Tex Appeal Magazine | December 2024 & January 2025
CHROME & CAROLS FOR A CAUSE
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF TEMPLE LAST NIGHT GALA LOOKS AHEAD
Photography: Angela Sitz | Model: Cindy Chipman Newton, Trusted Advisor
Native Templite.
Temple’s Mike Boley brings holiday joy to children of all ages
Festive trees help raise funds for United Way of Central Texas
Ralph Wilson Youth Club fundraiser marks its 10th anniversary
MIXOLOGY
Wassail
THE
Gift
TEEN REVIEW
Deck
CENTEX ARTS
Terry McBride
THIS
GIFT
Shop
Don’t miss these must-see places and iconic Texas things in 2025
Use trays for simple,
READER
Mike Boley brings joy to others by dressing as Santa Claus at holiday gatherings. | 34
Photo by STEVE PETERS
Aaron Burwell and Anita Cooney of Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery display their bestselling treat, blueberry cheesecake cookies. | 58 Photo by BECKY STINEHOUR
Life and Style in Central Texas
It’s hard to believe that it’s already Christmastime. This time of year is filled with beautiful festive decorations, freshly baked goodies and holiday shopping. It’s also an opportunity to take a moment for reflection, remembrance and connection.
For many, this time is all about traditions. In our home, our favorite tradition is setting up the Christmas tree. Unlike a lot of trees, ours is not filled with bulb ornaments, but memories. After my husband and I married, we started collecting ornaments from places we visited. It’s not always the easiest to find a Christmas ornament in the middle of a summer vacation, but we make it work with key chains and figurines that my husband will hook an eyelet on to use as an ornament. Now, whenever we set up our tree, we recall all the places we’ve visited throughout the years. It’s a special moment where we can take a walk down memory lane with our children and think about how blessed our lives have been.
Many of the stories in this issue are about the people and organizations throughout Central Texas who take the time to bless others. You might have noticed Santa Claus on our cover. Mike Boley embodies the spirit of the season by spreading joy as Santa. We caught up with him to discuss what inspired him to don the red suit. You can read Mike’s story on page 34.
The United Way of Central Texas spreads love and cheer to people throughout the year by helping nonprofits improve the quality of life for people throughout the region. To thank them for their generosity, the Chrome & Carols Festival of Trees gives back to them. Find out all about Chrome & Carols, as well as how you can participate, on page 38.
The Ralph Wilson Youth Club board celebrates the passing year, while looking forward to the next, during its annual Last Night Gala. The New Year’s Eve celebration, page 42, raises funds for the youth club during a ball at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport.
While living in Texas, it’s sometimes easy to overlook all the Lone Star State has to offer. There’s so much to see and do, so we have come up with a Central Texas Bucket List, page 50, to help you see some of the great things in this area in 2025.
Speaking of seeing Texas, check out this issue’s Daytrippin’ to find out about visiting Fredericksburg for Trade Days. The picturesque town hosts artists, crafters and other artisans during its monthly trade show. Blair shares her experience on page 62, as well as when the next event will be held.
Sharon shares her holiday decorating expertise on page 64, with instructions on how to create stunning Christmas centerpieces using trays. She even shows how to easily transform a Christmas tray into a New Year’s tray.
There’s a lot more to read about inside these pages, including an exclusive interview with country legend Terry McBride, page 30.
This has been a wonderful year. As you prepare for this busy season, make sure you stop and reminisce about all the blessings in your life. It’s easy to complain when you’re faced with challenges and disappointments, but if you take a moment to reflect on your life, you will be amazed by all the beauty that surrounds you. Your life is a blessing, so don’t take it for granted. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. See y’all in 2025!
TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501
Publisher SUE MAYBORN
Editor
BRANDY CRUZ
Graphic Designer M. CLARE HAEFNER
Contributors
LISA CARLISLE
PHOENIX CARLISLE
BLAIR DUPRE
S. MORRISEY
AMY ROGNLIE
BECKY STINEHOUR RACHEL STRICKLAND
TONYA WARREN
SHARON WHITE JANNA ZEPP
Advertising 254-778-4444 in Temple 254-501-7500 in Killeen
ABOUT US:
Tex Appeal Magazine is published 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, 6 issues. Mail check to P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114. For questions about subscriptions, call 254-778-4444.
HOW TO CONTACT US: Advertising: 254-778-4444 or 254-501-7500. Editorial: Contact Brandy Cruz at editor@texappealmag.com
LISA CARLISLE is a marketing coordinator for CSI Aviation. Lisa is a wife and mother of five — two girls and three boys, together they enjoy exploring locally and you can always find them outdoors or in the water. She is a native Austinite and has lived in Temple since 2018. She also is a member of the Betty Martin DAR chapter. Her hobbies include photography, genealogy, cooking, family time and festivals.
PHOENIX CARLISLE is an obsessive book lover, who can’t get her hands on enough books. A high school honor student, Phoenix wants to be a criminal lawyer, and she hopes that she can travel to all the places she dreams of. For now, she helps her parents handle four younger siblings as she continues to read and write.
BLAIR DUPRE is the news editor of the Fort Cavazos Sentinel and has over a decade of photography experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2018 and now resides in Belton with her best friend, Jessica, and their cats Boo and Biscuit.
S. MORRISEY, a marketer by day, cherishes her life as a mom of six and granny of five. She loves sewing, knitting, theater and rocking out to punk, metal and ’80s music.
BECKY STINEHOUR is a portrait, commercial and event photographer, specializing in live music venues. Her work has been published in several regional magazines. She is a Killeen High School graduate who loves to highlight her hometown connections through the lens of her camera. Find her on Instagram at ciphoto.
RACHEL STRICKLAND is a university writing tutor and freelance writer. She earned a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas in 2021. She has a passion for anything related to language and writing, and her words have been published in various blogs, newspapers and literary journals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and listening to true crime podcasts — always with her cat on her lap.
AMY ROGNLIE is an author and middleschool teacher. Her newest series of cozy mystery novels, The Short Creek Mysteries, are set in Bell County. Amy’s articles have been published in national magazines and websites. She blogs on encouragement, hope and faith on AmyRognlie.com. Amy and her family reside in Little River-Academy.
TONYA WARREN has been a registered nurse for 33 years with Ascension Providence Healthcare in Waco and a lifestyles writer for a few years. She lives in Waco and enjoys reading, writing and taking her grouchy German Shepherd on walks.
SHARON WHITE is an award-winning author who lives in Temple. Her writing has been featured in the New York Daily News, Huffington Post, AdvancingWomen.com and FashionBible.com. Her weekly lifestyle blog, QStyleTheBook.com, is based on her book, Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look.
JANNA ZEPP is a native Texan. Her career in mass communication includes writing for film, TV, radio, and print media. She spent four years writing for the Fort Hood Sentinel and two years as a III Corps Public Affairs television producer, anchor and writer for Fort Hood On Track and three years as the editor of Tex Appeal
JOIN OUR TEAM
Tex Appeal is always looking for local photographers and freelance writers with newspaper or magazine experience. Send a resume and three to five recent published samples for consideration to editor@ texappealmag.com.
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Mind, Body & Spirit
TUESDAY SOLACE PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH ALZHEIMER’S
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos courtesy of TUESDAY SOLACE
“About 16 years ago, our parishioners here at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Temple were looking for ways to help our community when we heard about the dementia respite work being done at First Lutheran Church’s Thursday Club,” said Kyla Sherrard, program director for Tuesday Solace. “We felt that this was a need in the community that our particular people could fill, so we trained with both the Alzheimer’s Association and Thursday Club and established Tuesday Solace.”
Since then, the program’s volunteers have faithfully served approximately 150 individuals and their families. Tuesday Solace is a free service supporting families affected by Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The program gives caregivers of those with early and mid-stage Alzheimer’s a much-needed break while their loved one is in a safe, stimulating environment.
“This is also a great way for family members to see their loved one actually participating in something,” said Sherrard, who frequently worked with dementia patients in her career in medical speech pathology. “Some of the caregivers love to stay and watch and say things like, ‘I can’t believe Dad is actually talking to someone!’”
The program is conducted every Tuesday, with the exception of holidays, from 1 to 4 p.m. Program activities are broken into segments, offering a balance of structured activity and free time for conversation and refreshment, with all activities selected to engage mind, body and spirit. Care is based on a program designed by the Texas Alzheimer’s Association, and volunteers from St. Francis and other churches are each matched with a participant to provide individual care so participants are never alone.
Each week, participants are guided through a structured program of hymns, a devotional, chair exercises, refreshments (provided by volunteers or caregivers), entertainment or crafts, and games such
as bingo or board games.
Participants especially enjoy the entertainers that come on a regular basis. Regular entertainment includes the Sammons’ Hartman Line Dancers and the fan favorite Sammons’ Silver Beats group, which combines upper-body exercises with drumsticks, balls and catchy music that is familiar to the participants. Other regular entertainers include Tom Stringfellow and the Settin’ Sons as well as singing groups and other local musicians.
The “meal between lunch and dinner” is a popular part of the day at Tuesday Solace and includes
The “meal between lunch and dinner” is a popular part of the day at Tuesday Solace and includes healthy choices, as well as a dessert. Other activities include playing games that engage the mind.
healthy choices, as well as a dessert. Participants may choose what they want to eat, while volunteers stay watchful of each participant’s health needs such as diabetes or gluten-free requirements.
“It’s so gratifying to see how much the participants enjoy the program. After missing even one week, they hug us and tell us how much they missed us,” Sherrard said.
Some participants continue to attend the program even after they are moved to a memory care facility.
“Their caregivers will pick them up from the facility and bring them on Tuesdays. They miss their friends and are so delighted to see them each week.”
Tuesday Solace is a much a ministry to caregivers as it is to the program participants. Providing a safe place for those with dementia to engage in group activities, while allowing the families/caregivers to run an errand, read a book, take care of business, or take a nap without worrying about their loved one is a valuable service to our community.
“We also provide information and resources for caregivers,” Sherrard added. “We try to help them
learn how best to communicate with their loved one who has dementia, especially helping them avoid arguments.”
Since the pandemic, attendance at Tuesday Solace has been much lower than usual. Sherrard and her volunteers hope to grow their participant numbers as well as provide more educational opportunities for their volunteers.
Continuing education of the volunteers through organizations such as the local Agency for Aging, which has always been a staunch supporter of Tuesday Solace, helps volunteers do their best to ensure that every participant is fully engaged.
“We welcome families/caregivers of dementia survivors to visit and see what we do on a weekly basis to keep their loved one interactive and engaged,” Sherrard said.
OUR HOSPICE HOUSE OFFERS CENTRAL TEXANS Compassionate Care
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos courtesy of
“
When my own father was able to die peacefully in a hospice house in his hometown in Florida, I knew it was time to bring a hospice house project to Central Texas,” said Dr. Jeff Bates, founder of Our Hospice House in Temple. “Our mission at OHH is to provide around-the-clock, family-like home care in a peaceful, compassionate environment where terminally ill residents can live and die with dignity, comfort and grace while being cared for with love — at no cost to those in need.”
Bates, a local hospice internist and pediatrician, and his wife, a hospice nurse and nurse practitioner, provided the vision for Our Hospice House. With a lot of hard work, prayer and the help of generous donors and volunteers, OHH opened in Temple in August 2023, caring for 71 “guests” in their first year. A member of the Omega Home Network Organization, Our Hospice House is one of a kind in Central Texas, with the closest home being in San Antonio.
“There are many homes similar to ours that were not able to open their doors to serve guests as quickly as we did,” said Annie McCall, executive director of OHH. “We are very proud to have founders, board members and an advisory committee offering support and willing to share the vision of the house with the community.”
Our Hospice House is a nonprofit organization and offers faith-based, compassionate end-oflife care at no charge to guests or their families, regardless of income level or ability to pay. The organization’s new permanent home is a beautifully decorated, spacious home, located on three acres in Belton, and can accommodate three guests at a time. Each guest has his or her own bedroom and bathroom. Families can come and go and even spend the night by their loved one’s side on the recliner couch, grab a cup of coffee
and a home-baked cookie from the kitchen, or even do some laundry.
Trained caregivers are available 24/7, and local hospice providers come to the house, so family members can relax and be family members instead of caregivers. OHH staff members and volunteers care for their residents’ family members almost as much as they care for the residents; going the extra mile by cooking meals, providing a shoulder to cry on or joining in a moment of prayer during a difficult time. Family members are encouraged to connect with one another as well as their loved ones, and many friendships have been forged in the time spent at OHH.
“Our Hospice House is not a facility,” McCall said. “We are a home and we want to make everyone as comfortable as possible.”
Future plans include opening more hospice houses in the area, including Waco. Volunteer opportunities include baking items for family members and helping with laundry, yard work, and house cleaning. Retired medical professionals are invited to volunteer. For admission to Our Hospice House, guests must be enrolled with a local hospice provider, have a medical diagnosis with a prognosis of one month or less to live, and have chosen to stop curative treatments.
“We acknowledge death and dying as a natural part of life,” Bates said. “Our work is guided by a compassionate and joyful approach to care and that is at the center of all that we do as we follow the Biblical mandate: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Caregivers at Our Hospice House want to make guests and their families feel at home during their stays.
2 3 4 5
1. These sisters added the flavors of Mexico while making memories at St. Joseph’s Fest of All in Killeen.
2. Mary Hernandez and Myrna Martinez show off their Fest of All T-shirts in memory of Albert Miranda.
3. Barbara Tamares and Denia Bowman stop for a selfie as they work at the plant booth.
4. A Korean dance group performs a traditional dance on the main stage.
5. Lily Cruz Alma Eclavea, Lisa Baja and Christina Alava smile as they serve shish kabobs.
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
2 4 3
1. Cowboys bow their heads as they listen to the opening prayer at the Cody Johnson Championship fundraiser event in Belton.
2. Holly Tucker sings the national anthem.
3. A cowboy competes in the fundraising rodeo.
4. Sandy Harris and her granddaughter, Elliott Harris, watch the team roping competition.
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Nolan Creek Brewery THRIVES IN BELTON AFTER TAKING OVER SPACE
By RACHEL STRICKLAND | Photos courtesy of NOLAN CREEK BREWERY
Nolan Creek Brewery is about more than just enjoying craft beer — it’s the perfect place to build community and make new friends. Located on Penelope Street in the building previously occupied by Bold Republic Brewing in downtown Belton, the folks at Nolan Creek have created a cozy, welcoming place for locals to come together and have fun. Owners Lorne and Jackie Brockway, along with their daughter, Kenna Brockway-Calderon, opened Nolan Creek in late October 2022, and they have been thriving ever since.
Lorne has always loved craft beer and had been a home brewer for about 30 years. He frequented Bold Republic when it was in Belton, and he became friends with the owners. When he heard that they were relocating to Temple, he decided it was a great opportunity for him to open a brewery. Lorne and Jackie looked at a few locations in Belton, but they quickly realized that taking over Bold Republic’s old location seemed like the best way to move forward. They bought all the brewing equipment from Bold Republic and took two months to renovate before opening
automated system, but Nolan Creek does things the old-fashioned way. They don’t push any buttons to initiate mixing or transferring — their brewers Matthew and Rob are in the back stirring, lifting and mixing everything by hand.
“I always say that our beer is brewed with a lot of love and a lot of hard work,” Kenna said.
There are typically 16 beers on tap at Nolan Creek, and they range from light beers to hoppy IPAs. The Gold Snap, a blonde ale, is their tried-and-true top beer.
Kenna learned all about the beer industry when she spent two years working for Bold Republic, which helped Nolan Creek’s transition because a lot of regulars recognized her and felt comfortable right away. Even though she now wears many hats at the brewery, Kenna still beer-tends nearly every day.
“It’s just fun chatting with all the regulars, and it’s a good place for friends and community,” she said.
Kenna and Jackie run the brewery, while Lorne manages things behind the scenes because, until recently, he still worked another full-time job.
“He did just retire, which is exciting,” Kenna said. “I think he’s ready to put his foot in a little bit more.”
The Brockways also employ a brewer, an assistant brewer and some beer-tenders.
Many larger breweries brew their beer on an
“The Gold Snap was our first ever recipe that we nailed down, and it’s still one of our No. 1 sellers today,” Kenna said.
They also offer a few wines, seltzer and Creek Water, which is a beer, wine and soda mix. Kenna says they typically have one to four beers that rotate, depending on the season. They also offer a robust menu of tasty food, including dips, flatbread pizzas, hotdogs and wings.
There’s always something fun going on at Nolan Creek. They host trivia every Wednesday night, music bingo twice a month on Friday nights, and live music on alternating Fridays. They also host an annual 5K run in March for St. Patrick’s Day, which runs from the Gin straight to the brewery, and they had over 200 people sign up this year.
“I know we’re small, but we’re mighty,” Kenna said. “Our staff is super friendly and welcoming, and we care a lot about the people who come into our brewery.”
NOLAN CREEK BREWERY
Website: www.nolancreek.beer
Address: 206 N Penelope St., Belton
Phone: 254-613-4190
Hours: 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday
Lorne Brockway and his daughter, Kenna Brockway-Calderon.
Festive Treats
Photos by BRANDY CRUZ
We asked our readers … YOU … to submit a favorite holiday recipe for this issue of Tex Appeal. For the next issue, we want recipes of your favorite Valentine’s treats for your loved ones. You may also submit a short story and a photo with your recipe, if you have one. Email recipes to editor@texappealmag.com by Dec. 13.
SNICKERS CARAMEL APPLE SALAD
Submitted by Bruce Caldwell
This is a perfect fall/winter dessert, and both kids and adults tend to love it. Grab a bowl and turn on your favorite holiday movie or break out your favorite board game.
Ingredients
1 1-ounce box of vanilla pudding
1 cup of milk
8 ounces of whipped cream
4 Snickers bars, diced small
MOCK TOFFEE
Submitted by Tonya Warren
This is a simple, but delicious recipe that I have to make every year because my daughter always says, “It just wouldn’t be Christmas without your toffee!” I always cave.
Ingredients
2 sticks butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 sleeve saltine crackers
1 large bag milk chocolate chips
Chopped pecans or Christmas sprinkles, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a jelly roll pan with foil, even on sides, and spray foil very well with nonstick spray. Line pan with saltines (salt side up), and pack together so sides are touching. Melt 2 sticks butter and sugar, stirring frequently, until frothy on medium high heat. Pour over crackers. Spread evenly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes (or more, depending on your oven) until slightly brown. Take out of oven, and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips on top and allow the chocolate to
4 Granny Smith apples
Caramel sauce (squeeze bottle)
Directions
Combine pudding and milk until smooth. Add whipped cream, Snickers and apples to pudding mixture. Squeeze caramel sauce over the top for presentation purposes.
You can make this healthier by using sugar-free pudding, sugar-free whipped topping and Russell Stover sugar-free Snickers. I like to also add protein powder so it’s even more guilt-free.
melt. Carefully spread the melted chocolate evenly over warm crackers. Sprinkle pecans or Christmas sprinkles on top, optional.
After fully cooled, break apart and store in an airtight container.
Note: I’ve found higher quality milk chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli, melt much easier than store-brand chips.
To prevent the toffee from melting, keep it cool.
I like to give this toffee in small decorative gift bags tied with festive ribbon.
HAM AND EGG BREAKFAST CUPS
Submitted by Jacob Cruz
This is an easy meal for Christmas morning. Breakfast can be baking in the oven while your family opens presents. Then everyone can gather around the table and enjoy a hearty breakfast while waiting for the big Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
1 package of thin-sliced ham (can substitute turkey)
Eggs
Shredded cheese (whatever you prefer), optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Directions
Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place two slices of ham inside each muffin cup, crisscrossing the ham. Crack an egg into each cup and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-20 minutes, until your eggs are at the desired consistency. During the last couple of minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Variations: You could scramble the eggs beforehand and add veggies or seasonings, such as garlic, paprika, diced onions or mushrooms. Then pour into meat-lined cups and bake.
Wassail Your Way Through the Holidays
Story and illustration by JANNA ZEPP
Imagine yourself in late December, 13th Century Wales or Southern England. Christmastime, or “Yuletide” starts Dec. 25 — the first day of Christmas — instead of shortly after the third Thursday in November. There are 12 days to observe this holiday season, the 12th being Jan. 6, Epiphany or Twelfth Night. That’s a lot of celebrating — or on some days, observation of religious solemnity. After all that, you are likely ready for a drink.
From the Middle Ages until present, one drink symbolizes the holidays in the southern and western parts of the United Kingdom: wassail.
Properly pronounced “wah-suhl,” this warm, cider drink with a little alcohol added (or not, up to you) brings Christmas cheer home. Wassail is drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and greeting either involved in door-to-door charity-giving or used to ensure a good harvest the following year. Celebrated since medieval times, traditions of gathering together outdoors, playing instruments, and singing songs honoring the beverage continue today. To see such a celebration, look up “The Halstow Wassail” on YouTube. Made by filmmaker Bevis Bowden, this 25-minute film records the second Halstow Wassail that took place on Jan. 15, 2022, at Gray’s Farm. The wassail was part of British artist Simon Pope’s project, “Here's to Thee,” which
explores the ecology and cultures of cider-making.
The earliest versions were warmed mead into which roasted crab apples were dropped and burst to create a drink called 'lambswool,' which was traditionally drunk on Lammas Day (Aug. 1), still known in the late 16th century. Later, the drink evolved into a mulled cider made with sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, topped with slices of toast as sops and drunk from a large communal bowl.
Recipes of the 20th and 21st centuries begin with a base of wine, fruit juice or mulled ale, sometimes with brandy or sherry added. Apples or oranges are often added to the mix, and some recipes also call for beaten eggs to be tempered into the drink. Great bowls (punch bowls to us) turned from wood, pottery or tin often had many handles for shared drinking and highly decorated lids; antique examples can still be found in traditional pubs. They are even mentioned in the first stanza of the traditional carol “Gloucestershire Wassail;” variations of which were known to have been sung as far back as the 1700s, and possibly earlier: Wassail! Wassail! All over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink unto thee. But enough about that. Let’s get to making the season merry by making wassail.
One recipe is non-alcoholic. The next one will have spirits in it. Let me know what you think at Janna. Zepp@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.
NON-ALCOHOLIC WASSAIL
Ingredients
2 quarts apple cider
2 cups orange juice
½ cup lemon juice
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 pinch ground ginger
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Directions: In a slow-cooker or a large pot over low heat, combine apple cider, orange juice and lemon juice. Season with cloves, ginger and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer. If using a slow cooker, allow it to simmer all day. Serve hot. Yields 12 servings.
WASSAIL WITH ALCOHOL Ingredients
4 cups apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice, doctored up with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice)
½ inch nub of fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced
2 lemons, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
3 star anise (optional, but attractive)
½ vanilla bean, slit down the middle with the insides scooped out (or ¼ ounce vanilla extract)
Bourbon (plan on about 1 ½ ounces per drink.)
Directions: In a medium saucepan, combine all of the non-alcoholic ingredients and simmer for at least thirty minutes, preferably over an hour. Use a jigger or shot glass to measure bourbon into mugs. Pour in your hot spiced cider. Ideas for garnishing: cinnamon sticks, star anise, lemon and/or orange slices and/or thinly sliced red apple.
Change it up: Substitute some of the cider for brown ale or real cranberry juice. Add other whole spices like cloves, allspice berries and/or white peppercorns. Again, use a crockpot to keep it warm.
You might also consider using the alcohol substitutes available online or in some stores. There are a variety of alcohol-free bourbons and whiskeys that have similar tastes to the real deal without all the liver-shriveling ingredients to ruin your health.
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Gift good reads by Texans
By M. CLARE HAEFNER | Covers courtesy of the book publishers
Whether your loved ones like romance, suspense, humor, adventure or a little of everything, here are five recent releases by Texas authors that would make great holiday gifts.
HUMOR
Native Texan: Stories from Deep in the Heart by Joe Holley (Maverick Books): A longtime Houston Chronicle columnist, Holley takes readers on a journey across Texas towns big and small in this compilation of 30 columns. A masterful storyteller, Holley will have you laughing as you work your way through his attempts to measure tall tales against what really happened.
POETRY
Texas, Being: A State of Poems edited by Jenny Browne (Trinity University Press): The poet laureate of San Antonio in 2016 and Texas poet laureate in 2017, Browne offers a tour of Texas through 47 poems she curated for this book, including her own work. While she loves tacos and Willie Nelson, Browne told the Texas Standard she wanted this collection of poems to take a deeper look the Lone Star State, showing its brutality alongside its beauty.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Fiction): A master of romantic suspense, Mills takes readers on a race against the clock as hostage negotiator Carrington Reed tries to uncover why
the Kendrix brothers are holding 15 hostages in an abandoned South Texas home. With help from investigative reporter Levi Erlich, Reed digs deeper into the details and finds a few surprises along the way. Mills, who lives in Houston, usually sets her contemporary thrillers in the Lone Star State, and this new novel is among her best.
TRAVEL
Official Guide to Texas State Parks and Historic Sites: New Edition by Laurence Parent (University of Texas Press): Updated with information on Palo Pinto Mountains State Park west of Fort Worth and new historic sites, Parent provides a great guide to Texas state parks and their history. With tons of information and incredible photos, this guide will entertain guests as a coffee-table book and make you want to plan your next adventure to explore them in person.
HISTORIC FICTION
One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot (Bydand Publishing): Return to Sweetwater Crossing in Cabot’s holiday-themed sweet historical romance. Greta Engel’s brother Otto is sick but dreams of seeing Pikes Peak before he dies. Knowing it will take a miracle to get him to Colorado, Greta is determined to try. When their wagon breaks down in the Texas Hill Country, Greta fears that all is lost. But she’ll find a safe haven — if she’s brave enough to follow her heart. Cabot’s tales are a great escape and so uplifting, making this new novel the perfect Christmas read.
SPECIAL EVENTS
VIP Party - December 6, 5pm
Fashion Show - December 7, 10am presented by
Susan Marie’s of Temple & Salado and Charlie Wharton Starfire Jewelry
Holiday Seminars - December 7
Christmas Decorating with Vintage Flair – 2nd Street Emporium 1-2pm
Christmas Tree Decorating Tips
– Precious Memories Florist 2:30-3:30pm
Christmas Trends for 2024 and 2025 – Norman Northen TMFA 4-5pm
Tablescapes and Vendors
Friday & Saturday
Temple Civic Theatre 2413 S 13th St, Temple - 254-778-4751
Deck the Headlines with love
By PHOENIX CARLISLE Cover courtesy of LIGHTNING STRIKE PRESS
Find hope in your hometown this holiday season with Deck the Headlines by Teagan Hart. Navigate the hometown memories held by Ella Danforth as she falls back in love with Hope Island and the grumpy journalist of The Hope Hornblower, while solving the mystery of her office floorboards.
Recently graduated journalist Ella Danforth is right where she wants to be … FAR away from her hometown of Hope Island, Washington, but in a single morning, she loses everything. Before sundown she finds herself home for the first time in four years to reluctantly take up the recently (and mysteriously) available post of editor-inchief for the local paper: The Hope Hornblower
And who does she find in her way? Cal Dickson, a jaded New Yorker fleeing a billionaire marriage alliance back home and hoping to get the top job himself.
The sparks turn to flames as they’re forced together to tackle the “Hellidays” — a month of wacky, holiday events designed for tourists, ranging from midnight fruitcake fights to semi-dirty holiday cookie decorating contests complete with themed drinks!
hometown may sound like her final straw yet it ends up leading to a holiday filled with healing. Ella learns to overcome her cranberry trauma, fall in love, and discover what it actually means to be part of the journalism business.
But of course, before she can get to all of the festive love, her entire life in Seattle has to fall apart. Is this book incredibly cheesy? Absolutely! Is it exactly the distraction we need this year? Ab-solute-ly!
Each day they get closer to Christmas Eve, the tension between the two keeps rising. But will their mutually painful pasts conspire to douse the flames of love?
If you watch Gilmore Girls and think “Ugh, they have such cute little festivals” or “Ugh, look at the weather there, it actually gets cold,” this is the book for you.
Ella Danforth is like if Rory did pursue a successful career in journalism; going back to her
I love a good enemies-tolovers story, especially when the male main character falls first, and boy did Cal fall first. Cal was so grumpy, so witty but also somehow sweet. The banter between Cal and Ella was hilarious and a great launch into their relationship. Their pranks were of course holiday themed but also gave both of them nudges into the community that ultimately made the “failed writer girl” and the “new guy in town” fall in love with Hope Island.
The plot also includes a mini mystery that is extremely easy to figure out, yet it was a simple way to get the characters together. Hope Island was so adorable. Everyone knew everyone, all the events and shared memories placed the readers in Cal’s position of falling in love with the town’s charm.
Some details were confusing. Was Cal engaged or not? Who knows until halfway in when they finally explain it. Why can’t Ella get over her cranberry trauma? Who knows, until Cal shares his embarrassing story.
Deck the Headlines by Teagan Hart is the comedic love story we all need for this season. She swore she’d never go back to her hometown island. He can’t get enough of its wacky “helliday” charm. Thrown together chasing headlines and solving mysteries, will the sparks flying between them turn into love? Happy holidays and stay warm!
Heather L. Clark, CPA
Heather earned a Bachelor of Science – Accounting, summa sum laude from Central Washington University with honors including a President’s Scholar and Medallion Award in the College of Business and Economics. She was employed at both a regional and a local CPA firm for several years after obtaining her license as a Certified Public Accountant, providing tax and accounting services. She joined Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, P.C. (BGFN) in 2016 and became a Partner in 2024.
Working in various industries has provided her with an understanding of the challenges businesses face daily. In addition, as a missionary in Kenya, East Africa, a homeschool student and teacher, Heather learned many things from flexibility to an appreciation of people.
Heather and her husband, John, have two grown children and two cats. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and singing both at church and in the Salado Community Chorus.
Daniel E. Jones, CPA
Daniel attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Science and then attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he graduated magna cum laude earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He joined Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, P.C. (BGFN) in 2011, became a Partner in 2024 and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Daniel provides assurance services to local governments and school districts, not-for-profit entities, and construction and manufacturing firms. He also provides other attestation services, performs single audits, and fraud examinations.
Daniel was born and raised in central Texas where he and his wife, Johna, continue to live and raise their four children. He is a member of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Leadership Temple Class of 2020 and serves on the board of a local youth shooting sports club as treasurer and as a rifle instructor in 4-H and SASP programs.
Terry McBride performs at Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton.
Terry McBride
A TEXAN’S TALE OF COOL, COUNTRY AND CREATIVITY
By LISA CARLISLE | Photo by BECKY STINEHOUR
Country music fans were in for a treat when legendary country singer Terry McBride performed at Schoepf’s BBQ recently, bringing his iconic sound to the Belton restaurant’s Back Room Acoustic Session.
McBride’s story is as iconic as the classic country sound he’s known for. Hailing from Lampasas, McBride grew up immersed in the music world, spending his teenage summers touring with his father, the late country singer Dale McBride, whose songs had their share of Billboard success.
“I grew up surrounded by instruments. My favorite childhood birthday, my father presented me with a small guitar from Mexico. That sucker ruined my fingers, but man was it fun to play!” McBride said with a smile.
With a taste for the stage and a passion for country music, McBride began performing as a bassist in Austin, collaborating with notable Texas artists like Lee Roy Parnell, Jimmy Dale Gilmore and Delbert McClinton.
“Austin was and is an incredible city for musicians to grow,” McBride said. In 1989, he made the big leap to Nashville — a move that would set him on a path to country music stardom.
It was there that he formed McBride & the Ride, signing with MCA Records and releasing a series of beloved albums that captured fans’ hearts with hits like “Sacred Ground,” a No. 1 single that solidified the trio’s place in country music. The band earned nominations from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, and became known for their captivating blend of Southern rock and classic country, delivering chart-topping singles that defined ’90s country.
“It was a hard road,” McBride said, “I learned so much and was exhausted but wouldn’t change a thing.”
After McBride & the Ride disbanded in 1995, McBride pivoted to songwriting, finding incredible success crafting hits for a lineup of legendary artists. His songwriting credits are expansive, with more than 25 songs recorded by Brooks & Dunn, including hits
like “If You See Him/If You See Her,” a duet with Reba McEntire that became an instant classic.
With hits spanning multiple genres, including the chart-topping “Are You with Me,” McBride’s diversity as a songwriter earned him 13 Broadcast Music, Inc. awards and a staggering 12 million airplay awards.
When asked how his writing varies when it’s to be sung by someone else, he says it does change things. “It changes a lot. When I write a song I will perform, I bring in a lot of my past and history. I use a lot of my experiences.”
His solo career, launched in 2017 with the EP Hotels & Highways, showed a new side to McBride, blending his Texas roots with a contemporary sound. His album Rebels & Angels, released in 2020, featured Patty Loveless and Delbert McClinton, and included top Texas singles like “Callin’ All Hearts” and “Corpus Christi Wind,” a tribute to his father’s legacy.
Recent Texas chart-toppers like “Wild Horses” with Kin Faux, honored as Single of the Year at the Texas Country Music Awards, show McBride’s continued impact on the country scene.
This year marked a new milestone with McBride’s induction into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame, a recognition of his influence and dedication to country music. Meanwhile, the reunion of McBride & the Ride has fans buzzing with excitement as they release fresh tracks like “Marlboros & Avon” and deliver sold-out performances at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and love for Texas country music, Schoepf's was the perfect stage for McBride's blend of nostalgic hits and new tracks. McBride’s presence brought an extra touch of hometown pride to the Belton restaurant, making it a must-see event for country music fans in the area.
Whether on stage, penning hits or producing in Nashville, McBride embodies the Texan spirit — a blend of warmth, talent and unwavering cool. A true trailblazer and modern legend, McBride’s music and passion continue to inspire and resonate across generations.
Grow Your Own
PLANTS TO PRODUCE FERMENTED FOODS AT HOME
By AMY ROGNLIE
From the beginning of time, fermented foods have been included in the diets of most societies, though modern-day researchers are just beginning to uncover all the intricacies of how the billions of bacteria and other organisms in our digestive tract work. If you’ve kept up with health news in the last few years, you know that scientists are understanding more and more how important gut health is to our overall health, even calling the gut our “second brain.”
If you got in that second planting of tomato and pepper plants in September, you may have more veggies than you can eat. Fermenting is a healthful and easy way to preserve your homegrown garden produce, or — let’s be honest — your H-E-B produce, if you are like me and were too busy to think about fall planting. Sigh. But I digress. Unlike canning, fermenting allows beneficial bacteria to flourish, contributing to your health in many ways. According to research, this time-honored method of preserving food has many health benefits, including making the nutrients in the vegetable more readily available to your body. Fermentation also makes veggies more easily digestible and a good source of both prebiotics and probiotics, which strengthen the microbiota in our gut.
of sour cream. This is adapted from a recipe in Sally Fallon’s book, Nourishing Traditions
FERMENTED SALSA
Makes about 1 quart
Ingredients
4 medium tomatoes
2 small onions
¾ cup chopped jalapeño, poblano or other chili pepper
6-8 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped (optional, but adds a lot of flavor)
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
Health benefits aside, fermented foods are just good eats. Somehow, the fermentation process creates new flavors and nuances from your favorite veggies, yielding tangy and delicious reiterations. Fermentation is also easy. It doesn’t require any special equipment and doesn’t have the concerns about botulism that come with traditional canning. Fermenting food is fun and easy, kind of like a grownup version of a science experiment that you get to eat! What more could you want?
My favorite recipe so far is a fermented salsa. I love the complexity of flavors, especially with a dollop
Juice of 2 lemons (or 1 lemon and 1-2 limes) 2 tablespoon of kosher or Himalayan salt (not regular iodized table salt)
¼ cup filtered water
Instructions: Peel tomatoes, if desired, by plunging them into boiling water for a minute, then letting them cool. The skin will peel off easily. I usually don’t peel them. Mix all ingredients and pack into a quart-sized glass jar or divide it up into a couple of smaller jars. Press the veggies down lightly, adding more water if necessary, so that the liquid covers the veggies. The top of the vegetables should be at least one inch below the top of the jar to give the mixture room to expand a bit. Cover tightly and leave on the counter at room temperature for about 2 days, then give it a taste. If you want a stronger flavor, let it set for another day before transferring it to the refrigerator. It will last up to six months if you don’t eat it all first!
If salsa is not your thing, there are many fermented veggie recipes available online for everything from pickles to sauerkraut to kimchi and even lemonade! I recently experimented with a pickle recipe and found that I preferred the flavor after only two days of fermentation rather than the suggested 3-5 days. So have fun, experiment, and find a new favorite, healthy recipe to feed your family — and your second brain.
ADOBE STOCK | Yulia Furman
FERMENTED CUCUMBER DILL PICKLES
Ingredients
3 tablespoons of kosher, pickling, or sea salt (do not use iodized salt)
1 quart non-chlorinated water
2-4 whole fresh dill flowers or 1 tsp. dill seeds
2-4 whole garlic cloves, peeled
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoons of spices to taste: peppercorns, mustard seed, coriander seed, red pepper flakes (or use a pickling spice blend)
1/4 teaspoons of turmeric (optional, but it helps give a "fresh" flavor)
6-12 pickling or seedless cucumbers
Instructions: Make the brine by combining the salt and water in a pitcher or a jar and stir well to dissolve the salt.
Divide the dill flowers, garlic and spices into two 1-quart jars.
Trim the ends of the cucumbers and cut them into spears. Place the cucumbers into the two 1-quart jars with the herbs and spices, filling the jars as full as you can.
Fill the jars with the saltwater brine, making sure to cover the cucumbers, but leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
Screw the lids on the jars and set in a cool place outside of direct sunlight. Check them every few days to see how they are progressing.
The pickles are done when they are paler green in color and a bit softer, but not mushy. This usually takes about 3-6 days.
Taste the pickles a few times to be sure they are to your preference. If not, ferment a bit longer.
Once the pickles are done fermenting, store in the refrigerator where they will last for many months or even up to a year.
Adapted from a recipe found at www.growforagecookferment.com/ fermented-cucumber-pickles/
ADOBE STOCK | Atlas
Temple resident Mike Boley finds joy dressing as Santa Claus during the holiday season.
Playing Santa
By TONYA WARREN | Photos courtesy of STEVE PETERS
Ho-Ho-Ho! Believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner, and Temple resident Mike Boley, aka Santa Claus, is gearing up for another cheerful holiday season. He’s already making his list and checking it twice, wanting to know who’s been naughty or nice. Hmm, there’s still time for those of us needing to do some work to slide over to the nice side of Santa’s list.
What started out as a typical, low-key, family photo shoot in December 2019 has morphed into an annual seasonal gig for Boley, and his wife, Shelley, aka Mrs. Claus. Precious photos with their granddaughter garnered more than just thumbs up or heart emojis.
“Friends saw the pictures and the requests started coming in for Santa sightings,” Mike said.
Beautiful twinkling lights, yummy snowmanshaped warm cookies, singing favorite Christmas carols in church and other holiday memories are seared into our minds, especially as young children. Growing up in Fort Worth, Mike’s favorite childhood memory was enjoying all the beautiful lights that often sprang up before the calendar turned to that last month. From the most modest home to those of cattle barons, he loved family drives around Cowtown enjoying all the colorful displays.
As Mike dons his festive apparel of Santa’s working clothes, complete with the traditional red outfit trimmed with pure white faux fur, his jolly smile signals an all go. Santa is ready to spread smiles and joy to all he encounters. Word of caution: Don’t pull on Santa’s beard, as it is real, and there’s no sense in taking a chance of being put on the naughty list.
In the spirit of Christmas, one doesn’t outgrow the anticipation of sitting on Santa’s knee, discussing important matters such as that Christmas wish list and taking the required photo with Santa.
“Taking pictures with the sweet little babies is so much fun,” Mike said.
But when the jolly man is around, folks of any age just can’t seem to help themselves. Let’s face it, some teenagers just do something they’d rather not, just to appease the parental units, or so it seems. Shelley confessed some teens think they’re too old for pictures with Santa, but they do it because they are told to.
“One teenager was from our church, so we knew him and his parents,” Shelley said. “Santa was able to tell him things only Santa would know.” After pictures, she said his mom came back to tell them that her son couldn’t stop talking about Santa and that he knew things. “I believe he’s the REAL Santa!” the young man said.
Photo shoots offer much fun, and Mike and Shelley have had several opportunities to take pictures with people of all ages, including expectant moms. Mike said the best one was when a mom brought her baby back the following year for her daughter’s second Santa picture. Shelley, decked out in a red festive dress, is always on hand to help calm anxious or crying children. A little treat Continued
from Mrs. Claus will sometimes work like magic to capture that memorable photo. Speaking of treats, Santa mentioned he likes tacos and bourbon left out for him on Christmas Eve, but he admitted that peanut butter cookies will work just as well.
Since starting the Santa gig, Mike said there’s one especially memorable event that stands out.
“It was a family block party, and when we arrived, the son and grandson asked if we wouldn’t mind going inside their home to take a picture with the 90-plus year-old mother/grandmother.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived inside the house to find the woman on the phone, and Mike said she told her friend that Santa was there to see her, and she had to go.
“After taking a couple of pictures, she told her grandson this was going to be her Christmas card that year,” Mike said warmly. “And it was!”
Shelley explained that was the woman’s last Christmas, so when Christmas came around the next year, the grandson gave Mike one of her silver
Christmas bells she always put on her tree. “Now it’s on our tree,” Mike said.
Santa and Mrs. Claus do Christmas parties, home visits and businesses that have Christmas events for customers. People find out about them on social media, referrals or by attending an event. Mrs. Claus manages the schedule, and she said people book them at the end of their event for the next year. She said requests started this year in May, and Santa sightings are in the Temple, Belton and east Bell County area. Santa visits schools and SPJST halls, and this year, will be visiting the American Legion to distribute gifts to disabled young adults.
The Boleys recently donated a chance to receive a home visit from Santa to the Rogers Education Foundation Black and Gold Benefit. While Santa visits amaze children of all ages, Mike said people should never forget the reason for the season.
He said that while “spreading joy through Santa Claus and gifts is good, the true meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ.”
Mike and Shelley Boley spread holiday cheer, portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus at parties and events.
Veshell Greene, left, and Seleese Thompson help organize the Chrome & Carols Festival of Trees, which benefits the United Way of Central Texas.
Chrome & Carols
FESTIVE FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS UNITED WAY
By BRANDY CRUZ | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR and courtesy of UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL TEXAS
The spirit of the season shines bright every year as members of the Central Texas community come together to spread love — love for one’s neighbors and love for the community — by giving back to an organization that gives so much of itself.
For more than 70 years, the United Way of Central Texas has helped to positively impact the community by mobilizing the resources necessary to improve the quality of life for individuals. Since the nonprofit organization’s campaign funds go directly to support other local nonprofits, it needs help to keep them in business, which is where the Chrome & Carols Festival of Trees comes into play.
“This event is important to me because it’s an opportunity for the companies to see another side of United Way — the fun side,” said Veshell Greene, interim president and CEO of United Way of Central Texas. “They know us by campaigns. They know us by our outreach in the community. This also gives them another glimpse into the many faces of United Way.”
Now in its 14th year, the annual fundraising event raffles off themed and decorated Christmas trees, along with approximately $1,000 worth of gifts with each tree. The trees, decorated by Precious Memories, come in a variety of themes, including spiritual, funny, patriotic and more.
“I love the transformation and the joy that it brings people to see the different versions of trees, even if it’s not something they would use for their own home,” said Seleese Thompson, owner of Precious Memories. “They love the variety of themes and the inspiration it gives them.”
Greene said the trees never look the same, so it’s exciting to see them year after year.
“I think my favorite memory, every year, is watching the people’s faces as they are looking at a tree and they find another element or see another gift tucked away,” Greene said.
Raffle tickets are one for $1, 70 for $50, or 200 for $100. Greene explained that there’s a bucket for each tree and participants place raffle tickets in
“My favorite memory, every year, is watching the people’s faces as they are looking at a tree and they find another element or see another gift tucked away.” — Veshell Greene
a bucket for whichever tree they want to win. The person with the winning ticket receives the tree, decorations and all the gifts under the associated tree. The tree, decorations and gifts are packed up that evening by volunteer elves from the Ralph Wilson Youth Club, so the winner can take them home. Greene said some businesses that win will then use the gifts as gifts to the employees in their office.
After organizing the event for the past eight years, Greene said it’s wonderful to see how much it’s evolved based on feedback. One of this year’s changes is the return of paper tickets. Greene said
Continued
they tried digital tickets in the past, but there’s just something people enjoy about paper tickets.
Admission to the event is $75, which includes dinner, dessert and non-alcoholic drinks. Proceeds help offset the costs of maintaining the United Way of Central Texas building in downtown Temple. Greene said no campaign funds are ever used toward the building, so this fundraiser helps keep them operational. The annual event also serves as a kick-start for the holiday season for many in Central Texas.
“Chrome and Carols has become such a start for the holidays for people,” Thompson said. “It gets people really jazzed up (for Christmas).”
14th Annual Chrome & Carols
Date: Dec. 3
Location: Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center in Temple Tickets: www.uwct.org/events/chrome-carols
This holiday season is full of festivities throughout Central Texas. If you love to embrace holiday cheer, other events that will help put your in the spirit of the season are on page 54.
Ring in the New Year GALA BENEFITS RALPH WILSON YOUTH CLUB
By RACHEL STRICKLAND
Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR, JANE GIBSON and courtesy of the RALPH WILSON YOUTH CLUB
The Ralph Wilson Youth Club in Temple has become an integral part of many kids’ lives since its early inception as the Temple Boys Club in 1965. Today, RWYC offers awesome after-school programming for Temple, Belton and Academy ISDs during the school year, with fullday programs in the summer months. Not only do they pick kids up from school and transport them to the youth club, but they also provide a safe environment with tons of activities meant to enrich the children’s lives.
While the RWYC receives its funding from many places, a large portion comes down to donations, including those acquired from their annual Last Night Gala. The gala will be hosting its 10th anniversary event on New Year’s Eve in the McLane Group Aviation Hangar at the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport.
According to Brett Williams, executive director of the RWYC and current president of the Killeen Independent School District board, the RWYC primarily offers kids a place to go every day after school and all day during the summer. They provide more than 50 field trips during the summer at an affordable rate. They also offer two volleyball leagues for girls and a basketball program for boys and girls, which attracts around 1,300 kids.
During the summer, a big part of what RWYC does is partner with Temple ISD’s food nutrition program, which means every kid who attends the youth club receives free breakfast and lunch.
“Pretty much 12 months out the year, we’re Continued
Ralph Wilson Youth Club Board members, from left, Dean Winkler, Sharon Wilson, Josh Shokraeifard, Sandy Korompai, Bill DiGaetano and Executive Director Brett E. Williams are ready for the Last Night Gala’s 10th anniversary on New Year’s Eve.
trying to impact the lives of kids in a structured environment,” Williams said.
Stargazing, Texas Style!
“The
Texas State Gem”
Cut Blue Topaz
Bill DiGaetano, a community member on the RWYC board, says back in 2015, he had the idea to start a gala to help support the youth club. He presented it to the board and then went to see Drayton McLane Jr. about having the event at the Temple airport in the McLane aviation hangar. DiGaetano’s wife, Michelle, is the gala’s co-chair alongside him, and they have a small committee of board members who assist with the event. Prior to his work on the RWYC board, DiGaetano was an executive at Wilson Art International for 33 years. Wilson Art was founded by Ralph Wilson Sr., who also founded RWYC.
“As a board, we continue to think about new methodologies to raise funds,” DiGaetano said. “We (also) have club champions, who donate annually to the club.”
In addition to being a United Way funded organization, the RWYC has partnered with Baylor Scott & White for some grant programs. But Williams says the reason why fundraisers are so important is because 63% of what they collect is from the consumer, which allows them to offer a program that is very robust without placing a huge financial burden on the parents.
“RWYC has always been an affordable opportunity for everybody in our community,” Williams added. “One of the things we take a lot of pride in is that we bring kids from various backgrounds together so they can all learn from one another. And we’re able to do that because we’re affordable. But that’s why the fundraisers are so important.”
He said donations represent 21% of their overall operating budget, and without that, their costs would increase significantly.
The Last Night Gala is held annually in the McLane hangar on New Year’s Eve. It’s a fun, fancy event with tiered options. Premium tables are treated to round-trip transportation provided by off-duty Belton police officers, valet parking, premium beverages, an elegant dinner provided by Austin Catering, live music provided by the Blind Date Band, dancing, fireworks at midnight, and complimentary childcare at the RWYC. DiGaetano said that there are no live or silent auctions at the gala as its overall purpose is to be a celebration of the passing year with friends and family.
DiGaetano said the McLane family has been extremely gracious in hosting the gala every year.
“After year one, Drayton McLane Jr. committed to partnering with the RWYC for 10 years,” DiGaetano said. “He remains a significant champion for the club and the gala, and we will continue to host the gala at the hangar into the future.”
The Last Night Gala pulls in approximately 300 people. For the 10th anniversary this year, they’re going to theme the party like a child’s birthday party.
While he said he can’t release exactly what the party will look like, DiGaetano said it will be a lot of fun. At midnight, he said the two hangar doors slide open to reveal the night sky overlooking state representative Hugh Shine’s ranch where a fireworks show commences.
“It’s a really cool event to be at,” he added. “And we’ve been fortunate. We’ve probably netted close to $750,000 the past nine years that went straight to the club.”
Get your Holly Jolly on: Get your Holly Jolly on:
Experience Temple’s Christmas Magic!
By Courtney Jones
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Temple, Texas, is gearing up to be the ultimate holiday destination in Central Texas. Temple will transform into a holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive parades, and merry markets this year. Don’t miss the excitement that is Holly Jolly. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the holidays, you won’t want to miss out on this month-long celebration. From joyful, familyfriendly activities to live music, Temple is pulling out all the stops to create a holiday experience that will leave you returning to Temple, Texas, for many more Christmases to come.
NOV
30 Christmas at the Plaza
TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY MARKET
Ring in the season with the City of Temple’s newest holiday tradition – Christmas at the Plaza! This magical evening, beginning at 3 PM at Santa Fe Plaza, boasts a holiday market, spectacular sights, and fun for all. With the tree lighting at 7 PM, watch the night sky come alive with festive lights.
DEC 2 Temple Christmas Parade
Delight in the magic of the 78th Annual City of Temple Christmas Parade! This beloved tradition kicks off at 6:30PM with over 100 dazzling floats, cars, and participating groups. Don’t miss the grand finale: Santa Claus will be waving to all as he rides down West Adams Ave.
DEC 2 - 31 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour
Head to our website for an interactive map, and take an evening drive or neighborhood stroll around the city to see the lavishly decorated local homes and vote for your favorite.
DEC 6 Kringle Krawl & Jingle Jam
Find yourself in Downtown Temple this festive season on First Friday! Dress to impress (Santa, that is) and enjoy holiday-themed drink specials at participating venues for Kringle Krawl. Enjoy live music from beloved local artists and lots of family fun as part of the Jingle Jam Christmas Concert at The Yard!
DEC 7 Winter Wonderland
Take festive pictures with Santa and create crafts at Wilson Park Recreation Center from 12-2PM!
DEC 7 Santa at the Depot
Santa will arrive in Temple on the train for photos–only by appointment, so book early! Plus, families will enjoy crafts, games, and a Winter Market full of delightful surprises for all ages.
DEC 10 Senior Christmas Dinner
This festive event will include dinner with all the trimmings and a night full of dancing!
DEC 13 Plaza Picture Show THE POLAR EXPRESS
Bring your favorite people, a cozy chair, or a blanket to enjoy The Polar Express under the open sky. Who knows? You may receive the prized golden ticket for a ride to the North Pole!
DEC 21 Santa Departs for the North Pole
Come out to the airport to see Santa off as he travels back to the North Pole to prepare for Christmas deliveries!
DEC 14 Santa Paws
Enjoy a pet-friendly day at the Railroad & Heritage Museum with the “Working Rail Dogs” exhibit, photos with Santa (Polaroids and digital), dog-friendly vendors, and an agility course!
NATURE IN LIGHTS: A DAZZLING DRIVE-THRU DISPLAY
For a holiday experience like no other, take a trip to BLORA for the enchanting Nature In Lights attraction. Drive through mile after mile of vibrant holiday lights and displays that turn the scenic nature area into a holiday fantasy. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience the wonder of the season, this is one holiday outing you’ll want to add to your list.
OH, CHRISTMAS TREE, OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!
Capture the holiday spirit with Discover Temple’s Holiday Photo Contest. Each year, Discover Temple hosts a photo contest for locals and visitors to submit photos of them experiencing Temple to the fullest- and, in this case, showing off their holiday spirit and how they celebrate the beloved season out and about in the destination. Grab your loved ones and take a photo with one of the beautiful Christmas trees across the city. Don’t forget to tag Discover Temple on your posts to be featured in the next Holiday Issue of The Temple Ticket.
THE HOLIDAY FUN DOESN’T STOP HERE
Temple, Texas, is brimming with Christmas magic this year, and it only gets better from here. From special holiday market opportunities and carols to theatrical plays and family fun, you won’t want to miss all the holiday cheer. Enjoy performances at the Temple Civic Theatre and special holiday events at the Cultural Activities Center. Visit hollyjollytemple.com for a full calendar of holiday happenings and plan your festive escape to Temple today. This season promises memories to treasure and traditions to cherish. See why Temple is your perfect holiday destination, year after year!
PHOTO: LESLIE O.
PHOTO: @SYD.VICIOUSSS
PHOTO: SAMANTHA G.
PHOTO: JENNIFER M.
PHOTO: @ITSJASMINEHOLIDAYS
PHOTO: ANITA S.
NOV 30 Christmas at the Plaza
3-8pm Holiday Market
7pm Tree lighting
Santa Fe Plaza
DEC 2 City of Temple Christmas Parade 6:30pm
Downtown Temple
DEC 2-31 Merry & Bright Holiday Lights Tour & Contest
Check out our website for an interactive map and voting instructions
DEC 6 Kringle Krawl
Downtown Temple
DEC 6 Jingle Jam
5:30-8:30pm
The Yard
DEC 7 Santa at the Depot* 10am-3pm
Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
FOR YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY FUN AROUND TOWN VISIT:
DEC 7 Winter Wonderland
12-2pm • Wilson Recreation Center
DEC 10 Senior Christmas Dinner
6-8:30pm
Mayborn Civic & Community Center
Tickets on Sale Nov 14
DEC 13 Plaza Picture Show: The Polar Express Fun starts at 6pm • Movie begins at dusk Santa Fe Plaza
DEC 14 Santa Paws* 10am-1pm
Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum
*Registration required
Complete Your Central Texas Bucket List in 2025
By BRANDY CRUZ | Photos by BRANDY CRUZ and courtesy photos
Texas is larger than life and has so much to explore, but there are a few things that should be at the top of every person’s bucket list while living in or visiting the state.
BLUEBONNETS
Not only are bluebonnets the state flower of Texas, but they are a popular springtime tradition in the Lone Star State.
Don’t just plop down in a field without checking your surroundings. Be watchful of where you sit because you certainly don’t want to sit on an ant mound or run into snakes. When it’s bluebonnet season, it is also spring mating season for snakes. You’ve probably watched the popular social media video showing a pair of male western diamondback rattlers inside a field of bluebonnets, vying for attention from a female.
No spring would be complete without a few photos of the beautiful blue buds, but did you know they don’t just come in blue? While scouting for the perfect photo spot, be on the lookout for other varieties — white, pink, red and even baby blue.
While fields change from one year to the next, some popular locations in Central Texas usually include:
• Crossroads Park (the large field between the baseball fields and tennis courts) in Temple
• Airport Road (large field across from the VFW Post 1820) in Temple
• Along East Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen
• Intersection of Tank Destroyer and TJ Mills boulevards on Fort Cavazos
• Tank Destroyer Boulevard (between 24th and 27th streets) on Fort Cavazos
TEXAS LONGHORNS
Even if you live in Texas for a short amount of time, seeing a Texas Longhorn in person is a MUST. The beautiful cattle are believed to have been introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World in 1493.
The Texas Longhorn became the state’s official
large mammal in 1995. The horns can grow incredibly long, with many measuring more than 8-feet-long. Do not try to touch or ride of them, though, because they are wild and it is very dangerous.
Where to spot them:
• If you drive around the countryside, you can find longhorns grazing in fields.
• They are commonly seen along North Nolan Road near Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area.
• Topsey Exotic Ranch has all sorts of animals, including the beloved Texas Longhorn.
• Fort Worth Stockyards (cattle drive is twice daily)
BARBECUE
Texas barbecue is the best because it’s all about the meat — every single bite is packed full of flavor, without relying on sauce. Choosing your personal favorite then comes down to which kind of meat you enjoy and what kind of rub you like.
Eat your way across Texas by finding your favorite barbecue place and your favorite type of meat. My family enjoys brisket and the best we’ve had in the state is right here in Central Texas. The “best” is up to your personal preference though, so make sure you try all the places, and then try them again because, like any restaurant, they also have good days and bad days.
TUBING
You have to find creative ways to beat the Texas heat and luckily there are enough rivers and streams to go tubing down for a fun day in the sun.
While you can make a full day of it by driving down to Austin or San Marcos to float down the San Marcos River, you don’t have to drive far. According to the Belton Parks and Recreation Department, you can tube along Nolan Creek. If you hop on a tube at University of Mary HardinBaylor, you can float to the small falls at The Gin at Nolan Creek. Repeat as many times as you like or enjoy the afternoon splashing in the cool waters.
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CENTRAL TEXAS WINERIES
Napa Valley may be called Wine Country, but the Lone Star State is quickly carving out its own niche in the world of wine.
Central Texas wineries have quickly made their mark on the wine industry, with Market Watch saying it is the second most visited wine region in the United States. Visitors are drawn to the region, not only for its wines, but also for its scenic rolling hills, charming small towns and the Texas hospitality that comes with every winery tour.
If you don’t want to travel too far, you can also find wineries nearby. Belton and Temple have found success with vineyards of their own, redefining the traditional wine-tasting journey, inviting enthusiasts to uncork the world of wine.
FORT CAVAZOS
Central Texas is the location of one of the largest military bases in the world. Home of the III Armored Corps, Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, has a rich history in the state and the Army. If you are not affiliated with the military, you will need a visitor’s pass, but fortunately, you can find some exciting things about Fort Cavazos right outside the gates. The National Mounted Warrior Museum, which replaced the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum, officially opened to the public in September. Located right outside the Bernie Beck Gate, the museum is open to the public, without the need for a military ID.
Before visiting the museum, be sure to check out the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, located directly behind the museum.
The detachment is one of only seven remaining mounted active cavalry units in the Army. They host weekly demonstrations for audiences that showcase the skills that horsemounted cavalrymen have used for more than 200 years. Demonstrations are conducted at the stables at 10 a.m. every Thursday, unless they have a conflicting engagement. Check their Facebook page, www.facebook. com/1stCavalryDivisionHorseCavalry Detachment for updates.
Fort Cavazos’ Nature in Lights is a 5.5-mile route around Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Center that includes more than 140 displays and hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights. You can enter BLORA via North Nolan Road.
ATTEND A GAME
Everything’s bigger in Texas and that includes a Texan’s love for their favorite sports team. Whether your favorite sport is football, baseball, basketball or something else, there’s no shortage of teams to support in this state. One thing to add to your bucket list is a trip to see one of the teams live at a game. Immerse yourself in the thrill of the action, splurge on the good eats and whether you were a fan when you arrived, don’t be afraid to cheer on your local Texas team!
THE ALAMO
While San Antonio is only considered Central Texas on some maps, a visit to the Alamo is a must while living in any part of Texas.
In case you slept through your history classes in school, at the end of 1835, Texas was in a battle for independence from Mexico. Hundreds of Texians, as they were called then, were holed up inside Misión San Antonio de Valero, using it as a fortress, when Mexico’s Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna led a force of approximately 1,500 soldiers on a siege at the mission on Feb. 23, 1836. After the
dust settled on the historic 13-day siege, roughly 200 Texians and nearly 600 Mexican troops were dead. The Battle of the Alamo was a battle against tyranny. Although it resulted in defeat, it became a symbol of freedom, and “Remember the Alamo” takes on a new meaning after seeing it in person.
FISHING AT BELTON LAKE
There’s a reason Belton Lake is one of the most popular fishing spots in the state, it’s well-stocked by Texas Parks & Wildlife with white and striped bass, as well as hybrid fish not stocked in other lakes. The lake is also home to largemouth bass, bluegill and longnose gar.
Even when beaches are closed during the summer due to drought, boats remain on the water, with fishermen enjoying their favorite pastime.
ATTEND A RODEO
When in Texas, attending a rodeo should definitely be at that top of everyone’s bucket list. Luckily for you, there are several opportunities in Central Texas. The City of Killeen hosts the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association every May at the Killeen Rodeo Ground, located beside the Killeen Civic & Conference Center. The outdoor arena is a wonderful way to see a rodeo in all its
glory. The Cadence Bank Center, formerly Bell County Expo, is home to the Bell County PRCA Rodeo and the Belton’s annual Fourth of July Rodeo. The large facility, which can hold thousands of people, full immerses you in the rodeo, with hilarious rodeo clowns and non-stop thrills.
Go check out these awesome things off your Central Texas Bucket List and have a blast in the great state of Texas!
EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2024
NOV. 30
Christmas at the Plaza
The city of Temple is hosting its Christmas tree lighting, complete with stunning lights, festive music and a heartwarming countdown that brings the holiday spirit to life.
The event will also include live reindeer, with an opportunity for photos with a “ReinSteer.” There will be unique vendors to explore, food trucks and fun activities for the kids.
The event will be held at the Santa Fe Plaza, 301 W. Avenue A in downtown Temple, 3-8 p.m., with the tree lighting show beginning at 7 p.m.
Wreaths for Vets
The annual Wreaths for Vets wreath-laying ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. After a ceremony, hundreds of volunteers help lay wreaths at the graves of fallen service members.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024
THRU DEC. 31
Nature in Lights
Santa’s Village and Santa’s Depot – FridaySaturday from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8, then nightly Dec. 13-24.
Now in its 28th year, Fort Cavazos’ Nature in Lights is a sight to behold. The 5.5-mile route around Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Center includes more than 140 displays and hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights. Listen to Christmas music on a special channel while driving through the displays.
The ever-popular Santa’s Village, with opportunities to take the annual Santa photo; and Santa’s Depot, where kiddos can ride a train through a light display, are always a hit with children.
Nature in Lights is at BLORA, 7999 Sparta Road. For more information or advance tickets, call 254287-2523.
DECEMBER 2024
DEC. 2
Temple Christmas Parade
The city of Temple’s 78th annual Christmas Parade kicks off in historic downtown at 6:30 p.m. By 7:20 p.m., the big man in red will make his way down West Adams Avenue into downtown.
Enjoy Nature in Lights at BLORA.
Help place wreaths at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Nov. 30.
DEC. 5
Fort Cavazos Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Great Place will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. The annual event features live music, treats and a visit from the big man in red.
Salado Christmas Parade
The Village of Salado kicks off the holiday season at 6 p.m. with a parade along Main Street, running south to north. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and find a comfortable spot along the lighted sidewalks lining Main Street.
Parking will be available at Baptist Church, Brookshires Shopping Center, and alongside streets.
DEC. 6
Festival of Trees
Killeen’s annual Festival of Trees will surely put you in the holiday spirit, while giving to a good cause. This year’s event will benefit Wreaths for Vets and the Noble Giving Scholarship Program.
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Kaye & Frank Coachman, Owners
“A unique boutique offering eclectic home decor, furnishings and gifts.”
EVENTS
DECEMBER 2024
DEC. 6
Warrior Wonderland
The Texas A&M University – Central Texas Police Department will hosts its annual Warrior Wonderland from 6-9 p.m. at the Killeen campus. The event will includes food, vendors, music and pictures with Santa. They ask that attendees bring a new, unwrapped toy in support of BIG Love Cancer Care.
DEC. 6-8 and DEC. 13-14
64th annual Christmas Stroll
This is your opportunity to experience the magic of Salado during the holidays. Businesses will be open late, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque community and take care of your holiday shopping at the same time.
DEC. 7
Grinch Fest Night Market
The city of Nolanville will host its annual Grinch Fest Night Market from 5-8 p.m. in downtown Nolanville. The festive event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, an ugly sweater contest and much more.
Yuleaween in Killeen
Killeen is celebrating Halloween and Christmas with its Yuleaween in Killeen event, featuring a host of local vendors selling creepy-cool and holly-jolly
Stroll through Salado the first two weekends in December.
creations at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center. Hours are noon to 8 p.m.
DEC. 12
Temple Civic Theatre
Temple Civic Theatre will be showcasing Hometown Holidays, featuring a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa music. Dates are Dec. 12-15 and Dec. 19-22. Check templecivictheatre.com for more information.
DEC. 14
Holiday Market at the Depot
Join the holiday fun during Holiday Market at the Depot in downtown Belton. The event will feature live music, food and holiday fun from noon to 7 p.m. at the Katy Depot.
DEC. 14-15
A Sami Show
The 49th annual arts and crafts marketplace will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. This Christmas event will have sales in every booth at the Cadence Bank Center. Admission is good for the entire weekend. For more information, visit www.samishow.com.
The Grinch will be in Nolanville Dec. 7.
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SWEET AND SAVORY SEASONS BAKES Love in Every Bite
By S. MORRISEY | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR
Temple native Anita Cooney, owner of Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery, has a simple goal: to make people happy through delicious food. Her passion for baking and love for the community have transformed her career, taking her from paralegal work to owning one of Temple’s most beloved bakeries.
Since opening at Temple Mall in 2022 and relocating to 7 W. Central Ave. in downtown Temple in June 2024, Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery has become a local favorite. The bakery now occupies a charming space in a historic early 1900s building, with original ceilings and a welcoming pink-themed interior. Anita’s decision to move downtown has been a perfect fit.
“The downtown community has been so warm and welcoming,” she said.
In October 2024, readers of the Temple Daily Telegram named Sweet and Savory Seasons one of the best bakeries in town. Anita is humbled by the recognition, crediting God for inspiring and guiding her, and her husband, retired Navy veteran Michael Cooney, for his unwavering support.
Every morning at 4 a.m., Anita and her son, Brendan, are busy crafting the sweet and savory treats that greet customers when the doors open at 8 a.m. But the baking doesn’t stop there. Bakers and customer service specialists Aaron Burwell and Susan Phelps continue baking throughout Continued
From left, Brendan Cooney, Anita Cooney and Aaron Burwell serve delicious pastries at Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery.
the day to keep the treats coming.
The bakery offers a broad selection of core items, from cookies and cupcakes to kolaches and paninis, with seasonal favorites that rotate throughout the year.
“One of the best things about the bakery is the rotating menu,” Aaron said. “What you see on display on Monday will be slightly different on Tuesday, and what you find in December will look a bit different in March. It keeps things exciting for regulars and new customers alike.”
Sweet and Savory Seasons’ commitment to the community goes beyond its menu. Every Saturday after closing, the team donates leftover items to displaced and less fortunate residents.
“We want to give back some of what the community has given us,” Anita said warmly.
This generosity, paired with their delicious offerings, has built a loyal following. Regular customer Robert Hamlin said he can’t choose a favorite — he loves all the sweet and the savory treats equally. Along with baked goods, the bakery also offers "The Candy Bar," a selection of classic candies enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Though the bakery closes at 3 p.m. most days, it reopens for First Friday in downtown Temple evenings from
6 to 9 p.m. to join in the monthly celebration.
For special occasions, Sweet and Savory Seasons offers custom cakes and goodies, making it a one-stop shop for all your sweet and savory needs.
If you haven’t stopped by yet, now is the perfect time to experience this local gem for yourself. With a menu that changes with the seasons and a
staff who treats everyone like family, a delicious experience awaits at Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery. Whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch, or a custom order, one thing is clear — Sweet and Savory Seasons Bakery is, as Brendan says, “full of love.”
SWEET & SAVORY SEASONS
Address: 7 W. Central Ave., Temple Phone: 254-239-5018
Brendan Cooney, left, and Anita Cooney sit at the service counter.
Rustic Wonders
FIND HOLIDAY GIFTS AT FREDERICKSBURG'S TRADE DAYS
Story and photos by BLAIR DUPRE
For those looking to support small businesses for the holidays, or for those who are fans of antiques, the Trade Days in Fredericksburg is the place to be.
Featuring more than 350 vendors, the Trade Days happens on the third weekend of each month and thousands of shoppers from all around come in search of something old, something new or even something old made new.
After paying $5 for parking, which covers parking for the entire weekend, visitors are invited to peruse through seven large barns, comparable to aircraft hangars, and acres of property where the aforementioned vendors sell a multitude of items.
Vendors have items for sale as small as earrings to as large as kitchen tables, benches and other types of indoor and outdoor furniture. Some products are homemade, while others are televised products or treasures that are simply waiting to be found by the right person.
For art lovers there are traditional art pieces including paintings, but there’s also more nontraditional items including animal statues made from welded and painted tools.
As far as antiques go, it would be easiest to ask
what they don’t have. Dishes of every color, shape and purpose can be found all throughout the Trade Days. Items with a more rustic aesthetic including Firkin buckets and wagon wheels can be found as well. There is also an impressive amount of cast iron cookware that can be used for cooking as well as decor. Cornstick cast iron pans could be found at many vendors stations.
There are just as many vendors outside of the barns as there are inside. Some are set under pop-up canopies while others are housed in small buildings and their items vary greatly. Those looking to own their own cowboy hat, add a plant to their garden or even look through a shop for antique doors can find them at Trade Days.
Walking around, doing all that shopping can be tiring, but there’s no need to worry. Visitors are invited to relax in the Biergarten, which offers a variety of beer, and listen to live music. There are also plenty of food options including barbecue, roasted corn, a variety of mac and cheese and more.
The Trade Days welcomes individuals, friends, families and even four-legged fur babies, as many visitors can be seen looking around with their dogs.
The Trade Days is located at Sunday Farms near many wineries, Lukenbach and hundreds of bed and breakfasts. Many travel into downtown Fredericksburg after shopping to enjoy the many things the area has to offer. Not to mention Fredericksburg is known for its holiday festivities — making it a great place for a day trip during the holiday season.
The next Trade Days will take place Dec. 20-22, perfect for those who may wait until the last second to do their Christmas shopping.
For more information on the Fredericksburg Trade Days and to view the list 2025 dates visit www.fbgtradedays.com.
FREDERICKSBURG’S TRADE DAYS
Address: Hwy. 290, seven miles east of Fredericksburg (across from Wildseed Farms) Social Media: facebook.com/fredericksburg.days
Tray-ditional Décor
EASY WAYS TO STYLE YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Stick with a theme. This metal tree, plaid reindeer and country Santa give a rustic look using glittered twigs and pine cones as a base.
Story and photos by SHARON WHITE
Asimple way to elevate any space in your home is to use a tray as a base for your decorative displays.
From a design perspective, clustering items on a tray gives a greater impact than spreading them out across a table or over a flat surface.
Why use a tray? Because trays can:
• Serve as a decorative base for a centerpiece
• Add texture, color and interest to any space
• Be changed out seasonally or for special occasions (birthdays, holidays, parties)
• Become a focal point to express your individual style or showcase your collections
• Corral practical items that could otherwise look messy
Use trays in any area of your home, including kitchens, entryways and bathrooms; on dining tables, coffee tables or side tables.
You can find trays of every shape and size, made from all types of materials like wood, metal, wicker, silver or glass. You can even use a cutting board, a flat-bottom bowl or basket, a charger plate or a mirror.
Choose a tray that best fits your space and style it using items you already own. Have fun creating beautiful vignettes that are totally original.
HOW TO STYLE A TRAY
Begin with a tall (or bulky) item to add height/weight.
Choose items that follow your theme or color scheme (e.g., woodsy/
ABOVE: A collection of whimsical snowmen on a tray can be used as a centerpiece all winter long. BELOW: Using the same silver tray, go from a sparkling Christmas display to a glamorous New Year's centerpiece by interchanging items like Santa and reindeer for champagne and toasting glasses. (Tiny, battery-operated glimmer lights were used with opalescent shred to add texture and shine.)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A rich, red poinsettia and light from a soft, flameless candle add drama to this Nativity scene placed on a black tray. Neaten up a space (that could otherwise look cluttered) by clustering bathroom items on a tray. Change out displays for any season or holiday. Here, autumnal flowers are paired with crocheted pumpkins and a scented, fall candle. Kids can even create their own trays. Just provide decorations and let them get crafty. (Brightly colored balls and lights are placed as a base for Santa and his merry gingerbread house.)
rustic, shiny/elegant, kid friendly, bar themed, holiday themed, etc.).
Add light in the form of a candle (or flameless candle) or battery operated glimmer lights. And add shiny things that will reflect the light. Include something soft or organic like greenery, twigs or flowers.
After selecting several items you think might go well together, place your tallest or bulkiest object on the tray first, then play around with placement of the smaller items/ candle, etc., until the composition looks pleasing to your eye.
Vary the height of items. Don't overload your tray. Make sure there is a bit of space between objects.
Trays can also neaten up spaces that tend to look cluttered.
Here are more ideas for trays:
• Create a makeshift bar to house spirits, wine and glasses.
• Use it to hold perfume, jewelry, shells, books or small items.
• Corral remotes, reading glasses or coasters.
• Help unsightly sink items appear organized (e.g., sponges, hand soap, brushes).
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