September 2021

Hoopla September 2021

David Owens knows the language of Mineral Wells State Park

Nashville musician and comedian retires in Weatherford Fort Worth record shop owner has turned generations on to new music Azle’s George Horton says, ‘If it ain’t fun, don’t do it.’

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

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September 2021 Volume 5, Issue 9

© 2021 Hoopla. All rights reserved.

Hoopla is published monthly and available at more than 55 locations in Parker County and Western Tarrant County. For a complete list of distribution points, go to our website at www.hooplamagazine. com. Home delivery is available for $18 per year. You can contact us at Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086, or at the number below.

817-894-1822

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Publisher

Cynthia Henry

Contributors

Puzzle Word List:

Find the following words in the puzzle.

Square Dancers Sashay Words are hidden and Swing Western

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Hoopla

Wrong Way Grand Jubilee Barn Dance Checkered SASHAY Cowboy Hat

SQUARE DANCERS SWING

Lara Cook • John English • Rick Mauch Mary H. McDow • Rose McCombs Jordan Peter Merkl • Neil Sperry • Dick Wolfsie Guess Who Reveal: Jack Nicholson, star of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” “The Shining,” “A Few Good Men,” and many more blockbuster films.

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This young man came to California in 1950, when he was 13, to visit his sister. Soon after, he took a job as an office worker for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at the MGM cartoon stuPUBLIC DOMAIN dio. They offered him an entry-level job as an animator, but he declined, citing his desire to become an actor. It may have seemed silly to pass up such an opportunity, but it was the right choice. When he quietly ended his acting career in 2013, he had accumulated three Academy Awards and twelve nominations, making him the most nominated male actor in the Academy’s history. You’ve seen this face hundreds of times, but in case you can’t identify him, his name is revealed below the Hoopla masthead.

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September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

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Keith Longbotham, a musician and comedian raised in Plainview, Texas, spent years entertaining at the now-closed Opryland and later touring to promote his tapes and CDs. Although Keith has retired in Weatherford, his timeless music and comedy still gains new fans thanks to YouTube.

The Best Medicine COURTESY

Nashville musician and comedian retires in Weatherford

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent Growing up in west Texas, Keith Longbotham’s story is not one of a youngster who dreamed of being a big star. He just knew he loved music. His talent and karma took care of the rest.

“I am not sure I ever even thought about being successful at that time, but I knew that’s what I was happy doing was playing music and entertaining people,” Longbotham, now 69, said. “I decided to make a move to Nashville in 1982 and got a job at Opryland playing blue grass.

“At that time Opryland was a really unique park because it was just full of good musicians.

I was just in awe of the talent, and knew I had to work really hard to get somewhere. I met so many great musicians, and most of them I keep up with today. We all shared that love of music and it was so much fun.”

And though it’s been years since he’s performed live, thanks to his battle with Parkinson’s disease, Longbotham has enjoyed a storied career of making folks laugh and smile through his comedy and music. He has enough memories to

last his own lifetime and many more.

“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when I was 52 years old, but was having symptoms before that, so I probably had it a few years before being diagnosed,” he said. “It started with just a little tremor in my leg and I thought it was probably restless leg syndrome.

“For the first 10 years I could barely even tell that I had Parkinson’s and was able to keep playing. I did not tell anyone but close friends and family, so most people don’t realize I have had it for so many years.”

The oldest of four children (he has two brothers and a sister), Longbotham was born in Snyder and lived there until his family moved to Plainview when he was in the seventh grade. He first started performing in high school in Plainview with his good friend Travis Thornton. They would play for Lions clubs, Rotary clubs and different events going on around town.

“I played guitar and Travis did most of the vocals,” he recalled.

Once he graduated from high school, Longbotham attended Wayland Baptist College in PlainSee LAUGHTER, P. 4

GAIL M. WILLIAMS | PLAINVIEW HERALD

In 2014, Longbotham’s hometown honored him with a plaque on Plainview’s Walk of Fame at Fair Theatre.

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

LAUGHTER From Page 3

view. It was at this point that he began learning different instruments.

“I started taking piano lessons, learned to play bass and started playing around with other string instruments. I was a member of a singing group at Wayland called ‘The Spirit of America’ singers, and we traveled all over singing and playing music. We did Charles Stanley Holy Land cruises and were the entertainment on the cruise ship doing several shows during those eight weeks,” he said.

“That was one of the best times, being able to travel with such a great group of friends and see so many places all over the world.”

Longbotham graduated with a music degree and his first job was in Crosbyton as the music director at the local Baptist church. The gospel has always been a big part of his life and career, a career that saw him perform live, on TV, and record nearly a dozen CDs in the country, country swing and gospel genre.

COURTESY “At this time we could sell our CDs at our concerts and it would help with some expenses. Mu- Keith Longbotham has performed on stage with many Nashville greats, such as Roy Acuff (above) and Porter Wagoner (below). sicians today suffer because no one even plays CDs. Most don’t even have a CD player,” he said.

“They can download anything they want off the ended up doing this for about 20 years. We would internet, and that has changed so much about stay about three months out of the year, so this music. was a lot of time that we spent together.

“Country music has changed over the years as “These are probably my most treasured memwell. To me everything sounds the same. There ories, and we are all still the best of friends. We are still tons of good still see each other quite musicians but many often and these guys things have changed.” are like brothers. Chris Variety was a big plays keyboards for part of Longbotham’s Little River Band and career, starting with still tours, so he stays his band, the Keith busy with touring when Longbotham Trio. we are not dealing with “The Keith LongCOVID, and TJ still does botham Trio just kind shows as well.” of started out with In addition, he pertwo of my best friends formed “The Keith playing at different Longbotham Show,” COURTESY gigs. Really, whoever which he said was rewould let us play,” he ally a solo act with him well,” Longbotham said. “I have been more than recalled. “The trio sometimes bringing in blessed with great friends. consisted of myself, Keith Longbotham his niece and others to “I could always laugh at my own jokes no matChris Marion and TJ sing or play. He also inter how many times I told them. I think that Klay. Chris played keycorporated comedian might have been one of my strong points, being boards, TJ played harDennis Swanberg. able to have good timing when telling the jokes monica and I played guitar.

“It was always clean and Christian-based, so and coming off as if it was the first time I ever “We started out getting some things going in we would do lots of church functions and comtold it. I loved to laugh and I loved to entertain.

Arizona at the resorts and it just grew. We would munity functions. I worked with Dennis for “When I was on stage you were like my best play different resorts for the snowbirds and about 10 years, and we still are great friends as See LAUGHTER, P. 5

“When I was on stage, you were like my best friends who were watching, and we were having the time of our lives.”

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September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

LAUGHTER From Page 4

friends who were watching, and we were having the time of our lives.

It was never on TV or anything like that, but we promoted it as good Christian fun time so we played many churches. I always ended every show with ‘How Great Thou Art,’ and it is still one of my favorites.”

Ironically, Longbotham does not come from a musical family. However, he fell in love with music himself at an early age.

“I started playing guitar young and basically taught myself. I did not have lessons at that time but I loved playing,” he remembered. “I have a niece that came to Nashville and could sing like crazy.

“Nashville is hard. There are so many talented people, and it’s really hard to break in.”

But break in he did. He played the Grand Ole Opry three times, taking the stage with the likes of legends Roy Acuff and Porter Wagoner.

“I was scared out of my mind,” he said with a chuckle. “I just couldn’t believe that I was standing on that stage with those guys. Never in a million years did I think I would be standing on that stage. That was definitely one of the great mo-

ments of my life.”

Another great moment was when he was recognized back in Plainview with a star on the Walk of Fame at the Fair Theater.

“I was totally surprised. I am really good friends with many of the people responsible and they pulled off a total surprise,” Longbotham said. “One of the best gifts is being honored by your friends and them saying, ‘We think you deserve this honor.’

“It was one of the last times I played for a big show. I really struggled getting through that show because my Parkinson’s was getting worse. It was an emotional moment for me because I was so honored, but at the same time feeling sad thinking this might be all over.”

But, as with all musicians, the show never really ends. The audience might go home and the lights go out, but in their mind they will always be onstage performing. The same is true for Longbotham.

“I do not play anymore for an audience, except with just friends and by myself,” he said.

“I for sure will just pick up and play for fun, if possible, because I still love it.”

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

David Owens, assistant superintendent and park interpreter at Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Interpreter David Owens speaks the languages of Mineral Wells State Park Story and photos by Rose McCombs Jordan Hoopla Correspondent “Being an interpreter doesn’t mean I know seven languages. I know two.

The language of the nature and the language of the history of this park,” said David Owens, who leads many of the programs and guided tours at Lake Mineral Wells State Park.

David, who is the assistant superintendent and park interpreter, was given two choices as a teenager – “Get a job and work for money or work for my dad for free.”

David began his career with Texas State Parks in high school during the summer working as seasonal maintenance for Cleburne State Park. He later worked at Lake Brownwood State Park to pay his way through col- “I try to help people lege at Howard Payne University. At understand our the time, his plan was to become a science teacher and football coach, nature and history, but it wasn’t long before he realized working indoors was not for him. so they appreciate After college, when David’s wife it. Because if they began teaching at Cleburne High School, he returned to work for Cleappreciate it, they’ll burne State Park as a maintenance ranger. The desire to teach never help us protect completely left him, and he wanted and preserve it.” to use his education degree by doing programs for visitors and school – David Owens groups. But that was completely unheard of back then. There were no interpretive programs at any state park.

A few years later, some people at LBJ Living History Farm in Stonewall started leading tours and later began developing interpretive programs.

The idea quickly spread to the rest of the Texas state parks and David asked his boss if he could begin an interpretive program at Cleburne State Park.

His first program was Cowboy Poetry, followed by Kid’s Wilderness Survival. It quickly grew to the point he was doing a program every weekend.

See THE INTERPRETER, P. 7

September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+ 7

THE INTERPRETER From Page 6

Word of success reached the superintendent at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, where they didn’t yet have interpretive programs. Not to be outdone, he asked David to come and develop one for Lake Mineral Wells.

David began the programs on an unused patch of land across from what is now the amphitheater, but with crowds of 70 or more, it was time to dream big. His boss told him to design a space with everything needed to put on the different programs. Thus, the Lone Star Amphitheater was born.

“We’ve had crowds of 400 people in here,” David recalls.

One of his most popular programs is Cowboy Campfire Poetry and Stories. David becomes a cowboy of old and transforms the stage into a scene from an old cattle drive. He entertains the audience with stories, poetry and songs from the trail, giving a taste of the Goodnight-Loving Trail drives that once came through the area.

Over the years, he’s developed several programs for the park. “I try to help people understand our nature and history, so they appreciate it. Because if they appreciate it, they’ll help us protect and preserve it – and they’ll enjoy their time here better,” he explains.

Night Sounds was created to answer the question campers often asked him, “What’s that sound?”

“Campers would run up to me in the morning saying they hadn’t slept because they kept hearing sounds and they were afraid,” he shared.

“That seemed such a shame. So, I created the Night Sounds program to help them understand what they were hearing. I wanted them to be more comfortable with the sounds and enjoy their campout.”

Other programs include a Spider Walk and Owl Prowl, which will have you hiking in the dark to find the critters, and Name That Bird and Spot the Nature Myth that are more like a game with the audience competing for the win.

The program at Lake Mineral Wells State Park has come a long way, but David still has dreams for more. “I want a big interpretive center with a stage and auditorium and a history museum to share the stories of Goodnight-Loving,” he said.

David’s love for sharing nature and history with guests is both unmistakable and contagious.

For a schedule of programs, visit the park’s Facebook page or https://tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/lake-mineral-wells/park_events.

Crossword (Puzzle solution is on P. 19) ACROSS 1 February forecast 5 Golf strokes 10 "What are the ___?"

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

A brief encounter that haunts me still This the 10th anniversary of the stepped to a nearby mirror, towel semost humiliating moment of my life. cured around my waist, to comb my hair.

The story began when I arrived at I then returned to my locker and the fitness center hoping to improve dressed. That’s when my standing on the I noticed the man racquetball ladder. next to me franticalMy win-loss record was 12-56, ly looking through

by Dick Wolfsie just about as low his gym bag, then Humorist as anybody can go, opening and slamming shut several although I found a lockers. way to sink even lower.

“You didn’t take my underwear, In preparation for a trip to the did you?” he asked. courts that day, I had not only Who would stoop that low? True, I packed all my athletic equipment, have not led a totally crime-free life. but I threw in an extra pair of socks I’ve pilfered an occasional pistachio and undershorts, so that once I finished losing, I could shower, sit in from the supermarket’s display pile, the hot tub and then leave refreshed. double-sampled the quiche at Sam’s After the match, I placed my Club, and just once at a local fastchange of clothes on a bench and food place, I refilled my water cup

Carry On

with a shot of Sierra Mist.

When I returned home, I was caught unaware — I caught myself in someone else’s underwear. In my duffle bag were both the pair I played racquetball in and the extra pair I had packed.

It wasn’t possible, was it?

I was scared to look, but I undid my belt and took a peek.

Sure enough, I was wearing Hanes, a cut above my usual Fruit-of-theLooms.

I immediately put the unfamiliar underwear in the laundry. After all, at some point I would have to return them. But to whom? I didn’t know the guy’s name. Still don’t. But I remember the expression on his face when he realized what a sticky ride home he was about to have.

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Specialized to stimulate the life in our unique, programs, nurturingdesigned environment.

Our customized plans of care are Our customized plans ofspirit, care aredeveloped developed Our customized plans of care are developed mind, body and are integrated into everyday Our customized plans of care are developed to improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, toto improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, life in ourphysical, unique, nurturing environment. improve the emotional, cognitive, to improveand thespiritual physical, emotional, cognitive, recreational well-being each recreational spiritual well-being of each Ourand customized plans of careof are developed recreational and spiritual well-being each recreational and spiritual well-being ofofeach resident.

Life enrichment programs utilize toLife improve the physical, emotional, cognitive, resident.

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Life enrichment programs utilize exercise, music and art totospiritual further enhance recreational and well-being of each exercise, music and art further enhance exercise, music and artto tofurther further enhance exercise,resident. music and art enhance Life enrichment programs socialization, cognition, confidence and socialization, cognition, confidence and utilize socialization, cognition, confidence and socialization, cognition, and andconfidence art to further enhance ultimately, quality of ultimately,exercise, qualitymusic oflife. life. ultimately, quality of life. socialization, cognition, confidence and ultimately, quality of life.

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So, if you are the man whose underwear I accidentally took 10 years ago, you have a right to be upset.

You probably think I was telling you a little white lie at the time. I know I’d feel the same way if I were in your shoes. (I should have checked those, too.)

The bottom line is that I literally didn’t know what I was getting into.

I assume at this point, the victim of my mistake doesn’t want his shorts back. Especially since I have been using his size 38s to wipe off my car’s oil dipstick since 2011.

But, sir, if you are reading this, I’d like to buy you a 12-pack of Hanes to say I’m sorry.

This will put you 11 pairs ahead.

Let’s you and I make a clean start.

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September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

9

Pets help seniors stay healthy, happy French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Collette once said, “Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” Pets provide meaningful social support for owners, and they can be especially beneficial for seniors. Ample research shows pet ownership delivers physical and mental health benefits for seniors, regardless of whether they’re living on their own or in a senior living community.

However, many older Americans still mistakenly believe moving into a senior living community means they’ll have to leave their pets behind. In fact, the fear they’ll have to give up a beloved pet is among the top emotional reasons seniors don’t want to move into senior living.

Rest assured, senior living communities are all about supporting the physical health and mental well-being of residents, and that includes staying with their pets.

Pet ownership benefits seniors in multiple ways, research shows. Older people who own dogs are likely to spend 22 additional minutes walking at a moderately intense pace each day, according to a recent study by The University of Lincoln and Glasgow Caledonian University. Published in BioMed Central, the study also found dog owners took more than 2,700 more steps per day than non-owners.

Multiple studies have also concluded that pet ownership can help lower blood pressure, contribute to improved cardiovascular health and reduce cholesterol.

Interacting with pets also has many mental health benefits, especially for seniors. Spending time with pets can help relieve anxiety and increase brain levels of the feel-good neurochemicals serotonin and dopamine. Pets can relieve depression and feelings of loneliness.

For seniors looking for a community that will accept pets, here are questions to ask: • What is your pet policy and what type of animal do you consider a pet?

• What is your pet health policy?

• What, if any, kind of training do you require pets to have?

• Do you offer any assistance with pet-related tasks?

As long as we are still able to care for our pets, there’s no reason we should have to leave them behind.

(BT)

P

www.nowmagazines.com

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

‘If it ain’t fun, don’t do it.’

It’s a good time for all when George Horton takes the stage

by Rick Mauch Hoopla Correspondent George Horton has a simple philosophy about life.

“I’ve always said if it ain’t fun, don’t do it,” the 80-year-old Azle resident said.

Clearly, Horton is having fun playing and singing music, especially for others in his age group. On any given day in a week you can find him entertaining folks in nursing homes in Azle, Springtown and Weatherford.

“I’m old, and these people I’m playing for are old,” he said. “I’ve had so many people tell me I brought back so many memories. I’ve had ladies come up crying saying things like, ‘I haven’t heard that in years,’ or ‘That brought back a lot of happy memories.’”

Horton brings a variety of music to his shows, which feature him and his acoustic guitar. His music ranges from country to rock-n-roll to pop and more – and if he doesn’t know it, odds are he’ll learn it.

“One old man asked me one time, ‘Do you do Ernest Tubb ‘Walking the Floor Over You?’’ I told him I’d be sure and play it next time,” Horton said.

“And the ladies love ‘Waltz Across Texas.’ I’ve also had several say they like me because ‘You don’t bring all that noise.’”

Horton was referencing his acoustic guitar. He said simply playing it makes him “part of the crowd, not above the crowd.”

“A lof of them wearing aids, and sometimes an electric guitar and an amp will give a screeching sound to someone with a hearing aid. Plus, I just like acoustic guitar,” he said.

Horton first picked up a guitar at

age 15. It took him about a year and a half to get proficient enough to sing along with playing.

“But I’ve always had the ability to sing,” he recalled. “My mother was a good singer, and had an uncle who a real good guitar player. He taught me my first chords. He could sit down and play anything.”

In high school in Bossier City, Louisiana, he and some friends started a garage band. George, who was still perfecting his guitar skills, mostly provided the singing.

“One day the teacher found us in the gym practicing the day before a show, and from then on we were known as The Class Cutters,” he said of the band’s name.

Among their gigs was playing at a local skating rink, earning what was a fortune to a teenager at the time.

“He said he’d pay us $30. We said heck yeah, we’ll play,” he said with a chuckle.

The Class Cutters regularly played sock hops, along with gigs at the Airman’s Club on Barksdale Air Force Base. Horton would also sometimes play on the popular Bossier Strip with the Class Cutters and other pickup bands.

“I’ve just always loved music. I watched my uncle and his friends play and it would fascinate me for hours,” he said, adding with a laugh, “Actually, I wanted to be a drummer, but they (his parents) couldn’t afford drums – at least that’s what they said.”

Speaking of drums, Horton was good friends with the late D.J. Fontana, best known as being the drummer for Elvis Presley from 1954-68.

“I never met Elvis. I had two or three opportunities, but the stars just

George Horton brings a smile and a lot of nostalgia to every performance. never aligned,” Horton said. “D.J. kept saying, ‘If you want to go meet the King let me know.’ But I was working, and I couldn’t just run up to Memphis on a moment’s notice. It would have been great to have met him just once, though.”

Horton also sometimes plays with a group called Silver Strings, which features several men and women. The group specializes in nostalgic music – and several in the band play ukuleles.

“The pandemic hit and we couldn’t play nursing homes anymore, but some of the nursing homes are wanting us to come back now,” he said.

“During the pandemic you couldn’t play anywhere, especially a nursing home. You could just pick in your liv-

RAEANN HOLLAND

ing room.”

As for how much longer he plans to play, Horton sees no end in sight. After all, following his philosophy, he’s still having fun, so why stop? Sure, he had a scare with an aneurism in his stomach 10 years ago, but today he’s fit as a fiddle. Just ask his doctor, he said.

“My heart doctor’s been looking for years and can’t find anything wrong with me,” he said, smiling.

“To me, it’s giving back. They deserve at least one day a month to have a good day I can give them. Many are in wheelchairs, use walkers, oxygen tanks, and they look forward to me coming – and I look forward to being there,” he said. “I’ll play until my voice gives out. I love it. I absolutely do.”

h

September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+ 11

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12

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

Still in the Groove Longtime vinyl enthusiast has turned generations of music lovers on to new sounds by john English Hoopla Correspondent Dan Lightner had to step away from the retail music industry for a few years to realize that it was exactly where he needed to be.

The West Fort Worth resident and owner of Panther City Vinyl started working in music retail when he helped open the Fort Worth Peaches Records & Tapes shop in 1978.

Following a brief foray into Borders Books and Music (managing the music department) and a stint at Half Price Books, Lightner noticed a growing interest in used records and vinyl.

“I knew that if I wanted to work in a real record store again, I’d have to open one,” Lightner said. “Fortunately, while at Half Price, I met a guy who had just enough to start a business with me. His name was Ted Stern. We opened in late 2017 and here we are.”

Lightner, 65, and Stern count among their regular customers Vaden Lewis of the Toadies and Blake Ibanez of Power Trip, as well as several local musicians including Travis Brown (Phorids), Burette and Gabrielle Douglas (The Cush), Simon Flory, Ginny Mac, Jake Paleschic, Michael Richardson, Katie Robertson and Sean Russell (Cut Throat Finches) and Torry Evan Finley (Tornup).

“We’re still trying to get Leon

Bridges to come visit,” Lightner said.

Lightner’s relationship with Lewis goes back the farthest and actually led to his designing the cover of the Toadies most successful album, “Rubberneck.”

“Back in the early 90’s, I worked at Sound Warehouse with a group of people (Vaden Lewis, Lisa Umbarger and Charles Mooney) who formed the beginnings of the Toadies,” Lightner said. “When they got signed to Interscope Records, they knew I had been a painting and drawing major at UNT, and wanted me to supply the image for the cover.

I had several paintings that I showed them and the ‘leaping/falling man’ was the one everybody liked best. I – Dan Lightner used to joke that, when the album took off, my painting was probably on the floorboard of cars and trucks all over the country.”

And take it off it did, as the 1994 album went platinum in 1996.

Lightner said that he and Stern opted to open Panther City Vinyl in the Magnolia area because of its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and shops and said that most of his customers are musicians, artists and fellow entrepreneurs that make for a creative, and tight-knit community.

“We knew it fit the vinyl demographic,” Lightner said.

The Fort Worth resident said he and Stern first opened a temporary pop-up space in December of 2017

‘Every year I hear interest in vinyl records will plateau, and so far, it’s only increased.’

COURTESY

Dan Lightner showcases the artwork he created for the Toadies’ debut album, ‘Rubberneck’ inside Panther City Vinyl, his record shop located in West Fort Worth. and moved into their permanent location at 1455 W. Magnolia Avenue #113 in July of 2018.

Lightner said there are some downsides to his profession, such

as dealing with taxes, payroll, state regulations and rarely being really “off the clock,” but added that there are more positives.

See VINYL, P. 13

September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

VINYL From Page 12

“Working for yourself has its pros and cons,” Lightner said. “But at the end of the day, you don’t have to answer to anyone else except your business partner and it’s great to work at a job you have a passion for. I look forward to going to work everyday.”

Megan Meyer, a former co-worker of Lightner, said she is not at all surprised that her former colleague, with whom she still maintains a friendship, has found success with Panther City Vinyl.

“I first met Dan when I started working at Borders Books in Fort Worth about 16 years ago,” Meyer said. “Dan has always been one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. He talked about opening his own record store, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s been as successful as he has been. He absolutely deserves it.”

Dan Lightner Brian Harrison, a long-time friend who now resides in Lewisville, said he has known Lightner since the early 1980s and said almost as soon as they met, he was impressed with Lightner’s knowledge of music and other topics.

“He and I shared a common thread in the type of music we listed to,” Harrison said. “It was mostly new wave, punk, alternative and reggae. Dan seemed to know a lot about all types of music and we became fast friends that way...as I learned, Dan also knew quite a bit about film, politics, space exploration and so many other things.

“Dan is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, sensitive people I have ever known, and even though we’ve gotten older and our lives have moved in other parts of the Metroplex, Dan and I have remained close

friends and I still see him occasionally.”

Though Lightner claims to have “never had an aptitude” for playing an instrument, the record store owner said that selling music in stores was a way for him to be close to it and promote artists he loves.

Lightner said among his wide and diverse array of favorites are artists such as the Beatles, Kinks and Rolling Stones, as well as R.E.M., the Cramps, Black Uhuru, Robyn Hitchcock, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, Elvis Costello, Burning Spear, and Nirvana.

Despite music being more accessible now than ever before and the proliferation of music streaming services, Lightner said he is not that concerned about the future of his industry.

“Every year I hear interest in vinyl records will plateau, and so far, it’s only increased,” Lightner said. “I think people of all ages want that tactile feeling of an artifact you can show off to your friends and that fun ritual of dropping a needle on a record. It’s magical. We have a very supportive customer base. We could not have made it through 2020 without them.”

Lightner said he and Stern are hoping to to release some vintage vinyl pressings on 45 in the future and said, more than anything, he wants people to enjoy their experience at Panther City Vinyl.

“We make every effort to engage every customer and get a feel for the kind of music they’re into. One of the most rewarding parts of this job is turning someone to an artist they hadn’t heard of before.”

13

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Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

n Highly-Anticipated Book Releases FLYING ANGELS

BY DANIELLE STEEL

COURTESY

‘Cabins in a Storm’ will be raffled at the event. Tickets are $1 or six for $5.

Quilt auction set for Sept. 18 The Quilter’s Guild of Parker County quilt auction will be held Sept. 18 at the Texas Church of God Gymnasium Building at 2240 Fort Worth Highway in Weatherford.

Preview and other activities begin at noon and the auction begins at 2 p.m.

All quilts are handmade and donated by guild members. Profits from the event are used to support other non-profit organizations in Parker County, as well as to preserve, promote, and stimulate interest in quilt making.

There will be a drawing for a quilt made by the guild members and designed by guild president Rex Shrauner, called “Cabins in a Storm.” The quilt is 90” by 90.” Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5, and can be purchased that afternoon or by emailing qgpc2000@gmail.com.

World War II brings together six remarkable young flight nurses, who face the challenges of war and its many heartbreaks and victories as unsung heroes, in this inspiring novel from bestselling author Danielle Steel.

Audrey Parker’s life changes forever when Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7, 1941.

Her brother, a talented young Navy pilot, had been stationed there, poised to fulfill their late father’s distinguished legacy. Fresh out of nursing school with a passion and a born gift for helping others, both Audrey and her friend Lizzie suddenly find their nation on the brink of war. Driven to do whatever they can to serve, they enlist in the Army and embark on a new adventure as flight nurses.

ARROW OF DEATH

BY MICHAEL J. SULLIVAN

On the idyllic coast of San Sebastian, Spain, Dublin pathologist Quirke is struggling to relax, despite the beaches, cafés and the company of his disarmingly lovely wife. When he glimpses a familiar face in the twilight at Las Acadas bar, it’s hard at first to tell whether his imagination is just running away with him.

Because this young woman can’t be April Latimer. She was murdered by her brother, years ago—the conclusion to an unspeakable scandal that shook one of Ireland’s foremost political dynasties.

SEWING WORLD

Unable to ignore his instincts, Quirke makes a call back home to Ireland and soon Detective St. John Strafford is dispatched to Spain. But he’s not the only one en route. A relentless hit man is on the hunt for his latest prey, and the next victim might be Quirke himself.

THE LAST CHECKMATE

BY GABRIELLA SAAR

Readers of Heather Morris’s The Tattooist of Auschwitz and watchers of The Queen’s Gambit won’t want to miss this amazing debut set during World War II. A young Polish resistance worker, imprisoned in Auschwitz as a political prisoner, plays chess in exchange for her life, and in doing so fights to bring the man who destroyed her family to justice.

Maria is many things: daughter, avid chess player, and member of the Polish underground resistance in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Captured by the Gestapo she is imprisoned in Auschwitz, while her family is sent to their deaths. Realizing her ability to play chess, the sadistic camp deputy, Fritzsch, intends to use her as a chess opponent to entertain the camp guards. However, once he tires of utilizing her skills, he has every intention of killing her. Literally playing for her life through four grueling years, her strategy is simple: Live. Fight.

Survive.

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September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

15

Here’s a look at the ‘New Retirement’ Once you retire, what can you expect tributor to their identity in retirement from your life? You might be surprised is their relationships with loved ones, by the things that current retirees are again according to the Four Pillars study. saying about their lifestyles, priorities, Clearly, it’s important to keep up your relationships and hopes for the future. relationships with family and friends, And you also might find this knowledge before and after you’re retired. quite helpful as you prepare for the day Having a sense of purpose in life – when you become a retiree.

Those with a higher sense of purpose First of all, retirement today is far difhave better overall health, greater cogferent – and ponitive functioning, tentially far more higher life satisfacYELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK ARCHIVES rewarding – than tion, increased mowas the case a genbility/functioning eration or so ago. Of and longer lifespans, Yellowstone National Park recently released some photos of the Three Stooges course, people are

by Mary H. McDow according to the from their visit in 1969. The photo was taken while the group filmed “Kook’s Tour.” The living longer now, Edward Jones Adviser Four Pillars report, but the new retireconcept was supposed to be a series following the Stooges as world travelers who had citing research from ment environment isn’t just about lonthe International Journal of Aging and retired from 50 years of comic mayhem. Unfortunately, while filming, Larry Fine sufHuman Development. So, by volunteerfered a severe stroke, paralyzing the left side of his body. When it became clear that Fine gevity – it’s also about using one’s time in a meaningful way, deepening coning and getting involved in community would not recover fully, production was cancelled. Director Norman Maurer eventually nections with family and contributing activities, you’ll not only be helping othedited all usable footage into a film and released it in 1975, the same year Larry passed. to communities. All these capabilities ers, but also yourself. fit into a framework of four key “pillars”: Being financially secure – During the Edited

by Margie E. finance, Burke health, family, purpose and pandemic, retirees fared better than (Puzzle solution is on P. 19.) described in a study by Edward Jones other demographic groups because Difficulty: Easy and Age Wave called Four Pillars of the they had stronger financial safety nets, New Retirement: What a Difference a including Social Security, Medicare and Year Makes, which also looks at how ata high degree of home ownership. Still, titudes and opinions have changed durjust 56% of men and 40% of women are ing the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the confident about their retirement savstudy’s findings is a piece of good news: ings, according to the Four Pillars sur76% of Americans credit the pandemic vey. So, if you haven’t yet retired, you’ll with causing them to refocus on what’s still want to bolster your finances by most important in life. contributing as much as you can to your And one important element in the life investment accounts. And once you do of retirees is, not surprisingly, their opti- retire, you’ll want to make sure you don’t mal well-being in their retirement years. take too much from these accounts too The overwhelming majority of retirees soon, helping you avoid the risk of outsay that all four pillars are essential to living your money. this well-being. Let’s look at these pilAs you can see, it’s important to take lars and see what you can do to support a holistic approach to retirement in the them: 21st century. And when you do, you can Having good physical/mental health find your days as a retiree to be greatly – Health care and long-term care costs fulfilling. are the greatest financial worries in retirement, according to the Four Pillars study. A financial advisor can recom(Answer elsemend ways ofappears addressing these expenses, where but you can also take familiar in this issue) steps, such as getting regular exercise and folThis article was written by Edward lowing a well-balanced diet, to maintain Jones for use by your local Edward and improve your health.

Jones Financial Adviser, Mary H. Having family and friends that care McDow, 102 Houston Ave., Suite 203, about me – Retirees say that the top con- 817-598-0882. Member SPIC

Money Matters

September 2021

Kook’s Tour

nSUDOKU Sudoku

4

1

9

Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9; each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

2 8

7 2 1 8 3 6 3 6 5 5 4 8 3

9 1

8

Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate

HOW TO SOLVE:

7

16

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

n Live Theatre Picks

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: ​A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY

by by Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice Theatre Off the Square 114 N Denton St., Weatherford Ticket Info: 817-341-8687 Tentative Dates: September 10-26 Synopsis: Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. Now, Gomez must keep a secret from his beloved wife.

AN EMPTY PLATE IN THE CAFÉ DU GRAND BOEUF

by Michael Hollinger Popcorn Players 114 Porter Dr, Azle Ticket Info: 817-238-7529 Tentative Dates: September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 Synopsis: Chef Gaston awaits the imminent arrival of the cafe‘s owner, but when he returns from the bullfights, his wish is to die of starvation.

Fortunately, hilarity ensues.

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YOU SEND ME: A TRIBUTE TO SAM COOKE

Casa Manana 3101 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth Ticket Info: 817-332-2272 Tentative Dates: Sept. 14-25 Synopsis: Twist the night away in the Reid Cabaret Theatre with the stories and music of the King of Soul, Sam Cooke. His timeless hits have secured his lasting legacy.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

Broadway on the Brazos Granbury Opera House 133 E. Pearl St., Granbury Ticket Info: 817-579-0952 Tentative Dates: Sept. 17 - Oct. 10 Synopsis: Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, cows, killer rabbits, and French people. The production won three Tony Awards.

f

September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Life in Grace

by Lara Cook North Side Baptist Church

The kitchen table That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments.

Psalms 78:6-7 When I look at my kitchen table, I am reminded of many memories. We have had our table for many years. We have spent many moments together at that table homeschooling, eating, visiting, doing crafts, and we are not finished with it yet.

When the table was brand new, I tried to make sure no one wrote on it, scratched it, or nicked it, but with four kids, it didn’t take long for it to get its first scratch. That first scratch was soon followed by paint, marker, pen marks, fork scratching, and the list goes on. Now those marks are precious reminders to me of how life used to be. They serve as reminders of sweet days, when at the time I might have been ready to pull my hair out. Reminders of days gone by make us remember to be grateful for the moments we have because we realize how fast they are passing.

This table is also a place where many words of wisdom have been imparted. Here their father, while eating a meal together, shared advice with his children who soaked up every word he said. With the busyness of life, sometimes the moments we got to spend together all in one place were few and far between. Just having dad at the table brought a whole new dynamic

to the meal, and everyone hung on his words. In Deuteronomy, God tells us to teach our children about Him and His love. He instructs us as parents to talk about this with our children as we sit at home. The kitchen table is the perfect place to talk about the goodness of God. The scratched up, imperfect table is beautiful to me. It has character and personality that makes it different from any other table in the world. It holds the scars of our family, good and bad, and I love it all. I used to want to

refinish it and cover up all the blemishes, but now I know I will never change it. I want my children to come back someday with their children and gather around that table, scratches and all. I want them to look at it and remember the conversations, laughter, and the warmth shared there. It is a symbol of togetherness, unity, and love.

When you look at your kitchen table, remember what a symbol it is. Remember all the history it holds and all that has transpired there. Let it be a

17

treasure to you instead of an eyesore because the value of an object is not always in the beauty, but in the meaning it holds for us. Our lives can be thought of in much the same way. We are scarred and imperfect. Life beats us up and we end up with lots of nicks and scratches. But just like this table, those scars only add to our value, our character, and our story.

Even with our blemishes and flaws, God still treasures us. He sees the value beneath the finish. Thank Him for accepting you, nicks and all.

18

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021

Summer’s reprieve This time of year generally brings us some of our best weeks for gardening. Let’s develop a game plan for our fall horticultural activities.

Plant: • Trees and shrubs as nurseries restock.

Supplies should be better than they were last spring, but you’re still likely to encounter shortages of some of the best types. Shop early, and be willing to wait if types that you really want aren’t available yet.

• If you intend to sow ryegrass to overseed permanent turf or as temporary covering for bare ground do so by mid-October.

• Dig and divide springflowering bulbs as soon as possible – before they start producing new roots.

• Dig and divide spring-flowering perennials such as daylilies, iris, Shasta daisies, coneflowers, St. Joseph lilies, candytuft, violets and others late in the month. Set them into well-prepared garden soil. Share excesses with friends.

• Wildflowers for next spring’s display.

Plant in sunny areas with poorer soils where grass won’t normally grow and compete.

Rototill very lightly so seeds won’t wash away. If you’re planting bluebonnets, buy acid-scarified seeds for best germination. Water with gentle pattern soon after planting and regularly until plants are well rooted.

Prune: • Continue to remove dead or damaged branches killed by last February’s cold weather. Hire a certified arborist to remove limbs and trees that are higher than your head. Leave no stubs that won’t heal properly. Be especially aware of trees that are dead and could fall and cause damage or injury.

• Keep mowing lawn at recommended height right up to frost. Keep fallen leaves picked up with your mower or mulch them into the turf. Do not allow them to pack on top of the grass.

• Prune to remove dead stubble from perennial gardens.

• Reshape patio plants you intend to bring inside for the winter. Prune to reduce their size as needed.

Fertilize: • Apply high-quality, all-nitrogen lawn food to your turf during September. Look for a product with 25-35 percent of the nitrogen in slow-release form.

• Use that same fertilizer product on shrubs, groundcovers and trees to prepare them for fall and winter.

• Apply a high-nitrogen, water-soluble product to patio pots and hanging baskets to promote one more round of good growth before cool weather

by Neil Sperry slows them down.

• Last call to apply Gardening Expert iron to yellowed plants suffering iron chlorosis. Prime symptoms: veins remain dark green, while rest of leaf turns yellow. Most prominent on newest growth first. It may help to apply a sulfur soil acidifier at the same time to keep the iron in a soluble form. Keep iron products off masonry surfaces that cold be stained.

Timely Tips

On the Lookout: • Armyworms have been common recently. If bermuda turf turns brown rather rapidly, look for the small larvae. They can be controlled with most general-purpose insecticides. The good news is that the grass will rebound rather quickly since the caterpillars have eaten only the blades.

• Cabbage loopers on Cole crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts). As soon as you see first holes in leaves look for the tiny caterpillars. Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) is the only effective control.

• Fall webworms in pecans and other shade trees. Prune webs out with long-handled pole pruners while they are just getting started. Spraying is difficult and inefficient unless you have power equipment.

• Watch for stinging caterpillars, including asps, Io moths, Hagg moths and others.

Their stings are quite painful.

NEIL SPERRY

Fall asters are blooming soon.

n Fall Asters Fall asters have been in Texas gardens as long as most of us have been Texas gardeners. However, you never could find them in Texas nurseries. That was until 15 or 20 years ago. While they’re still not common, at least you can buy them to enjoy their great little purplish-blue flowers that seem to appear magically in masses about the time that summer turns into fall. And they’re just about the only asters that do well in Texas.

Grow them in full or part sun, spacing the plants 15 to 18 inches apart. Plant them in well-prepared garden soil to which you have added generous amounts of different types of organic matter. They’ll grow to 24 to 27 inches in height, but you don’t want them that tall. Tip-prune them in May to force them to branch and you’ll be able to keep them at tight 15- to 18-inch mounds.

They’ll be in bloom for 4 to 6 weeks, at which time you can trim them back to the ground. You’ll be able to see their new shoots starting to form at the plants’ bases.

Those will be the stems for next year to start the process over again.

September 2021

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Adults 55+

Big day in a small part of Texas

by Peter Merkl Guest Columnist They say our beloved Lone Star State is so big that somewhere in Texas there’s a town with your name on it. I had my doubts, until one sunny vacation day I was headed down some lonesome highway west of Abilene when I came upon it – a large, green exit sign for Merkel.

It’s a funny sounding name which easily lends itself to derision: “Merk the Jerk” and “Jerkl” tormented me through grammar school. Poor Fred Merkle’s infamous baseball boner and Steve Urkel’s urkelness both harmed the cause. My Aunt Angie, over in Germany, elevated the name somewhat, until recently. But overall, it’s been something of a minor affliction which brides in my family are usually happy to get rid of.

But there it was in big white letters taking its rightful place alongside Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. So, I skidded the car to a stop and asked my wife to take photos of me standing proudly by the sign as passing drivers honked their horns, pointed and laughed.

Back behind the wheel, a previously unknown feeling of ancestral pride swept over me, and I realized I had to take the off-ramp. I pulled into a gas station, and, while fueling up, asked my wife to go inside the convenience store and see if they had any Merkel souvenir T-shirts for sale. She still hadn’t come out after I’d finished pumping, so I joined her inside.

The store was packed, and my wife had just managed to get to the front of the line. They didn’t have any shirts, but she was asking the cashier if he knew where we could buy some.

“Why would you want Merkel T-shirts?” he asked suspiciously.

“Because my name’s Merkl, and I built this town!” I jokingly proclaimed.

Suddenly, a customer pouring herself some coffee shouted, “You built this town? I hate Merkel! It’s given me nothing but misery! I keep leaving and it keeps hauling me back!” Then she scowled and advanced toward me brandishing a cup of steaming coffee.

“He didn’t really build Merkel,” my wife added helpfully while dragging me toward the door.

“The T-shirts?” I implored the cashier over my shoulder.

“There’s a dollar store in town that has them.”

As we rushed out the door, the woman hooted, “What kind of name is Merkel anyway?”

If I had any sense, I’d have beelined for the freeway, but I was determined to wear that shirt and finally show the world my surname was legit.

While driving around looking for the store, I noticed that the tiny town could’ve used a coat of paint, but that only endeared it to me because, frankly, so could I. The dollar store was crowded as my wife and I scoured the aisles looking for our prize. We soon found a stack of purple shirts with “Merkel Badgers,” the high school team name, proudly emblazoned in gold lettering across the chest. I grabbed six of them and headed to the lone cashier where I proudly placed the shirts on the counter in front of her.

“Why are you buying so many Badgers shirts?” she asked.

“Because my name’s Merkl, and…”

“No,” my wife hissed in my ear, “do not say it.” “… I built this town!”

The cashier laughed and asked if my name was really Merkel. I showed her my driver’s license and said, “I think we lost the second “e” at Ellis Island, but my name is Merkel.”

I noticed there was a long line of shoppers behind us by then, so I whipped out my credit card and swiped it through the reader with a flourish.

“I’m sorry Mr. Merkl,” the cashier said, “but it was rejected. Try again.”

I swiped it again, with the same result.

“Let me try another card,” I croaked, as I swiped a second one, which was also promptly rejected. Palms sweating, I asked the next person in line to go ahead of us, but she smiled sweetly and said, “Oh no, Mr. Merkel, you built this town.

You take your time. I can wait.” All the customers behind her nodded in hearty agreement.

I fumbled in my wallet for my third and last credit card, but it was also rejected. At that moment my wife remembered she had a stash of vacation cash in the car, which she ran out to retrieve. We quickly paid for the shirts and hustled out of the store as everyone cheerily wished the Merkels safe travels.

Back in the car, I picked up my beeping phone from the console and found that all three credit card companies were texting me that a suspicious charge was being made and asking me to verify that I was making the purchase.

I can’t say I had a great time in Merkel, but I’m definitely going back someday. I want a Badgers baseball cap.

19

SUDOKU

n Find The Frog

Difficulty: Easy

4

Lori Campbell of Arlington found him. Did you? Last month, the frog was sitting on the left corner of the Hoopla subscription ad on page 11. Campbell will receive a $25 gift certificate to Target. Do you like winning prizes? Enter this month’s contest!

Simply submit your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of where you find the hidden frog (not the frog at right) to Hoopla, P.O. Box 305, Weatherford, Texas 76086 or e-mail seniors@hooplamagazine.com.

Contestants will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Baker’s Ribs in Weatherford.

Make sure you pick up next month’s issue to see if you’ve won!

Winners must contact Hoopla within 90 days to claim their prize.

9

2 8

7 2 9 1 8 3 6 3 6 5 1 5 4 Solution to Crossword: 8 3 8

S N O W P U T T S O A P A R T R H O N E R O A R R E M A R K A Copyright 2021 by The Puzzle Syndicate P O I N U N L E A R N C O D A L O G G E L F R E T F A L S E C R E E K S P O O R S H I R R M L A U D A P R S P I C Y P E B A S I L I C A C O N N A N N O E L C L O S H A S H I S H P A C C E N T U A T E E L D E R A R E A R R U S T Y M E D G E

D E B T

D A L E

S L E D

T R A N S V E R S E

T A R A

O P A L

A L I A S

N Y M P H

Solution to Sudoku:

5 3 7 8 9 2 1 4 6

6 1 2 4 5 7 3 9 8

9 4 8 6 1 3 7 2 5

3 7 1 5 2 6 9 8 4

2 9 5 7 8 4 6 1 3

4 8 6 1 3 9 5 7 2

7 2 4 3 6 1 8 5 9

8 6 9 2 7 5 4 3 1

1 5 3 9 4 8 2 6 7

20

Hoopla: News and Entertainment for Parker County Residents 55+

September 2021