September 2023

Spotlighting North Central Texas Seniors

September 2023

Hoopla

Ultimate activities calendar for active senior adults

P. 16-20

Also Inside: Retired Granbury coach rediscovers sports card collection

Fort Worth couple recalls their successful chili company Weatherford history buff enjoys sharing her town’s past Azle weatherman keeps his community aware

Puzzles, comics, and more

Music Groups of the

Word Find:

Beatles Byrds

Rolling Stones Crystals

Shirelles

Animals

Beach Boys

Supremes Drifters

Creedence Clearwater

Simon and Garfunkel

Rascals Doors

Ronettes

Lovin Spoonful

Hermans Hermits

Yardbirds Temptations

Who Buffalo Springfield

Sly and the Family Stone

Marvelettes

Haley and His Comets

Four Tops

Mamas and Papas

Jefferson Airplane

Grateful Dead

Sonny and Cher

Paul Revere and the Raiders

Four Seasons

Isley Brothers

Blood Sweat and Tears

Dave Clark Five

Bee Gees

Jan and Dean

Brothers

Swing and a hit

Retired Granbury High School coach Mike Williamson surprised by value of his sports cards

by Roger Enlow Hoopla Correspondent

Among Mike Williamson’s vintage and massive sports card collection, one stands out above the rest.

A 1970 “Pistol Pete” Maravich NBA rookie Topps card.

Another collector had one too and sold it this summer for a whopping $552,000. That’s not a typo. $552,000, like a halfmillion dollars.

Williamson, a retired high school coach and Hood County resident, doesn’t think his card is valued that high but believes it could draw a few thousand dollars. The half-million card was in “mint” condition. Williamson’s card appears in outstanding shape, but “mint” condition is almost like buying it new and taking it out of the wrapper.

Retired coach Mike Williamson of Granbury has “thousands” of vintage sports cards, including a rare “Pistol Pete” Maravich 1970 NBA rookie card he’s holding.

Williamson had almost forgotten about his “thousands” of cards, which were boxed up in a storage building, until he decided to start selling the building’s contents. One of the customers, Granbury school Superintendent Jeremy Glenn, spotted the cards among the loads of golf balls, clubs and shoes, dishes, tables, chairs and even an antique radio. Glenn began to scour the cards and realized that Williamson had a potential gold mine.

“You have some valuable cards here,” he said to Williamson.

Glenn researched the Maravich card and brought it to Williamson’s attention that a similar one recently sold for $552,000.

“It blew my mind,” Williamson said. “I could not believe somebody paid that much for a baseball card.”

The card was part of Topps’ “tall boy” set, a series of basketball cards released in 1969 and 1970 that measured an inch

ROGER ENLOW

taller than standard cards. The cards are made even more valuable because they did not fit into the standard-sized protection cases available to collectors in the 1960s.

Williamson, 78, a sports enthusiast, began collecting cards when he was 8 years old and living on a farm in tiny Iredell, about 40 miles south of Granbury. He would go with his mother to Cunningham’s grocery in Iredell on “Double Green Stamp” Wednesday and began noticing these packages of baseball cards with bubble gum for sale. His mother would give him some change, and he would buy four or five packs at 10 cents each.

“I’d chew the gum and put the cards in a box,” he said.

Unaware that someday the cards would hold great value, kids back in the day abused the cards. They glued or taped them in photo albums. A popular

trick was to clothespin the cards to bicycle spokes to get cool “pop, pop, pop” sound effects.

“If I had known, I would have taken better care of them,” Williamson said.

It wouldn’t have mattered.

When he was away at college at Texas Tech, Mrs. Williamson went on a cleaning spree that included his prized possession of baseball cards. She tossed them in the trash.

“I came home for Thanksgiving my freshman year in college and went to my bedroom and looked in the closet,” Williamson explained. “My cards weren’t there.”

“Mom, do you know where my baseball cards are?” he asked. She was shocked. “Mike, I didn’t think you wanted those cards anymore,” she replied.

“It broke her heart,” he said.

The cards included Mickey Mantle,

Willie Mays, Whitey Ford, Gil Hodges, Sandy Koufax, “all of the Yankees, and some Indians and Dodgers.”

“They would have been very valuable cards,” Williamson said.

Williamson began buying cards again in the 1980s after he retired from coaching. “It got to be a hot market in the middle and late ‘80s,” he said.

His baseball collection includes Pee Wee Reese, Willie Mays, Roger Maris, Sandy Koufax, Brooks Robinson and Harmon Killebrew. He has Rickey Henderson’s rookie card. Football cards include Bob Lilly, Bob Hayes, Don Meredith, Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Bobby Layne and Doak Walker. NBA cards include Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and John Havlicek.

How much are the cards worth? Difficult to say, but Williamson plans to find out.

He wants to get them appraised from at least three reputable dealers, per Superintendent Glenn’s suggestion.

“I still have some valuable cards,” Williamson said.

ROGER ENLOW

”Dandy Don” Meredith is among Williamson’s Dallas Cowboys cards.

Parker County Quilter of the Month

Weatherford resident Donna Motley was chosen as the Parker County Quilter of the Month

Donna, who taught quilting classes at a Fort Worth quilt shop for two decades before retiring in 2021, is known for her zipper-foot binding technique. She needed a way to quickly bind since she donates several comfort quilts to new mothers and cancer patients each month. She’s also a member of the Quilter’s Guild of Parker County, which distributes quilts to over 20 different organizations. Donna was one of the ten founding members of that quilter’s guild.

Donna first fell in love with quilts after receiving wedding quilts from both her husband’s grandmother and her own grandmother 59 years ago. It wasn’t until 1997 that she decided to try quilting herself. Since then, she’s entered many competitive quilt shows. The quilt pictured above is one of several that have been placed in special exhibits at the Houston International Quilt Show.

Hood County Quilter of the Month

Carolyn Sponsky of Granbury was chosen at Hood County’s Quilter of the Month. She was introduced to quilting by her mother and sisters, who all hand quilted. It wasn’t until she retired from Motorola in 2021 that she got serious in the art and learned how to longarm quilt. Once she was proficient, friends from her quilting bee started requesting her longarm services. She’s hardly had time to quilt for herself since.

Her quilting won Best in Show in Mission, Texas, and second in the Dallas Quilt Show last year. There have also been two grand champion titles out of Colorado. Although she stays busy, she makes time to create comfort quilts for church missions and CASA. On the rare occasion she quilts for herself, she enjoys working with the Dream Big panels (pictured above).

Carolyn is a member of the Granbury Quilter’s Guild and chaired this year’s quilt show.

Happy Happens Here!

Keeping local history alive

Weatherford woman works tirelessly to teach a community about its history

By John English Hoopla Correspondent

Jonelle Bartoli’s life journey has taken her throughout much of the state of Texas.

Born near the Gulf Coast, the former school teacher graduated from Deer Park High School and attended an assortment of colleges, including UT-Arlington, UT-Dallas, Lee College in Baytown, Navarro College in Corsicana and eventually the University of North Texas in Denton, where she earned her degree.

Bartoli made it clear, however, that her school-hopping was completely of a voluntary nature.

“Slowly, by maneuvering from one college to another, I made my way up North,” Bartoli laughed. “Now I was not kicked out. That’s not the reason I was doing it. I was not ex-communicated. It just worked out that way. I just worked my way up through Texas at different universities.”

While making many stops along the way, Bartoli settled in Parker County in 1981 and it was there that she cultivated an unwavering affection and dedicated promotion of her adopted city of Weatherford.

Bartoli, who is 75, has worn many hats in her 42 years as a resident of the Cutting Horse Capital of the World, but perhaps her magnum opus came in 2006, when she was asked to assist with the city’s sesquicentennial celebration.

“I suppose it was because of my community involvement,” Bartoli said. “I had for a long time been an advocate for the community. I was a retired language/ arts teacher working also in drama and speech. So when it came to writing, for some reason, people came to me. For more than 16 years, I have coordinated and written all of the scripts for our annual Talking Tombstones Tour, so I became quite familiar with the citizens of Weatherford.

“That led into me becoming part of our local play production group, and it just all folded in on itself and seemed to work together.”

Bartoli said the event also provided her with the opportunity to do something she thoroughly enjoys—research.

“When it came time, I researched and found out that the town had produced a production for the previous centennial,” Bartoli said. “Grace Cartwright headed that one up. So of course I thought we needed one for this celebration. In June of 2006, we produced a production at Weatherford college, and it was titled ‘Panorama of the Past Part II.’ That covered 1856 to 2006.

“Now ours was a little different. We had it inside of our air conditioned auditorium at Weatherford College, where previously, they had more of an outdoor production with wagons and pioneers and so forth. So that was our major production for the year.”

But it was more than just a production, and there were multiple events.

“We did have other activities throughout the year, including Meet the Mayors at Cherry Park, where we had several of our former mayors dressed in period clothing,” Bartoli said. “We had one arrive in a Model T Ford Car...and each mayor shared what he had accomplished during his term.”

Bartoli said the first Talking Tombstones Tour was conducted two years prior, in 2004, so that she could test the waters and see how the community would respond to that being included in the celebration.

“It was great,” Bartoli said. “We hold it in Old City Greenwood Cemetery. And it is, of course, an historical cemetery. You can go out there and visit Oliver Loving, Jim Wright, Douglas Chandor, and Mary Martin. We’ve got quite a few celebrities out there.”

Bartoli said preparations for the celebration required a monumental undertaking.

“If you count the late night jam sessions

Jonelle Bartoli (right) with fellow sesquicentennial committee members in 2006. COURTESY

Jonelle Bartoli

and the brain storming, it was a 24/7 commitment to maintain interest and keep it going throughout the year,” Bartoli said.

The reception to the year-long event was one of keen interest, amazement and pride.

“It’s always surprising to me that people are so excited to learn about the past and the history of the area where they live,” Bartoli said. “And we are all guilty of that. People wanted to know more, and in many instances we tried to explain how we reached where we are today—what this area had to go through in order to reach where we are today. That would be the Indian raids. That would be the pioneers. That would be the watermelons.”

That is right. Not to break the hearts of locals, but peaches have not always been the king of produce in Weatherford.

“Watermelons were our iconic fruit for a while,” Bartoli said. “We were watermelons before peaches. We had 110-pound watermelons that shipped all over the U.S.”

In 2012, Bartoli co-wrote “Weatherford: The Early Years” with Brenda McClurkin to provide even more background on her beloved city.

“Brenda and I are cohorts,” Bartoli said.

“We call her the professional one of the pair. She’s got all of the initials behind her name. We both had been long time researchers, and we had access to all of this information and access to some fabulous photos. That was the driving force behind our getting together and creating books, and we had so much fun doing it. We learned a great deal as well.”

Bartoli has been a long-time member of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, and was past Secretary of the Parker County Historical Commission, which works closely with the Texas Historical Commission.

She is also a member of the Parker County Heritage Society, and has worked with different members of the city to conduct historical research when called upon, including the library.

She also worked along side of the former city secretary to create visitors’ guidelines for the Old City Greenwood Cemetery.

The Weatherford woman taught junior high and high school language arts, speech and drama in Richardson, at Northwood Junior High, as well as Peaster High School for a total of 13 years.

She co-authored a couple of other books for the chamber of commerce with Brenda McClurkin, including a walking tour booklet for the city of Weatherford and a few outlying places, as well as a driving tour booklet, which can be picked up for free at the chamber of commerce.

Bartoli volunteered as the executive director for the Miss Parker County Pageant, a scholarship pageant, and has also raised and showed national champion basset hounds, including one named Champion Bugle Bay’s Cheesecake.

Bartoli and her husband, Larry, have been married for 46 years, and despite all that she has accomplished, she is not finished yet.

“Right now I’m doing some research for the library,” Bartoli said. “They are revamping the genealogical department. And I just put on another hat. I am now chairperson of the Historical Cemetery Committee. Our directive is to create and update the listings of our cemeteries and also communicate and work with those who are maintaining our cemeteries. So I still have work to do.”

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

Sharing his God-given talent

Member’s hidden skill lights up church

By Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent

When it came time to enhance the look of his church’s sanctuary, Lighthouse Fellowship Pastor Frank Briggs called on his muse.

He called on congregation member Allen Muse. And, since Muse had practically no experience in that department, it was a leap of faith - one that resulted in a display that has Briggs in awe five years later.

“I’ve always loved Allen’s heart and his can-do spirit,” Briggs said. “Allen is a part of that group of people who may not know how to do something, but they will work hard and learn.

“When he brought us samples we asked, ‘How are you going to do it?’ He said, ‘I don’t know, but I’m gonna figure it out.’

“It’s artwork. It could be in a gallery, for sure. It was a Holy Spirit kind of thing.”

Briggs wasn’t without at least a glimpse of Muse’s talents, however. Muse had done some smaller projects, but nothing to the scale of the sanctuary and the beautiful cross that highlights it.

“A church friend knew that I had some carpentry experience and asked me if I would build a gaga pit for the church youth. A gaga pit is a variant of dodge ball that is played in a large wooden fenced-in area (usually an octagon),” Muse said.

After completion of the pit some months later he was asked by church staff to build a stage for the youth band. In between these projects he sculptured small crosses with

different designs and wooden sculptured animals to place on the walls. Some other projects accomplished were boat-shaped cabinets for computer stations and portable cabinet displays with backboards to convey messages or photos.

“Sometime after that period, the pastor asked to meet to discuss a church sanctuary background. I was shown a photo of the desired stage setting,” Muse recalled. “Even though I had never done a project like this before, I was determined to facilitate the task laid out before me.

“It took approximately three weeks to form the desired pieces and another week to install.”

Muse explained the varying shapes and color equates to the chaotic world in which we live. The cross in the center symbolizes the steadfast hope, joy and faith through Jesus Christ.

The only past art experience Muse had was in pencil drawing, oil painting and wooden sculptures. He had very limited experience in carpentry, but he does intarsia, which is a technique using different types of wood colors that appear to be

inlaid and fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The technique creates a given subject, such as persons, animals or scenery.

He also had a little bit of a family connection.

“I believe I may have some of my father’s talents. My father was gifted in various types of carpentry,” he said. “I feel that my experiences in many fields have contributed to my ability to take on such projects.”

Muse said he still gets extreme satisfaction in knowing that the church parishioners enjoy the setting, and at the same time he was doing what God may have wanted him to do. He said he feels like he grew personally in faith and became part of something bigger.

“I believe that God directs our course to do his bidding without us being aware of what he wants to accomplish. I am grateful to God for allowing me to reflect God’s glory of the cross,” he said.

And to this day he finds it amazing that his pastor called on him when he had little experience. Briggs is thrilled he did, however.

“He did it in service to the Lord, and he knocked it out of the park,” Briggs said.

Display handcrafted by Allen Muse at Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Fort Worth.

Allen Muse

Weather Wise

comes to learning about the weather.

Ralph Smole, 63, runs the Azle Weather Center web site and Facebook page where locals can check daily forecasts, learn about school closings, and see about the potential for inclement weather.

Smole started the page eight years ago and for him, he is simply carrying on a family tradition.

“My dad was in the Air Force,” Smole said. “He was in a weather squadron back in Korea and World War II, and he started teaching me about weather when I was basically old enough to read. He would show me charts and how to interpret them. It was something that always stuck with me.”

Growing up in the Midwest, Smole said that when there was severe weather, his father would have his mother and siblings go into the basement, but they would sit outside and “watch the storms” and learn.

“He taught me about them,” Smole said. “When my kids were growing up, I used to actively storm chase years ago,

have today,” Smole said. “As a matter of fact, back in the day, I was a weather watcher for Channel 5. It was not long after Harold Taft passed away. Scott Chesner was there, Rebecca Miller and David Finfrock were there, and we used to turn in reports once a month of our conditions at our house, like how much rain and so forth. I use to cruise around and check out severe storms as well.”

Smole lived in Fort Worth at the time, and the majority of the storms he chased were in Wise and Jack counties.

“Back then, when there was stuff like that, all we could really do was call it in to the weather service, because I don’t have a ham radio license, so I couldn’t do my report over a ham radio,” Smole said. “But we would just call in our reports to the Weather Service , and I would often take the kids with me, and they loved it— especially my son. My son Ralph III is actually on my page as a moderator. He posts a lot of cool weather pictures, so I’ve kind of passed it down to him.”

Smole said he believes those experiences gave his children a healthy attitude toward the elements.

“I think it was good, because these days, they don’t fear the weather, they respect it,” Smole said. “And they’ve passed that on to their kids, too.”

Smole said he originally created the Azle Weather Center with a simple concept in mind.

He started the center back in 2015. Whenever there was severe weather or warnings, he’d pass it along to the community.

“Then it started growing over the years to where I do daily forecasts, and I run doppler weather live on Facebook when there is severe weather,” Smole said. “People will go there when severe weather is happening. I also have the Azle Weather Center web site and an associated site, which does local news. It all basi-

cally grew out of my love for weather.”

What sets Smole apart is his approach to relaying information about the weather and a reminder that it can change in an instant.

“I don’t use scare tactics,” Smole said. “There are so many Facebook groups that misinterpret models or they look at them eight days out and say, ‘It’s going to storm, it’s going to storm,’ or whatever. I’ve learned over the years to look at three different models at least. Because different models mean different things. Usually, at least two of them will concur. I also always do a disclaimer saying, ‘This is not written in stone. A lot can change over the next few days,’ and that’s my philosophy. I am not a meteorologist by any means. I’m just someone who’s followed the weather for 50 years.”

And the community has re-

Ralph Smole of Azle Weather Center.

Azle’s Ralph Smole keeps his community aware of weather, more

sponded. On the Azle Weather Center page itself, Smole has over 8,000 fans and more than 10,000 followers.

“I get emails from Facebook at least once a week showing me the stats,” Smole said. “I was shocked, because either last week or the week before, I got an email with the stats showing that we are reaching 8 million people, and I don’t know how. I guess people are passing it on or I don’t know what.

“This is just something I started for Azle and the surrounding communities of Springtown and others. And I will still get messages from Facebook friends who live in other parts of the state saying, ‘Hey, what’s going to happen here?’ But it doesn’t bother me. I love doing it.”

Smole updates the pages daily, completing his reports at night and scheduling them to post in the morning.

He said that he also does, at times, get recognized in the community

“I work at Walmart in Azle,” Smole said. “I work in security at the front door, and people will come up and say ‘Hey, you’re the guy from the weather center,’ and they might ask me what’s going to happen. It’s pretty cool.”

There have also been occasions where he knew something would not happen that was forecasted to happen.

“We have concerts in the park during the summer,” Smole said. “They had shut down the concert one night because severe weather was possible. I looked at the radar, and I knew it was going to miss us. Well, they shut it down and I was like ‘No, no, no, no, it’s not going to hit us.’ But they did it out of an abundance of safety.”

Smole said tracking the weather has become a near constant task for him.

“I am always trying to remain aware of it, no matter where I am,” Smole said. “I have my phone and a professional radar app, which is really good...but yeah, I’m always weather-aware.”

The app is called Radar Scope Pro, which Smole said is very accurate and is the same one that a lot of meteorologists use.

The Azle man said that these days he spends his time keeping his sites up and running, but also looking for ways to make them better and even more interactive.

“I’m always exploring new technology to see what else I can do with the Facebook page,” Smole said. “I’m trying to direct people to the web site too because, on the web site,

we have a lot more – like tutorials for people who want to learn about the weather.”

Smole grew up in Wisconsin in a suburb of Milwaukee and graduated from High School in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

His parents moved to the area in 1979 and he moved down to North Texas in 1981.

He is self-taught and has his SKYWARN certification.

He has also studied radar interpretation and model interpretation, and said, “There are a lot of resources out there for people who want to learn this stuff.”

Visit https://azleweathercenter.weebly.com/ or https:// www.facebook.com/azle weathercenter for more information.

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Gloria Hunt Weatherford

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 Free Admission Friday at the Modern, special programming, Sept. 1, Modern Museum of Art, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth. Free admission.

l First Monday, one of the state’s oldest airopen markets, Sept. 1-3, Heritage Park, 317 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

s Hotel California, A Salute to the Eagles by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, the only show to have ever received “official authorization” to perform the Eagles catalog, Sept. 1-3, Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Call 817-665-6000 for tickets.

s Happy Hour at the Kimbell Art Museum, live entertainment, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Kimbell Art Museum, Kahn Building (Cafe), 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, 5 to 7 p.m. Free admission.

n Bird Walk, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, Sept. 2, Acton Nature Center, 6500 Smoky Hill Court, Granbury, 7 a.m.

s Eagle Mountain Park Hike, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, no dogs allowed, 3-hour hike, Sept. 2, Eagle Mountain Park, 11601 Morris Dido Newark Road, Fort Worth (start at the pavilion), 8:45 a.m.

s Vulcan Riders Association First Ride of the Month, meets at Buc-ee’s in North Fort Worth, route takes backroads to Nocona, where the group has lunch and visits an old church in Lindsy, passes Lake Ray Roberts and ends in Sanger. All welcome. Sept. 2, Buc-ee’s, 15901 North Freeway, Fort Worth, 9 a.m.

l Model Train Show & Car Show, trains viewable both days. Car show on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 2-3, Clark Gardens Botanical Park, 567 Maddux Road, Weatherford, Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 kids.

s Ronald McDonald House Cruise-In, bring your show car for the kids and families at Ronald McDonald House to view, Sept. 2, Ronald McDonald House, 1001 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

v First Saturday at Russell Farm Art Center, historic home tours, demonstrations and more, Sept. 2, 405 W. County Road 714, Burleson, 10 a.m. to noon. Free admission.

n Weekly Walk with the Hood County Hummers Walking Club, 5K or 10K walk, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Email sonnyrab@gmail.com to receive weekly walking route and starting time.

l Springtown Senior Center Dances, country/western bands every Thursday and Saturday night. Sept. 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Springtown Senior Activity Center, 1070 N. Main Street, Springtown, 7 to 10 p.m. $7 per person. Unannounced cancellations possible.

s Free Community Yoga Class, bring your mat and water, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, The Trailhead at Clearfork, 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, Fort Worth, 9 to 10 a.m.

s Senior Social Hour, connect with other seniors, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Fort Worth Public Library - Riverside, 2913 Yucca Avenue, Fort Worth, 3 to 5 p.m.

s Steak Night (or smoked pork chops), potato and salad, benefits VFW charities, Sept 2, VFW Post 10429, 1000 Stevens Drive, Benbrook, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

s Lone Star Murder Mystery Dinner and Show, menu includes a choice of brisket, tilapia, chicken breast or catfish, Sept. 2, Billy Bob’s Texas (81 Club across from main entrance), 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth. Doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets, call 817-624-7117.

n Granbury Labor Day Weekend Festival, includes square merchant sidewalk sales, live music, karaoke, kids’ activities, Sept. 1-4, Granbury Square. Street dance on Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m. Lighted boat parade (watch from city beach) starts at dark on Sunday.

s The Cash & Cline Show, a tribute to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash, Sept. 2, Downtown Cowtown at The Isis, 7:30 p.m. For tickets, call 817-808-6390.

l Coloring Friends, join other adults who enjoy coloring. Supplies provided. Weekly contest. Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Holland Lake Rehabilitation & Wellness, 1201 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 10 a.m.

n Beginners’ Chair Yoga, donations appreciated, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, Emmanuel Lutheran

Church, 2301 Fall Creek Highway, Granbury, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.

l Craft Night (for adults), class and supplies free, Sept. 5, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St. Weatherford, 6 p.m.

n Granbury Wine Society Monthly Meeting, new members encouraged to attend, Sept. 5, Bull Lion Ranch Wine Shop, 104 N. Houston Street, Granbury, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

s Trek Fort Worth South Beginner Ride Series, bicyclists gather each Tuesday through October for beginner-friendly ride, helmet, lights and energy required for all riders, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, 5125 Granbury Road, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Free event.

s Knitty Gritty Knitting and Crochet Group, for all ages, no experience necessary, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26, White Settlement Road Public Library, 8215 White Settlement, 3 to 4 p.m. Bring your own yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook.

n Veterans Breakfast, spouses welcome, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Pam’s Too, 5320 Acton Highway, Granbury, 9 a.m.

l Karaoke Night at Old School Texas West, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Old School Texas West Bar and Grill, 2132 Tin Top Road, Weatherford, 8 p.m. to midnight.

s Midcities Stamp Club - Arlington, trades and sales allowed, Sept. 6, Bob Duncan Community Center, 2800 South Center Street, Vandergriff Park, Arlington, 7 pm.

s Shelf Indulgence Book Club, discussing “Olympus, Texas,” by Stacy Swann, Sept. 6, McAlister’s Deli, 6333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

n Chicken Poop Bingo, bring $1s and $5s to place your bets, also food trucks and bar, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway, Granbury, 6 p.m. until the chickens say it’s over.

s Free Line Dance Lessons with Admission, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Billy Bob’s Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 7 p.m.

s Adult Crafting Hour, free, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Southwest Regional Library, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 3 to 4 p.m.

s Karaoke at The Hop, offers thousands off titles and a professional audio system, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, HopFusion Ale Works, 200 E. Broadway Avenue, Fort Worth, 8 to 11 p.m.

s Chair Yoga, all fitness levels, Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle,

September 2023

4264 Golden Triangle, Fort Worth, 1 to 1:45 p.m.

v Toddler and Preschool Grandparents Days, reading, songs and crafts, toddlers on Sept. 7, preschoolers on Sept. 8, Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Avenue, 9:30 to 10 a.m.

l Walking Club, Sept. 7, Weatherford Senior Center, 1220 Holland Lake Drive, Weatherford, 8:30 a.m.

s Home for the Holidays Gift Market, over 150 merchants, Sept. 7-9, Arlington Expo Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, Preview Night on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. $10, General Admission Hours Friday and Saturday 10 a.m to 6 p.m. $6. All tickets valid for re-admission all days.

n Brazos River Corvette Club, fellowship, planning events, Sept. 7, Spring Creek Barbecue, 317 Highway 377 E. Granbury, Dinner (if desired) from 6-7 p.m. meeting 7-8 p.m.

n Hood County Senior Center Dances featuring music by country/western bands every Thursday night, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore St. Granbury, 7 p.m. $5 per person.

s Free Salsa Dance Lessons, all skill levels invited, Sept. 7, 21, Neutral Ground Brewing, 2929 Race Street, Fort Worth, 7 to 8 p.m.

s Trivia Night, with prizes, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, The Radler, 1229 Seventh Avenue, Fort Worth, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

n Texas Hold Em Poker Night, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Silver Saddle Saloon, 124 N Houston Street, Granbury, 7 to 11 p.m.

s Tech Help Desk at Summerglen, one-on-one help with tech challenges you’re facing, Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Fort Worth Public Library - Summerglen, 4205 Basswood, Fort Worth, 2 to 3 p.m.

v Friday Morning Book Club discusses “Wish You Were Here,” by Jodi Picoult, Sept. 8, Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, 10 a.m. to noon.

l Parker County Women’s and Newcomer’s Club, Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. social hour, 10:30 a.m. meeting, which includes a silent auction for the group’s scholarship fund, Weatherford College Emerging Technologies and Workforce Solutions building (third-floor conference room). Lunch (optional) reservations must be made by Sept. 1 at www.pcwnc.org/monthly and costs $16 (payable at the meeting).

s Ladies’ Night at John Wayne: An American Experience, includes a design-your-ownhat experience, cocktail bar, book signing by John Wayne’s daughter Marisa Wayne (signing requires museum ticket), Sept. 8, 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 2 to 7 p.m.

l Spring Creek Musical features live music in outdoor venue, Sept. 8, Spring Creek Tabernacle, 104 Spring Creek Road, Weatherford, 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Weather permitting.

v Cool Sounds of Fall, free, Sept. 8, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro Street, Burleson, 7:30 p.m.

l Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Ranch Rodeo. Sept. 8-9, Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Grounds, 2251 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford, Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. (each night ends with live

music and dancing under the stars), $10 Friday, $20 Saturday, kids 10 and under free.

l Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Weatherford). Sept. 9, Heritage Park Amphitheater, Weatherford, 8 to 11 a.m. Register at act.alz.org/ weatherford

l Azle Sting Fling, includes vendors, parade, car show and more, Sept. 9, Azle Main Street, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

n Chisholm Trail Motor Festival, includes cars, live music, food and drink vendors, and merchandise, Sept. 9, Hewlett Park in Granbury, 1 to 5 p.m. Car registration $25.

s Fort Worth Tacos & Margs Crawl, ticket includes a free taco at four venues, margarita tasting, live music, plus spin-to-win prizes at every venue, Sept. 9, Start at El Chingon, 2800 Bledsoe Street #100, Fort Worth, 2 to 7 p.m. Tickets from $25.

v Burleson Classic Car Show, D&D Rockin’ Rods, 42 awards, $25 registration, Sept. 9, Ol South Pancake House, 225 E. Renfro, Burleson, 4 to 7 p.m.

s Trucktoberfest, wiener dog race, stein hoisting contest, pretzel eating contest, costume contest for a mini keg, beer from a 200-year-old German keg, Sept. 9-10, Truck Yard Alliance, 3101 Prairie Vista Drive, Fort Worth, Saturday 4-midnight, Sunday 6 pm. to midnight. Free admission.

n Girls Night Out on Granbury Square, includes live entertainment, dining, shopping and door prizes, Sept. 9, Granbury Square, 3 to 7 p.m. Ask for punch card for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.

s Write On, join local scribes and scribblers for writing sprints, critiques and more, Sept. 11, 18, 25, Fort Worth Public Library - Southwest Regional, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

n Civil War Round Table, guest speaker Dr. Rick McCaslin, history professor at University of North Texas, Sept. 11, Spring Creek Barbecue, 317 Highway 377 E. Granbury, 6:30 p.m.

n Patriot Day at Memorial Lane, a time for remembering heroes with sight, sound and song, Sept. 11, Granbury Memorial Lane, 561 N. Travis Street, Granbury, 6:30 p.m.

s Happy Together! A Singalong with the Lone Star Chorus. Sept. 11, 18, 25, Genesis United Methodist Church, 7635 South Hulen Street, Fort Worth, 7 to 9 p.m. $10 admission.

s Get Lit Book Club, discussing “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, Sept. 12, Fort Worth Public Library - Southwest Regional, 4001 Library Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

l Needle Arts Group, bring a project, help is available, Sept. 12, Weatherford Public Library, 1014 Charles St., Weatherford, 1 to 3 p.m.

n Craft Night (for adults) , class and supplies free, Sept 12, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6-7 p.m.

s Dance Night, sponsored by the Widowed Persons Service but open to all, Sept. 13, Elks Lodge, 601 Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, 6:30 to 9 p.m. $10 per person.

n AARP Smart Driver’s Course, get a discount on your auto insurance by completing this course, Sept. 14, Hood County Senior Center, 501 E. Moore Street, Granbury, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Call (817) 573-5533. Limited space.

s Second Thursdays at Amon Carter Museum, cocktails, creativity and conversation, Sept. 14, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 5 to 8 p.m. Free event, reservations required. Call (817) 989-5013.

l AARP Smart Driver’s Course, get a discount on your auto insurance by completing this course, Sept. 15, Azle Senior Center, 601 Southeast Pkwy, Azle, Granbury, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Call (817) 444-0070. Limited space.

s Chair Yoga, for all fitness levels, Sept. 15, Fort Worth Public Library - Summerglen, 4205 Basswood, Fort Worth, 2 to 2:45 p.m.

s Car Show, benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Research, includes free entry, free parking, free burgers, silent auction and door prizes, Sept. 15, Overture River District, 4925 Scott Road, Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m.

n Walk Like A Man, a Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Sept. 15-16, Granbury Opera House on the Granbury Square, 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16. Tickets $40-$50. Call 817-579-0952.

v Be Healthy Burleson Run & Fun Walk, Sept. 16, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro Street, Burleson, 7:30 a.m. Call 817-426-9178 to register.

s YardSmart Fall 2023, how to maintain a beautiful and healthy landscape, plus prizes and

surprises, Sept. 16, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Fort Worth, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at www.fwbg.org.

s Lord’s Acre at Silver Creek Methodist, includes vendors, car show, silent and live auction, barbecue lunch, kids’ activities, Sept. 16, 2200 Church Road, Azle, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 817-4441382 to register for the car show.

s Fall Car Show benefitting Wheels for Wellness, Sept. 16, Sundance Square, 420 Main Street, Fort Worth, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gate opens to participants at 7:30 a.m. Registration for show $40 (if space available). Free to spectators.

l Quilt Auction, includes over 60 quilts, a country store and dollar raffle, Sept. 16, Texas Church of God, 2240 Fort Worth Highway, Weatherford, Noon to 2 p.m.

s DYI Marbled Drinking Glass, free class and supplies, Sept. 16, Fort Worth Public LibraryDiamond Hill Jarvis, 1300 NE 35th Street, Fort Worth, 2 to 3 p.m.

l Casino Night, vendors, prizes, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, Sept. 16, Martin Crest Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1818 Martin Drive, Weatherford, 3 to 6 p.m.

l Women Unite Now, a night of worship and song, Sept. 16, Doss Heritage and Culture Center, 1400 Texas Drive, Weatherford, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Free admission.

n Monthly Irish Music Session, Irish musicians come to jam in a relaxed setting, Sept. 16, D’Vine Wine, 107 E. Bridge Street, Granbury, 6 to 9 p.m.

s Modern by Moonlight, live music, lantern launches in the reflecting pond, Japanese-inspired food and activities, Sept. 16, Modern Museum of Art, 3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, 7 to 10 p.m. For tickets, $25, call 866-824-5566.

s Fort Worth Ride for Kids and Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Sept. 17, Fort Worth Indian Motorcycle, 3008 W. Normandale Street, Fort Worth, Registration at 9 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 a.m. To register in advance, contact akaras@ curethekids.org, $40 individuals, Star Family registration free.

s Lola’s Rock ’n’ Roll Rummage Sale, Fort Worth’s largest running outdoor monthly market featuring artists, creators and collectors, plus music and food, Sept. 17, 2000 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.

v Monday Evening Book Club discusses “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn, Sept. 18, Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

n Granbury Quilter’s Guild, Sept. 18, United Cooperative Services Community Room, 320 Fall Creek Hwy. Granbury, 6 p.m.

n Eyes on Extreme Weather, learn about storms and preparation, Sept. 19, Hood County

J. D’Angelo

Library, 222 N. Travis Street, Granbury, 5 to 6 p.m.

l Book Club - Azle, discussing “West with Giraffes,” by Lynda Rutledge, Sept. 19, 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).

l Book Club - Weatherford, discussing “Beautiful Country” by Qian Julie Wang, Sept. 19, 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 AARP Smart Driver’s Course, get a discount on your auto insurance by completing this course, Sept. 21, First Baptist Church of White Settlement, 7801 White Settlement Rd, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Call (817) 246-2171. Limited space.

s Artful Moments for Dementia Patients and Caregivers, exploration of Amon Carter museum exhibits, hands-on activities, Sept. 21, Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Register online at cartermuseum. org or call 817-989-5013.

s Fiber Arts Club, share techniques and patterns, all skill levels welcome, Sept 21, Fort Worth Public Library - Diamond Hill Jarvis, 1300 NE 35th Street, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

‘Develop a passion for learning.

If you do, you will never cease to grow.’ — Anthony

l Fall Market, local vendors with one-of-a-kind finds, Sept. 22, Harvest of Aledo, 1043 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

n Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-in and Car Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, Pecan Plantation Airport, 9600 Airpark Dr. Granbury, 10 a.m.

l Fall Festival at Couts United Methodist Church, live and silent auction, barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., craft items, bake shop and children’s area, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 802 N. Elm St., Weatherford.

s Fort Worth Oktoberfest, live music, food and drink vendors, Sept. 21-23, Trinity River Park in Fort Worth.

v Stitching Sisters Sewing Ministry Craft Fair, quilt raffle, silent auction, door prizes, plus gifts for fall and Christmas, Sept. 23, Chisholm Summit Community Church, 9705 County Road 1016, Burleson, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

n William Lee Martin - Comedy Stampede Tour, Sept. 23, Granbury Live, 110 N. Crockett Street, Granbury, 7 p.m. Tickets $40 Call 1-800340-9703.

v Trash Bash, Burleson’s semiannual trash cleanup event. Free T-shirt, pizza lunch, raffle. Sept. 23, Warren Park, 301 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, 9 a.m. to noon. Call 817-426-9848 to register yourself or a team by Sept 19.

s Books, Burgers and More Literary Expo, hosted by the Metro Authors Group, Sept. 23, Como Community Center, 4660 Horne Street, Fort Worth, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

n Spooky Spectacle, an event featuring paranormal, horror, sci-fi and fantasy with special guests, programs and exhibitors, Sept. 23-24, Lake Granbury Conference Center, 621 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5.

l Legends, Longhorns and Life on the Trail, speaker Wayne Ludwig, author of “The Old Chisholm Trail: From Cow Path to Tourist Stop”, Sept. 23, Chandor Gardens, 711 W. Lee Street, Weatherford, 7 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.), $30 includes wine/beer.

n Art in the Vines, music, art, food, wine tasting, Sept. 24, Pemberton Cellars Winery, 3500 Lipan Highway, Granbury, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

s Watercolor Club at Summerglen, for all skill levels, Sept. 25, Fort Worth Public Library - Summerglen, 4205 Basswood, Fort Worth, 1 to 3 p.m.

l Last Monday Matinee, adults only, featuring “Death on the Nile”, Sept. 25, Azle Memorial Library, 333 W. Main Street, Azle, 2 p.m.

s Knit & Crochet Club, all skill levels welcome, Sept. 25, Fort Worth Public Library - Wedgwood, 3816 Kimberly Lane, Fort Worth, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

n Mid-Cities Stamp Club - Granbury, includes buy/trade time before and after meeting, Sept. 26, Bentwater Activity Center, 1800 W Emerald Ct., Granbury, 7 p.m.

n Novel Idea Book Club, discussing “Everyone Here is Lying,” by Shari LaPena, Sept. 26, Hood County Library, 222 N. Travis St. Granbury, 6 to 7 p.m.

s To Kill A Mockingbird, Sept. 26 - Oct. 1, Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $66. Call 817-212-4280.

v Zumba Latin Nights in the Plaza, free instrution, Sept. 27, Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza, 141 W. Renfro Street, Burleson, 7 to 8 p.m.

s Empowering Seniors, includes professional screenings, informative exhibits, free food, totes and treats, entertainment, bingo, door prizes, Sept. 28, Hurst Conference Center. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register (free) by calling 817-248-6295.

s Agtoberfest, combining Oktoberfest and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie spirit, Sept. 28 - Oct. 1, Horus Hall, 208 NW 24th Street, Fort Worth, Thursday 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight, Sunday noon to 7 p.m.

s Hot Mess Craft Club, for grown-ups only, BYOB, Sept. 28, Welman Project, 3950 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth, 6 to 8 p.m. $20 per person.

s Luke Bryan in concert. Sept 29, Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35.50 at Ticketmaster.com.

v Dance Night, country and western from the 60s, 70s, 80s and more, sponsored by the Widowed Persons Service but open to all, Sept 29, Burleson Senior Center, 216 SW Johnson, Burleson, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Donations accepted at door.

n Chad Prather, American Conservative Comedian, Sept 29, Granbury Live, 110 N. Crockett Street, Granbury, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45 Call 1-800-340-9703.

n Texas Cowboy Symposium, includes a chuckwagon cook-off on Saturday, western swing music both nights, Sept. 29-30, Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford

Highway, Granbury, Doors open at 5 p.m. Lawn chairs okay. No coolers. Tickets should be purchased through www.ticketweb.com. Dinner tickets will go fast.

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

s Komen Greater Fort Worth More Than Pink Walk. Sept. 30, The Shops at Clearfork, 5188 Monahans Avenue, Fort Worth, 7 a.m. No registration required. Free.

n Rocks Alive!, exhibits on rocks, soil, water, climate and our area landscapes and ecosystems, Sept. 30, Acton Nature Center, 6900 Smokey Hill Court, Granbury, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (come and go). Free admission.

s DYI Custom Cake Stand, free class and supplies, Sept. 30, Fort Worth Public Library - Diamond Hill Jarvis, 1300 NE 35th Street, Fort Worth, 2 to 3 p.m.

s Benbrook Heritage Fest, live music, kids’ activities, vendors, food trucks, horse shows, arts and crafts, Old West gun shows, Sept. 30, Dutch Branch Park, 377 and Winscott Road, Benbrook, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free admission.

v Emergency Preparedness Fair, kits, first aid techniques, procedures and demonstrations, hosted by the Burleson Fire Department, Sept. 30, Pathway Church, 325 Renfro, Burleson, 9 a.m. to 1 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.

n Last Saturday Gallery Night, meet artists and see their work at various stores and galleries on and off the Granbury square, Sept. 30, Granbury Square, 5 to 8 p.m., Free event.

FREE EVENT for Caregivers, Boomers

and Seniors!

NEW LOCATION

Hurst Conference Center 1601 Campus Dr. Hurst, TX 76054

Meet Wally Funk

With a lifelong passion for aeronautics, at age 82, this American aviator traveled aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard space tourism rocket on June 20, 2021.

Also featuring Troy Dungan, Iconic Weatherman and Care N’ Care Member, and...

the Dallas Cowboys Alumni Cheerleaders from the 70s

Spotlight on Senior Artists

Weatherford Art Association chose the top three artists for July. They are, from left, Jerry Buckner (1st), “Elephant,” acrylic; Doris Friddle (2nd), “Picking Blooms,” oil; and Michael McCarty (3rd), “Jealousy,” dual tip watercolor.

The hotshot who roller-skated her way to county clerk

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

Former county clerk Carrie Reed worked for the citizens of Parker County for many years, but she once took orders from all over Texas. Reed was an order-picker for Montgomery Ward in Fort Worth back in the 1960s.

As order-pickers, also referred to as “hotshots,” Reed and her coworkers roller-skated all over the seventh floor of the Montgomery Ward building on West Seventh Street in Fort Worth to fill orders.

“As those orders would come in, you would go fill it, wrap it up, and send it back downstairs on a conveyor belt,” she said.

The worst part about the job? Staples.

“It’s a cement floor, and there were always young men who opened the cartons and restocked everything. They were warned to not leave a staple on the floor. If that roller skate hit that staple, you’d fall,” she said.

The Fort Worth location was one of nine regional centers constructed in the U.S. between 1926 and 1929. They were constructed as major regional retail and mail order warehouses. The building, which has since been renovated, originally allowed for trains to come in between its two towers to be unloaded.

The building has survived flood waters that reached its second floor in 1949 and the tornado of 2000.

The upper floors are now used as apartment dwellings, while the lower floor is leased

to several retailers. Reed has never been in the renovated building, now named Montgomery Plaza, but she vividly remembers the employee cafeteria where she would often get a meal, as well as the nurse’s office. She was pregnant with her fourth child while she worked there, and often needed a break in that office. But, like many, what she misses the most about Montgomery Ward are the thick catalogs.

“Years ago, when my siblings would all get together at my mother’s, we would sit and look at the Montgomery Ward catalog and just dream on what we could buy. And of course the kids always loved the Christmas catalog because they always marked what they’d like to have.”

Reed, who just turned 90, would have been in her 30s when she worked as a hotshot. She commuted to the job from Springtown, where she lived most of her life. While working at the retail giant, a unique opportunity arose.

“I worked with a lady from Weatherford, and at that time (1969), her husband ran for Parker County clerk, and he wanted to know if I would come and work for him. And I said, ‘Gosh, it would be an opportunity!’ Of course, salaries were not very much at that time. I remember I took a cut in salary to go to work in Weatherford at the county clerk’s office for Tommy McDaniel.”

In 1977, McDaniel resigned, and Reed was appointed county clerk.

She completed that term,

and then ran three more times before retiring in 1993.

Since she left office, the area has exploded with growth.

“It’s unreal,” she said. Her old homestead on Dogwood Street was situated near the Goshen Creek Elementary School. “Between me and the Goshen School, it was all vacant land. There’s probably 150 to 170 homes in there now.”

“Weatherford is growing too,” she said. “People are merging in from other states. I’m amazed where I see them popping up. Places that were just fields for decades, and all of a sudden they’re neighborhoods.”

Despite her love for Springtown, Reed moved to Eagle Crest Villa in Azle about a year ago. Her husband of 64 years, Billy, died seven years ago, and she was suffering from advancing macular degeneration.

“I’d had told the kids that if it got to where I couldn’t see that I would move into assisted living,” she said. “And one morning I was going to the grocery store and I started down the street and I couldn’t tell if the car was coming or going. So I

turned around and went back home and told them it was time to go.”

Fortunately, she has nothing but positive things to say about her new home.

“I think it is fantastic. We are well taken care of. The facilities are clean. Everything is just so nice,” she said.

“When I moved in, they told me, ‘This is your home. Make it your home. Do what you want to with it.’ So the grandkids put pictures and everything up.”

Residents take pride in their community by decorating hallways with china cabinets and shelves filled with treasured keepsakes and seasonal decorations. Reed even brought her throw pillows from home to spruce up the sitting area in the courtyard.

And there’s always activities planned, said Reed. She recounted some of the special events and parties she’s enjoyed during her stay — many with friends who have since passed on.

“This is like family,” she said.

“I know everybody by first name.”

Carrie Reed, resident at Eagle Crest Villa in Azle.

CYNTHIA HENRY | HOOPLA MAGAZINE

Join us wherever you live, and make it a better world Trash

Some jokingly call me the “trashiest” person they know! I have to laugh but I’d like to think of myself as the opposite. It’s true though that I love trash, but not when it’s scattered around town.

I’ve gone to great lengths to relocate litter from roadsides to its rightful place–the dump. Texas pride doesn’t allow me to litter; instead it drives me to pick it up.

I’m a 59-year-old retiree with a (planned) six-year-old. I hurt my back in construction 22 years ago. Soon after, I became a stay-at-home dad, and my wife became the family breadwinner as a nurse anesthetist and full-time professor at TCU. (Go Frogs!) We have eight children and six grandchildren. We love big families!

We moved to Weatherford 3.5 years ago, and right away I could clearly see that there was a big litter problem along the roadways of our beautiful new hometown. Last fall, our family became so sick of seeing trash everywhere, especially on our beloved dead-end country road, that we decided to give our road a makeover by cleaning it up. It only took an hour, and we had such wonderful family time. Every day now, our road gives us a clean, warm “Thank you!” when leaving and coming home. We even had a feeling God Himself was thanking us, too.

As we finished our road, I thought, “I’m not ready to stop!” So, I decided to do the next road headed towards town. My experience was just as wonderful as the first. I was hooked on the new look and the satisfaction of knowing my family was mak-

ing a difference, so I decided to clean the entire 20-mile roadside trip to town, and my family wanted to help.

Talk

by Jeff Oakes Love Weatherford

It took four months, and we filled over 150 bags of trash. The thought soon crossed my mind, “I bet others would enjoy this experience.” I started a Facebook group named “Love Weatherford” and invited friends to join. They invited others, and nine months later, we now have a group of 1,200 Weatherfordians. Our amazing volunteers have spent over 700 hours picking up over 7 tons of litter all around Weatherford. The town looks and feels so much cleaner.

Love Weatherford has been featured on television and in local magazines and newspaper articles. And now we have this column, which reaches four counties!

No doubt Texans outside of Weatherford are just as sick of trash. I hope everyone who reads this is inspired to clean up their little corner of Texas and beyond.

You can get started in three easy steps:

1. Buy a picker-upper tool or two (you can get them at Harbor Freight for $10),

2) Find trash on your street or anywhere else, and

3) Spend 30 minutes picking up trash once a day, week, or month.

Email me your results and I’ll feature them in this column!

Let us all join together making Texas cleaner, safer and more beautiful!

Questions or comments? Email jeff@LoveWeatherford.org

LIVING MY BEST LIFE!”

“I’M

Strawberries and Cream

Popcorn

Servings: 4-6

1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries

6 cups popped popcorn

1 cup white chocolate chips, melted

In small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freeze-dried strawberries until finely ground.

Place popcorn in large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over top; toss until well coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground freezedried strawberries; toss until well coated.

Scrape onto large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into even layer.

Let stand at room temperature 30-60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.

Tips: To melt chocolate: In heatproof bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water, stir chocolate chips 3-5 minutes, or until smooth.

To melt chocolate in microwave: In microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, microwave chocolate on medium heat 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or until smooth and melted.

Source: Popcorn Board

Derdeyns discuss the creation of Famous Texas Chili Co.

By Cynthia Henry Hoopla Publisher

If you enjoy a good bowl of chili when the weather cools down, chances are you’ve tried some chili made by Jack and Demetra Derdeyn. The couple owned and operated the Fort Worth-based Famous Texas Chili Company for 34 years. The brand was sold in stores throughout Texas and neighboring states.

The Derdeyns started the company in 1952, shortly after they graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. They had a friend in the chili business who stayed with them occasionally while on his delivery route. During their visits, they learned a lot about chili and loved the product itself.

“He would stop by and spend the night with us, and he would always leave us a couple of pounds of chili,” said Jack. “Our (future business) partner and his wife lived in the upstairs apartment. When Joe left chili, I said, ‘We’re gonna have chili tonight, would you all like to join us?’ And when he tasted it, he said, ‘That’s the best chili I ever tasted!’ That’s when we decided to go into the chili business.”

They purchased the recipe from Joe Korkames, who start-

ed the Famous Chili Company in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1929. They moved to Fort Worth shortly after and set up shop in a building on Jones Street.

“You talk about people thinking they knew it all. We didn’t know any of it,” said Jack. “But we had sense enough to figure it all out and not get in too much of a hurry.”

The two couples split up the responsibilities. Jack ran the kitchen. He purchased the beef from Estes Packing Company and hired butchers to debone it and cut it into bite-size pieces. The barrels of spices he ordered from California filled an entire room. The chili was cooked, chilled and then poured into rectangular brick-shaped pans and frozen. Then, the frozen bricks were rolled in paper and tied with rubber bands.

In order for the business plan to work in the beginning, three of the four adults needed to work outside the business. The two wives drew straws on who would watch both couples’ children. Demetra, who planned on being a schoolteacher, watched the four children instead.

“They would make chili at night,” she said. “And then I would have to take all these little babies with me and wrap the chili during the day.”

She also delivered chili to area grocery stores and handed out samples to shoppers on oc-

“If you got them to taste it, you knew they were sold. It was so much better than some of the other chilis,” said

They also sold the chili to suppliers. Some butchers, who often used scraps to make their own

Longtime Fort Worth residents Demetra

chili, would refuse to buy chili from Jack. He would leave them a few bricks of chili anyway. “I’d get a phone call the next day, ‘Hey, can I buy some of this?’”

Eventually, the chili was well-known and sold throughout the state of Texas and in neighboring states.

“We went from two 400-pound kettles to three, and then we decided that was too slow – so we jumped in there and bought two 1,500-pound automatic stirrers,” said Jack.

As the business grew, employees were hired and Demetra was free to substitute teach on occasion. She was also in the Elks Club and became a permanent member of the Womans Club of Fort Worth.

The company was sold in 1986, but Texas Chili Company on Jones Street still produces brick chili today.

Since retiring, the couple has enjoyed traveling, and Jack was happy to spend some time in a fishing boat instead of the kitchen.

In 1995, he gained national attention during a fishing trip off the coast of Alaska. A humpback whale came up from underneath the boat and it threw Jack and his fishing buddy straight into the air.

After Jack was ejected, his

boots and rain gear made it difficult to reach the surface of the water. Once he was afloat, he felt something brush up against his leg.

“It was that dad gum whale again,” Jack told the Houston Chronicle.

The couple resided in the Ridgmar neighborhood for decades. But as they aged, it became increasingly difficult to keep up with maintaining their large home. Demetra said that’s why she and Jack moved into a spacious apartment at Mirabella Assisted Living and Memory Care three years ago.

The Benbrook senior living community offers housekeeping and linen services and serves three chef-prepared meals each day. Demetra says she appreciates that there are a variety of choices each meal. And, if the couple feels like warming up some chili, they can do so in their kitchenette.

Demetra also appreciates the staff planning so many activities and the fact there’s a salon on site. Jack isn’t able to get out much due to physical limitations, but the community recently threw a party in honor of his 100th birthday. It’s been an exciting year for the couple, as they also celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in April.

and Jack Derdeyn.

CYNTHIA HENRY | HOOPLA MAGAZINE

Solution on P. 38

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

Mary Ellen has Orville Redenbacher is turning in his grave

Mary Ellen and I went out to see a movie last week with our friends, Bob and Cathy.

“Are you going to get popcorn again, Mary Ellen?” I asked.

“I have to. It’s been a movie tradition for me since high school.”

“So was necking in the balcony, but you cut that out completely after we got married.”

Once we reach the theater, the tension rises.

“Dick, I’ll find seats for the four of us. You wait in line for the popcorn.”

“Why do I have to wait in line? I don’t even like popcorn. And when I come into the movie theater, you’ll forget to look around for me. Then I walk aimlessly up and down the aisles while people stare at me. Everyone assumes I’m all alone and have no one to sit with. Or I’ll wave my cell phone flashlight to get your attention and all three of you slump down in your seats while you laugh hysterically. At the Tom Cruise movie I never found where you guys were sitting, but I did get my 10,000 steps

in searching for you.”

Of course, I do wait in line and buy the popcorn as directed. It drives me crazy that I pay about six bucks for a bucket of air. What a rip off. And I don’t let my wife forget it…

Carry On

by Dick Wolfsie Humorist

“Did you know, Mary Ellen, that when I was a kid, popcorn in the theater was only a quarter?”

“Yes, and here’s another update, the actors in films are talking now.”

And then there’s eating the popcorn. Mary Ellen takes one piece from the top of the box with two fingers, then bites off half at a time. Yes, two bites per kernel.

She claims that this helps her rhythm and draws her into the movie.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch my wife’s arm go down to the box, up to her mouth. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. For two hours.

Ahhhhhhhhh!

She pretty much follows a similar routine at home. After we have searched for a good flick or series on Netflix, Mary Ellen is at the

stove to make popcorn the old-fashion way – Just oil and popcorn in a pot – which she meticulously jiggles at the right speed so every kernel is popped.

The movie starts and the routine begins. One piece at a time, every 10 seconds for the entire show – about 500 times.

If she preferred M&Ms, she’d weigh 400 pounds.

Here’s the right way to eat popcorn in a movie. Dig way down into the container, which spews the popcorn all over the person in the seat next to you. Take an entire handful, shake the kernels up in your fist like a pair of dice and throw several into your mouth at one time. Then while still chewing, reload and prepare to fire again. This is how Orville Redenbacher wanted you to do it. You could look it up. Heaven knows why there aren’t instructions on the popcorn box.

The next day her fitness trainer. Justin, asked her if she had been doing her upper body exercises.

“Yes, I did them for three hours last night,” she said. “ When we went to see ‘Oppenheimer’ at the movies.”

Old World Italian

Should you invest... or speculate?

You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals.

To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative investments. Traditional investments are those with which you’re probably already familiar: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. Speculative investments include cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and precious metals such as gold, silver and copper.

investments.

Money Matters

by Mary H. McDow, Edward Jones Adviser

• A second key difference between traditional and speculative investments is the time horizon involved. When you invest in stocks and other traditional investments, you ideally should be in it for the long term — it’s not a “get rich quick” strategy. But those who purchase speculative investments want, and expect, quick and sizable returns, despite the considerable risk involved.

Now, consider these three components of investing and how they differ between traditional and speculative investments:

• The first issue to consider is risk. When you own stocks or stockbased mutual funds, the value of your investments will fluctuate. And bond prices will also move up and down, largely in response to changing interest rates. However, owning an array of stocks — smallcompany, large-company, international, etc. — can help reduce the impact of volatility on your stock portfolio. And owning a mix of shortand long-term bonds can help you defend yourself somewhat against interest-rate movements. When interest rates fall, you’ll still have your longer-term bonds, which generally — but not always – pay higher rates than short-term ones. And when interest rates rise, you can redeem your maturing short-term bonds at potentially higher rates.

With speculative investments, though, price movements can be extreme as well as rapid. During their short history, cryptocurrencies in particular have shown astonishingly fast moves up and down, resulting in huge gains followed by equally huge, or bigger, losses. The risk factor for crypto is exacerbated by its being largely unregulated, unlike with stocks and bonds, whose transactions are overseen by well-established regulatory agencies. There just isn’t much that investors can do to modulate the risk presented by crypto and some other speculative

• A third difference between the two types of investments is the activity required by investors. When you’re a long-term investor in traditional investments, you may not have to do all that much, once you’ve built a portfolio that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. After that point, it’s mostly just a matter of monitoring your portfolio and making occasional moves — you’re not constantly buying and selling, or at least you shouldn’t be. But when you speculate in crypto or other instruments, you are constantly watching prices move — and then making your own moves in response. It’s an activity that requires considerable attention and effort.

One final thought: Not all speculative instruments are necessarily bad investments. Precious metals, for instance, are found in some traditional mutual funds, sometimes in the form of shares of mining companies. And even crypto may become more of a stable vehicle once additional regulation comes into play. But if you’re investing for long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement — rather than speculating for thrills and quick gains, which may disappear just as quickly — you may want to give careful thought to the types of investments you pursue.

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.

August 20, 27, ( skip Sept 3) 10, 17, 24: St John Lutheran church 1218 East Debbie Lane Mansfield, 230 to 4:30 PM. Facilitator: Phyllis Weisheit.

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 25 Pleasantview Baptist Church, 4400 Pleasantview Dr., Arllngton

For more information on any event or to join, call:

817-551-2922

September Meals & Game Days

ARLINGTON

Breakfast : Every Saturday 8 AM : Skillet & Grill, 1801 W Division St, Arlington.

Lunch : Sept. 14, 11:45 AM, Olive Garden, 46044 S. Cooper, Arlington.

BURLESON

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

Lunch : Sept. 27, 11:30 AM, Spring Creek BBQ,13125 South I 35W, Burleson.

Dinner : August 21, 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 : Sept 1 ,2023 12 noon Sweet Rice 3141 E. Broad Mansfield

Dinner: Sept 21, 4 PM, Olive Garden, 2031 North US 287 Frontage Rd, 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 : Sept 13, 1 PM, KASAI Hibachi Sushi & Bar, 5645 Colleyville Blvd., Colleyville

Dinner : Sept. 19, 6 PM , Catfish & Co., 900 Airport Fwy., Hurst

SOUTHWEST

Breakfast : Every Thursday 9:00 AM: Cracker Barrel, 8010 SW Loop 820 (exit Winscott Rd), Benbrook.

Upcoming Dances

Wednesday Sept. 13

Dance Elk’s Lodge, 611 Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, 6:30 to 9 PM $10 per person.

Friday Sept. 29

Dance Burleson Senior Center, 216 SW Johnson, Burleson, 6:30 to 9 PM. No admission, Donation only

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook, North Side Baptist Church

When distress is near

Don’t be far from me because distress is near and there’s no one to help.

David was a man after God’s own heart, but he still suffered plenty. In the verse above, David was in the middle of a prayer of lament where he was crying out to God in desperation. The chapter starts with David crying out “Why have you forsaken me?” He is crying out to God and God is silent. He continues on with no rest or peace in his groaning, but still, nothing. He tries to rationalize in his mind why God has forsaken him, and he begins to process all the reasons. First, he reasons that God must not really be all that powerful. He is not capable after all. But then he remembers how God was there for his ancestors and helped them, so that cannot be the reason. Then he begins to believe that he must be so unworthy that God must think of him as a worm and think him worthless of His help. But then he remembers that God brought him into this world, and he has belonged to God as long as he can remember, so that cannot be the reason. Then he says:

”Don’t be far from me, because distress is near and there’s no one to help.  Many bulls surround me; strong ones of Bashan encircle me. They open their mouths against me — lions, mauling and roaring. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed; my heart is like wax, melting within me.  My strength is dried up like baked clay, my tongue sticks to the roof

of my mouth. You put me into the dust of death.

– Psalm 22:11-15 CSB

David realized that if he was going to go through this struggle, at least he wanted God near him.

I don’t know about you, but my first request when trials come is usually “Lord, please fix this!” I have experienced enough to know that that’s not the way He works. I have also

experienced enough to know that I can trust Him with whatever He allows to come my way, and that He always uses our trials for His glory, and our good.

Like David, when trials come, maybe we need to focus on the closeness of the Lord. We can find direction, strength, and comfort there.

Do your prayers need to shift from “Lord please fix this” to “Please show me the way you would have me go. Be with me

and give me the strength and courage to walk obediently in the path you have for me?”

He will walk beside us, hold our hand, and hold us up when we can’t do it ourselves.

He will walk with us through the fire and stay with us in the storm.

He will. He did if for David and David’s ancestors, and yours and mine as well.

He will be there for you and I when we need Him, too.

Find the Frog

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

n Solutions

n Live Theatre Picks

BRIGHT STAR

Theatre Off the Square

Ticket Info: 817-341-8687

Tentative Dates: Sept. 8 - 24

Synopsis: When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

JERSEY BOYS

Casa Manana

3101 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth

Ticket Info: 817-332-2272

Tentative Dates: Sept. 9-17

Synopsis: With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Featuring electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You.”

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TUNA

Popcorn Players

114 Porter Drive, Azle Ticket Info: 817-238-7529

Tentative Dates: Sept. 15-17, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1

Synopsis: “Deep in the Heart of Tuna” follows the story of Bertha Bumiller and her beautifully dysfunctional family. Tuna is the thirdsmallest town in the state, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by two performers, making this satire on rural America even more powerful as they depict all inhabitants of Tunamen, women, children, and animals.

THE MUSIC MAN

Granbury Opera House

133 E. Pearl Street, Granbury

Ticket Info: 817-579-0952

Tentative Dates: Through Sept. 10

Synopsis: The musical follows fasttalking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

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

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

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

Cynthia Henry | CENTURY 21 Judge Fite Company

Phone: 817-894-1822

Email: cynthiahenry@judgefite.com

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