Texas Silver-Haired Legislature

The Voice of Experience: Inside the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature

In a political landscape often defined by urgency and upheaval, a quieter force of wisdom, service, and civic resolve continues to shape policy across the Lone Star State. It’s called the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL)—a nonpartisan, volunteer body of Texans aged 60 and older who have committed themselves to legislative advocacy on behalf of their peers and future generations.

Formed in 1985 by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the TSHL serves as a unique grassroots assembly representing all 28 Texas Area Agencies on Aging. Every two years, members convene in Austin for a mock legislative session, drafting and voting on resolutions addressing real-life issues that impact older adults—from healthcare access and transportation to elder abuse prevention and workforce retraining.

TSHL delegates include retired educators, former public officials, military veterans, healthcare professionals, and longtime community volunteers. With a deep reservoir of lived experience and professional insight, these citizen legislators operate with one mission: to elevate the needs and dignity of aging Texans.

Notable members such as Dr. Linda Timmerman, a lifelong educator and advocate for elder wellness, and Mr. Gary Gerstenhaber, a passionate voice for senior healthcare and policy transparency, embody the mission of TSHL—bridging generational divides through thoughtful legislation, public dialogue, and tireless service.

Each resolution passed by the TSHL is delivered to state lawmakers for consideration. While delegates don’t have legislative authority, their proposals often inspire real change. In fact, more than 200 pieces of TSHL-initiated legislation have been enacted since the program’s inception, demonstrating its growing influence in shaping state policy.

Recent focus areas include:

• Expanding access to home-based care and aging-in-place resources
• Advocating for stronger support systems for family caregivers
• Addressing food insecurity among low-income seniors
• Promoting technology access and education for digital inclusion

As Texas continues to experience rapid demographic shifts—with older adults projected to make up nearly 20% of the state’s population by 2030—the TSHL offers a vital blueprint for intergenerational collaboration and civic engagement. By leveraging the expertise of older Texans, the state enriches its legislative process with foresight, empathy, and community-driven solutions.

To learn more or explore how to get involved, visit www.txshl.org.

And as tensions mount and political maneuvering escalates inside the Texas Capitol, the 89th Legislature has entered its first special session with a loaded agenda: redistricting battles, disaster relief following the devastating Hill Country floods, and unresolved legislation from earlier this year.

We regret to announce that our scheduled interview regarding senior advocacy and legislative updates had to be canceled due to an unexpected medical emergency. While we’re disappointed to miss this opportunity for timely discussion, our commitment to sharing helpful resources remains unchanged.

For those seeking guidance or wishing to voice their concerns on issues affecting older Texans, we encourage you to contact your local representatives in the 89th Texas Legislature. Their offices remain accessible to constituents and ready to assist with questions, proposals, or community support.

• Senator Pete Flores: District 24 – (512) 463-0124
• Representative Brad Buckley: District 54 – (512) 463-0684
• Representative Hillary Hickland: District 55 – (512) 463-0630
• Representative Shelby Slawson: District 59 – (512) 463-0628  

Canine Companions

Canine Companions leads the service dog industry, helping adults, children, and veterans with disabilities live with greater independence. The organization also places facility dogs with professionals in healthcare, criminal justice, and education. Since 1975, expertly trained dogs and follow-up services have been provided at no cost to clients. Disability knows no boundaries, and neither does Canine Companions. Clients choose the organization for its compelling reputation, high-quality dogs, and experienced training staff. To learn more, please visit www.canine.org.

Welcome Home, Woody!

Saturday, August 2nd, Georgetown invites you to honor a true American hero—1st Lt. Charles W. ‘Woody’ McCook—returning home after 82 years Missing in Action.

The community tribute begins at 10:15am with a motorcycle procession from VFW Post 8587 through town, arriving at IOOF Cemetery for an 11:00am graveside service with full military honors. A Missing Man Flyover and B-25 tribute flight will follow.

500 American flags will be handed out on the Square—let’s create a sea of red, white, and blue as we say: ‘Welcome home, Woody.

Join us in person, and bring your gratitude. Georgetown remembers—and you’re invited to be part of this historic homecoming.

Belton Senior Activity Center Pot Luck Dinner

Mark your calendars for a special evening at the Belton Senior Activity Center on Monday, July 28th at 5:30 p.m. Join friends and neighbors for a heartwarming Pot Luck Dinner, featuring another inspiring WWII presentation by Retired Colonel Renita Menyhurt.

It’s the perfect blend of good food, shared memories, and meaningful conversation—all in the welcoming atmosphere of Belton’s senior community.

📍 Location: Belton Senior Activity Center 842 Mitchell Street, Belton, TX 76513

🕠 Time: Monday, July 28, 2025 Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

Come hungry, come curious, and bring a dish to share if you’re able. Let’s make it a night to remember!

For more information, contact the center at (254) 939-1170 or visit beltonseniorcenter.org.

Fish Fry Fundraiser

In a show of grit, generosity, and Texas-sized heart, the Coryell County Fire Chief’s Association is hosting a Fish Fry Fundraiser on Saturday, August 3rd, rallying support for fellow firefighters in Kerr County hit hard by the devastating July 4th flood.

📍 Location: Gatesville Fire Station, 109 South 23rd Street in Gatesville

🕠 Time: Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until they are sold out.

Whether you’re a regular at community fundraisers or just love good food and a good cause, this is an opportunity to give back to the boots-on-the-ground heroes who never back down.

Central Texas Theater

With the curtain ready to fall, “Anything Goes” sails into its final weekend at Central Texas Theatre! Set aboard a glamorous ocean liner en route from New York to London, this madcap musical adventure bubbles over with romance, mistaken identities, and toe-tapping tunes. Follow Reno Sweeney, a wisecracking nightclub singer with a heart of gold, and Billy Crocker, a lovestruck Wall Street whiz, as they navigate a tangled web of love, friendship, and hilarious hijinks at sea.

Final Performances:

• Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm
• Sunday, July 27 at 2:30pm

Central Texas Theater is located at 3401 South WS Young Drive in Killeen. For more information on ticket prices and upcoming performances, visit VLAKilleen.org.

Seniors Living Smarter

The next Seniors Living Smarter seminar, Preparing Your Home for Aging in Place, is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th from 10am to 11:30 at the McKinney Christian Minister Center, located at 1205 Ash Street in Georgetown.

These free monthly seminars are designed to educate, equip and inspire you to be prepared and live your life to the fullest. Preregistration is required each month by visiting their website at seniorslivingsmarter.com or calling (512) 862-7339.

National Mounted Warrior Museum

Tucked just outside the gates of Fort Hood, the National Mounted Warrior Museum isn’t your average military exhibit—it’s a full-throttle journey through the evolution of mounted warfare, from hoofbeats to helicopters. 

Step inside and you’re greeted by a soldier on horseback, a tank, a drone operator, and even a nod to Elvis Presley’s time in uniform. The museum’s immersive galleries trace the legacy of America’s mounted warriors, showcasing everything from Buffalo Soldiers on bicycles to Mine-Resistant Ambush Protection vehicles that rolled out of Iraq in 2011. 

But this isn’t just about machines—it’s about the people. Personal stories, interactive exhibits, and even wind-blown grass beneath a hovering Huey helicopter help visitors feel the grit and grace of service. 

Opened in September 2024, the museum spans 17 acres and over 12,000 square feet of gallery space.

The National Mounted Warrior Museum is located at Building 69000, 105 Trooper Loop, Fort Hood, TX 76544.

📞 Phone Number: (254) 213-5014

🌐 Website: history.army.mil/museums/NMWM

It’s free to the public and open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.