June 2023

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Spotlighting North Central Texas Seniors

June 2023

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

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

Retro Word Find

Happy 90th, Carol Burnett!

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Hoopla P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Tx 76086

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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June 2023

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 tables.”

RICK IRVING

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

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

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.

Irving, 70, said the luncheons, which always feature a guest speaker, started in 2014 with about a dozen veterans and have grown exponentially since that time.

“We have a lot of supporters,” Irving said.

“A lot of organizations that help us out, especially some of the senior citizen places.

The assisted living facilities will bring buses with the veterans who live there to come to the lunches we have.”

Irving is a board member for Roll Call and takes volunteering with his fellow veterans as

RICK IRVING

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-

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June 2023

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

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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

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RICK IRIVING

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. 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.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

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Quilter of the Month

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COURTESY

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.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

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.

COURTESY

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

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

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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 congre-

gation to get a new pastor,” he said.

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

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will always be in our DNA, as are all those “Probably the biggest thing I look forward to is not writing a term paper every leaders who have gone before him. Since week, and having a sermon on my mind he has served for so long, touched so many day and night,” he said. lives, and loved so deeply his “Secondly, the freedom to imprint on us will be even have a weekend free to go more profound. see my family more and As June 4 comes and goes travel with friends. When Brother Van and his wife, my sister and brother Susie, will enjoy retirement, passed, they left three sons. camping, fishing, golfing, I feel I need to fill the gap.” and spending more time For all the transitions with their grandchildren.

Brother Van has led us As for North Side Bapthrough, the next one may tist Church, many things be a tough one. It will be that began during the last COURTESY strange for a while with25 years will not change out him in the pulpit evon June 4. It will still be a Van N. Houser and his ery week, making his way church for every generastaff have given their through the halls, chatting time to many non-prof- tion with a congregation with everyone along the that serves God and loves its its in Parker County, way. We will miss his humor members and the commuincluding Habitat for and “Vanisms,” although nity as well. Though Brother Humanity. some will probably live on.

Van may physically leave It is a bittersweet time for the building, the various both NSBC and Brother Van. ministries that he initiated will continue, However, I am confident it won’t take long and his legacy will be carried on by the for him to embrace retirement as we move people of North Side, as well as in the comforward into uncharted territory. His munity, and beyond.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

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Solution on P. 30

Do you miss receiving letters and cards in the mail? Make new friends by joining a Hoopla Pen Pal Circle! Circles are limited to 10 people so communicating with your circle only costs you the price of 9 first-class stamps. We ask that you strive to mail your new friends at least once per month. To join, send a card or letter to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, TX 76086. Please note: no business solicitations are allowed in these circles.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

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

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

COURTESY

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

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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.

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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!”

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

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

Get Up & Go A full month of events curated especially for North Central Texas seniors

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• 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.

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• 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.

• 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.

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• 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.

• 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.

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• 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.

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

• 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.

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• 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, meeting starts with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. June 10, Pecan Plantation Airport, 9600 Airpark Dr. Granbury, business meeting at10 a.m.

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

• Girls Night Out on Granbury Square, includes 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 shopping 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,

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

— Abraham Lincoln

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.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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

Free admission.

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.

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

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

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

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

• 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.

• 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 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.

June 2023

• 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.

• 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.

Submit your event for consideration by calling 817-894-1822 or emailing seniors@ hooplamagazine.com.

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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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.

CYNTHIA HENRY

Shirley Hubbard lived in northern Guam during Typhoon Karen.

“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.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

Spotlight on Senior Artists

COURTESY

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.”

COURTESY

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

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.

COURTESY

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

23

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

Personalized support with an independent spirit That’s the Mirabella Way. Mirabella Assisted Living & Memory Care has served thousands of seniors and their loved ones, providing quality, compassionate care and peace of mind. Our individualized, adaptive care plans and inclusive amenities create a residential experience unlike any other, giving residents the support they need to thrive on a daily basis.

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

25

Crafting enthusiast Bette Armstrong makes friends, spreads cheer with her creations 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 Bette Armstrong has angels with her pins to create beaded projects, gave her wherever she goes.

The 79-year-old crafts them out of safe- a 14-inch and a 25-inch pin. She ordered more and created a wooden beaded angel ty pins and beads and hands them out to that stands approximately 4 feet high. people all over North Central Texas.

Bette’s currently learning a new craft She’s been crafting her whole life, but called 3D decoupage. She uses silicone Bette now teaches beading to fellow glue and printed patterns to create beauresidents at Mirabella Assisted Living & Memory Care in Fort Worth. While the an- tiful cards.

“It’s a challenge to me. I just love it,” she gels are popular, she also has kits to create beaded pumpkins, Christmas trees, snow- said. But she still makes time to work on her angels every day while relaxing in the men, bunnies, you name it. couple’s apartment.

When Bette and her husband Jim first “I sit over here with my little kit and arrived at Mirabella in November, she imwork on them everyday,” she said pointing mediately noticed the well-lit dayroom, to a comfy chair with a horny toad poster which is full of puzzles and games. hanging above it.

“As soon as I came here and saw this Handing out angels and teaching the room, I said ‘I know where I’m gonna be,”’ classes has made her many said Bette with a smile. friends at Mirabella. She Bette also enjoyed sewing and husband Jim have only for decades before she decidlived at the senior commued it was time to downsize and nity since November, but move into senior living. One everyone we passed in the sewing project in particular hall knew her. has brought her a great deal of And she’s creating a joy. While living in Eastland, whole new generation of home of Old Rip, she created a beading enthusiasts. Some horny toad puppet. When the residents’ grandchildren county judge saw it, he had a COURTESY have attended her class, request.

Beaded angel by Bette. and she’s taught her own “He said if you can make grandchildren as well. this, you can make a full-body “Every time I go out to dinner with the costume…and I did,” she said. grandkids, I take some angel kits for them She has traveled the state in that costume, even making an appearance on the to make and give out,” she said.

She says it keeps them from looking at floor of the Texas Legislature and greeting their phones. a crowd on stage at Six Flags over Texas.

“That’s the greatest part of this dining For many years she also worked with room (at Mirabella). When we all go in elementary students to not only teach them about the horny toad but to use that there, nobody knows anybody, we all sit together, different places, we all talk and knowledge to create stories, poetry, and even songs for the annual horny toad cel- have fun. There’s no iPhones. It’s heaven!

We’re all seniors. We talk about the old ebration in Eastland each February. And, days. We remember all the fun. That’s yes, she also makes purple horny toad puppets for TCU fans. A friend’s grandson what it’s about.” graduated from TCU with a horny toad Despite living in assisted living, she still puppet on his graduation cap. drives. She started handing out angels everywhere she went during COVID. Bette is well known for her crafting abilities, so friends often surprise her with “It’s just something that we need,” she

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

COURTESY

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

26

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

June 2023

Not adorable enough to get out of trouble? Fine!

I recently read in one of my newsfeeds ceived a note from the city saying that my that an 85-year-old man was fumbling fine had been doubled due to failure to pay. I through his drawers and found a one-dolwas somewhat relieved because I had heard that if you are delinquent on paying those lar parking ticket fine that he had gotten tickets, they can even take away your car. almost 70 years ago and forgot to pay.

Who knows what they take away if you don’t Henry was apparently a man with a pay a jaywalking ticket! sharp financial sense. He I recalled that story about knew that someday he’d be Henry. I’m a senior, also. Not 85 (with any kind of luck) quite as senior as Henry, but I and that if he conveniently

by Dick Wolfsie think I have entered that pemisplaced the summons, he Humorist could pay it 60 years later riod of life when some of my when a buck was a mere pittance—and oversights would no longer be considered maybe he could pick up a little positive punishable. Most people would even say press for seniors at the same time. they are charming. I decided to contest this I’d like to re-examine this case in light of and made the call to the Traffic Violation a similar event in my own life. I also forgot Bureau: “Hello, I have a question. I’m curito pay a parking fine, right before we left for ous: have you heard about this guy, Henry, a vacation. It was a legitimate oversight. Ac- the senior citizen who didn’t pay his parktually, I had put the ticket in my back pants ing ticket for almost 70 years?” pocket, then went home, threw the pants “Yes, of course. What an uplifting, touchin the Maytag, and that’s the last I rememing story about the inner goodness of hubered seeing it. After that, it was washed man beings. His honesty is so heartwarmcompletely from my mind. ing. Who is this, anyway?”

When we returned from our trip, I re“My name is Dick Wolfsie and I…”

Carry On

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

a

“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.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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27

What should you expect from your investments?

To help achieve your financial Dow jumped more than 22% the goals, you may need to invest in very next year. Of course, the rethe financial markets throughout verse can also be true: In 2021, the your life. However, at times your Dow rose almost 19%, so investors investment expectations may dif- who might have been susceptible fer from actual to recency bias may returns, triggerhave thought they ing a variety of were in for more emotions. So, big gains right away

by Mary H. McDow, — but in 2022, the what are reasonEdward Jones Adviser able expectaDow fell almost 9%. tions to have Here’s the bottom about your investments? line: Recency bias may cloud your expectations about your investIdeally, you hope that your inments’ performance — and it’s vestment portfolio will eventually essentially impossible to predict help you meet your goals, both accurately what will happen to your short-term ones, such as a the financial markets in any given cross-country vacation, and the year. long-term ones, such as a comfort• Anchoring – Another type of able retirement. But your expecta- investment behavior is known as tions may be affected by several “anchoring” — an excessive relifactors, including the following: ance on your original conviction in an investment. So, for instance, • Misunderstanding – Variif you bought stock in a company ous factors in the economy and you thought had great prospects, the financial markets trigger difyou might want to keep your ferent reactions in different types shares year after year, even after of investments — so you should evidence emerges that the comexpect different results. When you pany has real risks — for example, own stocks, you can generally expoor management, or its prodpect greater price volatility in the ucts could become outdated, or it short term. Over time, though, the could be part of an industry that’s “up” and “down” years tend to avin decline. But if you stick with erage out. When you own bonds, your initial belief that the comyou can expect less volatility than pany will inevitably do well, and individual stocks, but that’s not to you’re not open to new sources say that bond prices never change. of information about this investGenerally, when interest rates rise, ment, your expectations may you can anticipate that the value never be met. of your existing, lower-paying bonds may decrease, and when In many areas of life, reality may rates fall, the value of your bonds differ from our expectations — may increase. and that can certainly be true for • Recency bias – Investors our investments. Being familiar exhibit “recency bias” when they with the factors that can shape place too much emphasis on reyour expectations can help you cent events in the financial marmaintain a realistic outlook about kets, expecting that those same your investments. events will happen again. But these expectations can lead to negative behavior. For example, in 2018, the Dow Jones Industrial AvThis article was written by Edward erage fell almost 6% – so investors Jones for use by your local Edward Jones subject to recency bias might have Financial Advisor, Mary H. McDow, 102 concluded it was best to stay out Houston Ave. Suite 203, 817-598-0882. of the markets for a while. But the Member SPIC

Money Matters

28

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

29

Making a difference

COURTESY

COURTESY

Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House

Boot Scooters inspire Legacy Oaks seniors

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.

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.

COURTESY

Newcomers support Hood County charities

COURTESY

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.

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.

30

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

n Find the Frog

June 2023

n Live Theatre Picks

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

WINNERS OF TOT’S 2022 NEW WORKS CONTEST

MISS SAIGON

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.

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

TREASURE ISLAND

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

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.

June 2023

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 55 And Better

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-

31

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.

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