Bell Area Parkinsons Support

04/08/2026

BAPS News & Updates:

BAPS Members and Friends,

On Friday afternoon, we'll meet in the CTCOG room with round tables. For the recent Symposium, we called it Room D for A la Carte Parkinson's. That will let us use hand mics to take questions from the floor. James Rainey of Rainey and Rainey Elder Law will provide an update on Estate Planning, Trusts, Qualifying for Medicaid, and more. I've heard his presentation twice and learned something each time. Some of you had 15-minute consultations with a Rainey & Rainey attorney during the Symposium on March 28. Now you can hear a structured presentation. If you already have your will, beneficiaries, and other documents prepared, consider this a check that nothing requires a relook. Feel free to invite a friend or family member. We'll start with the presentation so we have plenty of time for Q&A after the presentation. If time remains, we'll meet new members.

Friday's meeting is from 2:30 - 4:00 PM at the Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG), 2180 N. Main Street, Belton. We're meeting in D9, not our usual meeting room, midway down the left (north) hallway.

UPCOMING:

April 24 - CTCOG in Belton - Paige Cruz from Clear Sky Rehab has some surprises for us for Parkinson's Awareness Month. This is one of our split meetings where those with Parkinson's meet in the Executive Conference room (A1) and Caregivers meet in room D4. Paige will visit both rooma.
May 1 - BAPS-West meets at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church in Killeen at 2:30 for the Rainey & Rainey presentation. Good opportunity if you miss the Belton meeting this Friday.
May 8 - BAPS-North meets at CTCOG in Belton. The full support group meets for discussion.
May 15 - BAPS-West meets at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church in Killeen at 2:30.
May 22 - BAPS-North meets at CTCOG in Belton for a split meeting. Those with Parkinson's meet in the Executive Conference room (A1), and Caregivers meet in room D4.
May 29 - FIFTH FRIDAY. All are invited to the CTCOG kitchen and break room for some fun. Tricia Freeman, the Dishes by Trish chef who fed us well for the Symposium, will lead some in a cooking class. Others can socialize in the break room and hope for some tasty treats to enjoy.

See you soon!
Gayle

Gayle Shull
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

Send a message to learn more

04/08/2026

Attention all PWP that enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument. Anita Swanson who does Parkinson's research for the University of Texas is paying to interview PWP who sing or have a music background. Looking for a second career, supplement your current therapy or just feel the calling...here is your opportunity!

04/01/2026

BAPS-West members,

We have a support group meeting this Friday (April 3) at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 206 W. Fowler Ave, Killeen from 2:30 - 4:00. Doors open at 2:10 for socializing, a light snack, and signing in. All who can are encouraged to attend.

NEW MEMBERS and UPDATES - We continue to find new members and that's a great thing. It's not good to live in isolation with Parkinson's when there's such great support available. We'll give new members the floor first so their questions can be answered. After that, I'm interested in your feedback from our first Central Texas Parkinon's Symposium. I hope you completed the Symposium survey form, but I won't get to see that for a while, so I look forward to hearing what you enjoyed most and what can be improved.

PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH - April is a special time to help many learn about Parkinson's. It's also an important time to search for new members. We plowed the ground with the Symposium. Now let's be sure seeds are planted to sprout into new BAPS members.

See you Friday!
Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support

Send a message to learn more

03/25/2026

BAPS Members - News & Updates

BAPS-West Members, you're always welcome at BAPS-North meetings at CTCOG in Belton (2180 Main St).

Because of the Parkinson's Symposium the following day (Saturday, March 28), the Friday afternoon meeting in Belton will have special opportunities. Carma Franco from HOCTILC will have her Petting Zoo of Adaptive Devices in the Executive Conference room. I'd like to start with people with Parkinson's in this room. This will give you more time to experience the different devices because this room may get crowded on Saturday.

I'm asking Caregivers to gather in Room D8 to help with 3 or 4 simple tasks for the conference. Caregivers also have the opportunity for the Dementia Empathy Experience as soon as the vendor is set up. This experience is only available Friday afternoon! We may be testing the sound system at the same time, and your feedback is welcome.

At 3:15, we'll all gather in Room D9 where the round tables are located. If everything is ready, you'll get your conference bags and folders to check out. You can then put your name on your folder and place your bag and folder at your seat. Some seats will be reserved for the counts we have from College Station, Waco, and Georgetown. I want to eliminate - or at least reduce - any line at the Welcome Desk on Saturday morning. If you reserve your seat on Friday, you will be able to quickly pick up your nametag and move on to meet the sponsors. If time allows, caregivers can visit the petting zoo and people with Parkinson's can visit the Dementia Empathy Experience.

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

03/22/2026

CENTEX Parkinson's Symposium News and Updates for March 28th 2026:

Please review the most recent flyer, agenda, and location site map. I have also attached a slide for this years Sponsors. When you get a chance, please stop by and say hello and tell them how much we appreciate their support. We couldn't have done this without their significant contribution.

Please make sure you have the most recent copies for your files and make appropriate changes to your registration form if you haven't already done so. If you have already submitted your registration form; you can update it between now and the Symposium at one of our meetings, as I will have them with me.

Please note that Registration is now closed. Those confirmed to attend will receive a confirmation email. Please let us know if you have not received the confirmation email, so that we can get it corrected. Thanks to everyone that has helped and supported this event.

Please continue to check back frequently this week to our page and look for emails with further updates and changes to this event.

Event: Central Texas Parkinson’s Symposium.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Where: 2180 N. Main St, Belton, TX 76513 - Central Texas Council of Governments Building
What time: Doors open at 9:00 am for registration with the Symposium program beginning at 10 am. Please be seated by 9:55 for the Symposium Welcome at 10 am.

If you registered and are unable to attend, please text Bobbi Jennings at 832-298-1208, even if it is the day of the Symposium. If you are running late to the Symposium, text Bobbi so we can save your seat.

** Please remember to bring your medication **

Here are a few things you can expect:

 When you arrive: If you are with someone who finds it challenging to walk through the parking lot, you can pull up to the front door and assist your passenger into chairs that will be provided. Volunteers in green t-shirts will be on hand to keep them company while you park your vehicle.

 Enter the building: Check in at registration to pick up your name tag and symposium bag. Find your designated room and claim a chair. Write your name on the folder in your bag and leave it on the table to save your seat.

 Start your day: Visit the healthy bites snack table and speak with vendors located in areas A, B, and G. You can refer to the map you will receive at registration. Please be seated by 9:55 for the Symposium Welcome at 10 am.

 Volunteers in Green Shirts: If you need help finding your way around, you need a private restroom, or you just need a coffee refill, ask any volunteer in a green Symposium shirt. They are medical students, Kinesiology graduate students, and a mix of other backgrounds. Several have volunteered to gain an understanding of living with Parkinson’s. Their goal is to help make your day a positive experience. Feel free to introduce yourself and ask questions.

 StretchLab or Rainey & Rainey Legal Consult: If you signed up for these activities, you will receive a separate email confirming your assigned time. You can also ask any volunteer in a green shirt to help you find your assigned time. Both areas are fully booked so when it is your turn, promptly proceed to the event room even if it is during a presentation.

 Final event: Questions and expert round table will be from 3:00 – 3:30 pm if you are able to stay.

 Presentations: Presentations will be recorded and posted so you can view later.

Thank you...

03/22/2026

03/17/2026

BAPS-News & Updates

Dear Members,

We have a support group meeting this Friday (March 20) at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 206 W. Fowler Ave, Killeen from 2:30 - 4:00. Doors open at 2:10 for socializing, a light snack, and signing in. All who can are encouraged to attend.

NEW MEMBERS and UPDATES - We continue to find new members. The Symposium flyers and announcements are helping some new members find us. I always want to welcome new members to the group and give them an opportunity to ask questions. I also want important updates from any member. At Friday's meeting, we may not have time for every member to talk, so think about whether you have a question or an item to share.

SYMPOSIUM - I hope everyone on this list is getting excited about the Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium on Saturday, March 28.
- You already made major improvements to the structure of the information being presented. All you had to do was ask questions about which presentations to attend. Bobbi Jennings will be with us Friday. She's been communicating with many to update registrations from the original track selection to one for the updated agenda. The agenda is attached, and we'll review it on Friday.
- Member input also led us to slip the program an hour later to 10-3. Doors open at 9 am, so you can get an early start with visiting our sponsors.
- That's just the tip of the iceberg for the information I want to share with you. I want the Symposium to be a great experience for all who attend. One way to help this happen is to provide you with the information you need before the Symposium so you can arrive prepared. To me, that's like being prepared for a trip to Disney World instead of arriving and standing in the first line you see.
- We're even planning a way for those who must miss the Symposium to view major components. You'll learn more about that Friday.

FRONT PAGE ARTICLE - I'll bring a March 5 Belton Journal that had the headline "Morgan's Point man credits boxing program for saving his life". There's a great photo of David Calvillo in his boxing stance. If I forget to put out the article, please ask me about it..

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR LINDA LEDGER - Les Ledger and the rest of Linda's family will celebrate her life at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove on Saturday, March 21, at 1 PM. Linda and Les were members of BAPS-West from the early days of our formation three years ago. Les told me how much Linda enjoyed each BAPS meeting she attended. Many of you helped make that happen.

BEECHBAND ASSESSMENT: Currently, all 10 BeechBands we received have been assigned for assessment. It's likely that we'll have some available within a few weeks. If you want to assess a BeechBand, let me know. It's best to do that by text or email, not just a verbal comment. You can learn more about the device at beechband.com.

See you Friday.

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

Send a message to learn more

03/13/2026

BAPS News & Updates:

BAPS-North members - We have a joint support group meeting this Friday (March 13) at CTCOG in Belton from 2:30 - 4:00. All who can are encouraged to attend.

NEW MEMBERS and UPDATES - We continue to find new members. The Symposium flyers and announcements are helping some new members find us. I always want to welcome new members to the group and provide an opportunity to respond to their questions.I also want important updates from any member. At Friday's meeting, we may not pass the microphone to everyone, so think about whether you have a question or an item to share.

SYMPOSIUM - I hope everyone on this list is getting excited about the Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium on Saturday, March 28.
- You already made major improvements to the structure of the information being presented. All you had to do was ask questions about how to select the presentations to attend. We have now structured the two tracks to benefitthe person choosing either one. The agenda is attached, and we'll review it on Friday.
- Member input also led us to slip the program an hour later to 10-3. Doors open at 9 am, so you can get an early start with visiting our sponsors.
- That's just the tip of the iceberg for the information I want to share with you. I want the Symposium to be a great experience for all who attend. One way to help this happen is to provide you with all the information you need before the Symposium so you can arrive prepared. To me, that's like being prepared for a trip to Disney World instead of arriving and standing in the first line you see..
- We're even planning a way for those who must miss the Symposium to view major components. You'll learn more about that Friday.
- The other way you can help Friday is to provide feedback of some of the audio we plan to test. If you have hearing assistance, are we loud and clear? If you sit in your preferred location, can you see and hear?

FRONT PAGE ARTICLE - If you saw last week's Belton Journal, I predict your eye was caught by this headline "Morgan's Point man credits hoxing program for saving his life" with a great photo of David Calvillo in his boxing stance. Come and learn more.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR LINDA LEDGER - Les Ledger and the rest of Linda's family will celebrate her life at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove on Saturday, March 21, at 1 PM. Les and Linda joined with BAPS-North for several presentations in Belton, even though it meant traveling from Copperas Cove. Les told me how much Linda enjoyed each BAPS meeting she attended. I know much of that love through talking with other members.

BEECHBAND ASSESSMENT: Currently, all of the 10 BeechBands we received are assigned out for assessment. It's likely that we'll have some available within a few weeks. If you want to assess a BeechBand, let me know. It's best to do that by text or email, not just a verbal comment.

See you Friday.

Gayle
254.718.4197
Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS)

Send a message to learn more

03/04/2026

BAPS News & Updates

BAPS members,

Are you planning to attend YOUR Central Texas Parkinson's Symposium on Saturday, May 28. The speakers are arranged, exhibits are being prepared, and registrations are arriving daily. We meet twice in Killeen before the Symposium and part of each meeting will be reviewing plans for March 28 and answering your questions. Planning your day in advance helps you make the most of your time. We will also have our support group discussions, which always take unexpected turns.



Our meeting location is St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 206 W. Fowler Ave, Killeen. The meeting starts at 2:30, but you can arrive as early as 2:10 to sign in, grab a snack, and socialize. We end by 4:00 pm.



Driving directions to our Killeen location: Take the Trimmier Road exit on I-14. Proceed north between the 1st National Bank high building and the Red Lobster restaurant. The second signal light will be at Fowler, but I found no sign at the intersection that mentions Fowler. The street to the East is Terrace Drive and the sign near the signal lights points straight ahead for Downtown. Trust me, W. Fowler is the road to the West/Left at that intersection. Wind through a residential area until you get to the parking lot for St. Andrew's United Methodist Church on the left just before you reach Florence Road. The Fellowship Hall entrance faces Fowler and is just past the office entrance.

See you soon!

Gayle



Gayle Shull

254.718.4197

Coordinator, Bell Area Parkinson's Support (BAPS) groups

Send a message to learn more

03/04/2026

Linda Carol Ledger
March 10, 1944 ~ February 13, 2026

Linda Carol Ledger, age 81, of Copperas Cove, Texas, passed away on February 13, 2026.

Linda was born March 10, 1944, in Conway, SC to Harold and Ethel Lee Johnson. She graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1962 and returned to her home state of South Carolina to study journalism at the University of South Carolina. However, her lovestruck high school sweetheart, Les (Papoose) Ledger, persuaded her to return to Texas. The two married in 1965, and Linda completed her degree at Southwest Texas State University in 1966.

Following graduation, Les and Linda returned to Copperas Cove to operate the family business, Ledger Furniture, in downtown Copperas Cove. Linda used her journalism background to chronicle the history and life of her adopted hometown. She authored newspaper articles about Copperas Cove, conducted the research that led to the historical designation of the Ogletree Gap Post Office — the city’s first historical marker — and wrote advertising copy and commercials for the family business.

Linda was deeply committed to public service and community life. She served on the Copperas Cove Independent School District Board of Trustees for 18 years and was a founding member of the Coryell County Child Welfare Board. Her dedication to service earned her numerous honors, including the Bluebonnet Girl Scout Woman of Distinction Award and recognition as a Points of Light honoree by President George H. W. Bush.

Having spent part of her childhood in Japan, Linda developed a lifelong curiosity about other cultures and places. She and Les traveled extensively, visiting destinations across the globe including the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Egypt, Easter Island, and other historic sites.

Linda loved dancing, theater, crime dramas, genealogy, reading, and both of the places she called home — Copperas Cove, Texas, and South Carolina. She was the devoted mother of three energetic sons. She attended countless games, refereed household disputes, insisted they appreciate theater and Shakespeare, see every Texas historical marker on vacations, proofread their assignments, forgave their missteps, and ensured they grew into accomplished men.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband of more than 60 years, Les Ledger; her sons Leslie Ledger, Jr.; Dr. Ashley Ledger and wife Dustie; and Dr. Austin Ledger and wife Tiffany; seven grandchildren, Lovett Ledger III, Kendall Ledger, Julia Ledger, Lane Ledger, Riley Ledger, Addison Ledger, and Lana Ledger; and her sisters Patty Blomquist and husband Richard, and Tammy Niswonger and husband Steve; sister-in-law Marky (Ledger) Price and Judge Bill Price.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Ethel Lee Johnson.

An embodiment of Southern grace, intellect, and strength, Linda was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, community leader, world traveler, and cherished friend. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

A private family ceremony was held February 14, 2026. Plans for a Celebration of Life are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in her honor to the Copperas Cove Education Foundation. Please mailed to PO Box 943, Copperas Cove, TX 76522. Please note Linda Ledger Memorial Donation.