Texappeal August 2014

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

August 2014

RISING

STAR

YOUNG ACTRESS INSPIRES OTHER CHILDREN

Cave Secrets E X P L O R I N G L O N G H O R N C AV E R N

Healthy Kids

P R O M OT I N G B E T T E R E AT I N G H A B I T S

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Features

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OPEN HEARTS

Smiths open their home to children from Rwanda

“Getting into people’s lives” is not a new phenomenon for Burt Smith and his wife, Jami, of Salado. They both have been immersed in their students’ lives their entire careers, hoping to make a difference in their students’ futures.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

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CURTAIN CALL

Maddie Spear relishes roles on stage at community theaters

Maddie Spear walks onto the stage with an air of confidence that belies her age. At 12 years old, she is already the veteran of 19 plays.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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Empowerment

Young women learn about philanthropy, leadership

Four years ago, beloved Belton Independent School District teacher Sherrie Harper lost her battle with breast cancer. Many of her students were stunned. The cheerleaders wanted to do something to pay their respects and honor Harper, but weren’t sure how to approach it.

That is, until teacher Elayne Kaufman attended a Texas Tech game in Lubbock.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

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Departments

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TexTalk Neighbors Susan D’Amico

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TexTalk BEAUTY Backpack basics

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TexTalk FLAVOUR Dylan’s Ice Shack & Cafe

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TexTalk SCENE Belton Fourth of July parade

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TexTalk CALENDAR

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TexTalk Well-Fed head

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

August 2014

RISING

STAR

YOUNG ACTRESS INSPIRES OTHER CHILDREN

Cave Secrets E X P L O R I N G L O N G H O R N C AV E R N

Healthy Kids

P R O M OT I N G B E T T E R E AT I N G H A B I T S

ACADEMIC RENAISSANCE MAN Principal Extraordinaire

3

OCTOBER 2013 TEX APPEAL

ON the COVER Maddie Spear has the title role in “Annie” at Vive Les Arts Theatre in Killeen. 33 Photograph by JULIE NABOURS

AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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“Extraordinary Patriots”

Contributors

TexPets

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When your child is ready for a pet

Editor’s Letter

TexFIT

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11

Children participate in area 5Ks

Well-Connected

TexADVENTURES

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Longhorn Cavern in Burnet

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

TexTHERAPY

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Contributors Jessa McClure

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

Jodi Perry

lived in Saudi Arabia prior to her Texas residency and has traveled the world extensively. Her love of photography began when her children were younger and has grown into a professional skill that continues to open new doors for her. Her photos can be seen gracing the walls of homes in Central Texas and in KDH Media Group publications and websites. She lives in Harker Heights with her husband and two children.

Gail Dillon

is a journalist and a former Air Force Public Affairs officer.

She also writes a weekly blog, “Married To It,� about life as a military wife and mother, for the Killeen Daily Herald, and a weekly column for the Fort Hood Herald. She and her family are currently stationed at Fort Hood.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

From the Editor

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 Editor CATHERINE HOSMAN Copy Editor LEE JAMES

Meet the Smith family on page 29.

“Children make your life important.”

Erma Bombeck

Dear Readers, Helping children achieve their dreams to become all they are meant to be as adults takes many people. It’s not just up to the parents to provide a roof, clothing, food and education, but also the educators who guide our children through the maze of life, one year at a time.

For some children, it’s easier than it is for others.

For others, it’s a continual test of endurance.

This issue is dedicated to the educators and children of Central Texas who strive each day to make the world a better place. Some do it through organizations or school activities, others through sheer determination to improve not only their own quality of life, but of those around them.

Children are stronger and more resilient than most people realize and have the ability to rise above adversity and make a difference in the world around them, no matter how small.

There are numerous children and educators who make a difference every day. As you turn the pages of this month’s issue, you will meet a few of these remarkable people who call Central Texas home.

Read about Region XII Principal of the Year Burt Smith, his wife, Jami, and their adopted children, Adalgis and Rosine, who escaped the genocide of Rwanda because of an unselfish act by their birth mother, on page 29.

Learn how the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority nurtures young women to become leaders and how the Belton High School cheerleaders raise awareness and money for breast cancer, on page 37.

Meet 12-year-old Maddie Spear, a veteran actress who takes on her 19th role in “Annie” at Vive Les Arts Theatre, and encourages other young people to follow their dreams of being on stage, on page 33.

And remember, send us your ideas of the people, places and events that make Central Texas what it is. Don’t forget visit our Facebook page. We welcome your feedback.

Happy reading!

Catherine Hosman

Tex Appeal Editor edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com 10

JULY 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Graphic Designer/Photographers JULIE NABOURS BRYAN CORREIRA Graphic Designers SANDRA ALFARO RENEE BLUE M. CLARE HAEFNER Staff Writer KRISTEN CARMONA Contributors GAIL DILLON JESSA MCCLURE JODI PERRY JAMES PAUL STANLEY WILL TORO Advertising 254-774-5264 254-501-7500

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

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

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

Questions about subscriptions, call 254-774-5264.

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

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

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

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DID YOU KNOW?

You can read back issues of Tex Appeal Magazine at texappealmag.com.

Log on today to find the current issue and older editions of Tex Appeal.

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AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

neighbors 15

beauty 17

flavour 19

scene 20

TexTalk

calendar 22

well-fed head 27

Feeding the future Susan D’Amico, Director of School Nutrition, Belton ISD TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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neighbors TexTalk

Belton ISD director of school nutrition uses healthy meals to feed, empower the next generation

By JESSA MCCLURE

Finding her calling

The future dietitian became interested in creating healthy meals when she found herself overweight and unhappy in high school.

“At first I tried a couple of crazy deprivation diets that made me ultimately gain more weight because they decreased my metabolism,” she said.

“I had to learn to limit portion sizes and eat mainly healthy foods.

“I also joined a gym and learned how to exercise to increase my metabolism. It changed my outlook on health permanently.”

D’Amico eventually studied nutrition at the University of Texas in Austin, and decided to focus her attention on school children.

“I felt like with school nutrition I could have more of an impact on more people at once,” she said. “And I love kids. So, it’s been a good fit.”

As the director of nutrition, D’Amico works with a another dietitian and other staff members to create menus, supervise the kitchen staff at all 13 Belton ISD campuses, order ingredients for the meals they plan and create initiatives that empower kids to make healthy choices.

Photographs by Jessa McClure

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hildren file into the cafeteria, clamoring for a spot closest to the front of the lunch line. The aroma of pasta and meatballs wafts out of the open kitchen door, permeating the room with the promise of a hearty meal. As squeaky shoes and hurried footsteps make their way toward the steaming piles of spaghetti, a woman with a friendly smile greets the impatient diners and helps them make their way through the line.

She bounces back and forth between the lunchroom and the kitchen, making sure the staff has everything they need to serve the meals she’s planned, and that each child takes advantage of the healthy options available to them.

Registered dietitian Susan D’Amico has been the director of school nutrition for two years for Belton Independent School District, and has been feeding hungry kids healthy meals for almost two decades. She first became interested in nutrition as a child while spending time with her maternal grandfather, who was in charge of a mess hall during World War II. “After he retired from a long career with the Army, he went to work as a chef in a hospital,” D’Amico said. “He loved to cook with us kids and tell us stories about the kitchen. It always sounded interesting and fun to me.”

Susan D’Amico walks around the cafeteria during lunch time at Southwest Elementary School. She said she feels good knowing that she has helped fill hungry bellies with healthy food. For some of the children, the meals they receive at school are their only daily meals.

One of her most recent ideas that has come to fruition is the “Got Milk?” posters that feature accomplished athletes from Belton High School.

From golfers to baseball players to power lifters, these milk-mustachioed students provide an example of health to the elementary school students who see the posters hanging in their cafeterias.

D’Amico has also worked to incorporate healthier ingredients into each meal she plans.

“All of our breads are whole grains. If you get a hamburger, it’s always going to be on a whole grain bun,” she said. “And all of our pizzas are made with low-fat cheese and a whole grain crust.”

A nutrition expert, she takes advantage of local suppliers and growers and incorporates as many fresh fruits and vegetables as the department’s budget will allow. Some of the most popular items on the menu during the 2013-2014 school year were fresh carrot sticks and cucumber slices. In fact, the kids liked the produce so much that they collectively ate more than 51,000 pounds of the crunchy vegetables.

D’Amico and her staff work hard to create meals that follow all of the dietary guidelines set by the government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each meal is carefully portioned and has the recommended amount of calories for each age group. But, she doesn’t just want the food to be healthy, she also wants it to be appealing.

“Once a menu has been planned, we visit

schools to see if the kids like it,” she said. “Many times, what the kids like is different than what we think they will like. This past year we introduced breakfast for lunch at one of the elementary schools. A few of the cafeteria managers thought the kids wouldn’t like it. But, breakfast for lunch ended up being a big hit.”

D’Amico said parents can use a similar method to prepare meals at home or for their children’s lunch boxes.

“I see a lot of Lunchables out there, but they’re loaded with fat and sodium,” she said. I think parents could make something just as appealing. Kids like to pick up their food and mess with it. Parents could make something they could build themselves like a bite-sized pizza.”

She also recommends offering children fresh veggies like celery sticks with a side of low-fat Ranch dressing and whole fruits like apples and bananas.

For D’Amico, providing healthy meals for the children of Belton ISD goes further than just giving them food to fill their bellies. It’s part of her life’s mission to create happier, more productive members of society.

“It’s a blessing to have a job where I can have a positive impact on kids,” she said. “I want the next generation of Americans to be even stronger than the last.”

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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Backpack Basics

beauty TexTalk

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

How do you stay focused between your school work and theater?

Each month Tex Appeal peeks inside the bag of one busy person to reveal her must-have essentials.

Maddie Spear

“Annie” in Vive Les Arts production Seventh-grader and actress

Five ESSENTIALS she CARRIES CELLPHONE I like to stay connected with my friends and family and also to check my calendar for all of my shows, clubs, and time for hanging out with friends. iPad I use it to present school projects, speeches and to study for any tests. It is also a great way to amuse myself after my school clubs.

PENCIL SHARPENER I hate writing with a dull pencil.

PENCIL BOX I like to keep my map pencils and markers with me for my artistic ideas for school projects

HAIR BRUSH My hair never agrees with me on anything! It must be tamed!

HAND LOTION Because I am left-handed writing leaves my hand sore and dry, so I prefer to keep my hands moisturized often.

BOOK I don’t go anywhere without a book.

I can’t stand the thought of not reading, it has become an enjoyable addiction.

SUBJECT ORGANIZERS Organization has always been a difficulty for me, so my organizers have been a key role in my successes.

Photographs by WILL TORO

Most valuable TOOL in her BAG Spear, who plays the lead role in “Annie” at Vive Les Arts said her iPad. With it she stays connected with friends, keeps track of assignments, writes down ideas.

What makes her iPad the most useful?

“It is portable and I can do all of these things on the go.”

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

flavours TexTalk

A Kids Place: Couple names cafe for new son

D

ylan’s Ice Shack and Café offers up more than just ice cream and coffee.

When you walk in the door, you are greeted by a bright cheerfulness that feels like a hug from mom. Children’s artwork lines the walls and there is a kids’ corner where parents can leave their children to play while they enjoy their favorite coffee. There are also Thursday afternoon story times when parents can bring their children to go on a journey through books with a different theme every week.

Jerry Navarro and his wife, Stephanie, named the café for their new son, Dylan.

Their coffee is ground fresh daily from Caribou or Parks coffee beans. They offer Amy’s Ice Cream, as well as their homemade brand of paleo

ice cream, which is sugar, milk and lactose-free.

Jerry’s homemade muffins and cookies make a great side to your favorite drink. One of his favorites is the Banana Chocolate Cooler Frappe that is easy to make at home in a blender.

Banana Chocolate Cooler Frappe 5 oz. coffee (any kind) 20 oz. ice 1 banana 1 scoop of chocolate ice cream

Put all the ingredients in the blender and frappe until creamy. Pour into a 20-ounce glass and top with whipped cream and a cherry. Enjoy.

If you go Dylan’s Ice Shack and Cafe 2330 Verna Lee Blvd.

Harker Heights, Texas 76548

Jerry Navarro, owner of Dylan’s Ice Shack and Café shows off his new banana chocolate cooler frappe.

Photograph by Bryan Correira

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TexTalk scene

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1. Tomas, Anai and Jasmin Sanchez of Belton enjoy the Belton Fourth of July Parade.

2. Steven Peters of Belton has been attending the parade for 44 years.

3. Belton resident Jerry Samu, with his grandson, Braxton Beierman, points out the direction from which the parade floats will come during the Belton Fourth of July Parade.

4. Members of the 3C Cowboy Fellowship of Salado display their old western float during the Belton Fourth of July Parade.

Photographs by JAMES PAUL STANLEY 20

AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

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scene TexTalk

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5. Belton Mayor Marion Grayson celebrates the Fourth of July while riding on a float with children.

6. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, poses for a photo with future voter Sarah Stanley of Killeen at the Belton Fourth of July Parade.

7. Sheri Montgomery of Killeen with Elijah Cheney, wave at parade participants in Belton.

Photographs by JAMES PAUL STANLEY TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TexTalk calendar

Archaeology Family Day

Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to noon.

Learn about how archaeology differs from paleontology, what cool things archaeologists do both in and out of the field, and explore how things were made thousands of years ago. At the Railroad and Heritage Museum, 315 W. Avenue B, Temple. For more information, call 254-2985172.

Salado Legends

Aug. 2. 8:15 p.m.; optional dinner 7:15

p.m.

Central Texas’ favorite outdoor musical drama is written by playwright/lyricist Jackie Mills and directed by Donnie Williams. It was honored by the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., as a “Local Legacy” depicting life in the 1850s. For the optional dinner, reservations are required.

Dinner $10 adult or child; show $20 adult, $5 child under 12. Tickets online at www.tablerock. org or call 254-947-9205.

Kids Cooking Camp — Back to School: Quick Ideas Kids will Love

Aug. 4-7, 1 to 3 p.m.

Ages 5-12, $60 per session, includes supplies/ingredients. Kids will learn to prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and eat what they create.

Harker Heights Activities Center, 400 Indian Trail, Harker Heights Register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/HarkerHeightsPR or at Harker Heights Recreation Center, 307 Miller’s Crossing.

The 6th Annual Flavors of Central Texas Attendees sample the Boston’s booth during the fifth annual Flavors of Central Texas. This year’s event is Aug. 5.

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AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Aug. 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Flavors of Central Texas is a highly anticipat-

calendar TexTalk

Cast members rehearse Act 2 of “Salado” Legends at Tablerock’s Goodnight Amphitheater in Salado. Watch the family-friendly show Aug. 2. ed community event that brings together under one roof all of our area’s best restaurants, caterers and bakers. Guests enjoy an abundance of food, cooking demonstrations and a silent auction.

Advance tickets available online; $20 adults, $10 kids, ages 5-12. For more information, email cara@ killeenchamber.com, or call 254-501-3888. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Killeen Civic and Conference Center, 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen.

Party with the Pets

Aug. 6, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Visit the Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center for a tour and enjoy crafts, bouncy houses and face-painting at this pet-themed Summer Reading

Club Party. 403 Indian Trail, Harker Heights; For more information, call 254-953-5472.

Harker Heights Farmers Market

Every Saturday through Oct. 25 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 Theme Day: Dog Days Cool off this summer with some cool treats at the market and don’t forget to bring your furry friend. Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway.

Family Sand Castle Challenge

Aug. 9, 10 a.m.

Pile up some sand, add some water and

make your very own sand castle. A small kiddie pool filled with sand will be provided. Bring your own building tools. Pictures of each sand castle will be posted on the Parks and Leisure Services Facebook page and voting will take place online.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three sand castles.

A hot dog lunch will be provided for participants.

Admission $30 per family; Miller Park 1919 N. First St. For more information, call Terri Landeros at 254-298-5474.

First Belton Sip & Stroll

Aug. 9, 4 to 8 p.m.

Wine enthusiasts will begin at one of 12 locations where they will receive a commemorative

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TexTalk calendar etched wine glass for sampling, goody bag, hors d’oeuvres and a list of stops and wines featured on the self-guided tour.

Only 300 tickets available. Advance tickets are $19.95 per person, tickets at the door are $24.95, and can be purchased at Real Deals on Home Décor, 204 N. Penelope, Belton or by calling 254-933-3332. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://ezevent.com/Live/BeltonSipStroll.

Participants will build, learn, and use Legos to make creations or tell a story.

Register at https://apm.activecommunities.com/ HarkerHeightsPR or at Harker Heights Recreation Center, 307 Miller’s Crossing Harker. Classes at Harker Heights Activities Center, 400 Indian Trail.

Family Dive-Ins and Movie Night

Aug. 15, 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Watch “Space Jam” on the big screen, swim with friends and family and enjoy snacks at the Carl Levin Pool, 400 Miller’s Crossing, Harker Heights.

For more information, visit www.ci.harkerheights.tx.us/parks. Normal daily admission rates apply (season passes not acceptable).

Historic Art Fair in Salado and Blues, Brews & Base

Aug. 9-10 Mixing a new event with the old, the newest Salado event is the Blues, Brews & Base festival.

Enjoy music, art, a lager slide and more. Pace Park, Salado. For more information, call 254-947-5040 or email chamber@salado.com.

Lions Junction Water Park and Children’s Special Needs Network presents Larry’s Conductor Days for Special Needs Children

Salado’s 48th Annual Art Fair

Aug. 9, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dozens of artists will line Pace Park with a variety of art; children’s activities.

Free admission. Pace Park, Thomas Arnold Road, Salado. For more information, visit www. salado.com, email: chamber@salado.com or call 254-947-5040.

Missoula Children’s Theater

Auditions for Robin Hood Aug. 11, Registration 9 a.m., auditions at 10 a.m.

Rehearsal begins immediately following casting.

Show is Aug. 16, 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

Writing Camp

Aug. 11-14; 9 a.m. to noon Grades 1-3; 1 to 4

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AUGUST 2014 | TEX APPEAL

Families watch “The Lego Movie” July 12 at a Harker Heights Dive In at the Carl Levin Park Outdoor Pool. p.m. Grades 4-5, or those who have previously attended a writer’s workshop. $20 per attendee, $10 for second child in the same household.

Young authors come together to hone their skills in writing and publishing. Learn several different writing techniques. Use the Internet to publish. Harker Heights library, 403 Indian Trail.

To register, call 254-953-5491. Space is limited.

Bricks 4 Kidz: Minute to Win It Camp Aug. 11-14, 1 to 4 p.m.

Ages 5-13, $120 per session

Aug. 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Larry’s Special Conductors Day for those with special needs. Enjoy the water park and have a little extra time to spend with friends and families before the crowd rolls in.

Free admission for all Larry’s Special Conductors of all ages. Friends and family pay normal gate admission. 5000 S. Fifth St., Temple; for more information, visit www.lionsjunction.com or call 254-298-5920.

Market Days

Aug. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buy, sell and trade in downtown Belton.

Come see our vendors and farmers market in our historic downtown on Central Avenue. Enjoy food and entertainment.

Every third Saturday of the month; For more information, visit www.downtownbelton.com.

calendar TexTalk

British Soccer Camp Aug. 18-22, Ages 3-15 Times and prices are determined on the age and session in which the child is enrolled.

Summit Soccer Complex, 401 N. Amy Lane, Harker Heights.

Register online at www.challegersports.com.

Temple ISD Second Annual Big Blue Wave 5K & 1K Fun Run and Walk Aug. 23, 8 a.m. all races $25 Adults (Fun Run/Walk 1K or 5K), $30 Late Registration (after Aug. 15), $8 Children (10 and younger), $50 Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children 12 and younger).

Benefits the Temple Education Foundation; event starts and finishes at Jefferson Elementary.

The school with the most participants receives a trophy and bragging rights for a year.

Jefferson Elementary, 2616 N. Third St., Temple. To volunteer or donate, email bigbluewave@tisd.org.

Dale Watson in Concert

Sponsored by Baylor Scott & White Health Aug. 23, 6 to 7 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m. show. $22 advance tickets; $27 at the door; pre-concert dinner, $17.

A complimentary Real Ale before show; preshow dinner of ribeye steak, baked potato and salad from Schoepf’s Bar-Be-Que. Frank W. Mayborn Auditorium; dinner in Wendland Hall, 3303 N. Third St., Temple; for more information, visit www.cacarts.org.

29th Annual Friends of the Temple Public Library Labor Day Book Sale Aug. 26, 2 to 8 p.m. Member’s preview Aug. 27-30, 10 a.m., General Public

People take a spin on a carnival ride at the Central Texas State Fair at the Bell County Expo Center in Belton. The fair returns Aug. 29-31.

The Central Texas State Fair

Aug. 29-31 Features live music on the fairgrounds each night, with carnival rides and professional bull riding, a carnival, market place and special attractions. The Central Texas State Fair Association is a volunteer supported nonprofit community organization. The 2014 Artist Lineup: Aug. 29,

Thieving Birds and Wade Bowen; Aug. 30, Curtis Grimes and Kevin Fowler; Aug. 31, William Clark Green and Casey Donahew Band.

The Central Texas State Fair and Bell County Expo is at 301 W. Loop 121, off Interstate Highway 35 in Belton. For more information and admission fees, visit http://centraltexasstatefair.com or call 254-933-5353.

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well-fed head TexTalk

‘Extraordinary Patriots’ introduces the human element of historical figures “I love George Washington,” Masters said. “He had to be divinely inspired … but I never saw a real human side to him.”

By Gail Dillon

E

very school kid has heard the old story about Paul Revere riding his horse at breakneck speed toward Lexington, Mass., warning that the British were coming. But how many know that the real Paul Revere was a dentist?

As the author of “Extraordinary Patriots of the United States of America,” Nancy Robinson Masters said in a phone interview, “you can’t win a war without a dentist.”

Masters has written more than 30 books for children on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from airplanes to water parks to electricity.

“Extraordinary Patriots” is that unique combination of the historical and the fascinating. To entice children to read it, Masters knew she had her work cut out for her.

“My goal was to get this book in the hands of fifth-, sixth- and seventhgrade kids,” she said. “I wanted them to see that (the patriots) were real people — they weren’t perfect.”

Although it began as a textbook, published by Scholastic, it has since been re-released in a more modern, paperback format. After reading a few pages, I soon realized you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy this book either.

The book is composed of 50 chapters, each focusing on a different patriot in chronological order based on their birth dates. The author begins with Ben Franklin, and although men are the predominant gender, she also features a number of women and a few scoundrels. One of the most interesting choices of a patriot is John Paul Jones, who many believed dabbled in pirating, as well as serving with distinction in the Navy.

“They weren’t always the nicest of people,” Masters said with a chuckle.

The chapters on the well-known patriots, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, are sprinkled with surprising facts that both humanize and illuminate these people who lived so long ago.

“I love George Washington,” Masters said. “He had to be divinely inspired … but I never saw a real human side to him.”

To depict a more accurate portrayal of Washington, Masters mentions that he owned many slaves, but chose not to support the end of slavery for fear of causing an irreparable break in the new nation.

She also states that his famous “wooden” teeth were actually made of ivory.

Masters is a Texas native and licensed pilot married to Bill Masters, a veteran aviator and master pilot. The couple lives near Abilene, close

“You’re not going to be able to appreciate (the freedom of speech) unless you go someplace where you can’t do that.”

— Nancy Robinson Masters

to the farm where she grew up. Besides writing, Masters is well-known for her popular speaking engagements and seminars at schools, libraries and businesses nationwide.

She is unabashedly patriotic herself and uses the catchy phrase, “the freedom to read ‘em and the freedom to write ‘em” often.

“You’re not going to be able to appreciate (the freedom of speech) unless you go someplace where you can’t do that,” Masters said. “The people who made that possible, they are our heroes — that’s our military people.”

The patriots in “Extraordinary Patriots” are not saints, but they are amazing for their unique contributions to the forming on our country.

“We need more patriotism; we need more role models,” she said.

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Open hearts, open hearth

Burt Smith with his wife, Jami, son, Adalgis, and daughter, Rosine.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM 29 Story by Catherine Hosman • Photograph by JULIE NABOURS

Educators make room for children from Rwanda

S

alado resident Burt Smith is an academic Renaissance man. His nearly 25-year-career as an educator has taken him on a scholastic journey that began in 1991 at Del City High School in Del City, Okla., where he taught world history and government, to the principal of Salado High School where he has served since 2012. In between, he has garnered the respect of his students, parents and staff members and has earned several awards, including Texas Association Region XII 2013-14 Principal of the Year, Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Administrator in 2012 and TASSP Region X 2010-11 Principal of the Year. But don’t expect him to revel in his accomplishments. His humble nature gives credit to the teachers and parents who “helped their kids learn and grow.”

“I don’t see this award as an individual thing,” said Burt Smith, now the Director of Curriculum and Operations for the Salado Independent School District. “It’s the culmination of a great job that the staff does and the support parents have for the school.”

Smith said he knew he wanted to be a teacher as far back as the second grade. Growing up in a small town, he said “the people you look up to are the teachers.”

“They are the most educated people you

Adalgis and Rosine Smith during a trip to Hawaii.

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meet,” he said. “They inspire and motivate you.

I knew I wanted to be like them. I wanted to teach.”

Social Studies became Smith’s specialty because it gave him a roadmap through time by teaching his students government, economics, geography and history. It also brought him closer to his favorite era in American history, World War I through the 1950s.

“From World War I through the 1920s, to the Great Depression and into the 1950s was when we emerged as a super power,” he explained.

“We went from not getting into people’s business to getting into people’s lives. That’s when America became the greatest country in the world.”

“Getting into people’s lives” is not a new phenomenon for Smith and his wife, Jami, 46, who teaches second grade at Thomas Arnold Elementary School in Salado. They have both been in the middle of the lives of their students their entire careers, hoping to make a difference in their students’ futures. But Burt Smith, 46, said it is really the children who made a difference in his life.

“I get more from the students than what I can give them,” he said. “As a teacher and coach you gain an appreciation for what you have, and you make the biggest impact on those who have the least.”

He admits that being a teacher is not going to bring home the riches, but “nothing is as rich as what you get back from students in appreciation,” he said.

You get so much back as a teacher. They really (the students) do take you in.”

“The Salado ISD was very fortunate to have the Smith family join our district and community two years ago,” said Michael Novotny, Salado ISD superintendent. “Burt is an outstanding principal who is extremely caring and hard working. Jami is a very caring and dedicated teacher and her students and parents all love her.”

Helping other people is a testament the Smiths live by. But they weren’t prepared for the test they received in 2009 when they were given an opportunity to save the lives of two Rwandan children who were about to be abandoned by their benefactor.

Amazing grace under fire

Imagine being a child having to flee your homeland to escape the ravages of genocide. Such began the harrowing journey five years ago for then-15-year-old Adalgis and his sister, 12-year-old Rosine Smith, when their mother, Anastasia Nyinawankusi, sent them from their home in Rwanda to America where they would be safe.

In 1996, the terrorist group Interahamwe attacked the minority Tutsi villages, killing Rosine and Adalgis’ father, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Rosine was a newborn and Adalgis was just 3 when the attacks occurred.

Despite the peace that seemed to finally settle on the region in the last several years, however, threats against the siblings resurfaced, particularly Rosine, who was becoming a young woman.

To ensure the safety of her children, Nyinawankusi made the bittersweet choice to send them out of harms way in Rwanda to live with a cousin in Maine. When the cousin could no longer take care of them, they were moved to Plano, where they were cared for by the sister of a Rwandan priest.

But their Texas benefactor decided to move back to Rwanda and was unable to keep the children. With no place to go the children faced homelessness and uncertainty. That was until they met Burt and Jami Smith, who were both working for the Plano Independent School District.

“Adalgis was a student in my school (Shepton High School) and was about to be abandoned,” Burt Smith said. “Our teachers saw the change in him, he was worried and scared.

“Our teachers knew our kids well enough to know when they were hurting. We were able to help them because of our teachers’ awareness.

Smith learned after meeting Adalgis that he had a younger sister in middle school who also needed help.

Burt Smith was named Region XII High School Principal of the Year for 2013-2014 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Celebrating with him at last year’s awards Photographs courtesy of the Smith family. event are his son Adalgis, wife Jami, Smith, daughter Rosine and Anastasia Nyinawankusi, the children’s mother, visiting from Rwanda.

Right about that time the Smiths were talking about becoming foster parents and had just completed the application process.

“Since we didn’t have children, why not at least foster kids?” he said.

When the opportunity arose for them to take care of Adalgis and Rosine, Burt and Jami Smith didn’t give it a second thought.

“The first thing I did was call Jami,” he said.

“I was extremely excited,” said Jami Smith.

“Like a prayer had been answered.”

When the Smiths’ family came to visit at Thanksgiving in 2009, prayers arched across the Atlantic Ocean as the family in Plano and the children’s mother in Rwanda prayed to find a home for the children.

“If we could have any need met, it would be to have children by Christmas,” recalled Burt Smith. And then they got the call.

“I knew on the spot that our prayers had been answered,” said Jami Smith.

A new family

It didn’t take long for the foursome to be-

come a family.

With their birth mother’s blessing, the Smiths were able to gain conservatorship status of the children, which means they were adopted, but without having to sever ties from their mother, who is still an active part of their lives.

Adalgis said their mother did everything she could to give them opportunity.

“She would do anything for us not to struggle,” Adalgis Smith said.

An entrepreneur who managed to find and fill the needs of citizens of her town in Rwanda, she worked hard to keep her children in a private Catholic school. Separating from them was necessary to save their lives.

“She taught them to be resilient and to keep in faith,” Burt Smith said. “They don’t look back and feel sorry for themselves.”

Their birth mother was able to be present at Rosine’s graduation this spring and thanks to modern technology, they are able to stay in touch weekly.

However, despite both admitting they miss aspects of Rwanda, especially their older broth-

ers, Adalgis and Rosine both have their feet firmly planted on American soil.

Both siblings said they want to continue moving forward, live with their American parents and continue to learn American culture. ”I don’t want good, I want better,” Rosine Smith said.

The children continue to flourish under the care of the Smiths.

They each have achieved scholastic prominence despite their tragic pasts.

Adalgis, now 20, is looking forward to entering Texas A&M-Central Texas, majoring in business.

Rosine, who turns 18 in August, joined the U.S. Marines and left for basic training in July.

“American troops were so neat,” said Rosine Smith, remembering the troops coming into Rwanda and staged right outside the door of her family home.

“At Dad’s school I joined JROTC and the instructor had a great impact on what I wanted to do with my life. I want to go to sleep knowing I made a difference in somebody’s life.”

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Center stage

Story by Catherine Hosman Photographs by Julie Nabours TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Maddie Spear, above, center, plays Annie in the Vive Les Arts Theatre production of “Annie” in July in Killeen.

Photo by Steve Pettit

Maddie Spear as Scout, at right, in the 2014 production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” at the Waco Civic Theater.

Photo courtesy of Maddie Spear

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Maddie Spear enjoys life in theater

M

addie Spear walks onto the stage with an air of confidence that belies her age. At 12 years old, she is already the veteran of 19 plays, including her recent performance as the lead role for Killeen’s Vive Les Arts production of “Annie,” which opened July 18.

She positions herself on the stage, script in hand, and takes a few moments to run through her lines one more time before going home for the day. The theater is empty, except for her parents sitting in the third row, and the carpenter on stage working on the sets for opening night.

The pop, pop, pop of the carpenter’s nail gun is almost drowned out by the sounds of island rhythm rock ’n’ roll coming from the speakers that fills the empty auditorium with a work inspiring beat.

Spear was only 5 when the theater bug bit her. She had gone to the theater to see “Frog and Toad” with her grandmother.

“It was really cool, all the people who got in with the theater to put on this show, including kids my age,” she said.

It didn’t take long before she realized she wanted to be on stage and auditioned for the Killeen Independent School District’s show “Schoolhouse Rock” when she was 6. She was cast in ensemble, as No. 3, and the cowgirl.

“Auditioning for ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ was scary,” she said. “There were lots of other people there, looking around, watching for competition.

It was nerve-wracking, but also fun.”

After “Schoolhouse Rock,” she auditioned for the Missoula Children’s Theater and was cast in “Jack and the Beanstalk” as a magic bean.

“Missoula was exciting, nerve-wracking wondering if you got in,” she said. To keep the young artists busy, they were given games to play that were actually part of their audition.

“They wanted to see how you participated, how you act,” she said.

The quest was to retrieve a pencil from the middle of the floor in a sneaky manner. Spear did the Army crawl, and while everyone’s attention was on the children standing up trying to get to the pencil, Spear crawled through the web of legs and nabbed it.

Despite the fact that she has been cast in 19 productions, there were two roles that escaped her, the roles of Martha or Ansel in “The Sound of Music,” three years ago.

“I was sad, but my parents were supportive,” she said. “I did a lot of preparation before the audition.”

She didn’t let the defeat dampen her spirit.

Instead, the then 9-year-old actress turned her audition mistakes into a “growing experience,” learning more about the theater and how it func-

“I’m at a point in acting where I have to mirror the emotions as a human being instead of mimicking them.”

— Maddie Spear tions and that “only certain people can be picked for certain roles.”

Of all her roles to date, she said she enjoyed playing Dora in “Dora the Explorer” because she was able to do a lot of “extra stuff, like going to a local bookstore and reading in character.” Her most difficult role thus far was Scout in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

“I had to do a range of emotions; she was tough and she was angry,” Spear recalled. “She grows through the play, matures. I had to master that. I’m at a point in acting where I have to mirror the emotions as a human being instead of mimicking them.”

The theater has become a sort of family affair for Spear and her parents, Jonathan and Anna, her brother, Nathan, 10, and sister, Meghan, 14.

She was doing “Miracle on 34th Street” when she convinced her parents and siblings to be a part of it. At first they said no, citing it was “your thing.”

But eventually they gave into their charismatic

daughter and each helped out in the production.

“We are really proud of her,” Anna Spear said. “She is grounded. We are blessed with all of our kids being naturally down-to-earth.”

For now, Spear, a straight-A student who enters the seventh grade at Liberty Hill Middle School in the fall, said she plans to continue with the theater and she knows how to juggle her schoolwork and rehearsals. While she enjoys acting, her future plans include attending business and law school, a far cry from the bright lights of the stage and the applause of a live audience.

“I enjoy theater here and want to continue doing it for awhile,” she said. “It’s really fun and it’s the thrill of the first night on something you’ve been working on for a month.”

She said she loves the reaction of the audience and “you know when you are doing something right when they laugh and applaud.”

“Maddie is one of the most delightful kids and her work ethic is beyond her years,” said Megan Owens, administrative assistant for Vive Les Arts Theater and an actor. “I love working with her.”

Maddie’s advice to other kids who want to act but are a bit timid is to “just go for it.”

“Sure, it does feel awkward portraying other people, but it’s a lot of fun and a good experience,” she said. “If you’re scared, just try it out.

There’s a first time for everything.”

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Your hair never

Felt So Good!

Kim Hay

The Salons at Tuscan Square 5297 S. 31st Street, Temple Suite 103-A 254.913.9509

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Nurturing philanthropy and leadership in young women

Story by Catherine Hosman TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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F

Emerging young leaders

our 13-year-old girls representing the Emerging Young Leaders Program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority slide into their seats in a conference room. At first they appear shy, then once the conversation begins they are open, honest and eager to share their experience with EYL and what it means to them.

Melanie Jones, the group’s sponsor, explains that Emerging Young Leaders is an initiative of AKA International Sorority, which is largely made up of college-educated African-American women.

The Killeen Mu Theta Omega Chapter of AKA started EYL three years ago. It meets twice a month at Rancier Middle School.

“The purpose is to reach middle school girls at this very important time in their lives,” Jones said. “It gives them exposure to different things in life that they may not be exposed to, so they can make positive choices.”

Jones said the program is for middle school girls “to provide leadership development, civic engagement, enhanced academic preparation and character building.”

“We take the girls on college tours and provide many educational workshops for the young ladies to include Planning for Success, College Prep, Anti-Bullying, Finances 101, Self-Esteem Building, and Creating a Positive Self-Image to name a few,” she said.

The sorority-wide goal is to reach 10,000 girls

across the world. Twice a month at Rancier Middle School, 12 of those girls gather to participate in the workshops.

“I needed to learn how to act like a lady and learn more of the skills I needed to become a teenager and adult,” said Bianca House, 13, a seventhgrader at Palo Alto Middle School.

Her academic adviser at Lanier Middle School, Octavia Dobbins, encouraged her to join.

House has participated in Lemonade Day, a college tour, volunteered in the kids room at AKA’s Community Expo, worked on science experiments, participated in interview classes, selfesteem and What Not to Wear.

“I learned that you can put your body, clothes and everything together to be one lady, confident, not be shy and how to talk to a person in general,” House said.

In the interview workshop, she gained the knowledge of how to dress for an interview and how to talk.

“Don’t use slang,” she said. “Use appropriate words.”

House sees herself as a leader. She enjoys talking to others and being in charge. She plays basketball and would like to be in the Women’s National Basketball Association, but if that doesn’t work out, she wants to go to culinary arts school.

The Emerging Young Leaders program celebrated the end of the school year with its members. Back row from left are Ivore Guyton, Taysha Billinger, Jalani Davis and Bianca House; Middle row from left are Kalliyah Gordon, Shantel Steward, Layla Yerry and Jayla Love; Front row from left are Jailyn Springer, Kamryn Morrison, Laila Pantoja.

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“I needed to learn how to act like a lady and learn more of the skills I needed to become a teenager and adult.”

— Bianca House Palo Alto seventh-grader “I like to cook, any kind of dish: lasagna, pork chops, casseroles...” she said.

Vice President Laila Pantoja, 13, a seventhgrader at Manor Middle School, was introduced to the idea of Emerging Young Leaders by her teacher, Tamika Flowers, so she decided to join because she “wanted to be a leader.”

“A leader is someone people look up to,” Pantoja said, adding she wants to be able to help people in need, other girls who may be looking for a direction.

Pantoja also took part in all of the workshops and activities, including Lemonade Day, but found the What Not to Wear program the most beneficial.

“I learned not to wear stilettos, sheer shirts, too-short skirts, booty shorts, socks with flip flops, pajamas out shopping, use natural makeup and no weird body piercings,” she said.

She admits to not having a goal set in her mind yet because “it changes all the time.”

“Right now I want to be a fashion designer, astronaut and lawyer.”

Regardless of her goal options, she plans to continue the program throughout high school so she can mentor girls entering middle school.

“I would tell them that every girl is beautiful,” she said. “That anything is possible with hard work. With hard work, you can be somebody some day.”

Jailyn Springer, 13, a seventh-grader at Manor Middle School, is the secretary of the group.

She learned about Emerging Young Leaders from a neighbor who is a member of AKA. “She came and asked me to do this,” Springer said. “She knew that this program was fun and I would meet new people.”

Looking back, Springer said she can see she is “a better person” because of the programs.

“I would have been less ladylike,” she said.

Her immediate goals are to continue with the program through high school and become a mentor for other young girls who want to be leaders.

“I want to help girls stay out of trouble and away from boys,” she said.

Her future plans are go to culinary school and become a pastry chef.

Belton High School cheerleaders Think Pink and Wear Red to raise money for the Baylor Scott & White Breast Cancer Resource Center. Back row from left are: Nicole Butler, Shelby Digby, Dustin Adams, Madey Myers, Miranda Carpenter, Bailey Pishner, Ashley McRae; front row from left are Cassidy Pate, Gracen Bradford, Bayleigh Washam.

“It makes me happy and I like to cook,” she said.

Jailani Davis, 13, a seventh-grader at Eastern Hills Middle School, said her mom is a member of AKA and “forced” her into going to the program.” But her second year, she admitted she came back on her own.

“I’ve learned a lot from the etiquette classes and interview techniques,” she said. “I learned that when you walk into an interview, you shake the boss’s hand and look him or her in the eye.”

A member of her school’s basketball team, she said the program taught her “how to be a lady.”

“I’ve become nicer, easier to be with,” she said. “I learned how to interact with others, how to present myself. I may not have been able to do that if not in the program.”

Her plans to continue with the group have been put on hold as she prepares to move with her military family. Despite moving away, she said she considers herself a leader and plans to “be a friend and teach by example.”

‘Think Pink, Go Red’

Four years ago, beloved Belton Independent School District teacher Sherrie Harper lost her battle with breast cancer, leaving behind her hus-

“We wear pink bows and carry pink pom-poms. We make up dances, sing, we do whatever we have to draw attention to the cause.”

— Miranda Carpenter Belton High graduate band, Barry, and daughter, Libby.

Many of her students were stunned.

“None of the girls have experienced the loss of someone so close until their friend’s mother died from breast cancer,” said Elayne Kaufman, who teaches Advanced Via Independent Determination and is the cheerleading coach at Belton High School. “This really hit them hard.”

The team wanted to do something to pay their respects and honor Sherrie Harper, but weren’t sure how to approach it. That is, until Kaufman attended a Texas Tech game in Lubbock.

“We saw pink and red shirts in the seats,” Kaufman said. “And I got an idea.”

To honor Harper, Kaufman came up with a plan to sell T-shirts that say “Think Pink, Go Red”

at local and away Belton High School games. In 2010, they ordered 1,500 shirts and sold them for $10 each.

“Our original goal was to raise $5,000, I would have been happy,” Kaufman said. “I wrote a check for $10,000.”

This is the fourth year for the fundraiser, which begins in September.

“We wear pink bows and carry pink pompoms,” said Miranda Carpenter, a recent graduate. “We make up dances, sing, we do whatever we have to draw attention to the cause.”

On Oct. 24, the team will present a check to dignitaries of the Baylor Scott & White Breast Cancer Center in a ceremony at the Belton versus Ellison game.

“Barry Harper has been the sponsor of the ‘Think Pink, Go Red’ shirts since we started,” Kaufman said. “Barry and his daughter, Libby, have taken an active role in the check presentation each year.”

So far the team has donated more than $31,000 to the cancer center. This year they added Koozies for $1 each along with the T-shirt sales.

“This opened my eyes,” said Shelby Digby, 17, a senior. “When we are doing it, it doesn’t seem like such a big thing. But when we finish, and see how much people care, I want to do it more and more.”

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TexPets

Help your child have a successful first pet experience

By JESSA MCCLURE

A

s 17-year-old Courtney Cooper lounges on her bed catching up on her favorite TV show, she hears something scratching at her bedroom door. Standing behind the door is the family’s large German shepherd, their pint-sized Tahitian spaniel and the Coopers’ newest additions — two 4-month-old mastiff puppies named Rebel and Rousey.

The young girl, who has been helping care for animals since she was just an elementary school student, invites her furry playmates into her room and helps them onto the bed.

“I call her the dog whisperer,” Courtney’s dad, Paul Cooper, said about his youngest child. “If you can’t find those dogs, they are all piled up on her bed. My children love their animals and they help care for them every day.”

Hailey Dodge, 3, cuddles with a Mastiff mix puppy named Willow, a School of Wags foster.

Photograph by Jodi Perry

Know when your child is ready for a pet The Coopers decided to add these beloved pets to the family when their children understood the responsibility that would come with caring for them.

“They wanted the dogs just as much as anybody else,” Paul Cooper said. “They help clean up after them, they take them out, and everybody has early-morning puppy patrol. Everybody takes their turn so nobody’s overwhelmed.”

Kathryn Leisinger, owner of the School of Wags dog rescue in Harker Heights, said parents should consider TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TexPets the age and abilities of their children before getting them a pet.

“When the child understands the daily tasks that have to be done for themselves, then they’re ready for a pet.”

Know which pet is best for your child Veterinarian Linda Hankins said the type of pet you choose for your child depends on your family’s lifestyle and the amount of supervision and time you are willing to provide.

“Dogs are more interactive than pocket pets like hamsters and gerbils, but with more interaction comes more responsibility.”

While dogs and cats can be more of a commitment, the Humane Society of the United States of America says pockets pets aren’t always a low-maintenance pet either.

Hamsters are one of the most popular “starter pets,” but these nocturnal animals can often be a noisy distraction to slumbering children. And because these compact companions like to sleep during the day, they could bite a child who interrupts their midday nap.

Involve your child in the daily care of their pet “Children should be able to feed the pet, give them water, walk and play with them,” Leisinger said. “It’s also really important to brush and groom the pet. Not only does it teach the child daily upkeep, but it also helps the pet get used to being groomed and touched.”

“Dogs are more interactive than pocket pets ... but with more interaction comes more responsibility.”

— Linda Hankins Leisinger also suggests involving the child in basic obedience training.

“Make sure the child participates in teaching the dog to sit, lie down and stay so the dog not only learns to listen to the child, but the child learns to give a command,” she said.

Teach your child to give compassionate care Hankins said children will learn the right way to care for their pet from watching their parents care for and interact with animals.

“Teach the child to avoid rough play like tug of war that can wind up the animal,” the veterinarian said.

Leisinger also suggests showing children how to be compassionate to all animals.

“When you see an animal in distress, step outside of your comfort zone and help them,” she said. “If it’s not possible to help, then at least bring the situation to your child’s awareness.

Then ask them what they think you could do to help and put their plan to action. That’s how we teach compassion.”

ABOVE: John Schafer, 7, left, walks a School of Wags foster dog, Nora, a Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiff), while his sister, Aoife Drake, 2, walks with them. BELOW RIGHT: Hailey Dodge, 3, plays with a Mastiff mix puppy named Willow, though veterinarians advise against children playing rough games like tug of war that can wind up dogs. BELOW LEFT: Cade Perry, 9, reacts to a slobbery Photographs by Jodi Perry kiss from Coal, a former School of Wags foster dog.

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TexFit

Runners of all ages participated in the Fort Hood Color Run on the Fourth of July. From left, Ayden Jennings, Kailah Jennings, Charnetha Burks, Emily Cullura and Nicholas Cullura.

Runners take your marks

By KRISTEN CARMONA

G

low in the dark, colored dust, mud and even zombies all have been recent themes of 5-kilometer fun runs in Central Texas for competitive runners, families and pets.

5K Fun Runs seem to be getting more popular every year, and this year Fort Hood put on a Color Run on Independence Day at Fort Hood’s Harvey Functional Fitness Center. More than 4,000 runners dressed up in their white clothes to run through the colorful dust as it flew through the air. It was the biggest turnout they have ever had on any run.

5K Fun Runs are fun activities for kids and families to promote exercise and fitness for a healthy lifestyle. Certified Personal Trainer Jay Merritt said. “Starting a healthy lifestyle at a young age is a great idea.

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“Kids usually do what their parents do, so a family 5K or just a kids’ 5K would be a great idea to stay fit.”

The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce “Summer Fun Run to 5K” was held in June. The all-ages 5K was the second of three runs in the Cen-Tex Race Series.

Each age group received a medal for male and female winners with the youngest competitor this year just 6 years old. Twelve-year-old Isabella “Izzy” Marquez won the 12-14 division with a time of 23 minutes, 17.1 seconds — five minutes faster then the competitor behind her.

Marquez is an inspiring young lady who said she has dreams of running in the Junior Olympics one day despite her diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease, which affects ligaments in the knees of adolescent runners. She participated in the 5K and did not let the disease stop her or slow her down.

“She wants to go to the Olympics,” said Gloria Marquez, her mother. “So we’ve been working very hard to get her back on track. I try to push her to what I think her limit is, but every time she goes above and beyond on her own. She pushes herself way harder than I ever could.”

Izzy said she wants to tell other kids not to ever give up and “if they love running, don’t let anything stop them.”

When the race ended, there were plenty of activities for everyone. Face painting and snow cones were provided and the city opened up the pool for the participants to cool down after the race.

There are several 5K races coming up all over Central Texas. If your family has never participated in a race, give it a try. You may find it’s fun for the family and not as hard as it sounds. Even though some go for the competitive aspect, many go for the fun of the atmosphere.

TexFit

Isabella “Izzy” Marquez, 12, won the 12-14 division with a time of 23 minutes. She’s pictured with her mother, Gloria.

Upcoming races

If you and your family are interested in participating in any of these up coming races, check the website listed.

August

9 Schlotzsky’s Hot Bunz Run, Killeen www.killeentexas.gov 30 Light Up the Night 5k, Temple 8 p.m. start time

September

6 For the Run of It 10k, Temple www.ci.temple.tx.us 13 Quench Their Thirst 5k Walk/Run, Temple, www.thirstypeople.org 20 H-E-B Plus Gallop or Trot Copperas Cove, www.copperascove.com

October

4 CTCS Lion Fun Run 1k & 5k, Temple www.ctcslions.com 25 Monster Dash 5k & 10k Harker Heights Parks & Recreation, www.apm.activecommunities.com/ HarkerHeightsPR

November

8 Color Up Run Killeen 9 a.m. at Killeen Civic & Conference Center, www.colorup5k.com/killeen

8 Railway 5k Pepper Creek Hike and Bike Trail in Temple 9 a.m.

Email: utu393@waco.twcbc.com 27 Fourth Annual Carlson Law Firm’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5k, Temple, www.ci.temple.tx.us

December

6 Jingle Bell Dash 5k, Killeen, www.killeentexas.gov 13 10th Annual Schlotzsky’s Jingle Bun Run 5k, 1k, & Half Marathon, www.ci.temple.tx.us TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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TexAdventures

Underground moonscapes Story and photos by Catherine Hosman

E

ntertain your children and stay cool at the same time at Longhorn Cavern State Park in Burnet. The cavern is an easy 90-minute drive from Killeen, but millions of years away from today’s technological society. Located off U.S. Highway 281 on Park Road 4, a picturesque six-mile stretch of road that leads you over gentle inclines and straightaways, Longhorn Cavern is a 300-million-year-old cave.

Keep an open mind when visiting the cave. It doesn’t have your typical stalactite and stalagmite formations as seen in other caves; however, its underground beauty is a combination of smooth sandstone, marble rock walls and formations, calcite crystal rooms and very young stalactites.

Before heading underground to cooler climes, tour guide Troy Futrell, 74, takes his guests hiking on Backbone Ridge, the shortest of three nature trails, and a good place to start your visit.

Along the trails of crushed granite are numerous species of trees, grasses and shrubs.

Stand still and be quiet for a moment. You can hear the gentle breeze rustling through the treetops and the sounds of many different bird species singing their daytime songs. It is a symphony of nature that seems to wash away the stresses of daily life.

After a quick stop in the visitor’s center, Futrell, a 17-year veteran at the cavern, leads his group to the mouth of the cave. Named for the infamous Texas outlaw, Sam Bass, legend has it that Bass buried a cache of $2 million somewhere in the cave. It hasn’t been found yet.

Fifty-two stairs lead down to the opening, and as soon as you step inside the temperature drops to a cool 64 degrees — quite a difference from the heat-pounding 100 degrees above ground. That’s when the transformation begins. The moment you step over the threshold, you leave the 21st century behind and slip back in time to a prehistoric age when the earth’s surface was nearly 95 percent water.

Futrell begins to talk about how the cave was formed, when zillions upon zillions of sea creatures not visible to the naked eye were compressed over time to make the limestone.

“Sometimes my classroom techniques come out,” said this former math and science teacher, smiling as he continued without missing a beat.

“Volcanic pressure pushed the limestone up and formed a wedge. It is known as the Llano Uplift.”

Suddenly you become a student listening to stories you may have learned but have long forgotten, and all is new again.

Futrell said when the rift was formed a river was born. It was the pounding rainwater and the overflowing river seeping into surface cracks that formed the cave. Evidence of this is seen in the

Tour guide Troy Futrell points to the early stages of stalactites forming in Longhorn Cavern.

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TexAdventures cylindrical rooms where layers of the earth’s time are visible. Along the tour Futrell points to the many natural formations in the cave, one of three flow river caves in the United States.

Futrell then comes forward in time and weaves a story of recent yesteryears when Native Americans, bandits, confederate soldiers and kids found their way into the cavern for its cool adventure, to hide, hold council or make gunpowder.

Some never came out, he said.

In the early 20th century, the cave served as a prohibition era nightclub, complete with big band and dancing.

He pointed out the “The Queen’s Watch Dog.” Formed from water rushing over dolomite, the natural sculpture was moved from its original location to guard a rock wall-known as the Queen’s Throne.

“Back in the night club days, women would come and sit on the rock,” Futrell said, talking about the speakeasy that dominated the Council Room in the early 1900s.

“Guests would break off stalactites for souvenirs and scratch graffiti into the rock.”

Further into the cave, and deeper beneath the surface, the rooms began to change. In some areas are smooth limestone walls and rocks. Other rooms have the beginnings of stalactites and sta-

lagmites, another room exposes a layered marble rock and the diamond room is walls of encrusted calcite crystal emphasized by the colored lights aimed at their prisms.

The usual tour is 90 minutes long, but this tour took more than two hours and the experience defies description. Once underground, there is silence as tourists are awestruck by the beauty of the inner earth. Each turn of the trail reveals a room more beautiful than the last.

“I thought it was great,” said Copperas Cove resident Tim Wood, on a day trip with his 6-yearold son, Michael. “I especially liked the Hall of Marble. I never knew the history. It’s an amazing place to come to and relax.”

His son was laid back while playing on a slab of limestone known as “the Walurus.”

“It was fun,” Michael Wood said, stating that his favorite part was “when we saw the crystals.

His least favorite, “When they turned the light out. It was real dark.”

For more information, visit www.longhorncaverns.com. Admission fees apply. Go early and pack a picnic or lunch at the cave’s snack shop.

Be sure to visit the historic buildings along the trail and learn the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps that was instrumental in building the park.

Calcite crystal can be seen in the deeper parts of the cave. Their natural prisms are illuminated by colored lights.

The Queens Protector is one of the unusual formations created by water rushing over dolomite, a soft rock.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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7410 W. Adams Ave No 170, Temple

254.773.5200 | Mon - Fri 10:00am - 5:30pm | Sat 10:00am - 4:00pm

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TexTherapy

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.”

Albert Einstein

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Montessori Schools Of Central Texas 28

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Texas Bariatric Specialists................... 46

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Texas Partners....................................... 7

Hallmark Service Company.................16

Texas State Optical............................. 12

Kim Hay.............................................. 36

Texas Tour Gear.................................. 23

Lastovica Fine Jewelers........................ 46

The Range at Barton House............... 50

Lisa’s Dance Connection.................... 25

Titan Total Training........................... 42

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Union State Bank............................... 32

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

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