December 2022

Hoopla

DFW Santa Ronnie Williams has brought cheer to kids of all ages for decades

Also inside:

Laura McCarthy | Elusive Images Photography

50 Years Ago: The Waltons television series debuted in 1972 after viewers responded positively to the television film The Homecoming: A Christmas Story which aired the year prior. It was created by Earl Hamner Jr., and based on his 1961 book “Spencer’s Mountain” and the 1963 film of the same name. The story is set on Walton’s Mountain, a fictional mountain community in the fictitious Jefferson County, Virginia. The real place upon which the stories are based is the community of Schuyler in Nelson County, Virginia, where you can still visit the Walton’s Mountain Museum.

WALTONSMOUNTAIN BALDWINSISTERS JOHNBOY VIRGINIA ELIZABETH CORABETH WORLDWARII OLIVIA JOHN GRANDPA MARYELLEN GODSEY ERIN JASON ESTHER BENJAMIN

Waltons Mountain Baldwin Sisters John Boy Virginia Elizabeth Corabeth World War II Olivia Grandpa

Mary Ellen Godsey

Erin Jason John Esther Benjamin James Robert

Hoopla publisher Cynthia Henry can help!

As a REALTOR®, Cynthia understands the decision to move can be difficult, especially for seniors. She can help you navigate your choices and wants to serve as a resource and guide.

Cynthia can guide you through the process of selling or buying your home, making the transaction less stressful. And, as a senior or a veteran, you may qualify for special financing options.

As a business owner that serves Parker, Hood and Tarrant counties, she has vast knowledge of these communities and neighborhoods. Together, we can find the home of your dreams.

Here Comes

Santa Claus

Area Santa making wishes come true for two decades

by John English Hoopla Correspondent

For Ronnie Williams, Christmas mira cles actually do come true.

The Fort Worth man has played Santa Claus for nearly two decades. A few years ago, he received a special request.

“I had this one little girl sitting on my knee, and I said, ‘What do you want for Christmas, sweetie?’” Williams said. “She said, ‘I want my daddy to come home.’”

The girl’s father was serving in Af ghanistan at the time, and Williams said he had to think very carefully before he responded.

“I said, ‘Sweetheart, I’ll pray for you real, real hard that your daddy comes home soon,’” Williams said.

A married father of two with two

grandchildren of his own, the girl’s re quest really resonated with him.

Two weeks later, the same girl re turned, ran up to Williams and threw her arms around his neck.

“She said, ‘Santa, thank you for bring ing my daddy home,’” Williams said, fighting back tears. “I couldn’t do any thing but cry. It really tugged at my heart strings.”

This is one of many stories that Wil liams, 69, said keeps him coming back year after year.

Williams grew up in Breckenridge and moved to Fort Worth in 1970.

He got married to his wife Rose, start ed working for Menasco manufacturing and eventually became a machinist.

As the 20th century came to a close, however, Williams came to a crossroads

that would ultimately change his life.

“I got laid off from my job building landing gear for aircrafts,” Williams said. “They decided to move to Cleveland back in 2000. They asked me if I wanted to go and I said, ‘Heck no, I don’t want to go up there and freeze my tail off.’”

Thats when the search for a new ca reer path began.

“I started going through the papers trying to find another job, and my wife ran across this ad that said ‘naturally bearded Santa’s wanted,’” Williams said. “And I said, ‘Why not?’”

Williams said when he went for his first interview, it was with a man dressed in what might as well have been a tailormade Santa outfit, and sporting a per fectly coiffed, white beard.

“I said, ‘Man, I hope I’m not going up

Hoopla:

Ronnie Williams attracts kids of all ages with and without his Christmas attire. On the right is a selfie with his grandson.

LAURA MCCARTHY | ELUSIVE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

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against you,’” Williams said. “He laughed and said ‘No, I’m retiring,’ and the next thing you know I’ve got the job.”

Williams said he worked about four weeks at Ridgmar Mall on his first gig and got paid $1,000 for his services.

The Fort Worth resident now averages about 25 jobs a year that pay at varying amounts.

One of the reasons Wil liams makes such a great San ta is that he has a unique con dition in which his eyebrows have always been white.

Another reason is that Williams was born without pigment in his face and had a white streak in his hair at birth.

“Whenever I was old enough to grow a beard, my beard was completely white in the front,” Williams said. “I just had to dye my sides and I was good to go.”

Williams is semi-retired, but does own a trailer park where he works part time, and said that the Christmas gigs provide a nice supple mental income.

“Santa is our vacation money,” Williams laughed.

Williams doesn’t gener ally hand out presents, but

does give parents the option of giving him a gift to give to their child if they choose to do so. He said his jobs generally come in the form of entertain ing as Santa Claus in people’s homes and at corporate par ties, which he has been doing since 2004.

Williams plans to play San ta this year and next before hanging up the sleigh reins for good, and said there is one thing he will miss most of all.

“I enjoy watching the chil dren with a sparkle in their eyes,” Williams said. “If they believe, that’s when I really love it, and know that I’ve done my job well.”

Hoopla:

Williams with his grandchildren.

LAURA MCCARTHY | ELUSIVE IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

Ronnie Williams and friend

LAURA MCCARTHY | ELUSIVE IMAGES PHOTOG

Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for garnish

In large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, garlic and potato; saute 2 minutes. Add cumin and pa prika; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salad greens

from kit to pot and cook 2 minutes, or until lettuce is wilted. Add corn and water to pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer gently 10 minutes. Add milk and dressing packet from kit; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese and chips packet from kit.

Source: Dole

Advice can help when making charitable gifts

Now that it’s the holiday season, gifts are probably on your mind – and you might intend for some of those gifts to go to charities. Al though your intentions are good, you could be shortchanging both your recipients and yourself with your method of giving. With some guidance, you can make choices that work well for you and those charitable groups you support.

Of course, you could simply give money to these groups. However, by donating other types of assets, can you increase the value of your gift and gain greater tax benefits?

It’s certainly possible, but your ability to gain any tax advantages depends somewhat on whether or not you can itemize deductions on your tax return. Due to legislation passed a few years ago that sig nificantly increased the standard deduction, many people may no longer be itemizing. But if you still itemize, you can generally deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income for cash donations to IRS-

qualified charities.

Another con tribution strategy involves donat ing other assets, such as stocks. You could donate stocks directly to a charitable group, but you might gain more benefits by making an irrevocable contribution to a donor-advised fund (DAF). Again, assuming you can itemize, you can deduct the full fair-market value of the asset, up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and your contributions can be invested in mutual funds or similar vehicles. The contributions have the op portunity for growth, and distri butions to the charity are tax-free.

You can then decide, on your own timetable, which IRS-qualified charitable groups you would like to receive the money. Furthermore, if you donate stocks that have risen in value, you won’t incur potential capital gains taxes that you would have when you eventually sold the

Money Matters

by Mary H. McDow Edward Jones Adviser

stocks. These taxes can be consider able, especially if you’ve held the stocks for a long time. (Consult with your tax advisor on how charitable gifts can affect your taxes.)

These charitable donation methods are not secrets, and they are available to many people – you don’t have to be wealthy to employ them. Yet, here’s an interesting sta tistic: Those who work with a finan cial advisor on charitable strate gies are more than three times as likely to donate non-cash assets such as stocks than those who con tribute to charities but don’t work with an advisor, according to an August 2022 survey from financial services firm Edward Jones and Morning Consult, a global data in telligence company. These findings suggest that many more people could be taking advantage of taxsmart charitable giving moves – if only they had some guidance.

Also, by getting some profes sional financial assistance, you may find it easier to implement your charitable giving decisions within your overall financial strat egy, which is designed to help you meet all your important long-term goals, such as achieving a comfort able retirement.

Your instinct to help support charitable groups is a worthy one –and by getting some help, you can turn this impulse into actions that may work to everyone’s benefit.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should con sult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

This article was written by Ed ward Jones for use by your local Ed ward Jones Financial Advisor, Mary H. McDow, 102 Houston Ave., Suite 203, 817-598-0882. Member SPIC

Woodworking strikes a chord with the

When Jerry and Charlotte Sadler of Weatherford couldn’t find anyone to buy or even take their old upright piano for free, wood turner Jerry did what came natural. He dismantled it and the couple started transforming it into art.

The piano hadn’t been played much in the last few years, and the couple was re modeling and needed to move it out to re place the floors.

“I watched him take the piano out of their house with the front-end loader of his tractor,” said neighbor Nadeen Murphree.

“I didn’t know how difficult it would be to tear down,” Jerry admitted. He was also surprised to learn pianos are made with many different types of wood.

Now, in the exact spot the pi

ano once occupied, sits a collec tion of wood projects -- bowls, sculptures, wall decor.

“I’ve done wood turning for 4-5 years. I taught myself,” said Jerry. “You’ve got to have something to occupy the time when you’re re tired.”

Charlotte has also created projects from the piano, including striking wall decor made from the keys and hammers. She had seen a similar project on Pinterest.

The Sadlers have been married for more than 50 years.

Charlotte taught at Bill Wright Elemen tary School and Jer ry was an ag teacher at Weatherford College and later owned a heating and air conditioning business in Granbury. They have a son and a daughter and five grand children.

Jerry and Charlotte Sadler with a few of the projects they’ve cre ating using wood from an old piano.

CYNTHIA HENRY

Texas Pythian Home to host Christmas at the Castle

Christmas at the Castle has quickly be come a holiday favorite for those living in Parker County.

“This event has grown bigger and bigger every year, so we have tried to add more and more every year,” said administrator Lisa Watson.

This year, Christmas at the Castle will be held Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the staff promises even more decorations and fun.

The castle was built on 164 acres on the east side of Weatherford in 1909 as a home for widows and orphans of Knights of Pyth ias, a fraternal order established during the Civil War. It’s now open to children from all backgrounds.

To say the building is unique would be an understatement. The home looks like a medieval castle and the staff works hard to deck the halls every season so hundreds of visitors can share in the Christmas spirit and learn a little about their organization.

The Pythian Home has received even more attention since the castle was fea

tured in the 2021 film “Twelve Mighty Or phans,” which starred Luke Wilson, Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall.

Lisa Watson has always worked with children, but she and her husband Christo pher have a unique tie to the organization, which is currently home to 17 children, in addition to the staff and their families.

“What drew us to the Pythian Home was my stepfather,” said Lisa. “He was placed out here in 1936 and left in 1947. He and his siblings always loved coming back home for Pythian events and they would invite all of us to come and see the home.”

It was at an event over 30 years ago that Lisa and Christopher made a decision to work with the organization. That year, the Texas Pythian Home announced they were looking for direct care staff. These are staff members who live on the grounds and help guide the children who live there.

”We applied for the position and, in October of 1990, we moved into Dorm A. We served as direct care staff for the boys’ dorms from 1990-2000.”

“My favorite thing about working at the Pythian Home was that I was able to raise my daughter Kristin and be a stay-athome mom during her childhood. My hus band and I always wanted more children,

Lights adorn the sprawling Pythian Home during the holidays. Guests are encouraged to tour the castle on Dec. 10.

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Lisa and Christopher Watson

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Hoopla:

and God had a plan for us. We raised several boys through out the 10 years we served as direct care staff.

“We have several who still refer to us as mom and dad. One of the boys we raised has always come back for mile stone events for his ‘sister’ (Kristin). He watched her graduate from high school and college. He was there to see her get married and al ways calls us all on our birth days.”

Lisa returned in 2003 as the assistant administrator, and in 2007 she became the ad ministrator. She and her hus band have lived on the prop erty ever since. Christopher is the maintenance supervisor.

“He keeps the castle look ing beautiful with the help of the maintenance crew,” she said.

It’s safe to say it is allhands-on-deck when decorat ing the home for the Christ mas at the Castle event each holiday season.

“We started decorating No vember 1 and will continue to decorate until December 1,” Lisa said.

This year, in addition to Christmas decorations, they castle is hosting over 20 ven dors. And the decorations are bigger and better as well.

“This year our big high light is the snowmen. We have added two 17-foot snowmen to the building,” she said. “If you cannot come for Christ mas at the Castle, come take a drive around the castle at nighttime.”

Not only is the event a chance to tour the proper ty, it’s also a chance to learn about the organization itself.

“Our residential program has been running for 113 years. We take in children of families in need and provide a safe, stable environment for children to grow physically, socially, emotionally and spir itually to become responsible, independent adults.

“The Grogan Family Pro gram is our new program, and it is for single mothers and their children. The Grogan Family Program exists to re store families with hope, com fort and shelter while they locate resources they need to move toward successful inde pendent living.”

Lisa said relief and assis tance are provided to single mothers so they can focus on resolving their individual crisis and temporary family instability.

“While the mother works toward setting goals with the guidance of dedicated and supportive staff, she lives in a comfortable residential set ting with her children,” said Lisa.

As the administrator, Lisa loves to see children who grew up here come back and bring their families.

“We love to see how every one has grown up and how their lives have turned out. The best feeling is when a child comes back as an adult and thanks us for everything we did,” she said. “Success for us doesn’t mean fame or for tune. Success is raising a fam ily and being in a stable place. That is how we raise the kids here, and we love to see them use what they learned while they were with us.”

The Texas Pythian Home is a nonprofit 501(c)3, so do nations are always helpful. There’s also an Amazon wish list on the website. But if you can’t donate funds, consider volunteering.

“Volunteering is a huge help to us since we are a small facility and do not have a lot of manpower,” explained Lisa. “Right now, we are in need of volunteers to help organize the garage sale building. The garage sale is a huge fundrais er that pays for the children’s summer activities.”

To help, contact the office at 817-594-4465.

Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Homemade dog treats for the holidays

Wrapped up with a bow and jingle bells, homemade dog treats make great holiday gifts for those special dogs and their humans.

OAT-PUMPKIN-CHEDDAR TREATS

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pump kin puree

• 1 cup oats

• 2 eggs

• 2.5 cups whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare two cookie sheets and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, com bine pumpkin and eggs. Slowly add in the flour until dough forms.

Fold in the oats and cheese.

3. Roll out the dough onto a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter to cut out biscuits.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and firm. Refrigerate or freeze.

Makes 2-3 dozen

FISHY TREATS

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of sardines in oil

• 6 eggs

• 2 packages (sleeves) of graham crackers, crumbled

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pre pared cookie sheet and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, com bine all ingredients.

3. Spread onto the prepared cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 20 minutes or until rubbery.

5. Cut into small squares. A pizza cutter works well for this. Refriger ate or freeze.

Makes 1 cookie sheet

PEANUT-BANANA TREATS

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 large ripe banana (or 2 me dium bananas), smashed

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pre pare cookie sheet and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, smash the peanut butter and ripe banana. And the flour and smash with a fork until the dough is thick and well combined. If it’s crumbly, add 2-4 Tablespoons more peanut but ter and recombine. You want the dough to be firm, sticky, and pliable

The Dog of Your Dreams

by Ann Coffey Ms. Fairy Dogmother

4. Roll into 1 Ta blespoon balls and flatten with your hands for a simple circular cookie or roll dough into a thin slab, about 1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.

5. Bake for 15 minutes until light ly brown underneath. Refrigerate or freeze.

Makes 4-5 dozen

CRUNCHY CHICKEN (or TUNA) BEET TREATS (high yield)

Ingredients:

• 10 oz can of chicken (can sub stitute tuna,) including water

• 15 oz can diced beets, includ ing water

• 3 cups flour

• 1cup corn meal

• 2 cups shredded cheese

• 2 tsp. oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pre pare cookie sheet and set aside.

2. In a food processor, blend chicken, beets, and oil until smooth.

3. In a large mixing bowl, com bine pureed mixture with the rest of the ingredients.

4. Roll into 1 Tablespoon balls and flatten with your hands for a simple circular cookie or roll dough into a thin slab, about 1/4 inch thick, and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.

5. Bake for 45 minutes or until fingernail doesn’t easily penetrate the treat. Refrigerate or freeze.

Makes 10 dozen

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a wonder ful New Year.

Ann Coffey, Ms. Fairy Dog mother, is a dog trainer and pet sitter available at 817-668-6229

visit www.msfairydogmother. net for more information.

Radiance the Ranch: A Holiday Light Spectacular drive-through Christmas experience includes cocoa and treats for kids, runs through Dec. 31, Parker County Sheriff’s Posse, 2251 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford, 6 to 9 p.m. (some nights later). Ticket prices unavailable at press time. For spe cific times and tickets, visit www. radiancechristmas.com/

weatherford. Cars,SUVs, vans up to 8-passenger and trucks only. No RVs, limousines, buses or trailers.

Christmas at Gaylord Texan: 200 pounds of ice have been carved for this annual event that tells the story of the Polar Express. Other attractions include snow tubing, character breakfast, an adult “ice bar,” escape room, gingerbread dec

orating and more. Runs through Jan. 1. The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine. Entrance typically granted between noon and 9:45 p.m. but varies. Also, special events related to this venue require tickets purchased in advance. We recom mend you visit https://christmas atgaylordtexan.marriott.com or contact the venue directly before going. Admission price varies by the day but runs from $16.99 (Ages 4-11) to $25.99 (ages 12+).

Mineral Wells Ice Skating Rink open through Dec. 23, Poston Square, 106 W. Hubbard Street. Rink is open to the public everyday ex cept Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14, when private parties can be scheduled. Hours are SundayThursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday 2 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 2 to 10 p.m. Ice skates are provided. Tickets $15 general admission, $10 for kids 14 and under.

Lightscape, a holiday light spectacular, through Jan. 8, Fort Worth Botanical Garden, 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly. Adults $28, chil dren 3-12 $18, infants free. Average tour takes 1.5 hours to walk.

Springtown Senior Center

Dances , country/western bands tentatively scheduled every Thurs day and Saturday night. Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, Springtown Senior Activity Center, 1070 N. Main Street, Springtown, 7 to 10 p.m. Bands and unanticipated cancellations posted on center’s Facebook. $5 ad mission per person.

Hood County Senior Center

Dances, featuring music by coun try/western bands every Thursday night Dec. 1, 8, 15, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore St., Granbury 7 p.m. $5 per person.

Happy Hour at the Kimbell Art Museum, live entertainment Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Kimbell Art Mu

seum, Kahn Building (Cafe), 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth 5 to 7 p.m. Free admission. Snacks available for purchase.

First Friday at the Modern Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dec. 2, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth. Special programming. Free admission.

Janie Fricke in concert “A Cow girl Country Christmas,” Dec. 2, Granbury Live on the Granbury Square, 7:30 p.m. Call (800) 3409703 for tickets.

Birding Walk with Fort Worth Audubon Society, 90-minute walk focuses on our feathered friends, Dec. 3, Fort Worth Botanic Gar dens, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tickets $12. Register by Nov. 30 at fwgb.org/ events

Drawing in the Garden, per sonal instruction in mastering line, form, shading, composition, bal ance and more as you practice in the beauty and tranquility of the gardens, Dec. 3, Fort Worth Botan ic Gardens, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30. Registration online at https://fwbg. org/education/adults

Fall Book Sale, hosted by the Springtown Public Library and Friends of the Library, Dec. 3, Springtown Annex Building across from City Hall, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gingerbread House Make & Take Class for Adults Only: Hands-on class includes instruc tion and all ingredients provided, Dec. 3, Central Market, 4651 West Freeway, Fort Worth 5 to 6:30 p.m. $70 per person. Register at https:// www.centralmarket.com/ cooking-school

Lake Worth Christmas Market includes crafters, bakers and more, Dec. 3, 7005 Charbonneau Road, Fort Worth, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Azle Christmas on Main , Dec. 3 Azle Main Street, noon to 5 p.m.

A Malpass Brothers’ Christmas, Dec. 3, Granbury Live on the Gran bury Square, 7 p.m. Call (800) 3409703 for tickets.

Mark Chestnut in concert, Dec. 3, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo

Plaza, Fort Worth 10 p.m. Call (817) 624-7117 for tickets.

Christmas on the Square, Dec. 3, Downtown Weatherford, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cowboy Santa and Live Lla mas: live llamas dressed in Christ mas attire, plus train rides, shop ping opportunities and family fun, Dec. 3, Peacock’s, 122 Water St., Weatherford, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday Light Show, a differ ent light show each week, Dec. 3 through New Year’s, Gene L. Voyles Park, Hudson Oaks, 6 to 9 p.m. Free.

Weatherford Light the Night Parade starts at the 9th Grade Cen ter and travels north on South Main to Palo Pinto Street then to Waco Street, Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.

Art After Hours featuring lo cal musical talent, Dec. 3, Art Museum, Piano Pavillion, 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free admission. Cash bar and light snacks available for purchase.

Saginaw Christmas Parade and Tree Lightning Ceremony 3, parade starts at Willow Creek El ementary and ends at the Saginaw Switchyard (site of tree lighting). Parade at 6 p.m. Tree lighting fol lows. Free admission.

Christmas Time in Aledo fun, food, arts and crafts and more, Dec. 3, Downtown Aledo Craft show open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other holiday activities run from 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

Granbury: A Candlelight Tour of Homes, Dec 3-4, pick up wrist band and book at 201 E. Pearl Street in Granbury. Saturday 1 to 8 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., $30 ticket.

Holiday Memorial Service honoring loved ones who have passed, Dec. 4, Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 N. Elm Street, Weatherford 3 p.m. Bring an orna ment to place on the tree in memo ry of your loved one. Refreshments follow. Each family receives a com memorative ornament.

Brock Hometown Christmas vendors, food trucks, games, raffles,

tree lighting, noon to 6 p.m., Silver Star Shopping Center, 1100 FM 1189, Millsap.

Second Thursdays at Amon Carter Museum featuring cock tails, creativity and conversation, Dec. 8, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 5 to 8 p.m. Free event with reservations re quired. Call (817) 989-5013.

An Elvis Christmas featuring Kraig Parker, Dec. 8-9, Granbury Live on the Granbury Square, 7:30 p.m. Call (800) 340-9703 for tickets.

Let’s Jingle & Mingle at the Senior Center includes food, en tertainment, local vendors and $5

10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Donations appreciated.

Journey to Bethlehem, an in teractive live nativity, Dec. 9-11, First Baptist Azle, 1017 Boyd Road, Azle, 6 to 8 p.m.

Springtown Old-Fashioned Christmas includes vendors and family fun, Dec. 10, Springtown Square, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas at King’s Kid Ranch, a Rescue Horse Ranch, includes food truck, desserts, prize raffles, cocoa bar, free portrait, Dec. 10, 444 FM-920, Weatherford, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $15-$25 per person.

Weatherford,

Millsap Christmas Festival in cludes a market, parade and chili/ cornbread cookout, tree lighting, Dec. 10, Millsap City Hall, noon to 7:30 p.m. To join the cookout or add a float, call 940-682-7446.

Holiday Sip & Shop, Dec. 10, Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Christmas in the Stockyard, Dec. 10, Fort Worth Stockyards, 10 a.m., includes cattle drive, reindeer milking, comedy gunfight skits, pa rade, rodeo.

Concert Bells of Fort Worth, a handbell choir’s holiday concert, Dec. 11, First United Method ist Church, 800 W. 5th Street, Fort Worth, 3 to 5 p.m.

Lola’s Local Farmers Market featuring 30+ locally-grown and produced vendors, live music, bar bites and food trucks, pet friendly, Dec. 11, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admis sion.

Wednesday (Art) Workshop, Murillo-inspired portraits with guest artist Jay Bailey, Dec. 14, Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 2 p.m. For adults of all ages, $15. Go to www.kimbellart.org to purchase tickets in ad vance.

William Lee Martin’s Return of the Nut cracker, a night of holi day comedy, music and surprises, Dec. 15, Granbury Live on the Granbury Square, 7:30 p.m. Call (800) 340-9703 for tickets.

Artful Moments for Dementia Patients and Caregivers, explora tion of Amon Carter museum ex hibits, hands-on activities, Dec. 15 Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. , 1:30 to 3 p.m. Register online at cartermuseum.org or call 817-989-5013.

Claus Crawl includes shop ping opportunities, samples, beer, hot cocoa and family fun, Dec. 17, Weatherford Downtown, 5 p.m. Limited information available at presstime.

Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rum mage Sale, Fort Worth’s largest run ning outdoor monthly mar ket featuring artists, cre ators and col lectors, plus music and food, Dec. 18, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

Main Street Book Club discuss ing “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” by Christy Lefteri, Dec. 20, Azle Me morial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

Book Club, Dec. 20, Weather ford Public Library, 1014 Charles St., Weatherford 6 to 7 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

Cirque Musica Holiday Spec tacular, Dec. 23, Dickies Arena, Fort Worth 7:30 p.m. Tickets $21$51 sold by Ticketmaster.

AgriLife Wellness in the Gar den: Dazzling December, learn to make a charcuterie board and cock tails, Dec. 28, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets $40. Reg ister by Dec. 21 at fwgb.org/events

The Original Fort Worth Gun Show, featuring over 1,200 tables, Dec. 31-Jan. 1, Will Rogers Memo rial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

To submit events for consid eration, email seniors@hoopla magazine.com or call 817-8941822.

Mills works to make the world a better place

Kenneth Mills of Azle may be in assisted living, but it doesn’t stop him from working every day to make the world a better place.

Mills, 83, moved to Azle about 10 years ago from Hous ton to be near his daughter, sonin-law and three grandchildren. He owned a home in Azle and only recently became a resident at Eagle Crest Villa.

“It’s exactly where I need to be. My daughter understood it before I did, “ he said. “We came to visit and I realized this is where I need to be.”

Mills said he was forgetting to take medications and refill medications at the pharma cy. Despite a slight decline in memory, he is quite active and still drives every day to the Azle Community Caring Center, where he volunteeers five days a week. He’s volunteered there since he first moved to the area.

“My job right now is card board. That sounds a little bor ing, but we get a lot of boxes,” he said. “I carry boxes between buildings and break them down so they’ll fit in the dumpster without taking up too much room. And, I go through their trash because I’m a firm believer in you don’t throw anything

in the landfill that you can do something better with.”

He removes any metal he finds and gives it to a scrap guy.

“And, plastic doesn’t rot very well — it stays around a long time and gets into the ocean easily — that’s very bad for wild life,” he said. So he takes that to Walmart to be recycled.

He also collects old batter ies until Azle has a drive twice a year so they’re properly dis posed.

Mills is humble about the work he does, and even when the work is hard, he doesn’t complain.

“The cardboard work I do is a bit too strenuous,” he said. “Sooner or later I will have to be more careful and get some one else to help or take over that task.”

When he’s at Eagle Crest, he continues his mission of im proving the world.

“I walk around the building a lot – I have to get my exercise,” he said. And when he does, he collects trash, masks and other items he finds discarded on the ground.

“I get satisfaction out of that,” he said.

Living at Eagle Crest Villa does not keep him from his fa

vorite pasttime – singing.

Mills drives to church several times each week for choir prac tice. He’s also been a member of a barbershop quartet.

When he practices singing at home, he uses an electronic key board to make sure he’s singing on the right key. He also marks the music carefully so he stays

on the right line, something he didn’t have to do when he was younger.

Mills is not only helping the environment by recycling and helping the community at the center, he’s also a good example to other residents at Eagle Crest.

Recently, a few other resi dents started volunteering at

Kenneth Mills in front of the bird atrium at Eagle Crest Villa Se nior Community.

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the Community Caring Center. Some are not as mobile as Mills, but he says the center is grate ful for all volunteers and can accommodate them, regardless of any physical limitation.

“They have a room that they can sit in so they don’t have to walk around a lot — and they bring them stuff to do.”

He credits management at Eagle Crest for motivating oth er residents to volunteeer.

“I wasn’t a part of it but I heartily approve,” he said.

In fact, he only has good things to say about the facil ity. He’s particularly fond of the food.

“I was eating too much be cause the food was so good. I was gradually gaining weight,” he said.

So he usually eats breakfast and lunch in the dining room and nibbles on snacks in his suite in the evening. He has a small kitchen, as well as a living room, bathroom and bedroom. The living room is where he loves to read and do puzzles.

He has puzzle table set up and purchases new puzzles at Walmart frequently. When he completes them, he breaks them down and shares with the other residents.

The facility is full of puzzle lovers. In fact, there’s a sitting area dedicated to puzzling. Boxes line the shelves. There are two closets brimming with puzzles, according to the resi dents.

“People just stop by and put a few pieces in,” he said of the community puzzle room. “We have more puzzles than we know what to do with.”

Another unique feature of the facilty is the bird atrium. Roughly a dozen birds call Eagle Crest Villa home. Resi dents and their visitors enjoy watching them fly from branch to branch.

Mills said, like most of the residents, the birds have be come acclimated to living at Eagle Crest Villa.

“It’s a good place to be,” he said with a smile.

The Christmas Angel Tree

You and your friends have decided to buy gifts for five children on the Christmas angel adoption tree. One of those friends said they would text you the list of gifts you need to purchase on the group’s behalf. Unfortunately, that friend is Mixed-Up Moe. Can you help unscramble these 12 children’s

before the stores close?

Residents Dellma Cage and Kenneth Mills pause to work at a community puzzle table at Eagle Crest Villa in Azle.

CYNTHIA HENRY

Veterans honored by DAR

The Weatherford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented certificates of appre

ciation to veterans at Brookdale Senior Living in Weatherford. The DAR was es tablished to honor veterans of the Revolu

tionary War, but also celebrates veterans who have served throughout America’s history.

Linda Ivey (Army)

COURTESY David Reese (Navy) COURTESY

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Clinton Taylor (Army) with DAR Flag Chair Shirley Thompson (left) and dog trainer Christine Collins with comfort dog Juno

Leo Roberson (Army)

COURTESY Thomas Smiley (Navy) COURTESY

Sheridan Umphress (Air Force and Navy Reserves)

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Jerome Bettner, M.D. (Air Force)

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Dorothy Wenzel (Civil Service)

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Gordon West (Army)

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On the Road Again

To Readers’ Favorite Breakast Spots

Tisthe season for getting together with friends to cel ebrate, go shopping or just share a meal, so we’ve polled readers to find out their favorite breakfast and brunch spots. We’ve included restaurants throughout Hoopla’s readership area. You’ve surely tried a few. If not, make it your new year’s resolution to try them all.

Mary’s Brazos Cafe

Is it worth the drive to eat at this tiny cafe by the Brazos River? Kevin Costner would say yes. So would Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Yes, thanks to the cast of Yellowstone and 1889 visiting and even filming on location at the restau rant, Mary’s has gained a lot of attention in the last couple of years. But those who live nearby have always loved Mary’s Brazos Cafe because offers some of the area’s best Southern cooking. Mary’s chicken fried steak cannot be beat. Pair it with some eggs and biscuits, and you’ve got a breakfast fit for a king. And don’t get us started on the pies! Yes, it’s breakfast, but you’re going to be tempted to order a piece anyway.

ADDRESS: 5090 Tin Top Rd, Weatherford

Ol’ South Pancake House

Beacon Cafe consistently places in Fort Worth’s top restau rants thanks to delicious options, like the pecan hotcakes (pic tured below)

The Beacon Cafe

This hidden gem is located down from Hick’s Airport on Highway 287. At one time, the restaurant sat right off the airstrip and you could watch planes arrive and depart from your table. You can no longer do that, but chef Christie Bingham is still creating betterthan-average breakfasts at the new location, which has more seating and doesn’t require you to drive down an airstrip with moving aircraft. They’re open Wednesday through Sun day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, but it’s their all-you-can-eat breakast buffet on Sunday that has always drawn the biggest crowd. On Sundays, your omeletes and hotcakes are prepared right in front of you with your choice of fresh ingredients. Favorites include the upside-down pine apple hotcakes and almond battered french toast. ADDRESS: 12721 Business Hwy 287, Fort Worth

Ol’ South has been around since 1962, and al though it offers all of your favorite breakfast items, it’s most famous for its German Pancakes, which are filled with lemon and topped with powdered sugar. In fact, they serve them 40 thousand times each year. Readers also rave about their chicken and waffles served up with honey and gravy.

Feast

Ol’ South has the largest breakfast menu of any of the res taurats we’ve listed. Choose one of the many omelets listed or build your own. Whether you crave chicken-fried steak, pork chops, corned beef hash, bacon, sausage or ham with your eggs, it’s all there, plus a sensational selection of baked goods.

Open 24 hours, they also offer a lunch and dinner menu, so there’s something for everyone.

ADDRESS: 1509 S University Dr, Fort Worth

CJ’s Cafe

This restaurant is a hit with Azle residents, and they say the peanut butter pancakes are not to be missed. Sound too

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

THEBEACONCAFE.COM

your eyes on a few offerings from Ol’ South Pancake House.

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sweet for first thing in the morning? Others rave about the fluffy omelets, the huevos rancheros and the French toast.

ADDRESS: 149 Southeast Parkway, Suite 152, Azle

Whistle Hill’s Downtown Cafe

Whistle Hill’s Downtown Cafe is known for their tasty breakfast and lunch menu. The locals love their bacon and greens quiche, their fluffy homemade biscuits, and their deli cious pies. Located on the historic Weatherford square, this location has long been a hotspot for locals. In addition to breakfast, Whistle Hill is open for lunch.

ADDRESS: 101 W. Church Street, Weatherford

Montgomery Street Cafe

A westside favorite since 1949, Montgomery Street Cafe in Fort Worth serves up a basic breakfast, but it’s the flavor and the fine service that put them on the map.

In addition to the breakfast platter, breakfast, sausage and bacon burritos, pancakes and waffles, this 1950sthemed cafe offers lunch.

ADDRESS: 2000 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth

Ginger Brown’s Old Tyme Restaurant & Bakery

Ginger Brown’s cinnamon rolls are famous citywide

Press Cafe

It’s hard to argue with over 4,000 pos itive reviews. Ginger Brown’s cinnamon rolls are the talk of town! Our readers also love their blueberry pancakes and chicken-fried steak breakfast. You can also build your own omelet from a big selection of fresh ingredients. Ginger Brown’s also has an expansive senior menu that’s sure to please.

ADDRESS: 6312 Jacksboro Highway, Lake Worth

Located at the The Trail head at Clearfork, Press Cafe has riverside/park side outdoor seating and a fire pit on cooler days. We hear service can be slow but that it’s worth the wait. Recommendations inslude the Daybreak Omelet and the Rise and Shine Waffle. The patio area is dog-friendly, so take Fido for the walk and treat him at this Fort Worth fa vorite.

Press Cafe’s Rise and Shine Waffle

ADDRESS: 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

DEBRA GALVAN

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Edited by Margie E. Burke

n Find the Frog

Congratulations to Charlotte Emerson! She found the frog in last month’s issue. He was hiding on page 19 in a photo honor ing veterans. Winners of the hidden frog contest have their choice of tickets from two live theatres in our area.

Enter this month’s contest by emailing to tell us where you found the frog in this issue (example at right). Email entries to seniors@hooplamagazine.com. All contestants receive a free e-subscription to Hoopla and a chance to win the grand prize.

Copyright 2022 by The Puzzle Syndicate

Make sure you pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 30 days to claim their prize.

Solution to Sudoku:

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

HOW TO SOLVE:

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. (Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

n Live Theatre Picks

SUITE SURRENDER Theatre Off the Square

Ticket Info: 817-341-8687

Tentative Dates: Dec. 2 - 18

Synopsis: Two of Hollywood’s big gest divas have descended upon a lux urious hotel. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime perfor mance...that is, until they are some how assigned to the same suite. Mis taken identities, overblown egos, dou ble entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this love note to the classic farces of the 1930s- 40s.

HANDLE WITH CARE Stage West

823 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth

Ticket Info: 817-784-9378

Tentative Dates: Dec. 8 - Jan. 8

Synopsis: A young Israeli woman is on holiday with her grandmother in the United States when the unexpect ed happens. She finds herself stranded in a motel room on Christmas Eve with an oddball delivery man. Is their meeting an accident, or is it destiny generations in the making?

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO SHOW

Parker County Theatre Company

Faith Presbyterian Church, 301 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo

Ticket Info:

Admission is FREE! Reserve seats at https://parkercountytheatre.com

Tentative Dates: Nov. 25 - 27 and Dec. 2 and 4 (7 p.m.)

Synopsis: This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE MUSICAL

Granbury Opera House

133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury

Ticket Info: 817-579-0952

Tentative Dates: Dec. 2 - 23

Synopsis: Single mother, Doris Walk er, doesn’t want her six-year-old Su san’s head filled with romantic no tions. Their neighbor, Fred Gailey, tries to woo Doris by charming Susan and taking her to see Santa Claus at Ma cy’s, where Doris works. Doris is not impressed, but when it turns out that Macy’s Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts.

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

Waiting for God to show up

How much more excited are you to see someone when the anticipation of seeing them is there? The anticipation and excitement of what is coming is exactly what Advent is all about. The long-awaited Mes siah. The King of Kings. The Savior of the World. They were waiting for Him, and they had been waiting for a long, long, time. They were waiting for Him to show up, but they were not expecting a baby in a manger.

We can spend our whole life waiting for a miracle and miss the magic happening right before our eyes. We may have an idea and a picture of the miracles we want God to per form in our lives. The problem is we don’t have God’s vision. We want God to make things happen the way we want them to happen, and we can talk our selves into believing that this is His plan. We stand staring and waiting for the heralding of this great event of change in our li ves that we are expecting, and believe we deserve. This is our definition of a miracle.

The truth is that when you are not looking or trying to make one happen, you may find a miracle. Right where you never thought of looking you may find the hand of God. We hear people say, “I can’t believe it! It’s a miracle!” That is so often how it works! Just when you stop believing, God meets you with a miracle. Miracles happen every day in the most unsuspe

cting places. The Wise Men were not looking for a king to be born in a stable. They were expecting a palace and they brought gifts fit for royalty.

They did find royalty, just in an unsuspecting place and form. If they had waited until they found the miracle they had envisioned, they would have missed the whole thing!

Are you waiting for somet hing to happen in your life?

Maybe what you should be looking for is the Messiah. If we are surrendered to fin

ding Him in whatever way He chooses, we won’t miss Him. But if we are only looking for what we think we need, we could miss Him. When He shows up in our lives, He takes care of everything because He is all we need. When you are anticipating His presen ce in your life, really antici pating Him, nothing else on this earth will fill that space meant for Him. Nothing else will satisfy and nothing else will save you. Miracles come in all kinds of packages. This

Christmas, and every oth er day of the year, open your heart to the small miracles all around you. Don’t miss the most important things becau se you are expecting somet hing different.

He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

Psalm 147:4-5 (ESV)