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.

“Take a Loved One”—A Health Check with Heart

For many, the path to better health begins not in a clinic—but with an invitation. And Austin Public Health’s Health Equity Unit is extending an invitation that could change lives.

“Take a Loved One for a Check-up Day” is from 11am to 2 pm and the ACC Eastview Campus Auditorium will be filled not just with free health services—but with hope, music, and the unmistakable energy of a community showing up for each other.

At the heart of this event is a simple idea: health care should be accessible, regular, and shared. And yet, only one in four Americans receive an annual check-up. That’s a gap Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup says we need to close—together.

“Regular health visits can put you on the right path to a healthier life,” says Sturrup. “But too many of our friends and loved ones are skipping their yearly check-ups.”

According to the latest Critical Health Indicators Report, Black and Hispanic residents in Austin-Travis County face significantly worse health outcomes than their white counterparts:

• Black residents are 57% more likely to die from heart disease
• Cancer mortality is 34% higher
• And diabetes-related deaths? Nearly three times higher among Black residents than whites

In a city celebrated for its music and food, that quiet reality plays out in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms every day. But events like Take a Loved One aim to turn the tide.

What’s Happening at the Event?

• Free health screenings for blood sugar and cholesterol (Tip: fast 8 hours for cholesterol; 2 hours for blood sugar)
• Limited vaccinations
• Door prizes and live entertainment
• Resources on prevention, early detection, and finding a medical home

And the name isn’t just for show. You’re encouraged to bring someone along—a parent, a sibling, a neighbor, even a coworker. Because caring is contagious.

This is one of three community-centered events this year focusing on promoting health equity, with an intentional reach toward Black, Hispanic, and underserved communities. But the message is for everyone: Don’t wait for symptoms. Get checked. Bring someone with you. And start a new habit of health—together.

4th of July Celebrations

Independence Day falls next Friday, and here at KNCT, we’re rounding up the when and where of local celebrations so you can make the most of the holiday week.

In Killeen, the Red, White and Blue Music Festival will light up downtown on Saturday, July 5, from 6 to 10 pm. Expect food trucks, craft vendors, and live music—including a performance by the 1st Cavalry Division Band. Fireworks are set to launch at 9:30 pm, lighting up the summer sky.

As for Fort Hood—and yes, it’s officially back to being called Fort Hood—they’ve partnered with the City of Killeen this year. In a recent announcement, base leadership shared that the traditional Freedom Fest has been cancelled “as a way to showcase our strategic partnership and mitigate the effects of staffing shifts and budgeting constraints.”

What does that mean?

• No fireworks over the stadium
• No bumper-to-bumper parking along I-14 near Clear Creek
• And most notably, no synchronized patriotic music from KNCT during the show

For longtime listeners, you’ll remember we used to provide a soundtrack for those fireworks displays—helping folks parked along the roadside enjoy every boom and sparkle with a bit of star-spangled harmony.

Times are changing, but the celebration spirit still runs strong. We’ll keep you updated on all events as the Fourth draws near.

Cedar Park’s “Sparktacular” lights up Milburn Park this Fourth of July from 5 to 11:30 p.m. The celebration takes place at 1901 Sun Chase Blvd., with festivities for the whole family.

A few important reminders from the City:

• No golf carts, personal fireworks, alcohol, or drones are permitted in the park.
• Child identification wristbands will be available to help keep little ones safe.
• Parking is available at Cedar Park Middle and High School.

The city also emphasizes that only professional, licensed fireworks displays are allowed. To report unauthorized fireworks in your area, contact the Cedar Park Police Department at (512) 260-4600, ext. 0.

For more event details, visit cedarparktexas.gov, and while you’re there, check out the Cedar Park Pulse, the city’s newsletter released after each council meeting.

Belton’s Fourth of July festivities get underway today with a street party that’s as much kickoff as it is centerpiece. It’s the first spark in a weeklong celebration, and the City of Belton is rolling out the patriotic welcome with events for all ages. For the full lineup of red, white, and blue fun, visit BeltonChamber.com.

Now, if you ask me, Belton’s Independence Day celebration ranks among the best in Central Texas. The signature parade steps off at 9 a.m. on July 4 and rolls through 11 a.m. downtown. Pro tip: get there early if you don’t want to hoof it from a parking spot a mile away. One of the best views? Right by the Bell County Courthouse.

The parade route begins at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, flows past the courthouse, and wraps up at the Belton Police Memorial.

After the last float passes, the party heads to Liberty Park for the Festival on Nolan Creek. There you’ll find:

• Local food and craft vendors
• Family-friendly games and activities
• A petting zoo
• Military and first responder displays
• And live music at the gazebo

And later this weekend, don’t miss the PRCA Rodeo at the Cadence Bank Center—the only indoor PRCA event in Texas this holiday weekend.

In Austin, the sky over Lady Bird Lake will once again shimmer with music and fireworks as the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s 48th Annual July 4th Concert & Fireworks Celebration takes center stage at Auditorium Shores and the Long Center. Set for Friday, July 4, this free, family-friendly tradition draws thousands and promises an evening of live music, community pride, and a mile-high finale of color and sound.

The celebration begins at 4:30pm, with a slate of local artists taking to the shoreline and Long Center lawn stages beginning at 5. Then, at 8:30pm, Music Director Peter Bay leads the Austin Symphony Orchestra in a rousing set of patriotic classics. As the final note fades around 9:30pm, the sky will erupt in the city’s signature fireworks show over Lady Bird Lake—synchronized to the ASO’s live performance.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and patriotic spirit—but leave the pets, alcohol, glass, and personal fireworks (including sparklers) at home. Trained service animals are allowed. A wide selection of local food and drink vendors will be available, offering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options. All attendees are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the park beautiful.

Plan ahead for getting to and from the event:

• Bike-friendly paths and the hike-and-bike trail are open (just remember to bring lights).
• CapMetro is offering free rides after 5pm with expanded rail and bus service.
• Rideshare drop-offs will be located along Lee Barton Drive.
• Parking options include City Hall Garage, Palmer Event Center, River South Garage, and ADA-accessible spaces at One Texas Center and Palmer.
• Neighborhood parking in the Bouldin Creek area is restricted and strictly enforced.

Expect road closures near Auditorium Shores and limited lake access between the railroad trestle and South First Street bridges from 8 pm to midnight. Some streets may close earlier based on pedestrian flow.

Whether you arrive by bike, bus, or lawn chair, the Star-Spangled Festival at Starspangledfest.com/july-4 has all the details to make your holiday stress-free and spectacular.

“First Fleet”—A Journey Beyond Earth, Right Here in Temple

This summer, the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum invites us to pause and look up—way up—with a remarkable exhibit called First Fleet: NASA’s Space Program 1981–1986. For those who remember the thrill of watching shuttle launches on TV—or even gathering around a radio to hear liftoff coverage—it’s a visual time capsule worth exploring.

Photographer John A. Chakeres had rare behind-the-scenes access at Kennedy Space Center in the early days of the Space Shuttle era. Through his lens, visitors can revisit the launch of America’s original shuttle fleet—Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis—and witness the human hands that shaped history.

But this isn’t just about rockets and smoke trails. It’s about innovation, teamwork, and a nation daring to reuse its spacecraft and redefine the future of flight.

The exhibit runs through September 13 at the Santa Fe Depot in downtown Temple. Whether you’re a longtime space enthusiast or someone who recalls watching shuttle missions with your kids or grandkids, First Fleet offers a graceful reminder: the spirit of discovery knows no expiration date.

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.