November 2011
Bell County
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FAMILY FUN CALENDAR
INSIDE!
Stuff it! Curing Your Stuff-itis
Thanking Our Heroes Have a Cute Kid? Enter Our 2012 Cover Kid Contest! D e tai l s In si d e
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A Multi-generational Foster/Adoptive Camp and Retirement Community
Children Need Adoptive & Foster Homes! We receive calls day and night for children needing a family. There are many children waiting to be adopted and siblings will be separated if we don’t find a family soon. Reimbursement for care is provided. Adoption is FREE and children receive FREE insurance and FREE college tuition.
At FamilyLink we have placed over 600 children in loving foster families, but we are having to turn away up to 25 children a day! We have a vision of a place called Legacy Ranch. Here, children who need a family and are hurting will not be turned away and Seniors will be cherished for their wisdom, love and care they seek to give; a beautiful place of healing and hope where children and seniors can minister to and draw strength from each other.
“Life Matters! with Mariah” Tune in and hear stories that will inspire and encourage you to live out your destiny and purpose! Get advice on everything from relationships, work, parenting and more! 2
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contents
NOVEMber 2011
12
16 passages Children 08 G Y et
our
Little Ones To Love Reading
Parenting 10 Practical G S - ?
ot
tuff itis
Money 12 W
ant to
Retire Soon?
columns Hints 14 Helpful B T
eing
hankful for
Those Who Serve
Blog 16 Dad T T
ell
hem
Blog 21 Mom B M ’
usy
om s
Perspective
monthly faves 05 New Reviews 22 Q & A: Dave Ramsey 18 Family Calendar
22 special 22 ASYMCA C !C
omfort
Unite!
reate !
happenings 06
Union State Bank Texas Bright Ideas Mixer 2011
Photos
07
Realty Executives 13th Annual Chili Cook-off Benefitting Habitat for Humanity Photos
07
National Banks of Central Texas Customer Appreciation Fish Fry
Photos
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Publisher Amanda Eddins Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com 254-624-1213 Associate Publisher Miranda Bradley Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com 512-924-3911 Editor Amanda Eddins Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com
Editor's Note
Hard to Believe
It is hard to believe that it is November already and if we were anywhere but Central Texas, the summer heat would be a thing of the past. But, since we are here the heat will continue to come and go throughout the month. Fortunately, there are many things to do this month no matter what the weather. Check out our Family Fun Calendar for many free or inexpensive activities for you and your family. Also, check out one of the three up and coming concerts in our area. This is my favorite time of year and, fittingly, the time of year in which we are reminded to give thanks. Perhaps as you read some of the articles in this month's issue, you will notice yourself giving thanks. Take the time to read, Being Thankful For Those Who Serve, to find some wonderful tips on what you can do to serve those who serve us.
Art Director Kyle Akers Kyle@BellCountyFamily.com Advertising Sales Kaylee Kolditz | 512.917.6984 Kaylee@BellCountyFamily.com
Do you have people in your life that you are thankful for? If so, don’t miss Tell Them. This time of year is a perfect opportunity to tell those people in your life why you are thankful for them.
Miranda Bradley | 512.924.3911 Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com Ricca Keepers | 512.550.6508 Ricca@BellCountyFamily.com
One thing that BCF is thankful for is you! We wish you a very warm Thanksgiving filled with many, wonderful memories. May your life be richly blessed.
Susan Stern | 512.773.3240 Susan@BellCountyFamily.com Contributing Writers Miranda Bradley, Marcy Lytle, Dave Ramsey, Mark Trice, Lee Eddins, Georganne Schuch, Bell County Family is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting faith, family and health articles. Views expressed in Bell County Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Bell County Family staff to ensure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be , or is assumed . All Rights Reserved.
Join our growing online community at www.facebook.com/bellcountyfamily
Amanda Eddins
Editor, Bell County Family Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com
Bell County Family PO Box 2496 Round Rock, TX 78680 254-624-1213 (P) 512.501.6760 (F) Bell County Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $35 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue.
Volume 1, Issue 4
This is the surprising face of hunger. The hungry in Central Texas today may surprise you. They are our friends and neighbors, recently laid-off adults, the elderly couple on the next block living on a fixed income. And, of the 48,000 clients we serve every week, more than 1 in 3 are children. Hunger is unacceptable, especially in our own backyard. We can end hunger, but we can’t do it alone.
You can help. Advocate . Donate . Volunteer austinfoodbank.org . HungerIsUNacceptable.com
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Happy Feet Two
November 18, 2011 (3D/2D theaters & IMAX 3D) The sequel to Happy Feet, the Academy Award winning animated smash hit, "Happy Feet Two" returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D. Mumble, the Master of Tap has a problem because of his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters the Mighty Sven- a penguin who
can fly! Mumble has no way of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Erik learns of his fathers "grit and guts" as mumble brings together the penguins of the nations and all manner of fabulous creatures, from tiny Krill to to giant elephant seals to make things right!.
Director: George Miller Screenwriter: George Miller, Gary Eck, Warren Coleman, Paul Livingston Starring: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Hank Azaria, Alecia Moore (P!nk), Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Sofia Vergara, Common, Hugo Weaving, Magda Szubanski, Anthony LaPaglia, Richard Carter, Benjamin "Lil P-Nut" Flores, Jr. Genre: Action, Adventure, Family • MPAA Rating: Not Available • Official Website: HappyFeetTwo.com
Family DVDs: Spy Kids: All the Time in the World Release Date Nov. 22 Synopsis: On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all...married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly
Cars 2
don't want her around, is her toughest challenge yet. Also, her husband, Wilbur (Joel McHale), wouldn't know a spy if he lived with one which is exactly the case Marissa's a retired secret agent. Marissa's world is turned upside
down when the maniacal Timekeeper (Jeremy Piven) threatens to take over the planet and she's called back into action by the head of OSS, home of the greatest spies and where the nowdefunct Spy Kids division was created.
Release Date Nov. 1
When star racecar Lighting McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix,
Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race
and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.
Good Books: How to Tutor Your Own Child Top professional tutor Marina Koestler Ruben empowers you to take a do-it-yourself approach to your child’s after-school enrichment. As a parent-tutor, you will learn how provide holistic academic support for your children and create an intellectual environment in the
home—strengthening your relationship and improving parent-child communication in the process. Ruben’s accessible guide shows you how to balance big-picture curiosity with the academic nitty-gritties of homework assignments,
organization, and electronic resources. Building on her proven “Six-Step Session” format, Ruben shares the secrets to tutoring children in any subject from kindergarten through high school—all with a warm, entertaining tone that will inspire you to inspire them.
Family Books, Films & DVDs
On the Silver Screen:
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happenings
Realty Executive’s Anita Riendeau at the animal petting area
Realty Executives 13th Annual
CONGRATULATIONS-Ft. Hood Area Assoc. of Realtors- 1st Place
DJ Dr Time-Time Productions provided the music - L to R- Dj Time-D Huntley- DJ Q-David McCoy and DJ KC Kyle Carter
Chili Cook-off Benefitting Habitat for Humanity
UMHB Students-Jessica Pedersen-Brianna EdwardsKim Jones-Lindsay Harrell and Lacy Hill provided face painting
Limbo contest at Realty Executives 13th Annual Chilli Cookoff
Realty Executives Raye Mayhorn with Brandyco Property Mgmt. Team presents TJ Conner (Ft. Hood Habitat for Humanity Rep) with a donation check
Ken Poston- Executive VP National Banks of Central Texas and Cindy Sanders
Leslie Pearey- Jimmy Thompson- Barbara Thompson- Mike Healer
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National Banks of Central Texas Customer Appreciation Fish Fry
Deborah York- Jan Smith- Tom Smith- Brian Ridley
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happenings Texas Bright Ideas & Union State Bank October After Hours Mixer
Guests enjoy company
Local business owners, Sam Halabi; Dr. Dacen DeLaPaz; Younes Halabi
Mixer hosts, Union State Bank and Texas Bright Ideas
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Get Your Little Ones to Love Reading
Children
prise that provides books to parents who can’t afford them, by donating more than 4,000 new books to Head Start programs across the country. Here are some ways to get your young child to love reading: Snuggle. Kids love the attention and snuggle factor while reading a good book. The feeling of connection helps them calm down before nap or bedtime. Choose. Bright colors and big pictures can be alluring for children.
According
to
the
National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), reading to children in the home sets kids up for success in school and life.
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Reading is so important to a child’s success that VTech, a leader in electronic learning products for kids, has joined with First Book, a global social enter-
Voice. If you take on character voices while reading, you’re more likely to get a few giggles. Engage. Ask your child to find
certain animals, plants, etc. Also ask them to identify colors, or to count the number of people on each page. Embrace. Electronic readers, such as the V.Reader by VTech, have interactive stories that help kids love learning to read. Color touch screens with animated stories and spelling games bring books to life and let kids engage with reading in a whole new way. Books help children succeed in life. So if you’d like to join in helping kids read through First Book, you can make a donation or get books for your reading program at www.firstbook.org. And to find out about the latest learning tools to help kids love learning to read visit www.vtechkids.com. - BCF
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Take a Closer Look at the Book of James With
Beth Moore! Member Book 005459784 ONLY $14.95 Leader Guide 005459785 ONLY $6.95 DVD Kit 005371580 ONLY $199.95 Audio CDs 005459786 ONLY $39.95
Tons of new items just in time for Christmas
$15.99 SALE Save 20%
Jesus Calling In Temple, located on Loop 363 in front of Hobby Lobby and Bed, Bath and Beyond. 254.899.1577
25
% OFF ONE REGULARLY PRICED ITEM
Sarah Young
Teal I/L 005471630
Reg. $19.99
LifeWay Exclusive VALID NOV. 5-26, 2011
C12569
Valid at the Temple LifeWay Christian Store only. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be presented and relinquished at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, including coupons, Savings Cards, Bonus Bucks, and LifeWay Rewards. Available on in-stock items only. Cannot be applied to the following: myMedia BurnBar CDs, gift cards, church supplies and programs, NAMB, WMU, LifeWay-branded products, Living Proof Ministries, Bargain Buys, prior purchases, Willow Tree速 products, LOGOs & BibleWorks Software, Specialty Imprints, textbooks, robes, pre-sell offers, and homeschool products. Not valid on James: Mercy Triumphs.
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- BCF
Spa & Salon 254-699-0019
www.ecobluspa.com
201 E. CTE Ste 1280, Harker Heights, Market Heights Center by Razoo’s Restaurant Holiday Open House Tuesday, November 29th 9a – 8p 10
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300 W. Central Texas Expressway Suite 115 • Harker Heights, TX 76548
254.833.8456
URGENT CARE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HARKER HEIGHTS, KILLEEN & SURROUNDING AREAS
Tricare (In Network) Provider* *tricare patients please check with your pcm for referral details Most Insurance Plans Accepted • On-Site Radiology & Laboratory Services HCG Weight Loss Program • Dot physicals • Occupational Med • IV Therapy • Splinting Member of UCAOA (Urgent Care Association of America) • Certified Urgent Care Clinic
Open 7 days a week • Open After Hours
WWW.FREEDOMURGENTCARE.COM The Holidays are Coming! Are Your Floors Ready For Guests?
Color Sealing • Cleaning • Shower Restoration • Natural Stone Care
PERMANENTLY TRANSFORM THE LOOK OF YOUR TILE groutworks.com
(254) 744-1768
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- BCF
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Q &A : Dave Ramsey
Dear Dave, I’m 21 and make $45,000 a year. I’ve heard about your 100 percent down plan to buy a house. I’d like to know more about this, and where I should put the money I’d be saving. - JP
Dear JP,
Dear Dave,
I like the way you think! But there’s really no big “plan” to what I’m talking about. It’s not rocket science. It’s just a matter of saving like crazy and living on rice and beans for a few years, so you can save up the cash to buy your home outright.
I’ve heard you recommend having seven to 10 times your income in life insurance. How much would you suggest having on a policy for a stay-at-home mom when there’s no direct income involved? - Dale
If you’re looking at buying a place in less than five years I’d put it in a money market account. In this case, you’re not going to be saving long enough for interest to be a huge factor. Your best buddy is going to be a low-key lifestyle. If your timeframe is more like 15 or 20 years, then you should look into mutual funds. Most people don’t stretch the idea out over that period of time, but if you do you’ll get some great help from a friend named compound interest. I don’t beat people up for taking out a 15-year, fixed rate mortgage. But I’m always for people living like no one else so that later they can live like no one else!
Dear Dale, I’d say somewhere in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, because financially-speaking it’s going to take $35,000 to $40,000 a year to replace all the things she does. Your wife may not bring home an actual paycheck right now, but there’s a ton of personal and economic value attached to everything she does every day. That lady works hard. What she does is very important and would be very difficult to replace! — Dave
— Dave
“Serving Those Who Serve America” Killeen Armed Services YMCA --- 415 N. 8th Street • Killeen, Texas 76541 8:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday – Main Office 6:00am - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Family Center in Copperas Cove 3:00pm - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday – Teen Center in Harker Heights
WWW.ASYMCA.NET
254-634-5445
The Armed Services YMCA offers a variety of family programs ranging from Before and After School Childcare, Teen and Youth Development, Biddy Sports, and support for Soldiers and their Family Members. The Y supports families in their efforts to eat healthy, play every day, and stay active together in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind, and body. >Free childcare available while you workout. >Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. >Fee assistance available to active duty soldiers and their family members. Bell County
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Helpful Hints
Being Thankful for Those Who Serve Police, Fire and EMS Personnel
by Al H. Jones, Ph.D.
Police, Fire and EMS personnel generally see people at their worst or during crisis. Why not help make their holiday at work special by personally thanking them for the work they do serving the community? Help your children make cards or paper banners decorated with artwork, pictures and words of thanks and encouragement.
Thanksgiving is an American
holiday celebrated nationwide on the 4th Thursday of November. People throughout the country take off work and gather with family and friends to celebrate. However, our military, police, fire, and EMS personnel are often at work, while most of us celebrate the holiday. Most of the time, people in these positions go unnoticed until we need them. Thanksgiving is an excellent time to acknowledge these heroes and express our thanks for the work that they do.
Thanksgiving dinner is characterized by a large amount of leftover food and desserts. Following the meal, fix plates of Thanksgiving food and take them to your local police, fire or EMS station. For some of these community servants, this may be the only Thanksgiving meal that they will have. Box up the food and cards and have your children deliver them. Getting your children involved in acknowledging the work of those who serve helps give your kids an outward focus on others.
This Thanksgiving take time to acknowledge and give thanks for those who serve. They work under a lot of stress and seldom get to spend holidays with their family. Your family can make a difference in the lives of others. While you are at it, take time to pray blessings and protection over their lives. Head to Heart Restoration Ministries www.headtoheart.org
U.S. Military Heroes There are over 2.9 million men and women in the U.S. military. Hundreds of thousands of American troops are deployed in remote parts of the world. Letters are the most requested item by U.S. military men and women. Write a letter of thanks and gratitude that shows your support and encouragement. The few minutes it takes to write a letter of thanks can have a profound impact on someone’s life. If you do not personally know an active member of the military, ask your friends, or you can find information on-line for contact information and details regarding how to send letters to the military. There are many organizations and on-line resources that can help with information on how to send letters and packages to the military. Due to security guidelines there are some restrictions on packages, so you will want to check this out before sending some of your best baked cookies. 14
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Dad Blog
TELL THEM
Lee Eddins Lee is a father of five and sells construction materials
My Wife - They say that behind every they are causing me. I still do not
It’s that time of year again. We are celebrating our148th official Thanksgiving since President Abraham Lincoln and his Thanksgiving Proclamation made Thanksgiving an official holiday. Here we are in 2011. What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving? I used to always think of food and family. Eating good food until you have to sit down on the couch and just watch football. Of course, this is after you’ve hidden around the corner and untucked your shirt to hide the fact that you had to unbutton your pants, to accommodate your overstuffed belly. Okay, I still like the food and the good times. However, now that I am a little older, this time of year I do take the time to think about what I really am thankful for – other than the food. So here is my list: 16
good man is a great woman. I am living proof that a great woman can be behind a mediocre man, as well. She is the most amazing woman. She loves me through all of my faults, temper tantrums, and rambling stories. I am thankful she chose me, even though she had many other suitors. I can truly say that I am a better man because of her.
know how someone smaller than my leg can take up the entire bed, leaving me a little portion in which to find comfort. No matter what, I am thankful to have the wonderful kids I have. They truly make my life better.
My Kids - They are simply amazing. Anyone that knows me from back in the day will tell you that I was not the guy they would look at, to be a family kind of guy, at all. I love it when I walk by my little girl when she is curled up in the bed, and she looks up at me and asks me to cuddle with her. That makes my day, and it does not matter what I have going on. You can bet I am cuddling for the next few minutes…or until I wake up. It also never gets old waking up with one of my sweet boys (who during the day cannot sit still for five minutes) cuddled up to my back or with an elbow in my jaw, oblivious to the discomfort
My Mom - Who could possibly be the only woman in the world who hits the wrong button on her remote control once a week and has to call me to figure out how to get it working again, at the most inopportune time? I am thankful
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for Mom. She raised me from the time I was 3, when my father died, and never missed an opportunity to show me how to be a real man, even if it meant taking me on Boy Scout camping trips when she was the only woman around for miles. She taught me the importance of taking care of a family, doing the right thing, and making good decisions. I am thankful for that.
all. When I think of the fallen soldiers who gave their very lives to protect our freedoms and way of life, I am thankful for them, and for our America. This great nation of ours has much to give thanks for, as do we, the people who are fortunate enough to be citizens of it. I would like to take this opportunity to say another very special and deserved “Thank You!”
My In-Laws - I have some good inlaws. I always hear about people who do not like their in-laws; and truthfully, I have met some of my friends’ inlaws and I would not like them either! However, mine are wonderful and are always there for my wife and me when we need them. Good in-laws are definitely worth being thankful for.
Thank You…
My Dog - Boudreaux is the best dog ever! I had him before I had the wife or the kids. He is a Dutch Shepherd and as our family expands, it amazes me to see how his affection grows toward them all! His peaceful demeanor and loving attitude makes him a pretty special dog and I am thankful for him.
By the Numbers...
To the United States of America for being a nation who still cares about the well-being of other nations and peoples; and although not always appreciated, works hard to be that shining light on a hill in an increasingly dark world.
Thank You… To the troops who serve in our military, both at home and overseas in foreign lands, so that we may continue to have freedom for years to come.
Thank You… To the millions of soldiers whose names are on walls and tombstones, for giving the ultimate sacrifice – your life – to ensure the freedom that we have in this country. We owe you a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.
2.9 million
troops serving in the military worldwide.
101,656
troops in waters around the world
1,327,511
estimated number of U.S. casualties in wars since the American Civil War
$51,410
Median annual wage of police and sheriff patrol officers
$39,259
Median income for teachers K-12
Thank You…
America and Freedom - I read The Economist from time to time and when I see news from around the world where some places only have four hours of electricity a day, even in the dead of summer, I am thankful to live here. When I look at countries that barely have running water, experience famine and live under dictatorship rule, America is by far the best country of
To the police officers, firefighters, teachers, social workers, volunteers and all of the unsung heroes, the ones who do much work, and many times don’t get the praise they deserve. As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, please remember the things you have to be thankful for, and let those in your life who deserve a “Thank You” know that you do appreciate them and the special things that make them deserving of your gratitude. - BCF
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Calendar November 2011 November 1 Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Tuesday night from 5-8 p.m. is Kid’s night. Purchase a meal and up-size, get a 4-count kids nugget meal FREE!
November 3
Toddler Time – Special storytime for toddlers involving a variety of stories, songs, dance, puppets, fingerplays and more for children ages 3 and under. 9 to 10 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at jmadden@ci.harker-heights.ci.tx. us. Cost: Free.
Annual Holiday Bazaar - There will be a variety of items for sale to include handmade crafts, baked goods, books, jewelry, fabric, Christmas and religious gifts, along with a big Holiday Raffle. All proceeds go to help those living in poverty and needing help in our communities. 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., St. Paul’s Parish Center, 2412 Stillhouse Road, Harker Heights. For more information, call Jane Barr at 690-8255.
Princess Tea Party - Ask a young girl what kind of celebration she wants and chances are that princess or tea party will be among the top picks. Make your little girl’s wish come true! Enjoy tea, snacks, beauty makeover and pretty princess crafts at this girls-only party. For children ages 3 to 7. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. Cost: $12. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.
12th Annual Hair and Talent Expo – Annual Talent and Expo features vendors and entertainment. 2 to 11:59 p.m., Killeen Special Events Center, Killeen. For more information, call 554-5511.
2011 Run to Remember Half Marathon / 5K or 1 Mile Run/Walk Registration is free and open to the public. Participants should stop by any of the Fort Hood physical fitness centers now through the day of the race or log on to www.hoodmwr.com to register. Trophies will be awarded for the best overall male and female times. Medals will also be awarded to 1st - 3rd place finishers, in each age category. A FREE commemorative T-shirt will be distributed to participants based on a lottery system. 7 to 7:30 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., race begins, Cameron Field Battalion Avenue between 25th and 27th Street in Killeen. For more information, call 285-5459.
Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Saturday night from 5-10 p.m. is Family Night! Purchase a meal and up-size, get a 4-count kids nugget meal FREE! Harker Heights Holiday Farmers Market – Join us for a wonderful event to prepare for the holiday season! 8 a.m. to noon, Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing.
College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Thursday Night is College Night! 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Purchase any entree, get a FREE medium fry and drink with valid college ID
November 5 Country & Western Dance - Live, local Country & Western bands play the 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403. Cost: $4 at the door.
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Annual German Sausagefest, Copperas Cove - Alles Willkommen! Put on your Dirndl and Lederhosen and take part in a warm, family friendly tradition in Copperas Cove at the Annual German Sausagefest hosted by the Trinity Lutheran Church located on Highway 190. Enjoy a traditional German meal including renowned German sausage, German style potato salad, sauerkraut, home fries, green beans, broetchen and home–style desserts. Also enjoy music from a live band that will add to the GEMÜTLICHKEIT (cozy) theme of the day. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church in Copperas Cove. Cost For Dinners: Children $5.50 and Adults $8.00 Bulk Sausage Sold at $6.00 a pound. For more information, contact Trinity Lutheran Church at 547-2225 or visit
www.facebook.com/pages/Annual-
German-Sausagefest-at-Trinity-Lutheran-Church/150116781744826
Healthy Skin Workshop – Soapmaker Claire Grasse teaches you to use luxury ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil and beeswax to craft high-end products tailored to your skin’s needs. Space is limited so call now to enroll in this popular workshop. 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 953-5491 to register.
November 6 2 Million Dogs Puppy Up! Walk - 2 Million Dogs began with a promise to raise awareness of canine cancer one mile, one city, and one person at a time. The funds raised from the Puppy Up! Walk will be used to fund canine cancer and comparative oncology research. Enter your dog in the walk, be a sponsor, or have a booth at the event. There are so many ways you can help fight and maybe one day beat this horrible disease! Check out the 2 Million Dogs website and click on the Belton Walk to find out more. Get your dog registered today: $20 online pre-regis-
tration until November 3rd; $25 on-site registration (11 am to 1 pm). 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Yettie Polk Park and The Nolan Creek Hike & Bike Trail For more information, call 541-7942 or e-mail tish.puppyup@ gmail.com. Visit www.2milliondogs.org for more on this event. 2 Million Dogs Puppy Up! Walk Dachshund Dash - Join us as we work together with 2 Million Dogs Puppy Up! Walk to fight the battles of canine and human cancer. Bring your dachshund out to race in Belton’s first DACHSHUND DASH beginning at approximately 2:30 pm! The first place winner will receive $100 cash and the second place winner will receive $50 cash. For those of you with “tiny tots”, the City will host a Happy Puppy Fun Run, following the Dash at approximately 4:00 pm! Sign up early at the Parks & Rec Office and tell your friends. What a fun time to help a great cause! Get your dachshund registered today: $10 early registration through November 4th; $15 on-site registration (11 am to 1 pm); $5 entry fee (pre-register and on-site) for the Happy Puppy Fun Run. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Yettie Polk Park, Belton. For more information, e-mail parksandrec@beltontexas.gov or call 933-5861. Annual Holiday Bazaar - There will be a variety of items for sale to include handmade crafts, baked goods, books, jewelry, fabric, Christmas and religious gifts, along with a big Holiday Raffle. All proceeds go to help those living in poverty and needing help in our communities. 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., St. Paul’s Parish Center, 2412 Stillhouse Road, Harker Heights. For more information, call Jane Barr at 690-8255. 12th Annual Hair and Talent Expo – Annual Talent and Expo features vendors and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., Killeen Special Events Center, Killeen. For more information, call 554-5511.
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November 7 Lap Sit – Newborns through 18-month-old babies and their parents are invited to work and play together with a variety of stories, songs and much more! 10 to 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at jmadden@ci.harkerheights.ci.tx.us. Cost: Free.
November 8 Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple Every Tuesday See Sidebar Pg. 20 Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children Annual Fundraising Banquet - Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children helps local kids with special needs and chronic illness grow their mind, body and spirit! Imagine a child without legs climbing a 30-foot rock wall to grow their self-confidence, or picture a teen growing leadership skills while learning to conserve the environment. Help plant the seeds of growth at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children’s annual fundraising banquet. Attendees will inspect the crop of the exciting programs provided to children with special needs and chronic illnesses. The event will feature dinner, music, auction, and a program designed to harvest a great adventure at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Killeen Civic and Conference Center. Cost: Tickets available for $100, or $185 per couple. Sponsorships also available. Call 554-5555 or grow online at www.peaceablekingdomretreat. com.
November 9
Staying Healthy Together - Care Improvement Plus, Texas’s leading health plan solution for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses and National Family Caregivers Association along with the Cooperative Extension Program and Texas AgriLife Extension welcome Belton area seniors with chronic conditions and their loved ones to participate in a free and fun educational event called, “Staying Healthy Together.” Local seniors and their family caregivers will have the opportunity to learn key strategies for maintaining their health and how to navigate challenging healthcare issues including medication management, communicating with health providers, and managing transitions of care. 10 a.m. to noon, Central Texas Area Agency on Aging Community Room, 2180 North Main Street, Belton. Reservations required. Contact Care Improvement Plus at 1-866-7691597. For more information, contact Jeannette Garcia at 210-930-3339 or visit www.careimprovementplus.com.
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November 10 Got Goo? - Does your child like to get messy? This class will allow your child to express themselves with lots of ooey gooey fun. Please wear old clothes! Parents are encouraged to participate. For ages 3 to 5. 10 to 11 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Cost: $6. College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar Pg.20 Toddler Time – Special storytime for toddlers involving a variety of stories, songs, dance, puppets, fingerplays and more for children ages 3 and under. 9 to 10 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at jmadden@ci.harker-heights.ci.tx. us. Cost: Free. Country & Western Dance -Live, See 11/5 listing Pg. 18 Veteran’s Ceremony – Come share with us a service to honor our service men and women. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., City Municipal Complex, Killeen. College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar Pg. 20
November 12 For the Run of it 10K - Train for a 10K and join us for a scenic 6.2 mile run beginning and finishing at Lions Park. 8 to 10 a.m., Lions Park Softball Fields, Temple. For more information, call Tracy Klusacek at 298-5582. Cost: $20 by November 5; by November 12, $25.
Old School Salute to the Troops Flash back to the glory days with performances by Ce Ce Peniston, Dana Dane, Chubb Rock, 95 South, 69 Boyz and 12 Gauge. Tickets can be purchased at Leisure Travel Services, Sportsmen s Center, Abrams Physical Fitness Center, or the Financial Management Branch located in the Phantom Warrior Center. This performance is intended for adult audiences and may contain material that may be offensive to some individuals or inappropriate for individuals under 18 years of age in accordance with AR-215-1. Doors open: 6 p.m.; Show starts: 7 p.m., Abrams Physical Fitness Center, 62nd Street and Support Avenue, Bldg. 23001. For more information, call 286-4382. Cost: $10 per ticket; Open to all DoD-ID Holders. Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar Pg.20
November 13 Fort Hood Officer’s Wives Club Annual Holiday Bazaar – See 11/12
November 14 Lap Sit – See 11/7 listing Pg. 18 Free.
November 15 Kids World – Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to this free event. We will be making a Pilgrim hat craft and each child and each child gets a little prize. Registration is free. Each child who registers gets a free backpack and Very Important Kid membership card. Kids World takes place near the Justice for Girls store; just look for the tables! 11 a.m. to noon, Killeen Mall. Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple See Sidebar Pg. 20
November 16
Red Cross Babysitting Course This course will give you training in first aid, CPR, and the knowledge to handle emergency situations should they occur while you are babysitting. This program is lead by an American Red Cross Trainer. Lunch will be provided. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friars Creek Trail. Open to ages 9 to 12. For more information, contact Lisa Potts at 298-5403. Cost: $90.
Mad Hatter Kids Kraft - Bring any hat and make it beautiful with feathers, beads, paint and more. You are welcome to bring as many hats as you would like. For ages 2 to 6. 10 to 11:30 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For more information, call Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Cost: $5.
Fort Hood Officer’s Wives Club Annual Holiday Bazaar – More than 100 vendors will be showcasing their seasonal products to get you into the Holiday spirit. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Killeen Civic and Conference Center, Killeen. For more information, call 833-2656.
Country & Western Dance - Live, See 11/5 listing Pg. 18
November 17
College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar Pg. 20 Toddler Time – See 11/3 listing P18
Available area Taco Bells Chick-fil-A Available at at allall area Taco Bells && Chick-fil-A
November 18 Central Texas Expo Carnival – Carinval games and rides will thrill the whole family! Open 24 hours, Killeen Special Events Center/Rodeo Grounds. Food and Clothing Care Center Annual Food Drive – Help us feed the hungry. Come by this food drive and contribute to clothing and food pantries across the area. 6 to 8 p.m., Killeen Special Events Center. Call 554-3400. Santa Arrives at Killeen Mall - Soldiers from our adopted unit, the 1/82 FA will give Santa a lift and bring him into the Killeen Mall. Kids will then be able to have milk and cookies with Santa in the food court. The milk and cookies are provided by Great American Cookie in the Killeen Mall. Each child (while supplies last) will get a Killeen Mall color change cup too! 4:30 p.m., Food Court entrance, Killeen Mall, Killeen. Cost: Free.
November 19 Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar Pg. 20 Market Days – Buying, selling and trading in downtown Belton. Come see our vendors and farmer’s market in our historic downtown 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Central Avenue. Enjoy food and entertainment every third Saturday of the month. Visit www.downtownbelton.com for more information. Kids World – Children ages 3 to 12 are invited to this free event. We will be making a Pilgrim hat craft and each child and each child gets a little prize. Registration is free. Each child who registers gets a free backpack and Very Important Kid membership card. Kids World takes place near the Justice for Girls store; just look for the tables! 11 a.m. to noon, Killeen Mall.
November 20 10 Annual Night of Giving – A special night of shopping and giveaways! We will be giving away a Kindle, jewelry, gift cards, gift baskets and more! All stores will be open and most will be having special sales. Free gift wrapping, entertainment and free food sampling. Anyone over the age of 4 must have a ticket to get into the Killeen Mall for this special night of shopping. Tickets may be purchased from local non-profit, charity or Family Readiness Groups. Tickets may also be purchased at the door that night. 100% of the monies from the ticket sales go to these organizations! Every ticket is also an entry in our register to win. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Killeen Mall, Killeen. th
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FAMILY November 21 Camp Explore - Bring your kids to Camp Explore. Participants will experience adventure-based outdoor activities such as team building games, hiking and arts and crafts. This camp is free to Zone participants. For ages 5 to 14. 7a.m. to 6 p.m., Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. Instructor: Peanut Henderson. For more information, call 298 -5740. Cost: $12. Free to Zone participants. Bling It On Day Camp - Do you love bling? You too can learn to make all the trendy, sparkly, wearable art while meeting new people who share your interests. During this mini-camp you will learn to make crafts to include jewelry, hairbows/ headbands, a tutu and a blinged-out shirt. You will get to go home with what you make. For ages 8 and up. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For more information, call Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Cost: $30.
November 22 Camp Explore - See 11/21 Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - See Sidebar
November 24 Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Begin your holiday by trotting a 5K (3.1 miles) along the beautiful Friar’s Creek Trail. 8 to 10 a.m., Friars Creek Trail. For more information, call Tracy Klusacek at 298-5582. Cost: $20 by November 12; $25 by November 24.
November 25 THE Black Friday
Killeen Mall will open at 6 a.m. with lots of specials and sales. Some stores will be open earlier. 100 goodie bags filled with gifts and coupons for the first 100 early morning shoppers. Killeen Mall, Killeen.
November 26 Christmas is On the Air The crew of radio station WSPR readies for the annual Christmas Eve broadcast. But, of course, nothing goes as planned and hilarity ensues. 7:30 p.m., Salado Silver Spur Theater, 108 Royal Street, Salado. For more information, call 947-3456, e-mail info@saladosilverspur.com or visit www.saladosilverspur.com. Family Night at Temple - See Sidebar
Chick-fil-A,
November 28 Lap Sit – See 11/7 listing Pg. 18 Free.
Lap Sit – See 11/7 listing Pg. 18
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Want to list your organization’s event? E-mail details to miranda@bellcountyfamily.com
Family Fun at Chick-fil-A!
Kid’s Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Tuesday night from 5-8 p.m. is Kid’s night. Purchase a meal and up-size, get a 4-count kids nugget meal FREE! Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Saturday night from 5-10 p.m. is Family Night! Purchase a meal and up-size, get a 4-count kids nugget meal FREE! College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple - Every Thursday Night is College Night! 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. Purchase any entree, get a FREE medium fry and drink with valid college ID
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Mom Blog
by Crystal Dyer
Busy Mom’s Perspective I’ve noticed that the
International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Military Spouse & Veteran, and Mommy of (soon-to-be) three! Translation: A BUSY MOM! www.crystaldyer.com
world in general is completely hypnotized by current affairs, celebrities, and sports. I’m certainly guilty-I have sports teams that I follow, TV shows I love to DV-R to watch when the kids are in bed, and utterly female magazines that I read when I’m trapped on airplanes while traveling to see clients. It’s become very apparent that things like “current” affairs and celebrity drama last about as long as it takes the broadcaster to cover the story, and in the blink of an eye, what once was popular is now passé. But this past week, I had a “blink” moment of my own. My oldest son, Aidan, celebrated his fifth birthday. As I watched him swing at his piñata, gobble up birthday cake, and destroy beautifully-wrapped packages to get to the presents inside, I was overcome with the feeling that his first five years have come and gone far too quickly. I was reminded of something a professor of mine referred to as the “Charles Schulz Philosophy”. As the creator of “Peanuts” (You guessed it, Charlie Brown!!!), Schulz became famous for making the plain and ordinary very funny for all to enjoy. His “philosophy” was actually a series of questions, which I’d like you to try to answer (just do your best… and no internet searching!):
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers either! They are
the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with the owners. Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of three people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier? Why?
811 South W.S. Young Killeen • 254-690-5900 www.Avanlee.com
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The Schulz Lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
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Monday Morning Perspective “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.” - Charles Schulz
We welcome Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare Ins.
“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.” - Charles Schulz
Free Information Sessions Every Monday at 5pm
Flexible Cash Plans Available.
We Specialize in Waterbirth!
I know that life can feel like a rat race of schedules, drama, demands, and needs. But every once in a while I take a glimpse at my children and am reminded that life is so much more valuable than the sum of its parts. Looking at my son on his fifth birthday was enough to remind me that of all of the things we’re given in this life, special people and our time with them are two things we should never take for granted. Life may get a bit hectic but if we don’t stop to spend time with the special people in our lives, one day we’re going to blink and wonder where the time went. Here’s to blinking less and seeing more. - BCF Bell County
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ASYMCA
Comfort!
Create! Unite!
deployed parent, child and family printed on fabric and is offered to children six years and younger. Operation Kid Comfort pillow shams are made for children seven years and older, and include four images of the deployed parent and child. We encourage families to provide images that keep special memories intact, such as a birthday, holiday, family outing or a favorite shared activity between parent and child.
Your Fort Hood Area Armed Services YMCA is proud to announce that our local Operation Kid Comfort program is going strong!
With this ASYMCA program volunteers create photo-transfer comfort quilts and pillow shams for
America’s littlest heroes, the children of our deployed service men and women, and provide an opportunity for America to unite in support of our Military and their Families. Each Operation Kid Comfort quilt includes eight images of the
As of September 2011, there have been 251 request for children 7 and over and 793 quilt request for those under seven years of age. That is a total of 1,044 requests since May 2009. Also during the first six months of 2011, volunteers made more than 200 quilts and 75 pillowcases for the children of deployed military members.
The quilts and shams are FREE to the Families who place orders. We rely on our many volunteers, grants and contributions to keep our program strong. With ever-increasing deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, demand for OpKid quilts and pillow shams have increased dramatically. Each quilt cost approximately $35 to make. Your contributions will provide the necessary materials for the continuing success of Operation Kid Comfort here in Killeen. Please visit www.asymca.net for more information about all the programs offered by your ASYMCA to include Operation Kid Comfort. If you have any questions or know a Family who may want to place an order, please call our main office at 254-634-5445.
Sales Position Available If you are looking for a sales position with flexible hours we’d love to hear from you.
• Flexible Hours • Car Allowance • Phone Allowance • Must be willing to have FUN! If Interested, Please Call 254-624-1213 Bell County Family is Bell County’s ONLY family magazine. Each month BCF brings informative, entertaining and compelling articles to the Greater Bell County area. BCF is the only magazine available in ALL Taco Bells and Chick-fil-A restaurant locations in Bell County. 22
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December 2, 2011 • 7pm
Bell County Expo Center – Belton, Texas Tickets available at: Bell County Expo Center Box Office Renaissance Records - Killeen, ITR - Fort Hood Texas Box Office Outlets including select HEB stores 512-477-6060 • www.texasboxoffice.com
Call 254-933-5353 for $2 discount for groups of 20 or more on all price levels (except golden circle & $15.00)
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