Welcome to Senior Spotlight, our weekly program dedicated to sharing information, resources, and conversations that support older adults, caregivers, and the broader community. Each episode highlights the people, programs, and services making a difference in the lives of seniors across Central Texas. From health and wellness to advocacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement, Senior Spotlight is here to inform, connect, and inspire.

Temple Outlines Path Forward for Sammons Community Center After Structural Findings

The City of Temple has released an in‑depth update on the future of the Sammons Community Center, detailing the extensive structural issues uncovered after the May 2024 tornado and outlining the steps ahead as the community navigates the loss of a beloved gathering place.

What began as routine roof repairs following the storm quickly revealed far more serious concerns. While the tornado did not cause the underlying structural deficiencies, the damage it inflicted exposed long‑standing weaknesses in the building’s roof framing and support systems—issues that developed over decades as the facility expanded. Multiple independent assessments from national structural experts, architects, engineers, and trusted local contractors confirmed the severity of the problems, citing overloaded roof areas, poorly engaged connections, and aging infrastructure throughout the building.

After months of analysis and exploration of every feasible repair scenario, the City concluded that the facility cannot be safely used in its current condition and that no responsible path exists to restore the building. It is a decision City leadership emphasized was made only after exhausting all options, given Sammons’ deep significance to Temple’s senior community and its long history as a hub for wellness, connection, and belonging.

City officials acknowledged the disruption the closure has caused. For many residents, Sammons was more than a building—it was a weekly anchor, a place to stay active, build friendships, and feel part of a community. While programming has continued across multiple temporary locations, the City recognized that the dispersed model could not replicate the sense of unity that came from gathering under one roof.

In response, staff have spent recent weeks searching for a more centralized interim home. After evaluating churches, commercial spaces, and City facilities—and listening closely to patrons—the City announced that most Sammons programming will transition to the Wilson Park Recreation Center. While not a full replacement, the move aims to restore routine and reconnect the Sammons community in a single, accessible location. Details on scheduling and logistics will be shared as plans are finalized.

Looking ahead, the City outlined the legal and procedural steps required to determine Sammons’ long‑term future. Under Texas law, funds may be used to repair an existing building, but constructing a new facility would require voter approval through a general obligation bond election. The earliest possible election date is November 2026, and no decisions have yet been made about whether a proposal will be brought forward. In the coming months, the City will engage residents to understand priorities and expectations before any recommendation is developed.

Ultimately, City Council will decide whether to present a bond proposal to voters, guided by community input, financial analysis, and a thorough review of all available options. City leadership emphasized that preparing for this conversation is one of their highest priorities.

For now, the focus remains on supporting Sammons patrons, restoring connection through the interim relocation, and working collaboratively with the community to shape a long‑term vision for a space dedicated to wellness, gathering, and belonging.

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As National Consumer Protection Week gets underway, the Department of Veterans Affairs is calling on Veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors to take action against a growing threat: government imposter scams. These schemes—often targeting those who have served—cost Veterans millions of dollars every year. This week, VA is amplifying a simple but powerful message: #SlamTheScam.

Government imposter scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Scammers pose as federal employees, often using official‑sounding language, spoofed phone numbers, or urgent threats to pressure individuals into handing over personal information or making immediate payments. For Veterans, who regularly interact with federal agencies, these tactics can be especially deceptive.

VA officials stress that legitimate government representatives will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request sensitive information over the phone. When in doubt, the safest response is also the simplest: hang up.

Spotting the Scam

The VA is encouraging Veterans to stay alert for common warning signs, including:

• Unexpected calls claiming to be from VA, SSA, IRS, or other federal agencies
• Threats of lost benefits, legal action, or account suspension
• Requests for personal information, bank details, or payment
• High‑pressure tactics demanding immediate action

If any of these red flags appear, it’s time to #SlamTheScam—end the call and report it.

Where to Report Fraud

Veterans who encounter a government imposter scam can take action through several official channels:

• Report Social Security–related scams: oig.ssa.gov
• Report suspected fraud affecting Veterans: VSAFE.gov or call (833) 38V‑SAFE

These reporting tools help federal agencies track scam activity, warn others, and pursue those responsible.

Protecting Those Who Served

VA’s commitment extends beyond raising awareness. The agency continues to develop educational resources, outreach campaigns, and prevention tools to help Veterans safeguard their benefits and personal information. By learning the signs and sharing them with others, Veterans and their families can play a vital role in stopping fraud before it starts.

National Consumer Protection Week serves as a reminder that staying informed is one of the strongest defenses against scams. With vigilance—and a willingness to hang up when something feels off—Veterans can protect themselves and help shut down fraudsters nationwide.

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New SNAP Purchase Restrictions to Begin April 1, 2026

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is reminding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients that new purchase restrictions will take effect on April 1, 2026, limiting the types of items that can be bought with Lone Star Cards.

Under the updated rules, SNAP benefits may no longer be used to purchase candy, gum, or sweetened beverages. The restrictions apply to drinks containing 5 grams or more of added sugar or any amount of artificial sweetener, as well as fruit, nuts, and raisins that have been candied, crystallized, glazed, or coated with chocolate, yogurt, or caramel.

State leaders say the changes are intended to support healthier food choices among SNAP recipients. Gov. Greg Abbott noted that the policy aligns the program with more nutritional options and thanked federal and state partners for supporting the effort. HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth added that the restrictions are expected to promote long‑term healthy eating habits.

The policy change follows a request submitted last year by Gov. Abbott to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) seeking permission to prohibit the purchase of sweetened drinks and candy with SNAP benefits. The 89th Texas Legislature outlined the restrictions in Senate Bill 379, which the governor signed into law. FNS approved the state’s waiver in August 2025.

HHSC is sharing information about the upcoming changes through local offices, its website, and social media. Retailers and SNAP stakeholders can access educational materials, including posters and graphics in English and Spanish, to help inform customers.

SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 3.3 million low‑income Texans, allowing the purchase of items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, cereals, milk, and even plants and seeds for home gardening. More information about SNAP benefits and related services is available on the HHSC website or by dialing 2‑1‑1.

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Austin Animal Services Seeks Community Support After Sudden Intake Overwhelms Shelter Capacity

Austin Animal Services is asking the community for immediate help after the shelter took in 22 dogs from a single situation, pushing the facility beyond its available space and leaving more than 30 dogs housed in temporary crates. With every kennel full, staff are working continuously to care for the animals, but officials say community support is urgently needed.

“When we experience a large, unplanned intake like this, it immediately strains our resources and space,” said Monica Dangler, Austin Animal Services Director. “We rely on our community to step up in moments like these. Opening your home, even temporarily, has a huge, positive impact for pets.”

Shelter officials note that the environment can be stressful for animals, especially when space is limited. Noise, close quarters, and unfamiliar surroundings can affect both physical and emotional well‑being. A foster home—whether for a few days or longer—provides relief for the animal and frees up critical kennel space for new arrivals.

How the Community Can Help

Austin Animal Services provides supplies and covers medical care for foster pets. The shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Available pets and foster information can be found at AustinAnimalCenter.org.

Residents who have lost or found a pet are encouraged to post on Petco Love Lost, check for a microchip, and talk with neighbors. Keeping pets identifiable with collars, tags, and registered microchips helps them return home quickly. Reclaim fees are waived in most cases to reunite pets with their families as soon as possible.

The shelter has an immediate need for large and extra‑large kennels to safely house bigger dogs. Monetary donations and wishlist items directly support animal care and emergency response efforts.

For more information on available pets, fostering, or upcoming events, visit AustinAnimalCenter.org.

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Central Texas Theatre Announces March Performances of Anastasia

Central Texas Theatre will bring the musical Anastasia to the stage this March, offering audiences a journey from the final days of the Russian Empire to the vibrant streets of 1920s Paris. The production follows Anya, a young woman determined to uncover the truth about her past. As she searches for answers, she is pursued by a Soviet officer intent on stopping her, and receives unexpected help from a con man and a former aristocrat. Together, they set out on an adventure centered on identity, family, and belonging.

Performance Schedule

The show will run for two weekends:

• Friday, March 6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7 – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 8 – 2:30 p.m.
• Friday, March 13 – 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14 – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 15 – 2:30 p.m.

Ticket Information

• Adults: $25
• Discount: $23 (Military, Veterans, Seniors 60+, Students 13+, Teachers, First Responders)
• Children (12 and under): $18

Location

All performances will take place at: Central Texas Theatre 3401 S WS Young Drive, Killeen, TX 76542