNIDAD LATINA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP www.lulf.org/apply/

BUICK ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM for Engineering/ Technology or select Design and Businessrelated programs. Apply online at www. buickachievers.com

$30K MASTER’S-LEVEL, GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIPS through The Rotary Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to fund post-baccalaureate study at an accredited university located outside

MCTHANK YOU TEACHERS: McDonald's on North University donated $750 from the McTeachers Night to the Carmona Harrison Elementary.

¡SI SENOR!: The ballet folklorico grupo Grupo Oro of Lubbock High School performed at the Grito event held by the Hispanic Student Society.

Youth/Juventud

Youth Opportunities

TREJO HALLOWEEN

FALL FESTIVAL

Join us for a great time! Enjoy games, trick or treating, music, candy and door prizes! FREE! All ages! On 10/11/24, from 6 – 8 p.m., at 3200 Amherst St.

PUMPKIN CARVING COMPETITION Register through October 13. Tuesday. The event will take place October 15, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., at Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave. Free. All ages are welcome!

LIGHT-UP GHOSTS CRAFT

Come make your own adorable light-up ghost! All supplies will be provided. For ages 12 and up. On 10/14/2024, 5 to 7 p.m. At Groves, 5520 19th St.

LIGHT-UP GLITTER PUMPKIN CRAFT

Make an adorable glitter pumpkin with LED lights! This is a family event for ages 8 and up (adult assistance is needed). On 10/16/2024, 4-5 p.m. at Godeke Branch Library; 5034 Frankford Ave

16TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN TRAIL Thursday, October 17th through Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 6 pm at the Lubbock Municipal Garden & Arts Center. Free to the public!

TRICK-OR-TREAT STREET Join us for Safety City's Trick or Treat Street on Friday, October 275 from 6-8 pm! This event will include games, door prizes, and candy! At 4500 Avenue U.

HODGES CHESS CLUB Stop by the for open play chess on the first Saturday of the month from 10 am- 12 pm! Limited chess boards are available. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this chess club offers something for everyone. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. Every 1st Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave. Free.

OPEN FITNESS Avoid the unpredictable weather of high winds and too hot temperatures. Use our fitness equipment to get fit! Treadmill, bikes and more! Ages 13+ (13-16 yrs. needs guardian) 3 p.m., M-F at the Trejo Center. Free.

FREE ONLINE MOVIES FOR KIDS We've got movies for all ages available through the OverDrive App (not Libby) or on the website lubbock.overdrive.com!

TEEN HELP: Catholic Charities offers FREE help for youth up to 17 struggling with negative behaviors, loss of selfrespect, bullying, etc. Parents may call 1-800-530-4704 and make a confidential appointment.

Spanish Spelling Bee to be Held Nov. 16th

For the 14th year, Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society will be holding the Lubbock Spanish Spelling Bee.

“We know that it is an immensely beneficial competition, and the impact it has had on the students, teachers, administrators, family members, community members, and Texas Tech University has been huge,” said Dr. Comfort Pratt.

She said that Sigma Delta Pi is

totally committed to this program and will continue to organize it annually.

"Sigma Delta Pi strives to make the Spanish Spelling Bee recognized as an academic enrichment program," she said. Pratt added that this year’s championship and celebration lunch will take place at the auditorium of the Texas Tech University International Cultural Center, 601 Indiana Avenue, on November 16, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Welcome to October! I am currently in the process of submitting my first college application by November 1st. I seriously can't believe it is a month away. Recently, my Latino Lubbock section has been about my experience with applying to college. However, I know there are plenty of paths that people take after their time in high school. Some students go to work in trade careers, cosmetology, military, the food service industry, etc. These are all jobs with wonderful opportunities and good benefits. There are many pathways you can go if college isn’t for you. I know that I want to go to college, but I know it’s not for everyone. If you're interested in pursuing a different pathway than college, I encourage you to talk with your

IN OCTOBER

· File your FASFA ASAP

counselor and take advantage of your school's resources. Many schools in Lubbock offer courses that give you a head start on work after high school. The most important thing for students is a plan after high school. Give yourself the best shot and take advantage of all that high school really has to offer.

Blaise Martinez - will be a 12th grader at Lubbock High School. She aspires to attend Stanford University, major in computer science, and pursue a career in computer science and app development.

· Start scheduling important dates on your calendar - online or a hard copy

· Register for fastweb.com or collegenet.com

· Stick to the syllabus.

· Keep seeking and applying for scholarships.

SLATON HOMECOMING COURT: The Slaton High School 2024 Homecoming King Candidates included: Luckey Garcia, Thomas Cardenas, Kaleb Ortiz, Riley Martinez and Zamion Davila. Queen Candidates: Kamryn Barrera, Halle Ashley, KK Salazar, Lilianah Solis and Adriana Gonzales. The 2024 Homecoming Queen was Kaylynn Salazar. Congratulations t from Latino Lubbock Magazine! (Photo by Louisa Ramos Gonzales)

FIESTAS PARADE PARTICIPANTS: Girl Scout Troop De Colores Troop #6073 participated in the 2024 Fiestas Patrias parade. They had a great time! Way to go from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

Anniversary Benny Paul & Adela Brito, 63rd as of October 21, 1961

Anniversary Soylo & Frances Fuentes, 40th as of October 26th, 1984

Anniversary Jose & Josie Salinas, 51st as of October 17, 1973

Anniversary Berardo Jr. & Christina Pauda, 38th as of October 26, 1986

Anniversary Joe and Irma Martinez, 51st as of October 27, 1973

Nicholas & Amanda Muñiz, 1st as of Oct. 7, 2023

ENMU Receives Art Donation from New Mexico Painter Ed Sandoval

Eastern New Mexico University was the proud recipient of two original oil paintings from renowned New Mexico painter Ed Sandoval on Tuesday, September 17. The gift included two original paintings titled “Pueblo Firelight” and “Ranchos Rain.”

The two paintings include his character “El Viejito, " meaning

“the little old man” in Spanish. "El Viejito” is a recurring character in Sandoval’s paintings that reflects his love for New Mexico.

“Mr. Sandoval is a truly gifted artist, and ENMU is honored to have received two exquisite examples of his work,” said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor.

“We are proud to have been a

part of his educational journey. He is an outstanding alumnus and a member of our Greyhound family.”

The paintings will be displayed in the main lobby of the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building (JWLA). Bryan Hahn, manager of the Runnels Gallery and the university art collection curator, said, “We want to display these paintings in high-traffic areas near the front of the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts Building. Many people from various disciplines are in that building, so a variety of people from many different backgrounds and interests will see the paintings.”

Sandoval graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education. A native son of Nambe, NM, Sandoval is known for his magical pictorial storytelling rooted in the land and history of New Mexico. For over 30 years, he has owned and operated his own art gallery, the Ed Sandoval Gallery, in Taos, New Mexico.

American Historia: The

Untold Story of Latinos

Prompted by his quest to shed light on Latinx heroes, John Leguizamo takes viewers on a journey through history to showcase the often-overlooked contributions of Latinx people. In this docuseries, he’s on a mission to share rarely explored aspects of the Latinx impact on American history. John weaves

a story of “American Historia” centered around key Latinx gamechangers across several categories: inventors, artists, musicians, activists, intellectuals, war heroes, and beyond.

Inspired by his own multi-faceted style, American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos presents a dynamic fusion of enlightening historical segments

and interstitials where John delivers passionate monologues on key moments and figures in history. With John as guide and storyteller, the series visits historical sites and captures conversations with experts and historians, uncovering Latinx heroes who should have made it into American history books.

The program is a three episode series. It premiered September 27, and will also be shown on October 4, October 11 2024, at 9 pm ET. Tune in to your local PBS station.

SELENA & THE SYMPHONY: The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director David Cho was joined by Isabel Marie Sánchez – 2016 recipient of the Tejano Music Award for Best New Female Artist – in a concert celebrating the musical legacy of Selena! The event drew a great audience, introducing some to the Lubbock Symphony, as well as demonstrating the musical diversity and ability of the musicians! Congratulations from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

of the Our

October is Holy Rosary Month

The month of the Holy Rosary is October and this entire month is dedicated to the Rosary. The feast day of the Holy Ro sary in particular is October 7th. The feast of the Rosary is held on October 7th in memory of the glorious and triumphant victory at the battle of Lep anto. That battle was the most convincing military victory that proved without a doubt the great power of the Rosary.

bring great peace and holiness to your life. It is a powerful instrument for conversion.

The Rosary is the best method of honoring Mary. It protects the Church from false teachings and keeps her safe from the attacks from the Enemy.

To pray the Rosary online visit www.ewtn.com/legacy/devotionals/prayers/rosary/how_to.htm

OCTOBER JAMAICAS

•Lubbock Our Lady of Guadalupe Oct. 6, 11 a.m. till 8 p.m.

CURSILLO – REGION VIII FALL

ENCOUNTER The Diocese of Lubbock Cursillo Movement will host the 2024 Region VIII Fall Encounter October 4 and 5, 2024. The event resembles the weekend of the Cursillo and all our friends in Region VIII (Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma) are invited to attend. The theme is: “The Eucharist is My Highway to Heaven” ~Blessed Carlo Acutis. Registration fee is $85. This event will be in three languages: English, Español, and Vietnamese. For more information, please email cursillolubbock@gmail.com for information. To register, visit https://cursillolubbock.org/fallencounter-2024/

KNIGHTS

OF COLUMBUS

The month of October is a good time to commit to praying the Rosary everyday. The Rosary will

Please contact Rita Schumacher for pending details at (806) 7961181.

Forward in Chris

Honor Attracts the Presence of God! Honor is a spiritual principle that draws the presence of God into our lives. When we honor God, others, and the values He holds dear, we invite Him to dwell among us. Honor is not just about outward respect but a posture of the heart, reflecting reverence and obedience. It recognizes God’s sovereignty and the divine order He has established in relationships, community, and worship.

In the Bible, God promises His presence where honor is given. One powerful scripture that illustrates this is 1 Samuel 2:30- “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” This shows that when we honor God, He responds by showing us His favor, blessing, and His glorious presence.

Honoring God means putting Him first in our decisions, acknowledging His authority, and living in a way that pleases Him. But it extends beyond

COUNCIL 11807 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE ANNUAL FALL GOLF FUNDRAISER TOURNAMENT 4 Person Scramble on Sat., October 5, 2024 at Reese Golf Center. To register contact Vince Carillo – Grand Knight (806) 319-0074, or Herman Hernandez - Committee Chairman (806) 789-3433.

just honoring God directly... it includes respecting those He has placed in our lives, such as our parents, leaders, and one another. When we live in a culture of honor, we align ourselves with God’s nature and priorities. As a result, His presence becomes tangible in our hearts, empowering us to experience His guidance, peace, and provision more deeply. Honor invites God to take center stage in our lives.

Joshua Ramirez is the Campus Pastor of the Lubbock Dream Center and has been in ministry for 32 years.

CONSECRATED WOMEN’S APPRECIATION DINNER Join the Serra Club of Lubbock celebrating the Consecrated Women who serve in the Diocese of Lubbock on October 11, 2024, at St. Elizabeth University Parish’s Hanley Hall. Meet and greet begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets will be available soon. If you have any questions, please call Rudy Rangel at (806) 773-6796.

BIBLE STUDY AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH Father Piña’s Bible Study in English will be held on Wednesdays, at 7 pm. at 1120 52nd St. El Estudio Bíblico en Español con Emilio Abeyta estará los Miércoles, a las 7pm.

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY at Our Lady of Grace, every Wednesday and Friday, 5:30 pm - 7 pm, at Buxkemper Hall, 3111 Erskine St.

DIVINE MERCY Chaplet online at https://www.thedivinemercy.org/message/ devotions/novena

PRAY THE ROSARY ONLINE at https://www.cathedralofmary.org/faithformation/resources/pray-the-rosary-online

UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURES online at https://catholicboard. com/

THE BIBLE ONLINE www.catholic.org/bible/ ñ

EWTN NEWS https://www.ewtnnews. com/

LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE ON STANDS AND ONLINE www. latinolubbock.net

TEAM ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH: The Out of The Darkness Walks raise funds to provide education, fund research, advocate for prevention, provide support for those struggling with mental health issues and provides support for the survivors of suicide. Team SJBC was proud of the support and the beginning to acknowledge the crisis that is suicide

THE LUBBOCK WARRIORS: Boxers from the boxing club volunteered their time at the annual Our Lady of Grace Church Jamaica. The group sold turkey legs and donated all the proceeds to the church! Great job!

KOC VOLUNTEER: Members of the Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph's Council #8097 and some of their spouses volunteered at their South Plains Fair booth. They had a great time - thanks KOC! (Photo by Marisa Cantu)

OLG GUADALUPANAS: Some

Lady of Grace Church Guadalupanas took a break from the annual jamaica bustle for a photo for Latino Lubbock Magazine! They ran out of all their food and had a successful year! Way to go, Ladies!

A Walk to Remember

BY EDDIE CATANO, Nexstar Media

Alocal non-profit organization, The Compassionate Friends, will host its eighth annual “Walk to Remember” for parents who have lost a child unexpectedly and find comfort in the organization itself.

However, the chapter leader of The Compassionate Friends in Lubbock, Isabel Espinoza said she is glad the organization reached out to her about starting the Lubbock chapter. Espinoza said she had to travel miles to go to a group after losing her daughter in a car crash.

“The nearest chapter that I found was in Big Springs. So I would monthly I would drive over there 2 hours,” Espinoza said. “I just felt being with somebody in a room one-on-one was what I needed. They have amazing online groups, but I needed I needed somebody to hug, somebody to touch and just somebody that I could see that was actually there.”

Compassion Friends, is about being a support for other grieving parents such as them.

The co-chapter leader, Deneis Arriaga said, “We went through the same thing. You know, it does pass. It does get I hate to say, but it does get just a tiny bit easier, um, you know, like I said, we don’t like to say that, but it, we, you just learn to deal with it better.”

Treasurer of the organization, Sunny Acevedo, who was a parent who reached out to both Espinoza and Arriaga after losing her daughter said it’s how the group turns the grief into a healing process.

Acevedo said, “Their meetings help out a lot. You meet different families, and even a lot of us don’t talk about our siblings. They don’t talk about the pain of what has gone through their family. But it’s a lot of the parents discussing about how they feel, what they’re going through. So it is amazing.”

Espinoza knew another person who would be on board to help really get this chapter off the ground because she knows exactly how it feels to lose a child.

Espinoza said, “I asked Deneis, my best friend, if she would want to start it with me because her daughter had passed away two years before my daughter, and they were actually friends.”

Both women said that the group, The

With their eighth annual walk coming up Arriaga said, “We may not see them at our meetings, um, all the time, every month, but when we have our walk or a candle lighting, it’s a, it’s a real big turnout. It’s good to see, you know, all these people. And it’s sad to see, but it’s also good to see all these families coming in. It’s not just to come and grieve, you know, it’s just to get to know one another.”

The Walk to Remember will be October 19th at Buddy Holly Park.

Learn more at www.facebook.com/ Felyshadv08

En Aquellos Días…

Mi mama cocinaba comidas sin receta y no sabía que había marcas especiales. Lo única que era más importante era el precio. Como comíamos tortillas a cada hora de comida, solamente usaba pan blanco para el lonche que llevábamos a la escuela. Compraba el pan cuando estaba a tres varas de pan por un dólar. La marca más barata era la mejor. No tomábamos leche cada mañana, solo cuando mi papa compro una baca y mama la ordeñaba muy tempranito en la mañana. La única persona que tomaba leche era el bebe. La bebida favorita era el Kool Aid y compraba a diez paquetes por un dólar. En aquellos días vendían las dos libras de bolsas de “winnies” también por un dólar. La carne molida se ponía en barata a tres libras por un dólar y era la mejor carne, no tenía mucha manteca. En el verano teníamos elotes, frijol pinto, ejote, calabazas, tomates y pepinos del jardín. Me acuerdo que mama embotaba tomates y en tiempo de frio nos cocinaba huevos batidos y les ponía tomates.

A nosotros no nos importaba que marca de comida estábamos comiendo porque todo sabia igual.

Todo cambio cuando nos casamos y cada quien tenía su familia. Un día nos juntamos en mi casa y tuvimos una comida. Una cuñada me dice: “Mijo no toma Kool Aid porque no le gusta. Nomas toma Coca Cola”. Y mi hermana me dice: “Los míos solamente comen pan de Mrs. Baird”. Y otra: “A mis hijos les gustan hot dogs con winnies de Oscar Mayer”. Pues nadie se dio cuenta que yo compre lo más barato. Mi sobrino me pidió mas Kool Aid, y los demás ni supieron que el pan y los winnies eran de la marca mia. Y yo, pues también estoy un poco de chiflada – me gusta la nieve de la marca Blue Bunny y la leche Borden.

Editor's Note: Rosario Montez Smith grew up en un rancho in Levelland, and enjoys sharing her memories of living in rural West Texas.

2024 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS FALLEN FIRE FIGHTERS MEMORIAL: This memorial brings in families and departments from across the country to remember and honor those in which have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, Firefighter Matt Dawson was added to the memorial wall. On January 11th, 2020, Matt Dawson sustained severe and long-term injuries from an incident that took the lives of LFR Lieutenant Eric Hill and LPD Officer Nicholas Reyna. Firefighter Matt Dawson passed away on November 26th, 2023 after facing nearly a four year battle from his injuries on January 11th, 2020. Continued blessings from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

GUTIERREZ RETIRES FROM BPP: Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) Chairman David Gutierrez on his retirement after 15 years of service on the board. Mr. Gutierrez was appointed to BPP in 2009 by former Texas Governor Rick Perry and was later appointed as BPP Presiding Officer and Chairman by Governor Greg Abbott in September 2015. Mr. Gutierrez’s long service to the state and career in law enforcement includes serving as Sheriff of Lubbock County and as the former chair of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards and the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) Advisory Board. He also served as the president of the Texas Corrections Association and Texas Jail Association.

Veteran & First Responder Affairs

West TX State Veterans Cemetery On Point

While the development of the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock may not be able to really be seen, significant progress is being made beneath the surface. Essential infrastructure including storm drains and electrical conduits have been run. The irrigation pipes have been buried - all essential infrastructure components and crucial to the finished product.

The cemetery’s design incorporates nods to Texas Tech, including elements that look like the iconic brick seen on Texas Tech University’s campus. The coming flagpoles and bell tower were made possible through generous donations, with a conscious effort to support local businesses.

In an environmentally friendly twist, the cemetery’s irrigation system will utilize water from the nearby cheese plant, enhancing sustainability. Currently, 762 preregistered spots are reserved, and the cemetery plans to open with 4,110 spots available for veterans and their families.

The Committal Shelter, entry gate walls, curbing and much more, have also made progress.

The West Texas State Veterans Cemetery will serve over 21,000 Veterans in Lubbock and the surrounding communities.

To learn more or to pre-register for the cemetery visit: https:// vlb.texas.gov/forms/cemeteries/ pre-registration.pdf

October 13th

is the U.S. Navy's Birthday

The U.S. Navy will next celebrate it’s birthday on Wednesday, October 13th, 2021. The creation of this fleet was not without controversy. In fact, it was hotly debated for 11 days in the Continental Congress. According to the official website of the U.S. Navy, some in that debate were convinced that having a standing navy was “the maddest idea in the world.”

addition to the already-created Continental Army which was authorized in June of 1775.

The Navy Birthday: Not To Be Confused With Navy Day

In the end, the debates were won by “navalists” who were in favor of adding a naval fleet as another branch of defense in

DATES TO REMEMBER

• U.S. Navy (USN) Birthday - Oct. 13

• Day of the Deployed - Oct. 26

• Navy Day - Oct. 27

• PURPLE HEART SOUTH PLAINS OF TEXAS CHAPTER MEETINGS 3rd Saturday at 10 a.m., at American Legion, 6628 66th St, in Lubbock. For more info call Steve Oien at (707) 592-4598.

VETERAN SUICIDE HOTLINE If you know someone is actively considering suicide, call the veterans' suicide hotline at 1(800) 273-8255. A service rendered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

DISABILITY.GOV This website helps find information on how to apply for disability benefits, find a job, get health care or pay for accessible housing. www.disability.gov

HELP OUR MILITARY HEROES dedicated to providing the military wounded with fully equipped handicapped vehicles. www.helpourmilitaryheroes.org

WOUNDED WEAR Provide free fashionable clothing kits and modifications to wounded warriors that empower them to rediscover the hero within. (757) 773-8079 http://www.woundedwear.org/

The U.S. Navy birthday should not be confused with Navy Day, which was created in 1922 to recognize the service of all Navy members. Believe it or not, Navy Day pre-dates official recognition of the Navy Birthday. Navy Day is observed on October 27.

That date was chosen, so the story goes, in honor of President Teddy Roosevelt whose birthday is also on the 27th.

NEW HIRES: The Lubbock County Detention Center welcomed six new hires. Pictured with Sheriff Kelly Rowe are Joshua Koontz, Damien Mendez, Joseraul Ornelas, Zachery Rawlins, Adrian Martinez, and Quincie Brown. Congratulations from Latino Lubbock Magazine!

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Neighborhood News & Resources

CLAPP PARK AND NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP EVENT on 10/05/2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4402 Avenue U The South Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists are asking for your help to cleanup the Park and the surrounding neighborhood. Dress accordingly with closed toed shoes, and bring plenty of water! Under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.

NORTH LUBBOCK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION will have its monthly meeting on Monday, October 14th at 5:30 p.m. at Maggie Trejo Supercenter, 3200 Amherst. All are invited.

HEART OF LUBBOCK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING is the 2nd Monday, of each month, 7 p.m., at the Hope Shalom, 2005 Ave. T.

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.

3-1-1 CITIZENS CALL CENTER provides citizens with direct access to NonEmergency City Services.

SOUTH PLAINS FOOD BANK

To receive a food box, you need to qualify through one of our partnering agencies and receive a voucher. You can call 2-1-1 or visit www.211texas.org to find a local agency that is giving our vouchers. Bring all documentation needed to see if you qualify.

Important Numbers for Senior Citizens

Teléfonos de interés para la tercera edad

AARP: 888-687-2277

Social Security: 800-772-1213

Medicare: 800-633-4227

TX Area Agency on Aging: 800-252-9240

2-1-1

Information and Referral Información y referencia

3-1-1

Information and Referral Información y referencia

4-1-1

Voting Information Información de votación

Latino Lubbock Magazine (806)792-1212

news@latinolubbock.net www.latinolubbock.net

Trunk-Or-Treating, or Trick-Or-Treating

This Halloween, some trickor-treaters, instead of trekking through neighborhoods, will opt for a more stationary form of candy collecting: trunk-or-treating.

Trunk-or-treating is an alternative to trick-or-treating, in which parents and guardians gather their vehicles in one spot, typically a parking lot, open their trunks and give out candy as children walk from car to car.

them up.

Some candy-givers decorate their trunks with scenes and themes, such as pumpkin patches, spiderwebs and monsters.

Though often dubbed as the safer option to trick-or-treating, there is little evidence pointing to trick-ortreating being dangerous.

Worries such as people giving out poisoned candy and razor blades in apples started in the 1960s and have been debunked.

It all comes down to personal preference. It's an enjoyable activity, and it should be fun.

Trunk-or-treat events are held at lots of places, including schools, churches, neighborhood associations and even car clubs.

Some of them have games, contests and arts and crafts.

For ideas on decorating your trunk, social media sites such as Pinterest and TikTok can give you do-it-yourself ideas and walk you through instructions on setting

And for those Trick-Or_Treating Here are some safety

• Carry a flashlight

• Walk, don’t run.

• Stay on Sidewalks

• Obey traffic signals

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods

• Don’t cut across yards or driveways.

• Wear a watch you can read in the dark.

• Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground.

• Shoes should fit (even if they don’t go with your costume)

• Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.

• Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.

• (If no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic

• Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.

• Approach only houses that are lit.

• Stay away from and don’t pet animals you don’t know. Parents

• Make your child eats dinner before setting out.

• Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.

• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.

• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.

• You should know where they’re going.

• Tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

16th Annual Pumpkin Trail

The 16th Annual Pumpkin Trail will be open from October 17 - 24,2024 in the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum in Clapp Park. In addition to the carved jacko-lanterns along the trail, there will be displays hosted by local businesses and civic groups that will lead participants around the trail. This is a free event and the Arboretum walking trail is both stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Trail entrances are at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum at 4111 University and the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center at 4215 University. Limited parking is available behind Hodges Community Center and at the Garden and Arts Center. Park and Ride will be available from Safety City located on the east side of Clapp Park at 46th Street and Avenue U. Pumpkin lighting begins at 5:30 p.m. and should be completed before dusk each night. Evening hours are 6-9 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday and 6 -10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

UNIDOS 2024 RECEPTION: Some of the leaders and representatives for seven organizations gathered for photos at a recent Hispanic Heritage Month reception that was held collectively in observance of the month. The groups serve the community in various areas and collectively are committed to making an impact in service, philanthropy, education, business, and culture. In Lubbock the Hispanic community makes up almost 40% of the population and is the youngest fastest growing population. Pictured are Los Hermanos Familia, Hispanic Association of Women, Raiders Rojos, Fiestas del Llano, the Lubbock Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Lubbock Latina Business Owners, and the Hispanic Women's Network ~ Lubbock Chapter. Way to go!

Los Hermanos Familia

Raiders Rojos

Hispanic Association of Women

Fiestas del Llano, Inc. Lubbock Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Lubbock Latina Business Owners

Hispanic Women's Network - Lubbock Chapter

Steve Pantoja Carrizales, 69, passed from this life on 9/19/24. He was born 11/04/54 in Lubbock TX to Simon & Valentina Carrizales. He was the husband of Lydia R Carrizales. They married March 25, 1974 in Lubbock TX and shared 50 + years together. He graduated class of 1973 Lubbock High School. An honorable discharged veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was employed at Juvenile Justice Systems, Lamb Ct. TX. He was a member of St. Josephs and St. Patricks Catholic Church and proud Cursillista. He enjoyed working on his yard and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his community involvement. His love for music and being just that one of kind person that everyone loved. He is survived by his wife Lydia Carrizales. His children Steven Gabriel Carrizales Casey Carrizales Bhangu (Raj Bhangu). Survived by his 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He’s additionally survived by his mother Valentina Carrizales his brothers Sam,Henry,Zeke,Joe, Jerry and his two sisters Becky & Martha.

To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the sun… ECCL 3:18.

Connie Jean Garcia, 67, passed away peacefully at her home in Lubbock, TX on September 17, 2024. She was born on February 18, 1957 in Enid, OK to Benjamin A. Tucker & Juanita P. Maddy. She was a proud resident of Lubbock, Texas and a Graduate of Coronado High School, class of 1975. Connie and Jaime Garcia were married on July 14th, 1990. Together, they raised 4 children Dusty” Bubba” Tucker, Derrin “Rowdy” Tucker, Stephanie “Stephy” Hobbins & Tiffany “Tiny” Ingle. Connie’s most treasured accomplishments were being a mother to her children, especially when they were young. She was also a Mimi to her eight grandchildren that she was incredibly proud of!

She is survived in death by her Husband Jaime Garcia; Oldest son, Dusty Tucker [Laura Tucker], Derrin Tucker [ Sara Tucker}; daughter, Stephanie Hobbins [Thomas Hobbins], daughter Tiffany Ingle [ Travis Ingle]; older sister, Cindy Jones [Bruce Jones]; little brother, Timothy Tucker [Melinda Tucker]; little sister Terry Berryman [Jeff Berryman]; and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.

Enrique Martinez, 70, passed away on September 9, 2024. He was born March 23, 1954 to Julian and Maria Diaz Martinez in Chihuahua, Mexico. He married Maria Elena Rodriguez on August 29, 1974 in Alpine, Texas. Enrique graduated from Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas in 1972. He earned his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Sul Ross State University in 1975. He graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1978 and began practicing in Lubbock, Texas. Enrique specialized in federal law, specifically immigration. He spent a lifetime helping people achieve the American dream. He also served as a magistrate for Lubbock County and Lubbock Municipal Court. He was passionate about classic cars, enjoyed traveling, and loved spoiling his grandchildren. Enrique was a beloved car guy, husband, father, and grandfather.

Gonzalo Villarreal Perez, 77, passed from this life on September 2, 2024. He loved singing, composing music, and playing the guitar and the accordion. He had a talent for repairing things and enjoyed working on cars and lawn equipment. He also loved playing bingo. He was employed by the City of Lubbock Sanitation Department and in his younger days, he was a wrestler. He will be remembered for the stories he would share about his childhood and his singing. He was dependable and always available to his family and friends whenever they were in need.

In Loving Memory

Alma Dalia Lujan

September 26, 1948

of you. You are so loved.

Love,

Lujan, Veronica, David, and the wolfs (grand fur babies)

H.

Gonzalo is survived by his four daughters Esmeralda, Elizabeth, Angelica, and Adeliada, his 17 grandchildren, and his 27 greatgrandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Gonzalo Perez, his mother Felipa Ferrer, his sister Elisa, his brothers Joel and Gilberto, his grandsons Joe Garza, Jr. and Richard Perez, Jr., and his granddaughter Jennifer Garza.

Juan Fuentes was born in Lubbock, Texas to Francisco and Juanita Fuentes on September 22, 1954 and passed from this life on September 17, 2024 at the age of 69. He attended Estacado High School and was a plant traffic manager at Amarillo Cotton Warehouse. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a Pittsburg Steelers fan. He would always wear his Steelers cap and shirt while watching the games. He loved to travel to the horse races and watch WWE wrestling. He enjoyed barbecuing, going to car shows, camping, fishing, and playing pool. His carefree spirit, sweet smile, and laughter will always be remembered by those who know and love him. He is survived by his son David Fuentes, his grandchildren Isabella Fuentes and Cruz Fuentes, his mother Juanita Fuentes, his sisters Bertha Rodriguez, Sofia Deanda, Irma Gwin, his nephew Marco Rodriguez, and his nieces Alexis Deanda and Elizabeth Cortez. He is preceded in death by his father Francisco and his brother Frank, Jr.

Juanita Montoya Reyna of Lubbock, Texas was born on September 16, 1946 and passed from this life on September 14, 2024. She was a devoted Jehovah Witness who enjoyed reading her Bible and conversing with members of her congregation. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and was often seen feeding her birds and watering her plants. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Manuel Reyna and her parents Jesus and Esther Montoya, six sisters, three brothers, and her beloved Chula. She is survived by two sons and four daughters Sandra and her husband Dennis Ramos, Armando and his wife Sandy Reyna, Sonia Reyna Narro, Abel and his wife Laura Reyna, Susan Duran and Sarah Reyna, her 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Hector Ledesma, 32 of Littlefield wnet to be with the Lord on September 17, 2024.

Hector was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father whose warmth and love will forever be cherished by his family. His sons were his world, and every moment shared with them was a testament to his big heart and deep love. He formed deep bonds with each of them, nurturing their individual interests and encouraging them to chase their dreams.

Hector is survived by his wife Jeneva Gonzales-Ledesma of Littlefield; sons Julian Gonzales, Fabian Gonzales, Hector Lucky Ledesma, Lorenzo Ledesma and Joseph Ledesma all of Littlefield; his grandmother Lorin Ledesma of Lubbock; a brother, Paul Ledesma of Colorado, and his sisters, Lori and Samantha Ledesma.

Enrique is survived by wife, Maria Elena Martinez; children, Enrique Martinez Jr., Michael Martinez, Rebecca (Brandon) Beardain, Daniel (Mercedes) Martinez; grandchildren, Daniel (Kaitlynn) Martinez, Alyssa Martinez, Sarah Beardain, Avery Martinez, Marisa Martinez, Finley Martinez, David Beardain, Andrew Beardain, Emily Beardain, Mia Martinez; siblings, Petra Abbott, Lupe Martinez, Rosa Maese, Julio Martinez, Mary Candelaria, Jesus Martinez, Leticia Strawn.

Hortensia Ponce

de Rios, 73 of Lubbock passed away on September 12, 2024. She was born on October 20, 1950, in, Mexico, Known for her vibrant spirit and a passion for life, Hortensia dedicated many years of her career to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, working the Hospitality Services department. Her contributions to the university community were marked by her genuine warmth and commitment to service.Hortensia's life was full of joyful memories, particularly her affinity for celebrating special occasions.

Hortensia is survived by her devoted husband, Antonio Rodriguez Rios, and her loving children Kevin Rios, Antonio Rios Jr., and Michael Angel Rios, who is married to Liset. She is also survived by her siblings: Jose Luis Ponce Muriel, Martin Ponce Muriel, Manuel Ponce Muriel, Rogelio Ponce Muriel, Soledad Ponce Muriel, Obdulia Muriel, and Guadalupe Muriel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Ponce Cardenas and Saturnina Ponce Muriel.

Esther Villegas passed from this life on September 11, 2024 at the age of 82. She married Roy Villegas November 21, 1959 in Petersburg, Texas. Throughout 64 years of marriage, they shared many memories and created a beautiful family. Esther was an amazing cook and will be remembered for her sense of humor. She loved spending time with her family and will continue to be an inspiration to them all. She was a member of La Trinidad United Methodist Church.

Esther is survived by her beloved husband Roy Villegas, her children Rael Villegas (Cyndi), Roy Villegas Jr. (Nancy), Diana Minor (Adolph), Eva Jackson (Ricky), Rene Villegas (Anna), her 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-greatgrandchild.

of Wolfforth passed away very peacefully and anointed on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the age of 97. She was born on January 29, 1927, in Maxwell, Texas to Leonardo and Susana (Bautista) Hernandez. She and her husband loved to dance and were excellent dancers. She was a happy and joyful person who loved to sing and hum. She had an unconditional love for her children and would go above and beyond to protect them. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; they brought her great happiness and joy. She married Ausencio on September 16, 1948, in Lockhart, Texas and were married 68 years. She loved the Lord and received the Eucharist weekly. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. John Neumann Parish where she was known as “Mama”. She had a devotion to the Virgen de Guadalupe and prayed her rosary daily. She had faith as big as the ocean. She was a Cursillista since 1965. She was extremely loved by her family and will be missed very much. We are forever grateful that we were blessed to have her for so many years. Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Dominga Oballe of Euless, Isabel Oballe of Wolfforth, Jay (Sylvia) Oballe of Lubbock, and Josie (Doug) Triplett of Lubbock; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Francisca was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ausencio Oballe in 2017; and seven siblings.

“Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” ~ Psalm 23:6 October Prayer

Father God, please bathe my heart in your goodness and reach through me and my influence to extend your love to others. Make my heart and hope find its hope in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~ Matthew 5:4

Francisca

Oballe

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ~ Psalm 23:4

Our beloved wife and mother was the love of our life. We miss you so much and not a day goes by that we don't think

Pic The Gallo

Make your calaverita

Do you know what the calaveras are? They are phrases with rhyme about death that visits someone to take him. You can make calaveras about your friends. Remember to use synonyms of death. Do not forget that in the calaveras death never appears in a macabre form, it is a joke. Mexicans have a particular humor sense. We laugh at death.

Papel Picado

(Cut or punched out tissue paper)

Papel picado is a Mexican art used for national celebrations like Independence Day and Day of the Dead. Above is a sample of what it looks like. Get some tissue paper and scissors, fold over about 2 to 3 times, then cut out shapes, then unfold. It’s easy so give it a try.

Preparing for Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos - Nov. 1st

Día de los Angelitos - Nov. 2nd

Make an altar

Sugar Skulls

Typical Mexican candies made to celebrate the Day of the Dead include alfeñiques or skulls made from sugar and decorated with colored bands. Why not learn how to make them and prepare sugar skulls to decorate your altar.

Ingredients: 2 cups of confectioner’s sugar, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoonful of corn syrup, ½ teaspoonful of vanilla, 1/3 cup of corn flour edible vegetable coloring. Utensils:1 two-liter glass or plastic bowl, 1 wooden spoon or spatula, 1 sieve, and 1 fine paint brush. What you have to do: 1. Place the syrup, vanilla and egg white in the bowl and mix with the wooden spoon or spatula. 2. Sift the confectioner’s sugar and add it to the mixture. 3. When the ingredients are well mixed together, knead them into a ball with your fingers. 4. Sprinkle some corn flour on a table or other flat surface, spread out the mixture and knead it until it becomes smooth and easy to handle like tortilla dough. 5. Then, make small figures like crosses, coffins, skulls, plates of food, baskets of flowers, or anything else you like. Leave your figures on the table to dry for three hours, and then paint them with vegetable coloring.