June 2023

Spotlighting North Central Texas Seniors

June 2023

Hoopla

Wade into summer fun with Hoopla’s ultimate senior activity guide

P. 16-18

Also Inside:

Fort Worth organization feeds hundreds at veterans luncheon each month

Beloved pastor retiring after 25 years at one of Weatherford’s largest churches

Granbury man making a difference in students’ lives through leadership and philanthropy

Azle senior recalls fury of typhoon

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better June 2023

RetRo WoRd Find

Happy 90th, Carol Burnett!

Word list:

Comedienne

Texas Native Mop

Eunice

Mamas Family

Ear

Went With The Wind

Wiggins

Tarzan

Curtains

As the Stomach Turns

Chiquita

Fireside Chat

Zelda

Garry Moore Show

Mother Marcus

Nora Desmond

The Queen

Rhoda Dimple

Mae East

Julia Wild

Primetime Emmies

Mark Twain Prize

Life Achievement Award

Tony Awards

Slapstick

Parodies

Satire

Annie

Once Upon a Mattress

Kennedy Center Honor Presidential Medal

P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Tx 76086 817-894-1822

June 2023 Volume 7, Issue 6

© 2023 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla, published monthly, serves Parker, Hood and Tarrant counties.

Home delivery ($15) is available by calling 817-894-1822.

As a REALTOR®, Cynthia understands the decision to move can be difficult, especially for seniors. She can help you navigate your choices and wants to serve as a resource and guide.

Cynthia can guide you through the process of selling or buying your home, making the transaction less stressful. And, as a senior or a veteran, you may qualify for special financing options.

As a business owner that serves Parker, Hood and Tarrant counties, she has vast knowledge of these communities and neighborhoods. Together, we can find the home of your dreams.

Cynthia Henry | CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Phone: 817-894-1822

Email: cynthiahenry@judgefite.com

Web: http://cynthiahenry.sites.c21.homes

Appreciating their sacrifice

Roll Call hosts monthly luncheons to honor veterans

by John English Hoopla Correspondent

Wherever veterans, military members and first responders can be found, Rick Irving is almost certain to be close by.

The Fort Worth native, who joined the United States Army in 1972 and attained the rank of Specialist 5th Class, volunteers for a number of organizations that work with people who serve or have served.

One such group is called Roll Call, a nonprofit whose mission statement is “to honor and serve our veterans by providing a regular venue for fellowship and camaraderie.”

The organization offers a monthly event for local veterans to do just that.

“It’s a free luncheon for veterans,” Irving said. “Typically, post-COVID, we have about 400 to 450 veterans and supporters that get together for a luncheon each month. We’ll have an ROTC or some other group come in and present the colors. Then one of the veterans will say the Pledge of Allegiance and somebody will sing the national anthem and say a prayer. Then we have a lot of volunteers that will come and serve the lunch at the

Veteran’s Appreciation Lunch

June 23: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Birchman Baptist Church

9100 N Normandale St, Fort Worth RSVP online at www.roll-call.org RICK IRVING

The luncheon is generally held at the Birchman Baptist Church Family Activity Center, located at 9100 N. Normandale St. in Fort Worth. Once a year, Roll Call holds the luncheon at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, which they did in April of this year with more than 800 veterans and military personnel in attendance. The group takes a hiatus in the month of July. To see the full schedule, visit www.roll-call.org, where you can also make reservations.

an honor.

“I do a lot of work with a lot of different organizations,” Irving said. “I volunteer for about 45 different groups doing photography. And most of those are military veteran or Gold Star Family-related organizations. That was how I got interested in Roll Call.”

Since 2017, the former army specialist estimates he has taken roughly 400,000 veteran photos, including at least 30 Medal of Honor recipients.

Irving, who works as a real estate broker, grew up in Fort Worth and attended Arlington Heights High School.

Shortly after graduating he joined the military and said that one of the things he likes the most about working with veterans groups is the sense of esprit de corps that exists among all servicemen and women, regardless of the manner in which they served.

“It doesn’t matter which branch of the service,” Irving said. “When you sit down with veterans, there’s a common bond.”

The Fort Worth man served four-and-

Monthly Roll Call luncheons honor veterans, like George Bettes (at right).

half years, and his wife, Susan, is also a veteran.

For the Irvings, service to the country is a bit of a family tradition.

“Both of our fathers were WWII veterans,” Irving said. “And then my grandfather was a WWI veteran. So it’s in my family.”

Irving said at the moment, a major goal of Roll Call is to try to draw in guest speakers from the Greatest Generation who attend the luncheons.

“We have some great speakers,” Irving said. “We’re trying to get as many WWII veterans as we can to tell their stories, because we are losing them at a rate of about 220 a day. In another five or six years, we won’t have any, because the youngest WWII veterans are about 94 or 95 years old.”

There is one WWII vet who currently speaks frequently at local veteran’s organizations and gatherings and provided

Irving with one of his happiest memories from his time volunteering.

“We have a WWII veteran whose name is Don Graves,” Irving said. “Don was a Marine who served in Iwo Jima. Don is a great asset to our group because he goes out and speaks to other groups. His specialty after he tells his story is to sing ‘God Bless America.’ One of my friends, Jeremy Lock, has a podcast called ‘Last Letters.’ He had Don on there a couple of months ago and asked him if he had anything left he wanted to do, because Don recently turned 98.

“Now Don is of Irish decent, and he said one thing left on his bucket list is to go to Ireland, go to a pub, have a pint and sing ‘Danny Boy’ celebrating his 98th birthday.”

Evidently, the community and fans around the world answered the call.

“They set up a Go Fund Me

page for him, and in no time, they had raised more than $10,000,” Irving said. “So they had a live video from Ireland where Don was at a pub, drinking his pint and singing ‘Danny Boy.’ It was great.”

Irving and Roll Call President Mary Staffeld, SMSgt, USAF Retired, have a podcast of their own called “Hometown Heroes,” which airs every Tuesday and can be found on Facebook.

Rick Irving, a former army specialist, is on the board of directors for Roll Call, a nonprofit that holds monthly veteran appreciation luncheons on the west side of Fort Worth.

RICK IRIVING

Quilter of the Month

Patti’s Last Resort has nominated Bonnie Rhoby of Granbury for the Quilter of the Month. Bonnie, who owned a longarm sewing business and quilt shop in Michgan, moved to Granbury a little over two years ago. Her passion for quilting led her to join the Granbury Quilting Guild. She’s now vice president of the group as well as the program director. Now that she’s retired, she quilts almost every day making mostly art quilts, like the one above titled “Sewing Seeds of Hope.” Bonnie handpainted the fabric for each piece of this quilt before putting it together. Her inspiration came from a poem that’s included on the upper lefthand corner of the quilt. It says, “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” It’s encouragement to start something new, and quilting may be something you’ve considered trying. Bonnie says at one time she was the most unlikely quilter you’d find. “I couldn’t even sew a button on a shirt,” she said. She says joining a quilting bee and taking a few classes will set you on the right path. “You can’t make a work of art on your first try,” she said. “It takes perseverance.” To nominate a Quilter of the Month, email seniors@hooplamagazine.com.

Happy Happens Here!

A Legacy of Ministry

Pastor Van N. Houser leaving North Side Baptist in Weatherford

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church Pastor’s Assistant

On the north side of Weatherford, towering high above surrounding buildings, stands a cross. The cross sits in the parking lot of a 125-year-old church, North Side Baptist Church (NSBC). Now in its 126th year, the legacy lives on strong, and part of that legacy is the retiring pastor, Van N. Houser. After 57 years in ministry, serving for 25 years at NSBC, he is stepping down from full-time ministry to enjoy the retired life. June 4 will be his last Sunday at North Side.

At one time, North Side Baptist Church was said to be “The Most Interesting Place in Town.” I can say with certainty that statement remains true, thanks in part to the influence of Van Houser, affectionately referred to as “Brother Van.” This church is truly one-of-a-kind and has been blessed to have Brother Van, who is an incredibly gifted leader, preacher, and speaker. In fact, if you did not already know, he is a national speaker.

Houser was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 6, 1947. After graduating from high school, he attended Baylor University where he received a combined bachelor’s degree in physical education and religion. He went on to achieve a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a young boy he knew he was called to the ministry, and he began serving in 1966. He served in a couple of churches as associate pastor/music minister/youth and pastor before taking a break from the pulpit to publicly speak on drug prevention, a subject that weighed heavy on his heart.

From 1985 -1998, Houser traveled across the country speaking about drug prevention. He established Van N. Houser Ministries Inc., a non-profit counseling and conference ministry. He founded and was president of the American Foundation for Drug Prevention. In May 1991, he established Keys to Prevention Consultant Services, where he continued his call to help parents, workplaces, schools, and cities fight the battle against drug addiction.

In September 1998, Van agreed to serve as interim pastor at North Side Baptist Church while the church conducted an extensive search for its next leader. Eventually, the search committee realized there was no one like Brother Van, so on Nov. 1, 1999, Van N. Houser became the 20th pastor of North Side Baptist Church.

His initial goal was to take a 100-year old church and make it relevant to the next generation.

“My joy has been to see the young couples and their families bonding and creating the fellowship of the future,” he said.

In the last 25 years, the church has seen countless transitions and increasing attendance. Some of the changes that happened under his leadership were the

new children’s building, the new worship center, the addition of contemporary worship, middle school ministry, preteen ministry, town hall meetings, agape dinner, involvement in missions – both local and foreign with a yearly missions banquet to celebrate, and so much more. The last 25 years have been transformational for North Side, and the church has been privileged to have Brother Van leading the way.

He’s also played an important role in fundraising for non-profits throughout the community by leading the church to make a difference through ministry and involvement.

No one has a bigger heart and more love for people than Brother Van. He loves the people of North Side and the community of Weatherford and has been committed to making as many positive changes as he can during his time here.

During one of his sermons to senior adults, Brother Van reminded them that you never really get to quit ministry until God says so. You may “retire,” but God will continue to use you where you are.

God uses us in every season of our lives, and I am sure that Brother Van will be ministering to others wherever he goes. It is a part of who he is.

When asked what his favorite memory

Van N. Houser will step down as pastor of North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford on June 4.

was of his time here, he responded that it was singing “The Lighthouse” with Gary Wood, minister of music at NSBC for more than 30 years.

Van and Gary served together and made a unique team as they complimented each other well. Members looked forward to what was often affectionately called “The Van and Gary Show,” which took place during the announcements portion of every service. They light-heartedly joked with one another, and sometimes about one another. Gary was the recipient more often, but occasionally he would get the best of Brother Van with everyone cheering him on. It’s that camaraderie that Houser will miss most.

“I’ll miss hearing my staff sharing and laughing in the main office. I love them dearly,” he said.

But, even though he’s leaving, he’s not saying goodbye.

“Eventually I hope to return as a member after giving some time for the congregation to get a new pastor,” he said.

And, as with anyone transitioning to retirement, he does look forward to taking a well-deserved break.

“Probably the biggest thing I look forward to is not writing a term paper every week, and having a sermon on my mind day and night,” he said. “Secondly, the freedom to have a weekend free to go see my family more and travel with friends. When my sister and brother passed, they left three sons. I feel I need to fill the gap.”

For all the transitions Brother Van has led us through, the next one may be a tough one. It will be strange for a while without him in the pulpit every week, making his way through the halls, chatting with everyone along the way. We will miss his humor and “Vanisms,” although some will probably live on. It is a bittersweet time for both NSBC and Brother Van. However, I am confident it won’t take long for him to embrace retirement as we move forward into uncharted territory. His

will always be in our DNA, as are all those leaders who have gone before him. Since he has served for so long, touched so many lives, and loved so deeply his imprint on us will be even more profound.

As June 4 comes and goes Brother Van and his wife, Susie, will enjoy retirement, camping, fishing, golfing, and spending more time with their grandchildren. As for North Side Baptist Church, many things that began during the last 25 years will not change on June 4. It will still be a church for every generation with a congregation that serves God and loves its members and the community as well. Though Brother Van may physically leave the building, the various ministries that he initiated will continue, and his legacy will be carried on by the people of North Side, as well as in the community, and beyond.

Van N. Houser and his staff have given their time to many non-profits in Parker County, including Habitat for Humanity.

COURTESY

Solution on P. 30

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Fishing for change

by Roger Enlow Hoopla Correspondent

Bored with retirement?

Consider drawing inspiration from Gene Auerbach, an extraordinary volunteer.

Auerbach and his wife Marie retired to Lake Granbury in 2015 after wanting to live closer to their granddaughter in Fort Worth. He also wanted to fulfill his dream of owning a lakeside home where he could sip his morning coffee and watch the birds and boaters scurry to start the day. He enjoys one of Lake Granbury’s best views, perched high on the southern end bluffs near the dam.

His background mirrors many of the retirees who have flocked to Granbury for its small-town charm, recreational opportunities and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They’re well-educated, well-traveled and well-funded.

Auerbach, however, isn’t all about fishing, relaxing and traveling. Far from it.

He’s all about kids, who reap the benefits of his leadership and philanthropy. He helps raise scholarship money through his membership in the local Kiwanis and Optimist clubs. He frequently donates from his own pocket, and this year even bought new, quality

tools for an auto mechanic attending the residential Universal Technical Institute (UTI) program in Dallas.

This spring Optimists awarded 33 kids $1,000 scholarships, but Auerbach had one more student in mind ... a boy in the CTE (Career and Technology Education) program raised by a single mom and who wanted to be a mechanic. Optimists heard Auerbach’s plea and quickly raised $1,000 for the boy.

At Kiwanis, two students benefited from his generosity. He gave each a $2,500 scholarship. He thought two others were worthy; so, he cornered two fellow Kiwanians and they funded the third and fourth scholarship.

Auerbach has a penchant for youngsters trying to find their way. Many opportunities exist for high schoolers not cut out for traditional university, he believes. He points out that 45 percent of the Granbury High graduates go to college and 55 percent go to trade school or back into the community.

“I’m interested in those kids who haven’t quite matured yet or have a different interest or come from a family who can’t afford college,” he said.

Students can learn a trade and make good wages, he emphasized. He has collaborated

with the Granbury school district to have a CTE counselor next year at the high school focusing only on the students not planning to attend traditional college.

Volunteering for the schools, Auerbach listens to reports from school officials, and one such report spiked his interest. It concerned the poverty level of families whose children attend Granbury schools. This year, 56 percent of the families are below the poverty level, an increase of 5 percent from the previous year.

Thus, Auerbach wanted to see for himself. He and his wife drove through several of the local neighborhoods, and what he found was “appalling.” Some of

the homes were nice; others not so: shabby mobile homes with no cooking facilities that renters pay $175 a week.

Auerbach, with a broad business background, began brainstorming. He had the idea for a private-public partnership. Land could be donated for new homes with the county overseeing the project and a bank handling the financial arrangement. There would be no down payment for the homeowner, but the homeowner would pay back the mortgage through a combination of his/her money and community service. In 30 years, he or she would own the home. This concept would be for families with children, impacting a stable environment

Gene Auerbach is making a difference in students’ lives through leadership and philanthropy

Gene Auerbach (far right), son Greg Auerbach (far left) and daughter Michele Auerbach fishing in Louisiana.

while helping determine a good future for the children.

Auerbach’s philosophy: Increasing home ownership improves the community.

“If we can get people to take pride in what they’re doing and build something back into that basic investment policy instead of just rentals with a slum landlord, I think we have a chance of turning housing around that’s so bad and detrimental to families thereby contributing to community.”

Don’t challenge Auerbach to a U.S. geography quiz. He’d probably crush you.

He’s lived all over the country, from New York to California and points between.

His family moved a lot when he was growing up. His dad was in the FBI; his mom an Army captain during World War II and then a homemaker.

Auerbach attended high schools in Chicago, Seattle and

San Francisco. He was on wrestling teams and was a manager on the baseball squads. He enjoyed an “idyllic” childhood. His business and transportation studies at the University of Washington prepared him for a long stint as a Navy supply officer. He later worked for Sol Price who started the Price Club, the first warehouse club that became Costco. He was Robert Price’s executive assistant. As the CEO, Robert Price (Sol’s son) used Auerbach as his executive assistant, a superb learning experience.

After Costco, Auerbach worked for a British retail company in Hong Kong as a regional director for 1,500 stores in eight countries and later for AutoZone in Memphis, buying land, building domestic stores and starting development in Mexico, and then Estee Lauder in New York leading their worldwide supply chain.

In 2001, they lived on 38th Street in Manhattan when the World Trade Center was attacked. They moved to San Diego where Auerbach worked for a small biotech company and subsequently ran a $50 million contract helping the Navy manage repairable parts for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), which became Leidos, a major government contractor.

Auerbach finds time to serve as treasurer of the local PRCAC (Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center), which keeps abused and neglected children safe plus informing and teaching the schools and community of child abuse and trafficking dangers.

He’s among the volunteers for C.A.S.T. for Kids, a program that introduces special needs children to fishing. Most had never fished or been in a boat.

Auerbach and boaters take

kids out fishing for a couple of hours, teaching them the basics -- baiting the hook, casting, catching and taking the fish off the hook. One of the children even caught a turtle. Another landed a 4-pound drum. Perhaps the biggest thrill for the kids is when they get to drive the boat.

The smiles and “intensity on their faces ... it’s really amazing,” he said.

Many youngsters in Hood County are smiling more because of Gene Auerbach’s passion for kids.

“What else could I do? I don’t have anything else to do,” he responds. “Go volunteer. There’s plenty of volunteer stuff out there. I’ve known several people, friends, that have retired, stayed at home and two years later died bored to death.

“I think you have to keep going!”

Get Up & Go

A full month of events curated especially for North Central Texas seniors

• Hood County Senior Center Dances, featuring music by country/western bands every Thursday night, June 8, 15, 22, 29, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore St. Granbury, 7 p.m. $5 per person.

• Bluebonnet Sewing Bee, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m.

• Walking Club for seniors, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 8:30 a.m.

• Springtown Senior Center Dances, country/ western bands every Thursday and Saturday night. June 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, Springtown Senior Activity Center, 1070 N. Main Street, Springtown, 7 to 10 p.m. Bands and unanticipated closures listed on Facebook. $5 admission per person.

• The Great Gatsby’s Ice Cream Social, a 1920’s themed soiree featuring cones, cups and sundaes, both familiar and exotic. June 2, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Lake Worth, 6 p.m. $25 with proceeds benefitting St.Andrew’s Outreach Programs.

• Dinner in White, an annual picnic where guests wear all white. Bring white tables, chairs or a white blanket and your own food and beverages (or purchase from restaurants on the square). All participants receive a one-year membership to Granbury Arts Alliance and gain admission to a VIP night at the concert hall featuring the Dan and Judy Coates Western Art Show. June 2, LangdonCenter lawn (one block east of the Granbury Square), 6 to 9 p.m. $30 per person. To rent a table and six chairs for the evening is additional $50.

• First Monday Trade Days, one of the state’s oldest air-open markets, June 2-4, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, , 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Happy Hour at the Kimbell Art Museum, live entertainment, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Kimbell Art Museum, Kahn Building (Cafe), 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 5 to 7 p.m. Free admission. Snacks and beverages available for purchase.

• Free Admission Friday at the Modern with special programming, June 2, Modern Museum of Art, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth.

• Granbury Quilt Show includes vendors and boutique, June 2-3, Lake Granbury Conference Center, 621 E. Pearl, Granbury, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 55+ Pickleball Tournament, June 2, R.D. Evans Community Center, Fort Worth, 8 a.m. registration, play from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will be a double-elimination tournament.

• Bird Walk, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, June 3, Acton Nature Center, 6500 Smoky Hill Court, Granbury, 7 a.m.

• Bringin’ in the Herd Cattle Drive in conjunction with the 76th annual Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo, June 3, 6:30 a.m. campfire breakfast at 208 Fannin Street, Millsap, cattle drive registration (free and includes lunch) at 7:30 a.m. At 8 a.m. riders will head to the rodeo grounds at 2251 Mineral Wells Highway via Greenwood Road.

• Frontier Days Parade and Street Dance, June 3, parade leaves 9th grade center on Main Street in Weatherford at 6:30 p.m., heads north to courthouse, turns west on Palo Pinto and then left on Waco Street to Cherry Park. A street dance is open to the public and includes live music by TylerBond at 4 p.m. and feature band Albert Leon Payne & Friends at 7 p.m. Dance will been corner of Dallas/York Street on Weatherford Square. Food trucks available.Coolers welcome. Bring chairs. Go to www.pcsp.net for rodeo schedule and ticket information.

• Secret Gardens of Parker County Tour, a selfguided journey through give unique gardens chosen by Friends of Chandor Gardens, June 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a link to details about each garden and ticket information, go to www. chandorgardensfoundation.org.

• Shenandoah in concert, June 3, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. Doors open at 6. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• Free Community Yoga Class, bring your mat and water, June 3, 10, 17, 24, The Trailhead at Clearfork, 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 9 to 10 a.m.

• Coloring Friends, join other senior adults who enjoy coloring. Bring supplies. June 5, 12, 19, 26, Holland Lake Rehabilitation & Wellness, 1201 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m.

• Craft Night (for adults), instruction and supplies provided free of charge. June 6, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St. Weatherford, 6 p.m.

• Knitty Gritty Knitting and Crochet Group, for all ages, no experience necessary, June 6, 13, 20, 27, White Settlement Road Public Library, 8215 White Settlement, 3 to 4 p.m. Bring your own yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook.

• PRCA Rodeo Week, June 6-10, Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds, 2551 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford, 7:30 to 11:59 p.m. each night, Adults, $25. Children 6-11, $15.

• Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo, June 7-10, JCSP Arena, 1315 S. Main Street, Cleburne, 7:30 start each night, Adults, $12. Children 6-12, $8.

• Mid-Cities Stamp Club - Arlington, trades and sales allowed, June 7, Bob Duncan Community Center, 2800 South Center Street, Vandergriff Park, Arlington, 7 pm.

• AARP Smart Driver’s Course, get a discount on your auto insurance by completing this course, June 7, Keller Senior Citizen Center, 640 Johnson Road, Keller, 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. Call 817743-4370. Limited space.

• Free Line Dance Lessons with Admission, June 7, 14, 21, 28, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m.

• Family Star Party with the Fort Worth Astronomical Society, telescopes will be available, June 8, Southlake Training Center, 307 Parkwood Drive, Southlake, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Free event.

• Second Thursdays at Amon Carter Museum, featuring cocktails, creativity and conversation, June 8, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 5 to 8 p.m. Free event with reservations required. Call (817) 989-5013.

• Mineral Wells Senior Center Dance featuring the music of The Lonesome Fugitive, June 9, 102 N.W. 6th Ave. Mineral Wells, 6:30 p.m. $5 admission includes snacks and drinks.

• Spring Creek Musical, features live music in an outdoor venue, June 9, Spring Creek Tabernacle, 104 Spring Creek Road, Weatherford, 6 p.m. Free event.

• Azle Summer Kickoff, includes silent auction, food trucks, live music, vendors, games and more, June 10, Legacy Oaks of Azle, 1364 Southeast Parkway, Azle, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free event.

• Peach Pageant, crowning beauties between ages of 1-21, June 10, Central Christian Church, 1602 South Main Street, Weatherford, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Annual Summer Craft Fair, featuring local vendors, June 10, Burleson Senior Center, 216 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Experimental Aircraft Association ing starts with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. June 10, Pecan Plantation Airport, 9600 Airpark Dr. Granbury, busi ness meeting at10 a.m.

• “Father’s Day” Car and Bike Show music, June 10, Hillside Community Center, Fort Worth, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Girls Night Out on Granbury Square live entertainment, dining, shopping and door prizes, June 10, Granbury Square, 3 to 7 p.m. Ask for punch card for a chance to win a $500 shop ping spree.

• Lone Star Murder Mystery Dinner & Show, June 10, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• Pickin in the Pasture, benefitting Hood County Children’s Charity Fund, June 10, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway, Granbury, 6 p.m. $35. To purchase tickets in advance, call 214-205-8101.

• Sammy Kershaw in concert, June 10, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• Memorial Butterfly Release at Chandor Gardens to honor the memory of loved ones, June 11, two times to choose from: 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 3 to 4:30 p.m. Reservation is required. Call 817594-2747.

• Lola’s Local Farmers Market, featuring 30+ locally-grown and produced vendors, live music, bar bites and food trucks, pet friendly, June 11, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

• Funky Gets Wild: Book Club, a monthly bookclub that focuses on outdoor and adventurethemed books, discussing “The Hatchet,” by Gary Paulsen, June 11, Funky Picnic Brewery & Cafe, 401 Bryan Avenue, Suite 117, Fort Worth, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Brunch menu, happy hour drinks available for purchase.

• Lake Granbury Art Association, June 12,

Shanley House, 224 N. Travis, Granbury, 6 p.m.

• Granbury Knitting Guild, includes knitting classes for beginners each month, June 13, First Presbyterian Church, 303 Bridge St. Granbury, 9:30 a.m.

• Needle Arts Group, bring your own project, June 13, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St. Weatherford, 1 to 3 p.m.

• Swing Dance Lessons, $5 per person, June13, Southside Preservation Hall, 1519 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth, 7 to 8 p.m. followed by dancing until 10:30 p.m. Park and enter through the back parking lot on Maddox.

• Women Who Whine/Wine Together, join like-minded women who want to lift each other up, support, laugh, and connect, June 14, Hotel Dryce, 3621 Byers Avenue, Fort Worth, 6 p.m.

• Artful Moments for Dementia Patients and Caregivers, exploration of Amon Carter museum exhibits, hands-on activities, June 15, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Register online at cartermuseum.org or call 817-989-5013.

• North Fort Worth Book Club, discussing “Salem’s Lot,” by Stephen King, June 15, World Blend, 5410 Basswood Blvd. Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Billy Currington in concert, June 16, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• Food preservation class, includes basics for pressure and water bath canning, June 16, Couts Methodist Church kitchen, 802 N. Elm Street, Weatherford, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 817598-6168 to sign up. Cost: $25.

‘Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.’

— Abraham Lincoln

• Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale, June 18, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

• Clint Black in concert, June 17, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• Mansfield Juneteenth Celebration, includes deejay, poetry, dancers and speakers, June 17, at The Lot Downtown,Mansfield, 4 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

• Juneteeth Jubilee, celebrating the liberating culture and heritage of the Black-American community with vendors, dancers, fashion show, art auction, kids activities, June 18, Texas Wesleyan University- Moritz Circle, 3165 E. Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, 2 to 7 p.m.

• Granbury Quilting Guild, June 19, United Cooperative Services Community Room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy. Granbury, 6 p.m.

• Book Club - Azle, discussing “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, June 20, Azle Memorial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

• Book Club - Weatherford, discussing “Anxious People,” by Fredrik Backman, June 20, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St. Weatherford, 6 to 7 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

• Ice Cream Social in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day (the longest day of the year), June 21, Legacy Oaks of Azle, 1364 Southeast Parkway, Azle. Community tours available.

• Burgers & Bingo, includes prizes, June 22, Christian Are Communities & Services, 5100 Randol Mill Road, Fort Worth, 2 p.m. RSVP by calling 817-451-8001.

• Hot Mess Craft Club, for grown-ups only, BYOB, June 22, The Welman Project, 3950 W. Vickery Boulevard, Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person.

• Veterans Appreciation Lunch by RollCall. org, offering monthly food and fellowship for those who have served, June 23, Birchman Baptist Church, 9100 N. Normandale Street, Fort Worth, 11:30 am. to 1:30 p.m. Free but reservation required. Visit https://roll-call.org.

• Widowed Persons Services Dance Night, featuring music from the 60s, 70s and 80s by deejay Travis Moncrief, snacks served at half-time, June 23, 216 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Donations appreciated.

• Original Fort Worth Gun Show, June 24-25, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Amon Carter Exhibit Hall, 3401 Burnett Tandy, Fort Worth, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 cash only at gate, weekend pass $15.

• Alzheimer’s Awareness Fundraiser and Festival, includes handmade gifts for sale, food trucks, car show, bounce house and live music, June 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., West Fork at Weatherford, 980 Hilltop Drive, Weatherford.

• Summer Luau Bash, vendors include food, boutiques, face painters, jewelry, hats, freshies, Tupperware, woodworks and more, June 24, JCPenney, 725 Adams Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• John Conlee in concert, June 24, Stagecoach Ballroom, 2516 E. Belknap Street, Fort Worth, 7 p.m. For tickets, call 817-831-2261.

• Fort Worth Water Lantern Festival, June 24, Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, parking at 395 Purcey Street, Fort Worth, 6 p.m. Visit www. WaterLanternFestival.com to get tickets.Will sell out before day of event.

• Second Chance Farm Summer of Love Party, includes costume contest, live music, silent and live auction, dancing, June 25, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway, Granbury, 5 to 8 p.m. $20 for adults. Children 12 and under admitted free.

• Puzzle Contest, teams work to complete a 500-piece puzzle, June 27, Burleson Senior Center, 216 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, Register by 5:45 p.m. Anticipated end-time is at 8 p.m.

Ages 18-and-up only. There will be prizes.

• Mid-Cities Stamp Club - Granbury, includes buy/trade time before and after meeting, June 27, Bentwater Activity Center, 1800 W Emerald Ct. Granbury, 7 p.m.

• Book Club - Granbury, June 27, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Tanya Tucker in concert, June 30, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

• First Monday Trade Days, one of the state’s oldest air-open markets, June 30-July 2, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Granbury’s Hometown 4th of July Festival, vendors and music on the square, July 1-4, Granbury Square. Parade starts at 9 a.m. on July 4. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. over the lake. Best views from Pearl Street and Highway 377.

• Fort Worth’s Fourth, including music by Metal Shop and Party Machine Band, July 4, Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth, parking at 395 Purcey Street, Fort Worth. Parking lots open at 3 p.m., music starts at 6 pm. The 301st Flyover will be at 8 p.m. fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free admission. Parking $20.

• Follow the Flag, a Christian-based celebration with live music, food and fireworks, July 4, Central Park in Azle, 7 p.m. Free admission. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, ice chests, food, but no alcohol is allowed.

• Spark in the Park, fireworks and music by Pat Green, July 4, Heritage Park Amphitheater, 503 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, Music starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free admission. Free shuttle from parking area near Heritage Park or from Weatherford College parking lot.

• Parker County Peach Festival, purchase tickets in advance at www.peachfestivaltx.com or at the gate, July 8, Weatherford Square, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shirley Hubbard recalls fury of Typhoon Karen

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Shirley Hubbard has lived through 85 storm seasons, but she says none have compared to the fury of Typhoon Karen, which hit Guam back in 1962.

Shirley and her husband, James, were living on Anderson Air Force Base in northern Guam when the storm hit. It was one of the most destructive events in the island’s history. Newspaper headlines compared with it to World War II.

Ninety-five percent of homes on the island were damaged or destroyed. Approximately 45,000 people, mostly Guamanians, were left homeless. Eleven Guamanians lost their lives and nearly a hundred others were injured.

Shirley says if it weren’t for their preparedness, there would have been more damage inflicted on the base.

The Air Force flew all but one of the airplanes off the base and instructed families to draw water, board their windows, and put outside belongings away or strap them down.

“We had two children then (Jenita, 4, and Mark, 2). We got down on our knees by their bed and prayed,” Shirley recalled. “Their bedroom was the center of the duplex. The kids got in bed and went to sleep.”

The children slept through the storm, while Shirley and James hunkered down and prayed as the 800-mile wide storm approached the island.

“I mostly remember the howling wind,” she said, which was reported to have been in excess of 200 miles per hour.

The worst of the storm lasted less than an hour, but the people of the island had no idea of

its impact until dawn.

“When we woke up the next morning, my son came in and said, ‘Momma, the car’s gone!’” she giggled.

The car was fine but had moved out of its normal parking spot. Damages across the island were estimated at $250 million ($2.24 billion in today’s economy).

“No fatalities occurred on the base because they had prepared so well,” said Shirley.

Shirley discussed the storm while sorting through a box of old newspapers, photo books and mementos. One book, which was authored by a friend of Shirley’s within the communications department, included dozens of photos showing damaged buildings. One included a story of a worker at the Airman’s Club. The worker had requested permission to stay at the club while the typhoon passed. Permission was denied. A photo of the nearly flattened Airman’s Club accompanied the story, which ended with: “Had permission been granted, he most certainly would have been killed.”

The duplex where James and Shirley lived had roof damage, and the office where Shirley worked as a secretary for the Air Force Communications Department was considered a total loss. The front gate to the base had recently been built and was completely blown away during the storm. Similar damage occurred on the neighboring Navy base.

The base was left without electricity and there was limited drinking water.

Generators were only used in critical areas, like the hospital. The residents were mostly in the dark.

“We had just filled our freezer full of food before the storm arrived,” said Shirley.

Her family left the island in 1964. They relocated frequently, as do most military families. The base was still making repairs when they left, but they returned to Guam in the 1970s. Not only were the repairs completed, the island itself was much different.

“It had changed so much. The first time we went over it was like a jungle with orchids and hibiscus. The second time, there were hotels on the beach,” she said.

The last move the couple made was to Azle nearly 25 years ago. They built a house not far from where Shirley resides today at Eagle Crest Villa.

“I remember when we moved to Azle, they were just finishing up the construction,” she said of the senior living community.

“Some places are more fancylike, but I’m not a fancy person. This is more like a family,” she said.

Shirley is very active within

the community. She’s an avid bingo player, but also enjoys crafts, cooking demonstrations, cards, dominoes, chair exercise, and listening to the entertainers who perform at Eagle Crest Villa.

When she’s not with her neighbors, she enjoys reading, history programs on television, and keeping in touch with longtime friends and family on her smartphone.

She was an early adopter of computer technology, which is a bit unusual for her age group; but being a secretary, the modernization of office equipment intrigued her.

“The first computers were as big as this room,” she said, looking from one side of her living room to the other.

Now she can hold all of that power in her hand. She smiled as she clutched her smartphone and said “It’s my life!”

As for her anxiety level during Texas’ storm season, Shirley rarely worries. She hopes she’s seen the worst she’ll ever see back in 1962.

Shirley Hubbard lived in northern Guam during Typhoon Karen.

CYNTHIA HENRY

Spotlight on Senior Artists

The Weatherford Art Association chose the top three artists for April 2023. They are, from left, Yvonne Tarrant (1st), “That’s a Wrap,” oils; Carmen Davailus (2nd), “Miracles on West Texas Highway” photography media; and Cindi Neverdousky (3rd), “Flamenco,” oils.

May Society of Watercolor Artists of the Month are from left, Marilyn Ivy (1st), “Henshaw-Barden Mill, North Umberland” and Darla Bostick (2nd), “Candy Tuft Blooms, Ghost Ranch.”

Jim Stewart, acrylics, May Artist of the Month, Pecan Plantation Art Guild.

Crafting enthusiast Bette Armstrong makes friends, spreads cheer with her creations

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Bette Armstrong has angels with her wherever she goes.

The 79-year-old crafts them out of safety pins and beads and hands them out to people all over North Central Texas.

She’s been crafting her whole life, but Bette now teaches beading to fellow residents at Mirabella Assisted Living & Memory Care in Fort Worth. While the angels are popular, she also has kits to create beaded pumpkins, Christmas trees, snowmen, bunnies, you name it.

When Bette and her husband Jim first arrived at Mirabella in November, she immediately noticed the well-lit dayroom, which is full of puzzles and games.

“As soon as I came here and saw this room, I said ‘I know where I’m gonna be,”’ said Bette with a smile.

Bette also enjoyed sewing for decades before she decided it was time to downsize and move into senior living. One sewing project in particular has brought her a great deal of joy. While living in Eastland, home of Old Rip, she created a horny toad puppet. When the county judge saw it, he had a request.

“He said if you can make this, you can make a full-body costume…and I did,” she said.

She has traveled the state in that costume, even making an appearance on the floor of the Texas Legislature and greeting a crowd on stage at Six Flags over Texas. For many years she also worked with elementary students to not only teach them about the horny toad but to use that knowledge to create stories, poetry, and even songs for the annual horny toad celebration in Eastland each February. And, yes, she also makes purple horny toad puppets for TCU fans. A friend’s grandson graduated from TCU with a horny toad puppet on his graduation cap.

Bette is well known for her crafting abilities, so friends often surprise her with

supplies. One friend brought her dozens of shells, which she used to create shell people. “There’s no two alike!” she said.

One friend, knowing she uses safety pins to create beaded projects, gave her a 14-inch and a 25-inch pin. She ordered more and created a wooden beaded angel that stands approximately 4 feet high.

Bette’s currently learning a new craft called 3D decoupage. She uses silicone glue and printed patterns to create beautiful cards.

“It’s a challenge to me. I just love it,” she said. But she still makes time to work on her angels every day while relaxing in the couple’s apartment.

“I sit over here with my little kit and work on them everyday,” she said pointing to a comfy chair with a horny toad poster hanging above it.

Handing out angels and teaching the classes has made her many friends at Mirabella. She and husband Jim have only lived at the senior community since November, but everyone we passed in the hall knew her.

And she’s creating a whole new generation of beading enthusiasts. Some residents’ grandchildren have attended her class, and she’s taught her own grandchildren as well.

“Every time I go out to dinner with the grandkids, I take some angel kits for them to make and give out,” she said.

She says it keeps them from looking at their phones.

“That’s the greatest part of this dining room (at Mirabella). When we all go in there, nobody knows anybody, we all sit together, different places, we all talk and have fun. There’s no iPhones. It’s heaven! We’re all seniors. We talk about the old days. We remember all the fun. That’s what it’s about.”

Despite living in assisted living, she still drives. She started handing out angels everywhere she went during COVID.

“It’s just something that we need,” she

said. “You’ll see them all over Fort Worth. COVID’s really changed things. Thats why I try to do everything I can to make people smile,” said Bette, who lost both of her children to COVID.

Bette retired from apartment management, so she has high standards when it comes to community living. She was impressed with Mirabella from the moment she entered.

“It’s a beautiful place,” she said standing in the lobby. “If you could’ve seen us yesterday (on Cinco de Mayo), we were packed in here, eating and drinking and having a good time.

“I never knew what assisted living was,” she admitted, “but I had some leg problems and stuff, and I got to where I couldn’t do any cooking.”

Although the couple’s apartment has a small kitchen, she doesn’t use it much.

“Finally in my life, us women deserve the meals to be served everyday — morning noon and night — and I’m loving it!”

Bette’s beading classes are not on the official activity schedule at Mirabella. She teaches when she feels like it. Students have a choice of which project they want to create. Each kit costs $5.

She says anyone can do beading, regardless of their physical limitations. She’s even created an aid that’s helped a man bead using only one arm.

“You’ve gotta stay active,” she said. “I’ve got something going all the time. I just wanna have fun.”

Bette Armstrong with a few of the beaded projects she has created.

COURTESY

Beaded angel by Bette.

COURTESY

Not adorable enough to get out of trouble? Fine!

I recently read in one of my newsfeeds that an 85-year-old man was fumbling through his drawers and found a one-dollar parking ticket fine that he had gotten almost 70 years ago and forgot to pay.

Henry was apparently a man with a sharp financial sense. He knew that someday he’d be 85 (with any kind of luck) and that if he conveniently misplaced the summons, he could pay it 60 years later when a buck was a mere pittance—and maybe he could pick up a little positive press for seniors at the same time.

I’d like to re-examine this case in light of a similar event in my own life. I also forgot to pay a parking fine, right before we left for a vacation. It was a legitimate oversight. Actually, I had put the ticket in my back pants pocket, then went home, threw the pants in the Maytag, and that’s the last I remembered seeing it. After that, it was washed completely from my mind.

When we returned from our trip, I re-

ceived a note from the city saying that my fine had been doubled due to failure to pay. I was somewhat relieved because I had heard that if you are delinquent on paying those tickets, they can even take away your car. Who knows what they take away if you don’t pay a jaywalking ticket!

Carry On

by Dick Wolfsie Humorist

I recalled that story about Henry. I’m a senior, also. Not quite as senior as Henry, but I think I have entered that period of life when some of my oversights would no longer be considered punishable. Most people would even say they are charming. I decided to contest this and made the call to the Traffic Violation Bureau: “Hello, I have a question. I’m curious: have you heard about this guy, Henry, the senior citizen who didn’t pay his parking ticket for almost 70 years?”

“Yes, of course. What an uplifting, touching story about the inner goodness of human beings. His honesty is so heartwarming. Who is this, anyway?”

“My name is Dick Wolfsie and I…”

“Yes, Mr. Wolfsie, we have your records. Disgraceful, contemptible—criminal, even.”

“I don’t get it. This guy doesn’t pay his ticket for six decades and he’s a hero. I skip a few weeks and you double my fine? You called his story heartwarming.”

“How old are you, Mr. Wolfsie?”

“I just turned 76.”

“I’m afraid you don’t have enough time left to make your story heartwarming.”

“Look, I still don’t understand why you are punishing me after two months, and I bet you have his photo on your bulletin board.”

“Oh, your picture is up there, too.”

As a result of Henry’s story, I am thinking about heading to my hometown in New York in a couple of months and taking back an old library book that I forgot to return in 1980. Of course, if I do return it now, they’ll charge me big time and call me a thief. But if I could stay alive for 30 more years, they’d think I’m downright adorable.

Bob White (seated), Daughter Anita White & Grandson Zack Bellenger

investments?

What should you expect from your

To help achieve your financial goals, you may need to invest in the financial markets throughout your life. However, at times your investment expectations may differ from actual returns, triggering a variety of emotions. So, what are reasonable expectations to have about your investments?

Ideally, you hope that your investment portfolio will eventually help you meet your goals, both your short-term ones, such as a cross-country vacation, and the long-term ones, such as a comfortable retirement. But your expectations may be affected by several factors, including the following:

• Misunderstanding – Various factors in the economy and the financial markets trigger different reactions in different types of investments — so you should expect different results. When you own stocks, you can generally expect greater price volatility in the short term. Over time, though, the “up” and “down” years tend to average out. When you own bonds, you can expect less volatility than individual stocks, but that’s not to say that bond prices never change. Generally, when interest rates rise, you can anticipate that the value of your existing, lower-paying bonds may decrease, and when rates fall, the value of your bonds may increase.

• Recency bias – Investors exhibit “recency bias” when they place too much emphasis on recent events in the financial markets, expecting that those same events will happen again. But these expectations can lead to negative behavior. For example, in 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell almost 6% – so investors subject to recency bias might have concluded it was best to stay out of the markets for a while. But the

Money Matters

by Mary H. McDow, Edward Jones Adviser

Dow jumped more than 22% the very next year. Of course, the reverse can also be true: In 2021, the Dow rose almost 19%, so investors who might have been susceptible to recency bias may have thought they were in for more big gains right away — but in 2022, the Dow fell almost 9%. Here’s the bottom line: Recency bias may cloud your expectations about your investments’ performance — and it’s essentially impossible to predict accurately what will happen to the financial markets in any given year.

• Anchoring – Another type of investment behavior is known as “anchoring” — an excessive reliance on your original conviction in an investment. So, for instance, if you bought stock in a company you thought had great prospects, you might want to keep your shares year after year, even after evidence emerges that the company has real risks — for example, poor management, or its products could become outdated, or it could be part of an industry that’s in decline. But if you stick with your initial belief that the company will inevitably do well, and you’re not open to new sources of information about this investment, your expectations may never be met.

In many areas of life, reality may differ from our expectations — and that can certainly be true for our investments. Being familiar with the factors that can shape your expectations can help you maintain a realistic outlook about your investments.

Making a difference

Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House

In honor of their 75th anniversary, Higginbotham employees volunteered at Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. The team helped with cooking, baking, arts and crafts, gardening and sorting pop tabs. A company representative says the employees regularly volunteer at the McDonald House and also help at other nonprofits in the area.

Boot Scooters inspire Legacy Oaks seniors

Azle’s Boot Scooters (pictured above) visited Legacy Oaks recently and showed independent living residents their line-dancing moves. They inspired the residents to start their own club and learn some of their own moves.

Harvest of Aledo thanks fire department

The residents at Harvest of Aledo Senior Living love giving back to their community. Recently, members of the senior living community’s local outreach club visited the fire department and brought drinks and snacks.

Newcomers support Hood County charities

Granbury Newcomers Club recently gave donations to several nonprofits in the area. Pictured from left are: Charities Committee

Chair Kathi Long, Friends of the Animals Adoption Animal Shelter

Representative Nancy McClure, Brazos Pregnancy Center Marketing Director Christie Alexander, Lake Granbury Newcomers Club

President Kelley Class, Mission Granbury Program Director Justin Rossimer and Director of Marketing and Community Relations Jean Bondy, Paluxy River Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Margaret Cohenour, and Ruth’s Place Treasurer Carmine Esposito.

n Find the Frog

Lana Griggs of Weatherford won last month’s frog contest. Enter this month’s by emailing to tell us where you found a hidden frog (sample above). Email entry to seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 30 days.

n Solutions

n Live Theatre Picks

WINNERS OF TOT’S 2022 NEW WORKS CONTEST

Theatre Off the Square

Ticket Info: 817-341-8687

Tentative Dates: June 9 - 11

Synopsis: The winning plays in last year’s New Works Contest. Psychic Sidekick was written by the Executive Director of Parker County Theatre Company Lori Coughlin. The Flat Earth was written by Mike Byham, a member of the Dramatists Guild and the American Association of Community Theatre.

MISS SAIGON

Casa Manana

3101 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth

Ticket Info: 817-332-2272

Tentative Dates: June 3 - 11

Synopsis: In the turmoil of the Vietnam War, Chris, an American soldier, and Kim, a Vietnamese girl, fall in love and marry but are distressingly separated when Saigon falls. As years pass, Chris, remarries and attempts to move on with his life. When circumstances bring Chris back to Vietnam, he learns the truth.

LEND ME A TENOR

Popcorn Players

114 Porter Drive, Azle

Ticket Info: 817-238-7529

Tentative Dates: June 2 - 4, 9 - 11

Synopsis: World-famous singer Tito Merelli, known as Il Stupendo, the greatest tenor of his generation, to appear for one night only as the star of the opera. Tito arrives late, and through a hilarious series of mishaps, he is given a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out. This madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences tearyeyed with laughter

TREASURE ISLAND

Granbury Opera House

133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury

Ticket Info: 817-579-0952

Tentative Dates: June 9 - July 9

Synopsis: The musical follows the Biblical story of preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook, North Side Baptist Church

How do I know what God is leading me to do?

Sometimes trying to figure out what is the right thing to do is beyond difficult. The noise of the world is deafening, and well-meaning friends usually have lots of advice. But when trying to make an important decision or discern what the next step is, there is only one source we should truly be listening to, and that is God. Out of all the information and advice we get, it is His guidance that matters most of all. So, how can we know what God is telling us to do?

Listen to the Spirit of God within through Prayer and Meditation. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

You cannot trust your heart until your heart is in submission to the Holy Spirit – and completely tuned into Him. We have to tune out all the distractions of the world if we really are serious about hearing Him. Distractions like social media and people can cause us to lose our focus, especially in a time when we might feel anxious because we are searching for answers. The Spirit will lead you into truth about all things and provide peace and rest.

Listen to His Word from the Bible. For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

He will show us through His word. God’s direction will never be contrary to His instruction found in His word. He gave us His

Word as a gift and guide for us in this life. We can find guidance for anything we will ever come up against in life in his Word. Listen to Godly counsel to avoid blind spots. Listen to advice and accept discipline, so that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a person’s heart, But the advice of the LORD will stand. Proverbs 19:20-21

Listen to friends? Don’t listen to friends? The key is discernment. Pastors, counselors, and

true friends will tell us the truth regardless of the consequences. Some will tell you what they think you want them to say to maintain favor. God does use other people in our lives to help us see things that we are having trouble seeing. Take godly counsel seriously but with prayer and discernment. And as always, if it does not align with God’s word then it should not be applied to your life.

Take the Next Revealed Step – Investigate If anyo-

ne wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25

Stepping into the unknown while trusting God is the biggest step in moving in the right direction – the direction God is telling you to go. God opens and closes doors as we courageously follow Him. We have to step out in faith, and this opens the door.