Hoopla, December 2018

For For For Parker Parker Parker County County County Residents Residents Residents Ages Ages Ages 55+ 55+ 55+

Reader’s Reader’s Reader’s Christmas Christmas ChristmasMemories Memories Memories

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2018

December’s Calendar of Events Christmas on the Square

Daughters of the American Revolution

Saturday, Dec. 1

Tuesday, Dec. 11

Christmas parade at 10 a.m., holiday craft and food vendors open afterward, Weatherford square.

Bring your favorite dish for snacking at the chapter Christmas party, 2 p.m., North Side Baptist Church, 901 S. Main Street, Weatherford.

Holiday Memorial Service Sunday, Dec. 2

Bring an ornament to hang in memory of loved ones, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 N. Elm Street. RSVP at 817-594-2747.

Zonta International Wednesday, Dec. 5

Dr. Ruth Goodwin with Safe Harbor Counseling Center will speak at the luncheon, 11:30 a.m., North Side Baptist Church, 910 N Main Street, Weatherford.

20th Century Club Wednesday, Dec. 12

‘Christmas Enchantment’ submitted by artist Kathy Cunning

Holiday in the Park Friday, Dec. 7

Free holiday event with family fun and food vendors, 6 to 9 p.m., Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford.

Candlelight Tour of Homes Saturday, Dec. 8

‘Here We Go A Caroling’ submitted by author/artist Laura Anderson

Visit decorated homes throughout Weatherford from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information on how to purchase tickets, go to www.parkercountyheritagesociety.org.

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1958

Potluck lunch, 11:30 a.m., 321 S. Main Street, Weatherford.

Parker Co. Women’s & Newcomer’s Club Friday, Dec. 14

Christmas Sweater Contest, Sing-a-long with Uka Ladies and a Christmas ornament exchange, 9:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main Street, Weatherford.

Lunch reservations, 817-757-7379 by Dec. 7.

Wreaths Across America Saturday, Dec. 15

The Daughters of the American Revolution hosts a ceremony at East

Hoopla Published Nov. 26, 2018 Volume 2, Issue 2

BUTANE CO. INC. PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

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Tank Sales • Leasing • Gas Grills • Gas Logs

© 2018 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla is published monthly and distributed to over 65 locations throughout Parker County, including the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Parker County Senior Center. For home delivery, subscriptions are $12 per year and can be sent to: Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

‘This Little Light’ submitted by artist Diane Brown Greenwood Cemetery, 400 Front Street in Weatherford at 11 a.m.

Parker County Cruisers Tuesday, Dec. 18

Vintage car club meets at 6:30 p.m., Harberger Hill Community Center, 701 Narrow Street, Weatherford.

Quilter’s Guild

Thursday, Dec. 20 Club Christmas party, 6:30 p.m., North Side Baptist Church, 910 N. Main Street, Weatherford.

Star of Bethlehem Experience

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 21-22 First century children take you on To Advertise, Call 817-894-1822 Publisher Cynthia Henry Contributors Morris Maniscalco Rick Mauch Neil Sperry Janet Standifer Copy Editor Sandra Davis Cover Illustration Jeff Cocanour © 2018 Jeff Cocanour

December 2018

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3

FINALLY a way to fix the PAIN of a BULGING DISC Are you suffering from back pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs?

Then it’s likely you’re suffering from a Bulging DISC. That’s when one of your spinal discs are bulging and causing these, sometimes severe, symptoms because of the effect it’s having on your nerve system.

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MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with Bulging DISC problems.

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MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with Bulging DISCs. FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure Bulging DISCs. MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to damage my DISC.” FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to Bulging DISCs. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause damage.

DISC bulges can happen to anyone - including super-fit celebrities like Tiger Woods, Sylvester Stallone, and British Olympic medalist Ian Wynne.

MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to let the Bulging DISC recover…

FACT: Staying active can help to relieve the pain and prevent the pain from getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: DISC Bulges or herniations require surgery.

FACT: No! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of Bulging DISCs.

MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.”

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MYTH: Getting a Bulging DISC properly diagnosed is expensive.

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Dr. Carl McAfee, D.C. is a Bulging DISC Expert in Weatherford.

This procedure does not require a hospital stay and, in most cases, you’ll be able to continue with your normal daily activities with little interruption. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the Bulged DISC. According to Dr. McAfee, “We use a specialized digital x-ray motion study analysis to precisely diagnose the cause or your Bulging DISC. This means superior, longterm results for most people.”

Symptoms:

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2018

The parents who stole Christmas

Text from Grandma:

Express ent is Employm

My wife, Willena, and I had a childhood of limited means. So when our first son was old enough to enjoy a nice train set, we purchased a beginner’s set-up. On Christmas Eve, after Steve was sound asleep, we put together the tracks for his battery-operated gift.

Of course, as parents, we wanted to make sure the train ran beautifully on the tracks, so we tested the train...and tested...and tested.

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Pardon Me!

by Morris Maniscalco Hoopla Columnist

Christmas morning, we stood proudly as our young son happily approached his gift. He threw the ON switch. Nothing. Old dad jumped in to come to the rescue.

Nothing. It was concluded that mom and dad had “tested” the train too long. On Christmas Day over 50 years ago, no business was open to sell batteries. So, our son was able to enjoy his train set the day after.

Merry Christmas from the Maniscalcos. Please enjoy my gift to you –– the game below.

No batteries are required -- just a little time and a writing instrument.

HOW TO PLAY: In the maze of letters in the gift box below are 47 hidden holiday terms and presents. When you have completed the word search, there are some unused letters that, when read from top to bottom and from left to right, will reveal a hidden message. Record your message on the gift tag provided.

December 2018

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

5

Readers’ Christmas Memories

Linda Poston My favorite Christmas memory is not of an event that happened one particular year. Mine is of a tradition that spanned over 20 years. My husband, Craig, and I were born and raised in Northern Virginia. Craig was a mail carrier for 30 years. Every Christmas, patrons that he delivered to would cook and bake all kinds of delicious cookies, cakes, candies and other goodies to show their appreciation for his dedication and hard work. We had so many yummy foods we couldn’t possibly eat them all ourselves, so we started inviting friends from our church over to our home after Christmas Eve service to enjoy our stash with us. I would add to the table with hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Craig and I did this every year for so long that our friends expected it. There was no way we could even take a trip during the Christmas holiday. Our home was decorated for Christmas. We played Christmas music. There was a fire in the fireplace and friends throughout the house. We usually had between 35 and 50 people show up. Sometimes, some of them would stay until midnight. We enjoyed this time visiting so much!

One year, as it started snowing, Craig and I had everything set out on the dining room table, but we really didn’t expect anyone to come.

We kept looking out the front window, and suddenly we saw a caravan of headlights coming down our country road. It turned out to be a major snow storm that year, but we were thrilled that our friends still came! Of course, they didn’t stay as long. They all just loved getting together every Christmas Eve, and we enjoyed having them. When we moved down here to Texas, some of them asked us what they were going to do on Christmas Eve. We told them someone else had to take over the tradition, but that never happened.

This is my favorite Christmas memory.

Don’t suffer with pain caused by • Bulging Disc • Lower Back Pain • Neck Pain • Herniated Disc

• Accident Injuries • Sports Injuries • Sciatica

Pam Luke

Teresa Palmer

Many people go to a Christmas Eve candlelight service, which usually either begins at midnight or rolls into the midnight hour.

Growing up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, I looked forward to attending the candlelight service.

As members of the choir, we would don our robes and lead a candlelight procession.

We led the congregation out the doors and around the perimeter of the church as everyone sang Silent Night. The organ could still be heard once we were outside.

One Christmas Eve, it was snowing like crazy. It was so dark and silent as the snow fell, and we sang the most perfect hymn.

I remember being near the front corner of the church where the nativity was set up -- blanketed with beautiful white snow.

Even though we did this every year, the white Christmas Eve on that silent night is one I will treasure forever.

I must say one of my most memorable Christmas memories was when my middle son, Casey, was a contractor for the government, protecting the Kabul Embassy, and couldn’t come home for Christmas.

We were all having Christmas dinner and got him on our laptop computer through a Skype program.

We passed him/computer around the table talking to him, and then we took a family photo with him on the screen facing the camera. What fun!

Debra Camp

Nancy Wester I have so many good memories!

When I about 4-1/2 years old, Santa Claus left me a Chatty Cathy doll sitting in a red push pedal go-cart!

I loved those special toys for many years and was so happy to see them on Christmas morning.

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6

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2018

Neil Sperry’s mid-winter gardening tips The people of Parker County make Lynn and me feel like hometown neighbors anytime we visit. Merry Christmas to all of our friends, whether we’ve met you already or whether that’s a pleasure for our near future!

Let’s just call this our “mid-winter” edition of Hoopla’s Timely Tips.

There are things you do in the next few weeks that can only be done at this time. Let’s talk.

Plant: n All spring-flowering bulbs no later than the end of December. Don’t forget those tulips and hyacinths you tucked away in the fridge to get their needed “pre-chilling.” It’s easy to lose them behind all the holiday cooking. n New bare-rooted fruit and nut trees, grape vines and bramble berries before the end of January. Buy varieties recommended for Parker County. That information is available online, from the Parker County Extension office, from Texas-based gardening references and by talking to local, independent garden centers. n Winter color from pansies, violas and pinks. They are the most cold-hardy types that we grow here.

Prune: n Grape vines to remove 80 to 85 percent of their cane growth. Train vines to grow on their supports. n Peach and plum trees to encourage horizontal branching. Remove all strongly vertical shoots. n Shrubs that need to be reshaped or reduced in size. You can remove as much as one-third of their top growth, but do so with lopping shears rather than power tools to avoid a flat-topped appearance.

Fertilize: n Cool-season annuals with

Timely Tips

by Neil Sperry Gardening Expert

high-nitrogen, water-soluble plant food each time that you water them. n Feed houseplants sparingly over the winter. Your ambition is to maintain them in good health, but not to encourage vigorous growth in the darker conditions.

NEIL SPERRY

Nellie R. Stevens holly

n Plant of the Month: Nellie R. Stevens I’ve been waiting all year to tell you about this, my favorite large shrub. My friend, the late Steve Dodd Sr. of Dodd’s Garden Center in Dallas, gave me my first one in 1970, and it’s been my go-to large screening shrub ever since. And, I’m not alone. Nellie R. Stevens holly is one of the most-used shrubs in Texas landscaping today.

Nellie R. Stevens holly… n Grows to 15 to 20 ft. tall and 8 to 10 ft. wide. n Evergreen with large, deep green leaves.

n Each plant bears very large crimson berries each year. n Winter-hardy all across Texas.

n Suited to sun or shade.

WORSHIP AND CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS n Does well in acidic soils, but WORSHIP AND CELEBRATE WORSHIP AND CHRISTMAS very tolerant of alkaline soils, too.

CELEBRATE First UnitedCHRISTMAS Methodist Church n Almost no serious insect or First United Methodist Church 301 S. Main – (817) 599-4231 disease problems.

First United Methodist Church 301 S. Main – (817) 599-4231 Joseph Nader, Senior Pastor n Readily available in many dif301 S.Nader, Main – (817) 599-4231 Joseph Senior Pastor ferent sizes.

Joseph Nader, Senior Sunday Services – Pastor All are Welcome Note: When you plant a new Nel8:30am 9:45am - 11:00am Services – All are Welcome lie R. Stevens holly, plan on water- Sunday Sunday Services – All are Welcome 8:30am - 9:45am 11:00am ing it by hand every 3-4 days for its 8:30am - Choir 9:45am---Arrest 11:00am Children’s These Merry Men first couple of years. Sprinkler irriDec. 2, 4pm in Sanctuary Choir These Merry gation alone won’t be sufficient. Children’s Children’s Choir-- Arrest Arrest These Merry Men Men Candlelight Vigil in Chapel Dec. 2, 2, 4pm Sanctuary Dec. 4pmin inPrayer Sanctuary

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December 2018

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

7

‘Over the River and Through the Woods’ opens December 7 Awkward family dinners -- we’ve all been there. They’re a lot more entertaining when they take place on the Theatre Off the Square stage.

Take a break from holiday shopping, and see the last TOTS production of the year.

“Over the River and Through the Woods,” written by Joe Di Pietro in 1998, played Off-Broadway for 800 performances at the John Houseman Theatre in New York City. This holiday season, it’s come to Weatherford.

It’s is a story about Nick (played by Tyler Burden), a single, Italian-American guy from New Jersey who never misses Sunday dinner at his grandparents’ house. Nick tells his family

COURTESY PHOTO

The Theatre Off the Square cast and crew gear up for the last production of the year. he’s landed the job of his dreams in Seattle, but the news doesn’t sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick trapped in his hometown. Things come to a head when the family invites the lovely Caitlin O’Hare (played by Kate Cowling) to a family dinner as bait.

Other cast members include Lewis Schwartz, Susan Stacy, Dan Parris and Edwina Himes. Marilyn

Sanderson will direct, along with her assistant Dollene Price. Mark Gillies serves as stage manager Attend an afternoon or evening of entertainment beginning Friday, Dec. 7. The play runs weekends through Sunday, Dec. 23. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors (60+), students and

children under school age. Matinee tickets are $12 for all ages and no other discounts apply.

You can choose your seats and purchase your tickets to any performance online by visiting the website www.theatreoffthesquare.org.

The theatre box office can be reached at 817-341-8687 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.

Dementia in Perspecti

Dementia in Perspective What is Dementia?

What is Dementia?

Person-Centered Workshops Dementia Interactive Workshops are custom- pres Person-Centered Dementia Interactive are customized ized presentations available for any individual or group who is interested in learning more about dementia. I will provide trainfor any individual or group who is interested in learning more about de ing at your business/organization or health care community. training at your business/organization or health care community.

Better understand dementia

Learn effective approaches and strategies

Better dementia Connectunderstand with the person living with dementia Call for information to schedule or sponsor a training workshop.

Janet Standifer Learn effective approaches and strat janet@jstandiferconsulting.com | www.jstandiferconsulting.com

817-901-4658

Connect with the person living with de

Merry Christmas from Hoopla and Friends

20th

Century Club

Clint and the Gang at Sewing World!

Weatherford Art Association

Klassy Kloggers Jackie and Neil and Lynn Sperry

Beth Collins

Sherry O. Watters

Daughters of the American Revolution Weatherford Chamber of Commerce

Texas Butane

Express Employment Professionals

Parker County Heritage Society

Janet Standifer

10

Merry Christmas

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

from Hoopla and Friends

Aaron’s Catering Cari & Mark) Dennis & staff at Autumn Hill Manor

December 2018

The Parker County Committee On Aging

The Coloring Group at Senior Care at Holland Lake

McAfee Chiropractic

Zonta of Parker County

Foland Veterinary Services

The Uka Ladies Paula Hunt & the Parker County Quilter’s Guild

December 2018

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Healthy Fun

by Janet Standifer Parker County Dementia Care Trainer

Caring for loved ones with dementia during the holidays Question: My husband has dementia and can no longer do what he used to do during the holidays. What can I do to help him ?

Answer: First, take three deep breaths!

Ask your family members to help you with the holiday celebrations. You need to reduce as much holiday stress as possible so that you both can enjoy this holiday season.

I’ve listed a few pointers and ideas that I hope are helpful: n Make sure visitors understand the changes in his behavior and memory are caused by the disease and not the person. n Family members and visitors are to be patient and not interrupt or correct him when he is trying to express himself. Give him time to finish his thoughts. Also, do not argue with him. n Avoid sensory overload and large crowds. Shopping can be very confusing so you may want to shop online. Also, keep the noise level down in his environment to also reduce confusion. n Build off of old traditions with new traditions. Instead of going to a party, concert or theater, try taking a walk to see Christmas lights, listen and sing to Christmas music or even watch a Christmas DVD at home. n Reminisce about past holidays. Share his favorite memories with photos and discuss funny things that happened in the family. n Involve him in holiday preparation, such as assisting with decorating cookies and the tree, setting the table, wrapping presents, assisting with meal prep (mixing, pouring, etc.), or stringing popcorn or berries n Maintain a normal routine as much as possible. Plan time for you and him to take breaks and rest. n Take care of yourself and your own needs while also caring for your loved one.

Send your questions about brain health and dementia care to janet@jstandiferconsulting. com or call (817) 901-4658.

nCrossword Crossword Puzzle

11

by Margie E. Burke

(Puzzle solution is on P. 15.)

1 2 3 4 ACROSS 1 "The Alienist" 14 author 17 5 Hang down 10 Box-office bomb 20 21 14 Orchestral reed 15 North Carolina's 23 ____ Banks 16 Greet the judge 25 26 27 17 Paper purchase 30 18 City served by The Daily Planet 35 20 Classic Cadillac 38 39 22 Pig's innards 41 23 Floral necklace 24 Date-night hirees 43 44 45 25 Hollywood Foreign Press 47 awards 53 30 Bay window 31 Maid Marian's 56 man 59 32 Barbecue bit 35 Actress Tuesday 36 Question 60 Look of disdain 37 Foal's mother 61 Small price to 38 "___ a chance!" pay 39 Lethal loop 40 Kind of roll DOWN 41 Bright side 1 Reactor part 43 Mayor in Madrid 2 Biblical brother 46 Irish rebel group 3 Trucker's milieu 47 "Death of a 4 Shaped anew Salesman" writer 5 It may be 48 Texas nickname eminent 53 Modest 6 Felt bad about 55 Bit of filming 7 "Beetle Bailey" 56 Blood fluids pooch 57 Chop finely 8 Atop, in verse 58 Rainbow 9 Forbid goddess 10 Tops a cake 59 Paleozoic and 11 Charles de Mesozoic Gaulle birthplace

5

6

7

8

9

10

15

11

12

13

32

33

34

50

51

52

16

18

19 22 24 28

29

31 36

37 40 42 46 48

49

54

55

57

58

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61

Copyright 2018 by The Puzzle Syndicate

12 13 19 21 24 25 26 27 28 29 32 33 34 36

Basket willow Annoyances Communion plate Casting need Lamenting one Prom purchase Cookie with Peeps and Peppermint varieties Cheerful tune Disco favorite, "Shake Your _____ Thing" No-good sort Indian princess Hotel amenity Floating ice mass Low spirits

37 Like some religious orders 39 Frasier's brother 40 Bring on board 41 Cantina dips 42 Hang around 43 Give the giggles 44 Eyelid cosmetic 45 Red Cross founder Barton 48 Cash biopic "Walk the ____" 49 Grimm beginning 50 Scale deduction 51 Comparable (to) 52 Medical advice, often 54 Time div.

12

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

December 2018

Readers’ Christmas Memories

Donna McCauley

Lynn Carrell

One of my favorite memories of Christmastime is watching my girls’ smiles and eyes light up while opening their gifts from Santa. In a blink of an eye, I’m now watching my grandchildren’s smiles and their eyes lighting up when they open their gifts from Santa.

I can go back in memory with my grandchildren to see my girls when they were little all over again.

1966: I was living with my grandmother in San Angelo, Texas.

I got to pick out our tree and buy all new decorations.

Of course, they were “groovy” decorations. And of course, it was way too big for our tiny living room.

I did not know that you had to water the tree, and when I got ready to take the tree down, I brushed it against the Dearborn heater. It blazed up and just as quickly went out. There was a little singe on the ceiling. Nobody ever said anything about it.

Mary Christian It was the Christmas at my grandmother’s the year I got a baton.

We had Christmas at Grandma’s house, and I was determined to find my baton package. While crawling around under the tree (10 feet tall), I caused it to fall over.

Boy did that blow my Christmas out the window.

Connie Licari My husband and I decided to spend some of the Christmas holiday at my mom’s house, about 1,300 miles away—from Florida to Michigan.

My two kids were elementary age, so Tony would drive through the night, and I would drive a good bit of the daytime.

It was my shift, as we were getting into the mountain foothills around Tennessee and Kentucky, and everyone was asleep.

I had Christmas tunes on the radio, driving through the foothills, and the start of a light snow. Beautiful music, great scenery and peaceful family.

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seeing a child’s face light up when they get something they’ve been wishing for or something they didn’t even know about. But most of all, I love why we do it: To celebrate the birth of Christ! My favorite Christmas was just this past one, where we, as a family, all sat in our church on Christmas Eve and gave thanks to Jesus Christ. HE is the

Jennifer Lundy Christmas, to me, is the most amazing time of the year. It is so hard to pick out a favorite, because they are all my favorite!

I love the lights, the music, the wonderful Christmas meals, exchanging of gifts and

Mickie Clark This is me sitting by my mom’s bed at Baylor heart hospital in Dallas. It was Jan. 5, 2018. It was her last Christmas. She passed away two days later, but we gave her the best Christmas party ever. All of her children were there, and she enjoyed every bit of the day. It was amazing!

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December 2018

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

13

Penny Gilley’s

Christmastime Favorites We caught up with RFD-TV star Penny Gilley after a recent performance at Texas Opry. She took time to share some of her favorite Christmas recipes with Hoopla readers.

Gilley will film her Christmas special at Granbury Live on Friday, Dec. 14 with special guest Doug Allen Nash.

For ticket information, call 1-800340-9703.

Bread Pudding

COURTESY PHOTO

When she’s not filming her show or on tour, Penny Gilley is at home in the kitchen.

Buttermilk Fudge 2 cups sugar 2 T. Karo syrup 1 stick oleo 1 cup buttermilk 1 t. baking soda 1 cup nuts In a deep pan, combine all ingredients, except nuts. Cook until candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees. Or drop a spoonful into a bowl of water and see if it will roll into a ball. Remove from heat and beat until creamy, then add nuts. Pour onto wax paper to cool. Cut and enjoy!

Nicholas

A Wise Man from the North

Nicholas

A Wise Man from the North Written and Illustrated

By Laura Anderson

Written and Illustrated by Laura Anderson Nicholas, a Wise Man from the North is the story of Joseph’s friend, also a carpenter, who came to Bethlehem to see his new baby. He was so moved by the Spirit of God when he saw the baby Jesus, he made it his life’s work to share his joy with the world. Of course, he becomes Santa Claus. This story bridges Christmas celebration to the sacred truth. $7.50. Discounts for 10+.

Call or text 817-771-2566

2 loaves of French bread, torn into small pieces 4 cups sugar 2 sticks of butter, melted 2 cups of egg substitute 4 cups milk For sauce: 1 stick of butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream 1 t. rum flavoring Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl until bread is soaked. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Spray two half sheet pans with cooking spray. Evenly divide pudding mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour and 10 minutes. Cover and place in cooler once cooled.

Sauce: Melt butter and sugar in a sauce pan, stirring constantly. Add heavy whipping cream and rum flavoring. Remove from heat and cool.

Pour into squeeze bottle. Place bottle in refrigerator once cooled. Add sauce just before serving.

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817-598-0886

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14

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Christmas Memories

Virginia Robertson My favorite Christmas memory was in 1964, when I received a Barbie game from my grandma. She always gave each of the grandkids cookies and gifts despite having a large number. She had 14 children, so they were great gatherings. I saved this game as it was the last one I received before she passed on.

Pat Fulfer My most memorable Christmas was when my mother was 90 years old and she still wanted to fix turkey and all the trimmings. Since we were a large

family, we decided we didn’t want her to fix anything as we all brought something to go with the turkey. We told her we were changing tradition and having either pizza or finger foods. She was not for that but we did have sandwiches with other things. After lunch, we had more time to sing Christmas songs, read the story of Jesus birth, exchange our Christmas gifts and remember what we had received at other Christmases. Getting to share our love to our parents and for one another. This has made a long expression on our family as we are still very close to one another and to all our extended families. We are blessed.

Martha Gibbs I grew up in Aledo on the same property where I live today. There were 10 kids in my dad’s family. On Christmas Eve, everyone came to my grandparents’ house -aunts, uncles, and all the cousins. It was like a whole community. There weren’t a lot of gifts, but a lot of food and a lot of fun. That’s one of my favorite memories. Wish we could do it one more time.

December 2018

n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Steven Shannon, 64 November 15, 2018

n Jerry Don Sapp, 73 October 31, 2018

n Gladys Leon Hodges, 95 November 15, 2018

n Sally Green, 44 October 31, 2018

n William Frederick Martion, III, 58 November 14, 2018

n Ginger Hart, 77 October 30, 2018

n Rosa Moreno, 75 November 11, 2018 n Gracie Musick, 82 November 10, 2018 n Sarah Earlene Branson, 85 November 9, 2018

n Ty Torres, 26 October 29, 2018 n Bobby Monroe, 89 October 28, 2018 n Paula Chandler, 44 October 28, 2018 n Michael Dwayne Gill, 49 October 26, 2018

n David Aiken, 74 November 8, 2018

n Joyce Fern Henson, 81 October 26, 2018

n Lonnie Steward, 69 November 7, 2018

n Jimmy Carr, Sr., 75 October 25, 2018

n Leita Faye Collins, 90 November 7, 2018

n Lawrence Lambert, 76 October 25, 2018

n Marvin Lloyd Cross, 85 November 6, 2018

n Rita Manning, 69 October 25, 2018

n Carolyn Davis November 2, 2018

n Sheilla Williams, 55 October 23, 2018

n Billy Shuler, 84 November 2, 2018

n Virgle Ballard, 91 October 23, 2018

n Ronald Parker, 85 November 1, 2018

n Donald Thede, 93 October 20, 2018

n Mary Harwell, 59 October 31, 2018

n Robin Adair, 61 October 14, 2018

n Michael Nay, 71 get away31,from him. He was eating fast October 2018

n Bobby Wayne Harris, 79 October 11, 2018

Like many, Andrew simply let life

food, enjoying his adult beverages Like and many, Andrew simply let life Like many, Andrew simply let life not exercising enough. “It wasget a thing away from him. He was eating fast awayletfrom Like many, Andrewget simply life him. He was eating fast willpower. justadult said,beverages ‘I’m food, not going get away from him. Heof was eating fast Ihis food, enjoying andenjoying his adult beverages and food, enjoying his adult beverages and notdoexercising enough.he“Itsaid. wasnot a thing to this anymore,’” “There exercising enough.

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And, of course, he never WWW.BESTBUYWALKINTUBS.COM a part of me I can’t imagine “Without them, I don’t know have had the motivation to do ifallI’d I it anymore.” do,” has alltobecome He still eats well, but it’she notsaid. fast have had the“This motivation domisses all Iso a walk with Sammy and Coco. food, and he prepares amost of his part of me I can’t imagine not doing “Without them, I don’t know if I’d meals. He eats a lot ofdo,” eggs.he Pistachios said. “This has all become so

December 2018

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Time to think about year-end investment moves

We’ve still got a couple of months events. In 2018, did you experience a left in 2018, but it’s not too soon to start major life event, such as a marriage, thinking about some year-end investdivorce or addition of a child? Or did ment moves that might benefit you. you change jobs or retire? Any of these Here are a few possibilities (although events could lead you to adjust your not all will apply to your situation): investment plans, so now may be the Add to your IRA. For the 2018 tax time to do so, possibly with the help of year, you can put up to $5,500 into a financial professional. your traditional Review your inor Roth IRA (asvestment mix. At suming you are least once a year, eligible), or $6,500 it’s a good idea to if you’re 50 or oldreview your inby Mary H. McDow vestment mix to er. If you haven’t Edward Jones Advisor reached this limit, ensure it’s still suitconsider addable for your goals ing some money. You have until April and risk tolerance. Sometimes, even 15, 2019, to contribute to your IRA for without your taking any action, your 2018, but why wait until the last minportfolio might change in ways you ute? hadn’t expected. For example, suppose Increase your 401(k) contributions. you wanted your portfolio to contain You already may be investing in your 60% stocks and 40% bonds and other 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored investments. After a period of rising retirement plan, but you might be able prices, though, the value of your stocks to bump up your contributions for the may have increased so much that rest of the year, if it’s allowed. Of course, they now occupy 65% of your portfoyou should always put in enough to lio – which means you may be taking earn your employer’s matching contri- on more risk than you had originally bution, if one is offered. intended. Consequently, you may need Take your RMDs. If you are 70½ or to rebalance your portfolio to get back older, you must start taking withdraw- to your original 60% to 40% ratios. als – called required minimum distri(Keep in mind that these figures are butions, or RMDs – from your tradijust for illustration; everyone’s ideal tional IRA and your 401(k) or similar portfolio mix will depend on their indiretirement plan. Generally, you must vidual situations.) take these RMDs by December 31 evThese aren’t the only year-end ery year. But if you turned 70½ in 2018, moves you may want to consider, but you can wait until April 1, 2019, until they can help you close out 2018 on a you take your first RMD. However, you positive note. Plus, they can serve as a will then have to take a second RMD reminder that you need to be vigilant (the one for age 71) by December 31, as you keep working toward your fi2019. Taking two RMDs in one year nancial goals. could give you an unexpectedly large taxable income for the year, possibly bumping you into a higher tax bracket and affecting the amount of your Social Security benefits subject to taxes.

This article was written by Edward So, if you are considering delaying your Jones for use by your local Edward Jones first RMD, consult with your tax adviFinancial Advisor, Mary H. McDow, 102 sor.

Houston Ave., Suite 203, 817-598-0882.

Make changes in response to life

Money Matters

15

Home Service Directory Propane

HVAC

KNIGHT PROPANE, Affordable propane installations and repairs. Free gas safety and leak checks. 817-565-5446.

PAPAW’S AIR, Service You Can Trust!

Over 30 yrs Experience in HVAC Service & Installation. Dan Knox, Owner/ Operator, Call (817) 441-7200.

Cleaning

Plumbing

LAKESIDE CLEANING SERVICES Environmentally Friendly Products , Call for Free Estimate. LaDana Hopkins, 682-229-8176.

CHRIS’ PLUMBING, residential and commercial plumbing repair, 817-3418055.

Welding

Construction

D-SOL WELDING SERVICES, Skilled welder! Structural, handrails, stairs, fences, custom designs and more. David Solis, 817-454-0137.

NORTH METRO ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION, over 30 years of roofing and gutter experience, family owned/ operated, 817-691-4264.

Call 817-894-1822. Only $6 for up to 20 words.

Solution Crossword: Solution to to Crossword: C O R E

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R E M O L G O L D O R I E W E L D N O T S A L C A M I L L U N A S S E R A E R A S

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Saunders finds frog!

Jo Saunders of Weatherford found the hidden frog on P. 12 of last month’s issue. To enter this month’s contest, submit your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of where you saw the hidden frog (not the frog on this page) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Readers who submit the correct location of the frog will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Gibson’s Discount Center.

Gifts

Christmas Tees Stocking Stuffers Shop our huge selection!

1713 Bethel Road • Weatherford, TX • 817-594-2380