April 2022

Hoopla April 2022

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Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Evon Markum of Weatherford is retiring, but she’s not slowing down

Inside this issue: Seniors from • Weatherford • Azle • Mineral Wells • Fort Worth

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Baseball Batter Up Home Run Runner Find the following words in the puzzle.

Outfield Words are Catcher hidden and .

Single Slide Base Pitcher BASE GRAND SLAM Foul ball BASEBALL Players HOME RUN BATTER UP Strike INNING Shortshop CATCHER Inning OUTFIELD Curveball CURVEBALL DIAMOND DUGOUT FOUL BALL

Runner Pinch hit Diamond Dugout Grand SHORTSTOP Slam SINGLE Umpire SLIDEDouble Play STRIKE Caught Stealing

PINCH HIT PITCHER April 2022, Volume 6, Issue 4 PLAYERS © 2022 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

RUNNER Hoopla, published monthly, serves Parker County, Palo Pinto

Hoopla 817-894-1822

County and Tarrant County. For a complete list of distribution points, go to www.hooplamagazine.com.

Write us at Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

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April 2022

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

3

Evon Markum retiring, but not slowing down

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Evon Markum wasn’t even sure she wanted the job when she went to work for First Bank Texas (then First National Bank) nearly two decades ago.

But as she has done with everything else in her life, once she accepted it, her enthusiasm and zeal led to great success.

Now, she’s approaching retirement with that same energy as she says farewell to the company for which she’s worked since 2004.

“I’ve helped arrange a lot of retirement parties, now it’s my turn,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s time to travel a little more, and a lot of other things I’ll have more time for, like go see the grandboys.”

“I bought myself a bike for Christmas and I haven’t ridden it yet – and it’s a beautiful bike.”

Speaking of travel, she said she and husband Don will probably be taking a few more road trips to Tulsa in their two classic automobiles to see those grandchildren. She has a 1971 ElDorado convertible and he has a 1978 Trans Am. “I think we’ll be getting those out a little bit more,” she said.

Evon, who will turn 58 in May, spent her entire time with FNB/FBT in marketing, including the last handful as the executive vice president of mar-

keting. It was the culmination of skills she started learning early in life.At only 18 years old she and some friends bought a newspaper, the White Settlement Leader. After a couple years they sold it for a profit, she said.

“It wasn’t in business very long, but it sold for good money,” she recalled.

Originally from San Antonio, she and her family moved to White Settlement after her father retired from the military. She attended Brewer High School.

“My dad was a military police officer and on weekends he sold costume jewelry. I was his salesperson,” she said. “We had a blast doing that. From there I blossomed into a marketing person.”

Evon’s resumé reflects that. In her career she has won numerous awards, including the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the Spirit of Careity Award. This year she is nominated for the EPCCC Business Person of the Year, an award that was being presented at press time.

“It really is an honor just to be nominated. I know everyone says that, but it really is special that someone thinks that much of you,” she said.

“I would encourage anybody to go into marketing.

It’s fun, it’s stressful, and you have a lot of plates

See MARKUM, P. 4

COURTESY

First Bank Texas Executive Vice President of Marketing Evon Markum retires after nearly two decades.

Although she’s leaving the bank, she plans to continue serving the community.

COURTESY

One of Evon Markum’s many accomplishments is assisting in the creation of the Pink Luncheon, held every October, which funds mammography screenings for Parker County’s underserved citizens. Dozens of volunteers assist at the event, including members of the Parker County Sheriff ’s Posse, who direct traffic.

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MARKUM From Page 3

spinning at the same time, but it’s so satisfying.”

Before coming to FBT she worked for CSSI and Charles Beard for several years. She sold for CSSI and helped develop programs for his local radio stations. She even helped launch QXFM, the still popular FM station in town. Then, for a couple years, she started her own public relations/ marketing company. Under her expertise, G&D Pools was named Small Business of the Year by the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce.

“If someone needed a placemat or a menu, it didn’t matter, I did all sorts of little things for people,” she said.

“I’ve always wanted to help small businesses grow, and I’ve felt that’s what I’ve done here.”

It was her personal success that got the attention of FNB. The bank, then First National, needed someone to do a commercial, which she did and it was well-received. That led to a few other projects and, eventually, a fulltime job offer.

“At first I said I wanted to do my own thing,” Evon said.

But after she met with Chairman of the Board Joe Sharp, Evon changed her mind. She’s never looked back at what she considers one of the best choices she’s ever made.

“It’s been very good to me and my husband. We got to meet people and do things we never could have done, and now I think there’s a lot more for me to do out there,” she said.

“The thing I’ll miss most is the relationships, the friends I’ve made at the bank. I’ve met customers who are among my very best friends. I’ve even traveled with them.”

Evon and Don have been married 39 years come September. They have a daughter, Stephanie Haddock, who, with husband Sean, has given them grandsons Tristan, age 10, and 8-year-old Chase.

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

April 2022

flected. “We thought it was a great opportunity to do this and keep everything, 100% of the proceeds, in Parker County.

“They brought the mammography bus here and it was paid for with proceeds from the Pink Luncheon.

They’d never had that before.”

Over the years the Pink Luncheon has made over one million dollars and has grown from around 120 attendees to almost 900 just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year’s event drew around 700, she said.

She is also retiring from her position with the Pink Luncheon as volunteer coordinator, but she will still be attending her favorite event.

“I will be there as a guest for the first time, and I’m looking forward to it. I don’t have to set up the day before or clean up afterward,” she said, adding with a grin that, of course, if they need some help she’ll still pitch in.

“I’m always going to be there if they need my help. When the Senior Center needs something, I’ll be there. I’ll always be somewhere doing ON something, being a Meals on Wheels AV volunteer, helping with charities, the ME Careity Foundation,” she said.

IN ON Aside from volunteer work and enSO joying her grandsons more, Evon has AV AC other exciting plans for retirement.

ME 3H COURTESY While she won’t have a job, it doesn’t DA IN Evon Markum, volunteer coordinator (center) at the 10th anniversary of the Pink mean she won’t be doing a lot of work.

AN SO Luncheon, with co-hosts Brent Baker, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, “I’ve always wanted to write chilAC and Karent Borta of KTVT Channel 11 News. dren’s books – no one ever knew that 1133DH about me – I think that’s the earliDA www est age you can influence them,” she “She named him after a bank, and pink, often found in her clothing and AN said. “Both of our grandboys are great the competitor at that,” Evon said even in her eyeglasses. readers. with a laugh. “Not really, but I tease “I’m a pink girl from way back,” “I could also write a marketing her about that. noting that even her grandsons call 113 D book.

I’ll spend more time with my “But when he was little, about 4 or her Pink Grandma. www mom, who lives near the Alliance Air5, we’d pass by a Chase Bank and he’d She recalled how, in 2005, she port. And I’ll just sit and drink a cup say, ‘There’s my store.’” joined with Kathleen Durham and of coffee on my back patio.”

Among the things Evon is most Susan Sodek of the hospital district She added that retirement might proud of is her community service, to get the now largest luncheon in particularly helping create the annual Parker County underway to help fight also mean surrendering another of her passions. She is also known for Pink Luncheon hosted by the Parker breast cancer.

County Health Foundation, with the “They had gone to Brand X Bank to her love of high-heeled shoes.

“I may have to give up my high help of the Careity Foundation. It’s a ask for help with a fundraiser. Brand heels for tennis shoes,” she said with fitting charity for her to be involved in X Bank turned them down, so they a laugh. as she is known for her love of the color came down the street to us,” she re-

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Mixed-Up Moe

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April 2022

by Margie E. Burke

(Puzzle solution is on P. 19)

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

(Puzzle solution is on P. 19)

COURTESY

Rozanne Gann, Diana Warren and Jerry Hall from Azle Arts Association Popcorn Players. The Azle theatre will perform ‘Harvey’ in the month of May.

Popcorn Players draw fans from Parker, Tarrant, Wise counties

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Who says popcorn doesn’t get better with age?

There’s nothing stale about the Azle Arts Association Popcorn Players, who have been going strong since 1998, providing quality community theatre entertainment to the area.

It was in August 23 years ago that the original Popcorn Players took the stage with a production of “Dogsbreath Deveraux, The Dastardly Doctor.”

From that cast of 10 actors, a director, and a piano man, who took a leap of faith, five are still active today.

“We had no building and no money for the production. A local group let us use their field, and with borrowed lights, borrowed tent for dressing/ backstage, and borrowed risers for a stage we produced our first Popcorn Players production,” Monica Goth, spokesperson for the group, remem-

bered. “The audience brought their own quilt or lawn chair, and a member set up a concession stand.

“The audience loved throwing popcorn and any other concession item.

The villain had to make an announcement to throw popcorn only, lemon drops, and pickles were not to be thrown.”

The Popcorn Players put on six shows each year, including mysteries, some interactive productions, melodramas, and, of course, comedies.

“I believe our success is due to providing quality entertainment in an intimate environment and keeping the patrons’ wants at the top of our thoughts when planning each season,” Goth said. “We strive for a professional and entertaining production. Most of our first-time patrons return and soon become a part of our extended family.”

They’ve also performed a couple of shows that were written by members See POPCORN, P. 8

FACILITY ID# 107301

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

POPCORN From Page 7

of the Popcorn Players. They also have each one fundraising production each year.

Among their most popular shows was the musical “Godspell” several years ago. It sold out nearly every production, Goth recalled. Melodramas are also always exceedingly popular.

“We allow the audience to boo and hiss the villain, cheer the hero, aah at the heroine, and throw popcorn,” Goth said.

Over the years, multiple productions have been major hits and bring out the crowds, such as “Steel Magnolias,” Goth said. Also, several actors are crowd favorites and many patrons come to see them perform.

“Greater Tuna” was another hit, with four gentlemen performing all the parts, Goth added.

If you do want to see a popular show, you’d better come see it during its current run. The group waits at least five years before repeating a production. Shows typically run for two weekends, Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday afternoon matinee. Also, they will, on occasion, have a special dinner type show on a Thursday evening the second weekend of a production.

Patrons come from all over to see productions from the Popcorn Players. That’s what happens when you have over two decades of consistently successful shows. While the bulk are from Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties, Goth said folks come from all over the Fort Worth-Dallas area, and even from out of state.

And, of course, that not only benefits the theater, but the Azle community as a whole, Goth said.

“Many of our patrons meet prior to a show and eat lunch or dinner and then come to the show,” she said.

When Goth stops and reflects on the growth of the group since that original production in 1998, a melo-

drama, she finds herself somewhat in awe of how far they’ve come.

“After the first melodrama, we were loaned a building a pharmacy owned by a local hospital but not in use at the time. We had to clean out the building and make a stage and seating area – again no funds,” Goth recalled. “Each member brought a few plastic lawn chairs, and the audience was given a discount if they brought a white plastic lawn chair as a donation to the theatre. We had seven wonderful years in that building.

“Fortunately, the building had a basement area that was right under part of the stage. One of our shows was ‘Matchmaker,’ and the audience was so surprised when the actors popped up from the floor in one of the early scenes.”

Next, they rented a small space for seven years. With it was limited dressing space, which led to a comical situation for one of the performers during a production of “Nunsense.”

“One of the actresses chose to dress in her nun’s costume at home. After one of the shows, she was pulled over by a policeman for speeding,” Goth said with a chuckle. “He apologized to the ‘sister,’ but asked that she slow down in the future.”

About seven years ago, the group purchased its current location at 1012 Southeast Parkway in Azle.

“Our core group of actors put in much manual labor getting to turn the building into a theatre,” Goth said.

The group continues to work hard to entertain the audience, despite any hardship or surprise.

“At one performance one of the actresses was ill and needed to get off stage quickly. The actor on stage with her saw that she was ill and leaving,” Goth described. “He then proceeded to have a ‘discussion’ with himself and gave both of their lines until the next actor’s entrance. The audience was never aware.”

As the old adage says, “The show must go on.”

April 2022

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

9

Shirley Mixon Crawford’s childhood memory encapsulated on Mineral Wells mural byRose Jordan Hoopla Correspondent “Well, you left me and you went away, you said that you’d be back in just a day.”

Sound familiar? It’s a line from Ernest Tubb’s “Walking the Floor Over You,” a song that was very much a part of little Shirley Mixon’s life.

When she was only three years old, Shirley’s parents owned the Depot Café across the street from the train depot. When the train came in, she would stand on the corner and salute the soldiers as they deboarded the train. “That was just my fun thing to do. I didn’t have anything else to do. I just played with anybody that came up and down the street.”

Then, the train engineer and brakeman would come over to the café.

“They would always swing me around and play with me every day. They became my good friends. They would come in and eat and when they got through, they would give me a penny, stand me up on the counter and ask me to sing. The two songs they always had me sing were “Walking the Floor Over You” and “You Are My Sunshine,” Shirley recalled with a chuckle.

Shirley Mixon, now Crawford, was born in Mineral Wells in 1939. Her childhood memories are filled with life on the block where the Depot Café was located, a bustling street full of activity. “My mother ran that café and my father had a touring service. Back then, everybody in town looked after me,” she said.

She recounts each business and family that occupied the remaining spaces on the block, “Harvey’s Transfer and Storage, Goodbar’s, Hughes Grocery Store (owned by the family of the famous

Shirley Mixon Crawford next to a downtown mural depicting her as a child saluting soldiers at the train depot. The original photo of Crawford is shared below.

COURTESY

astronaut, Millie Hughes). And on the other side of that was a feed store and a mattress factory, all on that one block. That was my playground.”

“I had a very good friend from the bank when I was very young. I believe he was the president. And when I’d go with daddy to the bank, daddy’d go

in there to do business and I’d go in Mr. Wilke’s office and have a talk with him. They knew me by name.”

“It was a different world then,” she shared.

“All the businesspeople in Mineral Wells were my friends. And so were the engineers from the train. That was

COURTESY

my life when I was a little girl.”

“I’m nobody special at all,” Shirley is quick to say, which might make you wonder why there’s a life-sized mural of her in downtown Mineral Wells.

Her older brother, B.C. Mixon Jr,, See MURAL, P. 10

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

April 2022

MURAL From Page 9

COURTESY

Shirley Mixon Crawford’s parents owned the Depot Café,which stood where Freeze Carpets operates today.

Bob White, Daughter Anita White & Grandson Zack Bellenger

joined the Air Force after he graduated high school in Mineral Wells. “I was the only girl in the family and much younger than him. He taught me to salute and at that time, there were a lot of soldiers from the base in Mineral Wells all the time. So anytime I saw one of them, I would salute them. And then I got to where I saluted everyone as a little 3- and 4-year-old,” Shirley said.

“He (B.C.) started taking photos when he was a kid. Most of the pictures that I have, baskets full, he took,” she said. And one of those photos shows little Shirley Mixon wearing her brother’s military cap and saluting.

That photo was recently memorialized as a mural on the side of Freeze Carpets, the building that was once the Depot Café.

The mural was painted in 2020 as one of many during that time. Most are just fun, some depict stories of a time gone by. The mural of little Shirley Mixon was the first of a Mineral Wells native. Both the owners of Freeze Carpet and the murals team fell in love with her story and wanted to put the mural on her old building.

Though no one is giving her a penny to do it, Shirley still occasionally sings those old songs to her grandchildren.

“Once in a while, I do just for kicks.

I don’t remember all the words to them, but I’m sure I didn’t then either.

Mother said they always got a kick out the part when I got to “I’m Walking the Floor Over You” I would always sing ‘I’m walking in in in in in the floor over you.’ I don’t know why. And everyone would laugh.”

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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For reference, notice the three-story Chisholm Trail mural (commemorating the cattle drives of 1867-1875). The mural was created in 1988. The area in front of the mural is now a water garden.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Four Pillars of the New Retirement study.

Establish a sustainable withdrawal What steps can you take to help you bestrategy. For decades, you’ve been putting come an effective money manager during money into your IRA and 401(k). But once your retirement years? Here are a few to you’re retired, you will likely need to start consider: taking withdrawals from these accounts.

Set your goals. Your money manageIt’s essential that you don’t withdraw so ment needs will certainly depend, to some much early in your retirement that you extent, on what your goals are for the comeventually run the risk of outliving your ing years. Will you travel extensively? Stay close to home and pursue your hobbies? Or money. You may want to work with a financial professional, who can analyze your maybe even open a small business? Once you identify your vision for retirement, you entire situation – assets, expenses, lifestyle, expected longevity, etc. – and recommend can estimate how much it will cost, which a sustainable withdrawal rate. Keep in will then dictate much of your spending mind that once you turn 72, you may be and saving needs. required to take out a certain amount each Stick to a budget. If you’ve followed a year from your 401(k) and your traditional budget throughout your working years, there’s no reason to stop now – in fact, bud- IRA, so you’ll want to incorporate these withdrawals into your overall income geting may be even more essential when strategy. you retire. Of course, you don’t necessarDo whatever it takes to become a good ily want to force yourself to be as frugal as possible – after all, you worked hard, saved money manager during retirement. You’ll find that it’s well worth the effort. and invested so you can enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Look for reasonable cost-cutting opportunities, such as eating out less often or eliminating streaming services you don’t use.

Don’t underestimate health care costs.

This article was written by Edward Even when you’re on Medicare and pay for Jones for use by your local Edward supplemental insurance, health care costs Jones Financial Adviser, Mary H. Mccould still be one of your biggest expenses Dow, 102 Houston Ave., Suite 203, 817during retirement. Initially, budgeting for $4,500 to $6,500 per person annually may 598-0882. Member SPIC

Money Matters

April 2022

In Memory: Norma Plowman

by Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher I was deeply saddened to read about the passing of Norma Plowman, a former owner of Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel in Weatherford and Willow Park.

She passed on Thursday, March 24.

Norma was one of the most widely respected senior businesswomen in Weatherford. She was 86 years old when she passed, but sharp as a tack – and somewhat intimidating to a budding entrepreneur like myself in 2017.

Norma was one of the few decision makers in town who gave me, a virtual nobody, the opportunity to sit down in her office to chat. Norma looked through the sample Hoopla pages I’d prepared and seemed excited about the idea of having a publication devoted to area seniors.

Not many people know this, but there would be no Hoopla without Norma Plowman. When we met, I had taken a week off from my full-time job as a graphic designer in hopes of finding advertisers for my solo project. After a full week of pounding the pavement, I hadn’t been able to gain any support. I was ready to give up.

Norma’s advertising contract, plus my Christmas bonus at work, insured the publication could break even for the first

six months.

Norma’s encouragement gave me the confidence to work even harder to make Hoopla a success.

It’s supporters, like GalbreaithPickard Funeral Chapel, that make Hoopla available to readers at no cost. Please remember this and let all of our advertisers know you see their ads.

My condolences to Norma’s sons, James R. Plowman of Weatherford, and Bill Plowman and wife Melinda of Weatherford; seven grandchildren, Holly Heatley of Weatherford, James D. Plowman of Weatherford, Misty Engel and husband Travis of Roanoke, Eli Heatley and wife Eva of Buchanan Dam, Angie Hernandez and husband Jose of Peaster, Yancee Plowman and wife Sydney of Weatherford, and Reid Plowman and wife Edid of Weatherford; brother, Jim Coates and wife Joanne of Authon. Twelve greatgrandchildren, one great-great grandson, countless friends and extended family also survive.

Thank you for all you’ve done for the community, Norma. We will miss you.

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All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of St. Louis, Inc., HealthSpring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc., HealthSpring of Florida, Inc., Bravo Health Mid-Atlantic, Inc., and Bravo Health Pennsylvania, Inc. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. All pictures are used for illustrative purposes only. This information is not a complete description of benefits, which vary by individual plan. You must live in the plan’s service area. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711) for more information. Select benefits may not be available in all service areas without a monthly premium or without an additional monthly premium. Some plans may include these benefits under the monthly premium. Cigna complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Cigna cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad or sexo. English: ATTENTION: If you speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-284-0268(TTY 711). Chinese: 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711). Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select state Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2021 Cigna Some content provided under license. 947351a A_F_64 Y0036_21_87572_M

April 2022

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

Light the way Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path…. That is the version of this verse I learned as a child.

Then Amy Grant came out with a song about this verse in 1984, and I sang along with her over and over again.

Chances are, many people may be familiar with these words, even if they didn’t grow up in church, because it is one of the most popular verses of the Bible.

Sometimes we grow up saying and singing these familiar passages without really ever giving much thought to what they say. This passage has an important message to convey to us: I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119: 101-105 ESV The author knew that the Word is a guidebook for us to keep us on the right path. When we follow that path, we are less likely to go down a wrong path that leads us away from God. The Word of God is the law, but also grace. It is truth, and a life preserver. It helps us know the way, but we must still choose the way.

Obedience is the key to staying on the right path.

When we are camping or out in the woods in the dark of night, a lamp is only going to light the next step. You can hold it at arm’s length, but you will not be able to see all the way to the end of the path. One step at a time. That is

all God gives us. He wants us to trust Him for the next step as we go, just like we trust the light of the lamp for the next step on a dark path. Trusting Him, being obedient to Him and pouring His Word into our lives will take us all

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the way, but just one step at a time. The path changes. It dips and winds and may even drop off a cliff here and there, but God and His Word never change.

We can find direction and safety in Him for every step of the way.

16

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

April 2022

This couple downsized their house and upsized their lives COURTESY

Nancy and Jack Neal on their balcony at Overture Ridgmar. The active senior living community checks all their boxes.

The Neals enjoy friends and fun at Overture Ridgmar Five years ago, Jack and Nancy Neal left San Antonio in search of an active senior living community.

They had a list of requirements: No yard work.

No home maintenance.

No property taxes.

Somewhere closer to their two sons and their families in Dallas-Fort Worth.

What they found was so much more, according to the couple, who are both in their 80s. They finally found their golden years at Overture Ridgmar.

There are 100 units at the community, which sits adjacent to Westworth Village in Fort Worth. The relatively large apartments with well-equipped kitchens offer essentially maintenance-free living. But there is something even more appealing about Overture Ridgmar, said the couple.

The people.

“During our first 60 years, we made

many great friends all over the world,” said Jack. “However, over the past five years, we have made many truly special friends -- friends for too many reasons to count. Certainly some of our closestand best friends ever.”

The Neals say that members of the senior living community are like family. They take each other to doctor’s appointments and look out for one another. They shop together and go out to eat together.

“The proximity of Overture Ridgmar to external resources (shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues) did not factor into our decision to move here,” said Jack, “but our location has been a huge unexpected and positive benefit, making our move to here even better.”

The couple says the management team works diligently and proactively to do what it can to enhance their living experience, to provide both resources and physical support to make

their lives even better.

In addition to regular social events at the community, there are always residents looking to start a card game, beading and painting classes and special entertainment is often brought in for events.

If you’re wondering about the fitness area, the Neals say it offers modern equipment. But they most often walk the long hallways to stay in shape, catching up with neighbors as they go. Sometimes surprising them with gifts.

“Every time I’m in the kitchen to cook chili and spaghetti sauce, I make enough to pass around to quite a few residents,” said Nancy.

“Our residents love her cooking,” added Shannon Praytor, who is on the community management team. “Jack enjoys making door name plaques for all new residents. Almost every door at Overture Ridgmar has a name plaque.”

In fact, the community has a craft room and woodworking area, as well as a library and a pool. The underground parking and additional storage space are also a major plus, according to the Neals.

As a military family and as civilians, the Neals moved 30 times over a period of 60 years, so it says something they’ve been at Overture Ridgmar for five years. Of course, part of that time included the COVID-19 lockdown.

“There was staff turnover and there were strict medical/health considerations at play, for obvious reasons, understandably disrupting what had been our ‘normal life,’ said Jack. “But we are now well on our way to returning to a ‘new and stable normal.’”

Like many, you may be wondering what “the new normal” looks like. One thing is for certain. It includes a lot of fun, friends and a maintenance-free lifestyle for those at Overture Ridgmar.

A

April 2022

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

17

Southern invites watercolorists to Fort Worth meeting

Janet Southern of Arlington has always had an interest in creating art.

As a child, her parents encouraged her by supplying her with pastels, pencils, and oils.

“I took several years of art in high school, but then art took a back burner to raising my children,” said Janet.

“Once my kids were grown, I took several one-day oil painting classes that a craft store offered. I was always drawn to watercolor because of its dreamy, loose style.”

One day at Hobby Lobby, Janet ran into Ann Winchester, who was beginning a watercolor class. She jumped at the chance to join. That was in 2006.

“I’m still going to weekly classes with her,” said Janet. “It’s great to be in a class where you get to know everybody and also learn something.”

Shortly thereafter, she was intro-

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duced to the Society of Watercolor Artists of Fort Worth (SWA), which gathers monthly for artist demos, painting competitions, critiques and fellowship.

“We have two juried shows, one for members only in the fall and an international show in the spring,” said Janet. “The international show is open to any artist worldwide, and we usually have quite a few entries outside of the United States.

This year’s international show will be available for viewing at the Fort Worth Central Library from April 17 through May 22.

Janet has served the club in various positions, including president. She currently serves as treasurer.

“I truly enjoy giving my time to this group since it is a great way to meet other people interested in the same

COURTESY

Art by Janet Southern, pictured at right.

COURTESY

things I am,” said Janet. “It also challenges me to paint more often, outside of class, in order to enter our shows.”

The Society of Watercolor Artists of Fort Worth meets at the UNT Health

Center, located at 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of every month (excluding December and summer months). Visit www. swawatercolor.com for more info.

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18

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

n Live Theatre Picks

April 2022

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

Get Medicareready—it’s not too early Have a free* Humana Medicare Advantage plans benefits review Whether you have Medicare already or you’re taking your first steps toward it, now is a fine time to learn about plans, premiums and prescription coverage.

Learn from an expert

Call a licensed independent sales agent KAREN KENNEDY 817‑550‑7762 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Your local, licensed sales agent can show you available plans and what they offer. There’s no obligation, and this conversation may help you:

• Find out which plans fit your needs and lifestyle

ROMEO AND JULIET

Theatre Off the Square Ticket Info: 817-341-8687 Three off-site performances: April 29 - April 30 (in Hudson Oaks) May 6 - May 7 (at Chandor Gardens in Weatherford) May 13 - May 14, 2022 (in Aledo) Synopsis: William Shakespeare’s classic and well-loved tragedy about star-crossed lovers and their unfortunate fate.

• See whether your prescriptions •

are covered

HARVEY

Popcorn Players 114 Porter Drive, Azle Ticket Info: 817-238-7529 Tentative Dates: May 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 Synopsis: Elwood P. Dowd is a bachelor living in a small town that isn’t quite aware that its newest citizen is a invisible, 6’3” white rabbit named “Harvey,” that only certain people can see. After supposedly meeting this rabbit Dowd’s sanity is put into question by his equally eccentric sister, Veta Louise.

Learn about wellness programs that may be available as part of a Medicare Advantage plan

More than a plan

kkmedicareinsurancesolutions@ gmail.com

See why more than 9 million people across the country** have chosen Humana all-in-one Medicare Advantage plans and stand-alone prescription drug plans.

A more human way to healthcare™ * No obligation to enroll. **Humana Inc. First Quarter 2021 Earnings Release April 28, 2021 At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1‑877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1‑877‑320‑1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用 繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1‑877‑320‑1235 (TTY :711) 。 Y0040_GHHJEW7EN22_AD_M

NEWSIES

Casa Manana 3101 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth Ticket Info: 817-332-2272 Tentative Dates: June 4-12 Synopsis: Stop the presses and seize the day! Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies” in New York City at the turn of the twentieth century. When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right!

ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE

Broadway on the Brazos Granbury Opera House 133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury Ticket Info: 817-579-0952 Tentative Dates: May 13 - 30 Synopsis: “Always…Patsy Cline” is more than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically at age 30 in a plane crash in 1963. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

2022

April 2022

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

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n Find the9Frog Winner 9 5

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Congratulations to Denise Pocholski!

She found the frog in last month’s issue. He was hiding on p. 12 on a shelf at Roadside America.

Enter this month’s contest by emailing to tell us where you found the frog hidden in this issue (example at right)! Email entries to seniors@hooplamagazine.com. All contestants receive a free e-subscription to Hoopla. Make sure you pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

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WeatherfordNOW February 2022

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