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Hoopla December 2020

Live entertainment returns to Azle’s Popcorn Players Theatre Weatherford College professor recalls his time in the Reagan administration • Neil Sperry offers tips for local gardeners • Crossword puzzle, sudoku and more fun

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020

Linda Davis shares her love of crafting with the world by Kay Burleson Hoopla Correspondent

to her local church. The books would be used to teach small children about Christmas. Linda made 100 books; some Linda Davis is a sewing craftwere given out locally and some er; not a quilter, not a seamwere sent on to missionaries stress, but someone who sews serving in Mexico. In addition to craft items. the books given to the church, For Linda her crafting time is Linda made another 75 for for relaxation and enjoyment, friends and charities. KAY BURLESON but having a generous, caring A soft fabric book is a type of chilCalifornia was home to Linda nature, she makes most of her dren’s book for baby to toddlers. Patand her family for many years. crafty creations to give away to tern designers create panels with She had a busy life raising five others. pictures and few or no words, which boys and working full time. On a recent visit with Linda, After two sons moved to Texare divided into sections to make in her newly constructed “she as, Linda and her husband joined shed/craft shop/sewing-room,” the “pages.” Instructions are printed them in the Weatherford area she showed me Halloween gift right on the panel so there is not a bags, handy mask and sanitizer separate pattern. Panels cover many in 1998. After a time, the other three sons made their way to carrier bags, pillow cases, beau- subjects appropriate for little ones. Texas, reuniting the closely knit tiful table napkins and small family. Linda currently has 12 grandchildren; five cosmetic bags; all made to be given as gifts. girls and seven boys. That warm spirit of giving was clearly shown by To keep busy (you can’t craft all the time) Linda her project of creating books for children. Last year, went to work for the local Gibson’s store last year Linda’s daughter-in-law asked for help in making and now supervises the fabric department. soft fabric books about the Nativity to be donated

Organizer of cancelled veterans breakfast recovering from COVID-19 For the last few years, local veterans and emergency personnel have enjoyed a breakfast hosted by the Twentieth Century Club preceeding Weatherford’s Veterans Day Parade. They may have been surprised to find the doors of the clubhouse locked this year. The event’s organizer, Valerie Meador, came down with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the event. She spent five days in the hospital and is slowly regaining her health. “I thought I was being so careful,” said Meador. “but it’s gotten my attention that it can be anywhere (even when) you think you’re safe.” Another club member was exposed to the virus and in quarantine shortly after Meador’s diagnosis, so the the club decided it was best to cancel this year’s event. But don’t fret: the club plans to host the breakfast again next year. The thought of normality in 2021 makes those sweet rolls sound sweeter than ever.

Linda Davis at home with her crafts.

KAY BURLESON

She does not have to look further for the soft book fabric panels she needs for her projects as Gibson’s carries a nice selection.

Hoopla December 2020 Volume 5, Issue 1

© 2020 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

Cynthia Henry

Contributors

Kay Burleson • Lara Cook • Susan Grayson Rick Mauch • Neil Sperry • Dick Wolfsie

Copy Editor

Jean Henderson

December 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

How red and green chili fueled the fight against communism Weatherford College professor Darrell Castillo recalls Texas hot sauce deliveries during Cold War

PHOTO BY CEZARY P

Weatherford College professor Darrell Castillo (left) worked for the Reagan administration from 1982-1985.

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent In the summer of 1976, when he was only 17 years old, Darrell Castillo went to a rally at the Bronco Bowl near where he lived in Dallas to see then former California Gov. Ronald Reagan speak on his third bid for the presidency. Though not even old enough to vote, little did he know a chance encounter would later change his life forever. “At the rally I met Michael K. Deaver, the campaign field director. On my way to presidential personnel in 1982 for a White House position in public liaison, he sees me in the security area and remembered that we met in 1976,” Castillo recalled. “He took me to his office as he was now Deputy White House Chief of Staff. “As we chatted I told him that I was working on my second master’s degree, and we discussed a strategic missile basing option known as ‘Dense Pack.’ Probably impressed with my insights, Deaver called in the Deputy Assistant National Security Advisor for Soviet Affairs and prompt-

COURTESY

ly put me on his staff.” And, just like that, the current Weatherford College professor was working for the same man he went to see six years earlier, now President Reagan. It turned out the handshake he and Reagan exchanged on that day in 1976 would be the first of many as Castillo served in the Reagan administration from 1982-85 as Special Assistant to the President, National Security Council (Soviet Affairs). Castillo’s duties included continuing analyses of Soviet conventional

military capabilities in relation to NATO defensive postures and response contingencies. He collated and authored several study plans for the use of battlefield tactical nuclear weapons employment in a high intensity European battlefield environment. “My team regularly war gamed nuclear scenarios at the tactical and operational levels while integrating strategic outcomes. I also participated in conventional force reduction negotiations with Soviet counterparts,” he said. Castillo describes himself as an old “Cold Warrior” and proud Reaganite. He was part of an historic moment participating in the eventual defeat of the cradle of communism. “Quite frankly, I was more than a little disappointed that American troops never did enter a bomb blasted Moscow as they did a bomb blasted Berlin,” he said. “Maybe that’s why socialism is still incorrectly popular and fascism degraded because socialism has never been defeated militarily. Communist socialism ended not in a bang, but in a whimper. This virus is

still alive in a mutated form.” Among the many stories has to tell from his time in DC, one sticks out above all, he said. “In the early 80s there were no TexMex restaurants in the D.C. area. I hit upon the idea of asking my mother to send me overnight ‘care’ packages from home,” he recalled. “She would send a couple dozen homemade flour tortillas and a bottle of her homemade green chili. I would call mom three times a day from my White House office – in the morning when I arrived, at lunch time, and in the late evening while leaving. Soon after the packages started arriving at the White House post office. “I called mom to thank her. She was surprised that I was only getting two dozen tortillas and one vial of chili. She was sending me three dozen tortillas and a vial of red chili and a vial of green chili. Upon investigation, I learned that the Secret Service agents who had authority to open all packages were pilfering samples to ‘test.’” See CASTILLO, P. 4

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

CASTILLO From Page 3

Darrell would reach an agreement with certain Treasury agents to get their “cut” of his mom’s excellent home cuisine. But then, it turned out they weren’t the only ones he would have to share them with. “Sometime later after hours, while I was in the White House mess (kitchen) getting meat from the chef to put in mom’s tortillas to make a couple of tacos topped off with her

December 2020

chili, Nancy Reagan walks in on my preparations and asks for a taco,” Darrell said. “She asked my name and where I was from, thanked me for sharing, and left the mess. The very next week mom received a personal handwritten note on White House stationary from the First Lady thanking her for the taco. “Every Christmas thereafter mom would receive a White House Christmas card from the Reagans. I later learned that only 1% of the populaSee CASTILLO, P. 5

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COURTESY OF THE REAGAN LIBRARY

President Ronald Reagan and wife Nancy by the Residence Christmas Tree, 1981

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December 2020

CASTILLO From Page 4

tion receive Christmas cards from the White House.” How spicy was his mom’s chili? “A treasury agent later told me that mom’s chili was so hot that ‘It could cure AIDS,’” Darrell said. Castillo arrived at Weatherford College in the fall semester of 2013. He has been teaching in higher education since the fall of 1989 starting in the Dallas County Community College District, then Collin County Community College, and the Tarrant County College District. “Academic scholarship is indispensable in higher education. When you couple that with high-level, real-world experience during a critical juncture of world history, you have the ingredients that lead to a world-class educational experience,” Weatherford College President Dr. Tod Allen Farmer said of Castillo. “I bring practical political and government experienceE. intoBurke the classEdited by Margie room. I have actually assisted in the creation of public policy in reality and not on some textbook theoretical level,” he said. “When teaching history I am also a primary source when lecturing on the Cold War era.” Castillo has built a career on being honest and forthright. Never was this more evident than during his first polygraph test to go to work for the government. “The CIA interviewer would not believe the machine’s confirmation that I have never drank nor tried any type of illegal drugs,” he reflected. “The National Security Advisor once said in a meeting the he would have to believe anything that I told him because I was one of the most stable and sober persons he knew.” He has had other opportunities to return to Washington and work, but (Answer hasn’t felt appears at home withelseany offers, he where in this issue) said. “I received a call from Trump operatives in late 2016 and almost accepted a Pentagon position,” he said. “I continue to stay in contact with

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.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

other former staffers who work in the House and Senate. Staffers are the true power brokers behind the scenes. I had particularly excellent friendships with the late Congressman Jim Collins and Congressman Pete Sessions.” And he has fond memories of his time working for the late President Reagan, memories that have given him plenty of stories to tell. “The president once said in private, ‘I’m not particularly smart, but I know how to surround myself with smart people.’ Also, ‘Humanity will only unite when a flying saucer lands.’ “Reagan was self-effacing and an old-school gentleman, especially in private meetings. He was very much like Lincoln, lacing conversations with funny anecdotes. Like Lincoln’s election in 1860, Reagan’s election in 1980 saved the Union and the Republic. “Ronald Reagan’s ‘obstinacy,’ not Mikhail Gorbachev’s ‘peace initiatives’ saved the world from nuclear annihilation.” And while it may seem that much has changed in Washington over the past 35 years since he left the Reagan administration, Castillo said it actually has not. “There really is no difference in Washington then and now. What were private deals are now on social media that exacerbates already and irreconcilable political differences,” he said. “For instance, today President Trump has instantaneous access to the American people through Twitter.” Still young by political standards, especially in a time when both presidential candidates are in their late seventies, does Castillo ever consider holding office himself? The answer is no, for now at least. “Over the years students have periodically suggested that I run for public office, usually for the U.S. House of Representatives,” he said. “I do more in the classroom to influence the future of America than in any elective office.”

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020

Drive-by parade planned for ‘Tippy’ Foster, who turns 100 by Susan Grayson Guest Contributor

meant to be together. Tip separated from the Navy in November of 1945 and went back home The Veterans of Foreign Wars to Texas. P.A. transferred to Advanced (VFW) Post 4746 in Weatherford NAATC in Chicago. The separation and Roll-Call. org are coordinating was hard, and after “thinking on it a surprise 100th Birthday Celebraa while,” Tip decided to join him in tion/Drive-By Parade for local WWII Chicago. They were married on Feb. 2, Veteran Myrtle “Tippy” Foster. Mrs. 1946. P.A. was transferred to NAATC Foster will be turning 100 years old on Jacksonville as his last Naval assignDec. 23. ment. It was there that they welMyrtle was born in Kaufman, comed their first child, Michael. Texas. She was the In October 1947, eighth of 10 children P.A. separated born to a preacher/ from the serfarmer. The family vice and they moved between Texmoved back to as and Arkansas as Texas. They made jobs became availClear Fork Assisted Living their home in able. Although they River Oaks, and & Memory Care were very poor, she 178 Crown Point Blvd Apt 134 P.A. went to work was well loved by her at ConsolidatWillow Park, TX 76087 mama and papa. ed Vultee (later (Cards can be mailed to this address) At age 22, she General Dynamenlisted in the U.S. Sunday December 20 ics). Tip took care Navy. This was the of Michael and 2 p.m. first time this young their home, and girl had been outthey were overDue to COVID-19 restrictions, only side her two “home family will be able to enter the joyed to add Jean building. Parade participants are states,” but she had to their family in encouraged to decorate their vehicles. 1952. P.A.’s career seen her older brother enlist and was For more information please contact at GD took off, and Maria S. Sexton, VFW Post 4746, Adju- he and Tip spent eager to follow his tant/SO at 619-405-4439 or email at lead. She started her their time makvfwpost4746@gmail.com short military caing their house a reer at USNT School home, and bein the Bronx, followed by Aviation ing very involved in church activities Mechanics School at NAATC Memat Castleberry Church of Christ and phis. Her training made her a good fit later West Side Church of Christ. The for the Naval Air Station in Alameda, two also took care of P.A.’s dad and California. Tip’s parents as they aged. In a bit of It was there that she met her “blue- a surprise, they welcomed Susan into eyed sailor boy,” P.A. Foster. She was the family in 1960. teased that they met under an airAs the years went on, and the plane, but the real story is even betchildren grew, Tippy (as her friends ter. She met him on a double blind called her, although she would forever date. Of course, her date was the be Tip to P.A.) got antsy to do more “other” guy! By the end of the evening, than being a room mother — which P.A. and Tip knew they were the ones she was for roughly 25 years — and

Tippy’s 100th Birthday Parade

COURTESY

Myrtle ‘Tippy’ Foster and her late husband, P.A. both served in WWII. opened up a fabric store with a friend in River Oaks. After several years running this successful business, she decided it was taking too much of a toll on her family and let her partner buy her out. She didn’t get to rest for very long, as Susan offered her services as a babysitter for her favorite teacher’s baby girl. Alcie became a part of the Foster family for the next several years, and later she and another teacher’s boys became “Foster kids.” Tip later worked on the Castleberry School District Administration staff, and then joined River Oaks Private School as a teacher. She continued to work there until she was in her 70s, as she loved seeing children learn. Tip and P.A. didn’t just work. He loved to travel, and although it wasn’t her favorite thing, she packed her bags and went along because it made him happy. They spent their retirement years in places like Turkey, Taiwan, Japan, and all 50 states. They were very fortunate to have gotten involved with the local veteran program, and loved their Honor Flight trip to Washington, DC. They were quite the celebrity couple, as it is unusual to see married WWII veterans. When home, they doted on their nine grandchildren.

COURTESY

Tip and P.A. celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in 2017, and sadly he passed away later the same year. Tip continued her involvement with Roll Call in Fort Worth, and in September 2019 she was invited by the Gary Sinise Foundation to be honored at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. It was another “trip of a lifetime,” and her story is now chronicled there at the museum. Tip’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (soon to be 13) are so grateful to have her as the matriarch of the family. They are thankful for her devotion to her family, her model of a Christian woman, and her service to her country.

December 2020

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

It’s time to tell the hole truth I’ve eaten biscuits and gravy for breakfast, lunch and dinner (not all on the same day). I’ve had a pork tenderloin that is four times bigger than the bun, and I even wear shorts when it’s below freezing outside. But the other day I was really tested when my wife confronted me with this: “Dick, the neighborhood is having a big get-together, a chance to meet new people. Masks and social distancing will be required.” “Okay, I’m in.” “It’s a cornhole contest.” “Okay, I’m out.” I did a search for cornhole on YouTube. The first video was a guy who, from the traditional distance to the board, had made 300 shots in a row. Then he stepped back to 60 feet and made another 50 in a row, several from behind his back. He said the key to holding the bag was to get a grip, probably the same expression his wife uses when he spends all day and night throwing bean bags. I also watched some championship matches. I felt sorry for the announcers who didn’t have a lot of things to analyze. There were a lot of oohs and aahs. And two “wows.” They said “it’s a game of inches” about a dozen times. Bottom line, I went and I played. I wasn’t very good at cornhole, but I got to meet a lot of new people: Jill, Kay, Ellen, Steve, another Steve. Cynthia and Bob. Everyone had on a mask, many wore sunglasses and a cap, so I don’t have a clue how I’ll recognize them next time Mary Ellen and I walk around the neighborhood. Everyone had a name tag on that night, but it would be awkward to ask people to wear their ID whenever they walk out their front door

Carry On by Dick Wolfsie Humorist for the next couple of years. Mary Ellen is concerned about the virus, so we were constantly rubbing our hands with sanitizer gel, which is why several of my shots landed in the lake. Despite all the food people had brought, I wasn’t allowed to eat anything because, to quote my wife, “No way your hands are completely clean after you’ve touched every person’s equipment in the neighborhood.” I looked up the history of cornhole and there were over a dozen theories about when the game began and how it got its name. My favorite was from a woman who claims her great-grandfather in l899 found some rotten corn and a plank with a hole in it. Her grandfather’s name, she says, was Timothy Cornhole. Hmmm, very convenient. If his last name had been Backgammon, well, how confusing would that have been? The day after that neighborhood gathering, I saw a neighbor outside and I asked him if he had played the previous night because I didn’t recognize his legs. Peter, who is an engineer, said he would have done better had he taken into account the lubricity of the board. When I got home, I looked up the term “lubricious,” by mistake. If you Google that word, you’ll agree it would have made the game a lot more exciting.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020

Popcorn Players are back Live theatre returns to Azle by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Who says popcorn doesn’t get better with age? There’s nothing stale about the Azle Arts Association Popcorn Players, who have been going strong since 1998, providing quality community theatre entertainment to the area. It was in August 22 years ago that the original Popcorn Players took the stage with a production of “Dogsbreath Deveraux, The Dastardly Doctor.” From that cast of 10 actors, a director, and a piano man, who took a leap of faith, five are still active today. Rozanne Gann is president, Scott Nurmela is vice president, Monica Goth is treasurer, and Carol Braden and Gwen Gibbons are board members. “We had no building and no money for the production. A local group let us use their field, and with borrowed lights, borrowed tent for dressing/ backstage, and borrowed risers for a stage we produced our first Popcorn Players production,” Goth, spokesperson for the group, remembered. “The audience brought their own quilt or lawn chair, and a member set up a concession stand. “The audience loved throwing popcorn and any other concession

COURTESY

Rozanne Gann, Diana Warren and Jerry Hall from Azle Arts Association Popcorn Players. item. The villain had to make an announcement to throw popcorn only, lemon drops, and pickles were not to be thrown. In addition, the hero’s wife was pregnant and due any day, and we hoped we would make the last performance prior to the baby’s arrival. That baby and our group is now 22 years old.” The Popcorn Players put on six shows each year, including mysteries, some interactive productions, melodramas, and, of course, comedies. “I believe our success is due to providing quality entertainment in an intimate environment and keeping the patrons’ wants at the top of our thoughts when planning each season,” Goth said. “We strive for a professional and entertaining production. Most of our first-time patrons return and soon become a part of our extended family.” They’ve also performed a couple of shows that were written by members of the Popcorn Players. They also have

each one fundraising production each year. In other words, they stay busy. Even the current COVID-19 pandemic isn’t stopping them from their mission to entertain. “Like all small business, even nonprofit, we need income to pay our bills. Plus, one of our board members has been in contact via telephone with state COVID-19 Task Force since last summer,” Goth said. “With input from the state we believed we could put on performances that allowed our patrons to safely watch a performance and provide for safety of our cast and group members. “Also, people need to get out and socialize in the community, and laughter is the best medicine. The November production (“Farce of Nature”) provided laughter.” Among their most popular shows was the musical “Godspell” several years ago. It sold out nearly every production, Goth recalled. Melodramas

are also always exceedingly popular. “We allow the audience to boo and hiss the villain, cheer the hero, aah at the heroine, and throw popcorn,” Goth said. Over the years, multiple productions have been major hits and bring out the crowds, such as “Steel Magnolias,” Goth said. Also, several actors are crowd favorites and many patrons come to see them perform. “Greater Tuna” was another hit, with four gentlemen performing all the parts, Goth added. If you do want to see a popular show, you’d better come see it during its current run. The group waits at least five years before repeating a production. Shows typically run for two weekends, Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday afternoon matinee. Also, they will, on occasion, have a special dinner type show on a Thursday evening the second weekend of a production. See AZLE, P. 10

December 2020

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

AZLE

December 2020

ing and make a stage and seating area - again no funds,” Goth recalled. “Each member brought a few plastic lawn From Page 8 chairs, and the audience was given a The Popcorn Players were able to discount if they brought a white plastic produce two shows in 2020. The first lawn chair as a donation to the theatre. was in January just before the close of We had seven wonderful years in that theaters, a melodrama entitled “Dead- building. wood Dick,” and the second was the “Fortunately, the building had a aforementioned comedy “Farce of Na- basement area that was right under ture,” written by the legendary playpart of the stage. One of our shows was writing trio of Jones Hope Wooten. ‘Matchmaker,’ and the audience was They are performing another show so surprised when the actors popped from the threesome, “Farce of Habit,” up from the floor in one of the early Jan. 22-24 and 29-31. scenes.” “We followed Texas state guidelines Next, they rented a small space for for seating, distancing, and of course seven years. With it was limited dresswearing masks,” Goth said of the latest ing space, which led to a comical situaproduction. “The first weekend the aution for one of the performers during a dience was below the allowed seating production of “Nunsense.” and the final three shows were near the “One of the actresses chose to dress allowed maximum for seating (75%). It in her nun’s costume at home. After was exciting to have the theater open one of the shows she was pulled over and see our patrons again. We missed by a policeman for speeding,” Goth them as well as we missed performing.” said with a chuckle. “He apologized The group is also planning a New to the ‘sister,’ but asked that she slow Year’s Eve “1920s Readers Theater,” a Roaring 20s night of fun, in which visi- down in the future.” Six years ago, the group purchased tors are asked to dress up in 1920s attire. The event, from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 31, its current location at 1012 Southeast Parkway in Azle. Initially, the owner will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and carried the note for the first year, but raffles for $20 per person. the group’s shows were bringing in Patrons come from all over to see productions from the Popcorn Players. enough to pay the bills, so they were able to pay that mortgage off recently. That’s what happens when you have “Our core group of actors put in over two decades of consistently sucmuch manual labor getting to turn the cessful shows. While the bulk are from building into a theatre,” Goth said. Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties, “After the January production we Goth said folks come from all over the Fort Worth-Dallas area, and even from renovated the lobby for our patron’s convenience and had been waiting out of state. And, of course that not only benefits eight months to show off the larger the theater, but the Azle community as space. Our patrons loved the new space.” a whole, Goth said. The adage, “The show must go on,” “Many of our patrons meet prior to a show and eat lunch or dinner and then has been very real. “At one performance one of the accome to the show,” she said. When Goth stops and reflects on the tresses was ill and needed to get off growth of the group since that original stage quickly. The actor on stage with her saw that she was ill and leaving,” production in 1998, a melodrama, she Goth described. “He then proceeded finds herself somewhat in awe of how to have a ‘discussion’ with himself and far they’ve come. gave both of their lines until the next “After the first melodrama we were actor’s entrance. The audience was loaned a building a pharmacy owned by a local hospital but not in use at the never aware.” time. We had to clean out the build-

December 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Crossword

The Murphrees celebrate 65 years Kenneth and Nadeen Murphree will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on Dec. 17. They met on a double date. The two were married in Weatherford. They have two daughters, Donna Tillman and Linda Smith (Brian); five grandchildren, Brandon (Amy), Daniel (Randi), Amber (Tito), Chase (Andrea) and Chelsey; plus seven great-grandchildren, Ryann, Parker, Hadley, Ashby, Evalen, Emma and Mateo.

n Find The Frog Pamela Wilkins found him. Did you? The frog was on Page 13 of last month’s issue (in the garage sale ad). To enter this month’s contest, submit your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog at left) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Contestants will be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 gift certificates. Read next month’s issue to see if you’ve won. Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

by Margie E. Burke

(Puzzle solution is on P. 15)

1 2 3 4 5 ACROSS 1 Chop finely 14 6 Ballroom move 17 10 Similar (to) 14 Squirrel's snack 20 15 Bartlett, for one 23 16 Hard or soft ending 25 26 27 17 Sound reasoning 18 Among other 32 things 36 35 20 1992 thriller "Basic ______" 40 41 22 Deer's home 44 45 23 Cafeteria item 24 Bookkeeper's 48 stamp 50 51 52 25 Element 28 San Francisco 57 icon 60 32 Phony 34 Lunch place 63 35 That girl 36 Hyundai model 39 Tupperware top 40 Seat anagram 65 Place of another 42 Eyeglasses feature DOWN 44 Equestrian event 1 Neighbor of 47 Very serious Algeria 48 "My ___!" 2 Screen symbol 49 Bit of smoke 3 Eggy drinks 50 Clothing 4 Animal 53 Airplane's wake 5 Completely sur57 Co-signer, say round 59 Yorba ____, CA 6 Like Thai food 60 Life sentences? 7 Revival setting 61 Directs a 8 Devour weapon 9 Kind of house 62 Script direction 10 Given, as cus63 Hair goops tody 64 Brief quarrel 11 Cabbage kin

19 22

21 24 28

33 37

39 43

46 49 53

54 59

58 61

12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 37

Bearded bloom Shipshape Muddy up Birth-related Part of a suit Needed liniment Give a buzz Spare anagram River ride "People" person, briefly Mel's Diner waitress Equestrian Argentine dance Lacquer ingredient

Crossword Solution on P. 14

38 Last Supper diners 41 Wearable souvenirs 43 Publishing brand 45 Medical fluids 46 Sports venues 49 Bottom of the barrel 50 Wide-eyed 51 London subway 52 Peacock's pride 53 Unwakable state 54 Stud fee? 55 Brainchild 56 Fat for cooking 58 Bellboy's bonus

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020

Consider these year-end financial moves just on “paper” at that point? Did you We’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn even sell investments to “cut your the calendar page on this challenglosses” without waiting for a maring year. However, we’ve still got a few ket recovery? If so, you might want to weeks left, which means you have consult with a financial professional time to make some year-end financial to determine if your investment mix is moves that may work in your favor. still appropriate for your goals and risk Here are a few suggestions: tolerance, or if you need to make some Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax changes. year, you can put in up to $6,000 to Evaluate your need for retireyour traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 ment plan withdrawals. If you are 72 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t or older, you must start taking withreached this limit, consider adding drawals – technically called required some money. You actually have until minimum distributions, or RMDs – April 15, 2021, to contribute to your from your traditional IRA and your IRA for 2020, but 401(k) or similar the sooner you retirement plan. put the money in, Typically, you must the quicker it can take these RMDs go to work for by Mary H. McDow by December 31 evyou. Plus, if you ery year. However, Edward Jones Adviser have to pay taxes the Coronavirus in April, you’ll Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus be less likely to contribute to your IRA (CARES) Act suspended, or waived, all then. RMDs due in 2020. If you’re in this age Make an extra 401(k) payment. If group, but you don’t need the money, it’s allowed by your employer, put in a you can let your retirement accounts little extra to your 401(k) or similar recontinue growing on a tax-deferred tirement plan. And if your salary goes basis. up next year, increase your regular Think about the future. Are you contributions. saving enough for your children’s colSee your tax advisor. It’s possible lege education? Are you still on track that you could improve your tax situtoward the retirement lifestyle you’ve ation by making some investment-reenvisioned? Or have your retirement lated moves. For example, if you sold plans changed as a result of the pansome investments whose value has in- demic? All of these issues can affect creased, you could incur capital gains your investment strategies, so you’ll taxes. To offset these gains, you could want to think carefully about what desell other investments that have lost cisions you may need to make. value, assuming these investments are Looking back – and ahead – can no longer essential to your financial help you make the moves to end 2020 strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate on a positive note and start 2021 on this type of move, along with others, to the right foot. determine those that may be appropriate for your situation. Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 This article was written by Edmonths and how you responded to ward Jones for use by your local them. When COVID-19 hit early in Edward Jones Financial Adviser, the year, and the financial markets Mary H. McDow, 102 Houston Ave., plunged, did you find yourself worrySuite 203, 817-598-0882. Member ing constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were SPIC

Money Matters

POSTCARD, DATE UNKNOWN, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, THE PORTAL TO TEXAS HISTORY, BOYCE DITTO PUBLIC LIBRARY

‘Welcome’ sign nearly a century old It’s been nearly 100 years since the “Welcome” sign was placed atop the mountain near Mineral Wells. The sign was a thank you gift from then Texas Rotary Club President George Holmgren. The Rotarians had held their state convention at the Baker Hotel in 1922. Holmgren owned San Antonio Iron Works, which crafted the sign. Years later, the Warrant Officer Club Company from Fort Wolters relocated the sign to the east side of Bald Mountain, where it still stands today. The original sign had bulbs built into each letter, but now flood lights illuminate the sign.

1972, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, THE PORTAL TO TEXAS HISTORY, BOYCE DITTO PUBLIC LIBRARY

The lookout tower that’s pictured on the postcard was destroyed when a tornado hit the area in 1930. The house was owned by druggist Dr. C.F. Yeager. The water tower, shown about half-way up the mountain, is said to have supplied mineral weater to the newly constructed Baker Hotel.

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1958

BUTANE CO. INC. PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

817-594-2612

103 W. Church St. • Weatherford Owners: Morris and Judy V (Kemp) White

Tank Sales • Leasing • Gas Grills • Gas Logs

December 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Another perfectly imperfect Christmas Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23 NLT Every Christmas there used to be a battle that raged inside of me. When my kids were young, I wanted to make Christmas this magical experience for my family. I dreamt of Christmas carols playing in the background, cookies baking, candles glowing and our whole family decorating the Christmas tree together. I never experienced such a Christmas growing up, which is why I wanted so badly to create this for my family every year. In reality, it never happens this way for most of us. The cookies are burning, the TV is blaring instead of Christmas carols and everyone is usually fighting about what ornaments go where. Not the perfect Christmas I had imagined. Last year I got the Christmas tree up and decorated and just like every year, I could not get my tree to stand up straight in the stand. Every year I work and work on it, but still it leans. Thinking about my crooked Christmas tree I got tickled thinking that no other Christmas tree would really fit me! My crooked Christmas tree fits into my crooked life. Although I believe we should always strive to do our best, perfection is highly overrated and sometimes it is the imperfections in life that provide character. I am so thankful this Christmas for the ultimate gift that God gave us in Jesus. He is the ultimate gift and He came bearing gifts. That little baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger brought hope, love, peace, joy, forgiveness, kindness, and my favorite – MERCY. This year when I look at my crooked Christmas tree I will not flinch, thinking of how imperfect Christmas is turning out to be. I will smile at the reflection of my own personal imperfection in my poor leaning Christmas tree and I will be reminded of the gift of mercy the Savior gives. The Bible promises that His mercies are new every morning. I am thankful for that because every day I need to start over with a clean slate. Thank goodness that we can confess our sins and He will forgive and forget. We can start over every day. That’s 365 times a year! Mercy What a gift! This Christmas will be very different this year for most of us. We will work hard to keep the traditions we can, but some families will not be having a big celebration like they usually do, and many other traditional programs will be cancelled or at least be very different. than they have been in the past. Christmas is steeped in traditions, and although some of these traditions may have to be adjusted, this year, even COVID-19 cannot change the true meaning

of Christmas. The way we do Christmas may be different, but the why we do Christmas will still be the same. This year more than ever I am embracing the fact that we are not perfect, and a perfect Christmas really happens in your heart. It is a personal affair, more than a family affair. You can’t wait for the cookies to be perfect or the tree to stand straight. There will always be something

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

that can steal the joy and true meaning of Christmas from you and the true meaning of Christmas is the same for everyone. Jesus came as the ultimate gift, bearing gifts. Pick your favorite one and embrace it this season.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020

Goodbye, 2020! As we wrap up another gardening year, most of us are more than willing to wave goodbye to 2020 and look with hope toward the New Year ahead. Plant: • Daffodils, narcissus, jonquils, grape hyacinths can all be planted any time in month. Plant chilled tulip, hyacinth bulbs late December. • Pansies, pinks (dianthus), ornamental cabbage and kale and other cool-season annuals into protected locations, or plant in pots so you can move them into the garage for a few hours during cold spells when temperatures might fall below the low 20s. • Choose only recommended varieties of fruit, pecan trees and grape vines, and plant late in month as nursery stock arrives. • Dig and transplant established trees, shrubs within landscape and from nature once they have been exposed to at least one hard freeze. Prune: • Shade trees as needed to maintain good shape, proper branching. Remove dead, damaged wood. • Evergreens as needed – prune carefully to maintain the natural growth form of the plants. • Remove mistletoe from tree limbs. Clip off new clumps and the small twigs on which they start. Solution to Crossword:

M A L I A C H E D A G O G

I C O N

N O G S

C R I T T S P E H A R E R A S T R E S H T T I U A R B I T E L S

E N C I R C L E S E R A

S P I N C A Y T A T L A N A G R O E N T A I S P

T E P A E A R W N T E R A T F O R P A I D C A B L E A N D N T R A O S E P I S O M E W I S P C O N T R O R L I M S E N A T S T

K A L E

I R I S

N E A T

C E L E B

A L I C E

R I D E R

A N T E

I D E A

L A R D

Timely Tips November 2020 by Neil Sperry Gardening Expert

For mature clumps of the parasite, cut deeply enough into limb to remove all the mistletoe’s roots. Remove heavily infested limbs entireSUDOKU ly. There no safe and effective Difficulty:are Easy chemical controls.

Fertilize: • Spring-flowering annuals with high-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer each time that you water them. • Houseplants with same plant food every 4 to 6 waterings.

2 8

6 8

4 9

8 5 6 7 3 4 2 9 1

4 9 3 1 6 2 8 5 7

7 1 2 5 8 9 4 3 6

3 2

3 7 8 6 4 1 9 2 5

5 2 1 9 7 3 6 4 8

9 6 4 8 2 5 7 1 3

6 3 5 4 9 7 1 8 2

2 8 9 3 1 6 5 7 4

1 4 7 2 5 8 3 6 9

Transplant redbud seedlings for the winter. HOW TO SOLVE: Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the Pansies arenumbers the best-selling 1 to 9;anand them into the garage on those coldnual flowers ineach Texasset year ‘round. est nights. They’re vase-shaped of 3 by 3 But there are lots of other boxes must fine contain plants to 20 to 24 inches tall, and choices, and several of them are they’re grown for the glorious reds, the numbers 1 to 9. grown only for foliage. They’re good pinks and yellows of their leaf petifor pots and gardens alike. oles (stalks). (Answer appears else-

Foliage for winter color

5 4 3

On the Lookout: • Broadleafed weeds such as clover and dandelions should a warm, dry spell present itself before Christmas. By late December it will probably be too cold for the herbicide to be effective and you’ll have Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate to wait until early spring. • Pick up and compost all fallen leaves, also twigs and other garden debris. Run leaves through the mower to shred them to speed up the decay. • Have soil test run by laboratory at Texas A&M to be ready for earliest spring plantings. Solution to Sudoku:

5 7

NEIL SPERRY

2 3 5 7

Edited by Margie E. Burke

5 3

where in this issue)

• Ornamental cabbage and kale. The description in old Park Seed Company catalogs 60 years ago said, “If you ever get tired of looking at them, you can always eat them.” Maybe that was the case then (I never tried them.), but today’s showy hybrids are all about looks. Breeders keep bringing us new types in flamboyant shades of red, pink, lavender and white. Cabbages have fuller, rounded leaves, while the kales are more frilly and elongated. • ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Rhubarb’ Swiss chard. Again, we’re talking about ornamental selections of edible vegetables. These aren’t quite as tolerant of extreme cold as cabbage and kale, so it’s probably better for you to plant them in somewhat protected spots, or grow them in pots, so that you can bring

• Dusty Miller. You’ll find several selections of this popular grayleafed plant in local nurseries over the fall, winter and spring. The variety ‘Silver Dust’ is an old favorite. Its gray, fuzzy leaves are the perfect complement to blues and reds of pansies and pinks. Newer varieties have fuller leaves, but much the same color. • Cardoon is a glamorous plant with a goofy name. It looks like some type of gray thistle, yet it’s not especially threatening. It stands bold and upright as it grows, topping out at 24 to 30 inches in most landscape uses. It’s sensational used in the backs of floral gardens and in large patio pots, where it can be grown in combination with purple and maroon foliage of cabbage and kale. Everybody needs a cardoon or two.

December 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Jarrett Alan Grozier November 22, 2020 n Irene Holloway November 21, 2020 n Terry Eugene Carroll November 20, 2020 n Glen Edwin Riley November 19, 2020 n Mary Chisolm Stockstill November 19, 2020 n Pearl M. Parker November 18, 2020 n Donald Lee Day November 18, 2020 n Emma Lou Martin November 18, 2020 n Larry Carlos Hammonds November 17, 2020 n Joe Martin Tuck November 17, 2020 n Juanita Ann Cummins November 17, 2020

n Teresa Ann Thompson November 17, 2020 n Patsy Blair Hart-Splawn November 15, 2020 n George Chapa November 13, 2020 n William Stewart Thomas November 11, 2020 n Dana Howard Bellenger November 11, 2020 n Kitty LaRue Ivey November 10, 2020 n Claude Michael Brown November 10, 2020 n Mary Helen Myers November 9, 2020 n Kenneth Ray Stewart November 8, 2020 n Lawrence Paul Owen November 8, 2020 n Thelma Mae Carroll November 6, 2020

n Larry Ray Mask November 6, 2020 n Jean Finley November 6, 2020 n Johnnie Merck Wright November 5, 2020 n Sweetheart Franklin November 4, 2020 n Andrew Mobley November 4, 2020 n Virgil Sisk November 4, 2020 n Anne Newberry Bergman November 4, 2020 n David Harold Atkinson November 3, 2020 n Randy Joe Gray November 2, 2020 n Bobby Royce Wright November 1, 2020 n Christopher Jones, III November 1, 2020

n Eric Lee Kirby November 1, 2020 n Drexel W. McCutcheon October 31, 2020 n Charles Duard Anderson October 31, 2020 n Dwayne J. Henderson October 31, 2020 n Marie Foster October 30, 2020 n David Miles Hounsel October 29, 2020 n Virginia Grant Spencer October 29, 2020 n Joyce Fay Dunn October 27, 2020 n Michael Aaron Fagan October 27, 2020 n Harry Gilbert McIlwain, III October 27, 2020 n Doren Light October 27, 2020

n Heriberto Gutierrez Jr. October 25, 2020 n Micaela L. Alderete October 24, 2020 n Dustin Mathew Roberts October 23, 2020 n Charlotte Dolores Barrett October 23, 2020 n Ruthie Lynn Blackwell October 23, 2020 n Geneva Stroud Putman October 23, 2020 n Jerry David Johnston October 22, 2020 n Mary Belle McCullar October 22, 2020 n Linda Faye Pack October 22, 2020 n Samuel Walter Minton October 22, 2020 n Juanita Joy Hurtt October 22, 2020

“Serving every family as part of our own for over 60 years” “Serving every family as part of our own for over 60 years”

913 N. Elm St., Weatherford, TX 76086

817-594-2747 | 800-593-2747 913 N. Elm St., Weatherford, TX 76086 817-594-2747 | 800-593-2747

James R. Plowman - jamesplowman@gpfcnet.com James R. Plowman - jamesplowman@gpfcnet.com Misty Engel – mistyengel@gpfcnet.com Misty Engel – mistyengel@gpfcnet.com Norma Plowman normaplowman@gpfcnet.com Norma Plowman – normaplowman@gpfcnet.com

Our newest additional location Galbreaith Hilltop location Chapel Our newestPickard additional 4941 I-20 Frontage Road | Willow Park, TX 76087

Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel

4941 I-20 Frontage Road | Willow Park, TX 76087

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2020