HOMEFRONT A Fort Hood Herald publication | August 26, 2015
Quilts of Valor P8 | Lemonade Day lessons P10 | Tricare trouble P3
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE ] Tales from Household 6: Soldiers should be safe at home
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Financial Fitness: Tips to avoid guilty spending
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Financial Fitness: Tips to prepare for the arrival of a new baby
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Financial Fitness: Alternative ways to pay for long-term care
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On the Homefront: Quilts of Valor
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On the Homefront: Lessons from Lemonade Day
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What’s Happening: Upcoming area events
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On the Tube: Rerun relief as new TV shows return
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Dining In: Salad for the meat-and-potatoes crowd
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Vol. 8, Issue 8 | August 26, 2015 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication. Contact Us Editor: Jacob Brooks | jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468 Reporter: JC Jones | jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464 Photographer: Eric J. Shelton | 254-501-7460 Designer: M. Clare Haefner | chaefner@kdhnews.com On the cover: Vietnam veteran and Killeen-area resident Billy McGowan received this Quilt of Valor for his service in Vietnam from Laura Winckel, founder of the Killeen-based Quilters with a Heart organization.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Tricare won’t cover noninvasive DOC Band to correct placiocephaly
L
ike any mother, the moment I laid eyes on my babies for the first time they were the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Ten little toes and fingers, button noses and eyes that melted my heart. Perfection at its finest. As the months went by, I started to notice a flat spot develop on my son’s head, but I was told not to allow either him or his twin sister to sleep on their bellies since the rate of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) was much higher for premature infants and even higher for boys. I continued to reposition him, but nothing changed. I brought my concerns to our doctor but was always dismissed as though I was a crazy person. When you have twins, it’s hard to hold both babies at the same time, so my days have been filled with musical repositioning. During a recent physical therapy session, I asked our occupational therapist for her opinion and she strongly encouraged me to get an evaluation done. I bit the bullet and took my 6.5 month old son for the consultation in Austin. I needed the peace of mind. The evaluation revealed what I had feared, Rory has moderate plagiocephaly that has affected his eye and ear placement. I was reassured I didn’t do this to him and his “flat head” is all related to prematurity and inutero positioning. There is good news. It’s not too late and there is something we can do to help him. The DOC Band is a noninvasive, FDA
IF OUR MILITARY LIFESTYLE AND FINANCES WEREN’T ALREADY STRESSED ENOUGH, LEARNING WE HAD TO COME UP WITH THE FUNDS OURSELVES BECAUSE OUR INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMS THE HELMET “COSMETIC” MADE US SICK. HE’S OUR BABY AND WE WANT THE BEST FOR HIM NO MATTER WHAT, EVEN IF IT MEANS JOINING THE RANKS OF OTHER MILITARY TALES FROM HOUSEHOLD 6 Vanessa Lynch
approved cranial molding helmet that works by applying mild pressure to redirect the growth of their skull to where it should be. It is painless for the child and can be corrected in a few months. We were happy to find out there was such an easy solution for our son until I read the Tricare policy that says the only way it will cover the band is if the child has to have surgery to correct it first. How unsettling. Our son needs this. So, basically, they would rather subject a baby to invasive surgery then pay for the band instead of paying for the band to begin with to avoid surgery and paying tens of thousands of dollars for that surgery. Surgery to correct plagiocephaly is only about 30 percent successful in correcting the abnormal skull shape. The DOC Band has a 100 percent success rate in most cases and costs $3,500 compared to the tens of thousands that the surgery would cost. If knowing something was wrong with our precious baby boy wasn’t
FAMILIES DROWNING IN DEBT. enough, finding out Tricare wouldn’t cover the cost to correct it was a devastating blow to my husband and I. My husband has selflessly served his country for seven years but our military insurance won’t help us help our son? To be a boy and not have hair covering his head like women do, his head would be really noticeable. I can compartmentalize pretty well, but when it’s your kids, it takes a toll on you. I resigned from my position to care for our premature twins and we solely rely on my husband’s salary, where every last penny coming in is accounted for. Even with a military discount, the DOC Band is $2,500 and after financing and interest the cost is $3,561. Like other families, we do not have that much money just sitting around. If our military lifestyle and finances weren’t already stressed enough, learning we had to come up with the funds ourselves because our insurance company deems the helmet “cosmetic” made
us sick. He’s our baby and we want the best for him no matter what, even if it means joining the ranks of other military families drowning in debt. There are hundreds of other families that are in the same situation as we are. If any type of plagiocephaly goes untreated it can result in a high risk for learning delays and developmental delays, increased need for special services when he reaches school age, orthodontic and temporomandibular joint issues, scoliosis, visual disturbances including visual field defects and astigmatism, auditory problems and psychological and social issues. This is something that should be covered by Tricare 100 percent. This needs to change. Not only for my son, but for the 1 in 10 children that are diagnosed with plagiocephaly every year. VANESSA LYNCH is a former metro editor for the Killeen Daily Herald. An Army spouse, she and her husband live in Harker Heights with their two young children.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Call us at 254-501-7500 or 254-778-4444
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
Feeling guilty? 5 ways to curb forgive-me gift spending BY JENNIFER CHAPPELL-SMITH COURTESY OF USAA
An invitation to attend the Kentucky Derby with other couples meant my husband and I would miss my son’s birthday. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a 20-year reunion at the Derby, so we decided to go. Before the trip, I prepped gifts for my son, ordered a cake and booked a party venue for later in the month. He seemed unaware that I would miss his big day. Yet, upon my return, we found ourselves at the store, where my newly turned 4-year-old pointed out another toy that hadn’t been on his birthday list before. I bought it. Didn’t even wrap it. I let him play with it in the car on the way home. Another $25 siphoned from our checking account, gone because of guilt. We had exceeded the birthday gift category of our budget — a small-
INTENTIONAL SPENDING CAN HELP YOU AVOID SPENDING OUT OF GUILT AS WELL AS THE REGRET YOU’LL FEEL LATER FOR DOING IT. scale example of how guilt leads us to overspend. Time for a gut check. “Having a budget and living on a budget are two different things,” says JJ Montanaro, a certified financial planner with USAA. “And a lot more people have one than truly live it.” He says overspending on kids to make up for missed events — or even months of kids’ lives due to deployment — is common. “It can cut both ways — with the
spouse who is gone spending more upon return and the parent left at home spending more to make up for the absent partner,” Montanaro says. “It’s like walking a tightrope, and anything that impacts your focus can send you careening to earth.” To help, he suggests these guidelines: • Set up a framework around your spending and stick to it. • Implement cooling-off periods to quell the urge to spend. • Have family discussions about spending decisions. • Put up guardrails, such as a cash-only system and accountability partners, to help control spending. Banish this thinking: “I’ll make it up to you with money I really shouldn’t be spending.” Intentional spending can help you avoid spending out of guilt as well as the regret you’ll feel later for doing it.
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USAA, IAVA expand relationship SAN ANTONIO — Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America recently extended its relationship with USAA. The agreement positions USAA as the exclusive provider of financial services, including insurance, banking, investments, brokerage services and financial guidance. “USAA is proud and honored to have earned the trust of the IAVA leadership and membership and be chosen to become their financial services provider of choice,” said Marc Hildebrand, USAA assistant vice president of military affinity. “We’ve come a long way since 2004, when there were few resources available for post9/11 veterans,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “As one of those resources, USAA is committed to stand alongside us and our families. USAA understands our mission and as a member myself, I’ve seen first-hand their commitment to improving the financial security of our military, veterans and the families that support them.” To learn more about the new agreement and services available for IAVA members through USAA, go to usaa.com/IAVA or call 888-518-4282.
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[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Five ways to prepare finances for the arrival of a new baby COURTESY OF USAA
Expecting or adopting a child is a cause for celebration. But are you prepared? Sure, you stocked up on diapers, assembled the crib and figured out how to properly install a car seat (a big pat on the back for that one), but is your financial house in order? A middle-income family with a child born in 2013 can expect to spend $245,340 for food, housing, child care, education and other child-rearing expenses up to age 18, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s about 12 percent to 25 percent of a household’s before-tax income on an annual basis. Here are five steps USAA suggests to help ensure your only surprise is whether the newest addition to your family loves or hates spinach: Assess your current situation. Pull out all your documents and look at your
PHOTO COURTESY FOTOLIA
income, expenses, debts, assets and insurance to see where you stand. Adjust your budget. Plan for increased expenses and maybe less income, especially if one parent opts to leave a job and stay at home, even on a short-term
basis. Visit local retailers to get an idea of today’s costs for diapers, baby food, clothing and other gear. Prepare for a bump in your health insurance premiums when the baby arrives. Get the facts on family leave. Take
advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act. This federal law allows 12 workweeks of unpaid leave in a 12month period for employees of public (federal, state and local) agencies, schools and businesses with 50 or more employees. Review your employer’s family leave policy and any maternity or paternity benefits. Build an emergency fund. Start saving. At minimum you should set aside $1,000. Ideally, try to stash three to six months’ worth of basic expenses. You may have to cut back on little extras such as daily stops at your favorite coffee shop. Review legal documents. Remember a new family member brings new responsibilities. If you have a will, you’ll want to update it to include provisions for your child. If you don’t have a will, now’s the time to prepare one. Check IRAs, pensions and life insurance policies. You may want to rethink your beneficiary designations or increase your life insurance.
[ FINANCIAL FITNESS ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Eight ways to pay for long-term care COURTESY OF USAA
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. While not all seniors needing assistance will require prolonged skilled nursing care, the cost of such care can drastically affect finances. A semiprivate room in a nursing home averages nearly $7,000 a month, for example. “With long-term care, it’s really how much loss, how much risk are you willing to take and can you afford to take?” asks Robert Steen, director of retirement advice at USAA. “That’s the way to look at it. If several members of my family have developed Alzheimer’s at age 65, maybe I should be planning for that event.” For many, the ideal option is
FOR MANY, THE IDEAL OPTION IS LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE. long-term care insurance, which can help defray the cost of providing comfort for an ailing loved one. However, here are eight other options that may help take the financial sting out of paying for long-term care: • “Hybrid” single-premium (lump sum) life insurance includes a death benefit that can be drawn down to pay for long-term care. • Cash-value life insurance allows partial withdrawals from the cash value. • Deferred annuities, such as deferred income annuities and qualifying longevity annuity contracts, are designed to provide guaranteed
income once a policyholder reaches a specific age, typically 85. • Veterans Aid & Attendance provides a pension benefit paid to low-income veterans or surviving spouses who meet income, service eligibility and other requirements. • Veterans Housebound is a separate pension paid to veterans whose disabilities confine them to their residences. • Reverse mortgage loans allow homeowners to borrow against the value of their house. • Health savings accounts let users draw from tax-advantaged savings to pay for medical expenses. Drawing from qualified retirement accounts or IRAs may make sense in years of high medical expenses. Talk to your tax professional to know what is deductible, because you may be able to reduce or eliminate the income tax on these distributions.
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SCHOOL’S BACK IN SESSION
WHEN SCHOOL days return, driving hazards increase. Morning and afternoon, the roadways clog with school buses, harried parents, inexperienced teenage drivers, and walkers and cyclists who may not look both ways. It’s time for everyone to use extra caution. Watch for signs indicating school zones, which might have been inactive during the summer, and obey posted speed limits. Here are some other reminders: TAKE AN extra moment to look for children at intersections and crosswalks. DON’T TALK on the phone or text while driving. These behaviors are now illegal in many school zones. LOOK TWICE before backing out of driveways and parking spaces, and go slowly. The nonprofit KidsandCars.org reports that every week more than 50 children in the United States are killed or injured by drivers backing over them. KEEP YOUR distance from school buses, and never pass a bus when it’s loading or unloading. IN HEAVY traffic, maintain a safe following distance of at least six seconds behind other cars and avoid the urge to weave or cut through parking lots. IF YOU find yourself rushed every morning, try waking up and leaving a few minutes earlier or taking a different route to avoid traffic congestion.
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[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Quilts of Valor offer comfort after sacrifice BY JC JONES HOMEFRONT MAGAZINE
COURTESY PHOTOS
Since the group’s foundation in October 2013, members of the local quilting organization, Quilters with a Heart, have created around 30 Quilts of Valor for local veterans and active-duty service members. The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit organization with chapters and members throughout the United States, as well as other countries around the world.
Killeen area veteran Billy McGowan recently received the gratitude he never felt after returning from the Vietnam War in 1970. It came when a local organization presented him with a special “welcome home” gift. A member of the Killeen-based Quilters with a Heart group, made a Quilt of Valor for McGowan as a token of appreciation for his service. The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit organization that awards military veterans and active-duty service members with uniquely designed quilts. The organization has members across the country, as well as throughout the globe. “It is very gratifying for individuals to acknowledge the service that you have put forth in order to defend this great country,” McGowan said. He retired from the Army as a colonel in 1994, after more than 27 years of active duty service, including a year-long tour in Vietnam. Receiving his Quilt of Valor on June 13, was a surprising and humbling experience, McGowan said. As he accepted the award, the veteran said he couldn’t help but remember the many friends, classmates and fellow soldiers who also served in the battlefields of Vietnam. “Some of those individuals did not make it, so it was both with joy and also with sorrow to be able to stand there and receive appreciation for all of the things that they had done. I didn’t look at it on myself, as something that I had done. I looked at it as something that they had done,” McGowan said. According to the Quilts of Valor website, nearly 123,000 quilts have been awarded to date. Laura Winckel, founder of Quilters with a Heart, said the group has awarded around 30 Quilts of Valor to veterans in the Central Texas area since the group began nearly two years ago. “We, the sewers, the quilters, the people doing this out in the community, are just so excited about being able to touch all these veterans and soldiers that have been touched by war. Not all
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[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
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COURTESY PHOTOS
Since the group’s foundation in October 2013, members of the local quilting organization, Quilters with a Heart, have created around 30 Quilts of Valor for local veterans and active-duty service members. The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nonprofit organization with chapters and members throughout the United States, as well as other countries around the world.
wounds are physical,” she said. Winckel said the group is especially passionate about making the blankets for local Vietnam veterans. “We want to welcome them home the way they should have been welcomed home,” she said. Along with McGowan’s Quilt of Val-
or, the quilt’s designer, Bonnie Dunn, the wife of a Vietnam veteran, attached a note, which read in part, “I would like to present this small token of appreciation, long overdue to a brave Vietnam hero. Welcome home soldier! Thank you for your service to your country!” jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464
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[ ON THE HOMEFRONT ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Girl exceeds goal of buying 300 books for homeless children BY JACOB BROOKS HOMEFRONT MAGAZINE
COURTESY PHOTO
Katrina Lawrence shops for lemons earlier this summer. Proceeds from her lemonade stand were used to buy books and school supplies.
It’s been an eventful year for Katrina Lawrence. The Fort Hood 11-year-old decided to set up a lemonade stand in May with a community goal in mind: Raise enough money to buy 300 books for homeless children in the Fort Hood-Killeen area. She needed to raise $1,500 in order to buy 300 copies of “Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster,” a children’s book about overcoming hardships. Not only did she raise the funds, she exceeded her goal by about $300 for her Lemonade 4 Literacy project, buying 328 copies of the book and extra school supplies. All of it will be donated to Killeen Independent School District’s Homeless Awareness and Response Program in the next week, said Katrina’s mother, Suzanne Ziglar. Since setting up her drink stand for the annual Lemonade Day on May 3, Katrina, with the help of her sister, Alisha, and mother, has set up shop at numerous locations and events. When the lemonade stand was set up at the Killeen Mall, Alisha, 6, “went out to customers and asked them: Would you like a glass of lemonade?” Katrina said. The efforts paid off, with Katrina raising $1,800 during the 11 times she set up her stand in various locations. The best moment in the fundraising effort came last month, when her mother told her “that I reached my goal,” Katrina said. “I really enjoy helping people.” Katrina is scheduled to set up her stand once more: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Dodge Country, 1902 E. Central Texas Expressway in Killeen. Ziglar said Katrina’s dedication to the project was impressive. “She had to get up — some mornings — extra early,” Ziglar said, adding Katrina gave up some of her weekends and other free time to commit to the project. Ziglar said Katrina also learned to purchase her supplies and learned the ins and outs of running a small business. In June, her efforts earned her the Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
[ ON THE HOMEFRONT]
COURTESY PHOTOS | GREATER KILLEEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ABOVE: Amanda Stephens, Lemonade Day city director, awards Katrina Lawrence the Lemonade Day Entrepreneur of the Year award in June. FAR RIGHT: Alisha Ziglar holds up a sign at her sister’s lemonade stand. BELOW: Katrina displays the back of her Lemonade 4 Literacy T-shirt.
Year award. “I was amazed,” Katrina said. Next month, Katrina will be speaking at the national Lemonade Day City Director conference in Houston, said Amanda Stephens, the city director for the Lemonade Day Fort Hood Area. “We are very proud of her.” Katrina said the entire experience has been “amazing” and she’s very proud she was able to reach her goal. “I always want to help,” Katrina said. “I don’t know why. I love the way it feels when I give something to someone else. When I was younger, around 6 or 5, we were in Alabama and
witnessed a lot of natural disasters — tornadoes and hurricanes — and we helped out then.” The Fort Hood youth has already started another project that will benefit the community: Paws of Love Boutique. With Paws of Love, Katrina makes and sells homemade dog collars and other accessories, and donates the profits to different rescues in the area. Katrina’s Paws of Love Boutique and Lemonade 4 Literacy can both be found on Facebook. Rachael Riley contributed to this report. jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468
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[ WHAT’S HAPPENING ]
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Auditions Any female who has dreamed of singing on stage is invited to register for a 10-week vocal and performance program that culminates with a guest ensemble appearance Nov. 21 at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple. The Chisholm Trail Chorus of Sweet Adelines International is hosting the program, “Spotlight The Performer In You,” which begins Sept. 10 and includes four pieces of music, learning tracks and 10 weekly sessions filled with choreography and vocal guidance. Rehearsals are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at the CAC, 3011 N. Third St., in Temple. No experience is necessary and women of any age are welcome. Go to www.chisholmtrailchorus.org.
Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. For ages 21 and older, no cover. Dirty Harry’s is at 206 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights (next to Kin Pin Tattoos). Call 254-680-6557. Catch live jazz every Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Inn on the Creek in Salado. Call 254-947-5554 or go to www.inncreek.com. The Dead Fish Grill at 2207 Lake Road in Belton presents live music many evenings. Call 254-939-5771 or go to www.deadfishgrill.com. Schoepf’s Bar-B-Que presents live music some nights. Schoepf’s is at 702 E. Central Ave., Belton. Go to www.schoepfsbbq.com.
Cove, is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The Water Street Farmers Market in Belton is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin. Local vendors will have a variety of vegetables, foods and crafts. The Harker Heights Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway. The Killeen Farmers Market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays at Green Avenue Park, 717 N. Second St. Call Leslie Hinkle at 254501-7847.
Arts & Theater The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Visual Arts presents the 2015 Art Faculty Exhibition through Sept. 17 in the art gallery of the Baugh Center for the Visual Arts on the UMHB campus.
Dancing Join In the Mood for dancing at 13 S. Main St., Temple. Tonight is the Variety Dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets: $7 a person. Come at 7 p.m. for a dance lesson, pay $10 and stay for the dance for free. Attire is dressy casual. Dance classes are available throughout the week. Call 254-773-7088, email itmood@vvm.com or go to inthemoodballroom.com.
Farmers Markets
Bars, Clubs
The Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Company on Central Texas Expressway in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call Virginia at 254-423-5277. The Copperas Cove Farmers Market, 1506 Veterans Ave., VFW parking lot, Copperas
Whiskey Business Bar & Grill presents karaoke on Friday nights and live music on Saturday nights. No cover for either night. Whiskey Business is at 704 B. East Veterans Memorial Blvd., Killeen. (Next to Action Motors). Call 254-519-3764 or go to www.facebook.com/7WhiskeyBusiness7.
Catch live music and other events at The Gin, 219 S. East St., in Belton. Go to www. thegin.net or text GINEVENTS to 96362.
Book Signings Local author John Clark will be signing copies of his books, including the best-selling “Camino: Laughter and Tears along Spain’s 500-mile Camino de Santiago” from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 4 at Frames and Things, 216 Cove Terrace Shopping Center in Copperas Cove.
For Children The Cultural Activities Center invites all preschoolers to Tot Spot, an art class for children ages 2-5 every third Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $3 per child for CAC members and $5 per child for nonmembers. Any siblings under 2 years are free. This month’s Tot Spot program will be all about ice cream. For more information on membership, go to cacarts.org/personalmembership or call 254-773-9926.
Clubs, Meetings The Killeen Civic Art Guild has open studio time from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and offers various workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at the Killeen Arts & Activities Center, 802 N. Second St., Suite D 100. Contact Jutta Mack at jmack1@hot.rr.com, call 254-466-4040 or go to www.killeencivicartguild.org.
Festivals, Events Pacific Heights Express Dance Organization’s Flavor of Island Culture is Aug. 29 at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive. A free festival open to the public is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrating Polynesian dance, music
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
and history with a variety of performers, food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, a children’s fun zone, a fire truck and ambulance display, face painting, a balloon twister and kids’ bounce house. Tickets for the evening festival are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door with a catered dinner from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and cash bar and evening entertainment from musicians and dancers at 7:30 p.m. Call 254371-6785, 254-317-4329, 254-338-4807 or 831-236-7758. On Sept. 4, the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple will be full of unique bargains and one-of-a-kind treasures as it plays host to Temple’s Biggest Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3303 N. Third St. Admission is $3. Go to mayborncenter.com or call 254-298-5720 to obtain a vendor application.
Fundraisers Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 23-5 plans a fundraiser at the Pit Stop Bar & Grill from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 to benefit the state veterans home in Temple, Fisher House at Fort Hood and Operation Phantom Support in Killeen. Entry fee is $10 and includes a pulled pork or chopped beef plate and five raffle tickets. Additional raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Vendors on-site. Live music by The Back Creek Band, and Lady Zion and the Babylon Boys. Raffles held every hour. Cash donations accepted. Location: Farm-to-Market 439, Nolanville. Email Vic Trujillo at true47@hotmail.com.
Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight. org or call 254-526-1800.
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[ ON THE TUBE ]
Homefront | 13
TV rerun relief will be here soon as new seasons start on networks THE FRESNO BEE
Summer network programming is a mishmash of short-run original programs, reality competitions and reruns. If none of these types of programs have kept your interest, help is on the way. Here’s a look at the when you can expect to see new programs on the five major networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW. SEPT. 11 9 p.m. “20/20,” ABC SEPT. 14 7 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC SEPT. 15 7:30 p.m. “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris,” NBC SEPT. 21 7 p.m. “The Voice,” NBC; “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS; “Gotham,” FOX 8 p.m. “Minority Report,” FOX 7:30 p.m. “Life in Pieces,” CBS 8 p.m. “Scorpion,” CBS 9 p.m. “Castle,” ABC; “The Blindspot,” NBC; “NCIS: Los Angeles,” CBS SEPT. 22 7 p.m. “The Muppets,” ABC; “NCIS,” CBS; “Scream Queens,” FOX 7:30 p.m. “Fresh Off the Boat,” ABC 8 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars: The Re-
sults,” ABC; “NCIS: New Orleans,” CBS 9 p.m. “Limitless,” CBS SEPT. 23 7 p.m. “The Middle,” ABC; “The Mysteries of Laura,” NBC; “Survivor,” CBS; “Rosewood,” FOX 7:30 p.m. “The Goldbergs,” ABC 8 p.m. “Modern Family,” ABC; “Law & Order: SVU,” NBC; “Empire,” FOX 8:30 p.m. “black-ish,” ABC 9 p.m. “Nashville,” ABC SEPT. 24 7 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC; “Heroes Reborn,” NBC 8 p.m. “Scandal, ABC; “The Blacklist,” NBC 9 p.m. “How to Get Away with Murder,” ABC; “The Player,” NBC” SEPT. 25 7 p.m. “Last Man Standing,” ABC; “The Amazing Race,” CBS 8 p.m. “Shark Tank,” ABC; “Hawaii Five-0,” CBS 9 p.m. “Blue Bloods,” CBS SEPT. 26 9 p.m. “47 Hours” CBS SEPT. 27 7:30 p.m. “60 Minutes,” CBS; “Bob’s Burgers,” FOX 7 p.m. “Once Upon a Time,” ABC; “The Simpsons,” FOX
7:30 p.m. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” FOX 8 p.m. “Blood & Oil,” ABC; “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” CBS; “Family Guy,” FOX 8:30 p.m. “The Last Man on Earth,” FOX 9 p.m. “Quantico,” ABC SEPT. 28 7 p.m. “Grandfathered,” FOX 7:30 p.m. “The Grinder,” FOX 8 p.m. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” ABC 9 p.m. “Beyond the Tank,” ABC SEPT. 30 8 p.m. “Criminal Minds,” CBS 9 p.m. “Chicago P.D.,” NBC; “Code Black,” CBS OCT. 1 7 p.m. “Bones,” FOX 8 p.m. “Sleepy Hollow,” FOX OCT. 2 7:30 p.m. “Dr. Ken,” ABC OCT. 4 7 p.m. “Madam Secretary,” CBS 8 p.m. “The Good Wife,” CBS 9 p.m. “CSI: Cyber,” CBS OCT. 6 7 p.m. “The Flash,” CW 8 p.m. “iZombie,” CW OCT. 7 7 p.m. “Arrow,” CW 8 p.m. “Supernatural,” CW
OCT. 8 7 p.m. “The Vampire Diaries,” CW 8 p.m. “The Originals,” CW OCT. 9 7 p.m. “Undateable,” NBC; “Reign,” CW 8 p.m. “America’s Next Top Model,” CW OCT. 11 7 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” ABC OCT. 13 9 p.m. “Chicago Fire,” NBC OCT. 16 7:30 p.m. “People Are Talking,” NBC OCT. 19 7 p.m. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” CW 8 p.m. “Jane the Virgin,” CW OCT. 26 7:30 p.m. “Supergirl,” CBS OCT. 27 9 p.m. “Wicked City,” ABC OCT. 30 8 p.m. “Grimm,” NBC NOV. 5 8 p.m. “Mom,” CBS 8:30 p.m. “Angel from Hell,” CBS 9 p.m. “Elementary,” CBS NOV. 6 7 p.m. “Masterchef Junior,” FOX 8 p.m. “World’s Funniest,” FOX NOV. 10 9 p.m. “Chicago Med,” NBC
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[ DINING IN ]
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Salad for the meat-and-potatoes crowd BY JEANMARIE BROWNSON CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Even as I attempt to eat less red meat, I still crave steak. During the summer months, its virtues suit our lifestyles. Steak cooks quickly, is easy to transport to a picnic and tastes great hot, warm and chilled. Leftovers make indulgent sandwiches. Grilled steak, piled on garden-crisp greens topped with a freshly made dressing, ranks as a favorite dinner on a warm evening. Combining grilled steak with potatoes reminds us of cozy Midwestern steakhouse dinners. This season we’re enjoying two delicious steak salads: The first pairs thinly sliced steak with crispy grilled russet potatoes and a spicy ranch-style dressing; the second employs grill-steamed little golden potatoes with a fresh herb vinaigrette. Boneless New York strip makes great salad steak because of its tenderness and uniform thickness. After cooking, it slices thin with little effort. Meatiertasting sirloin tip, petite-cut top sirloin and flank steak prove good choices when serving the steak cold. Take care when cooking, as these steaks tend to be leaner; don’t cook them past medium-rare, or they’ll be dry and tough. Whenever possible, select choice grade steaks with about ¼-inch of fat around the edges to keep things moist during cooking; it can be trimmed before adding to the salad. The same tricks for grilling steakhouse steaks apply to those destined for a salad: Take the chill off the steak before cooking, season it highly and use a properly heated (and hot) grill. Let it rest after cooking for 5 minutes, so the juices settle. Use a super-sharp thin bladed knife to slice the meat against the grain for maximum eating pleasure. As for the potatoes, I like the goldenbrown flavor of russet slices cooked directly over the coals; I start the cooking in the microwave while the grill heats. These slices make a delicious side to a burger, but tucked warm into crisp greens they surprise the diner. I employ my hobo-pack style of grilling potatoes for small tender yellow potatoes that get even creamier when cooked in their own steam. To crisp them a bit, I move
PHOTOS BY E. JASON WAMBSGANS | CHICAGO TRIBUNE
the pack over the hottest part of the coals for a couple of minutes. When tossing the salad with a creamy dressing, I prefer sturdy greens — especially with hearty slices of steak and potatoes. Romaine sets the standard, but there’s also good flavor in those heads of Little Gem lettuces sold in bags and the large-leafed arugula sold in bunches. For a stunning presenta-
tion with romaine, I cut the head crosswise into thick slabs and put each slab in the center of the plate. Then I top it with all the salad goodies and a drizzle of dressing. More delicate lettuces, such as watercress, baby spinach, pea shoots and spring mix welcome a lighter dressing such as the fresh herb vinaigrette. This summer, I’m enjoying living cress
from Living Water Farms; it is sold with the roots still attached and tastes delicate and sweet. Keep all cress perky by wrapping it in damp paper toweling and storing in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The goodness about tossing sliced steak in a salad with potatoes: You’ll eat less steak. One 8-ounce steak will make two salads.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015
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GRILLED STEAK & POTATO SALAD WITH SPICY RANCH DRESSING
PREP: 40 minutes COOK: 25 minutes MAKES: 4 servings I like the Amish blue cheese from Salemville in Cambria, Wis. Pretty blue veins with a rich, not-too-strong flavor that doesn’t overpower the steak. 3 small russet potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil, about ½ teaspoon coarse salt, about Coarsely ground pepper 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steaks (or New York strips), each about 1-inch thick 1 medium red onion, peeled, thickly sliced 1 large head romaine lettuce, tough outer leaves removed Spicy ranch dressing, see recipe 3 small tomatoes, halved, seeds shaken out, flesh cut into small dice 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, diced 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta or goat cheese) Thinly sliced fresh basil, optional 1. Prepare a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to hot. 2. Pierce potatoes in several spots with a fork. Microwave on high (100 percent power) until nearly tender, about 5 minutes. Cool, then cut into 1/3-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Generously season the steaks with salt and pepper. Then drizzle lightly with oil. Lightly brush the onion slices with the oil; season with salt and pepper. 4. Arrange the potato slices over the hotter part of the grill; put the onion slices around the cooler edges. Cook, turning once, until all are golden and tender, about 5 minutes for the potatoes and 15 minutes for the onions. Transfer potatoes to a plate. Separate onions into rings; slice rings in half. 5. Grill the steaks over the hotter portion of the grill, turning only once, until medium-rare (or as preferred), about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest a few minutes. 6. To assemble the salads, cut four 1-inch thick center slices from the romaine. Alternatively, cut the head of romaine lengthwise in quarters. Transfer one romaine slice to each serving plate. Divide the potatoes and onions over the romaine. Very thinly slice the steak; lay the slices on top of the salad. Drizzle steak and greens lightly with dressing. Sprinkle with tomatoes, avocado and blue cheese. Garnish with basil. Serve salad while the steak is warm. NUTRITION PER SERVING: 526 calories, 33
g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 73 mg cholesterol, 35 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein, 720 mg sodium, 10 g fiber
SPICY RANCH DRESSING PREP: 5 minutes MAKES: about ½ cup
2 tablespoons each: sour cream, mayonnaise 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh: chives, cilantro 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon red pepper hot sauce ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Put all ingredients into a blender. Process to mix. Dressing will keep several days in the refrigerator. NUTRITION PER TABLESPOON: 47 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 4 mg cholesterol, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein, 143 mg sodium, 0 g fiber
HERBY POTATOES & STEAK SALAD PREP: 20 minutes COOK: 35 minutes MAKES: 4 servings
12 very small golden potatoes (about 1
pound), halved 2 tablespoons olive oil, about ½ teaspoon salt, about Freshly ground pepper 2 or 3 sprigs fresh tarragon, rosemary or oregano (or a combination) 1 pound boneless beef top sirloin steaks (or New York strips), about 1 inch thick Fresh herb vinaigrette, see recipe 4 cups tender watercress sprigs, rinsed, patted dry (or baby arugula or spinach) 1. Prepare a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill to hot. 2. Put potatoes onto a large square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Top with the herb sprigs. Wrap in foil to completely enclose potatoes. Wrap the package again with a second square of foil. Place the foil packet directly over the heat source. Grill, moving the packet around occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from grill; cool in packet. 3. Generously season the steaks with salt and pepper. Then drizzle lightly with oil. Grill the steaks over the hotter portion of the grill, turning only once, until mediumrare (or as preferred), about 8 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board; let rest a
few minutes. 4. To assemble the salads, open foil packet; transfer potatoes to a bowl (discard the herbs). Toss potatoes with some of the vinaigrette. Add watercress and toss very gently. Divide the mixture among 4 serving plates. Very thinly slice the steaks; lay the slices on top of the salad. Drizzle steak with a little of the dressing. Serve salad while the steak is warm. NUTRITION PER SERVING: 393 calories, 24 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 57 mg cholesterol, 23 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein, 490 mg sodium, 2 g fiber
FRESH HERB VINAIGRETTE PREP: 5 minutes MAKES: a generous 1/3 cup
¼ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons each, finely chopped fresh: parsley, basil, chives ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin Mix everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using. NUTRITION PER TABLESPOON: 92 calories, 10 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g carbohydrates, 0 g protein, 111 mg sodium, 0 g fiber
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Wednesday, August 26, 2015