Community Spotlight

Volume 15 Issue 6 "Working together for a better tomorrow" November 8, 2022

Senior News

It was a Great Morning at the

Holiday Magic Wellness Seminar!

Thank you to all who made this day possible!

Our morning started with fantastic music and entertainment by the Trinity Harmony Show Choir. Breakfast followed, and we heard from informative speakers and visited sponsor and nonprofit booths full of information and goodies, did crafts, played games, and won great prizes.

A special thanks to our sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor: Care N’ Care Insurance Company, Inc.

Platinum Sponsors: Baylor Scott & White–Grapevine, Tarrant County’s Credit Union, and Texas Health HEB

Media Sponsors: The North Texas Caregiver Resource Guide and Seniorific News.

Silver Sponsors: Aging & Disability Resource Center of Tarrant County, AT&T, Encompass Health, Faith Presbyterian Hospice, Humana, Lift Aids, Inc., Trinity Metro, United Healthcare, and United Way’s Area Agency on Aging

We would also like to thank our special guest speaker, Scott Murray, Legendary Sportscaster and Chairman/CEO Murray Media; featured guest speakers, Dr. Vinny Taneja, Director of Tarrant County Public Health; Steve Plocek, VP Medicare Sales, Care N’ Care Insurance Co.; Dr. Jag Reddy, Pulmonologist with Baylor Scott & White-Grapevine; and our workshop speakers, Debra Sykes-West TCCNE; Bryan Bellamy, MHMR; Bobbi Arthur, Haltom Senior Center, and Julie Adkins, North Richland Hills Senior Center.

A special thanks to my staff, Precinct 3 Maintenance; Tarrant County Graphics, Facilities and Constable, Precinct 3, Bacon’s Bistro, Arts Council Northeast - Art On Wheels, and to all of our wonderful VOLUNTEERS & ATTENDEES!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we start to focus on what we are thankful for. Sometimes, it is nice to remember what seniors can be grateful for, no matter how big or small, because a little bit of appreciation and hope can help brighten your mood and help you live a more purpose-driven and fulfilled life.

Here are four things seniors can be thankful for:

Family and Friends - Throughout your life, friends and family members have supported and encouraged you along the way. While the people in your life may change over the years, seniors can be thankful for the time spent with loved ones and for opportunities to continue strengthening their old and new relationships.
Life Experiences - Each year of life brings with it another year of experiences. Being thankful for your good and bad, past and present experiences can elicit feelings of gratitude because, without these experiences, you wouldn’t be who you are today.
Medical Advancements - Be thankful for advancements in the medical field. With new scientific discoveries and technological improvements every day, older adults can live longer, healthier lives.
Hobbies and Nature - Hobbies are a great way to relax while doing something you enjoy. Strolling through the park, taking a trip to the beach, gardening, or enjoying a day of fishing are some of the many hobbies that have the added benefit of nature and beautiful surroundings. Being thankful for hobbies and nature can help clear your mind, provide a moment of mental relief, and inspire you every day.

Medicare Open Enrollment

October 15th to December 7th

Here are 5 tips for Medicare open enrollment:

Check your mail. You may get notices from Medicare or Social Security.
Review your 2023 “Medicare & You” handbook.
Think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2023.
Preview 2023 health and prescription drug plans.
Get personalized help in your community from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

For more information visit: www.medicare.gov and www.ssa.gov

Historical

Tarrant County Historical Commission

We are thankful for the Tarrant County Historical Commission for the wonderful work and leadership in preserving history throughout Tarrant County.

This past year, the Commission was instrumental in opening the 1895 Room Museum at the Tarrant County 1895 Courthouse. The current exhibit on display is the "Fort of Fort Worth."

The Commission's committees include: 1895 Room, Administration, Archeology, Archives, Education, History Appreciation and Awards, Historical Markers and Cemeteries, Public Relations, and Tourism. Click here to learn more about the Commission and committees.

The Tarrant County Historical Commission's mission is to ensure that the story is saved and savored for generations to come.

Non-Profit News

2022 NORTHEAST SENIOR TRANSPORTATION AGENCY GRANTS

Tarrant County Precinct 3 is thankful for our area senior transportation agencies who serve the residents of Northeast Tarrant County. This year marked the tenth year of the Northeast Senior Transportation Agency Grants, and we were privileged to disburse awards to several of our local non-profit agencies.

Commissioner Gary Fickes with

Ernie Meyer, Chairman of the Board of Directors, CARS

Call A Ride of Southlake

(CARS)

CARS (Call a Ride of Southlake) seeks to encourage senior citizens to be more independent and active in the various recreational and social functions offered in Southlake and nearby areas by providing safe transportation for Southlake seniors and disabled individuals who live in Southlake. Click CARS to learn more.

Commissioner Gary Fickes with

Matt Jacobs, Transportation Director, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth for HEB Transit

HEB Transit

HEB Transit is a low-cost transportation service for HEB residents who need assistance with trips to work or work-related activities, such as job interviews, training, education, and childcare. Eligible trips include those that begin and end within the cities of Hurst, Euless, or Bedford, as well as trips to the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) stations at Hurst/Bell and CentrePort/DFW Airport. Click HEB Transit to learn more.

Commissioner Gary Fickes with

Mark Hindman, City Manager and Suzy Compton, Councilmember, City of North Richland Hills for NETS

North East Transportation Service

(NETS)

NETS is a door-to-door, demand responsive para-transit service and is available to any resident or non-resident of a participating city who is disabled or 65 years of age or older. NETS may be used for medical appointments, socialization, employment, essential shopping, and education purposes. Click NETS to learn more.

Commissioner Gary Fickes with

Elizabeth Grace, Executive Director, SOS

Serving our Seniors

(SOS)

Formerly known as "Mid-Cities Care Corps" (MCCC), SOS works to preserve the independence and

well-being of our senior neighbors in Northeast Tarrant County by enlisting volunteers who provide rides for seniors to their medical appointments, as well as other quality of life drives. Click SOS to learn more.

Congratulations

Tarrant County Precinct 3 Truck Roadeo

Congratulations to the Top 3 "Truck Roadeo" Winners!

Pictured front row, from left: Matt Byles (2nd Place), Ian Patterson (1st Place), James Mercado (3rd Place). Back row: Richard Schiller, Director of Field Operations and Anthony Jaramillo, Assistant Director of Operations.

2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's

Tarrant County Precinct 3 Commissioner's Office donated a total of $3,305.00 to Alzheimer's Association at the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Thank you for your individual donations to this great cause!

DFW Clean Cities Coalition recognized several Northeast Tarrant cities fleets for their efforts to reduce petroleum use and improve air quality.

DFW Clean Cities Coalition

The City of Southlake was awarded Gold status for the fourth consecutive year and the City of Grapevine brought home Gold for the second consecutive year. Additionally, The City of North Richland Hills earned Bronze level recognition.

The City of Grapevine was also recognized as a Shining Star for greatest progress in reducing nitrogen oxides.

The cities of Bedford, North Richland Hills, and Watauga received Fleet Challenge Awards for exceeding numbers on their quantifiable goals in comparison to the 2020 results.

Click here to read about all the awards.

Announcements

* * * Election Day * * *

Click here for more info.

We offer heartfelt appreciation to our veterans for your service to our country! Your dedication and commitment to the ideals of our democracy are an inspiration. May we all work together to aspire to those ideals to honor your service and sacrifice!