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.
Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Prepares for 21st Session with Renewed Purpose
As the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) gears up for its 21st biennial session, members are reflecting on a recent development workshop that reaffirmed their commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and the well-being of older Texans.
Held in advance of the upcoming legislative cycle, the session brought together delegates from across the state, retired professionals, community leaders, and seasoned advocates, who share a common goal: to shape policy that improves the lives of Texas’s aging population. The gathering served as both a refresher and a rallying point, offering training in legislative procedure, issue analysis, and effective communication with state lawmakers.
As the fastest growing segment of the state’s population, older Texans are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping public policy. Now, as the TSHL prepares for its next session, it is actively seeking new members who are passionate about public service and eager to make a difference. In addition to recruiting fresh voices, the organization is also calling for ideas on how it can better serve its constituents, ensuring that the concerns of older Texans remain front and center in the state’s policy discussions.
In addition to being a member of the TSHL, Gary Gerstenhaber is a licensed agent who always provides invaluable information with regards to Medicare and Medicaid. Today he added that starting October 15th, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to review and update their healthcare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare and Medicaid. This critical window runs through December 7th, allowing beneficiaries to make changes that will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The 15th Annual Bell County Senior Expo
Belton, Texas is gearing up for one of its most anticipated community events, the 15th Annual Bell County Senior Expo, set to take place on Tuesday, March 17th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bell County Expo Center.
This year’s expo will feature over 250 booths offering services, products, and information tailored to seniors and caregivers. Attendees can explore everything from healthcare and housing options to legal assistance and wellness programs. The event also boasts $10,000 worth of door prizes and over $1,200 in gift cards, making it not only informative but exciting and rewarding.
For more information, call (512) 540-6875 or follow Favorite SalesGirl and Bell County Senior Expo on Facebook.
Senior Center News
Lions Club Park Senior Center in Killeen
KilleenTexas.gov/seniors or (254) 501-6399
- Monday, September 15th
- Amy Sargent: Annual Enrollment at 9:30am
- Bingocize w/Britney at 10am
- Wednesday, September 17th
- Karaoke at 10:30am
- Thursday, September 18th
- Fall Resource Fair at 9am
- Bingocize w/Britney at 10am
- Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting at 3:30pm
- Friday, September 19th
- Hypertension Class w/Texas A&M at 10am
Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program
307 Miller’s Crossing / (254) 953-8683
Belton Senior Activity Center
BeltonSeniorCenter.org or (254) 939-1170
Swing Shift of Austin Kicks Off 2025–26 Jazz Season with a Spirited Salute to Swing
The Austin Traditional Jazz Society (ATJS) is set to launch its 2025–26 concert season with a toe-tapping performance by Swing Shift of Austin on Sunday, September 21, at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple, located at 7811 Rockwood Lane, just off Anderson Lane near MoPac.
Known for their genre-blending style, Swing Shift of Austin brings a fresh take on traditional jazz by shifting seamlessly between the early stomps of the 1900s and the smooth swing of the 1940s. Their name reflects this musical journey, and their dynamic instrumentation—from banjo to guitar, clarinet to saxophone—ensures that each song offers a new flavor and feel.
The concert runs from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM, and promises a lively afternoon of music that celebrates the roots and evolution of American jazz. With a large dance floor available, attendees are encouraged to move to the beat or simply soak in the sounds from their seats.
The Ben Hur Shrine Temple offers plenty of free parking, making it easy for families and jazz lovers of all ages to attend. Inside, guests will find snacks, beer, wine, and sodas available for purchase, and are welcome to bring their own food. ATJS concerts are proudly family-friendly, creating a welcoming space for seasoned jazz fans and curious newcomers alike.
As the first of several concerts scheduled for the season—including performances by The Revelators, Lake Bottom Jazz Band, and Violet Crown Serenaders—Swing Shift of Austin sets the tone for a year of rich musical storytelling and community connection.
For more details on the full concert lineup and how to get involved, visit the Austin Traditional Jazz Society’s concert page. Let the music swing you into fall!
Hispanic Heritage Is All Around—Discovering the Legacy of Roma and Beyond
As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, the spirit of celebration and remembrance echoes across Texas, where centuries of Hispanic influence have shaped the land, the architecture, and the culture. One of the most striking examples of this legacy lies in the historic river town of Roma, nestled along the Rio Grande.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the Roma Historic District is a treasure trove of Spanish Colonial architecture. The Manuel Guerra residence and mercantile stand as proud reminders of the town’s vibrant past, surrounded by a plaza that has witnessed over two centuries of borderland heritage. From the intricate stonework to the timeless facades, Roma offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural traditions that have endured through generations.
Beginning September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the independence movements that reshaped Latin America which includes the pivotal Grito de Dolores in 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo rallied for Mexico’s freedom. At that time, Texas was still under Spanish rule, making this moment a shared chapter in the region’s history.
Texas is rich with Hispanic heritage sites—from historic missions and colonial plazas to vibrant neighborhoods and family-run businesses. Each location tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community. Whether it’s the San Antonio Missions, El Paso’s Segundo Barrio, or the colorful murals of Austin’s East Side, Hispanic culture is not just preserved—it’s lived and celebrated.
Texas Time Travel invites you to embark on a journey through these historic sites. Discover Roma and many other destinations that showcase the depth and diversity of Hispanic heritage in Texas. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cultural road trip, this resource helps you connect with the past while celebrating the present.
Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a commemoration, it’s a call to explore, learn, and appreciate the enduring contributions of Hispanic communities. In every plaza, mural, and melody, the heritage lives on.
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.
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