corn,
Tickets in advance are $10, and $12 at the door. Children 4 and under and all first responders in uniform eat free.
See
on page 5.
Mardi Gras 2025 is set for March 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lubbock Civic Center Exhibit Hall. The event benefits Lubbock Meals on Wheels. Tickets are on sale in person, 2304 34th St., via phone, 806-792-7971, or online, lubbockmeals onwheels.org.
See details on Page 20.
The YWCA’s Father Daughter Dance is back for its 16th year—celebrating the incredible bond between fathers and daughters.
The dance is set for 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the YWCA, 6501 University.
This unforgettable event gives girls of all ages the chance to feel like royalty while making lasting memories with their fathers (or another important father figure).
It’s an afternoon of music,
dancing, and plenty of photoworthy moments.
Enjoy sweets, snacks, and beverages and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tickets are $30 per father/ daughter pair and $10 for each additional child. Purchase tickets online at ywcalubbock.org.
The YWCA of Lubbock serves more than 2,000 local children daily through childcare, preschool, and after-school programs. In addition, the Women’s Health Division provides vital breast and cervical cancer screenings and care to more than 1,100 area women each year. This event helps the YWCA continue to empower women, children, and families in our area.
Please note: No physical tickets will be issued. When you purchase your tickets, your name will be added to our guest list, and you’ll use it to check in.
Who broke into the bar and stole the limbo stick? Seriously, how low can you go!
The day they handed out patience, I left because it was taking too long.
Just when I think my children inherited nothing from me, a sassy, witty sarcasm comes out of their mouth and then I realize ... “Yep, there I am!”
W. Jarrett Atkinson, Lubbock City Manager, will speak at the Feb 8 meeting of the Roundtable. He will be speaking on a “Lubbock Update.”
If you have questions, send them to mevans1398@aol.com. The questions will be sent to Atkinson, and questions can also be asked during the program.
Roundtable will be held at Carillon Senior Living Center at 1717 Norfolk Ave. in the Pointe Plaza Building in the Cimarron Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The cost is $20. Anything extra given goes into the Scholarship Fund for the Honors College at Texas Tech.
Reservations are needed by the morning of Feb. 6. Call or email Marie Evans at 806-281-3181, MEvans1398@aol.com.
Lubbock Christian Women’s Connection is celebrating their February luncheon at a new location - Hillcrest Country Club, 4011 N Boston Ave.
Men are invited to the meeting set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11.
Enjoy music by Bruce Fellers and listen to the transformation story of Lt. Cmdr Fred Sallee, USN Retired.
Cost for the buffet lunch, program, and a chance to win door prizes is $23. RSVP to Sharen at 806-392-0264 or LubbockCWC@gmail.com
Honor reservations, give to a friend, or cancel by Feb. 7
Your truest friends are the people who don’t walk out the door when life gets hard. They actually pour some coffee and pull up a chair.
The Garrison Institute on Aging was established in 1999 and named in honor of Mildred and Shirley Garrison in 2005. Our mission is to promote healthy aging through research, promote educational and community outreach programs, and serve the community with services and contacts.
If you have questions on health issues, aging, chronic disease and mental health, please reach out to us. We can assist in connecting you with the right contact for your concerns.
February is here and most of us have already dropped or forgotten our planned resolutions. My suggestion: take it a day at time. Do your best each day and strive to improve yourself. We celebrate the closing
of one door and the beginnings of another. February is known as selfcare month.
• Recognize your value. You are making a difference.
• Practice self-compassion.
• Treat your body well.
• Enrich your mind.
• See the positive.
• Seek support and be willing to support others in their time of need.
• Feb. 2 - National Groundhog, Hedgehog, and Tater Tot day. Just do not let the first two eat all of your tater tots!
• Feb. 4 - Thank you to your mailman day. All of these workers
TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Garrison Institute on Aging
have been out in the wind and cold weather delivering all of those ads and if you are lucky thank you notes from family and friends who still mail a letter.
• Feb. 9 is Super Bowl Sunday. Even if your favorite team is not in the mix, you will enjoy some creative commercials.
• Feb. 13 is Kiss Day.
• Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day. It is OK to kiss on the 13th and the 14th.
• Feb. 17 Presidents Day. A day to honor George Washington’s birthday and all the Presidents.
• Feb. 3 is The Day the Music Died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper, and pilot Roger Peterson are remembered for the plane crash that ended their lives.
The Buddy Holly Center at 1891 Crickets Ave. is open and free to the public. There will be several activities for all ages to enjoy.
• Feb. 7 is First Friday Art Trail. This is a free self-guided art tour through the Lubbock Cultural District. The exhibits are ever-changing and feature art, music and fun. You can ride a trolley to the various locations. This is really a fun way to start your weekend.
By
Buddy Holly Hall. And do not forget local sports. TTU men’s and women’s basketball is always a treat. And many of the area high school teams are ranked. GO MAKE NOISE!
Partner Academy
Care Partner Academy will meet on Feb. 12. Barbara Singer will continue the Alzheimer’s Association information on dealing with those with dementia.
The February topic is “Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors.” The session begins at noon and will go until 1 p.m. The event is available on ZOOM (see ad for link) and also recorded for later viewing. It is held at the southwest campus, 6630 S Quaker Ave, Suite E. Light refreshments are served.
Call 806-743-7821 for additional information. We also have several of the previous sessions recorded. If you are interested, contact us at 806743-7821.
Healthy Aging Lecture Series will be presenting “The Evolution and Current Aspects of Diagnostics and Treatment for Prostate Cancer” by Dr. Werner de Riese. His clinic is located at the TTUHSC Physicians Pavilion.
• Feb. 21-22 is the Friends of the Library monthly sale. This is a great opportunity to browse the collection of books and pick up some great reads at a great price. If you have never been, this is your opportunity.
• February is a great time to see a variety of performances at Cook’s Garage, The Cactus Theater, and
The event is held at Carillon Senior Living, Windsong Building, 4002 16th St. from 3 to 4p.m. Parking is available next to the building and light refreshments will be served. If you have questions, contact the department at 806-743-7821.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 15, the Lions will be serving pancakes at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.
The 73rd annual Pancake Festival is a family fun atmosphere with pancakes and local entertainment. It’s all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and drink.
$1 tokens are for sale to purchase cotton candy, popcorn, soft drinks, and bacon
Raffle tickets for $1 can be purchased and used for options on many items, which total more than $2,000 in value.
Tickets in advance are $10, and $12 at the door. Children 4 and under and all first responders in uniform eat free.
Advance tickets are available from any Lubbock Lions Club Member, at Bolton’s Fuel Stations, or
call the Lion’s office at 806763-4789, or go online to www.lubbocklions.org (until 5 p.m. Feb. 14.)
Funds raised from the Pancake Festival go to support more than 30 local community organizations.
To date the Lions have donated more than $1.6 million to local organizations.
Funds also go to support the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville for children with
physical disabilities, Type 1 Diabetes, and cancer. Lubbock children attend the camp for free.
Collection boxes will be available for eyeglasses and hearing aids to be donated.
Share photos of you and your family on Facebook at the Pancake Festival. The Lubbock Lions Club, founded in 1929, is one of the largest Lions Clubs in North America.
Pancake mix – nearly 6,000 pounds
Pancake syrup – 41,000 ounces
Margarine – 17,280 Ounces
Sausage links – 80,000 Links
Coffee – 240 Gallons
Milk/orange juice – 46,500 servings
Cotton candy – 2,000+ bags
Popcorn – 2,000 bags
23,000+ slices of bacon
Can you believe how fast the new year took off?
Have you spent a few minutes making decisions about what you want to do and accomplish in the new year?
One report explained that unless you write down your goals, you likely will not accomplish them.
As a senior, your goals may be very different than they were when you were younger, or they may not be.
Everyone’s life is their own, and it is your decision,
but it is important to make plans. I’ve noticed that if I don’t make plans, time just passes by.
One thing I believe is important is - who are the young people in your life? Often it is your grandchildren. Do you have fond memories of your grandparents doing activities with you?
If you have five grandchildren, make sure you have one special activity you do with each child. I remember going fishing with my grand-
Start a gratitude journal.
Make time for family.
Create a budget you can stick to.
Be more mindful.
Cook new foods.
Read more books.
Add cleaning tasks to your calendar.
Cut back on alcohol.
Prioritize sleep.
Quit smoking.
Learn to love vegetables.
Schedule annual health screenings.
Exercise your brain.
Do yoga with a partner.
Head to a day spa.
Chill out.
Consider therapy.
Volunteer regularly.
De-clutter the kitchen.
Go to bed on time.
pa. I remember going to wrestling with my grandpa. Each one of those memories is still so very special to me. Make sure you make a special memory with each child who is important in your life.
Maybe you don’t go fishing. Maybe you don’t go out that much. Depending on the age, children really love coloring with you. Maybe you could do a special project with each child.
There are other important goals to have during the year. For seniors, I always think one of the important issues is going through your house and getting rid of what you no longer need and organizing what you do need. Am I the only one who finds that so important?
My friend gave me a gift for my birthday which was four hours with an organizer. This woman is gifted in helping you gather your items and decide which you want to throw out and which you want to keep.
Why can’t I do that on my own without an organizer? I can, but do I?
With her, I made an appointment and knew she would be there so it prepares me for the work ahead. It was so helpful. Before she came, I took everything
out of my kitchen cabinets and put the items everywhere. I cleaned the cabinets.
When she came, I let her
decide where the best place would be to place the items. I will see how well her placements serve me and, of course, I can change it if I want.
Organization is important. Our brains are as organized as our house. Of course, I had a friend who was always organizing and getting rid of things. Unfortunately, I don’t really have that quality, so I do better with a plan.
Another area of your life that is so important for seniors is activity. That can mean exercise, but it also means social engagements.
For me, I decided that each month, I will invite one friend over for dinner. Once a month is just perfect for me because I am still working. And our conversations are quality without the noise of a restaurant and a whole table of people.
I will add one more goal that I think is important.
In fact, I think it is the most important. And that is spiritual self-awareness.
I wish you a long life, but
if you were to die right now, have you made peace with your life?
Have you forgiven those who need to be forgiven? Often that means coming to a true acceptance of our good qualities and where we need to work as well as accepting the personality quirks in those we love.
My experience is that at death there is a falling away of the issues we have with people when there is true love. This may include ex’s, or friends or family who have offended you, cheated you, or lied to you.
There are all kinds of ways we have been hurt in life. Often that makes us avoid real contact with that person. It is like a wall between you that you do not see.
At death, the wall dissolves, and love is all that remains.
We can prepare ourselves for that time by doing all the work we can on ourselves to be loving and forgiving.
You can love someone and forgive them without being in their presence. This is what we call real healing. It is healing of the heart, and, of course, requires a certain maturity to do it.
Good luck!
Covenant Children’s and Grace Surgical Hospital have received national recognition from Press Ganey for exceptional nursing quality and patient care.
Covenant Children’s received the NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality, awarded to top-performing hospitals for exceptional nursing quality in pediatric care.
This distinction highlights Covenant Children’s dedication to superior patient outcomes and nursing excellence.
Covenant Health Grace Surgical Hospital was honored with the Pinnacle of Excellence Award for its exemplary performance in HCAHPS and Inpatient Services.
This award recognizes organizations that rank in the top 5% of healthcare providers over a three-year period for patient
experience and quality of care.
As part of Covenant Health’s vision to create Health for a Better World, these awards reaffirm the organization’s dedication to providing the best care for patients in West Texas and eastern New Mexico.
“These awards honor the dedication of our nurses and caregivers.” said Dr. Amy Thompson, CEO of Covenant Health Lubbock Service Area.
“Their commitment shapes an environment where each patient feels valued.”
Marla Daniels is chief nursing officer with Grace Surgical Hospital.
“We are honored to be among the top-performing healthcare organizations in the nation,” Daniels said. “Our continued focus on patient-centered care makes this recognition possible.”
AARP TAX-AIDE, the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service, will prepare taxes at the Lubbock Adult Activity Center (the Lubbock Senior Center), 2001 19th St., on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, beginning Feb. 5 through April 10.
Tax returns are done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do NOT call the office at the Lubbock Adult Activity Center to set up an appointment.
The working hours are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You are urged to check in early with all necessary documents.
Social Security cards are required for all the people listed on the tax return. Photo IDs are required for primary persons on the return.
Bring a copy of last year’s return. Also bring all 2024 W-2s, 1099s, 1095 A, B, or C, end-of-the-year Social Security statement(s), and any other pertinent forms.
The volunteers are trained and have experience.
Some return scenarios may be considered out-of-scope for AARP TAX-AIDE. Examples are married filing separately, rental properties, and farm income. Come by if you have questions, and someone will assist you.
If you have ever wanted to get behind-the-scenes of City of Lubbock services or gain insight into municipal government, Lubbock 101 is for you.
Lubbock 101 is a citizens academy designed for residents to learn more about their city, its operations, and all the services it provides.
The program consists of 5 classroom sessions and 3 field days including tours of several City of Lubbock departments and visits to Fleet Services, the Water Treatment and Distribution operations plant, and the Airport Fire Station.
An application is required for enrollment, and enrollment is limited. Application deadline is March 3.
A one-page application is available online at mylubbock. us/lubbock101.
A schedule of classes and events is also online.
Lubbock 101 starts Thursday, March 27, and ends with a graduation and recognition ceremony during the Lubbock City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 13.
Contact Addison Barthold at 806-775-2003 or abarthold@ mylubbock.us for more information regarding Lubbock 101.
In late summer 1974, Stephen King and family rented a house in Boulder, Colorado.
“I had written Carrie and Salem’s Lot. They were both set in Maine, because that’s where I’m from,” King explained. “I said to my wife, ‘I think it’s time to set a book somewhere else.’”
They chose to go to Colorado, which Stephen described as “a spooky state with mountains and high passes and the wind howling and the wolves.”
In other words, a perfect place to generate another horror story—and hopefully hit a third literary home run.
Late in October, he and Tabatha decided to get away for a weekend by themselves.
Boulder locals suggested the Stanley Hotel, a funky old lodge in nearby Estes Park.
However, nobody told the Kings of the rumor that one particular room in the Stanley Hotel was haunted.
When Stephen and Tabitha arrived at the rundown inn, they found that it was shutting down for the season.
In fact, the Kings were the only paying guests there that night, Oct. 30, one day before Halloween.
Assigned the Presidential Suite—Room 217—they
walked to their room down long corridors, passing fire hoses neatly rolled up on the walls.
That night the couple ate dinner (their only option was a meal of beef) at the hotel’s restaurant.
Tabatha then retired to bed, but Stephen decided to go to the bar for a drink.
chambermaid, Elizabeth Wilson, was making her rounds and lighting acetylene lanterns throughout the hotel.
What she didn’t know was that, on the second floor, a flammable gas leakage had occurred, which had slowly filled the entire wing.
This month I’m passing on to you my “no fail” method for making hard boiled eggs.
1. Always put cold eggs in cold tap water using a pot or kettle large enough so the eggs are in a single layer. Put in enough water so all the eggs are totally covered.
2. Bring eggs to a full boil and for extra-large eggs, set your timer for 10 minutes. I have an electric cook top, so I turn down 2 notches from the highest number after the full boil and it will still keep on boiling.
3. After the timer goes off, immediately pour the boiling water down the drain and start running cold tap water in your container until it over flows—about a minute or so. Next, drain off all but about 1/3 of the water. Then, get ready for the “fun.” Fill your container with ice. Stir the icy water to make sure the eggs are getting cold. You may need to keep adding ice as needed. I always do.
Once back in Room 217, he drifted off to sleep—for a while.
“That night, I dreamed of my three-year-old son running through the corridors, looking back, eyes wide, screaming. He was being chased by a firehose. I woke up with a tremendous jerk, sweating all over, within an inch of falling out of bed.
“I got up, lit a cigarette, and by the time the cigarette was done, I had the ‘bones’ of a book firmly set in my mind.”
That book, of course, would become The Shining, with the Stanley now being called the Overlook Hotel.
It was only later that the Kings learned about the supposed haunting of the room they occupied.
One night in the 1920s, it was told, the Stanley’s
As Wilson entered Room 217, she lit a match beneath the lamp. The massive explosion that followed rocked the hotel and destroyed the room, including the flooring.
Elizabeth dropped into the dining room below but amazingly suffered only two broken ankles.
Since then, guests in Room 217 have reported bizarre events occurring within its four walls.
Rumors have described personal items being moved around the room or lights being turned on and off.
Some unmarried couples have even reported feeling a cold force between their sleeping bodies—proof, it is claimed, that straight-laced Mrs. Wilson is still there, watching out for any “funny business.”
4. While in the icy water, take each egg (one at a time) and bang it on a solid surface until the egg is totally cracked and put it back into the icy water.
5. After about 10 minutes or so, your eggs should be icy cold and ready to peel and rinse. You will find by using this method, that the “membrane” should easily separate from the egg. I will tell you, once in a while there is an egg that won’t cooperate.
For my extra-large eggs, I don’t get that “dark ring” around the yolk. Good luck!
Good info. A few years ago I ordered a tool from one of the many catalogs mailed to me on a regular basis. The tool was designed specifically to lift that membrane from the egg and it takes the shell off in large chunks. The tool shells the eggs in record time.
Maybe this tool can be found online among other kitchen gadgets.
Happy Valentines’ Day to one and all, Cathy
Sometimes people try to turn back their odometers. Not me. I want people to know why I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren’t paved. - Will Rogers
According to my height to weight ratio, I should be 9 feet 4 inches. So my weight is OK; it’s my height that’s the problem.
It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” and it’s as true now as it was in the 1700s – maybe even more so because today we have so much more to plan for.
As we age, long-term planning is crucial to ensure our financial security, home and healthcare needs and overall well-being in our later years.
Planning today empowers you to make thoughtful decisions now that not only shape the life you want but also ease the potential burdens on those who care about you.
Here are some essential tips to help you create long-term plans in six key areas:
Create or update a retirement budget: Review your current income sources (pensions, Social Security, savings, etc.) and expected expenses. Remember to include healthcare, housing, daily living costs, and entertainment.
Maximize Social Security: Understand when to start claiming Social Security to maximize your benefits. Delaying claims past full retirement age can increase monthly payments.
Consider long-term care insurance: According to the U.S. Department of Health and Humana Services, individuals over 65 have a nearly 70% chance of needing longterm care services or support. Those costs can be a significant burden, so it’s important to evaluate insurance options that cover nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care.
Minimize debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debts to reduce financial strain during retirement.
Estate planning: Ensure you have an updated will, trust, or power of attorney. Consider working with a financial advisor or estate planner to handle inheritance and minimize tax implications.
Medicare and supplemental insurance: Review the ABCDs of Medicare coverage and consider additional supplemental insurance to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Advance healthcare directives: Complete important legal documents like a living will or healthcare power of attorney to ensure your medical preferences are respected.
Regular health screenings: Keep up with preventive care and regular health screenings to catch any issues early, helping you maintain independence and quality of life.
Chronic care management: If managing chronic conditions, plan for ongoing care needs by coordinating with healthcare providers and ensuring caregivers are available if needed.
Aging in place: Modify your current home to support aging in place. This might include adding ramps, widening doorways, or installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Consider senior living options: Research assisted living communities, independent senior housing, or continuing care retirement communities. Choose options that
offer the level of support you may need later.
Get help with downsizing and relocation: Whether you decide to move into a senior housing community or just a smaller home, the Caring Transitions of the South Plains team is ready to help. Staff members are experts in decluttering, selling or donating any items you no longer need or want and relocating everything you do want to move into your new home.
Discuss caregiving needs with family: Have open conversations with family members about your future caregiving needs. Identify potential caregivers or explore professional caregiving services.
Organize important documents: Make sure all your important documents (financial statements, medical records, property deeds, insurance policies) are up-to-date and stored securely but accessible to trusted family members.
Power of Attorney: Designate a trusted individual with durable power of attorney to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Social connections: Social connection is a key to longevity. Maintain strong social ties and stay involved in your community. Consider joining senior groups or participating in activities you enjoy.
Mental health: Engage in activities that stimulate cognitive function like puzzles, games, or learning new skills. Address feelings of isolation or loneliness through therapy or
counseling if needed.
Physical health: Stay active with exercises suited to your abilities, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. This helps maintain mobility and overall well-being.
Review tax strategies: Speak with a tax professional about tax-efficient strategies for withdrawing from retirement accounts, gifting to family members, or charitable giving.
Trust and will updates: Regularly update your will, trust, or other legal arrangements as life circumstances change. Make sure beneficiaries and executors are correctly named.
- Caring Transitions
Lubbock,Texas
806-744-2220
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Volunteers with RSVP contributed thousands of items for the community. Items were distributed across the area including the VA Clinic, UMC Cancer Center, YWCA, Catholic Charities, NICU unit at UMC, Hope Lodge, Ronald McDonald House, several hospices, and the Stocking Project as well as so many others.
If you have material (including double knit and fleece), yarn or other items that might be useful to our organization, contact us at 806-743-7787. If we cannot utilize these resources, we can find a home for them. We thank you for your generosity.
If you are looking for an activity that will provide you ways to give back to those in need in the community, contact our office at 806-743-7787 or rsvp@ ttuhsc.edu. We can provide you with a list of locations that would welcome your assistance.
If you are already volunteering, we would encourage you to engage with us so that your contributions can be counted in our annual efforts.
What is the best outfit for February 2nd?
• A tu-tu!
Which month is when a person would talk the least?
• February, because it has fewer days! What would you get if you crossed Feb. 2 with a Christmas drink?
• Ground Nog Day!
What is for breakfast on really cold days in February?
• Frosted Snowflakes!
Volunteers wear working boots but leave a trail of angel footprints.
~ Terri Guillemets
Our mission is to cultivate and celebrate all the arts by inspiring creativity and engaging with the community.
In 2024, we served nearly 74,000 members of our community and beyond through free and low-cost arts programming at LHUCA.
■ First Friday Art Trail
■ Hub City Renaissance Faire
■ Un(wine)d with the Arts
■ Classes at the Helen DeVitt Jones Clay Studio
■ Ballroom Dance
■ Firehouse Presents
■ and more!
Help us continue to serve our community through the arts with your tax-deductible gift today.
Wishing you a joyful New Year!
Ingredients
• 3 hatch chiles
• 4 avocados
• ½ cup white or red onion, diced
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 handful cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat grill to high heat (around 450 degrees F). Place chiles directly on the grill. Rotate every 2-3 minutes, until charred on all sides. Remove from heat, place in a bowl, and immediately cover with plastic wrap.
2. Once cool to the touch, remove chiles from the bowl and peel off the black char. Slice open to remove the seeds, chop and add to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set aside.
3. Remove flesh from the avocado peel and, using a fork, mash the avocados to desired consistency.
4. Add mashed avocado, onion, tomato, garlic, lime juice, cilantro and seasonings to the chile peppers. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.
Austin LeRette appears to be a normal adolescent boy.
Well, normal except for such antics as running through the crowded school halls on the first day of classes and shouting “Welcome back, everybody!” while wearing the dorkiest hat imaginable because, as he tells his dad, “The chicks love it.”
Austin’s stirring tale is based on the true-life book “The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, A Sense of Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love,” by Scott Michael LeRette.
The movie script, written and directed by John Gunn, stars Zachary Levy (“Chuck,” “Shazam!”) as Scott, the boy’s dad, with Jacob Laval (“The Plot Against America,” “John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch”)
giving a stunning portrayal of young Austin.
The irrepressible lad has osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that can cause his bones to break easily. He’s also autistic, which means he has an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inflexible patterns of behavior, as well as deficits in social communication and interaction. (Three out of four autistics are boys.)
life than does his son, spending much of his energy trying not to see his child as a stereotypical symbol of something broken, but rather as the triumph of an indestructible (and often joyful) spirit.
It’s a long, arduous, frustrating and often painful journey for the elder LaRette. He tells his wife, “I feel like I’m failing every day, and the harder I try, the worse I do…I wish I could
School administrators want to place Austin in a class for students with special needs—in essence, they propose a situation that would remove the oftenhyper lad from the “regular” school population.
“He does better when he’s around kids of all kinds,” argues Austin’s frustrated father. “He learns from them, and I think they learn from him, too.”
Scott seems to be having a harder time negotiating
By Randal C. Hill
enjoy anything as much as my son enjoys everything.”
Andrew and John Erwin are brothers who control the Kingdom Story Company, which is in partnership with Lionsgate, a distributor of independent productions. The Erwins proclaim their latest release “a funny and inspiring true story of a young couple stumbling through parenthood, who find constant inspiration from the joy and optimism of their spectacularly unique son.”
John Gunn adds, “We tell stories that are moving to us, first…But we also love to be inspired and motivated. It’s amazing that we get to tell stories that inspire us, and then we let the audience into that.”
“The Unbreakable Boy” opens in AMC theaters on March 17. See it. Love it.
Annuities can provide a guaranteed lifetime income stream in retirement, no matter how long you live. They thrive under high interest rate environments and are currently offering some of the highest payouts seen in years.
Recent market trends have led to a surge in their popularity.
The cause can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just before that, the market had reached its
all-time peak. Then the after-effects brought about record-high inflation, rumors of impending recession, and unprecedented market volatility.
For many, the thought of losing a substantial portion of their retirement savings made them willing to trade the possibility of gains for the promise of safety.
And with the Fed raising interest rates to the highest levels in 15 years, the stage was set for products
like annuities. And take center stage they did.
The word “guarantee” doesn’t come up very often in conversations about investing and retirement planning.
But in the case of annuities, that’s exactly what you can get: guaranteed income, at a guaranteed amount for a guaranteed duration, as long as you live.
When you purchase an annuity, you enter into a contract with the insurance company.
There’s no health screening required to buy an annuity, just a simple calculation an actuary performs to determine the amount you’ll be paid based on your life expectancy, the date you choose to start taking payments, the amount you put in, and the interest rate environment. The higher interest rates, the more you can receive.
Fixed income annuities
With an immediate income annuity, you put in a lump sum and earn a fixed payment for the rest of your life. You’ll receive income within 12 months of your purchase—one month after you buy your annuity for monthly payments.
While monthly income payments are most common, you can also choose to receive quarterly, semiannual or annual payouts.
Your payment amount is determined by your life expectancy from the date of purchase and the amount you put in.
If you select an annuity with a “cash refund” death benefit and die
before your income payments equal the full amount of your annuity purchase price, your beneficiary will receive the difference.
And should you outlive your initial investment, you’ll continue receiving payments.
A great option for retirees looking for a guaranteed income stream, an immediate income annuity gives you a steady monthly check in retirement, just like Social Security.
If you’ve got some time before you retire, a deferred income annuity gives you the opportunity to grow your money tax-deferred for a period of time and unlike immediate annuities, you can convert this money into guaranteed income payments at a later date.
Typically, the longer you delay your start date the higher your income payments will be.
Whether you invest in an immediate or deferred annuity, both options provide the advantage of a guaranteed income stream throughout retirement.
However, this benefit does come with the trade-off of having limited control over these assets.
It’s also worth noting that once your policy is in place and the income start date is set, you’ll have little flexibility to change this date, if possible.
In addition to income annuities, guaranteed living withdrawal benefit riders added to other types of annuities have become an increasingly popular option.
They provide more control over the underlying assets while still pro-
By Dr. Lakelyn Eichenberger Gerontologist and Caregiving Advocate Home Instead Inc.
I recently received a question from a member of a caregiving community.
Mike is caring for his wife, who is diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer.
Mike’s story highlights a challenge that many caregivers face: managing Alzheimer’s alongside another serious health condition.
When caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease, the focus is often on managing cognitive symptoms and maintaining their quality of life.
However, when another health condition compounds Alzheimer’s—whether it be cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or another illness—the caregiving role becomes even more complex.
It is essential to understand how these conditions interact, their impact on treatment, and the
best ways to support your loved one.
Alzheimer’s disease can make it more challenging to recognize and manage other health conditions.
Cognitive decline may affect your loved one’s ability to communicate symptoms, follow treatment plans, or participate in decision-making.
Research continues to study the link between comorbidities and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
For some, it can accelerate the progression or worsen its symptoms, making monitoring their overall health closely essential.
For example, if your loved one is dealing with a condition like cancer, managing their treatment might require additional support.
It’s important to keep in mind that Alzheimer’s may limit the person’s ability to understand the necessity of treatments or cope with side effects.
That is why a tailored approach to their care is so important.
Treating a condition like cancer in someone living with Alzheimer’s involves careful consideration.
The benefits of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation should be weighed against potential risks, especially considering the individual’s cognitive health and overall quality of life.
Many caregivers face difficult decisions when a loved one is older or in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s where invasive treatments may seem daunting.
Open communication with your loved one’s medical team is vital. It’s important to ensure that the
treatment plan reflects their health goals, comfort, and personal wishes.
While these conversations can be challenging, they are essential for making informed decisions and prioritizing their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Balancing care for multiple conditions can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin.\ Taking care of your well-being is not only vital for your health but also enables you to continue being a strong support for your loved one.
Consider exploring respite care services, connecting with local support groups, or seeking out online communities where you can share experiences and gain advice from others facing similar challenges.
We hope this information is helpful to you, whether you’re dealing with similar challenges or simply seeking to be prepared for whatever the future may hold.
• Check the URL of the story: abcnews. com is a legitimate news source; abcnews.com.co is not. Anything that ends with something other than .com, .org, or .gov is likely to be a spoof.
• If someone important is quoted, Google the quote. It can be tracked back to an event or a statement if it is legit.
• Reverse search the questionable image on Google. Right click the image and copy the URL. Go to images.google.com and paste the URL to find out where it came from.
Politics – Factcheck.org and Politifact.com
General scams – Snopes.com
Email and FB hoaxes – Truthorfiction.com & Hoaxslayer.com
Title ................................................ Artist
1. Brandy................................................... Looking Glass
2. Lean on me ............................................... Bill Withers
3. Go all the way The Raspberries
4. American Pie Don McLean
5. Nice to be with you .......................................... Gallery
6. Rockin’ Robin .................................... Michael Jackson
7. Down by the lazy river The Osmonds
8. A horse with no name ..................................... America
9. Puppy Love ......................................... Donny Osmond
10. I’ll take you there The Staple Singers
11. Song Sung Blue Neil Diamond
12. Scorpio .............Dennis Coffey & Detroit Guitar Band
13. I’ll be around .......................................... The Spinners
14. Let’s stay together Al Green
15. Black & White .................................. Three Dog Night
16. If you don’t know me by now .............. Harold Melvin
17. My Ding-A-Ling Chuck Berry
18. Crocodile Rock Elton John
19. Saturday in the park ........................................ Chicago
20. Sunshine.......................................... Jonathan Edwards
21. Precious and Few Climax
22. Long cool woman in a black dress ............ The Hollies
23. Burning Love .......................................... Elvia Presley
24. Nights in white satin The Moody Blues
25. The family of man Three Dog Night
26. Heart of gold .............................................. Neil Young
27. I Gotcha ............................................................Joe Tex
28. Back Stabbers The O’Jays
29. You are everything.................................. The Stylistics
30. Clean up woman ...................................... Betty Wright
31. Too late to turn back The Cornelius Brothers
32. Oh, Girl The Chi-Lites
33. If loving you is wrong .......................... Luther Ingram
34. Daddy, Don’t walk so fast ................... Wayne Newton
35. Ben Michael Jackson
36. I’d love you to want me....................................... Lobo
37. Day after day ................................................ Badfinger
38. Coconut Nilsson
39. Hold her tight ......................................... The Osmonds
40. Never been to Spain ......................... Three Dog Night
41. I can see clearly now ............................... Johnny Nash
42. How do you do Mouth & McNeal
43. Everybody plays the Fool........... The Main Ingredient
44. Beautiful Sunday ................................... Daniel Boone
45. Layla Derek & The Dominoes
46. Outa Space ...............................................Billy Preston
47. Troglodyte........................... The Jimmy Castor Bunch
48. In the Rain The Dramatics
49. I’ve been lonely for so long Frederick Knight
50. The Lion Sleeps Tonight .......................... Robert John
51. I Saw the Light ....................................Todd Rungdren
52. Everything I Own Bread
53. School’s Out ........................................... Alice Cooper
54. Listen to the Music .....................The Doobie Brothers
55. Joy Apollo 100
56. If I Could Reach You The Fifth Dimension
57. Baby, Don’t Get Hooked On Me ............... Mac Davis
58. Hot Rod Lincoln ............................. Commander Cody
59. Too Young Donny Osmond
60. Sylvia’s Mother .......Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
61. Alone Again Naturally ...................Gilbert O’Sullivan
62. I Am Woman Helen Reddy
63. Without You Nilsson
64. Candy Man ...................................... Sammy Davis, Jr.
65. Take It Easy ................................................ The Eagles
66. Where is the Love Flack & Hathaway
67. Betcha By Golly, Wow ........................... The Stylistics
68. Rock & Roll .............................................. Gary Glitter
69. Tumbling Dice The Rolling Stones
70. Witchy Woman Eagles
71. I Wanna Be Where You Are .............. Michael Jackson
72. Use Me ...................................................... Bill Withers
73. Papa Was A Rolling’ Stone The Temptations
74. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face .......... Roberta Flack
75. Suavecito ............................................................. Malo
76. Convention ’72 The Delegates
77. Vincent Don McLean
78. Hey, Big Brother ......................................... Rare Earth
79. The Way of Love .................................................. Cher
80. Diary Bread
81. Hey, Girl ............................................. Donny Osmond
(Continued from Page 14)
viding an income payment for life.
The rider can be added to a variety of deferred annuities like variable, structured, indexed or fixed - each having its own set of risks and rewards.
It offers you the flexibility to invest your annuity’s underlying cash value, providing options to protect yourself from market downturns.
No matter what happens to your invested balance, your income remains guaranteed.
The rider gives you the choice to either start receiving income immediately or defer it until a later date.
Unlike immediate or deferred income annuities, you’re not required to make this choice in advance.
You simply let the insurance company know when you’re ready.
In exchange for this flexibility, income payments may be slightly lower.
Annuities can be a great option for those approach-
ing or in retirement who are looking for a guaranteed source of income that won’t falter no matter what happens in the market.
The healthier you are and the longer you live, the more value they’ll bring.
No one can predict the future of the market for any investment vehicle. But with an annuity, you can predict –and guarantee – how much income you’ll get for the rest of your life.
Keep in mind that opting for a lifetime income option with an insurance company is an important decision that will last the rest of your life, so choosing the right partner is a key part of the process.
The income guarantees offered by annuities are backed by the company’s claims paying ability, so selecting a highly rated insurance company is a great way toward protecting your investment.
Talk with your advisor about how an income annuity can help support your long-term financial plan.
Zach Holtzman Financial Advisor
Remember when you could lie in one position for hours? Now you have to rotate like a rotisserie chicken every 15 minutes or a hip hurts.
My life in a nutshell: I think like I’m 29, laugh like I’m 10, and move like I signed the Declaration of Independence.
Shout out to everyone who said they would start exercising and eating healthy in the new year and already decided to wait until Monday. You’re my people!
1. Short stocking
5. Male admirer
10. Sandy tract
14. Bog
15. Woman’s one-piece undergarment
16. One who uses
17. Hip bones
18. Standard of perfection
19. Spouse
20. Move unsteadily
22. Sun personified
24. Mistake
25. Shades
26. Naive person
29. Capital of Tibet
33. Advanced in years
36. Thick slices
39. Gannet
40. Entrance
42. Wild as wild ass of Tibet
44. Float through the air
45. Follows orders
47. The telling of lies
49. Ocean
50. Set again
51. Haul
53. Hood-shaped anatomical part
57. Sponsorship
61. Weightlifting bar
63. Arrival
64. Brass wind instrument
65. Tenor violin
67. South American Indian
68. Minerals
69. Anesthetic
70. Travel from place to place
71. Old cloth measures
72. Depart
73. Lively
1. Strike hard
2. Oilcan
3. One who cries
4. Film comedian and director
5. Agitate 6. Marry
7. Proficient
8. State in NW U.S.
9. Thermoplastic yarn
10. Gestures without speech
11. Jacob’s twin brother
12. Devices for fishing
13. Before
21. Periods of history
23. Long fish
27. Class
28. Fall short
30. Expression of woe
31. Securely confined
32. Rectangular pier
33. Scent
34. Part of the ear
35. Female rabbits
37. Body of water
38. Cut
41. Grass grown for forage
43. Oxlike African antelope
46. Thrust with a knife
48. Delighted
52. Fickleness
54. Horizontal
55. Best of a group
56. Greetings
58. Italian seaport
59. Become liable for
60. Gaze fixedly
61. Knot in wool
62. Cain’s brother
63. River in central Switzerland
64. Digit of the foot
66. Monetary unit of Bulgaria
Two merchants in a small community were fierce competitors. Their stores faced each other on opposite sides of the street. Drake’s Store was much larger than Albert’s Merchandise Mart. Each fought for the same customers.
One day Drake put up a sign that read, “If you want it, we’ve got it!” Not to be out done, Albert hung a larger sign that read, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it!”
There is a vast difference between “a need” and “a want.” A “need” refers to the essentials in life, the things that we cannot do without. A “want” is something that is not essential. Think of the importance of water and the pleasure of soda. We can do without sodas, but water is essential.
Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need and he will give you what you need if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” When we make the Kingdom of God our primary concern, it means that God is first and foremost in our lives and that he is at the center of all that we do.
If we make his thoughts our thoughts, his priorities our priorities and his ways our ways, he will meet our needs.
Scripture For Today Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have its own worries. The troubles we have in a day are enough for one day. Matthew 6:31-34
Charlie Brown was standing in front of his baseball team talking about the game they had just lost.
With a look of sadness in his eyes he sighed and said, “Sixtyfive to nothing. I don’t understand it. We were so sincere.”
Sincerity is good, but it does not ensure success. We may be as sincere as the day is long, but it will not replace knowledge, skill or the right attitude. If we are going in the wrong direction, sincerity will not lead us to the right destination.
One may be sincere about what is believed, but it does not guarantee salvation. One may sincerely believe in eternal life and want to go to heaven, but unless they receive Christ as their Savior, they will not be with him in eternity.
John wrote, “So whoever has God’s son has life; whoever does not have his son does not have life.” This simple statement says it all when it comes to the new birth and the way to eternal life.
Eternal life begins the moment we surrender our lives to the Lordship of Christ as our Savior. It is not something we can work for or hope for or purchase. It is not something that is passed on from one generation to another. And it certainly does not depend on a “feeling.”
Lubbock is more and more becoming a place for living ‘the good life.’
The Gazette is taking a “Straw Poll” to learn who is retiring here and why, and where some of your favorite places are.
Please let us know I live in Lubbock because: (Check all that Apply) Grew up here
Medical facilities
Cost of living
Housing Shopping
Churches
Continuing education
Other:
My favorite places to eat:
Friendly people
Entertainment
Weather
My favorite places to shop:
moved here from
lived here since
Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas is beginning new customer discount days.
Public service workers will receive a 10% discount at all Goodwill Retail Stores on designated days.
Goodwill offers the following discount days:
Monday - Senior Discount Day
Tuesday - Military Discount Day
Wednesday - Student Discount Day
Sunday - Public Service Discount Day, including teachers.
All discounts require a valid ID and do not apply to the Goodwill Pound Store.
“Goodwill thanks all public service workers for their dedication to the people and students in our community,” said Robin Raney, president & CEO.
“Goodwill is a local nonprofit helping people overcome challenges, build skills, find jobs, and grow careers. When the community shops or donates at Goodwill, the funds generated support Goodwill’s Career Resource Center at 6520 University, Ste. 11.” Raney said.
For more information about Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas, call 806-744-8419, email amarquez@ginwtx.org or visit goodwillnwtexas.org goodwillnwtexas.org/job-training/
Repetitive complaining attracts more to complain about. Repetitive gratitude attracts more to be thankful about.
Covenant Health and Covenant Children’s are in need of volunteers. Donate a morning or afternoon each week to help serve patients and families! If interested, call 806-7250465 , or email parkss1@ covhs.org 3/19
2 burial spaces in Resthaven Cemetery, Lubbock, TX. Bargain price! $2,750 for one; $5,000 for both. Call Lynn at 806-787-8474 or 806-6870077 9/23
Send a gift subscription to someone specialsomeone you know would enjoy the Golden Gazette each month. Sent near the 1st of each month for only $30 for the year or $60 for 2 years. Complete the form below and mail to the Golden Gazette, or call 806-744-2220.
s enior builder & hA ndym A n
Senior builder and handyman of all trades. 50 years experience and guarantees all work from roof to foundation. Repair, put togethers, painting, tile, cabinetry of all kinds, some furniture, small remodeling, picture frames, bookshelves, small things for churches. Call Les at 806-438-4787 References. 12/24
l ooking F or volunteers
University Medical Center is looking for volunteers to work as messengers, pop popcorn, and work at the information desk. If you would like to meet new people, socialize, be appreciated, and have all the free popcorn you can eat, call 806775-8760 6/1
s enior hA ndy mA n
Exclusively for seniors. Will work around your schedule. It’s a free etimate. Trustworthy, honest. Let me know what needs repairing. Call James 806-777-6454. No job too small. Have a nice day! 5/24
Pro F ession A l i roning
Professional Ironing $1.50 most items. Flexible hours and quick turnaround. Call 806748-6266 3/24
Cemetery lot
F or s A le
Cemetery lot for sale in the City of Lubbock Cemetery. Great location. $800. Call 806-298-4148
Po W er Ch A ir Power chair is 9 months old with battery charger, swing away joy stick; runs great and shows little wear. $2,500. In Denver City, TX. Call 806786-3769 .Original price $20,000. 9/24
C A n’t re AC h your toes? ... i CA n! Professional manicures & pedicures. Top quality products & services. Promoting healthy nails. 20 years experience. Call Alicia at 806-3175226 2/17
5 things to quit:
1. Trying to please everyone. 2. Fearing change. 3. Living in the past. 4. Putting yourself down. 5. Overthinking.
When you’re a celebrated recording star whose career suddenly goes south, there’s little chance that you’ll ever regain your place of prominence on the hit charts.
But sometimes the good winds of fate blow your way, and, unexpectedly, you find a whole new—and adoring— audience.
Neil Sedaka, born in Brooklyn in 1939, was a piano prodigy who played the classics but who was also drawn to the rock ‘n’ roll that blasted from his bedroom radio. When Sedaka was 13, an apartment neighbor introduced Neil to 16-year-old
Howie Greenfield, an aspiring poet/lyric writer from the same building.
They hit it off immediately, and with Greenfield providing the words, Sedaka sold 25 million teen-oriented singles before the Beatles swept him from radio playlists in 1964.
Six years later, Neil kept his properties here but moved his family to England, where he recorded three hit albums.
In 1972, he met longtime fan Elton John, who invited Sedaka to join John’s newly created Rocket Records label.
New Neighbors Club of Lubbock will hold its February general meeting and luncheon Feb. 14. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon.
Stacy Ward from Trinity Church will entertain the group with love songs. Meeting place is the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway. Cost is $20. Reservations may be made by emailing andreah7@gmail.com.
Sedaka and Greenfield had ended their partnership; Neil thus hooked up with another New York lyricist, Phil Cody.
Later, Cody recalled helping with the former hitmaker’s mid-1970s comeback: “Neil had a house in the Catskills. We got together one morning, and he played the melody to ‘Laughter in the Rain.’ I just sat there with a blank stare on my face. I had nothing. I had totally nothing.
“I excused myself and went out. We were up in the country, so I just took a walk and sat down in a field, smoked a joint, and nodded off under a tree. I got myself up a couple of hours later and walked back.
“Neil was still there. I sat down, picked up a yellow pad of paper, and in five minutes I had most of the song done.”
Phil’s lyrics recalled moments of an earlier, more
innocent time, when the thrill of new love defined a wondrous and meaningful
There’s a good chance that Sedaka’s tune conjured up memories from a decade
relationship:
By Randal C. Hill
Strolling along country roads with my baby
It starts to rain, it begins to pour
Without an umbrella we’re soaked to the skin
I feel a shiver run up my spine
I feel the warmth of her hand in mine
And then came that oftrepeated chorus:
Ooh, I hear laughter in the rain
Walking hand in hand with the one I love
Ooh, how I love the rainy days
And the happy way I feel inside
earlier, when the Ronettes described a similar moment:
Walking in the rain
And wishing on the stars up above
And being so in love
Neil recorded “Laughter in the Rain” in Los Angeles in 1974.
It quickly became a UK hit that same year.
In 1975, he joyfully rode his new Rocket Records single to Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 chart here in the States.
Ironically, while four Liverpool lads had trashed Sedaka’s early career, it was a Brit who resurrected it a decade later.
The festival has been named the “Best in Texas!”
The 47th Annual Lubbock Arts Festival is set for April 12-13, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.
The theme for the 2025 Lubbock Arts Festival is “reNEW!” This theme reflects the strong commitment to raising awareness about sustainability in the arts.
By merging art and the environment, talented artists who create special exhibits using repurposed, recycled, and reused materials, as well as natural and found objects, will be showcased.
The Lubbock Arts Festival will be a combination of special visual art exhibits and performance stages featuring actors, singers, and dancers.
More than 100 talented artists from across the nation will be showcasing and selling their original creations, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Also featured will be a Juried Gallery of professional art, and artists demonstrating their creative process.
Impressive artwork from local school students will also be on display.
The Children’s Art Area will have free art activities for children.
The Lubbock Arts Festival is a family-friendly and affordable event, with adult general admission tickets
priced at $5 online or $7 at the door. Children 12 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paid adult. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. Adult general admission tickets will be available online in March.
Valentine’s Day is a day celebrated every Feb. 14. Candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from?
The history of Valentine’s Day— and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.
Realizing the injustice of the decree, Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure.
By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
- History.com
