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.

For today’s Senior Spotlight we are going to go around the area and spotlight events happening at our Senior Centers, beginning with the Lions Club Park Senior Center in Killeen.

Their main events include a Soul Train music night on Tuesday, May 10th from 4pm to 7pm. Groove, glide and vibe at the ultimate disco dance party. Then on Thursday, June 12th from 11am  to 2pm is their Fathers Day luncheon. And finally, on Wednesday, June 18th from 11am to 12:30pm, embrace the legacy and empower the future with their Juneteenth Celebration. With all of these events, attendees must be at least 55 or the spouse of a member.

Most senior centers in our listener areas will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday, which is a Thursday this year.

The Lions Club Park Senior Center is located at 1700-B East Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen and they are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and their phone number is (254) 501-6399. Their June “Senior Scoop” newsletter is available on the city website, which is KilleenTexas.gov/seniors.

Harker Heights

The Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program has some exciting events coming up in June. For active seniors, the June activity is Ping Pong. Join them every Thursday from 11am to 12:45pm at the Harker Heights Recreation Center, located at 307 Miller’s Crossing.

And there is an event for all ages today in Harker Heights, beginning with the City Hall Farmers Market, open right now until 1pm. This event is located at 305 Miller’s Crossing and is every Saturday through the month of July. For more info, check them out on Facebook as they have their own page.

Copperas Cove

In Copperas Cove, the Senior Center (located at 1012 North Drive, Suite 5) is now managed and operated by the Hill Country Community Action Association, more information at HCCAA.com. Their telephone number is (254) 547-6022.

And the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce announced on their Facebook page a new Discover Copperas Cove app. No matter who is hosting, you will find it here. This free app is available on the Apple Store and Google Play. Even if you are not a resident, it is very useful. I downloaded it this week and they have different tabs, such as wine and dine, shop ’til you drop, play and stay, and live and work. It is simple to use and you don’t even have to register sign up for anything to use it.

And their community calendar lists events happening all over the area, including showtimes at the Mayborn Science Theater right here on the campus of Central Texas College.

Belton

The Belton Senior Activity Center has released their June calendar. In their upcoming events they highlight that the center is partnering with the City off Belton on offering a new Zumba class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7pm, except for the first and third Thursday when they are hosting their regular dances. The cost is $5 per class.

The next dance will be held on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30pm with Old Friends performing. This is also $5 per person.

Their pot luck is on Monday, June 23rd at 5:30pm with Josh Stewart, the worship paster at First Baptist Church in Belton.

The center will be open on the 19th, one of the only ones in the area, but they are not serving dinner.

The Belton Senior Activity Center is located at 842 Mitchell Street and are open from 8am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, and their number is (254) 939-1170. Unless otherwise noted, lunches are available daily but you must call 24 hours in advance to reserve and there is a $3 donation.

Temple

At the Sammons Community Center in Temple, fitness  classes are being held every weekday. I am going to mention just a few, like Stick Fit Drumming which is every Monday and Friday from 9:45 to 10:15am. There is Senior Yoga on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30am. And there is even a Circle of Friends Crochet Group that meets on Wednesdays from 2 to 5pm.

The Sammons Community Center has three different locations, but all of the events we just went over are held at the Gober Party House. That is located at 1516 West Avenue H and you can call them at (254) 298-5403.

And to see all of their activities at each of their locations, go to TempleParks.com/sammonscommunitycenter.

The city of Temple has also released their June newsletter. There are going to be free concerts on Friday night from 7:30 to 9:30pm. Next Friday, The Hazy Shade, which is a Bangles Tribute Band will be performing. That sounds like a good time, for more info and a complete schedule visit templetxevents.com.

Salado

In the Salado, the senior center’s upcoming pop-up events include the 2nd Anniversary and Monthly Birthday Celebration. This is scheduled for Monday, June 23rd at 11am.

They will be closed on Monday, June 16th and Thursday, June 19th.

The Salado Senior is located at 650 Royal Street and their number is (254) 271-2415. Information about all of their events can be found on their website, which is saladoseniorcenter.org.

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.