Tex Appeal Magazine December 2014

L i f e & S t y l e i n C e n t r a l Te x a s

December 2014

anta!

S

Here Comes

Local Justice leads double life

HolidayHappenings

Local fests bring joy

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OCTOBER 2013 TEX APPEAL

Works of Art

Visit the Painted Churches of Central Texas

BobMillsFurniture.com TEMPLE, TX 2100 South 61st Street (254) 935-2720 WACO, TX 5400 Franklin Ave. (254) 732-3000

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Features

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WINTER WONDERLAND

Holiday events in Central Texas

There are many holiday events happening around the Central Texas area and activities can be found in each of the local communities. From Copperas Cove to Temple and all places in between there is something for everyone at the 2014 Christmas celebrations.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

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PRESERVING THE PAST In business more than 140 years

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FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Church feeds UMHB students

Church director Jack Sykes and volunteers of the Wednesday college lunch ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Belton form a circle outside the Family Life Center. They bow their heads and say a blessing for the food about to be enjoyed by students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

As you walk down East Central Avenue in Belton, you can see signs of the past. At the corner of one bustling thoroughfare stands the oldest department store in Texas — Cochran, Blair and Potts.

By JESSA MCCLURE

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Jolly JUDGE

Duffield spreads cheer all year

Judge Ted Duffield leans over a stack of papers inside the law library at the Bell County Justice Center, pausing only to nervously stroke his long, white beard.

By JESSA MCCLURE

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BIRTH OF CHRIST

MAIN STREET BETHLEHEM

Housed behind what seems like a wooden fortress, the moment you walk past the Roman soldier guarding the gate and step over the threshold at Main Street Bethlehem, you enter a time warp and are transported back to 1 B.C. Bethlehem, and the night Jesus Christ was born.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

Departments

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TexTalk Neighbors Ptomey family welcomes exchange student

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TexTalk FLAVOUR Dead Fish Grill in Belton

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TexTalk BEAUTY Daphne Meade opens her bag

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TexTalk SCENE Metroplex Gold Star Gala

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TexTalk CALENDAR

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TexTalk Well-Fed head

L i f e & S t y l e i n C e n t r a l Te x a s

December 2014

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FROM THE EDITOR

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WELL-CONNECTED

Santa!

Here Comes

Local Justice leads double life

HolidayHappenings

Local fests bring joy

4

OctOber 2013 tex AppeAl

Works of Art

Visit the Painted Churches of Central Texas

ON the COVER

Judge Ted Duffield and Donna Hartman bring cheer all year as Santa and Mrs. Claus. 41 Photograph by JULIE NABOURS

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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Book goes inside “The Nixon Tapes”

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TexPets Holiday gift ideas

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TexFIT

Contributors

In the Mood Ballroom

GIFT GUIDE

TexADVENTURES

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59

Ideas for the holiday season

Exploring the Painted Churches of Central Texas

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX

TexTHERAPY

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

From the Editor

Life & Style in Central Texas

Dear Readers, Living in the Killeen area so close to Fort Hood is truly a new experience for me. I am awed by the level of support our men and women in uniform receive from the community. Having had a loved one serve during war, I remember all too well the feeling of separation, trauma and worry during the deployment of my then-boyfriend to Vietnam. He was only there for six months and came home with no physical scars, but the emotional scars changed him. As 2014 comes to a close, let’s remember all the military families who have loved ones deployed during this holiday season. May their return be swift and safe.

With this issue we are celebrating families. Not necessarily your typical biological family, but the kind of family that extends beyond blood relations.

Meet Jack Sykes and his family of volunteers at the First United Methodist Church of Belton who serve hot, homemade meals every Wednesday to their extended “family of students” from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, page 31.

Cochran, Blair and Potts is the oldest department store in Texas, having found its roots in 1869. Still thriving at the same location in Belton since the early 20th century, meet the seventh generation of Potts family members who now run the store. It’s a step back in time before big box stores took over the retail landscape, page 36.

And what’s a Christmas season without Santa Claus? Meet Justice Ted Duffield, a.k.a. Santa Claus, whose friendly nature and appearance make him a natural to be Central Texas’ own Santa, page 41.

Salado ISD teacher Tish Ptomey and her family opened their home to a foreign exchange student from Norway this year. A new experience for both, they are learning from each other and plan on blending their holiday customs, page 12.

With so many Christmas events happening this year, it’s hard to put them all in one calendar. On page 26, are most of the holiday happenings this season from Copperas Cove to Temple and every town in between. There are enough family friendly events to last the entire season. An added bonus is Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet that happens on two weekends in December. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a trip. Spend half the day in Burnet to see the sites then line up at the gates of Bethlehem and travel back in time to the night Christ was born.

Speaking of day trips, take a journey to the Painted Churches of Central Texas.

Mostly situated around the Schulenburg area, the churches were created by Czech and German immigrants who settled in Central Texas, page 59.

By the time the holidays are over, most people are trying to figure out how to lose those added pounds gained by all the delicious food. Get in the mood to exercise again at In the Mood Ballroom in Temple. Meet Karen and Rudy Gonzales who can help you dance those pounds away, page 54.

As you take a break from the holiday madness, take a seat and pour yourself a glass or cup of your favorite holiday beverage and enjoy our family issue.

On behalf of Tex Appeal, may you have a happy holiday season.

Catherine Hosman

Tex Appeal Editor edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com 254-501-7511

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Tex Appeal Published by FRANK MAYBORN ENTERPRISES, INC. KILLEEN DAILY HERALD 1809 Florence Rd., Killeen, TX 76540

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501

Publisher SUE MAYBORN Editor CATHERINE HOSMAN Copy Editor LEE JAMES Graphic Designer/Photographer JULIE NABOURS Graphic Designer M. CLARE HAEFNER Contributors FRED AFFLERBACH GAIL DILLON APRIL KROENKE JESSA MCCLURE JAMES PAUL STANLEY VALERIE L. VALDEZ Advertising 254-774-5264 or 254-501-7500

Tex Appeal Magazine is published monthly by Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501. The cover and content of Tex Appeal Magazine is fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

Subscriptions: For the United States, $24 per year, 12 issues.

Mail check to P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114.

Questions about subscriptions, call 254-774-5264.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Tex Appeal Magazine, P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114.

How to contact us: Advertising: Contact 254-774-5264 or 254-501-7500.

Editorial: Contact Catherine Hosman at 254-501-7511 or email edittexappealmagazine@ gmail.com.

Well Connected

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

Contributors

James Paul Stanley is a Central Texas freelance photographer.

His interest in photography began while serving at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia. Retired from 20 years of military service, he had the opportunity to travel to many countries and capture life through the lens. He currently resides in Killeen with his wife Julie and daughter Sarah, and teaches Basic Photography for the Continuing Education department at Central Texas College.

Valerie L. Valdez has taught theater arts and film classes at Central Texas College in Killeen since 2009. An accomplished writer of stage plays and screenplays, she earned her M.A. in theater arts from Texas State University in 1991. Val served as a marketing director for architecture firms in Austin for a decade. From 1981 to 1991, she worked as a producer and director of training films for the U.S. Army at Fort Hood and was also a program director at NBC and PBS affiliates for eight years.

FreD AFFLERBACH is an award-winning writer and novelist, college graduate at age 50, and former longhaul trucker. His stories and columns have been published in daily newspapers across Texas. His novel, “Roll On,” debuted in 2012, an interstate odyssey about a man afflicted with an incurable wanderlust despite pressure from family and friends to settle down. Fred lives in Cedar Park with his wife, Diane, and enjoys perusing Central Texas backroads with a keen eye out for roadrunners, old trucks and lipstick sunsets.

Gail Dillon is a journalist and a former Air Force Public Affairs officer. She also writes a weekly blog, “Married To It,” about life as a military wife and mother, for the Killeen Daily Herald, and a weekly column for the Fort Hood Herald. She and her family are stationed at Fort Hood.

Jessa McClure is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom to two energetic children. She is a longtime resident of Bell County and spends her time running around with her kids, volunteering and channeling her creativity. She finds inspiration everywhere and uses her experiences to create articles that inspire and touch those who read them.

APRIL KROENKE is a certified professional photographer and owner of April Kroenke Photography. She is a military wife and mom of two. Through her many military travels with her husband, she has been able to photograph in some amazing places, including Germany, Paris and Austria. She and her family are stationed at Fort Hood.

JOIN OUR TEAM: Tex Appeal Magazine is looking for photographers and freelance writers with at least one year experience

photographing and/or writing features for a newspaper or magazine. We are seeking candidates from the Central Texas area to include the cities of Killeen, Temple, Belton, Salado, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights. Candidates must be detail- and deadline-oriented and good story tellers, and must be familiar with AP style. Ability for writers to take photos is a plus, but not required. Interested candidates may send their resumes and three recent clippings and/or photographs for consideration to Catherine Hosman at edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com.

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

neighbors 12

flavour 14

beauty 16

scene 18

TexTalk

calendar 20

well-fed head 24

Cross-cultural

Christmas

Henriette Falch, an exchange student from Bodoe, Norway, experienced her first UT Football game with members of her host family.

Pictured from left are Melissa Hoberg, Austin Ptomey, Addison Ptomey and Henriette Falch. Photo courtesy of the Ptomey family.

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TexTalk neighbors

Salado family welcomes student from Norway

By Catherine Hosman

T

ish and Craig Ptomey didn’t plan on adding a new member to their family this year. Together they have four children ranging in age from 10 to 22, a mini potbelly pig and a yorkipoo, not to mention their careers: She’s a fourth-grade teacher at Salado Intermediate School and he’s manager of the training program at Austin Energy. So the thought of hosting a foreign exchange student wasn’t even on their radar. But something changed Tish’s mind when she saw an ad on a social media page for volunteers to host a student.

“I talked to Craig about it and how we can learn about an exchange student’s culture and they can learn about us,” Tish Ptomey said. “It costs a lot of money for these kids to go through the processing, and these are good kids who really want to be here.”

At first, Craig Ptomey said he wasn’t too sure about bringing another teenager into the house, but he eventually agreed and the selection began.

“The local foreign exchange student coordinator sent four profiles of students to me. My oldest daughter, Addison, and I read through the four, but didn’t choose from that group. We went online to look at (additional) profiles when we found Henriette (pronounced Henriettha). She had a lot of the same interests as our family: she likes to hang out at home, go boating, wants to be a preschool teacher. That cinched it.”

“This needed to be a good match for both,” Craig Ptomey said.

“This is a good family match,” Tish Ptomey added.

Falch is from Bodoe, Norway (pronounced booda), from the north side of the country.

“This is my first time to experience a new culture and learn something different.

You learn so much,” said Falch, who wanted to come to America. “And I wanted to come to the South for a warmer climate.”

How did she like her first Texas summer?

“The summer was really hot,” she said.

“I liked it.”

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Craig and Tish Ptomey

Another difference: rules for driving.

“You have stop signs here, we don’t have stop signs,” she said.

So far Falch has experienced a University of Texas football game, learned how to wakeboard, played softball, visited the Canton market, carved a pumpkin and attended a soccer game. Soon she will celebrate her first Thanksgiving, and learn about Christmas traditions in the Ptomey family and in Texas.

“We will put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. And as far as actual holidays go, we have dinner at our house with the family on Christmas Eve, open gifts from Santa on Christmas day, then we go to the our parents’ houses for a traditional turkey dinner,” Tish Ptomey said.

Planned events leading up to Christmas include the annual Salado Stroll and, beginning Dec. 7 until Christmas Day, the Elf on the Shelf makes an appearance and mischief begins.

“Each night the Elf gets into some kind of mischief or leaves a message,” Tish Ptomey said.

“We have different traditions than Americans,” Falch said. “Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is on Dec. 24. In the morning we get our stockings, and then we eat breakfast as a family at grand-

mother’s house. Then we go to church and then dinner at grandmother’s house. Santa brings gifts for the stockings. We get one big gift from Santa and other gifts come from family and friends.”

Contents of the Christmas stockings change over the years, and Falch said it’s usually small stuff such as candy. But two of her holiday traditions she hopes to share with her American family are the Christmas porridge and roast leg of lamb with boiled potatoes and vegetables and a cucumber salad.

“The porridge is made with rice and milk and water with sugar and cinnamon for dinner,” she said. “We add cream and raspberry sauce and it makes a dessert for Christmas Day.” Craig Ptomey said there won’t be a leg of lamb, but he plans to take her tradition and put a Texas spin on it.

Having Falch in the house brings a “spark to the normal routine of us,” Tish Ptomey said.

“She is always smiling. I want to make sure she is having a good time and experiences what she wants to experience.”

“This is a great family,” added Falch, a junior at Salado High School. “They welcomed me into their family and treat me like one of their own.”

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TexTalk flavour

Thomas Leija, chef at the Dead Fish Grill created Creole Whiskey Salmon, one of the restaurant’s signature plates. Paired with a “cham-rita,” a margarita infused with champagne, and the lake view all lend to an intoxicating experience. Photograph by April Kroenke

Dead Fish Grill offers lakeside dining in Belton

By Catherine Hosman

N

ew to the area and seeking a lakeside view while dining?

The Dead Fish Grill offers the prettiest panorama this side of Austin. Opened since 2008, the restaurant sits on the spot where the old Frank’s Lakeview Inn once dominated from 1955 to 2000. After a series of mishaps and a fire that leveled the building, Smith rebuilt and his restaurant continued until he passed away in 2000. In 2005, the idea to rebuild and re-brand the location was born and in 2008 the Dead Fish Grill opened its doors.

Matthew Taylor, general manager, has been with the restaurant for one year. An experienced restaurateur, he said that when the opportunity to take “this restaurant to the next level” was presented to him, he didn’t hesitate.

Menu prices range from $8 to $22 for lunch, $13 to $25 for dinner, $9 to $12 for Sunday Brunch and $5 to $6 for desserts.

There is also a children’s dinner menu with prices ranging from $4 to $6.

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Specialty items include Creole whisky salmon, steaks, Mahi Mahi, snapper and grouper.

“Everybody loves fresh fish,” Taylor said, adding that the most popular sellers are fried catfish, shrimp and seafood.

“We have a newly organized menu and with the landscape, plate presentations, a dining area and full service banquet service, there is no place else you can have this view with casual lakeside dining.”

If you go Dead Fish Grill is located at 2207 Lake Road, Belton Phone: 254-939-5771 Hours of Operation: Closed Monday Tuesday through Saturday, lunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, dinner until 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, dinner until 10 p.m.

Sunday brunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dead Fish Grill’s Creole Whiskey Salmon Creole Whiskey Sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup red wine 2 tablespoons Creole mustard ¼ cup heavy cream 8 ounces butter

1 chopped red onion ¼ cup whiskey 2 cups demi glaze (beef stock) 2 teaspoons Sambal (hot sauce) 1 clove minced garlic

In a sauce pan, heat olive oil and sweat out red onion pieces.

Add red wine and reduce. Remove sauce pan from heat and add whiskey and Creole mustard, incorporate fully. Return to heat and add beef stock, heavy cream, Sambal and garlic. At simmer, add butter to thicken, then salt and pepper to taste.

Dirty Rice 1½ cups long-grain rice 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups water 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ½ pound ground pork ½ cup chicken livers 3 slices of bacon, chopped ½ onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped ½ green bell pepper or 1-3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 2 green onions, chopped Boil 2 cups of water and 1 cup of chicken broth. Once the rice has finished cooking, remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Turn the rice out onto a sheet pan and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Mix to combine and let cool.

While the rice is cooking, mash and finely chop the chicken livers. In a large pan that can eventually hold the rice plus everything else, put 1 tablespoon of oil plus the bacon and cook over medium-low heat until the bacon is crispy.

Add the ground pork and increase the heat to high. Allow the meat to brown before stirring. As soon as the pork starts to brown, add the final tablespoon of oil and add the celery, jalapeños, and onions. Brown them all over medium-high heat.

Add the minced liver and cook for a few minutes more. Add the remaining cup of chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon. Add the Cajun seasoning and turn the heat to high. Boil away most of the chicken stock and then add the cooked rice. Toss to combine.

Salmon Heat grill to 400 degrees. Remove skin from salmon filet, grill for 2 minutes, turn, than again on opposite side.

Vegetables Your choice, seasonal green vegetables pair well with this dish; asparagus, broccoli, snap peas, etc.

Plating Place dirty rice at center of plate. Accent with steamed or sautéed vegetables. Gently place salmon filet across rice. Drizzle salmon and dress plate with Creole Whiskey sauce.

Pair it with a “chamrita,” a margarita blended with a split of champagne.

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TexTalk beauty

Beauty in the Bag

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

How do you stay beautiful on the go?

Each month Tex Appeal peeks inside the bag of one busy woman to reveal her best beauty secrets and must-have essentials.

Daphne Meade

Metroplex Health System Foundation manager

Five ESSENTIALS she CARRIES For Daphne Meade, Metroplex Health System Foundation manager, keeping her professional and personal lives organized helps with the details she coordinates.

SUNSCREEN: Since skin cancer runs in my family, I always carry SUNX30 sunscreen with me since I enjoy being outdoors. This is extremely essential not only for my skin but for my health.

LIPSTICK: Love some color! I don’t feel completely dressed without my LOREAL Make Me Blush lipstick.

PERFUME: I have worn Giorgio perfume

since college and it’s my #1 favorite. There are others that come in second. I’m a girly girl and it just makes me feel special.

BRONZER: CHANEL bronzer is multi-purposeful. Can’t live without it.

FOUNDATION: For years, I have tried to use as many natural products as possible on my skin. Since I discovered bareMinerals with broad spectrum SPF 20, I haven’t used anything else.

BODY LOTION: AVEDA stress-fix body lotion is great. Many of us need a reprieve from stress and this certainly does the trick.

Photographs by APRIL KROENKE

Most valuable TOOL in her BAG My sunglasses are a huge necessity and requirement. I never go anywhere without them. Whether they are prescription or not, your eyes are protected, as well as your skin around your eyes.

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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TexTalk scene

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1. Killeen City Mayor Scott Cosper and his wife, Christy, at the Metroplex Gold Star Gala.

2. President of the Metroplex Foundation Board Ross Caviness and his wife, Gwen.

3. Metroplex President and CEO Carlyle Walton relaxes at the 20th annual gala.

4. Erin Porter of Stylecraft Builder Inc. and Metroplex Board member Lisa Parker attend the gala at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.

5. Bill Hall of Bill Hall Auctioneer Inc. solicits bids during the live auction.

6. Joe Lombardi, former Lampasas radio host, performed Master of Ceremonies duties.

7. Winners of raffle items wait to claim their prizes during the gala.

8. The evening’s entertainment, Three Dog Night, played hits recognized by all in attendance.

9. Metroplex Chief Medical Officer Dr. Don Daniels and his wife, Doris.

10. Retired Staff Sgt. William Keller and Sharon Berget of the Metroplex Wound Care Center.

Photographs by JAMES PAUL STANLEY 18

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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scene TexTalk

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Gold Star Gala raises funds for Metroplex Health System 8 9

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TexTalk calendar

The John Pinno Classical Guitar Ensemble Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m.; Dec. 7, 4 p.m. and Dec. 21, 3 p.m.

The John Pinno Classical Guitar Ensemble performs programs of traditional Christmas music arranged for four classical guitars. Also on the programs is Christmas music arranged for flute, violin and guitar.

Dec. 3 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 2800 Trimmier, Killeen Dec. 7 at Temple Brethren Church, 2202 Bird Creek, Temple Dec. 21 at Natural Grocers, 3621 S. General Bruce Drive, Temple All the programs are free and the public is invited.

For more information, email John Pinno at jpinno093@hotmail.com.

Jingle Bell Dash 5K Dec. 6, 8 a.m.

This is part of the Centex Race Series. Participants can pre-register at www. killeentex.gov/centex or on the day of the event. Breakfast in Toyland, sponsored by the American Business Women’s Association, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Ticket prices are $5 and include a full pancake breakfast with juice and sausage, and a photo with Santa. Tickets are available at the event. Killeen Community Center, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 7 p.m.

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

A Christmas Carol

Peek inside the world of Tiny Tim and Mr. Scrooge as Charles Dickens’ classic story comes alive at Salado’s Tablerock’s Goodnight Ampitheater.

Ticket prices are $10 adults; $5 students and $3 children 12 and under and can be purchased at the door or online.

Group rates available and there will be a concession stand selling sandwiches, snacks and beverages. The amphitheater is at 409 Royal St. For more information, directions, or to purchase tickets call 254947-9205, email tablerock1@aol.com or visit www.tablerock.org.

calendar TexTalk

Bob Schneider

Temple Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.

The Program includes Russian, classic and current holiday music. Guest soloists are Bruce Cain, baritone; Sarah Harris Baker, soprano; the Temple College Chorale and the San Gabriel Chorus.

Christmas Suites 2 and 4 by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett, Ava Maria, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bells, and the traditional sing-a-long are featured.

The concert is at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College, 2600 S. First St., Temple.

For more information, call 254-7786683.

Bob Schneider Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., pre-show dinner 6:30 p.m.

Bob Schneider is a genuine Austin phenomenon. With the release of his latest album Burden of Proof, he breaks new ground. Exploring loss, lust, love, dark desires and skeptical optimism, Schneider has crafted lyrically and musically, his most ambitious and sophisticated album to date. Ticket prices are $22 advance; or $27 door.

Preshow Dinner: Brisket, sausage, potato salad and beans by Schoepf’s BBQ $12 inclusive.

Cultural Arts Center, 3011 N. Third St., Temple For more information, call 254-7739926 or visit www.cacarts.org

It’s your home.

When you re-imagine your space, it’s your life that gets a redesign. Transform yours with all the details that make home a happy place.

Our showroom product experts share your passion for getting it right, helping you select the perfect products for your building or remodeling project.

St George Suite

15th Annual Heights Lights on Parade Outdoor Decorating Contest Registration deadline: Dec. 10 Voting: Dec. 15-16 The Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Christmas outdoor lighting/decorating contest within the city limits of Harker Heights. There are four divisions. First and second place will be awarded in each division, and there will be a People’s Choice where the public can drive around in their vehicles to vote for their favorite residence or business.

Visit www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us/ parks to download a registration form.

Drop off the completed registration form by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Recreation Center, 307 Miller’s Crossing or by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Activities Center, 400 Indian Trail.

For more information, call Nichole Broemer at 254-953-5465.

Ruthie Foster Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Those who have followed Ruthie Foster’s eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Ruthie’s astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride.

Ticket price is $15 general admission.

Cultural Arts Center, 3011 N. Third St., Temple For more information, call 254-7739926 or visit www.cacarts.org.

Make room for

restful retreats

FERGUSON.COM

Temple 711 N General Bruce Dr (254) 791-2002 ©2014 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

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TexTalk calendar Children’s Special Needs Network Breakfast with Santa Dec. 13, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy breakfast with Santa and help raise money for the The Children’s Special Needs Network. The CSNN is a nonprofit organization based in Belton that assists families and professionals in providing services for children in Central Texas who are diagnosed with physical or psychological special needs. CSNN provides a wide range of direct services and connects families with medical, educational and social service resources in their communities.

A kid-friendly breakfast and meeting Santa makes this the perfect family event.

Families will have a fun morning of Christmas activities including pictures with Santa. Hilton Garden Inn, 1749 Scott Blvd., Temple Tickets are $8 per person before the event and $10 per person at the door. For more information, visit www.special-children.org or call 254-933-7597.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever KISD performances: Dec. 16-17, reservation only General performance: Dec. 18, 19, 20 In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kid — probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem and the fun when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

Vive Les Arts Theatre, 3401 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen For more information or to purchase tickets, call 254-526-9090 or visit http:// vlakilleen.org.

Nature in Lights, a Holiday Tradition Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area Now through Jan. 5 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Enjoy the drive through over 5.5 miles of holiday inspired scenes. Like magic, BLORA is once again transformed into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy, kids and kids at heart. Gate fees are $5, car, minivan or pickup; $15, limos, RVs, and 15-passenger vans; $25 for 24-passen22

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

ger vans; $40 for 47 seat passenger van or larger bus.

Restroom facilities are outlined in green lights for easy recognition.

Santa’s Village Dec. 19-24, nightly, 5:30 -11 p.m.

Through Dec. 15, Thursday through Sunday Stop by for hot chocolate, homemade cookies, seasonal crafts and photos with Santa.

Hop on the Tram at Santa’s Depot In the parking lot of the marina cove; experience a trail of lights not seen from a vehicle.

Fees are: adult, $5; children, 11 and under, $3; free for lap children as determined by vendor.

Other events include pony rides, $8; petting zoo, $4; pet food, $1. Concessions will be available For more information or individuals requiring accommodations due to disability, call 254-287-2523 or visit http://www. hoodmwr.com/nature_in_lights.htm.

Email upcoming events to edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com.

Women’s Apparel, Jewelry, Baby Gifts & Apparel, Gourmet Foods, Home Fragrance, Decor & Furniture, Crosses, Yarn Shops, Gifts & More!

Open 7 days a week!

254-947-0888

22 N. Main Street, Salado theshoppesonmaininsalado.com

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TexTalk well-fed head

Before Watergate: ‘The Nixon Tapes’ provides a revealing look into the Nixon administration

By Valerie L. Valdez

T

“

he Nixon Tapes,” co-authored

by Luke A. Nichter and Douglas Brinkley, is an intriguing behindthe-presidential-curtain look at Richard Nixon, 37th president of the United States and the only one forced to resign from office due to the Watergate scandal. Based on transcribed audio tapes from February 1971 through January 1973, the book offers the most comprehensive look at his presidency before Watergate.

It is a difficult, stream-of-consciousness style divided into four parts, and focuses more on foreign policy than domestic issues, but includes the early days of the Watergate cover-up. Allowing Nixon to speak in his own words was the main purpose of the book written by Nichter and Brinkley.

Nichter, associate professor of history at Texas A&M University–Central Texas, received his Ph.D in history from Bowling Green State University and was a former founding executive producer of C-Span’s “American History TV.” He transcribed hundreds of hours of tapes, and said the original draft was 1,600 pages but he and Brinkley, author-historian at Rice University, decided to remove much of their commentary to allow Nixon to speak for himself.

“Our job was not to make Nixon look good or bad; rather our job was to show this is what the tapes are. It’s not our words, they are his words,” Nichter said.

Initially, Nixon rejected President Johnson’s suggestion to secretly tape some presidential conversations, something done since FDR, but Nixon eventually recorded 3,700 hours, more than the other presidents combined, so he could get it on file for professional reasons. But in Nichter’s viewpoint, Nixon’s downfall was his need for secrets.

“He was unwilling to recognize one of the greatest flaws of the whole architecture of his White House was everything was done in secrecy.”

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Nichter also dismissed criticism that he had an agenda when transcribing the tapes. “My pure agenda is history. All historical subjects are written about because there’s some gap, but in Nixon’s case it’s not a small gap but a huge hole.”

Richard Nixon was a consummate politician and only one of four to achieve a rarity in American political history: he served in the House of Representatives, the Senate and as vice president and then president. The tapes reveal he had an incredibly wide-ranging intellect and curious mind, yet his comments about world leaders bordered on denigration. He called Golda Meir an old witch and worse, but these types of candid remarks are what make Nixon appealing and fascinating.

Brinkley described Nixon as a “diabolical pragmatist” and Nichter agreed, saying on some issues he could see very clearly what the goal was. In one meeting, Nixon spoke about the U.S. relationship with China: “Against the Soviets, they (China) need us. And also they need us against the

Japanese. If you really think straight they need us desperately.” But with other issues he was much less effective in seeing clearly, especially when it came to Watergate: “Goldwater put it in context, well, for Christ’s sake, everybody bugs everybody else. We know that.”

Nichter and Brinkley grew up in the same small Ohio town and had worked together on books about John Kerry and Walter Cronkite. They had discussed a book based on the Nixon tapes.

In 2003, Nichter started looking at the tapes and discovered only about 5 percent of them had been transcribed and that was because the law stated the first recordings that had to be released were about Nixon’s involvement in Watergate and his abuse of executive power.

“So, that 5 percent has shaped almost 100 percent of our knowledge of Nixon, and the other 95 percent are about foreign policy and government policy and not nearly as bad for him,” Nichter said. “This is the first book to publish what’s actually on the tapes, and it’s not my opinion or analysis, so you can come to your own conclusions.”

Nichter’s upcoming book is a sequel, “Richard Nixon and Europe: The Reshaping of the Postwar Atlantic World” to be published in 2015. But for anyone interested in Nixon’s Administration beyond Watergate, and presidential politics in general, The Nixon Tapes book is an invaluable reference and one that is unavailable with any other president.

“Regardless of what one thinks of Nixon’s politics, it’s unusual to have a president who comes in with a pretty good set of philosophy that malleable and can adjust and adapt to the times during the presidency; that’s the higher point of Nixon’s presidency,” Nichter said.

“The Nixon Tapes” stand alone as a definitive book about Richard Nixon’s early presidential years when he was thinking and governing like a statesman of great promise.

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Members of the Belton High School Madrigal Choir performed at last year’s Christmas on the Chisholm Trail.

Winter Wonderland

Family-friendly holiday events around Central Texas

By Catherine Hosman

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here are many holiday events happening around the Central Texas area and activities can be found in each of the local communities. From Copperas Cove to Temple and all places in between there is something for everyone during the 2014 Christmas celebrations.

Copperas Cove Krist Krindl Markt, downtown Copperas Cove, Dec. 4-7 Copperas Cove is gearing up for another weekend of merriment and mirth at its annual Krist Krindl Markt. The festivities begin Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the community Christmas tree at the corner of Main and Robertson Avenue in 26

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the back lot of the old City Hall.

“There will be hot chocolate, cookies and photos with Santa,” said Betty Price, president of the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce. “Local school choirs will also perform.”

The Markt officially opens Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. with a variety of vendors set up along Avenue E and Main Street and between First and Second streets and Avenue D and F. A variety of merchant and food vendors will set up “with many unique items for sale.”

Continuous entertainment begins at 10 a.m. with various school choirs performing. At 3:30 p.m. the Christmas Parade begins and travels from the north parking lot of the Copperas Cove High School, down Avenue D and onto the Cove Terrace Shopping Center. Price said viewing

is good on either side of the street on the parade route. The parade usually lasts one hour, but Price said it all depends on how many entries there are. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs. “Santa will close the parade, then be back at his booth for photos with kids,” she said.

At 6 p.m., Santa and Mayor John Hull will flip the switch on the festival Christmas tree. The festival remains open until 10 p.m. or “as long as we have shoppers,” Price said. Dec. 7 is the last day of the event. The gates open at noon and remain open until 5 p.m., or when the last shopper leaves the fairway. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festival,” Price said. “It’s too much fun, helps the downtown businesses, is a family event and promotes tourism.”

Find Christmas gifts like the ones above at the Krist Kindl Markt in Copperas Cove, and enjoy all the festivities at Frost Fest in Harker Heights, including a gingerbread house contest, below.

Belton Christmas on the Chisholm Trail Dec. 6, 2 to 6 p.m.

Jeremy Allamon, event coordinator for the Belton Chamber of Commerce said the annual family-friendly event has something for everyone.

“We will have musical entertainment,” he said, adding that local school choirs and bands are scheduled to perform. “There will be numerous craft and food vendors, a bounce house for kids, ‘bull’ rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and a barrel train.”

Allamon said the barrel train is a policecar-themed ride that totes kids around the festivities and is a free activity. “It fits right in with the Belton Police Department’s vehicle display, which allows kids a close up view of the inside of a police car,” he said.

The Belton Fire Department delivers Santa at 6 p.m. and kids can climb onto a fire truck to learn about firefighting. Also at the event is The Tap Tap School Bus, giving kids a chance to test their creative side, and new this year is a photo booth.

“Also, carnival rides are making a comeback this year,” he said. ”It’s a great time for family to come together and enjoy the holiday spirit,” Admission is free and there is ample parking throughout the area.

Yettie Polk Park, 101 S. Davis Street, Belton Harker Heights 11th Annual Frost Fest Dec. 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The City of Harker Heights, in partnership with the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce and Market Heights

Shopping Center, invites the community to the 11th Annual Frost Fest. Enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies, and a variety of entertainment from local choirs to theater groups. Shop for winter produce, unique gifts, baked goods, traditional Christmas tamales, jellies, jams and relishes.

“Last year was the first year we joined the holiday farmers market and it gives people a chance to shop local vendors and small personal businesses,” said Nichole Broemer, Recreation and Events coordinator.

Santa Claus will arrive just after 5:30 p.m. via a fire truck escort and be available throughout the event for kids. For all Gingerbread house contestants who pre-registered prior to event, the winning gingerbread house will be selected. “Bring your house and set it up prior to the event and the public will vote on the best gingerbread TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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house,” Broemer said.

All entries will be staged in the tent with Santa Claus. There will be a first–, second– and third–place prize plus one Santa’s choice. “So, an individual’s house can win twice,” Broemer said. Other activities include a petting zoo and a super sack slide for kids.

Events take place at Market Heights, 201 E. Central Texas Expressway. For more information, contact nbroemer@ci.harkerheights.tx.us or 254-953-5465.

Killeen Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 13, noon to 3 p.m.

Christmas Parade, 4 p.m.

This event takes the place of the Holiday Under the Stars and Merry Market Days. Children’s activities include a kiddy train ride, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and a giant snow globe that kids can step into to take photos with Santa. There will also be arts and craft vendors and entertainment.

“The idea of this event, which is brand-new this year, is to have a full day of holiday fun, rather than have activities on a separate weekend. Here they can have a full day downtown leading up to the parade, which is a big draw every year,” said Hilary Shine, spokeswoman for the city of Killeen.

Admission is free. At 3 p.m. visitors should make their way to the parade route that begins at City Hall.

Shine said the parade will have more than 100 entries and it attracts thousands of people.

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Children run to see Santa before he lights up the Christmas tree during the Holiday Under the Stars in Killeen.

“We encourage people to come out to the event early in the day, then come down for the parade, or come early for the parade to save a spot on the route because it is a very popular event,” she said, adding that visitors should bring their own lawn chairs and a blanket. There will be a full mix of entertainment and parade floats.

City official and dignitaries will ride in the parade and Santa will be the finale.

Green Avenue Park, 717 N. Second St. For more information, call 254-501-7551.

with all the fixings. There will be entertainment and activities for children.

“Bring your family, bring your friends and come enjoy festive holiday fun and a delicious meal provided by H-E-B.” Volunteers are still needed for this event and can register by calling 254-5017878 or online at killeentexas.gov/volunteer. Deadline for registration is Dec. 10, or until spots are filled. Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3602 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen

Feast of Sharing Dec. 16, 4-8 p.m.

The City of Killeen and H-E-B invite the community to a free, full holiday meal

Letters to Santa There is still time for kids’ letters to Santa. Children can bring their letters to the drop box by Dec. 19 at the Killeen

Community Center, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., or the Killeen Family Recreation Center at Lions Club Park, 1700 E Stan Schlueter Loop. Be sure to put your return address on the envelope because Santa always writes back.

Road, Killeen. Methodist Park is behind the church on Cunningham Road. Ample parking is available in the lot at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church. For more information, call the church at 254-634-6363 or visit www.fumckilleen.com.

Walk Through Bethlehem First United Methodist Church Dec. 5, 6 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church Killeen hosts its eighth annual Walk Through Bethlehem at Methodist Park. For two evenings, Methodist Park is transformed back in time to the night Christ was born. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., witness the arrival of the Three Wisemen entering the city to talk to Herod, shepherds being visited by an angel and the entrance of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Bryan Charlton of the FUMC said when all the actors are in place the audience will see a Living Nativity.

“What we hope people will come away with is that Mary and Joseph were real people. They were experiencing the same problems, the same difficulties and the same worries as we do,” Charlton said.

“Here they were bringing a child into the world and what is it going to entail? Mary worries if she was the right person; Joseph wonders if he will be able to be the father God wanted him to be. It’s all part of the performance.”

The performance is 35 to 40 minutes long. Once the performance is over, people will have the opportunity to go through and experience Bethlehem as it was before

Temple Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 1 6:15 p.m.

Christmas Parade 6:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “My Favorite Christmas.” Jonathan Logue, marketing coordinator for Temple Parks and Recreation, said dozens of colorful floats, marching bands and decorated rides will make their way through downtown Temple, each covered with hundreds of lights.

Coach Bob McQueen, former athletic director and head football coach for the Temple Independent School District, is the grand marshal. Logue encourages paradegoers to come early for the tree lighting ceremony right before the parade begins at City Hall. Mayor Danny Dunn will light up the Municipal Building’s decorations and the City’s Christmas tree. The parade route begins on Adams Avenue near West Eighth Street and runs to 23rd Street. Any location along Adams Avenue provides a perfect view of the parade. Stay for the last float when the Temple Fire Department brings Santa Claus at the end of the parade.

For more information on this event or other Temple holiday happenings call Logue, at 254-298-5586 or visit www. ci.temple.tx.us/calendar.aspx.

First United Methodist Church Killeen hosts its eighth annual Walk Through Bethlehem at Methodist Park.

the birth of Christ.

Seating is available for those who cannot stand for long periods of time; otherwise, it is standing room only. Admission is a can of food or donation of any kind.

There will be snacks and hot cocoa in the corral.

This event is sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Killeen in conjunction with Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Visitors can join a guided tour or explore on their own.

FUMC is located at 3501 E. Elms

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The girls of the Central Texas Honor Dance Team dance down Main Street during the Salado Christmas Stroll Parade.

Salado Christmas Parade Dec. 4, 5 p.m.

The annual Salado Christmas Stroll begins Thursday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m. with a Christmas parade that starts on Royal Road and continues north on Main to the Salado Civic Center. There will be floats, marching bands, dignitaries and of course, Santa Claus.

At the civic center the celebration continues with caroling, hot chocolate and the lighting of the villages Christmas trees.

More than 75 village trees were purchased by residents.

The entire village will be decorated

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and ablaze in white lights. The village stays lit through the entire weekend.

Christmas Stroll Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 Enjoy two weekends of entertainment, activities and Christmas shopping for the whole family. Strolling holiday carolers will serenade the late evening shoppers along Main Street each Friday and Saturday.

Many of the shops will host a variety of live entertainment at their shops all day and evening during the Stroll.

There will be a live nativity scene sponsored by the First Baptist Church.

Salado Historical Society Homes Tour Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m.

Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m.

Stroll the streets to visit the beautifully decorated historic and contemporary homes. Residents will open their doors to visitors during the Christmas Stroll. Tickets for the homes tour are $15 and are available at each stop on tour. Children under age 11 are free. No baby strollers.

For more information about Salado’s Annual Christmas Stroll and homes tour, visit www.salado.com or call 254-9475040.

Food for the soul TEXAPPEALMAG.COM Story by Catherine Hosman • Photos by JAMES PAUL STANLEY

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Belton church serves free meal to students

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hurch director Jack Sykes and volunteers of the Wednesday college lunch ministry at the First United Methodist Church in Belton form a circle outside the Family Life Center. They bow their heads and say a blessing for the food about to be enjoyed by students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Once the prayer is finished, spirited conversation follows as they walk back into the building and to their stations. Like a group of elves in Santa’s workshop, and without missing a beat or bumping into each other, Sykes and his volunteers move quickly from the newly renovated kitchen, carrying hot chafing dishes of food to the buffet table. This day’s menu includes breaded ranch or zest oregano chicken, mashed potatoes, country gravy, rice pilaf, green beans, pots of soup and homemade buttermilk biscuits. Donated homemade desserts, iced tea and lemonade are set on side tables separate from the buffet.

By 11 a.m. the first wave of hungry students arrives. One by one, they trickle into the great room and line up for their weekly home-cooked meal. Soon groups of three and four arrive and before long all the tables are filled.

For 10 years, Sykes and his handful of volunteers have provided Wednesday lunches to students, ensuring them at least one home-cooked meal a week. Preparation begins Tuesday afternoons and volunteers are back in the kitchen by 7:30 Wednesday morning to put the finishing touches on the meal.

“I enjoy seeing the students enjoy the food,” said Sykes, who does all the menu planning and shopping.

Although there is no particular method to their menus, Sykes said they “find a recipe that is easy to prepare, what the kids will like and what we can afford.”

“We are serving the same things we served the first year, with a few changes,” he said. “We try to give the students what they like.”

Volunteer Charlotte Wheeler said in all the years they’ve served the students “we’ve never run out of food. The last piece has gone to the last person who walked in.”

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“When I first came here, up the road, every college student I met was hungry and broke.

Jack and I got to talking and he was used to feeding a lot of people.

We started out with 15 students on a regular basis.”

The Rev. Darren Walker was born in 2004 when the newly appointed pastor, the Rev. Darren Walker, wanted to create a ministry for students.

“We tried Bible studies, special study groups and different activities, but nothing really caught on,” Rev. Walker said. “We just couldn’t figure it out.”

Thinking back to his appointment as Foundation Minister at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, he recalled the free lunches offered by campus groups.

“When I first came here, up the road, every college student I met was hungry and broke,” Rev. Walker said. “Jack and I got to talking and he was used to feeding a lot of people. We started out with 15 students on a regular basis.”

“It took three years to catch on and it went from 15 to 30 to 50 to 200,” added Sykes. “In 2013 we served 450 meals and now we serve up to 550 lunches each week.

Once the kids realized we weren’t going to be preaching to them or put a tape in their hands, they started coming in. They weren’t sure what to expect.”

“It means a lot to me to come here,” said James Ewing, Jr., 20, a third-year finance student who has been coming to the lunches for three years. “Usually I just go home and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s nice to know people are here for this one meal.”

Maddie Davis, 20, who is majoring

College students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor visit the First Methodist Church of Belton to enjoy a free home cooked lunch every Wednesday.

in international business, also a three-year diner, said the simple action of giving a meal to someone means a lot.

“It shows how caring they are (the volunteers) and as college students, we don’t get a home-cooked meal unless we cook it ourselves,” she said.

Sykes, a 22–year veteran of the United States Army, is no stranger to feeding the masses. A retired master sergeant, he served as a chaplain’s assistant “doing everything but pastoral duties.”

“I did administration, maintenance and combat environment,” he said, adding that in combat environment he protected the chaplain, who was not allowed to carry a weapon. “Because of my youth ministry background on base, that is where the cooking came in. I would plan snacks, lunches and suppers.”

During his years in service, Sykes didn’t just serve up warm meals. He also served up advice as a chaplain minister’s assistant involved with giving ministry to the troops.

“There are a lot of ways to serve God and in the military. That’s the way I felt I should be doing it,” said Sykes, a husband,

Jack Sykes checks the readiness of chicken in preparation of feeding more than 500 college students from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at First United Methodist Church of Belton.

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Volunteers of the First Methodist Church of Belton, led by Jack Sykes, center, provide a free home-cooked meal for over 500 Mary Hardin-Baylor students every Wednesday.

“We’ve always had sufficient volunteers.

Some people may leave to move out of town and God sends us another.”

Charlotte Wheeler

father and grandfather. “How I got the job in the first place, assistant to the chaplain, was an answer to a prayer. It was 1965 and I was going through some tough times.”

Sykes served in Korea, Germany and Panama during the Vietnam era when the drafting of young men was a daily occurrence.

“A lot of men were having personal and financial problems,” he said. “It wasn’t unusual for an NCO to say ‘go see the chaplain.’ They would come to the chaplain’s office and I would do pre-counseling to determine their problem. I would refer them to the right person so they could get the help they needed.”

Sykes said the weekly college lunches exist on donations and the selflessness of the volunteers.

“This program couldn’t exist without them. Why do people do this?” he asked rhetorically. “We don’t have to struggle, we don’t have to ask.”

“We’ve always had sufficient volun34

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Above, Volunteer Shirley Sykes prepares soup. Below, Mary Hardin-Baylor international business student Maddie Davis enjoys a home-cooked meal at First United Methodist Church in Belton.

teers,” added Wheeler. “Some people may leave to move out of town and God sends us another.”

As the first wave of the Wednesday

lunch bunch bus their plates and walk toward the door, they stop briefly at the reception table to drop a dollar or two into the donation jar.

For a moment, there is a brief silence and the volunteers are back at their stations, replenishing food for the 12 p.m. arrivals. The second wave brings in larger groups. In no time the great room is once again abuzz with activity as friends greet friends, and volunteers are acknowledged for their generosity.

“We don’t know what kind of blessings, ripple effect this is going to have (on the students),” Sykes said. “Sometimes young adults drift away from the church.

But when they have their families and drift back, we hope they choose a Methodist church.”

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Preserving the past, focused on the future

Robert Jr., Ashley, Robert Sr., and Michael Potts are sixth and seventh generations of a family that has operated the Cochran, Blair and Potts Department Store in Belton.

Story by JESSA McCLURE • Photos by JAMES PAUL STANLEY 36

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Cochran, Blair and Potts, still providing great service in Central Texas after more than 140 years

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s you walk down East Central Avenue in Belton, you can see signs of the past displayed in storefronts, hiding behind new paint and standing the test of time. At the corner of this bustling thoroughfare, at the intersection of Central Avenue and South Penelope, stands the oldest department store in Texas — Cochran, Blair and Potts.

Its structure and reputation are rooted not only in its own 144-year history, but in the history of the city in which it has become a cornerstone for friendly service and quality products.

“The store originally started in Buffalo, Texas, in 1869,” said seventh-generation store co-owner Robert Potts. “It moved to Belton in 1884, following the railroad expansion.”

From the beginning, the store was dedicated to bringing townspeople the goods they wanted and at a fair price. Potts’ great, great, great-grandfather, Col. H.M. Cook, founded the business, calling it H.M Cook and Company along with his son-in-law, Thomas W. Cochran. The next generation of Cochrans took over the store and the store’s name soon reflected not only the Cochran name, but the names of the sons-in-law who had married into the family and became a part of the business. In 1917, the store officially became Cochran, Blair and Potts.

“Back in those days you could buy all of your dry goods at the store, including cotton, linens, coffee, and even coffins,” Potts said.

Stepping into the store from the Central Avenue entrance, customers can see the merging of new and old in a way that makes them feel as though they’ve been shopping here for years. Pressed tin ceilings, original hardwood floors and a friendly voice calling to you like an old friend bring a sense of community even on the first visit. This feeling of belonging and personalized attention is just what the Potts family is trying to create.

“We build relationships with our cus-

The original safe used by the Cochran, Blair and Potts Department Store.

tomers,” said Potts. “We learn what each customer likes and we build our business and buy products that best fill their needs.

Because of that, we know our customers by name and they know our names.”

A 1920s advertisement that hangs on the stairwell leading up to the second-floor museum states that it is the owners’ “ambition to give you the merchandise you want, to render service that is both prompt and courteous, and to have every customer leave the store in a spirit of friendliness to the store and with a determination to come back.”

Even though more than 85 years have passed since that advertisement was printed, Potts and his family still desire to hold to these standards. This is why Potts says the store has survived all of these years — never succumbing to the pressures or presence of big box department stores.

“We are unique because you don’t see many family-owned department stores anymore,” he said. “You can’t directly compete with the big box stores, but you can position yourself in a way that sets you apart.”

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The Cochran, Blair and Potts Department Store in Belton has been operation since 1866 and run by seven generations. Below, Ashley Potts arranges necklaces on a store display.

Antiques from decades past can be found in the second floor museum of the Cochran, Blair and Potts Department Store in Belton.

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Growing up Potts Potts and his two brothers grew up in the store, playing leap frog in the parking lot and playing hide-and-seek behind clothing racks. Their histories have always been intertwined with the store’s.

“I remember one year we had an anniversary party for the store in the building,” said co-owner Michael Potts, Robert’s younger brother. “It might have been for the 130th anniversary of the store. All I remember is that it fell on the same day as my 10th birthday. So, while we were celebrating the store we were celebrating my birthday at the same time.”

Michael Potts said he and his brothers began working in the store when they were in high school. They even worked in the store through college, helping out during holidays and on summer vacations.

Now Michael Potts and older brother Cochran, Blair and Potts circa 1908 at its current location, 221 E. Central Ave., Belton. Founded in 1869 in Centerville, Robert are both working in the store full- in 1884 it was relocated to Belton. Photo courtesy of the Robert Potts family. time with their father Rob Potts. The three close-knit family members share an office.

But with so much togetherness, people often ask how the family maintains its relationships outside of the store.

“We separate work and personal lives really well, but we also mix it together really well because with a family business you’re going to have to mix it,” Michael Potts said.

While these two generations have created a friendly atmosphere and upheld the store’s centuries-old reputation, they are still reminded of the generations before them who worked hard to establish the store and paved the way for them.

“My grandfather still comes in almost every day and gets his mail delivered here,” Michael Potts said. “He says he stops by to talk, but I think he comes in to check up Business ledgers dating back to the early 1930s are part of the museum on the second floor of Cochran, Blair and Potts in Belton. on us.”

With such a long history and a reputa- of hours to work in there and I won’t do it While Roy Cochran Potts might have ulterior motives for visiting his son and tion to uphold, Robert said he takes his because I’ll be going through an old ledger book or flipping through a photo album.” grandsons at the store, he knows better responsibilities as owner very seriously.

“I feel with much given, much is exThe museum includes original docuthan anyone what it takes to keep the busipected,” he said. “And I take it with pride ments, office equipment and family phoness going. tos taken in the store and in the families’ Thanks to him and his predecessors, and responsibility.”

One of the ways Potts continues to homes. the business has kept loyal customers for But even though the Potts family is generations, with some of the oldest charge keep the store’s history alive is through the second floor museum that is open to the working to preserve the past, they are also accounts nearing 70 years old.

“We’ve had people come in and say public Monday through Saturday, from 9 enjoying the present and looking toward the future. this is where my grandmother got her a.m. to 5 p.m.

“My grandmother started it and I’ve “The plan is to pass it on to the next school clothes, or this is where my grandfather got his Cub Scout uniform back in the tried to add to it,” he said. “It’s kind of generation and keep it going,” Michael 1920s. It’s really neat hearing the impact a never-ending, revolving project. It takes Potts said. “But right now we’re just havwe’ve had down to the family level,” Rob- so much time because I get distracted read- ing a good time running the oldest departing through everything. I’ll have a couple ment store in Texas.” ert Potts said.

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The Jolly Judge

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Duffield spreads Christmas cheer all year

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udge Ted Duffield leans over a stack of papers inside the law library at the Bell County Justice Center, pausing only to nervously stroke his long, white beard.

Although he is engrossed in the important work he does as a Justice of the Peace, he suddenly notices a small boy staring at him.

While most important men like Duffield would be put off by a gawking toddler, the judge softens his brow and looks up at the little boy with a smile full of the Christmas spirit.

“Hi, how are you?” he says gently in his deep, comforting voice. The little boy is now completely still, his eyes wide with wonder. “I know. It’s the beard. It has that effect on people.”

Although the judge is dressed in a dress shirt, slacks and a tie, somehow he is still the jolly elf he portrays at the holidays and children are drawn to him. Duffield, who has spent the last 14 years portraying Santa Claus for various organizations around Bell County and beyond, has become somewhat of a holiday “rock star” because of his magnetic personality and undeniable Kris Kringle look.

Becoming Santa The former military police officer would have never guessed that he would have found a calling in portraying Santa Claus. But in 2000, the Justice of the Peace got his first taste of the world of Christmas magic.

“I had become Morgan’s Point Resort’s municipal court judge out there and when the city manager, who traditionally played Santa, got sick, I volunteered to take his place,” Duffield said. “Ever since then, they just turned it over to me.”

While it only took the judge a little over an hour to see all of the children who attended the event the first year he portrayed Santa Claus in the small town, it now takes Duffield more than three and a half hours to see all of the children who come to visit him.

The demand is so high that the woman who portrays Mrs. Claus, local business owner and former Morgan’s Point Resort mayor Donna Hartman, volunteers to take the children around the city on a hay ride.

Together they sing Christmas carols and

“My wife and I have found families along the way that need some extra help and we’ve helped them out. ... We do everything we can to keep that spirit alive and provide for those who are less fortunate.”

Judge Ted Duffield enjoy hot chocolate and cookies so they aren’t waiting in the cold for hours on end.

“For two hours, we are singing songs at the top of our lungs and laughing,” Hartman said. “It just really sets the tone for the whole Christmas season in Morgan’s Point.”

Although the former mayor loves interacting with the children during the holiday event, she said her favorite part is watching Duffield become Santa.

“We ride to City Hall on a float with a police escort. I turn and look at him as we sit together and he just transforms me back into childhood,” she said. “I look at him and I see Santa Claus. He is just amazing.”

Hartman is not the only one who is affected by Duffield’s believability. The jolly judge has become the childhood Santa for hundreds of children — both in Morgan’s Point and in other parts of Texas where he has brought endless joy and hope to those who are hurting during the holidays.

Finding purpose in his role While most of his interactions with children are enjoyable, full of requests for the latest toys and gadgets, he has also experienced the sadder side of becoming Santa.

“I had the opportunity to visit a cowboy church in Rockdale. A little girl about 12 years old came and sat on my lap and I

Story by JESSA McCLURE • Photos by JULIE NABOURS

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At his day job, Judge Ted Duffield , justice of the peace, Precinct 1, Belton, presides over civil cases, issues warrants, death certificates and performs weddings.

asked her, ‘what would you like for Christmas?’” he said. “She paused and said, ‘well, I guess I could ask for a pair of shoes.’”

Duffield’s heart went out to the little girl, whose family had fallen on hard times. Her shoes were almost worn clean the sole and she wasn’t expecting anything for Christmas.

“So, my wife and I bought her a shirt, a pair of pants and pair of cowboy boots,” Duffield said. “We packaged those all up and we met with my contact (from the Cowboy Church her family attended) and he took the presents over to her. She was all excited about it.”

Although the judge can’t do this for every child he encounters, he does what he can to make sure the holidays are particularly special and uplifting.

“My wife and I have found families along the way that need some extra help and we’ve helped them out,” he said. “Some42

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Visit Santa Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House, 2415 S. 47th St., Temple.

Dec. 5, 6 p.m. until all children are seen at Morgan’s Point Resort City Hall, 8 Morgan’s Point Blvd., Belton. times we notify some of the local charities, but other times we do it ourselves, donating food and clothes. We do everything we can to keep that spirit alive and provide for those who are less fortunate.”

Duffield and his wife even use one of their spare bedrooms to collect extra nonperishable food items, household goods and other products in case they come across someone who needs their help.

While the judge is dressed only like Santa during the holiday season, he tries

to embody the spirit of Christmas throughout the year.

When he’s not donning his red suit and fur-lined hat, Duffield is working as a justice of the peace. He spends his days issuing warrants, dealing with civil suits, performing weddings and issuing death certificates. And although he’s not always dealing with pleasant circumstances, he loves what he does.

“I get to help people in many different ways,” he said. “I get to give them straight answers so they don’t get the runaround.”

During his 20 years on the bench, Duffield has encountered his fair share of difficult situations, but he tries to give hope to those he encounters not only by giving them the answers they seek, but by exhibiting his jolly demeanor to everyone he meets. “It would be nice if everybody treated everybody like it was Christmas day every day,” he said.

The 2014 Central Texas

Holiday Gift Guide Gifts in a Snap...

Oil Paintings

with GingerSnap Jewelry!

Unique Home Décor & Gifts

in the B.Herd “Texas Style”

VERANDA BLOOM

12 E. Mesquite ( HWY 190/36) Rogers | 254-642-0153 verandabloom.com

B. Herd Gallery 600 N. Main St., Ste 12 Old Town Salado 254-947-4373

Unique One of a Kind Finds

Teeth Whitening

by owners Ron & Melinda Smith.

Holiday Special -$300 Includes a whitening exam, impressions of upper and lower teeth, custom trays and whitening gel (8 tubes).

Receive a FREE Sonicare Toothbrush with purchase!

Christmas wonderland, home accents & décor, vintage items & antiques

Watermill Marketplace

602 Old Town Rd., Stes. 2&3 Salado | 254-742-6971

Legacy Dental

1109 S. 31st St., Temple 254-774-8181 LegacyDentalTemple.com

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Mobile Veterinary Services

Put a Lid on it!

We come to you!

Gift certificates available!

Allows airtight seal for storing, cooking, steaming, and reheating.

Personal Veterinary Care

Dr. David Foster Serving Central Texas 254-228-3960 personalveterinarycare.com

Real Deals Home Décor We Make House Calls!

One Size Fits All! The gift that is perfect for any amount and every size, an e’Lan Salon & Spa gift certificate!

éLan Salon & Spa

2320 Airport Road, Temple 254-771-4040 elan-salonandspa.com

204 N. Penelope, Belton 254-933-3332

Holiday Savings Christmas ornaments and decor, greeting cards, rugs, candles, and unique gifts. 20% off one regularly priced item with this ad.

Pizazz Gifts and Décor

Inside Perry Office Plus 214 E. Central Ave. Downtown Belton perryop.com/pizazz

The Right Materials at the Right Price Steel roofing, carports, panels, metal buildings

Belton Metal Mart

5005 W, HWY 190, Belton 254-933-2500 metalmarts.com

It’s Rudolph’s 75th Anniversary

Gifts for the Creative

Thanks to Montgomery Ward’s, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is celebrating 75 years! Pick up your copy of the first edition at Zooty’s.

Offering a large selection of sewing, quilting and embroidery supplies to meet a wide variety of creative needs.

Zooty’s

560 N. Main St., Ste 6 , Salado 254-947-5423 thesewingbasket.com

1401 S. 31st St., Temple 44PecanDECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL In Plaza | 254-770-0904 zootystemple.com

A Sewing Basket

Counting Down...

Indulge in Something Unique

...to Christmas!

Boot socks, apparel, jewelry & more.

Paperdoodles

Elizabeth’s Gifts & Apparel

1401 S. 31st St., Ste. C, Temple In Pecan Plaza | 254-773-8331 Holiday Hours: M-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-4 Find us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram

642-A N. Main St., SaladoTX 254-947-3155 Find us on Facebook!

Have a be.YOU.tiful holiday season

Classic Upscale Restuarant

Your color specialist Salon.

Gift cards and hair care gift sets available.

Receive a $20 gift card for every $100 gift card Starts Black Friday Ends Dec. 24,2014

Be.YOU.tiful Salon

106 N. Main St., Belton 254-939-7499 Find us on Facebook

Cheeves Bros.

Steak House

14 East Avenue A, Temple 254-742.2300

Holiday Fashions

Train like a Champion

All of your holiday fashions are here!

Give the gift of health and fitness.

All personal training and fitness packages are $50 off.

Diva Chicks Boutique 121-A N. East St. DowntownBelton 254-933-7731

facebook.com/divachicksboutique

Treasures for Everyone Old & new jewelry, dolls, Native American items, glassware & much more.

Miss Mary’s Treasures

560 N. Main St., Ste. 10 Salado | 512-656-2763

Gym X Fitness

2327 S. 57th St., Temple 254-899-8420 gymx.com/join_temple.php

Movie in Grand Style Gift Certificates Available

Grand Avenue Theater

2809 Oakmark, Belton 254-939-5050 grandavenuetheater.com

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Lolita Holiday Glasses Hand painted collectible glasses come in several holiday designs.

Shown: Wine, Pilsner, & Mini-Wine

Callie’s Boutique

1401 S. 31st St., Temple Pecan Plaza | 254-770-0511 calliesboutique.lightspeedwebstore.com

Holiday Seasonings Purchase a $25 Gift Card and receive a $5 Gift Card or 1 bottle of Clem’s All Purpose Seasoning.

Clem Mikeska’s Pit Bar-B-Q

Temple, Belton, Killeen & Cameron Locations clembbq.com

Quality First, Quality Always

Don’t Worry, Bead Happy

Specializing in custom longarm quilting, t-shirt, celebration & memory quilts.

Gift certificates available.

Bring ad, get 10% off

Popular jewelry making classes include beading, wire wrapping, metalsmithing and more!

Gift certificates available.

Come out and delight in our smorgasbord of beads!

Quality Quilts by Laura 254-681-8239 qualityquiltsbylaura@yahoo qualityquiltsbylaura.com

Bead Bistro Gourmet Beadery

2501 S. W.S. Young Dr., Ste. 311 Killeen | 254-432-5307

Beauty for the Holidays

Personalized Gift Baskets

Specializing in cut and color. Schedule before the holiday rush!

Gift certificates available.

for every occasion. Unique gift baskets and more.

Gift certificates available.

Amy Lewis

Gifti Creations Sisters: Alicia Keizer & Jodi Bailey 254-535-1680 gifticreations.com

The Right Gift for the Right Price

Hand Thrown Pottery

Handmade pens, photos on ceramic tiles, mugs, coasters & more

Starting at $9.95

Pen Station

Mud Pies Pottery & Sir Wigglesworth’s Homemade Fudge

The Salons at Tuscan Square 5293 S. 31st St., Ste 117-B, Temple 254-217-9309

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602 Old Town Rd., Ste 9 Salado | 254-394-6504 DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL Find us on Facebook

18 N. Main St., Salado 254-947-0281

Give a Bottle, Keep a Bottle!

Salado Creek Vineyard & Fiesta Winery have now merged!

Wine tastings daily.

10% military discount.

Fiesta at Salado Creek 418 N. Main St., Salado 254-947-9000 fiestawinery.com

Monogram it!

Deadline for Christmas monogramming is Tuesday, December 9th

Winter ... brrr Warm Fire ... aahh Vermont Castings, wood stoves fireplaces, glass doors, tool sets and unique gifts. Everything for your heating needs.

Temple Hearth & Home

608 S. 1st St., Temple 254-778-4666

Salado’s Historic Christmas Stroll December 5-7 December 12-14

Zooty’s

Salado, Texas salado.com 254-947-5040

A Cowgirl Chic Boutique

Classic Christmas Toys

Fashions, home décor, boots, jewelry, & more.

for good little girls and boys!

The elves have been busy stocking the store full of Christmas toys to delight every child on your list!

1401 S. 31st St., Temple In Pecan Plaza | 254-770-0904 zootystemple.com

The Howling Wolff 560 N. Main St., Salado 254-947-0600

Gift of Dance

Callie’s Boutique

1401 S. 31st St., Temple Pecan Plaza | 254-770-0511 calliesboutique.lightspeedwebstore.com

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Group and Private Lessons starting at $17!

Gift Certificates Available

In The Mood Ballroom & Dance Studio 13 & 15 S. Main St., Temple 254-773-7088 inthemoodballroom.com

Ramirez Swimming Pools

5206 S. General Bruce Drive Temple | 254-773-0765 Killeen | 254-519-1652 Find us on Facebook

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Luis Herrera makes authentic Bethlehem Bread. Visitors are invited to sample this sweet-tasting bread, which is made from scratch and baked in a stone oven, below.

Authentic scenes from 1 B.C., such as this Jewish family and a shepherd tending a fire, are visible throughout Main Street Bethlehem.

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Burnet celebrates the birth of Christ at

Main Street Bethlehem

T

he First Baptist Church of Burnet invites everyone to experience the annual Main Street Bethlehem on Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Housed behind what seems like a wooden fortress, the moment you walk past the Roman soldier guarding the gate and step over the threshold, you enter a time warp and are transported back to 1 B.C. Bethlehem, and the night Jesus Christ was born.

Walk through the streets of the village and peek into the windows of homes, watch the blacksmith make tools and visit with merchants selling their goods. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The “townspeople” are only too eager to answer.

Main Street Bethlehem was founded in 1993 when members of the First Baptist Church in Burnet were looking at different options of how to present the birth of Jesus Christ in a unique way.

“The concept of a ‘hands on’ format was used to promote the idea of “having been there” for guests exploring the village, as opposed to viewing it from a grandstand,” said Norman Leftwich, one of the founding members. “The permanent buildings and walls of the city were financed entirely from contributions, and the labor was provided by volunteers for the most part. With the Lord’s provision and inspiration, the construction was complete in seven years.”

Continuing through the streets you come upon the town baker where you can get a sample of authentic Bethlehem bread.

And if you keep your eyes on the sky as you traverse the maze of village vendors, homes and shops, you will see the North Star.

Soon you will hear the sound of a town crier announcing that a Child is born. Walk past the crowd and follow the path to the cave where Mary and Joseph welcome Christ into the world.

“Our goal is to present the city of Christ’s birth, on that night, in as authentic a way as possible. We hope to so impact visitors that many would come into a life-chang-

Main Street Bethlehem recreates a 1 B.C. village, complete with a camel handler, above, and a Roman centurion who stands guard. Below left, Mary and Joseph welcome their new son, the Christ child, into the world.

ing relationship with Jesus as they ponder the message of his coming,” Leftwich said.

This recreation of the night Christ was born becomes real through volunteer actors who stay in character throughout your visit, no matter what you say to them. For a true representation of what Christmas was meant to be about, visit Main Street Bethlehem across the street from the church at 108 South Vanderveer, Burnet.

Go early and experience a true day trip

in Burnet. But be sure to be in line by 5 p.m. and if it’s cold outside, bring something warm to wear. Free cookies and hot chocolate/coffee are served at the exit.

Friday and Sunday night visitors may experience a shorter waiting time than on Saturday night. Because this is an outdoor presentation, it is canceled in wet weather.

For more information, visit http:// www.fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem. htm or call 512-756-4481.

Story by Catherine Hosman • Photos courtesy of First Baptist Church of Burnet TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TexPets

Tennis balls, treats and new toys are waiting to be opened and explored by Sabrina, Jake and Charger--the four-legged family members of Rebecca Blizzard of Belton and her husband. Blizzard said each gift is chosen based on the need and personality of each pet.

A holiday gift guide for your furry friends

By Jessa McClure

T

he holidays are upon us and while you might be out scouring the mall for the perfect gift for your techloving husband, your knick-knack-loving grandma or your doll-loving daughter, don’t forget to pick up something for one of the most important members of the family — your pet.

While it might seem silly to non-pet owners, Belton resident Rebecca Blizzard said she thinks it is important to include her four-legged friends in the season of giftgiving.

“I like to buy them things to celebrate all the joy, happiness, and love they have given us throughout the year,” Blizzard said. “My dogs have truly been a blessing in our lives.”

Here are some ways to bring joy to your furry (and feathered) friends who make your days merry and bright all year long.

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Jake, a retriever mix, sleeps soundly on a soft new friend she received for Christmas. Stuffed animals are a great idea if you’re looking for an inexpensive gift idea for your pet.

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TexPets

Sabrina, a Husky mix, opens a bag of dog treats on Christmas morning. Treats like these can be found easily in your local pet store or can be created in your kitchen.

1. Comfort Items What could be better than giving your pet a gift that helps them enjoy their lazy days lying in front of the fire? Blizzard likes to use the holidays as an excuse to buy her dogs — Sabrina, Jake and Charger — new beds and comfort items such as stuffed animals.

2. New tags, leashes or collars If you want your dog or cat to look stylish on their morning walks or in their holiday pictures, then a new tag, collar or leash might be just the thing to fill their stocking. Pet stores and online specialty boutiques can create just about any design your pooch or feline could ask for.

3. Special treats The holidays are a time for filling up on fruit-filled pies, ham, turkey and other seasonal delicacies. Why not let Fido or Kitty get in on the fun? This could be anything from a beef bone, catnip or even homemade treats you create in your kitchen. Blizzard said she even likes to visit a local chocolate shop and purchase special “chocolate” dipped dog treats for her pooches.

4. Handmade gifts If you have a knack for creating crafts, then try your hand at making your own dog bed, crocheting a stocking for your cat or braiding some strips of fleece together and making a toy your dog will love.

5. Small animal gifts For those of you who have pets of the smaller variety — birds, hamsters, guinea pigs or ferrets — there are options for you, too.

Why not purchase a new perch or mirror for your feathered friend or a pet igloo or hamster ball for your furry family member?

“Some people think it’s a little silly to buy presents for a dog,” Blizzard said. “But I don’t think it’s silly at all. After all, they are a part of the family, too. And they love receiving gifts as much as we do.”

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TexFit

Get in the mood to dance your way into fitness

Story by Gail Dillon Photos by JAMES PAUL STANLEY

B

allroom dancing may not be the first activity one thinks about when the term “workout” comes up, but dancing provides people with a myriad of healthy benefits. “You’re not going to get ready for ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” joked instructor Rudy Gonzalez, who along with his wife Karen, owns “In the Mood Ballroom” in Temple. He said people will occasionally come in and say they want to do what they see on the popular reality TV show. “They want that experience. They come and realize that it’s really hard at that level.”

Karin and Rudy said ballroom dancing can provide a gentle, consistent cardio workout but that’s just the beginning.

“You may not always lose weight — you may lose inches,” Karen said. “But in general, you’re going to make your body healthier from the inside out.”

She described one of their dance students who was considerably overweight with diabetes and other health issues. “She went to the doctor after about six months of dancing,” Karen recounted. “Her blood pressure was lower, her cholesterol was lower. The doctor asked, ‘what are you doing?’ She said I’m dancing three times a week. He said, well, don’t stop.’”

Learning the steps to a particular dance takes time, as do the physical rewards. “You’re looking for consistency as far as your health,” Karen said. “It may not be immediate weight loss but if you give it time, overall, it makes a huge impact on your life.”

Rudy and Karen met through dance in the early 1990s. Rudy, who is originally from East Austin (“not the ‘good’ side of town,” he said wryly), was a young teenager heading for trouble when his mother had his older brother “kidnap” him and take him to Florida where the elder son ran a dance studio.

“I was a different person back then,” Rudy said. He learned to dance and more importantly, got a good education at the school he attended. Years later, he was teaching dance classes in the Austin area 54

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Owners of In the Mood Ballroom in Temple, Rudy and Karen Gonzales, teach types of dance from West Coast Swing, Jitterbug, and Waltz.

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TexFit

Above, students practice West Coast Swing at In the Mood Ballroom in Temple. Below, Brennon Blume and Ing Knuttson dance West Coast Swing.

when he met Karen. The two realized their paths had crossed many times in the past at various dance clubs.

Karen said although she had always loved to dance, and danced as a kid in her bedroom, she didn’t become serious about it until she and Rudy started dating. “I just kind of absorbed everything he said through the years.”

The couple married in 1997 and soon after bought the historical building in downtown Temple, completely renovated it, and now teach dance classes Sunday through Wednesday each week, reserving Fridays for private lessons.

In the Mood Ballroom offers every type of dance from country to the waltz to Latin style. There are 47 styles overall.

They teach “American style,” which differs significantly from the international kind seen on “Dancing with the Stars,” Rudy pointed out.

Another benefit of dancing Rudy cited is emotional and said he sees “the healing it does on couples who have been married a long, long time.”

Years of teaching at senior citizen centers in the Austin area have given him the opportunity to see this firsthand. He described a couple who had been married 56

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

45 years, but who barely looked at one another while they were dancing. Rudy told the husband, “you’ve been with this lady for 45 years — look at her. Is she still the same lady you married?”

Karen agreed. “You have to be connected,” she said.

The communication learned through dancing can positively affect a couple’s relationship because traditional ballroom dance requires that the man lead and the woman follow. “Whether he’s on time or off-time, right or wrong, your job is to look like you’re dancing together,” Karen said.

Dancing can build a couple’s confidence and change the dynamic of their interaction in subtle but important ways. After years and years of marriage, Rudy said the husband might not open the door for his wife anymore, and dancing keeps the romance going.

Juanita Arnold and her husband Jody have been taking dance classes with Rudy and Karen for seven years, and that they have both become stronger and fitter because of it. “It’s phenomenal for me, personally the balance that I have now that I didn’t have before,” Arnold said, adding that her husband’s flexibility and balance have also improved significantly. “You use your core a lot for balance.”

Of course, people are attracted to dancing simply because it’s fun. Karen puts it another way, saying “it tricks your brain.” Beyond the physical benefits, she said dancing provides so much more. “Dancing, and the music, is good for your soul, good for your mind, good for your energy, it’s good for your body. If you’re going to have a bad habit, try dancing. If you don’t want to exercise, try dancing because everything about it has a good end result for you.”

For more information on dance classes, go to www.inthemoodballroom.com.

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“luxuries for your lucky little ones”

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

254.773.5200

7410 W. Adams Ave No 170, Temple

Mon - Fri 10:00am - 5:30pm | Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm

Faith in color

TexAdventures

Explore the Painted Churches of Central Texas

By Fred Afflerbach

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The nearest Painted Church to Bell County, St. Paul Lutheran is five miles south of Giddings, tucked amongst Lee County rolling farm fields and ranches. Read more about the Serbin church on page 61.

ack in the 1970s, a young college student named Jan Opella wanted to show a friend the little country church with the tall steeple located about 90 miles south of Austin. Her ancestors played an important role in the church’s early years. About 1912 when the church was built, her great-grandparents donated the altar and chose the name, Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church. That church is one of the Painted Churches of Texas, 15 designated historic places built 80 to 100 years ago by German and Czech immigrants.

Opella parked her car before the crossshaped building with gothic windows. But the front door was locked. Undeterred, she found an open window and climbed in.

Then a pickup rolled up. It was the pastor.

Opella scrambled back into the parking lot. After a brief introduction, the unsuspecting priest honored the girls’ request to see inside. He reached behind a shrub and produced the key.

You don’t have to go to these extremes to visit the Painted Churches of Texas.

Many are unlocked during daytime. Others can be shown by appointment. And folks at the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offer ride-along tours to four nearby painted churches for a modest fee.

These carefully restored and maintained churches were built in the European style of high gothic windows, tall spires, elaborately painted interiors with brilliant colors and friezes. They can be found in the National Register of Historic Places.

Scattered like wildflowers across several counties midway between Houston and San Antonio, many of the churches are about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bell County.

The churches stand testament to the immigrants’ European heritage and serve as a holy place to worship.

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“Built by 19th century immigrants to this rough but promising territory, these churches transport the visitor back to a different era, a different way of life,” Father Alan Oaks wrote for a KLRU documentary. “Inscriptions on the walls read not in English, but in the mother tongue of those who built them: German and Czech. The story of these buildings is the story of a people striving to succeed in a new country and still preserve the values and culture of their homelands.”

Oakes wrote that the Catholic hierarchy of the time preferred Spanish– or Mission–style architecture because it better suited the climate. But the immigrants rejected that notion and built churches modeled after the ones in their homeland.

The 2005 Texas Legislature proclaimed Schulenburg the “Official Home of the Painted Churches.” Schulenburg, population 2,900, sits within several miles of four Painted Churches. Chamber of commerce docents who ride in your vehicle also offer insight into the stories behind the statues, high ceilings, and stained-glass windows.

Several times a week, Schulenburg native Dianna Zimmerman shows the Painted Churches to visitors who have come from across Texas and the United States, Germany and Australia. She recalls a special memory that captures the heart and spirit of the churches, their founders and visitors.

It was a few years ago, when choir members from a church in the San Antonio area made a pilgrimage to the Painted Churches.

“Every time we went to a different church, they sang a different hymn inside of it,” Zimmerman said. “It was just absolutely beautiful. The acoustics in the church, you think, wouldn’t be that great.

But them singing these hymns a cappella and the wood just soaking up the sound and bouncing it back ... it was just absolutely breathtaking.”

If you go Here’s a snapshot of a few of the Painted Churches and their addresses. Unless otherwise noted, churches are open weekdays, but it’s a good idea to call first.

All parishes are active faith communities.

They hold regular services and special events such as weddings and baptisms. Eating, drinking, loud talking and horseplay are considered poor etiquette.

TexAdventures

Moravia Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church is 11 miles north of Shiner at 11134 FM 957.

Built in 1912, the church is normally locked so call first: 361-798-5888. The white, wood-frame church is built in the shape of a cross, called a cruciform. Inside, gold trim and walls and statuary abound. The apse, as with most of the Painted Churches, is painted with images of Jesus and angels flying across a blue sky bordered by fluffy clouds. Statues of saints stand on pedestals throughout.

“The parish has worked hard to keep it updated so we can continue to worship and come together as a community,” said longtime parishioner and volunteer Janis Hrncir. “We’re really proud of it.”

Serbin St. Paul Lutheran 1572 County Road 211.

The nearest Painted Church to Bell County, St. Paul Lutheran is five miles south of Giddings, tucked amongst Lee County rolling farm fields and ranches.

From the Killeen-Temple area: Take I35 south to toll road 130 south, to Manor.

Then U.S. 290 east to Giddings. Just south of Giddings is in the tiny community of Serbin:. The church is open around the clock, all year long.

Escaping economic and religious persecution in 1854, almost 600 Wends, from what is today eastern Germany, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to Galveston.

About 100 died en route. From Galveston, they traveled overland to Lee County and set aside 95 acres for church purposes.

Completed in 1871, the two-story building covered with white plaster is not

remarkable from the outside. But once inside, royal blue ceilings and walls, and the 100-year-old wooden pews and pipe organ, exude warmth and history. The balcony encircles three sides and the pastor delivers his sermon from a pulpit at balcony level.

The Rev. John Schmidt says the parish strives to honor the rich history of the Wends migration and their tenacity building this rock in the wilderness. But that heritage is tempered with how to move forward in the 21st century. For example, in 1992, it took three separate parish elections to approve installing central air conditioning.

Next to the church, the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

From Serbin, take U.S. 77 south toward Schulenburg. The churches on the next page are all within a dozen miles of Schulenburg.

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Shiner Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church 306 S. Avenue F. Built in 1920 by volunteers, this is the largest of the Painted Churches. Situated near downtown, the red brick building features stained glass windows imported from Munich and a four-story tower topped with a cross. The historical marker out front says the church is an outstanding example of the Roman-

esque Revival style of architecture.

Above and behind the altar, the domed ceiling is painted with a brilliant mural of Jesus kneeling in the garden of Gethsemane, looking skyward, sunbeams radiating from behind heavy clouds. As with other painted churches, columns running parallel to the center aisle are painted with such detail they look like marble.

Praha St. Mary’s Church, 821 FM 1295,, is about 7 miles west of Schulenburg.

Built in 1895, St. Mary’s is one of the largest painted churches. Its beige stone exterior and tall steeple stand out from a distance. White columns and walls, blonde wooden pews, and pale, blue-green domed ceilings brighten the interior.

With constant emphasis toward authenticity, a fundraiser is underway that would pay for removing green tiles in the nave and sanding the original long leaf pine floor to its original condition.

(Praha is the Czech name for Prague, capital city of Czechoslovakia.)

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Hostyn Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 936 FM 2436, is not one of the celebrated Painted Churches. This church campus perched on a hilltop five miles south of La Grange is an outdoor celebration of religion and history. A grotto built in the 1920s replicates the Shrine of Miracles in Lourdes, France. Workers used remnants of an old stone wall and rocks quarried from the nearby Colorado River.

According to a 1929 Dallas Morning News story, “the various and peculiar sizes and shapes of the stone add to its architectural design.” When the grotto was complete in the fall of 1925, 17 priests and 7,000 people attended the dedication ceremony. Also on the manicured church grounds is an outdoor altar where Easter sunrise services are held. And two Civil War-era cannons honor a father and son who fought for opposing sides—the father a Confederate, and the son a Union soldier.

High Hill Commonly called St. Mary’s, the full name is Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Three miles northwest of Schulenburg at 2833 FM 2672, the community of High Hill was established in 1860 by Austrian and German families.

Built in 1906, the red brick exterior is a reaction to concerns about fires and storms

that had destroyed other churches. Once inside, the 12-foot stained glass windows and numerous statues capture your attention. And you may be surprised to learn two rows of columns are wood and not marble. With great attention to detail, and unable to afford such opulence, painters have managed to replicate the marble pillars popular in Europe.

Dining out Kloesel’s Steakhouse is located at 101 Moore St. in Moulton, Texas.

Deep in the heart of the Painted Churches region, this family restaurant provides hearty fare to tourists, locals and oil field workers.

The bright yellow, two-story wood building, complete with front porch swings, was built in 1941 and has been home to Kloesel’s since 1971.

The historical marker out front peels back the years to 1889 when the Moore Hotel was constructed on this site. Texas staples such as chicken fried steak, sirloin and homemade chili are popular. But broiled, fried and grilled seafood, pasta dishes and Tex Mex are available and reasonably priced.

A full bar is adjacent — and if you want to hang around late on weekends, you can join the karaoke crowd on Friday and Saturday nights.

Visit www.kloesel.com.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Adorn Refined Living & Decor......17

Lochridge Priest Inc.........................23

A Sewing Basket.................Gift Guide

Lucky Bebe.......................................58

Anderson Chapel AME Church.....53

MaxFlight...........................................5

Atmos...............................................17 be.You.tiful.........................Gift Guide

Metabolic Research Center of Waco, Inc.....................................25

Bead Bistro.........................Gift Guide

Metal Mart.........................Gift Guide

Bell County Museum.......................57

Metroplex Hospital............................3

Bello Photography............................30

Miss Mary’s Treasures........Gift Guide

Best Wishes Gifts.............................37

Montessori Schools of Central Texas...............................65

Bill French Jewelers..........................53 Bob Mills Furniture Company..........2 Callie’s................................Gift Guide Callie’s................................Gift Guide Capital Choice/Melinda Bulls........35 Central Texas Exposition.................41 Century 21/Kim Adams....Gift Guide

Mud Pies............................Gift Guide My Giving Tree................................58 Painting with a Twist.......................20 Paintings by B. Hurd..........Gift Guide PaperDoodles.....................Gift Guide Pen Station.........................Gift Guide

Cheeves Bros......................Gift Guide

Perfume Palace.................................57

Clem Mikeska’s Pit Bar B Q.........................Gift Guide

Perry office..........................GiftGuide Personal Vet Care...............Gift Guide

Crotty Funeral Home......................22

Pop Abilities Gourmet Popcorn & Candies.........................27

Dead Fish Grill................................57 Dermatology Associates...................28 Diva Chicks........................Gift Guide Doctors Express...............................15 Document Solutions........................29 Dr. Philip Davis Jr., DDS.................32 Eagle Home Mortgage.....................52 Edward Jones/Howell......................22

Precious Memories...........................60 Quality Quilts by Laura.....Gift Guide Ramirez Swimming Pools..Gift Guide Real Deals Home Decor....Gift Guide Rockin’ R Retreat Center................25 Salado Stroll.......................Gift Guide Salons At Tuscan Square.................41

e’Lan Salon & Spa.............Gift Guide

Scott’s Lawn Care Central Texas.... 64

Elizabeths gifts and apparel........................Gift Guide

Shar’s Consignment.......................23 Shilo Inn..........................................13

Elmcroft of Cottonwood.................35

Shoppes on Main.............................23

English Maids..................................37

Skin Deep..........................Gift Guide

Estacia’s............................................58

Smile At The World Orthodontics...9

Extraco Banks..................................68

Solar CenTex....................................25

Ferguson Plumbing..........................21

Sonic Drive-in..................................25

Fiesta at Salado Creek.......Gift Guide

Temple Hearth & Home...Gift Guide

Giebel, Dr. Shelley Healthy Success................................60

Texas A&M-Central Texas...............55

Gifti Creations...................Gift Guide

Texas State Optical............................7

Grand Avenue Theater......Gift Guide

The Carlson Law Firm.....................51

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union......................53

The Howling Wolff............Gift Guide

Grout Works of Central Texas........52

Union State Bank............................35

GymX.................................Gift Guide Hallmark Service Company............ 64

Veranda Blooms/ The Cottage.......................Gift Guide

Herd Gallery......................Gift Guide

Visiting Angels.................................27

In The Mood Ballroom.....Gift Guide

Watermill Marketplace......Gfit Guide

Texas Bariatric Specialists................17

Tri-City Bicycles.................................7

Killeen Power Sports........................67

Westside Baptist Church...................7

Lastovica Jewelers.............................60

Zootys.................................Gift Guide

Legacy Dental.....................Gift Guide

Zootys.................................Gift Guide

The Advertisers Index is published for reader convenience. Every effort is made to list information correctly. The publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

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DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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TexTherapy

I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 66

DECEMBER 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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