TexAppeal April 2014

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

easygrow container

April 2014

SPRING FEVER NEW LOOKS TO FRESHEN YOUR HOME

gardens

kids’ summer camps 6

OCTOBER 2013 TEX APPEAL

IN THE

Adventure Guide

SPOTLIGHT

Solar Centex

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TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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APRIL 2014

Features 30 GROW IT! CONTAINER GARDENS How does your garden grow? Bell County Master Gardeners share helpful tips for growing gardens in containers.

by FRANCES IDOUX, BEVERLY WICKERSHAM and BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

33 SPRING FEVER FLING OUT THE OLD, GET ORGANIZED, AND DECORATE LIKE A PRO Spruce up your home this spring. Helpful tips for organizing and a decorator’s best-kept secrets for creating stylish looks on a budget.

by SANDEE PAYNE, C.I.D.

49 GET TO PACKING SUMMER CAMP ADVENTURES A directory featuring more than 40 uniquely themed summer camps, all located within a 150-mile radius of Central Texas.

by WENDY SLEDD

54 AWARENESS + INTERVENTION = PREVENTION CHILD ABUSE IN CENTRAL TEXAS Community awareness, education and intervention is the key to prevention and protecting Central Texas children and families at–risk.

by MICHELLE CARTER

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Departments

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NEIGHBOR

SCENE

TexTalk

Steered to Serve: Keith Wallace aka “Hot Rod”

57 8 L i f e & S t y l e i n C e n t r a l Te x a s

April 2014

EDITOR’S LETTER

9 easygrow container

SPRING FEVER NEW LOOKS TO FRESHEN YOUR HOME

gardens

kids’ summer camps 6

IN THE

Adventure Guide

SPOTLIGHT

Solar Centex

OCTOBER 2013 TEX APPEAL

ONTHECOVER Photography PRISCILLA Z PHOTOGRAPHY Home courtesy of ALLYN & DAVID TESTROET of BELTON 6

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WELL-CONNECTED

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CONTRIBUTORS

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX

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BARBWIRED

Food for Thought

by KACTUS KATE

TexTalk

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TexTalk

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SPIRITS

WELL-FED HEAD

TexTalk

TexTalk

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Meet the Fergusons

PETS

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TexTalk

FLAVOUR

Egg-cellent Easter Treats

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TexTalk

SPOTLIGHT

4TH Annual CAN-struction Belton

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PROFILES HOME & GARDEN

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TEXAdventures All Aboard!

Grapevine

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TEXHealth

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Nine Natural Remedies to Reduce Insomnia

BEAUTY

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TexTalk

Beauty in the Bag: Kim Hay

TEXFit

Five Ways to Boost Your Workout and Results

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Editor’s Letter

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Spring renews, refreshes and re-energizes

Published by FRANK MAYBORN ENTERPRISES, INC. KILLEEN DAILY HERALD 1809 Florence Rd., Killeen, TX 76540 TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM 10 S. Third Street, Temple, TX 76501 Publisher SUE MAYBORN Director LUCIE FRALICKS

It’s time to celebrate. Winter is officially over! I survived a bad case of cedar fever, but now I’ve caught a good case of spring fever. The warm sunshine, fresh air, and our summer camp guide on page 49 has me wishing I could pack my bags, leave all my worries behind and spend a week at camp riding horses and canoeing.

April showers bring May flowers, but as Sandee Payne points out in her article, Spring Fever on page 33, it’s also a time to reorganize the house, give it a good thorough cleaning and some DIY room makeovers. In fact, I’ve already started mine. It’s amazing what a new shade of paint will do for an old piece of furniture and how it can automatically transform the entire room.

Spring doesn’t just mean reorganizing your house, it means re-energizing your soul. It’s the perfect time to get re-acquainted with nature. Get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and do a little gardening — it’s the best therapy on earth! For some helpful tips, be sure to read France Idoux’s article, Grow it! on page 30. And speaking of growing things, the Texas bluebonnets and wildflowers will soon be blooming all across Central Texas. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hit the wildflower trails and see the countryside splashed with brilliant shades of color.

I love vintage glass, vases, glasses, pitchers, and even those miniature salt and pepper shakers. In the spring I keep all my flea-market treasures filled with fresh-picked daisies and flowers. I need a bumper sticker that reads, “I Brake for Wildflowers,” because when I come across a big patch of colorful flowers and daisies along a quiet little country back road, I stop and pick.

Slow down this spring, take a break, and by all means, stop and smell the flowers!

Editor TERESA K. HERNANDEZ Copy Editor LEE JAMES Graphic Designer/Photography JULIE NABOURS Graphic Designer CHRISTEEN CLARK Contributing Photographer PRISCILLA Z PHOTOGRAPHY Contributing Writers MICHELLE CARTER, SANDEE PAYNE, WENDY SLEDD, FRANCES IDOUX, BEVERLY WICKERSHAM Advertising 254.774.5264

Tex Appeal Magazine is published monthly by Frank Mayborn Enterprises,Inc., 10 S. Third Street, 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 written 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.

Teresa K. Hernandez Editor | thernandez@texppealmag.com 8

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

How to contact us: Advertising: Contact Lucie Fralicks, at 254.774.5264 or via email at lfralicks@texappealmag.com.

Editorial: Contact Teresa K. Hernandez, at 254.501.7511 or via email at thernandez@texappealmag.com.

Well-Connected We Hear You…

Discover Discover what’s in store for you

A few thoughts from our readers.

Keep the letters coming!

MARCH ARTICLES My husband, Charlie Lewellen, always reads the Temple Daily Telegram before I do, but he knows I get Tex Appeal magazine first!

Right away many of the articles in the March issue caught my attention. The “ABCs” article written by Valerie L. Valdez will be read and discussed with our 14-year-old greatgranddaughter Megan this weekend. It is an excellent way to open a financial discussion about savings, budgets, cash and credit.

We have already had several conversations about her spending habits and this article will help us continue to educate her on finances.

The story on the Texas Cheese House in Lorena whet my appetite for some good cheese, and we will be making a trip to Lorena in the near future. Of course, the “Move It” story by Susan Cornette reinforced why we, at any age, need to keep moving. I loved the Tyler-East Texas History Blooms story by Azeita Taylor. For many years I took my drum and baton corps to the Tyler Rose Parade.

The Tyler Rose Festival is truly one of Texas’ jewels. Of course, the article “Fiddling with Love” educated me on the Texas Western Swing Heritage Association here in Bell County.

Thank you, Tex Appeal staff and writers.

Your excellent magazine keeps us connected to what is going on in Central Texas and provides us with stories about our history and our future.

—CHERYL HINCKLEY, Temple

FIDDLING WITH LOVE Once again when I opened the paper and saw the latest edition of Tex Appeal, my first thought was “YEAH!” It’s beautiful as always! All

We want to hear from you

of the photography is so colorful and clear.

I loved the article on Nan Ray! What a lovely person to showcase. I’ve known her for years. We who love this magazine can tell that you and your staff love it too!

—ROBERTA KING, Salado

EVENT CALENDAR We truly appreciated Tex Appeal’s interest in the Temple Literacy Council benefit last year. We received excellent feedback from your 2013 calendar event posting. Thank you once again!

—SALLY ALLENSON, Belton

EGG-CELLENT FUN WORTH FOLLOWING Create beautiful handblown glass Easter eggs at Salado Glassworks in April. Find upcoming events and classes posted on their Facebook page at w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/SaladoGlassworks.

Email us at thernandez@texappealmag.com. Or send letters to Tex Appeal-Stay Connected, PO Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114. Letters addressed to TEX APPEAL become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

Home Furnishings Gifts Garden Furnishings (254) 642-0153 | verandabloom.com Monday - Friday 10am-5:30pm Saturday 10am-4pm 12 E. Mesquite (190/36) Rogers, TX TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Contributors

SANDEE PAYNE is the author of “That Military House: Move it, Organize it & Decorate it.” Compiled of personal experiences as a military spouse and decorator, this book will inspire you with ideas, tips and tricks to improve the way your house looks, feels and functions, no matter where you call ”home.” Her design work has been featured in USAA Magazine, Army Times & Military Times, N2 Magazine, House to Home Magazine, on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Sandee currently owns and operates Buy The Hour Interiors in Harker Heights. For more information visit www.thatmilitaryhouse.com or www.buythehourinteriors.com.

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PRISCILLA Z. LINNEMANN is a native Texan and Army brat. She discovered a passion for photography at the age of 19 when she first began her career in the industry. Before becoming an independent photographer, Priscilla owned and operated a national chain of studios from South Texas to Houston. Her work is recognized throughout Central Texas and now nationally. Her work is frequently featured in the online lifestyle magazine “Popular Hispanics.”

Priscilla continues to find inspiration as she explores and studies her trade. She lives in Belton with her husband and two children. priscillazphotography. com.

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MICHELLE CARTER is the founding executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas (CACCT). A licensed professional counselor and supervisor, she also holds a certification in non-profit management. Michelle serves on the Central Texas Family Violence Task Force Executive Committee, the Child Fatality Review Team, the United Way Chrome and Carols committee, the CACTX Executive Directors committee and has served on the Safe Kids Mid Tex board of directors. In 2013 she was elected to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas statewide board of directors. In 2013 she was named Executive Director of the Year by the Central Texas United Way.

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WENDY SLEDD published her first article in a national magazine at age 19. She has worked as a reporter, writer, researcher, editor, producer, anchor and news director for both print and electronic media for nearly 30 years. Wendy has earned numerous awards for journalism, including a regional “Edward R. Murrow” award for investigative reporting for a story that later aired on CNN and the BBC and was carried in newspapers across the country. She has also appeared on “Good Morning, America” and the “Today” show. Wendy resides in Central Texas with her husband, a 30-year activeduty soldier.

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Let your voice be heard 10

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ARE YOU ARE A WRITER, ILLUSTRATOR OR PHOTOGRAPHER? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. Please forward your work samples and resume to Editor Teresa K. Hernandez at thernandez@texappealmag.com.

TEXTalk

11 neighbor / 15 well-fed head / 16 flavour / 18 spotlight / 20 beauty / 21 scene / 23 spirits / 24 pets / 26 calendar

Steered to Serve “Hot Rod” Shifts into High Gear to Serve Central Texas Children and Youths

By TERESA K. HERNANDEZ

Keith Wallace, aka “Hot Rod,” is one fellow who truly wears many hats. A rocking musician who dons a colorful and unique wardrobe of wigs, sunglasses and even sequined jackets, Hot Rod knows how to rev up a crowd with an outrageous stage performance. However, it’s his full-time gig that really shifts his life’s passion into gear as the executive director of the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau.

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TEXTalk neighbor

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teered toward helping Central Texas children and youths, Keith Wallace, aka “Hot Rod,” knows only one speed — full throttle. This McGregor High School graduate is a former runaway himself and knows firsthand what it’s like to leave home and live alone on the streets at only 16 years old.

“I never returned home once I left. I ended up ‘couch surfing’ for a while, sleeping on the couches at friends’ houses and moving around a lot until I joined the (United States Air Force),” Wallace said. “Four years later, I sustained a careerending injury and got out. I went to college at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and got my degree in psychology and focused on family therapy counseling.”

Even during his military career and college years, Wallace spent his weekends doing volunteer work with at-risk youths, specifically street kids.

“I could always identify the street kids. Even though they try to prevent drawing attention to themselves and try to blend in with the other kids, you can figure out who they are,” he said.

After college, Wallace went to work at the Abilene State School, where he counseled medically-fragile youths who had intellectual disabilities. It took a little more than 14 years and a classified newspaper ad to finally catch his attention and beckon him home — back to Central Texas. The classified ad was for a position with the Central Texas Youth Services Bureau. That was 21 years ago. Today Wallace is the executive director and chief executive officer of CTYB and still working with children and at-risk youths from across Central Texas.

The CTYB relies on funding from federal grants and state contracts to support the various programs it offers children, including independent and transitional living programs, a maternity group home, safe place and drop-in centers, a

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24-hour crisis hot line, transitional resource centers and street outreach for survival, as well as an option house emergency shelter.

“The housing programs offer youths a safe place to come in off the street and get a hot meal, take a shower, sleep in a bed, and a place to do their laundry,” Wallace said. “We also offer additional resources to help them develop life skills they need to live on their own and assistance with finding jobs.

Ultimately, the purpose is to help them get on their feet, find work and start saving money so they can eventually get out on their own and start supporting themselves.”

Wallace started the Taste of Central Texas, an annual gala held the last Tuesday in March, more than 13 years ago to help raise the additional funds needed to support these vital youth programs.

Every year, generous restaurants, chefs, caterers and vendors from across Central Texas provide tasty samples of some of their best specialties.

The crowd gets to vote on its favorite food, bestdecorated booth and the most entertaining booth and enjoy musical entertainment.

“It’s really a fun event. The food is great!

Even though the servings are small, there are so many booths it’s hard to visit them all. By the end of the night you’re completely stuffed,” Wallace said.

Keith Wallace a.k.a.“Hot Rod” Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Central Texas Youth Services Bureau, Belton

Talk

neighbor TEX

CENTRAL TEXAS YOUTH SERVICES BUREAU Provides emergency shelter, transitional living, independent living, maternity group home, street outreach for runaway and homeless children and youths, information and referral services at no cost to eligible children and youths throughout Central Texas.

24-Hour Crisis Care Hotline

1.800.421.TEEN (8336) PROJECT SOS Street Outreach for Survival This is the only program of its kind along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin.

For just $15, a backpack with essential supplies can be provided to runaway and homeless youths, making a big difference in their lives and aiding in survival. A $15 donation puts a backpack full of essential survival items in the hands of a runaway or homeless youth.

The SOS backpacks contains: socks, blanket, water bottle, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, first aid kit, and resource card with phone numbers and the locations of shelters and other social service agencies.

photography by PRISCILLA Z PHOTOGRAPHY

TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS ARE NEEDED New and used clothing and products for infants, children and youths are always appreciated and needed. For more information on how to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact:

Central Texas Youth Services 204 N. East Street, Suite A Belton, Texas 76513

254.939.3466

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If you’ve got insurance, we’ve got you covered.

No matter what your insurance is, bring it to Texas State Optical! Because TSO is the eye care center in Central Texas that accepts virtually all insurances*. So come see our doctors and browse our giant selection of designer frames and contact lenses. And rest assured that we’ll help you get the most out of your coverage.

Taking care of the eyes of Texas.

Copperas Cove 542.2020 Cove Terrace Center

Killeen 634.4800

W. S. Young across from the library

Temple 778.6165

Market Loop behind Kohl’s

tsocentraltexas.com *Accepting Eyemed, Scott &White Health Plan, Spectera, VSP, Eyetopia, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, TRICARE Prime, Superior Vision, Flex Plans, and most other insurances. Contact office to verify acceptance.

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Talk

well-fed head TEX Temple author releases new book about famous Bell County natives

Meet the Fergusons There are at least two compelling reasons to read a newly released book entitled “In the Governor’s Shadow,” about former Texas governors James and Miriam (aka Ma and Pa) Ferguson. In this account, author Carol Wilson of Temple weaves a lesson in Texas history into the story of this famous native Bell County pair in a way that enlightens and entertains.

James “Jim” Ferguson entered Texas politics in 1914 armed with a great deal more gumption than qualification. Ferguson gained an immediate and lasting appeal from the rural constituency, a group that became the lifeblood of his influence, but the green governor’s political inexperience and failure to rein in his insatiable lust for power soon put his office in jeopardy. Although Jim Ferguson’s actions and motives were often suspect, only those closest to him knew the depths of the secrets that allowed him to win the governorship with an absence of legitimate credentials. Those secrets finally saw the light of day under the weight of two investigations into Ferguson’s conduct, the second of which led to his ousting. The resulting transcripts, of more than 1,000 pages, supplied the author with a bounty of evidence and a starting point for an indepth, three-year probe into the behavior of both Fergusons.

Jim Ferguson’s 1917 impeachment singularized him as the only Texas governor

OTHER LIBRARY & LITERARY BOOKMARKS All that Jazz!

APRIL 4 It’s all about the smooth sounds of jazz at the Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Library during National Jazz Month in April. The Dave Wild Trio/Quartet performs, so come early to get the best seat in the house! Light refreshments will be served. Free. Refreshments at 7 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m. Stewart C. Meyer Harker Heights Library, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights.

Send us your bookmark

to suffer such a fate. However, the cloudy and somewhat technical details of the misconduct that facilitated his banishment remained contestable in the minds of his supporters. The disgraced governor’s yen to reclaim political muscle, and the means he was willing to employ to secure it, led him to take some bold, if not ridiculous, actions.

One such exploit was substituting his wife’s name on the 1924 primary ballot for governor to circumvent the disqualification penalty that prohibited his own participation.

Miriam Ferguson’s success in that 1924 election distinguished her as the state’s first female governor, but her husband’s heavy involvement ultimately attached a murky burden of scandal to her legacy. Even so, she was re-elected in 1932.

Inarguably, both Fergusons had a significant impact on political history in Texas because they had the ability to get elected amid interminable rumors of wrongdoing. While many Texans believed that rumors of sold pardons constituted the bulk of the evils that plagued the Ferguson terms, that subject and others raised serious debate over the pair’s integrity.

With this comprehensive telling, the Ferguson legacy, long clouded with imprecise controversy and ambiguity, may finally find clarity and closure.

ISBN-13: 9781574415537 Publisher: University of North Texas Press Publication date: 1/15/2014 Pages: 400

CAROL O’KEEFE WILSON is a 1987 graduate of the University of Mary HardinBaylor in Belton, a Texas CPA, and a retired Certified Fraud Examiner. A native of Temple, Texas, Wilson put her auditing experience to work in this extensive study of the governors who hailed from her hometown.

We want to hear from local authors, clubs and organizations hosting events related to books and literacy. Please submit the event title, date, a full description, and your contact information to thernandez@texappealmag.com.*DEADLINE is April 8 for May submissions.

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TEXTalk flavour

Egg-cellent Easter Treats Delightfully fun and easy to make

Marshmallow Bunnies

Yield: 12

INGREDIENTS: 1

cup vanilla frosting

30 large marshmallows

pink gel or paste food coloring

red and pink heart-shaped decorating sprinkles

60 miniature marshmallows

PREPARATION: 1 Frost the tops of 12 large

marshmallows; stack another large marshmallow on top of each. Quarter the remaining large marshmallows and set aside for ears. Tint 1/4 cup of the frosting

pink. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag and fill it with the pink frosting.

2 Pipe a ribbon between the stacked marshmallows to make a bow tie. With white frosting, attach red hearts for eyes and a pink heart for the nose. Pipe pink whiskers and smile.

3 For ears, pipe the center of quartered marshmallows pink; attach to head with white frosting.

With the remaining white frosting, attach the miniature marshmallows for legs and tail. Let stand until dry.

Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes

Yield: 24

INGREDIENTS: 24

cupcakes, baked and cooled (your choice of cake flavor)

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

green food coloring

jellybeans or your choice of

egg-shaped candy such as

Robin’s Eggs (malted chocolate)

vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)

PREPARATION: 1 Put the coconut in a sandwich bag and add 8-10 drops of green food coloring. Seal the bag and shake until the coconut is completely covered, well-blended and a nice shade of green.

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2 Add a few drops of green food coloring to vanilla frosting and blend. Spread cupcakes with the green frosting and immediately top with the green coconut so the coconut sticks.

3 Add jellybeans or candy to the top of the coconut. Press the candy down into the coconut so that it stays in place. *OPTIONAL: Cut a pipe cleaner in half and bend into the shape of a U. Stick each end of the pipe cleaner into the side of the cupcake to form a handle for an Easter basket. Insert a toothpick into a Peep and stick into the center of the coconut nest and place the candy eggs around it.

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flavour TEX

Nutter Butter Chicks

Yield: 16

INGREDIENTS:

16 Nutter Butter sandwich cookies 12 ounces yellow candy melts or white chocolate candy melts with yellow food coloring (must be an oil-based coloring) 8 orange Tic Tac mints (beak) 3 cups coconut

yellow food coloring drops (for coconut) black decorating gel (eyes) or icing (eyes) Optional: candy eyes Wax paper

PREPARATION:

1 Put coconut in a Ziplock bag and add 10-14 drops of yellow food coloring.

Zip the bag shut and begin working the food coloring into coconut until it is a nice bright shade of yellow. Set aside.

2 Cut the Tic Tacs in half to form the chick’s beak. Set aside.

3 Melt the candy coating as directed on the package. If using white candy melts, add enough yellow food coloring to make it a bright yellow.

4 Dip the Nutter Butter cookies into the melted candy coating and shake off the excess. Roll in coconut. Lay on the wax paper to harden, about 10-20 minutes. Omit the coconut step for smooth dipped yellow chicks) 5 Eyes: can be piped on

smooth dipped chicks, adding eyebrows and eye lashes, or attach candy eyes using a dab of melted candy coating to coconut chicks.

6 Beak: attach the beak using a dab of the melted candy coating.

Photography by TERESA K. HERNANDEZ

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TEXTalk spotlight

Special Advertising Section

Your Central Texas Hometown Solar Experts What a solar panel system?

What is aissolar panel system?

Solar photovoltaic modules (“Solar PV”) are panels made of silicon, glass, and super-fine wiring that creates electricity for your home. A module is approximately 3 ½ wide by 5 ½ feet tall and we can install anywhere from 12 to 40 modules on a home.

That’s a lot of electricity when the sun’s photons cause the movement of electrons within the module. We install only the latest technology so expect us to offer modules that produce from 250 to 300 watts each. The modules create direct current electricity that is converted to household 240-volt alternating current by “inverters.” Again, we offer only the latest technology from the world’s best manufacturers. This means you have the most productive and most reliable system you can invest in.

WHY Solar Now?

Why solar now?

To save money today and for the decades ahead! The rising cost of electricity is biting into everyones’ budget today. We see $300, $400 18

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and even $500+ electricity bills from our customers…before they install solar. Planning your retirement is tough enough without the added burden of high electricity bills, and the next 10 years will be even more expensive as the cost of keeping your lights on continues to rise.

A solar system on your home can produce two-thirds or more of your electric needs for less than $15,000 with Oncor incentives and the 30% Federal Tax Credit (which is good through at least 2014). You really can’t afford NOT to do this.

WHY Solar Why CenTex? Solar CenTex? Solar CenTex installs the very best solar technology available, for the very best price. And that means you get the most from your investment in your home. You’ll see the difference in our quality. Solar is all we do and it shows. Our team is 100% Army Veterans and for you, that means their work ethic and trustworthiness results in complete attention to the smallest details and a commitment that each installation is right, safe, and saving more money

than you thought possible. Every Solar CenTex installation team member has been to advanced solar photovoltaic design and installation training, so you’ll know that your system is designed to make as much electricity as possible, at the best value. We have experience with standard shingle and metal roofs, as well as large ground mounts for customers who have larger properties and want the most power possible.

We’ll be here with you because we’re from here. A phone call or email to us means a call back within 24

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Special Advertising Section

hours, most often less. We service the Central Texas area: Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Salado, Belton, Temple, Gatesville, Kempner, Lampasas and other nearby communities. We have experience in the Oncor service areas as well as with the electrical cooperatives, so we know how to get permits and interconnection agreements done on your schedule, not somebody else’s. We are a Texas Licensed Electrical contractor, member of the Texas Association of Builders, and member of the National Association of Homebuilders.

Solar is ALL that we do. Other contractors that try to tell you they understand solar fail when you ask this important question:

“Are you an authorized Oncor service provider?”

We are, and that means your contract is reduced by a 30% solar incentive when you sign. Don’t lose out on this very important incentive.

Solar CenTex will make your move

spotlight TEX

to solar easy for you, too. We handle paperwork that other companies might leave for you: building permits, the interconnection agreement, solar “buy-back” agreements with your retail electric provider. Everything.

We provide a fully detailed book at the end of the installation with everything from IRS Federal Tax Credit form instructions to Texas property tax relief forms.

and we can be at your doorstep in a quarter of the time of a company out of Austin. That’s fast, and that’s what you deserve.

Make the sensible, cost-effective, clean switch to solar energy and start saving money next month.

Our pricing is significantly better than our competitors’, because we know that we’re in a long-term relationship in our community. We are the face of solar here in Central Texas. Whether we’re talking to a Rotary Club, a classroom, or a neighborhood association, we know that the long term trust we build is essential and we’ll never do anything to harm that.

One of our partners is the chair of the Texas Solar Energy Society board of directors, and he is committed to establishing a professional code of ethics for installers across the state so you, the consumer, are fully informed to make the best decision for your family. We’re not an outsider here to make a quick buck. Calling Central Texas our home means you never have to wait for that first survey of your roof or the final installation of 8 9 your system. We are your neighbors,

For more information, call Solar CenTex at 254-300-1228 or visit us at www.solarcentex.com. We’re on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ SolarCentex. Give us a call and let us visit for a free site survey at your home. We know that solar can save you money.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TEXTalk beauty

BEAUTY IN THE BAG

Her signature BEAUTY STYLE “It doesn’t matter where I go, I wear lipstick. I may not put on any other makeup, like when I go to the gym or run out to do a quick errand–but I always, always...have my lips on.”

By TERESA K. HERNANDEZ

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.

KIM HAY

Temple Hairstylist

The Salons at Tuscan Square

Five ESSENTIALS she CARRIES MORGAN TAYLOR PROFESSIONAL nail lacquer comes in an array of beautiful colors and metallics. A long-lasting color that passes the “shampoo tests” and withstands Kim’s work as a hairstylist.

NAKED ULTRA NOURISHING LIPGLOSS by Urban Decay. An all-in-one lip balm and luxurious gloss helps Kim keep her lips moisturized and soft with a touch of shine.

ANGEL perfume by Thierry Mugler is Kim’s all-time favorite fragrance.

STUDIO FIX POWDER PLUS FOUNDATION by MAC Cosmetics. A one-step powder and foundation gives Kim’s skin a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish.

SMEARPROOF LIP LINER PENCILS by Sorme Treatment Cosmetics. These lip liners are Kim’s favorite because they are long-lasting, never smear, and always prevent her lipstick from bleeding.

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Talk

scene TEX 2014 CANstruction Belton 4th Annual Design and Build Competition

Japanese Steak & Sushi Sake, Wine & Full Bar

CANstruction Belton is a three-day event that teams up with the community to build enormous structures from canned goods, which are then used to fill the Helping Hands Ministry food pantry.

Each week the ministry serves more than 3,400 people through its client-choice food pantry. The first in Bell County to offer a client-choice food pantry, Helping Hands Ministry encourages those in need to come in for help with groceries. Food is allotted based on family size, and clients can choose from a variety of healthy foods including fresh produce, pasta, beans, meats, breads, and boxed and canned products.

“We can provide both immediate relief and development support,” said Rucker Preston, executive director. “Immediate relief is giving someone hungry a fish, while our development programs, that include education and employment resources, teach them how to get out of poverty—or basically ‘how to fish.’”

Helping Hands is a community ministry where more than 30 local churches unite to work together. “Regardless of our religious differences, we are all centrally focused on the same thing - serving the poor,” Rucker said. With only a small full-time staff and a handful of regular volunteers, Helping Hands provides a wealth of programs and services to the local community. CANstruction Belton is crucial to supporting the Helping Hands mission and in keeping the food pantry stocked, “Food donations in the spring are very low, and CANstruction Belton helps us stock up the pantry, which sustains us for quite a few months,” Rucker said.

Come see us for various Lunch Specials and Happy Hours Open 7 Days A Week

This year’s event successfully raised 32,000 pounds of food and $44,076 for the Helping Hands Ministry of Belton.

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CANstruction Belton;

(1) Nancy Bergman, Candy Rasch (2) Terry Carroll, Josh Clements and friend (3) Ben Lee and friends (4) CANstruction Noah’s Ark (5) Beverly Luedke, Andrew Fletcher, Brian Wolfe

(6) Nicole Velasquez, John Gillette (7) Rucker Preston and collegue 7

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APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

Talk

spirits TEX

Sip and Surf

Bring beach fun to your backyard when you serve this flavorful pair.

Grilled Mahi INGREDIENTS 1 small bunch of cilantro, remove stems juice of two limes ½ avocado Mahi filet-steak PREPARATION Add first three ingredients in a blender and puree.

Heat grill to 400°. Sear Mahi steaks to medium-rare (about 2 minutes per side, depending on thickness of filet)

Serve over cilantro rice and fresh steamed vegetables. Top Mahi steak with pico de gallo and sliced avocados if desired.

Serve cilantro-lime-avocado sauce on the side.

Shark Attack INGREDIENTS 1 oz. white rum 1 oz. coconut rum ½ oz. blue curacao 2 oz. pineapple juice Splash Sprite Grenadine

Maraschino cherries orange PREPARATION

Add white rum, coconut rum, blue curacao, and pineapple juice to shaker-shake until blended. Pour into glass, add a splash of Sprite and pour a little Grenadine on top-just enough to float a red layer. Garnish with an orange wedge and Maraschino cherries on a spear. photograph by JULIE NABOURS

Deadfish Grill

2207 Lake Rd., Belton deadfishgrill.com 254.939.5771 TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TEXTalk pets

Heartworm Disease

AGONIZING to treat. EASY to prevent.

by TERESA K. HERNANDEZ

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month and is dedicated to educating pet owners about this serious canine and feline health concern that threatens animals in all 48

contiguous states and Hawaii and the temperate regions of the world. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworms infect the heart and pulmonary arteries of animals, which leads to heart failure and organ damage.

Central Texas pet owners should be especially concerned about heartworms since Texas ranks in the top five of 25 “buggiest” cities affected by mosquitoes. According to “Where the Mosquitos Bite: The Buggiest Cities in the U.S.,” four out of the top 25 cities are in Texas. Houston-SugarlandBaytown came in third, followed by San Antonio (14), Austin (16), and Dallas/Fort Worth (17).

Detecting signs of heartworm disease in cats and dogs is not easy, especially in the early stages. Signs only begin to appear over time as the heartworms begin to accumulate, according to the American Heartworm Society.

In cats, the signs, which include vomiting, gagging, or difficult and rapid breathing, tend to be non-specific and mimic other feline diseases.

The respiratory signs are commonly mistaken for feline asthma or allergic bronchitis instead of heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD).

Heavily infected dogs will show signs of persistent cough, fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss.

However, a recently infected dog may not exhibit any signs of the disease.

WHAT ARE HEARTWORMS? The AHS website explains the life cycle of heartworms once a pet contracts them from a mosquito. These “foot-long” worms live in the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs of animals. Other animals such as foxes, coyotes, and wolves can also act as reservoirs and spread the disease.

Dogs can be infected with just a few to hundreds of worms, while cats generally have low worm counts. However, even one or two heartworms can be life-threatening to a cat. While 24

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

there is a treatment for infected dogs, it is timeconsuming and costly. But there is no treatment approved for cats, so prevention is critical.

CANINE PREVENTION While treatment of canine heartworm disease is usually successful, prevention of the disease is much safer and more economical. A variety of options for preventing heartworm infection include daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals, and a six-month injectable product. These products are extremely effective and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented.

The American Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round preventive treatment, even in seasonal areas. One reason for this is compliance – to make sure the medicine has been given properly by the pet owner. In addition, most monthly heartworm preventatives have activity against intestinal parasites.

Many of these same intestinal parasites that infect dogs can also infect people, with estimated infections occurring in 3 to 6 million people every year.

Before starting a preventive program, all dogs should be tested.

FELINE PREVENTION It is generally recommended that all cats be tested for both antigens and antibodies (serology) prior to administration of a heartworm preventive.

Four preventive products are approved by the FDA for use in cats: Heartgard® for Cats (Ivermectin, orally) from Merial, Interceptor® (Milbemycin oxime, orally) from Novartis, Revolution® (Selemectin, topically) from Pfizer and Advantage Multi™ for Cats

(Moxidectin / imidacloprid, topically) from Bayer.

All of these products are considered effective in preventing the development of adult heartworms when administered properly on a monthly basis.

Although heartworm disease can be deadly, it is completely preventable with several products currently available through veterinarians. The American Heartworm Society urges pet owners to take steps now to protect their pets from this dangerous and potentially deadly disease. The AHS provides continuously updated information about heartworm disease, its treatment and diagnosis, and how pet owners can prevent heartworm infection in their pets.

For more information on how to protect your pet from heartworms, visit the American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org or your pet’s local veterinarian.

Talk

pets TEX

FAQs by The American Heartworm Society How big is my pet’s risk for heartworm infection?

ANSWER: Many factors must be considered even if heartworms do not seem to be a problem in your local area. You may travel with your pet to an area where heartworms are more common and not even know it.

Heartworm disease is spreading to new regions of the country each year.

Stray and neglected dogs and certain wildlife such as coyotes, wolves and foxes can be carriers of heartworms. Mosquitoes blown great distances by the wind and the relocation of infected pets to previously uninfected areas all contribute to the spread of heartworm disease. This happened following Hurricane Katrina when 250,000 pets, many of them infected with heartworms, were “adopted” and shipped throughout the country. The safest thing to do, and the best insurance against infection, is to administer a year-round heartworm preventive as directed by your veterinarian.

How can I tell if my pet has heartworms?

ANSWER: In dogs, signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure commonly recognized by an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen giving the pet the appearance of a swollen belly.

Dogs infected with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockage of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse called caval syndrome. Signs of caval syndrome include a sudden onset of labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or “coffee-colored” urine. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.

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TEXTalk

Spring

into April Fun Dorothea Lange’s America Exhibit

APRIL 1-MAY 3 Bell County Museum presents a focused exhibition of original lifetime prints by the legendary documentary photographer Dorothea Lange. Highlighting this show are oversized exhibition prints of her seminal portraits from the Great Depression, including White Angel Breadline, Migratory Farm Worker and, most famously, Migrant Mother, an emblematic picture that came to personify pride and resilience in the face of abject poverty in 1930s America.

Lange herself knew adversity early in life.

At age 7, she was stricken with polio, which left her with a lifetime limp. And at age 12, her father disappeared from the scene, leaving an impoverished household behind. Every day she rode the ferry with her mother from Hoboken to lower Manhattan, to a roiling working-class neighborhood teeming with immigrants. During that period, Lange talked her way into photo courses with a range of teachers as diverse as Arnold Genthe and Clarence White.

In 1918, she moved to San Francisco, where she befriended the photographers Ansel Adams and Imogen Cunningham. Through them, she met the celebrated Western painter Maynard Dixon, who became her first husband.

Lange soon opened a thriving portrait studio that catered to San Francisco’s professional class and monied elite. But with the crash of 1929 she found her true calling as a peripatetic chronicler of the many faces of America, old and young, urban and rural, native-born and immigrant, as they dealt with unprecedented hardship, sometimes with resilience, often with despondence. Her immortal portraits seared these faces of the Depression era into America’s consciousness.

Tuesday through Saturday, 12-5 p.m. For more information, please call 254.933.5243. Bell County History Museum, 201 North Main St., Belton.

Second Annual Run for the Roof

APRIL 5 Lace up your running shoes and get ready for the RUN for the ROOF, a chip-timed 5K run/ walk with medals and prizes awarded by The Contemporaries of the Cultural Activities Center.

This is a fun way to raise money to repair the roof of the CAC. Please join us to walk or run on a 26

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THE BELLAMY BROTHERS will be in Central Texas on April 5 for an outdoor concert at Johnny’s Outback in Salado.

new course at the Cultural Activities Center and surrounding neighborhoods.

Start time is 8 a.m. and begins at the CAC. A new addition this year is a one-mile Fun Run starting at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $20 and includes a T-shirt. If you prefer to not run/walk, join one of the Phantom Teams. For more information call 254.773.9926. Cultural Activities Center, 3011 North Third St., Temple.

The Bellamy Brothers-Concert

APRIL 5 The Bellamy Brothers continue to prove that the trail they’ve ridden to fame has been as unique as their music itself — music that is now celebrating 30 years of success.

The Bellamy Brothers hold the record in both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association Awards for the most duo nominations. Numerous Grammy nods have also been directed toward the brothers.

Advanced general admission tickets $15 available at www.outbacktickets.com. Johnny’s Outback, 301 Thomas Arnold Rd., Salado.

Second Annual Festival of the Arts

APRIL 5 Opening of the 18th annual Artworks Exhibit at 10 a.m. inside the CAC galleries. Artworks is the

largest children’s exhibit in Central Texas, and a must see as works of art are displayed from floor to CAC in the four galleries of the CAC. On the grounds indoors as well as outdoors there will also be kids’ activities, breakfast tacos for early morning vendors, runners and shoppers, festival foods ranging from hamburgers, funnel cakes, snow cones and more.

The festival of the arts is in its second year and is growing. The festival allows the arts and culture of Temple to come together for one fun day for the whole family. While parents shop booths, kids will be able to play and create sidewalk chalk graffiti, learn about CAC summer programs and explore other crafts. Live demonstrations will take place throughout the day from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the festival along with live music from local performers on the CAC stage during the festival.

For more information call 254.773.9926 or visit www.cacarts.org. Cultural Activities Center, 3001 North Third St., Temple.

Sip n’ Knit

APRIL 10 Join this casual gathering of knitters and those who crochet to knit and sip wine from 5-7 p.m.

For more information call 254.947.8011 or visit www.saladowine.com. Salado Wine Seller, 841 North Main St., Salado.

Talk

calendar TEX Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame Induction and Rodeo Reunion

APRIL 11-12 The TRCHF was founded in 1975 by Belton businessman and PRCA contestant Johnny Boren.

His vision and passion for the people of rodeo has grown into a beautiful tribute of 390 pictures and biographies that currently drape the walls of the Cowtown Coliseum in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. These are the acclaimed and unsung heroes that made Texas rodeo what it is today. Join us as we introduce the 2014 Inductees.

For information call 817-624-7963 or go to TRCHF web site; www.texasrodeocowboy.com. Historic Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange St., Ft. Worth, TX

Hop into Fashion

APRIL 12 This spring fashion show will feature fashions for the entire family! Hosted by Dillard’s of Temple and in conjunction with their semi-annual Kid’s Day event enjoy a variety of fun family activities.

Don’t forget to hop on over and visit the Temple Mall’s Easter Bunny!

The fashion show begins at 2:30 p.m. at Dillard’s, Temple Mall, 3111 South 31st St., Temple.

Legends: Motown!

APRIL 12 Get your groove on at the Motown Fun at VLA’s Annual Fundraiser event. Local talent performs songs from various artists including Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 and many more!

Show begins at 5 p.m and admission is $25.

For more information visit www.vlakilleen.org or call 254.526.9090. Vive Les Arts Theatre, 3401 South WS Young Dr., Killeen.

“Depending on the Distance.” Advanced tickets are $22/$27 at door. Pre-show dinner tickets are $12 and includes brisket tacos, rice, beans, salsa and chips by Schoepf’s BBQ.

For more information call 254.773.9926. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Cultural Activities Center, 3001 North Third St., Temple.

Ostrich Egg Painting

APRIL 13 You’re invited to this creative egg experience.

Paint, dye, and embellish your ostrich egg while you sip locally made wine. One ostrich egg, a glass of wine, and all decorating materials and instructions are provided.

For more information call 254.947.8011 or visit www.saladowine.com. Salado Wine Seller, 841 North Main St., Salado.

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at

Charlie’s!

5510 West Adams, Temple 76502 (Corner of Kegley and Adams)

Mention this ad for

Buy One Get One Free Croissants or Chicken Sandwiches

4th Annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt

APRIL 13 Bring your best egg-hunting goggles and hunt for those wonderful Easter Eggs in a heated indoor pool. Then enjoy time to play with family and friends in the pool. Ages 3-5, 1 p.m. -1:45 p.m. and ages 6-10, 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m. $5 per child.

For more information contact Keith Dawson at 254.298.5930. Sammons Indoor Pool, 2220 West Ave. D, Temple.

We do catering!

Call for packages and options 254-771-4270

Jimmy LaFave-Concert

APRIL 12 This Texan-born, Oklahoma-raised folksinger will make you feel right at home playing his Red Dirt music. He’s a regular at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival. Jimmy LaFave is an American singersongwriter and folk musician born in Wills Point, Texas. After moving to Stillwater, Okla., LaFave crafted a musical style called Red Dirt music and became a disciple of the state’s most famous folk musician, Woody Guthrie.

In 1996 LaFave received the Kerrville Folk Festival songwriter of the year award and appeared on the TV show Austin City Limits.

He has recorded 15 albums and his 2007 release, “Cimarron Manifesto,” reached the No.1 mark on the Americana Music Association album chart. In 2012, LaFave released the studio album

DOROTHEA LANGE’S AMERICA EXHIBIT

on display at the Bell County Museum April 1-May 5 in Belton.

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TEXTalk calendar Gordon Collier Band-Concert

APRIL 19 Kick-off the spring season with this FREE concert at the Lion Sam Farrow Amphitheater. Enjoy a mix of classic and new country songs, along with some original music. Bring your own lawn chairs, picnic blankets and enjoy a cool evening at the amphitheater. Don’t forget your camera — the Easter bunny will take pictures with the kids and the first 100 kids will receive a goody bag courtesy of the Temple Mall.

For more information call 254.298.5440. 6-8 p.m. Lions Sam Farrow Amphitheater, 4320 Lions Park Rd., Temple.

Temple Symphony Orchestra Season Finale

APRIL 25 Beethoven’s Eroica and Sibelius Violin Concerto featuring Eka Gogichashvili - violin soloist. Tickets: adult $20, students $5. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

To list an event

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Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center 4501 South General Bruce Dr.,Temple.

Moments and Memories 2014 Temple Literacy Council Benefit

APRIL 26 This year’s readers theatre includes stories written

by TLC tutors themselves, with coaching and inspiration from Temple actress and author Marjie Rynearson. Complemented by stirring literature cuttings, the tutors’ stories will enliven the council’s mission to provide free one-on-one classes for area adults who long to read and speak English confidently. Temple actor and director Michael J. Fox has selected notable readers and added music to enhance the show.

Call TLC’s 254.774.7323 for reservations or email templeliteracy@juno.com. Suggested donations of $25 or more per person will fund teaching tools and training. Saturday’s reception begins at 7 p.m; curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Temple Civic Theatre, 2413 South 13th Street, Temple.

If you would like to have your event featured in the TexTalk calendar, please email the title, date, full description of the event and activities, including the address and contact information/web address to: thernandez@texappealmag.com.

*DEADLINE April 5 for May submissions.

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

Second Annual Art & Wine on the Square

APRIL 26 You are invited to Art & Wine on the Square featuring Texas artists. Hosted by My Giving Tree Gift Shop & Gallery and the Nolan Creek Winery, 12-7 p.m. Spend a day browsing beautiful art and enjoying wine tastings, music and friends.

The art show will benefit Aware Central Texas with a special donation and art donated by the artists and My Giving Tree Gift Shop & Gallery to help prevent child abuse.

For more information call 254.939.TREE (8733) or visit www.mygivingtree.net. For wine tickets contact Nolan Creek Winery at 254.613.4475 or visit www.winesofnolancreek.com.

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calendar TEX GORDON COLLIER BAND in concert April 19 at the Sam Farrow Amphitheater in Temple.

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!

Grow It Container Gardens

By FRANCES IDOUX, BEVERLY WICKERSHAM and BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS

How does your garden grow?

If the answer to this question is negative, don’t despair. Even the hardiest gardeners have been tempted to throw their gardening gloves into the compost pile due to the dual challenges of the prolonged Texas drought and the unusually harsh winter.

Spring arrives as reliable as daffodils, irises, redbuds and dogwoods when it comes to re-blooming. Every year, spring gardens begin as blank canvases. One of the easiest ways to welcome the return of spring is to fill containers 30

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

with plants. Container gardening does not require digging, can be done even in the smallest spaces, and provides an instant splash of color in an otherwise drab landscape. Flowers, herbs and vegetables can all thrive in suitable containers.

The first step is to decide what you want to plant and then to choose the right container.

“The containers can be as varied as the plants you place in them,” says Bell County Master Gardener Beverly Wickersham. Glazed ceramic pots are an excellent choice because

they don’t deteriorate in freezing weather or dry out quickly. They are more expensive than other choices, such as clay or plastic pots. Unglazed clay pots allow evaporation of moisture from the soil, which will require more frequent watering during summer. Wood containers are also good choices, if you are careful to choose ones that have not been treated with toxic compounds.

Many creative gardeners select unusual items, such as boxes or bowls, to show off their plants. The size of the container should be between 15 and 120 quarts. Pots that are too small will restrict root growth and require more frequent watering. All containers should have several drainage holes, and larger pots may require wheeled pot holders to make moving them easier.

Soil mix is equally important. A good brand of potting soil that is fairly lightweight and porous will work well for most varieties. Plants should be fertilized with water-soluble fertilizer every two or three weeks after they are planted. Check soil dryness frequently and water as needed. A

The containers can be as varied as the plants you place in them.

new gardening trend is using succulents, which do not require fertilizer or frequent watering.

These plants require potting soil specifically for succulents.

Plants also have different requirements for light. Be sure to consider whether your containers need shade or full or partial sunlight.

Keep in mind that even plants that require “full sun” may need a little relief from afternoons in the broiling Texas heat.

If you garden in an area with deer, container-gardening may be a welcome solution for avoiding their hearty appetites. Plants can flourish in hanging baskets elevated out of the reach of hungry deer.

Whichever plants and containers you choose, you’ll find a pleasant reward for the promise of spring.

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Beverly Wickersham recommends the following plants for container gardens in Central Texas: Perennial Herbs

Biennial Herbs

Annual Flowers

Exotic Foliage

Chives Mint Thyme Fennel Marjoram Sage Oregano

Parsley

Geranium Marigold Nasturtium Pansy Petunias Salvia Verbena Zinnia

Caladium Elephant Ears Hibiscus Lantana White Bird of Paradise

Bulbs

Vegetables

(spring planted)

Begonia Dahlia Gladiolus Oriental Lily Asiatic Lily

Carrots Cucumbers Leaf Lettuce Green Onions Tomatoes

Find more gardening tips in Beverly Wickersham’s “Tips of the Week” series, reprinted in a colorful 330-page book, 16th Anniversary Collection–1997 to 2013, and recently published

by Spectrum Printing for the Bell County Master Gardeners Association.

Visit the demonstration gardens at the AgriLife Extension Office, 1605 N. Main Street in Belton, to see a large display of various plants suited for Central Texas and an assortment of succulents in containers.

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APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

Spring Fever

Fling out the old, get organized, and decorate like a pro

By SANDEE PAYNE, C.I.D.

Spring always seems to create a stir within us to give our homes a good deep cleaning, reorganization and make-over. Maybe it’s the beautiful weather, fresh air and open windows, colorful landscapes, or the news of an upcoming relocation that causes our inner decorator to emerge. When it happens, without fail, here come the checklists, the infamous “honey-do” projects, and the donation bags — all in preparation for major transformations. And who knows some of the best, most-proven tactics for such a big task better than the military family?

As a military spouse of 18 years, I have become quite proficient in the art of moving, organizing and decorating from the seven relocations we endured within our first 11 years together. Now homesteaded for the last seven years in the great state of Texas, I still find myself practicing the same techniques I acquired for maximizing my “spring organizing season.” Although organization is a regular household task that should be maintained year-round, once you begin to understand the simplicity of having a system in place and use the techniques consistently, organizing will almost become second nature.

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Stop the Insanity: Disorganization

Evolving Trends

First let’s begin by identifying bad habits that cause us to get disorganized. These are common in every household; in fact, almost every family I have worked with has had them and faced similar challenges when it came to managing home organization. Rest assured, you are not alone.

The first bad habit is holding on to older items even though they have been replaced with new updated models. For example, replacing a kitchen blender for a new one with the latest blade technology or new color and design, even though the old one works fine. However, instead of getting rid of the old model, you keep both. Keeping duplicates is a bad habit. When you bring home a new item, get rid of the replaced item. You cannot keep an efficient, well-organized home if you continually accumulate and store unused or replaced household goods.

The second bad habit in disorganization is managing the constant influx of paper that enters the home daily, such as bills, receipts, junk mail, school assignments, work files and seasonal greeting cards.

Paperwork quickly accumulates and becomes overwhelming. Controlling paper in the home deserves its own management system.

Nearly all financial institutions and service-related businesses offer paperless options or accept web payments. Sign up to go paperless and not only will you save a lot of trees, but you’ll reduce your weekly paper pile significantly.

Develop a consistent and effortless system for managing paper as it enters the home. Select one area, such as the office or kitchen, to be the paper workstation. Find a suitable decorative box or basket to sort incoming paper. Keep a trash bin and paper shredder nearby. Choose a time that will work well for you daily and tackle the paper pile. Keep only what is needed. Enjoy your cards and other interesting items by sharing them with the family during dinner or when everyone is gathered together. After sharing, throw them out. Tomorrow is another day, and more is on the way.

Keep a second box or container for the daily “keepers.” At the end of the week, empty this container by sorting and filing these documents away. Practice makes perfect and managing the paper pile will soon become an automatic and efficient part of your daily routine.

There are also some really cool desktop scanning systems available for filing, sorting and storing important records digitally. Most of these systems are compatible with financial and tax software programs. These programs also offer keyword search options so you can quickly access a record, receipt or recipe without having to search through all of the folders stored on your computer.

Say goodbye to all those envelopes full of receipts, warranty records and the shoebox of recipes you’ve torn out of magazines over the years.

How do you manage that internal desire that drives you to constantly change décor with the latest home fashion trends? As with apparel fashions, new trends in home fashions propel the latest interior designs and styles; however, they also change so fast you can hardly keep up with them. Just when you think you’ve completed the rich brown and blue master bedroom collection, here comes a new design trend that features a white palette with pops of purple.

Changing out furnishings seasonally can get expensive, so be selective when choosing higher-priced home furnishings and décor.

Choose neutral-based colors for all your basic furnishings such as bedding, draperies, area rugs and upholstered furniture. If that sounds boring, think again. When your basic furnishings have neutral palettes, it is easier for style to evolve with new trends. It is also far less expensive to change out small accents and décor such as throw pillows and lamp shades, than sofas, chairs or tables.

To achieve that designer look on a budget, try shopping online for deals, hitting the big box stores, or even flea markets for unique items that can add a little flair to your space without breaking the bank.

Remember the first bad habit, accumulating replaced items? Donate all of your outdated décor and furnishings and resist the urge to store unneeded and replaced items in storage containers.

Not only are plastic storage containers expensive, they also take up a lot of space in the attic, closet and garage. Host an annual garage sale, or donate all your items to a local thrift shop. You’ll feel good knowing your items will be used again or go to someone in need. And your generosity will not go unrewarded — you’ll receive a donation tax receipt for your items that you can use as a deduction on your federal taxes.

Professional tips, tricks and secrets Now that you’ve become an organizing expert, start decorating like a pro. As a certified interior decorator, let me share a few of the most important rules I follow. Choose one room at a time and stay focused on that one room from start to finish. Often updating a space turns into multiple spaces and, as a result, none of them ever get completed. Remember, one space at a time.

So many colors...where to begin?

Consider the purpose of the space first. Is it a getaway, relaxation haven, a fun place for children, or the hub of family activities? There are literally millions of color choices available and this can be overwhelming.

However, it’s easy to narrow down the choices if you understand the theories about color and the moods they inspire. For example, red is a color that portrays power and achievement and creates excitement; therefore, it may not be the best color choice for a space where you retreat for relaxation. Blues on the other hand, are symbolic of the sea and sky, both of which create a soothing sense of peace and relaxation. Know your space and how you wish to use it, then choose your color.

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APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

It’s all in the details Now think about what is in the room that “speaks” to you.

Is it a piece of art from a favorite vacation, a family heirloom or furniture that reminds you of loved ones, or a rug your soldier brought back from a foreign war zone? Rugs are usually composed of multiple colors. Use them as the building blocks for other selections for the room. Look closely at the details within it to find the right color paint for the walls, fabrics for window treatments, and pops of color for the accent accessories.

Use a variety of patterns and textures in your selections. It’s a no-fail way to assure your room will come together no matter which colors you choose.

Swatches and samples

Do-it-yourself

Gather a collage of samples of your selections to make sure you like the way they look together before committing to the project.

Use resources online for crafting home decor ideas and browse online décor websites and magazines for inspiration. Can you paint a room? Hang a picture on the wall?

Use simple power tools? Decide what you can do yourself and what you need to hire a professional to do.

A little DIY project can achieve big results. With the remodeling and re-decorating industry at its height of popularity, resources for do-it-yourself projects are also at their peak and easy to find.

Television programming is packed with DIY shows intending to educate the homeowner on the tricks-ofthe trade. However, there are also many things they don’t share, which can turn out to be costly. Know your DIY capabilities as well as your budget limits and remember that some things are better left to the professionals.

Budget wisely Most importantly, know your budget. Whether you choose to tackle your decorating projects alone or hire a trade professional, make sure your project — concept to completion — fits within your financial means. Always choose the best-quality materials you can afford and hire only experienced professionals.

Let the spring cleaning season begin and boldly go into your next home relocation, reorganization and decorating projects with the confidence of a seasoned professional.

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APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

716 Indian Trail Ste 220 Harker Heights 254.393.0182 paintingwithatwist.com/harker-heights

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Special Advertising Section

2014 Home & Garden

Your guide to Central Texas professionals who specialize in turning houses into homes.

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Special Advertising Section

Mark Mahler & Debra Minzak

The Mahler Group

RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 S. 31st, Suite 200, Temple 254-771-3633 | www.mahler-group.com Mark Mahler 760-3489 mark@mahler-group.com

It has been our privilege to help thousands of customers over our years of service in Central Texas. This year, we look forward to making many new friends and helping you accomplish your real estate goals.

Debra Minzak 541-7194 debra@mahler-group.com

With a proven track record of service (see our web site) and a genuine concern for each family we serve, we would love to have you as our next clients!

The Mahler Group of RE/MAX Temple-Belton exists to make the process of buying and selling real estate more profitable, less stressful, and more fun! With more than 25 years of experience, Mark Mahler and Debra Minzak truly enjoy serving client interests and developing long-term meaningful relationships.

With a strong focus on residential properties, the Mahler Group is also an expert in land/farm and ranch sales and investment properties. We take the time to understand your objectives and we do our best to exceed your expectations. Whether it’s selling your property or helping you purchase a new home, we have the experience and the skill to make it a success.

Transitioning from one home to the next can be a tricky process. We specialize in making multiple real estate transactions go smoother and less stressful for those we serve. From market positioning and sales negotiating, to home searching and logistics, we enjoy orchestrating these moves.

We have the expertise to protect you from contracting errors, and we will fight hard for your interests in all negotiations.

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“

Transitioning from one home to the next can be a tricky process...we enjoy orchestrating these moves for our clients.

Mark Mahler, Realtor

”

Special Advertising Section

Jim Wright Company

Jim Wright Company

3800 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen 254-526-5921 | www.jwcrentals.com Established in 1973 in a building owned by Leo Buckley (the former head football coach and athletic director of Killeen High School), the Jim Wright Company (JWC) has grown into the largest and most successful rental and property management company in the Fort Hood area.

This outstanding growth is due to hard work, an entrepreneurial spirit, the constant implementation of new technology, and treating owners and tenants honestly and fairly for more than 40 years. We serve the needs of more than 5,000 residential tenants and property owners each year and, in addition, provide commercial sales, leasing, and management as well as residential sales for our management customers.

Located at 3800 S. W.S. Young Dr., our office includes double drive-thru payment windows, a night drop, a well trained staff of more than 30 personnel including six full-time property inspectors, and state of the art computer system featuring the Property Ware property management system which allows our tenants and property owners 24/7 access to their accounts 365 days a year.

JWC is the ONLY rental and property management company in the area with a full time Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Property Manager (CPM); Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and Certified Residential Broker (CRB) on staff.

Jim Wright and most of our staff are former military, or military spouses, and we are honored to serve the military community. We are also proud to announce that we were recently voted THE BEST rental and property management company in the Fort Hood area for the EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR. THANK YOU! We appreciate your business!

JWC offers a comprehensive property management program including: • • • • •

•

• • • • • • • •

Prompt monthly fund disbursements Electronic deposit of rental proceeds Online rent payments w/our tenant portals Low cost contracted maintenance Computerized statements with: Income statement Expense statement Month-to-date figures Year-to-date figures 24/7 owner access w/our owner portals Six full-time property inspectors: Initial move-in inspections w/photos Periodic inspections w/photos Move-out inspections w/photos Experienced staff Tenant screening Lease preparation Deposit collection Rent collection Eviction processing Preventative maintenance Repair estimates

JWC is prepared to provide you with a no-cost, no-obligation review and comparison of our management services. Check us out at www.jwcrentals.com

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Special Advertising Section

Ryan Smith, The Ryan Smith Home Selling Team

Ryan Smith, REALTOR®

RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 S. 31st, Suite 200, Temple 254-563-6350 | RyanSmithHomes.com

and I became the very best in the world at that. Everything else, I have accomplished with the help of excellent professionals around me to give our patients a world-class experience.’ This is really the model I’ve tried to implement when designing my real estate team.”

How does a young combat veteran from Indiana become one of the top real estate professionals in Temple, Texas?

After five years on active duty with the US Army and two deployments to the Middle East, Ryan looked for a career in Central Texas that would fulfill his desire to be challenged mentally and physically. The real estate profession seemed to fit the bill while also allowing him to build new relationships and meet new people.

Ryan’s current real estate team allows each of his members to excel individually and to work together toward a common goal of a world-class experience for their clients. Ryan believes that his model will “set the new standard for customer service for the real estate market in Temple.” So far, this appears to be true, as Ryan has been voted “the people’s choice”

by Temple Daily Telegram and he continues to have unrivaled client reviews.

As a young real estate agent in a small town, Ryan was met with the typical barriers to success. Most people already knew an agent and new clients were not easy to find. Although most people would find rejection from potential clients to be discouraging, he met the challenge with courage and optimism.

“Being in the military taught me how to work and work hard. So, when I was met with a few obstacles entering a new profession, perseverance was never really a problem.” Not only has he gained the trust of innumerable new clients, he has become one of the top agents in the Temple/ Belton area and one of the top 100 RE/MAX Agents in the United States.

When asked how he became so successful so early in his career, Ryan confidently answers, “Focus.” He is constantly perfecting his craft in the real estate market, and he has done this by learning from other successes in various industries.

One particular example that impacted Ryan was an interview with a very successful surgeon. “This surgeon was number one in his field, nationally known and respected. When asked how he did this, he replied, ‘I focused on the key priorities that had to be done at a very high level, 40

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To find out how Ryan and his team can help sell your home for the most money in today’s real estate market or help you find the perfect home at the best price, give Ryan and his team a call!

“

Ryan believes that his model will set the new standard for customer service for the real estate market in Temple.

”

Special Advertising Section

Arnold ArnoldBuilders Builders

5293 S. 31st, Suite 109, Temple 5293 S. |31st, Suite 109, Temple 254-742-1072 arnoldbuilders.com 254-742-1072 | arnoldbuilders.com Arnold Builders began 20 years ago with the conArnold Builders began 20 years ago withattheLake construction of our first home in Northcliff struction of that our time, first home in Northcliff at Lake Belton.

Since we have had the honor time, we ofBelton. workingSince withthat hundreds of have clientshad in the the honor Bell of working with hundreds of clients the Bell County area, designing, constructing andindecoratdesigning, andhomes. decoratingCounty some area, of Central Texas’constructing most beautiful ing some of Central Texas’ most beautiful homes.

We have seen all aspects of a prosperous and We have economy, seen all aspects of a prosperous and struggling which have only revealed struggling economy, which have only revealed and increased our customer loyalty and staying and increased ourbusiness customerwasloyalty and staying power.

Our building the catalyst for power.

Our building business was the starting our development company for catalyst residen-for our development for master residentialstarting and commercial projects.company Our newest tial and commercial projects.

Our newest master planned community is Legacy Ranch in South planned is Legacyin Ranch in South Temple.

Thiscommunity 175-lot community the Belton ISD Temple.

This 175-lot community in the Belton ISD will also include retail and a multi-family project. will also include retail and a multi-family project.

Jenny’s years of interior design in our homes Jenny’s in our called homes have also years led usof tointerior a newdesign opportunity have also led us to a new opportunity called Bobby & Jenny Arnold Adorn Refined Living and Décor located in TusBobby & Jenny Arnold Adorn Refined Living and Décor located Tuscan Square.

Adorn provides upscale décorinand can Square.

Adorn provides upscale décor and furnishings in addition to personal consulting and design services. We are grateful to you, the community in which we were both raised, and we celebrate furnishings additionPlease to personal consulting andApril design services. are grateful to you, Crossing the community in which we were both raised, and we celebrate with you in ourin success. come visit us in the 2014 Parade We of Homes in D’Antoni’s in Temple and meet our newest team members, Diana with you in our success.

Please come visit us in the April 2014 Parade of Homes in D’Antoni’s Crossing in Temple and meet our newest team members, Diana Beadnell (Adorn) and Patrick Johnson (project manager-Arnold Builders). Thank you, again, for allowing our family to be so blessed by this community!

Beadnell (Adorn) and Patrick Johnson (project manager-Arnold Builders). Thank you, again, for allowing our family to be so blessed by this community!

Chris ChrisLockett, Lockett, RE/MAX RE/MAXTemple-Belton Temple-Belton

4016 S. 31st, Temple 4016 S. 31st, Temple 254-771-3633 | chrislockett.remaxtexas.com 254-771-3633 | chrislockett.remaxtexas.com My name is Chris Lockett, and I have been a real My name Chris Lockett, and I have beenyears. a real estate agent iswith RE/MAX in Temple for two estateborn agentand withraised RE/MAX in Temple two years.

I was in Temple andforgraduated I was born High and raised Temple and from Temple School.inFollowing highgraduated school Temple High School.

Following high school I from attended Concordia University at Austin and I attended at Austin and graduated withConcordia a BBA inUniversity finance. After college, BBA in finance. industry After college, I graduated worked inwith the abanking/financial for I worked the and banking/financial industry more than sixinyears ended my banking careerfor than sixofyears andregional ended my banking career asmore a manager a large bank in Austin. as a working manageratofthe a large bank in Austin.

While bank,regional I was also a licensed While working at the bank, I was alsooriginator. a licensed investment representative and mortgage investment representative and mortgage originator.

My prior banking experience has helped me make prior banking experience helped make theMytransition into real estate byhas giving me me a solid the transition into realforestate by giving a solid financial background advising my me current financial for advising my current clients in thebackground home buying/selling process.

Since clients inan theagent, home Ibuying/selling process.Club Since becoming achieved Executive becoming an agent, I achieved Executive Club status with RE/MAX in 2012 and became a member Chris Lockett, REALTOR® with club RE/MAX in 2012 and became a member ofstatus the 100% in 2013.

Chris Lockett, REALTOR® of the 100% club in 2013.

I decided to come to back to work in the Central Texas area due to the huge growth potential. Bell County is fortunate to have great schools, industry growth and I decided to come to back workit in the Central Texastoarea to the hugepast growth potential.I have Bell County fortunate to have great schools, growth and family-friendly activities that to make a desired location calldue home.

From experiences learnedisthat excellent service yields both industry long-lasting client family-friendly activitiesI that make it a desired location to call home. the From past experiences learned that excellent service bothyour long-lasting client and friend relationships. am committed to working for you to provide information you needI tohave make an educated decision as youyields buy/sell home. If you andassistance friend relationships.

I am committed to working fora you provide the information to make an educated decision as you buy/sell your home. If you need in the real estate market, please give me call to254-760-7276 or email meyou at:need chris.lockett@hotmail.com need assistance in the real estate market, please give me a call 254-760-7276 or email me at: chris.lockett@hotmail.com

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Special Advertising Section

Sue Lockett, RE/MAX Temple-Belton

4016 S. 31st, Suite 200, Temple 254-771-3633 | suelockett.remax-texas.com Most of my life, I have had an interest in real estate. It wasn’t until 1992 I decided that this was the path I wanted my career to go. For 10 years I was with another national real estate company, attending their training seminars and participating in learning activities to better prepare myself for the path I have chosen.

In 2002, I joined RE/MAX Temple-Belton and worked as a sales associate, obtaining the goal of Top Producer and member of the RE/MAX 100% Club. When the RE/MAX Temple-Belton franchise became available in August 2008, my husband and I purchased the company. We have been leaders in real estate sales for the past five years in Bell County and surrounding areas. We have grown to 15 active sales agents on our support team.

Sue Lockett, Owner/REALTORÂŽ Our sales have been record for this company, and we enjoyed a very good 2013 with prospects of exceeding our sales in 2014. We specialize in selling single-family homes, as well as relocation properties and bank-owned and foreclosure properties. Each year we attend seminars to keep the company and ourselves updated on the changing regulations that are imposed on the real estate industry. Our goal is to serve our clients by keeping informed of what is happening in the community and within our field. As a growing company, we are always looking for top quality agents, come join us!

Mitchell & Associates

102 N. College Street, Killeen 254-634-5541 | mitchellandassociateskilleen.com Opened by Gale E. Mitchell in 1975, Mitchell & Associates Inc. offers comprehensive and professional civil engineering and land surveying services in the Central Texas area. Our mission is to provide clients with our professional expertise and help make their next project or vision a reality. Most firms are solely engineering or surveying companies. Mitchell & Associates Inc. strives to provide services with both engineers and surveyors equally experienced in both fields. In fact, several of our professionals are licensed engineers as well as licensed surveyors.

In our profession, clients generally interact with managers who are about Mitchell & Associates securing the next project.

At Mitchell & Associates Inc., we are less about the bottom line and more about providing design and surveying services that come from sound and honest managers who are involved daily in the project design resulting in efficient and cost effective solutions. Our team is not only highly-trained and respected as professionals, but because most of our employees have grown up in the Central Texas area we have a strong desire and dedication to provide the best projects for the communities in which we live and serve. This desire to provide the best for our clients provides the best advertising – repeat business!

Mitchell & Associates, Inc. has a diverse, bilingual group made up of six Professional Engineers (P.E.), 1 Engineer-in-Training (EIT), three Registered Professional Land Surveyors (R.P.L.S.), and a group of dedicated technicians from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities. We have been involved in bringing to life hundreds of businesses and have helped make home ownership a reality for thousands.

We feel we have greatly contributed to the growth and vitality of our community and its continued success in the Central Texas area.

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Special Advertising Section

SWBC Mortgage

310 W. Central Texas Expressway Suite 5, Killeen 254-634-2822 | www.swbcmortgage.com/alexander Jimmy Alexander is the assistant branch manager and senior loan officer with the Killeen branch of SWBC Mortgage. He is an experienced mortgage lender with more than 20 years of home loan experience. Whether it is a purchase or a refinance, Jimmy enjoys working with all borrowers and specializes in VA, Texas, Veteran, FHA, USDA and Conventional loan programs. He can also help with construction and investment property financing.

The leading resource for mortgage originators, Scotsman Guide, has ranked Jimmy #1 in the U.S. for first-time home buyers ratio, #3 for VA loan Volume, and #110 for loans closed. Jimmy is an active member of the Fort Hood Board of Realtors where he was Affiliate of the Year in 1995, 1996, 200 and 2002. He served as treasurer in 2004 and 2005, hospitality chair and/or vice chair from 1994 to 2000, and on the education committee Jimmy Alexander from 2002 to 2005. In 1999, Jimmy became the First TREPAC Life Time Member Affiliate for the Board of Realtors. In addition, Jimmy sits on the board for the Central Texas Home Builders Association, serving as the 2009 treasurer and 2008 membership chairman, and as a HOMPAC and golf committee member. He consistently earns a spot on the annual Texas Veteran Land Board’s Top 20 Loan Officers, making the list from 2005 to present. In 2007, he was named Central Texas Home Builder’s Associate of the Year and has been a member of the President’s Club since 1994. A Gulf War Veteran, Jimmy was in the United States Army from 1986 to 1993 supporting Communications Networking Systems.

First Texas Brokerage

5293 S. 31st Street, Temple 80 S. Main at the Windmill, Salado 254-773-4400, 254-547-5577 | www.firsttexas.com When looking for luxury properties, it is extremely important that you put your trust in a luxury leader. Ryan Hodge and his First Texas Brokerage team specialize in luxury home, estate and ranch sales in the Central Texas area to include North Austin, Georgetown, Salado, Belton and Temple markets. As a Certified Luxury Home Specialist and a member of Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, Ryan has made a mark on Central Texas luxury real estate. His attention to detail and ability to write complex offers, and market luxury properties stand out above the rest. Call him direct today at 254-541-2255 Ryan, 30, joined his father and the family-owned business First Texas Brokerage in 1999 and has since become one of the top Realtors in the area.

Over the last 15 years, Ryan has been named the Realtor of the Year, served as president of the TemRyan Hodge and family ple Belton Board of Realtors, and has served on the board of directors of several community service groups, from the local Lions Club to the Salado Education Foundation to director of the Chamber of Commerce. Ryan is continuing to enjoy his passion, helping both buyers and sellers make a smooth seamless transaction.

Ryan helps manage two offices one in Salado and one in Temple, and has several great agents working with him: Glenn Hodge, Ryan Hodge, Jerry Roberts, Donna Gregory, Alan Persky, Teresa McCoy, Mona Fullmer, Jennifer Kasner, Dottie Shirley, Brenda Hill and Larry Wentrcek. Call them today and put their company to work for you!

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Special Advertising Section

Twila Thiele Real Estate, LLC

314 E. Central Ave., Belton | 254-939-7333 | bellcountyhomeseller.com Twila Thiele is a Texas Realtor with 13 years’ experience in providing “Value Added Service” for buyers and sellers in the Central Texas area.

After 30 years in health care, Twila’s real estate clients now get the same “one on one” care and attention to detail she provided as a physical therapist.

Each client, buyer or seller has individual needs and her service is tailored to those special needs.

Twila is a proud member of the Temple-Belton and Fort Hood-Killeen boards of Realtors. She is an Accredited Buyers’ Representative, Accredited Sellers’ Representative, Senior Real Estate Specialist as well as e-Pro and Graduate Realtor Institute certified. Thiele Real Estate, LLC, is a full-service agency offering clients assistance with residential, farm land, commercial and property management.

Let Twila Thiele make YOU SMILE.

Twila Theile, Broker/REALTOR®

Vickie Kotrla, Sunburst Realty

101 S. 25th Street, Temple | 254-721-2712 | sunburstrealtors.com

Vickie Kotrla is a Texas Realtor working with Sunburst Realty in the Central Texas area. She is native of Central Texas, born in Temple, and a graduate of Temple High School and Temple College. She also has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Vickie says, “I love working with people! I want to use my energy and enthusiasm to help families navigate the challenges of buying or selling a home. My goal is to guide you through the process, providing the ultimate in customer service and care. My extensive background in sales and marketing will help me to aggressively market your property so it is certain to be noticed. Please allow me the privilege of helping you meet your real estate goals. My clients are my priority!”

Vickie is a licensed Realtor and a member of the Temple Belton Board of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

Vickie Kotrla, REALTOR®

Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors 306 W. Mary Jane Drive, Killeen | 254-634-4412 | fhaar.com Who are the Fort Hood Area Association of REALTORS®?

Not all real estate agents are REALTORS®.

Only those who agree to abide by a code of ethics that goes beyond what the law requires may join the Texas Association of REALTORS®.

They protect the rights of property owners. They fight proposals that would increase the burdens on buying, selling, and owning real estate. And they bring property- owners concerns to the legislature, regulatory agencies and local authorities.

Texas REALTORS®and the members of FHAAR do more than help you buy and sell real estate!

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Special Advertising Section

Stillwater Custom Homes

2015 Bird Creek Terrace, #104, Temple | 254-791-2800 | www.stillwaterhomes.com

Stillwater Custom Homes has been creating custom designed and high-end spec homes throughout Central Texas for more than 20 years. We have been awarded Best of Show and Builder’s Choice awards for our homes’ incomparable designs, meticulous craftsmanship and superior quality.

From diligent one-on-one planning and continual communication with our home buyers to utilizing upscale materials and the finest subcontractors in the field, Stillwater has consistently met or exceeded expectations. Above all, our goal is to provide our customers with the very best home value and home buying experience. This philosophy continues to gain referrals and repeat sales from satisfied customers and Realtors alike.

Call Stillwater Custom Homes at 254-791-2800 and get the personal attention you deserve to build the dream home you’ve envisioned. You can also visit our website for more information and location of our neighborhoods.

Robbie Johnson, Collins Gregory and Breanna Diggs

Terry Lockett Property Management

4016 S. 31st, Suite 200, Temple | 254-913-3518 | lockettrentals.com My family and I moved to the Temple area approximately 30 years ago. My career brought me to Temple as the sales manager for a retail store. Later, I moved to the position of sales manager for an automobile dealership. My interest developed in the real estate industry in mid-2000. I became a licensed real estate agent in 2005.

In 2008, my wife and I purchased RE/MAX Temple-Belton at which time we decided to create a property management company. The creation of this company has grown to more than 70 properties that I manage for both investors and myself. Each year we educate ourselves to meet the standards of the industry and comply with the many laws that apply to property management. We have long-term relationships with many of the investors and our plans are to continue the development of this company.

Terry Lockett, Owner/Agent

Margaret Pleasant, RE/MAX Temple-Belton

4016 S. 31st, Suite 200, Temple | 254-760-3131 | margaretpleasant.remaxtexas.com Margaret Pleasant is a mother of three grown children. She and her husband, Carl, have been married for 34 years. She has been in real estate for more than 10 years. She is a member of the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors, where she has held the position of a director, officer, served on numerous committees, and was Realtor of the Year in 2005.

Margaret is a member of the Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and Temple Chamber of Commerce. She is a graduate of Realtor Institute and holds a designation of Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Certified Military Relocation Specialist.

Margaret is known for her compassionate, professional and personalized service. Her goal as a Realtor is to give excellent customer service so her clients will feel confident in knowing that they are working with a Christian, honest, pleasant, professional, hardworking, enthusiastic and well-organized agent.

Margaret really enjoys and loves her job, and it shows through her work.

Whether buying or selling, give Margaret a call!

Margaret Pleasant, REALTOR® TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Special Advertising Section

John D. Bowen Construction

Precision Value Homes | Kempner, Copperas Cove, Killeen | 254-518-1162 www.JDBTX.com, www.PVHTX.com “Excellence in customer residential and commercial construction” In business since 1995, John D. Bowen Construction and Precision Value Homes specializes in custom built and starter homes. We pride ourselves on providing the best services available in the customhome building market along with unmatched customer service. Many companies talk about great customer service but many fail to accomplish their mission. John D. Bowen Construction and Precision Value Homes has more than 30 years of experience building all types of projects from the entry level to the very expensive. Our knowledge of the homebuilding process and our systems allow us to provide that incomparable level of service to our customers. We offer straight talk and honesty giving us the ability to work with customers individually to help mold their dream homes into an affordable reality.

We are truly a custom builder. We don’t take a basic plan and shuffle a few details so we can call it “custom.” Rather, we design each build from scratch taking the unique needs of each customer into consideration. As a result, our customers come back to us for their next builds and they tell their friends about what a great experience they had with us. We have provided dream and retirement homes for more than 500 customers while maintaining a 97% customer satisfaction rating. We have also built more than 400 starter homes while maintaining a 98% customer satisfaction rating.

Lisa Jay, Vista Real Estate

Serving Central Texas | 254-493-2101 | centraltexasrealestate.com Lisa Jay is a Texas REALTOR® working in the real estate world for more than 12 years, starting from the bottom up, learning from the best in the business.

“When Results Matter!” Lisa strives to give each of her clients the individualized service that they deserve. Watching out for their best interests, she will do everything in her power as a Texas REALTOR® to make their home sales or purchases go as smoothly as possible. She believes in moving and changing with the market, thinking outside the box, and aggressive marketing that is sure to get one’s home noticed! As a military wife, she understands the needs and challenges of the military family. She is here for you!

Lisa Jay is a proud member of the Fort Hood, Temple/Belton and the Austin Board of Realtors, e-PRO, RCC, Certified New Home Specialist and Accredited Luxury Home Specialist.

Lisa Jay, REALTOR®

Ables Top Hat Chimney Sweeping

808 S. 23rd Street, Copperas Cove | 254-547-6087 | ableschimneysweeps.com The business started in 1980 after not being able to find a chimney sweep for my own chimney, and I have not been able to stop since due to customer wishes. Owned and managed by my wife, Mary, and I, Doug Ables, we are helped by our son, Shandy Ables, and our grandchildren, as well as Marcus Waechter and George Reed. I was the first chimney sweep certified by the Wood Heating Alliance, the forerunner of the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Shandy and I are now certified by Certified Chimney Professionals. Unlike other “chimney sweeps” in the area, I am a full time chimney sweep and maintain contact with sweeps all around the world to stay up to date on industry changes and share problems.

We clean and repair chimneys, fireplaces, stoves and most things to do with wood heat. Many times we can cure smoky fireplaces and replace faulty leaking dampers and repair cracked chimney tops that let devastating moisture in the system to destroy it. We began cleaning dryer vents in the early 1980s after customer demand increased. We are the ones recommended by many dryer service technicians to do the job right. We have also started air vent cleaning after continual customer requests. We offer the same care in the air vent service as all the others.

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I was recently named the best chimney sweep in central Texas by the readers of the Killeen Daily Herald.

I have been featured in Texas Monthly magazine, on TV’s Texas Country Reporter and KWTX’s “Emily Wants To Know.” Tumbleweed Smith’s Sound of Texas, and many area newspapers. We have been told we have the best and most informative sweep website in Texas!

Special Advertising Section

Victory Homes

PO Box 690085, Killeen | 254-721-7831 | victoryhomesbuilder.com

Your home is a major investment, and it should be built with quality. At Victory Homes, we make it our mission to provide a house that is constructed soundly and one that you are proud to call your home.

We offer quality homes for every stage of your life, from the first-time home buyer to the expanding family to downsizing your home or maybe retirement. No home is too large or too small. Victory Homes builds in the Central Texas area and can build on your lot, our lot, or help you find that perfect spot for your home.

Victory Homes is a family-run company and understands the importance of family values. “Over 30 years ago, my father-in-law started the company and is my mentor,� Fran says. Fran joined Victory Homes in 2004. Even though the victory torch is being passed down to Fran, one thing you can always count on is seeing one of them on the job site daily. Besides building homes, we are active in the Central Texas Home Builder Association and Texas Association of Builders.

Building a home is an exciting time in your life. Let Victory Homes help you build a memory that lasts a life time. Come visit us at our model home at 3300 Briscoe Drive in Killeen or check us out on Facebook or our website. Let us know when you are ready to get started.

Fran Mitchell, Owner

Purifoy & Company Insurance

4 S. 9th Street, Temple | 254-773-6844 | purifoyinsurance.com Purifoy & Company Insurance located in downtown Temple has been dedicated to serving clients in the Central Texas area for more than 80 years!

Mack joined the agency in 1982 when he began his insurance career. Mack has earned the Accredited Advisor in Insurance and the Certified Insurance Counselor designations.

The employees of Purifoy & Company Insurance have more than 120 years of combined experience.

They strive to provide you with the most comprehensive insurance needs from global providers at the most competitive prices. They take pride in providing personalized insurance for all your needs, including business, home, auto and life insurance.

Purifoy & Company is your trusted choice!

Mack Purifoy, Owner

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Summer Camp Adventures

F

By WENDY SLEDD

rom sports, horses, science, art, music, cooking and more, you’re sure to find the right fit for your kids in this summer camp directory. And the best part of all? All of

these camps are conveniently located in and around the Central Texas region. With summertime just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get the kids ready and registered for fun summer camp adventures.

DAY CAMPS Kids & K-9 Camp for ages 7-12. June 9-13.

Children can bring their own dogs and teach them some fun agility skills and tricks as children learn to be responsible pet owners. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Cowboy Camp for ages 4-7. June 23-27.

Children learn about the country life through making crafts, dressing up in western gear, and learning popular country songs and dances.

Campers will present a show for the parents the last day of camp. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Gaming Guys Day Camp for ages 10-15. June 30. Boys can be boys as they enjoy video games and friendly competitions. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Gramp Camp for ages 4-10. July 14-18. This camp is designed for children and their grandparents to participate together in quality activities to build lifetime memories. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Cooking Camp for ages 8-13. July 28-Aug 1.

Campers create dishes and desserts while learning about cooking safety and reading recipes. Call

Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Glam Camp for ages 10-16. Aug. 11-15. Pre-teens and teens enjoy photo shoots, fashion shows, nail designs, hair styles and more while learning health, fitness, positive self-esteem and etiquette.

Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Kinder Kamp for ages 4-7. Aug. 8-14. This camp is designed to stimulate children’s creativity. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Bling It On Day Camp for ages 7-15. July 11.

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continued from page 49 and headbands, a tutu and a pair of blinged-out flip flops. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

ART & MUSIC Tap Tap Art School for children ages 5-12 in two classes June 16-20 at the Harris Community Center in Belton. Children ages 5-8 create their own amazing works of art inspired by Van Gogh, Miro and other great artists from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Children ages 9-12 create their own masterpieces while learning about masterful artworks from American artists. From 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.beltontexas.gov/Index.aspx?NID=346.

UMHB 2014 Junior Summer Musical Camp for ages 8-12. Aug. 4-8. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day with a performance on Friday, Aug. 8, at Walton Chapel. For more information, contact Traci Squarcette, conservatory secretary, at 254.295.4686 or tsquarcette@umhb.edu.

Art Camp for ages 7-12. June 16-20. Students learn about different types of art and create their own masterpieces. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Native American Summer Arts day camp.

June 10-14 for kindergarten through first grade and camps for kids in third grade and older June 17 – 21 and June 24 – 28. Students in all camps will learn various art techniques, including painting, sand painting, 3D art, drawing, working with clay, feathers and leather as well as creative writing and photography. To register, visit The Temple Cultural Arts Center at www.cacarts.org.

SCIENCE

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“Make Your First Video Game” camp for ages 8-10 and 11-14. June 23-26. Children learn the crucial keys to designing their first 2-D games including graphics, music, sound and simple coding concepts. Perfect for beginners. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

“App Attack” camp for ages 8-10 and 11-14.

July 21-24. Children learn the first steps of mobile app design and customizing game apps that can be played on any mobile device or computer. No prior experience necessary. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

LEGO Video Games for ages 8-10 and 1114. Aug. 4-7. Students create LEGO universe, characters and adventures in an interactive 2-0 video game. No experience needed. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Minecraft Designer for ages 8-10 and 11-14.

Aug. 18-21. Children who love the game Minecraft can design their own characters and buildings for the game by learning the basics of creating 3D modeling. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

The UMHB College of Nursing will offer a summer camp June 15-21 that provides upperlevel high school students the opportunity to experience nursing school and college life. The summer program includes four facets: academics, spirit and traditions of UMHB, faith and learning and campus life. Call 254.295.4664 or visit undergrad.umhb.edu/nursing/explore-crunursing-summer-camp.

Science Day Camp for ages 7-12. July 12.

Children perform interesting experiments and learn about rocks, animals, dirt and earth, and more. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

OUTDOORS

Camp Invention is July 7-11 for children entering grades first through sixth at Iduma Elementary School, 4400 Foster Lane, Killeen.

Children work together to solve real-world challenges. To register call 800.968.4332 or visit www.campinvention.org.

The theme this year for Cub Scout-age boys is “Cub Scouts of the Roundtable” and teaches campers BB gun safety and shooting, archery, hiking, water activities and outdoor skills. The camp will be held June 9-13 in Killeen. Visit www.longhorncouncil.org/program/cub-scoutday-camp.aspx.

Camp Horizon and 2.0 for ages 5-7 years and 8-14. June 10 - Aug. 23. Campers learn about art and science through field trips to the Mayborn Planetarium and Cameron Park Zoo. Participants learn about gardening, space rockets and performing arts. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

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Engineering with Legos for ages 5-7 and 8-12 June 9-13. Ages 5-7 and 9-12 July 14-18. Children build a town, city or motorized machines while learning useful construction techniques. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer day camps with a variety of activities. Campers are not required to be members of Scouts.

The Girl Scouts offer day camps only in the Austin area. Camp Heatwave features archery, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock wall climbing and other sports for ages 5-6, 7-9 and 10-14 . The camp is offered weekly from June 9 to Aug. 22. Visit www. gsctx/camp.org.

Camp Heights 2014. Summer Day Camp June-August. For more information, call Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department at 254.953.5465 or visit www.ci.harker-heights. tx.us/index.php/programs-a-events/specialevents.

SPORTS Lady Dawg Volleyball Camp is June 10-13 for athletes entering grades 2-9 in Copperas Cove.

The Bulldawg Football Camp is split into two sections, with the NCAA camp for athletes entering grades 1-6 June 11-14 at S.C. Lee Junior High. The NFL camp for students entering grades 7-9 is Aug. 5-9.

Lady Dawg Basketball Camp is June 17-20 for athletes entering grades k-9. Lady Dawg Soccer Camp is June 17-19 for players entering grades first through eighth grade.

The Bulldawg Quarterback Camp will be June 24 for students entering grades 1-6. Bulldawg Basketball Camp for athletes entering grades 1-9 is June 24-27. Call Copperas Cove Independent School District at 254.547.4111.

Sammons Junior Golf Academy teaches children the skills and rules of golf. Age groups are 6-9 years and 10-17 years. Three day camps are

scheduled from June to August. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Science experiments at Camp Invention in Killeen

Volleyball Camp for beginners and intermediate players ages 10-14 held July 14-18 at Temple High School. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Basketball Camp teaches players to master basic techniques of the game at Temple High School June 23-27 for ages 6-9 years and 10-14 years. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

Gymnastics teaches children the basic movements of gymnastics for beginners ages 4-10 years. July 7-11. Call Temple Parks and Recreation 254.298.5733.

OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT CAMPS Camp Kachina is located on Lake Belton.

Campers enjoy horseback riding, archery, outdoor sports and nightly campfires synonymous with Scouting. Visit www.gsctx.org/girls/pathways/ camp/residentcamp for more information.

Camp Champions for boys and girls ages 6-18 located in Marble Falls. It has a special program called “Batters Up� for grades k-1 with separate programs for older children. It also offers a family camp which is a great way to introduce younger

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continued from page 51 children to the world of camping. The camp’s mission is to teach children of all ages to be “the best versions of themselves.” Call 830.598.2571 or visit www.campchampions.com.

Kidventure Camp offers one- and two-week safari adventures at MoRanch in Hunt and Echo sessions at Camp Eagle near Rocksprings, both in the Hill Country. Safari campers for age 8-13 and Echo campers ages 13-16.

Each session is limited to 50 campers. For information, call 512.263.8992 or visit kidventure.com.

Deer Creek Adventure Camp offers both one and two week summer camp schedules for ages 7-19 in a Christian atmosphere in Medina. Activities include sports, photography, dance, drama, swimming, outdoor wilderness, guitar, tennis and arts & crafts. For more information, call 830.589.7123 or visit deercreekcamp.com.

Camp Lonehollow is located in Hunt within the Texas Hill Country and extends some 3,000 acres, which includes an 18-acre lake. Offering co-ed sessions for children ages 7-16, campers can attend a two- or fourweek sessions. Children ages 7- 9 can also attend a one-week session. Call 830.966.6600 or visit www.lonehollow.com.

Camp Quest is held at Camp Flaming Arrow in Hunt and is a “freethinking summer camp” for kids aged 8-17 held only one week, Aug. 3-9. Activities vary from equestrian to electronics. For information, call 614.441.9534 or visit www.campquest.org/locations/texas.

Camp Olympia is located in Trinity and offers more than 40 activities including sports, water fun, arts, horseback riding, outdoor adventure, junior golf academy, Spartan/Athenian games and leadership programs for ages 7-16. Camp dates are held throughout the summer. Call 800.735.6190 or visit www.campolympia.com.

Pine Cove Camp is located in Tyler and offers activities such as paintball, wakeboarding, horses and ropes courses with a Christian focus. Activities are designed for four age groups in grades 1-12. Camp dates are held throughout the summer. Call 877.474.6326 or visit www.pinecove.com.

Skyranch Camp in Van offers a variety of outdoor activities including water fun on a 93-acre lake. Activities including trail rides, zip lines, a shooting range and water slides are offered for children ages 6-18 in a Christian atmosphere. For more information, call 903.266.3300 or visit skyranch.org.

Camp Huawni is located in Timpson, less than four hours away. The camp is for children in grades k-11 and starts May 30 and runs through the end of July. Campers can attend 1 to 6 weeks, with most coming a minimum of two weeks. Campers participate in six activities daily with more than 50 activities being offered. Call 817.768.3854 or visit www.camphuawni.com.

Camp Bluebonnet is held June 16-20 at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat in Killeen for children with diabetes and their families. The camp is for the entire family with programs focused on arts and crafts, science and nature and sports for children ages 4-teen. For information, call 512.879.6850 or visit www.childrensdiabetescamp.org.

Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville is for children of all ages with special needs.

The week-long camps begin June 8 and runs through mid-August. Camps include regular sessions and specialty camps designed for campers with specific mental or physical challenges. For information, call 830.896.8500 or visit www.lionscamp.com.

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National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and is dedicated to making people and communities aware of the hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States. In 2012, it was estimated that more than four children died every day as a result of child maltreatment. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States is estimated at $124 billion.

Awareness + Intervention =

Prevention

Child Abuse in Central Texas

By MICHELLE CARTER

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across every cultural and ethnic line, in every religion and within all levels of education. Bottom line, it affects everyone. It affects the well-being of children and their future as adults.

Last year there were 65,000 confirmed victims of child abuse, and many of the incidents were sexual in nature. One With Courage, an awareness campaign sponsored by the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, tells us that 1 in 4 girls will be sexually abused before her 18th birthday and 1 in 6 boys before the age of 18. These staggering numbers prove child abuse is occurring in epidemic proportions.

How does this affect Central Texas?

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas provides comprehensive services to children in Bell and Coryell counties. In 2013, 1,382 children in Central Texas were confirmed as victims of abuse and neglect and one child died. This equates to 3.8 children in our community being abused or neglected every day and puts 1,225 children in the care of the state, costing our community more than $6.6 million in foster care expenditures.

Prevention

Unfortunately, 2013 child abuse statistics were higher than the 2012 statistics. Does this tell us what we are doing is not working? In reality, it is hard to pinpoint exactly why these numbers are on the rise. Are more children being abused? Or are more cases being reported due to better awareness campaigns? Unfortunately, no one has the answer; however, we do know this epidemic 54

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is happening right here in our own backyard. As a community it is our duty to ensure children and their families get the intervention and help they desperately need.

Awareness is the key to intervention.

Intervention is the key to prevention.

The effects of child abuse are daunting:

the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas provided services to 428 children and their families and it expects higher numbers in 2014.

Another important factor in assisting children in the healing process from abuse is counseling intervention. As stated, children who have been abused are more likely to engage in criminal behavior, become pregnant as teens, or develop mental illness. Counseling helps lessen the likelihood of these society-taxing issues.

• One study states 80 percent of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met the criteria for at least one psychological disorder.

• Abused children are 25 percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy.

• Children who experience child abuse and neglect are nine times more likely to become involved in criminal activity.

• As many as two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children.

These children and their families need proper intervention at the onset of abuse and neglect.

The only way to heal these small lives and to directly impact their well-being long term is to provide child-focused services that protect, promote healing, and enhance their quality of life. This is the mission of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas — to restore the lives of abused and neglected children in an effort to end the cycle of abuse one child at a time.

The Children’s Advocacy Center program in Belton is a nonprofit organization that has been established to offer hope and healing to abused children of all ages by simplifying the legal and social processes while focusing on the child victim and his or her family. The CAC program provides a safe and comfortable environment in which alleged victims and their families come for collaborative investigative services.

When children make outcries of abuse, they are thrown into a complicated system that is not always equipped to deal with their special needs. The CAC program is specifically designed to place children at ease in a neutral, child-friendly environment and bring together trained professionals from various disciplines.

Trained forensic interviewers allow the child to share their personal experiences or events they have witnessed as law enforcement, children’s protective services, prosecution and mental health professionals view the interview in a separate room. A multidisciplinary team can respond to child abuse better through coordinated efforts.

These same team members meet several times a month to staff cases and to share information to ensure the children are safe and protected.

It is imperative that proper intervention is provided to facilitate hope and healing for these young victims and their families. CAC family advocates work with these families beyond the investigation to ensure needs are met. In 2013,

MICHELLE CARTER, founder and executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, Belton.

Beyond the investigative process, the program offers trauma-focused counseling services and support groups for both parents and children at no charge.

The CAC believes one of the most important factors in preventing child abuse in the future is to ensure children and families have access to specialized services. Researchers have begun to explore factors that affect why some children have severe long-term consequences of abuse and others do not. The ability to cope, and even thrive, following abuse or trauma is often referred to as resiliency. A number of protective and promotion factors enhance a child’s ability to exhibit resiliency, including how the family responds as well as how the community responds.

This supports the need for specialized services that help these children move past their trauma and get back to their childhoods, the happy and safe childhood they deserve.

There are two key components to the CAC model that are specifically designed to ensure these children’s needs are met to help move them to resiliency. First is a child-friendly environment in which trained interviewers talk to them about what has or has not happened. In the past children would be carted to various different social service and legal offices to re-tell their experiences.

Reliving their accounts of abuse should preferably only happen once and be with someone trained to provide a sound forensic interview.

The second is trauma-informed counseling.

Again, these children have special needs and services and programs designed to address and respond to the impact of traumatic events should

be provided to them. The CAC offers both and is changing the lives of children in pain. Another important factor in child abuse and neglect prevention is to hold the responsible offenders accountable for the harm they have caused.

Utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach improves the outcome of the cases and works better in protecting our community and children.

Henry Garza, Bell County district attorney, said there is nothing more important to children who have been abused or sexually assaulted than to be treated with respect and kindness.

“Professionals at the Children’s Advocacy Center provide the essential service of discovering what happened to them, while at the same time minimizing further trauma to children,” he said.

“I know of no higher calling than to help and protect children in a time of need and despair.

This is what the Children’s Advocacy Center does every day.”

In closing, the CAC stresses: Awareness=In tervention=Prevention. No one can change what has happened to the 1,135 children who were confirmed victims of abuse; however, we can change what happens next. A community should stand together in the fight against child abuse and neglect, and report suspicions of abuse, make donations, attend child-abuse-awareness events, and volunteer to help restore the lives of abused and neglected children. All of these are important steps toward ending the cycle of abuse — one child at a time.

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Turn Your Feelings Into Flowers!

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TEXadventures

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

All Aboard

The city that offers something for everyone

by WENDY SLEDD

Photos courtesty GRAPEVINE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

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F

From wineries, live Opry-style entertainment, festivals, shopping and a vintage railroad Grapevine knows how to show visitors of all ages a great time!

Located just a short drive from Central Texas in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Grapevine is a tourist haven with not only a variety of events and festivals, but also an abundance of shopping, live entertainment and cultural activities.

Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine is also home to the Texas Wine Industry headquarters and is recognized as a World Festival & Events City by the International Festival & Events Association.

THE ULTIMATE HOST Grapevine was named for wild mustang grapes that covered the plains for as far as the eye could see in 1844 when the land was settled. The city pays tribute to its namesake during the annual Grapefest held the second weekend of September.

Grapefest is considered the largest wine festival in north Texas.

Now in its 28th year, the four-day event offers visitors the chance to taste new wines and enjoy old favorites alongside five stages of entertainment and a children’s area to keep the little ones busy.

Tennis and golf tournaments round out the festival.

For those who prefer tall mugs of cold beer to wine, Grapevine gives visitors the chance to go back to its roots with the 30th annual Main Street Days in mid-May. The three-day event celebrates American Craft-Brew Week in which restaurants offer 30 different styles of craft brews paired with a variety of foods chosen by the brewmasters and chefs. Of course, the event also offers wine events and activities for children.

As Texas’ Christmas Capital, Grapevine truly sparkles during the holidays. More than a million lights line streets, businesses and homes during a 40-day celebration offering 1,400 Christmas events starting in November and running through New Year’s Day.

Grapevine offers a variety of other events throughout the year, including Chocolate Fest the first weekend in April, a spring festival at Nash Farm the last Saturday in April and SummerBlast, featuring a fireworks display over Grapevine Lake 58

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every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Butterfly Flutterby held in September at Grapevine’s Botanical Gardens celebrates the migration of the monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico.

ALL ABOARD FOR ENTERTAINMENT The Grapevine Vintage Railroad will make a train lover out of everyone. With the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, the railroad features a 1896 Victorian-style locomotive named Puffy and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive named Vinnie. The engine keeps passengers rolling on a 21-mile round trip along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Put your hands up! Experience a real train robbery that is family-friendly starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. As the train chugs from Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards, all boys and girls get deputized to

Main Street Days brings food, fun, beer, crafts and music to historic downtown Grapevine.

TEXadventures

Great Wolf Lodge offers rides and slides for parents and kids of all ages.

help the marshal as he works to catch the bandits, ultimately giving their loot to the child passengers onboard.

The railroad’s North Pole Express allows children to depart on an amazing journey in search of Santa, where they enter a winter wonderland through a Christmas tree maze, ultimately finding the bearded gift-giver by ringing their hundreds of Santa bells. The experience begins Thanksgiving weekend and runs through the weekend prior to Christmas.

SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS GALORE Come with a big appetite and bring your SUV when you head to Grapevine. You will definitely want to enjoy the delicious cuisine offered by more than 200 restaurants and cafes. You will have a difficult time choosing from the treasures at more than 80 locally- owned shops.

The past will surrounds you in Grapevine’s beautiful downtown as its buildings have been preserved to historical accuracy throughout this walkable area. Enjoy a morning cup of tea and a pastry at tea rooms and restaurants with outdoor seating that are reminiscent of European cafes.

Visit the boutiques, custom-jewelry stores and art galleries where you can find unique gifts for yourself and others. Sites not to be missed in the downtown area include the Palace Arts Center, Glockenspiel Clock Tower, and public art that dots the downtown landscape.

If you prefer more mainstream shopping, Grapevine Mills guarantees you will find just what you are looking for and most likely some other things that you just can’t live without. Get the latest in fashion from today’s hottest designers

at a fraction of the cost with many outlet stores, including Saks, Michael Kors and Neiman Marcus. Bass Pro Shops sits conveniently across the street to keep the men busy with fishing equipment, firearms and other outdoor gear while the ladies visit nearly 200 stores in the mall’s more than 1.5 million square feet of floor space. The mall also keeps the kids occupied with LEGOLAND Discovery Center, an aquarium, emporium, ice-skating rink, mini-train rides, a carousel, and 30-screen movie theater in which you can also enjoy lunch or dinner.

Gaylord Texan Resort Everything is big in Texas and the Gaylord Texan Resort makes the list. With its nearly five acres of gardens and winding walkways within the hotel itself, you never have to leave the resort grounds to relax or enjoy leisure activities in Lake Grapevine which flanks the hotel. Within a one-mile radius, the hotel offers water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, bike rentals, bowling and golfing at the Cowboys Golf Club, the only NFL-themed course in the country. Full spa and sauna amenities are also available at the resort, which also features the 10-acre Paradise Springs Waterpark, ranked the No. 1 Top Aquatic Resort by Waterparks + Resorts Today in 2011.

Enjoy food at one of the many eateries on the Marriott property with a variety of cuisines including Angus steak, barbecue, TexMex, Italian, casual hamburgers and sandwiches, a full bar resembling a saloon from the Old West and a coffee house. The Glass Cactus includes four liquor bars and offers food in a club setting along with musical entertainment from country to top 40 to rock.

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TEXadventures Great Wolf Lodge A great place to take the entire family (where you never have to leave the grounds) is the Great Wolf Lodge, offering a splashing good time 365 days of the year in its indoor water park. The water in the 80,000-square-foot facility is kept at a warm 84 degrees.

The waterpark offers attractions including a four-story tree house with a two-story double slide exit, a six-story funnel, a raft ride through a canyon, and a four-story waterfall that drops thrill seekers straight down into the pool. For the little ones, a wave pond, activity pool, agility water challenge and a slide built specifically for guests under 48 inches tall will make it hard to get the toddlers out of the water at the end of the day.

Great Wolf offers its own version of Dungeons and Dragons with MagiQuest, which is perfect for every girl who dreams of being a princess and every boy who dreams of being a hero battling dragons. A children’s spa, arcade, XD theater and creative daily activities will tucker out the youngsters just in time for dinner, followed by a bedtime story by the fire in the lobby each night.

All food options at the lodge meet the preferences of the kids with everything from burgers, pizza, snacks and sweet treats.

Garden Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn Calling itself one of the best bed and breakfasts in Texas, this Southern Georgia-style home is the only place to stay overnight in the downtown historic district of Grapevine. Guests are literally steps away from a paradise of shopping, eating and sightseeing options. The B&B offers five guest rooms, each decked in its own unique

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décor, and private bathrooms. With four guest rooms on the second floor, the remaining guest room, the Carriage House, is on the first floor providing a very secluded stay with a view of the beautiful backyard gardens. It offers a reprieve for a couple seeking a weekend of romance with it’s a two-person whirlpool tub and a private breakfast on the patio.

There are numerous packages available at the B&B that include accommodations and attractions.

Excursions range from a day of sailing including dinner, a romantic riverboat cruise, Texas Motor Speedway races, wine tour, dinner theater, shopping and spa treatments.

The Vineyards Campground and Cabins For those who love the great outdoors, The Vineyards Campground & Cabins are lined along the private sandy shore of Lake Grapevine and back up against the Cross Timbers Forest. Enjoy fishing, hiking one of the trails, or paddling around the lake in one of the kayaks or paddle boats provided onsite. Bicycle rentals, basketball, volleyball, board games and regularly planned activities are also available. Cabins are completely furnished and complimentary Wi-Fi is available. The grounds also offer a pavilion perfect for family reunions or other meetings.

FUN, FUN, FUN One of the best things about Grapevine (and

Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium offers astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays.

that’s hard to choose based on all the fun things to see and do) is its convenient location- smackdab between Dallas and Fort Worth, literally five minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

To find more information and fun tips on planning a vacation to Grapevine, visit the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau online at grapevinetexasusa.com.

TEXhealth

Nine Natural Remedies to Reduce Insomnia

by TERESA K. HERNANDEZ More than one-third of U.S. adults get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation is not good for your heart, memory, or stress levels. Establishing a healthy sleep routine can improve your energy and health.

6 Nighttime Yoga

Practicing yoga before bed is a great way to ward off insomnia.

Yoga poses lower stress levels, relaxes tight muscles, relieves tension and calms the mind. As you focus on breathing techniques and poses, the nervous system stimulated to release tension. There are numerous poses that are helpful at night, including Balasana 1 Hot Bath (child’s pose) which calms the mind and relieves tension, Savasana To get your body into relaxation mode, try taking a soothing soak about half an hour before (corpse pose) and the forward bend, Halasana (plow pose). bedtime. The hot water not only loosens tension and tight muscles, it increases your body temperature slightly. When you get out of the tub your core body temperature will decrease, 7 Meditation which sends a trigger to the brain to relax and prepare for sleep.

Research studies conclude that practicing simple mindful mediation not only helps fight insomnia, it promotes a deeper, longer level of 2 Turn Off All Electronics sleep. Meditation allows the body and mind to relax by concentrating Watching television before bedtime to unwind is actually counter-productive. The cool white on practicing simple breathing techniques. All other thoughts are and blue lights of computer monitors, television, and cell phones actually stimulate brain pushed out of your mind as you focus on your breathing, thus activity and makes it more difficult for the brain to slow down and unwind. Turn off all releasing all of the anxiety and stress that swirls around in your head at night and distracts you from sleep. electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

3 Healthy Diet

8 Aromatherapy

Eliminate all food and drinks with caffeine after 3 p.m. Keep your dinner light and healthy Essential oils are powerful triggers that stimulate relaxation and calmness. Simply add a few drops in your bath, sprinkle on a and avoid spicy, greasy foods that may cause indigestion or heartburn. tissue and place near your pillow, or massage into your feet at night before bed. Lavender is the quintessential oil for relaxation. It 4 Toss the Tobacco releases anxiety, frustration, and promotes calmness and balance.

Sweet marjoram is another sweet and nourishing oil that promotes Nicotine is an addictive stimulant. It also causes nighttime withdrawals which can wake balance with a calming effect. For tranquility, try frankincense. It you up throughout the night. Smokers are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea or other is also the perfect oil to use for meditation because it helps reduce breathing disorders that affect sleep, according to researchers at John Hopkins University mental clutter, restlessness and insomnia.

School of Medicine.

5 Nix the Nightcap A drink before bed may help you fall asleep quick, however, you may not stay asleep or wake up refreshed. According to researchers, alcohol disrupts your sleep patterns and brainwaves.

It is also more likely to wake you up throughout the night after it wears off, making it harder for you to fall back asleep.

9 Breathe Deeply When you go to bed, lie on your back and close your eyes, then breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. This will help your body release tension and allow it to flow out of your body. Focus on each breath as you inhale and exhale. Repeat 5-6 times.

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TEXfit

Five Ways to Boost Your Workout …and Results

by TERESA K. HERNANDEZ

You’re dedicated to exercising daily, training hard, and cleaning up your diet; however, you’re still not seeing the results you expected. Sound familiar? Don’t despair.

Here are five things you can ADJUST in your daily routine to boost your workouts and results.

1 Breakfast for champions

Research shows this meal truly is the most important meal of the day!

Not only does it get your metabolism fired up and running efficiently to help you burn more calories throughout the day, it prevents heart attacks. Always start your day like a champion with a healthy breakfast that includes a lean protein.

2 Pre-workout meal

Should you eat before your workout or workout on an empty stomach?

That’s a question debated by fitness experts for years. Research now shows that a pre-workout meal is actually beneficial. It provides energy for the workout, protects your muscle mass and promotes and increases muscle growth. Timing is everything, so to receive the maximum benefits of a preworkout meal you must work out within three hours after eating.

3 Post-workout meal

The benefits of post-workout meals are tremendous. According to studies, you should work out within 30-60 minutes of eating for maximum results.

Consuming a high protein smoothie, shake, or meal immediately after your workout will prevent muscle breakdown, increase fat loss, speed up muscle recovery and replenish your energy level.

4 Protein

A diet consisting of carbs, salads and vegetables alone will not help you lose weight, build or maintain muscle mass or burn fat. The rule of thumb is to eat 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. For example, a 150-pound woman needs to consume 150 grams of protein a day. To increase your daily protein intake, try drinking at least two high protein shakes or smoothies a day. And don’t forget to load up on protein at breakfast. Amp up your snacks with hardboiled eggs, Greek yogurt with berries, smooth peanut butter (believe it or not, there is more protein in smooth peanut butter than chunky peanut butter) and slices of turkey or lean roast beef.

5 Tart cherry juice

Tart cherries are high in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and aid in muscle recovery making them ideal for post-workout meals. Tart cherries also contain melatonin which helps you sleep more soundly. So before bed, make yourself a cherry cocktail. Mix cherry juice with a little seltzer and enjoy. Quick tip: Add frozen tart cherries to your post-workout recovery shake or smoothie.

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It’s not just where they live. It’s where they live it up.

Schedule a visit and see how we live it up!

254.778.2222

A Senior Living Community 3002 Jack Rabbit Rd. | Temple | elmcroft.com Facility # 000365 64

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

ADVERTISERS INDEX Ables Top Hat Chimney Sweep......... profile Academy of Medical Professionals..........64 Air Control..................................................48 Akasha’s Treasures....................................62 Arnold Builders................................... profile Atmos Energy............................................. 53 Bell County Health Department................65 Bell County Museum.................................59 Best Wishes Gifts...................................... 35 Blind & Shutter Gallery.............................58 Bob Mills Furniture...................................... 2 Cameron Park Zoo..................................... 25 Centex Pool Service................................... 35 Centex Scrap & Metal................................ 52 Dairy Queen...............................................62 Dossman Funeral Home............................ 27 Edward Jones/Howell................................65 El Centro Pet Hospital................................62 Ellis Air Systems.........................................60 Elmcroft......................................................64 English Maids............................................ 10 Extraco Bank................................Back Cover Falls Furniture............................................ 55 Fat Charlies................................................. 27 First Texas Brokerage.......................... profile Fort Hood Area Assn. of Realtors...... profile Groutworks of Central Texas.....................48 Hallmark Services......................................64 House of Floors...........................................13

John D. Bowen Construction............. profile Jim Wright Company.......................... profile Killeen Heating & Air.................................29 Killeen Sew & Quilt...................................56 Kiska House................................................17 Lastovica Jewelers.....................................29 Lisa Jay - Vista Real Estate................. profile Lochridge Priest..........................................51 Lone Star Ag Credit...................................29 Lone Star Structures.................................. 22 Lucky Bebe.................................................36 Metal Mart..................................................48 Metroplex Hospital...................................... 3 MF Construction........................................65 Mitchell & Associates......................... profile Mud Pies Pottery........................................ 10 Painting With A Twist................................36 Peloton Ridge Country Club..................... 14 Precious Memories.............................. 53, 56 Priscilla Z Photography..............................67 Purefit Foods..............................................47 Purifoy & Company Insurance........... profile ReMax Temple/Belton...............................50 ReMax - Chris Lockett........................ profile ReMax - Sue Lockett........................... profile ReMax - The Mahler Group................ profile ReMax - Margaret Pleasant................ profile ReMax - Ryan Smith........................... profile Rockin R Retreat Center.............................17

Salon Kinetic..............................................56 Scotts Lawn Care.......................................48 Seoul Garden..............................................21 Shar’s Boutique...........................................21 Shoppes on Main.......................................50 Solar Centex............................................... 18 SolarTex, LLC..............................................28 Stanley Steemer.........................................62 Stillwater Custom Homes................... profile Sunburst Realty - Vickie Kotrla.......... profile SWBC Mortgage................................. profile Temple Area Builders Association.............. 5 Terry Lockett Property Management... profile Texas Bariatric............................................ 52 Texas BBQ & Grill......................................... 7 Top Stone Granite & Quartz .....................36 TSO Texas State Optical............................ 14 Twila Thiele Real Estate...................... profile Union State Bank.......................................56 Veranda Blooms...........................................9 Victory Homes..................................... profile Westside Baptist Church...........................59 Z Medical Aesthetics.................................36 Zooty’s........................................................58 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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BarbWIRED BY KACTUS KATE Slightly Sharp & Twisted

Round Two: Spring Gardening I AM PREPARED THIS SPRING. THE GLOVES ARE BACK ON and I am well-armed. When those grasshoppers visit this year, I’ll have a little “treat” waiting for ‘em.

Last year in less than 48 hours, those creepy pests annihilated my entire yard and garden.

All of the herbs and vegetables I had started from seeds indoors were not only in the ground and planted, but thriving and blooming beautifully — that is, until the first grisly green gang arrived unannounced. The second wave joined them soon after and quickly devastated the rest of the yard, including all of my hanging baskets of flowers, shrubs and even two newly planted Rose of Sharon trees. As I stood over the pitiful remains of what was once a gorgeous garden, I made a vow.

Next year, I’ll be back.

Other novice gardeners might have succumbed to this heinous act of pillage and plunder and thrown in their shovels to take up a new hobby. But no sir, not this gal. Obviously, they don’t know about me. No smarmy bunch of 66

APRIL 2014 TEX APPEAL

repulsive pests are going to demolish my dreams of having a beautiful yard and a fresh bounty of organic herbs and vegetables.

I knew I needed to do some research if I was going to successfully wage battle this spring.

According to Chris Sansone, associate department head and AgriLife Extension program leader for entomology, a high grasshopper population is linked to hot, dry weather for a number of reasons. Cold-blooded grasshoppers thrive in warmer temperatures and the hot weather makes their metabolism run faster so they eat more and grow faster. Because the drought also damaged pastures and grasses where the grasshoppers hatch, it prevented the natural insect fungus that normally grows and controls grasshoppers.

Sansone also claims the grasshoppers hatched a couple weeks earlier than expected last year due

to the unseasonably warm weather, which meant they got a “jump” on us.

To prevent the insects from molting, Sansone recommends spraying while the grasshoppers are young — before they have wings.

He recommends using Dimilin (an insecticide used in forest management and on field crops to kill larvae and disrupt growth) and to start spraying in mid-March to the first of April, versus waiting until mid-April. According to research, exposure to Dimilin does not affect humans or animals. It should be applied at a rate of 2 ounces per acre and is sold in 1 gallon containers at a cost of approximately $3.20 per acre. It also controls caterpillars and army worms.

However, if you don’t want to use an insecticide, there is also an all-natural solution available: Semaspore Bait. This bait contains Nosema locustae, a naturally occurring grasshopper control. The key to using Semaspore is to use it in a “whirly bird” spreader and apply one pound of Semaspore Bait per acre when the grasshoppers are nymphs (majority 1/2" to 3/4" size), and to treat the hatching beds (grassy areas of unbroken ground) where nymphs are seen. After the grasshoppers eat the Semaspore, they become sick, eat less and begin to die. The disease spore then spreads to healthy grasshoppers through cannibalism. OMRI is listed for use in organic production. Within two to four weeks after treating your yard and garden, 50 percent of the grasshopper population will die and most survivors will be infected and continue spreading the disease. Infected survivors eat 75 percent less than healthy grasshoppers and lay fewer eggs.

However, it is not an effective treatment to use on adult grasshoppers — you must use it in the nymph stage. Semaspore bait will not harm people, pets or the environment.

Stop the insanity this spring and pick your poison. Don’t let these pests wreak havoc on your yard and garden again this year. I know I’m armed, ready and waiting. You hear that you lowdown, bug-eyed, green-belly grasshoppers?

Go ahead, make my spring. Say hello to my little friend, Semaspore.

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