Golden Gazette February 2021

Volume 33, Number 2

February 2021

24 Pages

In February & Inside 3rd The Day

the Music Died ........... page 17 5th Wear Red Day ............. page 23 5th First Friday Art Trail 7th Super Bowl 11th YWCA Women of

Excellence .................... page 3 12th New Neighbors ........... page 11 14th Valentine’s Day 15th Presidents Day 17th Ash Wednesday 20th Pancakes@Home .......... page 3 Lubbock Music NOW ............... page 5 To be a leader ........................ page 10 Mardi Gras Celebration ......... page 13 Warning signs: h eart attack & stroke ............ page 22 American Heart Month .......... page 23 Black History Month .............. page 24 Coming in March Beans & Cornbread Luncheon on March 5th ............................ page 3

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Lubbock, Texas 79401

Page 2 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

CASA receives grant to fund Volunteer Advocacy Program CASA of the South Plains received a $2,000 grant from Superior HealthPlan to fund its Volunteer Advocacy Program.

The funds will help ensure that CASA Volunteers continue to have the support and guidance of Advocacy Coordinators. Each Advocacy Coordinator supervises up to 25 Volunteer Advocates and monitors the cases of 50-70 children in foster care.

CASA volunteers play a critical role in the life of children in the foster care system. A CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, is an individual who helps a child in foster care navigate the child welfare system, while working to ensure their needs are met and to help find a safe, permanent home.

Superior HealthPlan is a managed care company that delivers quality health care throughout Texas.

“CASA of the South Plains is incredibly grateful to Superior HealthPlan for awarding this grant,” said Jaclyn Morris, executive director for CASA. “Advocacy coordinators play a crucial role in the coaching and support of CASA volunteers. They ensure all CASA Volunteers understand how to fulfill the role of Guardian ad Litem, provide valuable feedback, answer questions, and are often a source of emotional support.”

CASA’s Impact 1. 612 children received advocacy services from CASA in 2019.

2. 315 CASA volunteers donated a total of 8,758 hours in 2019, saving county taxpayers $481,690 in attorneys’ fees.

3. 205 youth in foster care found permanency with the

help of their CASA volunteer in 2019.

How you can help 1. Become a CASA volunteer.

2. Become a CASA donor – Join Heroes for Hope and become a monthly donor.

3. Host a CASA 101 Informational Session - CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.

For more information, visit www.casaofthesouthplains. org or call 806-763-2272.

Medicaid fraud drives up the cost of health care for everyone.

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Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 3

YWCA Women of Excellence Virtual festival: Pancakes@Home Nine Women of Excellence will be honored at noon, March 11.

The YWCA of Lubbock honors outstanding women as one of its annual projects, recognizing and honoring women in the community who have achieved excellence in their careers or professions and whose contributions to business, industry, organizations, and the community are vital.

The 2021 Women of Excellence are Elizabeth Regner Grigsby, Arts & Culture Patricia Francis-Johnson, Education Glenda Grigson, Religion Norma Ritz Johnson, Government Katelynn Thompson, Human Services Amy Thompson, Medicine Stephanie Massengale, Business Laura Monroe, Professional Grace Katherine Feist, Youth Leadership Since 1989, Women of Excellence award recipients have been inspiring others in Lubbock not only with their professional achievements but also with the work they do for others. By promoting women as leaders in Lubbock, the YWCA strives to empower women and their families to establish strong role models for future generations of young women.

Including this year’s nine award recipients, the YWCA has honored 281 extraordinary women in the 33 years of the event.

The YWCA has honored five women with the Jane O. Burns Award and seven have received the Mary Nell Strong Community Service Award.

A virtual 69th Annual Pancake Festival is set for Feb. 20 through Facebook.

Pancakes@Home is an opportunity for families to eat pancakes at home, take pictures, and then post on the Lubbock Lions Club Pancakes@Home Facebook Event Page from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 20.

The decision was made from an abundance of research and discussion regarding public health and wellness regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to avoid face-to-face interactions.

The Pancake Festival is the major

fundraiser for the Lubbock Lions Club, and each year provides donations to many charities.

This will certainly be a unique and unusual way to share pancake stories, but why not. Let’s make the best of the situation, have fun, and still raise awareness and money for those agencies served.

For more information, visit the Lubbock Lions Club website at www.Lubbocklions.org and the Lubbock Lions Club Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/lubbocklions/.

Beans & Cornbread Lunch on March 5 The Mayors’ Beans and Cornbread Lunch will take place in an adjusted format from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 5 at the new YWCA building, 6501 University.

A drive-through format will serve the safety and convenience of everyone.

This is the 32nd year for the annual Hospice of Lubbock event.

More details will follow in the March edition of the Golden Gazette.

Garrison Institute on Aging

“Secondary Trauma & Burnout in the Age of COVID-19” Michael Gomez, PhD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, TTUHSC

When: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Where: Your favorite chair / Webinar For more information, call 806.743.7821

www.ttuhsc.edu/garrison Follow us on Facebook @getfitlubbock

https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/8527492853 Save the date for the next lecture series: March 24, 2021

Page 4 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette It is now February and all of the New Year’s resolutions are gone and we can get down to business. There are things we will do in 2021 that will be different from prior years.

Start by helping others.

There are numerous opportunities to assist others and still stay safe. Lubbock Meals on Wheels, South Plains Food Bank, Friends of the Library, Exodus Prison Ministry, Literacy Lubbock, local hospital auxiliaries, and Ronald McDonald House. Lubbock Literacy provides a variety of resources for all ages. If you are interested in working with ESL, GED prep, Tiny Tots Reading, or tutoring in Math and English (mostly on a one-on one basis and virtual) contact them for more details. These agencies serve others and -- pandemic or not -- their services are still es-

Garrison Institute on Aging

By sential. Call the RSVP office at 806-743-1217 for details on each of these and more.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is slowly re-opening. Our office remains closed to the public, but we are hopeful that soon we can open our doors to the ‘new normal.’

We will post information as the State of Texas guidelines are followed.

The Healthy Aging Lecture Series is being conducted on ZOOM sessions. The February session will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 24. The speaker will be Michael Gomez, Ph.D. His topic is “Secondary Trauma & Burnout in the Age of COVID-19.” So pull up your favorite chair and

join us. The Zoom Link for the seminar is https://ttuhsc. zoom.us/j/8527492853. You can join by phone, tablet or computer.

The Care Partner Academy has continued sessions via ZOOM. If you are a caregiver and need someone to talk to, maybe a health professional or other professional to ask questions, you are invited to join our sessions. Notify me via phone at 806.743.1217 or email at joan.blackmon@ttuhsc.edu.

You can join the sessions on a computer, tablet or phone.

Sessions are 60 minutes in length and can provide you with an opportunity to discuss topics with others in the community.

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Covid-19 Vaccine If you have not received the COVID vaccine, it is not too late. For the City of Lubbock Health Department, dial 311 for upcoming sessions. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They can help you with any city service including COVID vaccine updates.

If you are a veteran, contact the Lubbock VA at 806472-3400. They have a limited supply of vaccine and can provide you with information. For a local pharmacy, go to heb.com/vaccine/common/landing for availability of vaccine and to schedule an appointment. Other locations have a limited supply.

Other pharmacies are expecting limited quantities, so be proactive and find the source that works best for you.

Things that are different in 2021…

• The dumbest thing I bought in 2020 was a day planner.

• Yesterday I was so bored I called Jake from

State Farm just to talk to someone. He asked me what I was wearing.

• 2019 - Stay away from negative people. 2020 - Stay away from POSITIVE people.

• The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house, and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors.

• Does anyone know if we can take showers yet, or should we just keep washing our hands?

• This virus has done what no woman has been able to do -- canceled sports, shut down all bars, and kept men at home.

• I never thought the comment, “I wouldn’t touch him/her with a 10-foot pole” would become a national policy, but here we are.

• Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask and ask for money.

Make 2021 your best year going forward. Stay safe and pray for rain.

Christian Women’s Connection, Feb. 9 Life is Like a Box of Chocolates will be the theme of the Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Feb. 9.

The luncheon will feature Lindy Woods, soloist, and

Alice Lowrie will speak on “Joy for the Journey” at the Lubbock Country Club, 3400 Mesa Road.

Cost for the buffet lunch is $15. RSVP by Feb. 4 to LubbockCWC@gmail.com or call 806-781-4653.

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 5

Lubbock Music NOW 2020 album release From rock to country, jazz to hip hop, the 2020 Lubbock Music NOW album features 21 songs written and performed by 21 South Plains artists.

The CD will be available for purchase locally at H-E-B, Ralph’s Records, and the Buddy Holly Center. It is also available for purchase online through Select-a-Seat, www.selectaseatlubbock.com, or by download through Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, YouTube and dozens of other streaming music services.

“The Lubbock Music NOW project produces a compilation album that represents the myriad styles of music played in Lubbock,” said James Eppler, Civic Lubbock, Inc. board member and chair of the Lubbock Entertainment Committee, which oversees the project.

“The musicians we feature each year carry on the legacies of Buddy Holly, Mac Davis, Natalie Maines, Joe Ely, Terry Allen, and many others.”

Since its debut in 2016, the Lubbock Music NOW project has featured 93 artists. This year’s album includes 10 artists who are new to the project, a record number of first-time acts.

Artists submitted original, studio-produced songs for consideration in April. Providing only song numbers, songs were judged by a panel

of past and current members of the Texas Branch of The Recording Academy (Texas Grammy Board). The judges indicated they were impressed with the overall quality of the music. One judge even commented that “one of the songs blew her away and that one needed to be on the air now.”

“There has never been a question that Lubbock’s musical talent is superior.

But hearing comments like this from a seasoned professional solidifies that fact,” said Don Caldwell, nationally known music producer and performer and member of the Lubbock Music NOW committee. “With the artists on the Lubbock Music NOW album, you are hearing the next generation of outstanding Lubbock music.”

The cover art for the 2020 Lubbock Music NOW CD was designed by Dirk Fowler who is an associate professor in the School of Art at Texas Tech University, is a worldrenowned graphic designer, and a founding father of the off-set rock poster revival.

His letterpress concert posters are collector’s items.

All proceeds from sales of the album will go to Civic Lubbock, Inc. to be invested in local music projects including future years of Lubbock Music NOW. Each artist receives a $200 cash prize from Civic Lubbock, Inc. and copies of the album.

The artists selected for the 2020 Lubbock Music NOW album, with song titles, are:

Alma Quartet - “Solitude” Bob Simpson - “Tell Me” Cade Gregg - “Faith” Calistro Junior Vasquez - “Blue” Cary and Steve - “Playscape” Chris Bone Garza - “World We Live In” Clifton Castle - “Unbreakable Walls” D.G. Flewellyn - “Just Let Me Love You” Drake Hayes Band - “Nowhere Texas” Hannah Jackson - “Prairie Eyes” Heather Savonne - “Found in You” Jenni Dale Lord Band - “Smile” Jerry Serrano - “Dig Your Grave” Keedra Johnson - “Nobody” Madelyn Mandry - “Fall for You” Outwest - “Simple Feelings” Petrichor, Ltd. - “The Other Side” southstate - “Myb Nxt Yr” Spur 327 Band - “82 to Idalou” Steve Garry - “Flatland Blues” Thomas Craig Elliott - “Runaround Blues”

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Page 6 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Dealing with sustained change during COVID-19 Over the last several months, we’ve all been dealing with massive amounts of change to our daily lives.

And change is not over. As the coronavirus pandemic evolves, we continue to adapt to new information, schedule and guidelines, such as working from home, masking, social distancing, remote learning, and more.

Establishing new habits can help us cope with uncertainty and daily routines help us move forward.

But one of the most important things to remember is that we are not alone; there are people and resources to help us navigate this time.

Here’s what Josh Cutler, LCSW, clinical social worker at Covenant Health, said about finding ways to face more changes with positivity and make hard decisions with confidence.

COVID-19. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five U.S. adults are living with a mental illness, according to a study completed in 2017.

Layer the recent pandemic on top of typical stressors of daily life and it’s no surprise more and more of us are feeling anxious, depressed or fearful.

“The biggest challenges for many of us are changes to things we took for granted – running into the grocery store after work, dropping kids off at school,” Josh explained.

“People are resilient and adaptive, but too much change, too fast can overwhelm anyone and lead to mental health distress.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, many of us believed (and hoped) that the changes caused by COVID-19 would be temporary.

But now, many of us are feeling ‘People are resilient the pressures of extended quarantine & adaptive’ and are missing our favorite daily Many Americans were manag- routines. And we’re realizing that ing mental health issues long before things may not ever return to the way they once were.

Josh acknowledges that it’s OK – and important – to grieve those changes, but without idealizing the past.

“There just has to be a level of acceptance,” Josh said. “We can fight To get the current edition of these changes, or The Golden Resource Directory call we can put that energy into focusing on what you can do in this moment, today.”

Need assistance, help or information, and don’t know where to look?

It’s the focus on the things we can Try ‘attitude of gratitude’ control that will ultimately help us Gratitude has many benefits, incope, Josh said. cluding: Take an ‘inventory’ • Boost your mood The science is clear: Your mental • Help you feel optimistic health is impacted by your physical • Feel connected to others health. It’s why things like sleep, diet • Improve your physical health and exercise are so important. But, “Practicing gratitude can have a mental health can also be affected by big impact. Focusing on what’s goother factors, Josh said. ing well and what you’re grateful for “Humans need exercise, social can help you move into the present. connection and recreation to grow,” Getting caught up on the past or fuhe said. ture can be problematic,” Josh said.

“Life can get out of balance easHere are a few simple ways you ily, especially when we’re work- can practice gratitude: ing from home, teaching children • Keep a gratitude journal of the remotely, and dealing with missing things you are grateful for activities and errands we once took • Share your gratitude list with your for granted.” family at dinnertime Josh recommends taking a regular inventory of how you’re feeling • Let someone know you love them and how your choices are impacting • Sit outside and appreciate nature those feelings.

• Perform a random act of kindness “Maybe you’re feeling really up- • Volunteer set and anxious one day, but when you do a quick scan of the last few Be flexible & creative COVID-19 has impacted many of days, you realize you’ve been going to bed late, eating too much sugar, our social routines and hobbies we or skipping your regular exercise enjoyed.

“It’s much more difficult to meet routine.”

Next time you’re feeling in a up with friends for dinner or head funk, ask yourself these questions: to the gym to work off stress,” Josh • Did I eat too much junk food and said.

“But those rituals are important. not enough healthy food?

Be flexible, creative and keep taking • Did I stay up too late?

• When is the last time I exercised? care of yourself - it’s a priority.”

Not sure where to start? Try out a • When is the last time I picked up the phone to talk to a friend or few of these ideas to see what helps you relax and unwind: family member?

• Am I making enough time in my • Set up a weekly Zoom happy hour with friends or family day for things I enjoy?

• Am I working too much?

• Try a new recipe Going down the list of recent hab- • Explore a new hiking path its can help you figure out what’s out • Do an exercise routine from home of balance and what may need a little • Read a book in a local park more attention in your life.

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 7

Boomer Benefits Made Easy Educator turned agent who loves to help others.

Jason Dear

Give me a call at 806-787-3571

What a difference your lunch hour can make!

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

Show love by donating needed items The ongoing coronavirus pandemic battle and visitation restrictions in nursing homes and other long-term care communities are taking a toll on loved ones and community members with memory impairment and mobility issues as well as the healthcare workers who care for them daily.

Giving to others can be the best gift many people receive all year.

Year-round, millions of seniors are suffering while trying to meet their basic needs. About 56 percent of seniors age 80+ reported a severe disability, and 29 percent of the same population reported needing assistance.

Many everyday items we take for granted can be donated to seniors.

See the list of useful items perfect for making a difference. ✤ Blankets, throws, or shawls ✤ Soaps and lotions ✤ Disposable undergarments ✤ Socks ✤ Towels ✤ Denture adhesive, cleanser, or holders ✤ Senior-friendly manicure kits ✤ Fresh fruit, snacks, or non-perishable food items https://www.caringtransitions.com/

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Page 8 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Making daily self-care a priority

By Growing Bolder Americans are doing something very good during these challenging pandemic times: self-care.

A recent survey notes that 7 in 10 respondents have made it a priority to do something positive every day, even as the Covid-19 dynamic adds stressors to everyday living.

It’s stuff you would expect: watching their favorite movie; eating their favorite snack or going for a walk: making somebody smile at least once a day; calling a friend; snuggling with a pet.

The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Vitamin Angels, also includes encouraging data when it comes to communities.

Six of every 10 respondents said the pandemic has prodded them to give back to their communities – with 66 percent agreeing the pandemic has brought their communities closer than ever.

“Communities in the U.S. and around the world were already vulnerable before Coivd-19 and now is the time when they need us most,” said Howard Schiffer,

Vitamin Angels founder & president.

“Right now, we have an opportunity to come together and take what has been one of the hardest years in our lives, and turn it into one of our best, positive actions - to help the most vulnerable in our communities.”

Three-quarters are looking to start off fresh in 2021 and share positivity as much as possible. Another eight in 10 are hoping others will follow suit.

“Every day is a great opportunity to connect with loved ones and share some

much-needed positivity,” Schiffer said. “Another way to share positivity is giving back to at-risk members of our communities.”

A look at the top 10 list of positive activities: Watching a favorite movie – 46% Eating a favorite snack – 43% Going for a walk – 43% Calling a friend – 40% Cuddling their pet – 38% Taking a nap – 37% Hugging a loved one – 37% Baking cookies – 31% Singing in the shower – 25% Having a solo dance party – 19%

If you feel rooted in your home and family, if you’re active in your community, there’s nothing more empowering. The best way to make a difference in the world is to start by making a difference in your own life.

– Julia Louis-Dreyfus The world has turned upside down. Old folks are sneaking out of the house and their kids are yelling at them to stay indoors!

Be an encourager. The world has plent of critics already.

– Dave Willis Being a good listener might be the most important part of conversation.

Every moment matters.

Don’t waste a single one.

For over 35 years, Covenant Heart and Vascular Institute has provided everything from routine community health screenings to advanced heart procedures.

There are many serious causes of chest pain including heart attacks, blood clots and aneurysms. If you are experiencing chest pain – come see the specialists at the only certified Chest Pain Center in Lubbock.

Together, we’ll help ensure you’re enjoying every moment with a full heart.

To learn more and take an online risk assessment, visit covenanthealth.org/heart.

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 9

‘Your Song’ by Elton John It was a magical moment for Elton John and Bernie Taupin when they fully realized the potential that had blossomed in their professional partnership. As Bernie once explained, “‘Your Song’ was one of the first songs we wrote when we really got locked into writing and when we had really honed our craft.”

And it all began one morning in 1969 at John’s parents’ London apartment, when Taupin scribbled the words to the future classic on a grubby sheet of lined exercise paper that had tea stains on it.

At one time, Reginald Dwight—born in London in 1947—was just another piano-playing teenager hungry for a show-biz break. By the mid-1960s, he and some pals were jamming in a band

called Bluesology. Included among the musicians were sax player Elton Dean and singer John Baldry—the inspiration for Dwight’s future stage monicker.

Reg eventually left the group and later answered an ad from London’s Liberty Records, which had announced auditions for songwriters. He wasn’t hired—

Dwight could easily create melodies but choked when it came to writing lyrics.

On that fateful day in Liberty’s office, though, he met another creative hopeful, 17-year-old Bernie Taupin. A school-dropout farm worker without music-making skills, he could write poetry—and song lyrics—thanks to constant encouragement from his literature-loving mother.

Now calling himself Elton John, he and Taupin began working together, with BerDear Abby’s definition of nie penning sets of lyrics and Elton creating piano maturity: - The ability to stick with a melodies appropriate to the job until it’s finished. words. If nothing came to - The ability to do a job fruition within a few minwithout being supervised. utes, John would summarily - The ability to carry money toss Taupin’s attempt into without spending it.

- And the ability to bear an the trash and move on to the injustice without wanting to next offering.

The duo employed this get even. unorthodox way of working

throughout most of John’s remarkable career.

Elton remembers his reaction when he first considered the words to “Your Song”: “I sat down at the piano and looked at it, going, ‘Oh, my God, this is such a great lyric, I can’t [mess] this one up.’ It came out in about 20 minutes, and when I was done, I called him in. And we both knew.”

Bernie had never been in love or even in any meaningful relationship, so his “Your Song” lyrics reflected a refreshing innocence about such a heady experience: I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words How wonderful life is while you’re in the world Elton eventually signed with Britain’s DJM Records label and in 1969 recorded the LP Empty Sky. It went nowhere, but his second album, Elton John, the next year featured “Your Song” and thus held the key to success. Haunting and delicate, the tune worked its way into the public consciousness, and in January 1971, it reached America’s Top 10 list on the Uni Records label.

After that, John included “Your Song” in virtually every live concert of his career.

When asked to explain the work that led to acclaim for the pair, Taupin answered in fewer than a dozen well-chosen words: “It is a simple, naïve song. And it still stands up.”

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Page 10 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

To be a leader, embrace 4 lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Sonia Thompson One of the true marks of transformative leaders is that what we learn from them can transcend time. As I remember the work and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am in awe of how his writings, actions, and the leadership principles with which he lived are as relevant today as they were more than 50 years ago.

As we continue to navigate through a time in history where we deal with threats to our democracy, racial injustice, and vast inequalities across many levels of society, I’ve seen many leaders frustrated and at times paralyzed about what their role should be in creating positive change.

Here are four leadership principles to embrace from Dr. King to guide you to be a better leader.

1. Embrace the “we” mindset.

another part of the system.

And because we are all connected, it behooves us to take a “how can we all thrive” approach, rather than a “how can me and mine thrive.”

Dr. King talked about this in his Letter from Birmingham Jail to other members of clergy: Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

We are caught in a network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.

As a leader, when you focus your efforts on making sure that everyone thrives, it will change the way you view and tackle problems.

2. Embrace tension.

Tension makes a lot of If we’ve learned anything people uncomfortable. But from the global pandemic we continue to live through, it’s avoidance of tension keeps us firmly planted within our that we are all connected.

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Dr. King talked about this in his Birmingham letter: “I have earnestly worked and preached against violent tension, but there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth.”

When you see systems within your team, your company, or even in society at large that are detrimental to those you serve, lean into the tension that will be required to make positive change.

At a minimum, that means speaking up to take a stand against actions you feel are wrong and go against your values. Dr. King wrote: “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.”

3. Embrace learning and unlearning.

No leader has all the answers, especially as we navigate through uncharted territory filled with complex problems.

Take the time to educate yourself beyond just a superficial level on matters that impact your team.

Here’s how Dr. King covered this issue in his Birmingham letter: “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”

Prioritize listening, learn-

ing, empathizing, and especially unlearning the ways of thinking and operating that aren’t rooted in truth and justice. Go deep and wide in your education efforts.

4. Embrace being an extremist.

Extremism often has a negative connotation associated with it. But Dr. King points out in his writings that many great leaders were extremists in their own right.

We don’t often talk about or remember the accomplishments of people who followed the status quo or deviate only slightly from the norm. It is those who boldly charted a different path and point of view that we admire, comment on, and model behavior after.

Dr. King asked his fellow clergy to get involved and support the civil rights movement by asking them to be extremists: So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love?

Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice, or will we be extremists for the cause of justice?

Decide what kind of extremist leader you will be in your quest to make meaningful change. Extremism looks different on everyone, so take the time to figure out what feels right for you. The most important thing is in

deciding to take a clear stand about what you are fighting for.

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Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 11

New Neighbors, Feb. 12

The New Neighbors Club of Lubbock will hold its February meeting/luncheon on Feb. 12 at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway.

Cost is $17 which covers the meal; please pay by check.

The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m., and the program is “Valentine’s Day Music” presented by Stacy Ward.

Spirit Halloween raises $33,000+ for Covenant Children’s Covenant Children’s received a grant for $33,604 from Spirit Halloween.

Each year since the partnership began in 2010, the campaign has raised money from shoppers across the South Plains that has awarded Covenant Children’s more than $165,000. One hundred percent of local donations remain in the Lubbock community.

“We are so blessed to be a partner of Spirit Halloween and a recipient of their Spirit of Children fundraiser,” said Christine Neugebauer, Covenant Children’s Manager of Integrative Care. “In a year when so much changed, we are happy to see Spirit Halloween’s generosity and commitment to caring for children remained steadfast.”

This year’s funds will go directly to the Child Life department primarily funding the Artists in Residence program.

This program allows artists to provide bedside art experiences and live-streamed tutorials for patients on the pediatric unit, outpatient oncology clinic, pediatric intensive care unit, and families in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Some of the funds will also go toward purchasing sensory items for the new sensory cart program for children with sensory sensitivities.

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Reservations are required and must be made at least 3 days before the event. Contact Peggy Dyess at peggydyess54@gmail. com or 806-798-1314 (no texts). There may be a limit on attendance, so please make a reservation as soon as possible.

Masks are required. Optional games afterward; contact game leaders if interested.

Page 12 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

The 2nd-most famous smile since Mona Lisa Though you may not know it, Harvey Ball has had an impact on your life.

Harvey Ross Ball was born in July 1921 in Worcester, Massachusetts, one of six children. After graduating from Worcester South High School, he became an apprentice to a local sign painter and later studied fine art at the Worcester Art Museum School. Following

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World War II, he worked for chatting on the phone with one person smile.”

Harvey’s Smiley is now a local advertising firm until customers. said to incorporate the most famous grin since the Mona Lisa’s.

Footnote: When the Vietnam War was raging dur- Elements of an authentic ing the 1970s, businessmen smiley face: small oval eyes 1959, when he started his Smiley buttons later be- brothers Bernard and Mur- with the right larger than the own advertising business. came so popular with the ray Spain decided to make left; perfect circle; bright In 1963, a phone call from general public that they were buttons displaying Ball’s sunny yellow; right side of mouth is thicker, larger, and a Worcester client, The State eventually being ordered in creation, but added “Have a slightly off center.

Mutual Life Assurance Com- lots of 10,000 each. By 1971, Nice Day” on each disc. The Yep, the pair had first pany, changed Ball’s life— more than 50 million Smiley Spains raked in a healthy and in time, added to the buttons had been produced. profit with sales of 50 mil- copyrighted that four-word phrase. popular culture of America Ball’s creation had become lion discs. and many countries around recognized around the world the globe. as an American icon.

The insurance outfit had So was Harvey able to recently experienced a hos- retire early, purchase a yacht, tile takeover merger with an and sail off to retire in a out-of-town competitor, and beachfront villa on a tropiemployee morale was low cal island? Well, actually, and sinking lower. Could no. He never applied for a Harvey come up with some trademark or a copyright of kind of quirky design that the Smiley Face, and State would be fun to look at Mutual made nothing from and consequently lift spirits the design either. Ball’s son, The grave of Harvey Ross Ball in the Notre Dame Cemetery, around the office?

Charles, always maintained Worchester, Massachusetts.

Ten minutes later, he had that his dad never regretted created a bright yellow circle not registering the copyright. with black oval eyes, with Charles claimed that Harvey the one on the right slightly wasn’t motivated much by larger than the one on the left money. and a creased, slightly offBall did, however, have center smile, the right side an incentive other than cash. being a bit higher and a bit In 1999, he founded the thicker than on the left. Ball World Smile Foundation, a was paid $45—about $350 nonprofit charitable trust that today—for his efforts. supports children’s causes.

The State Mutual folks The outfit now licenses Smiproduced and handed out leys and runs World Smile 100 Smiley pins to its em- Day, an event celebrated on ployees, the goal being to the first Friday in October encourage workers to smile each year. It’s a day that emwhile doing humdrum tasks phasizes the slogans “Do an around the office such as act of kindness” and “Help

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 13

Mardi Gras 2021: a non-event but still support the cause!

An in-person Mardi Gras will not happen this year because we want to do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Last year, more than $117,000 was raised during the Lubbock Meals on Wheels Mardi Gras celebration, so obviously, this will have a big impact on the budget.

Several sponsors have offered to sponsor the non-event this year.

You still have an opportunity to support us, as well. You can donate to the Mardi Gras non-event on the website at lubbockmealsonwheels.org.

We will have a list of all sponsors in various April publications including our newsletter. If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, call 806-792-7971.

Be sure to save the date for next year’s Mardi Gras fundraiser on March 1, 2022. We are already working on making this fundraiser/celebration bigger and better next year. In the meantime, Laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll).

Theater submissions due Feb. 7 The Lubbock Community Theatre is having auditions for its sketch comedy show “LCT Live-ish!”

Deadline for video or script submissions is midnight Feb. 7 Vol. 3 is underway. The group is looking to highlight actors, singers, songwriters, and writers. Submit a filmed monologue, song, or script to lctliveish@ lubbockcommunitytheatre.org.

The only requirement is that participants must be 16 or older.

You must be able to film your scenes, or if in Lubbock, meet up with health guidelines to film with the theater’s production crew.

Scripts should be short-form, 3 to 4 minutes or less.

Page 14 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 15

Cognition: focusing on the brain & food to function For people who are 50 years old and older, one main desire is to keep cognitive function. I desperately want to keep my mind. Maybe you are among this group. If so, read on.

To put Alzheimer’s in perspective, if you are over 50, you have a larger risk of developing Alzheimer’s than breast cancer or prostate cancer combined.

Unfortunately, big pharma has a 99% failure rate in developing a drug to defeat the disease even though billions and billions of dollars have been spent in search of such a drug. Why? It gets complicated. We are talking about the brain, and although we know more and more, there is a great deal more to learn.

It is important to under-

stand why people are getting Alzheimer’s. Why is the brain shrinking and changing shape? The brain is like the rest of our body: it responds to abuse as well as proper care.

I remember listening to Dr. Amen, who is a famous neurologist who decided to image the brain. Before you eat anything, he said to ask yourself “is this good for my brain.”

In a way, I think of the brain like a small child at the dinner table. The child will

either reject what you offer by recoiling away from you and the food they dislike, or give you a happy smile as they enjoy their favorite foods.

What makes the brain recoil, or in this case get smaller and change shape?

There are numerous drivers of cognitive decline, and that is one reason drugs have been unsuccessful because they don’t normally work that way. Drugs normally have one target. So how do you hit numerous targets with one shot?

The brain is adapting to all of the abuses it receives in the best way it can. Our job is to give it what it needs, and abuse it as little as possible.

What causes the brain to recoil as if you are abusing it? There are six major categories: inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar toxicity, toxic illness, vascular issues, and trauma.

Inflammation causes just about everything. Why do I have the inflammation? That would be the mechanical, chemical and psychological stresses that your body endures -- stress.

The nutritional deficiencies have to do with your vitamin, mineral and hormonal balance. The brain needs the right food to function at its best. And avoiding the wrong foods keeps the brain happy.

The blood sugar toxicity has to do with too much sugar in the blood stream which happens in the case of diabetes, especially if it isn’t well controlled.

Toxic illness has to do with what makes people sick in the first place. The body has to deal with heavy metals you come in contact with, the organophosphates (which includes pesticides and herbicides) and other chemicals that are toxic to the body.

The one you may be most familiar with is vascular issues. This is when people have transient ischemic at-

tacks called TIAs. Also in that category is atherosclerosis, which is when your arteries get blocked. This is why we need antioxidants.

And the last category is trauma. Sometimes people fall and hit their head. This can be the result of injuries sustained in a car accident or any other trauma.

Let’s use 2021 to focus on the brain.

It annoys me when people say, ‘Even if you’re old, you can be young at heart!’

Hiding inside this wellmeaning phrase is a deep cultural assumption that old is bad and young is good.

What’s wrong with being old at heart, I’d like to know?

Wouldn’t you like to be loved by people whose hearts have practiced loving for a long time?

- Susan Moon

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Page 16 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Chamber announces executives & board members Dave Marcinkowski of Madera Residential will lead the 2021 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

As managing partner at Madera, Marcinkowski is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business. After completing his education at Albion College and the Keller Graduate School, concentrating in economics, accounting, and project management, Marcinkowski began his multifamily career in 1992 with Edward Rose & Sons.

He has served in leadership roles for the National Apartment Association and is a past-president of the Texas Apartment Association. Under his leadership, Madera Residential has grown to become a leading innovator in the multifamily space.

Marcinkowski said his focus as the 2021 Chair will be on helping the business community navigate rough waters, and he will fight for and support Lubbock business any way he can.

He believes many businesses across the Lubbock community do not realize all that is available as a Chamber member, and he hopes to help tell that story this year.

“The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce brings value well beyond the cost of membership, and I’m humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the 2021 Chair,” Marcinkowski said. “Eddie and the staff are nothing short of excellent.”

The 2021 Executive Committee:

Chair of the Board: Dave Marcinkowski | Madera Residential Chair-Elect: Casey Doyle | Casey Carpet One Immediate Past Chair: Gabe Vitela | One Guy from Italy – 50th St. Treasurer: Steve Beck | Covenant Health Secretary: Eddie McBride | Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair – Business Advocacy: Becky Palmer | Atmos Energy Vice Chair – Chamber Services and Member Engagement: Beth Lawson | StarCare Specialty Health System Vice Chair – Communications and Public Relations: Rey Carrasco | Kimley-Horn & Associates Vice Chair – Community Development: Chris Chambers | Chambers Engineering Vice Chair – Programs, Services and Events: Dana Madison | Advance Care Management

The 2021 Board of Directors: Maridel Acosta-Cruz | Lubbock Heart & Surgical Hospital Greg Ammons | United Supermarkets Jeremy Barbee | Roy Neal Insurance / ActionCoach Travis Barnett | Centerline Engineering and Consulting

Chris Berry | River Smith’s Keith Bryant | Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District Fernando Bustos | Bustos Law Firm Abel Castro | Trinity Mortgage Group Mark Funderburk | UMC Health System Dave Marcinkowski Elizabeth Hill | Burklee Hill Winery Bud Holmes | Happy State Bank Shara Konechney | Piper Mike Lambert | Marsh & McClennan Insurance Agency - SW Dorothy Lee | Royal Seafood Shack Yvonne Limon | Lee Lewis Construction / Young Professionals of Lubbock Chris Mandrell | Citibus Dr. Michelle McCord | Frenship Independent School District Dr. Scott McDowell | Lubbock Christian University (See Chamber announces, Page 18)

May we ask a favor of you?

Please shop small.

Shop with local small businesses. For many small businesses, it’s now or never.

We’re counting on you!

THIS MESSAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY WORD PUBLICATIONS, A LUBBOCK SMALL BUSINESS SINCE 1972.

A Fish ‘Tale’ but what a catch at H.E.B Well folks, let’s first take a trip down Memory Lane and visit one of our grade school science classes when we learned the sad saga of the salmon life cycle. We were taught that those beautiful “critters” would leave the Pacific ocean and swim their way back to the Alaskan rivers and streams where they were hatched to spawn their own, continuing the species.

Then those beauties die.

In our supermarkets we now see Atlantic salmon for sale: What?! How is this possible? We all know these beautiful creatures do not swim in the Atlantic.

Because the demand for salmon is so high, the “industry” is now raising this species in “farms.” The socalled Atlantic salmon is farm raised. It is artificially colored pink by the special food given them during the growing process.

On my first visit to our new H.E.B. supermarket, I was able to purchase fresh cod. Yes, fresh! I found an extensive seafood department unlike any other available in Lubbock. I’ve always wondered why fresh fish was nearly non-existent here, but always plenty of the “previously frozen” type. Now we have a huge choice at H.E.B. Fresh is the operative word here. I found three different naturally pink, or red trout. A few years ago, on a visit to my San Antonio granddaughter’s home, her husband grilled one of these

red trout. It was absolutely delicious.

Now for the so called “Atlantic” salmon. H.E.B. has truth in labeling on their packaging and display case. Their “farm raised” creatures come from Norway and Chili. How about that?! They also have fresh sockeye.

Salmon from Alaska, and depending on the season, other Alaskan salmon is available.

All other fresh seafood is now available at H.E.B. I was like a kid in a candy store, seeing all their fresh selections. In my childhood, growing up in Dayton, Ohio, my mom was always able to

purchase fresh fish. Her recipe for fresh baked haddock was prepared with various vegetables and was sooooo yummy!

This new H.E.B. supermarket is located at the southwest corner of 114th and Quaker Ave. It is huge and the seafood department is located straight ahead after entering the main entrance.

It is near the back of the store on your left - easy to find.

Now for the “Atlantic” on those imported salmon, maybe they fly over the Atlantic Ocean during the shipping process on the way to the USA --- Hmmmmmmmmm!

Happy St. Valentine’s Day to one and all, Cathy

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 17

Buddy Holly remembered on Feb. 3

On Feb. 3, 1959, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson. This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the tragedy.

The Buddy Holly Center will remember lives of the musicians on Feb. 3 with activities and events at the center.

This date was coined “The Day the Music Died” after a lyric in the Don McLean song, “American Pie,” that references the deaths of these rock and roll legends.

Each year, on the anniversary of Buddy Holly’s death, Buddy Holly Center staff members place a spray of yellow roses on Buddy’s grave, located at the City of Lubbock Cemetery, 31st Street and Teak Avenue.

Events on Feb. 3 include free admission to the Buddy Holly Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free, hands-on activities for all ages will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Buddy Holly Documentary “Rave On” will show hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Page 18 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

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Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle ACROSS

1. Rear part of the human body 5. Pace 9. One-celled protozoa 14. Reflected sound 15. Father 16. Sum 17. Melody 18. Not involved in politics 20. And not 21. Cutting instrument for paper 22. Variety of pool 24. Going out with 28. Between white and black 29. Auricular 31. Not 32. Excellent 33. Publish 34. Two 35. Small nail 36. Article of furniture 37. Endure 38. Tear 39. Lofty nest

4 0. Part of speech 41. Exclamation of surprise 42. Chair 43. Waterfall 44. Trial 46. Woman who writes poetry 49. Desecrate 52. Drinking vessel 53. Defamatory 56. Capital of Peru 57. Therefore 58. Heavy book 59. Singles 60. Duck with soft down 61. Type of gun 62. Narrow ledge

DOWN

1. Leguminous plants 2. Segment of the body of an arthropod 3. Handwriting 4. Hawaiian acacia 5. Eccentric 6. Nocturnal ungulate

7. Epic poetry 8. Friends 9. Allure 10. Damp 11. And so forth 12. Bleat of a sheep 13. Entirely 19. Halogen element 21. Skagen 23. Toward the mouth 25. Mutually destructive 26. Governor in Mogul India 27. Equipment 29. Regular course 30. Roofing item 32. Wild rose 33. Monetary unit of Yugoslavia 35. Spoiled child 36. Growing teeth 37. Curved 39. Into separate parts 40. Scene 43. Make less tight 45. Unit of weight 46. Conspicuous feather

Just plain food is delicious

By Dr. Elva Edwards I read a piece in the news the other day that asked this question: “Why is the U.S. enduring a far more severe virus outbreak than any other rich country?”

I think everyone knows that people with other health problems suffer the most, right?

Most people who die from coronavirus have other co-morbidities.

Why are Americans unhealthy?

We spend twice the amount on health care than any other country. The average person takes a hand full of prescriptions pills each day. We do not get healthy from taking prescription medications. We take prescriptions to deal with disease, right?

We are a sick population. My patients are not the norm. We are constantly working on being healthy, exercising, avoiding medications, eating in tune with our body, and fighting off any infection that is attempting to get a foothold in the body.

Contrast that with the average American.

We cannot solve health problems with medicine. Medicine is for disease. Hippocrates was right: let food be your medicine.

If there is a silver lining with the coronavirus, maybe it is that being stuck at home we learn to cook new recipes and prepare food that is good for us.

Just plain food is delicious. It doesn’t need a lot of fancy cooking.

47. Ancient region in S. Mesopotamia 48. Sudden convulsion 50. Skills 51. Spoils or plunder 53. Feminine pronoun

5 4. Wreath of flowers 55. Besides 56. To toss a ball high Solution on P. 21

Chamber announces leaders (Continued from Page 16)

Dr. Kathy Rollo | Lubbock Independent School District Paulene Salamon | Kona Ice – South Lubbock Eddie Schulz | Lubbock National Bank Shannon Spencer | Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains Kathy Timms | Geiger Kelly Tucker | Bayer Crop Science Cole Watts | Stages of Recovery Robert Wood | Custom Homes by Robert Wood, LLC “It continues to be an honor and a privilege for me to serve the Chamber Board of Directors and Lubbock’s business community,” said Eddie McBride, President and CEO. “The past year has been difficult for a lot of folks, and I look forward to working alongside these strong business leaders as we work toward the economic recovery and continued rebuilding process.”

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 19

Long-term stress & your physical & mental health Chronic stress can wreak havoc on both mental and physical health.

It wears down the body’s natural defenses.

If you’ve been dealing with stress for longer than you can remember – either due to the pandemic or other life issues – you may be starting to see the impact on your body, your immunity and your overall resilience.

Dr. Olga Calof, endocrinologist at Providence Medical Institute, San Pedro Primary Care, shares her insight on the effects of stress on health.

To help you feel your best

By Dr. Olga Calof As I sit and reflect on the last day of this most unusual summer, I realize that COVID-19 is the great equalizer. Like many, I heard the governor give the grim news that fateful Friday, March 13, while picking up my daughter from outdoor science school.

I truly believed that the stay-athome orders would last no more than two weeks. Then, we would all be back to our normal, hectic lives, and it would all be a nice vacation. Now, I am writing on the effects of chronic stress on health.

Stress, as defined by MerriamWebster, is: 1. A state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.; 2. Something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety.

As an endocrinologist, I happen to be intimately acquainted with the hormones that can cause stressrelated symptoms.

Stress-related symptoms are body responses that produce changes felt physically, such as a racing heart,

tremors, and the stomach-turning feeling of dread.

The best-known example of rapid stress hormone release is referred to as the “fight or flight” reaction. This happens when you feel threatened internally or externally.

In this scenario, the stress response causes your body to release stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), into the bloodstream.

When released, rapid stress hormones feed every cell in the body, which in turn fuel the brain and muscles to increase alertness, concentration and strength. They increase heart rate and blood pressure for the rapid response needed to free you from danger.

After you’ve dealt with the shortterm stress, these hormones leave as quickly as they came, and return to the normal state. But in some cases, these hormones do not subside, and hang around much longer than necessary.

Different types of stress

Not all stress is the same. Acute stress is short-term while chronic stress is long-term. Acute stress would be like a car cutting you off on the freeway, an argument with your spouse, or a scary noise outside your home.

But if you’re a bus driver and you get stuck in numerous traffic jams every day, you’re in a bad relationship and you argue with your spouse constantly, you work for a toxic boss, or you live in a high-crime neighborhood, your stress may be chronic.

Your body is designed to recover quickly from short-term stress.

That’s how many mental health experts define resilience: How quickly you recover from an acute episode of stress.

Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and levels of muscle tension may skyrocket for a short while. If you’re young (and/or) healthy and in good shape, these markers of stress quickly return to normal levels.

Our bodies aren’t as good at hanHow stress threatens your dling chronic stress. physical and mental health Over time, chronic stress graduHaving chronic stress and stress ally increases the resting heart rate, hormones can bring on mental and blood pressure, breathing rate, and physical diseases and affect every levels of muscle tension so the body part of our body. has to work even harder when it’s Signs and effects of excessive at rest to keep you functioning norstress on the body include headaches, mally. body aches, stomach pains and digestive problems, increased or de- A new time, a new creased appetite, high blood pressure, approach to your health high sugar levels, insomnia or too I have changed the way I talk with much sleeping, depression, anxiety, my patients. We are all in the same heart trouble and heart attack, stroke, boat; we are all facing the same weakened immune system, weight stressors, the same pandemic. gain, irregular periods, decreased When I speak with my patients, libido.

I find we find we have a lot in com-

mon. We realize we cannot control the outside forces, but we can control our response to the pandemic and our health. So, we look internally.

We aim to make small but tangible changes in our lifestyles. These small changes can make incremental improvements in overall health.

Now, we don’t just talk about sugar or blood pressure. Instead, we talk about family, worries and longterm health goals. Together, we look beyond the pandemic and use this time as a springboard to a healthier lifestyle.

I think it’s important to share how I’ve coped with stress. I have found time to learn to knit, learn to cook, and make my mother’s favorite recipes. I am reading and even picked up watercolor painting. I tell them I have three kids in online school.

We also talk about ways to deal with the stress.

Yoga and meditation are wonderful, evidence-based tools that can help manage stress and anxiety. Regular practice helps tame our minds so we can look inward to control our body’s responses to stress.

We can teach our bodies to tame some of the hormones that are responsible for chronic stress.

We are no longer doctor and patient but have morphed into a team: humans vs. COVID-19.

Take control of stress levels Find something to laugh about every day—watch comedies, tell silly jokes or find silly baby animal videos on social media.

Laughter releases the same endorphins as exercise, lowers your cortisol levels, and helps improves your immune system.

Page20 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Surprisingly, 2020 was a strong year for financial markets Though Dec. 31 didn’t mark the end of pandemicrelated challenges, the S&P 500, Dow and NASDAQ all ended the year in firmly positive territory.

December’s developments may make it easier for investors to approach 2021 with a feeling of new possibilities.

Vaccines are being distributed, the major market indices show between modest and stellar growth and some of

the sectors of the economy most diminished by the pandemic are demonstrating strength.

As Raymond James Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam put it, “December punctuated a surprisingly strong market year with an exclamation point.”

For much of the year, the story in equities has been about big technology stocks and then everything else –

the tech-focused NASDAQ closed the year up 43%.

Over the last couple of months market strength has broadened, and December continued this trend with small-cap stocks, international equities, and lagging sectors like Energy and Financials outperforming the average.

The ongoing pandemic is expected to dominate the economic outlook in the first part of the year, according to Chief Economist Scott Brown, with continued restraint on consumer services. As vaccines are distributed, people should become more comfortable going out again. Activity in face-to-face industries, such as travel, hotels, restaurants and in-person entertainment, should pick up substantially in the second half of the year.

The Federal Reserve is expected to remain accommodative, with shortterm interest rates remaining low through 2023. The recent fiscal aid package will provide important support in the near term. All the good 12/31/19 Close 28,538.44 8,972.61 3,230.78 2,036.96 1,668.47

news, of course, comes as COVID-19 continues to hold record high rates of cases and vaccinations are expected to continue into the middle part of the year. Though we may be at the beginning of the end, it’s still not the end.

Washington settles its “will they or won’t they” The $900 billion support package passed by Congress and approved by the White House will provide support through the spring for small businesses, state-run unemployment insurance, the vaccine rollout, and direct cash to many Americans.

We’re now looking at further actions, possibly in March, Washington Policy Analyst Ed Mills said, which is when many of these supports will sunset.

The global picture Global equity markets are riding

12/31/20 Close 30,606.48 12,888.28 3,756.07 2,147.53 1,974.86

(See Strong year, Page 21)

Annual Change +2,068.04 +3,915.67 +525.29 +110.57 +306.39

% Annual Gain/Loss +7.25% +43.64% +16.26% +5.43% +18.36%

DJIA NASDAQ S&P 500 MSCI EAFE Russell 2000 Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond 2,225.00 2,392.02 +167.02 +7.51% Index Performance reflects price returns as of market close on Dec. 31, 2020.

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 21

Strong year (Continued from Page 20)

near all-time highs despite the pandemic’s backdrop as governments and central banks sustained support through the year. The narrative through the year was similar to the U.S. As European Strategist Jeremy Batstone-Carr said, “Neweconomy digital and environmental transformation sectors, supported by healthcare, performed strongly.

In contrast, ‘old economy’ value sectors such as banks, airlines, energy and leisure performed poorly.”

And also as in the U.S., there appear to be opportunities here to capitalize on the return of strength across a broader market. With a Brexit deal, Europe-wide fiscal supports and stimulus around the world, “economic prospects for the next 12 months and beyond feel considerably brighter.”

The bottom line We’re not out of the weeds yet, but there seems to be real momentum behind the market and an opportunity to potentially pick up value from stocks most tied to an economic recovery, as well as some possible stability from 2020’s top performers. Still, there is a good chance investors are going to see bumps in the road.

Your advisor will continue to share any new developments that affect your financial plan. In the meantime, please reach out to them with any questions.

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Call 745-2222.

Volunteering?

Covenant Health and Covenant Children’s are in need of volunteers. Donate a morning or afternoon each week to help serve patients and families! If interested, call Lauren Orta, 806-725-3309, or email ortalh1@covhs.org 3/19

looking for VolunteerS University Medical Center is looking for volunteers to work as messengers, pop popcorn, & at the information desk. Meet new people, socialize, be appreciated, & have all the free popcorn you can eat, contact Travis Armstrong, 775-8760. Travis.

Armstrong2@umchealthsystem.com 6/17

lot At reSthAVen Lot at Resthaven near mausoleum. $5,195 value. Make me a reasonable offer. Call 806407-5493.

11/20

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Page 22 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

Golden Gazette • February 2021 • Page 23

American Heart Month: February February is designated as American Heart Month to bring attention and awareness to the prevalence and severity of heart disease in the United States.

Nearly a quarter of the deaths in the United States are caused by heart disease.

While that statistic is staggering, the good news is that heart disease is often preventable. We can all take simple steps to reduce the risk such as making physical activity part of our daily routine, and choosing spices to flavor foods over salt.

Healthy choices coupled with regular check-ups to manage existing conditions can significantly reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of heart disease.

Warning signs & symptoms of heart attack & stroke Heart attack and stroke are life-or-death emergencies — and every second counts. If you think you or someone you’re with has any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

For a stroke, also note the time when the first symptom(s) appeared. A clot-busting drug received within 3 to 4.5 hours of the start of symptoms may improve the chances of getting better faster.

National Wear Red Day set for Feb. 5 The American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, is designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

It’s no longer just about wearing red; it’s no longer just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about all women making a commitment to stand together with Go Red and taking charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they can’t bear to live without.

Making a commitment to your health isn’t something you have to do alone either, so grab a friend or a family member and make a Go Red Healthy Behavior Commitment.

National Wear Red Day is Feb. 5.

Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented. Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat.

Quality End of Life Care

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

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

Page 24 • February 2021 • Golden Gazette

A Sweetheart Sale PRESENT COUPON WITH PURCHASE

its Black History Month Social Media Showcase through Jan. 29.

Individuals, or organizations, receiving the most nominations in each category will be featured in the City’s social media showcase. Go to www.mylubbock.info/blackhistorymonth for more information.

The nomination categories were art, community service, education, healthcare, nonprofit, public servants, social justice, and other.

Covenant Health acquires Lea Regional Medical Center Covenant Health acquired the assets of Lea Regional Medical Center in Hobbs, New Mexico, as of Jan. 1.

Dan Springer, the current chief executive officer of Lea Regional Medical Center, will retain his position as CEO as Lea Regional transitions to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital.

In the fall of 2019, Covenant Health announced plans to build a

hospital in Hobbs. This acquisition allows for a more immediate impact within the community and an opportunity to provide even more quality health care to patients in eastern New Mexico.

Covenant Health will move forward with the previously announced plans to build a smart-sized hospital in Hobbs.

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Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of black people in U.S. history.

Since 1976, February has been designated as Black History Month.

In honor of Black History Month, the City of Lubbock will showcase members of the local black community who are making an impact.

The city accepted nominations for

Offer good the entire month of February 2021

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Black History Month: Showcase Nominations

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