Swimming60Farmer’s Markets58

Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II speaks during the 34th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon presented by the Temple Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post No. 133 at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center in Temple.

Annual Temple event honors service members, others

BY CHRISTIAN BETANCOURT, TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER • Photos by Michael Miller/Telegram

The Temple Chamber of Commerce continues the tradition started by the late Frank W. Mayborn, former owner and publisher of the Telegram, in 1985 to honor military members during an appreciation luncheon every fall. Rod Henry, CEO and president of the chamber, said the event is done because it is the right thing to do, among other reasons. “Fort Hood happened in Central Texas due to the leadership of the Temple Chamber’s Economic Development Committee led by Mayborn,” Henry said. “The initial Camp Hood was established in Temple while the site in west Bell County was being prepared. Our economy is linked to Fort Hood in many ways. Most of the greater Temple community has some connection to Fort Hood, to the armed forces.” What began as a salute to Fort Hood soldiers and the 36th Sustainment Brigade of the Texas Army National Guard grew to include World War II and Vietnam War veterans as special guests. Since 2016, the Temple Chamber has recognized more than 440 veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. The typical banquet luncheon at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center includes the presentation of the colors, a patriotic salute, a message from a military and military-related leader, presentation of the Vietnam Era Commemoration Pins, and music from local high schools and local JROTC. From 2016 through 2019, a police and fire department escort for veterans from the William R. Courtney Texas State Veteran’s Home to the banquet was organized.

THOSE WHO ARE IN THE SERVICE ARE

WORTHY OF BEING SERVED.

“This was a very moving tribute to veterans,” Henry said. “In fact, the two schools on North Third Street had students along the road waving flags as the parade moved by.” In 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic, the banquet was transformed into a drive-through event where lunchboxes were given to veterans. Thousands of boxes were given out during those two events.It was then that first responders were added to the salute to be honored as well.“Through this initiative, our community through the Temple Chamber is able to honor the past, salute the present and encourage the future,” Henry said. “(The 2022 banquet) will be the first formal luncheon at Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center, where we include another group of honored guests, first responders. With everything we have been through the past two years, it is altogether fitting and appropriate to utilize this venue to express our appreciation and salute them for their service to all of us.” cbetancourt@tdtnews.com

From left, World War II Veteran J.C. Alston, World War II and Korean War veteran the Hon. J.F. Clawson Jr. and Commander of American Legion Post No. 133 John Potts lead the pledge of allegiance during the 34th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Frank W. Mayborn and Convention Center in Temple.

Hike Bike&

Options abound in Bell County

Central Texans who like to hike or bike have dozens of options in Bell County. Twenty-three of Temple’s parks have trails, including short loops and longer paths for extended trips. The FM 2305 trail extends along five miles along West Adams Avenue in West Temple and connects to the Pepper Creek Trail. The Pepper Creek Hike and Bike Trail extends three miles from West Adams to the Temple Industrial Park. Friar’s Creek Hike and Bike Trail No. 1 goes 3.65 miles through south central Temple. Belton has several popular trails as well. In downtown Belton, the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail winds through a scenic creek area to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a 1.26-mile pathway that includes 10 educational stops and travels through Liberty, Harris Community and Yettie Polk parks. The Chisholm Trail Park behind Belton High School features a .79-mile walking loop. Miller Springs Nature Center, a 260-acre preserve operated by the cities of Temple and Belton, is located on FM 2271, east of the Belton Dam. The center is open year-round. There are several light to moderate trails at the nature center, which offers scenic bluffs, small caves and streams. Bird watching is popular at the site. Central Texas Master Naturalists have recently finished the reroute of a trail to the center’s Green Pond to connect with the Tennessee Valley Trail to the area. The rerouted trail “still offers views of the string and the area above the waterfall,” the group posted on social media. “The bridge was moved 30 feet upstream and the trail now connects to a newly clear area by Kiosk No. 3. Try it out.” The center connects with Belton’s Miller Park, which includes picnic areas. The site, accessible from FM 439/Lake Road, is popular with locals who like to fish on the Leon River below the dam. Chalk Ridge Falls Park, 5600 FM 1670 below the Stillhouse Hollow Lake dam near Belton, is a popular outdoor spot open year-round with rocky bluffs, small caves and clear streams that parkgoers wade into during warm weather. The park’s signature feature is a scenic waterfall. There is also a small suspension bridge over the river. Dana Park Peak, 3800 Comanche Gap Road in Harker Heights, a 600-acre park features an extended 6.8 mile trail loop that overlooks Stillhouse Hollow Lake. The park has six different trails, each with its own level of difficulty. Guidelines for the park are set by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and can be found on the trail board near the starting point. Visitors are recommended to stay on trails. Hiking is also popular at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, where the public can use the campus trail that goes through acres of woodsy tracts.