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Keller Roanoke Northeast Fort Worth Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8 DEC. 31, 2024 FEB. 3, 2025
2024 Senior Living Guide
Local insurance rates rising
Claims over weather-related home damage is one of the primary causes of skyrocketing homeowners insurance policy rates, both locally and nationally. The higher rates are a ecting policies for all homes, including new builds.
CODY THORN COMMUNITY IMPACT
monthly payments. However, if there’s weather damage, Allen said he would have to pay more than $10,000 out of pocket for his portion of a new roof. Allen isn’t alone. Many Texas homeowners are looking for ways to alleviate these higher costs without compromising insurance coverage.
his policy was up for renewal in August, his annual premium rose from $4,110 to $9,420 for the same coverage. His insurance provider said if he raised his deductible—the money paid for covered expenses before insurance coverage kicks in—from 1% to 2% for wind and hail damage, it would lower his
BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN
Rising incidents of extreme weather and other factors have driven up insurance costs in recent years for Texans, including Tarrant County res- idents, leading to higher rates for homeowners insurance policies. Tarrant County resident Terry Allen said when
CONTINUED ON 14
Also in this issue
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Government: City of Fort Worth names new city manager—learn more about his resume and experience (Page 8)
Community: Compare amenities, costs for local senior living facilities that cover a wide range of needs (Page 22)
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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Impacts
Now open
1 Mountain Mike’s Pizza The pizza business has a variety of fan-favorite and unique pies. • Opened Nov. 27 • 1521 Keller Parkway, Ste. 300, Keller • www.mountainmikespizza.com 2 HG SPLY CO The health-based restaurant specializes in minimally
Northeast Fort Worth
35W
377
114
6
114
8
GRAPEVINE LAKE
4
processed dishes. • Opened Nov. 11 • 3351 Texas Sage Trail, Fort Worth • www.hgsplyco.com
G
BYRON NELSON BLVD.
Roanoke
12
3 Slappy’s Car Wash The business offers single car washes and unlimited car washes in different packages. • Opened Nov. 25 • 9073 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Fort Worth • www.slappyscarwash.com 4 Bed | Stu The retail store offers a variety of artisan-crafted leather wear. • Opened Nov. 3 • 15853 N. Freeway, Ste. 740, Fort Worth • www.bedstu.com 5 Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods The company has a wide range of alcoholic beverages and spirits, such as beer and wine. • Opened Oct. 12 • 9564 Citadel Way Drive, Fort Worth • www.specsonline.com 6 Smoothie King The menu includes smoothies, smoothie bowls and refreshers. • Opened Nov. 3 • 1751 US 377, Roanoke • www.smoothieking.com
S. OAK ST.
DOVE RD.
170
WESTPORT PKWY.
377
BLUE MOUND RD. E.
TIMBERLAND BLVD.
N. MAIN ST.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE BLVD.
RANDOL MILL AVE.
KELLER PKWY.
ALTA VISTA RD.
1
10
T H LAKE BLVD.
HARMON RD.
9
11
13
CONTINENTAL BLVD.
HERITAGE TRACE PKWY.
7
35W
BONDS RANCH RD.
OLIVE ST.
LAMAR ST.
CITADEL WAY DR.
5
2
SHADY GROVE RD.
G E R D R .
TEXAS SAGE TRL.
287
3
TARRANT PKWY.
377
E. HARMON RD.
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Keller
TEHAMA RIDGE PKWY.
BASSWOOD BLVD.
HIGHTOWER DR.
WESTERN CENTER BLVD.
WATAUGA RD.
MID CITIES BLVD.
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Planned reopening in December • 413 N. Main St., Keller • www.mastersofbarbering.com
Coming soon
Now open
7 Subway The sub shop offers sandwiches for all meals. • Slated to open in February • 5336 Golden Triangle Blvd., Fort Worth • www.subway.com 8 Einstein Bros. Bagels The eatery serves up bagels, bagel sandwiches and beverages, such as coffee and soft drinks. • Slated to open in August • 3400 SH 114, Ste. 120, Fort Worth • www.einsteinbros.com
Expansions
11 A House with Books The bookstore started selling used and rare books. • Expanded offerings started Nov. 23 • 1101 Bear Creek Parkway, Ste. 3123, Keller • www.ahousewithbooks.com
Closings
12 Chop Shop Live The music venue shuttered its doors after six years. • Closed Nov. 3 • 309 S. Oak St., Roanoke • www.facebook.com/chopshoplive 13 Two Brothers Winery The winery closed after five years in business. • Closed Nov. 29 • 110 Lamar St., Keller • www.twobrotherswinery.com
14 MAD Mexican Grill The family-run restaurant blends generations of traditional Mexican recipes with a modern flair. The menu for MAD, which stands for the initials of founders Mayra, Arianah and David Gonzalez, is based upon the culinary traditions found in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon and Delicias, Mexico. • Opened Nov. 20
Relocations
9 CVA Products The business sells soaps, candles and clothing.
• Relocated Nov. 18 • 121 Olive St., Keller • www.cvaproducts.com
• 2041 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller • www.madmexicangrill.com
10 Masters of Barbering The barber shop offers haircuts and grooming for men.
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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Government
BY GABBY BAILEY & CODY THORN
Fort Worth o cials name Jay Chapa as city manager
Roanoke o cials pull plug on Peabody Hotel contract In a Dec. 6 news release, Roanoke o cials announced they will not move forward with a partnership with the Peabody Hotel and Convention Center after delays pushed the construction start date back. What happened Multiple factors led to the decision to end the partnership, including hotel o cials bypassing the 2023 groundbreaking dead- line, per the release. The contract between the hotel and city was passed by City Council in 2019. Now a “signature” boutique hotel will break ground at the same location, accord- ing to the release. Details of this plan were not unveiled.
Fort Worth will have a new city manager in Jan- uary after a two-hour discussion during the Dec. 10 City Council meeting. Jesus “Jay” Chapa was approved by a 9-1 vote, with Chris Nettles voting against and Jared Williams leaving the meeting, therefore abstaining, before the vote was cast. What you need to know Chapa will replace his former boss, David Cooke, who will retire in February. Chapa’s anticipated start date is Jan. 27. Nettles and Williams said they wanted to delay Chapa’s hiring due to concerns about the process. What they’re saying “[He] has led most of the public-private part- nership e orts in the city over the past 10 years,” Mayor Mattie Parker said. “His proven nancial stewardship has and will continue to set the nation’s 12th-largest city up for success far into the future.”
Jay Chapa resume with Fort Worth
November 2008-July 2015 Director of housing and economic development April 2007-November 2008 Director of economic and community development June 2005-April 2007 Deputy director of economic and community development
May 2013-November 2013 Interim chief nancial o cer
July 2015-February 2020 Assistant city manager
February 2020-January 2022 Deputy city manager
SOURCE: CITY OF FORTH WORTH COMMUNITY IMPACT
Roanoke City Council swears in new chief of police Roanoke City Council held a swearing-in cere- mony for new Chief of Police Je Williams during its Dec. 10 meeting at City Hall. The details He is Roanoke’s seventh chief of police. What else?
Williams has worked for several North Texas police departments since 1996, according to the city release. He takes over for Jeriahme Miller, who is now Roanoke’s assistant city manager and director of public safety.
Williams has served as assistant chief of police in Roanoke since July, when he transitioned to the position after serving as chief of police in Bedford, according to a city news release.
Je Williams was appointed as Roanoke’s seventh police chief after he was sworn in Dec. 10.
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Education
BY MARK FADDEN
KISD board OKs $300 employee payment Keller ISD board of trustees unanimously approved a one-time payment of $300 for all full-time district employees during their regular meeting Nov. 21. The details The payment comes on the heels of Keller ISD board members passing a resolution May 20 regarding the vital role teachers and sta play in Texas. In the resolution, the board committed to rewarding full-time sta with additional compensation. “We made a pledge that if we could nd a way to do it, then we would,” Place 5 Trustee Chris Coker said. “I wish it could be more, but I’m pleased we could get something to them.”
156
HILLSHIRE DR.
Fort Worth
E. BONDS RANCH RD.
BLUE MOUND RD.
287
The early childhood center will be located in the southern part of NISD.
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RENDERING COURTESY NISD
NISD tabs location of 1st early childhood center Northwest ISD o cials nalized the location of the district’s rst early childhood center, which will be located o FM 156, south of Hillshire Drive and north of East Bonds Ranch Road. In a nutshell A district news release from Nov. 13 states
that the early childhood center, which will serve pre-kindergarten students, is slated to open August 2026. It is one of four schools approved by voters under Proposition A in the 2023 bond election. The new center will use funds from the $1,672,193,000 set aside for Proposition A projects. While timeframes for construction of the other three locations are pending, each early childhood center will be located in a speci c geographic area of the district. This center will be in the southern portion of Northwest ISD. Future centers will be located in the north, east and west quadrants.
KISD, NISD give update on winter weather reminders
Winter weather noti cations KISD and NISD have multiple platforms for families to get updates on school delays and closings.
The superintendent must make the decision to close schools by 5:30 a.m. the day of the closing or delay, according to the district. Northwest ISD If no announcement is made, schools will operate on their regular schedules, according to an NISD release. If schools will be closed, o cials will communicate closures by 5 a.m. that same day.
Keller ISD and Northwest ISD have several platforms to keep residents up to date on school closings and delays due to weather. Keller ISD KISD o cials maintain a winter weather policy web page. It states that the o cial notice for KISD school closings or delays will rst be posted to the district’s website.
Keller ISD • Email noti ication • Keller ISD mobile app push noti ication • Social media posts
Northwest ISD • ParentSquare • A phone call • Social media • The district website
SOURCES: KISD, NISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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9
KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Development
BY MARK FADDEN & JACOB VAUGHN
WALL PRICE KELLER RD.
Keller City Council denies mixed-use development Keller city officials unanimously denied a zoning change during their Dec. 3 meeting for a proposed development that would have consisted of 22 residential and two commercial lots, as well as 1.44 acres of open space. The commercial space would have totaled 180,000 square feet with the entire development spanning 6.43 acres, according to city documents. Both Keller City Council members and residents spoke in support and opposition to the project that would have sat at 1212 Whitley Road. Those in opposition cited concerns about traffic and the high density of the residential component of the proposed development. In a nutshell The zoning change was for a proposed project called Whitley Springs. It would have included 5,000-square-foot residential lots and 10-foot
TCC board approves campus updates The Tarrant County College Board of Trustees approved updated design features for $459,100 for two Northwest campus buildings during its Nov. 14 meeting. The details According to district documents, the funds will be used for the following items: • $365,750 for food service • $72,350 for a bookstore, copy center and art department • $10,000 for wireless access points • $11,000 for security cameras Chief Financial Officer Pamela Anglin said the enhancements would be made to buildings NW02 and NW03 on the North- west campus. These buildings are expected to open in December 2025.
KROGER DR.
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front-yard setbacks. Michael Garabedian, the developer, wanted the zoning changed from commercial to a planned mixed-use development to include patio homes and a future land-use plan. This request was also denied. What they’re saying City Council member Chris Whatley said he is a fan of Garabedian and many of the projects he has brought to Keller. Other council members shared a similar sentiment. “That being said, I’m not in support of this particular project,” Whatley said at the meeting. “...[Residents] made it clear that they want Keller to stay [a] small town.”
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Transportation
BY GABBY BAILEY & JACOB VAUGHN
Mt. Gilead Road design
MARSHALL RIDGE PKWY.
$13.8M 60%
total project cost project completion
MT. GILEAD RD.
377
TIMBERLAND BLVD.
Fort Worth
Keller
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Mt. Gilead Road project design in Keller more than halfway finished
through the city’s general fund and roadway impact fees. What else? Concerns were raised about traffic volumes, where drainage would go and maintaining the area’s neighborhood, Liñán said. As a result, the scope of the project was reduced. Liñán added the drainage will be put underground. What’s next? Once the project is 90-95% complete, city officials will host another meeting for residents. Any changes at that point will be difficult and expensive to make, Liñán said. He said the design could be done by end of 2025. Freeway/Hwy. 820 interchange, Holiday Lane has been repaved and the deck pour has been added at Rufe Snow Drive. The expansion began at the end of 2023 to add a free general purpose lane in each direction along the North Loop of I-820. A toll-managed lane in each direc- tion along Airport Freeway will be added to alleviate traffic. The project will cost $414 million and is funded by toll revenues collected from NTE TEXpress Lanes. It should be finished in 2027.
The design of the Mt. Gilead Road Project is 60% complete, with community impact spurring several changes, said Alonzo Liñán, Keller’s public works direc- tor, during an informal meeting Dec. 9. The details The road project runs from US 377 to Bourland Road and aims to alleviate traffic congestion. Based on community input, the four-lane road was changed to a three-lane undivided roadway with a roundabout at Bourland Road, Liñán said. The total project cost is $13.8 million, with the first phase costing $9.3 million, per previous Community Impact reporting. The project will be funded The North Tarrant Express highway expansion is now 25% finished, according to a Dec. 11 news release from TEXpress. The details The release states 22 beams were placed at the Airport North Tarrant expressway now 25% complete
PRICES VALID FROM JANUARY 1 - 26, 2025
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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
12
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Real estate
Three ZIP codes saw an increase in the number of homes sold in November year over year. The area saw eight homes sold over $1 million. Residential market data
Number of homes sold
November 2023
November 2024
+10%
+10.42%
-27.08%
+26.09%
76177
76244
76248
76262
377
114
76262
35W
76177
Median home sales price
170
November
2023
2024
76244 76248
114
$418,950 $387,500 $627,450 $711,000
$440,000 $365,000 $580,000 $666,000
N
76177
Homes sold by price point
76244
November 2024
76248
8
$1,000,000+
76262
9
$700,000-$999,999
46
$400,000-$699,999
Average days on the market
43
$100,000-$399,999
+45.2%
+35.48%
+8.82%
-2.63%
0
<$99,999
MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS • WWW.CCAR.NET
76177
76244
76248
76262
CANNABIS Wellness THC&CBD
MERALD E O
C RGANICS ANNABIS.COM
13
KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Local insurance rates rising From the cover
By the numbers
Zooming out
Home insurance experts say a rise in natural disasters has contributed to higher home insurance rates. Billion-dollar weather disasters in Texas
don’t want to write new business policies and are looking for ways to reduce their home insurance portfolios. He added homeowners should expect for rates to keep going up as fast as the insurance departments allow. Colleyville-based insurance agent Trip Buchwald, who has more than three decades of experience, also cited severe weather in North Texas and the rising population as factors “driving up costs for insurance providers.” Buchwald said roof damage and water loss claims are the most common he sees. “The hot summers we get here, combined with the wind and hail events, all do a number on our roofs here in North Texas,” he said. “A homeowner is lucky to get 20-25 years out of a 50-year roof.” In addition to weather, the cost of materials and labor have gone up due to in ation. According to a 2023 blog post from Houston- based HHH Roo ng & Construction, in ation has caused the average cost of a roof to rise 20%–40% since the COVID-19 pandemic.
From 2015 through 2021, average homeowner insurance rate increases in Texas remained steady in the single digits, ranging from 2.6%- 5.9%, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. However, rates rose by 10.8% in 2022 and by 21.1% in 2023. Texas is projected as one of the top- ve most expensive states for insurance coverage, according to Insurify. However, higher insurance rates are not just a Dallas-Fort Worth or Texas problem. Agent John McMillen—who’s been in the industry for more than 36 years and runs Georgia’s Choice Risk Management, an insurance consulting group—said rates nationwide have jumped due to multiple issues. “Whether some people want to admit it or not, the weather is more volatile,” McMillen said. “I saw two major hailstorms in my rst seven years [in business]. Then I didn’t see a hailstorm for 10 years. But in the past 17 years, I have seen them every year.” McMillen said that most of his main carriers
15
10
5
0
SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Most expensive states for home insurance Texas is projected to have the fourth-highest average insurance rates among all states nationwide in 2024.
$11,759
Florida
$7,809
Louisiana
$5,711
Oklahoma
$4,482
Texas
Annual percent increase in home insurance costs for average Texas homeowner
$4,437
Mississippi
SOURCE: INSURIFY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
20% 25% 15% 10% 5%
Nationally, average home insurance costs have risen over 27% since 2021, based on end-of-year projections. Nationwide annual home insurance costs
$2.5K $2K $3K $0
$2,522
$2,377
$2,123
0%
2012 2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 2023
$1,984
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: INSURIFY/COMMUNITY IMPACT *NOTE: ESTIMATED COST BY END OF 2024 2021 2022 2023 2024*
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14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN
The context
Factors in determining home insurance rates
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, insurance companies use several factors to calculate a customer’s potential home insurance rate. Common factors include:
Living in a natural disaster-prone state and the home’s location
Poor credit history
Multiple past claims
The home’s age, roof age and material
Living far from a fire station
Cost to replace the house
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What to expect
What you need to know
To lower their insurance premiums, Buchwald said homeowners can raise their deductibles from 1% to 2% or even 3%. According to Nationwide’s website, a national insurance company since 1925, raising the insur- ance deductible lowers the premium because the customer agrees to pay a larger amount out-of- pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in. A homeowner’s credit score is also an important factor in premium costs, so Buchwald suggests trying to improve that number to receive a better policy rate. “The scoring models that insurance companies use could have your neighbor at $300 a month higher for a similar property because of factors like credit score, the number of claims the policy holder has and other personal factors,” Buchwald said. He said homeowners should talk to their insur- ance agents to educate themselves as much as possible about their insurance policies and explore all avenues of coverage. “The policy isn’t based on how much you paid for the house; it’s about the replacement cost, and many homeowners don’t understand that,”
Tips for homeowners There are ways to take the sting out of rising home insurance rates. McMillen offered these tips:
While campaigning earlier this year, State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, said he was surprised to learn how rising insurance costs was a key concern for residents in District 98—which covers Keller, Westlake, Colleyville and Euless. Rep. Capriglione said he believes Texas legislative leaders should address labor shortages and help with construction of more affordable housing options, which would lower market prices and impact insurance costs. From October 2023 to October 2024, the average price of homes sold in Keller, Roanoke and Northeast Fort Worth went up by $14,875, according to data from Collin County Area Realtors. Rep. Capriglione said he plans to file a bill in the upcoming legislative session to help remove some regulations for contractors. “We can’t tell [insurance companies] to lower [rates] by 20%,” Rep. Capriglione said. “But what we can do is to lower what it costs to make repairs or to build a house or to replace a roof.”
Have the highest deductible you can afford. Pricing varies, so ask for the differences between the two highest deductibles affordable to you. Be aware of differences between percent deductibles and flat deductibles. The trend is for insurance companies to have:
A percent deductible for wind and hail, which is a percent of the total claim cost. A flat deductible for other perils, which is a fixed dollar amount.
Don’t just look at the price when shopping. Not all companies are the same for claims service—cheap home insurance often means cheap claims service. Look at multiple reviews and do your research before choosing an insurance company.
SOURCE: GEORGIA’S CHOICE RISK MANAGEMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Buchwald said. “It goes back to educating the homeowner to help them make their home more disaster resistant.”
15
KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Business
BY GABBY BAILEY
Learn about bene ts, o erings from Metroport Chamber The Metroport Chamber has been working with local businesses since its inception in 1988, help- ing bolster the economic impact in the northwest quadrant of Dallas-Fort Worth. The group helps businesses in North Texas grow through networking, promotion, education sessions and by working with state leaders and representatives. Sally Aldridge, the president and CEO of the Metroport Chamber, said businesses from all over the metroplex are a part of the group. It has more than 500 members, and the chamber saw a new member growth rate of 25% in 2023. The Metroport Chamber speci cally works with the communities of Argyle, Justin, North- lake, Roanoke, Trophy Club and Westlake, but
also fosters relationships with businesses in 51 cities, including Flower Mound, Southlake, Grapevine and Fort Worth, according to the organization. There are ve tiers of memberships for local organizations, which o er di erent levels of bene ts, depending on what a business needs. Aldridge spoke with Community Impact on the bene ts that members can glean across the 2025 membership levels, including networking access to the chamber’s on-site meeting rooms and o ce spaces, and how the organization is dedicated to helping startup businesses. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What services does the Metroport Chamber provide? The Metroport Chamber brings together a wide spectrum of businesses, from Fortune 500 com- panies to medium-sized businesses to startups and small proprietorships. No other organization in our region provides such a concentrated forum to network face-to-face with local business
professionals and leaders from the communities we represent and beyond. How can members work with the Metroport Chamber to conduct business? The Metroport Chamber o ers a wide range of networking and promotional opportunities through tier-based membership and sponsorship. The chamber o ers a ordable business training and connects with local, county and state leaders to advocate for the business community. There are several on-site suites and o ce spaces available at the chamber—how can members book/rent those spaces? The Metroport Chamber o ers many amenities to members at our building at 381 West Byron Nelson Blvd. in Roanoke. Small, medium and large conference room space for a minimal charge along with fully furnished leasable o ces. A bene t for being a chamber member is the use of Metroport Commons and professional work- space that includes Wi-Fi access, as well as co ee and tea.
The Metroport Chamber o ers several meetings spaces, including a large conference room, for members.
starts by holding meetings at our professional building, advances to leasing an o ce and even- tually moves to a larger footprint in our region to continue conducting business. For more information about the Metroport Chamber and business amenities, call 817-837-1000 or email metroportinfo@metroportchamber.org.
How does using these spaces help support local businesses/the local economy? As a 501(c)(6) nonpro t organization, our services are geared speci cally for the business community. We are the only chamber in the area o ering an added bene t of o ce and meeting space to our members. Our hope is that an entrepreneur or member
The Metroport Chamber has an open-space kitchen where members can connect over co ee or tea.
PHOTOS COURTESY METROPORT CHAMBER
WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072 KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295
Events
BY HEATHER ALDRIDGE
Needle felting class Make a special animal or character come to life using wool roving and felting needles. • Jan. 23, 6-7:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle, 4264 Golden Triangle Blvd., Fort Worth • www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/events/ needle-felting-gdt The Reading Room: A Silent Reading Time Those looking for a quiet escape are invited to bring a book, relax and hunker down for silent reading time. • Jan. 25, starts at 10:30 a.m. • Free (admission) • Roanoke Public Library, 308 S. Walnut St., Roanoke • www.roanoketexas.com/DocumentCenter/View/7490/ January-2025 Jewelry organizer craft class The Keller Public Library invite residents to create their own jewelry organizer. • Jan. 29, 10 a.m.-noon • Free (admission) • Keller Public Library, 640 Johnson Road, Keller • www.keller-tx.whofi.com/calendar/ event/153031?method=embed
January
3D printing basics Learn how 3D printers work in three easy steps. • Jan. 9, 6-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle, 4264 Golden Triangle Blvd., Fort Worth • www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/ events/3d-printing-basics-gdt Teen STEAM: AI Art Creator Using artificial intelligence, kids from sixth to 12th grade are invited to create art. • Jan. 11, 2-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fort Worth Public Library-Summerglen, 4205 Basswood Blvd., Fort Worth • www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/ library/events/teen-steam-ai-sgn Learn to make sourdough Guests will leave this baking class with their own sourdough starter made. • Jan. 18, 1-3:30 p.m. • $80 • Salt and Light Collective, 138 Olive St., Keller • www.saltandlight-collective.com
DIY wedding flower workshop Learn to craft personalized floral arrangements for weddings and other special events. Guests will learn how to create wedding bouquets and wedding party flowers with florals provided by Petal And Party Co. • Jan. 10, 4:30-7:30 p.m. • $125 • 139 Olive St., Keller • www.facebook.com/events/575119168235227
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY CODY THORN
Senior Living Guide
2024
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Senior Living Guide! This guide features the latest updates and resources on senior living options in Keller, Roanoke and Northeast Fort Worth. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists and aim to support the local businesses in our community, including those that aid resident seniors. In this year’s senior living guide, we chatted with a Dallas-Fort Worth-based nancial expert to explain how to protect loved ones from being nancial exploited by scams targeting seniors. Nonpro t Serving Our Seniors gave us the inside scoop on how the organization helps locals maintain a safe and independent lifestyle, such as volunteering to perform home safety checks for those 65 and older. We also list our guide of the senior living communities in our area and how they can cater to everyone, from independent living to memory care. From your local Community Impact team, we thank you for supporting us as we continue to provide the latest news and information surrounding our seniors.
What's inside
How to recognize and avoid nancial scams targeting seniors, according to a local expert (Page 20)
Gabby Bailey Editor gbailey@ communityimpact.com
Check out what local senior living communities have to o er for every stage of life (Page 22)
For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!
Serving Our Seniors provides aid in Northeast Tarrant County Elizabeth Grace has seen the needs of seniors in Northeast Tarrant County in her four years as the executive director of Serving Our Seniors. The nonpro t is based in Richland Hills and pro- vides services to seniors in 11 cities in the county. The three main needs that Serving Our Seniors provides is transportation, minor home repairs and social outreach. Grace said the organization aids those 65 and older in need extra help and then works to help navigate those situations. She noted the nonpro t provides annual home safety checks through volunteers. How we got here Serving Our Seniors was established in 1981 with a $60 budget for two social workers, Beth Cochran
Serving Our Seniors partners with local schools to provide entertainment from students during various holiday seasons.
PHOTO COURTESY SERVING OUR SENIORS
and Mari Donaldson. They started to make calls to help get needed items for seniors, according to the nonpro t’s website. What they’re saying Grace said that more than 920 seniors have used at least one of their three services through mid-November, but she often has to work with other nonpro t partners, such as Meals On Wheels of Tarrant County, to help meet needs.
N. BOOTH CALLOWAY RD.
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3401 S. Booth Calloway Road, Richland Hills www.servingourseniorstexas.org
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KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Community
Q&A: Financial counselor Stephen Benton warns of scams targeting seniors As a financial counselor for Elder Financial Safety Center, Stephen Benton aims to raise aware- ness on how seniors can avoid being scammed. In 2014, the EFSC was formed—a collaboration of the Dallas County Probate Courts, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and The Senior Source, a nonprofit social services agency—to address the financial exploitation of seniors. Benton gives educational seminars discussing senior scams throughout the year. Email him at sbenton@theseniorsource.org to learn more about these presentations. Benton spoke with Community Impact and explained prevalent senior-targeted scams, how to identify them and tips on avoiding being scammed through an email response.
What services does the Elder Financial Safety Center provide? Elder Financial Safety Center provides a three- pronged approach, offering financial safety to seniors through prevention at The Senior Source, protection through Dallas County Probate Courts and prosecution through Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Seventy percent of all the personal wealth in this country is owned by baby boomers and above. The youngest boomer is now 60 this year, so that 60+ have the money. Seniors begin experiencing cognitive difficulties ... [They] struggle keeping up with the rapidly advancing technology and the scammer techniques continue to get more and more sophisticated. More people live alone today than ever before, attempting to age in place. Through the computer, they are opening portals into their home and interacting with persons who
they would not let in their front door. What scams should seniors look out for?
• Romance scam: They always have a reason they can’t meet in person or use Skype or FaceTime.
COURTESY THE SENIOR SOURCE
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY KAREN CHANEY
personally. They can’t do that because there’s too much going on, but it helps them build a case so they can go to Congress to get more money. Scams and frauds are perpetrated by people that you’ll never meet. You’ll never see them in person. They cover their tracks. So that money, once you send it, whether it’s a gift card or anything of Bitcoin, that money is irreparable and it’s never going to be brought back. You just have to face up, and we put their lives back together as much as we can. What tips do you recommend on how to avoid scams? Quit answering your phone. Allow it to go to voicemail, and never click on a text. Who is eligible to receive services that The Senior Source provides and are there costs involved? Seniors 50+ in Dallas and surrounding counties are eligible. There are no charges to receive the services because The Senior Source is a nonprofit organization funded by private donations, various foundations and grants.
The people in your life you should trust seem concerned about the relationship. The supposed photos show up in Google picture search as someone else. They always eventually ask you for money. • Government agencies scam: The caller says, “Your social security number has been stolen” or “This is the IRS; you owe us money.” The government never calls, they write. • Tech support scam: Your computer goes hay- wire from a hack and it screams at you, telling you to call Microsoft immediately. Here’s their number. They answer on the first ring at 10 p.m. at night ... They tell you they are seeing hackers getting into your bank account. • Other scams pertain to grandson imposters, lottery [winnings], family emergencies and Medicare. What should a person do once they’ve been scammed? Can they get their money back? First of all, you report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the FBI. That just captures data. The FBI are not standing ready to take their case
What else? The worst case I’ve had this year was a guy that clicked on a Geek Squad text saying basically, “Your two year maintenance plan is up at the end of the month. Let us know if there’s an issue.” It was a scam. He knew he didn’t have a Geek Squad maintenance agreement, but he clicked on it. It took them about 45 days to groom him into thinking that he was being defrauded. They said they were with the Federal Reserve and law enforcement, they were going to take care of him. And in the end, he lost $545,000. This guy was an Air Force Academy grad, a fighter pilot in Vietnam, an airline pilot for American Airlines, the caregiver for his wife. He is living alone at 85 years old in their apartment, and he loses all that.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .
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KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION
Community Senior Living Guide
Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation Type: skilled nursing Cost: not available Total units: not available Amenities: in-house therapy, skilled nursing • 4240 Golden Triangle Blvd. • www.legendoaksfortworth.com Legend of Fort Worth Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $4,520 a month Total units: not available Amenities: natural light, bistro, outdoor spaces • 8600 N. Riverside Drive • www.legendseniorliving.com/find-a-community/ texas/legend-at-fort-worth.html
Types of communities
Fort Worth
Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.
Album Keller Ranch Type: independent living Cost: starting at $1,399 a month Total units: not available Amenities: heated pool, clubhouse, fitness center, yoga studio, art room • 5640 Keller Ranch Road • www.albumkellerranch.com Discovery Village at Alliance Town Center Type: independent living, assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $1,995 a month Total units: 207 in independent living Amenities: indoor/outdoor heated pool, in-house physical therapy, salon, on-site storage available, customizable meal plans, sports lounge • 3401 Amador Drive (independent living) • 9901 N. Riverside Drive (assisted living, memory care) • www.discoveryvillages.com
Regatta 55 Type: independent living Cost: starting at $1,195 a month Total units: 126
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Fort Worth
Keller
Evergreen at Keller Type: independent living Cost: not available Total units: not available Amenities: coffee shop, business center, pool • 501 Bourland Road • www.evergreenkeller.com
The Harrison at Heritage Type: skilled nursing Cost: starting at $234/day Total units: 120
Amenities: interior courtyard/garden, salon, expansive rehabilitation area • 4600 Heritage Trace Parkway • www.cantexcc.com/snf/the-harrison-at-heritage
Amenities: rentable guest suite, cinema, salon, lounge • 8681 N. Beach St. • www.regatta55nb.com
Total units: 146 Amenities: mobile outpatient therapy, activities, landscaped grounds, housekeeping • 8703 Davis Blvd. • www.kelleroakshealth.com Meadowview House Type: assisted living Cost: starting at about $4,000 a month Total units: eight Amenities: pet friendly, salon, fitness programs, medication management, 24-hour care • 2000 Meadowview Drive • www.libertycarehomes.com/assisted-living-keller/ Metroplex Residential Senior Care Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $4,500 a month Total units: six Amenities: meals provided, 24-hour care • 1625 Sarah Brooks Drive • www.metroplexresidentialseniorcare.com Mustang Creek Estates Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $3,800 a month Total units: about 15 residents per house Amenities: social activities, 24-hour care, spa tub
Total units: 186 Amenities: pool, coffee bar, dog park, scheduled activities • 11508 Alta Vista Road • www.sparrowliving.com/solea/keller Truewood by Merrill Type: independent living, assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $3,995 a month Total units: 75 Amenities: theater, outside courtyard with turtle pond • 200 Keller Smithfield Road S. • www.merrillgardens.com Whitley Place Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $3,595 a month Total units: 27 in assisted living, 20 in memory care Amenities: activities, transportation • 800 Whitley Road • www.sonidaseniorliving.com/community/whitley-place
Keller
Avalon Memory Care Type: memory care Cost: starting at $1,530 a month Total units: 180 Amenities: theater room, yoga studio, game room • 1137 Rufe Snow Drive • www.avalonmemorycare.com/locations-old/keller Heritage House at Keller Rehab and Nursing Type: skilled nursing Cost: not available Total units: 120 Amenities: single and double rooms available • 1150 Whitley Road • www.ahstexas.com/keller Hillside Assisted Living Type: assisted living Cost: starting at $5,500 a month Total units: six Amenities: home-cooked meals, one-on-one care
Roanoke
Harvest of Roanoke Type: assisted living, memory care Cost: starting at $4,660 a month Total units: 87 Amenities: courtyards with water features, putting green, movie theater, salon • 601 Howe Road • www.civitasseniorliving.com/harvest-of-roanoke This list is not comprehensive.
• 675 Rapp Road • www.mce.care
• 553 Big Bend Drive • www.hillsideal.com
Solea Keller Type: independent living Cost: starting at $1,539 a month
Keller Oaks Healthcare Center Type: skilled nursing, memory care Cost: $206 a day
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