March 2019

Hoopla March 2019

Complimentary Copy

TAKE ONE

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March Calendar Highlights Dinner and Delicate Decisions Monday, March 4 This free event at Galbreaith Pickard Hilltop Chapel includes dinner and discussion on advanced funeral planning, 5:30 p.m., 4941 I-20 Frontage Road, Willow Park. Reservations required: 817-594-2747.

Cocktails With Mimi March 8 - 24 Theatre Off The Square, located at 114 N. Denton St. in Weatherford, presents "Cocktails With Mimi," Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Call 817-341-8687 or visit http://www.theatreoffthesquare.org

Food Park Lounge Night Saturday, March 9

Live entertainment by Rocky Lott Band, food vendors and family fun start at 6 p.m., Heritage Park in Weatherford. Free admission.

Quilter’s Guild

Thursday, March 21 Special guest Jodi Barrows will discuss her unique method of quilting called “Square in a Square,” 6:30 p.m., North Side Baptist Church, 910 N. Main Street, Weatherford.

for registration at 8:30 a.m., Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Dr. Walk begins at 9. Festival with live entertainment, food trucks and a doggie fashion show lasts until 2 p.m.

Family Picnic

Saturday, March 23 Weatherford College hosts a picnic and doubleheader at Roger Williams Ballpark, noon to 5 p.m. Expect live entertainment and food trucks. Free admission for seniors and children 12 and under.

Art Association

March for Meals

Saturday, March 23 5K walk and community event benefitting Meals on Wheels opens

Monday, March 25

Watercolor landscape demonstration by Bill Dale, 6 p.m., Barlow Hall, 125 S. Waco Street, Weatherford.

March 2019

Hoopla March 2019 Volume 2, Issue 5 © 2019 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla is published monthly and distributed to over 65 locations throughout Parker County, including the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and the Parker County Senior Center. For home delivery, subscriptions are $18 per year and can be sent to: Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

817-894-1822 Publisher Cynthia Henry Advertising Representative Laura Anderson Regular Contributors Rick Mauch, Neil Sperry, Janet Standifer and Jim Young Copy Editors Sandra Davis and Jean Henderson

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

3

She’s got big, floppy shoes to fill

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent The great Smoky Robinson once sang about the tears of a clown. However, you’ll never find Billie Rumsey shedding a tear.

Billie is having the time of her life as Billie Buttons, a clown for more than 20 years. And though she’s in her early 70s, she has no intentions of saying goodbye to her alter ego as long as there are children to make smile.

Well, adults also.

“I always wanted to be a clown ever since I was little,” Billie said. “And once I got my daughter out of college and school, I went to clown school. In a lot of ways I began a whole new life.”

Billie was 52 when she attended Cheerful Clown Alley in Houston. She had made a successful career in the Bayou City as a restaurant manager, along with owning a catering business.

But it wasn’t what was in the depths of her heart.

“I think I was 7 and I saw a clown in Abilene at the bus station,” she recalled. “The way he walked and smiled, he looked so happy. I wanted to be that happy, and to make others that happy.”

Billie credits her longevity to one major reason: she absolutely loves being a clown. It’s not about money or fame, it’s about making folks happy.

“Most clowns last for about three years,” she said. “They burn out.

They think they’re going to make a lot of money, and you can, but if it’s just about that you are in the for the

wrong reason. If it ever gets to be just for the money, I won’t do it anymore.

“If you can go into MD Anderson, see a kid with 14 IVs and you can make them smile, you’ve done your job.”

Billie has entertained countless children in hospitals, at birthday parties, working with Shriners, at Special Olympics, and while making balloon animals at area restaurants and venues. She’s even entertained at weddings.

Another of Billie’s favorite entertainment venues is nursing homes.

“I go around to each one there and I make a special balloon,” she said.

“They always ask me ‘Can I have another one? My son’s coming to see me,’ or ‘My daughter’s coming to see me.’ It just lifts them up – and me – when they see me. It makes them feel like a kid again.”

Sandy Pittman is a friend of Billie’s.

She said when Billie entertains it is pure magic.

“I had a friend who booked her for a party and I thought it would be fun to go watch,” Sandy said. “It was fascinating. The way she worked with those little kids was amazing. She’s so good with them. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Billie never leaves until the last child is happy.

“If those children want to make balloons, we’ll do that for as long as it takes,” she said. “I’ll also teach them how.

“That’s why I don’t go through an agency. I don’t want to have to quit at a certain time because that’s all I’m getting paid for. If there are still some kids to make balloons for, I’m going

COURTESY

Billie Rumsey holding one of the many letters she receives from young fans. to make sure each one gets one.”

Billie’s commitment to her craft requires three hours to put on her makeup before a gig. There’s also a cost, such as between $700 and $1,000 for a costume (she has four), not counting shoes for around $350 a pair (she has two). And though she graduated from clown school a long time ago, she returns for refresher courses annually.

Billie said clowns have taken something of a hit reputation-wise, thanks to the book and movie “It” and the creepy clown sightings around the world in 2016. But she’s never met a child with whom she couldn’t become a friend.

“I’ve never had a kid who was scared of me that I couldn’t overcome that fear,” she said.

“Those clown sightings, it was just people scaring people. Sadly, sometimes people can be cruel. And that movie was horrible for clowns, there was so much we had to overcome because of that movie.”

Billie noted that some of the most famous people in entertainment history were once clowns.

“Red Skelton was one

of the greatest clowns ever. Al Roker used to be a clown, and he was wonderful,” she said.

“But it’s a dying art. I don’t think it has to be, though. People always need to smile.”

It does, however, take a special person to be a clown, she reiterated.

“When you’re a real clown, you’ve got the heart of a clown,” she said.

“When you walk away from a gig and you’ve made people happy, you just feel really good, and you can’t wait to do it again.”

4

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March 2019

Be Well, Live Well series hosted by Extension office The Parker County Extension office is hosting five sessions on healthy living in March. The sessions are free to the public and held each Friday from 11 a.m. to noon.

Be Independent, Eat Well March 1 Learn which nutrients you need more of as you age, how to support cognition through food and more.

Be Able, Read the Label March 8 Find out how to use the nutrition facts label as a tool to help you maintain a healthy eating pattern.

Be Safe, Eat Safe March 15 Learn how to keep food safe while

shopping, how to interpret dates on food packages, safe food storage practices and more.

Be Creative, Plan Meals March 22 Find solutions to eating alone and learn how to plan meals for small households.

Be Fit, Move More March 29 Learn the benefits of physical activity as you age and ideas to include physical activity in your daily life.

Each session includes recipe tastings and door prizes. For more information or to register, call 817-5986168. The Extension office is located at 604 North Main in Weatherford.

COURTESY

Kloggers searching for new members

The Klassy Kloggers recently attended a workshop and enjoyed fun and fellowship in Luckenbach. The group is always open to new members. To join, call director Shirley Anderson at 254-246-1972 or just show up for Monday night practice between 6 - 8:30 p.m. at The Harberger Hill Community Center, located at 701 Narrow Street in Weatherford.

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March 2019

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5

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

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

You may have already had this diagnosed on an MRI and thought that there is little that can be done about it.

That’s a major problem: bad information, because in the right hands, a lot can be done for you.

To end the misery caused by Bulging DISCS, you must have the right information. Pay close attention because I’m going to destroy some important myths and give you the facts.

MYTH: Bulging DISC problems will just “go away” with some rest.

FACT: If you are dealing with leg pain, then you must seek help from a Bulging DISC specialist immediately. If left untreated, the problem can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain.

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

FACT: In severe cases, this problem can lead to the inability to control your bowels, bladder and sexual potency - leading to embarrassing situations.

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

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

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

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

MYTH: DISC Bulges or herniations require surgery.

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

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

FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specializes in Bulging DISCs, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms.

MYTH: Getting a Bulging DISC properly diagnosed is expensive.

FACT: Not true. Dr. Carl McAfee in Weatherford is currently offering an initial consultation with one of their specialists for just $29.

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

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

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Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report relief from their pain and associated symptoms early in the process.

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March 2019

A look back at the Haynes Opera House It's safe to say you've never caught a show at the Haynes Opera House, which once stood in the northwest quadrant of the Weatherford square.

But, thanks to a sketch written in 1963 by the late Ellen Bowie Holland, we get a feel for what theater patrons experienced in the early 1900s.

Holland shared her love of the titillating melodramas presented at the theater, but added, “The Haynes Opera House was exciting in its own right. It had been condemned and declared unsafe, but as a family we could not resist the temptation of always taking one more chance of

being exterminated.” She continued, “Father would tell me to get the tickets, ‘but go first into the grocery store and see where Mr. Bonner [the downstairs grocer] has the flour stacked, and buy the tickets exactly above it. I don’t want to fall into a pickle barrel when the house collapses.'”

Rather than collapsing, the theater was wiped out by a fire in 1914, along with the downstairs grocery and a neighboring confectionary. The property later housed J.C. Penney, Bartlett Furniture and K’s Thrift Center. Gabe T. Vick, the current owner, purchased the property in 1978.

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Pictured above are the stonemasons responsible for building the Parker County Courthouse in 1884. In the background, you will see the Carson & Lewis House Hotel to the left and the newly-constructed Haynes Opera House on the right.

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n Crossword Crossword Puzzle

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

(Puzzle solution is on P. 11.)

7

by Margie E. Burke

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ACROSS 1 Ballroom move 13 14 15 16 5 Skirt feature, 17 18 19 sometimes 9 M, to Einstein 20 21 22 13 Study aide 15 Garden 23 24 walkway 25 26 27 28 16 Death notice, briefly 29 30 31 32 33 34 17 Addams Family's 35 36 37 38 39 Fester, e.g.

18 Law firm newbie 40 42 43 44 41 20 Something huge 45 46 47 22 Seller of Alaska in 1867 51 48 49 50 23 UPC part 52 53 54 55 56 24 Foreshadow 25 In the direction 57 58 59 of 60 61 62 28 Big bully 29 SNL segments 63 64 65 30 Refinery residue 31 Scruff of the Copyright 2019 by The Puzzle Syndicate neck 35 Biblical boat 60 Big cat 9 Wet 38 Christmas 36 Understanding 61 Palindromic term 10 Put down crackler 39 Greyhound, e.g. of address 11 Peaceful protest 41 Area prone to 40 Commuter line 62 Xbox enthusiast 12 Place of another flooding 42 Right on the 63 Repair, as 14 Penitent's 44 Marine hazard map? clothing emotion 46 ___ Piper 43 Seize illegally 64 Nose out 19 Rudely terse 47 Attorney's 45 Abstract style 65 Tear apart 21 Simon's couple charge of the '60s 24 Chris of 48 Bailiwick 47 In a monotonous "Jurassic World" 49 Eagle's home way DOWN 25 Ivan the Terrible, (var.)

48 Merlot, for one 1 Concert e.g.

50 Exorcist's target 51 "___ here long?" memento 26 Creole veggie 51 Ecological 52 Embroidered 2 It can be hard to 27 Online prefix community hole carry, for some with -pedia 53 Stars and 53 Success at the 3 Cut into glass 28 Great time Stripes, e.g. expense of 4 Skunk 30 Flat replacement 54 British title others 5 Sudden gush 32 Go up against 55 Word said 57 Anteater's 6 Whip's blow 33 Knitting stitch before opening cousin 7 "___ a deal!"

34 Perceive the eyes 59 "The Audacity 8 Leaving no 37 In the _____...

56 Fabric quantity of Hope" author stone unturned (for now) 58 Little fella

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March 2019

Busy season kicks off for Parker County gardeners Timely Tips

by Neil Sperry Gardening Expert

Spring in Texas is a little like walking against the current in a strong wave pool. It’s hard to keep ahead of things. Check through these notes and perhaps I can help you fine-tune your way to success.

Plant: n Trees, shrubs and groundcovers as nurseries begin to stock up for spring sales. If you see something you’ve been wanting, buy it then. It may be your only chance. n The average date of the last killing freeze in Parker County is around March 17. That means on that date you still have a 50 percent chance of one or more additional frosts. The likelihood decreases day by day thereafter. n Leaf and root crops two or three weeks prior to the average last frost. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, corn, cucumbers, melons and other frost-sensitive crops should not be planted until then or later.

Prune: n Spring-flowering shrubs and

vines immediately after they finish blooming. Reshape to encourage them to fill in and grow in their natural forms. Avoid formal shearing. n Watch for weakened or dead branches as trees leaf out. Have a certified arborist remove them if they’re higher than you can reach from the ground. Winds can bring them down onto you or your house. n Mow lawn regularly to discourage spring weeds.

Fertilize: n Annual and perennial plantings with high-quality, all-nitrogen fertilizer to promote vigorous new growth this spring. n Shrubs and groundcovers with an all-nitrogen, lawn-type plant food. Be careful it doesn’t contain a weedkiller component. n Shade trees compete well with turf for nitrogen. Surface applications are best. Spread evenly across the entire root zone. Spikes and holes filled with plant food provide too much fertilizer in specific spots and little or none in between.

On the Lookout: n Broadleafed (non-grassy) weeds such as clover, dandelions, thistles and others. Use a broadleafed weedkiller spray (containing 2,4-D) with pump sprayer. Apply directly to the weeds’ leaves. Spray on

a still, dry day so it won’t affect desirable shrubs, groundcovers and flowers nearby. n Begin to watch for take all root rot. St. Augustine will green up lethargically. Runners will have dark, stubbly root systems. It’s usually not evident until April, so I’ll save

further discussion until the next issue of Hoopla. n Aphids on tender new growth.

You may be able to wash them off with a blast of water from the garden hose. Most general-purpose insecticides will also eliminate them fairly easily.

n Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum cv.)

It seems like everybody wants one of these trees. That’s probably because they’re stunning. But there are a few facts you really need to consider.

Mature size: depends on the cultivar. Some grow to be 25 or 30 feet tall and wide. Others stay waisthigh.

Leaf shape: basically star-shaped, although some are much more toothed than others.

Leaf color: the original species is green, but many of the cultivars are boldly burgundy-red, especially in early spring and late fall.

Sunlight preference: must have shade from mid-morning on.

Soil preference: acidic, but then again, that’s the case with most plants. It will tolerate any highly organic planting soil.

Moisture needs: must be kept

Japanese Maple

NEIL SPERRY

consistently moist. If it gets dry, the edges of the leaves will scorch and turn brown and crisp.

Best landscape uses: can be used as a small accent tree as long as you can provide the shade. Smaller types can also be grown in large patio pots because the plants are winter-hardy all across Texas.

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March 2019

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

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n Neighbors We’ll Miss n Marion Langford, Jr., 86 Feb. 12, 2019 n Shirley Williams, 91 Feb. 11, 2019 n Patsy Lou Savage, 92 Feb. 10, 2019 n Jimmy Rogers, 78 Feb. 11, 2019 n Barry Sall, 86 Feb. 11, 2019 n Durant Beauchamp, Sr., 93 Feb. 5, 2019 n Linda Bates, 76 Feb. 3, 2019 n Harold Davis, 83 Feb. 3, 2019 n John Steed, 70 Feb. 2, 2019 n Wilbert McFarland, 80 Feb. 2, 2019

n Paul Cortez Rodriguez, 71 Jan. 30, 2019 n Carolyn Alley, 69 Jan. 29, 2019 n Nancy Enright, 72 Jan. 28, 2019 n Ronnie Hollar, 69 Jan. 28, 2019 n Thomas Steele, 85 Jan. 28, 2019 n Joe Swaim, 81 Jan. 28, 2019 n Tonya Anderton, 40 Jan. 27, 2019 n Jeffery Bolt, 57 Jan. 25, 2019 n Lois Wootten, 86 Jan. 23, 2019 n James Wicker, 73 Jan. 23, 2019

n Doris Jean Kimback, 83 Jan. 22, 2019 n Marilyn Garrison, 74 Jan. 20, 2019

n Frank Rogers, 80 Jan. 20, 2019 n Myron Macy, 99 Jan. 19, 2019

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March 2019

Prepare your home to sell for top dollar The real estate market in North eral thousand extra dollars in your Texas has been incredibly hot as of pocket at close of escrow. late. Home values have been rising on average about 6 percent annuMarket Readiness Evaluation ally with some areas seeing double Any plan for selling a home digit price appreciation. must begin with a market readiThat has been good for home ness evaluation, which is a physisellers, but not so much for buyers. cal evaluation of the home, an inThe Texas market remains pretty depth analysis of current market strong in spite of a slight downdynamics, and a factual study of ward trend nationally. short-term sales statistics.

Our super-heated real estate Far too often, home owners are market the past few years has given advice based on the agent’s caused some to feel that there is desire to maximize selling price. less reason to Often this is invest much backed up by money in home a computerpreparation generated CMA before putting report from the

by Jim Young, Realtor them on the Multiple Listing Keller Williams Realty market. Some Service, which DFW Metro think the fastcan be manipupaced market lated to reprewill result in a quick sale of the sent whatever the agent wants to home no matter its condition. show, and often fails to consider Could be, but only if you are all the facts. willing to accept an offer with a This limited analysis often leads 5-6 percent discount from asking to a home being rushed to market, price. over-priced and ill-prepared. The They might say, big deal, it’s goresult can be that the home reing to sell for around $350,000 any- mains on the market past its prime way… what’s a few percent off our market period, which is typically asking price! about two weeks.

Well, 5 percent off a $350,000 Buyer’s agents, and their clihome is $17,500. ents, look at homes that have been To me, that’s a big deal! on the market for an extended Most real estate agents can tell amount of time, with some skeptiyou why their brokerage is the best cism and suspicion, which almost at listing and marketing homes. always leads to heavily discountThey can illustrate the steps ined offers to purchase. I refer to a volved in the typical home selling home having extended Days on process. They can cite market and Market (DOM), as real estate’s sales statistics and tell you about DOoMs Day Curse! their great marketing plan. But It is possible to prepare a home very few have the background or for both a quick sale, and top-dolknowledge to educate you on how lar, but it requires accurate analyto prepare your home to sell for sis, professional marketing, and top-dollar, potentially putting sev- commitment to stick to the facts.

Real Estate For Seniors

COURTESY

The Right Approach Before putting your home on the market, your agent should conduct an in-depth evaluation of your home and assess its market readiness.

Our team looks at 42 specific areas that can result in a negative opinion on the part of prospective buyers.

This data, together with property tax records, and detailed analysis of sales of similar properties in the immediate area, will form the basis for pricing and possible upgrade and/or repair recommendations considered necessary for your home to sell for top-dollar.

Armed with this evaluation agents can have an honest, factsbased discussion with clients and help them make realistic decisions before going forward with listing and marketing your home.

This exercise will consider such topics as: Is your home ready for market as it is, or will it require repairs of updating? How much are you willing to invest for maximum dollar return on investment?

Given its present condition, will it show well enough to entice buyers to make an acceptable offer?

Should our pricing philosophy be: Price for maximum sales proceeds? Price for a quick sale? Price

to optimize both? What is the best marketing approach to ensure a fast sale at the best possible return on your investment?

Get your Home Ready for Sale There is an old axiom that says, “you have to invest money, to make money!”

A few dollars invested in getting your home ready for market will bring huge returns. First impressions are everything when it comes to selling a home. The more effort you put into cleaning-up, sprucing-up, de-cluttering and upgrading your home, the more likely you are to sell it quickly for top-dollar.

What prospective buyers see as they drive up to your home is critically important, so don’t forget your yard and landscaping cleanup and preparation. Curb-appeal can color a prospective buyer’s overall impression of your home.

See the April issue for Part Two – Nine Point Property Improvement Plan For more information, or a courtesy evaluation of your home’s value, contact Jim Young, Realtor – Keller Williams Realty DFW Metro SW. 682-239-1817

March 2019

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

11

Win $25 gift certificate for finding the frog!

Hoopla subscriber Mitchell Daniels found the hidden frog on page 8 of last month’s issue.

The unofficial Hoopla mascot was hiding at the bottom of the Express Employment Professionals ad.

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Friends of Faith: A Reader-Sponsored Section of Hoopla

12

March 2019

Pray for guidance in a world of change Friends of

Faith Hoopla's Friends of Faith pages are made possible thanks to the generosity of: Sponsors: "Spiritual Friends" at FUMC North Side Baptist Please help us spread the Good Word to seniors by sending donations to: Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, TX 76086 100% of your donations go toward the production and printing of our faith pages.

Change.

It’s part of the world we live in, but it is hard to comprehend.

As a senior citizen I enjoy telling the young’uns in the cellphone store to slow down because I grew up with a rotary dial phone on an 8-party line, four of which rang in our house. Talk about privacy, there was no privacy! For instance, everyone on that line knew at 10 a.m. every day our neighbor Malley called her sister who lived up the road. One did not challenge Malley’s use of the phone unless it was a true emergency.

Sometimes, I also wish the world would slow down and let us smell the roses. Instead, I see and hear folks chattering on their cellphones in public places. I think to myself, that it is no different today except that on the rotary dial phone we could listen in to both sides of the

A Senior Devotional

by Rev. Dr. Edie Gause Grace First Presbyterian

conversation instead of only one.

Change is all around us all the time. Even God changes God’s mind, for instance in the story of the Golden Calf (Exodus 32) when Moses catches up on the situation Aaron had created by providing the calf made of melted gold earrings. God had intended to punish them with death; but on God’s second thought, God decides not to do that. Yes, according to scripture, even God changes!

Change is also present in Jesus’ ministry. According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus goes to John the Baptist at the river Jordan seeking bap-

n Opportunities for Faith-Based Fun and Fellowship Members and non-members are welcome at any of the following faith-based events. To submit an event for possible inclusion, email seniors@hooplamagazine.com. n The Spring Ring, a handbell concert led by composer and instructor Cynthia Dobrinski , Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 301 S. Main Street (Sanctuary), Weatherford. n Singing Men of Texas Concert, Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Dennis, 7600 FM 1189. Free admission. For more information, call David Hunt at 817-613-9295. n Prime Timer's Luncheon at Trinity Bible Church, Thursday, March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4936 Interstate 20 Frontage Road (Student Building), Willow Park. n Lee and Gloria West will entertain at the monthly Evergreen meeting at North Side Baptist, Tuesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m., 910 N. Main Street (Fellowship Hall), Weatherford. Bring a potluck dish to share.

n A Passover Study Conference with guest speaker Dr. Baruch Korman, North Side Baptist Church, Friday, March 22 - Saturday, March 23, Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m., 910 N. Main St., Weatherford. n Monthly Covered Dish Luncheon For 60+ at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Wednesday, March 27 following the 11 a.m. mass, 1802 Bethel Rd, Weatherford (Parish Hall), Weatherford. n Game Night at Grace First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, March 30, 6 p.m., 606 Mockingbird Lane, Weatherford. Church provides dinner and games. RSVP by March 27 at info@gracefirstpc.org or call the office at 817-594-2744. n Sanctified Hope Round Up includes a chuckwagon dinner, live entertainment by Justin Todd Herrod, a silent auction and door prizes, Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m., Parker County Sheriff Posse Grounds, 2251 Mineral Wells Highway. $50 admission benefits a local home for women who are building a new life with Christ. For tickets, call 817-901-5446.

tism. He gets that from John, and he gets more from the Spirit of God who not only descends with words of commendation but drives Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days – likely a change from what Jesus was expecting!

Change. It is the way the world is, and not all change needs to be accepted. Some does, and some doesn’t. By God’s grace, let us know the difference and accommodate change when that’s appropriate and not when it is not. My constant prayer is that God will continue to guide me in knowing which is which.

May it also be so for you.

Rev. Dr. Edie Gause serves as interim pastor at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 606 Mockingbird Trail, Weatherford.

March 2019

Friends of Faith: A Reader-Sponsored Section of Hoopla

13

Friends of Faith: A Reader-Sponsored Section of Hoopla

14

March 2019

It’s never too late

Man’s time is not God’s time

Brookdale resident Evelyn Schmedt (seated) was delighted to meet one of the many North Side Baptist Church members entertaining at the assisted living facility. Under the direction of North Side’s Nursing Home Ministry, the youth modeled fashions through the ages, beginning with Adam and Eve.

by Mark K. Campbell Guest Writer It’s never too late – that’s proven true for me, certainly.

I began writing a novel in May 2007. I was 50, a month away from 51.

I had many friends – truly wonderful people – who thought religion was a bunch of hooey. After all, these were modern days, they said, and no one needed advice from some ancient book that preached about a savior.

I thought I could reach my friends – and maybe others – with a novel infused with humor and relatively recent pop references while addressing what are usually considered the concerns “smart” people have with the Bible, God and Jesus.

I was finished with Sense vs Soul, 33,000 words later, that September.

Or so I thought.

For 11-plus years, I kept tinkering with it, sometimes adding an anecdote I might’ve heard from someone or taking something I heard from the pulpit or my own reading and incorporating it.

Finally, learning the lesson that man’s time isn’t God’s time, the novel was where it needed to be around last

COURTESY

COURTESY

Author Mark K. Campbell Thanksgiving. Now, 55,000 words, Sense vs Soul is out. And I’m truly astonished at some of the heartfelt, unsolicited comments I’ve been getting, especially since it’s not your everyday “religious” book.

I think/hope I did what God told me to do. Now, at 62, I see this was the best time for Sense vs Soul.

Sense vs Soul can be purchased online at amazon.com or via PayPal at the Sense vs Soul Facebook page.

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March 2019

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

How to communicate with friends, family with dementia Question: I am having difficulty communicating with my mom who has dementia. What can I do?

Answer: Because of the brain changes, communication can become difficult. The ability to comprehend and process vocabulary can decrease, so you need to learn how to communicate more effectively.

With the help of PAC-Teepa Snow, I've compiled a few tips that may help you.

Remove the word “remember” out of your vocabulary. Those with memory problems should not be asked, “Do (or don't) you remember…?”

Match your pace to hers. If she is beginning to slow down, then you slow down. Use pauses, don’t rush in right away to make suggestions.

Healthy Fun

by Janet Standifer Parker County Dementia Care Trainer

Use reflection. If your mom is struggling to find words, it can be helpful to first repeat back to her what you heard rather than add to what she has said.

Use “this or something else.”

Offer one specific word and one very general word when she is having difficulty letting you know what she wants. “Do you want Coke or something else?”

Try asking for her to give you more information. Say “Tell me more about it.”

Use visuals. Point to the object in question, which will help your mom answer the questions.

Most of all, do not argue with your mom. Choose your “battles.”

Ask yourself, “Is this really so important that I have to correct mom, or can I just let it go?”

Resistance to care, physical and verbal aggression/outbursts and anxiety are all forms of communication.

Confusion, depression and wandering can also be considered as a way your loved one is trying to communicate.

It is important to figure out why these behaviors are occurring.

There could be an underlying medical issue, so try to avoid arguments, demands, belittling comments, confrontations, using a loud voice, and touching without permission.

Change your approach which will affect overall communication.

Hopefully this information helps you and your mother.

ementia in Perspective

Dementia in Perspective What is Dementia?

What is Dementia?

15

n Reach Out n Grandparenting Support, every last Sunday, 5 to 6 p.m., North Side Baptist Church, 910 N. Main Street (Room 128), Weatherford. n Grief Share, Mondays, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Main Street, Room 109, Weatherford, 817-594-3030. Enter on corner of College and Oak Streets. n Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 1st Thursday each month, 10 a.m., North Side Baptist Church, 817-336-4949. n Parkinson’s Support Group, last Tuesday of each month, North Side Baptist, Room 102, 3 to 4 p.m., 817-901-4658. n Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group, 2nd Tuesday of each month, North Side Baptist, Room 104, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., 817-901-4658.

To be added to this list, call 817894-1822 or email seniors@hooplamagazine.com.

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

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Learn effective approaches and strategies

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

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

817-901-4658

t with the person living with dementia

16

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

March 2019