Lubbock Magazine | May 2020

thelubbockmagazine.com MAY 2020

Hand-chalked art has decorated the city’s sidewalks for the past month.

$5.95 US LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

AT-HOME YOGA • 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS COVID-19 SUPPORT

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Contents

MAY 2020 On the Cover

18 CHALK TALK

Our walks throughout Lubbock encouraged us with locals’ commitment to hope in a time of anxiety. Here are a few of our handchalked favorites.

ARTWORK BY ABIGAIL PHOTO BY SYLVIA JENNINGS

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Features

STAY HOME, STRIKE A POSE

18

Haley Bevers, founder of The Yoga Stand, recommends a few of her favorite yoga poses that beginners can practice at home.

10 2020 FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS

During this time of crisis, we want to lift up those businesses, organizations and institutions that make this such a great place to raise a family.

22 ONLINE COMMUNITY

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10

How the Lubbock COVID-19 Neighborhood Samaritans Facebook group fosters healing in a hard time.

26 “VIEWERS LIKE YOU”

HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES

Lubbock’s PBS and NPR stations stay strong in times of trouble.

28 REMEMBERING THE LUBBOCK TORNADO 50 YEARS LATER

EMOTIONAL HELP

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CONTRIBUTORS/ONLINE..............5 EAT DRINK..................................43 YESTERYEAR..............................48

HAPPY HOURS!

EVERY DAY 3 P.M.-7 P.M.

COLD BEER BIG BURGERS HOT MUSIC!

orlandos.com

From T H E Editor Regional Director of Specialty Products/Editor Michele McAffrey 806.345.3256 mmcaffrey@lubbockonline.com Regional Designer Kayla Morris Contributing Writers Jonathan Baker Jason Boyett Contributing Photographers Shannon Richardson Sylvia Jennings

GM/Advertising Director Shoni Wiseman Advertising Sales Manager Robin Morse Multimedia Sales Representatives Larry Guerra Irene Lance Craig Martin Tod Towns Newsstand Sales Kevin Woelfel

l Brand Logos

Subscriptions Victor Uriegas

To advertise in Lubbock Magazine or on thelubbockmagazine.com, contact Shoni Wiseman at 766.8631.

Regional Executive Editor Jill Nevels-Haun Regional Distribution Director David Morel Regional Accounting Manager Sheryl Rycerz 710 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401 806.762.8844 • thelubbockmagazine.com Lubbock Magazine is a monthly publication of AJ Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent.

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O

ur staff began working from home in mid-March, and we knew the May issue would be a challenge to produce. But I am proud of what our small staff was able to accomplish this month.

The quality of Lubbock Magazine would not be possible without our talented staff and contributors, whose design, photography and articles fill our pages each month.

You’ll notice that we’re missing a number of our usual features due to the city’s shelter-inplace orders. All the local events we normally cover every month were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns; we willingly did our part to stay isolated and didn’t schedule any photo shoots for our stories, the first time we’ve ever done so.

But you won’t see a drop in the quality of the magazine this month. Thanks to the ultra-talented designer Kayla Morris, who can pretty much read my mind, her creativity and illustration and page design skills have ensured that our May issue is as eyecatching as ever. We’ve done our best to keep in step with the current crisis while still celebrating the local businesses that have faithfully supported us with our annual Family Favorites awards (see page 10).

We also celebrate the heart and soul of our city in our features.

From a local Facebook COVID-19 Support page, to the chalk art you see on our cover (and in a feature on page 18), we hope you’re encouraged by the positivity, resourcefulness and kindness that are characteristic of Lubbock’s citizens.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since a powerful tornado shook the city. We take a look back to May 11, 1970, with a special remembrance section (see page 28). The city banded together and came through that disaster, and 50 years later, we’ll do so again with COVID-19.

With hope for the city’s continued safety, health and prosperity,

Michele McAffrey | Editor

Contributors

JONATHAN BAKER

JASON BOYETT

SYLVIA JENNINGS

Jonathan’s copywriting has appeared in Esquire, Men’s Journal, and Popular Mechanics.

In his spare time, he writes crime novels.

Jason has written more than a dozen books and is the host and creator of “Hey Amarillo,” an interview podcast.

Visit heyamarillo.com and jasonboyett.com.

A Lubbock native and former state trooper, Sylvia has been a photographer for more than 30 years. Her work ranges from editorial to portraiture.

Learn more at sjphotographysylviajennings.com.

Writer

Writer

Photographer

SHANNON RICHARDSON Photographer

Shannon has been photographing commercial/advertising work for more than 20 years. He has also published a photographic book about Route 66. See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.

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US

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Subscribe: Email circulation@lubbockonline.com or call 762.8844 to receive Lubbock Magazine by mail.

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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FEATURE

Stay Home, Strike a Pose

By Jason Boyett

“T

STOCK ART

his is a time to focus on getting stronger and stronger,” says Haley Bevers, founder of The Yoga Stand. “This is not a time to abandon your yoga practice. If anything, this is a time to make lifestyle changes.”

When the city of Lubbock shut down in late March to contain the spread of COVID-19, Bevers and her team of 18 instructors pivoted from a studio-based yoga practice to an online one. Her clients now practice yoga at home – using online instruction – and Bevers believes this is exactly what our community needs right now.

We’ve spent a month battling anxiety over our health, our finances, and our living situations. Exercise in general and yoga in particular are excellent tools to calm the mind and manage that stress. “The mind, body and spirit are all related,” she says.

That’s why multiple studies have linked poor mental health to poor physical health. “Get the mind right and the body can come into harmony with that.”

So we asked Bevers to recommend a few of her favorite yoga poses that beginners can practice at home. These poses are common in restorative yoga, a type of yoga that focuses less on movement and more on long, deep postures designed for stillness.

These poses relieve physical tension as you stretch fatigued muscles and improve circulation. Bevers believes a simple, mindful at-home session can relieve emotional and mental anxieties. Focus on your breathing as you relax into each posture.

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Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)

This simple pose doesn’t require intense concentration, balance or much in the way of technique. In fact, once you know its name you know the pose. “We’re up on our feet a lot,” says Bevers. “So by going the other way we are helping with getting the blood moving. It’s a nice flush of your system. This is one of my absolute favorites and anybody can do it.”

Like most types of restorative yoga, this passive posture requires a couple of firm pillows or thick, folded blankets for support. Stack them near an open wall, then place your glutes on the soft support. “Scoot close to the wall and put your legs straight up,” Bevers says. Keep your legs on the wall while your head and shoulders remain against the floor.

Depending on flexibility, you can keep your legs completely parallel to the wall or place them at more of an angle, with knees slightly bent. If necessary, move further from the wall for stability. “There’s no right or wrong. The main thing is you just don’t want to feel pain. You want to feel comfort.”

To improve comfort, wrap a yoga strap, belt or scarf around your shins for stability. “This allows your legs to relax more so you don’t have to hold them up,” Bever explains.

If possible, stay in this pose – with your legs elevated – for at least five minutes, up to a maximum of 15 minutes. “Any time we elevate a body part in restorative yoga poses, we stimulate it to heal,” she says.

“This is one of the fastest ways to decompress. It’s great before bed.”

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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Recline Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Beloved for the deep relaxation it provides, this pose opens the hips while decreasing heart rate and muscle tension.

It stretches the groin and lower abdominal muscles, improving blood flow to those areas. “A lot of people are in fear or anxiety right now,” says Bevers. “This pose is very grounding for our high-tension, high-anxiety energies.”

Lie flat on the ground with your feet together and your knees out wide, making a diamond shape with your legs. Make sure you lengthen your spine along the floor while relaxing your buttocks. Draw in your shoulder blades and turn your palms facing up. Support your head on a rolled towel or blanket, and if necessary, use a pillow to bolster the outside of your knees or thighs.

If you have something soft and heavy – like a weighted blanket or sandbags – you can drape these where the thigh meets the groin to deepen the pose. “Then just stay there,” Bevers says. “Take that pose. When I have the time, I like to stay 15 minutes. Don’t go less than five minutes.”

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Restorative Fish (Matsyasana)

This gentle backbend helps open the chest and stretch the muscles of the abdomen. It’s a traditional pose known for improving breathing while reducing fatigue or anxiety. Start by gathering two or three firm pillows or a thick, folded blanket. “The firmer, the better,” says Bevers. Stack the pillows or fold the blanket so they stretch from the bottom of your ribcage past the top of your head.

Sit on the floor, then lie on your back upon the support, extending your legs straight out. Let your arms rest alongside your body. Tilt back your head while activating your thigh muscles. Focus on relaxing rather than pushing the pose with too much intensity. “Your heart will be up and open and your arms are draped like wings,” describes Bevers. “The head, chest and upper abdomen are all lifted up and supported.”

This pose feels good because it elevates the heart – a physical act with an emotional component. During a time of crisis, Bevers says we need to be in touch with our hearts. “We need to capitalize on our humanity, compassion and kindness. People are dealing with a lot of grief – the deaths due to the virus, people grieving the loss of income, the loss of business, the loss of social connection,” she says. “It’s important to get energy moving through the heart. That’s how we move through grief and how we open our heart to joy and compassion.”

Like the rest of these poses, Bevers recommends maintaining the Restorative Fish for five to 15 minutes.

A Time for Renewal

The benefits of yoga are mental as well as physical, and Bevers finds herself constantly reminding her Yoga Stand clients to embrace the difficulties of this moment. “We’ll never forget this whole experience,” she says of the international upheaval caused by the virus outbreak. “You’re going to see humanity changed by it forever. I say in my yoga studio all the time: People have been walking around in a hypnotic state. We never break our patterns.”

Many of those patterns are unhealthy, which means the current societal disruption is an opportunity to break those negative patterns for a more positive direction. When that happens, Bevers believes we’ll see personal and societal transformation. It can lead to healthier lives, more sustainable schedules and deeper connections between family and friends. “It’s a delicate balance. You have to honor sadness, grief and the challenges [we are facing]. But at the same time, what a great time for leadership – rising above and remembering our humanity.” L

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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STOCK ART

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FEATURE

T

he phrase “family favorites” has a new meaning this year. Over the past month, many of us have spent more time with our families than ever before. Moms and dads are working from home. Preschools are closed. Public schools have taken their instruction online. College students have returned from the dorms and are attending classes from their old bedrooms. The virus has brought about social distancing, but families are closer than ever before.

Last year, the designation “family favorite” might have applied to bakeries or toy stores or clothing boutiques. Now it’s a description of board games, puzzles and streaming services.

The month of May had been set aside as our Family Favorites issue since we published our 2019 winners. Based on an online survey, these awards are intended to celebrate the local businesses and organizations that serve families here on the South Plains, and the voting took place long before the COVID-19 outbreak began to impact our lives so directly. To focus our attention on Lubbock’s favorite “Mommy Makeover” location or dance program right now may seem a little jarring to some readers. We get it.

That’s why we almost talked ourselves

out of publishing the winners in this issue.

We thought about moving it back a few months. We thought about doing away with it until 2021. But at the same time, we’ve seen how hard our local businesses have been working. Bank tellers continue to serve customers. Grocery workers are putting in extra hours. Our favorite local restaurants are offering takeout and delivery options. We can barely talk about first responders and medical personnel and teachers without our eyes welling up.

If ever there was a time to celebrate what we love about Lubbock, this is that moment. So we decided to publish our winners as planned. Admittedly, it may feel a little discordant with the national and international climate. But we want to lift up those businesses, organizations and institutions that make this such a great place to raise a family. We want to support them with attention in these pages, hoping that – a few weeks or months from now – we can support them with our presence and our spending.

To those honored in these pages, we want to express our gratitude. Our readers love you. Our families appreciate you.

You’re the beating heart of this city and we pray that heart remains strong.

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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MOTHER’S DAY OUT

Arts and Entertainment ART INSTRUCTION

Painting with a Twist 6816 Slide Road, Suite 6, 794.7928, paintingwithatwist.com RUNNERS-UP: Clay Café 5102 60th St., Suite H, 796.2529, claycafelbk.com Board & Brush 5905 82nd St., Suite 111, 853.4055, boardandbrush.com

DAY CAMP

Education

Learning Tree Children’s Academy 7713 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2323, learningtreeca.com RUNNERS-UP: Science Spectrum 2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 250, 745.2525, sciencespectrum.org Texas Tech University 2500 Broadway St., 742.2011, ttu.edu

DANCE PROGRAM

Ballet Lubbock

FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

5702 Genoa Ave., 785.3090, balletlubbock.org

Texas Tech Credit Union

RUNNERS-UP: Rock Solid Athletics 6205 43rd St., 795.7625, rsa-gym.com Dance Gallery 6510 68th St., 798.2226, Tied for Third thedancegallery.org

1802 Texas Tech Parkway, 742.3606/ 4005 98th St., 742.3606, texastechfcu.org

MUSIC PROGRAM

Amber Pennington Music 6101 Englewood Ave., 407.2490, amberpenningtonmusic.com RUNNERS-UP: School of Rock 7802 Indiana Ave., 795.0506, schoolofrock.com Lubbock Moonlight Arts Academy 2806 Avenue A, 638.4158, lubbockmoonlightmusicals.org/arts-academy

RUNNERS-UP: Alliance Credit Union Multiple locations; alliancecutx.com Lubbock National Bank Multiple locations; lubbocknational.com Wells Fargo Multiple locations; wellsfargo.com

GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTION

TEGA Kids Superplex 7621 82nd St., 866.9765, tegakids.com RUNNERS-UP: Rock Solid Athletics 6205 43rd St., 795.7625, rsa-gym.com The Little Gym of Lubbock 5217 98th St., 368.9444, thelittlegym.com

THEATER PROGRAM

Lubbock Moonlight Arts Academy

MARTIAL ARTS CLASS

Hodges Community Center

2806 Avenue A, 638.4158, lubbockmoonlightmusicals.org/arts-academy

4011 University Ave., 767.3706, ps.ci.lubbock.tx.us

RUNNERS-UP: Lubbock Community Theatre 4232 Boston Ave., 749.2416, lubbockcommunitytheatre.org C.A.T.S. Playhouse 2257 34th St., 792.0501, catsplayhouse.com

RUNNERS-UP: Premier Martial Arts 3517 50th St., 792.2192, premiermartialarts.com/lubbock West Texas Karate 4601 S. Loop 289, Suite 10, 370.0889, westtexaskarate.com

St. Luke’s Lubbock 3708 45th St., 797.4396/5805 98th St., 771.0555, stlukeslubbockschools.com RUNNERS-UP: Southcrest Baptist Church 3801 S. Loop 289, 797.9000, southcrest.org Holy Spirit Catholic Church 9821 Frankford Ave., 698.6400, holyspiritcathparish.org

PRESCHOOL

Learning Tree Children’s Academy 7713 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2323, learningtreeca.com RUNNERS-UP: Treehouse Children’s Academy Multiple locations; treehouseca.com Trinity Christian School 6701 University Ave., 791.6583, tcslubbock.org

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Learning Tree Children’s Academy 7713 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2323, learningtreeca.com RUNNERS-UP: Trinity Christian School 6701 University Ave., 791.6583, tcslubbock.org All Saints Episcopal School 3222 103rd St., 745.7701, allsaintsschool.org

TUTORING

Sylvan Learning of Lubbock 4601 S. Loop 289, Suite 23, 749.6534, sylvanlearning.com RUNNERS-UP: Brain Balance Achievement Center 6620 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 500, 993.3341, brainbalancecenters.com Mathnasium 5815 82nd St., Suite 140, 687.8701, mathnasium.com

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Trinity Church

7002 Canton Ave., 792.3363, trinitytoday.com Tied for Second RUNNERS-UP: MONTESSORI SCHOOL Aldersgate Church 10306 Indiana Ave., Christ the King ECDC 745.0595, aldersgate.online 5502 Nashville Ave., 771.2077, ecdcctk.org Holy Spirit Catholic Church 9821 Frankford Ave., RUNNERS-UP: 698.6400, holyspiritcathparish.org TAS Montessori School 502 Dowden Road, Christ the King Cathedral 4011 54th St., 792.6168, Suite 100, Wolfforth, 783.0054, tasmontessori.com ctkcathedral.org Mrs. O’s Montessori 10101 Slide Road, Suite 700, 470.9241, mrsoslearningacademy.com

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ALLERGIST

Health Care

Allergy & Asthma Clinic of West Texas 3502 22nd St., 799.4192, aacwt.net RUNNERS-UP: Texas Tech Physicians Allergy & Immunology Clinic 3601 Fourth St., Second Floor, 743.3150, texastechphysicians.com Allergy & Asthma Associates 5424 19th St., 795.4391, drmamlok.com

MOMMY MAKEOVER

PEDIATRICIAN

Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute

Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics

10105 Quaker Ave., 513.3803, lpsitexas.com RUNNERS-UP: Paradise Med Spas of Texas 2023 Broadway St., 513.2959, paradisemedspas.com Rowley Plastic Surgery 3519 22nd Place, 792.3715, rowleyplasticsurgery.com

Texas Tech Physicians Audiology 3601 Fourth St., Fourth Floor, 743.3277, texastechphysicians.com RUNNERS-UP: Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Lubbock 3802 22nd St., Suite 200, 791.0188, entlubbock.com Cornerstone Audiology 5738 82nd St., 687.4327, cornerstoneaudiology.com

BIRTHING SUITE

OBSTETRICIAN

Covenant Health Medical Group RUNNERS-UP: Devine OB/GYN 4403 Sixth St., 791.1122, devineobgyn.com UMC Health System 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8200, umchealthsystem.com

RUNNERS-UP: UMC Family Birth Center 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8800, umchealthsystem.com Covenant Health System 4002 24th St., 725.0000, covenantchildrens.org

3601 Fourth St., Fourth Floor, 743.3277, texastechphysicians.com RUNNERS-UP: Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Lubbock 3802 22nd St., Suite 200, 791.0188, entlubbock.com Stan E. Potocki, M.D. 3802 22nd St., Suite 100, 853.8744, lubbocksinusdoctor.com

LACTATION SPECIALIST

UMC Family Birth Center 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8200, umchealthsystem.com RUNNERS-UP: Covenant Health System 4002 24th St., 725.0000, covenantchildrens.org La Leche League West Texas 407.3174, texaslll.org

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3525 19th St., 792.4444, covenanthealth.org RUNNERS-UP: UMC Radiology 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8200, umchealthsystem.com Lubbock Diagnostic Radiology Multiple locations; lubbockdiagrad.com

Lifestyles

Wentz Orthodontics 4013 84th St., 792.7223, wentzorthodontics.com RUNNERS-UP: St. Clair & Massey Orthodontics 5203 79th St., 799.6780, stclairandmasseyortho.com Double T Smiles 6102 82nd St., Suite 2, 792.2288, double-t-smiles.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

Covenant Orthopedic Group 2215 Nashville Ave., 725.4800, covmedgroup.org RUNNERS-UP: Lubbock Sports Medicine 4110 22nd Place, 792.4329, lubbocksportsmed.com UMC Health System 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8200, umchealthsystem.com

EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SPECIALIST

Texas Tech Physicians Ear, Nose + Throat

Covenant Diagnostic Imaging

ORTHODONTIST

Heritage Births 3410 Knoxville Ave., 224.8617, heritagehomebirths.com

RUNNERS-UP: Covenant Health System 2215 Nashville Ave., 725.4800, covmedgroup.org West Texas Pediatrics 5215 96th St., 780.6868, westtexaspediatrics.com

ULTRASOUND

3825 22nd Place, 791.2305, covmedgroup.org

AUDIOLOGIST

Multiple locations; texastechphysicians.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Parkview Pediatric Dentistry 7515 Quaker Ave., Suite 100, 796.2408, parkviewkidsdentistry.com RUNNERS-UP: Double T Smiles 6102 82nd St., Suite 2, 792.2288, double-t-smiles.com Abbeville Dentistry Multiple locations; abbevilledentistry.com

PEDIATRIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Covenant Diagnostic Imaging 3525 19th St., 792.4444, covenanthealth.org RUNNERS-UP: UMC Children’s Hospital 602 Indiana Ave., Second Floor, 775.8838, umchealthsystem.com Lubbock Diagnostic Radiology Multiple locations; lubbockdiagrad.com

CAKES/CUPCAKES

Nothing Bundt Cakes 5217 98th St., Suite 300, 794.2000, nothingbundtcakes.com RUNNERS-UP: The Ruffled Cup Cupcakery & Sweet Shoppe 5109 82nd St., Suite 10, 687.4083, theruffledcup.com The Cakery 6305 66th St., Suite 900, 783.9091, cakerylubbock.com

DAY CARE

Learning Tree Children’s Academy 7713 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2323, learningtreeca.com RUNNERS-UP: Treehouse Children’s Academy Multiple locations; treehouseca.com DBS Kids 4322 Justice Ave., 797.8860, dbskids.net

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER

UMC Health System 602 Indiana Ave., 775.8200, umchealthsystem.com RUNNERS-UP: Texas Tech University 2500 Broadway St., 742.2011, ttu.edu Lubbock Independent School District 1628 19th St., 219.0000, lubbockisd.org

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER’S PROGRAM

PrimeWest Mortgage Group 7806 Indiana Ave., 788.1090, primewestcorp.com RUNNERS-UP: Benchmark Mortgage 12419 Quaker Ave., 300.8805, lubbock.benchmark.us Texas Tech Credit Union 1802 Texas Tech Parkway, 742.3606/4005 98th St., 742.3606, texastechfcu.org

HOME BUILDER

Betenbough Homes 6305 82nd St., 797.9494, betenbough.com RUNNERS UP: Trey Strong Custom Builders 3410 98th St., Suite 5, 548.2070, treystrongcustomhomes.com Dan Wilson Homes 12402 Slide Road, Suite 101, 698.6626, danwilsonhomes.com

INFANT/CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER

Captivated Images

Tied for First

5615 Woodrow Road, 863.4140, captivatedimages.com

Poshlings Photography 1413 Texas Ave., Suite A, 214.952.9953, poshlingsphotography.com RUNNERS-UP: Ash Blythe Photography 448.9423, ashblythephotography.com CjDuncan Photography 2402 Slide Road, 781.2747, cjduncan.com

FFNBC

winner

Family Favorites — 2020 —

Lubbock 5217 98th St, Suite 300 Lubbock, TX 79424 (806) 794-2000 Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 6:00pm Sat: 10:00am - 6:00pm Sun: Closed ORDER ONLINE! WE DELIVER! NothingBundtCakes.com 06/30/2020

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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INVITATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PARTY PLACE

Parks Printing Company

1306 130th St., 412.0014, blazingbouncers.com

Blazing Bouncers

1715 19th St., 747.2881, parkscolor.com RUNNERS-UP: Barque 4505 98th St., 785.1195, barquegifts.com Letter Me That facebook.com/lettermethat

KID-FRIENDLY HAIR SALON

Great Clips Multiple locations; greatclips.com

RUNNERS-UP: 50th Street Caboose 5027 50th St., 796.2240, cabooseonline.com Altitude Trampoline Park 4525 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 1100, 370.3725, altitudelubbock.com Rock Solid Athletics 6205 43rd St., 795.7625, rsa-gym.com

Tied for Third

RUNNERS-UP: Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids 5412 Slide Road, Suite 200, 771.8080, sharkeyscutsforkids.com Riding N’ Style Kids Salon 5901 63rd St., Suite A, 368.8191

KID-FRIENDLY NAIL SALON

Nails 2000 6816 Slide Road, Suite 11B, nails2000lubbock.com RUNNERS-UP: Great Nails Spa 5903 82nd St., Suite 400, 698.1908, greatnailsspalubbock.com Majestic Nails & Spa 3225 50th St., Suite A8, 795.1313

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Chick-fil-A Multiple locations; cfalubbock.com RUNNERS-UP: 50th Street Caboose 5027 50th St., 796.2240, cabooseonline.com Blue Sky 4416 98th St., 368.7591/3216 Fourth St., 368.0750, blueskytexas.com

MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Poshlings Photography 1413 Texas Ave., Suite A, 214.952.9953, poshlingsphotography.com RUNNERS-UP: Ash Blythe Photography 448.9423, ashblythephotography.com Lauren Clark Photography 6004 102nd St., 405.269.2861, laurenclarkphotography.com

PARTY INFLATABLES

Blazing Bouncers 11401 Hwy. 87, 412.0014, blazingbouncers.com RUNNERS-UP: Spoil Me Rotten Party & Event Rentals 2311 109th St., 543.6800, mesospoiled.com Jumping Monkeys 12415 University Ave., Suite 11, 445.2857, jumpingmonkeys806.com

Shopping CHILDREN’S BOOK STORE

Barnes & Noble 6002 Slide Road, Suite 68203, 793.1061, barnesandnoble.com RUNNERS-UP: Mardel Christian & Education 7020 Quaker Ave., 780.8332, mardel.com 2nd & Charles 6072 Marsha Sharp Freeway, 784.1119, 2ndandcharles.com

CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

Carter’s

Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • MAY 2020

INFANT/TODDLER CLOTHES

Carter’s 6225 Slide Road, 793.1483, carters.com RUNNERS-UP: Once Upon a Child 4815 50th St., Suite B, 788.1555, onceuponachild.com/lubbock My Cup of Tea Baby 2713 26th St., 745.9253, mycupofteababy.com

MATERNITY CLOTHES

Target 6064 Marsha Sharp Freeway, 788.3600/ 7302 University Ave., 745.7579, target.com RUNNERS-UP: Motherhood Maternity Outlet 2910 W. Loop 289, 412.1339, stores.motherhood.com My Cup of Tea Baby 2713 26th St., 745.9253, mycupofteababy.com

PARTY PROPS/SUPPLIES

6225 Slide Road, 793.1483, carters.com

Party City

RUNNERS-UP: Once Upon a Child 4815 50th St., Suite B, 788.1555, onceuponachild.com/lubbock Old Navy 6249 Slide Road, 792.8035, oldnavy.gap.com

6038 Marsha Sharp Freeway, 797.0999, stores.partycity.com

CHILDREN’S SHOES

Kids Foot Locker 6002 Slide Road, 795.5380, kidsfootlocker.com RUNNERS-UP: Shoe Carnival 6249 Slide Road, 791.2984, shoecarnival.com Nike Factory Store 2910 W. Loop 289, Suite 805, 785.1321, nike.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY VEHICLES

Gene Messer Chevrolet 1302 S. Loop 289, 747.3211, genemesserchevrolet.com RUNNERS-UP: McGavock Nissan Lubbock 6312 Milwaukee Ave., 589.4164, mcgavocknissanlubbock.com Scoggin-Dickey 5901 TX-327 Spur, 589.0021, scoggindickey.com

GIFT SHOP

KK’s Craft Mall 6409 Indiana Ave.,795.6169, kkscornermall.com

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RUNNERS-UP: Hollyhocks Gifts 3521 34th St., 780.8787, hollyhocksgifts.com Coyote Candle Company 14012 Slide Road, 798.9677

RUNNERS-UP: Spoil Me Rotten Party & Event Rentals 2311 109th St., 543.6800, mesospoiled.com Balloons by the Bunch 2159-A 50th St., 796.0178, balloonsbythebunch.org

SPECIALTY TOYS

Building Blocks of Lubbock 5206 82nd St., Suite 1, 783.0009 RUNNERS-UP: Build-A-Bear Workshop 6002 Slide Road, Space K107, 503.6562, buildabear.com HobbyTown 5610 Frankford Ave., Suite E, 368.7921, hobbytown.com

SPORTING EQUIPMENT

Academy Sports + Outdoors 5802 19th St., 788.4820/11445 Quaker Ave., 783.6800, stores.academy.com RUNNERS-UP: Cardinal’s Sport Center 6524 Slide Road, 765.6645, mycardinalssports.com Cabela’s 3030 W. Loop 289, 472.4300, cabelas.com

Things to Do ARCADE

Main Event Lubbock 6010 Marsha Sharp Freeway, 792.3333, mainevent.com

winner

Family Favorites — 20ࠂࣛ —

Award Wi ing

CARE

RUNNERS-UP: 50th Street Caboose 5027 50th St., 796.2240, cabooseonline.com Adventure Park 5110 29th Drive, 793.7275, adventureparkfun.com

Family Favorite

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXCURSION

Science Spectrum 2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 250, 745.2525, sciencespectrum.org RUNNERS-UP: Joyland Amusement Park 500 Canyon Lake Drive, 763.2719, joylandpark.com Adventure Park 5110 29th Drive, 793.7275, adventureparkfun.com

FAMILY GYM

TruFit Athletic Clubs Multiple locations; trufitathleticclubs.com RUNNERS-UP: Crunch 6205 Slide Road, 686.0075, crunch.com Premier Sportsplex 9000 Memphis Drive, 771.4263, premiersportsplex.com

PEDIATRICIAN

WINNER Family Favorite

AUDIOLOGIST

WINNER Family Favorite

EAR, NOSE + THROAT SPECIALIST HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

“The Nutcracker,” presented by Ballet Lubbock

WINNER

Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane, 785.3090, balletlubbock.org RUNNERS-UP: Texas Tech Carol of Lights 2500 Broadway St., 742.2011, ttu.edu City of Lubbock Santa Land 600 Cesar E. Chavez Drive, 775.2687, ci.lubbock.tx.us

INDOOR PLAY AREA

Family Favorite

ALLERGY + IMMUNOLOGY CLINIC

RUNNER UP

Blazing Bouncers 1306 130th St., 412.0014, blazingbouncers.com RUNNERS-UP: Altitude Trampoline Park 4525 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 1100, 370.3725, altitudelubbock.com Science Spectrum 2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 250, 745.2525, sciencespectrum.org

STORYTIME

Lubbock Public Library Multiple locations; ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/library RUNNER-UP: Barnes & Noble 6002 Slide Road, Suite 68203, 793.1061, barnesandnoble.com City of Wolfforth Library 508 E. Highway 62, 855.4150, wolfforth.ploud.net

texastechphysicians.com

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FEATURE

ith Lubbock staying at home in April, residents took solace in the warmer weather and the knowledge that exercising outside was still allowed.

For parents struggling to keep their kids occupied during the workday – school assignments weren’t always enough to pass the time – chalk art quickly became a fun, hopeful alternative.

For weeks now, locals walking through Lubbock’s neighborhoods have encountered enormous rainbows, whimsical drawings and inspirational messages on the city’s sidewalks and driveways. A few ask thoughtprovoking questions. Others show gratitude to medical personnel, first responders, grocery workers and more.

But beyond spreading positivity, the chalk art simply reminds us – even in a time of social isolation – that we aren’t alone.

Our walks throughout Lubbock encouraged us with locals’ commitment to hope in a time of anxiety. Here are a few of our hand-chalked favorites.

Jensyn and Maryn are 13-year-old seventh graders. The girls love our small-town life, their friends, all things art, and especially theater. They perform onstage with Moonlight Musicals any chance they get. They have performed in at least nine musicals, with the latest being “The Little Mermaid.”

Quarantine has not been terrible for them since it has allowed time for crafting and art whenever they like. It has also slowed down their busy lives and allowed them to enjoy muchneeded family time.

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PHOTOS BY SY LVIA JENNINGS

Abigail is in first grade and has always loved art. She enjoys painting and drawing, but her favorite creative activity is making 3D sculptures out of paper and tape. She loves her family and friends and is always ready to have fun.

On the cover!

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Tiffany and Cooper decided to make things for their neighbors to see while they were taking walks during self-isolation. Tiffany shares, “We are a religious family and wanted to share kind words to everyone that saw our driveway. With life being so hard right now everyone deserves a smile. Cooper loves to color and he loves to talk about Jesus. And when we were coloring I asked him if we should write and draw things Jesus would like. And he said OK! He was so excited and I am proud we did this for everyone else and for our family – it was great bonding time.”

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Jazmine likes skating, spending time with her family and she loves her dog, Belle.

Blaire is 8 years old and is in the third grade. She is involved in gymnastics, basketball, Girl Scouts, and also sings for Caldwell Kids. She has two dogs, Dibs and Coco, which she adores. But her favorite animal is a panda bear – she is obsessed with anything panda!

The recent events inspired her to draw on our driveway.

She says our neighborhood inspired her and it got her outside for a little while. L

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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FEATURE

Online Community STOCK ART

EMOTIONAL HELP

HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES

How the Lubbock COVID-19 Neighborhood Samaritans Facebook group fosters healing in a hard time

by Jonathan Baker

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n March 21, as the COVID-19 virus was beginning to wreak havoc in West Texas, Teresa Bloodworth posted in a new online Facebook group, requesting help for her mother-in-law. Merle Bloodworth’s nursing home had gone into lockdown due to the virus – and Merle had been looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday on March 27.

To ensure that her mother-in-law would get the celebration she deserved, Teresa invited members of the group to send a card or picture to Merle. In her post, Teresa included the address to the nursing home.

“The response was amazing!” recalls Lisa Pollack, an administrator for Lubbock’s COVID-19 Neighborhood Samaritans group. “The sweet nurse took a picture of a few of the cards that Merle received.” Teresa and her husband were able to visit through the glass on Merle’s birthday, and Teresa says her mother-inlaw had an amazing 80th birthday – and all because of the kindness from members of an online group that, two weeks previous, had not even existed.

HELP FOR THE ELDERLY

Coming Together from a Distance

COMMUNITY SERVICES

In March, as the global pandemic began to reach across the South Plains, confusion gripped the Hub City – the same confusion that had overtaken many cities in this country. And yet, even within these dark times, rays of hope began to emerge. We recalled that we are one city, one community. We remembered that we are descended of hardscrabble pioneers, and we know how to take care of our own.

But there was one question that remained: How? How do we help one another when we’re not even allowed to touch one another?

For one group of enterprising Lubbock women, the answer came in the form of an oft-maligned social network platform: Facebook. “This group started as a page to connect people to products that were scarce and hard to find,” explains Elly Held, one of the group’s administrators. “It was plugging people in to places where they could find necessities for their household, when the public began to panic in this pandemic.” And since its inception, the group has become so much more.

The concept was frightfully simple: “A lot of people were going out to the store because they needed to get some toilet paper or they needed to buy some meat,” explains Monica Tracy, an administrator for the group. “And so they would post on our site, ‘Guys, right now at this location, at this time, there is a lot of meat.’ So if someone’s coming into town [from out on the plains,] they can look on the page and say, ‘Oh, I don’t have to go to 15 stores! I can go to one. They’ve got the toilet paper, they’ve got the hand sanitizer, and they have some meat.’”

One amazing thing about how this online community came to be: none of the women who spearheaded the project even knew each other before the Coronavirus pandemic. “We were just like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to help,’” recalls Tracy. “We have the same kind of heart. But yeah, we were all strangers. And it’s been interesting because we can see ties between us, and similar ways of thinking and, ‘Hey, I did that,’ ‘Well, me too!’ It’s brought us closer together.”

And the cohesion of these strangers has driven the group to almost unimaginable success. “We really, initially, thought that the community would grow to between 2,000 to 4,000 people,” admits Belle Lennon, another of the group’s administrators.

Instead, the group gained more than 25,000 within its first month.

Another administrator, Brandy Elvers, agrees. “This page really took off.

People really just wanted to help, knowing a lot of people are hurting right now, emotionally, financially. I have seen a lot of people stepping up.”

In those early days, the group found that adding discussion topics was vital for maintaining the group. “We were realizing that there were a zillion people asking for the same thing over and over and over,” recalls Tracy. Under the topics system, when someone visits the page, they can look under the topic related to their question and see if it’s already been answered. “So,” explains Tracy, “when they’re asking us to approve a post, ‘Where’s the toilet paper?’ we’ll decline it and give them a response: Go back to the topics. Somebody just posted where they found toilet paper.”

As the group has evolved, the administrators began to receive some guidance from the city of Lubbock and the Lubbock Police Department, offering advice on preventative measures locals could take to protect themselves. “Some of our backgrounds are in law enforcement,” says Tracy, “or we had a family member in MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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law enforcement or we have a family member that’s a nurse or different things like that. And so we wanted to make sure that we also were supporting and sharing that information. So whenever there’s critical information that’s coming from the city or the police department, we’ll post that on there.”

The Hard Work of Healing a Community While many in the Lubbock community have struggled with how to fill the long days of isolation, this hasn’t been a problem for the women of the COVID-19 Samaritans group. Helping and healing is hard work.

“I will literally work on this 18 to 20 hours a day,” says Lennon. “If I’m making breakfast, I’m also making sure the posts are getting approved.

If I’m cooking supper, I’m looking through to make sure keyword alerts are checked. I literally have to do this nonstop because the minute my mind starts going somewhere else, then I get sad. [But seeing] all of the help that people are getting that they otherwise would not be getting, it keeps me happy.”

“It’s actually been like a labor of love,” says Tracy. “It’s strangers helping strangers, doing things out of the kindness of their heart. It’s Lubbock being Lubbock, in my opinion.”

The stories of how the group has affected people’s lives in little ways are legion. For example: “There was a lady who posted her friend’s request for Chef Boyardee for her daughter,” recalls Held, “because the daughter is disabled, and that’s the only thing she can get her to eat. She searched the city and could find none. Her friend shared her request, and immediately the Lubbock community stepped up.” Within hours, can after can of Chef Boyardee meals had been dropped on the woman’s porch. “It was one of the first posts that I had seen, and that made such an impact on me. These citizens didn’t know her or her daughter, but they all stepped up to provide.”

Another example, from Monica Tracy: “We had a nurse who posted, ‘I’m taking care of patients all day long. And I was trying to get some Lysol so that I can go home, spray my shoes, and be able to take care of my own family.’” A short time later, the nurse was posting on the group again: “‘I posted on here and within a matter of seconds somebody gave me, didn’t charge me or anything, two bottles of Lysol.’”

“It really does take a village!” cheers Elly. “I am proud to be a part of this Lubbock Village!”

Belle Lennon says her favorite part of the project is watching people simply receive what they’ve desperately needed. “You’ve got a mom of three, who’s pregnant, and the dad left because he lost his job, and he left out of fear, and so she’s left trying to keep everything together for the kids. And someone makes a delivery to her with a box of food and diapers. That has absolutely given me hope and joy. My hope is that the kindness that we see on our page lasts long after this ordeal is over.”

But one of the most vital services the group provides does not come in a can or a box – it’s a simple thing: access to people who will listen, people who care. “The longer this is going on,” Lennon says, “the more I’ve noticed that our emotional support topic is getting longer and longer. I think it’s very important that we pay attention to those not only in need of a specific item, but also for emotional support. There are people that are alone, that have no children, are not married and their jobs are nonessential, and they’re completely alone in their home.

They need all the support they can get.”

Another unexpected aspect of the group has been spiritual support.

“We have a lot of people that have anxiety,” notes Monica Tracy. “I’ve noticed that. And so people are starting to post different scriptures.

And I’m an extrovert; I need to be in church! So just listening to things of that nature has helped a lot of different people in a lot of different ways.”

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PROVIDED IMAGES

Hearts for Service

Over time, says Held, “[The group] has evolved to putting heart back into our community. There are people lifting other people up. There are posts where people are at their most vulnerable, asking for help – which is hard for some people to do. This page has brought out the best in Lubbock, and is making us stronger, even after this pandemic is over.”

Tracy admits that she didn’t recognize the significance of the page until long after they’d begun their work. “But listening to the comments coming from people, about how the group has helped them, that in and of itself is … It’s just enough. We don’t need a thank you, we don’t need anything. Just knowing that you got what you needed.”

An Uphill Battle While the majority of the experience has been positive for everyone involved, there have been challenges. For Elly Held, the most difficult part of running the group has been that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day – not enough time to read each post, and to decide whether the posts are directly beneficial to the page and its readers.

“Everyone needs help with one thing or another,” she explains, “and there are other local pages for that. This page is specifically designed to connect people with products or services that they are in dire need of, and to provide humanitarian efforts in our community. We don’t allow anyone to sell their products, unless it’s an item that is a commodity right now. MLM companies and other products that aren’t directly related to COVID-19 aren’t allowed on the page.”

Monica Tracy agrees. “We’re trying to keep it as local as possible. We monitor the posts when they’re coming in, to approve or not approve, because we want to make sure that we continue with our intention to provide humanitarian effort within the community of Lubbock. So we don’t need any negativity. We don’t need any of that going on.”

“We have to watch out for the comments that come in that are negative,” agrees Held. “We don’t want those people who come in and cause fear or panic to people that are already living this life of uncertainty.”

“The challenging part is just keeping up with the growing number of the group,” adds Elvers. “And making sure rules and safety are in place, keeping a balance.”

How to Help So now that this community is rallying around each other, what do these diligent women need? How can people on the South Plains help?

“People can help more by showing the Admins GRACE!” says Elly Held with a laugh. “We are only six ladies, with kids, husbands, households, now homeschooling our kids. So if everyone would just be considerate and gracious to the admins, because we do this in our own spare time, while trying to keep the integrity of the page.”

Tracy admits that it’s been difficult to keep up with the flood of posts and comments, considering that all of the administrators also work regular jobs. “We’ve been policing it the best we can. But we do have families who are starting to homeschool. We’re trying to basically just do it all.”

“The thing people can do is continue to help,” suggests Lennon.

“Don’t stop. We have people who have new needs every day, and we have a community that has the ability to help them. I’m just asking people to not stop, to keep helping. I know my community and I know they’re going to keep doing what we need to do to get everyone to help if they need it. Just please, keep going.”

“I think just remembering we are all in this together and God will see us through,” says Elvers. “Keep a loving heart. Stay home if possible.”

“With all of the uncertainty in the world right now,” concludes Pollack, “there is one thing people in Lubbock can count on – people helping people. And it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.” L

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FEATURE

“Viewers Like You” Lubbock’s PBS and NPR stations stay strong in times of trouble

by Jonathan Baker

I

n mid-March, residents of the South Plains woke up to a new world. No longer could we visit a neighborhood pub or go to a Wednesday night prayer group. Our kids weren’t going to school anymore, and many of us were suddenly working from home. So we began to look for help and connection in unexpected places. One such place, we now realize, had been there all along: our local public broadcasting service. In the midst of this pandemic, Texas Tech Public Media –which comprises Lubbock’s PBS and NPR stations (along with the NPR outfit in San Angelo, and El Paso’s PBS affiliate) – saw a need and leapt to fill it.

PROVIDED IMAG

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Brave New World

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While COVID-19 has certainly shown us what our community is made of (see the Neighborhood Samaritan story in this issue), the crisis has also revealed many pitfalls and gray areas within American society. That’s where longstanding services like public broadcasting come in. PBS and NPR exist as sort of hybrid entities; while many believe these are government organizations, in fact both NPR and PBS receive a very small portion of their funding from Federal and State sources. The majority of funding comes from local underwriters and donations from viewers and listeners. “We pretty much cover the whole western side of the state,” says Paul Hunton, General Manager of Texas Tech Public Media.

“There’s a couple of gaps in there, but for the most part we are your public media source all across West Texas.” Both entities, and especially PBS, have long provided a way for locals to come together around common goals and interests.

So what better place to turn, when you suddenly find yourself quarantined?

“It feels like a year ago!” Paul Hunton has a wry sense of humor about when everything changed, in mid-to late-March.

“This was all hitting at once. It was becoming clearer that things were going to get hectic around here, that there were going to be stay-at-home orders, and quarantines, and all of that. And as all of that was kind of coming to fruition, we sort of talked about, OK, as public media, where do we offer our services? And how do we leverage what we do to benefit

our communities in light of coronavirus affecting so many people in our communities?”

In those early days of the pandemic, the staff of TTPM sprung into action. “We completely shifted gears,” says Hunton. The staff changed how it served the community, marshalling all of its resources, and then leveraging those resources so Lubbock and the surrounding areas would have access to more information, so educators could get resources.

The Kids Are All Right

Perhaps the most important role played by PBS in the region lies in the area of educational outreach. When the coronavirus outbreak began to gain steam and the schools began to shut down, Hunton and his staff knew they had to step up. “We sort of got together and thought, OK, we have this connection into the schools,” recalls Hunton. “And Reagan [Doyal, Texas Tech Public Media’s education content director] works with all these different ISDs … So we immediately got with teachers, asking them about different things they were going to need as they started teaching remotely. And we started providing those teachers with those resources.”

“I work with teachers in trying to share resources with them,” explains Reagan Doyal. “That means I was working with our kids’ content and working on the events we do and working with the national PBS content, trying to figure out how, what are the best ways to make that work locally [during this time].”

Indeed, the national PBS organization provided a lot of new resources that could be localized and brought to parents and teachers on the South Plains, including much-needed teaching videos. Quickly, TTPM made a list of available videos that would fit the local curricula of schools and would meet testing guidelines. In turn, local teachers began disseminating those videos to the homeschooling students.

“Historical stuff,” says Hunton, “videos that PBS has done over the years, including documentaries and things like that. We put together those resources and provided them for free on our website and social media.”

In the beginning, admits Doyal, the local PBS Kids crew was pretty much winging it. “In all honesty, we were still trying to figure it out a little bit. The idea was that any time you’d watch ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ or you’d watch ‘Sesame Street,’ the entire community was invested in kids learning. So we’re dreaming about what does this look like in real life? Because Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street, they did amazing things, but we needed to figure out what this looks like at the next level.”

The Lubbock Learning Neighborhood

So Hunton, Doyal and staff began asking themselves what resources they could rely on. And their biggest resource? Connections. PBS Kids has longstanding and deeply rooted ties to many important Lubbock kids’ organizations, which would soon rally behind their local PBS affiliate. Those groups included the YWCA of Lubbock, Lubbock Public Library, Workforce Solutions South Plains, The Museum of Texas Tech, Science Spectrum, National Ranching Heritage Center, The Parenting Cottage, Family Guidance & Outreach Center of Lubbock, Volunteer Center of Lubbock, South Plains College Libraries, Sing Play Learn and Children’s Connections.

Out of this vast network grew a simple but powerful teaching tool: the “Lubbock Learning Neighborhood,” an online Facebook forum where local parents, educators, and childcare providers could connect, share resources, and learn together. On any given day, the page might feature a Science Spectrum worker building a bug hotel on her coffee table at home, a virtual music and learning class for wee Lubbockites, or a reading of “You Are Special, Daniel Tiger,” featuring the popular PBS Kids’ character.

“We’re doing storytime, creating videos, reading to people’s kids …” explains Hunton.

“Basically right now, there’s lots and lots of parents who are running out of things to do with their children. Or they’re feeling stressed out because they are not used to having their kids all the time, and being responsible for their education as well as every other aspect of being a parent, including finding curriculum and materials. And so, by providing some of these videos with either curriculum-based books or storytime books, we’re giving parents some stress relief. Just to be able to provide a safe harbor with PBS educational content, these books that we have access to that other people wouldn’t. Other organizations wouldn’t have “Daniel Tiger,” wouldn’t have “Wild Kratts” and all the different educational shows that we provide.”

“There are so many cool people in our community,” adds Doyal.

“People that are doing awesome things for families. And the idea of the Lubbock Learning Neighborhood is, hey, how do we start aggregating these resources together, so that we can be sharing this awesome stuff with families? Because in the Parenting Cottage, they’re doing amazing things. The National Ranching Heritage Center and the Science Spectrum, they do awesome stuff. There’s this amazing group of early childhood educators and providers that puts on the Quality Day of Play with Workforce Solutions. So we’ve been just building relationships up with these awesome people, and everybody has been digitally sharing their resources.”

What’s Happening?

But, lest we forget, public broadcasting isn’t just for kids!

Another way that Texas Tech Public Media has been able to bring the community into the living rooms of Lubbockites is through the digitalization of the First Friday Art Trail. Long celebrated as the crown jewel of the Lubbock creative and social scenes – especially in the springtime – the Art Trail has been shut down due to the virus.

But that didn’t stop the gang over at Lubbock’s PBS affiliate. “Our producers have been curating footage,” says Hunton, “either going out and shooting it or getting people to submit it, putting together a [digital] First Friday Art Trail.”

Using their social media channels, TTPM posted collections from various local galleries and tours that you normally would be able to experience on the first Friday Art Trail. “You can virtually walk through these gallery tours as if you’re going on the First Friday Art Trail.”

Future’s So Bright

There’s a growing idea that, while much of the hard work performed by these public broadcasting devotees has been in service to the community specifically for the pandemic, there’s also a legacy being built. Indeed, the Lubbock Learning Neighborhood, as one example, has worked out better than anyone could have dreamed. In fact, there’s a real sense that, as the pandemic recedes and we all begin to tentatively go back to our daily lives, the educational ties fostered during these tough times will remain and make us even stronger. “Going forward, after we get out of this,” says Doyal, “we’re hoping we can start doing more events in the community, and that we can start partying together a lot more!”

Reagan Doyal sees the Quality of Play that PBS has done with Workforce Solutions as a good model for the future. “Just a bunch of childcare providers and community partners coming together to put on an an event that is solely to show families what quality play looks like and give them a day to play and learn together. I think we’re migrating toward doing more things together with partners like that. The PBS station has already been doing a lot of that over the years, but I think we’re wanting to figure out what that looks like at the next level, and I think our partners are, too. So right now, we’re still growing.” L

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SPECIAL SECTION

LUBBOCK TORNADO 50TH ANNIVERSARY

A-J FILE PHOTOS

A POWERFUL TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH DOWNTOWN LUBBOCK ON MAY 11, 1970.

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SPECIAL SECTION

TIMELINE OF THE LUBBOCK TORNADO AND AFTERMATH MAY 11, 1970

6:55 p.m. Lubbock radar detects a moderate thunderstorm about 5 miles south of the City of Lubbock.

7:05 p.m. Alan Johnson at the Weather Bureau calls to notify Civil Defense Director Bill Payne of the severe thunderstorm warning that is about to be issued. Payne returns to City Hall and begins calling city officials as mandated by the city’s Defense Plan.

7:45 p.m. Forecasters note the thunderstorm is increasing in intensity and issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning Bulletin until 9 p.m. for Lubbock, Crosby, eastern Hale and Floyd counties. City officials and KFYO radio personnel, many of whom had been at the fire department’s Cornbread and Bean Supper, begin arriving at the Emergency Operations Center in City Hall and at the KFYO studio across the street.

8:10 p.m. Following reports of golf ball and egg-sized hail, an off-duty policeman reports a funnel cloud (the first tornado) 7 miles south of the airport. Reports of baseball and grapefruit-sized hail continue to come in.

8:30 p.m. The first tornado touches down near Broadway and Quirt Avenue (now Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.).

8:59 p.m. A Tornado Warning Bulletin is issued for persons in Lubbock, western Crosby, southern Floyd, and southern Hale counties until 10 p.m.

9:35 p.m. Second tornado touches down near the intersection of 19th Street and University Ave. The power fails in multiple parts of the city, including at the Lubbock Weather Bureau Office (WBO) at the airport.

9:43 p.m. KFYO Announcer Bud Andrews tells residents to take cover.

10:03 p.m. The second tornado passes over the Lubbock WBO. 10:30 p.m. City officials announce the most devastated areas will be sealed off. (See the map of the Tornado’s Path) 11 p.m. City officials learn the storm knocked out two of the three main power plants and that all power for the city’s water pumping stations is also out.

11:30 p.m. Tornado warnings are officially canceled for all areas as storms decrease to moderate intensity in the Lorenzo area.

MAY 12, 1970

1 a.m. Lubbock Red Cross and Salvation Army workers have opened the Municipal Coliseum as a shelter and supply distribution area.

Cots are brought in from Reese Air Force Base and KFYO announcers make appeals to the public to bring food, baby formula, blankets, and other essentials.

Early morning hours Lubbock City Council members hold emergency sessions, which are broadcast on KFYO. 9:30 a.m. Army personnel and federal and state officials begin arriving in Lubbock. City officials take helicopters to survey the damage.

MAY 13, 1970

President Richard Nixon declares Lubbock a federal disaster area.

MAY 14, 1970

The City Council requests the Office of Emergency Preparedness to arrange a center for federal agencies to coordinate disaster recovery efforts.

MAY 15, 1970

The City Council appoints an 11-member Citizens Advisory Commission to study the impact of the tornado on the city, and to make recommendations to the Council on steps needed to make

Lubbock a “Better Place to Live.” The committee reported back to the Council on May 28.

JULY 10, 1970

The City Council calls a Tornado Recovery bond election for Aug. 8.

AUG. 4, 1970

Lubbock Mayor James H. Granberry receives a letter from President Richard Nixon congratulating the city on the “splendid response of the citizens of your community in the aftermath of the tornado.”

AUG. 8, 1970

Voters approve a $13.6 million bond proposal. A memorial civic center ($7.8 million), central library ($1.2 million), Phase 1 of the Canyon Lakes Project ($2.8 million), and general parks improvements ($1.8 million) were included in the package.

FALL 1970

The Institute for Disaster Research is created at Texas Tech University in response to the tornado. The institute, later renamed the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center, conducted extensive studies of tornado data in the years following the May 1970 Lubbock tornado.

FEB. 11, 1971

The City Council sells $7 million in general obligation bonds approved in the April and August 1970 elections, providing initial funding for renewal projects, including $2.26 million for airport expansion. The total bond package also includes bonds for street improvement, drainage, and water and sewer projects.

FEB. 19, 1971

Under the city’s Neighborhood Development Program members of the city council and other city officials break ground for the first house to be built in the Guadalupe neighborhood (at 1020 Second St.) since the May 11 tornado. Mayor Granberry notes that the new home signifies the willingness of the people to build their neighborhood back, and the willingness of the city of Lubbock to help in every way.

MARCH 1971

A Group Alerting System or hotline is installed in the City Emergency Operations Center that can be activated to deliver emergency public information quickly and accurately. This system was developed in response to the loss of communication after the May 1970 tornado.

MARCH 16, 1974

The George and Helen Mahon Library is dedicated at 1306 Ninth St.

MARCH 2-13, 1977

A ribbon cutting, dedicatory banquet, and four days of public tours marked the gala grand opening of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, a living memorial to the 26 tornado victims. Other “Spirit of Lubbock” events included a concert by Waylon Jennings and Jesse Colter, Henry Mancini directing the Lubbock Symphony, and the “Holiday on Ice Show.”

A memorial service for the 1970 tornado victims is led by area pastors.

(Timeline compiled from City of Lubbock and Avalanche-Journal archives.)

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH

TEXAS TECH’S MEHTA REFLECTS ON LUBBOCK TORNADO, OPPORTUNITY THAT CAME WITH IT

DR. MEHTA

By Max Hengst, A-J Media

A

s Lubbock approaches the 50th anniversary of the tornado outbreak that claimed the lives of 26 people, Professor Kishor Mehta reflects on how the disaster changed the trajectory of his own life.

Mehta, a Horn Professor in Texas Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental, & Construction Engineering, had only been in Lubbock a few years before the May 11, 1970 tornadoes.

After earning his doctorate at the University of Texas, Mehta came to Texas Tech to pursue educational opportunities at the emerging university.

Tech started a new graduate program for civil engineering in 1964. After hearing about the opportunity from an adviser, he applied for a faculty position because of the freedom he would have with the new program.

But only a couple of years into his new position, the tornado outbreak struck Lubbock.

One of the two tornadoes would later be classified as an F5, the highest rating on what would later become the Fujita scale. With winds estimated to have reached more than 261 mph, the tornado destroyed a portion of downtown Lubbock and surrounding neighborhoods, killing 26 people.

Looking back on the disaster, Mehta said the tornado came around the time of spring finals at Texas Tech and it felt like an otherwise normal day.

While grading papers from home, he remembered hearing a gust of wind that made his television flicker, followed by reporters breaking the news about the tornado.

With the power going out shortly after, Mehta said no one knew how much damage was done as the technology was not as 30

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advanced as it is today.

“At that time, the impact of tornadoes was not completely understood,” Mehta said. “All of us thought tornadoes were very bad and they thought all tornadoes were really bad.

This particular one was one of the strongest that we have seen, now that we have seen tornadoes over the last 50 years.”

In an attempt to learn more about the destruction of the tornado, Mehta joined Dr. Joe Minor, Dr. Jim McDonald and several other faculty members who were compelled to investigate the scene to learn more about the destruction.

As the area was closed off, Mehta and his group were granted permission to study the destruction a few days after the disaster.

“We did not know what kind of opportunity we had,” Mehta said.

Once given the OK to study the destruction, Mehta and the team he was working with took photographs and recorded notes regarding the types of building affected, the direction they collapsed and how the building collapsed.

With a curfew established, Mehta was able to investigate the damage without it being moved or cleaned for about two to three months.

He then continued to study the impact of the tornado for a year and a half, with the group putting together a report with their findings.

“We did not know that the report would make such an impact,” Mehta said.

As the National Science Foundation paid for the report, after it was published, Mehta said people around the nation started to realize that Mehta and his team knew more about the damage tornadoes cause than anybody else in the country because nobody else had investigated such a severe

outbreak before.

After the report, Mehta’s research has helped researchers and scientists know more about tornadoes, leading to advancements to keep people safe.

He worked to bust myths of opening windows and staying in the southwest corner of a building during a tornado, and helped to create the criteria for above-ground tornado shelters that could also be used such as a closet or bathroom.

The people he worked with also helped figure out how much debris a double-pane window and windows with a film between could resist, preventing internal damage.

In more recent years, Tech’s wind researchers have been better known for inresidence shelters or safe rooms, which are small interior rooms that are generally above ground and withstand wind damage and flying debris from even the worst tornadoes, according to a previous Avalanche-Journal story from May 2012, about the tornado’s impact on Tech research.

In 1998, FEMA published a booklet on the safe rooms based on Tech research, and just last month, an agency standard was created for manufacturers of in-residence shelters.

Research has also branched into window glass.

Flying shards often pose great danger, especially in high-rise buildings. The center also has studied the cost effectiveness of repairing wind damage versus sturdier, but more expensive, construction.

For current Tech students, Mehta’s research has led to the addition of being able to earn a bachelor’s degree in wind energy and a Ph.D. in wind science and engineering. The Ph.D. program was the first-ever, influencing other universities internationally.

A DESTROYED CAR SITS AFTER A POWERFUL TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH DOWNTOWN LUBBOCK ON MAY 11, 1970.

TORNADO MYTHS AND FACTS

Myth: Tornadoes occur during the spring and early summer.

Fact: Tornadoes can occur at any time, but they are more common during the spring and early summer.

Myth: Tornadoes occur during the afternoon and evening hours.

Fact: Tornadoes can occur at any time, but they are more common during the afternoon and evening hours.

Myth: Areas near rivers, lakes and mountains are safe from tornadoes.

Fact: No place is safe from tornadoes.

Myth: Open windows before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.

Fact: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure.

Leave the windows alone, and immediately go to a safe place.

Myth: The safest place in a structure is a southwest room.

Fact: The safest place in a structure is an interior bathroom, closet or hallway.

Source: National Weather Service

A-J FILE PHOTO

Myth: Tornadoes always move from the southwest to the northeast.

Fact: While most tornadoes generally follow a southwest to northeast direction, they can move in any direction and can change direction while forming, moving or dissipating.

Myth: The low pressure with a tornado causes buildings to explode as the twister passes overhead.

Fact: Violent winds and debris slamming into buildings cause structural damage.

A RENDERING OF THE TORNADO THAT STRUCK LUBBOCK IN 1970. NOTE THE SMALLER VORTEXS IN THE LARGER TORNADO.

COURTESY OF RICHARD PETERSON

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CAPROCK CHRONICLES

A-J FILE PHOTO

F5 tornado takes Lubbock by surprise

By Paul Carlson For A-J Media

A POWERFUL TORNADO RIPPED THROUGH DOWNTOWN LUBBOCK ON MAY 11, 1970, KILLING 26 AND DEVASTATING THE DOWNTOWN AREA.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: “Caprock Chronicles” is a weekly series of short articles and essays that examine the life, people, events and historical places of our region’s past.

Paul Carlson, professor emeritus of history at Texas Tech University, writes or edits each contribution in the series. This article originally appeared in the AvalancheJournal on May 8, 2016.]

and shattered businesses along the highway.

Many airplanes and small hangars near the airport – West Texas Air Terminal – turned into twisted piles of their former self.

Personal injuries and loss of life were high.

Twenty-six people died in the tornado, or tornadoes, and nearly 1,800 people – 255 of them seriously – suffered wounds of various kinds. The hospitals filled with scores of injured folks.

Property loss was likewise huge. The storm damaged some 10,000 homes, completely destroying 1,100 of them, many in the Guadalupe neighborhood – predominantly made up of Mexican-American citizens.

Across the tornado’s curling path perhaps 1,800 people became homeless.

Mike Cox estimated property damage totaled $840 million, making the big storm one of the costliest tornadoes in America at that time. Ten thousand automobiles sustained damage, and about 500 businesses suffered wreckage, with some, such as the Fields & Co. showroom on Fourth Street, obliterated.

The tornado was massively disruptive – lives lost, homes destroyed, businesses closed and jobs gone. Household goods and personal possessions disappeared.

The storm scattered such small pets as cats, dogs and birds. It cut utilities, including water supplies, and it created havoc with traffic flow and communication systems. In those days before cellphones, 25,000 telephones lost service.

It toppled power lines and spread debris across streets, including main thoroughfares.

Some underpasses filled with water, blocking access to portions of the city.

Damage to buildings, apartment houses, homes and storage facilities was widespread.

Destruction extended along Fourth Street from Indiana Avenue eastward nearly to Mackenzie Park.

Downtown, such structures as the stately

T

he huge tornado that brought Lubbock temporarily to its knees struck the city about 9:46 p.m. on May 11, 1970. An F5-category storm, it was a powerful, swirling tempest with high winds, hail and heavy rainfall.

The massive storm caught Lubbock and its citizens by surprise. The day had been warm and humid, and there was little indication of a major weather event.

But, early that Monday evening, winds picked up, clouds moved in, and a bit of rain fell. About dusk, some accounts note, a spinning, high wind struck near 66th Street and University Avenue, leaving, before it dissipated, plenty of property damage.

There may have been one or two other twisters involved. But a bit later, most reports suggest, a powerful, churning tornado with very high winds, hail and heavy rainfall dropped out of the dark, night sky near 19th Street and University.

The giant storm cut a wide swath. As it circled its way through the heart of the city with winds that may have reached well over 200 miles per hour, it moved toward and into the downtown area.

Then, suddenly, it turned to the north to smash with massive destructiveness through the neighborhood north of 13th Street and the Guadalupe community beyond Fourth Street.

If, in fact, it was a single tornado, it continued toward the north along the Amarillo highway (U.S. 87, now I-27), and, before dissipating shortly after 10 p.m., leveled homes in the Country Club addition 32

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Great Plains Life tower (present Metro Tower), the old Pioneer Hotel, and the beautiful First National Bank-Pioneer Gas Building sustained heavy physical losses.

Lubbock officials immediately went to work. Mayor James Granberry announced a state of emergency and as early as 10 p.m. called upon the people of Lubbock to provide assistance for those in need of help.

William Payne, who headed the Emergency Operations Plan, set up a control center in the basement of City Hall. Relief centers opened. KFYO, the emergency radio station, broadcasted instructions, and police and National Guard troops patrolled the hardest-hit areas.

Within days, City Manager Bill Blackwell and other officials sought state and federal relief funds for projects of all kinds. In August, city voters passed a $13.6-million disaster recovery bond package.

Over time, the area along and east of Avenue Q between Fourth Street and Broadway became an urban renewal project.

With bond money and federal and state funding, city leaders turned the former residential area into an entertainment, convention and business center. Motels opened along Avenue Q, and the Memorial Civic Center went up.

Nearby, the city built the George and Helen Mahon Library. Texas Tech University, led by retired professor of history William Curry Holden, used debris from the destroyed homes and businesses near downtown to build a series of berms at its outdoor museum – what became the National Ranching Heritage Center. In some ways the 1970 tornado represents a turning point for Lubbock.

The influx of federal and state money, the revitalization of the area just north and east of downtown, and the dispersal of minority citizens throughout the city represent important and permanent transformations.

1970 TORNADO VICTIMS

T

he 1970 Lubbock Tornado claimed the lives of 26 people. Men, women and children, ranging in age from 9 months to 88 years, perished in their homes and vehicles during their desperate attempts to seek shelter from the raging storm. Like the rest of the devastation caused by the tornado, the total cost in human life was not fully realized until the days after the twister passed through Lubbock on the night of May 11, 1970..

ENTRANCE TO THE CIVIC CENTER, SEVENTH STREET AND AVENUE Q

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SANDY FORTENBERRY

MONUMENT AT BROADWAY AND AVENUE Q

Jose Aguilar Aguilar, age 75, died May 11. He was found in the driveway of his son’s home at 221 N. Avenue M, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Helen Machado Alafa Alafa, age 30, was struck by flying debris while trying to find shelter on Fourth Street. She died May 21 at West Texas Hospital.

Johnnye Hobbs Butts Butts, 56, died May 11 in her home at 1902 10th St., which was destroyed by the tornado.

Frank Moreno Canales, Jr. Canales, 33, a truck driver from Uvalde, Texas, died May 11 with companion Thomas Andrew Cook in their destroyed truck near Loop 289 and U.S. 87.

Thomas Andrew Cook Cook, 29, a truck driver from Uvalde, Texas, died May 11 with companion Frank Moreno Canales, Jr. in their destroyed truck near Loop 289 and U.S. 87.

John Stephen Cox Cox, 26 and a Vietnam veteran, was injured after he and his wife took refuge outside their car on Clovis Highway near Avenue Q. He died at Methodist Hospital soon after the tornado.

Joseph Glenn Garrett Garrett, 29, was badly injured when the tornado destroyed his family’s home at 1102 Marlboro St. He died May 16 at Methodist Hospital.

Shelbey Curtis Glenn Glenn, 52, of Idalou, Texas, died at Methodist Hospital soon after the tornado.

Otilia Gonzales Gonzales, 46, died May 11 in her home at 201 N. Avenue L, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Dora Bertie Graves Graves, 49, died May 11 when she and her husband, H. J., were thrown from their car on Loop 289 near U.S. 87.

Ola Belle Hatch Hatch, 77, was found in her destroyed home at 2101 Cypress Road. She died May 13 at Reese Air Force Base Hospital.

Ruth Knight Knight, 63, died May 11 in her home at 2201 Mesa Road, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Jose Luz Leyva Leyva, 13, was the son of a migrant farm worker traveling to Nebraska. The powerful storm pulled the boy and his father from a car parked at the intersection of Erskine and U.S. 87. He sustained

serious injuries from flying debris and died May 16 at Methodist Hospital.

Pedro Lopez Lopez, 56, died May 11. He was found at the corner of First Street and Avenue M. Salvadore Jack Lopez Lopez, 57, died May 11 in his home at 208 N. Avenue L, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Dale McClintock McClintock, 39, died May 11 near a storm cellar at 2121 Cypress Road. He died trying to open the cellar door for his family.

Alan Raye Medlin Medlin, 3, died May 11 with his parents in their home at 2301 Mesa Road.

Dustin Lance Medlin Medlin, 9 months, was found wrapped in a blanket at his destroyed home at 2301 Mesa Road.

He died May 12 at Methodist Hospital.

Kenneth Raye Medlin Medlin, 23, died May 11 in his home at 2301 Mesa Road, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Mary June Medlin Medlin, 22, died May 11 in her home at 2301 Mesa Road, which was destroyed by the tornado.

Angela Marie Mora Mora, 9, was found with her mother and sisters in their destroyed home at 1311 Jarvis St. She died May 19 at Methodist Hospital.

Estefana Guajardo Paez Paez was trying to make her way to shelter when she was crushed by a falling truck near a home at 201 N. Avenue O. Frances Rogers Rogers, 88, and her daughter, Cassie, were thrown from her home at 2105 Cypress Road.

She was found wrapped in a piece of tin near the destroyed house. Her daughter recovered but the elderly Rogers died May 20 at Methodist Hospital.

Aurora J. Salazar Salazar, 68, took shelter with another family in a home at 108 N. Avenue L. She was struck by flying debris inside the home and died May 12 at Methodist Hospital.

Lillie Amanda Short Short, 72, died May 11 when she was struck by debris from her home at 512 E. Stanford.

Pauline Zarazua Zarazua, 39, died May 11 on Loop 289 near U.S. 87 while driving home from work.

Source: City of Lubbock SPECIAL SECTION

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Time to Rally. support local.

Now is the time to rally behind local business.

USA TODAY’s Support Local initiative is sparking communities across the country to take action and make it happen.

Say ‘thank you’ to the local businesses you love by purchasing gift cards and online services, or add your own business to our free listings to receive support from your community.

Please visit supportlocal.usatoday.com to join the cause.

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Steal away a day on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It’s a 64-mile journey that zig zags through steep mountain canyons, the high deser t, and lush meadows between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico.

Begin your adventure in either town. The trip includes a hearty lunch buffet and luxury motor coach shuttle back to your car. Your daily grind can’t follow you into the great, unspoiled West.

book now at cumbrestoltec.com 1-888-286-2737

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Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • MAY 2020

America’s most historic scenic railroad

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W O M E N I N B U S I N ES S

2020

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Carpet Tech MELINDA PHARIES Current position: Lubbock knows Melinda Pharies as a Lady Raider, a champion, a philanthropist, a mom and wife, and as a Carpet Tech owner. How does she dribble so many balls at once, driving down the court without missing a shot?

Greatest professional accomplishment: Pharies recalls how her time as a Lady Raider shaped her leadership style, and that has translated to her success as the co-owner of Carpet Tech. “It’s about building relationships with others and investing in them,” she says. “As a leader, once you understand people’s strengths and weaknesses, you can do things to help them succeed.” Pharies played basketball for the Lady Raiders from 1996-2000, under Coach Marsha Sharp. Pharies remembers being something of a local celebrity when she was part of the team. “I always knew little eyes were on me and that impacted my actions, and that has really shaped me.” But Pharies remarks on how life evolves as we take on new roles. “I’ll never forget walking in somewhere and having a stranger tell me I looked familiar. When I offered up that I was a Lady Raider, he said, ‘No … you are that Carpet Tech lady!’” Pharies has been by her husband Chet’s side as Carpet Tech has grown from a one van carpet cleaning company to what it is today, a five-location cleaning and restoration company with a fleet of rigs and more than 125 employees.

Greatest personal accomplishment: “My role has always been taking care of people so they can perform at their best,” Pharies says.

She does this by leading by example. “I’ve always been willing to do any work I have asked of another, whether that was on the basketball court or at the office.” Of course, Pharies wears many hats, having various identities. “Now I am someone’s mom, not Melinda Schmucker Pharies, and that’s just fine with me.” Chet and Melinda have four children, ages 19 to 10. “It takes a village,” Pharies says of maintaining a work-life balance. “I have learned to lean on people for help when I need it. I do work off a plan and a calendar, but life teaches you to adapt, and I have learned to go with the flow.”

Community involvement: Today, Pharies finds herself doing what she loves best – connecting with people in the local community, fighting for causes she is passionate about, and being the Carpet Tech “Mom.” Pharies says she’s seen a lot of evolution of women in sports and in the workplace over the years, but what she most enjoys and admires about today’s women in business is how they support one another. “I love seeing strong women come together to make an impact in their businesses and communities,” she says. And that is exactly what Pharies does in all her roles, and that’s never been more evident than these past weeks as we face the unknown of coronavirus. “I want to make sure people know Carpet Tech is still here. In times of crisis, we have always been available and nothing about that has changed. If we can bring a little peace by cleaning and disinfecting to reassure people, then that’s what we will do.”

6613 19th St. 795.5142 carpettech.com 36

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Andrus Brothers Roofing MELISSA ANDRUS PROFFITT Current Position: Operations Senior Vice President Years in Business: 19 Greatest Professional Accomplishment: I became a female business owner in a male-dominated profession through my own work ethic and dedication.

Greatest Personal Accomplishment: I have two incredible children, Anson (14) and Anzley (11). I am also proud of graduating from the University of Texas, and I taught emotionally distressed children for eight years before working with Andrus Brothers Roofing.

Community Involvement: I am grateful for the opportunity to donate to many local charities. Recently, I donated 30 beautiful crosses to a nursing home for Easter.

How do you engage with your clients? I take my time with every customer. I meet them, walk them through every step and help them understand the process as best I can. I show respect and kindness to every client.

What is the most valuable advice you’ve received? I practice what I have been taught over and over: to treat everyone as you would like them to treat your family, and that is what I do with every client.

7110 Santa Fe Drive 798.7663 andrusbrothers.com

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Resa’s K-9 Salon RESA CARSON Current position: Owner of Resa’s K-9 Salon Years in business: 22 Greatest professional accomplishment: I started Resa’s K-9 Salon when I was 39. Because of the long, hard dedication I made toward my business, this reflects the success of Resa’s. Being voted Best of Lubbock for 18 years and Best of the West since 2011 helps me realize the hard work has paid off. My tremendous staff and longtime customers have helped me reach this professional accomplishment.

Greatest personal accomplishment: My greatest personal accomplishment is that I’ve always had goals for myself, always wanting to be better in everything I do. I was raised by a single mother who never allowed me to feel sorry for myself, and that gave me the drive to continue no matter what.

Community involvement: Making donations to various events in Lubbock, and Resa’s offers discounts for old and new customers.

How do you engage with your clients? Our oneon-one customer service is very important to me.

Engagement with clients includes by phone, texting and Facebook updates. My staff and I are here to answer any questions any time about their pets and our services.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received?

The most valuable advice came from my banker, Barry Ballinger, from Plains Capital Bank on the location for Resa’s. I was also encouraged by my mother to try to accomplish as much as I could in life.

8004 Indiana Ave., Suite A3-A 793.9191 resask-9salon.com 40

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DesignEnvy DONYA BUTLER Current position: Owner, Marketing/ Brand Manager at DesignEnvy Years in business: 17 ½ years Greatest professional accomplishment: DesignEnvy was named Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year in 2019 by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. As an entrepreneur whose passion is small business, it was an affirmation that I’m right where I need to be.

Greatest personal accomplishment: There is no medal or certificate for this, but when I look at my life, my greatest accomplishment is the people I surround myself with: my husband, my kids, my DesignEnvy team, and the people who love and support me unconditionally.

Community involvement: We donate our creativity and time to the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Habitat for Humanity’s Hard Hats and Heel’s, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Local LBK, Alzheimer’s Association, Art Council of Midland’s Celebration of the Arts, Meals on Wheels, and American Windmill Museum, just to name a few.

How do you engage with your clients? I build genuine relationships through trust and dedication. My focus is on innovation and creative collaboration. We call it “Marketing by Design.” It means true unity in our client’s brand, the creative strategy, and the consumer’s point of view. That’s the sweet spot, where the target audience begins to experience a brand fully and not just see it on the peripheral.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received? “You can do anything you set your mind to.”

My mom has told me that my entire life and it’s true. I attribute my tenacity to her guidance and Luke 1:37.

1312 Texas Ave. 438.9315 designenvy.com

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Eventfully Yours Wedding Planning and Events JULIE LEE HODGES Year established: 2016 What product or service does your business offer?

We offer many services in the event industry from planning, coordinating, and wedding and event styling to every aspect of floral and decor design for any celebration.

Community involvement: The Eventfully Yours team has been honored to be a part of many wonderful and impactful organizations within the Lubbock community. Two of our favorites to date have been the Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala and the Cystic Fibrosis Taste Tour. We have also been recognized as a preferred vendor for the Texas Tech Club.

Competitive edge: Eventfully Yours is unique to the wedding and event industry. We precisely manage each event with great pride. Our team of six diligently works to ensure the final outcome is over the top and the distinct vision of our clients. Lydia, Chelsi, Brittany, Sandra and Lisa are what help to make Eventfully Yours the successful business it is today.

How do you engage with your clients? The best part of being an event planner is getting to meet amazing people that are entrusting me with a day they have dreamed of their entire life, connecting with families and creating friendships that last beyond the planning. After our initial booking meeting, we’re in contact through the entire planning process all the way up to the big day. Not only do I get to engage with each bride to establish her vision, but we also build a lifelong friendship. I think that’s the grand highlight of what I get to do every day.

Share a valuable piece of advice for other women in business: To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail. To be exceptional at the details, you must love what you do and always follow your dreams. Work hard, always treat people well and strive to be the best version of yourself every day. I am the face of Eventfully Yours so how I connect and build trust with others is of utmost important to me. My goal is to be sure each client I come in contact with has a wonderful experience that they can look back on and cherish for years to come. Find your passion and do it well every day!

1211 13th St. 575.626.8015 eventfullyyourstx.com 42

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Eat Drink

A PHOTOS BY SHANNON RICHARDSON

s we were producing this month’s issue, local restaurants’ dining rooms remained closed due to the COVID-19 virus.

However, we’ve seen so much ingenuity during this crisis from local eateries, from home delivery to curbside pickup to selling much-needed staples like bread, eggs and meat.

We celebrate our beloved local restaurants and look forward to enjoying a night out with friends and family in the coming weeks. So we’re featuring photos of a few of the eateries that have appeared in our Eat Drink pages in the past year.

Here’s to the pioneer spirit that still runs strong in the city’s people. We’re proud of their tenacity.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21

NEW New to Eat Drink UPDATE

Updated entry

THE EAT DRINK RESTAURANT GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE LUBBOCK MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY. TO CORRECT A LISTING OR RECOMMEND A RESTAURANT FOR CONSIDERATION, CONTACT THE EDITOR AT MMCAFFREY@LUBBOCKONLINE.COM.

MAY 2020 • thelubbockmagazine.com • Lubbock Magazine

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RESTAURANT GUIDE 50TH ST. CABOOSE Fuel up on Mexican-American food after hours of fun arcade fun. Daily lunch, appetizer, and kid’s discounts abound. 5027 50th St., 796.2240, cabooseonline.com $ ALBARRAN’S MEXICAN BAR & GRILL There’s plenty of room to unwind in Albarran’s expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas. A cold margarita is the perfect complement to popular fish tacos or steaming fajitas. 7722 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2869, albarrans.com $$ ALL AMERICAN EATERY & CATERING CO. Housed in the former Hwy. 87 Lunch Diner, All American offers sandwiches, salads, fresh pie, and a hot entree buffet special of the day. Our curiosity has been peaked by the bacon-wrapped braut on a pretzel bun and the homemade pimiento cheese sandwich. 8901 Hwy. 87, 368.6304, allamericaneatery.com $ ANNA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT It’s Tex-Mex heaven inside Anna’s bright and cheerful dining room. Start with fresh guacamole and move on to a generously portioned combination plate. 6909 Indiana Ave., 771.8783 $ ATOMIC LOUNGE & PIZZA KITCHEN Atomic specializes in fire roasted pizzas. Feast on favorites like The Roni, extra-large slices of pepperoni atop melted mozzarella and smoky tomato sauce. Atomic’s ovens cook a pizza in 2 ½ minutes so your hunger pangs are quickly satisfied. 2420 Broadway Ave. Suite A, 407.3221 $$ BACK 40 GRILL Back 40 covers all the bases: kid-friendly, great food, satisfying desserts, live music, and a patio area. 5214 98th St., 853.8715, theback40grill.com $$ BAKED BLISS Settled in its new location since January, Baked Bliss offers a full lunch menu with salads, hot and cold sandwiches, daily specials, burgers and can’t miss dessert specials. 4005 34th St., 784.2004, lubbockbakedbliss.weebly.com $ BIERHAUS LUBBOCK This patio bar on Broadway specializes in beer and pub grub. With plentiful outdoor seating on its pet-friendly patio it’s a casual place to enjoy good weather with man’s best friend.

2009 Broadway St., 368.8324, bierhauslubbock.com $ BIGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE Open for 40 years, Bigham’s serves its West Texasstyle barbecue from two small, straightforward

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locations. 3312 82nd St., 797.9241/4302 19th St., 793.6880, bighamsbbq.net $

can’t get enough. 620 19th Ave., 771.7690, castirongrilllubbock.com $

BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE This chain that originated in Southern California offers burgers, pizza and pub grub with an expansive list of craft brews. 4805 S. Loop 289, 783.8600, bjsrestaurants.com $$

CHAMPS SPORTS BAR & GRILL Champs’ sports-themed menu is filled with typical pub-style offerings like burgers, wings, nachos, cheese sticks and sliders. No matter your craving, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

4525 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 600, 368.8980, champsbarlubbock.com $

BURGERIM Feeling adventurous? This chain specializes in customizable gourmet and novelty burgers with plentiful patty options ranging from Spanish beef, Wagyu, lamb, turkey, and more.

7604 Milwaukee Ave., 368.7568 $$ CAFE J Enjoy elegant ambiance surrounded by original artwork. Menus change with the seasons and each entree is carefully prepared with a wine pairing in mind. 2605 19th St., 743.5400, cafejlubbock.com $$$ CAGLE STEAKS Step into a true West Texas experience at Cagle Steaks. After walking around the ranch, feast on hand-cut steaks with all the fixings. Save room for fresh cobbler topped with ice cream.

8732 Fourth St., 795.3879, caglesteaks.com $$ CANTINA LAREDO Serving the tastes of “modern Mexico”, this international chain offers tapas, traditional Mexican entrees and a staggering number of top shelf margaritas. 114 W. Loop 289, Suite 200, 407.3355, cantinalaredo.com $$ CAPITAL PIZZA Don’t let Capitol’s nondescript storefront fool you.

Quality ingredients, creative specialty pizzas, and hundreds of craft beers certainly impressed us.

2705 26th St., 368.3603/8211 Slide Road, 701.4062, capitalpizzalubbock.com $$ CAPROCK CAFE A Lubbock favorite, CapRock is the perfect place to hang out and watch the game – with a burger in one hand and an ice-cold beer in the other, of course! 3405 34th St., 784.0300/5217 82nd St., Space 109, 771.2233, caprockcafe.com $-$$ CASA MANILA FILIPINO CUISINE This cash-only eatery serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style, giving diners the opportunity to try a variety of authentic Filipino items. 4917 34th St., 793.8839 $ CAST IRON GRILL First, the pies. We don’t care what time of day, a meal just isn’t complete without a sweet slice.

Move on to home-style breakfasts complete with biscuits and gravy, or hearty from-scratch burgers, chicken-fried steak and ribs. We

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY The national chain made its Lubbock debut in late 2018. The bountiful menu is full of a variety of starters, entrees, and sides, but we’re always up for an enormous slice of decadent cheesecake. Why not start with dessert instead? 6014 Slide Road, 785.8636, thecheesecakefactory.com $$ CHILI DOG CAFE Despite the name, you’ll find more than hot dogs at the cafe. Feast on chili, oversized burgers, brats, sandwiches and a salad bar. 5903 82nd St., Suite 600, 712.3647 $ CHIMY’S CERVECERIA If a margarita is in order, this is the spot. Plenty of Tex-Mex staples and margarita flavors and a lively outdoor patio make this a great place to spend an evening. 2417 Broadway St., 763.7369 $ CHOP CHOP RICE CO. It’s all in the name: Chop Chop Rice Co. specializes in rice, but goes much further than that. With a menu full of meats and vegetables, you can dress up your rice any way your heart desires. Come hungry, because portion sizes are impressive.

5707 Fourth St., 478.1775/7320 Milwaukee Ave., 701.5400 $ COCINA DE LA SIRENA Located in the historic Cactus Alley courtyard, La Sirena serves modern Latin American food in a cozy dining room. The menu changes regularly to accommodate local produce, but it’s a delight no matter the season. 2610 Salem Ave., 368.7960, lasirenacocina.com $$$ COOK’S GARAGE Tuck in to Texas-style comfort food surrounded by classic cars and memorabilia. You can’t miss with the wings, burgers or nachos. 11002 Highway 87, 893.2491, cooksgarage.com $$ COPPER CABOOSE RESTAURANT BAR Part entertainment venue, part Tex-Mex restaurant, Copper Caboose is the place to take a group ready for a party. Daily food specials let you save your money for the arcade. 5609 Villa Drive, 744.0183, cabooseonline.com $$

COTTON PATCH CAFE The Cotton Patch is in the home-style comfort food business. Served with southern hospitality, entrees like chicken and dumplings, chicken-fried steak with gravy, and steakhouse burgers make it easy to eat your fill – and then some. 6810 Slide Road, 771.4521, cottonpatch.com $$ THE CRAFTHOUSE GASTROPUB Experience quality eats at this casual pub.

Choose something from the Bites, Small or Large menus depending on your appetite.

We’re taken with the dumplin’s and house Canadian bacon. 3131 34th St., 687.1466, crafthousepub.com $$ DOUBLEDAVE’S PIZZAWORKS Feast on the buffet or order a whole pie at DoubleDave’s. Customers love the stromboli and generous portions. 6023 82nd St., Suite 4, 763.3283, doubledaves.com $$ E&J SMOKEHOUSE AND GRILL Nestled in Escondido Canyon, E&J is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Dine on plenty of barbecue and Texas-style sides and desserts at this little oasis. 701 Regis St., 762.6201 $$-$$$ EAT AND ART CAFE This cafe offers daily hot-plate specials, rice bowls, ramen, soup and sandwiches, within a charming, art-centric atmosphere. 7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 600, 368.6293 $$ EL SALVADOR RESTAURANT Promising “a taste of El Salvador in Lubbock,” this quaint eatery west of the city certainly delivers. Pupusas, a thick, stuffed corn tortilla, are worth the drive. 9609 CR 6900, 885.2222, restaurantelsalvador.com $ FARM TO FORK GASTRO KITCHEN Serving farm fresh food, Farm to Fork’s creative presentation and gourmet offerings feature locally produced produce and meats.

The seasonal menu changes often, with a variety of entrees, small plates and brunch on Sunday. The eatery is by reservation only, so plan accordingly. 8310 E. FM 3523, 829.2564, f2fgastrokitchen.com $$ FLIPPERS TAVERN This colorful little hole-in-the-wall specializes in brats with all the fixings. Try the Pile Driver for a cheese and chili fix. 1406 Avenue Q, 701.5130 $ FORTUNE COOKIE CHINESE RESTAURANT Serving Cantonese-style food, Fortune Cookie is family-owned and -operated. Easy

online ordering makes dine-in and takeout dining a breeze. 7006 University Ave., 745.2205, fortunecookietx.com $ FREEBIRDS This build-your-own burritos, bowls and nachos chain rates high for quality ingredients, vegan and vegetarian options, and responsive customer service.

4930 S. Loop 289, Suite 250, 791.0101, freebirds.com $ THE FUNKY DOOR BISTRO & WINE ROOM With everything from mac ‘n cheese to fondue, lobster to steak, and more than 800 wine labels, The Funky Door is a divine place to linger. 6801 Milwaukee Ave., 687.0505, thefunkydoor.com $$-$$$ GARCIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Garcia’s is known for its affordable food and on-point margaritas. Feast on the buffet for weekend brunch. 5604 Slide Road, Suite 100, 792.0097 $ GATOR’S BAYOU CAJUN GRILL & BAR Gator’s Bayou’s fun atmosphere and extensive food and drink menus ensure that you’ll enjoy your experience. Fans of Gator’s enjoy the Sunday brunch and sheltered patio.

5217 98th St., 698.6900, gatersbayou.com $$ GILBERT’S BAR & GRILL With its Tech-themed dining room and generous patio, Gilbert’s is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy a home-style meal.

Enjoy family-style Chinese food on Saturday nights and brunch on Sundays. 2608 Salem Ave., 795.8791, gilbertslubbock.com $$ GIORGIO’S PIZZA Giorgio’s longstanding downtown location offers counter service and some of the city’s most beloved pizza by the slice, calzones, pasta, and daily lunch specials. 1018 Broadway St., 765.9330, giorgiospizzalubbock.com $ GOHAN JAPANESE FUSION A fast-casual eatery, Gohan serves hibachistyle build-a-bowl meals, specialty rice bowls, and bubble tea. 1003 University Ave., 368.8048 $$ HARRIGAN’S PRIME GRILL Remember Harrigan’s? Well, the beloved chain is back as Harrigan’s Prime Grill, and locals are thrilled. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes plenty of steaks to satisfy beef lovers, along with plenty of options for the entire family. Don’t’ leave without

Picoso’s Mexican Kitchen serves great food while also serving their staff and families by re-investing their profits into bettering their lives outside the workplace. Making classes available on parenting, marriage, personal finance and healthy lifestyle has made a huge difference in their lives. Jeremy & Heather Waller want Picoso’s to be a light in a sometimes dark world.

7611 Milwaukee LB-16075310

Sun - Thurs 11AM - 10PM Fri & Sat 11AM - 11PM

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indulging in a Black Magic Cake. 11814 Indiana Ave., 368.8008, harrigans.com $$-$$$ HAYASHI MIDTOWN SUSHI BAR & JAPANESE CUISINE Hayashi Midtown offers lunch and dinner specials, create-your-own bento boxes, sushi, and, of course, hibachi grill cooking. 3701 19th St., 701.5486, hayashimidtown.com $$ IKE’S WOODFIRE GRILLE Ike’s offers handcrafted steaks, seafood, woodfired pizzas, calzones, burgers and more. Save with Ike’s daily specials and enjoy daily Happy Hour Monday through Friday. 4414 82nd St., Suite 218, 368.8036, ikesgrill.com $$ ITALIAN GARDEN Traditional Italian fare at this BYOB restaurant downtown. A variety of pasta, pizza and subs ensure a hefty carb fix. 1215 Avenue J, 771.2212, italiangardenlubbock.com $$ J&B COFFEE CO. Generously portioned sandwiches, baked goods and specialty desserts make the perfect complement for freshly roasted coffee or flavored tea. 2701 26th St., 796.1114/3334 66th St., 799.1996, jandbcoffeeco.com $ JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN A national chain, Jazz serves New Orleans-style classics and features nightly live music.

3703 19th St., 799.2124, jazzkitchen.com $$ JIMENEZ BAKERY & RESTAURANT Jimenez has offered traditional Mexican baked goods to the Lubbock area since 1969. Breakfast items lean toward Texas-style comfort food, while lunch and dinner focus on more traditional items. Don’t leave without trying something from the bakery. 1217 Crickets Ave., 744.2685, jimenezbakeryandrestaurant.com $ JOSIE’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN KITCHEN Josie’s three Lubbock locations serve a variety of fresh, handmade burritos for walk-up, dine-in and drive-thru service. Breakfast burritos are the most popular, but the Big Mama is a sure bet any time of day. 3312 Avenue Q, 744.8075/ 5101 Aberdeen Ave., 793.7752/6606 19th St., 793.1921 $ JUMBO JOE’S A true burger joint, Joe’s offers dine-in, carry-out and a convenient drive-thru. Extra-large portions and affordable prices keep diners going back for more. 3310 Fourth St., 747.7900, jumbojoes.com $ KING LOUIE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & BILLIARDS ROOM Kin Louie’s stretches “Happy Hour” into an eight-hour celebration. Enjoy drink specials and shareable plates from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, while you watch the game or play a game of pool

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in the smoke-free pool hall. 7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 1400, 368.8200, kinglouiesrestaurantandbar.com $$ KING STREET PUB Nestled in a strip mall on Indiana, King Street Pub’s stark exterior holds a surprisingly charming Victorian English tea room meets traditional pubthemed restaurant. Inventive cuisine and a cozy atmosphere will keep you going back for more.

8004 Indiana Ave., Suite B18, 993.1010, kingstreetpub.com $$ LA DIOSA CELLARS From the funky decor to the perfectly prepared tapas to the extensive wine list, La Diosa promises a top-notch experience. 901 17th St., 744.3600, ladiosacellars.com $$ THE LANTERN TAVERN A step above standard pub fare, The Lantern serves shareable appetizers, burgers and pizza in its casual dining room. Enjoy the dog-friendly patio and listen to live music on Friday nights.

3502 Slide Road, 785.2280, lanterntavern.net $$ LAS BRISAS SOUTHWEST STEAKHOUSE Elegant Southwestern-style fare awaits at Las Brisas. Feast on a 24-ounce bone-in rib-eye paired with the perfect craft cocktail or a selection from the wine list. 4701 112th St., 687.6050, las-brisas.com $$$ LILLIE’S PLACE Lillie’s affordable Mexican food and breakfast all day are made even better by great customer service and special attention for pups in the drive-thru. 6313 19th St., 701.5206 $ LISA WEST’S DOUBLE NICKEL STEAK HOUSE Voted one of the top 10 best steak houses in Texas, the Double Nickel specializes in traditional steakhouse fare. While beef rules the menu, you’ll find plenty of chicken, seafood and salads to delight the pickiest eater. 5405 Slide Road, 792.0055, doublenickelsteakhouse.com $$$ LITTLE PANDA For affordable food fast, Little Panda is the place.

The ample menu has plenty of items under $10, and easy online ordering.1221 University Ave., 722.0888, littlepandattu.com/7412 University Ave., Unit 1, 745.8885, littlepandalubbock.com $ LUBBOCK’S BREAKFAST HOUSE & GRILL Serving breakfast daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Breakfast House also serves lunch, and dinner until 10 p.m. A huge menu means you can go back again and again to discover a new taste treat. 7006 University Ave., 687.8912/2422 19th St., 701.5351, lubbockbreakfasthouse.com $

LUCKY CHEN CHINESE RESTAURANT Luck Chen serves familiar favorites like fried rice, chow mein, and moo goo gai pan. Daily lunch specials cost a low $5.95. 1803 Seventh St., Suite 801, 749.7888, luckychenlubbock.com $ MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT Perfect for the whole family or a large group, the Main Event offers bowling, arcade games, mini golf and more. Feed the crew with made-to-order pizza or plenty of grill-style nibbles from the dining area. 6010 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 792.3333, mainevent.com $$ MAMARITA’S BORDER CAFE MamaRita’s fast casual Tex-Mex is a regular Best of Lubbock winner. In business since 1989, locals love the salsa bar, margarita’s, and affordable daily specials. 6602 Slide Road, 794.4778, mamaritaslubbock.com $ MAR Y TIERRA This cozy Tex-Mex restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect fresh-made food and plenty of choices as the menu is lengthy.

2531 82nd St.,784.2008/5702 19th St., 407.5009 $ UPDATE

THE OFFICE GRILL AND SPORTS BAR Known for great live country music, The Office offers all-day Happy Hour and a simple menu with grill items like sandwiches and burgers.

5004 Frankford Ave., Suite 900, 687.6242, theofficegrillandsportsbar.com $ O’HANA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Choose from hibachi service or fresh sushi when you dine at O’hana. Reservations are suggested for busy weekend evenings. 5510 Fourth St., Suite 100, 792.0144/ 5217 82nd St., 783.8298 $$ ONE GUY FROM ITALY PIZZA Fresh, hot, cheesy calzones are the star at One Guy, but the pizza, pasta, and garlic bread are also noteworthy. You’ll find traditional Sicilian recipes and great conversation when you dine in. 4320 50th St., 791.1210/1101 University Ave., 747.1226 $ ORLANDO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Generous portions of Italian mainstays dominate Orlando’s menu, with a southwestern influence peppered throughout. Customers rave about the potato and green chile soup, burgers, and all-youcan-eat spaghetti and meatballs. 6951 Indiana Ave., 797.8646/2402 Avenue Q, 747.5998, orlandos.com $$ OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Let’s just start with the Bloomin’ Onion. We could actually end there and be completely satisfied, but what’s a trip to Outback without a Victoria’s Filet Mignon and Bacon Bourbon Salmon? Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate

Thunder from Down Under. 4015 S. Loop 289, 788.0035, outback.com $$ PANCAKE HOUSE This cozy diner fills up fast, so expect a wait time.

Enjoy home-style breakfast until 2:30 p.m. daily, with lunch items available after 11 a.m.

510 Avenue Q, 765.8506 $ THE PECAN GRILL Located inside the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, The Pecan Grill serves upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’re fans of the Texas redfish and NY strip steak. 2322 Mac Davis Lane, 776.7010, overtonhotel.com $$$ PEPE’S PIZZA AND ICE CREAM Is there a better combination than pizza and ice cream? We don’t think so. Feast on hand-tossed pizza made to order, and ice cream loaded with your favorite mix-ins. 3704 98th St., Suite 900, 993.7373, pizzabypepes.com $$ PHO CALI Specializing in Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho Cali also offers barbecued pork chops, fried vermicelli, and coffee. 4636 50th St., 784.2882 $ PLATFORM RESTAURANT This downtown eatery caters to the lunch crowd by featuring gourmet salads, sandwiches and soups that utilize fresh seasonal produce and house-smoked meats. 1212 Avenue K, 762.1088, platformlbk.com $$ POLIBERTO’S TACO SHOP Find your favorite Tex-Mex items at Poliberto’s.

Tacos and burritos earn top ratings at this simple drive-thru only restaurant. 107 Beech Ave., 763.5555 $ POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP Potbelly has it all – sandwiches (hot or cold), salads, macaroni-and-cheese, soup, chips, cookies, shakes and smoothies – plenty of options to keep you going back for more. 2402 Ninth St., 747.5667/6616 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 900, 687.4635, potbelly.com $ RASPADOS COLIMAS The photos on Raspados’ Facebook page will instantly draw you in and make your mouth water.

Huge fruit drinks, cheesy cups full of Mexican corn, and overflowing taco plates look particularly tempting. 2203 Clovis Road, 474.4429 $ RIVER SMITH’S CHICKEN & CATFISH A Lubbock mainstay, Rive Smith’s serves fried catfish and chicken battered to perfection.

Chargrilled options, and oysters, shrimp and crab round out the menu. 406 Avenue Q, 765.8164, riversmiths.com $$

ROSA’S CAFÉ & TORTILLA FACTORY Perfect for take-out or a quick, satisfying meal, Rosa’s offers Tex-Mex favorites and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. You can’t beat the homemade tortillas, made fresh every day. 5103 82nd St., 794.2285/4407 Fourth St., 785.5334/ 5020 Milwaukee Ave., 792.0015/3115 50th St., 784.0100, rosascafe.com $

STACKED BREAKFAST & LUNCH Open early for breakfast and serving lunch daily, Stacked also caters and offers a convenient driveup window for meals on the go. We’ve got our eye on the pancakes at Stacked, with four tempting flavors: original, chocolate chip, sweet potato, and bacon. 6015 82nd St., Suite 5, 317.1101, stackedlbk.com $ TEDDY JACKS HUB CITY GRILL Teddy Jacks promises a fun experience in its energetic dining area. The menu touches on a variety of American favorites, so there’s sure to be something for everyone at the table.

7205 Milwaukee Ave., 698.6997, teddyjacks.com $$

ROYAL SEAFOOD SHACK From traditional Cajun seafood boils, to fried or grilled fish, to sandwiches and gumbo, the Royal Seafood Shack’s menu is brimming with fresh seafood, paired with down-home comfort food sides like corn on the cobb, cornbread, french fries and coleslaw. 6012 82nd St., 368.8537 $$

TORCHY’S TACOS Start with the queso and a Happy Hour special and linger in Torchy’s hip atmosphere as the perfect end to a workday or for day-time weekend relaxation with friends. 2407 Ninth St., Suite 100, 368.8973/3204 W. Loop 289, 412.5220 torchystacos.com $

SABROSO MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND BAR Traditional Tex-Mex is a staple in West Texas, and Sabroso does not disappoint. You can’t go wrong with a taco special, enchiladas, or the popular breakfast migas, offered at breakfast or brunch.

5812 34th St., 702.8960 $

WALK-ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR Walk-On’s serves Louisiana-inspired cuisine like seafood, traditional Cajun favorites and biggerthan-average burgers. The like to call it “Game Day with a Taste of Louisiana.” We call it just plain tasty.

2630 W. Loop 289, 793.1845, walk-ons.com $$

SAKURA NOODLE HOUSE & SUSHI BAR Sakura’s extensive menu is offered all day, and includes rice or noodle bowls, sushi and hibachi.

Affordable daily lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. make Sakura an excellent early dinner choice. 4520 50th St., 368.7046, sakuralubbock.com $$ SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE Saltgrass has plenty of steaks to choose from and you can pair it with juicy Gulf shrimp or lump crab meat. Take our advice: Save room for the TwoFork Cheesecake. Rich and creamy, it melts in your mouth. 6026 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 792.1004, saltgrass.com $$

THE WEST TABLE KITCHEN AND BAR Yamagata’s shabu shabu (hot pots) set it apart The West family’s hip eatery inside the Pioneer Condos building downtown serves outstanding, creative food. The menu changes daily to accommodate seasonal foods, but we enjoyed the crab hushpuppy starter, hearty burger, and roasted beet salad on our last visit. 1204 Broadway St., Suite 103, 993.9378, thewesttable.com $$

SAMBURGERS A small dine-in space with a drive-thru, Samburgers offers old-fashioned burgers, onion rings, and fries made fresh to order. 4447 34th St., 799.1987 $

YUYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT Choose from the menu, hibachi-style meals, or fresh sushi from the sushi bar. 5130 80th St., 368.7861, yuyorestaurant.com $$

SANCTUARY BAR & CAFE Sanctuary offers specialty cocktails like its nitrogen-infused “NitroMargarita,” and classic bar food like burgers, dip and chips, and chicken wings. The eatery expects to release a full food menu in the coming months. 8209 Slide Road, Suite 900, 368.3867, sanctuarybarandcafe.com $$ SPANKY’S SANDWICH SHOP This Tech hangout specializes in home-style hamburgers, sandwiches and shareable pub grub.

811 University Ave, 744.5677, spankys.com $$

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SCOGGIN-DICKEY MOTORS

L

ast year, Scoggin-Dickey celebrated its 90th year as an automobile dealership.

This photo dates from 1949, and the angled parking indicates this location was in downtown Lubbock. The dealership itself began in 1929 when A.L. Scoggin and J. Ray Dickey teamed up to sell cars. Today, Scoggin-Dickey is

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Lubbock Magazine • thelubbockmagazine.com • MAY 2020

Lubbock’s oldest family-owned General Motors dealership and one of the oldest such dealerships in the country.

The business is now in its fourth generation of family operators, who manage Chevrolet-Buick, Subaru and pre-owned dealerships in Lubbock, along with another in Levelland. L

COURTESY OF TEXAS TECH’S SOUTHWEST COLLECTION/SPECIAL COLLECTION LIBRARY

Yesteryear