Living
Children’s Healthcare Advice Christopher Colvin, MD covers a few helpful things to keep in mind when making that tough decision to take your child to the ER.
Brew Life Comes to Salado Nestled in the heart of downtown Salado and surrounded by local artists and small town business entrepreneurs is Barrow Brewing Company.
The Great Outdoors: Fishing in Bell County
Grab your rod and reel and check out some of the top Bell County fishing holes!
Sweet Success
Lily’s Cakes serves up creative confections and community togetherness.
Hometown Li v ing At Its Best
F e at u r i n g e l e g a n t S p a n i s h - s t y l e a r c h i t e c t u r e , i m m a c u l at e l a n d s c a p i n g a n d a b r e at h ta k i n g b a c k d r o p o f r i c h f i e l d s a n d s p r a w l i n g o a k t r e e s, L a R i o M a n s i o n i s t h e p e r f e c t f o r a m e m o r a b l e w e d d i n g o r e v e n t.
5 1 2 . 5 3 7. 5 1 74 | 2 5 4 . 8 3 3 . 7 6 7 0 |
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Hometown Living At Its Best
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Contents
80 Travel & Outdoor
12
20
24
Guns, Glitz, and Girlfriends Every two weeks at the local range you’ll find traces of perfume mixed with gunpowder and glitz as sisters, mothers, daughters—women of all ages—meet for Guns and Glitz Women’s Shooting League.
Bell County’s Best Kept Secrets: Walker Honey Farm & Dancing Bee Winery Off the Bell County beaten path sits a flourishing beekeeping operation that is home to more than forty million worker bees, a thousand hives, and a few humans.
32
A Glimpse into the Life of a Game Warden
Faith & Community
Since 1895, the mission statement of the Texas Game Wardens has been “to serve the citizens of Texas by providing professional law enforcement, water safety, and search and rescue, while working to conserve and protect the natural resources of Texas.”
4 Bell County Living
The Great Outdoors: Fishing in Bell County
52
48
This 150-year-old organization opens tremendous doors of opportunity for kids and their parents--offering everything from football to leadership activities to photography classes to money management training.
Health & Wellness 62 Hometown Huddle
In April, the United Way of Central Texas hosted Hometown Huddle, and the objective of the field day was to encourage local children to get outside and play for 60 minutes a day.
Grab your rod and reel and check out some of the top Bell County fishing holes!
40
Boys & Girls Club
Sweet Success
70
Lily’s Cakes serves up creative confections and community togetherness.
In the Kitchen with Chef John Beitel
74
Pediatric ER Advice
From Rock Bottom to Redemption
76 80
Skin Care at Any Age
Ed Talley’s Path to Becoming a Pastor.
A New Approach to Men’s Health The Wellstone Clinic for Men’s Health offers men of all ages tailored services every Thursday, with fast one hour appointments.
Locally Yours We are a full service, community minded organization. If you are purchasing or refinancing new and used vehicles and recreational vehicles, we’re here to help!
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Contents
About the Cover Christopher Colvin, MD is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights. To read more about Dr. Colvin and his advice on children’s healthcare, turn to page 74.
138 Home & Garden
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Where History Comes Alive Hidden along the banks of Salado Creek, off the original Chisholm Trail, the Robertson Plantation has remained in the same family for more than 150 years.
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108
Energy Efficiency at the Window
Outdoor living is a rapidly growing trend around Texas, and Texas Heart of Landscaping can show you how to create your own special retreat.
Education 114 Beyond the Classroom Central Texas Christian School invites its students, starting in the spring of their sixth grade year, to go to that place of quiet retreat to discover God and discover more about themselves.
50% of a home’s heating and cooling could be lost through its windows, resulting in higher energy bills. There are many solutions to this problem.
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Fall Gardening Guide
102
Bestemor Herb Farm Eat like your life depends on it, because it does. Bestemor Herb farm is part of the revival of Old World Wisdom regarding health.
Hometown 30 Happenings
6 Bell County Living
Bike Night
Creating a Functional and Fun Outdoor Living Space
122
College Success: Advice for New Students
124
Project Apple Tree Sowing seeds of success for every student.
60 SMCS
Happenings
78 Giddy Up!
132
Girl Power Salado High School seniors Stephanie Mancilla and Maddie Graham powerlift their way to the top.
Business 138 Brew Life Comes to Salado
Nestled in the heart of downtown Salado and surrounded by local artists and small town business entrepreneurs is Barrow Brewing Company.
146
Home Loans 101 Making the decision to purchase a home is an exciting step in anyone’s life. Here are some common questions to ask yourself and mortgage providers to ensure you’re provided with the loan that’s right for you.
134 Scenes of
Bell County
144 CTCS
Happenings
Pool Parties
From the Publisher PUBLISHER
Red Fin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Brittny Sanchez
CREATIVE | DESIGN
enVision Creative Services
OFFICE MANAGER Hayley Six Hayley.RedFin@gmail.com CONTENT DIRECTOR Brittny Sanchez Brittny.RedFin@gmail.com CONTENT COORDINATOR Noel Betush Noel.RedFin@gmail.com
H
ere we are again, saying goodbye to the end of summer. And although goodbyes are never easy, new beginnings can be so sweet. Whether it’s the new school year, new season, or new month that you are celebrating - there is so much to look forward to! For us at RedFin Publishing, we are beyond thrilled to bring you Bell County’s new issue and tell you about all the newsworthy things happening with Bell County Living! With any new issue, we meet new faces and new businesses that are making Bell County a better place to live. In this edition you will read about the rich history of the Robertson Plantation in beautiful Salado, the story of twin sisters who have established the organic Bestemor Herb Farm, and how Lily Halabi brings community together with her talent of creating exquisite cakes. We announced your new website, www.BellCountyLiving.com, in the previous edition and are overwhelmed by the response! It seems people from all over love to read about what makes Bell County a special place to live. Keep up with us on the website and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for events and announcements! Due to the tremendous support we have received from our readers and advertisers, we are happy to announce that Bell County Living will now be going quarterly, releasing publications four times a year! Look for your next publication to debut this winter. We are so grateful for the encouragement and we look forward to being in your homes and serving you on a more regular basis. We couldn’t do any of it without the steadfast support of our local businessmen and women. Help us to thank our advertisers for their contribution to your local magazine by shopping local! Their involvement allows this publication to come free of charge to you. Go by any advertiser’s location to pick up your complimentary copy. We are so excited about all that is happening in your lives and we celebrate with you! We look forward to many more issues to come! Until the next edition, Wishing you many blessings,
Ju st in and Hayley Six Kyle and Hal sey Clark Justin.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 301-3828
Kyle.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 304-1044
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
Bell County Living Magazine Red Fin Publishing
www.BellCountyLiving.com 8 Bell County Living
SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Halsey Clark PROOF READER Hayley Six PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kay’s Photography & Design Jenny Lloyd Photography Love Letter Photography Mike Bartoszek Ortiz Photography Wonderstruck Studio
COVER PHOTO
Christopher Colvin, MD Photo by Jenny Lloyd Photography
SALES
Brittny Sanchez Jackie Hanke Justin Six Kyle Clark
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cassidy Horn Connie Lewis Leonard Jessa McClure John Beitel Martha Helton Mary Smith Melissa Purl Mike Bartoszek Peggy Purser Freeman T.C. McKeown
CONTRIBUTORS Ben Pamplin, Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Brenda Esparza, The Blind & Shutter Gallery Christopher Colvin, MD, Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Central Texas Christian School Ellen Davis, Temple College Katie Gillilan, Hidden Falls Nursery & Garden Center Leslie Lovette, SWBC Mortgage Melissa Purl, Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Michelle Begley, The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar REVELation DÉCOR
Bell County Living© is published semi-annually by Red Fin Publishing.
www.BellCountyLiving.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 | (817) 301-3828 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.
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BELL COUNTY’S BEST KEPT SECRETS: By T.C. McKeown Photos by T.C. McKeown
Walker
Honey Farm Dancing Bee Winery
E
ver since I moved to the Central Texas area some ten years ago, I’ve always been fascinated by just how ecologically diverse this region is. For example, you could be driving down the highway going one direction and see this majestic green sea of towering pine trees all nestled in red, clumpy clay; but then you make a U-turn and drive a few miles down the road in the other direction, and you’ll find yourself on this cracked, dry earth with small, stubby shrub-like trees all around for as far as the eye can see..
12 Bell County Living
Hometown Living At Its Best
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It’s like worlds are colliding. And, in fact, they are! Part of the reason why this middle section of our state is so visually varying is due to the fact that we sit on several different ecoregions. An ecoregion is an area that is identified by its distinctive environmental characteristics such as particular landforms, climate conditions, certain organisms, and soil types. Bell County alone straddles three different ecoregions: the Grand Prairie, the Blackland Prairie and just a tiny smidgen of the Edwards Plateau. But just a little bit below us, southeast down in Milam County, sits the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion. And all these clustered ecoregions here in Central Texas make for some truly breathtaking views, killer allergies, fertile land for cattle and crop…and a premier location for a beekeeping enterprise. The Walker family seemed to think so. And that’s exactly what you’ll find driving out on US-190, smack dab in between Heidenheimer and Rogers: Walker Honey Farm and Dancing Bee Winery. Off the Bell County beaten path sits a flourishing beekeeping operation that is home to more than forty million worker bees, a thousand hives, and a few humans. One such human is owner and third-generation beekeeper, George Clinton “Clint”
Walker, III, and while this article series is called Bell County’s Best Kept Secrets, I’m willing to bet that there are more than a few readers out there who have heard of the Walker Honey Farm or seen some of their products showcased at H-E-B. The Walker family has been in the honey business for over 85 years, and it all started with Clint’s grandfather back in 1929. It was the year of the infamous stock market crash, but it was also a very bad year for crops in Central Texas—specifically Milam County, where G.C. “Clint” Walker, Sr. owned a grocery store. The culmination of these two colossal calamities and the impending Great Depression forced the grocery store to close. So, G.C. sold and salvaged what he could from his recently shuttered business, and in the spring of 1930, he put all of it into buying bees. “It was a risk for sure,” Clint said of his grandfather’s decision. “But he was a risk-taker. And that’s one thing about our family: my grandfather, my father, and even me—we’ve never been afraid to take risks. Risk-taking is in the very DNA of farm life. If you want a sure thing, you better go to town and get a job with a regular paycheck. With beekeeping, we have always been ‘all in.’ And we’ve
Clint Walker with some of his Walker Honey Farm honey. 14
BELL County Living
The Walker family has been in the honey business for over 85 years. failed. There have been things that haven’t gone so well, but as a business owner you have to be willing to put yourself out there and you just hope that something good comes out of it.” And, just like the honey that oozes from the bottle, something good did come out of it. Today, Clint and his wife, Janice, own the business, and Walker Honey Farm is now in its fourth generation of beekeepers (Clint’s son Jonathan is now lead beekeeper.) The business of beekeeping has changed a lot over the years, but the heart of the husbandry never does—at least not for Clint. “I love it. There’s an organism in the bee and there’s a super organism in the beehive, and I just love working with that,” Clint said. “It’s a lot like other things in farming and agriculture: everything changes from season to season, so nothing really lasts long enough for you to ever get tired of it.” Just one of the many changes that beekeepers and scientists and environmentalists and even consumers have seen recently is the dwindling of the bee population. Part of the reason for the declining numbers is due to some of the harmful chemicals that are now being sprayed on row crops like corn or cotton (where bees tend to pollinate). As a response to this, Clint and his team have determined to keep all their bees at least two miles from any corn or cotton crops. “We’ve gone wild,” Clint said. “We keep our bees out in the woods like [in the] Post Oak Savannah [ecoregion] southeast of us. Row crops like cotton can produce good honey, but we just avoid them to be safe. We’ve given up a lot of potential revenue to keep our bees healthy.” But bees and honey aren’t the only buzz worthy features on the sprawling Walker family farm. Vintner Chase Cohagan invites you to check out Dancing Bee Winery (located on site) that specializes in honey-based
Clint is a third-generation beekeeper. Hometown Living At Its Best
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wines called meads (one of only a few wineries in Texas to do so. But don’t worry, if mead isn’t quite your thing, they also have traditional reds and whites). However, if you are a fan of mead or are open to trying it, they have a fantastic collection of meads on bottle and carbonated meads “on tap.” There’s even a nonalcoholic Honey Rootbeer. And in case you get hungry, there’s the food truck-styled Honey House Café right outside the store, where culinary chef Jonny Averitt fires up his delicious wood-fired pizzas (made from scratch with homemade dough and sauce using craft mead and, of course, Walker Honey). He also serves up some truly scrumptious sandwiches and small plates if you’re not really a pizza person. Lauren and Alyssa run the store and gift shop, where you can purchase all the various types of honey and honey-related products like their new line of “spreadables” that mix honey with tasty ingredients like hatch green chile, tangerine infusion, blackberries, garlic and other interesting yet delectable concoctions. Additionally, they have another lineup of spreadable type products called Honey Nut Butters that mix together food favorites like chocolate, peanut butter, and honey. You’ll truly be amazed at all the honey products this place sells: honey jerky, honey candy, natural syrups—even a pecan pie in a jar! (My mouth waters just writing about it!) Also, be sure
16 Bell County Living
“One thing about our family: my grandfather, my father, and even me - we’ve never been afraid to take risks.”– Clint Walker to check out some of the cute apparel. Just in case you haven’t gotten the hint: Walker Honey Farm is completely open to the public. Visitors and patrons alike can stop and enjoy the beautiful countryside, roam the grounds, sip on signature meads and wines, taste different types of honey, shop the gift store, and enjoy an exquisite lunch from the Honey House Café. Plus, if you’re feeling extra outdoorsy, you can even camp out at the farm! (Please register on the website beforehand.) Also, be sure to catch the Bee to Bottle tour (check website for a full list of dates) where visitors can experience first-hand how honey leaves the hive and ends up in your pantry. “More and more we all want to connect with the farm,” Clint said. “And that’s what we allow for here. This is not a show farm. This is the real deal. Everything is done right here.” So, if you’re looking to see what all the buzz is about, come on out to the Walker Honey Farm. Connect with where your food comes from. For more connecting, visit: www.walkerhoneyfarm. com
Why should you go?
Walker Honey Farm is a fantastic way to get in touch with nature. It’s a beautiful drive out to Rogers, and once you step out the car, bam! You’re on a farm. The property has a relaxed, laid-back feel, and set against the backdrop of Mother Nature, it’s almost guaranteed to put any mind at ease. Even if you’re not particularly a huge fan of honey or wine or nature (and that’s totally fine! …but I do find it odd that you would still be reading this article at this point) the store and gift shop is an incredible place to buy for those hard-to-buy-for folks.
When should you go?
During the day—especially to eat at the café. You’re missing out if you haven’t tried something on that menu. But be sure to come back and check out the farm in the evenings as the Dancing Bee Winery has some fun things like Trivia Nights. Check the website for a more complete calendar of events.
Who should you go with?
I can’t help it; I’m a romantic at heart. You need to take your “honey” out to the Honey Farm. In my opinion, this is really one of the cutest date places in all of Central Texas. But don’t let the lovebirds have all the fun. Come one, come all—whether ye be hungry or thirsty or have a wanderlust heart.
What’s the price? $$$ out of $$$$$
Price, much like the surface of the Lone Star State, will vary. It really just depends on how big of a shopping spree you go on at the gift shop or how much you drink at the bar or eat at the café. Most everything on the food menu is $10 and under, and I’ll say this about everything else: nothing is overpriced in my opinion (and I’m a writer, so you can rest assured that I’m not rich or anything).
Where is it?
Look for signs on either side of I-35 to exit onto US-190. The farm is located on that road in between Heidenheimer and Rogers. Hometown Living At Its Best
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A Glimpse
INTO THE LIFE
Game Warden OF A
By T.C. McKeown Photos by Photos by Kay ’s Photography & Design
Since 1895, the mission statement of the Texas Game Wardens has been “to serve the citizens of Texas by providing professional law enforcement, water safety, and search and rescue, while working to conserve and protect the natural resources of Texas.”
L
ike a lot of Texas teenagers, Brandt Bernstein loved fishing and being outdoors. Occasionally, he’d see game wardens out on the lake and sometimes he’d strike up a conversation with them.
20 Bell County Living
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“They would tell me what they did and how their jobs work and all the responsibilities they had, and even from a young age, I just remember thinking that that would such a fun thing to do,” Bernstein recollected. Today, Bernstein, along with two others, Bryan Dulock and Christopher Wilson, serve as Bell County’s three game wardens. “To me, the best part of the job is just getting to be outside and talking with people who enjoy recreation, who enjoying being out in nature,” Bernstein said. Most Game Wardens travel a lot and it isn’t uncommon for counties to partner with each other. “We all try to help each other out,” Bernstein said. “Whether that be going down to the coast and helping to check the shrimp boats at the opening of shrimp season
“To me, the best part of the job is just getting to be outside and talking with people who enjoy recreation, who enjoying being out in nature.” Texas Game Warden Bryan Dulock
Texas Game Warden Christopher Wilson
or whether it be the border operations that we’re involved with in coordination with homeland security.” At the time this article was being written, it has barely been a week since a sniper killed five Dallas police officers during a downtown protest. In the wake of all this, several game wardens throughout the state of Texas traveled to Dallas to offer support and relief. “We wear a bunch of different hats,” Bernstein said. “One day we may be doing a marine death investigation, another day we may get called out to a swift-water rescue… Or we may be getting called out to a hurricane deployment.” With all the traveling, wardens still need to monitor the county they are assigned to and keep up with hometown cases and investigations. 22 Bell County Living
Throughout the state of Texas there is a system in place called Operation Game Thief that is essentially like a Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program, offering cash rewards to anyone providing information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of those committing wildlife crimes. There’s even an Operation Game Thief “Wall of Shame” trailer that travels to schools and public speaking engagements, displaying things that game wardens have seized from those who have broken wildlife laws. “Educating the community is one of the most important things we can do,” Bernstein said. To learn more about Texas Game Wardens, please visit: www.tpwd.texas.gov/warden
“Educating the community is one of the most important things we can do.” – Brandt Bernstein “We don’t have a team of investigators. We are our own investigators. And we do all our own paperwork, which can be very time consuming. So, we have to remain very fluid in our roles,” said Bernstein. Game wardens also take time out of their busy schedules to put on fun events for kids, speak at schools, and host a TV show. Yes, a TV show. A new reality show on Animal Planet called Lone Star Law (airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. Central time) features Texas Game Wardens in action as they take on poachers, patrol the coasts and lakes, and much more. Locally, here in Bell County, the game wardens put on an event called “Kid Fish” in Morgan’s Point, encouraging kids and parents to enjoy a free day of fishing with the wardens.
Texas Game Warden Brandt Bernstein
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24 Bell County Living
Guns, Glitz, & GIRLFRIENDS Every two weeks at the local range you’ll find traces of perfume mixed with gunpowder and glitz as sisters, mothers, daughters women of all ages - meet for Guns and Glitz Women’s Shooting League. By Peggy Purser Freeman Photos by Wonderstruck Studio
T
he smell of gunpowder fills the air. The sound of metal on metal echoes through the building as gun chambers open and close. The sound slices through muffled conversations of brothers, fathers and sons—familiar sights, smells, and sounds at the local shooting range. However, two times each month everything changes. Every two weeks at the local range you’ll find traces of perfume mixed with gunpowder and glitz as sisters, mothers, daughters—women of all ages— meet for Guns and Glitz Women’s Shooting League. Hometown Living At Its Best
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“This group was formed to give women a fun, safe place to bond, encourage, and improve marksmanship skills.” Twenty-year law enforcement officer and a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) instructor for the state of Texas, TammyJo McCleney explained, “It’s girls’ night out with a twist. I was teaching a small group of women how to shoot four years ago. After one of the females in the group suffered a home break-in, I took her and a few other friends to a range and taught them how to shoot. At our very first league practice, we had 78 women from the Bell County area. Now we have over 500 active members.” Andrea Dolan was in the process of getting her CHL. “Having been a law enforcement officer, I already knew how to shoot, but had been in an abusive marriage. When my husband died of a heart attack, I decided to never be afraid again. The league and the match shooting give me something to anticipate. I’m more confident and love being a team leader.”
(L to R): Fran Fischer & Tracie Wooley
“We have a huge variety of careers, ages, and shooting levels, but at the range we are all Guns and Glitz girls.” – Kaitlin Dragoo 26 Bell County Living
Kaitlin Dragoo looked for women who shared her common interest. “The first night of practice was crazy, there were so many women and so many stories. We have a huge variety of careers, ages, and shooting levels, but at the range we are all Guns and Glitz girls. Worries of the day go away for a little while as we focus on our shooting skills and laugh with each other. I never imagined it would become such a huge part of my life.” Tracie Wooley and her eight-year-old daughter both shoot in the league. They joined looking for some quality mother-daughter time. Tracie explains, “I was nervous, to say the least. My daughter is very shy and sometimes feels anxiety when overwhelmed with strangers. Not to mention she was not experienced with guns. I had shot from time to time, however, I felt uncomfortable around guns. I didn’t expect to be welcomed with such love and complete understanding. The instructors took time and patience with my daughter, showing her everything from loading and unloading a magazine, how to place
“This league has given my daughter confidence, not just in shooting, but also in life.” - Tracie Wooley her trigger finger, how to load a gun, the proper way to hold one, and even when to use one. After leaving the first night, all my daughter talked about was Guns and Glitz. What I never expected is, this league has given my daughter confidence, not just in shooting, but also in life. I now know that if she is ever in a bad situation, my daughter will be in a safe room with a .22 and can stay safe there until help comes or she can, with confidence, protect herself.” Jaclyn Brown’s prior service suggested that she is fantastic and comfortable at shooting, but things change. “I had an accident that left my nerves damaged. I lost most of the feeling in my right hand and fingers. Being righthanded, this is an issue. “I have a direct sales business and do home parties and one-on-one for products delivery. This is no longer a safe business thanks to lawbreakers. A group of other direct sales ladies and I joined Guns and Glitz. When I have bad days and flare-ups, I can still go and experience the fun even when not shooting. When
I do get to shoot, I have amazing instructors to help me adapt to my injury and still feel I have control of my life.” Ronda Barnes shared, “My husband told me a woman’s league was starting and asked if I was interested in going. I really liked the class for first-timers explaining the proper handling of your gun and range etiquette before we went to the range. Now I can better protect myself and my family from the crazy things that are going on in this society.” Judith Heard had only been taught the basics. “That left me brave enough to fire a firearm but intimidated me just the same. Previously, when I was around men I felt pressured to get the shot off. Around this group, I can take the needed breath and seriously take aim. I am gaining safety knowledge, confidence, and a good aim. Due to my career, I don’t have a victim mentality. I live alone, but no longer have to sit here terrified when I hear something. Now I feel confident that I can protect myself.” Jennifer Smith remarked, “I happened to spot this really cool vehicle wrapped with Guns and Glitz that peaked my curiosity. I mean, who can resist glitter, pink, and sparkly? I mentioned it in a meeting I attended and TammyJo was there. I’m still trying to figure out what gun I want to buy, and the league gives me the opportunity to try various types of firearms from members, instructors, and the range itself. We have league time and then share fun and fellowship with dinner.” Tania Holbrook shared, “I had never held a gun, much less fired one until this past year. Seeing all the women
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who want to take charge of their lives in a world filled with chaos is very empowering. I now know that if I am ever in a position where I have to fire my weapon, I have more than a fifty percent chance of living because I carry, rather than a one-hundred percent chance of dying.” Tammy Burgess’ story is more compelling. “I joined the league to be able to shoot, of course, but my primary reason was to defend myself and my family. I have a stalker. A true-in-every-sense stalker follows me. I got the restraining order after he was arrested for stalking and harassment. I still felt I needed to be ready at every moment. So I joined Guns and Glitz, practiced, took Kim’s CHL class. Now I proudly carry my pistol. I have met great people and love the twice-a-month practices. TammyJo McCleney and the gang are truly my heroes. They gave me my confidence and freedom back.” A role model to those who want to serve, the founder of Guns and Glitz, TammyJo McCleney has opened her heart to share her vast knowledge with other women. It takes a whole team to make these practices happen. The instructors all volunteer their time. A police chief, several current and retired police officers, former Marines, professional competition shooters and NRA-certified instructors serve on this Firearms Instructor Team.
(L to R): Joyce Stayton, Debra Newman, Tania Holbrook, Vicki Vincent, Amie Humke
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“My payment comes when I can lay my head on my pillow at night knowing I have made over 500 women in my area a little safer. And that’s payment enough.” – Officer TammyJo McCleney
“Many of the women walking through these doors have been victims of very violent crimes. My whole team works hard to make sure that never happens again. Not only do we teach them to shoot, but in some cases we give them control of their lives back. And that’s an awesome feeling. I don’t make any money doing this league, all money paid for lane fees goes to the ranges where we practice. “My payment comes when I can lay my head on my pillow at night knowing I have made over 500 women in my area a little safer. And that’s payment enough.” Guns and Glitz Shooting League offers practice sessions at two locations: Hawkeye Indoor Range on the second Wednesday or the fourth Thursday of the month and at Mountain Creek Range in Killeen on the second Monday of the month. Women interested in membership may call TammyJo McCleney at 512-848-6575. Visit the Guns and Glitz Women’s Shooting League Facebook Page or email tammyjomccleney@yahoo.com. Hometown Living At Its Best
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HH
Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com
BIKE NIGHT Crowds gather and look up in amazement watching
riders fly through the air. This and much more are what you can expect from the ever popular Killeen Power Sports Bike Nights. Check them out online at www. killeenpowersports.com or on Facebook for more information on upcoming events.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE BARTOSZEK
30 Bell County Living
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THE VENADO GRANDE DEER CONTEST
kicks off at our annual
www.venadogrande.com
GAME DAY EVENT
Tuesday, August 30th | 6 P.M. | Bell County Expo Center Assembly Hall
Featuring Mr. Whitetail Larry Weishuhn
FREE ADMISSION | FREE SAUSAGE WRAPS VENDOR BOOTHS WIN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DOOR PRIZES! Please sign up for our Deer Contest at either store location this Fall.
Hometown Living At Its Best
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T&O
Travel & Outdoor w w w.BellCount yLiving.com
Stillhouse Hollow Lake 32
BELL County Living
By Mike Bartoszek Photos by K ay’s Photogr aphy & Design
S
ince the dawn of time humans have eaten fish, and some 40,000 years of fishing has been embedded into our collective human psyche. We’ve built vast civilizations from the technology used to chase fish across the globe, some of which haven’t changed much in those forty thousand years.
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Stone age bone hooks bear a remarkable resemblance to modern metal hooks. Native Americans used similar hook and line techniques to catch fish 7500 years ago, and netting dates as far back as early Egyptians and other Mediterranean cultures. The health benefits of catching and eating fresh fish are astounding, and stick out even more now in our modern hyper-busy and processed food lives. • Fish are high in nutrients. Nearly all fish are good for you, but some fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and trout have increased levels of Omega-3. • May lower your risk of heart attacks or strokes • Fish are a good source of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to fighting depression, bone health, and fight against cognitive degeneration such as Alzheimer’s. • Fishing keeps you moving around. Reeling, casting, standing, sitting, moving locations, baiting hooks, even just socializing with friends. Fishing is a low stress, easy way to get in a little bit of exercise. With some types of fishing, like salt water, offering a potentially more vigorous workout while reeling in the big catch. • Fishing gets you outside, to absorb even more Vitamin D from the sun, helping fight depression. Go grab your rod and reel and lets check out some of the top Bell County fishing holes!
The Big Ones Belton Lake
Cost: Free-$7/day use Multiple Campgrounds 11+ boat ramps Best type of fishing: Smallmouth Bass
Finished in 1954, Belton Lake is one of the largest lakes in Bell County. Stretching into Coryell County. The lake is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers, has several free and paid boat ramps, hiking trails, and Corp-managed campgrounds around the lake. The lake is prime for smallmouth fishing, boasting one of the best 34 Bell County Living
Belton Lake
smallmouth lakes in the state by local fishermen. The lake is home to several fishing tournaments, and it can be seen filled with anglers during tournaments like Fishing for Freedom, a veteran-based fishing competition. For those looking for a little more protected fishing site, the BLORA fishing marina attracts large amounts of crappie and smallmouth bass, for a partly indoor fishing experience.\
Stillhouse Hollow Lake Cost: Free-$7/day use Multiple Campgrounds 5 Boat Ramps Best type of fishing: Large and Smallmouth
The little sister of Belton Lake, Stillhouse Hollow Lake was built in 1968 by the Army Corp of Engineers. Located right outside of Harker Heights, Killeen, and Belton, this little lake has good large and smallmouth fishing, with ample cat fishing towards the Lampasas river mouth. Dana Peak Park, the lake’s main campground, also has ample hiking, beachfront, camping, a 4-lane boat ramp. A boating and fishing marina can be found at Stillhouse Hollow Park.
Lake Waco 6
Belton Lake
Waco
317
Miller Park Pond
190
Killeen
Nolan Creek Belton
Lampasas River Stillhouse Hollow Lake
Temple 190
Leon River
95
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Nolan Creek
Lake Waco
Cost: Free- $7/day use, $4 boat launch 3 campgrounds 10 boat ramps
Crappie fishing at Lake Waco is hard to beat. Boasting THE best place in central Texas to fish for white crappie. Though the prevalence of small and largemouth bass has gone up in recent years, crappie is king in these waters. Since crappie are schooling fish, if you catch one, there’s bound to be others nearby. Keep your eyes open for schools, and look for aquatic vegetation near the bank or any other structure in the shallows, and you’re bound to come across some.
The Winding Rivers Lampasas River
The Lampasas River winds its way across three counties for nearly 100 miles. Shallow and characterized by low water levels but an exciting recreational river when water levels are flowing, the Lampasas River is a great place to sit on a bank and do some bank fishing with a huge chance for some awesome sized catfish. Gravel Crossing, outside of Harker Heights and Youngsport, is an old bridge crossing that has since been torn down. From there the Lampasas river winds through to Stillhouse Hollow Lake, making a kayak fishing trip on the river to the lake excellent in the early morning or evening while the water is calm and placid. Making the paddling easy and relaxing, and the fishing beautiful. Lampasas River
Nolan Creek
Leon River
Though bank fishing spots dot the river, the best way to fish this river is by kayak, canoe, or john boat. With good water clarity and a good to excellent amount of both small and largemouth bass along the river, you’re bound to have a good time. One of the easiest places to launch from, Miller Springs Park, is at the bottom of the Belton Lake Spillway. There is ample parking, easy water access, bathrooms, a hiking trail nearby, and picnic areas. Accessing the river from Miller Springs Park makes this access point a great place for the whole family to spend the day.
The Urban
Nolan Creek
Every year the city of Belton stocks the river right behind The Gin restaurant in downtown Belton with trout for a family fishing event. Afterwards, the river is great for perch, catfish, and smallmouth bass fishing. With restaurants, a swimming area, large waterfront lawn, a stage for music, and a few rapids along the river, it makes a great place to bring the family to fish and relax.
Miller Park Pond
Miller Park in Temple is a quaint little community park with a ¾ mile walking trail, 3 picnic pavilions, barbecue pits, a soccer field, and a good sized pond that’s ripe with easy fish for the picking. Miller Park makes for a great place to bring the family, have a barbecue under the pavilion and do some family fishing not too far from the house. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Faith & Community SECTION
FAITH & COMMUNIT Y ADVERTISERS Bell Count y Museum….……151 Cinderella Couture Bridals……………....….......….59 Cit y of Killeen Airpor t........... Inside Back Cover First Baptist Belton…….......59 First Baptist Church Kileen……...................………50 First United Methodist Church Killeen……..........…..47 Harker Height s Chamber of Commerce…................….46 Jenny Lloyd Photography....38 Kay ’s Photography & Design.............................135 La Rio Mansion ...................Inside Front Cover Lily ’s Cakes………......…………3 Love Let ter Photography.................110 -111 Inn at Salado…....…….....…....3 Master Singers, Inc…...........51 Or tiz Photography..............130 Oscar Store………...…......….50 Pagel & Sons Jewelers…......47 Shiloh Inn………………...……58 Wonderstruck Studio.........148
Hometown Living At Its Best
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40 Bell County Living
Sweet Su ccess
Lily’s Cakes serves up creative confections and community togetherness. By Jessa McClure Photos by Jenny Lloyd Photography
A
handful of children crowd around a table inside Lily’s Cakes where owner Lily Halabi demonstrates how to properly frost a cupcake. As her hand glides over the confection, dozens of eyes widen as she practices the techniques she has honed after several years in the cake decorating business.
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“I love to watch their faces,” Halabi said. “I think, is this really exciting, to watch someone piping frosting onto a cupcake? They make me feel so special.” The Harker Heights business owner has become so popular among her youngest customers that her pintsized fans even recognize her outside of her bakery. “When they see me somewhere, they say, ‘Hi Miss Lily. Can I give you a hug?’” Halabi said. “That means the world to me.” She said some of the children even pay her weekly visits to sample her latest cupcakes and appetizing artwork. But Halabi wasn’t always a celebrity in the Harker Heights community. Six years ago, she was a busy mom of three and a college student. She’d always loved baking, but she never imagined it would become a catalyst for a booming business.
Lily’s children, Sara (15), Amir (18) and Zeina (10)
Then, a friend of Halabi’s mentioned that she had really enjoyed a cake decorating class at a local arts and crafts store. “I really liked what she was doing, so I decided to take the class as well,” she said. “I took all four courses and began making cakes for my kids and for our friends.” Her “customers” were always amazed at her work, but Halabi wasn’t convinced anyone outside of her circle of family and friends would pay for one of her creations. “My hair dresser said there weren’t a lot of people who did custom cakes in the area and that I should sell them,” she said. “I didn’t know why someone would come to me when they could go to Walmart or HEB, but my hair dresser believed in me and sent me my first customer.” The woman wanted a carved cake in the shape of a Corona beer bottle. “I did it, but it was challenging,” she said. “It cost more than what I charged her, but I learned what to do the next time.” 42 Bell County Living
It wasn’t long before Halabi’s business was taking off. Her husband, a seasoned business owner, saw the potential in his wife’s endeavor and set up a website as a Christmas gift in 2010. Business cards and a Lily’s Cakes phone line came next, and soon her kitchen cabinets were overflowing with cake supplies and ingredients. “My husband said, I think we need a place to put all of this. Maybe a store front,” she said. Although Halabi grew up working in her parents’ storefront in her native Venezuela, she was scared about putting her faith and money into her cake business. She’d seen many businesses open storefronts and become overwhelmed. “The first month was very harsh, trying to adjust to everything, and wanting it to be successful,” she said. But Halabi survived those turbulent first few weeks with the help of her husband’s business savvy and his support at home.
“He helped a lot making sure the accounts were okay and managing payroll,” she said. “He also helped a lot with the kids. The last three years he has taken over the role of being the mother.” Halabi said her husband’s support can be summed up in a saying from her native country, “one hand doesn’t clap.” But Lily’s Cakes isn’t just a one-woman show anymore. She has a full-time staff and her children, Amir (18), Sara (15) and Zeina (10), also lend a hand. “If [my kids] see that a customer needs help, they come to the front and ask them what they might need,” Halabi said. “I think it is teaching them responsibility.” The mother of three said she also believes that the business has showed her children that money and success don’t come easy. It takes hard work and dedication. Other than teaching her kids valuable lessons, Halabi also believes the bakery has allowed her to be a part of
Lily with her creative and talented Lily’s Cakes staff.
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These customizable cakes have earned her a chance to become a celebrity not only in Harker Heights, but also across the country.
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once-in-a-lifetime events. “I love it when I can create a cake for a wedding,” she said. “That is one of the most important days in people’s lives, and I get to be a part of it. To me, that’s a big deal.” Halabi has become so skilled at these special confections that she churns out at least two wedding cakes every weekend. “We have become known for our wedding cakes,” she said. “We can do ruffles, lace, piping, and carving. If you bring us a picture of what you want, we’re able to do it.” Creating these one-of-a-kind pieces of culinary art has allowed Halabi and her husband to not only deliver handcrafted wedding cakes to wedding venues all over the area, but to also become a part of the wedding industry. “After seeing different wedding venues, we really liked the idea of having our own venue,” she said. It didn’t take long for the Halabis to secure the Belton venue, La Rio Mansion. They were satisfied with their purchase, and were busy handling multiple businesses when the owner of the Inn at Salado said he had the husband and wife in mind to buy the picturesque venue.
and cake decorator, is being a part of people’s lives and celebrations. She hopes to do more of that by eventually moving to a bigger store where she can teach cakedecorating classes and share her skills with the bakery visitors who have become her friends. “I have a lot of customers who come once a week and get their cupcake,” she said. “It’s really neat that they have to come see Miss Lily.” Even though the bakery has become more than Halabi could ever have imagined, she continues to look ahead. “I’m a dreamer,” she said. “But I don’t just dream and think it’s going to come to me. I work towards my dreams and make them happen with the help of my husband, and the support of our community.”
“I had been doing their cakes for two-and-a-half years when the owner [of the Inn at Salado] noticed that we were interested in entering the wedding market,” she said. “He thought we’d be the perfect fit.” The Halabis were hesitant at first, not wanting their other businesses to suffer. But a year later, the stars aligned, and the Halabis bought their second wedding venue. “Because of Lily’s Cakes we are in the wedding business,” Halabi said. And although the Halabis’ empire continues to grow, most days you will find the cake queen piping frosting onto cupcakes to create Minions, Ninjas, and whatever her customers desire. These customizable cakes have earned her a chance to become a celebrity not only in Harker Heights, but also across the country. “I’m getting ready to compete in a [baking] competition on national TV,” she said. “My nerves are shaky, but I’m really excited.” But despite getting once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, Halabi said her greatest reward, as a bakery owner
Lily Halabi with her husband Sam, who along with her children, is her biggest supporter.
“I don’t just dream and think it’s going to come to me. I work towards my dreams and make them happen with the help of my husband, and the support of our community.” – Lily Halabi Hometown Living At Its Best
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46 Bell County Living
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS! 7:45 a.m. – Heritage Service 9:30 a.m. – Praise Service 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Service
254-634-6363 | www.fumckilleen.com
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Faith and Community w w w.BellCount yLiving.com
Ed and Karen Talley with their sons Micah and Jeremy.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT ON
Ed Talley BY T.C. MCKEOWN
PHOTOS BY RICHARD BARNES PHOTOGRAPHY
A
t age thirty, Ed Talley didn’t exactly look like the kind of guy that might go to seminary and become a pastor. He was an alcoholic and a drug addict. He was divorced, bankrupt, and unemployed. “I hit rock bottom,” Talley reflected. “But it was during this brokenness that God began to reveal Himself to me.” Talley finally tried to get some help and started 48 Bell County Living
attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. There, he learned the importance of personal responsibility and making amends. It took time, but he gradually began to repair the relationship he had with his daughter. He started working again. Lastly, he became interested in this concept of a higher power. One of the 12 steps of AA is “to believe that a power greater than oneself can restore a person to sanity.” “I began to ask questions and really started searching
“I felt God tugging on my heart and changing t he desires for what I wanted to do wit h my life, and t hat led me into t he ministry.” spiritually. In the process of my search I met and became friends with a young woman named Karen. I asked her out, but she told me that I had to start going to church with her first,” Talley said. “I thought okay: she smelled good, she looked even better and I just wanted to be wherever she was.” Ed and Karen began attending church together and shortly thereafter became Christians and were baptized. They both grew in their faith and started becoming very involved in church ministry. “Within two years of coming to know Christ, I felt God tugging on my heart and changing the desires for what I wanted to do with my life, and that led me into the ministry,” Talley said. At age 36, Ed married Karen, and three years later they moved to Ft. Worth so he could attend Southwestern Theological Seminary. In 2000, Ed finished seminary and started working as Minister of Missions and Evangelism at a church in Ft. Worth. It was here at this church that Ed and Karen became strong supporters of the Pro-Life organization and in 2001, they adopted their first son Micah. In 2003, they adopted their second son, Jeremy. “I knew that I wanted to be involved in ministry, but I never realized that I wanted to be a pastor,” Talley admitted. “It wasn’t until my pastor said, ‘you know you really ought to start your own church.’ And that’s when the Holy Spirit started working within me and I wasn’t able to escape it.” In May of 2009, the Talleys moved to Killeen, where he accepted the call to become senior pastor at New Sunset Community Church. “The area that we work in is a very difficult area: we’re a quarter of a mile from the gates of Fort Hood. There’s a lot of section 8 housing. There’s a lot of drug and alcohol addiction here, even prostitution. But we’re able to
motivate and mobilize our church family to reach those folks. We’re very intentional about outreach. “We provide food and counseling, but more importantly we provide relationships,” Talley said. “We do three or four big events a year. We collect school supplies at the beginning of the year. Sometimes we’ll do free haircuts—we just continue to try to find creative ways to meet people exactly where they are.” Talley says that for those who are interested in having a relationship with the Lord and going to church, they have ample opportunity to get involved in discipleship programs and Sunday school programs at New Sunset Community Church. A driving force behind Talley’s work is a haunting question he keeps in his mind: “If the church were to vanish from the neighborhood, would anyone notice?” “I want the church to matter. I want it to be a very real place that meets real people’s needs,” Talley said. “Most importantly, I want the church to be a place where people can come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And learning how to live that out and learning how to apply that in real life situations and not with dogma or with programs—but from the heart.”
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Call us for your catering needs!
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8133 Oscar Spur | Temple TX 76501
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WEDNESDAY 6:30 pm Evening Service 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 6:30 pm RAs, GAs and Mission Friends
50 Bell County Living
come grow with us 254-634-6262 fbckilleen.com
3310 S. WS Young Dr. Killeen, TX 76542
Thursday, December 1 at 7:30 pm First Baptist Church 506 N. Main St.; Belton, TX 76513
Monday, December 5 at 7:30 pm Pershing Park Baptist Church 1200 Old FM 440; Killeen, TX 76549
Monday, December 12 at 7:30 pm First Presbyterian Church 703 S. Church St.; Georgetown, TX 78626
US HWY 190
E. 6th Avenue FM 93
FM 195
Jasper Road
2nd Street
Elm Road Stan Schlueter Loop
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to Belton
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Engaging audiences with a fresh and enthusiastic approach to music, Central Texas Master Singers delivers a variety of musical arrangements with excellence and profound musical energy from today’s top sacred music composers. Central Texas Master Singers is the premier choir under the organization of Master Singers Inc., a 501(c)3 tax exempt non-profit, faith based choral organization. Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.centraltexasmastersingers.com.
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By Martha Helton Photos by Ortiz Photography
T
his 150-year-old organization opens tremendous doors of opportunity for kids and their parents-offering everything from football to leadership activities to photography classes to money management training. We’re talking about Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For an affordable $20 annual membership fee, kids ages 6-18 can participate. Many parents are happy to find the clubs are a safe, fun, and caring place for their kids to learn and form a vision for their futures. Curious to know more, I sought out a middle school boy and girl involved in two different Bell County Boys & Girls Clubs, to hear what they liked about it. Their parents also chimed in. 52 Bell County Living
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James Jones, Killeen (Charles Patterson Middle School) On the recommendation of a friend, James Edward Jones III, and his wife, Jaliea, started their only child, James Edward IV, at their local Boys & Girls Club at age seven and haven’t regretted it. “I like that the club is like an extension of our family that reinforces the values and character that we teach at home,” Dad explained. “It gives us peace and comfort knowing that our son is safe, happy, and productive.” “Productive” doesn’t fully describe the wellrounded James Jones, a thirteen-year-old student at Charles Patterson Middle School, who earned medals in elementary school for compassion, friendliness, and perseverance. He frequently answered my questions with, “Yes ma’am.”
“The one thing that I really like is that you are welcomed and included with open arms no matter what.”– James Jones
54 Bell County Living
He has a long list of accomplishments in his life. He was chosen as Boys and Girls Club Junior Youth of the Year for 2014 and 2015 (making him not only the youngest to be chosen, but the first to win two consecutive years). As a sixth grader he was the youngest keynote speaker picked by his local NAACP branch to deliver a speech to 800 people. The Central Texas Youth Coalition named him a “Central Texas Incredible Kid,” and he also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award by the KISD School Board. His achievements have been nurtured through his involvement in Boys & Girls Club. Playing games and helping others—that’s what makes James tick. “I play sports or play video games for fun (at Boys & Girls Club),” said James. “I also help others with work they might have or when someone needs help with anything like working through their problems. I’m there for that person as well.” He notices and values the caring foundation the club offers. “The one thing that I really like is that you are welcomed and included with open arms no matter what,” he explained. Staff is there to foster that atmosphere of acceptance. James’ favorite staff member is Mr. Steven “because he treats me like I’m his little brother.” The club has taught him about teamwork—his
takeway word from his involvement. James recalled a time when he was playing basketball for the club. “It was our last game of the season before the playoffs, so me and my team wanted to make it a good one. I was scoring a lot and I had about 12 to 15 points.” During the game, an opponent fouled him. He went to shoot the three shots from the free-throw line. “I only made two, but after that game my coach told me they were the best free-throws he had ever seen in his life,” James said. “Unfortunately we lost the game, but it was still one of my favorite memories because my team was working together and I was working with them, and we worked as a team. There’s a lesson in this memory. The lesson is that the possibilities are endless when you work together.” That Boys & Girls togetherness and teamwork makes James want to give back. “I plan to be involved with the club as long as I can. Even when I can’t go anymore because of my age I will still be there to give back in any way that I can because of what the Boys and Girls Club did for me.”
As for his future, James is undecided about what he will do when he grows up, he said. “But I do have plans to be the President and the Boys & Girls Club has always been there to help me with anything no matter what, and showed me that I can do anything.” Victoria Wright, Harker Heights (Union Grove Middle School) I visited with a Harker Heights single parent, Laquita Wright, who shared with me about her experience with the Boys & Girls Club in her kids’ lives: “When my son was entering 6th grade I explored after-school programs available at the local middle school (Union Grove Middle School). I was interested in finding a safe and professional place for Joshua to attend while I finished working.” Her son enjoyed it so much it was a no brainer for his sister, Victoria, to participate as well. Laquita’s daughter, Victoria Wright, is a thirteen-yearold straight “A” student going into 8th grade at Union Grove Middle School and loves being part of the Boys & Girls Club. Right away, you notice Victoria’s broad smile and endless energy. DaVaughn Allen, unit director for Union Grove Middle School, Boys & Girls Club, calls her energy “amazing.” Perhaps the best source that fuels that energy—and what she likes best—is being with her friends. “You get to hang out with your peers and you build new and fun relationships.”
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Many parents are happy to find the clubs are a safe, fun, and caring place for their kids to learn and form a vision for their futures.
56 Bell County Living
Victoria shared what major benefit she has gleaned from her involvement: “My leadership skills have improved. I am more comfortable with public speaking and debating when I feel an injustice has been done.” Mom agreed. “She has become a confident leader.” Her tenacity and desire to excel resulted in receiving the Central Texas Boys & Girls Club Junior Youth of the Year award. She won over 12 other entries, including the previous winner who won the award two years in a row. The annual competition examines the areas of a youth’s character, leadership, and academic achievement, including community service. Victoria’s pearls of wisdom on her win: “It reminds me that if you have a positive attitude and a good work ethic, good things can happen.” Her other favorite award she received, in addition to other academic recognition in elementary and middle school, is the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. “This was given for outstanding academic excellence—and it was signed by the President!” Victoria’s big smile flashed. “It means that I am doing well in my academic work. It gets me one step closer to my dream of going to Stanford.” She plans to study law. This young lady is also involved in the Boys & Girls Club mentorship program and SMART girls, a small group health, fitness, prevention/education and selfesteem enhancement program. She also played on the Boys & Girls volleyball team.
I asked who her favorite staff member was. “It’s hard to have just one favorite staff member,” she began. “All of the staff has been very helpful in helping me improve in my leadership skills, but two staff members are very close to my heart. Ms. Jasmine was my mentor (she moved to San Antonio) and Mr. DaVaughn is like my life coach… he helps me with everyday situations and allows me to ask as many questions as my mind can think of. We have very interesting conversations.” Her involvement in Boys & Girls Club has made a real positive impact on Victoria. So much that she wants to hang out for a while. “I’ll be involved until high school graduation--I think forever because I can be involved after graduation as an alumni volunteer.” James and Victoria represent two kids from different clubs in Bell County who have had their own experiences and participated in different activities. But the common denominator between the two middle schoolers is: both have happily grown while having fun with their after school/summer extended family.
“I’ll be involved until high school graduation--I think forever because I can be involved after graduation as an alumni volunteer.” – Victoria Wright
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Hometown Living At Its Best
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We love our community, and we’re glad to share it with you. With an active military ministry, and engaging activities for children, youth, college students, and adults, there’s something for everyone at First Baptist Belton. Join us this Sunday as we seek to know, serve, and share Jesus in Central Texas and around the world.
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SMCS HAPPENINGS Back to School… Yes, it is that time again! As students at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Temple prepare for
another year full of learning, prayer and service, let’s
take a look at some of the highlights from the second half of their 2015-2016 school year.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMCS Our mighty 8th graders graduated on May 21, 2016 Faith Ann Go played the violin.
Walking for Education walk-a-thon, our annual fundraiser for tuition assistance. So all families that seek a quality Catholic education can afford it.
Our Drama department presented Sherlock Holmes Dinner Theater in April.
Colter Boethel during a 5th grade trip, had a visit from a giraffe at Fossil Rim.
Laci Laxson in 1st grade did the readings at mass.
4th and 5th grade spring band concert at the Cac.
Floating Rosary, we prayed the rosary as a school then released the balloons.
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Reagan Smith crowned Mary at our May crowning Mass.
Health & Wellness SECTION
HEALTH & WELLNESS ADVERTISERS Craw ford-Bowers Funeral Homes……..............72 Creekside Terrace Rehabilitation……................79 Ecoblu Spa & Salon…..........68 Elite Therapy Center….........73 Hewet t-Arney Funeral Home......................79 Home Care Assistance........68 Hope Pregnanc y Center......79 Invision Day Spa………...…….1 Metroplex Health System Foundation….......................69 ROJO Salon & Boutique......73 Senior Care of Western Hills…...................................72 Smile Doc tors……........……...9 The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar….................…….75 Wellstone Center for Men’s Health…...….....…..Back Cover
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In April, the United Way of Central Texas hosted Hometown Huddle, and the objective of the field day was to encourage local children to get outside and play for 60 minutes a day.
T
he lights that can be seen from anywhere in Belton on a fall Saturday night typically shine down on the fierce University of Mary HardinBaylor football players, but in April, a shorter group of athletes took the field. The lights turn the field into something special for the players and the fans, but to the children in the audience, the field represents a dream of being something more than they are. The United Way of Central Texas hosted Hometown Huddle, an event that gave local children a chance to do just that by letting them step on the field with the UMHB college players and NFL Chicago Bear, Jerrell Freeman, all while educating the children about childhood obesity. 62 Bell County Living
NFL Chicago Bear, Jerrell Freeman getting ready for a day of fun while educating children about childhood obesity.
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“Children are our future. In an age that is ruled by smartphones, internet, and obesity, it is important to get kids outside and active in some kind of extracurricular activates.” – Ike Shaw
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“I am proud to support our local United Way of Central Texas Hometown Huddle,” said Freeman. “The United Way Hometown Huddle is a field day designed to bring awareness and impact to the issue of youth health and fitness. The goal of our local Hometown Huddle is to promote youth fitness and health by actively engaging children.” The objective of the field day was to encourage local children to get outside and play for 60 minutes a day. The 200 children aged 7 to 12 years-old who participated, ran, hopped, and threw their way through 11 obstacle courses that consisted of maneuvering through cones, running through blow up dummies, and doing frog hops. Mary Beth Kauk, the Director of Marketing and Volunteerism for United Way of Central Texas, said one of the great things about the event is it brings together health leaders, advocates for childhood health, and the university to focus on the children and their health. UMHB football players and Titan Total Training gym employees were the kids’ coaches for the day.
Jerrell with some of the wonderful women from United Way and Titan Total Training gym who helped make this day possible.
“We are really appreciative of all of our volunteers that helped put the event together. First we talked to them [the children] and explained the importance of playing 60 minutes a day and fighting childhood obesity,” Kauk said “It’s just not healthy for a child’s growing body to sit all day long.” Kauk emphasized the importance of painting a positive image of exercise early in a child’s life and how important local children are to the community. “Anything they can do that keeps their blood flowing, getting their heart rate up, and having fun while doing it is great. They could play sports by getting involved in a soccer team, but there are parks and backyards too that are just as good. We encouraged doing jumping jacks, playing tag, hiden-go-seek. The point is just to be outside and play for 60 minutes every day.” The volunteers promoted getting outside every day to play with friends or do activities they had learned during Hometown Huddle like lunges or sprints in their backyard while stressing the importance exercise has on their growing bodies and mental health. Kauk also said in the technology age we live in makes it difficult to get kids
off the iPads and outdoors, making it that much more important to make health and exercise a fun activity for children at a young age. CEO of Titan Total Training, Ike Shaw, agrees. “Children are our future. In an age that is ruled by smartphones, internet, and obesity, it is important to get kids outside and active in some kind of extracurricular activates,” Shaw said. “Teaching future generations the importance of a balanced diet and staying active for at least 60 minutes a day will make great strides towards the overall health of our kids.” Although the basis of Hometown Huddle was to educate and get kids active, an unavoidable and intended side effect of the day was helping kids realize that exercise can be fun. “One of the things we found with childhood obesity is that kids don’t think it’s fun to play outside anymore, and this isn’t every child, but we have seen a trend. We had warm up, workout stations, cool down, and then stretching. At the end of the event after they were done going through all the stations and exercises we said, ‘You just exercised for 60 minutes and you were playing and Hometown Living At Its Best
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you were having fun! It doesn’t have to be grueling and boring,’” Kauk said. The kids were smiling and having fun throughout the event and when it was over the parents were happy and the children were asking if Hometown Huddle would be back next year, and it will. United Way of Central Texas is already recruiting other NFL players for Hometown Huddle in 2017. The popularity of the event, and popularity of football in Texas, brought in equally the number of girls as boys even though the exercise stations were based around football related workouts. Kauk said the girls loved playing non-contact football right alongside the boys. She also said another goal of the event was to show young girls that they can’t be excluded, “Just because it’s football doesn’t mean it’s just for boys, everyone can play together. We want to show the girls that they can do whatever they want to do.”
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Jerrell actively participated in the field day events alongside the children.
United Way of Central Texas is already recruiting other NFL players for Hometown Huddle in 2017.
Kauk’s personally favorite moments of the day were encouraging and showing children that they have the capacity to do more than they thought. “There were one or two of the older boys that weren’t as confident as some of the others in their age group, but as soon as you encouraged them and said you can do it and gave them a high five, they just ran for it. All they needed was a little bit of affirmation and confidence boost and they had so much fun. I think the thing the children really enjoyed the most was playing at a university field and having the attention of those football players and just feeling special.” The kids walked out of the Crusader stadium with a goodie bag, T-shirt, autograph from Jerrell Freeman, and a sense that they can be more than they are because the football stars beneath those Saturday night lights said they could. To register children for the spring 2017 Hometown Huddle or for more information, email marybeht.kauk@ uwct.org. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Metroplex Health System Foundation presents Motown Magic featuring
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FOUR TOPS LIVE AT THE
Join Metroplex Health System Foundation for an evening of first-class Motown entertainment, gourmet dining, raffle and live auction. Proceeds of this year’s Gala will benefit the expansion of services and equipment at Metroplex Hospital Heart and Vascular Center. Individual seating, tables, and partnership level opportunities are available.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3| Thursday, November 3rd 5:30 p.m. | Killeen Civic & 5:30 P.M. Conference Center
KILLEEN CIVIC & CONFERENCE CENTER
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS Contact Daphne Meade at 254-519-8307 or email daphne.meade@ahss.org.
Metroplex is in the process of enhancing its cardiac care facilities with the development of a $4.35 million heart and vascular center. The state-of-the-art center will boast the most advanced technology in Central Texas, allowing physicians to diagnose and treat heart and vascular issues of all kinds. Physicians will be able to perform angioplasty and
stenting for heart blockages and treatment of heart attacks, radiofrequency ablation for cardiac arrhythmias, placement of cardiac pacemakers, and much more.
Metroplex Foundation, 2201 S Clear Creek Rd., Killeen TX 76549. The Metroplex Health System Foundation was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions gifted to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed under Federal law.
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In the Kitchen with
Chef John Beitel
Ingredients:
Ratatouille
Zucchini Boats
T
oday’s recipe will be mostly vegetables, healthy, and prepared with many ingredients easy to find in your local Farmer’s Market, or perhaps even your own garden. Preparation hint: do not chop the vegetables too small. About a ½ inch dice is nice but not all your vegetables need to be cut to the same size. Cut softer vegetables a little larger than harder vegetables to get the best flavor out of all. Stir the mix slowly and softly while it is cooking to keep the vegetables intact. The vegetables should blend together but not be like mush. You would like to see each ingredient of the Ratatouille mix, and in turn taste them individually as well as blended with the other flavors. 70 Bell County Living
• 2 zucchini with ends trimmed. Scoop out seeds and some flesh, leaving ½ inch shell/boat (a tablespoon works fine to scoop the zucchini, if you have a melon-baller that works as well. You can chop the flesh and seeds in with the other ingredients. • Olive oil • ½ an onion diced • 2 garlic cloves (or more) chopped small. (I can’t recall ever saying “too much garlic”) • ½ green pepper diced • 3 plum tomatoes peeled, seeded, and chopped • Mushrooms (if desired) ¼ cup chopped • 1 cup (more or less) of
your favorite Italian cheese or cheese blend as desired to bind the ingredients together and top before baking • ½ cup ¼ inch diced eggplant • Mascarpone cheese • 4 TBSP fresh chopped parsley (2 for the stuffing and 2 for garnish) • Chopped fresh herbs or Italian seasonings as desired (today I am using fresh basil, rosemary, lemon thyme and parsley from the garden) and salt and pepper. Save some chopped parsley to garnish the dish after topping with Mascarpone cheese.
This recipe can be adapted to include a variety of stuffing from vegetables and poultry to sausage and cheese, even seafood will work great with this summer favorite. Play with your food and ingredients to see what works best for your taste. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rub the zucchini boats with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper (for added flavor, fire up the grill and cook Zucchini for 3 min on each side, do not overcook). In lieu of the grill, place zucchini boats in a 9x12 baking pan and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool while you prepare the Ratatouille stuffing. Place a skillet on the stove at medium to medium-high heat, add a little olive oil and allow the oil to get hot for 60 seconds. (If the oil starts to smoke too much, turn down the heat.) Sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers until the onions are translucent/clear, but not brown. Add the mushrooms, tomato, and eggplant along with your herbs/seasonings to taste. When things start to sizzle, turn down the heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat. Remove your Ratatouille vegetable stuffing from the heat and allow to set for at least 3 minutes. Drain any standing juices. Add your favorite Italian cheese or cheese blend to the Ratatouille stuffing. Use about a ½ cup - save some cheese to top the boats before baking. Use a spoon to fill your zucchini boats with the Ratatouille mix. Distribute the Ratatouille equally and mounded up in the boats. There may be some stuffing mix left over depending on the amount of ingredients you added (I find any leftover makes an awesome omelet the next morning). Sprinkle cheese on top of the zucchini boats before placing in oven. Bake at 350° for about 30 minutes, or until a fork passes into the shell of the zucchini boat with ease. Out of the oven, they are hot and ready to serve as a great side dish or the main course. Just before serving, top each boat with a healthy dollop of Mascarpone cheese for a taste that is incredible. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a colorful presentation.
Photo by Jenny Lloyd Photography
Chef John Chef John Beitel has spent nearly thirty years of his life in professional kitchens. His journey started in the late 1970s along the coast of New Jersey where he invested ten years learning the culinary art, traveling from restaurant to restaurant with each new season to gain exposure to a variety of cuisines. His pursuit led him to Atlantic City, NJ, where he invested twenty years at Bally’s Park Place Casino Hotel as a union cook and Sous Chef. For healthy living and pure food, John is a supporter of local produce and fresh seasonal ingredients, always hunting for the purest products at the farmer’s markets and butchers. His wish for food to be fun is what has inspired him to be in culinary art. The saying, “Don’t play with your food” is passé in his kitchen and is reflected in the array of dishes he serves. Be it Mediterranean, Indian, Oriental, Mexican, or simply American food, the chef appreciates them all. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Pediatric ER Advice BY CHRISTOPHER COLVIN, MD, SETON MEDICAL CENTER HARKER HEIGHTS PHOTO BY JENNY LLOYD PHOTOGRAPHY
Being a parent is tough. I have three young kids of my own, and even as an Emergency Physician, when they’re sick or injured, I ask myself if I need to get a second opinion. We see parents all the time come into the ED worried about their little ones, and occasionally they look sheepish when they realize it could have been treated at home, or even waited a few days for the pediatrician to see in the clinic. Pediatric medicine is tricky, and too vast to cover, but there are a few helpful things to keep in mind when making that decision to take your child to the ER.
1
Head injuries are common with kiddos, but when they have vomiting, confusion, large swelling to the scalp, or atypical irritability, it’s best to come on in and see us in the ED.
2
Vomiting and diarrhea are frequent ailments in little ones. If they can’t keep sips of Pedialyte down, the pee pee diapers have dropped off significantly, or they appear pale or listless, they should be seen sooner than later.
3
Fever is a right of passage for pediatric patients, and believe it or not it’s generally no big deal. Tylenol and Motrin are your mainstays in treating this symptom, and the fever doesn’t have to “break.” If it continues more than a couple of days, if they stop eating/drinking all together, or if they’re difficult to wake up or console, bring them on in.
4
It’s the summertime, and kiddos love playing outdoors. Trampolines, bikes, and playgrounds are common causes of broken bones. Some injuries are obvious, 74 Bell County Living
and they need to go straight to the ER. Other injuries can be subtle. If your child won’t use their effected limb, or can’t put any weight on their legs, please bring them in and let us take a look.
5
Wounds come hand in hand with childhood as well. Small cuts and scrapes can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies (band aids, butterflies etc.). Larger, open wounds often need repair whether it be with skin glue, stitches, or staples. If your child suffered an injury resulting in a laceration, please bring them to the ER, urgent care, or call your pediatric clinic. We try to close wounds within 6 hours if at all possible.
6
Bug bites don’t need to come to the ER unless your child shows signs of breathing difficulty, wheezing, swollen lips or face, or if they pass out. Severe allergic reactions should always be seen in the ER especially if your child has a known allergy to insects. Some insect bites can get infected, and if they do, they will appear large, red, and be tender to the touch. If your child starts running a fever along with the wound, please stop on by. Finally, we enjoy caring for children in the Emergency Department. If you feel that something just isn’t right when your child is ill or injured, it’s always safest to seek medical attention especially if your parenting instincts start to alarm. Never panic, and if something significant has happened (amputation, loss of consciousness, seizure, large burns, near drowning) please call 911. Here’s wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe 2016.
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The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar is Belton, TX’s newest high-end hair salon and day spa! We are located in the heart of Belton and offer complete hair care for women, men, and children and a variety of spa services Whether you’re looking to completely change your look or just wanting a trim, our certified stylists will take care of all of your hair care needs! Let our staff pamper you with personalized service to meet your every need!
Call or Book Online at salonspagreenbriar.com Hometown Living At Its Best
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SKIN CARE at
Any Age
By Michelle Begley, Senior Designer and Hairstylist/ Color Specialist at The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fact that most teenagers at some point will experience acne. Every skin type is different and a licensed esthetician can help to advise you on the best home care and lifestyle choices to make for healthy, clear skin. One of the common mistakes most teenagers make is not moisturizing daily. Always moisturize to avoid sebum over-production. When you over dry the skin you will cause it to compensate by producing an excessive amount of sebum. That is counterproductive and can aggravate acne. A professional can help you with the correct products for your skin type to include oil-controlling moisturizers. A licensed skin care professional can safely perform extractions by preparing the skin with steaming or exfoliate using an ultrasonic skin scrubber. Skin damage from improper acne extractions at home can be very serious, and can include bacterial infections, visible acne scars, and increased inflammation. 76 Bell County Living
How often you see an esthetician depends on the severity of the skin issue. If you have moderate acne issues, every two weeks is sufficient to not allow bacteria to escalate and every four weeks for mild acne or to maintain clear skin. At the Salon & Spa at Greenbriar we can help your teenager get started on a lifetime of healthy skin care habits and a professional skin regime.
You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop your face from aging entirely, but there are plenty of choices you can make at any age to change the health and appearance of your skin. There are two ways your face ages, externally and internally. Some internal causes are slow collagen production, decrease in elastin production, ability to retain moisture, and slower turnover rate of new skin cells. Some external ways are smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, too much stress, and excessive alcohol consumption.
At every age we need to exercise, eat better, and wear sunscreen. Our skin changes over time, and so will our skin care products. A licensed esthetician can recommend professional products and treatments to target specific areas of concern. In your 20s, your skin mostly suffers from external causes. A licensed esthetician can help you add a sensible skin care regime using professional products for your skin type and educate you on lifestyle choices. In your 30s you start to lose collagen and will start to notice signs of sun damage like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. This is when you should add a deeper exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and help with product penetration. Microdermabrasion or acid peel treatments are something a licensed professional can perform. You should also add an effective daily eye treatment. In your late 40s your skin may become drier, your skin tone uneven, and the expression lines on your face will be more prominent. A collagen producing serum or
moisturizer and a hydrating serum or moisturizer should be added. A licensed skin care professional can adjust your skin care regime with products that contain Retinol or hyaluronic acid, depending on your needs. In your 50s, 60s, and 70s, loss of tone and sagging skin are an issue. The importance of moisturizer cannot be stressed enough. Regular exfoliating and collagen producing serums along with daily eye treatments should be part of your skin regime. By seeing a licensed skin care professional regularly, the esthetician will notice any changes in your skin and keep you educated on how best to approach the issue. At the Salon & Spa at Greenbriar we can help you achieve your goal of healthy, radiant skin. Â At every age we need to exercise, eat better, and wear sunscreen. Our skin changes over time and so will our skin care products. An esthetician can recommend professional products and treatments to target specific areas of concern. By seeing a licensed skin care professional regularly, the esthetician will notice any changes in your skin and keep you educated on how best to approach the issue. At the Salon & Spa at Greenbriar we can help you achieve your goal of healthy, radiant skin. Hometown Living At Its Best
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CTCS HAPPENINGS As students head back to school to kick off a new year,
let us take a moment to remember some of the shining moments from the 2015-2016 school year at Central Texas Christian School.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CTCS
CTCS students are all smiles as they participate in Service Day at a local city park. The CTCS Theatre Department did an amazing job performing 12 Angry Jurors at the 1st Annual Night
After signing with Baylor, Senior Luke Littlefield finishes off his track season at CTCS with a bang.
Students take a break and enjoy the view during the 8th grade retreat.
During the Easter Program students sang songs of Worship as family and friends gathered near.
Anatasia Hoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork was selected to be juried into the 36th Annual Central Texas Art Competition & Exhibition at Temple College.
Joining the elementary students, Sampson the Lion takes a few laps at the annual Walk-a-thon.
Middle School students enjoy a stop at the park on their way to Choir Competition.
Students play one of the final pieces of the year.
78 Bell County Living
Second grade student plays the role of an Italian immigrant during an Ellis Island Simulation.
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By M e l i s sa P u r l , M a r k e t i n g D i r e c t o r S e t o n M e d i ca l C e n t e r Ha r k e r H e i g h t s P h o t o s by J e n n y L l oy d P h o t o g r a p h y
hen Bernard Morris, MD, joined Wellstone Health Partners in 2014, he knew he wanted to make a difference in the health of the men he saw everyday at his urology clinic. Too many times there were underlying health issues that could and should have been detected long ago. “Sometimes it’s too late to begin treatment for an issue that’s been happening for years,” said Morris, who has been a urologist for over 25 years. “If we can get to a patient when something begins, it’s much easier to treat and even cure diseases.” To that end, he proposed a men’s health clinic that would see men exclusively one day per week and build upon that as needed. The Wellstone Clinic for Men’s Health is active every Thursday, and the clinic is geared 80 Bell County Living
toward men – many of whom haven’t seen a doctor since their pediatrician. “The last doctor these guys saw was when they were in their teens and twenties. That is clearly unacceptable in modern medicine,” said Morris. “We need to make sure men are given every opportunity for good health, just as women are.” The clinic is geared toward men, from the décor to the fridge stocked with juice, water and snacks. Once the patient enters, he is directed to a quiet area where there is a simple blood draw and complete physical. The entire visit lasts no more than an hour. In about ten days, all of the tests are compiled and a letter is mailed to the patient with test conclusions.
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“We uncover diabetes, hypertension, prostate issues and more. And sometimes, we uncover nothing,” said Morris. John Beitel is a clinic patient who did not go the doctor for nearly 40 years. “I didn’t want to know. I was afraid of not knowing, and I was afraid of knowing. It was a total fear factor for me,” said Beitel, who found out he had high blood pressure (hypertension). “Everything else was okay. I am overweight, but I knew that going in. I’ve lost 25 pounds since my visit, and hope to lose another 25.” Beitel was a professional chef for 30 years, and now is a medical coder who sits much of his day. “That’s where the extra weight comes on,” he said. “Last year I moved out into the country and I now make the time to walk everyday and see the sights of Texas.” The New Jersey native has come to love Texas and the beauty of nature that Central Texas provides. He has a small garden and lives on a creek teeming with wildlife. He walks as much as possible before the sun goes down, and on weekends gets in an extra mile or two. “Instead of sitting at the computer, I get up and move now. There is
so much to see. I’ve seen calves born, deer come up to the house, and tons of birds. I’m learning the names of things I see. I don’t take this scenery for granted. I don’t care for the snakes, but they move out of my way mostly.” When he decided to take his health seriously and finally go for his wellness visit, he thought of his four sons and grandchildren. He said he had been selfish for not doing that and putting his health at risk for so long. As a medical professional, it wasn’t acceptable he said, and made the decision to turn things around. Beitel has been tapped to bring his new healthy way of cooking as a guest Chef at the new ASYMCA building. “I want to be a good example for my family. I want to be a good example for those around me. Wellstone helped me realize I needed to get off my duff and get moving.” In his renewed focus on his health, John Beitel makes walking around his scenic land part of his daily routine. 82
BELL County Living
Wellstone Health Partners
Bernard Morris, MD with patient John Beitel.
When Seton Medical Center Harker Heights opened its doors in June 2012, it was a brand new hospital, with over 200 board certified physicians on staff, ready to treat patients. Several of those doctors partnered with the hospital and joined its medical group named Wellstone Health Partners. “At the time the hospital opened, we had three doctors in Wellstone. Today we have 16 doctors, with six more joining us this summer,” said Matt Maxfield, CEO of Seton Harker Heights. He added, “We also have six family nurse practitioners. Wellstone has grown along with the hospital, which today has 300 medical staff members.” Don McKay, Administrator of Wellstone, sees the group as the premiere physician group in the area. “We are proud of Wellstone and what the doctors are doing. They are our family, our friends and are excellent physicians.” McKay added, “Wellstone was created to establish a family oriented multi-specialty group practice to provide health services to our community. It provides healthy initiatives and chronic disease management and prevention.” Luke Potts is the physician recruiter for the hospital, and as such has sought doctors from all over the country to come to Seton. “We have been very lucky to be able to recruit so many amazing physicians from some of the best training programs in the country. We are always focused on recruiting the physicians that will provide the highest quality of care and have the best customer service. And they love coming to Central Texas. They love the people, the culture, and all the fun things there are to do regardless of the season.” Wellstone has practices located next door to the hospital in the medical pavilion and in Belton. It covers most aspects of health, from ENT and family medicine, OB/Gyn, orthopedics, and gastroenterology to urology and surgery. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Home & Garden SECTION
HOME & GARDEN ADVERTISERS Adorn Fine Living……....…..84 Amos Elec trical………......…..2 Bradfield Properties….......92-93 Budget Blinds of Temple & Killeen………….............…107 Cloud Real Estate…......…..101 First Communit y Title Co....97 Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation……...................…...10 Height s Lumber ………...…100 Hidden Falls Nurser y & Garden Center…........….109 Jubilee Homes…….……..…112 Linnemann Realt y……........107 Michael R. Lackmeyer, At torney.……................……112 Ocean Quest Pools…......……7 Remax 1st Choice…….....…..96 Remax Legends……...……..109 Salado Creek Antiques.............................100 Sur face Source Design Center…………..….............…97 Target Restoration…..........109 The Blind and Shut ter Galler y……………...........……96
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ROBERTSON PLANTATION: where
History Lives BY CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD PHOTOS BY WONDERSTRUCK STUDIO
Hidden along the banks of Salado Creek, off the original Chisholm Trail, the Robertson Plantation has remained in the same family for more than 150 years. he Texas Catalogue Historic American Buildings Survey describes the plantation as “probably the most complete surviving example of a Texas plantation complex.” Cile Cowan and Sterling Ambrose are restoring “The Home Place” to preserve their rich family heritage for posterity.
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Their great-great-great grandfather Sterling Clack Robertson, an Empresario, received Mexican land grants in exchange for settling the frontier territory and defending the Mexican inhabitants from Indian raids. The Robertson Colony covered more than 30 present day counties, including Milam, Robertson, Williamson, Falls, Bell, McLennan, Bosque, Coryell, Erath, Hamilton, and Somervell. Robertson’s payment as Empresario was to be five leagues and five labors, 23,027.5 acres of premium lands for every family introduced into the colony. His son, Elijah Sterling Clack Robertson, translated deeds into Spanish, receiving 1,107 acres in Milam County for his work. In 1857, Colonel E.S.C. Robertson began building his Greek revival home in Salado. In 1860, he and his wife Mary Elizabeth Dickey Robertson moved in with their five children, adding seven more children in the years to come. Following the Southern tradition, twelve cedar trees flank the gravel walkway symbolizing the twelve apostles or guardian angels. Cile said, “The family story is that the practice of my great-great-grandfather E. Sterling C. Robertson was to have the gravel raked before dark, so activity (human and animal) could be noticed the next morning. Remember this was a wilderness and open prairie in 1860.” 88 Bell County Living
The Texas Catalogue Historic American Buildings Survey describes the plantation as “probably the most complete surviving example of a Texas plantation complex.”
fireplace in their bedroom. Each room contains a fireplace and beautiful antique furniture. Cile said, “I have not made an exact count, but there are several pieces in the parlors, bedrooms and one in the dining room which we believe to be original to the home. A few are believed to be older than the house. For example, the bookcase in the front parlor is said to have come by wagon from Tennessee with the doors placed between quilts to protect the glass. My favorite piece has to be the large wardrobe assembled entirely with wooden pegs, which may be older than the house. The Colonel and his wife had 12 children that survived them. Each probably inherited some, so I’m amazed that there is as much left as there is. One descendant even donated back to the house an original bed and dresser. Each generation has added to the collection you see in the home.” The original hardwood floors carry visitors from the entry hall, through a parlor and into the storage room with floor to ceiling linen closets on one side and storage
The columns on the grand front porch stand in sharp contrast to the frontier feel of the land. The floor to ceiling doors open to the entry hall with twelve-foot ceilings, transporting visitors into living history. The Robertson Coat of Arms hangs just inside the doors, along with a portrait of Colonel Robertson. A Scottish tartan of the Robertson clan graces the mirrored storage bench and coat hanger sitting beside a grandfather clock. The nineteen-step staircase, held together with dowels, has original hand-carved posts and newels beneath a smooth, rich, dark wood banister. The Colonel kept a home office in the cabinet room to the left of the entry hall. His desk and a chair from the Texas Capitol grace this room along with his campaign chest. In the front parlor, portraits of two young daughters, who died from fever, tell the story of hardship and pain in frontier life. Another portrait shows the Colonel’s great uncle James Robertson, the founder of Nashville. A portrait of Mrs. Robertson hangs above the Hometown Living At Its Best
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Cile Cowan and Sterling Ambrose are restoring “The Home Place” to preserve their rich family heritage for posterity.
90 Bell County Living
cabinets on the other. The passway between the main house and rock buildings was originally open. Around 1900, the passway was enclosed, which made it easier to get to the back working area of the house, including the kitchen. When the passway had to be torn down and rebuilt in 2013, the original cut-stone path was revealed. The dining room table and a sideboard fill the first room off the passway. Beside the fireplace at one end, a sweet safe now holds china and glass heirlooms. Beneath the sweet safe, a drop down service pass-through from the kitchen still functions. The large stone fireplace in the kitchen holds metal arms with cooking pots. On the opposite wall, modern cabinets contain the convenience of stainless appliances. An antique, white enamel icebox sits beside a heavy door with an original, metal knob. The two-feet wide stone walls buffer the kitchen and cistern room from the heat outside. Atop a concrete structure covering the cistern rests a water pump. The last room once served as a meat smoke room. Each of the four upstairs bedrooms, filled with big sturdy beds and dressers, has their own fireplace. The office off one of the front bedrooms contains an antique chair sits beside a drop-leaf desk holding seal stamps and a bookcase filled with historical works. The cabinet rooms upstairs have been converted into bathrooms. The front and back porches, once used for cool sleeping on hot nights, are now used solely for entertaining. Maclin Robertson, Sr. inherited the plantation. He told his siblings although it technically belonged to him, “it still belongs to all the rest of you, and I want you to feel free to visit here any time, stay as long as you want to, and, when you leave . . . if you have seen anything that you want, take it with you.” Many of them carried away furniture as well as legal, historical documents. Cile and Sterling’s grandfather inherited the plantation from Maclin. Their mother was raised in the home, and they visited their grandparents several times each year, making them the fifth generation to live there. They plan to continue the tradition of gathering with Robertson relatives. Between the house and the graveyard sits an empty concrete swimming pool built around 1960. The family burial plot is the final resting spot for E.S.C. Robertson,
his wife and four generations of Robertsons, including Cile and Sterling’s mother’s entire family. The rock servant’s quarters are still standing, but have not been renovated. The interior of the barn is composed of rock, but the outer portions are wood. The barn houses tools and a couple of mama longhorns and their babies. Sterling said, “Our fond memories are fishing along the creek and being free to wander the ranch. Also, we learned to shear sheep and bail hay. So, for a city boy that was quite the education.” He shares outdoor experiences with his son, Sterling, who is the seventh male to carry on the family name. Cile and Sterling plan to use the house for parties to support organizations supporting Salado History. He said, “We will have a private party in December to honor the Patrons of the Salado Historical Museum and Park Commission.” For more information about the plantation and opportunities to see the grand, old home, visit the website at www.robertsonplanatation.com Hometown Living At Its Best
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Energy Efficiency AT THE
WINDOW
DID YOU KNOW THAT 50% OF A HOMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HEATING AND COOLING CAN BE LOST THROUGH ITS WINDOWS? By Brenda Esparza Owner of The Blind & Shutter Gallery/Gallery Design Center
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here are many solutions to this problem from replacing your existing wood, metal or aluminum windows to changing the type of window covering you currently have, or by simply adding custom drapery with an insulated lining, or by using exterior solar screens; all depending on your budget, your needs, and your expectations. 94 Bell County Living
You may consider replacing your existing windows if your windows are more than 15 years old, in which you are most likely experiencing: draftiness, windows that stick, condensation, and costly energy bills. Low-E vinyl replacement windows come in many styles such as: singlehung, double-hung, picture, slider, awning, casement, and geometric shapes; as well as glass options that block 8590% of the heat, which not only provide energy savings, but also enhance your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance. All window coverings help in providing energy efficiency at the window compared to no coverings at all. However, each different product category such as blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery all provide different levels of efficiency. If you are looking for maximum energy efficiency then it may be time to upgrade your window coverings to the next-generation energy efficient honeycomb shade exclusively by Hunter Douglas. The proprietary Duette
Architella® honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design insulates windows against heat and cold, so you feel comfortable in any season, and you save energy year round. Combine Duette Architella® with PowerView ™ Automated Motorization App to create and schedule specific scenes that operate your shades and optimize your home’s efficiency. Plantation shutters, both wood and vinyl, act as effective insulators, although wood is slightly better at resisting temperature conductivity. They provide superior sun protection, light control, and privacy. Shutters are an investment as well as a design statement to any home. Custom draperies that are lined with blackout or thermal lining are not only decorative, they block solar heat, protect furniture and flooring from the UV rays that cause fading, and they provide thermal efficiency when hung as close to the window as possible. For maximum effectiveness, install a cornice at the top of the drapery or mount the drapery closest to the ceiling. If you are looking for a cost efficient solution, exterior solar screens are the perfect choice as they are available in 70%, 80%, 90%, and 95% blockages. They provide daytime privacy while blocking the heat and glare.
ENERGY SAVING TIPS: • Have existing windows repaired. • Seal air leaks. • Replace broken or cracked glass. • Add extra insulation to your windows using window coverings and/ or exterior solar screens. • Opening your window coverings during sunny winter days will allow free solar heat, which provides warmth provided by the sun, and then close them at night to keep that heat inside. • Closing your window coverings during summer days will keep the heat out. Hometown Living At Its Best
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4524 South WS Young Dr. Killeen TX 76542
If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
254-699-4990
96 Bell County Living
TOM SANDIFER 254-290-4990
HEATHER CISCO 254-368-3988
BELVA CROSBY 254-466-9164
TERESA ANDERSON 254-535-7269
DAGMAR ROGERS 254-258-0777
ROGER FECTEAU 602-483-8165
First Community Title
Temple
254-773-7750 254-778-2533(f)
Harker Heights 254-699-1102 254-699-3171(f)
Serving Bell, Coryell, and Williamson Counties
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254-947-8480 254-947-9480(f)
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675 W. Hwy 190 • Belton, TX 76513 254.939.6464 fax 254.939.6646 www.surfacesource.net
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BY KATIE GILLILAN, MANAGER AT HIDDEN FALLS NURSERY & GARDEN CENTER
• Remove all old plants---do not compost since they may be diseased or insect infested--spider mites in particular • Keep pole beans, cherry tomatoes, and/ or okra if the foliage is healthy • Till the soil to a depth of 10-12 inches-incorporate compost into top 3 inches • Apply fertilizer---a formula of 3-1-2 NPK is best (such as 21-714) • Plant seeds—for quicker germination soak overnight in wet paper towels (see 98 Bell County Living
seeding guide) • Planting transplants--apply mulch and provide water daily on an individual basis. Some are planted in late July (see direct seeding guide)
• Plant seeds----see above and direct seeding guide • Allow an additional 1 to 2 weeks for seed germinated plants to mature since fall days are cooler and longer • Planting transplants--see above and seeding guide • Maintain soil moisture
• Inspect plants daily for disease or insects • Protect plants from too much heat
• Maintain soil moisture • Cultivate soil to remove weeds and weed seeds • Be prepared to protect plants against inclement weather such as: • Strong winds • Unusually hot days • Unexpected early frost • Floating row covers provide good protection against inclement weather and insects
• Continue to maintain soil moisture and cultivate as necessary • Expect the first frost of the year
• Plant health declines significantly this month • Remove diseased unproductive plants • Till soil and cultivate regularly to prevent weed growth • Apply a cover crop such as winter rye or other nitrogen fixing plant after all plants have been removed— this eliminates the need to cultivate
Direct Seeding Guide
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Creek S Salado C Antiques 511 N. Stagecoach Rd. IH35 Northbound Access Rd Salado TX 76571
254.947.1800
f Free Area Delivery
Browse our online catalogue! www.saladocreekantiques.com
www.heightslumbersupply.com 602 WEST FM 2410 | HARKER HEIGHTS TX 76548
254.699.3491
100 Bell County Living
Since 1908
REAL
ESTATE
1703 South WS Young Dr. | Killeen TX 76543
254.690.3311 or toll free 800.645.3514
Your Source for Real Estate
Deborah Cloud Beene 254.289.1281
dbeene@cloudrealestate.com
www.CloudRealEstate.com
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Brittney and her oldest son Ethan (8) who helps out with the garden and knows all the plants.
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Bestemor Herb Farm
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dvertisements for common over-the-counter or prescription drugs list possible side effects ranging from headaches, indigestion, loss of vision, heart attacks, stroke or paralysis. Natural, plant-based therapies, used for thousands of years, have been resurrected because they have fewer side effects when used correctly while offering nutritional value.
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Bestemor Herb farm is part of the revival of Old World Wisdom regarding health. Twins Kathe Kitchens and Kim Berg enjoy growing things organically, especially herbs. They love being outside and appreciate the natural world as a gift. They base all they do on scientific research and personal experience. Kim Berg is a veteran high school physics and chemistry teacher. Kathe Kitchens is an herbalist, a long-time environmental activist and organic gardener. Their family uses everything they grow and they encourage nutritional therapy (healthful eating) and the use of alternative therapies including herbs, essential oils, yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, acupressure and others. Since herbs can be very powerful medicines, Kathe and Kim offer community classes on their proper use. “Just because something is natural does not mean it can’t cause harm if used incorrectly. Some herbs contain compounds that will counteract prescription or overthe-counter medications. Some contain compounds known by more common names; willow bark and aspen bark contain salicylic acid, the same active ingredient in aspirin, so giving this to someone with the flu could 104 Bell County Living
bring on Reye’s syndrome. Chamomile tea contains coumarin, a compound found in the medication Coumadin (Warfarin), a blood thinner. Foxglove contains the compound digoxin, used for congestive heart failure, edema, arrhythmia, and other conditions. Dandelion root is used to clean the liver, but may decrease the effect of other medications.” The twins founded the family herb farm in 2012, naming it Bestemor, which means grandmother in Norwegian, in honor of their father’s grandmother. Kathe moved to Belton after her youngest daughter graduated from college. Kim took a year off from teaching chemistry and physics, and together they worked to build the garden beds and enrich the soil. Kim’s husband Randy helps with heavy duty projects such as building the garden structures, mowing, tree trimming and other yard work. Kim’s daughter-in-law, Brittney, began working with them last year, and her sister Andi has recently joined the family team. Eight-year-old grandson Ethan helps work in the garden. Since he can identify most plants, he can be trusted to weed without hurting good plants. Roeland, Kim’s two-year-old grandson, can walk through the garden picking leaves, savoring the different flavors and textures of the herbs, because the farm uses no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.
(L to R): Brittney Jones, Kathe Kitchens and Kim Berg.
Kathe said, “Our passion in sharing the healthful practices we have learned over the past two decades is a personal reward because at the age of 56, neither of us takes any regular medications or suffers from serious illness. I am healthier now than I was at age 30. Having our customers come back to us and share their enjoyment of our products is a tremendous reward. Some purchase from us over the winter for Christmas gifts, too. We have had the great gift, the ‘good problem,’ of selling everything we could grow and harvest for the last three years. Growing slowly has been key to our farm, because we do not want to promise a level of quality or quantity that we can’t provide.” They grow anise hyssop, four types of basils (Thai, Genovese, Tulsi and lemon), calendula, chives, comfrey, dill, ginger, lemongrass, lemon balm, oregano, thyme, sage, five types of mint (apple, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint and sweet mint), rosemary, and yarrow, using these herbs in tea blends and selling them individually fresh or dried. Calming Tea, Slumber Tea and Zzzz Tea help with sleep, restlessness and anxiety. Tummy Tea works as an antispasmodic and anti-
inflammatory that encourages digestion and soothes nausea and vomiting. Research shows the compound ginger is more effective than Dramamine for seasickness or vertigo. Cold and Sinus Tea contains herbs that are effective in treating allergies, cough and colds. Its agents act as a decongestant and expectorant. Memory and Study Blend Tea enhances mental alertness and thought processes. Essential oils, the current trend in natural health remedies, are not all created equal. Kim said, “We buy from vendors we trust and developed our formulas accordingly. Essential oils take a vast amount of plant material to create, and we do not grow enough to make a usable amount. For instance, it would take 500 pounds of lavender flowers to create 24 ounces of pure essential oil. We do not grow lavender, not because we would have no use for it, but because it is plentiful elsewhere and we have more need for the other herbs we grow.” The essential oil sprays Bestemor sells are Calm, Love, Sunny and Soft. The oils in Calm and Love sprays produce a gentle aroma known to be effective for insomnia and as a mood enhancer. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Sunny Essential Oil Spray elicits a sense of happiness, is used in aromatherapy, and relieves headaches. It also makes a great mosquito repellant. Soft Essential Oil Spray, with lavender for its calming properties, has an uplifting effect and is great for eliminating food and pet odors. Bestemor also grows several types of greens. The powdered nutritional, organic greens can be added to soups, baked goods, pasta, eggs, and smoothies, or they can be sprinkled over foods to add nutrition and fiber. The mild flavor is pleasing for people who dislike greens and a treat for those who love them. Increasing green foods in the diet is recommended for good digestion, boosting the immune system,
(L to R): Charlie Evans (Kim’s Son), Arrie (5), Randy Evans (Kim’s Husband), Maddox (1), Kathe Kitchens, Brittney Jones, Kim Berg, Roeland (2), Ethan (8). All children are Brittney and Charlies (not pictured) children.
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weight loss, prevention of osteoporosis, anemia, and vitamin deficiencies. Greens are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The Bestemor dried greens contain a blend of the following plants: Beet Greens, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Romaine Leaves, Swiss Chard and Sweet Potato Leaves. Greens provide a good source of dietary fiber, protein, iron, folate, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. “Like most small farmers of working age, we have other jobs and continue our farm business as a passion. Kim went back to teaching full time in late 2013. I have worked part time at the Harker Heights Public Library since 2012. In 2014, we purchased an adjacent half-acre and are developing it. We raised our children on alternative health programs, and they have continued to practice these health options as adults. We hope to continue the farm into our retirement age as a supplemental income and for our pleasure and passion,” said Kathe. When I met Kathe and Kim at the Harker Heights Farmers Market, I tried a sample of the FUSE Liniment and Joint and Muscle Rub. The liniment, used as an inhalant for sinus allergy and headache relief, has helped me tremendously. The Joint and Muscle Rub lives up to the claim as “A powerful, deeply soothing combination of organic herbs and essential oils for relief from deep pain in joints and muscles.” Look for the Bestemor booth every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through the last weekend in October every year, or visit the Bestemor Herb Farm Facebook page.
CALL MIKE OR ALLISON TODAY! 254-654-1992
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TIPS ON CREATING
A FUNCTIONAL & FUN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE By B e n Pa m p l i n , Ow n e r o f Ow n e r o f H e a r t o f T e x a s L a n d s c a p i n g & I r r i g at i o n
Outdoor living is a rapidly growing trend around Texas. It will be very beneficial spend time brainstorming your outdoor space prior to beginning your construction phase. Ask qualifying questions like: • How big will your space be? • How many people do you typically entertain? • What colors do I want to integrate? • Is there a theme? • Where in the yard is the best place? • Do you want background noise? Water feature? Music? You definitely want to provide shade for those hot Texas months. A circular pattern for a patio is nice because it is more intimate. Plant good evergreen shrubs around the border of the patio to further enclose the area. Integrating pretty annual flowers can be very comforting and relaxing. They can be changed throughout the year or for special holidays. Landscaping 108 Bell County Living
in a layered pattern around the space can help to reduce the heat around the area. In other words, plant shorter plants closer to the edge of the space and add height as you gradually move out. Nice planters are great for this, because you can move them to the garage for the colder months, therefore saving money. A nice grill with a counter top and fridge is a definite bonus to reduce trips back and forth inside the house. Soft music playing or the sound of a simple water feature can really set a nice ambiance in your outdoor living space. Warmth in the wintertime is a must. A well-built fireplace or fire pit will solidify your enjoyment in the colder months. A custom propane or natural gas fire pit is preferred because there’s no pesky smoke, but you still benefit from the light and heat. We call these outdoor living areas “staycations.” You can typically build a very nice staycation for the same amount of money you would spend on family trip to Florida. The use of your staycation will be on going and will likely add value to your home.
254.741.9026 www.targetllc.com
QUALITY YOU CAN EXPECT, INTEGRITY YOU CAN TRUST. OUR RESTORATION SERVICES INCLUDE: water damage, fire damage, dehumidification and water extraction, odor control, smoke and soot removal, sewage cleanups, debris removal, mold remediation, structural and crawl space drying, contents packing and climate-controlled storage, emergency board-ups, building reconstruction, duct cleaning, power generation and climate control, roofing, painting and flooring. Let Target Restoration help you.
Making your life more beautiful ONE PLANT AT A TIME!
Mary Beth Davis 254.702.0598
www.marybethdavis.com
805 N. Main St. Suite D | Salado TX 76571
254.699.4600
1602 W. Stan Schlueter • Killeen, T X 76549 Hometown Living At Its Best
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jubileehomes.net | 254.760.1493 PO Box 2421 | Harker Heights, TX 76548
JUBILEE HOMES
Building New Homes in Bell County since 1987
Catherine Halfmann
Chris Butler; GMB
Broker Halfmann Real Estate, Inc
Owner
ADOPTION / WILLS / PROBATES Member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Serving clients throughout Bell, Coryell and McLennan Counties with over twenty-seven years of experience. Michael R. Lackmeyer
adopttexas.net
112 Bell County Living
254.690.2223
1201 S. WS Young Drive Suite F Killeen TX 76543
Education SECTION
EDUCATION ADVERTISERS Central Texas College.……121 Central T X Christian School……..........................123 Education Ser vice Center Region 12….....................…130 Holy Trinity Catholic School...131 St. Joseph Catholic School......131 St. Mary’s Catholic School....…131 Temple College………….....120 Texas A & M Universit y Central Texas…..................120 Universit y of Mar y Hardin Baylor………........................121
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EDU
Education
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BEYOND THE
CLASSROOM Central Texas Christian School invites it s students, starting in the spring of their sixth grade year, to go to that place of quiet retreat to discover God and discover more about themselves. By T.C. McKeown Photos by Sarah Sewell with the CTCS Retreats Program
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n the Bible, according to the Message translation, the author of Psalm 119 describes God as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a place of quiet retreat.â&#x20AC;? Central Texas Christian School (CTCS) invites its students, starting in the spring of their sixth grade year, to go to that place of quiet retreat to discover God and discover more about themselves. 114 Bell County Living
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The Retreat Program at CTCS offers students a rare opportunity to get away with their classmates every two years to grow as friends and to grow in their faith. During these retreats, students and counselors and various school staff all coalesce with each other in fun, meaningful, and engaging ways outside the classroom. These events take place at pivotal times during the students’ academic career usually at campgrounds or state parks, and every retreat places a strong emphasis in Christian discipline, service toward others, team building, and promoting unity within the school. “We are given the opportunity to impact much more in the students’ lives; so much more than what is afforded in a traditional classroom,” Dean of Students Karen Luckett stated. Sarah Sewell was the one who came up with the idea for the Retreats Program 10 years ago when she sat on the school board. It was a concept that she says she was familiar with from her time as a student at private Christian school in Addison, Texas.
6th Grade Cabin Retreat Winner. The pink flamingo placed in front of one girl’s cabin and one boy’s cabin each day of the 6th grade retreat signifies the winner of the cleanest and most creative cabin that day. Students are encouraged to work hard to keep their cabins neat, clean and organized and take pride in winning the award. The process teaches teamwork and responsibility. 116 Bell County Living
“We are given the opportunit y to impact much more in the students’ lives; so much more than what is afforded in a traditional classroom.” – Dean Karen Luckett “When I look back on my years as a student attending a Christian school, those retreats were some of my best memories,” Sewell said. So, with approval of CTCS’ Head of School, Sewell went back to her Christian academy in the Dallas area and asked permission to borrow and implement the idea at CTCS. “And they basically said, ‘yes, and we’ll give you everything you need to get started!’” Sewell stated. “So thankfully that allowed us to adopt a very successful program that they’ve had in place for many years.” Today, CTCS has expanded the Retreats Program to every two years after students’ sixth grade year with nearly 100% of the students attending. The first sixth grade retreat usually takes place around the third week of May, when the middle schoolers are shuttled to Camp Tejas in Giddings, Texas. Camp Tejas is a sprawling camp and retreat facility with lakes, waterslides, zip lines, a pool, a mud pit, a rock climbing wall, and plenty of other fun things to do.
Here, the soon-to-be-seventh graders—along with high school counselors, teachers and different CTCS staff members—worship, play, and work. Some of the ‘work’ the sixth graders do are service projects for the camp. Students also participate in team building and trust exercises, and the hope is that they will learn lessons that they can carry with them throughout their academic career and into adulthood. “In their sixth grade year, students do a lot of growing. So it’s really purposeful to have them experience something like this when they are this age,” Sewell said. “What we love seeing is all the anticipation that goes on throughout the year because now these retreats are kind of like an institution at our school. So, the kids know that it’s coming up and they’re so excited for it.” Both parents and students alike have showered the Retreats Program in praise. Sewell said she’s heard parents say that they’ve been looking forward to their child going on their first retreat since they first enrolled them in kindergarten. This is what Amy Beck, mother of five CTCS students, had to say about the Retreat Program: “We are very
thankful for the impact the Retreat ministry has had on our children! From building bunk beds to climbing mountains, my kids have been challenged to grow in their faith, their strength, their endurance, and their decisions for life. The things they have learned on the retreats have enabled them to make good decisions about their faith, their friends, and their dreams.” Sewell said that she’s had a high school student tell her that she has wanted to be a Retreat Counselor ever since she was a sixth grader lying on her bunk bed on the first night at Camp Tejas. “I had the privilege of being a part of the CTCS Retreat Program both as an attendee and as a counselor,” student Abby Mixon said. “The program is led by some of the people I respect most in my life, and they continually choose to invest time into the program, all for the glory of God. It was a life changing experience to be a counselor for this program because it taught me that serving others should be a top priority in my life, and that it genuinely brings me so much joy to serve alongside others.” Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all eligible to become Retreat Counselors; however it is not something
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students or teachers take lightly. “It’s a very thorough process selecting counselors,” Sewell said. “And they are trained over the course of about six months. But it’s very rewarding. There are a lot of students that say it’s the best thing they’ve ever done throughout their school years at CTCS.” Girls Athletic Director Doug Boone is on the staff counsel for the Retreats Program and has attended nearly all the Retreats ever since coming to CTCS six years ago. “I’m a firm believer in these retreats,” Boone says. “You take people out of their comfort zones—whether it be student or adult—and you put them in these situations where they have to depend on themselves and those around them and [the results are] pretty powerful. The students really bond as a class and some of them make some pretty pivotal decisions in their lives. In my opinion, I think these retreats are the strongest ministry tools that the school has to offer.” Boone is just one of the many faculty and staff that consistently accompany Sarah Sewell and her husband, Dr. Stephen Sewell to each retreat throughout the school year. In March of students’ eighth grade year, the nearly high schoolers are thrust into a different type of retreat. This time, they gear up to go on a wilderness expedition that takes place at Enchanted State Park and Guadalupe State Park over a period of four days.
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“We are very thankful for the impact the Retreat ministry has had on our children!” – Amy Beck
“Students ‘hike in’ with all the supplies they need for sleeping and cooking in their backpacks,” Karen Luckett said. “They set up camp and cook their own food during the 4-day retreat.” The theme of this particular retreat is ‘meeting life’s challenges: overcoming fears, learning who to trust, and making wise choices.’ Activities include rock climbing at Enchanted Rock State Park, canoeing at Guadalupe State Park accompanied by Bible studies, small group discussions, and worship. In September of students’ 10th grade year, high schoolers return to their roots by going back to Camp Tejas. “The students go back to Tejas for the first time since sixth grade. The memories come flooding back and the students are reminded of how God met them there, and how much they grew during the retreat week,” Sewell said. “Our hope is that by going back to that same place when God worked in their hearts as sixth graders, that it would cement those experiences and give it more meaning.” The focus of this retreat is to focus on what it really means to live out the Christian life. And even though the retreat is only three days long, the students are encouraged to bring back the experience and apply it
throughout the rest of the school year. Finally, at the beginning of their senior year, the graduating class goes on their last CTCS Retreat. The students fly to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they stay at the Glen Eyrie Retreat and Conference Center, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains next to the Garden of the Gods. “The difference between this [retreat] and other senior trips is that it takes place at the beginning of the school year and not at the end. This way, the students get to bond all together before the year starts…and we think it really sets a tone for the rest of their last year together,” Sewell said. The Senior Retreat is a five-day retreat filled with activities like touring the Olympic Training Center, visiting Pikes Peak, whitewater rafting, and hiking in the Garden of the Gods. Students continue to carry on the traditions of previous retreats with a significant focus on worship, experiencing God, and growing closer together as a class. During this very special time, students decide on a “legacy” that they will leave with the school and the lowerclassmen. For example, one senior class decided on the legacy of “Relationships are Important” and decided to sit beside middle schoolers during the school’s Chapel service in order to befriend, mentor, and serve as a role model to the younger students. “Anyone who thinks they can write off the next generation is dead wrong because our future looks extremely bright,” Sewell said. “There are some amazing young people coming up into the world.”
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Sowing seeds of success for every student. 124 Bell County Living
By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by Project Apple Tree and Belton ISD
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“In 1999 soon after I retired from the Belton ISD, I was invited by a fellow church member to work with Project Angel Tree, a ministry that provides Christmas gifts to children of incarcerated parents. That project went well, and I had a taste of how to involve the community on a small scale. The following year, the director of Helping Hands Ministry, the local food pantry, asked me to help write a grant for funding. When I saw cardboard boxes filled with used clothes for children who would begin school in a few weeks, I had a desire to become involved in seeing that low income children get new school clothes and shoes, along with school supplies. Project Apple Tree was created! I never got around to writing the grant,” Jeannette said. Once the seeds were sown, the project continued to grow. That first year, two churches and four volunteers helped serve 250 children, who received mostly used clothing and a basic set of school supplies. In 2001, the number of children had grown to 400. Support from area churches increased to six. A drive throughout the school district provided good used clothing, so each child received several used items in addition to a complete outfit
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of new clothes and a set of grade-level, school-specific supplies. Two area newspapers provided publicity, bringing in more community involvement. From 2002-2004, the project grew to serve 1000 children. Through program presentations, more churches adopted Apple Tree as a mission project, with additional volunteers joining the organizational team. By 2005, the number of children participating in the program reached 1300, including 46 Hurricane Katrina evacuees to Belton. Belton Police participated by distributing Ident-AKits, and area hairstylists gave 250 on-site free haircuts. By 2009, the number of children participating reached 1500. In 2011, surplus clothing plus $1000 Apple Tree monies were donated to Bastrop Middle School for children whose homes burned in the summer wildfires. Although the school stayed intact, many children lost everything. Temple College’s Dental Hygiene Department, supported and funded by area dentists and dental product companies, provide and package a toothbrush, toothpaste and information sheet. Jeanette said, “One of my favorite
stories involves a little girl, about six years old, who had just received her two Apple Tree bags, clothing and school supplies. As the family approached their car she spotted the new toothbrush. She held it up, and I heard her excitedly say, ‘Look Mommy, I won’t have to use yours anymore.’” Since 2006, the area Altrusa Club completely funds all aspects of the Hygiene Kits, including a large bottle of shampoo, a bar of soap and washcloth. Belton City Library furnishes copies of a reading list with an invitation to apply for a free library card, so Altrusa counts this as a literacy project. Altrusa orders materials from Wal-Mart, and local firemen unload and set up boxes for assembly. HEB partners with Apple Tree to provide backpacks at the promotional cost of $5.00 each. Through the County
“From the very beginning, my desire was for the children to have everything they needed on the first day of school and to look so sharp that no one would even guess they came from poverty.” - Jeanette Kelley Probation Department, probationers have the opportunity to purchase backpacks and receive double the amount of the purchase price against their fine. This program provides approximately 300 to 350 backpacks each year. Jeannette said, “It is exciting to watch the children in pre-k through high school select their backpacks from all sizes and colors, some are theme inspired. From the very beginning, my desire was for the children to have everything they needed on the first day of school and to look so sharp that no one would even guess they came from poverty. When they are dressed in all new clothes, they feel good about themselves and can approach the first days of school in a positive manner.” Parents apply to Helping Hands and must furnish the child’s birth certificate and current proof of address. Intake workers conduct interviews, verifying the child’s Hometown Living At Its Best
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name, age, school, clothing and shoe sizes. The computer intake program prints out the intake sheet and the actual Apple Tree tags, red for clothing sizes and yellow for school supplies. Participating churches and organizations request and receive tags for the number of children they commit to sponsor. Individuals either purchase the clothing and supplies or send a donation to cover the cost so volunteer shoppers can make the purchases. The organization process begins each March with the Start Up Campaign raising money to order school supplies. The superintendent of schools announces the campaign, involving all campuses, departments, administration and staff in fund raising. The transportation department takes orders for sausage wraps they make and deliver to participating campuses, raising over $1000 each year. Campuses allow teachers to defy the dress code by wearing jeans or flip flops for a specific donation. Students may purchase popcorn and eat it in class. Donations jars placed in businesses bring in additional money. This year, the Start Up monies totaled more than $9000.
Letters and emails are sent to churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals to adopt or underwrite the project. In May the Core Committee begins weekly meetings where tags are prepared as registration progresses. Invitations to the Kick Off luncheon are sent. Packets are assembled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stand-upâ&#x20AC;? paper bags and backpacks are ordered. Contact occurs with the new Altrusa committee chair and with the Dental department at Temple College. Start Up monies are collected and acknowledged. In June the Kick Off Luncheon occurs. Core Committee meets a minimum of three days each week as preparation continues, picking up intake forms/tags from Helping Hands. The week following July 4, the operation is moved from Jeannetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home to a building at UMHB, where operations continue until everything is moved to 128 Bell County Living
Belton First Baptist Church gym for Distribution Day. The day requires hundreds of volunteers. Each participating church/organization sends volunteers, adults and/or youth groups, to work a two-hour shift. Jeannette said, “Project Apple Tree is a Jesus based ministry. Our goal is to serve God through serving needy children with new clothes, shoes and school supplies to enable them to get a good school start. The children are prayed for every day as the bags come in. Each morning a different minister from the churches involved lead the volunteers that day in a devotional and prayer. Our hope is that through our loving concern, the personalized scripture verse: Jerimiah 31:3 ‘I have loved you _____ [insert child’s name] with an everlasting love. Have a great year in grade ____[insert grade level])’ attached to each clothing bag, the prayers offered, and either a gospel tract or Bible, provided by Gideons, will plant the seed of salvation. Every child and every family is treated with great dignity.” If you would like to help with Project Apple Tree, contact Helping Hands Ministry, 254-939-7355, www. helpinghandsbelton.org.
“Project Apple Tree is a Jesus based ministry. Our goal is to serve God through serving needy children with new clothes, shoes and school supplies to enable them to get a good school start.” – Jeanette Kelley
Jeannette Kelley (Founder of Apple Tree) and Dr. Merl Brandon, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Administration at Belton ISD
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT ON
Maddie & Stephanie BY T.C. MCKEOWN PHOTOS BY LOVE LETTER PHOTOGRAPHY
S
alado High School senior, Stephanie Mancilla, is a military kid who has learned to adapt to her surroundings and start fresh when the opportunity presents itself. It was this upbringing that helped the star softball player add another sport to her repertoire. During an athletics class, Mancilla’s friends realized her extraordinary strength when she was lifting more weight than any other girl her size. They encouraged her to try out for the powerlifting team. 132 Bell County Living
“I talked with the coaches and showed them how it wouldn’t interfere with softball,” she said. “They agreed and I went out for powerlifting.” Even though she was new to the sport during her junior year, she managed to go all the way to state during her first year as a competitor. “I might not have gotten the place that I wished I would have, but I made it to state,” Mancilla said. “I can always come back next year and blow it away.”
The powerlifter’s attitude not only helps her succeed, but it also inspires those around her. “She inspires her friends, younger sisters, and parents in everything she does because she never gives up,” Mancilla’s father Rafael Mancilla said. “She is truly a special kid.” The student athlete is not only looking forward to the upcoming season, but also to her future ahead. “In five years I either want to be in college or in the Navy,” she said. “My dad was in the military and seeing him serve the country and travel all over the world makes me want to be a part of that.” And while Mancilla’s father inspires her future, the powerlifter’s friend, senior Maddie Graham, inspires her present. “She’s so strong and confident in her weight class,” she said. “She’s someone you want to be like.” Graham said it makes her happy to know that she has made an impression on Mancilla because she helped recruit her to be on the team. “I saw that she was really strong so I took her under my wing. I saw that potential,” she said. “I’ve been where she was and I kind of knew how to give her some pointers.”
M a d d i e Gr a h a m
St e ph a n i e M a n c i l l a Graham, whose father is the former head coach of the Salado High School powerlifting team, has become a leader to all of her teammates. Not only has she won the state powerlifting competition, but she has also broken state and national records for the sport. The high school senior joined the powerlifting team when she was just a freshman. But she wasn’t a stranger to the athletic world. She had been competing as a Level 10 gymnast for most of her life. “We gave our opinion as parents on what we thought she would be able to excel at,” Graham’s father, Coach Brent Graham said. “Her transition from gymnastics to powerlifting was very natural.” But Graham has not just been successful at the sport she says she has fallen in love with. She is currently ranked the number one powerlifter in the US in her weight class. She is so good in fact, that she is considering making a run at a spot on the US Olympic weightlifting team. “In five years I hope to have a collegiate title under my belt, lift at the worlds next summer, or compete at the Olympics,” she said. “I have the training and the basics to potentially make that happen.” Hometown Living At Its Best
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WONDERSTRUCK STUDIO
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Brew Life COMES TO
SALADO By Mary Smith Photos by Wonderstruck Studio
and provided by Barrow Brewing
N
estled in the heart of downtown Salado and surrounded by local artists and small town business entrepreneurs is Barrow Brewing Company. If you are looking for a place to enjoy a cold craft beer and a warm and inviting establishment full of friendly people, open up their double doors and take your seat at their 40-foot Longleaf pine bar that has wood from a tree that is older than Texas itself, and choose from an array of selections to wet your whistle
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If you find that you are like myself and not a beer drinker, I know what you’re thinking. “Why is this woman who is not a fan of beer writing about a brewing company?” Well, I’ve been on a long journey, tried several different beers in search of one that I do like and until recently, my search was so unsuccessful! However, I must say, after generously letting me sample their menu, I did form a passionate liking for their smooth blonde brew, and that is just one of my favorites at Barrow Brewing Company. I was honestly and pleasantly satisfied with the quality and taste of their beer. So I sat down with my “prize” and dove right into a conversation with the good people responsible for this one-of-a-kind downtown Salado establishment. The building itself is like sweet poetry for the crew at Barrow Brewing Company. They chose to keep a lot of the history within the establishment, which in the past, had been an old silo that held grain from floor to rafter. If you look close enough, you can still see the bits of grain in between each original wooden board that lines the inner walls. Although the outside box office had been removed since its last standing as a local theater, the crew
The building itself is like sweet poetry for the crew at Barrow Brewing Company.
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has added so much to the location. They strive to create an environment that encompasses all that is Salado: wholesome, family-friendly, and enjoyable for people of all walks of life. “When you walk inside on a Saturday, you almost always see two things; a friendly dog or a baby,” says one of the founders, K.D. Hill. Many people come to Salado and fall in love with the kind people, the shops, the atmosphere of art and creativity, and its uncanny ability to make you feel like you have found a welcoming place in this relaxed small town spot off the highway. K.D. Hill, a wife, mother and a Salado resident since 2011, is definitely one of those people who found herself in love with Salado’s charms. After leaving it for a brief time for a job in San Antonio, TX, she just couldn’t stay away. After just months, she had returned to the beautiful Salado village. She is also just one of the masterminds behind making the opening of Barrow Brewing Company a possibility. As I sat and spoke with her inside their historic and impressively remodeled building, I was introduced to the rest of her crew. K.D.’s husband Graydon, a man of few words, a keen sense of attention to detail, unfaltering
standards, and formerly a commercial airline pilot with an engineering and mechanical background, had started home brewing. After attending an internship in Colorado and learning the inner workings of industrial brewing, he returned fully trained and with a dream and a solid plan of opening his own brewing company. After just one year since his return from Colorado, he finally had K.D. convinced and on board. After deciding Salado was the perfect place to settle, they faced their own sets of challenges. In August 2014, after just 3 days and 500 petition signatures later within this “moist” alcohol law area, where 51% of alcohol sales for an establishment were not legal, 784 votes were made in favor for their vision and they were given the approval to open their brewery. After asking about key players in contribution to making the magic that is Barrow Brewing Co. happen, K.D. began to tell me about the men and women behind the job. Eric Stone had a helping hand in connecting them to all of the right folks to help in the building and remodeling process for the old building. Jack Shuff, who currently serves as their “assistant brewer,” is the man who helped introduce Graydon to brew life and helped Hometown Living At Its Best
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peak his interest in the craft. June Ritterbusch, of the Salado Wine Seller, offered some great advice to the couple and has been instrumental in sharing her ten years of experience in Salado and the fermenting business with them. Dust flew all around as they began reworking the inside of the antique building. Months of work were put in, and as the fall of 2015 approached, relief had hit the brew house crew when most of the hard labor was complete and the equipment and tanks made their way inside; a reassuring sight to the group. Their brew house was coming together. The Guenthers of Salado, a husband and wife team of creatives and crafters, had a role in polishing the interior. The epoxied wooden bar top (the Longleaf pine sourced by local artist, Lonnie Edwards, from a house that was built in 1858), the giant hand-built chalkboards mounted onto their wall, and hand-painted kegerator are just some of the gems that the Guenthers provided. “It was just so amazing being able to collaborate with another business. I really respect Barrow for having a vision, not only to have one-of-a-kind unique products
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mixed in with this incredibly awesome antique building, but the fact that they had local artists help execute it was really thoughtful. It was an honor to get to work with them. I believe that this place has the potential to catalyze the growth of Salado into the new era,” said Ben Guenther. They have successfully highlighted other local artists’ work that can be spotted within the brewery, such as glasses from Gale at Salado Glassworks, soon to have Ro Shaw’s growlers, and popcorn bowls from Mud Pies. Not only has Barrow Brewing Company given these unique products a home to showcase their beauty and functionality, they also provide a place for live musicians to perform. Stop by to hear their very own beer tenders who have formed a band called “On Tap” and you may also find Ben Guenther, strumming on his guitar, blowing air into his harmonica, and singing an original of his while you sit and enjoy your beer and spiced popcorn. Every third Thursday you can find a religious speaker from different denominations reaching out to the guests inside, answering questions that churchgoers wouldn’t normally ask on a Sunday service. Every second Sunday of
Barrow Brewing Company has succeeded in creating this family-friendly, multi-generational, eclectic and fun establishment that REFLECTS all of what Salado is.
the month, you can enjoy “Saunas and Ales” where the local yoga instructor, Tiffany Schreiner, comes and instructs a class. On Fridays and Saturdays, sample and experiment from the delicious food trucks introducing their big city flavors to small town Salado where you can snag a meal to complement your beer. Barrow Brewing Company has succeeded in creating this family-friendly, multi-generational, eclectic and fun establishment that reflects all of what Salado is. Where you can walk in and sit at their original German fest tables alongside friendly strangers and partake in a board or card game. A place where people gather, where otherwise unlikely connections are made. An environment that we, as a community, are yearning for. Where innocent, open minds can relax. Be sure to stop in this fall to experience Oktoberfest September 24th and October 8th and check out their calendar of events at www.barrowbrewing.com/events for the seasonal events and ales. It’s one stop you can’t pass up when passing through Salado. Happy to have finally found my beer of choice. Hometown Living At Its Best
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GIDDY UP! Sunshine, smiles and pony rides made for some very
happy children this spring during a fundraising event
benefiting the Bell County Sheriff’s Department. The
April 23rd event featured members of the Bell County Sheriff’s Posse leading children on horseback rides
around the parking lot at Dodge Country in Killeen. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE BARTOSZEK Jace Hildoldt with Sheriff’s Posse member David Wall
Braegan Bartoszek with Sheriff’s Posse memeber David Wall Jade Perry with Sheriff’s Posse member Regina White.
Braegan Bartoszek
Thomas Hilboldt
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aking the decision to purchase a home is an exciting step in anyone’s life. Below are some common questions to ask yourself and mortgage providers to ensure you’re provided with the loan that’s right for you.
1. Is there a common misconception that people have about home loan programs? I am amazed how many times I have seen in the media and when talking to clients who have been led to believe that a minimum of 20% is required for down payment. This is not true and hasn’t been true at all, even with all the issues in the industry in recent years. There are still programs that offer no down payment and some with 3-3.5% down payments
2. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STEPS THAT SOMEONE CAN TAKE TO FIND HOW MUCH 146 Bell County Living
THEY MAY QUALIFY FOR AND THE BEST LOAN PROGRAM FOR THEIR FINANCIAL NEEDS? I have always encouraged my clients to start by looking at their own personal budget. Determine what income they bring home after taxes and deductions each month, from that subtract their monthly debts like auto loans, student loans, credit card payments, and other debts. Take it another step and subtract their household expenses, gas, auto insurance, groceries, cell phone bills, entertainment, and utilities. This will give them an idea of how much money they have left every month and what they would feel comfortable paying for a house note. When a borrower calls and speaks with a loan officer, the loan officer will ask questions like: how much is your gross monthly income (before taxes/deductions); what are your monthly debts (auto loans, credit card payments, student loan payments, child support/alimony/childcare
expenses); how much in funds do you have available for a down payment; what do you feel comfortable paying in a house payment including principal, interest, insurances, and taxes. Based on this information, the loan officer can help determine what programs would best suit the borrower’s needs. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the process if you are provided information on every loan program available. While you definitely can ask about every loan program, the loan officer’s job is to help you narrow down the options that best fit your financial goals and needs.
3. What are some of the most popular types of home loans that people in Texas apply for? In Central Texas we have a large military population. Therefore we do a lot of VA loans as well as Texas Vet/ Veterans Housing Assistance Program provided by the Texas Veterans Land Board. Many branch employees are veterans themselves or have been/are spouses of veterans who understand the unique nature of the veteran borrower(s) needs. Mortgages can be provided through FHA, Federal Housing Administration, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program as well as conventional loan programs. There are mortgages out there that will fit almost any borrower’s needs and financial goals.
4. AT WHAT POINT IN THE HOME BUYING PROCESS SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW WHICH HOME LOAN TO APPLY FOR? IS THERE ANY FLEXIBILITY IN THIS? A home purchase is one of the biggest purchasing decisions a person can make. It is best to consult a trained mortgage professional from the very beginning even before a borrower starts looking for a home.
5. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS? Get prequalified first! Wouldn’t you rather know that you can be approved for and are comfortable with the monthly payment for a specific sales price range before you go out and look at homes that are well above what you can afford or want in a house payment? No one wants a borrower to fall in love with a home that they cannot afford. Loan officers are there to help guide you to the program that best fits your needs and walk you through the process step by step. They will provide you with a prequalification letter as well as estimates of your price range, the down payment, and closing cost requirements as well as monthly payment range for the loan program you qualify for. For informational purposes only. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income need not be revealed if you do not choose to have it be considered for prequalification purposes. SWBC Mortgage Corporation. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. NMLS #9741 (www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
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I would love to help you. Call Me Today. Belinda Manzella
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Branch Manager/RMLO Stop renting and enjoy the NMLS # 219281 Direct 254-718-5456 American dream of homeownership. BManzella@goldfinancial.com eFax and 866-698-4838 Stop renting enjoy the www.bmanzella.com Stop renting and enjoy the American dream of homeownership. BManzella@goldfinancial.com While home ownership costs rose 37% in the last decade, rent increases were 50%. Your first American dream of homeownership. www.bmanzella.com home is the key to your financial security. While home ownership costs rose 37% in the last decade, rent increases were 50%. Your first For many renting families homeownership seems impossible. But that's not true! home is the key to your costs financial While home ownership rosesecurity. 37% in the last decade, rent increases were 50%. Your first home is the key to your financial security. If you are ready to achieve your dream and take advantage of huge buying opportunities, For many renting families homeownership impossible. that's not Information is subject to change withoutseems notice. This is not an offer for But extension of credit or atrue! commitment to lend. For many renting families homeownership seems impossible. But that's not true! If you arelove ready to to achieve dream andMe takeToday. advantage of huge buying opportunities, I would help your you. Call If you are SPECIALIZING ready to achieve your dreamIN and take advantage of huge opportunities, HELPING TObuying GET
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eFax 866-698-4838 www.bmanzella.com Direct 254-718-5456 100 W. CENTRAL TX EXPY, STE 200B, eFax 866-698-4838 BManzella@goldfinancial.com HARKER HEIGHTS, TX 76548 www.bmanzella.com BManzella@goldfinancial.com
Gold Financial Services is a division www.bmanzella.com of AmCap Mortgage, LTD.
Sur face Source Design Center…………..….............…97 Target Restoration…..........109
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goldfinancial.com
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Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Hometown Living At Its Best
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Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.
148 Bell County Living
Harker Heights TX 76548
NMLS # 219281
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Gold Financial Services 100 W Central Expresswa #200B Gold Texas Financial Services Harker Heights TX 76548 100 W Central Texas Expresswa #200B Harker Heights TX 76548
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Hometown Living At Its Best
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Craw ford-Bowers Funeral Homes……..............72
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New Look. New Sections.
Stop renting and enjoy t Unlock Your Dreams of Homeownership American dream of homeown Unlock Your Dreams of Homeownership Unlock Your Dreams of Homeownership UNLOCK DREAMS While home ownershipYOUR costs rose 37% in the last decade, rent incre
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National Strength. Hometown Service. Whether you are buying your first home, moving across town or refinancing your current mortgage, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is here to help. We offer several financing products including: • Fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) • FHA, VA & Conventional loans • Loans for first-time homebuyers • Jumbo financing • Refinancing options
Contact us today for a simple, rewarding home loan experience! www.fairwaytx.com Temple Branch • NMLS ID 308082 3923 S. General Bruce Drive Temple, TX 76502 Phone 254-231-0597
Harker Heights Branch • NMLS ID 308021 103 E. FM 2410 Road Harker Heights, TX 76548 Phone 254-933-0036
Copyright©2016 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Lender.
MEETING YOUR NEEDS AS THEY GROW This is protection that moves with you through life. Call today for a FREE 360 Review® of your current auto, home and life coverage.
Art Williams Agent
4200 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Ste. D Killeen, TX 76542 O 254.690.7111 M 254.393.6114 E awilliams@txfb-ins.com Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms, and may vary by situation. Life insurance products are offered through Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Company. © 2016 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. BEL0116
Hometown Living At Its Best
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Index of Advertisers Adorn Refined Living & Decor.................................................................... 84
Jenny Lloyd Photography............................................................................ 38
Amos Electrical.................................................................................................... 2
Jubilee Homes................................................................................................... 112
Arnold Builders.................................................................................................. 84
Kay’s Photography & Design.....................................................................135
Bell County Living..........................................................................68, 148, 152
La Rio Mansion...............................................................................Inside Front
Bell County Museum....................................................................................... 151
Lily’s Cakes............................................................................................................. 3
Belton Feed & Supply.................................................................................... 31
Linnemann Realty...........................................................................................107
Bradfield Properties................................................................................. 92-93
Love Letter Photography.......................................................................110-111
Budget Blinds of Temple & Killeen..........................................................107
Metroplex Health System Foundation.................................................... 69
Central Texas Christian School.................................................................. 123
Michael R. Lackmeyer, Attorney................................................................ 112
Central Texas College..................................................................................... 121
Ocean Quest Pools............................................................................................. 7
Central Texas Masters Singers......................................................................51
Ortiz Photography..........................................................................................130
Cinderella Couture Bridals........................................................................... 59
Oscar Store.........................................................................................................50
City of Killeen Airport...................................................................Inside Back
Pagel and Sons Jewelers, Inc.......................................................................47
Cloud Real Estate.............................................................................................101
Remax First Choice......................................................................................... 96
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home...............................................................72
Remax Legends.............................................................................................. 109
Creekside Terrace Rehabilitation...............................................................79
ROJO Salon & Boutique.................................................................................73
Eco Blu Spa & Salon........................................................................................ 68
Salado Creek Antiques................................................................................ 100
Education Service Center Region 12......................................................130
Senior Care Western Hills..............................................................................72
Edward Jones/ David A. Turquato..........................................................145
Shiloh Inn.............................................................................................................. 58
Elite Therapy Center........................................................................................73
Smile Doctors........................................................................................................9
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp..........................................136, 149
St. Joseph Catholic School.......................................................................... 131
Farmers Insurance - Emily Kirkpatrick Agency.................................136
St. Mary’s Catholic School............................................................................ 131
First Baptist Belton.......................................................................................... 59
Storage Solutions at Canyon Ridge......................................................... 84
First Baptist Killeen.........................................................................................50
Surface Source Design Center....................................................................97
First Community Title Co...............................................................................97
SWBC Mortgage..............................................................................................145
First United Methodist Church Killeen.....................................................47
Target Restoration......................................................................................... 109
Germania Insurance – Larry Weiss Agency........................................145
Temple College.................................................................................................120
Gold Financial Services................................................................................148
Temple Feed & Supply.....................................................................................31
Greater Central TX Federal Credit Union................................................. 5
Texas A&M University Central Texas.......................................................120
Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce................................................ 46
Texas Farm Bureau Insurance....................................................................149
Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation.................................................... 10
The Blind & Shutter Gallery......................................................................... 96
Heights Lumber & Supply.......................................................................... 100
The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar....................................................................75
Hewett-Arney Funeral Home.......................................................................79
The Salons at Tuscan Square...................................................................... 84
Hidden Falls Nursery & Garden Center................................................ 109
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.............................................................. 121
Holy Trinity Catholic School........................................................................ 131
Verando Grande Deer Contest.....................................................................31
Home Care Assistance................................................................................... 68
Weber’s Guns.................................................................................................18-19
Hope Pregnancy Centers, Inc......................................................................79
Wellstone Center for Men’s Health.........................................Back Cover
Inn at Salado.......................................................................................................... 3
Wonderstruck Studio....................................................................................148
Invisions Day Spa................................................................................................. 1
Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible! 150 Bell County Living
AUGUST 20 – OCTOBER 27, hosting Bell County Aspiring Artists exhibit and Historic Bell County through the Lens of Margaret Bowles Williamson exhibit. OCTOBER 29 – JANUARY 29, hosting The President’s Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office, and exhibit featuring the exciting work of presidential photographers. NOVEMBER 11 – JANUARY 14, hosting Comfort and Glory: Two Centuries of Quilts from the Briscoe Center, view rarely seen, historically significant quilts from the premier quilt collection in Texas. Tours of the Gault Archaeological Site in AUGUST, OCTOBER, & DECEMBER call the museum to sign up.
www.bellcountymuseum.org
DON’T FORGET ON THE THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH join us for Discovery Day at Charley Chisholm’s Corral, a fun, craft filled day of activities for children, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, free of charge.
201 N. Main Street Belton TX 76513 | 254-933-5243
YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED...
We are excited to announce that Bell County Living will be moving to a
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Children’s Healthcare Advice l things MD covers a few helpfu Christopher Colvin, decision to making that tough to keep in mind when ER. take your child to the
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Nestled in the heart artists and small town surrounded by local rs is Barrow business entrepreneu Brewing Company.
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