Good morning, and welcome to the Senior Spotlight! I’m your host, Gary Emmert, bringing you the latest news, stories, and insights specially curated for our senior community.

Every Saturday, we delve into the topics that matter most to you, from health and wellness tips to local events and national headlines. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful discussions, inspiring stories, or simply want to stay informed, Senior Spotlight is here to shine a light on the issues that impact your life.

Finding the Right Caregiver: A Guide for Families in Central Texas

Hiring a caregiver for a loved one can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and guidance, families can make informed decisions that ensure comfort and quality care. The Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas (AAACT) has helped hundreds of families navigate this process, offering resources and support to connect them with the best solutions for their unique needs.

Choosing a caregiver involves more than just finding someone to assist with daily tasks—it’s about ensuring trust, compatibility, and quality care.

To simplify the process, AAACT provides a caregiver worksheet designed to help families organize information, assess needs, and compare options.

This tool allows families to:

• Identify the level of care required
• Evaluate potential caregivers based on experience and qualifications
• Consider financial and logistical factors
• Ensure the caregiver aligns with their loved one’s personality and preferences

AAACT offers personalized support to help families make informed decisions. Whether it’s understanding Medicare and Medicaid benefits, exploring respite care options, or finding local caregiver services, AAACT connects families with trusted resources in the community.

Navigating the caregiver selection process doesn’t have to be stressful. AAACT is committed to helping families find compassionate, qualified caregivers who can provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Contact AAACT today to access the caregiver worksheet and learn more about available resources in Central Texas.

For more information, visit the Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas at aaact.org.

Stage 4 Water Restrictions to be Lifted

The City of Killeen and the surrounding areas are lifting Stage 4 water restrictions effective this morning at 12:01am, following the successful completion of critical water infrastructure upgrades by the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District #1.

The 48-inch main water line and new three-million-gallon surge tank have been successfully connected, marking the near completion of two key projects that will enhance water system reliability and resiliency for multiple cities in the region. WCID #1 serves more than 265,000 people, including the cities of Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, and Fort Cavazos.

With the end of Stage 4 restrictions, normal operations will resume across city facilities, including both Killeen Aquatics facilities. The Family Aquatic Center will operate Tuesdays through Fridays from 11am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 6:30pm. It will remain closed on Mondays. Long Branch Pool will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11am to 6 pm and will also remain closed on Mondays.

9th Annual Spring Stand Down & Homeless Community Triage

Also in Killeen, the 9th Annual Spring Stand Down & Homeless Community Triage is happening today. It began at 9am this morning and will continue until 3pm and is for all homeless to get support, food and services.

This event is taking place at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, located at 3601 South W S Young Drive and will provide all homeless a hot meal, haircut, medical screenings, new clothing and shoes, along with various other resources available for all participants.

Transportation to and from Copperas Cove to this event will be provided. They are picking up folks from the Public Library at 1045 & 1245 and the Wendy’s Parking lot on Business 190 at 1055 and 1255.

If you have any questions, you can call (254) 681-8522 and be sure to like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Harker Heights Farmers Market

In Harker Heights, the Farmers Market is open today from 9am to 1pm at the City Hall Parking Lot, located at 305 Miller’s Crossing. Come out, enjoy the fresh air, and support the community every Saturday through the month of July. More information can be found on the Harker Heights Parks & Recreation Facebook Page.

The City of Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program has published their June Newsletter and here are some the highlights:

• Active Seniors: Ping Pong is every Thursday from 11am to 12:45pm.
• First Fridays Music Series: Free concert on June 6th from 7 to 9pm. This will be held at the Carl Levin Park Amphitheater and the 1st Cavalry Division Pop Band will be performing.
• No Granny Basketball: June 9th and 16th due to a Youth Basketball Camp.
• Recreation and Activities Center will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.
• Bingo moves to June 26th.

The Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program is located in the recreation center at 307 Miller’s Crossing and their number is (254) 953-5683.

Ogletree Gap Hike & Bike Trail Ribbon Cutting

Join the Copperas Cove Parks & Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Ogletree Gap Hike & Bike Trail! The celebration will take place next Saturday, June 7th at 9am at 1878 Post Office Road.

This event will honor the dedication and hard work of the Ogletree Gap Hike & Bike Work Group, whose volunteer efforts helped establish 4.7 miles of scenic trails throughout the park. The community is invited to come together and be part of this exciting occasion!

INDIVISIBLE CENTEX

Local grassroots organization based in Central Texas is hosting Picnic for the People on Saturday, May 31st from 10am to 1pm at Yettie Polk Park, located at 101 S. Davis Street in Belton. This historical park is situated along the Nolan Creek and features two playgrounds, picnic tables, ample bench seating, basketball courts, and plenty of parking space. The Hike and Bike Trail runs through the park, so ride on over!

Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket and/or chairs and some friends to enjoy the live music and good vibes.

Vendors will include:  CASA of Central Texas,  AWARE  Central Texas, Make a Way Wellness,  and  Bell County Texas Democratic Women  who  will be available with other volunteers to answer questions and provide information. Performers will include Evelyn, Martian Folk, and Brother Jon and the Rainbow Hearts. Come to connect with neighbors and enjoy activities for all ages while learning about how to make a positive change in your local community!

Summer Reading Kickoff Party

The City of Temple invites you to celebrate the start of the Temple Public Library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program with a party at the library!

Their Summer Reading Kickoff Party is next Saturday, June 7th from 9am to 11am at the Temple Public Library, located at 100 West Adams Avenue.

This family-friendly event will feature games, bounce houses, snow cones, giveaways, and activities for all ages. There will also be a live performance by children’s musician Staci Gray, who will take the stage from 9 to 9:45am.

For more information about the Temple Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, please visit exploretpl.com.

Salado Senior Center

The Salado Senior Center has released their June pop-up events calendar and here are a few things of note happening this Monday, June 2nd.

• Beginner’s Pickleball lessons with Cindy are from 9 to 10am.
• There will be a visit from the “Go Team Therapy Dogs” from 11am to noon.

These activities are held at the Salado United Methodist Youth Activity Center, located at 650 Royal Street and their number is (254) 271-2415 or visit their website at saladoseniorcenter.org.

Daily Congregate Meals at the Baca Center

The Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties Senior Nutrition Program offers nutritionally balanced, homemade lunches at a low cost for seniors, age 60 and older, at the Baca Center.

Lunch is served Monday through Friday from noon to 12:30pm.

Intake paperwork is required to get started in this program, to sign up, with their office in the Dining Room on weekdays at 9am and 1pm. Once complete, new clients can begin participating the following Monday.

There is a suggested $3 donation for meals and you must participate at least once a month to remain active.

For more information, you can call (512) 255-4970 or email the site director, Kelsey Ward at kward@owbc-tx.org.

The Baca Center is located at 301 West Bagdad Avenue, Building 2 in Round Rock. Their telephone number is (512) 218-5499 and you can learn more about all of their programs and upcoming events and activities at bacacenter.com.

Silver Creek Jazz Band

Silver Creek Jazz Band plays the final 2024-25 Austin Traditional Jazz Society concert on Sunday, June 8 from 2 to 5 pm at Ben Hur Shrine Temple, 7811 Rockwood Lane in Austin.

Silver Creek has been a favorite of ATJS concertgoers since it was formed in 2007.  The band plays an interesting array of traditional jazz tunes, many not often heard in the Austin area. There is free parking at Ben Hur.  The hall contains a large dance floor. You may bring your own food; snacks, beer, wine and sodas are available and ATJS concerts are family-friendly.

We hope you will come out to dance or listen to hot traditional jazz for our ATJS 24-25 season finale.

Seniors Living Smarter Seminars

The Seniors Living Smarter Seminar series is designed to equip, educate and inspire you to be prepared and live your life to the fullest. These free seminars are offered monthly by Texas Realtor and Certified Senior Downsizing Coach, Virginia Lazenby. The June seminar, Memory Loss: When and How to Ask for Help, will be held on the 19th from 10 to 11:30am at the McKinney Christian Ministry Center, located at 1205 Ash Street in Georgetown.

Pre-registration is required by visiting their website at SeniorsLivingSmater.com/seminar or calling (512) 862-7339 and leaving a message.

Coryell Museum and Historical Center

Located at 718 East Main Street in Gatesville, the Coryell Museum and Historical Center offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Texas history. Gain insights into what daily life used to be like, behold rare artifacts, and find answers to your questions from individuals with decades of experience living in Central Texas. Join us on a journey through time as we preserve and celebrate the heritage of this remarkable region.

This 24,450-square-foot space hosts 50 exhibits, including the world’s largest collection of spurs, including iconic pieces worn by figures like Jackie Kennedy and Pancho Villa. The Spur Collection is a treasure trove of history and craftsmanship, including Western art, memorabilia and other timeless relics that offer a unique glimpse into the past.

The old log cabin jail is believed to be the last double-wall jail in existence. Built in 1855, one year after the founding of Coryell County, it was the first public building constructed in the county. The famous outlaw Sam Bass once spent a night in jail here after finding himself in trouble near Gatesville.

Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm and you can call (254) 865-5007 for more information or visit their website at coryellmuseum.com.

Thank you for stopping by and we would love to see you every Saturday morning at 9:20am for the Senior Spotlight. And if you have any questions or would like to let us know about an event or news that would be of benefit to our listeners and followers, please visit our blog website at myKNCT.com/seniorreport.