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Hoopla January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2020

Hoopla January 2020 Volume 3, Issue 3 © 2019 Hoopla. All rights reserved. Hoopla is published monthly and available at more than 45 locations in Parker County, including the Weatherford Senior Center. 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

Debbie Arwood • Kay Burleson Lara Cook • James Carroll Martin Rick Mauch • Neil Sperry COURTESY

Copy Editor Jean Henderson

Local Wreaths Across America event a success

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The Daughters of the American Revolution Weatherford chapter once again raised monies to decorate veterans graves this Christmas season. At right (clockwise), guest speaker Judge Pat Deen, Weatherford Regent Harriet Helm and Weatherford DAR Chaplain Georgia Orr led the ceremony. Two hundred thirty nine wreaths were placed on veterans graves in East Greenwood Cemetery. Boy Scout Troop #75 presented the colors and hung honorary wreaths each military group: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA.

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COURTESY

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January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Coaches Mark Osina and Bob McKinley

They make a good team by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Some friendships you just know from the beginning are going to be winners. And, in the case of Weatherford College basketball coaches Mark Osina and Bob McKinley, their friendship has included a lot of victories and even more smiles in over five decades.

In fact, some might say their closeness was meant to be. Though there is a difference age (Mark is 64, Bob is 78), their birthdays are, ironically, a day apart. Mark was born on Jan. 11 and Bob on Jan. 12. “My college roommate’s birthday was Jan. 10. We’d have a three-day celebration,” Mark said with a chuckle. “Now the booster club just makes one cake for both of us - but we still enjoy it.”

Bob coached Mark in college at Houston Baptist. Before that, he was Mark’s coach at Pasadena High. They first met when Mark was just 10 years old in 1965, when Bob coached Mark’s older brother, Al, at Jackson Junior High in Pasadena. “He was always watching his older brother play, and I knew he wanted to play, and when he got the chance he was a very good player,” Bob said. “One way or another we’ve always

kept in touch.” Bob made his way to Weatherford College first, where he is now in his 44th season and has accumulated a record of 929-473. Mark joined him in 1991 and has a record of 417-282. When Bob came to WC, Mark had followed in his mentor’s footsteps and entered the ranks of high school coaching at Pasadena Dobie. They stayed in touch long distance, and See COACHES, P. 4

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

COACHES From Page 3

when Mark became the head coach at Killeen Ellison they would see each other a couple times during the year. “We still talked every week even though we didn’t live near each other any more,” Bob said. “I’d known him for so long, I even knew Liz (Mark’s wife) from the time they started dating in junior high.” Mark often sent his players to play for Bob at WC. Then, one day, Bob needed to hire an assistant. He knew exactly who to call. “There’s not much difference in the age groups between high school and junior college, and he knew more basketball than just about anybody around, so it made sense,” Bob said. “He called me up and said, ‘Come up here and help me coach both teams (men and women),’” Mark recalled. “We did that for three years, but we were dealing with 30 kids and it was wearing us out, so I took the guys and Bob started coaching the girls.” Today each has an assistant coach, but Bob said those early days are still fondly remembered. “Those were the best of times. We did everything,” Bob said. “We didn’t even have A/C in the gym,” Mark said, prompting Bob to respond with, “All we had were two big ugly green fans to blow air.” Both have taken their teams to the

Mark Osina

COURTESY

NJCAA Division I National Tournament. Mark’s 1999 Coyotes finished third in the nation, the highest finish by any team in school history, and Bob has taken the Lady Coyotes to four national tournaments, including a final four appearance. But the victories, while there have been many, aren’t what makes this friendship special. At one time, before Mark left for a few years to become an assistant at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, their homes were almost next to each other, separated by then Mayor Sherry Watson. “She had a pool and coach had a pool, so I didn’t have to get one,” Mark said with a grin. Mark returned to WC in 2013, once

Bob McKinley

COURTESY

again at the urging of his best friend. Mark had returned to the area about a year earlier to become the athletic director at nearby Millsap. Then, when the Coyotes needed a new coach, again Bob made a beeline to the phone. “It was miserable those years, but we talked all the time, though,” Bob said. “Mark was right down the road, so again, it made sense. And it’s been great having him back.” The friendship has also endured some hard times, the hardest being when Mark and Liz lost their teenage daughter Lacey, along with three of her friends from Brock (Staci Lee, Mandi McWhorter, and Whitney Welch), in a fatal automobile acci-

January 2020

dent in December of 1998. The college has established a scholarship fund in the girls’ honor. “Bob was the first person I called, and he was there at the emergency room to go back with her,” Mark said. “You talk about heartbreaking. It was like losing my own granddaughter,” Bob said, pausing to fight back a tear, as was Mark. So many years. So many memories. And each say it’s hard to pick out a favorite, but overall, just being there by each other tops the list. “For a long time we didn’t have a trainer, so I’d be a trainer for his game and he’d be the trainer for mine,” Mark said. “And when we’d travel, he’d be in the lead van, we’d have one in the middle with a manager, and I’d bring up the rear. It felt like we got a raise when we got a bus.” Bob said “Mark never makes a call about recruits that he doesn’t also ask about any girls who might want to come player here also.” And neither has an idea when their coaching career will come to an end, but both agree it’s not something they think about as long as the other is around. “As long as it’s fun I’ll keep coaching, and Bob makes it fun,” Mark said. “I’ll probably die on the bench,” Bob said. “We love working together, get excited about coming in every day, so why would we want to give that up?”

‘As long as it’s fun I’ll keep coaching, and Bob makes it fun.’ --Mark Osina

January 2020

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. You may have already had this diagnosed on an MRI and thought that there is little that can be done about it. That’s a major problem: bad information, because in the right hands, a lot can be done for you. To end the misery caused by Bulging DISCS, you must have the right information. Pay close attention because I’m going to destroy some important myths and give you the facts. MYTH: Bulging DISC problems will just “go away” with some rest. FACT: If you are dealing with leg pain, then you must seek help from a Bulging DISC specialist immediately. If left untreated, the problem can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain. MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with Bulging DISC problems. FACT: In severe cases, this problem can lead to the inability to control your bowels, bladder and sexual potency - leading to embarrassing situations. 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.” FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specializes in Bulging DISCs, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms. MYTH: Getting a Bulging DISC properly diagnosed is expensive. FACT: Not true. Dr. Carl McAfee in Weatherford is currently offering an initial consultation with one of their specialists for just $29. 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:

Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report relief from their pain and associated symptoms early in the process. Take the Next Step - END the Suffering … Initial Consultation Just $29. The first step is to secure a thorough examination with Dr. Carl McAfee, DC. Call 817-594-0281 to schedule this article (CODE: 02HOOPLA2018) and they will happily reduce their usual consultation fee of $275 to just $29! Only 100 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate. Call them now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $29. The normal cost of such an exam is $275, so you will save $246! Call them now at 817-594-0281 and cut out or tear out this valuable article and take it to your appointment. You’ll be on your way to safe, lasting relief ! You can even call on the weekend and leave a message on their answering machine to secure your spot, and they promise to return all calls. During the week, staff can be very busy helping patients, so if they don’t pick up straight away, leave a message. Quote this special discount code: 02HOOPLA2018.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2020

Gone fishin’ at Lake Weatherford Nathan was sitting in the bunkhouse fretting over not having enough money to take his gal to the church social. Directly, he grabbed his fishing tackle box, tied it to his saddle and rode off. It seems he rode over to where the Clear Fork empties into Lake Weatherford. Along the way, he picked up a road-kill skunk. After he arrived at the lake, he tied his horse to where he could graze and proceeded to cut the skunk up into bait. With his stink bait problem solved, he searched along the banks an’ cut about a half a dozen willow limbs to use fer poles. Then he just baited’em up and waited fer tha catfish to start bitin’. Now ol’ Nathan, he can catch catfish while everybody else is ah swearing they ain’t no fish in tha lake. So it weren’t long before he had a big stringer full of nice eatin’ size catfish. Folks that came along an’ had their heart set on a fresh caught catfish fer supper began to buy Nathan’s fish from him. However, he wasn’t getting much money for’em . . . that is until his last customer came walkin’ up. Nathan had been selling his fish for about three hours when a well-dressed man in expensive slacks and a golf shirt came up and asked, “Having any luck today?” “Shore have,” replied Nathan, “I’ve been catchin’

more fish than I kin eat.” “Can I see ‘um?” asked the stranger. “Wal, shore you can, here, have a look-see.” Nathan reached down an’ pulled up a stringer filled with blue catfish. “Say now, that’s a beautiful bunch of fish. I wish, I had time to catch some but I stay so busy, I just can’t find the time to go fishing. I’d give anything to have a fresh caught catfish dinner.” “Yep, they’re right tasty,” Naby James than replied. Carroll Martin “I wonder,” said the stranger, “if you’d consider selling me some of those catfish?” “Wal, I reckon so, uh, how many folks you planning on feeding?” “About six.” “Wal, seein’ as how these fish is so big an’ all, I figure you could feed ‘um all with six of these fish. At ten dollars apiece that comes out to $60 worth of fish.” “Sixty dollars! Why they can be bought anywhere for less than a dollar apiece.” “Wal Mister, these here ain’t that frozen, tasteless fish you buy in tha grocery store. These here are fresh caught an’ just plumb full of flavor.” With that, the stranger picked out six large fish, opened his wallet and took out three, 20 dollar bills. Just as soon as Nathan had the money stuck in

Campfire Stories

his pocket, the stranger went into his other back pocket and pulled out another wallet. And this wallet contained a badge! “I’m the new Game Warden in this county and you’re under arrest. I’m confiscating all your fish, fishing poles, your horse and you. You’re going to jail, mister, and you’re going to be heavily fined for violation of Texas fishing regulations.” With that, the Game Warden put handcuffs on Nathan and called for backup to take care of Nathan’s horse. “Wal Sir, I’ll go along peaceful like, but would you mind answerin’ me ah question? Just what did I do wrong?” “Why, you have to have a Commercial Fishing License to sell fish in the State of Texas. This is a very serious offense and you’re in deep trouble.” “Whew,” sighed Nathan, “is that all I’m being charged with? Why, mister, in my billfold, you’ll find a commercial fishing license with my name on it.” “Whaaat, why didn’t you tell me this before?” “Mister Game Warden, you didn’t ask me.” After verifying that Nathan indeed had a commercial license, the Game Warden took off the handcuffs and said, “Here’s your catfish back, now you gimme my $60 back and I’ll be on my way.” With a big grin, Nathan said, “No Sir Mister Game Warden, you done bought them catfish for $10 apiece . . . enjoy yore supper!”

January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

New GriefShare sessions beginning The holidays can be a difficult time for those who have recently lost someone they love. Thatâ€™s why two area churches have new sessions of GriefShare beginning in January. At GriefShare, you will meet a group of people who have experienced the death of a loved one and who understand your deep emotions and sorrow. You will watch a weekly video on a grief-related topic and then have discussion time. Each person receives a workbook for personal study and reflection and comforting Bible verses. The program also offers free daily encouragement emails, a personal study section, an official Facebook page and more. Resources for hope, help and healing Many people relate to us how helpful and comforting the daily email messages have been as they grieve their loved oneâ€™s death. You, too, may find these messages to be filled with compassionate encouragement, biblical insight and practical help as you walk through this season of sorrow. GriefShare recommends attending a solid Bible-believing church, which can offer spiritual support during this difficult time. Sometimes churches offer one-on-one pastoral counseling appointments.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

GriefShare sessions starting in January North Side Baptist Church 910 N. Main St. Weatherford Meets Saturdays at 10 a.m. Jan. 11-April 4

First Weatherford United Methodist Church 301 S. Main St. Weatherford Meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Jan. 14-April 7

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

What’s your new year’s word? See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their offspring after them. Deuteronomy 1:8 The past few years the big thing for the new year is choosing your word for the year ahead. I am totally against making a New Year’s resolution but the thought of choosing just one word that I could use to describe what I want from this new year is very appealing. My word for this year would be Possess. There is a whole list of things I would like to possess this year, and by possess, I really mean own, or take responsibility for because with every year that passes I have let some things slide that I would like to recover. It

is easy to give in to hopelessness, exhaustion, busyness, and in the process, give up some very important parts of ourselves; and that makes Satan happy. I would like to take back the parts of me that I have allowed Satan to steal and hand it all back to God - physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. In the passage above, God is calling Joshua to take possession of the land that He has already claimed for him. In his sermon, “Possess The Land,” Sam Nobles said taking possession of anything requires you to take a step. It requires you to move forward into battle, even if you are paralyzed in fear. The beginning of victory always starts in our mind. Overcoming anything requires faith to step out in confi-

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dence. God had already claimed the land for Joshua, but he still had to fight for it. God likes us to have some skin in the game so that we are invested and committed. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and to destroy. Make no mistake about it, he will rob you blind of everything he can and all too often we help him. This year make it your desire to fight to become stronger, healthier, in a deeper relationship with God and to speak life and love into earthly relationships. Taking possession of the lost areas of your life will require courage in the face of fear. It will require strength in the face of exhaustion and weakness. It will require victory in the face of defeat. It will require you to take a step –

January 2020

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

even if it is one foot at a time. Fight the enemy for your ground. Own it and take possession of the ground your Father proclaimed your and gratefully surrender it back to Him. Make this new year the year you possess the blessings that God has for you. Pray and seek Him, then step out in faith! Therefore, understand today the Lord your God is He who goes before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so, you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you. Deuteronomy 9:3

January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Ringing in the new year with new officers by Kay Burleson The Quilter’s Guild of Parker County will begin the next decade with a new board of officers and directors. Beginning Jan. 1, those recently elected will be President Becky Klein, Vice President Rex Shrauner, Secretary Nancy Gengler and Treasurer Judy McDonald. Other board members will be Lesa Keichline, Andrea Killius, Susie Kirkland, Beverly Lindsey, Donna McGibboney, Kathleen Poznick, Shirley Reagan and Mona Sandefur. The guild was established February 2000 and is still strong with nearly 200 members who actively participate in the art of quilt making, community service programs, workshops and retreats. An event to look forward to in 2020 will be the biennial quilt show in September and fantastic workshop opportunities every month. Meetings are the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Northside Baptist Church in Weatherford. Visit www.quiltersguildofparkercounty.org for more information.

COURTESY

New Quilter’s Guild President Becky Klein (left) with outgoing President Pam Luke. Above, members work during a recent gathering.

COURTESY

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2020

The history of resolutions Happy New Year! As if writing the has put me.” She is currently living new date and the memory it takes in a local care facility. to do so isn’t enough; someone Doris’ daughter-in-law chimed comes along suggesting a change in, “Yes, but remember when your of habit. Where did this whole idea children were growing up it was aloriginate? Believe it or not, the cus- ways the same, year after year.” tom is most common in our part of “Oh, yes,” Doris quickly addthe world, though it can be found in ed, “it was to lower my expectathe East. tions!” Both ladies By the end of laughed as Doris Remember the Great Derecalled the mempression, about ory of those days When 25 percent of over half a centuby Debbie American adults ry ago. Arwood formed new Lifetime Parker year’s resoluCounty resident tions. As the 21st century opened, Jerry Waller, on the other hand, the number had risen to 40 persays, “Don’t guess I needed one. Ah, cent. According to one 2002 study, unless it was to quit smokin’ ciga46 percent of participants who rettes.” made common resolutions such as: Whatever life change you may weight loss, exercise programs or want to make, start after the new quitting smoking were likely to suc- year. Odds are better you will succeed. That’s 10 times over those de- ceed. Also, seems like just mayciding to make life changes at any be it’s all about what you cannot other time of year. change and accepting things as The children of the Great Depres- they are. Or, possibly, you are one sion era, at least some of them, are of those rare individuals who don’t still making new year’s resolutions. want or need any changes. In which Doris Yeary, Weatherford resicase, you better be approaching dent, said, “Yes, my new year’s reso- 2020 with a great big smile on your lution this year is the same as the face. last few years – to accept where life Once again, Happy New Year!

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1958

Lifelong Parker County resident Jerry Waller discusses his thoughts on New Year’s resolutions.

December 2019

nSUDOKU Sudoku Difficulty: Easy

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Tank Sales • Leasing • Gas Grills • Gas Logs

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817-594-2612

Owners: Morris and Judy V (Kemp) White

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PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

103 W. Church St. • Weatherford

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3 BUTANE CO. INC.

DEBBIE ARWOOD

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January 2020

Become a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Parker County is seeking participants for its Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Training will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Parker County Extension Office in Weatherford from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be two in-person sessions on Jan. 21 and March 3. The remaining trainings will be conducted online between the first class and last class. Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) undergo 40 hours of training on health, nutrition and food safety and are then empowered to provide outreach and education, helping reduce the burden of chronic conditions in Texans and Texas’ communities. Not a health professional? Not a problem! We welcome participation from anyone interested in promoting health and wellness: college students, employees, retirees – anyone! Our Master Wellness interns work toward completing 40 hours of community service where their training will be used. Once those hours are completed, participants will be certified as master Wellness Volunteers for AgriLife Extension. During the training, you will be immersed in our signature AgriLife Extension programs such as Walk Across Texas, Path to the Plate, Do Well Be Well with Diabetes and Hypertension, Dinner Tonight Cooking Schools, and Learn Grow Eat & Go. You will learn about food preparation, food safety, and food labeling. Last, but not least you will go through training sessions to improve your presentation, public speaking and communication skills. Opportunities to serve as a Master Wellness Volunteer are wide-ranging: giving presentations for local community groups, assisting with healthy cooking demonstrations, participating in health fairs and much more. It’s never been easier to give back to your community! For more information about the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, and to register visit http://agrilife.org/mwv The registration deadline is Jan. 14, 2020.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

nCrossword Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Type of bag 5 Like some cheddar 10 Ho-hum 14 Throw, as dice 15 Coke's bear 16 Unsophisticated sort 17 Not being used 18 Wind instrument 20 Trucker in a union 22 Linen closet items 23 Kind of boom 24 Scouting group 26 Remote location? 29 Consumer 33 Part of TKO 37 Indonesian island 38 "Without further ___..." 39 Boastful person 42 Hightailed it 43 Small stream 45 Day of _______ 47 Armchair companion 50 Pitchfork part 51 Lightweight wood 53 Gentle push 57 Seward's state 60 College age 63 Cold season 65 Smallest pup 66 Hathaway of Hollywood 67 Tablelands 68 Something to build on 69 Vintage designation

(Puzzle solution is on P. 12.)

50 52

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by Margie E. Burke

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12 13 19 21 25 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 40 41

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44 46 48 49 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 62 64

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

Are your financial and tax advisors talking? Now that we’ve closed the book on 2019, it’s officially Tax Season. As you prepare your tax returns for the April 15 deadline, you might already start looking for opportunities to improve your tax-related financial outcomes in the future. And one important step you can take is to connect your tax professional with your financial advisor. Together, these professionals can help you take advantage of some valuable strategies: Roth vs. traditional IRA – If you’re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA, you might find it beneficial to have your financial advisor talk to your tax professional about which is the better choice. Generally, if you think your tax rate will be higher in retirement, you might want to contribute to the Roth IRA, which provides tax-free withdrawals (if you’re older than 59 ½ and have had your account at least five years). But if you think your tax bracket will be lower when you retire, you might be better off with the traditional IRA, which offers upfront tax benefits – specifically, your contributions may reduce your annual taxable income in a given tax year. Your tax advisor may have some thoughts on this issue, as well as how it might fit in with your overall tax picture in retirement. Taxable vs. non-taxable income – Turning taxable income into non-taxable income can lower your current year’s tax bracket. Depending on your income, you could potentially subtract your traditional IRA contributions (or your SEP-IRA contributions if you’re self-employed) from your taxable income. And even now, it’s not too late to affect the 2019 tax year, if you still haven’t reached the IRA or SEP-IRA contribution limits. Before you file your 2019 tax returns, your tax professional can tell your financial advisor how much you would have to contribute to your traditional IRA, SEP-IRA or similar account to potentially lower your taxable income. If you make the contribution, your financial advisor

can illustrate how it would impact your retirement picture and make a recommendation on how to invest the money. (You can fund your IRA with virtually any type of investment – stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so on.) Capital gains taxes on mutual funds – You might think you have total control over taxes related to your mutual funds. After all, you decide how long to hold these funds before by Mary H. McDow selling shares and incurring capital gains taxes. However, mutual Edward Jones Adviser fund managers are usually free to buy and sell new investments as they see fit, and some of these sales could generate capital gains taxes for you. If these taxes are relatively large in any one year, your tax professional may notice and could relay this information to your financial advisor. This doesn’t necessarily mean these mutual funds are inappropriate for you; they still may be suitable for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But the tax aspect may be of interest to your financial advisor, who might recommend more tax-efficient investment options.

Money Matters

Your investment and tax pictures have many overlaps, and by ensuring your team of advisors is working together, or at least communicating with each other, you can increase the chances of getting your desired results.

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

January 2020

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3 6 8 5 1 4 9 2 7

9 7 4 6 2 3 8 1 5

7 3 1 4 9 6 5 8 2

5 2 9 1 8 7 4 3 6

4 8 6 2 3 5 1 7 9

Who found the frog? The winner of last month’s hidden frog contest is Ann Newman, who found the frog on page 18 . 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. 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.

January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

I can hear my Echo

I’m not tech savvy, so when I received the Echo my brother-in-law Tom sent me for Christmas, I was hesitant to open the box. This gadget works like the computer that Captain Kirk talked to on “Star Trek.” You can pose a question (Who was the 13th president?), request a song or ask it to call someone. Your wish is her command. The person selling these kinds of products always claims something like “It’s so easy to use. Just plug it in.” This is never true, although I got my new desk lamp working in under an hour. When using the Echo, you must begin your command with her name, Alexa. I learned the hard way the importance of being precise when addressing her. A few days after I thought I had mastered my new toy, I said, “Alexa,

Carry On by Dick Wolfsie Humorist play today’s phone messages.” When she successfully completed the task, I said, “Alexa, now play yesterday’s,” which resulted in her playing the Beatles’ 1962 hit. Then I said, “Alexie, stop the music.” “Alexie, shut up!” “Alexie, play something else.” Nothing worked. Finally, I ripped the plug out of the wall, realizing I would have to reset the darn thing. Unlike Paul McCartney’s, my troubles did not seem so far away. I was going to have to pester my son again to reload all the apps necessary to

make the Echo work. I was saying Alexie instead of Alexa. The lady in the cylinder is very particular about this kind of thing, like when I mistakenly call my wife Shirley instead of Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen read an article that said if the device is plugged in, it is on and always listening to what you say anywhere in the house. So for the last two weeks, every time I’ve mentioned our finances, vacation plans or medical conditions, my wife shushes me. This has put a crimp in our conversations, not to mention any romance I had anticipated on New Year’s Eve. Yesterday I got in the car (this is true) and when I plugged in my smart phone, I overheard two people — two complete strangers — on their Echo, having a love squabble. I can’t tell you much about the conversation, because I only listened for 15 minutes. I called my brother-in-law for a technical explanation for what I experienced,

and he nailed it: “Wow,” he said, “that is creepy.” By the way, I think Mary Ellen is getting a bit jealous of Alexa. When I wake up, I say: “Alexa, Good Morning!” In a very cheery voice, I get a return greeting and then a brief synopsis of something that happened on the same date in history. This pithy exchange of fascinating trivia is not something my wife or I expect from each other at 8 a.m. after 35 years of marriage. “Mary Ellen, good morning!” “Dick, on this day every week, they pick up the garbage. I hear the truck. Get out of bed and take our can to the curb!” Despite all of this, my wife wants her own Echo. But being the lady she is, she told me that it will be hard to tell Alexa to “Shut up!” Well, it worked effectively on me any time I tried to talk during “Downton Abbey.”

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

New opportunities It’s a new gardening decade, with lots of new opportunities starting right now! So let’s talk gardening. Plant: • Onions and English peas in late January. • Asaparagus from dormant 2-year-old roots bought at a local nursery or feed store. Prepare their planting bed carefully because the plants will be in place for many years. First harvest will come after two years. • Fruit trees, grapes and blackberries of varieties recommended for Parker and surrounding counties. You’re most likely to find them in independent retail garden centers or by mail from Texas-based sources. Large national stores do their buying from other states. • Pansies, violas, snapdragons, pinks, Iceland poppies, sweet alyssum, larkspurs, wallflowers and other cold-hardy annuals. • Finish all digging and transplanting of established trees and shrubs that you intend to move while they are still dormant. Prune: • Summer-flowering shrubs and vines, but remember that you can never justify topping crape myrtles. It is a senseless act that ruins their natural shape. It does not improve their blooming and it does not keep them shorter – they grow right back. • Evergreen shrubs as needed to reshape, but as much as possible, avoid formal shearing. • Peach and plum trees to establish bowl shapes of their scaffold

branching by removing all strongly vertical shoots. • Grapes to remove as much as 80 or 85 percent of their cane growth annually. Such heavy pruning will result in larger clusters of higher quality fruit. • Mistletoe from tree branches where it is practical. It’s best to remove it while it is just becoming established on small twigs. Clip off the entire twigs. There is no effective spray that will kill the parasite without harming the tree. Fertilize: • Pansies and other cool-season color plants with water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer with every watering to keep them growing acby Neil Sperry tively. Gardening Expert • Established asparagus late in month with ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) fast-release nitrogen to promote rapid development of new spears. • Newly transplanted trees, shrubs with liquid root stimulator monthly to help them become established.

Timely Tips

On the Lookout: • Insects such as scales, mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies building up on houseplants. There are no natural predators indoors, so these pests can accumulate quickly. Use an insecticide labeled for use on tender houseplants. Repeat as needed. • Apply horticultural oil late in month to protect pecans and fruit trees, many types of shrubs from scale insects and other pests. Read and follow label directions carefully for best results.

January 2020

n Plant of the Month: Flowering Quince Your grandmamma probably grew this plant, even if she didn’t live around here. It’s been a staple in American landscapes for generations, but it’s pretty much been ignored for the past 40 or 50 years. Modernday plant breeders have been busy and they’ve introduced some stunning new shades of brighter red, salmon pink, bright white and more. Slowly a few folks are starting to get NEIL SPERRY back on the Flowering quince bandwagon. The facts you’ll need to know… • Botanically, it’s Chaenomeles speciosa, although hybrids are common. • It’s a shrub in the Rose Family, closely related to apples, which explains the fruit you’ll occasionally see on the plants. • Not the source of edible quince you see in groceries, this one is mainly ornamental. • Best in full sun or light shade. • Grows to 5 to 6 ft. tall and wide. Some hybrids are more compact. • Branches thickly, often with thorns. • Blooms in January and February. Flowers precede leaves. Late freezes can damage flowers. • Plants are beautiful while blooming, much less so thereafter. As a result, best used toward the back of the landscape. • Watch for them in nurseries during bloom season. They sell very quickly.

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January 2020

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Jimmy Earl Williams Dec. 22, 2019

n Alyce Bailey Freeman Dec. 10, 2019

n Angiel Cordle Nov. 20, 2019

n Valentino Valtierra Nov. 22, 2019

n Raymond M. Orff Dec. 22, 2019

n Patricia Ann Nash Dec. 8, 2019

n Dollie Loretta Taylor Nov. 29, 2019

n Dora F. Lockhart Nov. 26, 2019

n Dennie Eugene Taylor Dec. 13, 2019

n Johnny Ray Surginer Dec. 9, 2019

n Robert W. Bartholomew Dec. 2, 2019

n Paula Anne White Nov. 22, 2019

n Ted Lewis Curtis Dec. 20, 2019

n Ronald Ray Baker Dec. 6, 2019

n Mason Mullins Nov. 28, 2019

n Pam Ellis Nov. 20, 2019

n Janet Lee Wright Dec. 14, 2019

n Richard E. Scott Dec. 10, 2019

n Sharon L. Forbes Nov. 30, 2019

n Romayne McCreary Nov. 17, 2019

n Larry Lemnuel Brown Dec. 8, 2019

n Paul David Martino Dec. 7, 2019

n Gerald Deene Springer Nov. 30, 2019

n Ed Crozier Nov. 20, 2019

n Margaret Dyfain Horn Dec. 11, 2019

n Beverly Ann Railsback Dec. 8, 2019

n Linda Carol Freiley Nov. 29, 2019

n Adolfo Arellano Nov. 14, 2019

n Esther Espinosa Gatewood Dec. 11, 2019

n Marjorie Stickney Dec. 5, 2019

n Donald Lee Strait, Sr. Nov. 29, 2019

n Thelma Louise Austin Troy Dec. 7, 2019

n Nellie Jo Holloway Dec. 4, 2019

n Loretta Gorman Dec. 9, 2019

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

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

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2020