April 2021

Hoopla April 2021

Spring Creek Musical continues 80-year tradition with help of Lewellings Also inside:

Azle’s Community Caring Center doubles efforts to help residents through pandemic Weatherford man recalls his walk across the nation

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

‘As You Like It’ performed live at Chandor Gardens April 9-10 A classic tale performed in a picturesque backdrop. That’s what Weatherford’s Theatre Off The Square promises when they perform William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at Chandor Garden on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10.

In “As You Like It,” witty words and romance play out against the disputes of divided pairs of brothers. Orlando’s older brother, Oliver, treats him badly and refuses him his small inheritance from their father’s estate; Oliver schemes instead to have Orlando die in a wrestling match. Meanwhile, Duke Frederick has forced his older brother, Duke Senior, into exile in the Forest of Arden.

Showtimes are as follows: Friday, April 9, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, April 10, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

Tickets: $5 at the garden entrance (cash only). Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. This is a casual, family-friendly event, but no animals are allowed (except service animals to aid guests with disabilities).

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Picnic food and drinks are also allowed through the gates. Drinks and light concessions will also be available for purchase (cash sales only). For additional information, contact Chandor Gardens Foundation Inc. at 682-268-0102 or Theatre Off The Square at 817-341-8687.

DEMENTIA IN PERSPECTIVE is TELEHEALTH CONSULTATION SERVICES UTILIZING VSEE TELEHEALTH PLATFORM HIPAA-compliant online services including: ▪ Private Consultations ▪ Caregiver Education ▪ Caregiver Training

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COURTESY OF CHANDOR GARDENS

Hoopla April 2021

Volume 5, Issue 5

© 2021 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla is published monthly and available at more than 45 locations in Parker County. For a complete list of distribution points, go to our website at www. hooplamagazine.com. We no longer offer home delivery. You can contact us at Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

817-894-1822

seniors@hooplamagazine.com

Publisher

For more information or to schedule an appointment: Janet Standifer, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, CDP, CADDCT Certified Dementia Trainer & Consultant janet@jstandiferconsulting.com | (817) 901-4658

“To increase knowledge is to improve care.”

Cynthia Henry

Contributors

Lara Cook • Bob DeLaurentis • Rick Mauch Neil Sperry • Dick Wolfsie

Copy Editor

Jean Henderson

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April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

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Spring Creek Musical Generations of local music lovers have gathered at tabernacle

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Music has had a major influence in Tim Lewelling’s life.

And topping that list is the Spring Creek Musical, a monthly music festival at a tabernacle near his ranch between Weatherford and Granbury.

To Tim, 65, it’s more than a musical event. It’s an homage to his upbringing, a monthly reminder that the most beautiful things in life are often also the simplest.

There are no massive amounts of bright lights, no Grand Ole Opry stage, just good ol’ fashioned music designed to put a smile on everyone’s face who hears it with an accompanying challenge that you can’t help but tap your toe. And if you wanna get up and dance, with or without a partner, it’s not only welcome, but encouraged.

Tim has many great memories from his younger days. He played quarterback for Weatherford High, and was later inducted into the WHS Sports Hall of Fame. He’s a member of the “National 42 Players Association” in dominoes, having won both state and national championships.

But nothing compares to the special memories he has from watching the monthly Spring Creek Musical during his formative years. Now, he’s battling to keep the special event around so others can look back at their own special memories years from now.

Like many events, the Musical has been battling for survival because of Covid-19. Tim, who has been a coordinator of the event for years, has made it a mission to keep it going.

“Spring Creek Musical is special to me because it takes me back to the times of my youth. Remembering the ‘old timers’ there who have since left this earth is very dear to me,” he said.

COURTESY

Countless musicians have performed at Spring Creek’s monthly Musical.

“We are trying our best to fight through this Covid thing and have the monthly musical. We have had to cancel a couple of months, but are currently trying to have it. We make a month-by-month decision. Of course, we tell people to stay home if they are worried about it, and encourage people to take proper precautions if they do come.”

The Musical has been around for eight decades, first starting on the Pickard Farm in a barn and

moving to the Spring Creek Tabernacle five years later. Over the years countless musicians, particularly local, have performed at the event. Numerous ones have gone on to greatness beyond the tabernacle stage.

“I have several friends who I consider to be great Texas music performers who are well-known in the Austin, Gruene, Luckenbach type areas See SPRING CREEK MUSICAL, P. 4

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

SPRING CREEK MUSICAL From Page 3

of Texas. These guys and girls are my friends, and many have come here to perform,” Tim said.

Among those he is referencing are Slim Bawb Pearce, who Tim said plays Gruene Hall at least once a month and has been nominated for a Grammy. Charlie Bishop, Town Walsh, Proud Country, Steve Judice, Red Dvorak, Dean Ferrell and Danny Brooks, to name a few, are all recording artists who have played at Spring Creek.

“These are all great people and great friends. I met most of them via an event I hosted in Gruene, Texas, called Geezerfest,” Tim said. “It was a threeday music festival I started about 15 years ago. I have had probably 100 different people perform for me at that event. They are very talented folks.”

Tim loves to tell the story of how the community of Spring Creek and the Musical came to be. It began with a settler named T.J. Shaw who built a log home in the mid 1800s and called Spring Creek home for his family.

“Research shows that he was a tanner and carpenter by trade, and that he and his family were hard-working people. I have also read that in those days there were Tonkawa Indians nearby

Rusty Ellis regularly performs at Spring Creek Musical.

but they were peaceful people.

More settlers started moving into the area shortly thereafter,” Tim detailed.

“The tabernacle itself was erected in 1904 for the purpose of families gathering for weddings, funerals and special occasions. At that time the tabernacle was simply a brush arbor with nothing but a grass roof, dirt floor, with no walls, windows or doors. In 1914 the grass roof was replaced with a metal one. In 1932 the families put in a concrete floor, which is still there today, and also put in walls, windows and doors.”

Since there were no shopping malls, bowling alleys or movie theaters back then these people created their own means of entertainment, which happened to be music.

COURTESY “We might refer to it as Vince Herdman and his granddaughter Kathy Roberts on stage. pickin’ and grinnin,’” Tim said, adding that the Musical actuI’ll have to give these years credit for the love I ally began as a sort of contest had and still have for music,” Tim said. “There are for locals to show off their talents. It outgrew the pictures in my mind that will never go away. The barn and was moved to the tabernacle, where it performers were not George Jones, Merle Hagwas headed by Eddleman Pickard and Gaston gard and Patsy Cline, but in my eyes they may Floyd.

“I actually remember Gaston have well been.”

Likewise, time took Tim away for several years Floyd from my childhood days,” Tim recalled. “These two men ran before fate brought him back.

When his dad died in 2016, Tim and his wife, the Spring Creek Musical for decades Peggy, made the decision to sell their house in and people came from near and far to see town and move out to the ranch in Spring Creek. the great talent on stage.

Tim said he knew it was what his dad would have “As time moved on and Father Time claimed wanted. the lives or abilities of those men, Kenneth and He also discovered the festival he loved so Nadine Murphree stepped in to fill the void. You much as a child was now in need of his help. see, Nadine was the daughter of Mr. Pickard.

“At that time Peggy and I started coming to the These two fine people kept the tradition going for monthly musical on occasion, which I had nedecades also.”

The torch was eventually passed again to David glected to do for decades because I was too busy working for a living and most of that time we were Floyd and Lisa Floyd Waters. Those two, along not living in the area,” Tim said. “To my surprise, with Tim, are keeping the tradition alive today. we did not see the huge crowds and numerous Tim’s father, Louis Lewelling, purchased the outstanding performers that I recalled seeing in ranch Tim currently lives on in 1957. His parents my youth. Sometimes there were as few as just would take him to the Musical throughout his two or three people in attendance. youth.

“I also noticed it was the same two or three “I remember standing in front of that stage in amazement watching performer after performer. people performing every month. This made me

April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

sad. I remember telling Peggy that I believed this longstanding tradition looked like it was going to die.”

Not if Tim had anything to say about it - and Tim has never been one for a lack of words, whether they be spoken or in writing. Many of his memories can be found in his recently released book “Avalon of the Heart,” but more on that in a bit.

“God blessed me with many things, and a couple of them are ‘the gift of gab’ as well as blessing me with numerous friends that are singer/songwriters in the music industry. I made a decision one night to offer my help in attempting to revive the monthly event,” he remembered.

“They accepted my offer and our team has done a pretty good job of bringing back the old days. I needed David and Lisa both desperately, and as it turned out they needed me.”

Tim said 2018 and 2019 were very good years, but since Covid hit, it has been a struggle to keep momentum going.

“We had to cancel a few months because of this pandemic, but we have had a few good months as well,” he said.

For the Musical, Tim does scheduling and is the emcee on most nights. He also hunts down local talent, and said he has yet to meet or hear about someone who has not heard of the Musical.

“One other thing that needed to be done was

replacing the walls, doors and windows that were about to rot,” Tim said. “After all, they had been there since 1932. In 2018, I asked some of my musician friends from the Austin area and as far away as Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to help us out by putting on a special concert to help us raise money to restore this old building.

“They all said yes, just as I knew they would. They are special friends of mine.”

With help from money donated from the Parker County Historical Society and his talented musician friends, they raised enough money to remodel the Tabernacle.

The list of those who performed to help save the Tabernacle included Slim Bawb Pearce, Howard Yeargen, Red Dvorak, Town Walsh, Charlie Bishop, Dean Ferrell, Steve Judice, Danny and Debi Brooks, among others.

“Also, many thanks to Terry Kendig and his crew along with about 20 locals who did all the labor.

With this many people it only took about three or four days to completely redo walls, windows and doors,” Tim said. “I’ll add that David Floyd was most instrumental in supervising this project.

Without him, it would not have happened.”

Now back to the book Tim wrote, “Avalon of the Heart.” Avalon is also the name of Tim’s ranch. It comes from his love of the band Van Morrison and

See SPRING CREEK, P. 6

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COURTESY

Tim and Peggy Lewelling, along with the Floyds, are working hard to keep Spring Creek Musical alive for future generations.

COURTESY

This 1928 photo shows attendees at what is believed to a Pickard family reunion with invited guests from around the Spring Creek community.

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SPRING CREEK From Page 5

the lyrics of one of his favorite songs they recorded, “Avalon of the Heart.”

“When Peggy and I decided to move out here to the ranch after my dad had passed away, I decided to give it a name.

You would think that would take some time and a lot of thought, but as I recall, it only took me about five minutes,” he said.

“Avalon is a mythical island off the coast of England where King Authur’s sword, Excalibur, was forged.

“Also, I will note that my name, Lewelling, comes from the country of Wales. If you were to trace my family tree it would end up in Wales, I believe.”

The song describes making a brand new start, which is what he, Peggy, and the Musical were doing. Some of the lyrics are: “Goin’ down by Avalon, “Sweet Avalon of the Heart.

Goin’ down by Avalon, Gonna make a brand new start.

Well, I came upon the enchanted vale Down by the viaducts of my dreams.

Oh near Camelot, hangs the tale In the ancient vale.

Oh the Avalon sunset Avalon of the heart.

Oh me and my lady Goin’ down by Avalon.”

Like the Musical, Tim’s book has also been a success. He said he wrote it because he wants his grandchildren and generations to come to know “who we are and where we came from.”

“Here we are one year later, and I have had hundreds of books delivered to me that I have signed and sent to people from Florida to Washington State and from Michigan to Arizona and many states in between. It is also for sale through Amazon, and they have sold a lot,” Tim said.

“I never dreamed it would do this. I give credit to God for this. I made a lot of Biblical references in the book, and I think maybe he wanted more people to see it than just my family members.”

Like his beloved Musical? If the event brings a fraction of the joy to others that it has brought to Tim, it has earned its special place, and hopefully, continued longevity.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Crossword ACROSS 1 Not quite right 6 Fencing sword 10 Burglar's take 14 Two make a diameter 15 Wartime partner 16 Gawk at 17 Market indicator 18 Here or there 20 Theater backdrop 22 One taking orders 23 ____ to rest 24 Suede outfit?

25 Joshua tree habitat 28 Old West chasers 29 Caribou kin 30 Branch of philosophy 35 Animal house?

37 Polished off 38 "Star Wars" captain 39 Scatter among 44 It paves the way 45 Arrive, as darkness 46 School-skipper 48 Desk accessory 51 Word in a Lady Gaga film title 52 Elie Wiesel's "Night" is one 53 Split up 57 Pronounce distinctly 59 Tuckered out 60 End of a winning streak 61 Tall tale teller

April 2021

by Margie E. Burke

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62 Flip over 63 Genealogy diagram 64 On pins and needles 65 Substantial DOWN 1 Cultural pursuits 2 Place to trade 3 Anagram for aide 4 Unattached 5 One way to pitch 6 Lightened (up) 7 Story element 8 Colonnade tree

9 Optical solution 10 Part of a pope's title 11 Playing marble 12 Worrier's worry 13 Suspicious 19 O'Keeffe subject 21 Place to build 24 Hard drinker 25 Supermarket section 26 Sparkle 27 Comedy routine 28 Communion plate 31 Snouted critter 32 Teensy bit 33 Reunion bunch 34 Database command

36 Answer 40 Excavation find 41 Like OR instruments 42 "Quit it!"

43 Printing error 47 Still too green 48 Refine, as ore 49 Bocelli, for one 50 Comedian's job 51 Smelling of suds 53 Like bachelor parties 54 Word after gray or play 55 It may be pitched 56 Circular current 58 Lend a hand

April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+ 7

Cable switching We miss seeing others in person, but through the magic of Facetime and Zoom we have been able to keep in touch. Most of our friends have been similarly stuck at home, so there isn’t that much to talk about except movies and TV shows.

“Hi, Bob and Cathy, it’s Dick and Mary Ellen. Have you seen ‘Your Honor’ with Bryan Cranston on Showtime? It’s great. Lots to think about.”

“Sorry guys, we don’t get Showtime. But have you seen ‘Frozen II’ on Disney+?”

“No, we don’t get Disney+. Surely you’ve seen the award-winner ‘The Shape of Water’ on Amazon Prime.

There’s so much to discuss about that one.”

“Dick, we don’t subscribe to Amazon Prime.”

“Okay, Bob, let’s talk again when the pandemic is over.”

We called our friends John and Jane. “Hi, guys, we have an idea for a fun evening. Let’s all watch ‘The Crown’ on Netflix and make fun of the royal family.

“Dick, we don’t have Netflix. But we found a great show on the Food Network, ‘Amy Schumer Learns to Cook.’”

“We don’t get the Food Network.”

“But surely you have Vudu TV?” “We didn’t want to take a chance.

It sounded like a cult. I bet my brother has it.”

We made several other calls, becoming nervous that we were running out of friends we were compatible with. My wife loves old movies but we found very few TCM subscribers. We discovered that the Wideners had satellite TV. They told us it was unlikely we had many interests in common. I felt like they were dishing us, so that was the end of that relationship.

We tried to find folks who subscribed to Acorn TV, and who en-

Carry On

by Dick Wolfsie Humorist joyed British mysteries as much as we do, but most of our friends have Hulu, which I had wrongly assumed was just travel shows about Hawaii.

My sister watches a lot of YouTube TV, a service I thought was limited to cat videos. I called my friend Mikki, who said she just has an antenna on top her TV. Too bad. We had been friends for 30 years.

I had an idea. “Mary Ellen, I’m going to create an Excel spreadsheet where people can sign up and find other people who share similar services. This would be a boon to friendships during this time of isolation.”

“I’m very impressed, Dick.”

“So, you like the concept?”

“No, it’s nutty, but I’m impressed you know how to use Excel.”

I logged onto eHarmony and Match.com to see if they even considered viewing options as an important issue in establishing a relationship.

With the hundreds of personal interests compared on these dating sites, there wasn’t a single question about cable TV or streaming preferences. Just the same old unimportant inquiries: God-fearing or agnostic? Smoker or nonsmoker?

Permanent or casual relationship?

Drinker or abstainer? All fine and good, but where was: Showtime or Epix? STARZ or Cinemax? Chromecast or Xbox?

The bottom line is we are looking for a friendship with another couple who has HBO, Amazon and Netflix.

You obviously would need basic cable. If you don’t have it, please have it installed. Hooking up is half the fun.

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

Tech Talk Helping seniors navigate the digital world

by Bob DeLaurentis Guest Columnist Q. What is Clubhouse?

A. Clubhouse is a new social network that connects people in audio chat rooms. It has become quite popular in the last couple of months, and is by invitation only.

If it continues to accelerate, it will only be a matter of time before someone invites you to join. But my advice is to tread cautiously.

The Clubhouse app does a few things that old-time Internet folks such as myself find distasteful.

When you first sign on, you are asked for permission to access your contact list. Say no and you are stopped cold. Say yes and Clubhouse now has access to every single one of your contacts.

The request is framed like a benefit to you, but a single tap will send Clubhouse your entire contact list, including everything from street addresses to telephone numbers. In my view, the contact information for my friends belongs to my friends, and I have an obligation to protect their privacy.

Another behavior I find downright dangerous is that Clubhouse can connect you with a random person in your address book with a single tap. You may not realize what is happening until you are talking to someone you prefer to avoid. Every contact is considered your best friend, no matter what. That is simply wrong.

Clubhouse is functionally similar to Facetime audio or Skype calls, along with a few added bells and

whistles. If Clubhouse becomes wildly popular, similar features will appear in other apps, and hopefully public pressure will address the privacy concerns.

Until then, stick with what you have now.

Q. I need a new printer. There are so many models, so many different prices. Choosing is overwhelming. Where do I start?

A. Start with the biggest difference among printers, inkjet or laser. If you print color photos, inkjet is your best option. If you print black text or illustrations on white copier paper, you should choose a laser printer.

Printing is expensive no matter what, but comparing printer prices is measuring the wrong thing.

What matters most is the price per page. Unless you only print a few dozen pages a year, a laser printer will be the most cost effective.

Sometimes you can Google around and find a printer’s consumable costs in printer reviews. But unless you have a clear idea of how many pages you are going to print over a given time frame, it will still be a rough estimate.

Inkjet printers can produce stunning photo prints and attractive color charts and graphs. When you move up in price, you generally get better quality, and faster output. That means the ink refills will be more expensive as well, and the cheapest inks are more expensive per ounce than fine wine. While I have owned inkjets from time to time, I send photo prints to the drug store or a pro photo lab.

For everyday printing, I depend on a wireless

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Brother laser printer that handles several thousand pages on a single toner cartridge.

Q. Searching my house for fresh batteries has become a regular pastime. How do I make sure I have borrowed from one device to feed another for the last time?

A. Extra disposable batteries are just as vital as duct tape or a box of bandages.

I am old enough to remember when the phrase “batteries not included” was a punch line. When I was a kid, batteries were a kind of currency. We never had enough. As an adult I used the kitchen junk drawer to keep extra batteries, but what started as good intentions sank into chaos.

I finally achieved battery nirvana thanks to the Battery Daddy 180 Battery Organizer Storage Case (about $20 on Amazon). As a tech nerd with an affinity for electronic gadgets, 180 batteries seems about right. Fortunately, there are dozens of smaller cases available more suited to a modest-sized inventory.

But no matter the size, a case is the solution. It lets you keep track of batteries as they are used, prompting you to buy replacements before it is too late.

Bob has written about technology for over three decades and can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.

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April 2021

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

COURTESY

Community Caring Center staff and volunteers know how to have a good time, but they’re dedicated to the business of helping their neighbors. Pictured are Ken Mills, Sharla Bursey, Kensie Morgan, Carly Cooper, Becky Gibson, Kristie Cooper (Assistant Director), Carson Cooper, Karen Norseworthy, and Linda Williams (Executive Director).

Making a difference

Azle’s Community Caring Center steps up to nourish hundreds of families

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent What’s a table with no food on it?

The folks at the Community Caring Center of Azle don’t want people to know that feeling. That’s why they have worked hard for more than three decades to eradicate hunger in Azle and beyond.

Along with providing food, the center helps with clothing and small household goods.

CCC Executive Director Linda Williams, who has been with the center for seven years, believes it’s just a part of “God’s plan for helping our neighbors.”

“I believe the secret of the Center’s longevity is the support of an awesome Azle community, a cadre of dedicated volunteers, many of whom are there every time the doors open,” she said. “The Center has been blessed from its birth in the transition to the nonprofit organization it is today.

“It previously existed as a dream by local church members who distributed food to those in need from

their garages. The Azle Ministerial Alliance made the decision to combine all this assistance into a single location, resulting in the Community Caring Center.”

The CCC officially opened in January of 1990 in its current building, serving 50 families each month, Williams said. Now, it’s bulging at the seams and serving over 650 families each month, with approximately one third of those falling in the age category of 55 and over.

“Our main focus is food distribution, with a small clothing distribution as well. The clothing distribution will be moved to the new building when it opens,” Williams said.

This CCC began serving only folks who lived within the Azle Independent School District boundaries.

Now, however, their mission has expanded, Williams noted.

“Today, as we all continue to find our new normal in this crazy Covid world, we serve anyone who is in need of assistance. Some of our customers come from areas where the food pantries they visited in

the past have closed, and some from areas where the pantries don’t have enough food for distribution to the number of customers they are experiencing,” she said.

Requirements for receiving food from CCC are few, Williams detailed.

“We like to see a driver’s license or some form of ID. We take the customer’s word on how many are in the family, their income and how many in the family are currently employed,” she said. “Since Covid, our method of food distribution has become an awesome drive-through system, which everyone likes, volunteers and customers alike. The plan is to continue that distribution method in the future.”

As with many nonprofit organizations, volunteers play a key role in the success of the CCC. “Our volunteers are here because they all have a servant’s heart and enjoy being with each other working together to fulfill the goal of helping our See AZLE, P. 11

April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+ 11

AZLE

From Page 10

neighbors. Many of them enjoy visiting with our shoppers as they drive through to pick up their groceries,” Williams said.

“Age doesn’t matter to them, as most of them (volunteers) are seniors who are retired and have the time to help.

Volunteers also have the joy of interacting with younger volunteers in the summer months when schools are closed.”

The CCC’s newest addition will be the aforementioned new clothing distribution building, known as the Porch Resale Shoppe, which Williams said is planned for opening in the next month of two. Currently, the resale shop operates out of the CCC building.

The resale shop is also open to the general public. They sell all kinds of merchandise including jewelry, household décor, cookware, vintage, toys, and small appliances. Not all of the items are second-hand, as people donate new and “lightly used” merchandise as well.

All money raised from the sale of goods is used to purchase food for the food bank.

“The plan for this endeavor is to fill gaps in our funding through the sale and repurposing of higher quality donated items,” she said. “We are the very grateful recipients of the property and the building from one of our locals who has the heart for serving and the funding to support it.”

Such individuals and their donations are also a key part of keeping CCC and its mission alive for so long, and hopefully for many years to come. The center is funded by community donations, church donations and donations from civic organizations. Among these are Azle Ministerial Alliance, Texas Health Gives, Tarrant Baptist Association, and the Azle Optimist Club.

In addition to food donations, the local Albertsons and Brookshire’s grocery stores regularly have in-store fundraising to support the CCC. The current nine-member board of directors work at dreaming up fundraisers that will appeal to the general public in attempts to raise funding for future endeavors. Such fundraisers have included the Azle Lake Run and the Azle Christmas Food Drive.

COURTESY

Pat Stokes, Deloris Pate and Amelia Peterson work behind the scenes at Azle’s Community Caring Center.

12

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

Travelin’ man Weatherford senior recalls long-distance walks with friends, strangers and alligators

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent It’s a big country, these United States. Most folks wouldn’t dream of walking across it. But then, most people aren’t Ralph Cobb, who has done just that.

“I did it just because I like to walk,” Ralph, now 92 and living in the West Fork Assisted Living facility in Weatherford, recalled the time he joined friends to walk from California to the nation’s capitol in 1984.

“If someone sent you a letter saying, ‘Meet at Point Reyes (just north of Sacramento) and we’ll walk to Washington, D.C. on April Fool’s,” would you believe him? Well, I did ... and we did.

“I had done a walk in Florida with another man who knew this guy, so I heard he was planning this walk.”

Ralph had been visiting a friend in Florida who belonged to the Sierra Club. They walked down the west coast of Florida, giving him a taste of longdistance walking. Along the way they journeyed through the Everglades - and Ralph was even accompanied by a man who had lost his sight.

“It was a good walk. I enjoyed it,” he said. “There was some danger. There were some alligators out there, but we never had any problem getting across.”

Upon his return to California, where he was living at the time, he got the invitation for the cross-country walk. It started on April 1, and he and his group of around 25 others arrived in Washington on Oct. 22.

“I had just retired and my two kids had gotten out of high school, so I said I might as well do it,” he said.

Ralph was raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, near Tulsa and has an extensive knowledge of Native American history. Along the route he and his group traveled through South Dakota and Native American territory. Then they came back down to Kansas City and on a direct route to D.C., but not before facing some danger they weren’t even aware of, Ralph

COURTESY

Ralph Cobb still enjoys making laps around his home, West Fork Assisted Living. said.

“I got acquainted with one of the Indians who walked with us. He said, there’s some Indians up here who don’t like you guys being here, so I’m walking with you to keep you safe,” he recalled.

Ralph was never an athlete, per se, in his younger days. He tried out and made the high school football team, but a double hernia kept him from ever playing.

He could, however, still walk, and he discovered it was something he loved doing.

“I could walk, and I did a lot, I just couldn’t lift anything heavy,” he said. “But you don’t lift when you

walk anyway.”

He later had an operation to remove the hernia, and afterwards kept walking.

He also played base horn in the high school band, and often thought about doing more with that talent, but never really pursued.

“I was going to keep playing, but it just didn’t work out,” he said. “Even in the Army, I just couldn’t get a band together, but I did enjoy playing.”

Ralph, who retired from a being a field test engineer for the City of Los Angeles, lived with his sigSee COBB, P. 13

April 2021

Thank you, Parker County!

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From Page 12

nificant other in Yuma, Arizona, for 27 years before she passed away three years ago. It was then he moved to Weatherford to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law. He moved into West Fork almost a year ago.

“I like that there’s no pressure and there’s lots to do here,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “I’ve never been a bingo player, but I’m learning fast.”

And he still walks every chance he gets, though the distance is much shorter these days.

“Oh, heavens yes, I still love to walk.

I’ve never lost the thrill of that, even if it’s just getting in a few laps around here,” he said.

He hasn’t been in touch with any of his fellow walkers in years, but he did recall a reunion years ago in California.

“That was a long time ago. About

half the people showed up,” he said.

“But we did something special, and I love talking about that.”

Ralph said the most memorable moment of the journey that covered about 2,000 miles, including San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, and the Four Corners (where the states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico meet), was arriving at their final destination.

“Finally getting there, the feeling of accomplishment, knowing it’s done, that we’d done it, that was the most incredible feeling,” he said.

“It’s a great country. I’ve driven back and forth across it about three times also, but walking it you get to meet the people, experience the land, nature and everything it has to offer.

“It was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad to be able to say I did it.”

1

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14

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

Residents 50 and up now qualify for Covid-19 vaccination The Parker County Hospital District is now adding residents 50 and up to the Covid-19 vaccination waiting list. Those younger than 50 with underlying health conditions, educators, and childcare workers also qualify.

You can sign up online at www. pchdtx.org or call the hospital dis-

trict at 817-402-1118.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention continues to encourage the use of masks, despite the fact Texas Governor Greg Abbott ended the mask mandate. Be advised that private businesses do have the right to insist that masks be worn on their property.

Social distancing restrictions have also been lifted by the governor, allowing businesses to operate at 100% capacity. However, the CDC still advises individuals to use social distancing and avoid crowds.

Area senior centers are looking forward to opening when the local infection rate declines. Weather-

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The Internal Revenue Service has extended Texas residents’ tax deadline to June 15, 2021 due to the recent winter storm; therefore, AARP TaxAide volunteers will do their best to provide free tax preparation through the new date. But, please be aware, spots are limited and appointments are necessary.

To get started, pick up a tax envelope at Weatherford Public Library or Azle Library. The envelope contains complete instructions and required forms, which must be completed before your appointment.

Clients residing in Weatherford, Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, Brock and Aledo will be seen at Weatherford Public Library on Fridays 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays noon to 4:30 p.m. and Mondays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 817-631-3176 to make an appointment, and your call will be returned. Volunteers ask that you do not call the Weatherford library.

Residents in Azle and Springtown will be served at Azle Library on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays 2:30 to 7 p.m. Call 817444-7216 for an appointment.

Tax preparations are done by trained volunteers who must complete training and pass IRS certification annually to assist in tax preparation.

ford Senior Center Executive Director Shelly Mowery said the Parker County Committee on Aging recently met and agreed to keep doors shut for the time being. The decision was made partially because the committee did not want to jeopardize the safety of the Meals on Wheels program volunteers and participants.

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April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

15

How can women overcome obstacles to financial security

COURTESY

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investments that can help provide the On March 8, we observe International Women’s Day, a celebration of the most growth potential, given your indisocial, economic, cultural and politividual risk tolerance. Also, even if you cal achievements of women. Of course, contribute to a 401(k) or similar plan, women still tend to encounter more you may also be eligible to fund an IRA, obstacles than men in the pursuit of fiwhich gives you even more investment nancial security. Let’s consider a few of choices. them.

Evaluate your Social Security opTo begin with, women are still more tions likely to leave the workforce, at least You can typically start taking Social temporarily, to raise children, resultSecurity benefits when you’re 62, but ing in lower contributions to employeryour monthly checks will be much larger sponsored retireif you wait until your ment plans such as “full” retirement age, 401(k)s. And womwhich will likely be en are often the between 66 and 67. ones who become You might also confull-time caregivers

by Mary H. McDow sider whether you’d of aging parents Edward Jones Adviser be better off by taking or other relatives. spousal benefits, if Caregiving duties can exact a big finanyou’re married and your spouse earned cial toll: The lost wages, pensions (inmore money than you. You’re generally cluding 401(k)s and similar plans) and even eligible for spousal benefits if you Social Security benefits that a woman are divorced, as long as you were marloses to become a full-time caregiver ried at least 10 years and you haven’t amount to more than $300,000 over her remarried. lifetime, according to the National AcadLook for unexpected income opemy of Sciences. portunities Women also may be more susceptible Even after you’ve formally retired, to financial downturns. Consider the you may still find ways to receive some COVID-19 pandemic: Just a few months earned income. Perhaps you can work ago, in December, women lost 156,000 part time or do some consulting. And jobs, while men gained 16,000, accordif you’re a caregiver, you might be able ing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to receive some compensation for your which also reported that women accounted for 54% of the jobs lost from the work. Many local governments pay nonspouse caregivers who act as personal pandemic in 2020. attendants, although the rules vary And women are not unaware of their greatly by state and county. circumstances and outlook. Just 41% of These certainly aren’t the only ways women are confident about retirement, you can improve your financial status, compared with 56% of men, according but they may prove useful to you. In any to a survey by Edward Jones and Age case, be aware of the challenges facing Wave. you and do whatever you can to brightBut if you’re a woman, you can take steps to help improve your financial out- en your future. look. Here are a few suggestions: Take full advantage of retirement plans If you are still working and your employer offers a 401(k) or similar retireThis article was written by Edward ment plan, take full advantage of it. Put Jones for use by your local Edward in as much as you can afford each year Jones Financial Adviser, Mary H. and increase your contributions when McDow, 102 Houston Ave., Suite 203, your salary goes up. Also, within your 817-598-0882. Member SPIC plan, you’ll want to choose the mix of

Money Matters

16

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Cultivate beauty

By The Book

April 2021

Spotlighting retired teachers

Name: Debbie Pipes Last position and school: 2nd grade teacher at Curtis Elementary (Weatherford ISD) Years active as a teacher: 25 years What is something valuable you learned from your students?

Each day is a fresh new start.

Usually any negative things that happened the day before are forgotten.

n Find The Frog John R. Tanciar of Weatherford found him. Did you?

The frog was in a sitting on a shelf in Barney Ash’s workshop on page 7 of last month’s issue!

John will receive a $25 gift certificate to Target.

Do you also like prizes?

Enter this month’s contest!

Simply submit your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog at right) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine. com.

Contestants will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Baker’s Ribs.

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.

If you hadn’t become an educator, what profession would you have chosen?

Nurse

SUDOKU

Difficulty: Easy

1

Favorite and least favorite subject (as a student): Favorite was geometry, least favorite French

4 7

we have been hurt by certain experiStrive for peace with everyone, ences in life. and for the holiness without which The writer of Hebrews describes no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace bitterness as a plant that develops of God; that no “root of bitterness” to the point that it takes over in our life, like the weeds we work so hard springs up andEdited causesby trouble, Margieand E. Burke to keep out of our garden. First, by it many become defiled. as a seed it takes root and then it Hebrews 12:14-15 has to be cultivated. There must HOW TO SOLVE: be soil, sun, and water to nourish a It’s spring! I love this time of year because I love Each new beginnings, row must root. When we have a root of bitterness it can grow into an overgrown and everything feels a little brighter. contain the numbers Spring reminds one of new life as 1 to 9; each columnjungle plant if we nourish – or harbor it for a long time. some baby animals are born, flowmust contain the When we harbor bitterness, we ers bloom, and the trees and grass become focused turn green. It numbers 1 to 9; and on it and we dwell seems as though each set of 3 by 3 on it, allowing the earth is com- boxes must contain it to grow and ing alive again the numbers 1 to 9. develop in our life after a cold, desoby Lara Cook instead of dealing late winter. I love (Answer appears else-North Side with the feelings to plant flowers where in this issue) Baptist Church of bitterness when and a garden and see all the wildflowers springing up. they first come up. It will soon take over our life, crowding out all the There is kind of root that can good things like joy, happiness, conspring up in our hearts that doesn’t tentment, and peace. produce anything beautiful, but We need to heed the words of the instead can cause us lots of trouble.

It is the root of bitterness. There are writer of Hebrews, See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; times in life when things happen to that no “root of bitterness” springs us that we resent and many times up and causes trouble, and by it we react by venting our feelings in many become defiled. If you have destructive ways. Sometimes our reaction can get us into trouble. The a root of bitterness taking hold, take it to God. Don’t harbor it, nourishwriter of Hebrews tells us that one of the things that get us in trouble is ing it so it can grow into a vine that strangles your life. bitterness.

This spring guard your heart. Let A bitter heart can cause us many go of what is taking over the flowers problems in life, emotionally, in the garden of your heart. Forgive physically, socially, and spiritually. if necessary. Don’t let bitterness Bitterness can steal relationships take root, but make sure the only and your life away from you if you things springing up are love, joy, aren’t careful. It is like being bitten by a snake, releasing his venom and peace, and kindness.

Let all bitterness and wrath and poison into our heart and life. Bitterness is that feeling of hurt, resent- anger and clamor and slander be ment, anger, hate, and even revenge, put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31 that can build up in our heart when

6 3 4 5

What’s your favorite thing about retirement: I make my own schedule and do the things that are the most important, interesting and fun to me.

3 9 1The last book 7 you read8that9 3 you’d recommend:5 8 The Bible 9 to Crossword: 3 1 Solution 4 7 6 A M I S S E P E E H A A L L Y O G R A D I I S Puzzle O M E P L A T R E N D by The Copyright 2021 Syndicate W A I T S T A G E S E T L A I D T A N N E P O S S E D E S E R T E L K M E T A P H Y S I A T E S O L A I R T I N T E R S P E R S E S E T I N T R U A S T A P L E R B O R N M E M O I R S E P A R A E N U N C I A T E T I R L O S S L I A R U P E T R E E E D G Y M E A

U L C E R

L E E R Y

C L A N

S O R T

T E N T

E D D Y

Solution to Sudoku:

9 4 2 6 5 1 3 7 8

3 7 1 8 4 2 6 9 5

5 6 8 3 9 7 1 2 4

8 9 7 1 3 6 5 4 2

1 5 6 4 2 8 9 3 7

4 2 3 5 7 9 8 6 1

7 3 4 9 8 5 2 1 6

April 2021

2 1 5 7 6 3 4 8 9

6 8 9 2 1 4 7 5 3

8 9 2

Life in Grace

April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

17

Easy Mayonnaise Biscuits

Dementia In Perspective

Ingredients: 1 cup self-rising flour or add 1 tsp. baking powder to all-purpose flour 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup mayonnaise Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Grease 6 large muffin cups.

3. Stir flour, milk, and mayonnaise together in a bowl until smooth.

4. Pour flour mixture into prepared muffin cups.

5. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

by Janet Standifer Parker County Dementia Care Trainer

Got questions? I’m here.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Janet Standifer and I founded J Standifer Consulting-Dementia in Perspective . The ultimate goal of my company is to help those individuals, families, healthcare professionals, business communities and general public to increase awareness and understand dementia. I provide information about dementia and how to use specific techniques and approaches in order to provide the best care possible.

The education and training promotes better care and communication with the person living with dementia. When someone is diagnosed with dementia, it affects everyone: family and community.

I’ve been in the healthcare profession for 39 years as a speech-language pathologist after earning a master’s degree in 1982. I provide direct services primarily for the adult and the senior adult populations. As a certified dementia trainer and consultant, I provide intensive education about dementia, and conduct training through private consultations and workshops for both individuals and groups.

My goal is to help those living with dementia improve their own quality of life. My diversified personal and professional experiences,and commitment to the senior community allows for effective results with the person who is living with dementia and for those who have direct connections with them. My heartfelt desire is to provide ongoing education within the communities and increase awareness to make life better for those living with dementia and their families.

To provide the continuous education for the community, I will write a monthly column that focuses on gracefully aging and dementia. I welcome readers to email questions related to these topics which will then be answered each month. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Janet

Email: janet@jstandiferconsulting.com Call: 817-901-4658 Visit: www.jstandiferconsulting.com

18

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021

Recovered yet?

Me neither.

When we left off last month, we were talking about the impact the February cold spell had on the landscapes and gardens of Parker and surrounding counties. Funniest thing: we’re still talking about it.

That was one for the record book.

Let’s dig just a little bit deeper and look just a little bit farther into the future.

Plant • New shrubs to replace those that were lost in the cold. Nursery supplies will be limited. Shop carefully and be sure you’re getting plants that are well adapted to the area.

• Summer annuals. These work for small lots and large: pentas, angelonias, purple fountaingrass, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, bloodleaf, wax begonias, coleus and impatiens.

Wait to plant copper plants, firebush, moss rose, periwinkles and caladiums.

• Tomatoes (small-fruiting and mid-sized varieties only, since large types don’t set fruit well in Texas heat), peppers, bush beans, squash, cucumbers, corn.

NEIL SPERRY

Angelonia in pots provide quick spots of color in a spring landscape.

NEIL SPERRY

This landscape was thoughtfully designed by the homeowner. Be sure to draw plans to scale and mark in plants are their mature sizes.

• Sod for new lawns and to replace turf that was lost due to the cold.

Prune • Die-back caused by the cold, but if your plants are so mangled by the pruning that they’re unattractive, or if they appear to have little vigor, you’ll be better off to replace them.

• Spring-flowering shrubs and vines once they finish blooming.

• Pinch growing tips out of mums, blackberries (new canes) and fall asters to encourage side branching. That will keep plants more compact.

Fertilize • Turf with high-quality fertilizer containing only or mostly nitrogen, upwards of half of that N in slow-release form.

• Most of your other garden and landscape plants can be fed with that same fertilizer unless a soil test suggests something different. Be

sure it has no weedkiller included.

On the Lookout • Aphids are going to be looking for tender new growth on the plants that did survive the cold spell!

Watch for gatherings of pinheadsized pests with pear-shaped bodies. Most organic and inorganic insecticides control

by Neil Sperry them, or you Gardening Expert can wash them off with a hard stream of water.

• Take all root rot causing St. Augustine to be yellowish instead of green. Roots will be shortened and dark brown. Apply fungicide Azoxystrobin, sold at consumer level as Scotts Disease-EX. • Snails, slugs and pillbugs feeding on succulent new growth of flowers and vegetables. Use Sevin dust or bait or sink pie pan flush with soil surface and fill with beer. Pests will be attracted to fermenting smell and will drown.

Timely Tips

Where can I get help planning my landscape?

If you have a good eye for interior decorating, you may be able to do it yourself. You’ll need a firm working knowledge of available plants since they’ll be your tools. A Texas Certified Nursery Professional can help you. Just draw your plan to scale, and mark in your plants at their mature sizes.

Landscape designers Most independent retail nurseries have someone on staff who can help you draw up a nice plan. Most will charge for that service, but it may be a reduced fee if you buy your plants from them. Ask to see examples of their work.

Landscape architects These are degreed individuals who are also legally registered. They know the physics of things like bridges and retaining walls, and they also have very creative minds. Hopefully they also have good familiarity with plants.

April 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

19

n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Scott Tate Pendergraft March 19, 2021 n Edith Marie Thomas Mince March 18, 2021 n Barbara Ann Torbett March 13, 2021 n William Morley III March 13, 2021 n Billy Dale Rowney March 11, 2021 n Robert Placido March 11, 2021 n Arthur Dwaine Oglesby March 10, 2021 n Geneva Carter March 10, 2021 n Roy Roosevelt Stone March 9, 2021 n Ronald Lee Geary March 8, 2021 n Renita Ashlock March 8, 2021 n Mary Lena Scott March 5, 2021

n Evelyn Faye Austin March 5, 2021 n Jim Luther Thomas March 4, 2021 n Vera Odell Miller Armstrong March 4, 2021 n Joie M. Holder March 3, 2021 n Nell C. Henderson March 3, 2021 n Elaine Scribner March 3, 2021 n Dan Tollefson March 3, 2021 n Barbara Jeanne Galloway March 2, 2021 n Stanley Pete Davidson March 1, 2021 n Rosalene Plumlee Bassett March 1, 2021 n Tony Dean Bartlett, Sr. February 28, 2021 n Gene Imogene Sneed February 28, 2021

n Ben Riley Hobson February 28, 2021 n Larry L. Fowler February 27, 2021 n Wanda Lee February 27, 2021 n Michael R. Helton February 27, 2021 n Jorge D. Pinto, Sr. February 26, 2021 n Rita Louise Cruse February 26, 2021 n Karen Faye Colette February 26, 2021 n Petra Lopez Ramon February 26, 2021 n Alex Hayden Hankins February 25, 2021 n Martin Jackson, Jr. February 25, 2021 n Sybil Taheda Sapp Hamscher February 24, 2021 n Venton Aubrey Kocurek February 24, 2021

n Collin Bailey Sturgis February 23, 2021 n Fred Austin February 23, 2021 n Barbra June Tomlin February 23, 2021 n William Edward O’Connor February 23, 2021 n Martha Carolyn Doherty February 23, 2021 n Andrew Foster February 23, 2021 n Sandrea Elise Crisp February 22, 2021 n Donna Marie Laird Young February 21, 2021 n Franklin Perry Dutcher, Jr. February 21, 2021 n James Conner February 20, 2021 n William Jospeh Durkin III February 20, 2021 n Robert Bolen, Jr. February 20, 2021

16

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

April 2021