January 2021

Hoopla January 2021

• Sweet times recalled by Blue Belles founder • Karaoke queen finds her strength in music • Winter planting tips from Neil Sperry

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2021

Helping Hands 2020 may be behind us, but charities throughout the nation continue to struggle to meet the needs of those suffering due to the pandemic.

If every Hoopla reader donated only a couple of new or gentlyused items, it would have a dramatic impact.

COURTESY

Retired school personnel request December 2020valentines for seniors

Parker County Senior Center The senior center is accepting non-perishable canned goods, dry goods (unexpired) and cash donations. The center is located at 1225 Holland Lake Drive in Weatherford. Call 817-596-4640 to verify office hours.

Manna Storehouse Gently-used and new household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies and canned goods are needed at Manna, located at 129 E. Spring Street in Weatherford.

Center of Hope The center serves thousands of Weatherford area residents each year. Non-perishable food items are needed at the food pantry, located at 1318 Clear Lake Road.

Please drop items at the back pantry door. Call 817-594-0266 ext.

309 for more information.

Azle Community Care Center Serving thousands in the Azle area, this center accepts household items in new or good condition at the back donation door during our business hours. Furniture and mattresses are not accepted. Call 817-270-2962 for business hours. The pantry is located at 317 Commerce Street in Azle.

Parker County Retired School Personnel has continued with service projects throughout the pandemic. Above, the club’s Songbirds are shown caroling at Autumn Hill Manor. Pictured are Laurie Jones, Pam Long, Kathryn Jordan, Debbie Pipes and Karen Cook. At left are Karan Haynes, DruAnn Starnes and Carla Coffey as they accepted drive-by donations to the PCRSP Children’s Book Project. You are invited to join the club’s next project – supplying individuals who live in care facilities with valentines. Unsigned valentines can be brought to the office of First Baptist Church of Weatherford, 306 Palo Pinto Street, and put through the mail drop slot near the front door. Call Debbie at 817-994-1658 with questions.

SUDOKU nDifficulty: Sudoku Easy (Puzzle solution is on P. 12.)

COURTESY

7 2 1 1 5 9 8 9 3 5 1 7 2 6 6 8 2 1 5 1 4 6 3 4 6 Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

Edited by Margie E. Burke

Hoopla

HOW TO SOLVE: January 2021

5, Issue 2 EachVolume row must © 2021 Hoopla. All rights reserved. contain numbers Hoopla isthe published monthly and available at more than 45 locations in 1 to 9;County. eachForcolumn Parker a complete list of distribution points, go to our website must contain theWe no at www.hooplamagazine.com. longer offer home delivery. You can numbers to 9; contact us at 1 Hoopla, P.O. and Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086. each set of 3 by 3 817-894-1822 boxes must contain seniors@hooplamagazine.com the numbers 1 to 9.

Publisher

Cynthia Henry

(Answer appears elseContributors whereLara in Cook this• issue) Rick Mauch

Neil Sperry • Dick Wolfsie

Copy Editor

Jean Henderson

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January 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

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COURTESY

Blue Belles team, under the direction of then-director Nika Carter, pictured at right, showcases favorite ice cream flavors for a promotional photo shoot.

Former Blue Belles director recalls sweet times at WHS

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent In Weatherford, Texas, the term Blue Belle does not mean ice cream.

It’s the name of one of the most renowned high school dance teams in the state, even the entire southwest.

And it’s a subject Nika Carter, the creator of the Blue Belles, can talk about for as long as anyone will listen, even though she retired as their director 10 years ago.

“The Kangaroo Kuties lost their director in December of 1981. Bob Lee, WHS principal; Joe Tison, assistant superintendent; and Raymond Curtis, superintendent, asked me to recreate the dance team,” Carter recalled.

“We changed the name to the Blue Belles, and they allowed me to live the

dream of teaching dance. We went from 14 Kuties that spring to 65 Blue Belles.”

“Nika used her energy and creativity to begin and grow the legacy of the Blue Belles. She is an excellent role model for young dancers and young women,” current director Laura Buckner said. “I learned so many invaluable lessons from her as the assistant director.”

The program has been going strong for the four decades since its launch. They’ve performed from coast to coast, and are consistently in high demand.

“We wanted something simple yet classy,” Carter said of the name. “Blue was a school color, and belle in French means beautiful lady. It seemed like a perfect fit.”

Carter’s own background in dancing includes having been a captain of the Kangaroo Kuties two years.

She was also a member of the worldfamous Tyler Junior College Apache Belles.

Under Carter’s leadership, the Blue Belles accumulated a list of accomplishments that might stretch to Mineral Wells. They include: *Earning the title of national champions at the Showtime International Contest in 2011, Carter’s final year at the helm. *Earning numerous titles of grand champions at competition. *Dancing at Dallas Mavericks, TCU, and Dallas Cowboys games. *Performing at many college bowl games, including the Orange Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Cot-

COURTESY

ton Bowl, Independence Bowl. *Performing at the 1986 Bicentennial Statue of Liberty Celebration. *Performing several times on Carnival cruise ships. *Took performance trips to places such as New York City, Disney World, Jamaica, and Hawaii. *Performing in the Adolphus Christmas parade for many years, as See BLUE BELLES, P. 4

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

BLUE BELLES From Page 3

well as the Hall of Fame Bowl parades and Cotton Bowl parades. In fact, they were the featured performers at halftime of the 2000 Cotton Bowl.

“What an honor to open the new millennium at the Cotton Bowl festivities. We spent New Year’s Eve at the Southfork Ranch,” Carter said excitedly.

The Blue Belles were also the featured performers for Kids of America Nationals at the Lowes Anatole, which allowed them the opportunity to make a new fan - someone most of them had been a fan of for some time.

“The Belle officers met and took promo pictures with Tom Cruise for Top Gun,” Carter exclaimed.

“We danced with celebrities like Gene Kelly, Gladys Night and the Pips, Shirley MacLaine and Liza Minelli,” Carter reflected on the Bicentennial Celebration in the Meadowlands, New Jersey.

“I actually got knocked down by Gene Kelly during a stage change at the show. He was so gracious and helped me up.”

And, of course they helped with an ad for Blue Bell ice cream, one of Carter’s favorite memories. It was a photo shoot.

“We had a blast. Every Belle brought an empty tub of their favorite flavor,” Carter remembered. “We started posing with them just in front of each girl, but it developed into everyone acting like they were eating it, or excited to eat. It was blown up to poster size and hung up in the offices of Blue Bell in Brenham for a long time. It may still be there.”

There were also countless performances locally for parades, Optimist, Lions and Rotary clubs, city events such as Christmas on the Square, and performing at Weatherford College events routinely. Carter also takes great pride in what she and her girls did to help

January 2021

came one of the first school the community.

They went to nursing districts in Texas to offer a full homes and senior assisted curriculum of dance to their living centers to perform students. and visit with the resiIn the 1990s, Weatherford dents. Each summer they began offering dance classes sold and served concesto all students in grades 7-12. sions at the Parker County “When I retired, we had Rodeo for the Lions Club. approximately 450 dance They rang the Salvation students in four schools with Army bell at Christmas. two teachers. We had four “I think I’m most proud teams, the Hall Highsteppers, of all the civic service the Tison All-Stars, JV Jazz, and Belles did throughout the the Blue Belles. We also had years,” she said.

Dance PE at all four campusCarter said what she es,” Carter said. believes has separated Today, Carter is the Texas the Blue Belles from other Field Coordinator for Just For programs is that they have Kix dance, and she teaches always been more than a classes in Weatherford and dance team.

Aledo for ages 3 years and up.

“They are a sisterhood.

This is her 10th year at JFK, We taught life lessons and and she is creating new memmet lifelong friends as well ories with new dancers. as danced together,” she “I love watching new dancCOURTESY said. “The Forever Belles ers come alive with the art Nika Carter performing as a Kangaroo Kutie alumni group are very acand live their dream. The at Weatherford High School in the late 1970s. tive and stay in touch.”

Belles taught me something Carter retired as direcevery day. I loved every mintor after her daughter Shelby graduated in 2011. ute of my teaching career and am blessed by all the Shelby was the Blue Belles’ 30th line captain. young ladies who believed in the organization as “It was such a blessing to culminate my career by sharing my love of the Belles with my daughter Shel- well,” she said. “I’m grateful for all the parents who stood by me to create this award-winning program, by. It doesn’t get any better than that so I was ready and am thankful for an administration and school to retire and begin a new career with Just For Kix, teaching our new generation of dancers,” Carter said. district that gave my dream a chance to influence “I was blessed to teach thousands of Belles, and I will their students. It was truly a team effort in every way.” treasure the opportunity forever.”

Behind Carter’s influence, Weatherford ISD be-

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, THE PORTAL TO TEXAS HISTORY, HTTPS://TEXASHISTORY.UNT.EDU; CREDITING WEATHERFORD COLLEGE.

Were you there?

It’s been 60 years since Texans lined up to attend Convair’s open house. Families from all over the state were treated to a simulated B-58 Hustler bombing mission and also had a chance to tour the Fort Worth facility, which was later called General Dynamics.

The company is best known for its military aircraft, but it also manufactured the first Atlas rockets, including the rockets used for the crewed orbital flights of Project Mercury.

In the late 1950s, the company entered the jet airliner business with its Convair 880. Former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Jim Wright, pictured far right, toured a newly-constructed 880 in 1958.

Wright had previously served as Weatherford’s mayor from 1950-1954.

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January 2021

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

What’s so funny?

My wife and I have been getting along so well during the pandemic, I don’t think we realize how unhappy we are. I don’t mean unhappy with each other; I mean antsy from being home all the time.

We are more hunkered down now than we were in early summer.

Mary Ellen has decided that with the increased COVID cases during the holidays, I should not be popping in and out of stores.

I will follow this advice, because I do have an underlying condition: I’m scared to death of her.

To keep the romance alive, I have tried very hard to make sure Mary Ellen is aware that I am staying involved with whatever she is doing. For example, if she is looking at something on the computer and says “Awww…”, I’ll ask: “What’s so cute?”

At that point she asks me to scoot my chair over and look at the YouTube video. Of a kitten. And I watch it. For. Six. Endless. Minutes.

If she is downstairs on the treadmill watching a show on her iPad and I hear her laughing uproariously, I trudge down to the lower level and ask her, “What’s so funny?”

Let’s say it’s a Grace and Frankie episode. She’ll patiently describe to me the entire set-up — which is something no person can really ever successfully accomplish. But I giggle anyway. That’s what good husbands do.

The other day, I realized she seldom asks about my own audible reaction to videos or something I am reading. For example, recently we were sitting next to each other on the couch while I looked at my laptop at an amazing story.

At one point, I belted out: “Wow, that is really weird.” There was no reaction, no apparent curiosity to

Carry On

by Dick Wolfsie Humorist see what had triggered that response from me. She just continued with whatever she was reading.

Minutes later, as a little experiment, I tried a different tactic. “Oh dear!” I exclaimed, looking directly at her, “this is just terrible news.”

No response. Her eyes remained focused on her own material. I tried again. This time I burst out laughing. Ha ha ha ha ha…HO! (I threw in that extra HO! just for the Christmas season. Still nothing.)

One final try. While watching a video posted on social media, I pretended to cry. Bawling my eyes out.

Mary Ellen was sitting right next to me, still concentrating on something. When I got no response, I said: “Mary Ellen, I’ve been sobbing for two minutes. Don’t you want to ask me something?”

“I’m sorry. Do you want a tissue?”

I then explained to her why her lack of interest and curiosity bothered me.

“Dick, unlike you, I am always very focused when I am working on something. I block out everything else. Remember, I’m the one who does our taxes, oversees our healthcare coverage, and carefully analyzes our investments.”

I was embarrassed. I was being self-centered and needy. “I am so sorry, Mary Ellen. You do handle most of the important responsibilities in the household, so what were you doing when I was weeping for two minutes?”

“Sudoku.”

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2021

Karaoke queen’s comeback Medical condition led Azle woman to musical career

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Music has many amazing qualities.

It is said to soothe the savage beast.

It can turn a bad day into a good one.

And, in the case of Raeann Holland of Azle, it may very well have saved her life. It also opened the door for her to bring enjoyment to many others.

“Back in 2011, I started having Gran Mal seizures out of nowhere. They increased in severity, having them several times a week lasting for upwards of 45 minutes at a time, leaving me absolutely exhausted for a minimum of three days after having one,” she recalled. “It changed my life as I knew it.

I could no longer work. I had to close my business. The State of Texas, understandably, took away my driver’s license.

“The many neurologists, doctors, etc. I went to could find no reason for it, other than I was ‘slipping away.’”

She was only 45 at the time. The condition became so dangerous that she could not be left alone. Her brain was literally shutting down. She would be caught doing things like walking in front of cars, though she knew she was not supposed to.

Then, she discovered music. She had no prior experience in the field and no idea how to play an instrument, but she was compelled to push forward.

COURTESY

Raeann Holland of Azle overcame a serious medical setback and gained a new career.

It turned out to be the best decision of her life – a life that might have ended prematurely had she not listened to her inner self.

“It chose me. Every morning I was brought into my living room to sit in this red leather recliner. I hate it now.

It reminds me of dying. I don’t have it anymore,” she said. “But I started telling my husband I needed a guitar.

He said, ‘Why? You don’t play.’ I said I know.

“The feeling was so incredibly

strong. I cannot tell you it was anything more than a God thing. But I would sit in that chair having my fits, aka seizures, thinking I needed a guitar.

So her husband, Russell, bought Raeann her first guitar, a Yamaha. During her next seizure she laid the guitar on her body and simply strummed it.

“It was intuitive, like my brain and my body knew it is what I needed to heal,” she said. “Every single day, I picked up that guitar, clueless to what

to do with her, but I just knew without a doubt she was my lifeline to living.

The vibration of the guitar calmed my seizure. It didn’t stop it but it helped me so much.”

Now she plays guitar, ukulele, percussion and a little mandolin. She is also a songwriter with a CD entitled “Riptide” out on all the streaming media, Apple, Spotify, iTunes, etc.

“Let’s just say God decided it was See HOLLAND, P. 10

J

January 2021

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2021

HOLLAND From Page 8

time to make music her main course, and she has not looked back,” Russell said.

“God had a plan for me, and I also have a true and absolute passion for what I do. It is my absolute calling,” she said excitedly.

She’s also the lead singer in some bands, something else she never dreamed of before her health issues.

“My brain basically rewired itself to accommodate this new lifestyle,” she said.

“My music career is one I’m so very proud of. I started out like many do, I suppose – singing karaoke to have fun mainly. My first time out, this amazing guitarist approached me with his card and said he wanted to work with me, and as they say the rest is history.”

Of course things have changed some since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, but she was regularly playing in bars, restaurants, music festivals, weddings, private events, senior living facilities. You name it, she pretty much played it. She became a full-time musician and promoter.

“COVID and its challenges ... well, it pretty much made me and all of my fellow musicians unemployed overnight,” she said. “I’m also a licensed massage therapist for 20 years, and that also left me with great challenges. But I, as well as others, persevere.”

She’s confident she will return to performing, and in the meantime she plays all the time at home. Holland said when she’s performing it’s “euphoria, an out-of-body experience.”

“Music has become such an important part of my life at this point because I absolutely adore people,” she said. “This allows me to bring people together, mentor others, help the youth get started in this industry.”

She started the first open mic nights in Azle five years ago. Now, like her, several others are going strong.

Holland does not come from a musical family. She did, however, find out an interesting tidbit about a relative.

“I did not know this until very re-

Raeann Holland

COURTESY

cently, but my paternal grandfather was a drummer and had a radio show,” she said.

As with most musicians, Holland has stories, many are funny.

“One would be my duo, J & Rae Acoustic Duo, was playing a fourhour show in a very smoky saloon.

We played from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. It was always packed until midnight,” she recalled. “Now, at about midnight my partner, Jeremy, would go take his smoke break, because honestly all we were playing to was my husband, the bartender (who was already Lysol-ing down the tables) and two very drunk girls at the bar.

“This guy comes rolling in a wheelchair with a prosthetic leg over his lap. He wants us to play ‘Gimme Three Steps’ (by Lynyrd Skynyrd). We both just lost it.”

Holland uses her newfound talent to help the community, such as assisting small businesses by doing volunteer shows at their locations.

She also mentors youth learning music, including a Junior Jam to teach them the ins and outs of the industry.

“I have often said that at the beginning of this crazy journey it was like waking up after years in a coma in a foreign country that you do not speak the language,” she said. “I lost family, I lost friends, but I somehow have found my true self.”

January 2021

Peach Dumplings Leftover crescent rolls transform into a winter’s night delight Need a winter’s night pick-me-up? Grab those crescent rolls you have leftover from the holidays and throw together this delicious dessert with peaches or whatever fruit you have on hand.

Ingredients: Two whole large peaches Two 8 oz cans crescent rolls Two sticks butter 1-1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla Cinnamon, to taste 1 1/2 cups orange juice n Peel and pit peaches. (You can substitute with apples, cherries or berries.) n If you’re using peaches, cut them both into 8 slices. n Roll each peach slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. n Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. n Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over peaches. n Pour orange juice around the edges of the pan. n Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. n Extra yummy when served with ice cream.

Spoon some of the sweet sauce from the pan over the top.

n Find The Frog Jan Ford of Hudson Oaks found him. Did you?

The frog was on Page 2 of last month’s issue (sitting on fabric). To enter this month’s contest, submit your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog at left) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine.com.

Contestants will be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 gift certificates. Read next month’s issue to see if you’ve won. Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Crossword ACROSS 1 Selma event of 1965 6 Old Spice rival 10 Annoy 14 Flaming 15 Husky burden 16 Geometric measure 17 Mount Vernon, for one 18 City on Monterey Bay 20 Heated discussions 22 Group of lions 23 Casino area 24 Pekoe vessel 26 Think hard 30 Ketcham's Dennis, e.g.

33 Anagram for "rule" 34 Fragrance 36 Tartan cap 37 Never-ending 40 Glacial deposit 42 Census statistic 43 Verbal white flag 45 Welcome benefit 46 Like some yogurt 48 Sealed 51 Kermit's creator 53 Request starter 54 Unemotional 56 Pie chart alternatives 61 Rent sharer 63 Acquired kin 64 Give the boot 65 In the thick of 66 Integra maker

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by Margie E. Burke 6

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Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate

67 Bugs, to Elmer 68 Fiesta fare 69 Studly sorts DOWN 1 Cass of 60's music 2 Miles away 3 Smoke or napkin follower 4 Casino dealer 5 Solitary sort 6 Part of AARP, briefly 7 Praise effusively 8 On edge 9 Big name in home security

10 French leader after Hollande 11 Annoyance 12 Clash of clans 13 Unnerve 19 Show one's face 21 Flight board abbr.

25 Bullets and such 26 Unarmed, in slang 27 Expenditure 28 Plant-growing site 29 After-bath powder 31 Camp craft

32 35 38 39 41 44 47 49 50 52 54 55 57 58 59 60

Correct Sign of trouble Subtlety Aardvark's fare State of limbo Crackpot Spirited Texter's "Wow!" Outcast Bush successor Go on a spree See the sights Make over Pudding fruit Tortoise racer White-plumed swimmer 62 Welcome ___

Difficulty: Easy

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2021

7 2 1 1 5 9 9 3 5 1 7 2 6 6 8 2 5 1 4 6 3 4 6

Consider these year-end financial moves just on “paper” at that point? Did you We’re nearing the end of 2020 – and for many of us, it will be a relief to turn even sell investments to “cut your the calendar page on this challenglosses” without waiting for a maring year. However, we’ve still got a few ket recovery? If so, you might want to weeks left, which means you have consult with a financial professional time to make some year-end financial to determine if your investment mix is moves that may work in your favor. still appropriate for your goals and risk Here are a few suggestions: tolerance, or if you need to make some Add to your IRA. For the 2020 tax changes. year, you can put in up to $6,000 to Evaluate your need for retireyour traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,000 ment plan withdrawals. If you are 72 if you’re 50 or older. If you haven’t or older, you must start taking withreached this limit, consider adding drawals – technically called required some money. You actually have until minimum distributions, or RMDs – April 15, 2021, to contribute to your from your traditional IRA and your IRA for 2020, but 401(k) or similar the sooner you retirement plan. put the money in, Typically, you must the quicker it can take these RMDs go to work for

by Mary H. McDow by December 31 evyou. Plus, if you ery year. However, Edward Jones Adviser have to pay taxes the Coronavirus in April, you’ll Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus be less likely to contribute to your IRA (CARES) Act suspended, or waived, all then.

RMDs due in 2020. If you’re in this age Make an extra 401(k) payment. If group, but you don’t need the money, it’s allowed by your employer, put in a you can let your retirement accounts little extra to your 401(k) or similar recontinue growing on a tax-deferred tirement plan. And if your salary goes basis. up next year, increase your regular Think about the future. Are you contributions. saving enough for your children’s colSee your tax advisor. It’s possible lege education? Are you still on track that you could improve your tax situtoward the retirement lifestyle you’ve ation by making some investment-reenvisioned? Or have your retirement lated moves. For example, if you sold plans changed as a result of the pansome investments whose value has in- demic? All of these issues can affect creased, you could incur capital gains your investment strategies, so you’ll taxes. To offset these gains, you could want to think carefully about what desell other investments that have lost cisions you may need to make. value, assuming these investments are Looking back – and ahead – can no longer essential to your financial help you make the moves to end 2020 strategy. Your tax advisor can evaluate on a positive note and start 2021 on this type of move, along with others, to the right foot. determine those that may be appropriate for your situation.

Review your investment mix. As you consider your portfolio, think about the events of these past 12 This article was written by Edmonths and how you responded to ward Jones for use by your local them. When COVID-19 hit early in Edward Jones Financial Adviser, the year, and the financial markets Mary H. McDow, 102 Houston Ave., plunged, did you find yourself worrySuite 203, 817-598-0882. Member ing constantly about the losses you were taking, even though they were SPIC

Copyright 2020 by The Puzzle Syndicate UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, PORTAL TO TEXAS HISTORY, HTTPS://TEXASHISTORY.UNT.EDU; CREDITING WEATHERFORD COLLEGE

A change in scenery

Money Matters

This is a photo of Weatherford College in 1950, shortly after the college split ties with Southwestern University in Georgetown. The new college district was formed in 1949. The president in 1950, Dr. L.B. Plummer,would be shocked to see how this area has changed. The old college stood where CVS stands today on Main Street.

Solution to Sudoku:

Solution to Crossword: M A M A

A F A R

R I N G

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

H A E S R S M E N I T T A T A N A L U N C A T N S O C B E M A A M T A

F L A T T E R L U N A T I C

T E N S E

A D T A P A P M E O M A M O R E N O P M A R G R E I D A O H

M A C R O N

I R R I T A T A I B O E N Y A P N L C U E M

F E U D

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C A N O E

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S W A N

9 7 3 4 1 5 6 2 8

6 2 1 8 7 3 5 4 9

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5 6 9 2 4 7 1 8 3

1 4 2 3 6 8 9 7 5

2 9 6 5 8 4 7 3 1

3 1 4 7 9 2 8 5 6

7 5 8 6 3 1 4 9 2

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1958

BUTANE CO. INC. PROPANE SALES & SERVICE

817-594-2612

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

Tank Sales • Leasing • Gas Grills • Gas Logs

January 2021

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HOW TO SOLVE:

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, eachnever set fail. of 3They byare 3 new every For His compassions contain morning; Greatboxes is Your must faithfulness.

3:22-23 the numbers 1Lamentations to 9.

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Moving forward into 2021 with grace 8

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2 1 3

As we move into 2021, there are so many things on (Answer appears elseour minds. Somewhere of us wonder how this year will go. in this issue) What kind of goals do we make? How do we plan for a year in the midst of a pandemic? We may not know what this year holds, but our Heavenly Father does.

Usually with the turn of the calendar on December 31, we reflect on the year behind us and look forward with anticipation and expectation to the year ahead.

This year, instead of reflecting on the year itself and the events of the year, I am going to reflect on two things – what I learned this past year, and what I know to be true about God in ANY year.

Some things I learned this year: This year I learned how much I really care about my relationship with God and the people in my life.

When it felt like the world was coming to an end, I started reaching for all that is most important. I realized that I couldn’t care less about any possession I have as long as I had my family and my friends. I realized that God, and my relationship with Him, is far more important than anything else. I was afraid at times, and I worried and had a little anxiety, but I found great comfort in telling myself over and over what I knew to be true – God is in control.

I know that God is sovereign. I know that God is in control and He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. I know He keeps His promises. I know He loves me, He sees me, He hears me, and He cares. He provides. He heals. He conquers. He is my safe place. He comforts. I know I can trust Him. He never fails.

We can face 2021 with anticipation and expectation because our God is faithful, and we can trust Him with whatever is ahead. We can trust Him because He has been there for us every step of the way. We can look back with gratefulness at all He has done and, with this gratefulness, we can build a bridge to all our tomorrows and all He will do there.

Gratefulness and remembering what He has done is what helps us trust Him with the unexpected and unwelcome times when they come – and as 2020 has more than proven – come they will.

We make a choice. We either choose to trust or not. When we worry, stress, or get anxious, we are not choosing to trust, and in effect, not choosing to believe that God is who we know He is. Those are hard words to swallow but they are the truth. In

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these moments, we forget what He has done, because we get totally wrapped up in ground shaking beneath our feet and the walls crumbling around us. We forget His faithfulness when it should be the first thing we reach for. This gratefulness to Him for all He has done will produce the trust we need for each new step, but it also produces joy in our hearts.

As you go into this new year, do all the new year

things, but instead of remembering all the crazy parts of 2020, remember what God has done for you and what you have

by Lara Cook learned from Him. Then trust North Side Him. Trust Him with each new Baptist Church day there is breath in your lungs.

Trust Him with all the hard things. Trust Him in the unwelcome moments. He is faithful and He will lead us and guide us through this new year.

Life in Grace

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

January 2021

Put onions in the ground soon Let’s hope our lives can get back to a more normal pace in this new year that we thought would never come. Most of us are totally ready.

Plant: • Asparagus from 2-year-old crowns early in month. Set 6-8 inches deep into well-prepared garden soil, preferably toward the back of the garden so they can remain undisturbed for many years.

• Onions and Sugar Snap (and related) English peas last week of January.

• Dig and relocate established trees and shrubs you want to transplant this month while they are dormant. This must be done before they start sending out new growth in late winter/early spring.

Prune: • Summer-flowering shrubs and vines. Remember that you should never “top” crape myrtles for any purported reason. It is the quickest way to ruin their natural looks forever.

• Evergreen shrubs as needed to correct uneven growth, but try to maintain natural growth forms.

• Peach and plum trees to maintain bowl shape and outward growth. Remove all strongly vertical shoots.

• Grape vines to remove as much as 80-85 percent of cane growth.

That will result in fewer clusters of grapes but of far greater quality.

• Shade trees as needed to remove damaged or unwanted branches. Do not leave stubs where branches have been removed. Seal all cut ends of oak branches with

Timely Tips

by Neil Sperry Gardening Expert

pruning paint.

Fertilize: • Cool-season annuals such as pansies, violas and pinks with high-nitrogen, water-soluble plant food every couple of weeks.

• Asparagus plantings late in month with ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) to stimulate new spear production for the year.

• Houseplants monthly with diluted water-soluble plant food to maintain their good foliar color and vigor, but not so much as to promote new growth in dark winter conditions.

On the Lookout: • Houseplants for signs of spider mites, mealy bugs and other pests that are likely to show up in dry, indoor conditions when protected from natural predators.

• Spot-treat for cool-season weeds such as clover, dandelions and thistles with a broadleafed weedkiller. Read and follow label instructions relative to rainfall and temperature.

• Have your soil tested now by the Texas A&M Soil Testing Laboratory (address and instructions are available through their website). Avoid the spring rush that will come in a month or two.

NEIL SPERRY

The dreamy moth orchid blooms from mid-winter to spring.

Plant of the Month: Moth Orchid Many gardeners know them by the scientific name of their genus, Phalaenopsis. Many of us who have grown different types of orchids have decided that these are the easiest of them all. They thrive in “people conditions,” that is in average humidity and with temperatures ranging from 65 or 70 to 85 degrees.

Phalaenopsis orchids bloom from mid-winter through spring (although many will bloom sporad-

ically at other seasons). Their flowers are most commonly white or light purple, pinks and purples are quite common as well.

The blooms are produced on elongated stems. Buds will keep opening over a two-month period.

I generally allow mine to start to shrivel before I trim them back at all, and I usually leave green stalks in place in the chance that they will kick out new flower stalks a month or two later – they often do.

January 2021

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n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Margaret Ann Weber December 19 n Roger Allen Ames December 18 n Roger Allen Orff December 16 n Neal Brister December 16 n Maria Margarita Debesa December 15 n Susan Marie Mueller December 15 n Betty Maxine Biggers December 15 n Paul Williamson December 14 n Lola Kay Cachard December 13 n Michael Gene Kincaid December 12 n Ruby Shackelford December 12

n Shirlie A. Reister December 11 n Annette Burk December 11 n Earl King December 11 n Johnnie Max Wheeler December 10 n Roy Lynn Ferris December 10 n Tom R. Adams December 9 n Shirley Ann Garrett December 8 n Michael E. Nickell December 7 n Charles Delbert Pyeatt, Jr. December 6 n Ola Fay Denman Heflin December 5 n Jeanette Wilmer December 4

n Joe Patrick Crippes December 3 n Dewla Jean Hodges December 3 n Adrian Carlile December 3 n Jay Mooneyham December 3 n Esther Carrie Procter December 2 n Jeffery Alvin Grimes December 2 n Rev. Timothy Hughes December 2 n Elbert Estes December 2 n Billy Ray Henson December 1 n James Henry Nelson December 1 n Dewey Dwayne Mills December 1

n Earline Shivers November 30 n Richard T. Sharpe November 30 n Alyssa Baltzell November 30 n Laura Marie Lack November 29 n Marijo Browning Elliott November 28 n Kevin Kronenberger November 26 n Amy Nicole Berkner November 26 n James Hollis Maddux November 25 n Wendal Hoover November 25 n Jesse Lee Thurman November 23 n Eva Luisa Garcia November 23

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

913 N. Elm St., Weatherford, TX 76086

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

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

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

Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel

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

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January 2021