Tex Appeal Magazine | Winter 2019-20

Life and Style in Central Texas

Winter 2019-20

TEXAS’ OLDEST DEPARTMENT STORE

Cochran, Blair & Potts

Holiday Gift Ideas IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Garlyn Shelton Auto Group

CORE VALUES KEY TO

Temple-Belton Feed & Supply

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS ISSUE

INDEX

22

AWARE Central Texas

Christmas on the Farm

24

Cochran, Blair & Potts

marks 150 years in business

30

Temple-Belton Feed & Supply

offers top-notch customer service

40

Magnolias of Salado offers ideas for holiday decor

A collection of nativities is displayed at Magnolias of Salado. | 40 Photograph by JUSTIN BORJA

ON THE COVER

6 7 8 12 13 14

WELCOME LETTER CONTRIBUTORS NEIGHBORS Artillery Creek Alpacas SCENE Gold Star Gala SCENE Military Appreciation Lunch IN THE SPOTLIGHT Garlyn Shelton Auto Group

4 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Ashley and Robert Potts Jr. of Cochran, Blair & Potts | 24 Photograph by JUSTIN BORJA

16 18 35 53 70 72 74

SOUTHERN STYLE 5 books worth gifting CALENDAR Holiday events HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Something for everyone LOCALLY OWNED Businesses in Central Texas HEALTH & WELLNESS Keep your resolutions DAY-TRIPPIN' Dallas Heritage Village ADVERTISING INDEX

44

Find stationery and more

at Paperdoodles in Temple

46

BLORA preps for Nature in Lights

50

Steve Joy finds a second calling at Chick-fil-A

64

Children learn with Kindermusik

68

Isdale Chiropractic a family business

OUR MISSION: The Bell County Museum exists to engage and educate the community by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the prehistoric and historic heritage of Bell County.

OUR VISION of the Bell County Museum is that all people are drawn to a unique and welcoming museum experience where they can learn about and develop an appreciation for those who have gone before, engage with their community of today, and develop a passion to preserve those experiences for future generations.

ADMISSION

Upcoming Exhibits

Upcoming Events

FREE!

Historic Holiday Toys Nov. 8, 2019 - Jan. 18, 2020

Day of Unity January 18

Young at Art February 3 - April 30, 2020

Full STEAM Ahead!

January 25

Bell County Sports May 15 - Aug. 8, 2020

Everyone is an Artist February 15

IS ALWAYS

201 N. Main St • Belton, TX 76513 (254) 933-5243 Tuesday - Friday 12pm-5pm • Saturday 10am-5pm

www.bellcountymuseum.org

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Atmos Energy is committed to safely delivering natural gas that helps lower carbon emissions while providing a sustainable energy solution for generations to come.

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RELEA INSER

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

T

his edition of Tex Appeal puts the spotlight on a few of the hundreds of local business owners who are creating jobs, supporting the community and helping make Central Texas a great place to live. They need your patronage — not just during this holiday season, but the rest of the year too.

One of the region’s oldest businesses is Cochran, Blair & Potts Department Store in Belton, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. Robert Potts Jr., his wife, Ashley, and brother Michael Potts are the seventh generation to operate the family-owned store. Read how they are working to make sure it stays current and continues to serve customers on page 24.

Isdale Chiropractic in Killeen has been serving Central Texas families since 1949. Founded by Sid Isdale, four of his five sons continue his legacy of providing chiropractic care in Bell County. Even though family members were eyewitnesses to one of the most tragic events in DON COOPER recent Bell County history — the 1991 Luby’s restaurant dcooper@ shooting — the Isdales remained committed to their tdtnews.com patients and the community. Their story is on page 68.

254-774-5203 Temple-Belton Feed & Supply is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Ron and Christi Lucksinger started the business in 1979 and have now passed the torch to son Adam Lucksinger and daughter Lindsey Strait. The stores have thrived through hard work, a commitment to customer service, willingness to change and an adherence to core values, page 30.

Two local business owners found their calling with franchise operations that are among the most successful in the country: Steve Joy, owner of the two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Temple, and Danielle Smith, who has Kindermusik in Killeen.

Joy opened his first Chick-fil-A at the Temple Mall 30 years ago after a career in the Air Force. His new store on 31st Street is a company showplace. He works hard and treats his employees well. He shares his story on page 50.

Smith is a former high school band director who opened a Kindermusik franchise in 2006 to stay involved with music and have a flexible schedule as she raised her daughter. The business, which uses music and activities to promote early childhood development, was perfect. Now Smith has created a place where other parents find the support they need, page 64.

Personal service is the key to success for Susie Winkler, owner of Paperdoodles in Temple. She takes time to make sure customers find exactly what they want, including invitations that are printed at the shop. It is the only stationery boutique in Central Texas, page 44.

If you need holiday decorating ideas, you might want to visit Magnolias in Salado. The store is transformed for the holidays. Find Sharon White’s story and Justin Borja’s beautiful photos beginning on page 40.

There are plenty of events in Central Texas to keep you, friends, family and visitors from out-of-town entertained this holiday season.

One of the most popular is the BLORA Holiday in Lights. Brandy Cruz provides an inside look at what it takes to prepare for the spectacular display, page 46.

For holiday season inspiration, read about Kati and Bill Davenport.

Their alpaca farm outside Kempner is a place where children who are fighting cancer and their families, find a respite from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation at no expense. Writer Fred Afflerbach and photographer Rebecca Bachtel tell the story beginning on page 8.

6 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Published by FRANK MAYBORN ENTERPRISES, INC.

KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

1809 Florence Rd., Killeen, TX 76540

TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM

10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501

Publisher SUE MAYBORN Temple Daily Telegram General Manager DON COOPER Graphic Designer M. CLARE HAEFNER Contributors FRED AFFLERBACH REBECCA BACHTEL JUSTIN BORJA MONIQUE BRAND BRANDY CRUZ LISA DAVIDSON JEROMIAH LIZAMA SHANE MONACO ANNETTE NEVINS SKEEBO REICHERT JACOB SANCHEZ BECKY STINEHOUR CAREY STITES SHARON WHITE Advertising 254-778-4444 in Temple 254-501-7500 in Killeen ABOUT US: Tex Appeal Magazine is published by Frank Mayborn Enterprises, Inc. 10 S. Third St., Temple, TX 76501.

The cover and content of Tex Appeal Magazine is fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: For the United States, $24 per year, 6 issues.

Mail check to P.O. Box 6114, Temple, TX 76503-6114. For questions about subscriptions, call 254-778-4444.

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

HOW TO CONTACT US: Advertising: 254-778-4444 or 254-501-7500.

Editorial: Contact Don Cooper at 254-774-5203 or dcooper@tdtnews.com

CONTRIBUTORS FRED AFFLERBACH literally took the long road to a journalism career. He has written for the Temple Daily Telegram and numerous other newspapers. Drawing on experiences from his long-haul trucking days, he has published two novels. He lives in Cedar Park.

Running-to-Live.com REBECCA BACHTEL is a soul-catching enthusiast who loves to tell stories through the eye of photography. Becca's ability to capture genuine emotion in her subjects and details of nature has brought her many photographic opportunities in Bell County and while traveling with her family.

Facebook.com/BeccaBachtelPhotography/ JUSTIN BORJA is a proud service member in the Air Force Reserve. He does portrait and commercial photography and lives in Harker Heights. He loves to explore other cities, connecting with people and capturing their images.

BorjaVisuals.com MONIQUE 'MO' BRAND has been a staff writer for the Killeen Daily Herald since May 2019. Before that, she reported on border issues and county government in Arizona.

She also worked as a reporter in Kerrville, Los Angeles and Norfolk, Virginia. The U.S. Navy veteran grew up in Killeen.

Follow her on Twitter @MoBrandKDH BRANDY CRUZ is a proud Army wife and mother of four. She has been a writer, editor, photographer, graphic designer and a host of other things for more than 12 years and is currently the news editor of the Fort Hood Sentinel. She enjoys writing stories that are important to people, stories people want to read. She looks for the beauty in everything.

LISA DAVIDSON is a professional writer and journalist with a long history of writing for newspapers and other publications. A native of Germany, she lives in the KilleenFort Hood area with her husband and two daughters.

JEROMIAH LIZAMA, following in the footsteps of his parents, is a Killeen resident, a hardcore introvert, adventure seeker, and foodie with great hair, a smile, four wonderful kids, and an amazingly impulsive personality whether he's behind the camera or avoiding it.

SHANE MONACO is a native of Buffalo, New York, who has spent most of his life in North Texas. Shane graduated from the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas.

He covers city government for the Temple Daily Telegram. Outside of work, he is an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction novels.

ANNETTE NEVINS is an award-winning journalist who has written for the Dallas Morning News, Austin American-Statesman, the San Antonio Express-News, Temple Daily Telegram and D-Magazine. She is an adjunct professor of journalism at the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas.

SKEEBO REICHERT has over 25 years experience as a professional photographer and has expanded his services to include filmmaking. The Temple High School graduate has a BFA in photography and sculpture. He lives in Temple with his wife and two sons. PhotoBySkeebo.com JACOB SANCHEZ is a West Texan who now lives in Temple with his pug, Buddy. He covers politics, government, and education for the Temple Daily Telegram. A graduate of St. Edward’s University, he has written for The Texas Tribune and Texas Observer.

Follow him on Twitter @_jacob_sanchez.

BECKY STINEHOUR is a portrait, commercial and event photographer, specializing in live music venues. Her work has been published in several regional magazines. She is a Killeen High School graduate who loves to highlight her treasured hometown connections through the lens of her camera.

Find her on Instagram at ciphoto.

CAREY STITES is a registered and licensed dietitian and certified personal trainer working for Wellstone Health Partners in Harker Heights. She has promoted health and wellness through presentations, classes, writing and cooking demonstrations.

SHARON WHITE is an award-winning author who lives in Temple. Her writing has been featured in the New York Daily News, Huffington Post, AdvancingWomen.com, Sweet Tart Beauty and FashionBible.com. Her lifestyle blog, QStyleTheBook.com, is based on her book, Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

7

NEIGHBORS

Helping Families Heal ALPACA FARM HOSTS PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS

By FRED AFFLERBACH | Photography by REBECCA BACHTEL

W

ith a long neck, soft fleece and a Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. smirk pasted on its face, the whimsical “It looked like I had a muffin top on one side and colorful alpaca looks like a large of my hip,” Declan said. “I was pretty skinny so stuffed animal come to life. But at Artillery Creek it really stood out. I didn’t think anything of it.”

Alpacas and Farm, these curious creatures have a Three years later, Declan is considered NED — higher calling. A few miles outside Kempner, the no evidence of disease. “There are days when it Davenport family maintains a doesn’t even cross my mind herd of 18 alpacas, with two that I had cancer and I went llamas thrown in for good through chemotherapy and measure. They keep these lost all my hair. I’m just a animals not for the price the normal kid right now.” fleece brings once a year, It was that unexpected and not merely as a curiosity, journey that spurred Kati rather these alpacas are Davenport, a registered nurse, used to encourage and uplift to dedicate their 29-acre children, and their families, farm to supporting children who are fighting various forms battling cancer. Shortly after of cancer.

Declan was diagnosed, a Folks from across mother with a similar story the country needing a called and offered to share respite from the effects of her experiences so the chemotherapy and radiation Davenports would know and blood counts are what to expect. As Declan welcome to spend a few days progressed through 17 at the farm at no expense. rounds of chemotherapy and The Alpaca Barn where guests six weeks of radiation, Kati stay is actually a spacious suite learned that there is a network that sleeps six, complete with of folks online who are dealing a kitchenette and full bath. with pediatric cancer. So she The Davenports treat visitors leaned on others, online and to home-cooked meals, in person, to help her through arts and crafts, and plentiful the hard times. And that snacks. And anyone can take experience is the impetus for an alpaca for a walk. her, her husband, Bill, and The Davenports have daughter, Daphne, to share — Kati Davenport opened their arms and their their experiences and farm farm to families fighting with others. cancer because they’ve been through the “This is kind of an evolving journey for us. We heartache and fear a cancer diagnosis brings. Back were trying to find what we can do that will provide in June 2016, Kati and Bill Davenport’s son, Declan, people joy and hope. I think it’s nice for families was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma — a rare form to sit and talk with other cancer families, whether of pediatric bone cancer. At age 13, Declan was it’s the same kind of cancer or not. They get to excited about playing football, but a strange and discuss journeys and understand each other,” Kati painful growth on his right hip sent him to MD Continued

“This is kind of an evolving journey for us. We were trying to find what we can do that will provide people joy and hope.”

8 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

The Davenport Family, Daphne, Bill, Kati and Declan, with some of their alpaca friends on the Artillery Creek Alpacas and Farm near Kempner.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

9

Davenport said. “Our mission here is to let others know they are not alone, to provide hope and friendship when everything around you feels like it is crumbling. This farm is our home. It is such a place of hope, healing, and happiness. We are truly blessed to share it with other families.”

Fourteen-hundred miles northeast of Kempner, in eastern Pennsylvania, Lori Lafferty and her daughter Madelyne boarded a plane bound for Texas last September. Madelyne, 11, had been battling the same cancer Declan fought.

Connecting on social media, the Davenports learned that Madelyne was crazy about llamas and alpacas. So the Davenports flew them down for a visit and Madelyne got as much one-on-one time with the animals as she wanted.

Lafferty said the Davenport family gave to her and Madelyne “a gift that will last forever.”

“They are doing amazing things there. From the minute we stepped off the plane, we were family. There’s a bond there that is unbreakable, Kati, Bill, Declan, Daphne. It wasn’t like we were visitors. It was if we had known each other for our entire life,” Lafferty said.

“I had an experience to be with her a couple of days that didn’t involve IVs, or chemo, or throwing up and everything else. And I don’t know if I’ll ever get that experience again. The world of pediatric cancer is ugly and it’s cold and there’s people like Kati who will reach out and say, ‘I got you.’ It’s an inspiration.”

Only about 200 people a year are diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, the second most common type of bone cancer in children, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But the Davenports feel like they’ve met all 200. They said they’d like to shine a light on how they feel that research for pediatric cancer is underfunded.

Looking back on a three-year journey, Bill

Davenport, a colonel stationed at Fort Hood, said he felt like his family was in a fog. “And other parents that are in the fog with you get it,” Davenport said. “I think there’s a lot of sharing … to know that you’re not alone. The feelings that you have are felt by other people going through the same thing at the same time.”

That bonding among families facing the same challenges keeps the Davenports active. Daphne, 12, knits alpaca wool hats, socks and scarves for cancer patients. And she is the best alpaca wrangler in the family. “You headlock them. They’re not that strong. Nor are they heavy. When they’re fluffy, they look like these big, intimidating figures, but once you sheer them, they’re like deer,” she said with a grin.

The Alpaca Barn is listed on Airbnb as Alpaca My Bags! It’s open to the public unless already booked for a cancer family. Proceeds go to their various ministries such as catering meals at MD Anderson.

Artillery Creek Alpacas

https://artillerycreekalpacasandfarm.com

10 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

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SCENE: 25TH ANNUAL GOLD STAR GALA

1

3

2

4

5

6 1. From left, Debbie and Bill Crooker and Zack and Megan Whiddon were among the guests at the 25th annual Gold Star Gala in Killeen.

2. Ortha Gray, Gold Star Gala Chairperson Roosevelt Huggins and Elvis Irby.

12 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

3. State Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, and his wife, Susan.

4. Paul and Karen West.

5. Kevin Roberts, AdventHealth president and CEO, with his wife, Alena.

6. Krista and William McKeever.

Photos by MONIQUE BRAND

SCENE: MILITARY APPRECIATION LUNCH

1

2

3

4

5 1. State Rep. Hugh Shine and World War II veteran J.C. Alstom attend the Temple Chamber of Commerce’s 35th Annual Military Appreciation lunch on Oct. 29.

2. Dorothy and Jim Granfor.

3. Temple Chamber of Commerce President Rod Henry, Texas Land Commissioner George Prescott Bush and retired Maj. Gen. Ken Cox. 4. Brig. Gen. Darren L. Werner, director of sustainment for III Corps, addresses guests at the lunch.

5. Veteran Levi Williams.

Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

13

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SOUTHERN STYLE

Books with Southern flair make great gifts

By SHARON WHITE

A

fter the bottle of wine is finished and that tie goes out of style, what gift lasts the true test of time? A brilliant book — to inspire, inform and enlighten.

Weird Homes: The People and Places that Keep Austin Strangely Wonderful

By David J. Neff and Chelle Neff | Skyhorse Publishing, 2018 | ISBN: 978-1510723603 In 2014, David and Chelle Neff co-founded Austin’s “Weird Homes Tour.” Every year since they have showcased Austin’s most whimsical and wonderful homes in “all their eccentricity.” Here they invite readers to take a visual tour of the soul-filled dwellings they have highlighted, in hopes that it might inspire others to transform their own spaces in imaginative and distinctive ways.

Breakfast in Texas: Recipes for Elegant Brunches, Down-Home Classics & Local Favorites

By Terry Thompson-Anderson | University of Texas Press, 2017 | ISBN: 978-1477310441 Terry Thompson-Anderson is the author of nine previous cookbooks. She has gathered a collection of her own best brunch creations along with recipes from legendary restaurants such as The Driskill Hotel’s 1886 Café & Bakery, Brenan’s of Houston, and Austin’s Fonda San Miguel. Find original recipes for cocktails, egg concoctions, pancakes, waffles and French toast, and delights for vegans and meat lovers.

Talk Southern to Me: Stories and Sayings to Accent Your Life

By Julia Fowler | Gibbs Smith, 2018 | ISBN: 978-1423648963 Julia Fowler is the creator of YouTube’s Southern Women Channel. Talk Southern to Me is her love letter to the South. In the book — which Dolly Parton describes as “fun, informative, and oh-so-Southern” — Fowler includes essays and quotes on charm, beauty, style, love, marriage and parenting — all with a heaping helping of Southern wit and wisdom.

QUESO!: Regional Recipes for the World’s Favorite Chile-Cheese Dip

By Lisa Fain | Ten Speed Press (Penguin/Random House, LLC), 2017 | ISBN: 978-0399579516 Lisa Fain is a seventh generation Texan and creator of the popular food blog “The Homesick Texan.” In this, her third cookbook, she delves into the allure of the cult favorite, QUESO — which may be considered the perfect party food. She includes 50 recipes with history, tips and fun facts about everyone’s beloved cheese dip.

Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits

By Reese Witherspoon | Atria Books, 2018 | ISBN: 978-1501166273 This 300-page charmer explores the influences in Reese Witherspoon’s life growing up in the South. It is also a tender tribute to her grandmother, Dorthea — an ambitious, poised, educated southern woman — as impeccably mannered as she was tough. The book contains stunning photographs and notes on everything from etiquette, to entertaining, to decorating, to “fixing your hair.”

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

— Garrison Keillor

16 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

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CALENDAR: HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS December 2 73rd Annual Temple Christmas Parade Presented by Temple Parks and Recreation Department Bands, floats, decorated automobiles and walking groups. Awards given for entries that best depict the spirit of Christmas and the parade’s theme “12 Days of Christmas.”

Time: 6:15 p.m. tree lighting; 6:30 p.m. parade Venue: Downtown Temple For more information: 254-298-5440 December 5 Chrome and Carols Festival of Trees Benefit for United Way of Central Texas Thirteen professionally decorated Christmas trees will be raffled with more than $1,000 worth of gifts beneath each tree. Live auction, music and a holiday meal.

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Horny Toad Harley Davidson, Temple Tickets: $55 individual; $950 table of 10 available on CentralTexasTickets.com For more information: 254-778-8616 December 5 Salado Lighted Christmas Parade Presented by the Salado Chamber of Commerce Floats, antique automobiles and golf carts all decked out for the holidays.

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Main Street, Salado For more information: 254-947-5040

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December 6, 7, 8 Disney’s Frozen Jr. Presented by Vive Les Arts A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr. expands on the emotional relationship between Anna and Elsa.

Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Dec. 8 Venue: Vive Les Arts Theatre, Killeen Tickets: $10, $12, $14 For more information: 254-526-9090

December 6 Holiday Under the Stars Presented by Killeen Parks and Recreation Department Arts and crafts, photos with Santa, tree lighting and a snow hill slide.

Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Venue: Killeen Community Center, Killeen For more information: 254-501-6390 December 6, 7, 13 and 14 A Christmas Carol Presented by Tablerock Festival of Salado Adapted for the stage by Harry Sweet, the Tablerock production of "A Christmas Carol" is the tale of the transformation of Scrooge from a miserly old skinflint into a caring and giving soul — told in drama as Dickens wrote it.

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Tablerock Amphitheater, Salado Tickets: $10 adults; $5 students and children (12 and under) available on CentralTexasTickets.com For more information: 254-947-9205 December 6, 8 The Nutcracker Presented by Texas Metropolitan Ballet A holiday season favorite Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 2 p.m. Dec. 8

254-947-3800 371 Mill Creek Dr., Suite 1 Salado, TX

Santa arrives at the Temple Christmas Parade.

Custom Homes Designed for the Art of Living

Venue: Cultural Activities Center, Temple Tickets: $12 adults, $7 child For more information: 254-773-9926 December 6-8, 13-17 59th Annual Salado Christmas Stroll Presented by Salado Chamber of Commerce Late night shopping, live nativity, Santa, strolling carolers, live music Venue: Village of Salado For more information: 254-947-5040 December 7 Salado Tour of Homes Presented by the Salado Historical Society Tour six beautifully decorated homes in Salado.

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 day of the event at the Salado Public Library available on CentralTexasTickets.com For more information: 512-484-5389 December 7 Christmas on the Chisholm Trail Presented by Belton Parks and Recreation Department Shopping, food vendors, bounce houses and Santa Time: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: Downtown Belton For more information: 254-933-5860

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Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

19

CALENDAR

Celebrate the Holidays in Central Texas Chrome and Carols Festival of Trees Benefit for United Way of Central Texas 6 p.m. December 5 Horny Toad Harley Davidson Tickets: $55 individual; $950 table of 10

A Christmas Carol Presented by Tablerock Festival of Salado 7 p.m. December 6, 7, 13 and 14 Tablerock Amphitheater, Salado Tickets: $10 adults; $5 students & children (12 & under)

Salado Tour of Homes Presented by the Salado Historical Society 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 7 Tour six beautifully decorated homes in Salado Tickets: $20 in advance; $25 day of the event at the Salado Public Library

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play Presented by Temple High School Theatre 8 p.m. December 13 and 14; 2 p.m. December 15 Temple High School Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door (if available)

Last Night New Year’s Eve Gala Benefit for the Ralph Wilson Youth Club 7:30 p.m. December 31 McLane Aviation Hangar, Draughon-Miller Central Texas Airport Tickets: $275 individual

CENTRALTEXAS

TICKETS.COM Powered by Frank Mayborn Enterprises

The place to find and purchase tickets for area events, concerts, shows and festivals.

20 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

December 10 A Concert of Christmas Favorites Presented by The Salado Community Chorus Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: First Baptist Church, Salado For more information: SaladoTXCommunityChorus@ gmail.com December 13, 14 and 15 A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play Presented by Temple High School Theatre The Charles Dickens holiday classic presented as a live 1946 Christmas Eve radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects.

Time: 8 p.m. December 13 and 14; 2 p.m. December 15 Venue: Temple High School Tickets: $10 in advance; $12 at the door (if available), also available on CentralTexasTickets.com For more information: 254-215-7000 December 14 57th Annual Killeen Christmas Parade Presented by Killeen Parks and Recreation Department Entries are encouraged to incorporate the parade theme, “Santa’s Winter Camp,” in displays.

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Venue: Downtown Killeen For more information: 254-501-6390 December 14 Chisholm Trail Christmas Ball Benefit for the Bell County Youth Fair Scholarship Program Featuring music by Neal McCoy Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Bell County Expo Center, Belton For more information: 254-933-5309 December 14, 15 The Nutcracker Presented by Texas Metropolitan Ballet A holiday season favorite Time: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 14; 2 p.m. December 15 Venue: Vive Les Arts Theatre, Killeen

The Texas Metropolitan Ballet presents The Nutcracker in Temple and Killeen this holiday season.

Photo by Yana Feldman

Tickets: $8, $15 For more information: 254-526-9090 December 19, 20, 21, 22 The Most Wonderful Show of the Year Presented by Vive Les Arts Theatre Annual Christmas revue featuring holiday classics.

Time: 7:30 p.m. December 19, 20, 21; 2:30 p.m. December 22 Venue: Vive Les Arts Theatre, Killeen Tickets: $5, $15 For more information: 254-526-9090 December 21 Bend of the River Christmas Presented by Temple Parks and Recreation Department Cowboy Santa, arts and crafts, snow party

Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Venue: Bend of the River Park, Temple For more information: 254-298-5774 December 31 Last Night New Year’s Eve Gala Benefit for the Ralph Wilson Youth Club Ring in the New Year in top-notch style! Black tie optional.

Each Gala ticket includes: Childcare at RWYC, valet parking, dinner, premium beverage service, live music, dancing, fireworks at midnight Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: McLane Aviation Hangar, Draughon-Miller Central Texas Airport Tickets: $275 individual available on CentralTexasTickets.com For more information: 254-773-9001

Bring on the

Sparkle!

Come in for a FREE Consultation

2919 S. Market Loop, Temple • 254-541-7837 Z Me d i c a l Ae s t h e t i c s . c o m TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

21

Christmas on the Farm

Family-friendly event supports AWARE Central Texas

By SHANE MONACO

B

e AWARE — the holiday spirit is returning to the Bell County Expo Center on Dec. 7.

The Expo Center will again host Christmas on the Farm. The 13th annual event will feature games, performances, activities and food. Proceeds support AWARE Central Texas.

“It is a low-cost, family-friendly event,” says Blanca Ortiz, AWARE event and case manager.

Proceeds “help us work with families for free on things in regards to child abuse, family violence or sexual assault.”

Admission is 50 cents per person or $2 for a family, whichever is less. There is an additional charge for individual activities, games and merchandise.

AWARE Central Texas executive director Misty Biddick said the event raises about $25,000 each year for the organization. Attendance typically tops more than 5,000 and about 400 volunteers are involved. The Belton Singers, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor cheerleaders and Central Texas Taekwondo are scheduled to perform. Bell County Comic Con, “The Grinch” and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at the event.

There will be a variety of activities for children at the 13th Annual Christmas on the Farm event on Dec. 7 at the Bell County Expo Center.

“We will have over 40 activity booths,” says Ortiz, including activities such as decorating Christmas stockings, showing children how to make paper airplanes and teaching people how to fly fish.

There also will be a petting zoo.

“It is just a really fun event for all of the families in Central Texas to come out and enjoy,” she says.

Ortiz, who works in the group’s family violence unit, said the funding will go to help programs for victims of family violence or to help educate the community about the issue.

While the Christmas on the Farm event might just seem like fun, Ortiz said that these sorts of family events can help lower stress in the household and reduce the chances of violence.

IF YOU GO

Christmas on the Farm will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton.

Proceeds benefit AWARE Central Texas, which focuses on dealing with family violence and child abuse.

22 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Thursday ..........December 12, 2019 Friday ...............December 13, 2019 Saturday ..........December 14, 2019

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23

COCHRAN, BLAIR & POTTS

Customer service guides Texas’ oldest department store

A

By DON COOPER | Photography by JUSTIN BORJA

s soon as they could walk, Robert Potts Jr. and Michael Potts would visit the family business, Cochran, Blair & Potts Department Store in downtown Belton. They would entertain customers and visit with employees.

Eventually, they would help around the store, cleaning display cases, taking out the trash and wrapping presents at Christmastime.

Now Robert, Michael and Robert’s wife, Ashley, are running Texas’ oldest department store ­— the seventh generation to operate the historic, family-owned business.

With a commitment to customer service, an appreciation for history and a work ethic that has been handed down from generation to generation, they are making sure the store stays current.

It wasn’t a given that Robert, 34, and Michael, 32, would join the family business. While their father, Rob Potts Sr., and grandfather, Roy Cochran Potts, who died in March 2019, may have hoped they would be involved, there was no pressure to do so.

Robert went to Texas A&M, where he earned a degree in industrial technology and, perhaps more significantly, met Ashley. He started full time at the store in 2009. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to come back here,” he says.

Ashley, 33, who is from Henderson, has a health 24 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

degree. She initially worked part time at the store; she moved to full time in 2013. Robert and Ashley have one child, Grayson, a boy born in 2018.

Michael also went to Texas A&M. With a degree in economics, he worked in banking for a while before returning to the store. “Dad never really pressured us to come back. We just naturally gravitated back to the store,” he says.

Michael and his wife, Julia, who is a first-grade teacher in Belton, have a daughter, Maddox, also born in 2018. Even though Michael and Julia both grew up in Belton, attended the same high school and college, they never knew each other well — at least not until grandfather Roy Potts “set us up,” Michael says. “He always got a kick out of that.”

While Robert’s title is president and Ashley and Michael are vice presidents, they share duties and work together to make sure customers are served.

And even though Rob Sr., 68, is approaching retirement, he comes to the store every day to give guidance and counsel.

Rob’s wife, Brenda, is a retired P.E. teacher.

Staying current, serving customers

Keeping the store’s merchandise mix current and serving customer needs are paramount for Robert, Ashley and Michael — just like they were for the

From left, Michael Potts, Robert Potts Jr., Ashley Potts and Rob Potts Sr. inside the department store their family has run for seven generations. OPPOSITE PAGE: A historical marker outside Cochran, Blair & Potts.

150th anniversary celebration

Cochran, Blair & Potts is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5.

The event includes live music by Alexis McLaughlin, catered food from Miller’s BBQ, drinks from Bold Republic, and photos with Santa by Antlers and Lace. Donations for the Gary DeSalvo endowment will be accepted. previous six generations.

“We have tried to respect our previous customers and bring in new customers,” Ashley says.

The front portion of the store includes women’s and men’s departments as well as gifts, including Cochran, Blair & Potts memorabilia and merchandise such as cologne, candles, T-shirts and hats that are popular with the large number of tourists who visit the historic business. The store also has expanded its selection of children’s clothes

and has added “classic wood toys,” which fit well in a classic department store, Ashley says.

“I think a lot of the merchandise selection comes from us engaging with the customers,” Robert says.

“A lot of times we know their name as soon as they walk in. Building that relationship and that rapport with the customer, we’re able to better fit their needs by providing products that we know that they’re looking for.”

Ashley says they will often have particular customers in mind when they are selecting merchandise. “We will say, ‘Oh this person would love this.’ We try to listen. ‘Oh, this customer requested this.’ That’s the advantage of having a small business and getting to know your customers.”

The store has moved to more “lifestyle brands for men and women,” Michael says, pointing to a wall that used to display men’s suits. “Now the whole back half of the store is work boots.”

Work boots is a niche that Rob Sr. saw and pursued in an innovative way, calling on local Continued

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

25

Ashley and Robert Potts Jr. and a display of historic newspaper sections and ads in the Cochran, Blair & Potts second floor museum.

Store’s history maintained in second floor museum

The story of Texas’ oldest department store is maintained with a spectacular collection of artifacts on the second floor of Cochran, Blair & Potts in downtown Belton.

Organized with displays and artifacts depicting each of the preceding six generations of operation, the museum includes the business’s first ledger in 1869, mannequins with hats from 1930s and 1940s, china sets, registers, business equipment, as well as books and photographs of the store and the individuals who made it a success.

Preserved copies of a Temple Daily Telegram special edition produced in 1929 following a devastating fire a year earlier showcases the store’s merchandise and history.

With a desire to tell the Cochran, Blair & Potts story and display the rich history that was in storage, Jean Potts, Robert and Michael’s grandmother, organized the museum in the 1990s. The space previously was the children’s department.

There’s nothing in the museum for the current, seventh generation – at least not yet. “We’re too young to be in the museum,” Robert says.

26 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

companies, finding out their needs and developing relationships. He came up with the idea of a “boot truck” that brings boots to a manufacturing plant or construction company in order to sell directly to the employees.

“A lot of companies will require safety footwear if you are going to be in the facility or off-site,” Michael says. “We have contracts set up with them.

Some companies will subsidize the purchase, so the employee does not have to pay the full amount.

We’re able to tailor the selection and the product for each individual company based on the needs the employees have.”

A ‘back to the future’ renovation

The most visible changes to the store were the result of a renovation project that began in mid-2016 and ended just before Christmas 2017.

It was the most extensive project since the store reopened in 1929 after a devastating fire a year earlier. The project was completed in segments in order to keep the store open.

“The whole goal was to take the store back in time in appearance,” Robert says. “I tell everybody it was really fun to do because you were peeling back layers. You could peel back a paneling wall with 1990s color wallpaper behind it, then something from the Eighties and then the Seventies. We really took the building back to the Continued

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Items in the Cochran, Blair & Potts museum include hats, place settings and china patterns. bones of it and really tried to highlight what the store potentially would have looked like when it originally opened.

“We wanted to have more of a classic, timeless feel,” he says.

The project started with research, looking through old photographs and visiting with longtime customers. Contractor Jeff Ling of Peerless Enterprises in Belton was instrumental in the design, construction and preservation of the store.

Most of a limestone wall that is now a beautiful part of the décor had been plastered over.

The original grand entrance on Penelope was covered. Wood paneling had replaced the old oak woodwork throughout the store.

“The original stone was covered up,” Ashley says. “This entrance (on Penelope Street) was

28 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

covered up. It had a mural on the outside and then a wall on the inside. We knew it was there from previous pictures.”

The store’s wood floor, which was sagging in spots, required a lot of work, including adding supports in the crawl space below. Restoring the original tin ceiling took more time and “TLC” than anticipated.

“If we were able to restore it, we spent our time and did it slowly and restored it,” Robert says. “If we had to bring in something new, we did it in a way that’s time period appropriate. There was a lot

Cochran, Blair & Potts timeline

of attention and detail that went into that.”

Windows at the Central Avenue entrance were uncovered which, along with the work on the Penelope Street side, brings more natural light into the store. Exterior work also included new awnings and restoration of the iconic Cochran, Blair & Potts neon signs.

With the renovation complete, what’s the next big thing on the horizon for Cochran, Blair & Potts?

“I guess another 150 years,” Robert says.

“That would be pressuring our children,” Ashley quickly adds.

Founded in 1869 by Colonel H.M. Cook, a Mississippi veteran of the Civil War, the store originally was called Cook Mercantile Company.

First located in Centerville, Texas, the store moved to Buffalo, Texas, to operate closer to the railroad.

In 1884 it moved to its final location in Belton.

As sons/son-in-laws joined and left the business over the years, the name changed five times from 1869 until 1917 when it became Cochran, Blair & Potts Department Store. In 1970, Roy and Jean Potts purchased the entire ownership. Their son, Rob Potts Sr., took over operation and was later joined by the seventh generation, Robert Potts Jr., his wife, Ashley Potts, and Michael Potts.

Cochran, Blair & Potts is of historical interest and value because its title of the oldest department store in Texas. It has been owned and operated by the same family for seven generations. A historical marker flanks the side of the building giving credit to all who have kept Cochran, Blair & Potts thriving for 150 years.

1869-1874: Cook Mercantile & Company is founded in Centerville, Texas.

1874: Company moves to Buffalo, Texas.

1884: Company moves to present day location in Belton, Texas.

1886-1904: Company is renamed to Cook, Cochran & Company.

1904-1917: Company is renamed to T.W. Cochran & Company.

1917-1928: Company is renamed Cochran, Blair & Potts.

1929-Present: Company becomes Cochran, Blair & Potts, Inc.

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29

CORE VALUES ARE KEY

to Temple-Belton Feed & Supply’s success

By DON COOPER | Photos by SKEEBO and COURTESY of TEMPLE-BELTON FEED

T

here are a lot of reasons for Temple-Belton Feed & Supply’s success. Lots of hard work.

Great customer service. Willingness to change.

But more than anything, the family business has thrived for 40 years because of an adherence to its core values.

Ron and Christi Lucksinger came to Central Texas in 1979, taking advantage of an opportunity to purchase Belton Feed and Produce, the local Purina Feed store. Four decades later, their children, son Adam Lucksinger and daughter Lindsey Strait, are running the Temple and Belton stores, working to keep them current, growing and involved in the community.

“I know the reason we’ve been successful is because of our core values,” Christi says near the end of a discussion in which Ron, Adam and Lindsey talked about how the business has evolved to meet a changing market and customer needs.

“Our first core value is always that we give honor to God,” Christi says. “None of this is possible without His guidance and His blessing. We are a family that prays together. Whenever we come to big decisions we always come together in prayer and ask for Him to lead us in those decisions.

“We work to form relationships with our customers,” Christi says. “They’re not just customers, they’re like our partners. We have a real desire and we instill in our employees a real desire to serve, to give our customers what they want, what they need, to find it for them if we don’t have it.

“And we have the most wonderful employees that any business could have. They also have to share our core values of integrity, the love for customers and the love for the business or they won’t make it. They’re part of our family too,” Christi says.

Ron, who is originally from Burnet, and Christi, who grew up near Lubbock, met at Tarleton State University where Ron earned a degree in agriculture and Christi received a degree in English with a minor in journalism. They were married in 1972 and moved to Oklahoma where Ron started as a representative for a fertilizer company and later managed a Purina feed and grain business.

Purina was the ‘top of the line’ feed company with about 5,000 dealerships in the country at the time. It was through Purina’s dealer network that Ron and Christi learned of the opportunity in

30 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

•

•

•

• •

•

•

In 2001, the Lucksingers hosted their first wildlife seminar for hunting and game enthusiasts. The annual event is the largest Purina wildlife seminar in the country, drawing more than a thousand people to the Bell County Expo.

Adam launched the Venado Grande Deer Contest in 2004. It has grown to nearly 800 entries in more than 25 categories.

Hunters young and old compete for prizes in the annual contest.

The company also hosts seminars for horse owners and cattle producers, plus special events like pet adoptions, dog dips and backyard poultry workshops.

Ron has served on the executive board of the Bell County Youth Fair for 20 years.

The family business donates thousands of dollars every year to help support local youth agriculture programs like the Bell County Youth Fair and local 4-H and FFA clubs.

In 2007, Lindsey was selected to organize and chair the Bell County Youth Fair Scholarship Committee. The program has raised money to provide college and trade school scholarships to 119 local students. She continues to chair the committee.

In 2018, Belton Feed & Supply received the first Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Award for business excellence and community service.

Central Texas and they bought a store in Belton.

When the Purina dealership in Temple was going out of business in 1983, Ron and Christi wanted it.

“When a dealership like the one in Temple came up we jumped at it. We knew we would have the exclusive,” Ron says.

If “location, location, location” is important to a business, the location decision for the Temple store was genius. A 40-foot by 60-foot rock building on Second Street was purchased. Its greatest value was its proximity to a railroad spur.

Continued

Lindsey Strait, Christi Lucksinger, Adam Lucksinger and Ron Lucksinger of Temple-Belton Feed & Supply.

Photo by Skeebo TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

31

“We chose the location where the Temple store is now because of the railroad tracks,” Ron says.

“You could ship rail freight out of Fort Worth for $2 a ton. If you were on a truck it would cost you $10.”

While Ron managed two stores, Christi handled the advertising and focused on caring for Adam and Lindsey. Then an opportunity came up for her.

The president of Tarleton, the couple’s alma mater, offered Christi a position as the director of alumni affairs. They sold the Belton store and moved to Stephenville in 1984, giving Christi a chance to pursue her career. Ron continued to be involved in the Temple store, which was managed by business partner Charles Casebolt.

“By 1986, (Christi) could see that I was bouncing off of the walls … so we came back to Temple,” Ron says. Charles and (his wife) Kay wanted to be in the ministry full time. They wanted to leave so that was part of the reason we came back.”

The business has thrived ever since. Between 1986 and 1998, Ron and Christi, who worked as the communications director for the McLane Company in the early 1990s, grew the Temple store, earning awards from Purina as one of the nation’s top dealerships and growing support from Central Texas customers. But retailing can be a drain. Ron was contemplating selling when Bell County Farm and Ranch on Wall Street in Belton came on the market. “It was a godsend. I don’t know why … I was wanting to sell one, why buy another one?”

The couple bought the Belton store, which was renamed Belton Feed & Supply, just in time for the next generation to get involved — even though they didn’t realize it at the time.

After receiving his master’s degree in biology from Tarleton, Adam, who wanted to be a doctor, came back to the store to work during the summer of 1999 while he was applying and interviewing for medical school.

“When I came back I did think it was temporary,”

Ron and Christi in the Temple store in 1983.

32 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Customers attend the grand opening in 2014 for the remodeled Temple Feed & Supply store. says Adam, who is celebrating his 20th year with the family business. “For the first couple of years, I didn’t really know if this is what I wanted to do.

It turned out to be a good fit for me. Dad had confidence in me from the very beginning. It has been a great opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Lindsey earned a business degree with an emphasis in management information systems from Texas A&M University. She worked in Dallas for five years doing computer programing when she realized “it wasn’t a good fit for my personality” and came back to Bell County in 2004.

She started working in the business and enjoyed the chance to serve customers and employees instead of programing computers. “I looked back at my upbringing and the blessing that God bestowed upon us as we were raised. This is a great area to raise a family.

“Dad’s hard work put us through college, took care of us growing up,” says Lindsey, who is celebrating her 15th year in the business.

Adam, who is responsible for the Belton store, and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters, Abby, 17, and Tori, 13. Jessica is senior strategic human resources initiative manager for Reynolds Consumer Products.

Lindsey runs the Temple store and is responsible for the accounting, advertising and marketing for both operations. She is married to Todd Strait, a teacher at High Point Elementary in Belton. They have three children, Madilynn 10, Cooper, 9, and Ali, 6.

While Ron and Christi ‘retired’ in 2015, Adam and Lindsey continue to seek and respect their advice. “This business is his passion,” Adam says of his dad. “He’s valuable counsel to us on all major decisions. He may not have gotten a paycheck for years, but he’s still working every day.”

Continued

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

33

Members of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce attended a 2007 grand opening for Belton Feed & Supply.

TEMPLE-BELTON FEED & SUPPLY TIMELINE

1979 — Ron and Christi Lucksinger move from Oklahoma to Texas and purchase a Purina Mills dealership in downtown Belton.

1983 — The Lucksingers open a second store, Temple Feed & Supply, in an old warehouse on South Second Street in downtown Temple.

1984 — The Belton store is sold and the family moves to Stephenville, where Christi becomes director of alumni affairs at Tarleton State University. Ron stays involved with the Temple feed store, which is managed by business partner Charles Casebolt.

1986 — Charles Casebolt decides to enter Christian ministry full-time. The Lucksinger family moves back to manage the Temple store.

1988 — The company is recognized by Purina Mills as one of the top dealers in the nation. Over the next 31 years, Temple/ Belton Feed earns the distinction eight times.

1998 — The Lucksingers purchase Bell County Farm and Ranch on Wall Street in Belton, renaming it Belton Feed & Supply.

1999 — Son Adam, who has a master’s degree in biology from Tarleton State University, joins the family business.

2004 — Daughter Lindsey, who has a business degree from Texas A&M, joins the family business.

2007 — A 12,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse adjacent to the old location on Wall Street opens in Belton.

2014 – Grand opening for the remodeled Temple store, including 4,300-square expansion of the retail showroom and office area.

2015 — Ron and Christi retire.

34 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

The two stores have continued to evolve and expand. A 12,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse was added to the Belton store on Wall Street in 2007. With a footprint five times larger, it would feature a lawn and garden center, deer stands and feeders, fencing supplies and outdoor accessories. More recently, a new warehouse was built this fall at the Belton store.

A grand opening was held in 2014 at the newly remodeled Temple location with a 4,300-squarefoot addition that enlarged the retail showroom and office. It included space for new lines of pet food and supplies, horse products, lawn and garden, wildlife items and gifts.

“When Lindsey and Adam both came back they took over the future of our business,” Ron says.

“There’s been nothing but growth since then.

“I’m the old guy,” Ron says. “In the retail business change, changing with the times is so important. When they stepped into the store in the early 2000s, their change, their insight on what was happening as far as technology or products is what has run these stores farther than what I could ever have run them.”

Bell County’s changing landscape has prompted some of the evolution. “Now when an old rancher sells out or passes away, they build a bunch of houses on his land. They don’t put a bunch of cows on it,” Adam says. “With all those houses going in, we have to sell them dog food and fertilizer for their yard.”

“The relationship that we have with our customer is so important … that there is trust between us that we’re going to be able to serve them and have the products they need,” Lindsey says.

More than anything, the family is grateful for the community support it has received. “How blessed we are to have a business in this area,” Adam says. “The people of Bell County are so wonderful and so loyal. They’ve embraced us, embraced our family. I hope they look at us as friends. If you do business with honesty and integrity, people of Bell County will support you.”

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At Magnolias of Salado, Design Your Own

holiday magic

By SHARON WHITE | Photography by JUSTIN BORJA

S

From left, Priscilla Hill, Judy Harden, Frances Gonzales and Jack Husung Jr. 40 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

tepping inside Magnolias of Salado during the holiday season is like entering an enchanted wonderland. Every room in this rustic boutique has been brilliantly transformed with a designer’s touch. Sparkle, whimsy, glamour, farmhouse, or traditional — simply name your style and you’ll find it here.

Jack Husung Jr., who has owned and operated the home décor and apparel boutique for the past 10 years, says he and his team begin choosing holiday themes and finalizing orders months in advance. “We order trees, ornaments, ribbon and floral items, then store them in our warehouse until it’s time to decorate.”

In order to be ready for Salado’s annual “Christmas in October” event, chief floral designer Frances Gonzales says she begins decorating in September. “I start with one room at a time. When I finish, I move on to the next. I like to create a tree around a theme of like items, such as snowmen, angels, or Santas. I also group things together to make a bigger impact. I prefer not to scatter. If I don’t have a theme, I will pick a color scheme to work with (such as silver and white, or gold and red) and use ornaments and floral stems containing those colors.”

Motifs for this year’s trees include: woodsy/ outdoor, shimmering Victorian, red birds with plaid accents, even a tree for dog lovers. Plus, an exquisite collection of nativities, crosses and crèches that are displayed together in what Jack refers to as, “Our Holy section.”

Frances also uses the same ribbon and ornaments she decorates her trees with to assemble coordinating wreaths and floral arrangements.

“Wreaths aren’t just for the door — they can go anywhere,” she says. “Hang a wreath on the wall, a window or even over a mirror. Using the same elements in both your tree and your wreath will pull the entire look together.”

Jack’s history with Magnolias goes back a long way. Twenty-five years ago he owned a floral shop in Killeen and rented a vendor space from Continued

Designer Tips for Creating a Holiday Tablescape

A tablescape is a centerpiece or tabletop arrangement built around a season, holiday or event. Every item chosen should complement the others. A breathtaking tablescape can set the mood for your entire event.

Begin by layering from the bottom up (as seen above) • Use mirrored tiles as your base (available at Lowe’s) • Add lights for shimmering reflection • Tuck transparent tulle or organza over lights • Vary the heights of your decorations using risers (a cake plate or small boxes can be used to elevate smaller items) • Finish by filling in with floral stems or greenery, if desired

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Add interest and dimension

To give your holiday tree more interest and dimension, decorator Frances Gonzales recommends: • Tucking stems of berries, silk poinsettias, or extra greenery into the branches of your tree • Hanging larger ornaments first, then filling in with smaller, more fragile ones • Creating a unique tree topper using individual branches, floral stems, or feathers

Magnolias on the Square, the very store he now owns. Along with Frances, his staff includes Priscilla Hill, Sabra Slais and Judy Harden. Besides a beautiful array of holiday décor, Magnolias carries clothing, accessories, specialty food items, jewelry, toys, cards and gifts. It is also the only store in the area to carry Kendra Scott, Simon Sebbag and Dean Davidson jewelry, as well as Dilemma handpainted silks and Yahada apparel.

No matter what season you may wander into Magnolias of Salado, you will always find plenty of personal service and stylish inspiration.

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21 North Main Street, Salado www.magnoliasofsalado.com 42 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

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Paperdoodles

The stationery store with so much more

By SHARON WHITE | Photography by JUSTIN BORJA

T

wenty-five years ago, Susie Winkler had birth announcements printed for her newborn daughter, Emily, from a small stationery store in Temple called Paper Corner. Today, Susie owns that same stationery boutique — the only one in Central Texas — now known as Paperdoodles.

“Paper Corner opened in 1985,” says previous owner Mary Ann Nelson. “A few years later, we moved from our original location on South Third Street to the east end of Pecan Plaza. I sold the shop to Melinda Lucko in 2003. She renamed it Paperdoodles and later moved to the west end of Pecan Plaza, where Susie worked with her. And

Can practicing gratitude be good for your health?

Still not wild about the idea of pulling out pen and paper? Consider these findings by Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude: “Clinical trials indicate that the practice of gratitude can have dramatic and lasting positive effects in a person’s life. It can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, promote happiness and well-being, and spur acts of helpfulness, generosity, and cooperation.”

44 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

when Melinda was ready to sell the business in 2013, Susie bought it.”

These days, Paperdoodles is smack-dab in the middle of the Plaza. And you can find a lot more than personalized invitations and paper goods.

The shop carries classic brands like Crane and PSA personalized stamps, and offers signature lines such as Jon Hart customizable bags, Coton Colors ceramics, s.a.l.t. sisters soups and seasonings, and an assortment of collegiate and “Greek” merchandise.

But custom wedding, shower and save-the-date invitations remain at the heart of Susie’s business.

And personal service is her No. 1 priority. “We print most of the invitations here in the shop,” Susie says. “I sit down with brides and their moms and try to help them find exactly what they are looking for.

Sometimes brides come in with an idea, and end up choosing something completely different.”

Paperdoodles also carries an assortment of notecards, writing paper, pens and greeting cards.

Susie says, “There are very few things that are more personal than a hand-written note. It can be a thank you, a condolence, or a congratulation.

It’s a permanent, palpable sign of thoughtfulness.

Whether you are the writer or the receiver.”

Susie has her own philosophy when it comes to writing thank you notes. “When I was growing up, my mom stressed the importance of sending notes of gratitude. And I always told my own children that when they received a gift — before they could play with it, use it, or spend it — they had to send a thank you note.”

Susie Winkler is in the business of keeping it personal. She says, “If we don’t have what you’re looking for here, we’ll help you find it.” The next time you are searching for invitations, stationery, paper goods or unique gifts, visit Paperdoodles You are guaranteed to be welcomed with genuine Texas hospitality and a southern “Hey” each time you walk through the door.

Paperdoodles

1404 South 31st Street, Temple (Also inside “The Hub,” 7 South Second, Temple) 254-773-8331 | www.paperdoodles.com

“­There are very few things more personal than a hand-written note. It’s a permanent, palpable sign of thoughtfulness. Whether you are the writer or the receiver.”

— Susie Winkler, owner of Paperdoodles

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Nature in Lights

A CENTRAL TEXAS HOLIDAY TRADITION

By BRANDY CRUZ

I

t’s difficult for Lisa Lorenz-Bass to believe an idea she dreamed up 23 years ago would grow into one of Central Texas’ most beloved Christmas traditions.

Nature in Lights, covering 5.5 miles at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area, is one of the largest holiday events in the area, with more than 150,000 people coming out annually to see the everchanging light display.

Lorenz-Bass, who works as the program coordinator for Fort Hood’s Outdoor Recreation Department, said when they reached more than 167,000 guests in the inaugural season, they realized they had something special. “(It) set the standard for the 150,000 average seasonal participation,” she said.

Sitting in her office at BLORA, Lorenz-Bass explained how Nature in Lights began with 58 displays in 1998. Now, nearly 300 displays rotate each year depending on themes.

“We were just trying to find a way to utilize the park year-round,” she said. “Historically, besides the summer season, nobody really came out. This was a way to draw them out and see what all the park has to offer.”

Pulling out a binder of all the light displays for

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Nature in Lights is the brainchild of Lisa Lorenz-Bass.

2019, it’s clear Lorenz-Bass is well-organized. Every display has a nickname, and the binder is organized by location, with photos of how each display looks at night. As the event’s organizer, planner and designer, Lorenz-Bass said she plans several years out to keep pace with her other duties at Fort Hood. She is already planning the theme for 2023, mixing up displays to offer regular visitors a new experience each year. After deciding how the Continued

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displays will be set up along the 5.5-mile route, she hands the designs over to the facility operations manager, who happens to be her husband.

Dennis Bass manages a crew of 14 people who work to keep BLORA beautiful. After his wife gives him the designs, it’s his job to bring them to life.

His crew sketches out the design on the ground, bends raw metal provided by sponsor Metals to Go into the various shapes and figures needed then attaches the lights.

While Nature in Lights is only on most people’s minds during Christmas, the BLORA crew works on it year-round. Lorenz-Bass tries to create as many as 12 new displays each year, which the crew begins assembling in January.

“It’s kind of a non-stop process,” she said.

“Someone’s working on Nature in Lights all year, even though it might not be for the current year.”

Bass explained the extreme weather conditions in Central Texas are hard on the displays. While they build new displays, they also have to maintain the older ones, removing lights and wiring that have deteriorated, repainting the metal and attaching new lighting.

“I have people working on building displays all the way up until June,” he said.

The facility operations team starts putting up the displays in August. Lorenz-Bass said the hard work is worth it once vehicles start coming in to see the lights.

“You can stand outside and listen to all the kiddos,” she said. “They’re looking out the windows or the skylights and they’re just singing and having a good time. We have a radio station that plays music, so as you drive through you can … listen to Christmas music.”

Although it’s difficult to choose a favorite, Lorenz-Bass said she has a soft spot for the Nativity, which nearly spans the length of a football field, because it’s true to the Christmas season.

“A lot of people like Santa and his whale,” she said. “There’s a Santa sitting in his little boat with a fishing pole and he’s animated. When you first see

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it, he’s just sitting in the boat, and then he throws it and you see this whale come up and get big.”

Bass said his favorite is a display called “Santa’s Surprise.” The highly animated display features Santa reaching into his bag. He pulls out a stick and shakes it, and it transforms into a Christmas tree.

“He throws it onto the ground and then reaches into the bag, pulls out a present and then throws it underneath the tree,” Bass said. “I’ve always liked it because it has a lot of animation to it.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, Nature in Lights has slowly evolved and expanded to include a pony ride for children at BLORA Ranch and a train ride at Santa’s Depot, which features Texas-themed displays this year.

The 5.5-mile route can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as three hours, depending on how long you stop along the route. New features this year include Santa’s Den, a large tent with inflatables for children to enjoy.

“We present Nature in Lights as a Christmas gift to the community and it has become a holiday tradition to the many families who return,” LorenzBass said.

Before exiting the park, Bass said people should be prepared for the light tunnel. What began in 1998 as a 200-foot tunnel has grown to 500 feet.

He said vehicles usually like to drive through one at a time, so other vehicles do not interfere with photos.

Nature in Lights will run daily from 5:30 to 11 p.m., through Jan. 5. Tickets are $20 per vehicle.

T-shirts and Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase. Lorenz-Bass also said visitors on Mondays through Wednesdays will receive a complimentary Nature in Lights ornament, while supplies last.

Nature in Lights is at BLORA, 7999 Sparta Road, Belton. For more information, call 254-287-2523.

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Steve Joy wanted to be a city planner. Instead, the Air Force veteran owns Chick-fil-A franchises in Temple.

Finding his path

Local franchise changed veteran’s life

By JACOB SANCHEZ | Photography by REBECCA BACHTEL

S

teve Joy wanted to be a city planner.

He kept his eye on that goal when he attended Kansas State University and earned his bachelor's degree in geography in 1968. Joy was still far from achieving his goal. He joined the Air Force shortly after graduating from K-State. He felt obligated to serve his country. The United States was in the midst of the Vietnam War. Still, Joy kept working toward his dream. He earned a master’s degree in public administration while in the Air Force.

All was going well — until a chicken crossed his path.

“Three years before I retired from the Air Force, a friend of mine and my wife’s was talking about Chick-fil-A,” Joy says, explaining that his friend, who he knew from church, worked for the company. “He says, ‘Why don’t you come try Chick-

50 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

fil-A?’ I said, ‘Gee, I don’t know about that.’”

Joy wasn’t sure he was ready. He was still a couple of years from being eligible to retire from the Air Force. But he knew he needed a gig. After all, he had to support three children — two of whom were in college and another gearing up for their freshman year.

“I couldn’t retire retire,” Joy says.

So Joy sent in an application. Chick-fil-A called him up and gauged his interest. He was certain he wanted to do it, but he told them it would have to be after his military career ended.

A couple of years flew by. Joy retired from the Air Force after more than 20 years. It was time to take another pluck at becoming a Chick-fil-A franchisee.

“I got on with Chick-fil-A. This is where we Continued

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51

settled, and we’ve been here for 30 years,” the longtime businessman says, raising his hands up from a table near the register area at his North Temple store.

It cost Joy $5,000 to get the rights to start his own Chick-fil-A franchise.

“The first thing the agreement that I signed some 30 years ago has never changed. That says a lot about a company,” Joy says, proudly wearing a Chick-fil-A name tag pinned over his heart on his gray herringbone sweater vest.

It costs $10,000 to become a franchisee today, according to the company.

“I didn’t have to put a great deal of money down because, when I came out of the Air Force, I didn't have any debts but I also didn’t have a whole lot of money,” Joy says. “I had the ability to work hard.

Sweat equity is what Chick-fil-A is looking for.”

It was a simpler time when Joy started running his first Chick-fil-A store. It was nothing like his current two stores. It did not have its own parking lot. You had to walk up to it. And it didn’t even have a drive-thru.

The store was in the Temple Mall.

“That was it. Walk up to the counter and do your thing. That’s all we had to worry about,” Joy says.

The menu was simple, too. Chicken sandwiches.

Fries. Drinks. And pie. That was it.

Nowadays that space is occupied by military recruiters and the menu is more complicated. There are spicy chicken strips, nuggets, salads, soups, milkshakes — even breakfast.

Eventually, Joy would set up his first standalone Chick-fil-A. That store was at 3306 S. 31st St. in Temple.

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Visiting with customers and working with employees is important to Steve Joy, right.

It was a big upgrade from the mall. The historic restaurant featured not just one drive-thru, but two.

It was the first drive-thru-only location in Texas.

Each shift had six to seven workers.

That store opened 25 years ago. It was shuttered earlier this year, and a new, modern Chick-fil-A was built across the street at 3303 S. 31st St. It opened in September.

“By the time we closed it, we were using 23 to 25 people for a noon hour shift,” Joy says. “Of course, that’s our busiest time.”

It was hard for Joy to shut down his first store.

“There were so many good memories there,” he says. “But we were walking away to a very nice installation. It was worth it.”

More than 140 people work for Joy between his two Chick-fil-A locations in Temple. Joy enjoys his work because of his crew.

“I love coming to work every day and working with my people. I truly do,” he says. “If I didn’t do that, I would retire. I thoroughly enjoy working with my people. I just enjoy coming in and having a conversation with them, kidding them, letting them kid me.

“These are my friends who I’m working with every day. Yeah, I’m their boss,” he demurs, “but these are my friends.”

Joy’s goal of becoming a city planner never came to fruition. As all planners — or would-be planners — should know, the best laid plans often go awry.

Roosting at Chick-fil-A was for the best for the 73-year-old grandfather of nine.

“It’s changed my life — it really has.”

Steve Joy looks on as employees fill orders.

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESSES

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Terri Marshall, CPA Terri Marshall earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Baylor University in 1990. She began her professional career in the Houston office of Price Waterhouse and obtained her CPA certification in 1992.

She then transitioned to Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, PC in 1994, where she is now a Principal partner.

Terri provides tax services to both individuals and businesses and specializes in corporate, partnership, non-profit, trust and estate taxation (Certified Specialist in Estate Planning). She currently serves as a board member of the Temple Education Foundation and is a graduate of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Leadership Temple Class of 2001.

Kerri Meier, CPA Kerri Meier earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master in Business Administration degrees from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2000. Kerri began her professional career in January 1999 as a college intern for Brockway, Gersbach, Franklin & Niemeier, PC, where she is now a Tax manager. She obtained her CPA certification in 2002. Kerri provides accounting and tax services for individuals and privately held businesses including corporations and partnerships. She has been a QuickBooks ProAdvisor since 2005. Kerri is a board member of the Temple Founder Lions Club and is a graduate of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Leadership Temple Class of 2016.

3520 SW H.K. Dodgen Loop n Temple, TX 76504 254.773.9907 n Fax 254.773.1570

www.templecpa.com 54 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

When Leah McHorse’s daughter was going away to college, Leah wanted something to do to fill her time. Thus was born Darling Décor & More, a spectacular home décor and antique store in downtown Temple.

Since its opening in May 2012, Leah has worked to make the store a place where customers can “get away” for a while and find unique gifts, antiques and decorating ideas. The business also does estate sales, so if there’s something in particular you want, just let Leah know and she’ll find it. Leah says “If there’s a place for it in your heart, there’s a place for it in your home.”

DARLING DÉ CO R & MORE 817-726-9612 • 100 North Main, Temple • facebook.com/DarlingDecorMore

The Lastovica family has been creating, selling and repairing jewelry in Temple since 1950. Lastovica Fine Jewelers is one of Temple’s oldest retail establishments – built on hard work, expert craftsmanship, quality merchandise and outstanding customer service.

Lastovica can handle all of your fine jewelry needs, from picking out the perfect engagement ring to repairing your favorite watch. Billy is certified in jewelry repair, while Johnny is certified in horology, jewelry repair and watch repair. Rest assured that your fine jewelry and accent pieces are in the best possible hands.

LAS TO VICA F INE JE WE LE RS I NC .

1201 South 31st Street, Temple • 254-773-5772 • lastovicafinejewelers.com

Brenda Peace always dreamed of having a salon that cared for its guests and “did exceptional hair.” That dream is a reality at Revamp Salon in Temple.

Brenda opened the salon in December 2016. It features hair styling, all color services including Balayage, smoothing treatments, and hair and lash extensions.

Revamp Boutique is also on site.

“We are dedicated to providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere where our guest needs are met and expectations are surpassed,” Brenda says, adding it is important to establish a long lasting relationship of trust and commitment.

RE VAMP SALON

254-231-3242 • 1411 W. Ave. H, Temple • revampsalontemple.com

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Elms Creek

56 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

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an upscale woman’s boutique

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Susan Marie's of Salado has been a fashion icon in Central Texas for over 30 years.

Belton native, Alice Janeway Winders has been serving clients with a one-on-one personal shopping experience for 24 of those years!

Now, under new ownership, Alice is personally choosing all inventory! By Spring, we hope to have an exclusively "Alice curated" showroom floor. Her hand-picked collections are arriving daily.

WE INVITE YOU TO STOP IN TO SEE THE CHANGES! Spring & Fall Inventory Clearance up to 75% off NOW! Johnny Was, Lysse, Eva Varro, Kut, Jag, Habitat and other trusted brands are still available.

SUSAN MARIE'S OF SALADO Alice Janeway Winders • Darla Reeder Buyer & Personal Shopper

58 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Owner

171 South Main Street • Salado 254-947-5239

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our doors opened in 1977. After more than four decades of being a family owned and operated business, we are still thriving. Our mission is to pamper our clients in a tranquil environment while still offering a custom experience. We provide the latest trends in style and color, and offer luxurious nail care for the hands and feet. We are welcoming Alexis as our new manicurist! From now until the new year she is offering 15% off for new clients!

H E ADS H AP E RS 1106 S. 31st Street,Temple • 254-778-3523 • Facebook.com@Headshapers

CareAge HomeCare was founded in 2006 in Temple,Texas by Vickie Smith and JoAnn Walter. Their experience in caring for JoAnn’s mother and seeing the challenges our elders experience inspired Vickie and JoAnn to help other seniors.

Vickie and JoAnn’s passion is shared by Care Liason and Coordinator, Brandi Williams and all of our caregivers. CareAge HomeCare provides non medical home care in Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties. With over 44 years combined experience, we are committed to providing assistance while allowing our clients to remain independent.

CARE AG E H O MEC ARE

254.780.9864 • 877.888.9864 • 4016 S. 31st Street, Ste 100,Temple • careagehomecare.com

Everything we do is very personal here; we love our job, and feel so lucky to have the best customers (we really do!). There is so much we want you to know about us; like how all work is performed in-house, how most repairs are ready in one week or less, and how the sky is the limit for your custom jewelry desires… the best way to explain all this is to stop by and meet us.

Robert Devereaux, owner and jeweler, is GIA certified and offers jewelry appraisal services of your fine jewelry. Stop by and see us Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, or Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm.

R OBE R T DE VE R E AU X O F DE VE RE AU X J E WE LE RS 1316 West Avenue M, Temple • 254-771-1260 • devereauxjewelers.com

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60 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Aladdin Car Wash

Your wish for a great looking car is Aladdin Car Wash’s command.

Aladdin was the first full service car wash in Temple. Opened in 1978, the family business is owned by Riad Chtay and managed by Ammar Chtay. It has earned a reputation for quality service and the trust of customers.

Aladdin offers full service car wash, vacuuming and detailing, by a friendly staff that treats clients like family. Customers like being able to wait in a comfortable area while the work is done.

1616 S. 57th Street, Temple 254-774-8723 aladdincarwash.com

There are also some exciting changes coming to Aladdin Car Wash.

Soon, Flex Service and free vacuums will be available.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Come dine with us, shop with us and travel with us. The journey will be amazing.

Tex Appeal Tex Appeal is...

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Kindermusik A place to sing, learn and connect

By LISA DAVIDSON | Photography by JEROMIAH LIZAMA

O

Danielle Smith leads Kindermusik classes in Killeen.

Courtesy photo

64 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

nce the shoes are stored neatly in cubbies, all diaper bags are hung up in the hallway and relaxing music sounds from the classroom, it is time for Kindermusik.

Ten adults gather with their children in the middle of the cozy classroom that is decorated with colorful letters spelling out Kindermusik with Danielle. Danielle Smith, studio director and passionate teacher, has been waiting inside with a variety of instruments and toys to keep the kids busy before class begins.

“Kindermusik is an early childhood program that uses music and movement activities to encourage healthy development,” Danielle says. “Each lesson focuses on learning in the six main areas of development for a child: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language, and of course, music.”

Founded in 1978, Kindermusik is the world’s leading provider of music-based education for children from birth through age 7. Danielle’s Kindermusik center in Killeen is one the busiest and most successful in the country.

“Psychologists, scientists and experts in early childhood development have demonstrated that music does more than bring children joy,” she says.

“It helps their brain cells make the connections needed for every kind of intelligence. Not only does music affect our cognitive thinking, but it can also relieve stress and help with emotional growth.”

Everyone who meets Danielle will feel her close connection to music — one that she had before she found her way to Kindermusik after the birth her daughter in 2006.

“I had been a high school band director in Copperas Cove before this, but I wanted to be able to have a flexible schedule to stay home and raise my daughter,” she says. “I started with just teaching just a few classes of Kindermusik each week and my baby daughter often came with me to the classes as well, so we got lots of quality time together.”

Danielle initially held classes in Killeen area churches or dance studios. She continued her Kindermusik journey after her son was born.

“When my children were both old enough and in elementary school, I expanded the business to a full-time schedule, including hiring several teachers to work with me,” she says.

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Lorelei Cavenaugh, 11 months, plays with Levi Martinez, 7 months, and other children at a Kindermusik class.

She opened her first store front location in 2016, which gave her the freedom to include classes in the evenings and on weekends — a schedule that allows working parents to take their children to class. “We firmly believe that parents are the best teacher for their child, therefore, educating and encouraging parents is a priority for us,” Smith said.

In every class, Smith encourages parents to engage with their children but also to give them the freedom of explore new things on their own. “Through the philosophy of ‘process not performance’ parents are guided through activities such as instrument exploration, pretend play, dance, infant massage, sign language, story-time and lap bounces to show them ways to be their child's best teacher.”

All instructions are sung in a calm and friendly voice. The constant music in the background — whether it is a nursery rhyme, classical music or international tunes — creates a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Although some babies are just able to lay on their tummies while others can sit or walk, every child is equally involved.

“We want every child and parent to feel accepted and included into our Kindermusik family,” Danielle says. “Parenthood is hard and should not be a journey that moms and dads make alone. We want parents to know that we are supporting them through our education with them, but also helping them to connect with other parents who are just like them and need someone who understands them.

“We tell every parent that we are ready to have you when you are ready to get out of the house with your little one,” she says. “It is never too early to introduce your child to music.”

Killeen resident Jenna Gunshinan started attending Kindermusik classes when her daughter 66 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

Juliana was just 3 weeks old. “As we first started, she slept through the entire class but it was great for me as a new mom,” Jenna says. “I just love the community that they build.”

Juliana is 11 months old now and hit many of her developmental milestones in class. “She has been taking her first steps here,” Jenna says. “She has blossomed so much just from having this music in her life.”

Clarissa Shepherd, who attends the classes with her 10-month-old daughter Sage, loves how the music and exercises challenge her child. “This curriculum really helps with her motor skills and she is able to recognize rhythm and sounds and music,” she says. “This is enhancing her and allowing her to become more advanced.”

But Kindermusik doesn’t stop in the classroom.

Families are provided with monthly CDs as well as weekly videos with songs, games and ideas to incorporate little exercises and games into everyday life. “I incorporate a lot of what we do here at Kindermusik at my house because she remembers it and she likes it,” Clarissa says.

“A lot of times we don’t really know what we are doing … we may think we know but it’s nothing like having a community that is here to help you stay on track with what your child should be doing developmentally,” she adds.

Interested parents can schedule a free introductory class. Parents can choose between 32 classes in the Kindermusik studio at 4200 E Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen, and three local preschool partners. Even adults or older children can join the community. Danielle also offers a variety of private and group instrument lessons for piano, ukulele, trumpet, saxophone and bassoon. “You can learn an instrument at any point in your life, it is never too late,” she says.

Woods Flowers

1415 W Avenue H, Temple, TX 76504 • 254-778-8506 www.woodsflowersoftemple.com

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Family practice

Isdale Chiropractic has been serving and caring for Central Texans since 1949

L

Story and Photography by LISA DAVIDSON

ove of patients and love of the community are why the Isdale family has provided chiropractic care to Central Texans since 1949.

“We just love what we do,” said Jeanne Isdale, business manager and widow of Sidney Isdale, who opened the chiropractic business in downtown Killeen 70 years ago. “If you don’t love what you are doing, you don’t belong here because you’ve got to love what you are doing to give your best to the people that come in and need your help.”

Sidney Isdale was born in DeQuincy, Louisiana, in 1927. After seeing his mother in constant pain for most of her life, he decided to attend Texas Chiropractic College in San Antonio before opening his clinic in Killeen.

Dr. Sid, as he was known, grew the business and didn’t stop working until he died in 2005. “He never wanted to retire and he didn’t,” Jeanne says.

“My husband absolutely loved being a chiropractor and treating patients.”

Today, four of his five sons continue his legacy of providing chiropractic care in Bell County. Isdale Chiropractic has offices in Killeen, Harker Heights and Temple.

“Seeing as a little kid what kind of blessing he has been in people’s lives just inspired us,” says Shawn Isdale, the youngest of the brothers. “We were never forced in that direction, it was always just a natural path to take.”

Better known as Dr. Shawn, he’s part of a five-generation Isdale family tradition in which each member has the same initials: S.E.I. Dr. Shawn and his brothers were not the only ones inspired by their father.

There have been 18 chiropractors in the Isdale family, including uncles, nephews and sisters-in-law.

While chiropractors are known for treating headaches and back pain, patients are now realizing the benefits

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The chiropractic history of the Isdale family started when Sidney Isdale opened his first practice in downtown Killeen in 1949. of chiropractic care for overall health.

“The spine needs to have motion to stay healthy and when a joint gets out of alignment, it loses mobility and it can cause malfunction which can cause nerve irritation which can cause symptoms,” Dr. Shawn says. “We use different techniques depending on what the patient needs. We locate the joint fixation and gently mobilize it and make it function again.”

Treatment length and therapy process differ from patient to patient.

Depending on injuries and problems, treatments can be short- or long-term.

“Each one of us has a functioning nervous system at different levels,” Dr. Shawn says. “Our goal in chiropractic

ABOVE: From left, Stan Isdale, Dallas Jonston, Shawn Isdale and Scott Isdale provide chiropractic care for the community.

BELOW: Jeanne Isdale looks at her picture wall of collected memories with patients of the military community. She has been the business manager at Isdale Chiropractic for 45 years.

is to get each person’s nervous system functioning at the optimum.”

The Isdale family has served the local military community for years — even when chiropractic care was not

covered by insurance.

“They didn’t want to take drugs to mask the pain, they wanted to come in here and start to work on the problem,” Dr. Shawn says.

While many insurance companies cover the cost of chiropractic care, some patients still have to pay out of pocket. For many it is worth the cost.

“We see miracles happening here all the time that we take for granted because we see it so often,” Dr. Shawn says. “We could have a whole closet of canes and walkers.”

In the past 70 years, the Isdale family has witnessed many events in Central Texas, including one of its darkest moments. Dr. Shawn and his mother were both on scene during the Luby’s Cafeteria shooting in 1991.

“I don’t think you can run and hide,” Dr. Shawn said. “This is home.”

Despite the tragedy, Jeanne sees the Killeen-Fort Hood community as the perfect place to live. “This is the most wonderful place in the world,” she says. “As much hate as there is in the world today, you don’t find that here. … Our military community has really made us who we are.”

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Simple, realistic goals lead to success

A

s 2019 comes to a close, the inevitable New Year’s resolutions loom. Mobilizing willpower to achieve these goals typically brings about thoughts of defeat before the New Year even begins. This time, however, you can embark on the path to success and position yourself to improve your life by taking several important steps.

SIMPLICITY IS KEY

Rather than considering overhauling resolutions, which range from changing personality characteristics to behaviors, think simple. When contemplating resolutions, take time to reflect on the fleeting year and look at what areas CAREY STITES could use positive changes; focus MS, RD, LD, CPT on one, perhaps two, goals for the upcoming year. Choose carefully. Overhauling your entire lifestyle can inevitably set you up for guilt, disappointment and defeat.

BE REALISTIC

The next step in the process is to bring reality into the picture. Visualize the resolutions you are considering and think through the process of achieving them. What are the daily steps involved, and can you incorporate these into life? Perhaps this could refine your resolution or result in a new one. Bring in your previous experience with resolutions and think about what stopped you from achieving them. Having a big vision is an integral part of change, however, realistically setting goals that incorporate reality is crucial to success.

SET GOALS

Speaking of goal setting, this could be the most essential part of devising an achievable New Year’s resolution Planning and creating domino-effect goals can make success imminent; vow to set simple, realistic small goals that snowball into long-term success.

For example, instead of resolving to “lose weight” or “save money” try setting a goal to “lose 15 pounds” or “save $500 this year.” Concrete, measurable goals omit the gray area of achievement and can motivate you to reach the ultimate goal. Set clear, concise short-term goals and be sure to self-check your progress periodically to stay on track.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

The second part of the goal is setting a time frame.

Short-term goals help assess progress and whether your actions are moving you in a positive direction. Instead of 70 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

“lose 15 pounds,” with a realistic time element, the goal becomes “lose 3 pounds a week,” which is a smaller goal leading to your ultimate resolution to “lose 50 pounds.”

Want to save money? Set a goal of saving $10 a week by bringing your lunch to work. At the end of the month, you've saved $40. Plan your daily actions to accommodate your timeline and evaluate at the end of each period.

EMBRACE SUPPORT BUT RETAIN CONTROL

Finding a support system is critical to long-term goal achievement but choose your support system wisely. Enlist help from trustworthy people who understand your goals and will say the right words to keep you on track. Another option is to join a support group, work with a professional or seek religious/spiritual guidance. These people can also be a source of new ideas and strategies to reassure you during challenging times.

While having a strong support system is imperative, equally important is the realization that you are in control of your actions and employing the changes needed to achieve your resolution. Situations out of your control can veer you from your goal; however, confidently recovering from detours and positively taking responsibility provides self-reliance to stay on course.

CELEBRATE SUCCESS WITHOUT SABOTAGE

As each milestone is accomplished, celebrate. Meeting “small” goals is an integral part of the big picture and recognizing each step on the way to success is worth acknowledging. Just remember to be realistic when selecting the reward. For example, don’t use a food-based reward after losing 5 pounds. Instead, buy yourself a new outfit or accessory using a preset budget.

STAY IN THE GAME

Always be positive and affirm you can change your lifestyle and devise a plan with realistic and specific goals and meet them. Falling off the wagon can happen, which is why it is crucial to avoid negative thoughts and statements such as “I will never be able to lose this weight” or “I can’t do this anymore.” When tough situations arise, pull on your self-confidence and lean on your support system; reflect on past achievements and allow those victories to push you forward. Forgive yourself, forget negativity and reset your course for success.

Now you have a game plan for not only discovering your New Year’s resolution, but how to achieve it and improve your life in the upcoming year.

Carey Stites is a registered and licensed dietitian and certified person trainer working for Wellstone Health Partners in Harker Heights.

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DAY TRIPPIN'

TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME AT

Dallas Heritage Village

By ANNETTE NEVINS | Photography contributed

T

he holidays don’t have to be hectic. Take a break from the rush with a trip back in time at the Dallas Heritage Village, where you can experience the season at a slower pace, exploring a collection of 19th century pioneer and Victorian homes.

A short drive to the north leads you to the historic village in the shadow of the glimmering skyscrapers of downtown Dallas. Tour an old post office, general store and church along with about two dozen historic structures in a tree-shaded, 20acre green setting that was Dallas’ first city park.

Pack a picnic and plan to stay into the evening.

The annual Candlelight holiday celebration Dec. 14-15 features strolling carolers and lots of garland and holly. Warmly lit candles line a path connecting the community of houses and buildings.

Inhale the aroma of roasting kettle corn and fresh baked goods. Stroll the grounds and discover what life was like over 100 years ago for ordinary Texans as interpreters in costume demonstrate oldfashioned cooking and blacksmithing. Whisper your holiday wishes to St. Nicholas and make holiday crafts. School choirs sing in the cool night air and other local groups perform on three stages all evening.

An additional more intimate “Cocktail by Candlelight” is being added this year on Dec. 13 by

72 WINTER 2019-20 | TEX APPEAL

reservation for adults only.

“With the candle-lit village in the backdrop of the twinkling big city lights of the modern Dallas skyline, it’s easy to immerse yourself in history where the past and present collide,” says Melissa Prycer, executive director of the Dallas Heritage Village.

About 50,000 visitors flock to the village each year. Of these, over 20,000 are area schoolchildren who learn about farm life with chickens and other animals, including a friendly donkey. Roughly half of the general admission visitors are residents of Dallas-Fort Worth and the others are tourists.

“Generations of families have strong connections and traditions with the village," Prycer says. “Some have been engaged here. They’ve been married in the village church. It’s the site of many first dates.

Parents who grew up visiting the village now bring their children here.”

Most of the historic buildings and furnishings at the Dallas Heritage Village represent 1840 to 1910 and were transported from the surrounding North Texas area. The village sits on land that was Dallas’ first City Park in 1876. A train depot marks the importance of the railroad to the growth of the community. Browder Springs, which now flows underground, once carried water to the young city via a wooden water main.

Business and mercantile leaders lived in the Cedars neighborhood around City Park in the 1880s and 1890s. Dallas’ first zoo was located there, and residents gathered for weekly concerts in the bandstand. Turn-of-the-century maps show a large pavilion, fountain, pump house, pond and greenhouses.

But City Park went through big changes after World War II before being resurrected as the Dallas Heritage Village. Residents began moving to the suburbs. Interstate 30 cut the Cedars neighborhood off from downtown, leaving the neighborhood and the park in decline until a group of women had an idea. They wanted to use the park to rescue the nearby Millermore plantation house. The only antebellum structure of its kind still standing in Dallas County, the Millermore house was originally built in the neighborhood outside City Park and named for William Brown Miller, one

of Dallas County's most successful cotton planters, stock-raisers and slave owners.

Piece by piece, the women disassembled the two-story Greek Revival mansion. They stored the pieces in a warehouse and called Ray Hubbard, then-president of the park board. He agreed to reconstruct the Millermore house in City Park.

Other historic buildings followed and were restored.

Over the years, more than 20 buildings representing the period of 1840 to1910 were transported to the park. In 2005, the park’s name was changed to Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park to represent the collections of historic buildings and furnishings that became a popular museum offering exhibits, educational programs and special events. A guided tour of the Millermore House was added this year.

Volunteers hold fundraisers to support the historic structures that need constant care. “Once a house is restored that’s not the end of it; historic structures need saving every day,” Prycer says.

“The Texas sun and wind and rain are hard on the buildings and you can't freeze them in amber.”

The community has an important role in supporting the historic structures for future generations to enjoy, she says. “Learning about our past is important in the planning of our future.”

You can visit the Dallas Heritage Village yearround with other special events held annually, including a Jazz Sunday School in March featuring an afternoon of dancing, traditional jazz, vintage vendors and antique cars. A Barbecue Fest is held in June followed by an Old-Fashioned Fourth in July. The Chefs For Farmers event in November celebrates hard-working farmers and the talented chefs who create locally sourced menus joined by dozens of wineries, breweries, distilleries, food artisans and live music.

If you go

Located at 1515 South Harwood Street in Dallas, Heritage Village is conveniently located near the heart of downtown, close to the junction of Interstates 30 and 35.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Mondays.

Closed in January and August as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Regular General Admission: $10 Adult; $8 Senior (65+); $6 Child (4 to 12 years) Millermore Tours (1:30 p.m. at Miller Cabin) $5.

Admission prices for special events vary. For more information, call 214-421-5141 or visit http:// dallasheritagevillage.blueervay.com/about

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