November 2021

Hoopla November 2021

Free

Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

National Cutting Horse Association inducts lone Texan into Members Hall of Fame Area vets spotlighted and honored Seniors learn to fend off attackers Lindsey Walls Photography

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

n Guess Who

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CLARK, JOE. [OLD TIMERS AT THE STIR-OFF], PHOTOGRAPH, 194X; UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS LIBRARIES, THE PORTAL TO TEXAS HISTORY; CREDITING UNT LIBRARIES SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

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Hoopla November 2021 Volume 5, Issue 11

© 2021 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla, published monthly, serves Parker County, Palo Pinto County and Tarrant County. For a complete list of distribution points, go to our website at www.hooplamagazine.com. Home delivery is available for $18 per year. A free e-edition is available at www. hooplamagazine.com. You can contact us at Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086, or at the number below.

817-894-1822

seniors@hooplamagazine.com

Publisher

Cynthia Henry

Contributors

Lara Cook • Rose Jordan • Rick Mauch Mary H. McDow • Lindsey Walls • Dick Wolfsie

Guess Who: Bruce Willis starred in Moonlighting before he took lead roles in blockbuster films, like Die Hard, The Whole Nine Yards, and Unbreakable.

Name: _________________________________________________

This actor came from humble beginnings.

His mother worked at a bank and his father was a mechanic who was sometimes moonlighting as a welder. But the actor soon forgot his blue collar past after making $5-7 million over a two-year period PUBLIC DOMAIN promoting wine coolers for Seagram’s. Unfortunately, he developed a severe alcohol addiction. He sought treatment, started eating healthier, working out -- the whole nine yards. You could say he was unbreakable. If you’re a diehard fan of Demi Moore, you may recognize him since the pair were married for many years.

Not sure who he is? His name is revealed below the Hoopla masthead.

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November 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Shelly Mowery and her broodmare Here Kitty Kitty at the Mowery Cutting Horses Ranch

Shelly Mowery LINDSEY WALLS

Lone Texan inducted into National Cutting Horse Association Members Hall of Fame this December: ‘Horses got me here’

by Lindsey Walls Hoopla Correspondent On December 11, before the Open Finals competition at the 2021 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, Shelly Burmeister Mowery will be inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Members Hall of Fame.

An honor not to be taken lightly, it is a process. You must first be nominated by not one, but by several individuals. To be approved as an inductee requires accomplishment and involvement in the sport of cutting, and The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). The NCHA Executive Committee and the Hall of Fame Committee select the inductees for this highest honor bestowed by the association.

Every year there are several nominations and several people on the list to be nominated. Mowery’s involvement and accomplishments range from rider/competitor to cutting horse breeder, and equine sports broadcaster.

“I’m primarily being nominated for my work in television, as a broadcaster, and for raising money. I raised a lot of sponsorship money for the NCHA”, said Mowery, regarding her nomination.

To understand how Mowery got here, you have to go back to her first love: horses. As a young teenager in Iowa, Shelly Burmeister trained her first horse, competed in barrel racing and any equine sport she could. Then she got into rodeo queen pageants, became Miss Rodeo Iowa, and was runner-up to Miss Rodeo America. Her horsemanship skills and rodeo pageantry work earned her a college scholarship. She forfeited the scholarship to become Miss Coors Rodeo with Coors Brewing in Golden, Colorado. Burmeister-Mowery developed her skills at negotiating sponsorships involving prize money at The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos, and advocated for equal prize money for women professional barrel racers. Mowery’s job as Miss Coors Rodeo, negotiating million-dollar See MOWERY, P. 4

COURTESY

Shelly Burmeister Mowery, Fox Sports Network broadcaster, at the Will Rogers Coliseum, 1990s.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

MOWERY From Page 3

sponsorships in professional rodeos, was later an asset in raising sponsorships for the NCHA. With her extensive knowledge of horses and the sport of rodeo, Mowery became an equine sports broadcaster for Fox Sports Network, work that would earn her a Telly Award, induction into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, and induction into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Mowery got involved in cutting in the early 1980s. Iconic New Mexico rancher, and longtime friend, Fern Sawyer got her on a cutting horse at the New Mexico State Fair.

“The first time I was on a cutting horse, that was it, I was hooked,” says Mowery.

She studied the sport, began competing, studied cutting horse bloodlines, and ultimately became a cutting horse breeder. Mowery and her mare Some Kinda Playgirl won many non-pro and amateur NCHA cutting events. Playgirl also eventually became an all-time money winning producer of champion offspring.

“That mare and I were very successful together,” said Mowery.

Already a successful broadcaster for professional rodeo, Mowery began broadcasting NCHA cutting events, promoted the sport, and helped raise money for the asso-

ciation by securing sponsorships.

Mowery got even more involved in cutting when she married cutting horse trainer Rick Mowery. Together they built a successful cutting horse breeding and training operation in Weatherford, living the western lifestyle with his three sons and her daughter.

This may sound like the perfect life, but every life has its challenges and Mowery’s life is no exception.

“In life, I’ve made mistakes, made bad decisions, trusted the wrong people, but I kept going,” said Mowery.

Pursuing a career in the male dominated industry of professional rodeo in the mid-1970s had challenges.

“Pro-rodeo committees were all men, and I worked very hard negotiating equal pay for women barrel racers at Coors-sponsored pro-rodeos. I threatened to walk out and take the sponsorship money with me at several large rodeos if they didn’t give the women equal prize money,” reflected Mowery.

Being a single mom in the early 80s and traveling as an equine sports broadcaster was also challenging.

“I took Sawyer on the road with me. I didn’t want to leave her behind, and didn’t trust anyone with

Shelly Mowery rides MK Chic A Boon to a first place win at the 2018 NCHA Futurity Careity Foundation Celebrity Cutting, at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas on December 6, 2018. her on long absences from home,” commented Mowery.

Mowery’s interview style in rodeo, cutting, western lifestyle, in movies and television afforded her the credentials to work with many influential people. Most people could only wish to walk in her boots, see the places and meet the people that Mowery has in a lifetime. She knows it and feels blessed.

She’s also given back to her community, serving on the board of di-

rectors for Freedom House, Parker County Committee on Aging, and Child Protective Services. She is a former director of the Parker County Committee on Aging.

Mowery speaks with pride about the NCHA induction and her accomplishments.

“I feel honored,” she said. “I’m just an average person who has been very blessed. I attribute everything I’ve done to my love of horses. Horses got me here.”

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

n Artist Profile

Ann Winnchester helps seniors find their inner Picasso If you’ve been searching for a new hobby, Ann Winnchester has just the class for you. She teaches watercolor painting at Sparks Studio in Arlington.

The Fort Worth resident started her art career by doing commission portraits.

“Standing at an easel and having a live model to work from is exhilarating,” she said.

Ann’s classes fill up quickly because, at age 76, she’s got lots of experience and knowledge to share. She’s taught painting for 25 years.

“There are so many baby boomers who now have time to do art and many are really excelling in watercolor,” she added.

Winnchester, who also teaches in Cleburne, gets most of her inspiration from other painters.

“I have books and a video by Shirley Travena, and she is very exciting to me. Right now I am incorporating some of what she does into my work.”

Winnchester is a member of the Fort Worth Society of Watercolor Artists and has won three best of show honors.

For more information on her art or her classes, visit www.sparksstudioart.com or call her directly at 817-308-1889.

Crossword

November 2021

by Margie E. Burke

(Puzzle solution is on P. 23)

ACROSS 1 Jack, for one 5 Still life subject 9 Tentative agenda 14 Sheltered, in a way 15 Blow the whistle on 16 Tax man's task 17 Islands with giant tortoises 19 Cartoon canine 20 "Lose Yourself" rapper 21 Voice of Buzz Lightyear 23 Disney dwarf 24 Sooner or later 26 "Right you ___!"

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DOWN 1 Like Angelou's bird 2 Texas siege site 3 Dig discovery 4 Rat Pack member 5 Captivate 6 Tail movement 7 Ham it up 8 Like suburban streets

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Monopoly token ___ out a living Zenith's opposite Foundation Tuscan tenor Bocelli City on the Rio Grande Embarrass Hurried Puccini work Deviousness Roof part President-___ Potter's oven Russian despot Lowly worker

November 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 7

Learn the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare Are you 65 or older? Have you heard the good news? You have reached medicare age! If you are not excited, maybe it’s because you are not 100% on what that means. Well that’s where I come in. Hello, I am Taralynn Hickman and I educate people on the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. Medicare is so good and that’s why people want Medicare for all!

Firstly, Medicare is for people who have worked 10 quarters, and who are 65 or older or have been disabled for more than 24 months. Also, effective 2021 people with end stage renal disease can also sign up!

Medicare is broken up into four parts: Part A – A is premium free and covers everything medically necessary that happens in the hospital.

Part B – B has a premium for everything medically necessary that happens outside of the hospital.

Part C – C The Medicare Advantage Plans.

always go back to your old plan.

If you currently have a supplement, and never Part D - D has a premium and is all about pretried a Medicare Advantage plan you can try an scriptions.

Medicare Advantage plan and go back to your supplement at any time within 12 months if you are not completeThe wonderful thing about ly satisfied. part B is it can be free if you Like I said in the beginning, qualify. If you do qualify for Medicare is wonderful. Medipart B for free, you can change care pays 80% and you are reyour Medicare Advantage Plan

by TaraLynn Hickman sponsible for 20%. You need proup to three times a year until Benefits Specialist tection for the 20%. you find the perfect fit for your You can obtain help for the health care. Also, there is help 20% by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or with your prescriptions and again if you qualify. by purchasing a Supplement.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is when you can change your Medicare coverage. Your new plan will go into effect thsimple@sbcglobal.net or 972-741-0442, if you have questions, want to know what your options January 1st. are, or anything else Medicare related.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from Jan. 1 I educate people on the ABCDs of Medicare, and to March 31. This is when you can make one final help seniors get the most of their medicare benefits. change to your Medicare Advantage Plan. You can

Medicare Spotlight

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR MEDICARE QUESTIONS Call TaraLynn Hickman 972-741-0442

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

8th degree black belt teaching young, old how to fight bullies

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent It’s no secret the discipline of martial arts plays a key role in success in life of David Mason, an eighth-degree black belt in the sport.

“I have seen karate change people’s lives for the better from ages 3 years and older. Martial arts can be taught to everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, age, or even physical limitations,” he said.

Mason leads the TKI branch in Lakeside.

Founded in 1962 in Dallas by Allen Steen, TKI has branches throughout Texas. Mason also leads the TKI Select program in Lake Worth, part of the program that was established in 2018 in Plano to serve inside churches and places of worship, public and private schools and the many home school associations.

Mason, 52, grew up in the North Dallas suburb of Richardson and graduated from Plano Senior High School. He moved to Weatherford in 2019 to pursue teaching anti-bully campaigns in the Weatherford and Parker County public schools.

Anti-bullying is one of the more significant programs offered through TKI. It started in Richardson in 2017 and has developed into a program that has now been taught in public schools in Richardson, Plano and Weatherford.

“This class centers around teaching bullied students how to peacefully defend themselves by using their words and martial arts techniques to

COURTESY

Mason (tan pants) with seniors at the monthly self defense class at L.O. Bud Irby Senior Center in Lake Worth. draw attention to the bullying actions by incorporating people around to help diffuse and stop the bully action from becoming a physical altercation,” explained Mason.

“Everyone is responsible to stop bullying, including the person being bullied, the bully and the crowd watching the bullying activity happening.”

Among the many other programs Mason’s dojo offers is Christian Soldiers. This combines American Karate with Bible study.

American Karate, by the way, is a style first coined by Fort Worth martial arts pioneer J. Pat Burleson in the 1960s. The first 10th-degree black

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belt in American Karate, he joined with Steen to develop this blend of karate that combines many techniques from Tae Kwon Do to kickboxing.

TKI is also currently hosting a free monthly senior self defense class at L.O. Bud Irby Senior Center in Lake Worth.

“We are here to serve our community that serves us in return,” Mason said. “TKI Select focuses on teaching martial arts to the whole family.”

“The program is very family friendly. My daughter and husband have enjoyed participating in the program together very much,” Erica See SELF DEFENSE, P. 9

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November 2021

SELF DEFENSE From Page 8

Hudson said. “The program is excellent for helping form focus and being self-disciplined to learn all the different forms and moves of martial arts.

“Mr. Mason does an excellent job of teaching the young children with great kindness and patience, as well as the adults in the same class without sacrificing excellence.”

Earlier in life, Mason competed in karate, but teaching is where his heart lies, he said.

“The challenge of going out into the competition ring to test my skills as an individual sport was not only scary at times, but it let me get a sense of how well my martial arts would match up against other trained students at my age and skill level. In 1981 at the age of 11, I achieved my first major tournament win on the big stage of the finals of the United States Karate Championships in the Advanced/Black Belt children’s sparring finals.

“The U.S. Karate Championships was regarded as the premier sport karate event throughout the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. This experience impacted my love for competition in sport karate for the next three decades.”

Mason’s competition schedule was pretty extensive throughout his

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 9

teenage years. He traveled throughout the state of Texas competing in the premiere Texas Sport Karate league called the Amateur Organization of Karate (AOK). In his banner competition year in 1986, at the age of 16, he won the AOK’s top allaround black belt award called the Golden Greek Award. He competed against the top Texas Black Belts.

“That year was challenging and exciting, but my excitement for winning the award for myself paled in experience to helping train and coach my many young students in achieving their own martial arts tournament and belt successes,” Not only did Mason completely devote himself to karate, so did his father, who purchased the TKI dojo in Richardson. That’s where Mason and his two sisters earned their first black belts. His father started a tournament called the Big D Nationals.

“There are so many great things that I’ve experienced about martial arts, but the greatest part has been the many great relationships that I have made. The sense of family is always attached to karate for me.

When we go through challenging experiences together, the bond that is created becomes a lifelong bond.

It is about people helping to raise each other up through struggles and celebrating successes in overcoming adversity.”

COURTESY

David Mason works with a class of youth learning defensive fighting.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

(Puzzle solution is on P. 19) Veteran Beverly Freeman takes award-winning photos...on her phone

COURTESY

Beverly Freeman with one of her many award-winning photographs.

Azle resident Beverly Freeman has been interested in photography since high school, where she was elected the president of the camera club. She joined the Navy shortly after high school graduation.

“I told the officer of my interest in the Navy’s photography school,” she said. “He took one look at my boot camp test scores and laughed. But I remember him being a skillful communicator and, after much conversation, he found out I had entered speech contests in the youth group at my church when I was in elementary school and was Henry Olson’s mother in the junior class play.

“I had also read a report on a radio station in Red Bluff, California. To my amazement, the resource officer said there was an opening for a staff member on the base’s carrier current radio station and thought that would be a good rating for me.

“All I knew about radio was that on Saturday nights The Grand Ole Opry came from a box in the living room,” she added.

Beverly met her husband in the Navy. They traveled all over the states, living in Florida, Tennessee, California, and Maryland. Upon retirement, they checked their three children, a daughter and two sons, out of school

and began their search for a home. They landed in Arlington, Texas, where her husband worked for Bell.

“Being a Korean War veteran was a challenging experience,” said Beverly. “I believe my Navy experience help ed me be a good and understanding wife to a 20-year career Navy man, who went on deployment to Key West during the Cuban crisis, Atlantic and Pacific cruises, several cross country moves and was a member of a search and rescue crew.”

She went on to attend what was then called Tarrant County Junior College and went to work for the media department at University of Texas at Arlington.

Beverly is now widowed. Her three children live nearby, along with her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Her love of photography has never left and she continues to take phenomenal photos. She uses her iPhone camera to take pictures of everyday objects, then edits them with the phone tools. She has won many awards at local shows. She has traveled to California and Italy to learn from masters. She continues to take pictures, create art, and be with her friends in the Weatherford Art Association of which she has been a faithful member.

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November 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 11

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

Back in the saddle? No, my back is in therapy.

I recently went walking with my al. How subtle? One time, she was so wife. Mary Ellen had gotten a hunangry with me I didn’t even know it. dred feet ahead of me because I had By the end of that week, I developed severe neck pain. Molly, the to stop at one point…to catch my breath. She encouraged me to hurry, nurse practitioner at my doctor’s ofand when I put my stride into anoth- fice, ordered an X-ray and prescribed er gear ( from neusome meds. She also tral to first) I tripped wanted me to see a on some rocks and physical therapist.

by Dick Wolfsie plummeted to the My diagnosis was ground. Plummet is cervicalgia, which Humorist usually reserved for sounds more like a bus accidents, but this was clearly a crazy Roman emperor. I also have plummet. cervical spondylosis, a long-time One result of my fall was a black condition that was exacerbated by eye. I didn’t mind how disfigured I my fall. Any disease that ends with looked, but I was dreading the end“osis” (like scoliosis, thrombosis or less jokes from friends about why tuberculosis) would scare me if I Mary Ellen slugged me. There is got diagnosed with it — except for nothing funny about spousal abuse, halitosis, which would be more your and Mary Ellen is not the type to reproblem than mine. sort to fisticuffs. She has a number of My next appointment was with subtle means to show her disapprov- a therapist named Ellen. She had a

Carry On

PT, PhD, MPH, MDT and CLT. I was a little concerned about possible pain from any treatment, and based on her credentials, she could have killed me by degrees. But she was terrific.

The first thing I was asked in the session was whether I was capable of turning my head. I watched as another attractive healthcare worker walked by, so that question was answered. That first meeting was mostly testing my mobility and flexibility.

The online summary of the results kept referring to my neck rot. It took me several readings to realize “rot” was shorthand for rotation. There was also a checklist of other possible issues the therapist was to look for, including nystagmus, dysarthria and diplopia. No clue what those were, but I saw no mention of my borborygmus (the medical term for the rumbling, gurgling sound from

my stomach). Whenever it starts in church, I see many full neck rotations among the congregation.

There were other odd observations in the chart. “The patient tends to cross his right leg over his left leg when he sits.” That made me self-conscious, so instead of working on the required exercises, I spent the week practicing not crossing my legs. The report also informed me that I had “…reduced flexibility at bilat traps, levator scapulae, scalenes and lengthened rhomboids.” Exactly what I had suspected.

That physical therapist has left for a new job. For my remaining sessions, I will be working with Anna.

She was assigned to me when I had my knee replaced four years ago.

Now that I have neck rot, I hope she can help me if my head falls off and I need to have it replaced.

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November 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

13

n Honored

Buffalo Soldier inducted

by Texas Trail of Fame Lawson Daniel Gratz is honored with a marker in Annetta, Texas, but he was born a slave in Kentucky. Many served in the 144th United States Colored Troops after gaining their freedom, but Gratz was the only one honored at the recent Texas Trail of Fame induction ceremony.

Gratz, a sergeant in Company C, participated in Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s campaign that forced the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army at Appomattox.

From there, Gratz joined the Tenth Calvary. These soldiers fought the Plains Indians from 1867 to 1875 and earned the title “Buffalo Soldiers.” Their main duty was to support the nation’s westward expansion by protecting settlers, building infrastructure, and guarding the U.S. mail.

Gratz lost an eye during his service, but he refused a discharge and completed his enlistment. After serving, he lived a simple life, working as a farmer and hauling hides between Fort Worth and Dallas. He married Rosa Ann Cass and the family settled in Annetta in 1892.

Gratz died in 1909 and is buried at Willow Springs Cemetery in Parker County. A marker was erected by the Texas Historical Commission, and his name was added to the Wall of Honor at the African American Civil War Monument in Washington, D.C.

P

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WeatherfordNOW July 2021

14

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

Vietnam war museum nearing completion

by Rose Jordan Hoopla Correspondent For many, serving in the military during the Vietnam War holds memories too painful to acknowledge. But for Jim Messinger, the memories of flying a helicopter in the war still make him smile.

“Talk to helicopter pilots and ask how much fun they had flying a helicopter,” he said. “They will tell you that’s as fun as it gets.

“I had two dreams growing up. One was to be an Air Force pilot and the other was to be in the military during the war. I watched the Audie Murphy story dozens of times growing up. I watched all the war movies over and over. Audie Murphy movies made it clear that if you’re in a war, you get promoted faster. Promoted faster means more money for when you retire.”

Due to his grades, Jim didn’t qualify to serve in the Air Force, but the Army had a helicopter program that offered him the chance to fulfill his dreams.

He joined March 15, 1966, and served a total of 24 years. Jim not only flew but also trained helicopter pilots at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells.

After retiring from the Army, he decided to go to school to take some classes for fun. “They had these neat courses that I loved, and I signed up for one, then two or three. And one day my advisor called and said, ‘I guess we won’t be seeing you next semester.’

‘What? Why?!’ I asked.

‘You took all the classes,’ he said.

They had no more classes left for me to take. So, he told me to write my thesis and I would get my master’s degree. I didn’t come to get a master’s degree. I came to take classes,” Jim shared with a laugh.

His advanced degree is in management science, “Management scientists use computers and mathematics to solve business problems. My three loves: business, math, and comput-

ROSE JORDAN

Jim Messinger, a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, next to the Huey exhibit at the National Vietnam War Museum between Weatherford and Mineral Wells. ers all in one degree and I took every course they had. And I’ve been having fun in education ever since.”

Jim has also been having fun in business. “My first business when I retired from the Army – I started a snack vending business. I was looking for something to do, something fun that would generate revenue.” He learned some interesting lessons and gradually grew the business. He later sold it for twice what he had in it.

“I didn’t work at it. I got in my car and drove around town, talked to my friends. Then went home and counted my quarters,” he laughed.

“My other business was a fireworks stand. I always wanted to do that.” By the third year, Jim had caught the attention of management. “That fireworks stand has been there 30 years, and no one has ever sold that much product. What are you doing?”

Jim attributed his success to cus-

tomer service and following the instructions the company provided, “I know about customer service and I’m awesome.”

“Not only have I studied business at school, but I had my own businesses and I taught business. I know business inside out. Turned out I needed all the info to teach my students,” Jim shared of his 26-year tenure at Weatherford College. He retired earlier this year. “I was still loving it. It was still fun.”

Now, Jim dedicates his time to the National Vietnam War Museum he helped found and build. The museum was another long-time dream of his, “When I was in flight school, there were a lot of warrant officer candidates talking about how we were special and decided we needed to build a museum about warrant officer candidates. I thought, yeah, let’s do that!”

After purchasing the 12-acre site

that serves as home to the museum in 1999, the group started getting the word out.

“The first thing we did was sponsor the Moving Wall,” said Jim. “And we used that to announce that we were going to build the museum.”

With the help of master gardeners from both Palo Pinto and Parker County, the meditation gardens were built first. “While we were building the gardens, some Vietnam vets from the 52nd Aviation Battalion wandered in. They said, “We had built a wall in Vietnam and the North Vietnamese bulldozed it. We couldn’t recover anything. Could you give us a piece of land to build our wall?”

“We have the only one in the world,” Jim shared referring the Camp Hollaway Wall.

Many of the artifacts and exhibits have been donated, “People call me all the time, ‘Any chance you want these artifacts?’ Yup, we want ‘em.” The Huey that stands 20 feet in the air is another donated artifact.

Next came the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the double-wide trailer that currently serves as the visitor center.

The two-story museum is under construction and nearing completion.

While it’s difficult to project an official opening date for the museum, due to delays caused by the pandemic, the group hopes to open sometime next year. The new building still needs an elevator and several of the exhibits have yet to be completed.

If you’re interested in helping, there are several ways to get involved, including serving as a docent, donating to the cause, or joining the Sons & Daughters of the Vietnam War. “Before anything was built, we discussed what are going to do when we die,” he explained. Jim came up with the idea of a sons and daughters group.

The museum is located on Highway 180 on the outskirts of Mineral Wells.

For more information, visit their website at www.nationalvnwarmuseum.

November 2021

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better 15

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You might contribute to your IRA for contain the numbers decades to help pay for your retirement. need all the money, you 1But toif you 9;don’t each column may want to leave what’s left to your children However, if mustor grandchildren. contain the you want to ensure they get the most from this inheritance, numbers 1 toyou’ll 9; need andto do some planning. each setbackground: of 3 byUp3until a Here’s a little couple of years ago, boxes must when you left the contain proceeds of your the 1 to 9.

IRA tonumbers your benefi-

ciaries, they could choose to “stretch” (Answer appears elserequired withdrawals where over a longinpethis issue) riod, based on their life expectancies.

These required withdrawals were generally taxable, so this “stretch IRA” allowed your beneficiaries to greatly reduce the annual taxes due, while benefiting from longer tax-deferred growth potential.

And the younger the beneficiary, the longer the life expectancy and the lower the withdrawals, so this technique would have been especially valuable for your grandchildren or even great-grandchildren.

Changes in laws affecting retirement accounts have significantly limited the stretch IRA strategy. Now, most nonspouse beneficiaries must withdraw all assets from the IRA within 10 years of the IRA owner’s death. The beneficiary generally does not have to take out any money during that 10-year period, but at the end of it, the entire balance must be withdrawn – and that could result in a pretty big tax bill.

The stretch IRA strategy can still be used for surviving spouses, beneficiaries who are no more than 10 years younger than the deceased IRA owner, and beneficiaries who are chronically ill or disabled. Minor children of the original account owner are also eligible for a stretch IRA – but only until they reach the age of majority, at which time the 10year rule applies.

So, if you want to leave your IRA to family members who don’t meet any of the above exceptions, what can you do?

One possibility is a Roth IRA conversion. You could convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA over your lifetime, so your heirs would receive the Roth IRA. They would still be required to withdraw the assets within 10 years, but unlike with a traditional IRA, Roth IRA withdrawals are generally tax-free. These conversions are taxable, so you’ll want to consult your tax professional in addition to your financial advisor, to determine if this strategy can help

by Mary H. McDow you achieve your Edward Jones Adviser legacy goals.

Another option is to purchase life insurance, which can provide a specific dollar amount to your heirs or be used to help cover additional taxes. This may be especially advantageous if you are 72 or older, in good health, and taking withdrawals – technically called required minimum distributions – from your retirement accounts, such as your traditional IRA and your 401(k). If you don’t really need the money, you can use these withdrawals to pay for some or all of the insurance premiums. Life insurance can’t replace an IRA as a means to save for retirement, though, so you should consult with your financial advisor to make sure you are working toward all your goals.

In any case, if you have a sizable IRA or you don’t need the funds that you’re required to take from your retirement accounts, you may want to start thinking about what you want to do with the money. The more thorough your legacy planning, the better your chances of meeting your legacy goals.

Money Matters

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

16

Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

I Wanted To Fly William Kelly, now 101, recalls WWII

Hoopla understands the importance of preserving the past and encourages readers to share their stories. In honor of Veterans Day, we present the highlights of William Kelly’s military career.

CTD at Bucknell College in WilkesBarre, Pa. We were re-enlisted as aviation cadets and occupied five floors of the local Hotel Sterling. There was a tailor shop in the hotel, and we all had our uniforms cut to fit. We all really looked great when marching and

by William Kelly singing through the streets.

Special to Hoopla Magazine We studied. We learned the history of war, especially about the Germans I enlisted and chose the Air Force and Russians. We had a cadet from because I wanted to fly. I was always interested in aviation and built many Yugoslavia, and he really educated both us and the teacher about what model airplanes as a boy, and read was happening in that area politically. many aviation magazines.

We learned Morse Code and how to My father drove my wife, Bette, my send and receive it. One course was in son, Larry, and me to Pennsylvania airplane identification of both friendStation in Pittsburgh, Pa., to board a train for basic training in Greensboro, ly and enemy aircraft.

The training we were most interN.C. There were lots of hugs, tears and kisses. It was tough leaving my family, ested in was the flight training. We learned to fly but I was gung ho the most basic to be a pilot, preferably a fighter of airplanes, the pilot.

Piper Cub. We On the train, I learned take offs met young men and landings, as from all over the well as tailspins, state. When we 360s and other arrived, we were turns and stalls. given ill-fitting My Cub had a William Kelly, 1943, and today uniforms, and 25-horse power my shoes were too big. We were then engine and had tandem two-place marched to our barracks and told seating with dual controls. My instructor weighed 295 pounds, and he how we had to take care of it. sat in front of me. I received an uninWe had to run a 10-mile obstacle tended course in blind flying. course to complete basic training. In We were shipping out to Nashville, a short three months, we had gone Tenn., around the first of December. from a bunch of out-of-shape people to a group of soldiers, well disciplined The weather was miserable that winand in great physical condition. I had ter in Nashville; we never saw the sun, and after the tests, we had nothing to many new friends, but six of us became special friends. do. After about 60 days of this weather Upon completing basic training, and eating salami every night for supper, we six buddies were playing pool we were sent to pre-flight training at Maxwell Field, Ala. I did no flying, but and drinking beer when an orderly came in and put a letter on the bulit was a beautiful base – and the Air letin board. The letter said that anyForce threw a big graduation party one volunteering to go to navigation for us. I went from Maxwell Field to

COURTESY

William Kelly was a pilot in WWII. He turned 101 earlier this year. school would have their commission in six months. We talked it over, and all six of us decided to switch from pilot training to navigation school.

We shipped out and began school on Feb. 8, 1944. My final test flight was from Monroe, La., to Benito Air Base in Texas. We crossed the field within one minute of our ETA, so I passed my navigation flight test. We graduated on Oct. 1. We were then given a 30-day leave, and my orders were to report to Lincoln, Neb. In Lincoln, our crew was put together, and we were trained to fly the B-17 bomber. When we were fully outfitted, we were shipped to Sioux City, Iowa, for transition flight training.

My first visit to an officer’s mess was at the air base in Sioux City, Iowa.

I was amazed the first time I had dinner there. I learned that the mess sergeant had been a chef at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The food was so good that I grew out of my uniforms.

I went overseas to England on the ship John Wakefield. It had previously been the cruise ship Manhattan, out of New York. It had been torpedoed by the German subs, burned, but did not sink. The Navy towed it back to the USA and rebuilt it into a troop ship.

One day on our free cruise to England, the sea was very, very rough, and the waves seemed as high as our deck.

When the sea was rough, the orderlies put wet tea towels on the tables so the dishes would not slide. The dining room had about six long tables, and I was seated at the table next to the bandstand. The cook had prepared elbow macaroni in tomato sauce for dinner that evening. I noticed that as the ship rolled, the macaroni was moving back and forth on the plates.

We had just been seated and served when the ship took a big roll. I thought it was going to turn over and the dinner plates began to spill the macaroni. I left the table and stepped

See KELLY, P. 17

November 2021

KELLY From Page 16

on to the bandstand. When the ship hit the bottom of its roll, it recovered with a mighty jerk. This jerk tossed macaroni and officers all over the room. Everything was covered with red tomato sauce, including the officer’s pinks. I could not keep myself from laughing.

At Eye Air Base in East Anglia, England, we were assigned to B-17G No. 338441, and flew most of our missions in that plane, which we named Maid for Action. My buddy Bill S. and I painted a pretty maid on the plane.

I was assigned to the Eighth Air Force, 95th Bombardment Group, and was in the 412th Squadron stationed at Eye Base in East Anglia. The duty was to partake of daylight bombing flights over targets in Germany and elsewhere.

Casualties in aircrews were mostly impersonal as compared to ground infantry ones. A plane would disappear from formation and we would look for parachutes and count them; sometimes there were none. We certainly felt bad about their misfortune and missed them, talked about them and prayed for them. We would then face the reality of wondering if we would be the next ones not to return.

I have heard people say they were not scared when going into combat situations, but I do not believe that is true.

First Mission An orderly awakened us one morning about 3:30 a.m. The crew reported to the ready room and took their seats. A major came out to the platform and announced the mission for the day was to bomb the Datteln Oil Plant in Dortmund, Germany. The mission was said to be a milk run (an easy one).

We were in line to take off when the No. 2 engine began to act up. The tower advised us to taxi back to our plane’s hardstand for repairs. I did not think we would be going on the mission, so I curled up on my little desk and went to sleep. About a half hour

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

later, the engine was repaired, and I was told to plot a course to catch up and join our 412th Squadron.

I was not watching the runways as I normally would have been doing since I was busy with my navigation problem. We were going down the runway when I noticed the end of it was getting close, I glanced at my instruments and we were only at 65 knots, and with a load of fuel and bombs. This was much too slow for taking off. Our normal takeoff speed was 110 to 115 knots. Bill mushed the plane into the air and kept it at about 50 feet and I thought this was the end; no way can we stay airborne at this speed. The plane slowly picked up speed, but as yet, not enough. Then, exactly in front of the plane was a farmer’s house with a straw roof. We could not turn at that low speed, but Bill managed to clear that house.

Then the tail gunner got on the intercom and said, “The U.S. government is going to have to buy that farmer a new roof because we just blew his off.”

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Lucky Bastards The 95th Bombardment Group flew 320 missions and lost 157 planes and their crews. Approximately one out of three flyers were lost. When a crew completed its combat tour missions, they were part of the Lucky Bastards See KELLY, P. 18

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

KELLY

been home because I was home the first week of June. Homecoming was both great and sad.

From Page 17

Club. The war ended before I completed my tour of 25 missions, but I consider myself a member of that club. I was proud to be part of the 95th Bombardment Group, the first group to bomb Berlin.

A Strange Happening I received two letters one day at Eye Base – one from my mother and one from my friend, Hugh Daugherty. I read my mother’s letter first, and in it was the news that Hugh was missing in action and presumed dead. In my other hand, I held a letter from Hugh.

His letter was upbeat, as he told me about his experiences and a visit to Australia. I was really stunned by this strange coincidence. The remains of Hugh and his crew were never found.

On Leave In London I attended mass on Holy Thursday in London’s Saint Paul’s Cathedral.

It was very crowded. I was standing there when a priest asked me to be one of the four soldiers to carry the archbishop around the Cathedral.

When the time came, we picked up the gold platform, upon which the bishop was sitting, and took our place in the procession. This platform was heavy, and the bishop was also a large man. Halfway through the procession I was straining to hold up my corner.

I looked over at the British soldier on the other side and sweat was running down his face. It was a long trip around the cathedral. It was a beautiful mass, and I felt privileged to be part of it.

The Royal Baptism Lt. Bill Swanson and I visited Westminster Abbey in London one day in the spring of 1945. Much to our surprise, the Abbey was empty of people.

We saw a minister rushing toward us.

He asked us, “How did you two men get in here?” He explained a baptism was imminent. We showed him our ID, and surprisingly he said, “You might as well stay.”

COURTESY

Kelly was in the first group of pilots to bomb Berlin in WWII. In a few minutes, there was the sound of English trumpets. The doors opened, and the religious ministers entered the Abbey. Behind them in the procession was a person carrying a red pillow, on which the baby to be baptized was lying. To our amazement, the next two people in the procession were King George and Queen Mary. They were followed by the two young princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.

The king and queen both paused, turned toward us, and nodded to us with their head and shoulders. Bill and I had no knowledge of the proper protocol for such an occasion, so we just nodded back in the same way. The queen’s smile was even more beautiful than the one we had seen in news reels. The two princesses looked at us out of the corner of their eyes and we noticed a slight giggle as they looked at each other. Normal teenagers.

War’s End I was on leave in London from May 5 to May 8, 1945. Bill S. and I had taken in a play at a theater in Piccadilly Circus on the evening of the seventh. We both knew that the Germans and the allies were working on a peace treaty, but we prepared to go back to base the next day. However, at about 11 p.m., we heard that the treaty would

be signed the next day, and that all leaves were extended three days. On the 8th, we hit the streets of London.

Rumors were that Prime Minister Winston Churchill would announce the end of the war some time that day.

Bill and I rushed over to St. James Palace through crowded streets. Eventually, Churchill, surrounded by other dignitaries, came out on the balcony of St. James Palace, and a huge cheer went up by the people there. He made a short speech announcing that the Germans had surrendered, and that the war was officially ended.

The end of the war announcement was followed by the loudest cheer I have ever heard. I have nothing to compare the happiness I saw that day with; these people had suffered day and night for many years, so their relief from all that had to be released.

I was both lucky and happy to be there to share it with them on this day known as VE day, Victory in Europe.

News From Home On May 9, 1945, I had a message to call the lieutenant from our base barracks. My father had been trying to reach me for three days to tell me that my mother had died on May 4. I called Dad and advised him to proceed with the funeral. If Mother had lived another four or five weeks, I would have

Home At Last The crew received a 30-day leave, and I was home on June 2, 1945. I arrived in Pittsburgh at about 2 p.m. and walked over to my dad’s office. I knew most of the employees there, so I had a nice welcome home, although the office work was completely disrupted.

Then I made a big mistake. I decided to surprise my wife instead of calling her from the office. At the time, I thought it was a good idea. However, it did not turn out very good. It so happened that my wife was house cleaning that day, and when I walked in and hollered, “surprise,” she was down on her knees, in an old housedress, scrubbing the kitchen floor.

That did not bother me, but it really upset her. She had different plans for my homecoming.

Reassignment At the end of the 30-day leave, I took a train to Sioux Falls, S.D., for reassignment to the Super Fortress B-29 airplane. However, I had been having eye trouble. I had some kind of infection, so they admitted me to the base hospital. They tried many treatments, but nothing worked, and my vision dropped to 20/50 and 20/40. After four months I was discharged.

Gold Star Mothers Two boyhood friends were also in the service. Joseph Volpe was in the Navy Air Force and Hugh Daugherty was in the Army Air Corp. They both died in plane crashes that were never located. I was home now, faced with the fact that I had to visit the mothers who had fed me, corrected me and welcomed me in to their homes. How do you prepare yourself for this visit, what do you say? One day I decided I was ready to make the first visit to Mrs. Volpe.

When she saw me, she hugged me and started to cry. She sobbed as she asked me if I had the Rosary beads See KELLY, P. 19

November 2021

KELLY From Page 12

our priest had given us when we were altar boys. I said I had them in my pocket. She began to cry very hard.

Her tears were running down my face when she told me Joe’s beads were in his personal affects. I was completely unprepared for this. She was thinking that if Joe had carried his beads, he might not have died. I never said any of the things I was prepared to say, and when I think of this visit, I can still feel those tears running down my cheeks. I think that visit was tougher than any combat mission I flew.

Post-War Life I built my first home in Greentree, Pa., and moved into it the Christmas of 1948. It was a six-room house on a half-acre lot and cost $8,600. My wife and I were blessed with six children: Lawrence, Robert, Margaret, William, Daniel and Beth Ann. Robert also

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

19

served in the military flying helicopters in Vietnam. We sold our home and moved to Texas in 1979.

Memories Crewmembers were life long friends as were other soldiers we met along the way. We visited when we could. We had several reunions. Memories are all we have left now, memories of our first meeting, of learning to work together and gaining confidence in each other, of drinking parties, talking and laughing together, of discussing combat missions, of our travels and adventures in England, of being in London for the end of the war, of the excitement of coming home and of having families of our own. Some memories are now dim, but occasionally, one will pop into your head as if it happened yesterday, and the faces are as they were long ago. Other times the loss of young friends in the war will bring tears to your eyes when you think of the joys of life denied them.

Bob White, Daughter Anita White & Grandson Zack Bellenger

COURTESY

Kelly visiting the WWII Memorial

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

n Live Theatre In Your Area

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

by Philip Van Doren Stern Theatre Off the Square 114 N Denton St., Weatherford Ticket Info: 817-341-8687 Tentative Dates: Dec. 3 - 19 Synopsis: This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast.

With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Byron Stripling, conductor Bass Hall 330 E. 4th St., Ste. 200, Fort Worth Ticket Info: 817-665-6000 Tentative Dates: Nov. 26-28 Synopsis: Don’t miss one of Fort Worth’s favorite holiday traditions when the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists bring you “Home for the Holidays,” with a spectacular program of Christmas carols and seasonal tunes. Wave to Santa as the orchestra conjures a white Christmas courtesy of a magical snowfall. The perfect gift for the whole family.

NASHVILLE CHRISTMAS

Casa Manana 3101 W Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth Ticket Info: 817-332-2272 Tentative Dates: Nov. 30 - Dec. 18 Synopsis: Don your boots, kick back and get into the holiday spirit with Christmas tales and songs in the styles of your favorite country superstars like Garth Brooks, Dan + Shay, Faith Hill and more!

Thank you, Parker County!

ELF: THE MUSICAL

Broadway on the Brazos Granbury Opera House 133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury Ticket Info: 817-579-0952 Tentative Dates: Oct. 22 - Nov. 14 Synopsis: Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father.

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November 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

Acorn faith Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:7 Working in a church office puts you in the position of being a sanctuary or safe haven for anyone who may walk in off the street needing assistance ranging from counseling to financial matters. One day an elderly gentleman walked in looking very lost. He held a fistful of small acorns. When I asked him how we could help him, he handed me those acorns and said he was looking for his home. He claimed it used to be right here, in the neighborhood of the church, but now he couldn’t find his house.

It turned out that he actually did grow up in that neighborhood, but his childhood home no longer stood where it used to be. It was long gone.

The man was disoriented and confused and had somehow managed to get to our church from a very long way off. His family was very relieved when we contacted her.

I kept those small acorns that man handed me that day. I imagine that maybe he picked them up out of a yard that he thought was the yard he played in as a child. It really tugged at my heart at how it was a symbol for him to hold on to something long gone. He was searching, looking, and longing and any little object that connected him was important.

Sometimes we all need symbols to remind us, because in the harshness of life, we can forget or get distracted.

What is it that you hold in your hand?

What are you clinging to and looking for? Have you gotten away from that important place in your life? Have you wandered so far and forgotten your way back, searching for landmarks along the way?

Thankfully when we wander away from Jesus, He is still there by our side.

We wander but He does not. He waits and when we finally realize how lost we are and feel the desperate loneliness of one who has strayed away from God, He welcomes us back. When we seek Him and search for the path back, He leads us and provides all the things we need to find Him. He doesn’t play games and He doesn’t make it hard.

As long as we choose and desire Him, He is readily available. As He promises, He will not leave us or forsake us.

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Don’t let go of Him and lose your way. Don’t turn away even for a little while because Satan loves for us to take our eyes off of Him and stray into his trap. Also, don’t let go of the things that keep you close to Him – the fellowship of a church, Bible verses, people, etc.

Hold these in the grasp of your hand as a reminder of your faith, the faith you have been taught perhaps from childhood.

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021

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n Never Too Late

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

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(Answer appears elsewhere in this issue)

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Find the frog, win a prize Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate

He’s small, he’s green, he’s waiting to be seen

Delia Daniels of Weatherford found him. Did you? Last month, the frog was sitting on the right corner of the Wilson family picture on P. 12. Delia will receive a gift certificate to Target.

Do you like winning prizes? Enter this month’s contest! Simply submit your name, mailing address, email address (if possible), phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog at right) to Hoopla, P.O. Box

Solution to Sudoku:

Dorothy Lynn Brooks took up harp after retiring from UTA One could say that a trip to Ireland changedDorothy Lynn Brooks’ life.

“It was in Ireland that I first saw Celtic harps and was fascinated,” she said.

Shortly after she retired from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1992, her husband gave her a harp as a Christmas gift.

“I played piano as a child and teen, so I could already read music,” she said. “But I knew nothing about playing the harp.”

Some 30 years later, she entertains at area churches, assisted living faclities, social club meetings, and even a few weddings.

“It is very rewarding to me when others enjoy my playing,” she said. “Harp music is often soothing and calming.”

“Some play jazz harp,” she added, “but I can’t manage that. I have said that I can make mistakes, but I can hardly make a bad sound on the harp. So, the most joy for me is when others enjoy it, too.”

Dorothy Lynn still has time for other pasttimes, like reading, word games and procrastination.

“I’m getting really good at procrastination,” she joked.

It’s never too late to start a new hobby. Just ask Dorothy Lynn.

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305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@ hooplamagazine.com.

Contestants will receive a free e-subscription to Hoopla and will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to Baker’s Ribs in Weatherford.

Make sure you pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

Solution to Crossword:

C A G E D

A L A M O

R E L I C

G U T E M I L A C T A H A B A C A S T S T O H Y E

D E N E A P A N E M S O O K R S Y N T E A R A D N I K D R I R L E N A

W E R A M E G O S T I M E D A E R A N I F T N T I E A C O L O P R E C P R O S A G

P A P M A A Y N A G Y B L A A S R I E S D O

L U L L C A B I N T S A R

A D U L A T I O N

N I T E R

S T O N E

D E O K G E

G U I L E

E A V E S

E L E C T

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Hoopla: Spotlighting North Texans 50 And Better

November 2021