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2301 Quaker Avenue | Lubbock, Texas 79410| 806.725.8801 | 888.810.9106 YOUR CARE IS OUR LEGACY C Covenant High Plains Surgery Center – with two locations at 3610 22nd Street and 2301 Quaker Avenue – is the only multi-specialty surgery center in Lubbock nationally accredited by the AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care), one of only a dozen ambulatory surgery centers in the nation to receive MBSAQIP accreditation, and the only ambulatory surgery center in West Texas to perform outpatient robotic total knee replacement, using the Stryker Mako™ surgical robot. “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. Achieving Center of Excellence designation is another manifestation of this. Making Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers 2022 is another. And so is being the first in West Texas with the Mako robot. It’s part of 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 two 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.” Ambulatory Surgery Centers (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 billions of dollars annually by offering a high-quality, lower-cost 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 10 PUTTING FAITH INTO PRACTICE ONE PRACTICE AT A TIME Steve Gomez & the Lady Chaps are living out Philippians 2:3. On the Cover Coach Steve Gomez, photo provided by Lubbock Christian University 20 INSTRUMENTAL TO SUCCESS Don’t Fret Guitar Studio is striking a chord with students by building character and self-discipline. 28 DESTINATION MARFA AND BEYOND Andy Stapp is a self- taught pianist, airbrush artist, canvas artist, and screenplay writer...so far. 20 28 C O N T 34 TRAVEL GUIDE This year take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 38 DATE YOUR MATE A couples getaway guide to planning an overnight date. 46 HOW BIG IS TEXAS? A lifelong quest to explore the Lone Star state. 52 DEFINING COMMUNITY PlainsCapital Bank supports Lubbock Non-Profits .
5 hometown living at its best 38 E N T S 58 AL PICKETT FROM THE PRESS BOX TO THE BIG SCREEN A legendary voice heard at local football and basketball games has stepped up his game to the big screen. 62 KIDS’ CORNER This interactive section is perfect for kids and kids at heart! 66 I WAS THAT BOY Dr. Ronnie Hill shares that we are not defined by our past and that God has a purpose for us all. 52 66
RE/MAX AGENTS HAVE YOU COVERED WITH THESE HELPFUL TIPS AND TRICKS Speaking of a HOT housing market in the LBK, boosting the curb appeal of your home is always a great idea this time of year. Nurturing your landscaping is an inexpensive way to beautify and accent your home. First, sweep or blow off any west Texas dust, power washing when necessary. Trim shrubs, remove debris and add mulch or rock to your beds. Colorful flowers in pots along with a fresh welcome mat create an aesthetically pleasing look near your front entry. Finally, exterior lighting showcases your home in the evening; focus on matching bulbs and well-lit exterior not only for safety, but also beauty. REMAXLUBBOCK.COM // 4703 S Loop 289 // 806.799.4200 Outdoor living is where it’s at.... Oh, and laundry rooms! Over the last year we’ve all spent way too much time at home, inside our four walls. We’ve seen more home owners DYI’s than ever, thanks Instagram. So, why not put your extra time and cash into home features that will add interest and value. How does 2.5% more on a contract price sound? Adding hardwood floors can do just that for you and your home! Carpet is seen as dated by many consumers in the marketplace, so electing to add hardwood floors to your home only helps your resale potential. If your home already has hardwood floors, consider refinishing them for around $3,000 and you’re sure to recover that cost down the road, plus you get to enjoy hardwood floors while you live there, it’s truly a win-win! A survey was completed by the National Association of Home Builders and consumers are really looking for an equal number of bedrooms and bathrooms, or at least a Jack and Jill type setup for two of the auxiliary bathrooms. The best tip to save some money on your bathroom addition is to place the bathroom(s) within the footprint of your existing home where plumbing already exists or is readily available; that can save thousands. In West Texas trees can be hard to come by, but if you’re looking for a 100%+ return on your investment, plant one or two mature trees in strategic locations around your front and/or backyard. Not only does it look good, but according to the National Forest Service, mature trees can save you upwards of $250 or more on utility bills, as they can provide shade for the sun or a break from the unrelenting Northern Wind during the winter months.
RE/MAX LUBBOCK: RISING ABOVE What makes RE/MAX LUBBOCK such a great brokerage? “The people. Whether that be the agents, brokers, front office, or the individuals that help keep our office clean, we have the best people imaginable. It is our mindset and mission that we are dedicated to serving Lubbock and the surrounding communities to the best of our abilities.” Why choose a RE/MAX LUBBOCK agent? The knowledge and commitment to our clients. There’s not a day or night that goes by that we all aren’t living and breathing real estate. With the current market conditions you need an agent that collaborates with you every single minute to find the perfect home or sell your home, and that is a guarantee we make. You won’t feel lost in a transaction or not know what needs to happen next because we take care of our clients on a level that far supersedes industry standards. Your RE/MAX LUBBOCK agent is with you every step of the way. Your brokerage has watched Lubbock grow throughout the years, what has changed the most? “We have hundreds of years of combined experience in Lubbock and the most change we have seen actually isn’t a change at all; we have realized that when people grow-up here, they tend to stay here. In other cities around Texas there can be a large influx of people from other communities, but Lubbock tends to keep our homegrown population around. Lubbock has so much to offer everyone and continues to thrive every single day.” What are three reminders that you want to give buyers right now in this market? “1) Trust your agent. Your agent is constantly on the lookout for homes that match your needs, wants, and wishes so trust your agent that they are networking to find you a place to call home. 2) Be patient. In this current market, patience is required by buyers. You may not get the first house you offered on, and that’s okay, just be patient and know that your agent is working around the clock! 3) Be organized. When your agent is ready to make that offer on your behalf, be committed and ready.” Finally, where is RE/MAX LUBBOCK headed? “Up. We are in a growth and pivot stage so we are looking to evolve, develop cutting-edge marketing to best assist our agents and their clients, and remain steadfast on raising the bar. Our growth has been exponential in 2021 with our value-add to our agents, who can then take those value-add initiatives to better assist their clients.” Jeremy Reed, Director of Sales - RE/MAX Lubbock Each office independently owned & operated
We are always in search for great local talent. If you would like to write or take pictures for any of our are markets, please contact our office at 817.599.6167 or email content@hometown-living.com Lubbock Lifestyles Magazine© is published semi-annually by hometownmedia.group.com 502 N Main 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 Connie Lewis Leonard Sabrina Forse Peggy Purser Freeman Tanya Russell PHOTOGRAPHER Angela Guthrie Design & Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 CLIENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt &Heather Martin Casey & Trisha Perkins Freelance Wanted SALES PamMoore MattMartin Casey Perkins 8 lubbock lifestyles magazine Publ i sher ’ s Note but when life happens it is important to remember to be thankful in each season (easier said than done, right?). But, instead of terrible two’s I love to say terrific two’s because it really is all about perspective. As my sweet Great Uncle Lefty has always said, “Be thankful for the season you are in...you never know, the next onemight be worse.” This was said in jest but really how often are we guilty of not being present and instead thinking, “I will be happy when {insert your future plan of contentment here}. . .once we move, my child is potty trained, the kids are out of college, I get a better job, we have a new President in office {so on and so forth}, then I will make more time or be content.” Instead, I challenge our readers (&myself) to be present and thankful in the now. Let’s go out and live today to the fullest for His kingdom instead of our own. After 12 years of featuring various articles across this great state of Texas, I see a trend of people who have gone through hard things and yet they chose to walk them out with courage and thanksgiving. Let’s go out today and follow their example! Thank you for reading Lubbock Lifestyles, Matt, Heather, Gatlyn (10), Georgia Lee (7) & Guy David (2) Martin Heather Lundgren Martin Life is not always picture perfect... “Now listen you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city and spend a year there buy & sell & make a profit.” Why, you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time & then vanishes away. (17) Anyone then that knows the good he ought to do & doesn’t do it, sins.” - James 4:13-17
LubbockChristianUniversityLadyChaps arethree-timeNCAA Division II National Title Basketball Champions. Coach Steve Gomez is aWBCANCAADivision IINational Coachof theYear anda three-timeHeartland/LoneStarConferenceCoachof the Year. In his eighteen years at LCU, his win-loss record is 448125 but Gomez is not in the business of creating and breaking records.He’s inthebusinessof developing teams, athletes, and most of all good people. “Our attitudes should be the same as Jesus. He madehimself nothing. Hemadehimself a servant to saveus. If Jesus can do that for us, youcanset a screen for a teammate or sacrifice yourself for the personwho has the better shot,” explained Gomez. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 Written by Sabrina Forse | Photos provided by Lubbock Christian University Faith IN PRACTICE: PUTTING One Practice at a time Steve Gomez & the Lady Chaps 10 lubbock lifestyles magazine
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With new athletes being added to the team each year, Gomez and his staff must learn to meld different personalities tocreatedynamic teams. It’s a skill thatGomez startedbuilding at ayoung age. With his father in the Air Force, Gomez and his familymoved often living inmultiple states and on a militarybase inGermany.Hecame toLubbock in1984whereheearnedawalk-onbasketball spotwith LubbockChristianUniversity. “I think growingup inmultiple environments and interactingwith so many cultures helpedme to adapt to changing situations and lifestyles.” It’s that type of adaptability that Gomez looks for in a player. “We want to find really good players that understand competition and give them the best chance to succeed.” Coach Gomez credits his long-standing career to the support of his wife and sons and values parents that support their players as well. “We recruit quality kids from good families. That really makes coaching easier. We’re not creating something out of nothing. My biggest recruiting pitch is I just look at them and tell them, ‘You’re not that important.’ Everyone wants to be promoted, elevated and cheered on social media but in the big picture that’s not important. We start with the foundation thatwewant to see kids growintobetter athletes andpeople bybecoming less enamored with themselves andmore enamoredwith others and their community.” It’s a community that Gomezhas also fallen in lovewith. “Lubbockwasnever the long-termplan, but opportunities came up. After I graduated, I took a job to teach math in Levelland. A few weeks before school started, an assistant basketball coaching job opened at Monterey High School, so I 12 lubbock lifestyles magazine
“Everyone wants to be promoted, elevated and cheered on social media but in the big picture that’s not important. We start with the foundation that we want to see kids grow into better athletes and people by becoming less enamored with themselves and more enamored with others and their community.” coach gomez started teaching math and coaching basketball under Vic Self.” That relationship has come full circle as Self is now the Assistant Basketball Coach for theLadyChaps. “It’s been tremendous workingwithhim. Selfwasmymentorwhogave me a chance when I was just getting started.” Coach Gomez believes player development starts inpractice. “I love going topractice. Those kids that end up coming through in clutch moments in a game are the ones that have put themselves in that situation repeatedly in practice. It’s not a lucky play. It’s that the athlete wasprepared throughpractice. It gives themthe ease and confidence when playing in those big game timemoments. Themagichappens in that daily discipline at daily practice.” When practice turns to competition, Gomez believes it’s the progression of striving 13 hometown living at its best
for excellence. “Competition is fun. It makes us better and being a part of a team can teach you how to give up your owndesires and sacrifice for the team.Wewant something more stable than wins and losses. If we can keep our faith stable, we can build a foundation that’s built on the love of competition not stats.” That love for competition continues to produce winning numbers for Coach Gomez and the Lady Chaps. “Lubbock Christian University strives to be a missional place that honors God through community and by serving the community. In the midst of that competition, are we able to keep a clear mind and treat our opponents with “We want something more stable than wins and losses. If we can keep our faith stable, we can build a foundation that’s built on the love of competition not stats.” COACH STEVE GOMEZ 14 lubbock lifestyles magazine
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dignity and respect?Arewe able tohave attitudes that are going to be good and unselfish? If you are sitting the bench, are you fully invested in the game and your teammates?” Gomezconsidershisperspectiveabigpicture look at what’s important. “We are trying to plant seeds that will take root and growwhile they’re at LCU. We want to help athletes grow in every way.” It’s not the wins, losses, and national titles that Gomez relishes. It’s a moment when the heart of the scripture Philippians 2:3was playedout on the court. “Twoopposing players ran into each other and one fell. Another player was open but instead of taking the shot, she helped the other player up. In the big picture of life, that’s what it’s all about, valuing and caring for others.” † IT’S NOT THE WINS, LOSSES, AND NATIONAL TITLES THAT GOMEZ RELISHES. IT’S A MOMENT WHEN THE HEART OF THE SCRIPTURE PHILIPPIANS 2:3 WAS PLAYED OUT ON THE COURT. 17 hometown living at its best
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Instrumental to Success DON'T FRET GUITAR STUDIO IS STRIKING A CHORD WITH STUDENTS BY BUILDING CHARACTER AND SELF-DISCIPLINE. Written by tanya russell | Photos by angela guthrie design and photogrpahy 20 lubbock lifestyles magazine
D Don't Fret Guitar Studio (DFGS) is a gem in Lubbock's music industry. Lubbock has a rich music history and DFGS is contributing to the talent and education of Lubbock's future musicians. DFGS starts teachingmusic lessons as young as five years old. Althoughguitar is themain instrument taught, they also teach bass, ukulele, voice, drum and piano lessons. Head instructor and owner of the studio, Chad Russell, says he wanted to be a guitar player since he was a young child, "From the moment I first saw a guitar, I knew I wanted to play when I grew up." Russell started playing at the age of 5 and hasn't stopped. Russell says he knew he wanted to become a teacherwhenhewas a teen. He had already started teaching “With music, one’s whole future life is brightened. This is such a treasure in life that it helps us over many troubles and difficulties. Music is nourishment, a comforting elixir. Music multiplies all that is beautiful and of value in life.” – Zoltan Kodaly 21 hometown living at its best
some basics to his friends in his bedroomand he felt he had a natural ability to teach others about the instrument he loved so much. Russell says his studio is a dream come true. He's always envisioned a place to share his knowledge and love of music. Thereareabout 200studentswhogo throughthe studio doors eachweek. Each one at a different age and stage in their musical journey. The instructors, Brady Stark, Dustin Pedigo, LukeMiddletonandMitchTibbetareallpast studentsandhave been hand-selected by Russell to work at his studio. Russell says they all share a love and passion for guitar. They strive to improve their own technique and continue to growdaily in their expertise, whichRussell believes to be instrumental (no pun intended) inDFGS’s success as a teaching studio. Instrumental to Success “I knew I wanted to play when I grew up.” Russell started playing at the age of 5 and hasn't stopped. 22 lubbock lifestyles magazine
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At the end of each calendar year Don’t Fret Guitar Studio hosts a concert of performances by its students. December 2021 will be the twelfth annual Winter Jam, a showcase of the amazing talent coming out of DFGS. One of the performers this year, Maddox Kalivoda, has been a student at DFGS for six years. A true ‘natural' and lover of the guitar, he picked up the technique of the instrument quickly. Russell says he believes God placed his students, including Maddox, in his path for a reason and he takes that responsibility seriously. As a teacher, he knows he has the ability to influence youngmusicians to lovemusic for the rest of their lives and reap the benefits it has to offer. One of his favorite aspects of his job is watching students grow through the stages of understanding and loving music while they also grow through life stages. Russell says Maddox is a rare personality type, he is selfdisciplined and follows instructions exceptionally well. Instrumental to Success That, coupledwith his love for guitar, has helpedMaddox to excel more quickly than the averagemusician. He says Maddoxaccepts challenges sowell andworks sodiligently that he has been able to learn what may take others decades to master. Maddox is the oldest of four children. His parents, Brad and Lacye Kalivoda, describe him as a 24 lubbock lifestyles magazine
Russell says he believes God placed his students, including Maddox, in his path for a reason and he takes that responsibility seriously.
great leader and encourager, a hard worker with determination and grit. He is an excellent student and athlete in addition to his incredible musical abilities. Maddox shared the following withme: Q: When/why did you first become interested in guitar? A: My mom said that I have always been drawn to music, even as a baby, music was always something that could makeme smile andcalmmedown. I startedplaying guitar when I was about 6 as an activity to dowithmy grandad. I then began to take official lessons with Chad at Don’t Fret Guitar Studiowhen I was 7. Q: What’s your favorite thing about playing guitar? A: It’s a great challenge with great rewards. I also like it because it is a way for me to relieve stress. Chad is always great at givingme a challenge that he knows I can pull off and he is always encouraging andmakes it a lot of fun. Q: Do you see any life benefits to playing guitar? A: Absolutely. I canseeperseverance. Perseverance topush through thehardanddifficult times inguitar just as in life. I also see discipline in guitar. You must be disciplined to practice, just like in the real world, you can’t give up and quit. Q: Tell me about your relationship with your guitar teacher. A: Chad not only is an amazing guitar teacher, but an amazing friend andmentor. Even thoughwe play a ton of guitar, he takes time to get to knowme andwhat I like. He takes time to listen to what my goals are and howwe can showChrist through the guitar. He is somebodywho I feel like I cantalk to freely. I reallyenjoy just beingaroundhim. This year’sWinter Jamwill beMaddox’s 6th. In years past he has performed “Colder weather,” “Beat it,” “Carol of the Bells,” “JohnnyBGoode” and “Eruption” respectively. This yearMaddoxwill beplaying “Up intheSky” byJoeSatriani, an expert level song, which Russell says he has mastered and can play “note for note, perfectly”. † Instrumental to Success 26 lubbock lifestyles magazine
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28 lubbock lifestyles magazine Andy Stapp on the set of Destination Marfa.
29 hometown living at its best Andy Stappbelieves determinationgets youwhere youneed to be, andhisdeterminationhas takenhimfromLockney, Texas, small townUSA, to destinations around the world. In school, hewas the kid at the back of the roomalways doodling. He worked to get things done so he wouldn’t have to do it again. He played sports. He loved listening tomusic, so in junior high school, he taught himself to play the piano. After graduating fromhigh school, Andy joined theMarine Corps and became a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare specialist, runningMarines through gas chambers on US, Japan, and Australian military bases. During hismilitary career, SaddamHussein posed the threat of chemical warfare, so Andy taught Marines how to survive an attack. Andy returned to Lockney after four years with the Marines and worked in his dad’s auto body shop. He taught himself to airbrush, winningmany Harley Davidson and drag racing car competitions. He wrote for Airbrush Action magazine, and people came from all over to learn about his techniques. When he received a call about 2:30 am inviting himtobe on the set of CarWarriors, he thought itwas a prank call. He accepted the invitation and became the only small town team DestinationMarfa andBeyond ANDY STAPP IS A SELF- TAUGHT PIANIST, AIRBRUSH ARTIST, CANVAS ARTIST, AND SCREENPLAY WRITER. . .SO FAR. WRITTEN BY CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANDY STAPP
30 lubbock lifestyles magazine to beat the California pros. His quote, “Go big or go home” exemplifiedhis spirit of determination. Fromthere, Andy went toNashville tobuild cars on theTVshow Searchand Restore. Chip Foose invited him to be the lead painter on the hit TV show Overhaulin where two episodes included building a car for Jay Leno. While in California, Andy started painting beach scenes on canvas at Huntington Beach, Surf City, USA. He continued painting when he returned home to work in the auto body shop since his dad was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Candace Keller, head of the art department at Wayland Baptist University, contacted him about displaying his art for onemonth, which turned into three months. Hepricedhis art high, not intending to sell it. You don’t sell surf art in Texas, but Andy sold a lot. His art has also been displayed at the Lubbock Art Walk. Andyheardabout theMarfaLights in2010. Intrigued, hesearchedfor informationandwatchedthe90’sUnsolved Mysteries segment. He drove down to Marfa, Texas, to see the mysterious “ghost lights” first hand. Fascinated, he wondered why nobody had made a movie about the strange phenomenon. In 2012, he started his quest and began writing the story Destination Marfa. On weekends at Ruby’s Café at the end of the pier in Huntington Beach, he wrote the screenplay. In 2013, he came back home but let the story sit. He met Cara Togliatti on a friend’s dating app. She encouraged him to finish the screenplay and fine tune it. He cast the characters, directed, and produced the film. Hedidn’t pickagenre—he justwrote the story,which ABOVE: Artwork created by Andy Stapp
31 hometown living at its best is labeled as Sci-fi or dystopian, something other-worldy. Actor TonyTodd, whoplays the Mayor of Marfa, asked. “Who’s going to direct this?” Andy decided to direct it because it is his vision. The director must take the words of a screenplay and see it in movie form, the way theviewerwill see it, andpossess thevision to tell the story on screen. Andy takes anartistic approach to everything. With painting, he takes a blank canvas and sees the finished product beforehebegins. That helps inmovie making, also. He entered Destination Marfa in international film festivals. It premiered at the Premier Theater in South Plains Mall in July. The cast flew in and received the red carpet treatment. Somehow the film landed on an agent’s desk, and a studio picked it up, wrapped it, and distributed it August 3, 2021. It finished in the top five percent in film festivals, winning nine awards. In October it played in Hollywood with some of the cast in attendance, which is a rare occurrence for an independent film. “DETERMINATION FEEDSMY FIRE, when someone tells me I can’t, I will get it done.”
32 lubbock lifestyles magazine Scientists and seekers come from around the world to discover the secret of the “Ghost lights”. Thefirst historical recordof the lightsdates to1883, but earlyNativeAmerican legends describe themas the souls of lost lovers trying to reunite intheskies. Someoilmenbelieve thephenomenon could be caused by seeping hydrocarbons inching higher along a fault that slices through the desert. I prefer the Native American legends because when I witnessed the lights, they resembled beautiful choreography with the “dancers” coming together, spinning and twirling,moving apart, changingpartners, andwaltzing away. Surprisingly, some locals never see the lights. Perhaps they don’t take time to stop and look for them. Perhaps they take for granted the beauty surrounding the high desert of far SouthWest Texas. DestinationMarfa is a suspenseful, surreal thoughtprovoking tale revolving around the mysterious Marfa Lights. The story stirs the emotions and stimulates the intellect. It causesus toquestionthe importanceof loyalty and friendship. Do we trust fate or believe in free will? Arewe afraid to let go of the past to embrace anunknown future? Do we comprehend the light of the world, or are we walking in darkness? Andy tries to capture the youthof a story. Hiswriting could be described as a cross between John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, and Rod Sterling’s Twilight Zone. Andy believes in followinghis dreams. Take an idea and gowith it. Don’t compare yourself with others, because everyone has to start somewhere. He takes an artistic approach to everything. DESTINATIONMARFA is a suspenseful, surreal thought-provoking tale revolving around the mysterious Marfa Lights.
33 WheredoesAndyStappgo fromhere?He is currentlywriting the “treatments”—like a Reader’s Digest synopsis—for fourmore screenplays. The one he feels investors will most likely pick up involves a newlywed couple traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway. Theywake up in a townwhere everyone looks familiar, only tofind that the community ismadeupofmissingpeople like D. B. Cooper. When asked to what he attributes his success, Andy said, “Determination. It feeds my fire when someone tells me I can’t. I will get it done. I have been lucky andblessed. Godhas donemore for me than I deserve. He’s paid a debt I can’t repay.” Andy’s determinationwill carry himto destinations beyond Marfa, where other men only dreamof going. If youmissed the premier, DestinationMarfa is available on Amazon and other outlets. † ABOVE AND RIGHT: Behind the scenes of DestinationMarfa
34 lubbock lifestyles magazine { { travel guide
35 hometown living at its best The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience. - Eleanor Roosevelt { { travel guide
36 lubbock lifestyles magazine midland living magazine { { travel guide
37 hometown living at its best { { travel guide
38 lubbock lifestyles magazine WHYOVERNIGHTDATES? Asayoungcouple,westartedmaking thisapriorityandsawit asahuge blessing to us and our kids. Whenwe take time to get away with each other and focus on our relationship, laughing together and talking, we both come awaywithmore energy and eagerness to tackle all that awaits us at home. Sometimes our overnight dates were 20 minutes fromhome, other times we “borrowed” a friend’s lake house and then there have been times where we took a gamble on a hotel without knowing where we were headed. Overnight dates don’t require a huge budget, but they do require some planning on each of our parts. Usually, we divvy up the responsibilities; I handle the kid’s arrangements and he plans our adventure. Followthesequickandeasy steps toplananovernight date for you and your spouse. Choose to be a tourist in your hometown or cities nearby and see what you can discover! Dat Me ate YOUR A COUPLES GETAWAY GUIDE TO PLANNING ANOVERNIGHTDATE Written by MEGAN LACEFIELD There is something about getting away from the everyday norms that creates space for connection. Take the time or make the time for you to be one-on-one with your spouse for a full 24 hours and you’ll discover so much about one another and build memories to strengthen and deepen your connection.
Step 1 Pick your destination. Hopefully, you have a bucket list (if you don’t, create one on your first overnight date) of places youwant to visit near and far. If not, this little Hometown Magazine is a great place to start. There are somany hidden gems right in your own backyard, so you probably don’t need to go far. Besides, whowants towaste this precious time in the car! Step 2 Put it on the calendar. If you don’t make it a priority, it will never happen. Trust me, you’ll look up and realize it’s been over a year since your last getaway and you’re wondering what happened. Step 3 Plan the important stuff. Ask the grandparents, arrange for your favorite sitter, or work out a trade with close family friends. Make sure it’s someone you trust because the last thing youwant to be worried about while you’re out on the town is your kids. Thosemini-humans of yours get your time and attention 95% of the time and this is your opportunity to focus on each other. Step 4 Prepare by booking your hotel room or Air B&B and making dinner, spa, and/or brunch reservations. Take a fewminutes to google top picks for restaurants or the best things to see in your area and find out if you need advanced reservations or tickets. Step 5 Packyour bags and getaway! Often, Iwill try and pickup a new outfit or pull something out ofmy closet I don’twear verymuch that I knowmy spousewill love. I pack thenecessities aswell as a fewsurprises like anice candle,massage lotionor our favorite beer or bottle of wine (don’t forget the opener). 39 hometown living at its best
40 lubbock lifestyles magazine Dat Me ate YOUR
41 hometown living at its best 1. What’syour favoritepart about theseasonof lifewe are in right now?What’s your least favorite part? 2. What is one area where you have seen personal growth in yourself, inme and in us as a couple? 3. What is onenewthingwewant to try in thenext 30 days? 4. What shouldweadd toour bucket list thatwe want to see or do together? 5. Where is your favorite spot in our home andwhy? 6. Who is your closest friend and what do you like about them? 7. What do you need fromme right now? 8. Wheredowe want togoonournext overnightdate? 9. What threewordsdescribeourmarriagecurrently? 10. What three words do we want to describe our marriage? 10 CONVERSATION STARTERS FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT DATE
1. Listen to LiveMusic 2. Grab a picnic dinner froma nearby grocery store 3. Give each person $5 and 5 minutes to run in the convenience store and grab your spouse’s favorite drink/snack 4. Go to a Karaoke Bar 5. Play a few games at an arcade, laser tag, mini-golf or hit up the batting cages 6. Get physical-go for a walk or run at the local trails 7. Find the nearest state park and take a hike 8. Rent Bikes and ride themaround downtown 9. Find a park you’ve never been to and PLAY 10. Find a little coffee shop and sit and chat 11. Run into Walmart and buy a new board game, find somewhere to sit and play 12. Go into a bookstore and find the joke books. Read some and laugh until you’re crying 13. Take a scenic drive and play the Alphabet Game just for kicks and grins 14. Findabowlingalleyandset some funrewards for the winner 15. Plan a progressive dinner where you try three different restaurants: one for appetizers & drinks, another for yourmain course and a third for dessert 16. Take a cooking class, pottery class or painting class 17. Stayinyourhotel roomALLNIGHTandorder inroom service 18. Go to a concert or sporting event 19. Go dancing 20. Keep it a surprise andwrite downa bunchof ideas of things to do, put themin a jar and together pick out a few 20 CREATIVE THINGS TO DO ON AN OVERNIGHT DATE NIGHT 42 lubbock lifestyles magazine
43 hometown living at its best ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Megan is married to her high school sweetheart, Chad. They’ve been married for over 25 years and have two adult kids. Chandler, who is 25, and Riley Chad, who is 21. They’re enjoying their empty nest and welcomed their first grandbaby over a year ago. Megan and Chad have loved and served the local church for the last twenty years. They are passionate about investing in marriages and have a heart to see families & marriages strengthened and restored. Megan loves to communicate truth through written and spoken words. She joined the team at elevateHim in 2018 to assist with content development. Megan and Chad have partnered with elevateHim to launch and lead the FULLY CONNECTED Marriage Ministry including events, curriculum, and training for couples of all ages and stages. † Dat Me ate YOUR
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A Lifelong Quest to Explore the Lone Star State How Big is Written by SABRINA FORSE Photos provided by DIANN BAYES AND UT PERMIAN BASIN HOWBIG IS TEXAS? It’s an answer that Diann Bayes has been chasing most of her life. “Out of the 1,221 towns I found on a list of incorporated Texas towns, I’vebeentoalmost 600. Thereareseveral unincorporated towns in Texas and my best guess is I’ve been to an additional 100 of those. Of the 254 Texas counties in the state, I only have 20more to visit.” The urge to explore was inspired by the small screen. “My favorite shows growing up were Fantasy Island and Love Boat, so I guess it was a subliminalwayof inspiringwhat I finally ended up doing for a living. I was also inspired by Bob Phillips with Texas Country Reporter. Seeing him travel around the state had a great impact onmy future career choices.” 46 lubbock lifestyles magazine
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48 lubbock lifestyles magazine In 2016, Bayes took a break from work as the Vice President of the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau to do what she loved best…travel. “My husband was already retired by then, so we sold almost everything we owned and moved from an 1,800-square-foot home into a 387-square-foot RV with our two dogs.” Branding themselves the Eccentric Nomads, the couple took a year-long RV trip throughfive states. As anamateur photographer, Bayes captured memories behind the lens. She previously blogged her trips while working for the Texas Travel Industry Association, so she wanted to do the samewith this one. “Being on the backroads is a favorite pastime. You can always have interesting experiences that youdon’t have on the interstate, like seeing historic courthouses, abandoned barns, and visiting interesting people. I have always loved the music of BuddyHolly, so I try to visit the BuddyHolly Center whenever I’m in Lubbock. I hope to someday get back and enjoy a performance at the BuddyHolly Hall of PerformingArts andSciences. It’s awonderful facility honoring a great performer.” When the pandemic shut-down the country, the travel and tourism industry and the positive multibillion-dollar impact it has on Texans also came to a halt. “It was devastating to see friends get laid off and hear about businesses closing permanently and not being able to do anything. When the Governor announced that the Lone Star State would reopen, I wanted to do something impactful for the travel industry and for Texas.” Bayes decided to answer the question “How Big is Texas?” by driving the perimeter of the state with travel industry friends, Morgan Taylor and Debra Bustos. Not only would they drive, but Bayes would also blog about it, take photos, and video. They drove more than 3,100 miles for a true Texas-shaped road trip in justninedays. “Oneofmy favoritesigns isat the Louisiana/Texas border. It reads Beaumont 23miles, El Paso 857. I laugh every time. People who don’t live here don’t understand howbig Texas is.” How Big is
“Being on the backroads is a favorite pastime. You can always have interesting experiences that you don’t have on the interstate.” 49 hometown living at its best
50 lubbock lifestyles magazine How Big is TEXAS ROAD TRIP TIPS FROM TRAVEL EXPERT DIANN BAYES • Pack for comfort. • Visit Chamber of Commerce & CVB websites for towns where you want to go. • Trust tips from locals. They know the best places to eat and best places to go. • Create a great road trip play list. • Collect memories, not stuff.
“I have always loved the music of Buddy Holly, so I try to visit the Buddy Holly Center whenever I’m in Lubbock.” Bayes andher friends shared their road triponTexasCountryReporter. Youcan also follow Bayes as she continues to explore Texas via the How Big is Texas website, Facebook page, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. “I created the Official WorldHeadquarters forHowBig is Texas in my backyard. I have a blog and am planning a podcast. I’ve always been a proponent of getting off the interstate and seeing the small towns for a more authentic look at our state. My intention is to tell the story of those towns.” By reading the blog, you can learn how to pronounce towns, find the best Texas photo ops for wildflowers, sunsets andmuchmore. “Travel opens your mind. During our perimeter trip, we each saw the same thing but with different eyes. It trulywas enlightening.” Bayes has crisscrossed the state, driving from the piney woods to the Gulf Coast and up to the Panhandle. She’s sampled local dishes, sat on benches in multiple town squares and taken photographs of places now considered ghost towns. “I’m not going to apologize for my Texas pride. I love this state. I would hope that others have the same pride for theirs. Noplace is perfect orwithout controversy, but Iwouldn’twant to live anywhere else.” For now, Bayes will continue chasing the answer to the question that can only be captured by traveling and experiencing the Lone Star State for yourself.Howbig isTexas? “Theopportunities are endless.” † www.howbigistexas.com @howbigistexas – Facebook @howbigistexas – Twitter @howbigistexas – Instagram @howbigistexas – Pinterest @howbigistexas - TikTok 51 hometown living at its best
52 lubbock lifestyles magazine DEF INING Community hedefinitionof community is “agroupof people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.”and“afeelingoffellowshipwithothers,asaresult of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” As LubbockNon-profits struggledduring thepandemic, PlainsCapital Bank stepped up to offer support, to be the true meaningof community. SOUTH PLAINS FOOD BANK South Plains Food Bank’smission is to fight hunger. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more families needed help as people dealtwith layoffs, andmany children, who rely on school lunch programs for meals, transitioned to virtual learning. Inventory shortages at grocery stores disrupted the South Plains Food Bank’s supply chain, and social distancing guidelines significantly reduced the number of volunteers who could contribute at the food bank. Knowing that South Plains Food Bank’s staff was critical to the mission, PlainsCapital Bank reached out to help. The funds helped cover payroll for staff and the team’s overtime hours. The food bank was also able to hire 20 additional temporary positions to increase manpower. SPFB was able to shift its application and food donation processes to online. This new system allows people to request assistance and get food within 48 hours of application. Text and Photos provided by PLAINS CAPITAL BANK
53 hometown living at its best 1. a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. 2. a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. com·mu·ni·ty
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“93 cents of every dollar goes directly into our programs. We are debt free, and we can only do that with partners like PlainsCapital Bank. They are a part of our mission in fighting hunger.” – Dina Jeffries, South Plains Food Bank CEO Visit spfb.org for ways to volunteer and give. VOLUNTEER CENTER OF LUBBOCK The Volunteer Center of Lubbock connects people and companies with volunteer opportunities in the SouthPlains area. COVID-19made in-person gatherings and volunteer activities unsafe, forcing the Center to cancel events and temporarily unpublish its website’s list of in-person volunteer opportunities. Because employee salaries are the Center’s largest expense, leadership was left wondering how it would pay the team’s payroll without income from the spring season’s canceled events and how to safely continue offering the programs and volunteer opportunities that benefit the Lubbock community. Longtime friend and PlainsCapital Bank Executive Vice President, Perry Tipton, suggested applying for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. With the loan, the Center kept its entire staff and continued to implement leadership and volunteer programs, virtually. “The Volunteer Center of Lubbock has rea l ly developedsomemuscleswedidn’t knowexisted. Instead of shrinking our workforce, we were able to pivot in the face of COVID-19 and thankfully, PlainsCapital Bankwas there every step of the way.” – Sharon Bass, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Lubbock Learn how you can donate, volunteer, or partner at volunteerlubbock.org Executive Director, Sharon Bass 55 hometown living at its best
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 56 lubbock lifestyles magazine
FEATURED IN THE 2021 PARADE OF HOMES W O L F F O R T H L A N D C O M P A N Y . C O M 57 hometown living at its best
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Al Pickett From the Press Box to the Big Screen AS SPORTSFANS,WEEAGERLYBUYTICKETSTOGAMES. We eat hot dogs atopwoodenbleachers.We chant cheers to help rally our team.We savorwins as theywere our ownand share in the disappointment of defeat. Al Pickettwasn’t the athlete fanswere cheering for. He is the fanwhomade surewe remembered it all. “I can’t remember a timewhen sports wasn’t important in my life. My dad was my little league coach. I played baseball and basketball in school and started announcing softball games. I majored in journalism at Kansas State. I wasn’t interested in writing but wanted to be on the radio. I ended up getting to do both,” said Al Pickett. Written By SABRINA FORSE Unless Otherwise Noted Photos Provided by THE PICKETT FAMILY &THE BIG COUNTRY HALL OF FAME A legendary voice heard at local football & basketball games has stepped up his game to the big screen. 59 hometown living at its best
Pickett’s career began in sports radio in Kansas and Arkansas. He later moved to West Texas where he served fifteenyears as sports editor for theAbileneReporter-News. You probably heard his voice as the play by play announcer at Abilene High football games and Cooper High baseball and basketball games . “In some cases, I reported on second generation and even some third generation athletes. As a reporter, you become a part of it all. I’ve seen a lot of successful players and coaches. Some I predicted would do well and others surprisedme.” Picketthasevensurprisedhimself.Themanwhoadmits hewasa reluctantwriter isnowapublishedauthorwithfive books tohiscredit includingonethatwasreleasedasamajor motion picture in 2021. “I became an author by accident. GlennDromgoolewhowastheeditorof theAbileneReporterNews when I was hired in 1986 had since left the paper and was working with a local publishing press. When he called, I had left the newspaper andwas decidingwhat to do next.” That decision turned into a book about the 1954-1957 Abilene High School Eagles. Led by Coach Chuck Moser, the team won forty-nine consecutive games, six district titles and three state championships. “In 1999, the Dallas Morning News named the Eagles the Teamof the Century. I readmicrofilmandstories of everygame for the sevenyears that Coach Moser was there. The book titled, Team of The Century, The Greatest High School Football Team in Texas was released in2004whichwas the50thanniversaryof that team’s first state championshipwin.” Pickett followed with a collection of fifty unique short stories called The Greatest Texas Sports Stories You’ve Never Heard. Later, he met Coach Emory Bellard and the duo collaborated to create Wishbone Wisdom: Emory Bellard, Texas Football Visionary. The book shared stories from Bellard’s successful career including the development of what’s known as the Wishbone Offense. “We co-wrote that book and started promoting it in 2010. Coach Bellard was diagnosedwith LouGehrig’s disease and died a year later so it was a blessing to be able to share his story.” In 2009, Pickett was in the press box announcing the Abilene High School Eagles undefeated season. As Pickett watched the team claim the state championship, he didn’t realize that the victorywould become part of his own story. “Chad Mitchell, the team’s chaplain pitched me the idea for Brother’s Keeper. It was something I was unaware of even though I had followed the team. We wrote the book together and self-published it in 2010.” Brother’s Keeper called “BroKeep” by the players focused on the concept of teammates looking out and being responsible for one another. Pickett co-authored the book withMitchell. They sent PHOTO BY WHITE’S PHOTOGRAPHY 60 lubbock lifestyles magazine
the book to a movie production company and forgot about it until someone called several years later claiming they wanted to turn it into amovie. “Never inmywildest dreams did I think I’dhave a book that is nowamovie.” Pickett was able to add actor to his resume when he playedhimself as anannouncer in thefilm. Headlineactors includedLaurenceFishburne,MiloGibsonandAbigailHawk. “Amovie can’t tell a story chronologically like a book can so there are things that I wish were different about it. I didn’t write the screenplay for it. The biggest thing I learnedwas I don’t knowthe first thing aboutmaking amovie.” Under the StadiumLights had a limited theatre release on June 4, 2021 and is available for purchase on Google Play, Apple TV and AmazonPrime. Moviemaking aside, Pickett continued to write. He headedtoLubbock in2017 towriteMighty,MightyMatadors. “I built the book around 1968 which was the year that both MartinLutherKingJr.andBobbyKennedywereassassinated. Estacado High was the first school in Lubbock to integrate. Their football teamwon the 3A State Championship during their first year of UIL eligibility.” He’s covered state championship journeys that thousandsrememberandthegameendingdoubleplays that only a few recall. “I’ve always been a fan of trivia and sports gives you that.” Pickettmayno longer be loggingbox scores everynight buthe’sstillannouncingfootballgamesforHardin-Simmons University and reporting for oil and gas publications. He may or may not write another book in the future but his contributions toward sports reporting in the Big Country are unrivaled. “I just hope that I’ve brought joy when broadcasting orwriting,” said Pickett. “Sports should be fun and exciting. That’s really the ultimate goal.” † 61 hometown living at its best
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