Bell County Family by Lee Eddins

BELL COUNTY

• 2 01 2

FAMILY

LIFE•FAMILY•FUN life•family

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Kindergarten Ready...Or Not?

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from the editor

Here We Go

I miss back-to-school days, helping my kids pick out their supplies, the scent of freshly sharpened pencils, and a new pack of white, wide-ruled paper. My kids are grown and picking out their own cars now! However, when that time of year comes around, for kids and parents to start up a routine once again, there are always new challenges to meet…and overcome. That, I remember well!

contents August 2012

This month we offer you parents with kindergartners some tips and suggestions on how to tell if your child is ready for school, and then how to prepare for that first day of separation. The Practical Parenting column is written by a mom of six, who knows how to plan ahead, to make a new school year run smoothly. And what about discipline? Teens and their friends? Parenting is, quite frankly, hard! We hope you find something in this issue that you will want to keep and refer to, after the lights are out, the kids are tucked away for sweet dreams, and you’ve got a minute to yourself. Yes, being a parent is the hardest job you’ll ever do, but it’s also the highest honor you’ll ever receive – that of raising your children. You may not receive many pats on the back when your kids are little, but they notice – and they will remember – all you did for them. Enjoy this issue from cover to cover – it’s not all about back-to-school! Remember to read the calendar for fun activities when the homework is done!

Marcy Lytle

21 C olumns .............06 Mom Blog 06 T B H he

Publisher EDCO MEDIA Amanda Eddins Amanda@BellCountyFamily.com 254-624-1213 Associate Publisher Miranda Bradley Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com 512-924-3911 Editor Marcy Lytle Marcy@BellCountyFamily.com Art Director Kyle Akers Kyle@BellCountyFamily.com Advertising Sales Miranda Bradley | 512.924.3911 Miranda@BellCountyFamily.com Contributing Writers

Miranda Bradley, Marcy Lytle, Lee Eddins, Crystal Dyer, and Nick Graham

www.BellCountyFamily.com

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Volume 2, Issue 1

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Discipline: Is Such a Thing?

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Today 12 Teens T F P

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Parenting 14 Practical G H

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22 Reviews F F

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& Books

F eatures .............16 Special Story 16 O M

Bell County Family is distributed to high traffic areas in the Greater Bell County area and can be found at all HEB’s and Bush’s Chicken locations as well as exclusively at all Taco Bells and Chick-filA locations. Copies are also available by subscription for $25 for one year. Single issues are available for $3 an issue.

Bell County Family 319 South 1st Street Temple, TX 76504 254-624-1213 (P) 888-590-0206 (F)

Kindergarten... Or Not?

10 Child E

Bell County Family magazine is published 12 times a year by Edco Media. Views expressed in Bell County Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or staff. Every effort has been made to insure accuracy of the publication contents by the staff of Bell County Family. 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. Any reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

icholas

D epartments ......08 Toddler 08 I C

July Cover Photo by

Athlete of the Month 17 Star N &N M C

Editor, Bell County Family • Marcy@BellCountyFamily.com

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others

Heroes 21 Hometown B M N

Available at your local

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M arketpl ace .......13 Family Calendar...18

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Mom Blog

Crystal Dyer International Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Military Spouse & Veteran, and Mommy of three! Translation: A BUSY MOM! www.crystaldyer.com

The Busy Mom’s Perspective Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence. - Og Mandino

The Burning Hut The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly to be rescued, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood and dry palm fronds to protect him from the elements, and to store the few possessions he’d saved from the wreck. But then one day after scavenging for food he came back to his hut to find that his campfire embers had blown into the dry palm branches. His little hut had erupted into flames and the smoke was rolling up into the sky. The worst had happened; absolutely everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger. “God, how could you do this to me!” he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

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It is easy to get discouraged when things aren’t going as we’d like them to, but we shouldn’t lose heart because God is always at work in our lives- even in the midst of trouble, struggle, pain, and suffering. We often forget that God uses the toughest of experiences to mold and shape us for His purposes. The trip might be a little bumpy, and we might even crash and burn from time to time, but it’s through that process that we are refined and made capable of doing the things He intends for us to do. Just try to remember these truths the next time your “little hut” is burning to the ground – that all is never lost when we know Him as our Lord and Savior. It’s possible that your little hut is just the smoke signal that summons the grace we don’t deserve and the result we so desperately want.

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Toddler

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten…or Not? There isn’t really any

First Day Fears in Kindergarten:

How

Ease

• You, as the parent, check out the school beforehand and make sure you feel good about it. • Plan a back-to-school special breakfast for the first morning, or a first-day new outfit! • See if you can find out who will be in your child’s class and arrange play dates before school starts. • Arrange to meet the teacher before school starts, and walk around the school, pointing out the bathroom, the playground, etc. • Reassure your child that you are excited and will be ready to hear about their first day when they return home. • The first day, keep it short…and stay calm. Smile and walk away. Tell them ahead of time that this is what you will do. Do not hesitate when you leave… let the teacher take over. • Prepare yourself, so that your child does not pick up on your own anxiety. • Make it a priority to pick up your child exactly at the time you say you will. Focus on the positive and tell him how proud you are.

• Remind yourself to be consistent and optimistic. Once you “soldier” your way through the first few rough days, your child will become use to the routine and future separations will be easier. *info from education.com

“checklist” to use in order to tell if your child is ready for Kindergarten. Every child is unique, and only you – the parent – really know if your child is ready for a school schedule. However, there are many things to look for, in order to make this decision wisely. Very few children are “completely ready” in all areas, but here are a few metrics to go by: Kindergarten ready children should be able to:

• Listen to instructions and then follow them. Practice reading to your children daily, and then ask them to recall their favorite parts of the story. Even singing fosters pre-reading skills! • Put on their coats and go to the bathroom (and wash their) alone. This sort of independence is critical, and teachers expect it. It also helps if kids can open a juice box and insert the straw! • Recite the alphabet and count to 10, and know a few shapes and colors. Playing guessing games such as “I Spy” while eating at the dinner table is a fun way to incorporate learning colored items and shapes, while just being together as a family. • Hold a pencil and cut with scissors. Kids must be able to use a pencil by the first week of school, or they will lag behind. You could ask your preschooler to mist your houseplants with a spray bottle of water, in order to increase their fine motor skills. • Show an interest in books by “trying” to read. Let them help you as you read them a book, by anticipating what’s coming “next.” • Be receptive to learning new things. Do they show enthusiasm for this? Ask them to help you in the kitchen as you prepare a salad. How do they follow your directions? • Get along well with other kids. Watch your child interact with his/her peers. Do they share? Do they take turns? Especially if your child does not have siblings, Available at your local

invite friends for play groups and let them practice social etiquette over a cup of tea, or a board game of their choice. Children that are emotionally and intellectually ready for kindergarten are usually grouped accordingly and thus pushed more than the other students in class. They may be placed into more challenging groups and continue to excel. Many times emotionally mature kindergartners are assumed to be intellectually mature, as well. But this is not always so. Your child’s confidence is a key factor in a successful start to school. And you can boost that confidence with words of praise, exhibiting your own confidence in front of them, and making school sound exciting and fun. Don’t let others and their children dictate what you do for your children. Assess your own child’s progress and then just continue the process of offering them a foundation for a life-long love of learning. **Above ideas were taken from: Babycenter. com, scholastic.com, familyeducation.com www.BellCountyFamily.com

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Child

by Marcy Lytle

Effective Discipline Is There Such a Thing? I taught school for

years in the public school system, and observed the lack of discipline that kids received…and responded to. It seems that many parents want teachers to control their classrooms, but at the same time, they want their children to be treated with respect and “fairly” at all times. As I teacher, I often grew weary (and angry) at the “system” which continually came up with discipline measures, none of which worked very well, because discipline is only effective when it begins at home. So what does “effective” discipline look like? Maybe the first question to answer is rather, “What does effective discipline NOT look like?”

Effective discipline is not: • • • •

Handed out in anger. Decided upon by “winging it.” Effective when delayed. Argued into place.

In other words, if you’re angry, you are most likely going to regret your punishment, the tone and loudness of your voice, and perhaps the words you use. Anger hampers judgment, and should never be the precursor to effective discipline. Parents needs to calm down, think clearly and logically, and come up with something that fits the action. If your child is fidgeting and just getting on your nerves because you’re tired…discipline with just a look may be all that’s necessary.

Winging it, or just saying what pops into your head at the moment, is not wise. Think ahead and prepare your child to understand ahead of time the consequences if your rules, or those of other authorities, are broken. Waiting too long to discipline just prolongs the agony for both you and your child. Discipline should be immediate, and always followed by reassurance that your child is

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• Wraps are great alternatives to sandwiches. Take your kids with you to pick out their favorite meat, cheese, and veggies…then serve it to them in a wrap. Add a fruit salad of grapes, melon chunks, and blueberries, and you’re done!

Arguing is defeating. If your child feels discipline is just not fair for the “crime,” let them softly and quietly explain why, if you choose. Be sure to listen. Parents are not infallible. However, if a child has blatantly disobeyed and knows it, don’t back down. And don’t enter into a verbal battle. Words cannot be taken back, once they exit your mouth!

Fun tips for packing and preparing your kids’ lunches

• With insulated food jars, you can send hot foods to school, including leftovers. Chicken noodle soup with crackers, chili with whole grain bread, or stir-fry with rice, all work well. • Cut up melons, strawberries, bananas and apples and place on small skewers, squirt with lemon juice, and include in their lunch. These are so fun to eat! • Try packing a salad in these cute to-go salad cups, with fork, and small container for dressing, all put together so neatly. Then layer in veggies, greens, or fruit, and their favorite dressing for dipping. www. fredflare.com/WHAT-S-NEW/Reusable-To-Go-Lunch-Cup/

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loved. You don’t love the action, but you do love the child.

• How about a quesadilla with chicken breast, salsa and cheese, grilled on a wholegrain tortilla. Add in a couple of Cuties, and a small brownie. • Toss leftover chicken with a bit of low-fat mayo, sliced red grapes, and either celery or nuts. Add a bag of carrot sticks and homemade hummus. • Graham crackers with strawberry cream cheese and sliced fresh strawberries are fun to make and eat as a snack. • Finally, let the kids make their own trail mix with dried fruit, nuts or seeds, high fiber cereal, etc. and place in to-go containers or plastic bags.

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Effective discipline is:

if parents and their children have open communication. Listen to your children, discuss with them the rules and punishments put into place, and consider whether or not you are being unreasonable.

All caregivers should be consistent in the discipline of your child. When parents or grandparents discipline their “own way,” the child becomes confused. “Discipline” in routines, such as mealtimes, snacks, bath, and bedtime should be in place so that kids know what’s expected of them. A safe environment can protect your child from getting into trouble, such as safety locks for toddlers that prevent them from hurting themselves when they go where they are not to go! Whining is NEVER allowed, and certainly never a reason for a parent to “cave.” This only teaches the child to whine even more! And finally, discipline can be flexible

Still looking for specific types of discipline? Whether to put your kids in time out, take away privileges, assign chores as punishment? According to the dictionary, the definition of discipline is “training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.” Take time to think about how you train your kids. The best way is by example. Then look at your methods of discipline. Are they molding your child’s mental state and moral character in a way that is loving and kind? Or are they making him withdraw, become full of hatred, and rebel against all authority?

• • • • •

Consistent. Routine. Safe. Firm. Flexible.

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Teens Today

Marcy Lytle www.marcylytle.com

When

The Fence of Protection

daughter

was 12, she was invited to a sleepover where the girls were going to the movies and then coming home for the party. Being an avid moviegoer myself, I knew that the ratings on the movies don’t always tell all. For example, PG-13 in no ways means that just because my child is 13, everything in that movie is appropriate for her to watch. So I went to the movies

to see the title being shown at this party. Then I read a bit about the rating, and how it had an “R” rating but after much push and pull, it was downgraded to PG-13. It was full of “junk” and I mentioned it to the mom of the girl having the party. She was extremely thankful, and the movie was pulled. I wasn’t very popular with the girls who knew I “tattled,” but I’m the parent. That was my job.

School is starting soon, and our teens will make new friends, be asked to sleep over, be invited to parties, and they will beg for independence in making the decision to be at all of these events… all the time! However, we are the parents until they leave our home, and we can still act wisely, explain thoroughly, and take the time to see what it is, where it is, and who it is, when our kids are invited out.

Here are a few guidelines for parents that just might offer that fence of protection…and freedom…for your “yet to be” young adults. 1. Check out the movies your kids are going to see, before they go. Plan a date night with your own partner and see the movie first. If it’s bad, say “no” and offer an alternative movie or fun time out. Stay up to date on what’s out there and what’s good.

LET NATURE WORK WONDERS

2. Meet the parents of the homes where your kid is invited to stay for a sleepover. Find out if the friend of your teen has siblings, make a stop at the home to introduce yourself, and ask questions. Use your parental instincts and listen to them, before you send your teen overnight. 3. Ask more questions, and lots of them, when your teen is invited to a party. Will the parents be home? Will they be present in the room? What activities will be taking place? If the parents are away, even at the other end of the house, and the kids are just “free” to do “whatever,” think twice before dropping off your teen. Better yet – why don’t you host the next party? 4. Instruct your own teens well, when it comes to riding with friends who are just getting their driver’s licenses. No texting, seatbelts must be buckled, and radios must be turned down, or your teen doesn’t ride! Sound harsh? It’s called smart parenting. 5. Recognize hormone levels. They’re rising, and they will play havoc on your teen’s emotions. She may be in love with one boy today, and hate him tomorrow. She may want to marry him next week. Take time to listen, soothe, and instruct…gently. Your teens want to hear what you have to say.

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7. Provide a place in your own home for study time, party time, and quiet time. Perhaps the kitchen table for studying, so you can visit while dinner is being prepared. Maybe pile pillows high in a corner of the room, for quiet reading, where you can join them! And clear out the garage, add lights, a small refrigerator, and a game table. Kids want boundaries, if they are set in love. Love your kids. Be aware of their desires and needs. Then be around and present to tend to them. Teens grow up quickly…and then they’re gone. Enjoy them now.

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Practical Parenting by Georganne Schuch

Is There a Gremlin in Your House?

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I’m a big fan of planning

ahead. While my plans may not always go as planned, I at least am pointing in the right direction. So, as all we mom-types look down the barrel of another school year, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. Aim it right, and we have a good chance of enjoying a reasonably successful school year. Aim at nothing, and we’ll hit it every time.

lunches each evening. Drinks are poured and refrigerated, ready to be added to a backpack or lunch bag in the morning. We form a miniassembly line to cut and bag snacks, such as veggies and fruit. Sandwiches and other food, that require a fresher approach to preparation, is all that is left for the morning.

Starting a new schedule to support the new school year will help things run more smoothly. Begin slowly edging into a more school-like routine. Earlier to bed and earlier to rise prevents morning shock on that first week of school. My rule of thumb is to allow 30 extra minutes for getting ready in the morning. Somehow, we can always find ways to fritter away that extra time. So, instead of scrambling around at the last minute and sprinting for the bus stop or car, I “adjust” our schedule to pad in the extra time.

Like most parents, I am going to take a good aim at a successful school year. We homeschool, so most of my parent-teacher meetings will be with myself. I talk to myself anyway, so this shouldn’t be too new. We participate in a teaching cooperative, and I am going to work with one of my daughter’s teachers to strategize how to help her in a subject that she struggled with last year. Our general extracurricular rule is one cultural activity and one physical activity. For now, we choose music and dance. With the exception of our co-op day, we don’t have to be anywhere too early. Nevertheless, we will start inching into an earlier rise time and turning off any distractions which stop the children from completing their morning routines. No dress-up before breakfast, in other words. Finally, we will start the school year off with a clean sweep for stray shoes and books. It won’t take long for them to get misplaced again, but instituting daily pickup keeps most things in compliance for a while. Finally, we won’t put off to the last minute what can be done ahead of time. Snacks and lunches don’t have to be an afterthought.

Parents should take the time to meet their children’s teachers. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth power session, but sit down and discuss potential issues that affect the child’s education. If there are health concerns, such as food allergies, make sure everyone who needs to know does. Learning challenges should also be addressed to avoid a mid-semester report card shock. The goal of school is to educate the child, so the parent and teacher should form an alliance to achieve it.

We have a terrible problem at our house with a gremlin that breaks in and hides just one of each pair of shoes. I’ve considered calling the police, but I don’t think they will be much help. Instead, I assign two children to be in charge of shoe patrol. Wayward shoes are searched out and returned to the central gathering place for shoes in our house. That gives everyone a better than average chance of finding at least one pair of matching shoes each morning. If sandals are all that’s available on a rainy day, then maybe a certain child will go to greater measures to keep her shoes together. I can hope, can’t I?

Next, take a close look at extracurricular activities. Lots of activities offer meaningful life skills and important developmental aids, as well as being just plain fun. But there are not enough hours in a day to do them all. Each child has unique talents and interests, so consider one or two activities that best fulfill a child’s current stage in life. Sumo wrestling probably doesn’t fit the bill for most elementary age kids. Most

The shoe gremlin’s brother specializes in hiding school books. When he burglarizes our home, usually just prior to a test, we take a more aggressive approach and offer rewards to siblings for finding missing books. The chances of getting everything in a backpack on the way out the door is exactly zero, so all necessary books and supplies for the following day are packed the prior evening. We also plan snacks and

bc 14

importantly, leave enough time for family activities. Team sports should not take the place of parent-child relationships. One is for a season. The other is for a lifetime.

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Here’s to a great school year!

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Special Story

Other Mothers A Pleasant Surprise

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not

news to any of you how much of a challenge it is in this difficult economy to make ends meet. Families are trying to do whatever they can to try and stretch their dollar as far as possible. So why buy new clothes when there is perfectly good used clothing out there for less than half the price? The days of being too proud to purchase used items are over. Our kids outgrow their clothes so quickly, that it is a shame to throw them away. Giving them away is definitely an option, but why not get a few dollars for them if you can? This is where Other Mothers Temple fits in.

Nick and Erika Graham discovered Other Mothers in St. Robert, Missouri while Nick was in the Army. They had their daughter and oldest granddaughter living with them at the time. They knew what it meant to have a tight budget. They were able to bring items to Other Mothers, get in-store credit or cash for them, and then buy perfectly good gently used items in return. Once the opportunity came up to open a store here in Texas, they immediately took advantage of it. Other Mothers is a small franchise based

out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first store opened in 1979, and there are currently 15 franchises and eight independent stores in the United States. Nick and Erika are excited about continuing the Other Mothers tradition with friends and family being an integral part of the store’s success. Customers at Other Mothers get a pleasant surprise when they walk in and see how large, bright, clean, and well-organized the store is. The store even provides a designated play area that your kids will love. Other Mothers pays their customers cash or in-store credit for gently used items, including quality (good condition and in style) children’s (preemie to 16yrs), teen and women’s clothing (zero to plus), maternity wear, toys, baby furniture/gear, and more. They have a simple trade-in process, where you bring in your clean items, a qualified buyer will go through them while you shop, and in most cases you can walk out without paying a penny for the items you purchase.

bc 16

One of the most popular events at Other Mothers is their 25-cent sale. On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month they give customers Available at your local

a chance to “dig” through all of the items that did not make it onto the floor. They hold the sale in the back of the store and customers line up for this sale an hour before the doors open. Erika says, “We feel like this is a great way to give back to our customers, giving them a chance to get perfectly good clothing items for 25 cents apiece.” Nick and Erika love being part of the Temple community. They feel that their business gives them a unique opportunity to give back to the community. They are excited to have recently teamed up with the CTLC (Churches Touching Lives through Christ) Ministries by donating all of the leftovers from the 25-cent sale.

This usually ends up being up to twenty 30-gallon bags of clothes. They have also had the opportunity to help Communities in Schools of Temple (TISD) and Killeen (KISD), Hope Pregnancy Center, and the Salvation Army. Starting and running a business has had its share of challenges, but Nick and Erika and the rest of their team love the fact they are able to give back to moms on a tight budget. They are excited to celebrate their one year anniversary in Temple in August. They will be having a celebration in the store on August 11th. You should stop by and see what Other Mothers is all about!

www.BellCountyFamily.com

Do you know any athletes that deserve special recognition for his/her talents, efforts, or sportsmanship? Fuddruckers has partnered with Temple Mall and BCF to spotlight our local student athletes. Submit Photo and a Brief write-up to:

August’s Student Athletes:

Nathan & Nicholas Nicholas

and

Nathan

McCray, 10 and 11-year-old brothers in Killeen, have reached a rank in martial arts that very few can claim - the rank of black belt. The boys are students at Hamm’s Institute of Martial Arts in Killeen owned by 3rd degree black belt, Chris Hamm. “Master Hamm always tells us that a black belt is a white belt that didn’t quit,” said Nicholas,” so we made sure we didn’t.” “He doesn’t just hand out black belts. You earn them by what you do on and off the mat and we worked really hard for a long, long time to earn these,” added Nathan. The boys’ final test for black belt included a strenuous physical and comprehensive skills exam where they were required to execute every punch, kick, combination, form and self-defense move they learned since they began Tae Kwon Do in 2009. All the kids are taught that martial arts is a way of life and not just about what they do on the mats. Off the mat, Nicholas and Nathan are straight-A, honor roll students. They are also two of only 11 students from KISD selected to be a part of this year’s All-State Elementary Honor Choir.

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Available at your local

As part of Team Hazard, the martial arts demonstration team, Nicholas & Nathan have performed at community events and schools and have broken boards to raise money for the American Heart Association & the American Diabetes Association. Their newest endeavor since earning their black belt is working as assistant instructors at the dojo. “We help teach the lower belt ranks and motivate them,” said Nathan. “Most kids our age get their first jobs doing chores or mowing lawns,” Nicholas added. “We get to teach martial arts and that’s pretty cool.”

Quite a list of accomplishments for these two deserving young men and student athletes.

Find a Printable Copy of the BCF Fun Calendar at www.BellCountyFamily.com • Have an Event? Send to Miranda@BellCountFamily.com

Fun August Wednesday, August 1 Country & Western Dance Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403. Blast Off! – Come on over for a fun interactive space show. 9:30 to noon, Harker Heights Library. Cost: FREE. Contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600. Science Club – Each week children will explore a new area of science. This week, we’ll be studying Chemistry. 4 to 4:30 p.m., Harker Heights Library. For ages 7 to 11. Cost: FREE. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600. Thursday, August 2 Movie Day! – Join us for refreshments and movie time as we watch Jungle Book. 2:30 to 4 p.m., Copperas Cove Public Library. For all ages. Cost: FREE. For more information, contact Copperas Cove Public Library at 547-4221. Friday, August 3 Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays will offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. This program gives children the opportunity to grow and develop both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time”. Children must be at least 2 and fully potty trained. Preregistration is required. 9 a.m. to noon, Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 8. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

Monday, August 6 Sammons Junior Golf Academy - Whether your child has been playing for years or has never swung a club before, the Sammons Academy is the perfect opportunity to teach them the game of golf. Kids ages 6 to 17 will learn the skills, rules, and beauty of the game. Upon graduation from the Academy, students will receive a SJGA polo style shirt, a SJGA hat and a certificate of completion. Please register your child in person at Sammons Golf Links located at 2727 W. Adams in Temple. Space is limited to the first 40 students for each session. 9:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 6 to 10; 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 11 to 17, Sammons Golf Links. Cost: $35 for ages 10 and under; $60 for ages 11 to 17. For more information, contact James W. Roberts at 771-2030. Little Chefs Academy, Session 3 – Children will learn how to make breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. 6 to 7 p.m., Harker Heights Activities Center. Register at the Harker Heights Recreation Center, 307 Miller’s Crossing. For ages 5 to 8. Cost: $50. For more information, contact the Recreation Center at 953-5657. Tuesday, August 7 Continuing: Sammons Junior Golf Academy; Afterschool Snack Attack – Participants will learn about kitchen safety and how to make fun and easy afterschool snacks. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 7 to 14. Cost: $10. Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733.

bc Saturday, August 4 Copperas Cove Farmers Market – Browse our fresh produce and yummy goodies. 3 to 6 p.m., VFS 1506 Veterans Drive. Cost: FREE. For more information, visit www.copperascove.com.

Wednesday, August 8 Continuing: Sammons Junior Golf Academy; Science Club – Animal Science Thursday, August 9 Continuing: Sammons Junior Golf Academy Touch a Truck – There will be fire trucks, construction vehicles and public works trucks among others for your child to touch. 9 Available at your local

to 11 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $5. For more information, contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474. Country & Western Dance Live, local Country & Western bands play 2nd and 4th Thursday evening of each month. Bring a light, finger food to share at intermission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sammons Community Center, Temple. Cost: $4 each at the door. For more information, call Lisa Potts at 298-5403. Friday, August 10 Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays will offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. This program gives children the opportunity to grow and develop both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time”. Children must be at least 2 and fully potty trained. Preregistration is required. 9 a.m. to noon, Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 8. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Family Dive In – Bring the family to enjoy a great movie, snacks and water fun. 9:30 to 11 p.m., Carl Levin Outdoor Pool, Harker Heights. Cost: Price of admission. For more information, contact Jeanine Madden at 953-5600. Harker Heights Blood Drive – Help save a life. Donate blood during our city wide blood drive! All August donors will receive a free Blood Donor T-shirt, coupon for free basic car wash from Baird Brothers Express Car Wash in Temple, coupon for $5 off your next Applebee’s purchase and the chance to win a set of four Texas Rangers baseball tickets. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 305 Millers Crossing, Harker Heights. Contact 953-5600 for more information. Ballroom Dance – Join us for wonderful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come

early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more information, visit www.inthemoodballroom.com. Saturday, August 11 Copperas Cove Farmers Market – Browse our fresh produce and yummy goodies! 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., VFW 1506 Veterans Drive. Cost: FREE. For more information, visit www.copperascove.com. School Spirit Factory - It’s Game Time! Be a sport and join the fun as you lear to make your own personalized school spirit shirt. Bring your own blank t-shirt in your school colors and we will provide the supplies and tips on how to make a shirt that shows your spirit! 10 a.m. to noon, Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 12 and up. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Harker Heights Farmers Market – Buy Local, Experience Community  The season grand opening is on Saturday, May 5. Don’t forget to enter to win a FREE Harker Heights Farmers Market Gift Basket which contains items from all vendors. You do not need to be present to win. There will be 100% Texas grown produce, handmade crafts, jams & jellies, homemade soaps, art, woodwork, homemade bread, farm eggs, homemade bagels, dog treats and more. 7 a.m. to noon, Carl Levin Park, 400 Miller’s Crossing. For more information visit the City’s website at www. ci.harker-heights.tx.us/parks or call 254.953.5466. Turn in applications by: April 20, 2012 Camp Geek – Bring the kids to have fun with science! Every month, we’ll focus on a different sciencerelated theme! The program will include a two-hour, hands-on class followed by a planetarium show. For ages 5 to 9. 1 to 4 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium, Killeen. Cost: $29 per child ($26 for Planetarium members). For more information, visit www.thestarsatnight.org | 526-1586. www.BellCountyFamily.com

Sunday, August 12 Science Sunday for Scouts – Join us the second Sunday of each month as we explore science with Cub Scouts and Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts. Different activities are offered each month. 4 to 6 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium, Killeen. Cost: $15 per scout with ONE free adult/leader, $5 each additional child or adult. For more information visit www.thestarsatnight.org or call 526-7161. Monday, August 13 Continuing: The Little Chefs Academy 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. Tween Time - If you are a “tween” who loves to be crafty then this is the camp for you. Each day we will get together and have fun talking and making great things like room decorations, jewelry and more. This is a great camp to grab a friend and share some “tween” time together! 10 a.m. to noon, Harris Community Center, Belton. For ages 8 to 12. Cost: $50. For more information, call 933-5800. Clay Play - Improve your child’s fine motor skills in this class that’s all about clay! 10 to 11:30 a.m., Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 6. Cost: $5. For more information, contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474.

Tuesday, August 14 Continuing: Tween Time

Thursday, August 16 Continuing: Tween Time

Kids’ Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen – Let us do the cooking for you! Come to Chick-fil-A for family fun and discounts. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/killeen/com.

Wet & Wild Bunch - Grab your swimsuits and come make a SPLASH! The hot weather is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy it. Join this teen group as we visit Hawaiian Falls in Waco. The Fee includes admission, lunch, and a snack. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Van will leave from Wilson Park Recreation Center, Temple. For ages 11 to 15. Cost: 30. Contact Terri Landeros at 298-5474 for more information.

Killeen Aglow Meeting, Killeen - The Killeen Aglow Lighthouse will meet for their monthly meeting. We are an intercultural, trans-denominational organization of Christian women who come together to develop meaningful friendships with each other and a deeper walk with Christ. 7 p.m., Residence Inn/Marriott, 400 East Central Texas Expwy, Killeen. Cost: FREE. For more information contact Gerlinde at 542-5155. Family Night, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights – Join us for a free family activity during Family Nights each Tuesday. 5 – 8 p.m., Chick-filA, 201 E. Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights. Wednesday, August 15 Continuing: Science Club – Gardening; Tween Time Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-filA Chicken Sandwich.

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.harkerheights.ci.tx.us. Cost: Free. College Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple – Buy an entrée and get a free medium drink and fry with valid college ID. 5 to 10 p.m., N. 31st St,. Friday, August 17 Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays will offer activities that children enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, songs, storytelling, and more. This program gives children the opportunity to grow and develop both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time”. Children must be at least 2 and fully potty trained. Preregistration is required. 9 a.m. to noon, Gober Party House, Temple. For ages 2 to 8. Cost: $15 per child. For more information, contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Ultimate GaME Night for Teens – The Gaming and May-

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School Survival for Girls Come to this class and learn some great tips on how to survive school. We will talk about everything from peer pressure to boys and friends. We will do a craft, play some great games and get you ready to start a new school year! 10 a.m. to noon, Harris Community Center, Belton. For ages 5 to 8. Cost: $50. For more information, call 933-5800. Saturday, August 18 Continuing: Harker Heights Farmers Market

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“Board?” Game Night – Nothing on T.V., not a football fan? Join us on the second Friday of each month for board game night! Hands on, electronics off! Spend time with family and friends playing your favorites. It’s all for fun! You can even bring your own game if you want, but only if it isn’t electronic. Bring your own snacks and drinks. 6:30 to 9 p.m., Harris Community Center, Belton. Cost: FREE.

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Variety Dance – Join us for wonderful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more information, visit www.inthemoodballroom.com.

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Find a Printable Copy of the BCF Fun Calendar at www.BellCountyFamily.com • Have an Event? Send to Miranda@BellCountFamily.com

Fun August Family Game Night at Chickfil-A, Killeen –Bring your family to Chick-fil-A at Killeen and enjoy some quality family time! We will have board games, puzzles, and other fun activities. Ask the cashier about Milkshake Bingo and your chance to win free milkshakes for you and your family. 5 – 9 p.m., 1400 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/killeen/home. Downtown Belton Market Days, Belton - Garage Sale to Upscale, it’s all for sale at Market Days! Sponsored by the Downtown Belton Merchants Association, Belton Market Days is the 3rd Saturday of every month, in Downtown Belton. Vendors sell an assortment of goods, including antiques, collectibles, arts, and crafts. Variety of food vendors. Vendor booths available. For more information, call 254-939-5699 or visit www.downtownbelton.com Kidsville 2012 – Join us for live entertainment, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, carnival games and prizes! The Adventures of Tin Tin will be shown in the amphitheater at dusk. 3 to 8 p.m., Killeen Community Center. Cost: FREE. Call 501-8889 or 501- 6390 for more information. Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple – Join us for an evening of family fun and dinner specials. 5 to 10 p.m. 114 N. 31st St., Temple. For more information, visit www.cfarestaurant.com/temple/home. Granny Time, Harker Heights – Ms. Dorothy, Harker Heights Library’s resident grandma charms children and adults with classic storytimes. 11 a.m., Harker Heights Public Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights. For more information, call 953-5491 or visit www. ci.harker-heights.tx.us .

bc Monday, August 20 Continuing: The Little Chefs Academy

Wednesday, August 22 Continuing: Science Club – Gardening (meet at the Community Garden at Carl Levin Park)

Ballroom Dance – Join us for wonderful music! You will catch dance fever. Beer, wine, sodas, juice and water available for purchase. 8 to 11 p.m., In the Mood Ballroom, 13th and 15th South Main Street, Temple. Cost: $5 per person. Come early for our dance lessons from 7 to 7:45 p.m. for just $8 per person and stay for the dance! For more info, visit www.inthemoodballroom.com. Available at your local

Saturday, August 25 Continuing: Family Game Night at Chick-fil-A, Killeen; Family Night at Chick-fil-A, Temple; Granny Time; Harker Heights Farmers Market

Appreciation Day. For every combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-filA Chicken Sandwich.

For the Love of Our Children, Temple - “For the Love of Our Children” is a support group for bereaved parents and grandparents. Individuals share their stories and what has helped them cope with their grief. The newly bereaved meet others who have also experienced a loss and how they are learning to have a fulfilling life again. The group Camp Geek - Bring the kids to has helped many realize that they have fun with science! Every month, are not alone and gives everyone we’ll focus on a different science- an opportunity to express their feelrelated theme! The program will ings in a non-judgmental environinclude a two-hour, hands-on class ment. FTLOOC is a non-profit, nonfollowed by a planetarium show. denominational group and does not 1 – 4 p.m., Mayborn Planetarium offer any type of professional coun& Space Theater. Cost: $29 per seling services. The group members child ($26 for Planetarium mem- share their own journeys of the grief bers). For ages 5 to 9. For more process, giving hope and support to information, call 526-1586. each other. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. Flower Power - Have you al- 47th Street, Temple. For more inforways wondered how professionals mation, call 770-0910. can make their arrangements look so perfect? Learn from the pros – Thursday, August 30 how to pick the best flowers, keep Continuing: Toddler Time them alive longer, and make your own arrangements at home. This Friday, August 31 is a hands-on course and you will Fun Fridays! - Fun Fridays take home the arrangement that you will offer activities that children make. All supplies will be provided. enjoy most: arts & crafts, games, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Wilson Park Rec- songs, storytelling, and more. reation Center, Temple. Cost: $17. This program gives children the Contact Belinda Garcia at 298-5733 opportunity to grow and develop for more information. both socially and educationally while giving mom some “me time.” Tuesday, August 28 For more information, contact Continuing: Kid’s Night at Belinda Garcia at 298-5733. Chick-fil-A, Killeen Home School Day Camp Wednesday, August 29 Homeschoolers come enjoy a day Continuing: Science Club - of archery, adventure games, climbPhysics ing wall challenge, and many other great activities. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Military Appreciation Day! At Wilson Park Recreation Center, Chick-fil-A, Harker Heights - Ev- Temple. For ages 5 to 14. Cost: ery 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be 12. Contact Peanut Henderson at Military Appreciation Day. For every 298-5740 for more information. combo that is purchased with a valid military ID you will receive a FREE Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Mother/Son Date Knight, Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Bring your little prince for a Knight of memories! Dress for the part and enjoy the fun as your young gentleman learns about chivalry while building memories with the most important woman in his life.

Military Appreciation Day! At Chick-fil-A, Killeen - Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday will be Military

Family Fun at Chick-fil-A!

Check here every month for events at your local Harker Heights, Killeen & Temple locations!

www.BellCountyFamily.com

Hometown Heroes

by Miranda Bradley

Hometown Hero: Betty Neill of Central Texas 4C For

decades,

Betty

Neill

has been more than just a volunteer in the Bell County area – she has been an advocate, a teacher, a mentor and friend to those in need. In short, Betty has been Bell County’s very own Angel of Mercy. “She has been such a loving eyes-on, hands-off leader and volunteer board member,” said Janell Frazier, Executive Director of Central Texas 4C, which Betty helped found in 1970.

After leading Sunday school for nearly two decades in Temple, serving on countless boards and committees and being actively involved in the community on a personal level, Betty began to see a growing need to educate at-risk children. In 1970, she founded the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, Inc., a non-profit that today serves over 5,000 Bell County young people per year. Services include crisis intervention through a 24-hour hotline, referrals, crisis shelter in a licensed, supervised facility, transportation, medical/dental services, outreach and more. She served on that board over 32 years.

Today, the CRCG in Bell County staffs more cases than Travis County and Betty continues to serve as a member. Those who work with Betty have been so touched by her commitment to the families of Bell County that they nominated her for the Governor’s Lone Star Achievement Award for her lifetime of dedicated service. She won that award. “Betty’s not just a great leader, she’s a great person, a great friend,” Janell said. “She’s always more concerned about how you are doing than about how she’s doing.” That spirit of selfless giving is what inspired Central Texas 4C to name its top classroom award, the agency’s highest honor, the Betty Neil Award of Excellence. To Janell and others who know her, it’s just one small way to honor someone who has touched so many. “In some ways she’s touched more than 300,000 young lives in this county for the better. What a legacy!”

“There’s a lot that happens in this community because of her,” Janell continued. “I not only honor her; I love her.” Shortly after beginning her work with the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, she organized the 4C program in Temple. Today, the program provides much-needed services including Head Start, Early Head Start, and Child Development programs for over 700 at-risk children and families annually in Bell County. Always looking for new innovative ways to raise funds and awareness, Betty organized the first Community Resource Coordination Group in 1989 before it was state mandated. “She had often taken a child from one agency to another seeking help,” Janell said. “It was not only time consuming, but put a lot of mileage on the family vehicle.”

Do You Know of an Outstanding Resident of Bell County? Visit our Website to submit your nomination! www.BellCountyFamily.com

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Family Films & Books

On the Silver Screen:

Family Films

Diary of a Wimpy Kid : Dog Days In Theaters August 3rd - Rated PG The oh-so-wimpy Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) gets himself into more mischief when he spends his entire summer break working at a country club, in this third installation of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This hero of this phenomenally successful book series reveals a plan to pretend he has a job at this club (which does not keep him away from the season’s dog day), experiences embarrassing mishaps at a public pool, and goes on a camping trip that goes completely wrong!

The Odd Life of Timothy Green In Theaters August 15 - Rated PG Director/writer Peter Hedges brings enchantment to the screen in this new movie, an inspiring, magical story about a couple who is happily married, but anxiously awaiting the start of a family. Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) dream about what their child will be like, but never in their wildest dreams think he might show up on their doorstep on a stormy night. This couple, along with the entire small town of Stanleyville, learns a great lesson that sometimes the unexpected can bring some of life’s greatest gifts

New on DVD: Available Now • Rated G

This animated rendition of Dr. Seuss’ classic book about the threat of industrialization to nature opens in the town of Thneedville. This town is made mostly from plastic and sports inflatable trees, fast cars, and poor air quality; in fact, the residents have to purchase bottled fresh air! Also in the story, we are introduced to 12-year old Ted (Zac Efron) who discovers that his crush Audrey (Taylor Swift) only wants one thing – to see a long-extinct Truffal Tree. Being that there are no real trees in Thneedville, Ted ventures out of the city into a desolate wasteland on an adventure to find what he’s looking for, meeting many others along the way. This new release offers lots of original music and an unexpected addition to the story.

A Perfect Time For Panda ages 7 and up Here we have another good adventure from the New York Times bestselling middlegrade series – The Magic Tree House – where Jack and Annie get ready for time travel! This brother/sister team travels back in time to find a certain food – the fourth thing they need to save Merlin’s penguin, Penny. However, the magic tree house whisks them away to a village in Southeast China, near a famous panda reserve. Will this be an easy adventure? No way! It doesn’t take long for Jack and Annie to realize that they’ve arrived on the day of a historic earthquake! Find out how they survive and if they are able to rescue the pandas, and if they get back to the tree house to save Penny. Mary Pope Osborne again delivers a fast-paced adventure full of danger, mystery, and magic!

Rocket Writes a Story ages 4 & Up

Dr. Seuss ’ The Lorax

Good Reads

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This book is a sequel to the New York Times bestselling book How Rocket Learned to Read and your kids will find this read irresistible! Kirkus Reviews states that this book is “a perfect choice to inspire new readers and writers.” In this story, Rocket loves books and has a desire to make his own – but he can’t think of a story! A little bird encourages him to look closely at the world around him, and Rocket sets out to do just that. As he looks, he discovers all sorts of details in the world that he has never noticed before, such as a timid baby owl who becomes his friend…and an idea for a story. Kids, parents, teachers librarians will all love this book!

www.BellCountyFamily.com

Don’t Sweat the Summer Heat... Come visit our Pediatricians this month in an effort to prepare your child for the new school year ahead. We’ll take care of the sports physicals as well as any immunizations.

Bethany Black, MD

Richard Olufs, MD

Rebecca Riser, MD

David Reddell, MD

King’s Daughters Clinic 254-298-2400 1905 SW HK Dodgen Loop • Temple, TX 76502

Visit our website: www.kdclinic.com

www.BellCountyFamily.com

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