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Hoopla December 2021

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Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Jerry Browning entertains yearround, but the Christmas season brings extra joy

Inside: More profiles of seniors from • Weatherford • Azle • Mineral Wells • Fort Worth • Gainesville

Shawna Mathis Photography

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021

n Guess Who

Word Search

NBC 5/KXAS PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION (AR0847), UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Word Find: Texas Memories S

T W S O U H

L W K C B

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F O Y

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Scrooge Season SANTA Sentimental

SCARF SCROOGE

Singing Skating SINGING Sledding

SKATING SLEDDING

Sleigh

.Smiles

Snowflake Snowman Sparkle

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Spirit Spruce Star Stocking SPARKLE Sugarplum

SPIRIT SPRUCE

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Puzzle Word List:

Find the the puzzle. Santafollowing words in Sharing Words are hidden Scarf Shopping and

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Hoopla December 2021 Volume 5, Issue 11

© 2021 Hoopla. All rights reserved. Hoopla, published monthly, serves Parker County, Palo Pinto County and Tarrant County. For a complete list of distribution points, go to our website at www.hooplamagazine.com. Home delivery is available for $18 per year. A free e-edition is available at www. hooplamagazine.com. You can contact us at Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086, or at the number below.

817-894-1822

seniors@hooplamagazine.com

Publisher

Cynthia Henry

Contributors

Lara Cook • Rose Jordan • Rick Mauch Mary H. McDow • Lindsey Walls • Dick Wolfsie

Guess Who: Chevy Chase starred in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and actually broke a finger during one of his classic meltdown scenes.

Name: _________________________________________________

It may have been a while since you’ve seen this actor, who stars in one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time. His real name is actually Cornelius, but you’re much more familiar with his stage name, which has appeared in the credits of PUBLIC DOMAIN several timeless comedies. You might find it interesting that the now 78-year-old turned down roles in Forrest Gump and Ghostbusters. He once claimed he was kicked out of school for keeping a cow in his dorm room, but it was later revealed that he’d actually flunked his classes. He still gets an A in our book. Puzzled? His name is revealed below the Hoopla masthead.

December 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Azle musician Jerry Browning has perfected his stage presence by portraying Santa every December.

Still Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree COURTESY

As Santa, local musician brings joy to many – including himself by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent

COURTESY

Browning entertains year-round, and is a regular musician at area restaurants, VFWs and nursing homes.

friend and former co-worker suggested he bleach his beard. Being a little prophetic, that friend, a Santa portrayer himself, even said Browning Years ago, Jerry Browning of Azle shyed away would make a good Santa. from fame. Little did he know he’d later become “I decided I would try it, and I started rea global sensation every December. The 51-year- searching how to become Santa and then started old portrays Santa Claus each year, and he brings bleaching my beard and my hair. I had an image in my mind from watching the movie The joy to many – even himself. “I started off singing and playing country mu- Santa Claus,” he said. “If I was going to be Santa sic as a young man in my 20s. I became discourI wanted to be the best Santa that the Metroplex aged and stepped away from music for over 20 had ever seen.” years because I lacked confidence and stage However, things did not go too well at first, presence,” the musician recalled. Browning remembers. “Becoming Santa taught me how to perform “I over-bleached my hair and had a terrible and be myself in front of people, so I made a sec- Santa suit, and I was too skinny, so any kind of ond run at playing music again after about 10 padding looked fake,” he said. years of being Santa.” But he was determined to become a great Now he gigs on a regular basis during the Santa, so he looked into having a suit custom Santa off-season. He enjoys playing in nursing made. He then researched techniques for bleaching his beard and got tips from another Santa on homes, restaurants, VFW gatherings and small how to do it properly. Then came the first public venues. appearance as Santa. Understandably nervous, “It also brings joy to other people, and the bonus is I get paid to do it,” Browning said with a and feeling a little bit of that lack of confidence smile. that made him quit show business years earlier, See SANTA, P. 4 Browning began playing Santa in 2009 when a

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

SANTA From Page 3

he went through with it – and it was the best choice he ever made in his career. “The first gig I did was for a friend of mine and his kids. I was very discouraged because my beard was yellow and I felt I looked terrible. Once I rang the doorbell and the kids saw me, they all started getting excited and tugging on my clothes and hugging me and I realized at that point that they didn’t care how I looked, they were just excited that Santa had come to visit,” he said. “I knew at that point that I was made to be Santa. I was then inspired to continue to research and find out more on how to become the best Santa I could be.” He even hired a booking agent, which again presented its own challenge at first – until they also realized he had found his calling. “I met a booking agent who owns a company called B3entertainment. At first they were not impressed with my appearance because I was too young and was still having difficulty with how I looked, but once they booked me – and started getting feedback from the families who booked me – it was all downhill from there,” Browning said. He started getting more bookings for private parties and events, and was even asked to be in a Six Flags

commercial for Holiday in the Park. Now he does professional photo shoots, private home visits, Christmas tree lightings and whatever else the clients’ needs are. “The joy I get from being Santa is indescribable because you bring so much joy to everyone around at every event!” Browning said with excitement. “You can’t help but feel overjoyed and excited when you see the way those little faces light up.” Those he visits are equally excited, such as Natalie Laurent. “He is fantastic. He looks amazing, and even kids who think they don’t believe see him and ask me how I know the real Santa. It is cute,” she said. “He is so good with the kids– seems exactly what Santa would act like.” Browning comes from a musical family. His stepfather taught him to play guitar, his aunt and uncle are gospel singers, and his grandmother sang gospel music, played the organ and was a minister. He recalled serving in the Marines in the Third Recon Battallion in Okinawa, Japan and the Second Marine Expeditionary Forces at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Sometimes he would sing and play for his friends in the barracks. “I have some good and some bad memories from that. My overall perception is that I am very proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps,” he said.

COURTESY

Jerry Browning’s youngest daughter Lily, pictured at left, tells her friends that her dad is the real Santa. Heidi, Browning’s older daughter, pictured at right, has never been able to walk or talk due to Miller Deiker syndrome. Browning says being Santa helps him redirect some of his sadness related to her condition into something positive. Photographer Shawna Mathis has used Browning as her studio’s Santa for the past 11 years. She said folks come from out of state to visit him. “He is the most gorgeous Santa I have ever seen. He takes great pride in building every aspect of his costume and looks to portray the most genuine Santa ever,” Mathis said. “His sweet, loving portrayal of Santa is what wins the hearts of many. The memories he has created for my family, as well as hundreds of others, I could never replace or tell him enough how grateful I am. “He’s a rock star,” she added.

Now, like so many little boys and girls who tell him their wishes, thanks to Santa, he’s living his childhood fantasy. “As a little boy I always loved to sing and dreamed of being a country music singer, but never dreamed it was going to be something that came to pass,” he said. When asked how long he plans to continue making youngsters happy every December, he offers a simple answer. He’ll smile and reply, “The rest of my life.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Theatre Off the Square 114 N Denton St., Weatherford Ticket Info: 817-341-8687 Tentative Dates: Dec. 3 - 19 Synopsis: This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.

ELF: THE MUSICAL

Granbury Opera House 133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury Ticket Info: 817-579-0952 Tentative Dates: Dec. 3-23 Synopsis: Ayoung orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth.

NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS

Casa Manana 3101 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth Ticket Info: 817-332-2272 Tentative Dates: Nov. 30 - Dec. 18 Synopsis: Christmas tales and songs in the styles of your favorite country superstars.

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Crossword

(Puzzle solution is on P. 19)

December 2021

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ACROSS 1 Sounds from the 13 15 16 14 meadow 18 19 5 Cry like a baby 17 9 Word with ''gift'' 20 22 23 21 or ''thrift'' 24 25 13 Cattle breed 15 "The Mod 29 26 27 28 Squad" coif 16 Fillable bread 30 31 32 33 34 17 Everybody's 35 36 37 38 39 opposite 18 Fight stopper 42 43 40 41 19 Pasty-faced 44 45 46 47 20 One who etches 22 Sofa's cousin 50 48 49 24 Nile wader 51 52 53 54 55 25 Do museum work 57 58 59 56 26 Black currant 61 62 60 liqueur 29 Fourth-down 64 65 63 player, often 30 Up in the air Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate 32 Anger, with "up" 35 Genetic letters 59 Renter's 6 Way off 34 Water whirl 36 Part of DWTS document 7 Kind of humor 37 Hemingway 39 Atlantic food fish 60 Lily plant 8 Give some slack work 40 Fill beyond full 61 Quarterback's 9 Splash in drops 38 Snack bar? 42 Future organ protection 10 Like some fiction 41 Holds high giver's document 62 Hole-boring tool 11 Survey choice 43 Macro lens shot 44 Casual top 63 Scout groups 12 Check casher 45 Omelet 47 ____ Forge, PA 64 Crumbly cheese 14 Pelican or puffin ingredient 48 Film material 65 Pear homophone 21 Scenic outlook 46 In and of _____ 50 Gambling game 23 Jersey time zone 48 On the horizon 51 Sheiks' bevies DOWN 25 Altercation 49 Core members 52 One of the 1 Source of misery 26 Cows' mouthfuls 50 Where Hawkeye ancient Seven 2 Mysterious by27 Tolstoy heroine served Wonders line, for short 28 Double-barreled 52 Dime division 56 Chrome 3 Keyed up weapon 53 It's a long story alternative 4 Eagles tune 29 Lace edging 54 "Ruse" anagram 57 Glade or green "Tequila ____" 31 Agassi of tennis 55 Dried up starter 5 Makes a cake 33 Old stories 58 Compete (for)

December 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 7

CMS announces 2022 Medicare Part B premiums The Centers for Medicare & Medicfrom $148.50 in 2021 to $170.10 in aid Services (CMS) released the 2022 2022—is based in part on the statutory Medicare Parts A and B premiums, de- requirement to prepare for expenses, ductibles, and coinsurance amounts, such as spending trends driven by COVID-19, and prior Congressional acand the 2022 Part D income-related tion in the Continuing monthly adjustment amounts. Most Appropriations Act, people with Medicare 2021 that limited the will see a 5.9 percent 2021 Medicare Part cost-of-living adjustB monthly premium TaraLynn Hickman ment (COLA) in their Benefits Specialist increase during the 2022 Social SecuCOVID-19 pandemic. rity benefits—the largest COLA in 30 It also reflects the need to maintain a years. This significant COLA increase contingency reserve for unanticipatwill more than cover the increase in the ed increases in health care spending, particularly certain drug costs. There Medicare Part B monthly premium. is significant uncertainty regarding the Medicare Part B covers physician potential for future coverage of cliniservices, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable cian-administered Alzheimer’s drugs medical equipment, and certain other (i.e., Aduhelm™), requiring additional contingency reserves. Potential Medimedical and health services not covered by Medicare Part A. The increase care drug coverage is currently the in the standard monthly premium— subject of a Medicare National Cover-

Medicare Spotlight

age Determination (NCD) analysis, which, if covered, could increase Medicare spending. The proposed NCD on Aduhelm (as well as any drugs in this category) is still to be determined. Most will see a significant net increase in Social Security benefits. A retired worker who currently receives $1,565 per month from Social Security can expect to receive a net increase of $70.40 more per month after the Medicare Part B premium is deducted. “CMS is committed to ensuring high quality care and affordable coverage for those who rely on Medicare today, while protecting Medicare’s sustainability for future generations,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “The increase in the Part B premium for 2022 is continued evidence that rising drug costs threaten the affordability and sustainability of the Medicare program. The Biden-Harris Ad-

ministration is working to make drug prices more affordable and equitable for all Americans, and to advance drug pricing reform through competition, innovation, and transparency.” By law, the Medicare Part B monthly premium must equal 25 percent of the estimated total Part B costs for enrollees age 65 and over. CMS has a responsibility to establish an annual Part B premium that will adequately fund projected Medicare spending and maintain an adequate reserve in case actual costs are higher than estimated. The annual deductible for Medicare Part B beneficiaries grows with the Part B financing and is increasing from $203 in 2021 to $233 in 2022. Open Enrollment – which ends Dec. 7– is an opportunity to compare options like Original Medicare (Parts A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and prescription plans for 2022.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021

COURTESY

Buster found his best buddy in Paige Pauley, who is known for adopting animals with special needs.

She picked up jewelry making later in life, along with a few furry friends by John English Hoopla Correspondent When Buster arrived at the Arlington Animal Shelter 15 years ago, he was dying of grief and neglect. His owners had abandoned him, leaving him tied up in their back yard when they moved, and the mixed-breed was so despondent, the shelter workers did not think he would survive. That’s when Paige Pauley of Fort Worth, a former advertising representative, stepped in. Pauley is a rescue dog advocate, but she does not work for an animal rescue group. Shelter dogs have always had a special place in her heart, and Buster

was no exception. “He refused to eat, could barely walk and wouldn’t look at anyone,” Pauley said. “I took him home and gave him a bath, put him up in bed with me and held a couple of pieces of dog food in my hand while I held him next to me and watched TV. After about an hour he ate two pieces of the food. It was a good start. He was my boy from 2006 to when he passed away three years ago.” The Delaware native said that shelter dogs are special to her because they face a shared, and yet unique set of, circumstances. “They all have a story,” Pauley said. “You just have to be able to hear it from them.”

December 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 9

What makes Pauley so unique is that not only does she take in rescue dogs exclusively, she chooses those dogs that are in the worst possible circumstances — old, ill or both. Buster, Miss Cassidy, Chunky and countless other rescues have found a warm and welcoming environment in Pauley’s home over the years, and she said she would not have it any other way. “I am passionate that I will always take a rescue dog or a dog in need over buying a dog,” Pauley said.

COURTESY

Check out Pauley’s handmade jewelry on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ paigepauleydesign.

ago after seeing a ring in a shop in found a school in Tennessee that of“I am fairly well known for taking fered one week intensive courses, so Galveston she really liked. those dogs that are ill or very old or I went,” Pauley said. “I really didn’t “I loved it,” Pauley said. “I bought both. I love taking in an older dog. have the money, but I knew I had to it. I came home and said I need to God love them. I know they may not do this. It was life changing. It was learn how to do this. Life got in the be around a long time, but they will worth every penny and every have a great life while they second of my time. It literally are with the Pauley Pack— changed my life. All of a sudthat is for sure.” den I could make things that Pauley said she has discovered that the most imbefore I could have only deportant quality to have when signed on paper for someone dealing with rescue dogs is else to make.” patience. Pauley sells her jewelry on “When you adopt a dog platforms like Facebook and from a bad situation, or realInstagram, as well as at local ly any situation, it takes a lot shows, and she has no intention of stopping any time of time for them to acclimate soon. and for you to learn about “My general philosophy is each other,” Pauley said. you only live once that you “Some are easy to bring are aware of, so enjoy it as in and some just aren’t that much as you can,” Pauley easy, but in the end they are said. all worth it. Chunky has “Live in the present, plan been here for almost two for the future, but be aware years. It took us awhile to that anything can happen. figure each other out, but we Have a plan B. are doing okay and she is my “In my case I think I got to girl. The other two finally got COURTESY Plan E or F. I kept changing used to her being here,” she Paige with two of the many rescue dogs she’s adopted over my mind before going full said. the years. time to being a silversmith... Caring for older dogs, or and I love what I do. dogs with medical issues, way, and I tinkered with it on and “I love the smiles on people’s faces can be expensive. Fortunately, Pauley has a business that helps to cover off all the while buying the equipwhen they put on a piece of my art. I ment for silversmithing.” those pet expenses. get to make some dreams come true Pauley said she came to realize Pauley, who modeled for a number for people…that is amazing and I that she had to pursue jewelry makof fashion houses over at the Marlove it,” she said. ket Center in Dallas, started making ing as a career. “Am I getting rich? No, but oh lordy jewelry as a hobby nearly 13 years “When I left the Star Telegram, I do I love this.”

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December 2021

Weatherford couple shares a passion for history and art (Puzzle solution is on P. 19)

When you hear the name Vandagriff, you extensively traveled in the US, Canada, and Europe. They love visiting zoos and art museums. probably think of history. Jon Vandagriff is recognized as an authority on Parker County hisDottie has been a member of the Woman’s tory. But his biggest love is his wife Dottie. And Club of Fort Worth and entered their shows for together, Jon and Dottie share a passion for art. the past 40 years earning their prestigious Signature Artist Award. Jon grew up in Weatherford among a family Upon moving to Parker County, they joined of artists. He attended WHS, Howard Payne, the Weatherford Art Association, and she conUNT and TCU. A teacher at heart, Jon worked tinues to enter shows. Jon has won awards for in journalism for The Weatherford Democrat, his photography at the Peach Festival, WAA from printer’s devil to managing editor. He Artist of the Month, and a first place in newspataught elementary school but went on to teach per photography from the Texas Press Associajournalism, photography, and history at Tarrant County College. He spent 16 years as a tion. newspaper man and 34 years teaching. They are members of the Weatherford Art Dottie grew up in nearby Fort Worth, graduAssociation, where they enter the Artist of the COURTESY ating from TCU twice. She began photography Month competition and enjoy the demonstrations. This last August Dottie won first place for in junior high with a Brownie camera. She was Jon and Dottie Vandagriff her watercolor. also employed by the Museum of Science & History, Camp Fire Girls, Lena Pope Home, and she Come meet Jon, Dottie, and dozens of other art District office. Their experience began early on in worked as a public relations specialist for an insurenthusiasts next year at a Weatherford Art Assoart. Photography is their shared art, but Dottie has ance company. gone on to be an exceptional watercolorist. Togeth- ciation meeting. The club gathers monthly, except Dottie and Jon met while she was speaking for in December. For a detailed schedule, visit www. er they have attended numerous photography and the Lena Pope Home, and he was with the TCJC weatherfordart.com. art workshops from California to Maine and have

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December 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

SUDOKU nDifficulty: Sudoku (Puzzle solution is on P. 19) Easy

3 9 8 2

5 7 COURTESY

A streetview of downtown Fort Worth taken sometime in the 1960s. The Leonard Brothers Department Store, pictured at right, was one of the most popular shopping destinations at Christmastime. Many remember parking in the lot across from Leonard’s and riding the M&O Subway directly into the Leonard’s store. Children during that time also have fond memories of riding Santa’s Rocket Express in the Toyland area of the store. Across the street, you’ll see Stripling’s, which was also a popular spot during the holidays. What do you remember about shopping at these stores? Drop us a line at seniors@hooplamagazine.com.

Bob White, Daughter Anita White & Grandson Zack Bellenger

1 8 6 7 1 8

6 9 4

3 1 6 2

4 Christmas Past

6 7

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021

If my memory serves me right, it’s best we forget I once made an observation about ing a golf course. how strange it was that the OTC Mary Ellen is not a fan of products that admit in their commercials medication Prevagen, a product their effectiveness has not been fully used supposedly to enhance memory, was produced with ingredients proven. But she was so concerned taken from jellyfish —ironically the about my increasing forgetfulness, only animal on the she decided it was planet with no brain. worth a try. I was very They have since insulted. scrapped that com“How about you, by Dick Wolfsie mercial. You’re welMary Ellen? Aren’t Humorist come. you going to try it?” Now, in every TV “Don’t be silly. Why ad for Prevagen you see an elderly do you think I need it?” couple out walking. And it’s always “Well, last month we got pizza delivered four times, brought in Chiin the woods. Then we see them sitting on their deck talking about nese food three times and had stuff their improved memory and boastfrom the freezer about seven times.” ing about how much they walk every “So, what does that have to do day. Apparently, these folks always with my memory?” find their way back home. Maybe the “I assumed you forgot how to Prevagen people are on to somecook.” thing, after all. I once got lost walkI thought that joke would make

Carry On

her angry, but she didn’t say a word. For three days. For a long time, every time I went to CVS, she told me to buy some Prevagen. It kept slipping my mind when I was at the store, which seems to me to be a real conundrum for the Prevagen people — the kind of marketing concern that Mr. Wonderful on Shark Tank would have been quick to point out: “What good is a memory product if consumers keep forgetting to buy it? I’m out.” In retrospect, I wish I had not asked my wife to also take the drug. About a month later, I could tell she was annoyed at something. I asked her what was bothering her. “About six months after we got married, Dick, you told me I was starting to gain weight and now that I think about it, I’m still angry at you for saying that.”

“That was 39 years ago. What made you remember it now?” “I don’t know. It just came back to me.” “Well, Mary Ellen, I just remembered when we first met, you forgot about our date one night and you left me sitting alone at the bar for two hours.” “Wow, Dick, that was 42 years ago. You sure hold a grudge a long time. Whatever made you think of that again?” After rehashing a few of our lessthan-joyous moments in the past, things that long ago had vanished from our minds, we decided to switch from the Extra Strength Prevagen to the regular strength. There were a few things we wanted erased from our brains forever, and we didn’t want to go overboard with this memory thing.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Maximize charitable giving The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has matches. Are my charitable gifts tax deductbecome known as Giving Tuesday, when ible? A few years ago, Congress signifipeople are encouraged to donate to cantly raised the standard deduction, charitable organizations. If you’d like to which, for the 2021 tax year, is now take part in this special day, you’ll want $12,550 for single taxpayers, $25,100 to maximize the effectiveness and benfor joint filers and $18,800 for heads of efits of your charitable gifts. household. As a result of this increase, So, consider these questions: many people no longer itemize and thus Is the charity reputable? Does it use its resources wisely? Most charitable or- have less financial incentive to make ganizations are honest and dedicated to charitable contributions. If you still do itemize and you’re thinkhelping their specific causes. But someing of making charitable gifts, you gentimes there are a few “bad apples” in the erally have a choice bunch. These groups between giving cash aren’t necessarily and another asset fraudulent (though such as stocks. Each some are), but they type of gift could may spend an inorearn you a tax dedinate amount of by Mary H. McDow duction, but a gift of their donations on Edward Jones Adviser appreciated stocks administrative excould be more benpenses, rather than eficial because you may also be avoiddirecting this money to where it’s most ing the capital gains tax you might incur needed. Fortunately, you don’t have to if you eventually sold the stocks. You guess about the trustworthiness or the efficiency of a particular group, because should consult with your tax advisor and the charity (not all accept investments) you can check on it. before making the cash-versus-stock To make sure that a charity is an actual charity – one that is tax-exempt and decision. Even if you don’t itemize, you could listed as a 501(c)(3) organization – you still get a tax benefit from making a can go to www.irs.gov, the website of the charitable contribution. That’s because Internal Revenue Service, and hit the Congress has extended part of the COV“Charities & Nonprofits” link. An orgaID-19-related legislation that allows taxnization called Charity Navigator (www. payers to claim charitable deductions of charitynavigator.org) tracks charitable $300 ( for single filers) or $600 ( for margroups’ financial health and accountried couples) if they claim the standard ability, including how much is spent on deduction. The charitable donations administrative and fundraising costs. must be made in cash, not stocks. Generally speaking, a charitable group Giving Tuesday comes just once a that dedicates more than about 30% to year, but your gifts can have lasting ben35% of its total costs to administration efits. So, be as generous as you can afford and fundraising expenses might be con- – and enjoy the good feelings that follow. sidered somewhat inefficient, though Edward Jones, its employees and fiyou’d want to evaluate each charity indi- nancial advisors cannot provide tax or vidually, since extenuating circumstanc- legal advice. You should consult your ates can occur. Keep in mind, though, that torney or qualified tax advisor regarding smaller charities may not have the same your situation. resources as a national organization to provide the reporting necessary for Charity Navigator. Will my employer match my contribution? You can make your charitable gift go a lot further if your employer matches it. Typically, companies match donaThis article was written by Edward tions at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match Jones for use by your local Edward at 2:1 or even higher. Check with your Jones Financial Adviser, Mary H. human resources department about McDow, 102 Houston Ave., Suite 203, 817-598-0882. Member SPIC your company’s policy on charitable

Money Matters

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021

Merrymaking is this couple’s specialty

Friends of Tom and Vicki Woody say entering their Weatherford home is like walking into a winter wonderland. “When I was young, my mom loved decorating for Christmas, and it’s a tradition I’ve continued,” said Vicki. “However, the decorating is more elaborate than it used to be.” Elaborate may be an understatement, as everywhere you look, a reindeer or snowman sits. “I have a weakness for snowmen,” Vicki admits. “When I see one that’s unique I have to take it home with me.” Decorating for Christmas starts right after Halloween at the Woody household. Vicki says all “everyday” decor must be removed from the house. Multiple trees must be deco- Tom and Vicki Woody rated and every shelf is covered. Her goal is to finish decorating by Thanksgiving. That’s when the fun starts. “All of my family comes to my house for the holidays, and that’s a tradition I enjoy the most,” said Vicki. “I leave the decorations up until after New Year’s.”

COURTESY

December 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 15

COURTESY

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021

Capturing Courthouses Couple learns local favorites at every stop by Rose Jordan Hoopla Correspondent And the bragging rights go to… Renee and Raymond Greenwood. There may not be an official award for visiting all 254 Texas county courthouses, but the Greenwoods found it to be a very rewarding endeavor. You might wonder where they came up with an idea to do such a thing. Well, they met a couple at lunch one day who were obviously tourists and they struck up a conversation. “Ray and I were newly engaged, and I was visiting him in Nacadoches in 2010. We were sitting in a restaurant after church. The lady told us they were there capturing courthouses and I thought, what a cool thing to do,” Renee shared. So, she made a plan. “I took a picture of the map of all the counties in Texas. Then I listed the counties in alphabetical order and numbered them. That’s how I kept record as we went along.” Their first courthouse was Shackleford County in Albany. Why? Because it was on their way home from a Christmas gathering in December of 2010. “It’s always maintained well, and they really take pride in it. For a small town, it was impressive and unique,” Raymond shared. “A lot of times, we were going somewhere and we could dog-leg off 100-200 miles and pick up some of them. You don’t do that going to McAllen. You gotta go there,” Raymond added.

COURTESY

Renee and Raymond Greenwood have photographed every Texas courthouse.

THE GREENWOODS

Shelby County courthouse was a favorite of the couple.

December 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

n Artist Profile

THE GREENWOODS

The Willacy County courthouse is one of 254 the Greenwoods visited. “And we did that. We went to Big Bend National Park and spent two whole days on the trike and picked up 33 counties and I was furious because he wouldn’t let me get the last three over by El Paso,” Renee laughed. Thirty-three courthouses were the most they’d captured in any one trip. The two have many fond memories of their trips. “Every town has their own little thing they’re known for. It’s really great for foodies,” Raymond said. “We always asked,” said Renee. “When we were in Perryton, we asked where to go eat and they sent us to a gas station that had turned into a Mexican restaurant. It was the best food.” In Andrews, it’s the steak fingers. Renee spotted a local and asked, “I have been told that if I was ever in Andrews, I had to go eat steak fingers.” “Buddies! Right around the corner,” the woman quickly responded. “It (Buddies) was two old ladies that have since retired who were buddies,” she went on to explain. It took the couple nine and a half years to complete their courthousecapturing adventures. The last one was, well, Raymondville, of course, way down in the southern tip of Texas. “We had six courthouses left so we got online and got our book out to see what was left. Raymondville happened to be the prettiest one, so we decided to finish with that one,” Renee shared. Raymond was serving as the interim president of the Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce at the time, so he knew this would be of interest to

the chamber there. “I called the local chamber and she met us down there (at the courthouse).” “Someone from the sheriff ’s department saw us and came to talk to us. They were a very sweet, loving community,” Renee added. “We did it for the bragging rights because not many people can say they’ve been to all 254 courthouses in Texas,” Renee said. But they came away with much more than that. “It’s amazing the people we ran into,” Raymond recalled with a smile on his face. “Every time we go somewhere, we’d run into someone we know,” Renee agreed. They met a lot of new people along the way, too. They even met people from other countries, like a family they met while in the Fredericksburg area. Raymond took the children for a ride on his bike, “I stayed in the parking lot so the parents could see them, but they loved it. They just smiled,” he shared. Their favorite courthouse was “Shelby County in Centerville. It was built by an Irish immigrant and has 16 chimneys to make it look like an Irish castle,” Renee shared. What’s next for the Greenwoods? “State parks,” Renee said. “We’ve got 16 of the 67 in Texas. It wasn’t intentional, but now we want to get them all.” The other thing I want to do is get photos of all the historical markers in Palo Pinto County,” she added.

CHARLIE NIEMAN

A watercolor painting of the Shackelford County courthouse by Nieman.

Charlie Nieman paints courthouses after capturing Charlie Nieman, a retired archical building tect from Gainesville, also enjoys based on the capturing courthouses – along with photographs his wife Carol. But Charlie takes it a that are available over the step further by painting each of the Internet. Most courthouses they visit. of the historical “I took up watercolor in my retirement,” said Charlie. “I hated it in ones I have done Charlie Nieman college, but I’ve grown to love it now monochromatically.” that I don’t have to do it. If you’re looking for a new hobby, “The hard part of painting to me capturing courthouses seems to be a is finding a subject,” he said. “I’ve hit with area seniors. Starting is easy always loved the old courthouses in the state of Texas, so I started paint- enough – there’s likely a courthouse ing some of them. I just got carried a only few miles from you now. away from there.” His goal is to paint all 254 courthouses. So far, he’s visited 127. Of those he’s visited, he’s painted about 104. “I will only paint them after I have visited them. Some of them have been replaced with something very modern and contemporary and not at all interesting,” he said. “Those CHARLIE NIEMAN Watercolor of the Hardeman County courthouse I’ve painted the histori-

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

Mary’s surrender And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 Mary was just a teenage girl when the angel appeared to her and told her that she would be the mother of Jesus. At the time we was not married, but she was engaged. It was pretty normal at that time and in that culture that a young girl of 15 would be married, but not that she would be pregnant out of wedlock. Mary had many different responses to the message the angel gave her as we read in Luke chapter 1. She was perplexed - But she was very perplexed at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. V 29 Mary was a little confused. The angel tells her not to be afraid and continues with his announcement. He gave her a lot of information about what would be happening in her life And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. V 31-33 She was inquisitive - Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” V 34. Mary does what anyone in her shoes would surely do…she asks how can this possibly happen? The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and

the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. V 35 She was willing - And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. V 38 Mary has just been told that she will give birth to a child and raise this child so that God’s plan could be fulfilled. This is not her child, but it is. She will not conceive this child in love with her husband. In fact, she doesn’t know

what will happen when her fiancé finds out. She could be stoned or publicly disgraced. But she tells the angel that she is the servant of the Lord and ready to be used according to His will. Mary was willing to give up her whole life for God’s plan to be fulfilled – for you and me to have salvation. She was going to give birth to and raise the Son of God, a lifetime commitment. Would you be so quick if the angel of the Lord appeared and asked you to give up your life for God’s plan to be fulfilled?

December 2021

It might even mean you lose all your friends, or the person you love. What a sold-out faith Mary had! Mary surrendered to the call of God on her life, no matter what it looked like to the rest of the world. Her willingness to surrender ushered in that tiny baby who was the King of Kings. She nurtured Him as He grew, and watched, with a broken heart, Him crucified so that we could all have eternal life. Her gift of surrender resulted in the greatest gift we will ever receive.

December 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Find the frog, SUDOKU win a prize

Difficulty: Easy

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Judy Williams of Fort Worth found him. Did you? Last month, the frog was lined up with self-defense class participants on P. 8. Do you like winning prizes? Enter this month’s contest! Simply submit your name, mailing address, email address (if possible), phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog below) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Contestants will receive a free e-subscription to Hoopla and will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to Target. Make sure you pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

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Solution to Crossword:

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Solution to Sudoku:

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WeatherfordNOW July 2021

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

December 2021