October 2023

Spotlighting North Central Texas Seniors

October 2023

Hoopla

Inside:

Parker County woman serves her community through DAR

Fort Worth entrepreneur assists seniors moving, downsizing

A conversation with one of Granbury’s hardestworking ambassadors

Roller queen still groovin’ at Azle senior community Puzzles, comics and more

Popular Halloween Costumes of the

H E

Y V A V E L E R C A T O O A I O G G

L K M Q S R T G M E W C T E M Y N H

L G Z G A M A R L N K X V R V N I O

O X M C R N E E S S E C N I R P D S

H N S O P D K G E R T X I V K C I T

N Z T K I S S B A N D M E M B E R S

E S Y P H O B O I A O N T P Z I D Z

Word Find:

Dracula

Wonder Woman

Disco Dancer

Casper the Ghost

Yogi Bear

Hippies

Batman or Robin

Clown Witch

Superman

Snoopy

Princess Ape

Scooby Doo

Mickey Mouse

Bugs Bunny Cat

KISS Band Members

Hobo

Spiderman

Darth Vader

Cowboy

Skeleton

Storm Trooper

Barbie

Raggedy Ann

Chewbacca

Holly Hobbie

Mighty Mouse

Cookie Monster

Scarecrow

Pirate Zorro

Frankenstein

Magician

Little Red Riding Hood

W Y S N R J F C R H A N S W A M E L

U H N R Z C G T H M M A N Y V V R F

H I O N C Y H H R E L D E O R N E J

R Z J B U V U E F U W N K B T K L R

F N R F A B P L C D T B N W Z D T D

J J T D I U S A D D K S A O H B T T

R V E C S U R G F M H E R C Y B I F

J R B C U D R E U Z E D F J C D L B

B A R B I E M O X B R P M J I A U R

Returning to her roots

Retired teacher still learning

and helping others through DAR

by Cindy Thomas-Buscher Hoopla Correspondent

Parker County resident Dru Starnes and her husband Wayne love spending time with their seven grandchildren. They understand the importance of passing their knowledge and skills down to the next generation. In fact, one of Dru’s other passions is genealogy.

“My family came to Parker County from Missouri as pioneers in 1853,” she said. “I fell in love with my hobby of researching genealogy when my dad would tell me about our ancestors and when his research was passed on to me.”

This prompted Dru to dig further into her family’s roots even more after retiring from Weatherford ISD.

“I was able to join DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) with Mathias Richardson of Williamston, South Carolina, as my patriot. He was my mother’s third great-grandfather.  Mathias was considered a patriot of the war not because he was a soldier, but because he provided supplies by giving his horse to a soldier,”

she said.

To become a member of DAR, prospective members must have an ancestor who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States of America.  Dru spent many hours researching and finding documentation, such as birth information, marriages, and other records of each generation that proved her lineage and Mathias’ service record.   The next step was filling out an extensive application, paying a fee and waiting.  She was accepted into the Weatherford Chapter of DAR in 2013.

“Currently, I am researching an additional 21 possible patriots.   It is a fun and often educational way to remember and honor my ancestors,” she said.

“Since I joined, I have been involved in the various community activities of DAR that support and recognize local veterans.  I currently serve as the chairman of the

Service For Veterans Committee.”

The group is involved in many activities.   They visit veterans at three senior living communities regularly, taking them snacks and chatting with them.  They also have a member who brings a comfort dog, which the residents enjoy.

“This past year we gave 40 veterans certificates honoring them for their service.  We remember them on Veterans Day and Memorial Day  and have a special project at Christmas,” Dru said. “Last December we stitched up patriotic stockings and delivered them filled with goodies.”

The chapter has also adopted a small rural cemetery where members clean the military markers, tidy around the graves and decorate with flags on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

They also show their patriotism by supporting Heroes on the Water – Brazos River Valley Chapter (HOW) through donations and volunteering.  It’s an organization providing a carefree day of fishing for veterans suffering PTSD by providing fishing gear, kayaks and snacks.

This group of dedicated women provides approximately 2,100 books about the Con-

about her ancestors

Daughters of the American Revolution member Dru Starnes holding a photo of her maternal great-grandparents. Starnes has researched her family’s history with help from the organization, which also organizes many community projects.

‘Through DAR, I have met a wonderful group of women who share a love of country, our flag, our Constitution, and those who fought to make this country free.’

– Dru Starnes

stitution to all public school fifthgraders in Parker County plus a bookmark of the Preamble.  Firstgraders receive a colorful book about flag etiquette. The books are delivered to the schools close to Sept. 17, which is Constitution Day.

The chapter is gearing up for its next big project.

“Our chapter participates in Wreaths Across America and holds a special ceremony to lay the wreaths in December.  We were able to sell enough wreaths last year to place one on each veteran’s grave at East Greenwood Cemetery (in Weatherford).”

To support that effort, donations may be mailed to DAR, c/o Harriet Helm, 320 Parker Oaks Lane, Weatherford, Texas 76087. Each wreath costs $17, but donations in any amount are appreciated.

So far in 2023, DAR members across the nation have volunteered over 2,100,000 hours.

Dru Starnes and other DAR members have assembled Christmas stockings for area veterans.

“Through DAR, I have met a wonderful group of women who share a love of our country, our flag, our Constitution and those who fought to make this country free.”

To find a DAR chapter in your area, visit www.dar.org.

COURTESY

Parker County Quilter of the Month

Weatherford resident Karen Wilkinson was chosen as the Parker County Quilter of the Month.

She shared her favorite quilt to date, a king-size wedding ring quilt. The top was hand-pieced from old fabric scraps left over from sewing clothes by her mom, grandmothers and aunts. “You can find very old fabric to newer 1970s fabric because every square inch of fabric is used in our family,” said Karen. The backing of the quilt is a large hand-embroidered linen tablecloth made in the 1940s by Bina Wilkinson, Karen’s husband’s grandmother, so the wedding ring quilt truly brought two families together. “It is quilted on both sides of each seam because that’s the way my mother and grandmother taught me to quilt,” added Karen.

While Karen was still working in a high-stress career, her mother recommended she try quilting as a calming distraction.

Hood County Quilter of the Month

Janie Narducci of Pecan Plantation was chosen as Hood County’s Quilter of the Month. Janie’s initial interest was with machine embroidery. She made her first quilt in 2005 – a baby quilt with embroidered Dr. Suess characters.

“I discovered an online quilt class that incorporated machine embroidery and quilting – I was hooked,” she said.

While Janie has made all types of quilts, paper piecing is her favorite. “I think it’s like working a puzzle, seeing all the pieces come together into a beautiful quilt,” she said.

Janie retired from accounting. She and her husband Dave also owned a medical supply store in Duncan, Oklahoma. The couple retired and moved to Hood County in 2010.  She has displayed quilts in a few shows and was invited to hang a quilt in the annual outdoor quilt show in Sisters, Oregon.

Happy

Pecan’s Plantation Art Guild chose Sue Bagwell as Artist

Weatherford Art Association chose the top three artists for August. They are, from left, Dale Ellen Smith (1st), “Treasures,” oil; Michael McCarty (2nd), “Escape,” watercolor; and Marla Sheft (3rd), “Such Big Feet,” watercolor.

Jean Cate has worked to make Granbury a better place for decades

by Roger Enlow Hoopla Correspondent

American Airlines pilot Charlie Cate and his wife Jean had been transferred from Chicago to Dallas and were traveling to Stephenville to look at a ranch for sale. They stopped in Granbury for lunch at the famed Nutt House restaurant. There, they met Granbury visionary Joe Nutt and his wife Lou, who invited them to their home for afternoon cocktails.

“Do you like old houses?” Joe asked the couple between sips. Dumbfounded, the Cates shrugged their shoulders. “There’s one next door for sale,” Joe announced. The Cates took a look and immediately fell in love with the charming old house, their new friends and Granbury.

“We never made it to Stephenville,” Jean said.

What a blessing for the city because Jean Cate has been one of Granbury’s ... and God’s ... hardest-working ambassadors.

Though Jean hails from Michigan and hasn’t migrated to the Texas drawl, she considers Granbury home. “We took an interest in Granbury from Day One,” she said. “This is our hometown and we love it.”

Jean immersed herself in the community, starting or helping start a number of projects that improved the quality of life for Granbury residents.

A city official once introduced her this way: “This is Jean Cate and she owns the parks.” Of course, she doesn’t actually “own” the parks, but her footprint is all over the splendid walking trails, ball fields, skateboard park and

green space in Granbury after serving over 30 years on the park board.

Jean has a special place in her heart for kids. She was a longtime voice for neglected children in court cases when she was director of CASA (Court Appointed Child Advocate) for Mission Granbury. She and another woman started the Granbury Soccer Association, she helped form the Lake Granbury Art Association and worked on the Civil War Reenactment.

Catholics, the Cates had to adjust to the prevalent religions in Hood County. Back then, the Catholics met in a peach-picking shed in Pecan Plantation. After it was bulldozed the Presbyterians asked the Catholics if they wanted to meet in their church in downtown Granbury. They accepted the offer, as did the Lutherans. Jean said there was no problem with the different religions meeting in the same building. “We all believe in one God ... we just have different views,” she said.

Jean’s 93 now but has no plans of retiring to the rocking chair. Her schedule overflows; she wouldn’t have it any other way. “If I find something else to get into I will,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “It has been a helluva ride. I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it.”

A CONVERSATION WITH JEAN CATE

What drives Jean Cate to be Jean Cate?

Love of people, and that’s a gift God gave me. God put me here for a reason, and I’m sure there are times he wonders why!

Where were you born?

I was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 5, 1930.

What was your childhood like?

Fantastic. My father had been a military pilot. He kept us entertained. He didn’t want us in the movie theatre on Saturdays during nice weather ... he wanted us outdoors. He would put on puppet shows for us and would tap dance and play the piano. He was a very gentle man, but he would tell me, “If you do that again by the Holy Gods of Egypt...” My maternal grandfather lived with us. He wore a suit, vest, Celluloid collar and tie for dinner. There was a wonderful story of him growing up in Ireland. He took the challenge of riding a horse up the city hall steps and fell. He was 96 when he died. When they wrote about him he was referred to as “Saintly” Mr. O’Neal. He was far from saintly.

From where did you learn your spirit of volunteerism?

I got that from my mother. She was a registered nurse. It seemed like anybody who was sick ... they called Mom and off she would go. My uncle got sick, and my mother went to take care of him for a week. We loved it. We camped out with our dad and ate pork and beans out of the can.

You and Charlie were about the only confessed Republicans in Hood County back then. What was that like?

We had the primary in our home and tacked sheets to the wall for voter privacy. Charlie was asked to run for county chairman, but he said nobody knew him. He got all seven votes as a write-in. He was in Buffalo and decided to go to the Republican headquarters. He met with the Republican chair, and they discussed the recent election. Charlie said he was elected chair from Hood County, Texas, with seven votes. The Republican chair in Buffalo said he got 280,000. Charlie told me to go to the county clerk’s

Jean Cate at a recent Granbury Fourth of July celebration with pal Tracy Miller from T.E.X.A.S Rescue Inc.

office to get ballot boxes. She gave me a wastepaper basket and a stub box. We took our ballots to the courthouse to give to the sheriff and he threw them to somebody in the office and said, “Here, do something with these.”

When we started the Republican women’s club, we decided to have a barbecue to raise money. Charlie called the Texas Republican chair and asked if somebody could come and speak. Two days before the barbecue they called back and asked if Jack Kemp would be okay. (Kemp, a rising star in the GOP party, did indeed come to Granbury. He contended for president in 1988.)

(Jean tells the story when her husband had to go to Fort Worth to pick up ballot boxes for the Republican primary. The county judge at the time, Milton Meyer, learned that Cate was going up there and asked, “Charlie, when you’re there,

could you pick up the boxes for the Democrats?” Jean said, “That’s the way we treated each other back then.”

In the spirit of cooperation Cate, a “Catholic Republican Yankee,” lost the mayor’s race by only one vote. His opponent, Bud Olson, wasn’t able to campaign because he was vacationing in Australia. Charlie declined invitations to speak at rallies because he didn’t think it would be fair because his opponent didn’t have the same opportunity.)

You helped start Granbury’s giant Fourth of July celebration.

Take us back to those humble beginnings.

Nothing was (planned) so we decided to have a parade. We went through the phone book calling people to help. We figured we wouldn’t have that many, but we had 51 entries. We were absolutely flabbergasted! We put kids in the back of our pickup and put out signs till 1 in the morning. The only vendors were churches selling food. One guy was selling watermelons. Everything was on the square. This was supposed to be our (Hood County’s) party. We liked it that way. We built floats, Jack Stout had a huge

bell on some kind of holder. The guys from the power plant hoisted it on a gooseneck trailer and we pulled it down on the parade route with kids ringing the bell the entire parade. Loren Wilson did the announcing and a gal wanted to be in the parade dressed as the Statue of Liberty. She was to report to Willie Crossland (the parade starter). Willie reported, “I have this woman and I don’t know what to do with her.” Her dress was painted out and she had this push-up bra. It turns out she was a retired exotic dancer. Can you imagine Willie’s expression? I can’t imagine Willie speechless, but I believe he was. We once got a two-page letter from an Amarillo banker. He said he thought small-town America was dead but alive and well in Granbury. He and his wife took their shoes off on the courthouse lawn and ate icecold watermelon.

COURTESY

Cate modeling for the local Salvation Army style show

Downsizing with ease

Fort Worth native assists area seniors moving into newer, often smaller homes

By Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent

Life has enough transitions without moving and downsizing added to the challenge.

That’s where Elizabeth Trout comes in.

Trout specializes in helping folks relocate and downsize, particularly senior citizens, though she is not a senior herself.

Trout is the proprietor of RetireEase Move Management & Downsizing, which has a home base just south of the TCU campus – but she serves surrounding communities.

“I provide a seamless transition from the current home to the next place they will call home,” Trout said. “Between myself and the network of professionals that I maintain relationships with, we are able to pack, move, and unpack the client as well as help them through the process of divesting of the items that are left in the home and get the home on the market as quickly as possible.”

Trout said she chose to help seniors with this challenging task because it plays on the skills she honed in her previous life as a retail interior designer with an emphasis on project management and space planning.

“Managing a move of this magnitude, the communication that it requires and scheduling are all in my wheelhouse. Plus I love space planning,” she said. “Creating a functional and safe space for my clients is of upmost importance. When I look at the space, I try to ensure that it adheres to the principles of ADA (Americans with Disabilities).

“Safe because I apply the principles of

ADA to the layout of the new space and ensure that barriers and trip hazards are removed and clients with mobility issues can access their space with ease and efficiency.

“And, frankly speaking, my clients fill me with joy. I get to hear their stories and see the many cool objects they have collected over their lifetime.”

Trout started RetireEase in the spring of 2021. However, she said it has been her dream since 2004.

“We moved my grandmother from a 2,400 square foot home in Austin that she had lived in for 50 years to an assisted living community. It was the right move for her and fortunately for us, she wanted to move. However, it was taxing on my parents as they were in Fort Worth and my aunts were in Houston and all were still working full-time,” she said. “So the coordination from afar was difficult and time-consuming. I just knew after that experience there had to be a better way.

“Additionally, I have a background in interior design project management, specifically designing retail stores from the ground up. This effort takes space planning skills – and plate spinning skills.”

Retail design includes coordinating a store layout with the owner and merchants to ensure space allocation is appropriate based on forecasted sales, Trout noted. Her projects in this arena have included Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, JC Penney and “countless” Starbucks.

Her biggest challenge in her new profession, she said, is the client who doesn’t want to move or is having to move quickly.

“An example is a client that is being released from rehab but cannot return home or similar scenarios where the move has to be done very quickly are more challenging from a logistics standpoint. Finding a mover available on short notice, packing, etc. are just a bit more of an obstacle but nothing that can’t be done.”

Trout assists with moves of all types of living arrangements. She has helped clients move from one house to another, from a house to independent living, assisted living and even into a daughter’s home.

She said the hardest things for seniors to let go of when downsizing differs from

CYNTHIA HENRY | HOOPLA MAGAZINE RetireEase Move Management & Downsizing owner Elizabeth Trout stocks up on moving supplies to assist clients in Fort Worth and surrounding counties.

client to client. For example, for a new widow/widower, it may be letting go of their spouse’s clothing. For the loved one of someone suffering from dementia, it’s parting with the things they once loved, be it a hobby or profession.

“Moving is incredibly stressful. I was overwhelmed when Elizabeth rescued me,” said Nancy Roediger. “She turned a nightmare into an adventure. We worked together and we had fun. Elizabeth organized, packed and cleaned up the area where we had been working. Getting ready for the move became a smooth process.”

The most rewarding part of what Trout does?

“Getting the client settled into a new home and knowing that they are about to live their best life, assured that the days ahead will be worry-free from the upkeep of a home, unburdened with all of the excess things that had accumulated

in their home and able to focus on enjoying their new lifestyle,” she said.

“I met Elizabeth in the spring of 2022. I am a senior and was downsizing my fivebedroom, two-story home that I had been living in for 34 years,” said Joy McGuire. “She helped me pack and then unpack and organize my new home. She was so kind and helpful that I continue to use her to decorate my house for Halloween, Christmas and spring. She is an awesome decorator.

“I have heart issues and I personally could not do all this without her. She always has ideas and continues to keep me organized. She’s the best.”

It’s not only seniors Trout helps, but also their relatives, who can also be overwhelmed with the task of getting their loved ones relocated.

“We quickly became overwhelmed with all the choices

that had to be made in order to create a functional and comfortable living environment,” said Marci Lombardo. “To furnish her new unit, my mother-in-law wanted to incorporate as many of her precious belongings as possible. Also, the unit had very little storage, so we had to be very deliberate with whatever items we selected to move or purchase.

“Elizabeth was able to locate, measure and even re-purpose several of my mother-inlaw’s favorite pieces. When she was finished, we were shocked. Not only was the apartment professionally polished and beautiful, it was highly functional as well. My mother-inlaw was thrilled.”

To Trout, the people she helps are more than just clients. In fact, she regularly goes back and visits them to make sure they are happy with their transition and just to see how

they are doing in general.

“It’s usually a fun, casual conversation because they are no longer stressed or anxious about their impending move, they no longer feel the pressure of maintaining their home, and they are unburdened by their stuff,” she said. “It’s pretty awesome to see them well-rested, brighter and more cheerful.

“Recently, I found one client in his new apartment stretched out on the sofa, reading the newspaper, unshaven but more relaxed than I had ever seen him. He even said he felt better than he had in years. That is what makes it so rewarding.”

Get Up & Go

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

To choose an event by location, use this EVENT LOCATION KEY

s Fort Worth/Fort Worth Suburbs/Dallas

l Weatherford/Aledo/Willow Park

n Granbury/Acton

v Burleson

l Azle/Springtown

s Texas State Fair, rides, food, fun, livestock, Sept. 29 - Oct. 22, Fair Park in Dallas, , Daily admission $15-20.

l First Monday, one of the state’s oldest airopen markets, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free admission.

s Cowtown Comic Con includes meet and greet with artist Fred Keel, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 pm. Tickets: 1-day ticket, $15. 2-dayticket, $25. Parking $12.

l Oktoberfest, includes stein hoisting, games, brat eating contest, and more, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, Antebellum Ale House, 321 E. Oak Street, Weatherford, Noon to 9 p.m. Free entry.

s Write On! Join local scribes and scribblers for writing sprints, critiques and more, Oct. 2, 16, 23, Fort Worth Public Library - Southwest Regional, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

l Coloring Friends, join other adults who enjoy coloring. Supplies provided, weekly contest, Oct. 2, 9,16, 23, 30, Holland Lake Rehabilitation & Wellness, 1201 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m.

n Free Yoga Class, benefitting Mission Granbury, non-perishable foods appreciated, Oct. 2, 9, 16, Healthy Connections of Lake Granbury Medical Center, 1321 Waters Edge Drive, Suite 1001, Granbury, 5 to 6 p.m.

s Bookworms Book Club, discussing The Outsiders by S.F. Hinton, Oct. 3, Fort Worth Public Library - Summerglen, 4205 Basswood, Fort Worth, 1 to 2 p.m.

s Knitty Gritty Knitting and Crochet Group, for all ages, no experience necessary, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, White Settlement Public Library, 8215

White Settlement Road, 3 to 4 p.m. Bring your own yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook.

n Granbury Wine Society, newcomers welcome, Oct. 3, Bull Lion Ranch Wine Shop, 103 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

s Trivia Night, prizes for top teams, seating first-come, first-serve, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, City Works Eatery and Pour House, 5288 Monahans Ave., Fort Worth, 7 to 9 p.m.

l Artistic Expressions (craft night) at Weatherford Library, decorate ramekins with paint pens, Oct. 3, 1014 Charles St., Weatherford, 6 p.m., no cost for class or supplies, no reservation required.

s Karaoke at The Hop, thousands of titles and a professional audio system, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, HopFusion Ale Works, 200 E. Broadway Avenue, Fort Worth, 8 to 11 p.m.

s Midcities Stamp Club - Arlington, trades and sales allowed, Oct. 4, Bob Duncan Community Center, 2800 South Center Street, Vandergriff Park, Arlington, 7 pm.

n The Other Book Club, discussing House of Cotton by Monica Brashears, Oct. 4, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St., Granbury, 6 to 7 p.m.

s Free Line Dance Lessons with admission, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m.

s Adult Crafting Hour, free and designed for adults 55+, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Southwest Regional Library, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 3 to 4 p.m.

s Chair Yoga, all fitness levels, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle, 4264 Golden Triangle, Fort Worth, 1 to 1:45 p.m.

l Karaoke Night, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Old School Texas West, 2132 Tin Top Road, Weatherford, 8 p.m. to midnight.

n Hood County Senior Center Dance with a country/western band, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore St., Granbury, 7 p.m., $5 per person.

n Texas Hold Em Poker Night, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Silver Saddle Saloon, 124 N Houston Street, Granbury, 7 to 11 p.m.

s Fall Plant Sale, Oct. 6-7, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, Friday 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission. Park on the west entrance (Lot D).

s Free Admission Friday at the Modern Museum of Art with special programming, Oct. 6, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth. Free admission.

n Granbury Oktoberfest, celebrate German tradition with vendors, music, Oct. 6-8, Granbury Square, Friday 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

s Buddy’s Big Band, Oct. 6, Southside Preservation Hall, 1519 Lipscomb Street, Fort Worth, park and enter through the back parking lot on Maddox, 8 p.m., $15 per person at the door.

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

s Mid-Cities Antique Mall Parking Lot Sale, with vendors, Oct. 7, Mid-Cities Antique Mall, 809 W. Pipeline Road, Hurst, 7:30 a.m.

l Springtown Senior Center Dance, country and western band, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Springtown Senior Activity Center, 1070 N. Main Street, Springtown, 7 to 10 p.m., $7 admission. Cancellations and bands on center’s Facebook.

s Free Community Yoga Class, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, The Trailhead at Clearfork, 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 9 to 10 a.m.

n October Market, includes food trucks and vendors, Oct. 7-8, Granbury Artisan Market, 3800 Contrary Creek Road, Granbury, Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

l Pioneer Heritage Festival, live music, pioneer demonstrations, log cabins, children’s area, Oct. 7, Doss Heritage and Culture Center, 1400 Texas Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

l Lord’s Acre, silent and live auction, vendors, food and fun, Oct. 7, Aledo United Methodist Church, 100 Pecan Drive, Aledo, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

s Friends of the North Richland Hills Library Book Sale, benefitting literacy events and services, Oct. 7, NRH Library, 9015 Grand Avenue, North Richland Hills, 10 am. to 2 p.m.

s Dutch Oven Cooking Demonstrations taught by members of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society, Oct. 7, 2100 Log Cabin Village Lane, Fort Worth, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No reservations required.

s Arlington Nutcracker Market, Oct. 7, Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,

l Retrofest, nonprofits host this event, which features an art walk, pickle ball and more, Oct. 7, York Avenue in Weatherford, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

l Fall Fling Classic Car and Truck Show, Oct.

October 2023

7, Heritage Park, Weatherford, 9 a.m. to noon, Free to spectators.

l Weatherford Wine & Whiskey Walk, sample wines and whiskey from eclectic vendors outside of the area, live music, food vendors, Oct. 7, Weatherford Square, noon to 7 p.m., $15-$65.

n Disc Golf Mini Tournament, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Granbury Disc Golf Course, 600 West Moore Street, Granbury, 2 p.m., $12.

s Senior Social Hour, connect with other seniors, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Fort Worth Public Library - Riverside, 2913 Yucca Avenue, Fort Worth, 3 to 5 p.m.

l Monster Bash with 80s Gadgets Band, costumes welcome, hayrides, food vendors and live music, Oct. 7, Heritage Park Amphitheater, 503 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 7 to 10 p.m. Free.

s Lola’s Local Farmers Market, 30+ locallygrown and produced vendors, live music, food trucks, pet friendly, Oct. 8, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.

s Fall Hymn Festival, four church choirs sing beloved hymns, Oct. 8, First United Methodist Church, 800 W. Fifth Street, Fort Worth, 3 to 4 p.m.

l Needle Arts Group, bring your own project and make friends, Oct. 10, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St., Weatherford, 1 to 3 p.m.

n Granbury Knitting Guild, Oct. 10, First Presbyterian, 303 Bridge St., Granbury, 9:30 a.m.

l Pickin Party, the 95.9 Ranch Pickin’ Party, Oct.

10, Railhead BBQ, 120 S. Ranch House Road, Willow Park, 5 to 7 p.m. Registration starts at 5 p.m. Contestants showcase their talents for a $100 cash prize and free studio recording time.

s Dance Night, sponsored by the Widowed Persons Service but open to all, Oct. 11, Elks Lodge, 3233 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 9 p.m., $10 per person.

n Burgers and Badges, a fundraiser for the Citizens Police Academy, Oct. 12, Grumps Burgers, 3503 E. Highway 377, Granbury, 5 to 8 p.m. Hamburger or cheeseburger, home-fried chips with ranch, and iced tea for $12 plus tax. Tips and a portion of proceeds benefit the nonprofit.

s Second Thursdays at Amon Carter Museum, featuring cocktails, creativity and conversation, Oct. 12, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., 5 to 8 p.m. Free event with reservations required. Call (817) 989-5013.

s Christmas in Cowtown, shopping event, Oct. 13-15, Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 pm. $15.

l Spring Creek Musical, live music in outdoor venue, Oct.13, Spring Creek Tabernacle, 104 Spring Creek Road, Weatherford, 6:30 p.m. Free.

l Movie in the Park: Casper, bring blankets or lawn chairs, food vendors on site, Oct. 13, Heritage Park Amphitheater, Weatherford, 7 p.m.

v Cool Sounds of Fall featuring Quimikoz, a Texican radio act, plus street taco and shaved ice vendors, Oct. 13, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W.

Renfro Street, Burleson, 7:30 p.m. Free admission.

s Back to the 80s and 90s Car Show, concessions available, Oct. 14, Fort Worth Aviation Museum, 3300 Ross Ave., Fort Worth, 9 a.m. to noon, Register your car at www.btt80s90s.com

n Hood County Fishing Tournament, benefitting 4-H, Oct. 14, Rough Creek Park and Boat Ramp in Rough Creek Estates, Granbury, 4 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $150 per team (up to three). $2,000 for first place. $1,500 for second. $500 for third.

n Experimental Aircraft Association, pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m., Oct. 14, Pecan Plantation Airport, 9600 Airpark Dr., Granbury, 10 a.m.

v Burleson Founders Day Celebration, live music, food vendors, kids activities, car show and gunfight shows, Oct. 14, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro Street, Burleson, 10 a.m. (Gunfight shows at 10:45, 12:45 and 1:45.) Free admission.

s Meadowbrook Market: Handmade and Handcrafted Goods, free, dog-friendly, Oct. 14, Eastside Community Garden, 2521 Clairemont Ave., Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

s Pickleball Tournament benefiting CASA of Tarrant County, pickle ball, dinner and drinks, space limited, Oct. 14, River Crest Country Club, 1501 Western Avenue, Fort Worth, 1 p.m. Call 817-738-9221 for more information.

n Girls Night Out on Granbury Square, includes live entertainment, dining, shopping and door prizes, Oct. 14, Granbury Square, 3 to 7 p.m.

s Classic Car Show, 42 awards, $25 per vehicle,

free for public viewing, Oct. 14, Ol’ South Pancake House, 1509 S. University Dr., Fort Worth, 4 to 7 p.m. For information, call 817-797-1197.

n Rock-n-Blues Bash featuring Bob Schneider, the Mysterious Scoundrels, Jason Cartmell Band and Larry Lampkin, Oct. 14, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Hwy, Granbury, 4 to 11:30 p.m., $35-$100, www.granburybash.com

l Diamonds & Denim Fundraising Gala, includes private rodeo bucking showcase, plated dinner from Magdalena’s, cocktails, live and silent auction, live entertainment, Oct. 14, Silverado on the Brazos, One Silverado Drive, Weatherford, 4 to 8 p.m. Call 972-415-2203 for ticket information. $800 per couple. Tables available. Benefits the Rancho Brazos Community Center.

s Clint Black in concert, Oct. 14, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 9 p.m. Call 817-624-7117 for tickets.

n Star Party, hosted by the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Observe planets, stars and galaxies with assistance, Oct. 14, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, 9 a.m. Free with park admission. Park by the amphitheater or day use area and walk to overflow parking to look through telescopes. Subject to cancellation due to weather or cloud cover. Call office 254-8974588 (8:30 to 4:30) to check status of event.

s CERA Arts Festival includes vendors with homemade items, plus pottery wheel demonstrations, raku firing, ballroom dance showcases and food trucks, Oct. 14-15, CERA, 3300 Bryant Irvin Road, Fort Worth, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

l Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser for student ministry, Oct. 15, First Baptist Azle, 1017 Boyd Road, Azle, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

s Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale featuring artists, creators and collectors, plus music and food, Oct. 16, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

n Granbury Quilting Guild, Oct. 16, United Cooperative Services Community Room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy., Granbury, 6 p.m.

s 2023 Aging Well Expo for 50+ adults, presentations on wellness, screenings, speakers, entertainment, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Esports Stadium Arlington Expo Center, 1200 Ballpark Way. Free lunch if you register by Sept. 29 by calling 817-277-8091.

l Main Street Book Club discusses Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, Oct. 17, Azle Memorial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

all around

l WPL Book Club discusses Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Oct. 17, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St., Weatherford, 6 to 7 p.m. Request this month’s title at the reference desk (while supplies last).

s Book Swap, bring a gently-used book to trade, Oct. 17, Southwest Regional Library, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

s Homemade Dog Treat Class, leave with treats for your furry pal, Oct. 20, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service of Tarrant County, 3427 Hemphill Street, Fort Worth, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Call 817-884-1945 to register.

s Chair Yoga, for all fitness levels, Oct. 20, Fort Worth Public Library - Summerglen, 4205 Basswood, Fort Worth, 2 to 2:45 p.m.

n Monthly Irish Music Session, Irish musicians come to jam in a relaxed setting, Oct. 21, D’Vine Wine, 107 E. Bridge Street, Granbury, 6 to 9 p.m.

s Knit & Crochet Club, all skill levels welcome, Oct. 23, Fort Worth Public Library - Wedgwood, 3816 Kimberly Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

n Fall Concert Series by the Brazos Chamber Orchestra, Oct. 23, First United Methodist, 301 Loop 567, Granbury, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free event.

n Novel Idea Book Club discusses The Uninvited by Cat Winters, Oct. 24, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis Street, Granbury, 6 to 7 p.m.

n Mid-Cities Stamp Club - Granbury, includes buy/trade time before and after meeting, Oct. 24, Bentwater Activity Center, 1800 W Emerald Ct., Granbury, 7 p.m.

l Burgers & Bingo, benefitting Meals on Wheels, Oct. 26, Weatherford Senior Center, 1225 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 5:30 to 8 p.m. $20 includes hamburger dinner, drinks, dessert and limited bingo cards. Additional bingo cards $2. Limited seating. Call 817-5947419.

v Halloween Sip n Shop, local vendors and drinks, Oct. 26, Lost Oak Winery, 8101 County Road 802, Burleson, 6 to 9 p.m.

s Hot Mess Craft Club, for grown-ups only, BYOB, Oct. 26, Welman Project, 3950 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person.

v Dance Night, sponsored by the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County but open to all, Oct. 27, Burleson Senior Center, 216 SW Johnson, Burleson, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Donations accepted at the door.

s KISS: The End of the Road Tour, Oct. 27, Dickie’s Arena, 1911 Montgomery Street, Fort

Worth, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: www.dickiesarena. com

s Monster Mash, with live music by the Emerald City Band, costumes welcome, Oct. 27, Ridglea Country Club, 3901 Ridglea Country Club Drive, Fort Worth, 7 to 11 p.m. For tickets, call 817-548-1663.

s Tracy Byrd in concert, Oct. 27, Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall, 122 E. Exchange Street, Suite 200, Fort Worth, 8 p.m. Tickets $42-82 available from Ticketmaster.com.

s Sammy Kershaw in concert, Oct. 27, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 10 p.m. Tickets: 817-624-7117.

s Lord’s Acre, including a country store, silent and live auction, food, Oct. 28, Arlington Heights United Methodist Church, 4200 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

n Harvest Moon Festival, food and art vendors, kids activities, contests, Oct. 28-29, Granbury square, Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

s Fort Worth Firefighters Chili Cookoff, cooks from 30 different stations making red, green and non-traditional chili, Oct. 28, General Worth Square, 900 Main Street, Fort Worth, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission free, tickets sold for samples.

l Monster Walk 5K, all levels of fitness and costumes welcome, Oct. 28, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, 5 p.m. $25.

n Last Saturday Gallery Night, meet artists and see their work at various stores and galleries on and off the Granbury square, Oct. 28, Granbury Square, 5 to 8 p.m. Free event.

s Lone Star Murder Mystery Dinner and Show, doors open at 6 pm., dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Oct. 28, Billy Bob’s Texas (Club Next Door), 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m., Ages 18 and up. Call 817-624-7117 for tickets.

l Boo-cuterie, a Halloween charcuterie class, festive wear encouraged, Oct. 30, Crave, 404 W. Main Street, Suite 104, Azle, 6 p.m. Call 817752-2052 for cost and spot availability.

s Halloween Mix & Mingle, costumes encouraged, food and fun, Oct. 31, Album Benbrook, 8601 Cook Ranch Road, Benbrook, 5 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP by Oct. 26. Call 817-500-5504.

l Light Night Fall Festival includes food, trunk or treating, live music, costumes, Oct. 31, First Baptist Azle, 1017 Boyd Road, Azle, 6:30 p.m. Free event.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s YMCA hosting free program in Hood, Tarrant counties

A free cycling program specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease is gearing up for a new 12-week session through the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. Classes will start in October at the Hood County YMCA, 1475 James Rd., Granbury, and the Bedford Center YMCA, 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford.

Although the pandemic put the brakes on the program in 2020, Pedaling for Parkinson’s is back on track with twice-weekly sessions designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a disease causing unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

The re-instituted program begins Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Hood County YMCA, and on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Bedford Center YMCA. Each class includes a 10-minute warm-up, 40 minutes of fast pedaling with resistance, 10-minute cooldown, and group support time, featuring participant-driven topics.

Research shows that individuals who bicycle at a fast pace –optimally, 80 to 90 RPM – experience a 35% reduction in Parkinson’s disease symptoms. YMCA leaders say participants report substantial quality of life improvement.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease. They must submit a signed consent form and medical clearance, and cannot have cardiac or pulmonary disease or other conditions that are counter indicative to exercise.

To register, visit https://ymcafw.org/ programs/pedaling-for-parkinsons or visit a participating location.

You’re never too old to change the world

For over 40 years, an 82-yearold lady has been picking up trash alongside a Weatherford road. I see her all the time. She’s always smiling and waving to everyone driving by.

It seems the only days that she misses is when she’s sick, out of town, or the time when she fell and broke her knee. You’d think she’d get discouraged over the continued litter and quit, but not her. As soon as she healed, she was right back at it.

Earlier this year she came down with COVID and had to stop. After not being seen for a while, many people became concerned. Thankfully she reappeared when she was well enough and began picking up trash again. What a relief for so many to see her.

On top of all her obstacles she’s now losing her eyesight, yet nothing stops this determined lady! She’s one of my heroes.

She and her family immigrated from Germany in the 1980s. She says that in Germany “no one litters.” When they moved to Texas, she and her family were shocked to see all the litter. It was then that she began picking up trash. What a blessing she has been to our town for decades.

Trash Talk

by Jeff Oakes Love Weatherford

Along the way, one of her neighbors quickly gained a great respect for her and joined her. For almost 10 years now you’ll see this dynamic duo out there on their daily walk picking up trash, smiling and waving hello. They both are very fit and agile because of their daily community service routine.

I started picking up trash last November. On day one I discovered why people pick up litter. It’s because of the wonderful feeling. It sure made me feel wonderful. I figured others would love it too, so I created a community service group on Facebook called “Love Weatherford.” Ten months later, we have over 1,300 people who have picked up over 8.5 tons. Trash is getting harder to find. To me Texas is sacred ground with a sacred history that must be loved, respected, served and protected. Defiling Texas by littering is unacceptable.

If you feel the same, go buy a $10 picker upper tool at Harbor Freight and get busy. Keep it to 30 minutes and see how it makes you feel.

I’m also happy to help. Contact me with questions, comments, or stories. Email jeff@ LoveWeatherford.org

LOVE WEATHERFORD

Two Love Weatherford members who have been helping the community for many years.

Residents staying active, making friends at Ridglea Senior Living

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Billye Morrow of Fort Worth has seen a lot in her 99 years, including the wide-spread installation of electricity, The Great Depression and World War II. She’s battled personal hardships as well.

The Nacogdoches native has lived in Fort Worth most of her life. After an education at Stephen F. Austin and Drone’s Business College in Dallas, she became a bookkeeper for a CPA firm downtown called LaRue, Lawrence, Wood, and Kelley.

She married at 25, but became a widow with two daughters in the 1960s.

“You know, fortunately I had a job and I had enough money. You never have enough mon-

ey, but I could keep my home and make the payments. And the girls were still in the same school with their same friends.”

Billye worked into her 90s. At one point she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer didn’t stand a chance — Billye was born a survivor.

“Get the surgery, do the radiation, do whatever you do, and continue your life just like it was,” she encouraged other breast cancer patients. “Don’t sit around ‘poor little ole me.’”

Billye always made an effort to stay physically active in her senior years. She hiked and biked regularly and spent a lot of time at Fort Worth’s Handley Meadowbrook Community Center on Beaty Street meeting other active seniors.

“I went there three times a week and walked for half an hour and then sat in the chair and did exercise for half an hour,” she said. “I did that for years.”

Nothing kept Billye down until a bicycle accident left her with a broken hip about four years ago. She was unable to care for herself at that point. Fortunately, she and her daughters found a place that she has grown to love — The Ridglea Senior Living community in Fort Worth.

Billye wasn’t sure what she would find at the Ridglea when she arrived, but she was pleased to discover the community offers on-site rehabilitation, exercise classes, and daily activities to keep residents physically and mentally engaged – not to mention some great people.

“I’ve made friends here, I go play bingo, I get involved, go to exercise most every day,” Billye said when we visited in her well-appointed one-bedroom apartment.

She has a kitchenette and sitting room, where she regularly reads and catches up on the news. But one of the community’s best amenities is just down the hall — her best friend, Teresa Guest.

“They sat her at my table one morning. I walked her back. She

was on the first floor right next to me — pretty close to me,” said Billye. “So, I walked back with her and then I found out she does not ride an elevator.”

Teresa, 91, was stuck in an elevator as a kid, so she hates to ride the elevator alone.

“So if we go to exercise, I wait for her and ride with her in the elevator. Oh, and take her my newspaper,” said Billye. “We talk about news and things that are going on outside.”

The two check up on each other throughout the day and help each other from time to time.

Teresa has lived in Fort Worth since 1979, when her husband took a job at Lockheed. Teresa has since lost both her husband and her only child. Her daughter-in-law and grandson thought The Ridglea Senior Living community would be a good fit for her.

“Well it’s the nicest senior center there is,” said Teresa. “That’s what my kids said.”

“We like to talk about our grandkids,” added Billye. “She just has one, and I have a whole slew of them.”

There’s lots to talk about when you visit The Ridglea, from the beautifully decorated common areas to the helpful staff. It’s a perfect place to visit or make new friends.

Billye Morrow, at left, with best friend Teresa Guest.

CYNTHIA HENRY | HOOPLA MAGAZINE

One of many beautiful and comfortable common areas at The Ridglea Senior Living in Fort Worth.

‘It’s the nicest senior center there is –that’s what my kids said.’

– Teresa Guest

Roller queen still groovin’ to the hits

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Gayle Leverett knows the value of a dollar. She had to earn a lot of them to buy her first pair of skates.

“See these skates here?” she asked, pointing to a photo of herself at age 17. “Cost me $450. I asked my mom if she’d buy them and she said, ‘No, I won’t!’”

So Gayle took a job at the skating rink in Kamay, Texas, where she met up with her friends regularly.

Keep in mind it only cost 50 cents to be admitted into the skating rink in the 1950s, and that price included complementary skates. But these weren’t just any skates Gayle wanted.

She recalled the price she paid for each part of her custom wheels. It was a lot of money back then (and today), but a small price to pay for all the fun she had wearing them. Those skates provided her with a lifelong hobby and a slew of happy memories.

Gayle recalled her favorite nights at the rink – dance nights – when she and her friends roller-danced to Chuck Berry, The Beatles, Elvis, and others music stars of the 1950s.

“We’d have a dance probably three times a week. The rest of it was just skating and having fun.”

Then, in 1957, she moved to Fort Worth and became a regular skater at Holiday Roller Rink, which was on the corner of Carson and Belknap Streets.

Even after Gayle got mar-

ried, she found herself at the skating rink with her daughters.

After divorcing, she focused less on rollerskating and more on the dancing.

“I can’t sit home,” she said. “I can’t sit still. So I just took up dancing.”

This was in the 1990s, so she danced to a lot of Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, George Strait and Garth Brooks – music she still loves today. But life has changed a lot since then. She’s had to invest in a different set of wheels, as neuropathy has left her wheelchairbound most of the time. But it doesn’t stop her from enjoying music.

“I haven’t danced since 2005, but I can wiggle!” she said with a smile.

She wiggles to the music of local artists when they perform for residents at Azle Manor. Her favorite area band is Frozen In Time.

Gayle moved to Azle Manor because she wanted to be closer to her four daughters. Her youngest lives only five minutes away in Briar.

“We play bingo every other day. I love bingo!” she said. “And I never played bingo in my life until I came here.”

She said the residents play for Bingo Bucks, which can be spent once a month at the Bingo Store. The store relies on donations of slightly used items, but it also includes new items, like toiletries.

“It has everything that you can imagine — clothes, jewelry, just different things,” she said.

They even have some home decor, which Gayle has used to

decorate her apartment, where she spends a lot of time watching her favorite show, The Young and the Restless.

The soap opera is celebrating 50 years, and Gayle has been there for the entire series.

When she worked as a cook for various institutions, including the Jacksboro prison, a Weatherford retirement community, and various elementary schools, she recorded the soap opera so she could watch it at night.

Nobody comes between her and her story.

“I wouldn’t let them,” she said matter-of-factly.

It’s so easy to get swept away

by the glitz and glamour of Genoa City, the fictitious town where the soap is based, but she says she wouldn’t want that life. “There’s too many fights and too many arguments,” she said.

Instead, she prefers the quiet life at Azle Manor, where guests visit her daily, including the dozens of deer who stop to graze.

“I bought corn to feed them. I have a feeder right outside my window,” she said. “I just love them. They’re so pretty. We saw our first buck the other day!”

Add those deer to dozens of others who are happy to call Azle Manor home.

Gayle Leverett of Azle Manor holds a photo of herself at age 17 in the $450 skates she worked hard to buy back in the 1950s.

CYNTHIA HENRY | HOOPLA MAGAZINE

‘I haven’t danced since 2005, but I can wiggle!’

– Gayle Leverett

lasting

• Help advance medical education, research and quality of care with a priceless gift.

• Donation is a no-cost alternative to traditional burial and cremation. Our staff handles all of the arrangements.

• You can still be an organ donor and donate your body to science.

• There is no maximum age limit, and almost everyone will meet the donation criteria. No one is excluded because of cancer, heart disease or diabetes.

• Our staff is available 24/7.

Widowed Persons Service serving

Tarrant and surrounding counties

Grief Support Sessions

Interest in bereavement support counseling has mushroomed in recent years. WPS wants those widowed to be able to go forward with their lives. We provide the tools, and we have established that our Grief Support sessions work and have worked for over 40 years with hundreds of the widowed now able to go on with their lives in a satisfactory way.

For any other information on Grief Support, call the WPS office 817-5512922 Mon-Thu, 10AM-2PM or Ruth Turner 817-713-9372. If no answer at either number, please leave a voicemail.

October 1,8,15,22,29

Pleasantview Baplist Church

4400 Pleasantview Drive

Arlington

For more information on any event or to join, call: 817-551-2922

October Meals & Game Days

ARLINGTON

Breakfast : Every Saturday 8 AM : Pantego Cafe, 2400 W Pioneer Pkwy Pantego, Arlington.

Lunch : Oct. 12 @ 11:30 AM: Division Street Diner, 1800 W Division St.  Arlingtion.

BURLESON

Breakfast : Every Tuesday (exluding July 4) 8:30 AM : Our Place, 950 N Burleson Blvd, Burleson.

Lunch : Oct. 19, 11:30 am  Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe 135 W Ellison St. Burleson.

Dinner : Oct. 25, 4:30 PM, Antonia’s Mexican Restaurant,344 SW Wilshire Blvd., Burleson

GRAND PRAIRIE

Brunch: Every Wednesday 10:30 AM: Theo’s Bar & Grill, 107 NW 8th, Grand Prairie.

MANSFIELD

Breakfast : Every Saturday 8:30 AM: The Porch, 2771 E Broad St, Mansfield (across from Methodist Hospital).

Lunch : Oct. 6, noon  Cotton Patch, 1714 N Hwy 287.

Dinner: Oct. 25, 4 PM SoulMan’s BBQ 1223 FM 157, Mansfield

Games: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 1:30 - 4:00 PM : Mansfield Methodist Church, 777 N Walnut Creek Dr, Mansfield.

NORTHEAST

Breakfast : Every Saturday 9:00 AM : The Corner Café, 7901 Mid Cities Blvd, Ste 242, N Richland Hills.

Lunch : Oct. 11, 1 PM Niki’s Italian Bistro   5249 Davis Blvd. North Richland Hills

Dinner : Oct. 17, 6 PM Ernie’s Seafood  8206 Bedford /Euless Rd.  N. Richland Hills

SOUTHWEST

Breakfast : Every Thursday 9 AM: Cracker Barrel, 8010 SW Loop 820 (exit Winscott Rd), Benbrook.

Lunch : Oct. 2, 11:30 AM, Cracker Barrel, 8010 SW Loop 820 (exit Winscott Rd), Benbrook

Upcoming Dances

Wednesday Oct. 11

Elk’s Lodge   3233 White Settlement Rd  Ft. Worth  6:30 to 9 pm   $10 per person

Friday Oct 27

Burleson Senior Center 216 SW Johnson  Burleson 6:30 to 9 pm  Donation only

Don’t leave your IRA to the IRS

If you’ve invested in an IRA for many decades, it may well turn into a key source of income for your retirement. Still, you might not deplete your IRA in your lifetime, especially if you also have a pension or a 401(k) and other investment income. So, if your IRA still has sizable assets after your passing, it would likely end up in your estate plan. If you leave your IRA to grown children or other family members, could they be hit with a big tax bill?

Here’s a little background: Up until the Secure Act of 2019, those who inherited traditional IRAs could extend their required withdrawals over their lifetimes, which stretched out the annual taxes due on these withdrawals. But the Secure Act changed the provisions for non-spouse beneficiaries who inherited an IRA after 2019, meaning that beneficiaries of inherited IRAs had only 10 years (beginning the year after death) to withdraw the entire balance. For some beneficiaries, this could potentially create a tax burden. (Inheritors of Roth IRAs are also required to follow the 10-year distribution rule but are not subject to income taxes on account earnings if the Roth IRA’s five-year holding period has been met).

Old World Italian

and extended the RMD penalty waiver for 2023.

Money Matters

by Mary H. McDow Edward Jones Adviser

Although these rulings give beneficiaries — those not eligible for the exemptions listed above — more time to plan, they will eventually need to start taking RMDs, which could affect their tax situations. To help protect your heirs, consider these suggestions:

• Using permanent life insurance. A properly structured permanent life insurance policy could help you replace the assets your family might lose to the taxes resulting from an inherited IRA. You might even consider naming a charity as the beneficiary of an IRA, rather than your family members. The charity would receive the IRA proceeds tax free, and the life insurance could then provide tax-free benefits to your heirs.

However, not all beneficiaries were affected by the new rules. Spouses can stretch their inherited IRA distributions over their lifetimes, and exceptions exist for certain non-spouse beneficiaries. Minor children of the IRA owner (until the age of majority), chronically ill or disabled individuals, and beneficiaries who are no more than 10 years younger than the IRA owner may opt to stretch their distributions.

The new 10-year requirement applies to IRAs inherited on or after Jan. 1, 2020. But due to confusion over changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for some beneficiaries of inherited IRAs, the IRS waived penalties for individuals who failed to take RMDs in 2021 and 2022

• Leaving taxable investment accounts to your heirs. Apart from your tax-deferred IRA, you may own other, fully taxable accounts containing investments such as stocks or bonds. Typically, these investments receive what’s known as a “step-up” in their cost basis once they are inherited. This means your heirs will essentially inherit all the gains your investments earned by the time of your passing — but they won’t be taxed on these gains if they sell the assets immediately. This type of sale could help offset the taxes your heirs will incur from the inherited IRA.

The tax and investment issues surrounding inherited IRAs can be complex, so consult with your tax and financial advisors before making any moves. And, as with many areas relating to inheritances, the sooner you start planning, the better.

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

Cooking 4.6 stars on Google

Our relaxed and open atmosphere is the perfect place to dine with family and friends. Our food is prepared fresh, to order.

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine. Solution on

n Find the Frog

Theresa A, Middleton of Weatherford won last month’s frog contest. Enter this month’s by telling us where you found the hidden frog (sample above). Email entry to seniors@hooplamagazine.com. Pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won! Winners must contact us within 45 days.

n Solutions

HLAA supports those with hearing loss

Losing your hearing can be a scary experience that leaves many feeling isolated. The Hearing Loss Association of America chapter in Fort Worth, which serves the entire Hoopla readership area, is here to help the hearing impaired find the information and support they need.

Expert and experienced speakers at

regular chapter meetings will teach you how to best manage your hearing loss and improve your listening skills to live a more active lifestyle.

The group meets at the Central Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 3201 Hamilton Avenue in Fort Worth on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

TWO MEMBERSHIPS COMBINED—FOR STRONGER PEACE OF MIND

Air Evac Lifeteam is an AirMedCare Network (AMCN) participating provider— America’s largest air medical membership network providing coverage across 320 locations in 38 states.

Expenses for emergency air medical transport can put stress on your finances. An AMCN membership not only supports our local aircraft, but also guarantees your entire household no out-of-pocket flight cost only when flown by an AMCN provider. Membership starts at $99/year, with senior and multi-year discounts available.

Additionally, Fly-U-Home is a must-have membership for those who travel more frequently. If you’re hospitalized 150 nautical miles or more from home, AMCN Fly-U-Home can provide air medical transportation to your local hospital of choice. You don’t have to drive or be stuck in a hospital far away—and you’ll have no out-of-pocket expenses in relation to your flight. Bundle an AMCN membership with Fly-U-Home to save!

TO LEARN MORE OR ENROLL, CONTACT:

Rhonda Dean | Membership Sales Manager

rhonda.dean@gmr.net | 940.327.7767 amcnrep.com/rhonda-dean

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook, North Side Baptist Church

As long as I live

I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Psalm 146:2

Let’s face it, life is full of distractions, ups and downs, hills and valleys, good times and hard times. Praising may be the last thing we want to do when the circumstances of life get tough.  It is not a secret that the things of this world, including humans, will disappoint us, let us down and fade away. Every earthly thing will return to dust.  Therefore, we should not put our trust in anything on this earth. Yet we do, and we are disappointed when things don’t work out.

David says in Psalm 146 that we should praise the Lord all of our lives, AND we should sing praises to God as long as we live.  That means praising God in the good times and the bad times. The Lord our God is the only source of pure hope in this world.  God in all His goodness and all His majesty is our help.

Read what David says about all the wonderful gifts God gives us:

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them — He remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wic-

ked. Psalm 146: 5-9

God does all these things, and He wants us to bring Him our trials, big and small.  The maker of the universe cares about all of them.  He is for us. The God who does all these marvelous things listed above cares for us and has shown us that love in many ways.

God is good – that is what we need to remember when things are hard.  It is human to only see the hard things in front

of our face, but God wants us to remember the good things He has done in our lives and the promises He makes that all will work out for our good – and His glory.  He is God in every circumstance, and He is in control of all the days of our lives – even the chaotic and painful ones. Often when we praise Him in the storm, we get a special blessing and sense of peace. It may not bring peace instantly, but we need to remember that our

faith in God is not based on our feelings. Our faith in God is based on our knowledge of God, which is why it is so important to remember how faithful God has always been.

Think about all the blessings God has given you, and the way He loves us.  He deserves all our praise, all our lives.  Are you remembering who He is and how He has shown up over and over again in your life? Lift your voice in praise every day.