Golden Gazette January 2015

Volume 27, Number 1

January 2015

24 Pages

Lubbock, Texas 79401

Reflections and Dreams to Start a New Year

By Margaret Merrell As the old year fills its final page, we can take a brief look back over the past 12 months of our lives.

We see some of the challenges we faced and how we dealt with them.

We can recall the expected and unexpected moments of happiness that we shared with our loved ones who gave us the courage to face the more difficult times.

The many beautiful scenes around us are wonderful gifts we can take into our hearts and store in our memory boxes to be revisited over and over.

Recalling some events helps us see and understand them more clearly now than we did at that particular time and can bring us the peace and love we missed.

Yes, we can gain many things from reflections of the past year.

The beginning of the new year brings a rush of changes and fresh starts for everyone. There is no need

to make a list of resolutions that are rarely fulfilled.

Take this time to start building your dreams for the coming year, and think how you may help others find their dreams.

Keep only positive thoughts in your mind not only about your future but the future of our precious nation, our United States of America, and our planet Earth.

One positive thought can eliminate many negative ones and bring joy and hope into our hearts every day of the year ahead.

Keep your dreams alive by adding new thoughts and ideas; do not put them away in a place to be forgotten.

Be an example for friends and family of the happiness and wellbeing you have received from your own positive dreams.

Keep your heart open to love and happiness that comes to us in a variety of ways.

You never know what the tomorrows may bring.

May your reflections of the past year strengthen your dreams for the future.

May you be blessed with peace and good health and have a “Happy New Year!”

“Million Dollar Quartet,” an award-winning Broadway musical, will be performed Jan. 30-31 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane. It was inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Tickets are available by calling 806-770-2000.

In January

New Year’s Day

Jan. 1

Martin Luther King Day

Jan 19

Inside Master Gardener Applications due Jan. 5 ............ 4 Nominations Sought .............................................. 5 Mayor’s State of City Address, Jan. 13 ................. 8 A Tribute to Joe Carr ............................................. 2

Page 2 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

A TribuTe To Joe CArr Most who knew Joe Carr or his music will know him for the latter, the music. He was among the very best, inventive but precise, creative but with a fond and faithful understanding of what came before, and having broad tastes all the while able to hone-in on the essentials.

But those who knew him best will know one more thing -- he was an even better human being than he was a musician. He was generous, loyal, kind, funny, and humble.

He was never without a joke, no matter that the world isn’t always filled with humor. His in-box was never empty, no matter how fast he filled up the out-box.

Joe was a professor of music at South Plains College for more than 30 years. He was an internationally-known bluegrass guitarist.

In spite of being bound to a motorized wheelchair for the last several years (what his students called the “Joe-kart”), in spite of being forced to speak slowly in order to be understood at all, in spite of having almost no physical energy, Joe taught music up until a couple of

weeks before his death.

These were students who sought him out, and Joe was not one to refuse them.

Joe, along with his dear friend and musical partner Alan Munde, wrote a book on West Texas Music, Prairie Nights to Neon Lights, which, even after its publication 20 years ago, still has no peers for its completeness, its breadth, its depth, and its scholarship. And, on top of that, it’s a mighty-fine read.

In his long and noble battle with a disease that ravaged those parts of the body upon which we musicians most rely — our fingers, our hands, our arms, our vocal chords — Joe also showed us that music is the essential spirit, the thing without which we are nothing.

His life sets a standard for us all.

Andy Wilkinson, Dec. 18, 2014

Local Business Provides Poinsettias to Lubbock Homebound Through the generosity of Mark Ivey at Ivey Gardens and other generous individuals, Lubbock’s homebound elderly and disabled had a brighter holiday season.

More than 400 poinsettias were delivered to Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ recipients. These plants will bring some cheer to those who cannot leave their homes to see holiday lights

or attend seasonal celebrations.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels’ volunteers delivered the poinsettias along with their regular meal delivery Dec. 22.

This delivery is a part of the 12 Days of Christmas Project in which recipients will receive various personal, household, and holiday items on each of the 12 working days prior to the closing for the Christmas holiday.

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Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 3

“Million Dollar Quartet,” an award-winning Broadway musical, will be performed Jan. 30-31 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.

It was inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.

Timeless hits that will be performed include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Ring of Fire,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,”

“Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog.” The musical brings the audience inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a redhot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

Rock ‘n’roll’s best kept secret – “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Tickets are available by calling 806-770-2000.

Ayers to Speak January 9

Dr. Sam Ayers of Lubbock Christian University will deliver the keynote at the New Neighbors Club Luncheon at 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 9 at the Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway.

His extensive research o n “ L u b - Dr. Sam Ayers bock Sports Heroes” is impressive. This program is not only for sports lovers, but for individuals interested in the history of Lubbock and surrounding areas.

The Luncheon is $14 and reservations are required.

For information about the program, luncheon, or other club activities such as Community Services, Bridge, Movie Lovers, Out to Lunch, Pleasurers/Treasurers and others, contact Mary Valentini at 799-4450 or newneighbors@ ymail.com.

New Traffic Signal at 34th & Quaker City of Lubbock crews have activated the new traffic signal at 34th Street and Quaker Avenue in conjunction with the 34th Street Reconstruction Project.

merry mixer dance

1 mile south of Woodrow Rd. on S. University (CR.2200)

Ms. Kay and The Country Legends Saturday, Dec. 20 7 to 10 p.m.

phone 863-2301

ventura music 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 Ventura Place - 3026 54th St. Country & Western Music with

Miss Kay &The Legends

The traffic signal operation will be updated to conform to the latest revision of the Texas Manual on Traffic Control Devices. The traffic signal at 34th and Quaker will utilize a flashing yellow arrow, which will require drivers to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making a left turn.

Previously, a circular green light was used to indicate drivers making a left turn should yield.

The signal indications are defined as:

Red arrow = Stop.

Steady yellow arrow = Clearance, prepare to stop.

Flashing yellow arrow = Yield, turn only after yielding to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Green arrow = Proceed.

This will be the first implementation of the flashing yellow arrow in Lubbock.

Many of Lubbock’s traffic signals will be updated starting in January 2015.

“WHIPS THE CROWD INTO A FRENZY”

“A DAZZLING, RAUCOUS SPECTACLE THAT SOUNDS LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!” M illion D ollar Q uartet l ive . coM M

North American Tour Cast. Photo by Paul Natkin.

‘Million Dollar Quartet’ Set for Jan. 30-31

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the ‘’Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll’’ brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night.

January 30-31 • Civic Center Theatre For tickets: 806..770.2000 • SelectASeatLubbock.com In Person: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, The Student Union at Texas Tech, Dollar Western Wear, Ralph’s Records and area United Supermarkets

Groups of 10 or more receive a discount!

800.869.1451 x220

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/BwayLubbock

Page 4 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Master Gardener Class Applications, Jan. 5 Lubbock Master Gardeners Association will begin a new intern class Feb. 3.

The classes will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday through April 7.

Applications, along with a $200 fee (made payable to: “Lubbock Master Gardener Association”) to cover the cost of course materials and the required background check, are due by Jan. 5.

Applications and payments can be brought to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension –

Lubbock County, 916 Main St., Suite 201, Lubbock, or mailed to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Lubbock County, PO Box 10536, Lubbock, TX 79408.

Candidates will be notified of their acceptance into the program by Jan. 16.

The Master Gardener training course is limited to 30 participants.

Classes are taught by a variety of professors, experts, and professionals who have expertise in specialized areas.

Master Gardener interns are issued a comprehensive Acupuncture is a jab well three-ring binder filled with done. That’s the point of it. material that will be used in Those who get too big for the course. their pants will be exposed For initial certification, in the end.

Lubbock

W. 82nd & Homestead Ave. 34th & Memphis Ave.

Lorenzo Nazareth Post Shallowater Slaton

Master Gardeners must complete 50 volunteer hours within one year of completing the coursework.

To maintain certification, Master Gardeners must complete 12 hours of volunteer or teaching hours and 6 continuing education hours every year.

For additional information, contact Vikram Baliga, 806775-1680.

Call the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office at 806-775-1680 to be mailed an application or find one online at www.Lubbockmastergardeners.org.

Covenant Children’s Receives Musical Instruments Covenant Children’s has received a donation of acoustic guitars from Blue Star Connection, culminating the company’s contributions of thousands of dollars of musical instruments to Covenant’s new Arts in Medicine program.

The instruments will be used specifically for music therapy as well as for the songwriting and music recording studio coming in early 2015.

Arts in Medicine is a new and developing program, with a mission to integrate the creative and expressive arts into the hospital setting to enhance recovery, stimulate a healing environment, and improve the patient and family experience.

The program will include music, art, photography, dance, drama and the literary arts.

Blue Star Connection is just one company that has donated musical instruments to the program.

The Ukulele Kids Club has donated five ukuleles.

One Covenant patient already is benefiting through the program from the gift of a violin and violin lessons.

Texas Tech Names New Library Dean

Bella Karr Gerlich will begin a new chapter at Texas Tech University as professor and dean of the University Libraries.

Gerlich is currently dean of libraries at University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and will assume her new role March 1.

She replaces Donald Dyal, who retired in August after

Garrison Institute on Aging

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Director Texas Tech Diabetes Education Center Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

TTUHSC, 3601 4th St. Academic Classroom Building Room 150 Free Event. Snacks Provided.

For details, call 806.743.7821 or visit www.ttuhsc.edu/aging

serving as dean since 2001.

Earnstein Dukes is serving as interim dean.

“The contributions of our libraries are critical to Texas Tech’s educational mission and its research and scholarly activity,” said Lawrence Schovanec, Texas Tech provost and senior vice president.

“I am confident that Dr. Gerlich will provide leadership that will build on the strengths of the libraries that advance our ambitions to be a great public research university.”

Gerlich has decades of experience in library work.

She received her undergraduate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s in public management from Carnegie Mellon University, and her doctorate in library and information sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.

“As university libraries continue to evolve with the ever-changing technological landscape, it is imperative

that we maintain a program that benefits our students and faculty in their academic endeavors,” said Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis. “Dr. Gerlich’s academic pedigree and extensive background in university libraries will greatly benefit Texas Tech.”

Gerlich gained experience from prior appointments as university librarian at Dominican University, associate university librarian at Georgia College and State University and head of Arts & Special Collections at Carnegie Mellon University.

“It is an honor to be the next dean of libraries for Texas Tech, knowing I will be working with such amazing faculty, staff, students and administrators, building on the successes of Dean Dyal,” Gerlich said.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity and to help the institution reach its goal to become a tier-one research university.”

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 5

Nominations Sought for Newsmakers & Volunteers You can nominate someone you know who makes a difference – by making the news or by volunteering.

Nominations are being accepted through 5 p.m. Jan. 12 for honorees at the 2015 Celebrity Luncheon.

The luncheon is an annual event in Lubbock honoring those in the community who have made positive headlines as well as those who have volunteered to improve the quality of life in the area.

The Lubbock Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications also recognizes a local organization for corporate community service.

Headliner awards are presented to individuals or groups whose achievements or contributions have received

widespread positive recognition through the media.

Gold Medal awards are presented to people who, over an extended period of time, have volunteered to improve the quality of life for a broad spectrum of those living in the Lubbock area.

The Louise Allen Award is presented to a business that has exhibited outstanding corporate community service.

The award is named for Louise Allen, founder of the Lubbock Professional Chapter.

Honorees will be recognized at the 2015 Celebrity Luncheon to be held in April.

Nominations are free and open to the public.

Nominations are accepted via mail, email, or through an

online submission form. of Media and Communication members and those involved Mail nominations to Me- at Texas Tech as well as the in the Texas Tech AWC Stulissa Pierce, AWC, P.O. Box professional development of dent Chapter.

64188, Lubbock, TX 79464.

Email nominations to melissalynnpierce@yahoo.com.

An online nomination form is available at www.awclubbock.org.

For additional information, contact Valerie Hlavaty at 806-778-3407 or Allyson Sherill at 806-787-3554.

In addition, AWC will also present three special awards, the George Mahon Award for Extraordinary Public Service, the Beth Pratt Communicator of the Year, and the Mary Ann Edwards Professional Communicator award.

The Celebrity Luncheon supports AWC scholarship endowments in the College

Texas Tech Knight Raiders Win State Co-Championship For the second year in a row, Texas Tech University’s chess team, Knight Raiders, earned a share of the state title at the annual Texas Collegiate Championships in Irving.

The Knight Raiders tied the final score with the Uni-

versity of Texas-Brownsville for state honors and set the University of Texas-Dallas back to third place on its own home turf.

Last year, Texas Tech tied with UT-Dallas for the state crown. Last year, Texas Tech

finished third in the Final Four of College Chess in New York City.

“Texas is home to three of the top four college chess teams in the nation,” said Texas Tech chess coach Alex Onischuk.

“Our students performed well under pressure. The competitors from all schools were well trained and were trying hard to win. No game was easy.”

The Knight Raiders’ Bteam finished fourth, with team member Seetharam Marreddy winning individual honors and raising his chess rating by more than 150 points.

The Knight Raiders will headed to the Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship on Dec. 27-30 at South Padre Island to try to qualify for the Final Four of College Chess in 2015.

Page 6 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Students Qualify for Nationals Stay Active & Healthy in 2015 Coronado High School, Troupe 2738 of the International Thespian Society, sent 11 students to the 2014 Texas Thespian Festival in Dallas in November.

Seniors Dane Ortiz, Reagan Sudduth, and Blakely Hernandez qualified for the National Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June 2015.

Ortiz qualified in monologue with selections from Noises Off and from The Glass Menagerie.

Sudduth and Hernandez qualified in duet acting with a scene from The Boys Next Door. To qualify for nationals, students must receive a total score of 270 of 300 possible points from a three-judge panel.

Ortiz and Sudduth also au-

ditioned for college scholarships and were called back and interviewed by more than 20 universities.

More than 50 colleges, universities, academies and conservatories from across the United States send representative auditors to evaluate and interview seniors for admission and scholarships.

Reagan Sudduth was awarded a $1,000 college scholarship from the Texas Thespian Chapter for his performances. Ten of these scholarships were announced at the closing ceremony.

Melody McDaniel is the director of theater at Coronado.

“I am extremely proud of these students,” McDaniel said.

G N & BLADE Show

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January 3 & 4

Saturday 9-5 • Sunday 10-5

Admission - $6 adults, under 12 FREE “2 FER SPECIAL” - 2 FOR 1 FIRST HOUR BOTH DAYS • 806-253-1322 info@silverspurtradeshows.com

By Peter Laverty Seniors Are Special Adults young and old can help put an end to a major public health enemy: lack of physical activity. Make part of your New Year’s resolution to remain healthy.

Here are the facts: ● Exercise can help older people feel better and enjoy life more. ● Adults over 60 do not get enough physical activity. ● Lack of physical activity and poor diet, taken together, are the second largest underlying cause of death in the United States. ● Regular exercise can improve some diseases and disabilities in older people who already have them.

It can improve mood and relieve depression, too. ● Staying physically active on a regular, permanent basis can help prevent or delay certain diseases (such as some types of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes) and disabilities, as people grow older.

Who Should Exercise?

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Just about anyone, at any age, can do some type of activity.

Even with a chronic disease (such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes), a person can still exercise.

During flare-ups, exercise may not be recommended; you should consult with your doctor. You should also check with your doctor first if you are over 60, and you plan to do vigorous activity (the kind that makes you breathe and sweat hard) instead of moderate activity.

The doctor may be able to give you a go-ahead over the phone, or might ask you to come in for a visit. If you have any of the following problems, it is important to check with your doctor before increasing your physical activity: ● A chronic disease, or a high risk of getting one -for example, if you smoke, if you are obese; or if you have a family history of a chronic disease. ● Any new, undiagnosed symptom. ● Chest pain. ● Shortness of breath. ● The feeling that your heart is skipping, racing, or fluttering. ● Blood clots. ● Foot or ankle sores that won’t heal. ● Joint swelling. ● Hip surgery.

Safety Tips The following are some things you can do to make sure you are exercising safely: ● Start slowly. Build up

activities and level of effort gradually. Doing too much, too soon, can hurt you, especially if you have been inactive. ● Avoid holding your breath while straining -when using your muscles, for example. If you have high blood pressure, pay special attention to this tip.

It may seem strange at first, but the rule is to exhale during muscle exertion; inhale during relaxation. For example, if you are lifting something breathe out on the lift and breathe in on the release. ● If you are on any medicines or have any conditions that change your natural heart rate, do not use your pulse rate as a way of judging how hard you should exercise.

Betablockers, a type of blood pressure drug, are an example of this kind of medicine. ● Unless your doctor has asked you to limit fluids, be sure to drink plenty when you exercise. Many of us in the dry climate of West Texas tend to be low on fluid much of the time, even when not exercising. ● Make sure your muscles are warmed up before you stretch, or you could hurt them. ● None of the exercises should hurt or make you feel tired. You might feel some soreness, a slight discomfort, or a bit weary, but you should not feel pain. In fact, in many ways, physical activity and exercise will make you feel better.

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 7

Mobility is Most Common Disability Among Older Americans Nearly 40 percent of people age 65 and older had at least one disability, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report that covered the period 2008 to 2012.

Of those 15.7 million people, two-thirds of them said they had difficulty in walking or climbing.

Difficulty with independent living, such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping, was the second-most cited disability, followed by serious difficulty in hearing, cognitive difficulty, difficulty bathing or dressing, and serious difficulty seeing.

While populous states such as California, Florida, New York, and Texas had the largest number of older people with a disability, high disability rates were seen in Southern counties, especially

Highlights: ● More than half (54.4 percent) of the older population who had not graduated from high school had a disability, twice the rate of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher (26.0 percent). ● More than one-third of those 85 and older with a disability lived alone, compared with one-fourth of those ages 65 to 74. ● About 13 percent of the older household population with a disability lived in poverty; in contrast, 7 percent of those without a disability were in poverty. ● The older population with a disability was disproportionately concentrated among those 85 and older.

This group represented 13.6 percent of the total older population, but accounted for 25.4 percent of the older Diabetes Self-Management & Nutrition Classes population with a disability. ● Women 65 and older Community Health Center of Lubbock holds free diabetes self-management and nutrition classes.

No one ever says, “It’s Each course is provided in a group setting and meets once only a game!” when weekly for 8 weeks. his team is winning.

Upcoming classes: 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13 through March 3 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, January 22 through March 12 Both classes will be held at Arnett Benson Clinic, 3301 Clovis Road.

To register, call Yvonne, 765-2611 ext. 1009 in central Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta.

Older Americans With a Disability: 2008-2012, a report based on data collected during the American Community Survey, examines disability status by age, sex and selected socio-economic characteristics, such as marital status, living arrangement, educational attainment, and poverty status.

“The statistics provided in this report can help anticipate future disability prevalence in the older population,” said Wan He, a demographer from the Census Bureau’s Population Division. “The figures can be used to help the older population with a disability, their families, and society at-large plan strategies and prepare for daily life tasks and old-age care.”

were more likely than men 65 and older to have five of the six types of disability included in the American Community Survey, especially ambulatory difficulty. Older women’s higher rates for disability are, in part, because women live longer. ● Older men’s higher likelihood for having a hearing disability may reflect the

lifelong occupational differentials between men and women, where men may be more likely to have worked in industries that cause noiseinduced hearing loss. ● Disability rates were lower for married older people than for those widowed or in other categories of marital status.

- Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Alzheimer’s Disease: Facts and Preventive Measures A free lecture including Alzheimer’s fighting snacks.

■ January 14, 5:15 p.m.

■ The Family Vision Center 2704 82nd St., Lubbock ■ Dr. Michael J. Dunn, O.D., speaker Call 806-745-2222 for reservations

YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR REHABILITATION

Step Up to Fitness for Adults Community Health Center of Lubbock offers free exercise classes, the first Monday of every month, from 7-8 p.m., at the Arnett Benson Medical & Dental Clinic, 3301 Clovis Road.

The program focuses on prevention and healthy living.

For more information and registration, contact Yvonne at 765-2611 ext. 1009.

Walking Clubs Would you like to start a walking club in your area? Contact Yvonne at 765-2611, ext. 1009.

Participants with most sessions attended and most walking steps will be awarded monthly.

Short-term & Long-term Rehabilitation We specialize in: • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • Stroke Recovery Care • Orthopedic Rehabilitation • Diabetes Symptom Management • Stroke Therapy • Wound Care • Pain Management EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Page 8 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Put a Smile on Your Face, and Live, Laugh, Love I turned 65 this year so, in my mind, I am officially a senior. In treating patients, I see patterns in people and their behavior.

One such pattern is that as seniors get older, in general, they spend less time doing and more time worrying.

My Grandpa used to call worrying “borrowing trouble.” It took me a long time to understand what he meant, and how right he was.

A woman about my age told me she was telling her mother about something her daughter did, and the older woman responded, “Don’t you worry about her?” My friend said, “Mother, I don’t need to worry about anything because you worry enough for the both of us.”

While looking through a magazine one day, I saw a comic of a Buddhist monk standing at a blackboard. He was pointing to two graphs as he was teaching the students sitting in front of him.

The first graph was as tall as the blackboard, and the

www.DrElvaEdwards.com teacher pointed to a sign that said, “This is what you worry about.” The second graph was about a half-inch high, and the words under that graph were, “This is the stuff you worry about that comes true.”

What a wonderful explanation of how worrying is wasted energy.

The most amazing thing is that worrying about something doesn’t help your situation at all, and we know it.

In fact, a case could be made that it is a negative for your health as well as your life. Worry mostly comes when we aren’t engaged in this moment we are living.

Why are we not paying attention to what is happening right now instead of worrying about what might happen at some point in time?

Be Family Wise: IMMUNIZE! Babies need shots at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months.

Older children need shots at 4-6 years and then again at 11-14 years.

Adults need shots, too!

A flu shot yearly and other shots as recommended by your physician.

For questions or help with locating a physician call

806-775-3090

Health Department 806 18th Street

There is always something happening right now, whether it is a rabbit running across the lawn or the sun shining through the tree that makes a beautiful scene. When seen from that perspective, we are funny creatures aren’t we?

What I find is that worry is a habit as well as habitforming.

I am choosing to make a habit of placing my attention on what is happening right now instead of worrying about what might happen or what has already happened. I didn’t say it was easy because for most people, it isn’t.

It takes practice and determination, especially if you have been a worrier, but it can be done.

Everyone realizes the futility of worrying about what has already happened. You might not call that worry, just ruminating.

Whatever you call it, that time has come and gone, and if you spend your time reliv-

ing that moment, you will miss this one.

If you didn’t catch that sentence, please read it again.

At 65 years of age, I know my time is limited, so why rehash time already lived?

You might say you have good memories that you want to remember. We all do.

Good memories give good vibrations, happy vibrations, wonder filled vibrations, and wouldn’t that make a different impact than worrying?

Compare the energy of good memories to the energy of worrying about what someone else might do. Does that thought put a smile on your face? Or do you get your worried look?

It is the beginning of a new year, and a time we like to make New Year’s resolutions.

Why not make a resolution that every time you catch yourself ruminating about something or negative thinking or worrying, look outside the window, and notice what the weather is doing.

In winter, you notice the trees without leaves. You notice the brown grass and the blue sky and the woman walking down the sidewalk with her dog.

You just took yourself

Mayor’s State of the City Address, Jan. 13 Mayor Glen Robertson will present the State of the City message at 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, 1501 Mac Davis Lane.

The annual event will focus on the latest economic data and the status of current city issues & projects.

It is hosted by the Lubbock

Apartment Association, Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Plains Food Bank.

Tickets and tables for the event can be obtained by calling the Lubbock Apartment Association at 7942037.

Registration deadline is Jan. 6.

back to living in the present as opposed to worrying about something that usually we have no control over.

From a health perspective, most people who are worriers have a very tight muscle structure.

And as we get older, our muscles get tighter anyway, especially if you don’t stretch.

You don’t want to be that person.

It is hard for them to relax and hard for them to enjoy themselves because they are tied in knots.

If you have a tendency toward worrying, start now to change the pattern, as the pattern gets more entrenched as we get older.

Have you noticed the older we get, the harder it is to change, and since you will never be younger, now is the perfect time.

Life is to enjoy! The expression is “live, laugh, love.” Now those words can put a smile on your face.

1310 Avenue Q • Lubbock,TX 79401 806-744-2220 • 806-744-2225 Fax

GOLDEN GAZETTE is published monthly by Word Publications, 1310 Avenue Q, Lubbock, Texas 79401. News items, letters to the editor, photographs, and other items may be submitted for publication.

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Editor: Jo Stone Staff: Jo Anne Corbet, Don Cotten, George Dawson, Mary Ann Edwards, Mike Lankford, Gary McDonald, Cathy Mottet, Cary Swinney, Carole Taff, Clayton Errington Contributing writers: Dr. Elva Edwards, Karon McDowell, Margaret Merrell, W.E. Reinka, James K. White, Colin Esler Contributing jokester: Calva Ledbetter View the Gazette online at: www.wordpub.com

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 9

Seeds of Hope Silence & Waiting The second grade teacher stood before her noisy class, raised her voice and shouted, “I want you to be so quiet that you can hear a pin drop!”

Silence suddenly prevailed.

When Danny could no longer contain himself, he shouted, “Let ‘er drop!”

It’s not unusual to have an attitude like that toward God. We pray and wait. Then pray again. Then wait a little longer. Still, nothing happens. It seems as though we are waiting for “the pin to drop.”

Psalm 28 begins with the “silence of God.” In fact, He is so silent that the Psalmist becomes impatient and shouts, “If you don’t answer soon, I will be like those going down to their grave abandoned!”

The subtle message from David was that if God did not answer his prayer, his enemies would rejoice. “They,” he reminds God, “care nothing for what the Lord has done or what His hands have made.” In other words, “God, I don’t want You to be embarrassed.

I don’t want people to ridicule You. I’ve laid my life and Your reputation on the line, and if You are silent, if you let me down, they will believe that You are untrustworthy!”

David was not afraid to present his case to God and demand help. He did not want “unbelievers” to look at his situation and say, “I told you so. Your God is no more dependable than ours. He’s not even listening!”

Not so.

David looked at them and

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said, “Praise the Lord! For He Second, add the two “I has heard my cry for mercy,” ams” - I am with you, and I David prayed. am your God. God answered. And everyOur God is always with one saw God “at work.” us, and we are never beyond His reach. When problems Hope of a New Year arise He wants to solve them.

Everyone looks forward When needs arise He will to a New Year and the hope meet them. When foes would it represents. “Well-wishers” destroy us He will conquer come at us from every di- them. When storms appear rection wanting us to reap a He will calm them. harvest of joy and happiness, Third, we need to mix them peace and prosperity. with the three “I wills.” I will A “good new year” is a strengthen you. He has all the universal desire that everyone strength we need with some seeks. But how can we assure to spare. I will help you. ourselves of having a Happy Here is help that is seeking New Year? The answer comes us and is sufficient for every from Isaiah 41:10. situation. I will uphold you.

First, we must honor the With what? The very same two “nots” - do not be afraid hands that hold the universe and do not be dismayed. together!

Fear and dismay will disIf we want 2015 to be a turb our minds, trouble our Happy New Year, we must souls and destroy our health. begin every day of every Only as we place our faith week of every month of the in the goodness and grace of year reading God’s Word and God will our fears evaporate spending time in prayer. and dismay vanish.

Roundtable Luncheon Speakers for January Tibor Nagy, vice provost for international affairs at Texas Tech University will speak at the Roundtable Luncheon at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 10.

His topic will be “The World in 2015: A Year of Black Swans.” The public is invited and is $15 per person lunch including beverage and dessert.

The luncheon will be held at Hillcrest Country Club Main Dining Room, 4011 N. Boston Ave. To reach Hillcrest, travel north on University, turn left

(west) on Newcomb Street and proceed to the clubhouse.

The Jan. 17 speaker is Dr. David Vroonland, Superintendent of Frenship ISD speaking on “Entrepreneurialism.”

Jan. 24 speaker is Aubrey Spear, City of Lubbock director of water utilities, speaking on the opportunities and challenges for Lubbock’s water supply.

Steve Moffett, manager of Lubbock Electric Company, will speak Jan. 31 on Crop Duster Planes at the Bayer Museum of Agriculture.

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Page 10 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Universal Home Design for Living Independently As more and more older adults are choosing to age in place, the need for home modifications to accommodate physical changes in people is growing.

Many homes are designed using military specs that match the physical abilities and stature of the typical 18-year-old male.

While these designs may be ideal for younger, taller people, they may not be ideal for older individuals or those dealing with physical and height limitations.

Ideally, homes for aging adults would meet universal design standards, which make structures inher-

ently accessible to older people and those with disabilities.

Many homeowners, however, hesitate to upgrade existing homes because of the cost.

In most cases, however, homeowners can make some simple modifications that will allow seniors and adults with disabilities to live more comfortably and independently in their homes.

Below are just some minimal cost suggestions: ● Provide railings on both sides of all exterior and interior staircases. ● Ensure exterior walkways and driveways, interior hallways, and

The AARP Home Fit Guide provides information on creating a comfortable, safe and livable home. It is available on the AARP website, www.aarp.org.

rooms are well lit and free of debris, obstructions, and clutter. ● Make sure each room has a sufficient number of outlets. This will prevent the resident from using extension cords that may run across a room and cause falls. ● Switch round doorknobs for lever handles. Lever handles are easier to open when a person is managing arthritis. They are also easier to open with full hands. ● Install grab bars next to toilets and in showers and tubs. ● Change out faucets with round knobs to ones with lever handles. ● Add non-slip surfaces to tubs and shower floors. ● Provide a shower seat for bathing. ● Raise electrical outlets and lower light switches so they can be easily reached, even from a sitting position.

The following items may cost more, but their investment may be worth that cost to enable the senior or disabled adult to live in the home: ● Modify at least one entrance so that it is step-free and wheelchair and walker accessible. This also allows for easy passage of wheeled luggage and other items being brought into the home.

● Modify interior door widths so that they are wheelchair and walker accessible. ● Replace the toilet with one that is taller, 17 to 19 inches high, to make it easier to use. ● Replace flooring with non-slip flooring or low-pile carpet that is easy for walkers and wheelchairs to roll over. ● Ensure the home’s main level has a full bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and living area. ● Replace bathtubs with walk-in or roll-in showers to accommodate older individuals who have difficulty walking. ● Lower kitchen cabinets so they can be easily reached.

Younger seniors, or any homeowner, can also start planning early to slowly incorporate universal design in their homes.

Rather than trying to quickly renovate a home to accommodate various needs as those needs arise, homeowners can take a proactive approach with needed home maintenance and repairs.

The advantage is that as the home needs repair, universal design elements can be incorporated into the existing repair job without a significant increase in cost.

Need help applying for health insurance?

At the Community Health Center of Lubbock, certified application counselors will guide you through each step in the health insurance application.

They can answer questions along the way and make sure you receive the best coverage available for your needs and budget.

Certified application counselors are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the clinic at 1318 Broadway in Lubbock.

Open enrollment goes through Feb. 15.

Schedule an appointment to meet with Scott or Samantha by calling 806765-2611 before open enrollment ends.

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 11

The Secret to a Happy Divorce Growing Old Gracefully & Happily People take great pride gold symbols of love. in celebrating milestone anThe traditional gift for niversaries, such as 25th and one’s 12th anniversary is 50th wedding anniversaries, silk, so Kevin Cotter’s wife exchanging silver and gave him her silk wedding dress as a memento of their union along with a divorce.

Cotter, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, was distraught, but he quickly found a way to assuage his sorrow. He started coming up with new ideas for how to use the gown and posting them on his Internet blog appropriately called “My

Ex-Wife’s Wedding Dress.”

He posted pictures on the blog of more than 100 ways he used the dress.

They show how the gown can be repurposed as a pasta strainer, a hammock, a dust cloth, etc. In one photo op, he’s even seen wearing the dress as snow camouflage while hunting.

He published a book called “101 Uses for My ExWife’s Wedding Dress” when the blog became an Internet sensation and went viral, as they say.

There’s been no comment from his former spouse on whether she plans to go back to divorce court to seek a portion of the book’s royalties.

The World Health Organization lists Japan as number two in its world rankings for life expectancy.

The Japanese are said to have a current life span of 84.6 years.

But, that doesn’t mean the elderly in that country accept the fact that they are growing older, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens.

One recent study reported that most Japanese 70-yearolds avoid using priority seating on public transportation because they do not consider themselves to be elderly.

Another study on aging trends published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, shows a higher level of life-satisfaction

among the older folks in the English-speaking world.

The research indicates that the older residents of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand are relatively happy with their lives.

Those living in Russia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and other nonEnglish-speaking regions apparently grow less satisfied with their lives as they age.

AMAC says it has a lot to do with contrasting economic conditions and healthy lifestyles that exist as well as the social disruptions that have occurred in many parts of the world.

- Courtesy of Association of Mature American Citizens

Page 12 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

The Callaways presented a $26,000 check to the Covenant Foundation.

Pictured are Rick, Traci, and Jessie Callaway, and Bevin England, director of development for the Covenant Foundation.

Callaway Toy Drive and Playroom Ribbon-Cutting For the 14th consecutive ily, have donated more than year, the Callaway family $300,000 worth of toys and from Dexter, N.M., delivered monetary contributions to the thousands of dollars in new children’s hospital in honor of toys to Covenant Children’s. Lindsey.

Covenant hosted the CalThis year’s drive began laway Toy Drive Dec. 12 at Aug. 30 at the Lubbock Covenant Children’s, 4000 Elks Lodge. The event has 24th St. The Callaway family outgrown the SUV and now arrived by motorcycle along includes a trailer that was with about 30 other riders. full of toys when it arrived at The Callaway family be- Covenant on Dec. 12. came part of the Covenant From Lubbock, the drive Children’s family when their continued through the 23 Elks daughter Lindsey was diag- lodges in New Mexico and nosed with a malignant brain the eight lodges in the Pantumor in 1998. west District of Texas, which In January 2001, Lindsey includes Amarillo, Borger, lost her battle with cancer at Childress, Dalhart, Hereford, the age of 16.

Perryton, Plainview and LubDuring Lindsey’s stay, the bock. staff of Covenant Children’s Partnering with the Elks grew close to the Callaway was a natural choice Rick family, recognizing the sig- said. nificant impact Lindsey had “This is what Elks do,” he on everyone. said. “We take care of chilAfter her death, Lindsey’s dren who are hurting. We family and friends talked take care of veterans. We take about the countless hours she care of our neighbors. These had spent in the hospital and are my friends.” what could be done to make In 2008, the playroom on the stay for children and their the third floor of the hospifamilies less “hospital-like.” tal was named “Lindsey’s Rick Callaway, a member Room” in her honor. During of the Benevolent and Pro- (See Callaway Toy Drive, Page 18) tective Order of Elks, approached his home lodge in Roswell, N.M., about the possibility of a toy drive to benefit the children at Covenant.

In its first year, the Lindsay Callaway Toy Drive netted some cash and two to three bags of toys in the back of an SUV. Since 2001, Rick and his wife Tracy, with the help of friends and fam- Santa begins the toy delivery.

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 13

Texas Tech Listed in Top Graduate Programs Rankings

The Texas Department of Public Safety played Santa for the Lubbock State Supported Living Center as they delivered more than 150 presents to the residents. A convoy of DPS patrol cars, led by a black and white Hummer, delivered boxes and bags packed with Christmas presents to the center.

Nine Texas Tech University graduate programs were ranked among the top 25 in the country, according to GraduatePrograms.com.

The online guide ranks higher education programs based on student evaluations, which cover a variety of topics, such as academic competitiveness, career support, financial aid, and quality of network.

For a given graduate program, rankings were determined by calculating the average score for each program based on the 15 ranking categories. Rankings reflect both current and recent students attending graduate programs at more than 1,500 schools.

“These rankings are recog-

nition of the many excellent graduate programs we have at Texas Tech,” said Mark Sheridan, vice provost for graduate and postdoctoral affairs.

“Students enrolled in these programs receive a high-quality experience and are better prepared to enter the job market and advance in their careers. These rankings also play a role in helping attract top applicants into our graduate programs in the future.”

Texas Tech was ranked in the following nine programs: sociology (5); architecture (7); kinesiology (7); nutrition (12); physical therapy (12); occupational therapy (14); medical (17); mathematics (18); animal science (19).

Page 14 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 15

Club Celebrates with Christmas Coffee The New Neighbors Club held its annual Christmas Coffee on Dec.5.

Traditionally, the club has a Christmas and Spring Coffee for members and their guests.

Board members always strive to prepare unique and wonderful food delicacies.

Jane Huey, Sue Stanford and Mary Valentini.

Charlotte Davidson and Liz Stephenson

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Page 16• January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Golden Gazette Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

1. Veranda 6. Viper 9. Draw by suction 13. Alert 14. Killer whale 15. Soon 16. Ritual 18. Renown 19. Capital of Yemen 20. Approaches 21. Peak 22. Skills 24. Killer whales 25. Skin decoration 28. Villain 31. Having ears 32. Landed proprieter of Scotland 33. Greek goddess of night 36. Parched 37. Motor truck 38. Smallest component 39. New Zealand parrot 40. Sordid 41. Musical drama 42. Inform 44. Dwells 45. Wrathful 47. Capital of Western Samoa

4 8. Island in central Hawaii 49. Upbeat 52. Monetary unit of Cambodia 56. Liquid secreted by the liver 57. Popular entertainment 59. Republic in SW Asia

6 0. Fencing sword 61. Pertaining to Asia 62. Sharp to the taste 63. Soak 64. Rise to one’s feet

DOWN

1. Large tailless rodent 2. Was indebted to 3. Admirable 4. Scalloped on the margin 5. Sew 6. Melody 7. Mark left by a healed

wound 8. Friends 9. Adventurous expedition 10. Unstressed 11. Punctuation mark 12. Leg joints 14. Singles 17. Upon 23. Slender bar 24. Eccentric 25. Furniture wood 26. River in central Switzerland 27. Having three corners 28. Frothy 29. Breezy 30. Not wet 32. Idle away time 34. Long ago 35. Christmas 37. Wreath of flowers 38. Keeper of an apiary 40. Pigpen 41. Japanese sash 43. The Asian hemisphere 44. Church recess 45. Circumference 46. Monetary unit of Nigeria 47. Helper 49. Affirm with confidence 50. Act of despoliation 51. Hard fatty tissue 53. Hip bones 54. Dash 55. Grant temporary use 58. Vessel or duct Solution on Page 20

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Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 17

Beware When the Doctor Wants To Hold You For ‘Observation’ ...takes you back

by Dick Dedrick

www.NostalgiaRoad.com

A Cereal Story Whatever happened to Nabisco Shredded Wheat? It is now Post Shredded Wheat.

I think.

Post is a General Foods cereal. General Foods might be owned by Kraft. I’m not sure.

Back when companies started merging all over the place, R.J. Reynolds, the makers of Camel cigarettes, joined forces with Nabisco.

They later went their separate ways. I guess.

You may be thinking I could have done a better job of researching this. To that, I say, you try researching it.

And forget about Wikipedia; they don’t know.

I’ve heard Nabisco got into it with Kellogg’s back in the 1930s, when Nabisco said they owned the Shredded Wheat name.

But the Supreme Court said nobody owned it anymore. It was public domain, which means I don’t have to capitalize it.

Speaking of Camel cigarettes, have you priced a carton lately? When I quit smoking back in 1964, they were selling for three or four bucks. Today a carton will run you more like $50 or $60. (I know; more sloppy research. But does it really matter?)

Anyway, what I wanted to say about Nabisco Shredded Wheat is, it’s one of the lowest calorie cereals, (according to Nestle, who might be the newest owners).

And I really like it, especially with fresh peaches or strawberries; some granola; pecans; a little sugar; halfand-half.

From the Senior Citizens League

versus $199 for outpatients.

Under Medicare, outpatients usually have co-payments or co-insurance for each service from doctors, test, prescription drug, and other hospital services.

Worst of all, patients don’t qualify for Medicare coverage of follow-up nursing home care because Medicare requires three consecutive days in the hospital as an “inpatient.”

That leaves the patient and their families on their own to figure out how to pay nursing home bills, or go without.

The number of observation patients has exploded 88 percent over the past six years, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.

Medicare has tightened rules for hospital admissions, and usually won’t pay for admitted patients who should have been designated as ob-

servation status.

Consequently, hospitals have increased their share of observation patients.

Most people who spend the night in the hospital would say they have been an inpatient.

But over the past six These days about half the years, rapidly growing numstuff in my shopping cart bers of Medicare beneficiasays, ‘For fast relief.’ ries have learned they were never admitted as an inpatient — even though they have stayed in a hospital bed, received treatment, diagnostic tests, and drugs.

Instead they learned they received observation care, “We need to talk… which is considered an outabout Synergy HomeCare’s patient service, and is billed Arthritis Care Program.” under Medicare Part B. Scheduling, transportation & With that designation, companionship for shopping patients can have higher out& errands of-pocket costs even though Watchful care during recovery from routine treatments they may have the very same Changing linens, laundry health problems as people & ironing admitted as inpatients.

Assistance with gardening A study by the Health & light exercise Care Cost Institute found that Housekeeping, meal preparation and nutrition people receiving observation Help with bathing, dressing and other outpatient services & personal care in the hospital paid four Call for a free consultation times more out-of-pocket It’s scary when you start than inpatients in 2012— an making the same noises as average of $47 per inpatient your coffee maker.

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Page 18 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette See the online calendar at www.LubbockSeniorSource.com.

Click on “Enriching Lives Calendar” Each Monday: TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, Life Run Center, 8240 Boston Ave., weigh in 4 to 5:25, meeting 5:30, 787-1045 Each Wednesday: Laughter Yoga, Covenant Lifestyle Center, 6 th Floor, East Parking Garage, 3615 19th St., 5:30 p.m., 725-0708, www.laughteryoga.com Each Friday: Make A Joyful Noise Ministries, Asbury House Of Prayer Brown Room, 2005 Ave T, 544-7310 Bible Study Men and Women, 6 to 7 p.m., Talk Time (women only), 7 to 8 p.m., Irene McGaha 544-7310, irene.mcgaha@earthlink.net Thursday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day Friday, Jan. 2 – Happy Mew Year for Cats Day First Friday Art Trail, Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, 511 Ave. K & other stops including The Museum of Texas Tech, 4th St & Indiana Ave., 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3 – Drinking Straw Day South Plains Woodturners, Wood Shop of Target Sheet Metal Manufacturing, 315 SE Loop 289, 10 a.m.,

784-0607 or 799-7059 Heritage Fiber Guild, Open to all workers of fiber crafts, Ranching Heritage Center, 3121 Fourth St., 10:30 a.m. to noon, Patricia, 7838957.

Sunday, Jan. 4 – Hypnotism Day Monday, Jan. 5 – Blue Monday Diabetes Support Group, Knipling Education Conference Center, 21st St. & Louisville Ave., 6 p.m.

Diabetes Support Group, Lubbock Eye Clinic Conference Room, 3701 34th St., 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 6 – Bean Day C.O.P.E. with Women’s Reproductive Cancers, Open to survivors and caretakers, First Foursquare Church, 10701 Indiana, 6 p.m., Amber at 796-1317 Gem & Mineral Society, Forrest Heights United Methodist Church, 3007 33rd St., 7 p.m., 799-2722 Wednesday, Jan. 7 – I’m Not Going to Take it Anymore Day National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), Furr’s Family Dining, 6001 Slide Rd, 11:30 a.m., 799-6796 or 795-9158 Ongoing Grief Recovery Support Group, Hospice of Lubbock, Grief Recovery Center, 3702 21st St., 1:30

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p.m. or 7 p.m., 795-2751 Caregivers Support Group, Grace Medical Center Main Conference Room, 2412 50th St., 7 p.m., 6325752 Thursday, Jan. 8 – Bubble Bath Day Llano Estacado Driving Society, Furr’s Family Dining, 6001 Slide Rd, Dinner 6 p.m., Business meeting 7 p.m..

Memory Care Support Group, Bacon Heights Baptist Church, 5110 54th, North Entrance, 6:30 p.m.

Country Company Band, Lubbock Senior Center, 2001 19th St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9 – Balloon Ascension Day Caregivers’ Support Group, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 7702 Indiana Ave., 10 a.m., 792-3553 New Neighbors Club, Lubbock Women’s Club, 2020 Broadway, 10:30 a.m.

Caring for the Caregiver Support Group, Grace House, 6502 4th Street, House #3, Lunch provided, RSVP to 791-0002, 11:45 a.m., 795-2751 Lubbock Inflammatory Bowel Disease Support Group, St. Elizabeth’s Catholic University Parish, 2316 Broadway, 7:30 p.m., 3700705 Saturday, Jan. 10 – Cut Your Energy Costs Day Ventura Music – Ms. Kay and the Country Legends - at Ventura Place, 3026 54th St., 2 to 4 p.m. 863-2301.

Downtown Art Market, 19 th St. & Buddy Holly Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

South Plains Woodcarvers, Garden & Arts Center, 4215 South University Ave., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Newcomers Bridge Club, The Bridge Center, 2563 74th, 7 p.m.

Second Saturday at the Arboretum: Learn about plants, gardening and more. Children (Youth 6-12) welcome to do a special gardening activity of their own while adults attend the seminar! Sponsored by the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.

Refreshments at 9:30 a.m., program at 10 a.m. Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, 4111 S. University Ave., 797-4520 Sunday, Jan. 11 – No Pants Subway Ride Day Monday, Jan. 12 – Clean off Your Desk Day South Plains Quilters Guild, Garden & Arts Center, 4215 S. University Ave., 10 a.m.

UMC Better Breathers Club, UMC Activities Center, 5217 82nd St., Ste. 128, 6 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 – Rubber Duckie Day West Texas Parkinsonism Society, Covenant Health System Knipling Education & Conference Center, 21st St. & Louisville Ave., 6th floor of West Parking Garage, Noon, Lunch served Ongoing Grief Recovery Support Group, Hospice of Lubbock, Grief Recovery Center, 3702 21st St., 1:30 p.m. or 7 p.m., 795-2751 Memory Care Support Group, Isle at Raider Ranch, 6806 43rd St., 5:30 p.m., 888-545 8510 Lubbock Area Amputee Support Group, Knipling Education and Conference Center, Covenant Hospital, West Parking Building, 6th Floor, 6 p.m., Bob Stargel, 790-3770 or Nancy Stargel, 281-7646 Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Dress Up Your Pet Day Seniors Are Special, McInturff Conference Center, University Medical Center, 3 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15 – Humanitarian Day Raising Our Children’s Kids (ROCK,) Library, First United Methodist Church, 10 a.m., All Welcome Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group, Carillon House, 1717 Norfolk Ave., 5:30 p.m., 281-6117 Hepatitis C Support Group, Preston Smith Library, TTU Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., 7 p.m., 7432730, X 229 Cancer Survivor’s Support Group, Joe Arrington Cancer Center, 4101 22nd Place, 7 p.m., 725-8002 Arnett Benson Neighborhood Association, Maggie Trejo SuperCenter, 3200 Amherst, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 16 – Nothing Day Saturday, Jan. 17 – Hot Heads Chili Day Merry Mixer Dance - 1 mile south of Woodrow Rd. on South University (CR 2200) Ms. Kay and the Country Legends, 7 to 10 p.m. 863-2301.

Bring your favorite snack.

Sunday, Jan. 18 – Winnie the Pooh Day Monday, Jan. 19 – Martin Luther King Day UMC Better Breathers Club, UMC Activities Center, 5217 82nd St., Ste. 128, 6 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Inauguration Day Caregivers Education & Support Group, Security State Bank, 7801 Quaker Ave., 10 a.m., 687-7474 Lubbock Stroke Club, Furr’s Family Dining, 6001 Slide Rd, 11 a.m., 799-0231 Wednesday, Jan. 21 – Squirrel Appreciation Day Thursday, Jan. 22 – (See Enriching Lives, Page 20)

Callaway Toy Drive & Playroom (Continued from Page 12)

the past few months, the playroom has been renovated.

After this year’s toy delivery, the celebration moved to the third floor of Covenant Children’s, where the ribbon was cut for Lindsey’s Park, the newly remodeled playroom.

Jessie Callaway, Lindsey’s sister, was truly moved by the kind and caring staff, which

provided a great example of the compassionate care that makes up the heart of Covenant Children’s.

Jessie made it a personal goal to become a pediatric nurse after experiencing firsthand what a difference they make in the world.

In the fall of 2011, this dream became a reality as Jessie joined the staff at Covenant Children’s.

A ribbon cutting was held for the renovated “Lindsey’s Room” at Covenant Children’s.

Chamber of Commerce ambassadors holding the ribbon are Victoria LeMond and Ana Bures.

Pictured behind the ribbon are Grayson Jenkins, Traci, Jessie and Rick Callaway, Grant Gassaway with Spirit Halloween SuperStore; Chris Dougherty, CEO of Covenant Children’s; and Mark McKenzie with Spirit Halloween.

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 19

Agape United Methodist Church

By James K. White

People in the Indian village of Assam got a rude awakening during a recent night.

It seems that a herd of elephants found a large vat of beer nearby and became fighting drunk after consuming most of the alcoholic beverage.

The Elephas maximus injured several residents and terrified everyone they encountered while participating in what is being described as “a drunken rampage.”

Dozens of buildings were destroyed. Assam brewers have promised to better secure beer storage facilities from now on.

Not as terrifying, but perhaps more mystifying, was the event some folks in the Greek village of Korona experienced. It rained fish -thousands of them (mostly alive).

Scientists conjecture that a strong wind might have blown the fish from a nearby lake up into the sky and gravity did the rest. I suspect space aliens, but hardly anyone one listens.

It’s just as well that we humans never co-existed with the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex. Scientists estimate that the huge reptile had to gain between four and five pounds a day for approximately four years in order to attain its adult size.

That would imply an

jkwhite46@gmail.com

average consumption of between 80 and 100 pounds of flesh per day. What do you weigh?

I thought most of Australia was home to lots of edible game. However, in 1861, Robert Burke and William Wills might have heartily disagreed. The two men led the first European expedition across that land mass and could find almost nothing to eat.

Burke starved to death, and Wills barely survived.

Both could have used some advice from Aborigines, as the locals were certainly eating something.

Scientists now claim they can date some ancient paintings by reading the magnetohydrodynamic currents in the red iron oxide used in many early colorings. Good old magnetohydrodynamics – how could we have overlooked them so long?

On a sweeter note, a Dr. Pirk of Germany has supposedly discovered how the honeybees make the numerous hexagon cells in honey combs.

It seems the bees actually make cylinder-shaped cells and then heat the cells using bee metabolism. As the cells slightly melt, the flake-like shapes of wax molecules sag to re-shape the cylinders into hexagons.

Keep that positive outlook. A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social

Psychology indicates that people who have a positive outlook on life live eight years longer, on average, than people classified as “pessimistic.”

Check with an expert before investing heavily. A man hoping to cash in on the Pope’s visit to Miami in 1987 had thousands of Tshirts printed up that said “I saw the Pope” in Spanish.

Unfortunately instead of “el Papa” (the Pope) he printed “la Papa” which means “the potato.” The shirts sold poorly.

Well, be careful when trekking across The Outback -- and have a first-rate week.

Join us for Sunday worship at 10 a.m. † Classic Worship † Quality Teaching † Biblical Preaching 1215 Slide Road

799-8691

HOUSECALLS • Tired of sitting at the doctor’s office?

• Do you find it difficult to find a ride to your appointments?

• Are you ready to have your healthcare on your own terms?

• Take advantage of this covered MEDICARE service and let our physicians and nurse practitioners provide your primary medical care in your HOME. Brought to you by

and

L ubbock F amily Medicine

806-74-HOUSE

and schedule a housecall today.

Page 20 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Volunteer Opportunities and Information: St. Paul’s Thrift House, a resale shop at 1508 Ave. X, sells used clothing, household items, books, etc. at greatly

reduced prices. The profits are utilized by the Episcopal Church Women at St. Paul’s for outreach and internal

COVERED SERVICES: • Experienced Nurses Trained in Palliative Care • Pain and Symptom Management • 24-hour On-Call Availability and Support • Medications, Medical Equipment and Supplies related to the hospice diagnosis • Continuous Care at home during periods of pain or uncontrolled symptoms • Physician Services that may include Home Visits • Hospice/Home Health Aide Services

“Your comfort, Our purpose”.

• Medical Social Services • Spiritual and Emotional Counseling • Trained Volunteers • Bereavement Support • Wound Care • In-Patient Care • Physical, Occupational, Respiratory and Speech Therapies

1401 9th St. Lubbock, TX 79401 Phone 806.747.9484 Fax 806.747.9497

• Dietary and Nutritional Counseling

projects. They are in need of volunteers to staff the Thrift House. Contact Renee Haney, at 806-762-2893.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels is looking for volunteer drivers, both regular and substitute, to deliver meals.

Orientation and background checks required. Call 806792-7971.

Habitat for Humanity depends on the skills and energy of community volunteers to build and renovate Habitat houses. The need is also in committee work, first aid, food services, neighbor involvement, and office work.

They also accept new and gently used furniture, household items, and appliances as well as building materials.

Contact 806-763-4663.

Lubbock Foster Grandparents is a program that connects volunteers age 55 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs. If interested, call 806-741-3631.

Interim Hospice is in need of volunteers in a variety of roles encompassing respite care, sitting with patients, errands for family, clerical, visitation in nursing homes, and assistance in bereavement support as well as office assistance. For information, call at 806-791-0043.

Day of Service – Jan. 19, 2015 is designated as a Day of Service. Begin 2015 with community service.

Millions of Americans come together to make a difference in their community.

Contact the Lubbock RSVP office for information, 806-743-7787.

Yarn and material needed. If you have new, smoke-free yarn and/or mate-

VOICE!

By Joan Blackmon, Coordinator Lead With Experience

rial Lubbock RSVP can put to a good cause. Lap robes, afghans, adult bibs, walker pockets, baby blankets, caps, scarves, heart and bear pillows, and other items are

constructed and distributed throughout the community to those in need.

‘Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.’

– Author Unknown

(Continued from Page 18)

Tuesday, Jan. 27 – National Geographic Day Alzheimer’s 101, Texas Tech University Library, Room 150 (Library Lab), 15th St. & Boston Ave., 5:30 p.m., 725-0935 or email stephani. stokes@alz.org Llano Estacado Audubon Society, Garden & Arts Center, 4215 University, 7 p.m., www.llanoestacadoaudubon.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 – Kazoo Day Garrison Institute on Aging Lecture Series, Academic Classroom Building, Room 100, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., 4 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29 – Crumdgeons Day Country Company Band, Lubbock Senior Center, 2001 19th St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30 – Insane Answering Message Day Saturday, Jan. 31 – Appreciate Your Social Security Day

Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day Indoor/Outdoor Walking Group, Hodges Community Center, 4215 S. University Ave., 10:45 a.m.

Country Company Band, Lubbock Senior Center, 2001 19th St., 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23 – Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day Your Heart Matters Breakfast Club, Covenant Medical Center Knipling Education & Conference Center, 21 st Street & Louisville Ave., 6 th floor West Parking Garage, 9 a.m., 1-866-4COVENANT Saturday, Jan. 24 – Belly Laugh Day Sunday, Jan. 25 – Opposite Day Monday, Jan. 26 – Peanut Brittle Day Dementia Support Group, Quail Ridge, 5204 Elgin, 3 p.m., 788-1919

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 21

• Want Ads • Want Ads • Want Ads • Want to buy fishing gear

senior care @ covenant

Wanting to buy fishing gear, lures, reels, tackle. Cash in hand.

6/14 806-392-8502.

Join SeniorCare at Covenant.

Benefits include medical, educational, and social. Call 806725-4218.

2/14

rent our facility

Merry Mixer. Taking reservations for holiday parties, family gathering, or other events. No smoking, no alcohol. Building holds up to 100 people. Tables and chairs available. Rental rates $350 and up. Call 863-2301 for details.

3/14

golden gazette

The Golden Gazette can come to you. Subscribe for one year for $24; two years for $48. Mail your address and check to: Golden Gazette, 1310 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79401. rtn

health benefits

If you are chronically ill, disabled or over 65, you may be eligible for the STAR+Plus program.

Call Amerigroup Real Solutions to get the right care. 800-9642777. rtn

get rid of stuff?

Place your ad HERE! $7 for most ads. Call 806-744-2220.

resthaven Plot

One Resthaven plot for sale.

Section O, Lot 219, Space 1, $2,500 includes transfer fees.

8/14 Call 806-762-3600.

silver sneakers fitness classes

Silver Sneakers fitness classes offered 5 days a week at Premier Sportsplex, 9000 Memphis Dr. in Lubbock. Call 806-771game.

1/13

lubbock cemetery Plot

Lubbock cemetery plot - section 2 B, Lot 34, Space 3 for $600.

Please call 786-2346. rtu

senior sitters

Seniors: if you need help bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or transportation, call me.

Experienced and references available. Call 535-5644 or 11/14 239-8942.

treat yourself

Get your house cleaned by professionals before the upcoming holidays. Call 535-5644 or 239-8942.

12/14

senior vision care

Dr. Michael J. Dunn has provided Lubbock with 36 years of quality vision care. Call 806-7452222.

Subscribe to the

cemetery Plot for sale

Resthaven plot in AA Section for $2,200 or best offer. Make me an offer I can’t refuse. Call or text Glenn at 806-239-8942. 11/14

house & Pet sitting

Home Sweet Home, house & pet sitting. Reasonable rates for exceptional service, References available. Call for rates 325-232-2775.

11/14

someone needs a meal

Our volunteers deliver a lot more than a meal. One hour a day, a week, or a month can make a difference. Lubbock Meals on Wheels. Call 806-792-7971.

straight forWard & honest

Straight forward and Honest: “Stay on Your Feet” (autobiography) Very readable. Send $14.99 to John Castleman, P.O. Box 16708, Lubbock, Texas 1/15 79490. Free postage.

coWboy uP!

“Cowboy Up!” CD. Eleven original “cattle drive” songs.

Lyrics easily understood. Professionally recorded at Levelland, Texas. Send $12.99 to John Castleman, P.O. Box 16708, Lubbock, Texas 79490. Free postage.

1/15

Subscription Form

Please enter my subscription to the Gazette:

News and features mailed to you at the first of each month. Subscribe to Lubbock’s Senior Newspaper.

Clip and mail the attached form along with your subscription check.

 One Year Subscription for $24  Two Year Subscription for $48 Mail my copy of the Golden Gazette to:

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Page 22 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Seniors Are Special and Dillard’s present style show Seniors Are Special in conjunction with Dillard’s presented a style show on Dec. 10 at the McInturff Conference Center at UMC. Local non-professional models presented the many styles.

Photos by Jo Stone

The best things in life are free Free community papers like the one you’re reading today are thriving. In fact, free community publications have been able to maintain nearly 99% of their readership since the turn of the millenium. We love the communities we serve, and we couldn’t do it without your support.

Thank you!

1310 Avenue Q • Lubbock • 806-744-2220

Golden Gazette • January 2015 • Page 23

Karen Votava

Sue Winton-Duhan is escorted by a member of the Marine Color Guard.

Anne Gossett

Six of the recipients of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Service Award: front, Myrethia Wood, Vestal “Pappy” Yeats, Lorena Huber; back, Dr. Carl Brown, Wanda Shaw, Marlene Ross.

Lubbock RSVP Volunteers Honored for Service Lubbock RSVP honored volunteers with a recognition dinner held in October at the Clarion Grand Park, formerly Holiday Inn Park Plaza.

More than 225 volunteers, volunteer coordinators, and guests attended this event.

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Color Guard presented the colors while

those in attendance recited the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ followed by singing the National Anthem.

Many attendees also brought a toy to donate or funds to assist the USMC Toys for Tots campaign.

The cowboy hats that were used to decorate tables were also donated to the Toys for Tots campaign.

Clay Ament and Veronica Molinar-Lopez assisted with the Toys for Tots campaign.

Lubbock RSVP and the Recipients of the 2014 performance of the ‘8-SecRSVP volunteers are hon- award were Adelle Alley, ond Ride.’ ored to support the USMC Eddie Aten, Betty BradSome couples did a little and assist with their annual ford, Carl Brown, Mary ‘boot scooting’ on the dance events.

Ann Gossett, Lorena Huber, floor.

Fifteen volunteers were Melba Gae Ludecke, ConSeveral local companies honored with the President’s nye Marshall, Donald Mac sponsored tables and proL i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e n t Nair, Marlene Ross, Wanda vided numerous door prizes.

Award.

Shaw, Sue Winton-Duhan, Lubbock RSVP has volThis special honor is given Myrethia Wood, Vestal unteers at more than 40 locato volunteers who have re- “Pappy” Yeats, and Karen tions and a great variety of ported 4,000 or more volun- Votava. services are provided. teer hours while enrolled in Entertainment took on a For information on the Lubbock RSVP. ‘western’ flair with a great program, call 806-743-7787.

Each recipient received a signed letter from the President of the United States, a certificate from the Corporation for National and Community Service ‘Call to Service Award’ and a lapel pin (replica of the Seal of the Unit- The Color Guard is with the Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 453, USMC. ed States).

Page 24 • January 2015 • Golden Gazette

Engaging Communications with Older Adults Effective communicators know their audience, and they change their communications to suit those audiences.

The language a doctor uses when consulting with colleagues will not be the same, hopefully, as that used when speaking with patients.

Mothers speak with their children differently than they would with their spouses.

How you verbally interact on a job interview will differ from how you interact when out to dinner with friends, or with the neighbor, or with the sales clerk at the grocery store.

By changing your communication strategy, you ensure your message is successfully transmitted to the other person.

Sometimes, though, needed changes in communication are not always instantly recognized.

Communication needs for older adults can sometimes change slowly and imperceptibly over time.

These changes occur due to sensory and memory loss, slower comprehension times, psychological factors, and aging processes.

This inadvertently can increase communication barriers between older adults and their loved ones as their loved ones continue to use the same communication strategy with the older person without realizing that their strategy should change for their message to be comprehended.

When this happens, people can get frustrated and angry as they feel the older person is “just not listening to them.”

In some cases this can escalate to the person shouting at the senior in a poor attempt to “get their message across.”

This can even lead to elder abuse as tempers flare.

At the other end of the spectrum, communications between older individuals and their loved ones can cease as the communication divide increases.

Situations like these can be

avoided by changing communication strategies.

The American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association provides the following useful tips to ensure you are speaking with, not speaking at, an older adult: Reduce background noises that may distract the other person. Move to a quieter area or turn off noisy devices.

Ease into conversations by speaking first of casual matters then move into discussing more serious topics. This acts as a sort of “warm-up period” for the conversation.

Discuss topics that are familiar to the person so he or she can become engaged in the conversation.

Avoid switching quickly from topic to topic. Stay focused.

Avoid verbosity. Speak in short sentences and ask short questions. (This is probably a good practice no matter what the age of the listener is.)

Allow the person time to respond and allow time to

Communication needs for older adults can sometimes change slowly over time.

reminisce.

When decisions need to be made, offer the older adult choices rather than asking open-ended questions.

Listen actively to what the older person is saying. If the message is unclear, look for physical clues and ask for clarification.

Remember, a conversation is two way, so allow the older adult to converse comfortably

and change your approach as necessary.

Refrain from speaking to the older person as if he or she were a child. Doing so can strengthen relationships and provide an enjoyable experience for all parties involved.

References: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and The Gerontological Society of America.