1 hometown living at its best
2301 Quaker Avenue | Lubbock, Texas 79410 | 806.725.8801 | 888.810.9106 YOUR CARE IS OUR LEGACY C ovenant High Plains Surgery Center, winner of the 2022 Best of the West Outpatient Surgery Center Award, stands head and shoulders above the rest and competes with the best in the nation. As the only wide-range multi-specialty surgery centers in Lubbock nationally accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), they have earned numerous distinctions on a regional and national level. The 22nd Street center rated in the Top 5% in Newsweek’s America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2022 and is the first in the South Plains to perform complex robot-assisted surgical procedures using the advanced DaVinci surgical robot. Last year, their Quaker Avenue facility became the first – and so far the only – ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in West Texas to perform outpatient robotic total knee replacement, using the Stryker Mako™ surgical robot. In addition, they earned Center of Excellence recognition for bariatric surgery, one of only a dozen ASCs in the country accredited by the MBSAQIP, as well as achieving the coveted Blue Distinction® Center designation in bariatric surgery from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, one of only nine ASCs in the nation. “In our center, our motto is, ‘We all own compliance,’” said Alfonso del Granado, Administrator of Covenant High Plains. “That means every single one of us is 100% accountable for providing our patients with the highest quality of care available. This is what makes our centers stand out – not the awards or recognition, but the people who give themselves fully to the service of their fellows. This is who we are.” And who they are is evident in their mission statement. “We incorporate these four values to serve our patients,” del Granado explained. “Collaboration (working as a team), Accountability (own it, always), Responsiveness (be open to change), and Engagement (step up, be informed and empower others).”
Del Granado decided to join Covenant High Plains Surgery Center almost three years ago after he toured the organization and was profoundly impressed by what he learned. “CHPSC is owned primarily by local physicians,” del Granado explained, “and I have rarely seen this level of collaboration and dedication to excellence. Everyone works together as a unified team to help ensure the best possible patient outcomes.” ASCs, like Covenant High Plains, are healthcare facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care including diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures. It is estimated that these facilities save the Medicare system – and patients – billions of dollars annually by offering a high-quality, lowercost alternative to hospital-based surgery. “ASCs have transformed the outpatient experience by offering convenient, specialized, and efficient facilities with superlative outcomes,” said del Granado. “Surgical procedures performed at ASCs typically enjoy much lower rates of complications, infections, and adverse events, allowing patients to go home the same day and helping avoid the added costs associated with hospitalization.” In addition, surgery centers, like Covenant High Plains, are small and easily accessible facilities, offering a warm and calming environment where attention is more personal and whose staff members were specifically selected and trained to deliver optimal care in an outpatient setting. “Patients should have a choice in where their ambulatory surgery is performed,” del Granado stated, “and we believe that an ASC like Covenant High Plains Surgery Center should be at the top of their list.” For additional information, please contact Covenant High Plains Surgery Center by calling 806.725.8801 or 806.776.4772, or visit www.CHPSurgery.com to learn more. 3610 22nd Street | Lubbock, Texas 79410 | 806.776.4772 | 877.796.4772
4 lubbock lifestyles magazine 38 Contents TRAVEL GUIDE This summer, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. COMMUNITY IMPACT Junior League of Lubbock aims to improve the community through the effective action and leadership of itsmembers. REAL RANCHES. REAL STORIES. REAL HERITAGE. The National Ranching Heritage Center is an educational resource for the community as a place to reflect on the culture and values of ranching. 12 on the cover 22 32 BEAUTIFULMUSIC OFMEXICO A local band, Mariachi Mexico Lindo, is preserving culture throughmusic. 41 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating 2022 graduates with prayers &well wishes. 42 PLANS TO PROSPER Christi Robnett shares her path to parenthood through international adoption. 48 HOMETOWNHAPPENING Miniaturists of Lubbock’s 43rd Annual Exhibit & Sale. 21 TEXAS TAILGATING CHECKLIST Red Raider fans, get gameday ready.
5 hometown living at its best
Lubbock Lifestyles Magazine© is published semi-annually by hometownmedia.group.com 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Rebecca Sanchez Sabrina Forse Connie Lewis Leonard Kayla Brooks PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Guthrie Design & Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt &Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins WE ARE HIRING PRINT & DIGITAL SALES REPRESENTIVES IN THE LUBBOCK AREA Please send your resume to: heather@hometown-living.com or call 325-668-6662 to learn more. DIGITALMARKETING Laurie Blackwell laurie@hometownmedia.group ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks ON THE COVER Photo by Luis Hinojasa 8 lubbock lifestyles magazine I am so excited to introduce the summer issue of Lubbock Lifestyles to you! This issue highlights history, culture and the great people that serve the Lubbock community. Whether it’s the rich history preserved at The National RanchingHeritage Center (page 10), community leadership and service (page 22), or Mexican culture fostered through music (page 32), these storieswill make you smile. I love the common thread throughout Lubbock Lifestyles… amazing people and their effect, both past and present, on our way of life. I leave you with one uplifting thought to help you make your own mark on our community. It is such a great reminder to make the most of the small moments of interaction in your everyday life. From the timeless book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The Value of a Smile: It cost nothing but creates much. It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None are so rich they can get along without it and none are so poor but are richer for its benefits. It creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature’s best antidote for trouble. It cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away. And if in the rush of lie some should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to leave one of yours? For nobody needs to smile so much as those who have none left to give! As always, we love for you to share your ideas for future issues of people and organizations who make you smile and make Lubbock a great place to live. Just email me, content@hometown-living.com! Peyton, Cole, Kase, L indsey and Ky ler Kruger Lindsey Kruger A Note From Our Team Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32 Hey y’all!
RanchHost JohnLevacy sits by thefire in the 1888MatadorRanchHalf-Dugout andplayshis guitarduringCandlelight at theRanch, anannual Christmas event replicating how the holidaymight have been observed on theWestern frontier. (Photo by JohnWeast) 10 lubbock lifestyles magazine
real heritage he living museum concept started in 1966 with Dr. Grover Murray, president of Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech University. After seeing a similar museum platform abroad, he gathered a committee of community leaders. From that point, the college and the community planned the historical park and indoormuseum to tell the story of settlement west of theMississippi River. As plans developed, the committee grew into the Ranching Heritage Association, a nonprofit organization that supports NRHC efforts. The organization has grown to 1,500members andprovides 60percent of the funding for the public-private partnership. Preserving and interpreting the history of North American ranching is the mission of the NRHC as well as addressing contemporary ranching issues. In addition to the seven galleries in its indoor space, 55 historical structures have new life in the NRHC outdoor museum. In 1970 the storytelling began when thefirst structurewasmoved to the site. Stoneby stone andplankbyplank,more arrived. All but one is original, relocatedand restored, oftenwith the costs coveredby thedonors. Narratives of thepeoplewho lived inthestructuresare thoseofhardship, ingenuityandperseverance throughout Texas and the Southwest. Many staff and volunteers at the NRHC have a direct connection to ranching. “Both sides of my family were in agriculture and involved in the ranching industry,” says Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of theNRHC. “My grandfather was an experienced cowman and instilled inme a love for the land and a love for cattle. I love the values that developed around ranching and the opportunity to be a steward of the land. There’s something about being tied to the land and raising livestock that is grounding, and you take a personal pride in it.” Walking up close and peering into the actual homes, barns and corrals brings visitors face to face with the personal lives of families and theworkof cowboys and ranchhands.More than60,000visitors ayear hear the stories of early settlers making do with what they had to grow an industry that now feeds not only a nation but also other parts of the world. r e a l r a n c h e s. r e a l s t o r i e s. The National Ranching Heritage Center is an educational resource for the community as a place to reflect on the culture and values of ranching. T 11 hometown living at its best Written By REBECCA SANCHEZ Photos Provided By THE NATIONAL RANCHING HERITAGE CENTER
Arranged chronologically, the structures show the evolution of ranching life. The Picket and Sotol house demonstrates the adaptive strategies of homesteaders who made walls from cedar posts and horizontal sticks of driedsotol plants.Mudmortar andsandstone intheLos Corralitos replica tell how18thcentury rancherskept cool with 33-inch-thickwalls and 11-foot ceilings. Visitors can peer through the gun ports they built for safety instead of windows. The 1909Bartonhouse tells the storyof early railroad towns. JosephandMaryBartonmovedwest for affordable land. A proposed rail route increased their land’s value. They subdivided their ranch, sold land, and grew a town, Bartonsite. Barton built a two-and-a-half-story Queen Annehomewithrunningwater, Tuscancolumnsout front and a wraparound porch. Having a home with comforts Above: The 1909BartonHouse is aQueen-Anne stylehome similar to those that appeared on successful ranches in the early 1900s after the days of dugouts and log cabins ended. The JosephBarton family moved toWest Texas in 1891 andbought 50 sections of land to start their TL Ranch. (Photo by Sue Jones) 12 lubbock lifestyles magazine
like thiswasanaspirationthat peoplebuilding ranchesworked towards andwas symbolic of their success. Though reassembled and restored, volunteers bring life back to the structures. Garry and Donna Wright have been ranch hosts for 25 years, and John Levacy has volunteered as a host for 33 years. They wear period clothing and perform ranch activities appropriate to the time period they represent. “History doesn’t exist without storytellers,” says Levacy, who plays guitar, sings, does leatherwork and carving in his role as a ranch host. “We get the chance as ranch hosts to tell the story. These buildings are not just rock and stone, they’re a monument to the people whowent through the hardships of though reassembled and restored, volunteers bring life back to the structures. “history doesn’t exist without storytellers,”says levacy. Left: The 19-acre historic park includes 55 authentic ranching structures and a 1.5-mile walking path. Skilled blacksmiths Daniel Dean and LewisNeely volunteer at thecenterduring important eventsand lightupthefiresof the 1917 Renderbrook-Spade Ranch Blacksmith Shop. Their young visitors probably never heard of a blacksmith before they hit the anvil with a hammer. (Photo by JohnWeast) 13 hometown living at its best
The National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock is an indoor/outdoor museum that includes seven galleries and a 19-acre historical park with a 1.5-mile walking path. The 55 ranching structures assembled in the park were chosen to represent the birth, growth and maturity of ranching in the regionwest of theMississippi River just as ColonialWilliamsburg represents the nation’s history east of the river. (Photo by JohnWeast) Above: RanchHosts Don and Debbie Tumlinson brought their chuckwagon to thehistoric park forCandlelight at theRanch and provided a living portrait of a pioneer couple alone on the frontier at Christmas. The annual family-friendly event allowsvisitors toexperiencewhatChristmaswouldhavebeen likeduring the timeof eachhistoric structure. Structuresbuilt before electricity were lit with only lanterns, fireplaces and campfires. (Photo by TomHeisey) Above: The end of the Indian Wars may have allowed the Southern Great Plains to be the last place in America settled, but the windmill is what allowed settlers to stay on the plains. Historical Preservation Specialist Armando Lopez stands beside the giant fan of the 1898 Railroad Eclipse Windmill, the third largestwindmill producedby the Eclipse Co. in the 19th century. Thewindmill has a fan size equivalent to four average-sizedmen lying on the ground ina straight line andwasmoved to theNRHC fromthe Canon Ranch in Pecos County, Texas. (Photo by Bill Castor) “we want to give people a real sense of their roots here, what it was really like,” garry explains. “it was a special time in our history. ” 14 lubbock lifestyles magazine
this country when it was first settled, when there was little water, little timber and no railroad yet.” TheWrightsbothhaveafamilyhistoryinagriculture. Donna grew up in the Texas Panhandle area helping her grandmother make quilts, soaps, and jams. Garry’s history is from a ranch in Colorado. “I hope that people see things they can connect to,” Donna says. “Some of the older people that come through are almost in tears remembering theirchildhoodgrowingup, sleepingunder quilts in a cold bedroom. There are very few people who come to our events that are on their phones all the time. It’s a time when they can unplug a little bit and feel transported back in time.” TheWrights areknown for theirDutchovencooking skills, and they demonstrate the cooking methods from thepast. “Wewant togivepeopleareal senseof their roots here, what it was really like,” Garry explains. “It was a special time in our history.” The heritage center also facilitates research and learning. “We continue to be supported by the ranching industry, but we also serve as an important front door for theuniversity itself,” Campbell explains. “Wehelp trainand educate students, so it is a great partnership. Almost every college and department and unit can add a tie-in here. We have classes from arts and sciences, and students from architecture classes study the evolution of architecture in theAmericanWest and groups do architectural renderings ofourstructures that go intotheLibraryofCongress.Groups fromentomologycomeout becauseof our opengreenspace and large collections of pollinators. In fact, Below: This wooden 6666 Ranch Barn (1908) was a landmark in Guthrie, Texas, for many years as it stood near the imposing home Samuel Burk Burnett built as the headquarters of his ranching empire. Disassembled and reconstructed at the National Ranching HeritageCenter in1981, the outside of thebarnappearsmuchas it did when in use at the ranch, but today the interior is used to facilitate special events and programs. (Photo by Sue Jones) 15 hometown living at its best
16 lubbock lifestyles magazine
we have even worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife to plant pollinator plots to make it more range like. Students come out and study those insects and pollinators that are drawn by those different plots. When structures were moved, archaeology students did assays of any artifacts that were found in the structures. We have quite a strong museumscience programhere at Texas Tech, and we employ those students aswork study students. They help us archive our collections, input new acquisitions to those collections, put them in the database and help store them.” Top Left: Originally built in 1886, the restored XIT Las Escarbadas division headquarters provides a glimpse of a bygone era in ranching history. The XIT Ranch was the largest U.S. ranchunder fence from1885 to 1912. One of its eight division headquarters, Las Escarbadas, was falling in ruins andbecoming a refuge forwildanimals and cattle before being relocated to the NRHC and restored in 1973. (Photo byMark Hartsfield) Top Right: This 1838 log cabin was located on the El Capote Ranch near Sequin, Texas, before the Republic of Texas became a state. Made of pecan wood, the log cabin was disassembledand reconstructedat theNational Ranching Heritage Center in the 1970s and is visited by more than 60,000 visitors a year. (Photo by JohnWeast) Bottom Right: A life-size bronze sculpture of a cowboy on horseback surrounded by 19 life-size Texas Longhorns greetsmore than60,000visitors each year at the entrance of the National Ranching Heritage Center. The bronze steersweigh 750pounds each andwere cast ina variety of poses to resemble a walking herd. Each steer carries the brand of its donor, and the brands represent some of the most historic ranches in Texas. (Photo by Sue Jones) Bottom Left: A dugout is not much more than a hole in the ground, but it was the most common shelter on the Southern Great Plains where timber for building was scarce.When the terrain includedhills, ahalf-dugout could bedug into thehillsideandrequireonlyaminimumnumber of logs for siding. This 1888 half-dugout began as a family dwelling but became a Matador Ranch line camp with as manyasninecowboys sharing the space. They left carvings, drawings and bullet holes in the red clay walls. (Photo by Mark Hartsfield) Not so long ago people were only one or two generations separated from their family’s involvement in agriculture. Now, more than a few generations separate many people from the familiarityof the life and effort behind ranching and the food it provides. Visiting the outdoor museum is an experience that can close that gap and make a lasting impression that carries a legacy into the future. † visiting the outdoor museum is an experience that can close that gap and make a lasting impression that carries a legacy into the future. 17 hometown living at its best
FAMILY • PORTRAITS • COMMERCIAL AND EDITORIAL LIFESTYLES • FOOD • SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT angelaguthrie.com @aguthriephotography i
19 hometown living at its best
20 lubbock lifestyles magazine WRECK ‘EM RED DATE TIME AT OPPONENT LOCATION T EXAS T ECH 2022 FOOTBAL L SCHEDUL E September 3, 2022 7 p.m. Home Murray State Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium September 10, 2022 3 p.m. Home Houston Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium September 17, 2022 6 p.m. Away North Carolina State Raleigh, NC September 24, 2022 T.B.D Home Big 12 vs Texas Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium October 1, 2022 T.B.D Away Big 12 @ Kansas State Manhattan, KS October 8, 2022 T.B.D Away Big 12 @ Oklahoma State Stillwater, OK October 22, 2022 T.B.D Home Big 12 vs West Virginia Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium October 29, 2022 T.B.D Home Big 12 vs Baylor Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium November 5, 2022 T.B.D Away Big 12 @ TCU Fort Worth, TX November 12, 2022 T.B.D Home Big 12 vs Kansas Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium November 19, 2022 T.B.D Away Big 12 @ Iowa State Ames, IA November 26, 2022 T.B.D Home Big 12 vs Oklahoma Lubbock, TX Jones AT&T Stadium
21 hometown living at its best IN YOUR COLD WEATHER KIT, PACK: r Lap blankets that can be used in your picnic chair and then taken into the stadium later r Extra gloves, scarves, hats and packets of hand and foot warmers r A spare sweatshirt FOR HOT WEATHER, INCLUDE: r A battery-powered fan/ personal misting bottles r Sunglasses & sunscreen r Bug spray LEAVE THESE ESSENTIALS IN YOUR VEHICLE OR KEEP THEM HANDY IN A CLEAR RUBBERMAID CONTAINER. r Matches or lighter r Grilling tools and pot holders r Sharp knife r Cutting board r Cork screw r Bottle opener r Can opener r Meat thermometer r Salt and pepper r First aid kit IF YOU ARE THE MAIN HOST YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLDING TABLES & CHAIRS AND YOU MIGHT CONSIDER A CANOPY TENT TOO. r A grill and fuel r Coolers + and ice – one for kid drinks & water and one for adult beverages r Platters or containers for food r Plates, bowls, cups and utensils r Foil r Wipes, paper towels, trash bags & Ziplock baggies for packing away leftovers r A plastic tote and lid for hauling dirty dishes home r Lanterns or flashlights DO YOU NEED AN IDEA OF WHAT TO BRING OR WHAT TO MAKE? TRIED AND TRUE CLASSICS INCLUDE: • Mini hamburger sliders • Hotdogs • Skewers • Pulled pork Send us your game day tailgating pictures to content@hometown-living.com for consideration to be featured in the next Lubbock Lifestyles Magazine Hometown Happenings section. TEXAS TA I LGAT I NG CHECKL I ST • Beans • Fruit trays galore • Chips and dip (ranch, nacho, guacamole, the more variety the better) In Texas you have to be prepared for all types of weather. If you tailgate in Texas your pre-game can go from hot to windy to freezing in the span of a few hours, so come prepared and we can help!
22 lubbock lifestyles magazine Junior League of Lubbock aims to improve the community through the effective action and leadership of its members. Written By CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD | Photos Provided By LESLIE COLLINS IMPACT Community s
Since 1935, the Junior League (JL) of Lubbockhas beenmaking an impact in theLubbock community through volunteer hours, community projects, fundraising, scholarships, and grants. Leslie Collins, current President, shares with us the many programs JL of Lubbock offers andwhy she is so passionate about serving her community. Collins is Lubbock born and raised. She said, “I am a Red Raider through-andthrough, earning two bachelor degrees and my law degree from Tech. I now work for Texas TechUniversityHealth Sciences Center in a role that is both challenging and very fulfilling. I’m proud toworkwith both the Texas Tech and Lubbock communitywho have servedme sowell.” Food2Kids Becoming a member in 2013, the Food2Kids program captured her attention. “I loved knowing that after a shift of stuffing sacks I could visibly see the impact the programwas having on children in need and knew that my time was well spent. I was placed in many different positions within the organizationover the years and eventually served as Food2Kids Chair,my favorite positionwithin the JL of Lubbock. I beganmy service on the Board of Directors as Community Impact Vice President in 2018 and served as President this past year,” Collins shared. Food2Kids began over a decade ago when a JL of Lubbock member discovered a second grader at her child’s school eating food from the lunchboxes of his classmates in a dark roomon aMonday morning. He had not had anything to eat over the weekend, and he was not the only child in need. Modeled after America’s SecondHarvest BackpackProgram, the Food2Kids programsends home sacks of shelf-stable, easy to open and prepare food items to feed insecure elementary-age children inLubbock ISDwhodon’t knowwhere theirnextmeal is coming from. Childrenare identifiedby their teachersandcounselors, andsacksaresenthomeeveryFridayafternoonof theschool year.Withneeds increasing beyond what the organization could provide, in 2019, the JL of Lubbock began a five-year transition tomake the Food2Kids programan independent 501(c)(3) organization. Now called South Plains Food2Kids, supported by the Hogg and Taylor families and the Taylor FamilyFoundation, theorganizationdistributesover $6,000 infood toover 2,000 food insecurechildren eachweek. As theLeague transitionsout, SouthPlainsFood2Kidsdependsonoutsidevolunteer groups to stuff sacks eachweek. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to the South Plains Food2Kids program, you can visit the South Plains Food2Kids Facebook page. TOP LEFT: 2021-2022 Junior League of LubbockBoardmembers (back) JulieWilson, KathyOaks, LaurenMaclaskey, Leslie Collins, Jessie Cayton, Traci Siebenlist, (front)Marlise Boyles, andDeborah Finlayson. Photo courtesy of Drake Photography. ABOVE: Junior League of Lubbockmembers and community volunteers finishing a shift of stuffing sacks of food todistribute to food insecure children inSeptember 2021. 23 hometown living at its best
24 lubbock lifestyles magazine Kids in the Kitchen Another signature project is Kids in the Kitchen. Originating with the Association of JuniorLeagues International, Kids intheKitchen not only puts kids in the kitchen, but also in the garden and the playground with hands-on, interactive and inclusive activities. This year, Kids in the Kitchen developed communitypartnerships to servemore children. A current successful partnershipwith the South Plains Food Bank’s GRUB Farm allows children to invest in the food they eat by learning how it grows. They can get their hands dirty and take ownership of the food they produce. Holiday Happening The largest fundraiser for JL of Lubbock is Holiday Happening, which will celebrate its 42nd year with the theme “Oh What Fun!” Held November 16-20, 2022, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, Holiday Happening is a five-day shopping event to kick off the holiday season.
25 hometown living at its best Open to thepublic, it attracts bothmerchants and patrons fromall over the state. TheweekofHolidayHappening includes special ticketed events like Sneak Peek, Ladies’ Day, andBreakfastwithSanta, a silent auction, over 140merchant booths, the saleof holiday decorations, and more. Collins said, “We are glad to have been able to host the event in 2021, which brought in thousands of attendees and over $406,000. We are looking forward to 2022! We hear from individuals across the region that Holiday Happening has become a tradition. They look forward to travelling to Lubbock, shopping with family and friends and gearing up for the holiday season.” The League distributes the revenue back into the community, supporting signature projects, providing community assistance grants to non-profit organizations, and fundingascholarshipforayoungwomanwho demonstrates an exemplary commitment to voluntarism. TOP: Lindsay Rushing, and Briana Vela TOPRIGHT: Mrs.Claus (JuniorLeague of Lubbockmember, Sharon Robinson) and Santa reading a story at Holiday Happening 2021’s Breakfast with Santa event. ABOVE: Jessie Clayton and Leslie Collins TOP LEFT: Committee Chair, Marissa-Anne Melakian, and committee members Cori Long, Courtney Paz, and Alyssa Reichert providing fun and healthy snacks and recipes to children at the Junior League of Lubbock’s Touch-a-Truck event on April 23, 2022. BOTTOM LEFT: Lauren Uryasz and Amy Hayes
26 lubbock lifestyles magazine Touch-a-Truck Touch-a-Truck is an annual family-friendly community event that is free to the public. It allows children to interact with big trucks, farmequipment, first responder vehicles, and the individuals who operate them. This year’s event tookplace onApril 23, 2022, in the South Plains Mall parking lot bringing in 80 different vehicles and over 3,000 attendees! “We offer a horn-free hour for children with sensory sensitivities, but for the rest of the day, children and adults get to interact with all the bells andwhistles thatmake thesevehiclesunique,”Collins says, “They can ask questions and learn more about the careers of the operators of the vehicles. This year’s event also provided car seat safety checks and free bicycle helmets for children.” TOP: Tiffany Brown, Myranda Aycock, and Crystal Cumberland BOTTOM: Touch-a-Truck provides an opportunity to children to explore large machinery.
27 hometown living at its best Although the League’s primary focus has traditionally been on serving children, the strategic plan for the upcoming five yearswill focusonElderCare. Thegoal of adoptingElder Care as a focus is to enhance the quality of life for Lubbock senior citizens through respite care, health services, and the improvement of basic day-to-day living conditions. This will be done initially by partnering with organizations already doing important work effectively serving the community. JL of Lubbock consists of nearly 600 individuals, coming together to improve the community through the effective action and leadership of its members. The first year, members receive training as Provisional members. After successfully completing the ProvisionalYear, theybecomeActivemembers serving in volunteer positions or internal support. After serving sevenyears as anActive member, or upon turning 40, she is eligible to become a Sustainingmember. ABOVE: Jenna Hall, handing out play-doh to children. TOP: Junior League of Lubbock President-Elect, Jessie Cayton, Past Presidents Sunshine Stanek, Beth Bridges, and Kathy Rollo, and current President Leslie Collins TOP RIGHT: A visitor showing off her unicorn to TTPD Officer before playing with the vehicle’s lights and sirens. BOTTOMRIGHT: Educating familiesonchildtransportationsafety where professionals performed car seat safety inspections. Junior League of Lubbockmembers Jessica Tullar-Caroom, Noelle Sierra, and Karen Mitchell (who also works for the Texas Department of Transportation) helped to coordinate those efforts.
28 lubbock lifestyles magazine Collins said, “The Junior League of Lubbock is such auniqueand important organization to the community. Our goal is always to find the community need and either partner with those organizations who are doing a fantastic job fulfilling that needor todevelop a project that addresses a gap in service for a specific population. Weareanorganizationcommitted toboth improving the community, and to the development of women leaders. It has been a true honor to serve this organization as President, and I consider myself very lucky to have worked alongside and learned from the women that make this organization successful.” To learn about becoming a member of the Junior League of Lubbock, to apply to be a vendor at Holiday Happening 2022, or to apply for a project partnership, please visit the Junior League of Lubbock website, jllubbock.com. † ABOVE: LaurenMaclaskey, President, LeslieCollins, andSustainingAdvisor, DeborahFinlaysonpresent a community assistance grantHighPoint Village inNovember 2021. RIGHT: Leslie Collins and South Plains Food2Kids Chair, Katie Randolph present a community assistance grant toRonaldMcDonaldHouseCharities President &CEO Emmanuel Ramirez and staff inMay 2022. BOTTOM RIGHT: Lauren Maclaskey, Jessie Cayton, and Leslie Collins present a community assistance grant toCASAof the SouthPlains Executive Director JaclynMorris and staffmembers.
29 hometown living at its best
30 lubbock lifestyles magazine
31 hometown living at its best
32 lubbock lifestyles magazine Mexico Music u Beautiful A LOCAL BAND, MARIACHI MEXICO LINDO, IS PRESERVING CULTURE THROUGH MUSIC. Written by: Sabrina Forse Photos Provided by: Mariachi Mexico Lindo
33 Growing up as the youngest of fourteen children, Oscar Castillo learned to find his own voice through music. “We had a big old recordplayer somomanddadwould dance in the living room.Mywhole family lovesmusic and everything we did and still do always involves music.My father lovedmariachimusic. Songs likeVolverVolver andElReybyVicenteFernãndezdefinitelyelicitmemoriesofmy childhood,” saidOscar Castillo. Castillo startedplaying trumpet as an elementary student in Hart, Texas which is a community about an hour north of Lubbock. “After learning the trumpet, musicwas all Iwanted todo. Iwas in state trumpet competition and solo ensemble concerts. I just loved it.”
Majoring inmass communicationatTexasTech, Castillo planned on becoming a deejay. “Mymother had a stroke and I was so intrigued by the staff that helped her that I changed my major and am now an Occupational Therapist.” Castillo often uses music to motivate his patients. “I can coax a lot of patients into doing something by singing. A lot of the population Iworkwith is geriatric andbecause I’mbilingual, I often see Spanish speaking patients. Singing their favorite song can often put themat ease.” Castillomay have changed his major, but he never gave up music. “When I moved to Lubbock, a friend of mine was in a mariachi group, so my brother-in-law asked me to go to a rehearsal. I picked up a guitar and never looked back.” As a lover of all musical genres, Castillo found himself drawn to the music popular with his ancestors. “My grandmother on my father’s side was fromMonterrey, Mexico. Growing up, I was more of a rocker. I loved Bon Jovi and Whitesnake. I didn’t really gravitate towardmariachi music but when I got intocollege, I started to see thebeautyof ourMexicanculture through themusic.” CastilloplayedwithMariachi-Amistad forabout thirteen years before forming Mariachi Mexico Lindo in 2010 which translates toBeautifulMusic ofMexico. The group currently has ten members, most of whom are classically trained musicians. By day the members are all pursing different careers, everything from teaching elementary school to selling houses and going to college. On the evenings and weekends, they unite in their love of music. “We have a full mariachi sound with three violins, two trumpets, a guitar, a bass guitar, a vihuela and a harp.” In a mariachi band, all musicians also sing. Castillo plays the guitar and sings. “I saw so many kids that wanted to do this but didn’t have the instruction. People took me in and shared their knowledge and techniques with me and allowed me to become a musician. I wanted to pass that torch on so these youngermusicians canprosper andshare their talents, never letting the beautiful music of our culture die.” That culture includeswearing the traditionalmariachi traje (suit). “Putting on the suit makes you feel like Superman. It reallymakes us feel that muchmore of amariachi charro or charra. There is so much pride that goes behind it. I tell the other members to take care of their suits not only because it’s expensive but because we’re representing a whole culture when wearing it.” Castillo played with MariachiAmistad for about thirteen years before forming Mariachi Mexico Lindo in 2010 which translates to Beautiful Music of Mexico. 34 lubbock lifestyles magazine
35 hometown living at its best
Mariachi Mexico Lindo Members Oscar Castillo - guitar Jazmin Torres - guitar Alejandra Blanco - vihuela Conrad Bernal - guitarron Dennis Carrizales - harp Bertah Rodriguez - violin ZachariahMachuca - violin Nathan Rangel- violin Alex Garcia - trumpet Michael Covarrubio - trumpet If you’re interested in booking Mariachi Mexico Lindo visit Facebook.com/MariachiMexicoLindoLBK or call 806-281-3319. 36 lubbock lifestyles magazine
Mariachi Mexico Lindo performs an average of sixteen shows amonth in Lubbock and surrounding areas. They performed in front of Governor Greg Abbott in Lubbock. They’ve played at numerous public events at Texas Tech, restaurants, and the Buddy Holly Center. The musicians also play at private parties and events such as weddings and quinceañeras. “It’s always anhonor tobecome part of a family’s celebration and bring the party to them.” MariachiMexicoLindo canplay a variety of genres, but Castillo is always excited when audiencemembershaveneverbeenexposedto mariachimusicbefore. “Weplayedabackyard party recently and some guests came up to us and said they didn’t realizemariachi included such good harmonies. They are sometimes surprised when we sing in both English and Spanish.” With a library of over 500 different songs, the group can handle many requests. One most requested song is one that Castillo composed for his mother. It’s called My Gran Madre which translates to My Grand Mother. “Iwrotethesongabouthaving thebestmomin theworld. There isnothing that compares to a mother’s love.My favoritememories arewhen I had the opportunity to play for my mother. Shehas since passedbut it’s anhonor to share that song with other moms in the audience.” With plans to record an album, the group hopes to share their music for years to come. Whether they are recording in a studio or performing live in front of family and friends orstrangers,MariachiMexicoLindoplayswith purpose. “Wewant toplaythesongspeopleask for even ifwe’veplayed them100 times. Itmay be the first time to the audience. Before every show, we gather and say a prayer. We pray for safety if we are traveling and a prayer for health. We also pray thanks for being able to do what we do and continue to do it. We are very thankful to those who listen.” † Mariachi Mexico Lindo can play a variety of genres, but Castillo is always excited when audience members have never been exposed to mariachi music before. 37 hometown living at its best
38 lubbock lifestyles magazine amarillo living mag zine { { travel guide
39 hometown living at its best { { travel guide All Aboard! Your West Texas Adventure Awaits. Abilene is big on what matters: history, culture, innovation, and West Texas hospitality. Make a little time to stay and play, to see and feel authentic Texas, and do things you can’t find anywhere else. After all, Abilene owns bragging rights as the Storybook Capital of America®. Plot your summer adventure today! Learn more at abilenevisitors.com
Virtual resident panel discussion hosted by Coach Marsha Sharp Call for an invitation to view Coach Sharp visiting with Carillon Residents....806-281-6106 1717 Norfolk Avenue Lubbock, Texas 79416 www.carillonlubbock.com A#137654 B#135846 www.VisitLawtonOK.com Learn more at: 40 amarillo living magazine { { travel guide
With Mr. Electric® you get a Home Safety Check-Up with every call at no additional charge, so you make sure your electrical can keep up with your gadgets. For electrical repairs upgrades and installations, call Mr. Electric today. 806.228.7116 • MrElectric.com/Lubbock Locally Owned and Operated Franchise TECL #31620 • Free • Whole Home Safety Check Offer valid only at participating location. Independently owned and operated franchise. © 2022 Mr. Electric SPV LLC. All rights Reserved You get the best of everything else, why not get the best electricians? 41 hometown living at its best
CHRISTI ROBNETT SHARES HER PATH TO PARENTHOOD THROUGH INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION. ife can be a long, winding road—full of unexpected twists and turns. There are times when you’re not sure what’s ahead—and you must do what Lubbock nurse Christi Robnett calls, ‘stepping out on faith.’ As we talked, Christi shared how faith leads her family and their future. “I’ve been a nurse for 36 and half years. I’ve known it’s what I wanted to do since 9th grade. I stayed focused on it. I still feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. I just really like being a nurse. I love working with patients, families, and staff. Being a nurse is my ministry.” Robnett said. Although her nursing career was challenging and fulfilling, Christi knew she had more dreams to pursue. She wanted a family. I asked when she knew adoption was her path to parenthood. “I always wanted to have children. Over the years I’ve known people who went through the foster to adopt system. Sometimes it worked—sometimes there was a lot of heartache. I saw people go through those challenges. I just knew for me—it would be too hard to let those children go after I’d fostered them.” Written by KAYLA BROOKS | Photos provided by CHRISTI ROBNETT PLANS TO Prosper ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you, and not to harmyou. Plans to give you a hope and a future.’ - Jeremiah 29:11 42 lubbock lifestyles magazine
"I STILL FEEL LIKE I’M DOING EXACTLYWHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE DOING. I JUST REALLY LIKE BEING A NURSE. I LOVE WORKINGWITH PATIENTS, FAMILIES, AND STAFF. BEING A NURSE IS MY MINISTRY.” - Christi Robnett Hope. Christi ad Judy. Just back fromChina. 43 hometown living at its best
“In 1999my cousin adopted a little girl from China. When I met her at our family reunion, I thought, ‘I could do that.’ That’s when I began to research international adoptions.” But before Robnett got too far into the process, she did what she always does, paused to pray. “I pray about every situation. I think it’s important to slowdown and ask for guidance.” It took nearly a year of in-depth paperwork, but Christi said she felt peace about it. On December 31st 2002, she received a referral from the adoption agency for her daughter, Hope. “She was smiling and shaking her head when they handedher tome.” Robnett recalled. Workingwith twogovernments and intense amounts of researchwere themost surprising pieces of the adoption puzzle. “Going to a country where you don’t speak the language was challenging. You’re completely out of your element. Several years later, I knew I wanted to adopt another child, but I was scared.” Once again, Christi turned to her faith. “I told my preacher, ‘Hope’s adoption was so easy. What if it doesn’t go smoothly this time? He said, “God did it once, He can do it again.” The circumstances of the second adoption were, indeed, much different. Robnett was pursuing aMaster’s degree innursing, working, and raising Hope. Despite her full plate, she knew she was on the right path. She turned in the adoption paperwork on the Friday before spring break. That following Friday, she received a referral from the agency for her son, Shane. “I’d never thought about adopting a boy. But then I talked with the agency and we both felt good about the relationship we’d built. We decided to move forward with the adoption.” LEFT: Hope and Christi. Chinese Adoption Center ABOVE: Shane’s arrival in Lubbock BOTTOM LEFT: Hope eating her first Oreo BOTTOM CENTER: Christi, Shane, Judy. Chinese Adoption Center BOTTOM RIGHT: Shane and Hope Church picnic 44 lubbock lifestyles magazine
TOP LEFT: Christi, Shane, and Hope ABOVE: David Liles, Shane, Kathy Gonzales. Shane's karate rank test (April 2022). BOTTOM: Hope playing tennis. "I PRAY ABOUT EVERY SITUATION. I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO SLOWDOWN AND ASK FOR GUIDANCE.” - Christi Robnett 45 hometown living at its best
Shane and Hope. Easter 2022 Christi’s daughter, Hope, is now 20 and studying nursing at Texas Tech. Her 13-yearold son, Shane, is very involved in church, plays tennis, does karate, plays piano, and is in the orchestra. “Both of them have been a pleasure to raise. My children have taught me to be more flexible and patient. Adopting children helped me step out on faith. I’ve learned to listen, even if I didn’t always know what to say.” “Hope and Shane have opened me up to trying new things. It’s been neat to watch thembalance their Chinese heritage and their American heritage. We hope to go to China together as a family when the time is right.” She said Lubbock has been a wonderful place to live and raise her family. “I’ve lived in Lubbock most of my life. My mom and sisters are here—and that’s been so good—to raise my children around family and cousins. I’m grateful for the good people we’ve been privileged to meet. I like the pace and size of Lubbock. It’s growing more every day, but it still feels like a small town. There’s diversity in cultures and nationalities. My childrenhave awell-balanced group of friends of have been able to learn about different people and places.” Robnett believes passing along her faith to her children has helped guide them most of all. “Hope and Shane have always been active in church. They have a strong faith. That has helped them. Our favorite family scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.’ All three of us came to that scripture at different times in our lives and trust its truth. Our faith is the foundation of our family.” † 46 lubbock lifestyles magazine
It’s a Big Showof a SmallWorld! TheMiniaturists of Lubbock (MOL) was started in 1980 by a group of very talented miniaturists who love designing the small world that mimics the big worldwe live in. Every year MOL votes on a theme for the year-end miniature show and sale that allows them to display and sell their projects. MOL meets on the fourth Saturday of every month at 2:00 pm at the Covenant Presbyterian Church to work together and create themebased, room boxes complete with furniture, interior decorations and individualizedaccessories.Membersalsohave theopportunity to travel to miniatureshowsandclassesaroundtheglobe.Newmembersarewelcome to join at any time. Themembership dues are $8.00 a year. Miniaturists of Lubbock’s 43rd Annual Exhibit & Sale will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 4600 48th Street on Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10-5 and Sunday, October 2, 2022, 1-5 Admission is $3.oo for adults and $1.00 for children. Drawing for door prizes hourly. Proceeds are donated to South PlainsWildlife Rehabilitation Center. Visit their website, miniaturistsoflubbock.org formore information. HOMETOWN Happenings Miniaturists of Lubbock's 43RD ANNUAL EXHIBIT & SALE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx