Article from the Herby Ham Activity Center

01-22-26

Benefits of chair yoga for seniors include:

• Improved balance and flexibility
• Pain management
• Increased mobility
• Improved mental health
• Convenience and accessibility
• Enhanced muscle strength
• Reduced stress
• Better posture

Benefits of chair exercises for health include:

• Improved posture
• Strengthened shoulders
• Lubricated knee joints
• Increased upper body flexibility
• Exercise for joints
• Calorie burning
• Improved muscle strength
• Enhanced circulation
• Better balance
• Overall quality of life
• Improved energy levels

Benefits of water aerobics for seniors include:

1. Increased flexibility and improved heart and lung function
2. Strength building with gentle resistance from the water
3. Improved balance and reduced risk of injury from falls
4. Reduced arthritis and joint pain
5. Increased flexibility and balance
6. Decreased bone and muscle loss
7. Improved cardio functions

Benefits of Curves exercise¹²:

• Incorporates both upper body and lower body strength training exercises, cardio moves, and stretching.
• Allows you to work every major muscle group.
• Uses hydraulic resistance gym equipment specially designed for women.
• Suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

There is no definitive answer to whether workout machines are effective or not. Some people believe that workout machines are very effective, while others believe that they are not as effective as free weights or bodyweight exercises. Workout machines can be effective when used correctly, but they are not perfect for everyone. Machines can be useful to achieve certain fitness goals, and they are a great tool for beginners as they teach proper form and reduce the risk of injury. Free weight and body weight exercises have their advantages, as do machines.

Pickleball offers several health benefits for seniors, including:

1.Balance and Agility: The game involves quick movements, changes in

direction, and rapid reflexes.

2.Cardiovascular Health: Pickleball provides continuous movement,

including brisk walking, jogging, and quick lateral movements.

           3.Cognitive Function: Playing pickleball can help maintain cognitive

function.

4.Joint Health and Flexibility: The sport promotes joint health and flexibility.

5.Mood and Mental Well-Being: Engaging in pickleball can positively impact

mood and mental well-being.

6.Muscular Strength and Endurance: Regular play helps build muscular

strength and endurance.

          7.Social Engagement: Pickleball is a social activity that encourages

interaction and engagement.

The two hemispheres of your brain control different functions. The left side of your brain controls analytic and logical thinking and the right-side controls creativity. When you are working on puzzles, you are engaging on both sides and giving your brain a real mental workout.

PUTTING TOGETHER PUZZLES

1. Putting puzzles together uses both sides of your brain.
2. They Improve Your Memory

Working on puzzles reinforce the connections between our brain cells  – and form new ones – so they are a great way to improve short-term memory. We use memory in the process of completing a jigsaw puzzle when we remember shapes, sizes, and pieces and visualize where they fit in. Studies have shown that the growth of new brain connections that are formed to help reduce the amount of brain damage in Alzheimer’s patients.

3. The ability to solve problems and think criticallyis useful in almost any life situation and puzzles help us develop these skills. Since puzzles require us to take different approaches to solve them, we learn how to work by trial and error, formulate and test theories, and how to change tracks if not successful according to USA Today.
4. They Improve Visual and Spatial Reasoning

You need to be able to look at individual parts of a jigsaw puzzle, or available spaces in a crossword puzzle and figure out how to fit the pieces or words into their space. If done regularly, according to USA Today, this will improve your visual and spatial reasoning skills and that translates into being a better driver and can make you a Tetris-like packer (especially when loading your car to take a college-age child to school).

5. They Enhance Your Mood

One of the brain benefits of puzzles is that they increase the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, memory, and concentration. Dopamine is released with every success as we solve the puzzle. No wonder puzzles are so much fun!

6. They Lower Your Stress Levels

Puzzles invigorate our brains, but they are also very relaxing. While we are concentrating on how to solve the puzzle, our minds are only on one task and that encourages our brains to go into a meditative state. This leads to better mindset and better stress coping skills.

7. They can Improve Your IQ Score

Since puzzles can improve our memory, concentration, vocabulary, and reasoning skills it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that they also raise our IQs. A study at the University of Michigan showed that doing puzzles for at least 25 minutes a day can boost your IQ by 4 points.

Socialization and improved mood.

• Help with the grieving process.
• Building self-esteem.
• Living with fun and purpose.

Sewing has several benefits for the elderly¹²³:

• Improves hand-eye coordinationand keeps the mind sharp.
• Enhances cognitive development and motor skills.

Crocheting can provide several benefits for seniors, including:

• Increased emotional well-being, such as stress relief, improved
• self-esteem, sense of accomplishment, and personal growth.
• improved cognitive and physical abilities, such as improved cognitive ability and memory, increased dexterity, and fine motor skills.
• Enhanced hand-eye coordination, concentration, and creativity.
• Reduced or postponed dementia.

Quilting has several physical benefits for elderly people. These benefits include:

• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
• Reducing the risk of dementia and loss of brain function
• Improving hand-eye coordination
• Increasing activity and flexibility
• Maintaining hand-eye coordination, finger strength, and dexterity
• Reducing depression and chronic pain
• Protecting the brain from age-related damage
• Boosting self-confidence

Benefits of Woodworking for Seniors

Woodworking is a great hobby for seniors that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Not only does it provide an avenue for creative expression, but it also serves as a therapeutic activity that can improve overall well-being. In this section, we will explore the reasons why woodworking is particularly suitable for seniors and how it can positively impact their lives.

One of the key benefits of woodworking for seniors lies in its physical nature. Engaging in woodworking activities involves using different muscle groups, promoting strength and flexibility. The act of sawing, sanding, and shaping wood can also serve as a form of gentle exercise, providing a low-impact workout that keeps joints limber and muscles toned. With proper technique and tools designed for seniors, woodworking can be an enjoyable way to stay active while also creating beautiful pieces of craftsmanship.

Furthermore, woodworking offers numerous mental benefits for seniors. It provides an opportunity to exercise cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. The focus required during woodworking tasks can also promote mindfulness, allowing seniors to escape from the daily stresses and immerse themselves in a relaxing and fulfilling activity. Whether it’s building functional furniture or crafting decorative items, woodworking provides a sense of accomplishment that boosts self-confidence and enhances overall mental well-being

BENEFITS OF PLAYING CARDS FOR SENIORS

Playing cards is an enjoyable and beneficial activity for older adults. Here are some of the benefits of playing cards:

• Improves memory function and supports overall brain health.
• Provides mental stimulation, social interaction, and cognitive challenges.
• Combats feelings of depression.
• Reduces stress.
• Sharpens cognitive functions.
• Benefits the immune system.
• Promotes socialization.
• Encourages logical thinking.
• Helps fight memory loss.

Line Dancing

Benefits of line dancing for seniors include:

1. Improved balance and coordination.
2. Reduced risk of falls.
3. Increased cardiovascular health.
4. Enhanced brain memory.
5. Effective treatment for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression.
6. Social interaction and community building.

Bingo

• Increases Social Engagement Games for senior citizens, like bingo, are great because it increases social engagement. Seniors often struggle with isolation. …
• Allows for Reflection and Memory Recall One of the best sit down games for senior citizens is Life Experience Bingo. …
• Decreases the Risk of Mental Illness …
• Improves Cognitive Function …
• Improves Memory …
• Better Hand-Eye Coordination …

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

01-14-26

On November 25th, 2025 the publisher of the Uvalde Hesperian, Michael Robinson submitted a public records request to the City of Uvalde for the following: building permits applied for and granted to Speer Ag, LLC. located at 3333 East Main Street, Uvalde, Texas 78801 from 2024 to the present.

On Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, an email was received from the City of Uvalde Director of Planning and Development Susan Anderson. In the email, Anderson said, “This project began in 2021 with a Commercial Meter Loop permit. No additional work was done until 2024. At that time the project manager and owner claimed that the building was outside of city limits. Apparently, at some point everyone was under the impression that the city limits were within 200 feet of the road. We did not require other permits due to that misunderstanding. However, our city inspectors inspected the pre-foundation work before the slab was poured and the interior of the building after it was erected as well as connections to City water. We waived the fees for plumbing permits because we are unable to provide sewer service in that location.

  This project was not handled in the manner I would prefer, but it has helped us to tighten up our permit process.”

  On January 9th, 2025, another email was received from Anderson with an attached official timeline for the building’s timeline for the project as well as the electrical permit.

“We have taken measures to ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” Anderson said.

On Thursday, January 15th, 2025, a statement from Cline Speer of Speer Ag was received by the Uvalde Hesperian:

January 15, 2026
Mr. Robinson,
In response to your Open Information Request with the City of Uvalde pertaining to building permits for 3333 East Main St, we feel there are several inaccuracies in what that the City Provided.
The summary you received has dates and timelines that are mostly accurate. There are several other notations not pertaining to permits which are not. There was confusion with the city officials from the beginning as to which parts of the property were in the City Limits. Our contractor took all steps to comply with all City Codes and at their direction. There were even delays lasting weeks waiting on decisions from the city. This project took almost 18 months to complete. City officials have records and documentation of inspections and pictures of all phases of the project. This project was constructed to all codes, with all new material and modern building practices, to enhance the presence in Uvalde. This project was primarily built with local contractors and materials, which was a main goal of ours from the start.
Speer Ag comes from a family of 5 generations raised in Uvalde, we have always been committed to serving the Uvalde community and Agriculture Community in surrounding counties. This new storefront now supplies building supplies, housewares, plumbing, retail meat sales, livestock and pet feed, lawn and garden, and many more items. We are committed to ensuring this business will continue to grow and make Uvalde proud. This facility is proud to employee over 20 workers and give back to many local organizations.
Sincerely,
Cline Speer

By Michael Robinson/Uvalde Hesperian

01-14-25

Image source: LinkedIn

  Knippa’s had a streetlight located on Main Street near the town’s post office that once shined some light but was shut off according to Uvalde County Officials.  

  AEP External Affairs manager Jimmy Ernest stated Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell reached out to him in 2025 to try to get it reconnected. Earnest said after the matter was researched, they found the County was not paying for the light. It was a Lion’s Club chapter that may not exist anymore.

Earnest, who spoke on the matter at the County Commissioners’ meeting, recommended the County add 15 new lights to Knippa. 

Earnest stated the electricity cost for the 15 lights would be less than $200 per month.

Commissioner Roy Kothman said, “I think it’s a safety issue for Knippa  (It is) a small price for the County to pay. ” Kothmann went on to say the area near the Uvalde Farmer’s Coop gas pumps along Highway 90 are a dangerous spot

  Uvalde County Auditor Alice Chapman jumped into the conversation and said her office handles the connections, “My problem is I don’t have the money.,” Uvalde County Auditor Alice Chapman said.

 Kothmann said the AEP will be providing the lights and changing the existing lights with LED’s

 Chapman had mentioned the county was paying $400 per month for trash cleanup in Knippa but since Keep Knippa Beautiful. a non–profit citizen service organization has been helping pick up the town’s trash, the county could likely free up some money for the lights there. 

 In the end, the County Commissioner’s voted to approve the new lighting for Knippa. 

In a phone conversation with Kothmann, he told the Hesperian that money for the lights would be found or tied to another budgeted item.

01/12/25

by Michael Robinson

On Saturday, January 10th, the Uvalde Hesperian filed an open records complaint with the Texas Attorney General against the 38th District Attorney Christina Mitchell regarding the matter of failure to release requested public records.

The Texas Attorney General’s office issued a Letter Decision in October 2025 in favor on the Hesperian’s public records request for the search warrant  issued for the residence of the alleged Uvalde School Shooter’s grandmother Cecilia “Sally “Gonzales’ home on following the May 24th, 2022 Robb School Tragedy where the alleged perpetrator was residing. since the filing of the public records request on August 14th, 2025 , the Uvalde Hesperian has consulted several attorneys on the matter following the A.G.’s Letter Decision.

After the Letter Decision, Mitchell had 30 days from the date of the decision to appeal but failed to do so, according to information the Hesperian obtained from legal counsel.

The publisher of the Hesperian  Michael Robinson said, “ The District Attorney seems to be hell-bent on keeping this public record from the public. Mitchell has no legal basis for continuing to block the release of these records. Why?”

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Picture by Robinson

01-10-25 

Are more deer moving into the City’s residential areas? If so? Why?

While driving along East Garden Street in Uvalde earlier today, I happened to spot a handsome buck with a decent rack of antlers standing near a house.  Having seen deer recently in other residential areas within the City, it prompted me to ask if the city’s deer population is on the rise?

Within the past few months, I have seen at least one dead deer on the bar ditch of U.S Highway 90 East and heard reports of vehicular accidents involving deer crossing Highway 90 East.

Possible causes might be the deer are looking for water and food and/or perhaps their natural habit areas just outside of town are disappearing due to land clearing and/or development.

See related article from the San Antonio Express News:

Deer, coyotes and caracaras stir San Antonio neighborhoods amid heat and drought

01-09-25

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  A couple of residents of the Uvalde Estates took to a community Facebook group recently to complain about smoke coming from burning brush at a property owned by Ligocky Farms. 

  An anonymous participant wrote, “The brush burning is irritating our sinuses/allergies so much! My kids and I can’t even play outside comfortably. They’re so congested and have watery eyes just from being outside for 30 minutes. Its even hard for them to breathe! Anyone else like this?”

  While Uvalde County Commissioners enacted a burn ban on November 10th, 2025, Uvalde County Administrative Assistant Helly Moncada informed the Uvalde Hesperian that Ligocky Farms was granted a burn permit by the County for Wednesday, Jan 7th through Friday, January 9th, 2026.

 The Uvalde Hesperian drove to the location just off U.SD Highway 83 South earlier today and saw a large pile of burning brush with two bulldozers near the burn which appeared to be in the process of clearing the property of brush. 

January 6th, 2026

By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

  Kinney County residents showed up en masse at Monday night’s, January 5th meeting of the Kinney County Water Conservation District’s Board meeting in Brackettville, Residents from Brackettville and Kinney County filled the building with about a dozen standing outside of the front door as the meeting commenced. 

  Several signed up to speak during public comments, with some speaking very passionately about the board’s possible actions tonight on the aquifer management changes. The Board is asking for recommendations from the District’s hydrologist on possible action tonight.

  The issue is complicated but during public comments, several speakers are concerned with the drying up of Los Moras Springs. One or two landowners have stated their wells are going dry. A few accused the board of possibly voting on personal ambitions and not representing the people in the county.

  One board member stated the state is in a Stage 5 drought. At stake are private property rights, available water for the population, and the health of wildlife.

  According to the District’s hydrologist, the main issue is defining the optimal future conditions of the aquifer.

Option 1: Non-relevance for joint planning purposes. According to Vince the board’s hydrologist, Uvalde is considering this.

Option 2: We develop an approach that aligns with the DFC or District Flow Control or Desired Future Conditions.

   “If we don’t act, the GMA decides for us,” one board member said.

Option 3: we come up with a new DFC with the new MAG.

   “We don’t have a lot of time,” Vince said, referring to option 3.

Option 4: “Hail Mary, “one board member said.

  The district is close to hitting a deadline to update its Groundwater Management Plan.

   “We don’t have a lot of time,” Vince said, referring to option 3.

    The district is close to hitting a deadline to update its Groundwater Management Plan.

01-05-26

Image by Irina L from Pixabay

By: Stan Popovich

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment rather than dwelling in the past, projecting into the future, or what’s going on around us. It involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli such as our breathing and being “in the now.”

Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind.

1. Find a comfortable place: You’ll want to find a comfortable seat in a relaxed and stress-free environment. Sit on a couch or chair with your feet on the ground. Allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with upper arms at your side. Put your upper arms parallel to your upper body. Rest the palms of your hands on your legs.
2. Focus on your breathing: Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Keep your attention on the sensation of the inhale and exhale of your breath. Focus on the air moving through your nose or the rising and falling of your stomach and chest.
3. Reduce wandering thoughts: It’s normal to have wandering thoughts or distractions, so don’t judge yourself if you start becoming distracted. Instead of wrestling with your thoughts, let them pass by, without focusing on any thought. Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from your breathing. Notice them, but don’t pass judgment. Gently return your focus to your breath.
4. Tune into your senses: Sometimes, when we are stressed, focusing on what’s happening right in front of us can be a challenge in and of itself. Our minds are drawn to thinking about the future and all the bad things that are or could happen.
5. Live in the present: Focus your attention on what is happening right now, actively engaging with the current moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
6. Focus on one thing at a time: Multitasking can leave you feeling distracted, so concentrate on one task with your full attention.
7. Pay attention: It’s hard to slow down and notice things in a busy world. Take the time to experience your environment with all your senses including touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste. For example, when you eat a favorite food, take the time to smell, taste, and enjoy it.
8. Enjoy the small moments: Small moments in our lives include those that we do not typically notice and those we take for granted. A small moment may be having a cup of coffee or a cool glass of water, spending a moment with a child or pet, or performing any everyday activity that goes by without our attention. Enjoyment, peace, and serenity in life happen in the small moments.
9. Create a safe place: Similar to guided imagery, create a place that is safe and comfortable. It may be your favorite room or a cabin in the woods. Use your senses to fully enter the safe place. Stay in this place for a while and go there whenever you need to soothe and calm yourself.
10. Go outside: Spending time outdoors is a great way to live in the moment and observe the sights, sounds, and sensations around you.

BIOGRAPHY
Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers 200+ techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com