Dunkin' Texas Tech pep rally, Santa Fe Railway exhibit, among events around Lubbock

Dunkin' hosting Tech pep rally

This Tuesday, Feb. 21, Dunkin’ of Lubbock and Ashley Chevalier, Texas Tech women’s basketball guard and a new member of Team Dunkin’, will host a pep rally to get Texas Tech fans fueled up ahead of Wednesday’s game against West Virginia University! As part of the event, the Dunkin’ located at 4328 50th St. will offer guests a free Medium Hot or Iced Coffee* from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the pep rally, Chevalier will be serving her favorite Dunkin’ drink, the Peach Passionfruit Refresher, working the Dunkin’ prize-wheel, and taking photos with fans. During the event, Dunkin’ Rewards Members will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for their “shot” at winning Free Coffee for a Year.

Historic Santa Fe Railway calendar art exhibit ongoing

The Slaton Harvey House is showing a 50-year collection of calendar art commissioned by the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railway now through the end of March. The fine art captures Southwest scenes and the lives of Native Americans.

The Slaton museum and event center is located at 400 Railroad Ave. and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibit will run through the end of March. No admission is charged. For more information: (806) 828-5900 or www.slatonharveyhouse.com.

Closure part of FM 2641 intersection project

Work on a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project to make improvements to FM 2641 (Regis Street), at I-27, continues as crews close access to North Cedar Street.

Starting this week, drivers will not have access to North Cedar Street north of FM 2641. The closure will allow crews to mill the westbound lanes in preparation of rebuilding the intersection from asphalt to concrete. Drivers will not have access to North Cedar, from FM 2641, for approximately two months.

Cedar Street can still be accessed from the I-27 frontage road.

Oversized vehicles continue to be restricted from traveling through the work area and should contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) at (800) 299-1700 for information on oversize and overweight load permits, road restrictions or other questions.

The work is part of a $7.2 million project to rebuild the I-27/FM 2641 intersection with a concrete road surface, reconstruct the intersection medians and signalize the intersection. Work is scheduled to conclude in the fall of 2023.

TxDOT hosting I-27 bridge project public meeting

Citizens are invited to attend a public meeting for a proposed project that will replace three I-27 bridges in Lubbock, including the Yucca Lane bridge spanning over the interstate. The public will have the opportunity to join in-person or virtually.

The in-person, open-house style meeting will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Texas Department of Transportation Lubbock District Training Center (Building D), 135 Slaton Road, and will give citizens the opportunity to ask TxDOT staff questions.

The virtual meeting will consist of a pre-recorded video presentation and will include both audio and visual components. The presentation will be posted online by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. To log onto the virtual public meeting, visit TxDOT.gov and keyword search “Yucca Lane bridge project.” If you do not have internet access, or cannot attend in-person, citizens may call Kylan Francis, P.E., director of transportation planning and development, at (806) 748-4490, to ask questions and for information on how to access project materials during the project development process.

The proposed project includes rebuilding three I-27 bridges, including the Yucca Lane bridge which will be raised to meet the revised TxDOT standards for freight corridors and will also require both the north- and southbound I-27 frontage roads to be raised. The bridge (on/off) ramps, located south of Yucca Lane, will also be rebuilt.

The proposed project does not require additional right-of-way, and there will be no anticipated displacements.

Maps and drawings showing the project location and design, tentative construction schedules, and other information regarding the proposed project are on file and available for inspection Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the TxDOT Lubbock District Office, 135 Slaton Road. Public comments can be submitted until Friday, March 10, by email at lbb_projects@txdot.gov or by mail to Kylan Francis, P.E., Director of Transportation Planning & Development 135 Slaton Road Lubbock, TX, 79404.

The video presentation and project materials will be presented in English. If you need interpretation or translation services or are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to attend and participate in the virtual public meeting, please contact Dianah Ascencio, TxDOT Lubbock District Public Information Officer, at (806) 748-4472, no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17.

Buckner sets foster care, adoption informational meetings

Nonprofit Buckner Children and Family Services is hosting free informational meetings on foster care and adoption. At the meetings, attendees will learn more information on the process of becoming a foster parent or adopting through Buckner. The schedule released is for the first half of the year.

Attending a virtual information meeting is the first step in starting a foster care and adoption journey with Buckner. Attendance and completion of the information meeting is required to proceed in the process for all Buckner foster care and adoption programs.

Virtual foster care and adoption meeting schedule: Feb. 23, 7-8 p.m.; March 9, 7-8 p.m.; March 23, 7-8 p.m.; April 13, 7-8 p.m.; April 27, 7-8 p.m.; May 11, 7-8 p.m.; May 25, 7-8 p.m.; June 8, 7-8 p.m.; and June 22, 7-8 p.m.

To register for a virtual foster care and adoption meeting, visit Buckner.org/foster-care-adoption/events

For additional information, call Buckner at (806) 795-7151.

SPC to offer weekend truck driving course

LEVELLAND – South Plains College will offer a Weekend Course for individuals who want to become licensed truck drivers. The course costs $5,995.

The course will include 10 weeks of class (200 hours of training) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Feb. 25. The course will end with graduation on April 30. Graduating students will possess a Texas Commercial Drivers Licenses Class A (CDL-A) when the course is completed.

The remaining weekend course dates will be May 6 through July 9; July 15 through Sept. 17; Sept. 23 through Feb. 3, 2024; and Dec. 9 through Feb. 25, 2024.

For more information, contact Lidia Franco at (806) 716-4686 or email her at lidia.franco.atds@gmail.com.

St. Michaels hosting annual festival

Parishioners of St. Michael Catholic Church in Levelland are making preparations for the 38th Annual Sausage Lovers Festival Sunday, Feb. 26 in the parish hall at 318 E. Washington St.

The sausage festival features a parish-prepared meal featuring homemade German-style sausage and all the trimmings, including dessert and a drink for $15 per plate. The meal will be served as dine-in or carry-out from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The menu for the meal includes homemade German-style link sausage, German potato salad, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, green beans, fresh homemade rolls and dessert.

In addition to the dinner, musical entertainment will be provided by popular Lubbock musician Junior Vasquez from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live and silent auctions will be held beginning at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Fresh baked goods will be available for purchase.

At the conclusion of the festival, a drawing will be held for a 2022 Jeep Compass Latitude 4x4 from Scoggin-Dickey in Levelland. Tickets for the drawing can be obtained from parishioners or from the Parish Office at 316 E. Washington St. and will also be available the day of the festival.

For information, contact the St. Michael Parish Office at 806-894-2268.

AgriLife office hosting turf, ornamental workshop

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Lubbock County will present its 2023 Commercial Turf and Ornamental Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27.

The workshop will be held at the Texas A&M Research Center, 1102 E. FM 1294. The class will provide five TDA CEUS. Lunch will be provided.

Registration, which is required by Tuesday, Feb. 21, is $50. For more information, contact the Extension office at (806) 755-1740.

NRHC opens King Ranch art exhibit

Texas Tech invites the community to view the King Ranch through the brush artist Noe Perez in a stunning display of paintings opening Feb. 24 the National Ranching Heritage Center.

An exhibit opening for “King Ranch – Legacy in Art” will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at the NRHC, 3121 Fourth St. The paintings are made available for the exhibit courtesy of King Ranch Inc.

After the program, guests will have the opportunity to stay for a meet-and-greet and book signing of “King Ranch – Legacy in Art.” Books will be available for purchase at Cogdell’s General Store in the NRHC.

The event is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. To reserve a seat, patrons can visit ranchingheritage.org.

The exhibit will be open through May 24.

SPC announces 25th Annual Scholarship Gala

LEVELLAND — South Plains College will host its 25th Annual Scholarship Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Mallet Event Center. The "Silver Celebration" will bring an evening full of excitement, entertainment, and — most importantly — fundraising for scholarships for South Plains College students.

The evening’s entertainment will feature the musical talents of SPC alumnus Heath Wright and his band, Ricochet. Gala patrons will enjoy both live and silent auctions as well as new activities, all designed to raise funds for student scholarships.

Patrons will enjoy a multi-course served meal along with student musical entertainment before the program begins. Beer and wine will again be available for purchase with all proceeds being donated to support the scholarship fundraiser.

A highlight of the evening will be honoring the 2023 Pacesetter Award winner. Established in 2003, the Pacesetter Award is presented annually by the college on the recommendation of the South Plains College Foundation Board of Directors to recognize philanthropy that has set the pace and inspired others to support SPC.

The public is invited to purchase tables and tickets now. The top sponsorships provide tables that seat 10 guests and include Underwriting Partner for $7,500 and Diamond Sponsor for $5,000. The Ruby Sponsorship ($2,000) and Sapphire Sponsorship ($1,000) provide tables for eight guests. Gold Sponsorships are also available at $125 and provide a single seat. Patrons are invited to visit https://www.southplainscollege.edu/gala for more information.

One hundred percent of the Gala's proceeds are dedicated to student scholarships.

For tickets, to make a donation of cash or auction items and for more information, contact the South Plains College Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (806) 716-2019.

CASA to host 2023 CASABlanca Gala & Auction

CASA of the South Plains will host their first-ever CASABlanca Gala and Auction presented by HEB Helping Here, celebrating the invaluable impact CASA Volunteers have made in the lives of children in foster care in the South Plains.

The gala is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7-10 p.m. at the Texas Tech Frazier Alumni Pavilion. The CASABlanca Gala will include dinner, live music, silent and live auctions and more.

The gala will not only be a time to celebrate together, but also an opportunity for caring community members tochange the life of a child in foster care.

There are multiple sponsorships available, and CASA is currently requesting donations for both the silent and live auctions. Any support will help ensure the foster youth in the South Plains receive the advocacy they desperately need.

For more information about sponsorships, tables, or to donate to the auctions, contact Stacy Kelley at stacyk@casaofthesouthplains.org or at (806) 763-2272.

Mardi Gras fundraiser set for Feb. 28

Mardi Gras 2023, an annual fundraiser for Lubbock Meals on Wheels, is scheduled for 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center exhibit hall.

Mardi Gras 2023 will include over 35 food booths (with selections from your favorite local restaurants), music by Bo Garza, a large silent auction, and cash bars.

In addition to music and food, there will be children’s activities, a benefit drawing, and traditional Mardi Gras beads. Character Selfies Photo Booth will be set up. For $5, you can get a fun photo commemorating your Mardi Gras celebration. There will be lots of purple (for justice), green (for faith), and gold (for power) – all traditional Mardi Gras colors.

Kiddos will enjoy the Children’s Area featuring bouncers, face and hair painting, and many other activities. There is no additional charge for activities in the children’s area.

Tickets can be purchased online, in advance at Lubbock Meals on Wheels, at any Select-A-Seat location (service charge applies) or for $50 at the door. Children 12 and younger will be admitted for $15. They accept cash, checks, or credit cards (no American Express) and will mail tickets or hold them at the door.

New Neighbors to meet March 10

The New Neighbors Club will hold its monthly meeting/luncheon on Friday, March 10 at the Lubbock Women's Club, 2020 Broadway.

The program will start at 10:30 a.m. and will be presented by Michelle Olson. She will provide a PowerPoint history of the Lubbock Women's Club.

Lunch will be served after the program and the cost is $20.

Reservations are required at least three days prior to the event. Members, watch your email or spam for the Evite. One can RSVP through it or contact Roni Allen (text) (281) 507-4083 or email okieroni1@gmail.com.

If unable to attend, reservations must be cancelled at least three days before the event. The club must pay for all reservations, even the "no shows". Non-members contact Roni.

Optional games afterward; contact your game leaders.

SPC to host Songwriting Contest on March 30

LEVELLAND – Are you an aspiring songwriter? South Plains College will host a Songwriting Contest for aspiring talent in the West Texas area. Sponsored by SPC’s Commercial Music Department, the winner of the contest will be featured during Fest Week on March 30 in the Tom T. Hall Studio.

The contest will be divided into two categories: high school writers ages 14–17 and adult writers ages 18 and older. Each artist will be required to produce an original song, then enter his or her submission as an audio file before the March 3 deadline.

The entries will be judged by a panel of professional songwriters. One of the top five candidates will win an award and the opportunity to perform his or her song on stage at the Tom T. Hall studio. Other prizes will include a professional logo, a poster and a custom-made guitar strap.

For information about the Songwriting Contest, contact Brent Wheeler, associate professor of commercial music, at (806) 716-2023, and Jerry Serrano, instructor in commercial music, at (806) 716-2282.

SPC to offer Petroleum Safety Classes in March

LEVELLAND – South Plains College will host two general safety classes for petroleum industry workers March 30 and March 31 in the Technology Center.

On March 30, the Hydrogen Sulfide Gas (H2S) will begin at 8 a.m. The four-hour course will cost $130.

On March 31, Safeland will start at 8 a.m. This eight-hour course will cost $175. Veriforce will conduct the classes. Both courses are accredited by SafeGulf and SafeLandUSA.

Students will learn about hazards they may encounter in the workplace and become familiar with various practices to lessen those hazards. This orientation provides general safety information that workers need to know before entering a company facility while performing their assigned work duties. South Plains College’s Workforce Development is bringing back two oilfield safety classes required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

For more information, contact Jay Warnick, director of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at SPC, at (806) 716-2547 or visit the website www.southplainscollege.edu/community/continuinged/petroleum-safety.php.

Vets encouraged to register for VA benefits

The City of Lubbock's Veterans Advisory Committee, along with the Lubbock Veterans Affairs Clinic, are encouraging area veterans to register for VA benefits by Memorial Day, May 29, 2023.

If 10,000 veterans register, the Lubbock VA Clinic will be eligible for "Health Care Center" status. This designation would increase available resources and enhance specialty care options for veterans.

"We want to provide the best and most complete services to our veterans, and to do that, we need more veterans to sign up so that we can access more resources," said Councilman Steve Massengale. "Reaching this goal will enhance services and partnerships within the community. We owe so much to our veterans, and it's important to serve those who served us as best we can."

By mid-February, 9,400 regional veterans had registered with the Lubbock VA. Information on how to register is at va.gov.

Lubbock Meals on Wheels seeks volunteers

Lubbock Meals on Wheels is in need of fall volunteer drivers, both regular and substitute, each weekday to deliver meals in Lubbock and Wolfforth. Individuals do not need to commit to a set schedule to volunteer for MoW.

Some drivers prefer to take the same route on the same day each week whereas others prefer to just substitute when needed. For many of our recipients, the MoW volunteer may be the only person they see during the day.

Each route takes approximately one hour to deliver. Most routes have 10-16 clients.

A background check and one hour orientation is required for all delivery volunteers.

If you would like to try it out first, MoW can pair you up with one of their volunteers for a ride-along. To schedule that, call (806) 792-7971.

Delivery volunteer opportunities are available from 10:45 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Non-delivery volunteer opportunities are available throughout the day Monday through Friday.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call (806) 792-7971.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Dunkin' Texas Tech pep rally, Santa Fe Railway events around Lubbock