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 morning at 9:20am, 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.

Caring with Confidence: Dementia Support for Central Texas Families

This August, caregivers across Central Texas are invited to take part in a free, two-part online seminar designed to bring clarity, compassion, and confidence to those navigating the challenges of dementia care.

Hosted by AGE of Central Texas, the Strategic Dementia Caregiver Sessions will be held on August 18 and August 25, from 12 to 1pm CDT. These lunchtime learning events are perfect for family members, friends, and neighbors who are supporting loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding the different types of dementia and how they affect behavior
• Creating daily routines that reduce confusion and promote calm
• Tips for communication, safety, and emotional support

Whether you’re just beginning your caregiving journey or have years of experience, these sessions offer practical tools and heartfelt encouragement. And because they’re online, you can join from the comfort of your home—with a cup of coffee and a notepad by your side.

To register or learn more, visit AGE of Central Texas or call their support line at (512) 451-4611.

Lions Club Park Senior Center

Next week is brimming with opportunities for seniors to connect, learn, and celebrate! On Monday, August 11, the Killeen Senior Centers kick off with a “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” session led by Bev Hodges at 10 AM, offering practical wellness tips.

Tuesday brings double the joy with a Foster Grandparents gathering at 10 AM followed by a festive Luau Party at 2 PM—grass skirts optional but smiles guaranteed!

Bingo lovers can join Brittney for lively rounds on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and Friday wraps up with another diabetes wellness session and a special Bingo sponsored by Foster Grandparents at noon.

The Lions Club Senior Center is located at 1700-B East Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen and is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. For more information, visit their website at killeentexas.gov/seniors or call (254) 501-6399.

Back to School Safety: What Drivers Need to Know Before August 13

As the first day of school approaches on August 13, Harker Heights Parks & Recreation is urging drivers to plan ahead and prioritize safety.

What to Watch For:

• Bus Stops: Expect frequent stops and extended stop signs—never pass a bus when its lights are flashing.
• School Zones: Reduced speed limits (20 mph when flashing) are strictly enforced.
• Crosswalks & Children: Crossing guards will be active—slow down and stay alert.
• Increased Traffic: Both vehicle and foot traffic will spike during morning and afternoon hours.

August Highlights at the Belton Senior Activity Center

August is bursting with energy at the Belton Senior Activity Center, offering a mix of movement, music, and meaningful connection for our senior community. Whether you’re looking to dance, dine, or dive into creative hobbies, there’s something for everyone.

Weekly Zumba & Dance Nights

• Zumba Classes: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6–7 p.m. ($5 per class) Note: No Zumba on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays due to dance events.
• Dance Events:
  • August 21 at 6:30 p.m. – Featuring Backroads
    • Both dances are just $5 and promise toe-tapping fun and fellowship.

Pot Luck Dinner

• Monday, August 28 at 5:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish and appetite—this is a great chance to share recipes, stories, and laughter.

Ongoing Activities

The full calendar includes:

• Exercise classes, woodcarving, line dancing, Mexican Train dominoes
• Bible study, bingo, arts & crafts, and more

This vibrant schedule reflects the center’s commitment to wellness, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer, August is the perfect time to get involved.

August Adventures at Treasure of the Hills Senior Center

The Treasure of the Hills Senior Center in Cedar Park is buzzing with activity this August, offering a vibrant mix of wellness, creativity, and community connection for older adults.

Special Events

• Meet & Eat – Tuesday, August 19 at 1:00 p.m. A sweet afternoon at the Cheesecake Factory (limit 15, sign-up required).
• Music Bingo – Sunday, August 17 at 3:00 p.m. A lively twist on a classic game—bring your ears and your lucky charms!

Enrichment & Wellness

• GenLink Technology Sessions – August 15 & 16 at 10:00 a.m. Learn how to navigate device settings with confidence.
• Hydration Snack & Learn – August 12 at 10:00 a.m. Stay cool and informed with this health-focused session.
• Cardiology Classes – August 19 at 10:00 a.m. Heart health tips tailored for seniors.

Weekly Favorites

• Sit & Fit, Tai Chi, Bingo, Poker, Bridge, Pinochle, Mahjong, Quilting Bee, Mexican Train, Canasta, and more—offered throughout the week.

Whether you’re looking to stretch, stitch, strategize, or socialize, Treasure of the Hills offers a welcoming space to stay active and engaged.

August 14 Seminar: Preparing Your Home for Aging in Place

• Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
• Location: McKinney Christian Ministry Center, 1205 Ash Street, Georgetown
• Host: Virginia Lazenby – Texas REALTOR & Certified Senior Downsizing Coach

As part of the Seniors Living Smarter Seminar Series, this session focuses on empowering older adults to remain safely and comfortably in their homes as they age. Topics include:

• Home modifications for safety and accessibility
• Smart design strategies for independence
• Resources for financial planning and support
• Real-life examples and expert advice

Virginia Lazenby brings warmth, wisdom, and practical insight to this important conversation. Whether you’re planning ahead or helping a loved one, this seminar offers tools to make “aging in place” a reality.

Honoring Memory, Inspiring Peace: 80th Anniversary Hiroshima & Nagasaki Commemoration

Today, the National Museum of the Pacific War will host a poignant program marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II—a moment of remembrance, reflection, and a renewed call for peace.

Centered on the legacy of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the event will honor the lives lost and acknowledge the enduring human cost of war. Through storytelling, education, and historical preservation, the museum invites visitors to engage with the past in ways that illuminate the future.

Exhibition & Artifacts

A temporary exhibition will explore the devastating impact of the bombings and the global imperative to promote peace for generations to come. Visitors will also encounter a curated artifact table featuring items from the museum’s collection, offering tangible connections to the era.

Members of the museum’s living history volunteer group will be on hand to share insights into the science and significance of the Manhattan Project—bridging the technical with the human, and the historical with the ethical.

Event Details

• Date: August 9, 2025
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX
• Admission: Free and open to the public

This commemoration is not only a tribute to those who endured the unimaginable, but a reminder of our shared responsibility to foster peace. As the museum continues its mission of education and remembrance, this event stands as a solemn yet hopeful chapter in its ongoing story.

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.