Retired but not resting, P. 12
Former banker hears call of the wild, P. 7
PRime Bernie Wills pumped about Newcomer’s Club P. 18 Hood County’s housing boom encouraging senior community P. 8
Area spring/summer calendar of events, P. 16
Granbury, Texas April 2016
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CONTENTS 4 Transplants enjoy golf, tennis and events on the square 7 Call of the Wild. Banker enjoyed time as game warden 8 New housing, retail and restaurants add to Granbury’s appeal 9 Homes in demand 10 Classes keep retirees fit 12 Retired? Not me! MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS
Hood County has many retirees who love to volunteer – and many good causes to volunteer for. Here, Shelley Reyenga works in the Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden.
16 Calendar of events
April 2016 | Prime | 3
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ransplants
Tom and Jackie Schmersahl moved to Pecan Plantation last year from Horseshoe Bay on Lake LBJ near Marble Falls. The couple enjoys golf and tennis, and Jackie said she loves the special events held on the square.
‘Granbury has a lot. I enjoy the square and the activities they have there.’ --Jackie Schmersahl
4 | Prime | April 2016
Visitors often make Granbury home TEXT BY KATHY CRUZ PHOTOS BY MARY VINSON
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eople in Hood County came from a variety of places, but many share the same backstory: They visited Granbury, fell in love and moved here. Within the first few months of Visit Granbury, Inc. opening its doors, staff at the city’s fledgling Destination Marketing Organization provided resources to 176 people who came in and said they want to move here, according to Executive Director Teresa Anderson. They were given Realtor information and other data. “We want to be a resource for information,� Anderson said. Tom and Jackie Schmersahl of Pecan Plantation are among Hood County’s newest transplants, arriving here last year. Their choice of Granbury is significant, considering that the couple moved from scenic Horseshoe Bay on Lake LBJ, a constant level lake near Marble Falls in Llano and Burnet counties. “We have good friends here, and we had been looking for a smaller house and a smaller yard, because we do use our RV,� Jackie said. “We just kind of fell in love with the area here.� The Schmersahls lived in their RV at Pecan’s RV park
while their house was being built. “We came last May 22 and lived in the RV until Nov. 5,� said Jackie. “When we first got there, it hadn’t even been a week and we had to evacuate because of flooding. And it kept raining and kept raining. But we needed the rain.� Yes, we did. It filled up Lake Granbury, restoring the reservoir’s natural beauty. Tom retired 12 years ago. He was a lobbyist for Verizon. Jackie was – and still is – a homemaker. She was home when their two daughters were growing up.
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Enviable lifestyle The couple now has three grandchildren – and an enviable lifestyle. With their friends close by and an RV ready to take them wherever they want to go, the Schmersahls are enjoying life. They play golf and tennis, and appreciate all the amenities that Granbury has to offer. “Granbury has a lot,� remarked Jackie. “I enjoy the square and the activities that they have there. Living close to Marble Falls, really, there wasn’t much. It was nothing like the Opera House or the live music venue. “We just really enjoy having those things available to us – and many more restaurants.� Q
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Call of the Wild Banker glad he grabbed chance to be game warden TEXT BY MARK WILSON
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im Schmidt heard nature’s call and couldn’t resist. He retired from banking and at age 60 became the oldest person ever admitted to the Texas Game Warden Academy. Schmidt’s long banking career began in 1973, but a notice that Texas Parks & Wildlife was seeking applicants for game wardens got his attention. He graduated from the academy in 2009, getting a handshake from then-governor Rick Perry. “I retired at 5 o’clock and showed up at 8 o’clock the next morning,” said Schmidt. Schmidt is back in banking. He is president and commercial loan officer at Prosperity Bank in Granbury.
A natural fit The Fort Worth native grew up exposed to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, and remains an avid deer hunter.
In the 1950s, his parents would take him on vacation to Colorado where he felt at home in nature. “We’d go to a campfire program presented by the park rangers,” Schmidt said. “They looked about 10 feet tall. I thought if I could earn a living doing that – it couldn’t get much better than that. But, that didn’t pay well. “I got realistic and practical. As they say, you can starve to death on the scenery.”
Water ‘like glass’ Schmidt graduated from the academy and was assigned to the Corsicana area, where patrolling the massive RichlandChambers Reservoir was part of his regular routine. Being in a boat on the water on a calm day is among his most enjoyable memories. “I miss when the water is like glass and you’re ripping across that,” Schmidt said. “You’re there and realize they pay me to do this.”
BACK IN BUSINESS: Jim Schmidt, banking center president and commercial loan officer at Prosperity Bank in Granbury, returned to the financial world in 2010 after a brief stint as a Texas Parks & Wildlife game warden. He retired from banking in 2008, and in 2009 at age 60 became the oldest person ever admitted to the Texas Game Warden Academy.
COURTESY
OWL SEE YOU LATER: Jim Schmidt is pictured with an injured owl he helped care for during his time as a game warden in the Corsicana area. Schmidt said the owl suffered a concussion in the wild. It was brought in for rehabilitation before being released. He said being a game warden was rewarding when he could help people stranded in a boat.
Aging parents Schmidt’s parents, Granbury residents Albert and Ruby, are 93 and 92, respectively. As time went by in Corsicana, it became clear that Schmidt needed to move back to this area so he could attend to their needs. Ruby resides in Granbury Villa, while Albert lives in deCordova. Schmidt got a call in late 2010 asking him if he would come to Granbury to manage a bank. He decided it was the right time to return. “There are aspects of the job I really miss, but there are also aspects I came to realize were a young man’s jobs,” Schmidt said of being a game warden. “In reality, I probably would not have been able to do that forever.”
Loving banking “I love commercial lending,” Schmidt said of his return. “The best part of banking is helping customers achieve their dreams with their first home, or real estate construction needs. Schmidt said he would advise everyone to follow their dream even later in life, as he did. “I would tell them to go for it,” said Schmidt, who lives with his wife Ann in deCordova. “You only have so many days on this earth to be productive. Nobody has ever put on their tombstone, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’” Q April 2016 | Prime | 7
The Residence at Legacy Park, for adults 55 and older, will have a community center and two retail centers that will face onto Weatherford Highway.
New housing, retail, restaurants add to Granbury’s appeal TEXT BY KATHY CRUZ
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1900 Block Weatherford Hwy
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The Residence at Legacy Park on Weatherford Highway will feature 60-unit “quadplexes” and two retail centers.
First United Methodist Church
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he list of reasons why Granbury is an appealing place to retire keeps growing. New to the list is the Residence at Legacy Park, a 60-unit upscale development of “quadplexes” for adults 55 and older. Just weeks ago, the Granbury City Council approved a zoning change and preliminary plat for the planned 18-acre development on Weatherford Highway between the Masonic Lodge and the private drive for First United Methodist Church. The development will include two retail centers fronting the highway and decorative lamp street lights to illuminate its entrance. The Residence at Legacy Park is just one of many things on the drawing board, whether the projects be residential development or new stores and eateries. Restaurants that either have opened or will soon open include Firehouse Subs (inside the building that houses Dunkin’
Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, by the lake bridge), the lakefront Mesquite Pit restaurant on East Pearl Street and Cici’s Pizza next to Aldi’s on U.S. 377. More homes are planned for Harbor Lakes in two, possibly three, areas, according to City Manager Chris Coffman. Duplex housing is planned next to Gemstone Estates in the northeastern part of the county, and more single family residences are in the works for Ashley Oaks off Old Granbury Road. The Luton Ranch retail development in the northeastern part of the county (where H-E-B is located) continues to grow, making it easier for Hood County residents to shop locally. A second Rue 21 store is slated to open there, according to Coffman. In the past year or so, stores that have opened there include Marshall’s, Ross Dress for Less and Famous Footwear. Palio’s Pizza Cafe, which fronts U.S. 377 in front of those stores, also opened last year. Q
Masonic Lodge
Residence at Legacy Park
There’s a demand for homes in Hood BY DEBBIE SCHNEIDER
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ore homes are on the market, and the sales price is up, according to the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS). “The economy is good, the lake is up, and people can sell their properties,” said Laura Life, president of the Granbury Association of Realtors. “There’s a market, a demand, for new and existing homes.” Listings in Hood County are up almost 40 percent when comparing January 2015 to January 2016. Those are the latest figures available through NTREIS. Not only does the county have more listings, but the average sales price and the median sales price are both up about 7 percent.
The average sales price went from $181,006 in January 2015 to $192,939 in January 2016. The median sales price went from $160,000 to $171,000. It’s a good time for people to sell, Life noted. Not only has the average price increased, homes are selling more quickly. In January 2015, homes were on the market 100 days before selling. For Janu-
ary 2016, homes were selling in about 88 days. Low interest rates could be driving more sales. “Buyers may not see interest rates this low again in their lifetime, so now is the time to jump on them,” said Life. “Homes are not staying on the market as long. There isn’t enough inventory to meet the demands of potential buyers.” Q
The Residence at Legacy Park site map April 2016 | Prime | 9
Water exercises, such as these at the local YMCA, are one of several ways retired adults continue to stay active and in shape.
Exercise classes keep retirees t TEXT BY RICK MAUCH PHOTO BY MARY VINSON
I
nstead of going to the office every day, they visit the local YMCA. And they work just as hard, if not harder, to stay fit as they enter the golden years of life. Hood County YMCA Executive Director Lisa Gossard said 19 percent of the club’s membership is age 62 and over. And this is not counting the 15 percent that are in the Y’s special programs Silver Sneakers or Silver and Fit, which are paid for through insurance carriers. “At the Y, our active older adults not only exercise but in many cases are the social group for each other,” Gossard said. Gossard said the retirees often form groups that go to the movies or theater together. Lunch is also a popular form of socializing. Additionally, gathering for workouts and socializing encourages them to be around like-minded people who believe exercise and staying active is important. “They also hold each other accountable by taking the time to follow up with a friend who’s not in class,” Gossard said. Gossard said the Y waives the joining fee for members age 62 and older to en10 | Prime | April 2016
courage their participation. They also offer adjustments on memberships. Some may qualify for the Silver Sneakers or the Silver and Fit programs. Gossard suggests bringing your insurance card and letting them check on your eligibility. And there are a variety of activities for retirees to choose from. This includes treadmills, stationary bikes, group exercise classes (both on land and in the water) and weights.
Based on fitness level “Our senior adults are able to do any classes or activities that we offer at the Y based on their fitness level,” Gossard said. “The benefits physically are a healthy body, increased energy, the ability to perform daily tasks for a longer time, and the ability to recover or rehab if they become ill or need surgery. From a mind perspective, exercise has been shown to improve energy levels, memory and mood.” Classes geared around the more senior retirees include Silver Sneakers Classic (they work on range of motion, use elastic bands and hand-held weights while seated) and Silver Sneakers Yoga. There are also Zumba gold and line dancing classes that are geared toward older adults. “Senior adults should try to get cardio,
weight bearing exercises, as well as flexibility and stretching,” Gossard said. She suggests walking, using light hand weights, and either yoga or some stretching each day.
Walking in pool great exercise For golfers, walking the course versus riding in a cart is always more beneficial, she said. She also said walking in a pool – along with swimming – is great. “There are senior adults that worry about falling, but being more physically fit with better balance will actually help them be less likely to fall,” Gossard said. Gossard also recommends that younger family members encourage retirees to remain active. “Encouragement from families can be very influential for senior adults,” she said. “Most senior adults want to be able to participate in family activities (for example, vacations, sporting events of grandchildren, walks) and they need to be active themselves to participate. “It is always great to see entire families participating in the YMCA Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.” It’s all about living to enjoy life after retiring, and staying active with regular exercise enhances those chances. Q
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Retired? Not me!
Norm Snyder (second from left) and other helpers discuss what they can do for victims following the tornado that hit Rancho Brazos in 2013.
Volunteers get up and get out to brighten the lives of others TEXT BY RICK MAUCH COURTESY PHOTOS
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etiring from a career doesn’t mean the work ends. Just ask the many retirees who volunteer their time and efforts for various causes. In fact, a retiree can devote more time to his/her passion than they ever could while holding down a job. Many in Hood County do that very thing, now that they no longer have a daily job to get in the way.
Biff Peterson Former Granbury Pirate football coach Biff Peterson worked in the Texas Public School System for 35 years as a coach and teacher before retiring in 2009. He said he learned to volunteer by watching his father help the community in his hometown of Angleton. “It was at that time that I saw the impact it had on the people of that community,” Peterson said. “I have been volunteering most of my life to some degree, but it has really picked up in the last seven years.” Peterson’s resume for volunteering is quite the litany: Q Volunteer coach at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Q Teaching English through the Bible for five weeks in Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Q Serving on the Boys and Girls Club of Hood County board of directors. 12 | Prime | April 2016
Retiree Barbara Snyder, along with husband Norm, volunteer for a variety of organizations to help make life better for the less fortunate in Granbury and Hood County. Q Serving on the Granbury Citizens Police Alumni board of directors. Q Being an ambassador for Granbury Chamber of Commerce. Q Member of the Granbury Lions Club. Q Driving for Hood County Meals on Wheels. Q Working at the Christian Service Center Food Pantry. Q Driving in the van ministry for Granbury Church of Christ. Q Being in the BEAM Reading program at Baccus Elementary. Q Being a student mentor at Granbury Middle School. Q Serving with Kids Armor of Hope.
Q Being on the United Way board of directors. Peterson credits his 10 years as principal of the Granbury ISD Behavior Transition Center for helping fuel his desire to volunteer. “I was able to see up close how the different agencies and individuals worked with families in need, and in doing so making a difference in their lives,” Peterson said. But mostly, he said he volunteers because he keeps asking himself one simple question. “What would Jesus do?” he said. “I guess the best way to explain why I chose these places was that a door opened up, and I happened to be standing there when it did.” Peterson has spent most of his life being active. Volunteering has helped him continue doing so. For example, he said Kids Armor of Hope is starting a new mentoring program in the next couple of months. This will allow volunteers such as himself to work with young people, helping them with day-to-day decisions that impact their lives. “I do feel that one of the ways that we can truly make an impact in someone’s life is through mentoring. It can be a long process, but when it works it is well worth it,” he said. “Mentoring is all about making and building relationships because once that relationship is built (through trust), real life changes can come about. It’s about donating the most precious thing we have – time.” Peterson’s giving nature has been passed down to his children. In fact, his daughter Kylee is also a volunteer in various capacities throughout Granbury and Hood County. “I am really proud of Kylee and all the volunteer work she has done in this community,” he said.
Norm and Barbara Snyder Norm and Barbara Snyder still carry business cards with them. They read: Norm and Barb Snyder, retired, volunteers. The Snyders wasted no time in starting their community volunteer work after moving to Granbury from the Metroplex in late 2001. In 2004, after Norm retired from IBM, the “real work” began, and the volunteering increased.
Among the many organizations for which Norm Snyder (right) volunteers is Christmas For Children. Here he is shown with CFC director Jacque Gordon and Bishop Scott Mayer.
Biff Peterson delivers Meals on Wheels, one of many volunteer activities for the former Granbury football coach Between his work at IBM for 25 years and having served in the Air Force for a dozen years, Norm had done a lot of traveling. Given the chance to settle down and spend more time in his community than on the road, he and Barbara leaped at the chance to contribute through volunteering. It began with Norm serving on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity through a church connection. “I lived in two states and traveled extensively, including an eight-year job based in Tokyo and living in Texas. Lots of air
miles,” he said. “Finally retiring gave me the opportunity to give back to my community. “Retiring gives us the opportunity to be active in ways that were simply not possible before. Somebody else coached my kid in Little League. Now it’s give-back time.” Norm is on the board of directors for Christmas for Children, a project he and Barbara both hold dear. In conjunction with that, he helped construct the haunted house for GranScary last year. He and Barbara work with the Healthy April 2016 | Prime | 13
Kids summer lunch program, help with Meals on Wheels and Operation School Supplies, and recently reinstated their volunteer work for Habitat. “I needed something to do in the spring,” he said with a smile. Norm is also a lay leader at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Why volunteer at all of these places? “The needs are there, and I am blessed to have the time and skills to respond,” he said. Along with helping others, Norm said volunteer work has brought he and Barbara in contact with a diverse cross section of folks to enhance each others’ lives. And they all have one common goal – to help their fellow citizens. “Our skills are different, but we all seem to be motivated to improve the community and help those less fortunate,” he said. “I find it changes my perspective. It makes me really appreciate what I have. “I’ve made some great friends in the volunteer community.”
unnatural and discomforting.” Especially when there are so many people to help who simply don’t Norm Snyder is one have the of many retirees money or who volunteer resources their time to help a to pay. As a variety of organiza- doctor, Coletions. man’s expertise helps to literally save lives. He volunteers at Ruth’s Place, at Interim Hospice, and with a respite care program at the First Christian Church. He has also served as president of the board of directors for Ruth’s Place. “I still go to the clinic as I have for years, takings pigs and donuts (breakfast food), filing charts, buying supplies and doing whatever needs to be done,” he said. “It is very satisfying work, and the patients appreciate the care given there.” His volunteer position with Interim Hospice takes him into nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He also makes weekly phone calls to homebound patients. “These are wonderful people, and I very much enjoy the opportunities,” he said. And every Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. he can be found at the respite care program, working with an average of five to seven patients. They play dominoes, watch movies, share talk of old times and memories, and generally have something to look forward to each week.
Rogers Coleman The way Rogers Coleman sees it, volunteering is just the right thing to do. Kind of like the Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Plus, it beats watching TV. “If I were not volunteering, I would be spending too much time staring at the wall or the TV or some other useless and distracting endeavor,” he said. “There is a gift of energy and enthusiasm that comes with volunteering. It is genuinely satisfying. “I have been very busy all my life, and to be idle seems very
“The people who attend are disabled, and the program gives them an opportunity to get out of the house and mix with folks with maladies like theirs,” said Coleman. “It also gives caregivers a day off to shop or visit, or be alone for a while. “We have a great time together.” After a long career of practicing medicine and working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Coleman began volun-
teering in the Granbury area in 2011. Much like in his medical career, he gets satisfaction knowing the work he’s doing is improving the lives of others. “Volunteering is a happy endeavor, and it provides great satisfaction to know that others are helped by something that I am able and very willing to do,” he said. “The memories of each day bring a sense of usefulness and peace that I would miss if I were not volunteering.” Q
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he trend of long-married couples calling it quits has been growing. However, there are some steps couples can take to keep their relationships going strong. According to the AARP, divorces among people over the age of 50 have doubled since 1990. Understanding just why these divorces are taking place and taking proactive steps to alleviate some of the divorce triggers can be a recipe for a happy marriage that continues throughout a couple’s golden years. Q Get things out in the open. A major reason for a failed marriage is years of avoiding significant issues rather than addressing problems. Couples should make time to talk to each other about anything that might be bothering them rather than letting too many things slide. If these conversations turn into shouting matches, there is always the option of bringing in a third party to serve as a mediator. Q Spend time apart. After retirement, couples may find themselves spending hours upon hours in each
other’s company. While togetherness can be beneficial, too much time spent together may lead to feelings of suffocation and the perception that each member of the relationship is no longer his or her own person. Q Recommit to your vows. After 30 or more years, the vows you shared on your wedding may be a distant memory. Q Become a comedian. Laughter has a way of dissolving a tenuous situation. Focus energy on laughing at mistakes instead of pointing blame. Couples can make fun of themselves and resolve to not take things too seriously. Q Act like you’re dating. Couples may forget about the little details that made the relationship fun in the early years. Make an effort to go on dates, write love notes and think of what was appreciated by your partners when you were in the dating stage. Q Practice selflessness. Sometimes all that is needed to rekindle a relationship is a selfless act that shows how much you care for your partner. Q
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prime | calendar
2016
MARY VINSON | HOOD COUNTY NEWS
The historic Granbury square is the location for several parades during the year, including the General Granbury parade in March, the 4th of July parade and the Christmas parade the Friday after Thanksgiving.
April
volver Brewing, 5650 Matlock Road, www.racedayeventservices.com
1 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” Continues through May 1 at Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org
29-30 Granbury Wine Walk on the square and surrounding area, live music, food and wine vendors and wine tasting. http://granburywinewalk.com
2 Country Spirit Jamboree at Granbury Reunion Grounds. Fundraiser for Cancer Care Services of Hood County. http://cancercareservices. org
May
9 Lake Granbury Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Demonstration & Education Garden, 1410 W. Pearl St. 9 BATIWOW motorcycle run and rally (Bring Awareness To Invisible Wounds of War), at Saddle Bags BBQ,. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the ride, kick stands up at 10 a.m. Live music, door prizes and vendors, 3636 W. Highway 377. Contact Robin Greer at rgreer@pecanvalley.org. 23 Hood County Relay for Life, Granbury Reunion Grounds, http://relay.acsevents.org 23 Eighth annual Acton Nature Run at Re16 | Prime | April 2016
13 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “Hello Dolly” continues through June 12, Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org 27-30 Field of Flags: Remembrance and Honor, presented by Greater Granbury Military Officers Association of America, with partners American Legion Post 491, Marine Corps League, Blue Star Mothers and Granbury Brigade. Purchase a flag and honor military and first responders, 4064 E. Highway 377 (near the Luton Ranch shopping area), 817-776-7766. Proceeds go to support Hood County veterans and their families, http://granburyfieldofflags. com
28-29 Memorial weekend on the square with the Cruisin’ Granbury outdoor festival. Classic hot rods on display, vendors, Elvis tribute competition and dancing. http:/granburysquare. com
June
10-12 Lone Star Street Rod Association presents the 42nd annual State Run. Registration is at Granbury Resort Conference Center. Cars will be displayed at Hewlett Park, 634 E. Pearl St., and some will be on the square. http://www.lssra.com 24 Opening night for Granbury Theatre Company ‘s “Singin’ in the Rain,” continues through July 24, Granbury Opera House, http://granburytheatrecompany.org
July
2-4 Old-Fashioned 4th of July. Parade on the square, ranch rodeo, fireworks over the lake, variety of vendors and activities. http://www.granburychamber.com Q
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Welcome Bernie Wills (left) and Margaret Ellis enjoy a laugh as they greet each other at a Lake Granbury Newcomer’s Club meeting. PHOTO BY MARY VINSON
18 | Prime | April 2016
FRIENDLY TYPES: Lake Granbury Newcomer’s Club founder Helen Shorter (seated, center) is surrounded by other club members, including her daughter, Jill Da-
vis (seated at left) and former president Bernie Wills (standing, at left) in 2013 during the organization’s 35th anniversary celebration.
Enthusiastic Bernie Wills perfect match for Granbury Newcomer’s Club TEXT BY MARK WILSON COURTESY PHOTOS
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ostess Bernie Wills enthusiastically greets attendees at the Pecan Plantation Clubhouse front door. The elegant, but down-to-earth former flight attendant treats guests like her best friend. “She seems to recognize that special quality in everyone she meets,” a visitor said. Wills may be the most enthusiastic promoter of what the Lake Granbury Newcomer’s Club can do for people. She eagerly soaked up the friendship with the other ladies in the club. She said the club has helped them form “friendships that we will treasure forever. Wills has seen the positive impact the club has made in the lives of the shy and lonely. “A lot of people have become more outgoing and more confident in themselves,”
Wills said. Wills, 73, joined the club after moving to Pecan Plantation from Colleyville 10 years ago. She was president of Newcomer’s for the 2011-2012 year. Even though Wills had her own clothing store in Colleyville, she said she had fewer opportunities to meet new people. “Working, it was hard to make friends,” Wills said. “We didn’t have a club like that.” She said her husband, Don, enjoys the Newcomer’s Club benefits. He has found new golfing partners, and they’ve taken ship cruises with club friends. “I feel like I’m going on 24,” she said. “Being active makes such a difference.”
Fell in love with it The club was founded in 1978 by Helen Shorter, when “the whole idea was to welcome new people into Granbury,” Wills said. The club has grown to about 400 active members. Q
Bernie Wills (right) is pictured with the founder of the Lake Granbury Newcomer’s Club, Helen Shorter, in 2013. April 2016 | Prime | 19
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If you’re on FM Road 51 headed north toward the Parker County line, you must cross this bridge over Lake Granbury to reach your destination.
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The Lake Granbury bridge lies on the major corridor we know as Highway 377. Could you imagine a trip to Stephenville or Fort Worth without this bridge?
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Not only does the Pearl Street bridge provide a vista of beautiful Lake Granbury, the bridge serves as a gateway from the east for all the action downtown on the historic square. 22 | Prime | April 2016
You know it’s time to slow down as you approach this railroad bridge on Highway 377. The road narrows under the bridge, and the speed limit drops as you arrive in downtown Tolar.
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The late, great Yogi Berra supposedly said it: “The future ain’t what it used to be.â€? And the same could be said Tony Mobly, AAMSÂŽ of retireEdward Jones ment. Due Financial Advisor to several factors, such as advances in health care, today’s retirees are living longer, more active lives than their predecessors. In fact, you could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement – which means you need a “longevity strategy.â€? Such a strategy needs to be part of your overall retirement income strategy, but here are five key areas you’ll need to address: óóóoĂł,IFESTYLE – What do you plan to do during your retirement years? Travel the world? Stay close to home and pursue your hobbies? Volunteer? Open a small business or do some consulting? Your choice of lifestyle will probably affect every aspect of your longevity strategy. óóóoĂł)NCOME – Your biggest threat to an enjoyable retirement is the possibility of running out of money. This fear is apparently widespread; in a survey commissioned by Allianz, a life insurance company, more than 60% of respondents said they were more scared of outliving their assets than they were of dying. You need to create a retirement income strategy that incorporates, among other elements, a withdrawal rate that allows you to take money from your 401(k), IRA and other investment accounts in such a manner that you don’t run out. You’ll also need to answer other key questions, such as when to take Social Secu-
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Stop by for a tour and enjoy a free lunch or dinner for two!!
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