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.
Empowering Older Texans: The Role of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature
As the fastest growing segment of the state’s population, older Texans are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping public policy. Recognizing this demographic shift, the Texas Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 in 1985, formally acknowledging the importance of engaging older citizens in the legislative process.
One of the key outcomes of this resolution was the establishment of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL), a biennial “model legislative session” designed to give older Texans a platform to propose, debate, and recommend policies that directly impact their communities. Supported by both the Texas Senate and House, the TSHL operates with access to the state’s Capitol facilities, including the House chamber and staff resources.
The TSHL is tasked with publishing a Legislative Report every two years, outlining policy recommendations for consideration by the Texas Legislature. Since its inception, these reports have helped influence more than 275 laws, addressing issues ranging from elder abuse prevention and rural healthcare access to property tax relief and broadband expansion.
By encouraging civic engagement and legislative advocacy, the TSHL aims to support healthier, safer, and more independent lives for older Texans. Through participation in this initiative, citizens not only contribute to meaningful policy development but also help ensure that the voices of aging Texans remain central to the state’s future.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature website at TSHL.org.
Bell County Senior Expo Celebrates Community and Service
The 15th Annual Bell County Senior Expo is set to take place this Tuesday, September 23rd, at the Bell County Expo Center, offering a day of connection, resources, and recognition for older adults across Central Texas.
The event will feature over 250 booths and an estimated $10,000 in door prizes. Attendees will also have a chance to win more than $1,200 in gift cards as part of the grand prize giveaway. Free registration is available online at bellcountyseniorexpo2025.eventbrite.com.
The expo runs from 8am to 1pm and is open to the public. It provides a platform for seniors to explore health services, lifestyle products, and local programs aimed at enhancing quality of life. Social media updates and event highlights can be found by following Favorite SalesGirl and Bell County Senior Expo on Facebook.
Looking ahead, the next senior expo is scheduled for March 17, 2026, at the Extraco Events Center in Waco. For more information, call (512) 540-6875.
Senior Center Updates from Around the Area
Lions Club Park Senior Center in Killeen
- 1700-B East Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen
- (254) 501-6399
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Bingocize with Britney at 10am
- Wednesday, September 24 – September Birthday Celebration at 11am
- Thursday, September 25 – Bingocize with Britney at 10am
- Friday, September 26
- Hypertension Class w/ Texas A&M at 10am
- WACVA Bingo for Groceries at 1pm
Harker Heights Senior Recreation Program
- 307 Miller’s Crossing in Harker Heights
- (254) 953-5683
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Chess & Checkers at 9am
- Tuesday, September 23
- Ride to the Bell County Senior Expo
- Sign up in advance at the Rec Center
- Bus leaves at 8:15am
- Ride to the Bell County Senior Expo
- Thursday, September 25
- Bible Study at 9am
- Cornhole at 11am
Belton Senior Activity Center
- 842 Mitchell Street in Belton
- (254) 939-1170
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Pot Luck Dinner at 5:30pm
- They are looking for quilters on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
- Friday, September 26 – Bridge at 12pm
Copperas Cove Senior Center
- 1012 North Drive, Suite 5
- (254) 547-6022
- The Senior Center is now managed and operated by the Hill Country Community Action Association.
Salado Senior Center
- 650 Royal Street
- (254) 271-2415
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Learn to Play Handbells with Wes Roach at 1:30pm
- Thursday, September 25 – One-on-One Technology Time w/ Salado Public Library at 10am
- Friday, September 26 – Improving Your Blood Glucose Control with Physical Activity w/ Bev Hodges at 10am
Sammons Community Center
- Gober Party House at 1516 W Avenue H in Temple
- (254) 298-5403
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Stick Fit Drumming at 9:45am
- Tuesday, September 23 – Tuesday on the Trails at 8am
- Wednesday, September 24 – Pancake Social 8:30am
- Thursday, September 25 – Country Western Dance at 6:30pm
- Friday, September 26 – Sweatin’ with the Oldies at 8:30am & 10:30am
South Austin Senior Activity Center
- 3911 Menchaca Road in Austin
- (512) 978-2400
- Events
- Monday, September 22 – Garden Meeting at 9am
- Tuesday, September 23 – Waterloo Squares at 6:45pm
- Wednesday, September 24 – Wednesday Night Dance at 7pm
- Thursday, September 25 – Birthday Celebration at 12pm
Austin Traditional Jazz Society Opens Season with Swing Shift of Austin
The Austin Traditional Jazz Society (ATJS) will kick off its 2025–26 concert season on Sunday, September 21, with a performance by Swing Shift of Austin. The event will take place at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple, located at 7811 Rockwood Lane in Austin, near Anderson Lane and MoPac.
Swing Shift of Austin brings a versatile musical style that spans decades of jazz history. The band’s name reflects its dynamic approach, shifting from the early stomp rhythms of the 1900s to the smooth swing of the 1940s. Instrumentation varies from song to song, with transitions between banjo and guitar, and clarinet and saxophone, offering audiences a rich and varied listening experience.
The venue features a large dance floor and offers free parking. Attendees can enjoy snacks, beer, wine, and sodas on-site, and are welcome to bring their own food. ATJS concerts are designed to be family friendly, creating an inclusive environment for jazz enthusiasts of all ages.
Concerts are held on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information about upcoming performances and the full season lineup, visit the Austin Traditional Jazz Society’s concert page.
Elisabet Ney Museum Brings Hands-On Art Experience to Austin Museum Day
The Elisabet Ney Museum will present a special art activation at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum on Sunday, September 21, as part of Austin Museum Day. The event invites visitors to engage with the legacy of Elisabet Ney, a 19th-century artist, naturalist, and advocate for women’s rights, through the lens of contemporary Austin artist Tammie Rubin.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a range of sculpting activities, including plaster casting, soap carving, and clay portraiture. These interactive experiences are part of the museum’s new initiative, Breaking the Mold: Mobile Hands-On Art Crates.
In addition to the art activation, visitors can explore the UMLAUF’s current exhibitions: Black Bird Redemption Song by Sedrick Huckaby and Suspended at the UMLAUF: Totems by Tara Goolsby. The museum’s permanent outdoor sculpture collection will also be open to the public.
Austin Museum Day is a citywide celebration organized by the Austin Museum Partnership, offering free access and special programming at cultural institutions across the region.
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.
