Tex Appeal Women in Business

May 2015

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OCTOBER 2013 TEX APPEAL

S i m p l y

Remarkable s e r v i c e

Union State Bank’s COO, Ree Fraley, the “Cowgirl Banker,� started her career in banking 38 years ago; within this time she has progressed in the roles of Senior Vice President, COO, Security Officer and Bank Board of Directors at Union State Bank. Her strength and leadership built on the tradition of yesterday will continue as she rides into the future, building a better tomorrow for anyone lucky enough to cross her path.

Her list of groups and associations grows from year to year as she gives back to her community: Professional Women of Williamson County, TX American Bankers Association (ABA) Bank Security Mangers CoNetrix K.E.Y.S. Conference Community Bank Group Community Bankers Compliance Support Group

Georgetown Texas Business Community Texas Banking Professionals Commissioner, Burnet County ESD #8 Florence Chamber of Commerce National Association of Professional Women American Quarter Horse Association

With a career spanning 40+ years in the real estate and mortgage industries,

In addition to these, she has completed “The Working People’s Wealth Club� course that she uses to teach community groups from kids to teens to adults who want practical guidance on building their dreams.

ĹŻÄ‚Ĺ?ŜĞ ^ĹšÄžĆ‰Ć‰ÄžĆŒÄš Ĺ?Ć? Ä?ŽƚŚ Ć‰ĆŒÄ‚Ä?Ć&#x;Ä?ĞĚ in and passionate about helping people become homeowners. She Ĺ˝ÄŤÄžĆŒĆ? Ä?ĹŻÄžÄ‚ĆŒÍ• ĆšĆŒÄ‚ĹśĆ?Ć‰Ä‚ĆŒÄžĹśĆš ĹľĹ˝ĆŒĆšĹ?Ä‚Ĺ?Äž guidance and makes sure her customers understand all of their ŚŽžĞ ůŽĂŜ ŽƉĆ&#x;ŽŜĆ?͘ ĹŻÄ‚Ĺ?ŜĞ Ĺ?Ć? ĆšĆŒĆľĹŻÇ‡ ĆšĹšÄžĆŒÄž Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹšÄžĆŒ Ä?ĹŻĹ?ĞŜƚĆ? Í´ ÄžÇ€ÄžĆŒÇ‡ Ć?ƚĞƉ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ Ç Ä‚Ç‡Í˜

Ree is a leader and never forgets to let her beauty shine through no matter how dusty her boots might be. Her cowgirl’s quote to live by is, “Try to always be strong, remember your friends, be nice to your horse, then put on your lipstick and never, NEVER back down to the guys!� (Heather Rodeo, 2009)

Elaine Shepperd Senior Vice President | NMLS 208933 Cell: 254.541.2357 1HĹżEG eshepperd@houseloan.com www.ElaineShepperd.com 3820 W. Adams Avenue | Temple, Texas 76504 | Branch NMLS 281022 0QV C EQOOKVOGPV VQ NGPF $QTTQYGT OWUV OGGV SWCNKĹżECVKQP ETKVGTKC

Because Elaine’s business approach ŚĂĆ? Ä‚ĹŻÇ Ä‚Ç‡Ć? Ä?ĞĞŜ Ä?ĆľĆ?ĆšĹ˝ĹľÄžĆŒ Ć?ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?Äž ÄŽĆŒĆ?ƚ͕ Ć?ŚĞ Ä?ŚŽĆ?Äž Ĺ˝ĆŒĹśÄžĆŒĆ?ƚŽŜĞ ,ŽžĞ >ĞŜĚĹ?ĹśĹ?Í• /ĹśÄ?͘ Ä‚Ć? ĹšÄžĆŒ Ć‰ĆŒĹ˝Ä¨ÄžĆ?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜĂů ŚŽžĞ Ĺ?Ĺś ĎŽĎŹĎŹĎ­Í˜ Ĺ˝ĆŒĹśÄžĆŒĆ?ƚŽŜĞ͛Ć? ĹľĹ?Ć?Ć?Ĺ?ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ä?ŽŜǀĹ?Ä?Ć&#x;ŽŜĆ? Ä‚ĹŻĹ?Ĺ?Ĺś Ç Ĺ?ƚŚ Elaine’s personal purpose: To make Ä‚ ƉŽĆ?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ǀĞ ÄšĹ?ÄŤÄžĆŒÄžĹśÄ?Äž Ĺ?Ĺś ƉĞŽƉůĞ͛Ć? ĹŻĹ?ǀĞĆ? ĆšĹšĆŒĹ˝ĆľĹ?Ĺš ŚŽŜĞĆ?ƚLJ͕ ĆŒÄžĆ?ƉĞÄ?ƚ͕ ĂŜĚ Ä‚ passion to serve.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

Features Cosmetic Surgery Specialist

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• Browlifts • Liposuction • Tummy Tucks • Facelifts

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Justin’s Legacy

Amanda Arney carries out her late husband’s vision

From left to right: Top: Nijer, Traci, & Marissa Seated: Charles R. Day, M.D.

• Breast Augmentation • Nose & Eyelid Surgery • Restylane Injections • Botox®

800 W. Central Texas Expressway Suite 100 • Harker Heights www.asatexas.com

Inside Hewett-Arney Funeral Home gentle music plays. Amanda Arney greets her clients and refers them to Funeral Director Maurice Goza. But someone is missing. On Feb. 13, 2013, 36-year-old Justin Arney passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. His passing hit Amanda hard.

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

Charles R. Day, M.D. (254) 526-5106 TOLL FREE

(866) 232-0469

30

RISKY Businesses

These career fields require extreme dedication

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Changing direction

Michele J. Carter credits faith, family, service with success

All it took was one look for Michele J. Carter to change the course of her life. “After four years of working at Central Texas College and during a very challenging time in my life, I looked at my 1-year-old daughter, Breanna, who is now 21, and decided that in spite of our circumstances I would find a way to give her a better life.”

By VALERIE L. VALDEZ

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

Georgette Hurt didn’t intend on becoming a police officer, but destiny had other plans. She is the primary detective for investigation of sexual assaults for the Copperas Cove Criminal Investigation Division of the Copperas Cove Police Department, where she began as a dispatcher 18 years ago.

It took Christy Scoggins much longer than most of her peers to become a family nurse practitioner, but she is proud of her journey and believes her bedside manner has benefited from the extra time.

Megan Leighman started college with the goal of eventually teaching school. Instead, the 38-year-old Killeen native has been a firefighter and paramedic for Harker Heights for the past 11 years.

By GAIL DILLON

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DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Most women understand the need for a separate work wardrobe, but many often face the dilemma of what to wear in more specific work scenarios.

By JESSICA PEARCE TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

Features 67

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spa offers respite

Lake Austin Spa Resort is a hidden oasis that offers a true getaway for busy women.

Tucked away in a corner past a public park and hidden behind wrought-iron gates, it looks out of place at first glance.

By JESSICA PEARCE

Contributors Jessica Pearce

is a freelance writer, independent songwriter and an award-winning published poet. Widely traveled, she has taught English language and literature overseas in Bangalore, India, and blogged about her cultural experiences. Although raised in Alaska, she is a native-born Texan who now lives in Killeen where she writes for Tex Appeal and the Killeen Daily Herald.

Gail Dillon

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

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OPen hearts, Doors

Philanthropic women share a common goal of helping others

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TexTalk BEAUTY Michele J. Carter opens her bag.

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Donna Dunn, executive director of the Body of Christ Community Clinic in Belton, chats casually with Dennis Roy, a volunteer pharmacist at the clinic. In her office, with its brick red accent walls and fresh bouquet of daisies on the table, they talk about everything from different medications to the weather.

By JESSICA PEARCE

TexTalk Well-Fed head

Valerie L. Valdez

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

KARIN MARKERT is a freelance photographer, owner of KLMarkert Photography, Army wife and mother of three. Her passion for photography started when her father built a darkroom in 1983. Karin has photographed the last couple of years in the Washington, D.C., area, explored Nepal several times through her camera lens, and is now capturing life and scenes in Central Texas.

“Quintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look”

ON the COVER Michele J. Carter of Central Texas College. 15 Photograph by KARIN MARKERT

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PROFILES

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

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Force for fashion

The first thing you notice when you enter “Ms. Denise’s I Candy Boutique” in Harker Heights is how relaxed you feel among the colorful and neatly arranged sea of purses, jewelry and clothing.

By GAIL DILLON

MITCHEL BARRETT

is an award-winning photographer and owner of Mitchel Barrett Photography. Although originally from the British Virgin Islands, for the past 12 years he has come to call the city of Killeen his home. He developed his love of photography while attending high school and the KISD Career Center, and has enjoyed life behind the lens ever since. When not busy taking photos, you can probably find him at the movies with friends or at home with his family and two dogs.

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

From the Publisher Dear Readers, When I first entered the workforce, the jobs available to women were relatively limited.

Most of the opportunities were in traditional careers such as teaching, nursing, accounting and office administration. The women who moved into these fields often excelled and advanced, taking on increasing responsibility along the way. Their valuable contributions were crucial to the success of their office, business or school.

Later, in 1987, when I became editor and publisher of the Temple Daily Telegram and Killeen Daily Herald and president of KCEN-TV and attended state and national meetings of media organizations, women were well represented but were still in the minority. Over the years, however, doors have been opened to most nontraditional areas in the workplace. The proverbial “glass ceiling” of advancement and promotion has not been broken in all career fields yet, but it certainly has fractured significantly — and it continues to do so.

Today women make up more than 47 percent of the workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and they work in diverse occupations from traditional to nontraditional jobs that are still male dominated. Some women choose to start their own businesses or work for nonprofits, while others put their lives on the line every day to keep their community safe.

This month we celebrate working women in Tex Appeal’s first Women in Business issue. On these pages, you will meet women from diverse backgrounds who have defied the odds to rise above personal tragedy, adversity and glass-ceiling challenges to become leaders in their fields.

Amanda Arney persevered over tragedy after the death of her 36-year-old husband, Justin, to continue operating a Temple funeral home they bought seven years ago, Page 11.

Michele Carter, the first female deputy chancellor of finance and administration at Central Texas College, was a receptionist at the school with a 1-year-old daughter when she decided to change her life. She enrolled in classes and earned her associate degree at CTC. She subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and master’s of business administration. She assumed her current role in January, Page 15.

Having a dangerous job is an everyday occurrence for Detective Georgette Hurt, of the Copperas Cove Police Department; Megan Leighman, a firefighter for Harker Heights and Christy Scoggins, nurse practitioner in the ER at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen. Although their positions are varied, they are each keeping their community safer by fighting crime, battling fires and aiding trauma patients, Page 30.

Helping others in need is second nature to Donna Dunn, executive director of Body of Christ Clinic in Belton. She makes it her priority to ensure patients without insurance get the medical care they need. Susan Bolton, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House in Temple, helps bring peace of mind to parents by providing them with a place to stay while their children receive care at the McLane Children’s Hospital Scott & White, Page 36.

We celebrate women entrepreneurs as well, such as Army veteran Denise Worsley. Her Harker Heights shop, Ms. Denise’s I Candy Boutique, is a labor of love where she offers affordable fashions to Central Texas women, Page 43.

This issue also offers working women some ideas on how to dress — as well as ways to de-stress. Dress for Success fashions highlights some of the latest looks from interview suits to casual Fridays. For women with an active social life, these pages offer ideas for going from the office to a night on the town with just a switch of a jacket and a change of jewelry, Page 18.

The working women of Central Texas are among our local communities’ most valuable assets. As such, we are proud to acknowledge and recognize some of their noteworthy accomplishments. I sincerely hope you enjoy Tex Appeal’s first Women in Business issue.

Sue Mayborn

Tex Appeal Life & Style in Central Texas

Well-Connected

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 Editorial Director M. Clare Haefner

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

March 2015

Editor CATHERINE HOSMAN Copy Editor LEE JAMES

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Graphic Designer/Photographer JULIE NABOURS

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Graphic Designer RENEE BLUE Contributors MITCHEL BARRETT GAIL DILLON KARIN MARKERT JESSA McCLURE JESSICA PEARCE Advertising 254-774-5264 or 254-501-7494

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: Call 254-774-5264 or 254-501-7494.

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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.

JOIN the Tex Appeal TEAM Tex Appeal Magazine is looking for photographers and freelance writers with at least one year of experience photographing and/or writing features for a newspaper or magazine, though recent grads with internship experience will be considered. We are seeking candidates from the Central Texas area, including Killeen, Temple, Belton, Salado, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights. Candidates must be detail- and deadline-oriented and good storytellers, and must be familiar with AP style. Ability for writers to take photos is a plus, but not required.

Interested candidates may send their resumes and three to five recent stories and/or photographs for consideration to Catherine Hosman at edittexappealmagazine@gmail.com or M. Clare Haefner at chaefner@kdhnews.com.

Publisher

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

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Justin’s legacy

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MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

Amanda Arney carries out late husband’s vision Story by Catherine Hosman Photos by Julie Nabours

I

nside Hewett-Arney Funeral Home, gentle music plays. Amanda Arney greets her clients and refers them to Funeral Director Maurice Goza. But someone is missing. On Feb. 13, 2013, 36-year-old Justin Arney passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. His passing hit Amanda hard.

Amanda Wilde and Justin Arney were teenagers when they met in 1993 in their hometown of Westphalia. It didn’t take long for the pair to realize they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together and they married when they were 18 and 19, respectively. Amanda longed for the traditional marriage with kids, and while they were still barely in their 20s, children began to arrive via adoption. Four children came into the Arney’s lives: Jordan, 16, was a toddler; Lydia, also 16, was 11 months old; Emory, 14, was 4 days old and Conner, 12, was 1 week old.

Amanda was happy to be a stay-at-home mom while her husband grew his career as a funeral director. Justin got his start in the business when he 16, doing odd jobs at the funeral home in Rosebud. When he began to show interest in the business, the owner helped him on that path.

“After high school Justin graduated from Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1995 and then worked for the funeral home in Rosebud as a funeral director,” recalled Amanda. “He took a break from funeral directing for a while, then went back to work for a corporate funeral home.”

Amanda said working in a corporate environment wasn’t the right fit for Justin, who grew up in a small town. He knew the value of personally knowing his clients and soon realized he wanted to run his own funeral business.

In 2008, the Arneys purchased the Hewett-Arney Funeral Home in Temple and over the years made improvements to the wood building that looks more like a home than a business. With all her children in school, she was able to become more involved with the business and to work side by side with her husband.

“Justin wanted to be able to help families by offering the same services as other funeral homes, but in a more personal, heartfelt way,” Amanda said.

David Alexander, pre-need planner and family friend, said Justin wasn’t looking to get rich. “He just wanted to pay the bills, put food on the table and take care of the kids. Justin didn’t just meet with the people. He took calls, cut the grass, painted the building.

What money they made they put back into the business.”

“Building the business was great. We always worked apart and now we were where we came to work together. We worked well together,” Amanda said. “When he got sick and he wasn’t going to make it, he said he understood if I didn’t want to continue. He wanted the business but knew how hard it would be for me to continue with the kids, my going to school (for her funeral director’s license) and work.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke about her husband’s passing, still fresh after two years. But it never occurred to her to step away from the business. While Justin was under medical care, on those days when Amanda wasn’t at his side, she went to work.

Amanda Arney and her late husband, Justin. Courtesy photo

“The first time by myself was very hard because he was always here,” she said. After Justin’s passing, Amanda said she came back to work right away.

“There was no way I could stay home,” she said. “There were families we were caring for and I couldn’t just lock the door and be done. With this being Justin’s dream, I had to keep it going.”

Amanda said she did her grieving the last year of Justin’s life, but added if “it was sudden, I don’t think I’d be doing as well.”

Keeping the dream alive Today Amanda Arney balances life as a single mom, being an on-call 24/7 businesswoman, and an online student at Amarillo College where she is finishing her studies to receive her funeral director’s license this December. On April 19, she received the “Outstanding Major for Mortuary Science Certificate from Amarillo College” for a first-year student. Amanda was selected based upon her academic standing, growth while at Amarillo College, work within the department, college or community, and future potential for contribution to the major.

“The biggest challenge is still trying to make my kids’ extracurricular activities and functions at school, finishing my funeral director’s license and owning a business that is not 8 to 5.”

She has a lot of help from her mother and silent partner, Janet Wilde, and her mother-in-law, Margaret Arney, Alexander and Goza. She said she gets around 12 calls a month, some for a full funeral, and others for a simple direct cremation Amanda understands that one of the hardest things a person has to do in their life is to make arrangements for a loved one’s passing. Choosing a funeral home is an emotional choice and not everyone has the deep pocketbook to pay for an elaborate service.

By keeping Justin’s dream alive, she continues to provide dignified service to all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background.

“Justin wanted to make it to where we treated all people like family and with dignity and respect for all,” she said. “He wanted to be able to help families with less-expensive services that were just as nice, but in a more personal, heartfelt business.”

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Beauty in the Bag

beauty TexTalk

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

Q

Michele J. Carter

Deputy Chancellor, Finance & Administration, Central Texas College

Mints and Lozenges: They come in handy during those times I can’t exit the room, i.e., church service, board meetings, to get a drink or control a cough.

La Panthere by Cartier: This is my signature fragrance because it fits my personality, but more importantly, my husband loves it!

Reading glasses: While I’m out and about, I never know what size font I’ll encounter so having my “readers” on hand is a tremendous help with food labels, over the counter medicine directions, restaurant menus, etc.

Photographs by ERIC J. SHELTON

Most valuable TOOL in her BAG

My Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone is probably the most essential item in my purse. It keeps me connected to my family and accessible to co-workers and fellow workers in the ministry. It is an excellent tool for helping conduct business even when I’m away from the office or home.

Do you have a helpful hint to share with readers? I try to keep things simple and organized by routinely “purging” my purse, which results in less clutter and greater efficiency in my already busy life.

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MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

uintessential Style: Cultivate and Communicate Your Signature Look,” by Janna Beatty and Sharon White, goes beyond the how-to of style to discuss the why. Beatty’s aim is to guide women in creating a sense of personal style by delving into who they are as individuals, then teaching them how they can communicate that sense of self to the rest of the world.

Her approach is not cookie cutter, but one of practical wisdom. Sharon White, who shaped Beatty’s wisdom into this easyto-read gem said, “As much as Janna tries, she can’t share 30-plus years of knowledge in a forty-minute presentation, no matter how fast she speaks. Now the book can speak for her.”

Beatty begins the book by asking women, “Who are you today?” To aid them in answering this big-picture question, she provides a worksheet to help them pinpoint and develop their own “Personal Style Statement.” This statement then becomes the base on which all of a woman’s style and beauty decisions hinge.

“If you think about it, personal style permeates every aspect of our lives. If we can pinpoint our individual style, it will make decision-making easier in so many other areas: dressing, home décor, buying a car, a couch or a dog,” White said.

After helping women define their style, Beatty uses the basic art principle of color to help them determine which color shades and tones work best with their skin tone and features. From color she discusses the art principle of “line” to help women determine their own natural body shape, teaching them to become “shape shifters,” women who know how to balance their body proportions by wearing flattering clothing that accentuates their best features.

Beatty is skilled at starting with the building blocks of a concept, such as creating a basic wardrobe foundation with pieces such as slacks, blouse and jacket, and moving on to the details that customize any outfit.

“To me, clothing simply sets the stage

“

The ESSENTIALS she CARRIES Umbrella: Texas weather is very unpredictable. It’s wise to have a good umbrella on hand, especially when the weather forecast tells you it’s sunny with no chance of rain and as you’re leaving the office the rain starts to pour.

Mary Kay: Compact with powder and Mango Tango lip gloss for those in-between touch-ups.

Mary Kay: Hand cream. I’m always washing my hands and find that a good hand cream is necessary to have when I’m on the go.

Pen: I’m constantly signing documents and prefer to use my own pen.

Read this book and find your signature look

By Jessica Pearce

By CATHERINE HOSMAN

How do you stay beautiful on the go?

well-fed head TexTalk

— it is my canvas. Accessories create the real art,” Beatty said.

She offers more sage advice in her chapter on closet organization and design.

In it, she asks her readers to think of their closet as a “river, not the Dead Sea.” She believes that every piece in a woman’s closet should be adaptable for the life she currently has, not the life she used to have or wishes she has. She offers great tips for knowing what to store, give away and purchase to make every woman’s closet an extension of herself.

Beatty also demystifies the process of shopping for clothing so that women know what to look for to complete their wardrobe, and how to be psychologically “girded” for the shopping trip.

Beatty not only focuses on clothing, but delves into another foundation of appearance — skin care. She advocates “lifestyle skin care,” which involves learning what your unique skin type requires and choosing products that work best within your lifestyle. She explains the uses and benefits of every skin care step so that women can successfully create a skin care routine that works for them.

Other than clothing, it is clear that one of Beatty’s favorite subjects is makeup design. “Makeup is the final accessory,” she

Beatty also delves into another foundation of appearance — skin care.

She advocates “lifestyle skin care,” which involves learning what your unique skin type requires and choosing products that work best within your lifestyle. She explains the uses and benefits of every skin care step so that women can successfully create a skin care routine that works for them. says. She explains that the “eyes seek light and color.” Makeup is simply the art of strategically placing both of these so that a woman’s appearance reflects her best self.

In her final thoughts, Beatty discusses the added “polish” women can give to their overall appearance for personal and professional success. She explains that this polish is all about paying attention to detail and being mindful of what you are projecting to others.

Her down-to-earth style is relatable, providing her readers with a multitude of tips that are easy to remember. Any woman can pick it up at any age and use it as a guidebook for personal style and even for life.

“This book will evolve with you as your personal style changes,” Beatty said. “It is an affirming shortcut to signature style.”

TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Changing her life’s direction A

By Valerie L. Valdez Photos by Karin Markert

ll it took was one look for Michele J. Carter to change the course of her life. “After four years of working at Central Texas College and during a very challenging time in my life, I looked at my 1-year old daughter, Breanna, who is now 21, and decided that in spite of our circumstances I would find a way to give her a better life,” Carter said.

That was 23 years ago, and Carter, who started at CTC as a receptionist became the college’s first female deputy chancellor, finance and administration, in January 2015. The journey wasn’t easy and had it not been for the grace of God, Carter said she would not be doing what she is doing now.

She took the new position for many reasons, including this one from Romans 15:1, “Strength is for service, not status,” Carter said. “I sincerely want to use the influence of this position to make a positive impact in the lives of our students, staff and faculty and community.”

Born in Newburgh, N.Y., Carter’s family came to Fort Hood where her father retired from the U.S. Army in 1986.

She graduated from Ellison High School and briefly returned to New York, but with no formal education and the higher cost of living, she returned to Killeen in 1991 and started working at CTC as a receptionist.

With no clear goal in mind, it was Bill Beebe, retired CTC executive officer and her former supervisor, who challenged her to make a plan for her future. The next step came when she was promoted to contract specialist in 1991, and in 1995, she resumed classes at CTC, graduating with an associate degree in 1996. That was followed by a promotion to contracts administrator in 1998, and she also earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Central Texas.

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MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

As a full-time working mom and wife, Michele Carter credits her success to the principles of faith, family and service, and being prepared.

By 2000, Carter had a Master of Business Administration from Tarleton State University and was promoted to assistant director of business services. Two more promotions came: in 2005 to director of business services and in 2010 she assumed the additional responsibilities of contracting officer, resulting in a new title, director of Business Services/Contracting officer.

Now, as the college’s “CFO,” she provides executive oversight in the areas of financial management, human resources and information technology and facilities and risk management and business services. While her mind is on the bottom line, her heart is with the students struggling to afford college tuition.

“I’ve been there and as with any other major purchase, one must count the cost in money, time, and effort of a college education and research the field of study for career opportunities after graduation,” Carter said.

As a full-time working mom and wife, Carter credits her success to the principles of faith, family and service, and being prepared. “It was about positioning and the emphasis is on preparation by being faithful and diligent in what you’re already doing so that if a door of opportunity is open to you and it’s something you believe you could or should do, then you proceed accordingly.” She said there was no glass ceiling that she encountered as she was Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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“The challenge was always being present for my daughter while balancing work and school and for a couple of years I was a single parent attending college while simultaneously working full-time.”

Michele J. Carter promoted through the ranks.

“CTC does a great job recruiting and hiring the best candidates for its open positions regardless of gender,” she said.

Every day Carter must address the tough economic challenges facing CTC, such as the future cuts to the U.S. Armed Forces. “We are not immune to those externalities that continue to impact our operations, and we continue to see decreased enrollments from a major sector, the military,” she said.

But she added the college has new educational opportunities, such as the Police Academy program, the Evening College program and an Early College High School program with KISD. Carter expressed her personal philosophy for higher education as necessary for our society, “An education provides people with knowledge and skills necessary to improve their marketability in the workplace, but it also helps to prepare our country’s next generation of leaders,” she said.

Not surprisingly, she combines her passion for education with her strong faith and has served on numerous boards in the local communities.

Since 1993, she has been a member of the Cathedral of Central Texas Christian House of Prayer. Currently, she serves with husband, Antonio Carter, as the head deacons under the leadership of Apostle Nate and Valerie Holcomb.

It is a surreal feeling when Michele J. Carter thinks about her journey, and she attributes it to a strong foundation starting with her parents, Wesley and Sharon 16

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

Deputy Chancellor Michele J. Carter, with current receptionist, Charles Carter (no relation), at Central Texas College in Killeen. Michele Carter worked her way up from receptionist, sitting in this same spot, to her current post.

Morganfield, encouragement and the endless support from her husband and their daughter Breanna, a CTC student.

“The challenge was always being present for my daughter while balancing work and school and for a couple of years I was a single parent attending college while simultaneously working full-time. Another challenge was simply making sure everything got done at home,” Carter said.

Carter has shared her testimony with other women as a way to encourage them

on their journey, and offered some advice. “Be kind to people and be helpful,” she said. “Yet the single biggest motivator is God’s glory, other’s gain, and my own growth.

“I learned this guiding principle from my pastor, Apostle Nate Holcomb, and found that it helps to keep things in their proper perspective and remove the temptation to make decisions that are self-serving rather than that which is good for everyone involved.”

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from

business pleasure to

making your wardrobe work for you

Story by JESSICA PEARCE Photographs by JULIE NABOURS Fashions and accessories provided by Dillards of Temple

Most women understand the need for a separate work wardrobe, but many often face the dilemma of what to wear in more specific work scenarios. What can a woman wear in an interview, for instance, to convey competency while still retaining her femininity? What should one wear on a

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typical day at the office? What is officeappropriate for casual Friday, and what is off limits? If a businesswoman has a function to attend straight after work, how can she make her outfit transition for an evening look? Although age, occupation and personal style will influence these decisions, there are guidelines that can help a woman navigate the world of business with panache.

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the

Interview Suit This is your most critical work style statement because it contributes to the first impression you make with your interviewer. In a utopian world, competency alone nets anyone a job; in today’s highly skilled, competitive workforce, the reality is that a woman must do everything she can to stand out among the competition. Wearing an interview outfit that conveys the right message is essential.

First off, the old adage of “dress for the job you want, not for the job you have” applies here. This means that your interview outfit should be comprised of the most conservative yet stylish pieces you can put together.

Nothing conveys competence and quality more than a well-tailored suit. A woman’s suit should skim the body, being neither too tight nor too baggy. A suit, however, does not have to be boring. To leave a lasting impression, simply add a pop of bright color in your blouse, bag or jewelry. The best color to add to a neutral suit is one that complements your hair, eyes and skin tone.

As a final note, remember that less is still more here. Avoid any jewelry that is overly distracting, and opt for natural-looking makeup to bring out your features.

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This neon pink blouse by Sugar Lips, $69, adds a pop of color to these Antonio Melani separates. The navy jacket is $199 and navy slacks, $119.

Add a floral print crossbody bag, by Coach, $295; silver earrings by Michael Kors, $85; and a silver statement necklace by Anne Klein, $50.

Looking professional for a job interview is easy with these classic suit separates

by Gianni Bini. Navy jacket $139; navy slacks $99; emerald blouse by Antonio Melani, $79; navy satchel $298; earrings $85; and navy bar necklace, $125, all by Michael Kors.

Versatile taupe pairs well with a jeweled blouse. Jacket $199 and pencil skirt $99, both by Antonio Melani; indigo blouse, $79, by Cremieux; crossbody iPad bag, $165, by Coach; gold and blue earrings, $15 and bracelets, $20 each, by Anna & Ava.

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Be ready for the interview or first day on the job with these separates by Antonio Melani. Navy jacket is $199 and navy skirt is $99. Pair with a cerulean blouse, $49 by Calvin Klein, and add a gray handbag, $228, by Dooney & Bourke. Accessorize with an elegant jewel pendant necklace, $20 by Jessica Simpson, and gold hoop clip-on earrings by Anne Klein, $20 TEXAPPEALMAG.COM TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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a day

At the Office Many of the same principles for the interview outfit also work for the office. Dressing well on a typical office day is like wearing your talent on your sleeve; it conveys the idea that you are happy, capable and intentional.

A good rule of thumb in creating a put-together office look is the “rule of three” — make sure your outfit incorporates at least three key pieces.

These pieces could be comprised of a skirt, blouse and statement earrings; a pair of slacks, fitted blazer and a patterned shirt, or neutral slacks and sweater with a pair of pumps in a standout color. The options are endless, but the idea remains — simply throwing on a top and pants can look a little half-baked, but tying together a minimum of three pieces in a thoughtful way contributes to the good impression you want to make on a daily basis.

On a related note, it is important to understand that there are many ways to marry pieces for a good work outfit. Not everything has to be monochromatic to work well together; the important thing is to wear a color palette comprised of shades that do not clash with each other, but complement your own natural coloring.

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This lightweight Coral jacket, $69, by Multiples, is the perfect cover for a cream embroidered blouse by Chelsea & Violet, $78.

Black ankle pants are by Investments, $39 and the black crossbody bag by Brahmin, $195.

Add a gold and orange bracelet, by Kenneth Cole, $35 and rose gold earrings by Jessica Simpson, $35.

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Need to run some errands at lunch time?

This wild rose blouse, $129, and coral and ivory multi print skirt,$109, both by Antonio Melani, looks crisp. Orange and gold earrings, $28, an orange and gold circle necklace, $42, both by Kenneth Cole, and a Champagne handbag, $245, by Brahmin, completes this look.

RIGHT: This geometric power dress by Eliza J, $76.80, is just right for that Monday morning staff meeting. Add a pink tote by Coach, $255, and multi-colored chandelier earrings by Anna & Ava, $25, to complete your look.

LEFT: This Navy jacket, $139, adds professional class to this mint blouse, $69, both by Cremieux, and mint multistriped skirt, $79, by Alex Marie. The mint and gold statement necklace by Anna & Ava, $30, adds the bling while the navy and gold chain bag, Michael Kors, $225, brings the outfit together.

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Comfort comes first in this navy and cream floral multi with lace detail dress by Chelsea & Violet, $128; jean jacket by Gibson & Latimer, $79; cream handbag by Dooney & Bourke, $228 and navy bracelet by Anna & Ava, $20.

Creative professionals will like this relaxed look at their office or studio. Ivory moto jacket by Gianni Bini, $109; embellished boot-cut jeans by Kut from the Cloth, $89; tasseled black cross body bag, Gianni Bini, $69; and gold logo stud earrings by Michael Kors, $75.

Casual Friday Nothing inspires more cheer than knowing the weekend is near, often signaled by a “casual Friday” dress code. Many offices and businesses offer a more relaxed option on this day, which begs the question, how can a woman look and feel relaxed while still looking stylish and accomplished?

The important principle to play off of when determining how casual to dress on Friday is to step down one level from the everyday attire 26

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

your particular business requires. If you work in a corporate office where suits are the norm, you may consider changing your look on Friday to a casual day dress paired with simple jewelry or a jean jacket. If you work in a “business casual” environment already, you can scale your look back to a pair of great-fitting jeans with a bright blouse and heels. If you work for an artistic, trendy business, feel free to have more fun with jeans, jackets and accessories.

It’s jeans day at the office and this Red ruffle detail blouse by Calvin Klein, $79.50, adds a pop of color.

The dark wash skinny jeans by Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, $114 look good with any pumps you have at home. The chili tote by Michael Kors, $248; silver tassel chain necklace by Dillards, $32; stud earrings by Jessica Simpson, $20 and silver watch by Anne Klein, $65, make his casual Friday outfit a hit.

This emerald green belted shirtdress by Gibson & Latimer, $84 is a classic style. Add a green tooled handbag, $99,(below) by Patricia Nash, green and gold drop earrings, $20 and a gold knot bracelet, $20, both by Anna & Ava, to finish this outfit.

The best thing to remember about casual Friday is that casual does not mean sloppy. It is still important to continue portraying confidence and style through your attire, just as you would the rest of the week. There is no call for shredded jeans, lumpy sweatshirts or death metal tees. Use the relaxed feel of casual Fridays to express aspects of your own style that make you feel good, but do it in a way that sends the right message.

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Be ready to enjoy an afterhours outing in this navy laceback dress by Jessica Simpson, $128 and white shrug by Calvin Klein, $39. Add a red belt for a pop of color from Dillards, $28, for a set of two and a navy and white handbag by Brahmin, $355.

Earrings, $95; chain necklace $145 and bracelet, $125, are all by Michael Kors.

Workday to Evening There are occasions when you plan on putting in a full day at the office, but have an invitation for happy hour or dinner immediately following work. It can be disconcerting to transition your style and your state of mind for a date or other fun event without breaking your stride. With a little planning though, this can be your opportunity to become a quickchange artist.

It is easiest to begin with a solid piece, such as a dress with clean lines, and build off of it.

Wear the dress during the workday with fewer accessories and perhaps a shrug sweater over sleeveless styles that you will later remove.

Keep your makeup neutral, but bring your makeup bag with you for touchups at the end of the day.

When you reach the day’s end, it’s time to amp up your style factor.

Remove sweaters or simple jewelry, and replace them with chandelier earrings or a chunky statement necklace. If you’ve been wearing flats, swap them for a pair of heels.

Head to the nearest restroom, and check for any shine that’s built up on your face throughout the day.

Gently blot your face with a tissue to pat away excess oil. Using a cotton swab, remove any stray traces of mascara or eyeliner that have crept out of place. Add a fresh coat of lipstick in a more vivid shade to brighten your face and add some punch to your outfit.

As a final touch, spritz on a bit of your favorite scent to help shift your mood from business to pleasure.

A cap-sleeved emerald dress

by Antonio Melani, $159 can be worn with or without a cover at the office. Add the brown multi handbag,

by Brahmin, $195 and gold necklace by Michael Kors, $175, and be ready for a night on the town.

photo by Karin Markert

Look good all day in this coral dress with cutout detail by Antonio Melani, $159. The coral chandelier earrings by Anna & Ava, $25, and silver cuff bracelet

by Dillards, $25, adds bling.

The snap-closure floral multi handbag, by Patricia Nash, $169, is roomy enough for any beauty items you carry in your bag.

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This eye-catching Cerulean dress by Calvin Klein is$118.

For shoulder coverage in the office add a white sweater shrug by Calvin Klein, $39.

The statement necklace, $40, earrings, $15 and bracelet, $20, all by Anna & Ava adds bling, while the floral handbag by Brahmin, $295 finishes the outfit.

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Risky businesses

Women work in career fields that require extreme dedication, emotional investment and risk of physical harm Story by Gail Dillon Photos by Mitchel Barrett

G

Georgette Hurt, left, is a detective with the Copperas Cove Police Department.

Megan Leighman is a firefighter/ paramedicMAY for the city| of Harker Heights.

30 2015 TEX APPEAL Women in Business

eorgette Hurt didn’t intend on becoming a police officer, but destiny had other plans. She is the primary detective for investigation of sexual assaults for the Copperas Cove Criminal Investigation Division of the Copperas Cove Police Department, where she began as a dispatcher 18 years ago following a stint in the Army as a military police officer.

“I went into the military thinking I was going to do my 20 years, but then life happened,” Hurt said. “I was missing out on big chunks of my daughter’s life and that’s why I chose to get out (after five years).”

She landed a job as a dispatcher for the Cove PD, though after getting hired, learned that someone else was actually supposed to get the position. “I was later told that there was some mix-up between myself and another person who had applied for the dispatch job so I wasn’t the number one on the list,” Hurt said with an infectious chuckle.

After 18 months as a dispatcher, her colleagues urged her to apply for a patrol slot and she got it, spending 14 years responding to calls, working traffic stops and working at the high school as a liaison. She assumed she would enjoy it since teaching was her dream when she was younger. Hurt, 42, said ‘that dream was quickly crushed” after she interacted with the teenagers for a few months, though she felt the experience helped change negative perceptions of law enforcement officials.

“One good part of police officers being in the school is (the kids) actually see the good side of it,” she explained. “If you have a problem you go to the police officer and the police officer is going to help you.”

She has held her current position investigating special victim crimes since 2013, which involves working closely with Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services and other agencies. She is also the sex offender registrar for the department, which she admits can be difficult at times.

“I felt that I had the mentality to be able to

Christy Scoggins is a family nurse practitioner at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen.

deal with those kinds of cases and leave it here, walk away,” Hurt said. “I don’t know if maybe that’s because I’m more seasoned than other officers . . . or if it’s just my upbringing.”

The Riverside, Calif. native and mother of a 20-year-old daughter said a typical work day for her starts at 8 a.m. when she comes in, checks her voice mail, returns phone calls and decides what to tackle first.

“I try to prioritize everything and do whatever I can,” she said. She may interview juveniles or talk with sex offenders during

the day, though she said “90 percent of the time I’m at my desk.”

Hurt works on child abuse, sexual assault cases involving children and adults and the general welfare of children and adults.

“There is definitely no shortage of cases and the paperwork can be overwhelming. It’s my least favorite part of the job — the typing and documentation. It’s so time-consuming,” she said. However, even more unpleasant for her is that her Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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position exists at all.

“There are so many victims out there, which is depressing,” Hurt said, describing herself as a champion of the underdog.

“Being in that position to help, to try to resolve (a victim’s) situation and get them pointed in the right direction, that’s gratifying to me,” she said, adding that solving a case is the best part of her job, “because I know that there’s one less bad person that I have to worry about.”

Hurt said that when she’s had a bad day and the stress of her position accumulates, she has a coping strategy. “I think about what I’m going to do when I leave here, even if it’s something as simple as sitting in front of the television and drinking tea,” she said.

She also said she is “addicted” to running 5Ks, and relies on her friends and family to keep her sanity intact. “I’m only here nine hours of the day,” she said. Hurt said she has not encountered much sexism on the job, and believes her demeanor is a factor.

“I don’t take a lot of stuff,” she said.

“I’m quick to be frank with someone if they’re a sex offender or if they are a suspect in some type of sexual assault case or abuse case. Whenever you show weakness that’s when people will pounce on you.”

Staying positive and not obsessing over past mistakes are also keys to her success. “I have learned dwelling on the past is not going to change the past,” Hurt said. “You just have to remember, OK, don’t repeat the same mistakes.”

Unflagging dedication to medicine t took Christy Scoggins much longer than most of her peers to become a family nurse practitioner, but she is proud of her journey and believes her bedside manner has benefited from the extra time.

“I’ve actually hit every level of nursing that you can hit,” she said, explaining that she started as a licensed vocational nurse and worked her way through school to finally achieve her master’s degree.

Scoggins, who works rotating shifts at Metroplex Hospital in Killeen, grew up in the small West Texas town of Big Spring.

She was a 4.0 student and had a scholarship to the University of Texas with plans to study medicine. However, getting pregnant at 16 changed her future.

“There were not many career paths for me in West Texas,” she said. “I could be a mom, do the clerical thing, or the teaching

I

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Christy Scoggins, right, walks and talks with Scribe Mary Castor down one of the hallways of Metroplex Hospital in Killeen.

Georgette Hurt is a detective with the Copperas Cove Police Department.

“There are so many victims out there, which is depressing. Being in that position to help, to try to resolve (a victim’s) situation and get them pointed in the right direction, that’s gratifying to me.”

Detective Georgette Hurt thing, which is what my mother and sisters have all done.”

It was her doctor who motivated her to pursue medicine a different way. “My doctor looked at me and asked, ‘What are you

going to do now?’” she said. “He believed in me enough, told me that I was worth something and that I was smart enough to do it.” Scoggins credits him with getting her into Howard College, in Big Spring, where she earned her LVN. She calls motherhood “the first level of nursing,” and she should know. Married for 26 years to her high school sweetheart, the couple has five children — two biological and three they fostered, and she worked around them to achieve her goals.

“That was a difficult juggle,” she said. “I tell everybody if I write a book I’m going to call it ‘my splatter-paint life’ because I splatter-painted my career around my children.”

Her dedication was unflagging — she routinely drove two and half hours one way, several days a week, to earn her graduate degree at Hardin Simmons University

in Abilene. “It was a good deal for me and my family,” she explained. “I didn’t want my daughter to grow up with the only options that I had.”

Scoggins glows when she discusses her job. “I love to take care of patients,” she said simply. “It’s a joy but it’s also a relationship — you meet people at their worst or at their most vulnerable. It’s a true gift.”

She said that although she works in the emergency room, her experiences do not mirror those typically dramatized on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“I tell everybody that I probably don’t even have enough to fill a TV show,” she said, laughing. “Most of the stuff that we see is, people are just sick.” Her biggest challenge has to do with managing patients’ negative emotions when they come in and have to wait.

“With patients it has to do with their frustration level. ERs are very full, doesn’t matter which ER you go to. Right now we’re full. You have to get past that level of frustration.”

Losing a patient — especially a child — is heartbreaking for Scoggins. “As we’re doing CPR on a child, we’re bawling. You know you’re working on someone and you can feel them going ... it is very powerful and very tangible.”

The rewards of her profession are equally intense. “My happiest joy is when I teach a kid not to be scared — that’s a really good day,” she said. Scoggins and her husband live on a farm, which helps her release stress after long days seeing patients. She said moving hay bales and chasing chickens are both her exercise and her therapy.

Down the line, she would like to open her own practice, though she said it would be hard to sacrifice the camaraderie of the emergency room. “I don’t know if I’ll ever give up the ER,” Scoggins said. “There’s a certain level of intimacy you get with the crew you work with; they become part of your family and part of your blood.”

Ultimately, she said she feels lucky to be in the nursing field. “I get to do what I love every day,” she said. “I really like being

able to come out with happy patients at the end of the day. That’s a really good day.”

Overcoming challenges egan Leighman started college with the goal of eventually teaching school, but soon found herself on another road entirely. The 38-yearold Killeen native has been a firefighter and paramedic for Harker Heights for the past 11 years, a career that began when a friend told her she could earn extra money as an emergency medical technician while still attending classes.

“So I went to school and I got my EMT and I never got my degree,” she said.

Instead she decided she wanted to work on an ambulance, but there were no available jobs and so she ended up in the ER at Scott & White Hospital. “I was not very happy about that, but it actually became a godsend because I learned so much more being in the ER, I think, than I would have on the truck,” she said.

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Leighman worked at Scott & White for six years before going to the Harker Heights Fire Academy in 1998.

“It was very, very challenging, and to be honest, at one point I thought, ‘I’m not going to finish this,’” she said. Her biggest obstacle was donning the oxygen mask.

“Anytime I had to put that mask on, (I was) claustrophobic,” she said, explaining that “one of the old crusty firefighters” helped her overcome her fears. “I thought, ‘the man hates me,’ but he kind of took me under his wing and got me through that.”

After graduating from the academy, she became a paramedic as well.

“Anybody can do it,” she said of her accomplishments. “I firmly believe anyone can do pretty much anything in life if you set your mind to it.” Leighman works 24 hours on and 48 hours off, which she enjoys. “I can’t imagine working 8 to 5 or anything like that now,” she said, adding that her husband (who is also a firefighter/paramedic at Coryell Memorial EMS) works the same shift, only opposite so the couple is together only every third day.

She said she loves the service aspect of her job. “As cheesy as it sounds, I like when we have those calls where you feel you’ve really helped somebody,” and that being thanked by those she has helped means the world to her.

“It’s really cool — it doesn’t happen very often — but it’s really rewarding when they come back and thank you,” she said, emotion thickening her voice.

Another career highlight was delivering a baby. “It was all we could do to get (the woman) in the ambulance and get her en route to Scott & White,” Leighman recalled. “On the way, she said ‘I got to push,’ and the next thing I know we have a baby, it was just that fast.”

Happy outcomes like these make the other parts of her job more bearable, she said. “That puts all the drunken stupidity at two clock, and three o’clock in the morning that we go on and, all the bad things aside. That’s what keeps me here.”

The camaraderie she shares with fellow firefighters — to whom she refers as “family” and “brothers” — is another plus. “You can’t live with someone for 24 hours every third day ­— you can’t do all that and not be a family,” she said. The firefighters also share a close relationship with local police departments, Leighman pointed out. “We’re very, very blessed in this city that the police try to come with us to every call.”

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Megan Leighman, firefighter/paramedic in Harker Heights, checks to make sure everything in the ambulance is ready.

There are also parts of her job that she is less thrilled about. “Probably the thing I don’t like is the sadness I see every day that is an eye-opener to things that people don’t have, and the way they live and you just have this huge sense of empathy for these people,” she said.

A typical day for Leighman starts early — her shift begins at 7 a.m. She and her colleagues initially get a report from the off-going shift and then check their vehicles. By 8:30 a.m., the crew stops to eat breakfast.

“We all come together at the table and eat together no matter what,” she said. The rest of the day could include training, maintain-

ing the city’s fire hydrants or entertaining classes of school kids coming by for a tour, in between calls. And then at 3:30, we have our mandatory workout time,” she said.

Being in top physical shape is crucial for a firefighter, requiring rigorous training to perform the strenuous tasks, such as donning the 40- to 50-pound gear. She exercises with a personal trainer and also does Crossfit frequently. “Working out has become a hobby for me,” she said.

Her advice to someone considering becoming a firefighter is simple: “Just have a healthy respect for people. If you don’t like people, this is probably not the job for you.”

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Open hearts, open doors

Philanthropic women share a common goal: Helping those in need

By Jessica Pearce Photos by MITCHEL BARRETT

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Donna Dunn talks with Martin Solis of Belton at the Body of Christ Community Clinic.

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onna Dunn, executive director of the Body of Christ Community Clinic in Belton, chats casually with Dennis Roy, a volunteer pharmacist at the clinic. In her office, with its brick red accent walls and fresh bouquet of daisies on the table, they talk about everything from different medications to the weather.

Unlike traditionally stark medical clinics, a feeling of peace and relaxation extends from Dunn’s office to the waiting room outside, where patients can wait surrounded by several artistically rendered crosses and a brightly painted mural of Jesus blessing little children. It is clear from the surroundings that this clinic, which opened to the public in June 2010, was founded on faith.

The role of executive director is a second career for Dunn, who worked 15 years for Scott & White Healthcare, first as a secretary for cardiology and then as the marketing coordinator for the cardiology department. While a marketing coordinator, she attended many health fairs. During one fair, she met Caroline Insall, who told her about a task force composed of several area churches that was working to form the first free health clinic in Belton.

Insall, the clinic’s first executive director, stayed in touch with Dunn, and asked her to volunteer as a receptionist when the clinic opened.

Initially the clinic was open only one night a week, so volunteering was not an imposition to Dunn. While she continued working full-time for Scott & White, she began to feel the tug of a new love on her heart. “It was so great working with the patients and making them feel at ease,” she said. “I just fell in love with it.”

In 2011, after volunteering for six months at the clinic, Dunn said, “I kind of got restless. I loved my job at Scott & White, but I began praying about finding a ministry to get involved with. In my mind, I wanted to do foreign missions.” Dunn

Susan Bolton, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House in Temple, has a conversation with Wagdi Mabrouk, who is staying at the Ronald McDonald House while his wife stays with their child at McLane Children’s Hospital.

discovered that the answer to her prayer, however, was much closer to home.

For family reasons, Insall stepped down as the clinic’s director in 2011, and asked Dunn to apply for the position. “I went into the interview just thinking it would be a good experience,” Dunn said. “I never dreamed I’d have a chance. When they offered me the job, I prayed a lot about it.”

Dunn said she felt that God was opening a door of ministry to her, even though it was not what she’d thought it would be.

She initially continued working fulltime for Scott & White while working with patients on clinic night and working alone at the clinic on other evenings, but by the end of 2013, when the clinic began expanding its patient hours, she said she began to feel “burnt out” working both positions. “In January 2014, I decided to take a huge leap of faith and jumped with both

feet into the world of nonprofit,” she said.

“It’s been interesting,” Dunn continued. “In a nonprofit, you work around your volunteers’ schedules. It’s definitely a challenge.” Dunn is currently the only paid full-time employee, though she has three hourly employees. She said she relies heavily on prayer and on the goodwill of her team of medical volunteers. “It is hard for some of our patients to accept charity,” she said. “I love watching how our volunteers interact with them.”

The clinic provides basic medical care and dental hygiene for more than 50,000 uninsured people in Bell County. “We take care of their health needs and minister to their spiritual needs as well,” said Dunn.

“We’re here to be Jesus’ hands and to serve the poor in our community.”

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Christ Community Clinic expand to fulltime hours and also expand its current dental services into a separate, full-time dental clinic. She said they will need many more volunteers and the funding to pay for more permanent staff members. The clinic is currently funded entirely by private donors, including several area churches, United Way and by individual support.

On a more personal note, Dunn added, “Having a secretary to answer the phones would also be great.”

Dunn described the reason she has chosen to serve the Belton community saying, “I have a heart for the folks we serve; my life is so far removed from these people.

You often think of the poor as being somewhere overseas, but they’re right here.”

Caring for families Susan Bolton, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House in Temple, ushers house guests into the garden where she shows off multi-colored snapdragons, pinching open the blossoms to display their “snapping” ability. Wagdi Mabrouk, whose infant daughter is being treated at the nearby McLane Children’s Scott & White Hospital for a rare infection, said he is from New York City, and had never seen what snapdragons can do.

Bolton uses these little experiences to take her guests’ minds off the reality of their children’s fragile state at the hospital.

The house is conveniently located in a real neighborhood and is set up to provide a home away from home at little to no cost for parents and families with children who face extended hospital care.

Being the executive director for the past 25 years is a natural fit for Bolton, whose roots go deep in the Temple community. “My family has been here for generations,” she said. “My dad’s picture is on the Temple Chamber of Commerce wall. I feel a sense of heritage here.”

Bolton believes that she was asked to step into her current position because of “divine intervention.” “My sister was talking to the house board, and my name came up,” she said. While most people there knew her through her family and considered her a good fit for the role, Bolton had never considered it for herself.

Raising her son and daughter, she was unsure if she wanted to detract from the amount of time she could give her own family by assuming the role. “I was perfectly content being a stay-at-home mom,” 38

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

said Bolton, “but by my working here, my kids got to see so much. They got to know people with illnesses much worse than they ever had, even though they both struggled with asthma.”

Bolton’s motivation behind her work is intimately tied to the house itself. “I love this house,” she said. “I get goose bumps when I talk about it. It’s the most wonderful place you never want to have to be.”

Bolton continues to plan for the house’s future, refusing to become complacent in her leadership. “We’ll have to expand,” she said. Currently, the house has 18 bedrooms with private baths, but it is short on storage space. She is using nine extra rooms for storage that could be converted to bedrooms if more funding becomes available for additional storage space.

Aside from monetary donations, though, Bolton currently has an entire laundry list of services that volunteers can provide, including cleaning, baking and cooking meals for house guests.

As the unofficial house mother, Bolton said that over the years it is the people, including the guests, staff and board members, who have fueled her passion to serve. She recalled a year when one family was staying in the house over the holidays.

“I was a real grouch,” she said, “because I had to work there Christmas Eve.” Her perspective changed, however, when the whole family streamed in with reindeer antlers on and took over the common living room. They had Christmas music playing and brought in all their gifts to celebrate Christmas right there. Bolton later found out their girls said they thought it was the best Christmas they ever had.

Some families return to stay at the house for regular visits when a child needs multiple treatments at the hospital for chronic conditions. Bolton remembered Len, a special boy who had the rare Cornelia De Lange Syndrome, which causes affected children to have many physical and mental challenges over their lifetime. He stayed at the house several times with his mother, and Bolton attended Len’s high school graduation when he was in his twenties. “When he walked across the stage, the whole crowd cheered,” she said. “He died just a few years later, but he touched my life.”

While Bolton described the bond she feels with her guests, it is clear the feeling is mutual. Patricia Lopez, a current house guest, suffered from preeclampsia during her pregnancy, which made it necessary

From left, Susan Bolton, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House, walks through Memorial Garden and admires the flowers with Maria Patricia Lopez, who stayed at the Ronald McDonald House while her son was in the hospital, and Rebecca Luna, who works as both housekeeper and translator.

for her to deliver her son Oliver while he was still premature. After her delivery, she moved into the house so that she could be near him at the neonatal intensive care unit at Scott & White. Baby Oliver weighed only 2 pounds, 9 ounces at birth, so Lopez remained at the house while he continued to gain weight in the hospital.

“I like it here,” she said. “It’s a different experience. I thank God for this place and for everyone here.”

Mabrouk, Bolton’s guest from the garden, had much to say about his stay at the house as well. “This has been such a blessing for us. I can’t say enough about this place; they’ve been so good to us here.”

While Bolton works tirelessly to provide house guests like Mabrouk and Lopez a sense of normalcy during a time of high stress, she declared, “There’s nothing I could do to make up even a tenth of what they’ve done for me.”

Donna Dunn, executive director of the Body of Christ Community Clinic, talks with volunteer pharmacist Dennis Roy. TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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AMANDA MICHALSKI

ANGELA SMITH

ANNA FLORES

CAROLYN PHILLIPS

CATHY SHELTON

CIERA LAURENZI

JAMIE SMITH

JENNIFER FISHER

JESSIE HAGUE

MELISSA TURGEON

MICHELLE FIELDER

MYONG POWELL

NOT PICTURED: Amanda Rinn Amparo Whitis

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Angelika Hedgecock Ann Boyd Ashley Rodriguez

MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

Brittany McClemens Harolyn Humphrey Jessica Tobian

ANNA SECREST

CHASTITY LOVE

APRIL BEHR

ASMAA HERNANDEZ

BENITA GONZALES

CHASITY MARTIN

DEVON BELLOWS

ERIN ALLEN

JOANNA POLANCO

LEANN CURTIS

LYN BOULANGER

MARICRUZ WALTERS

ROSA BAXIN

SARA CRISP

TONYA SPARKS

WILMA VILLEGAS

Jessica Wrangler June Villiancourt Latoria Rogers

Marlene Butterbaugh Mary Angela Williamson Netoshia Pendleton

Nicole Allen Ramona Tucker Tamika Scott

Veronica Neives Victoria Kovas Wendi England

Jesse Clawson

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Denise Worsley arranges clothes in her shop, Denise’s I Candy Boutique.

A force for fashion

Story by Gail Dillon Photos by Karin Markert

T

he first thing you notice when you enter “Ms. Denise’s I Candy Boutique” in Harker Heights is how relaxed you feel among the colorful and neatly arranged sea of purses, jewelry and clothing. It doesn’t take long to realize that Denise Worsley herself is the reason for this vibe. The attractive Philadelphia native and retired Army sergeant first class has a soothing way about her that instantly sets people at ease.

“When ladies have a bad day, I say come on in and sit down,” she said.

Worsley opened the business two years ago after devoting 20 years to cooking for soldiers. “Food service was not really looked upon as one of the greatest jobs and with the least appreciation, but I know it was rewarding to me, because a good home-cooked meal is one of the best things (for a soldier),” she said, chuckling about having to go to work “at o’dark thirty.” She deployed twice to Iraq for 14 months each, and also did a seven-month deployment to Bosnia. She said it was those deployments more than anything else that made her decide to retire in 2010. “...Just knowing by the grace of God that I came back home because a lot of soldiers that went with us did not come back,” she said. But she is quick to credit the military for much.

“I give the Army all the praise. I accomplished my bachelors Owner Denise Worsley, left, looks at a clutch with customer Sharon Shipman at Denise’s I Candy Boutique, 600 Indian Trail #107 Harker Heights. degree in Iraq, and if I hadn’t joined the Army, the way I love donuts? I’d probably be big as a house,” she said with a hearty laugh. item personally to display in her shop. “So it’s a little bit of me in Worsley was stationed in Germany, Korea and Hawaii before she everything in here,” she said. and her husband came to Fort Hood in 1998. She said although Worsley said the majority of her customers hear about her Hawaii was “hands down” their favorite locale, Fort Hood “has a store via word-of-mouth, though she’s done some advertising. lot to offer.”

And although some days are slower than she would like, her Making jewelry at home while she was still on active duty was merchandise doesn’t linger for long. “People want nice things, the beginning of her now-thriving small business. “I had given they like the variety,” she said, adding that many of her customers one of my soldier’s wives a sewing machine and she gave me a bag are “church-going ladies” who favor fancy hats. She has a Faceof beads; from then, I took those beads and just started whipping Book page as well, and said people can order directly from it. them together,” Worsley said. “But I’ve never made two pieces “I’ve shipped a purse and a shawl to a young lady in Afghanistan identically the same.” Before long she was selling jewelry and purs- because they have the Internet (there) and if she sees it and likes es out of her garage but the Texas heat got to be too much. it, why not?”

She opened her first store in a jam-packed 171-square-foot She continues to stay in touch with soldiers she used to work space near her current business, but it had to expand when her with, “just because they still need some guidance and leadership customers were routinely bumping into one another. Setting up and that motherly talk.” And she is a mom in real life — to her shop in the 1,200-square-foot area she now owns was a leap of 35-year-old son who lives in North Carolina — as well as a grandfaith for Worsley. “Coming from that to this rent-wise, ‘whew,’ mother to his three children. Down the line, Worsley would like she said dramatically. “But it’s been working.” to see more of the world. “I have a plan to sell this business in She and her husband, who she calls “my maintenance guy,” about three years as an established business, to a young lady who put in new floors and decorated the space. The store continues to is really into fashion, and then go and do some traveling,” she sell jewelry and purses, as well as clothing and essential oil prod- said. “I think I need to get out and see more of the world that I ucts. Worsley said her low prices are what make the difference. didn’t see in my 20 years in the Army.”

“My prices are not full retail because I’m not here to get rich, I’m In the meantime, she will continue to provide beautiful things just here to offer the ladies a different type of shopping experi- in a relaxing atmosphere for low prices. In her mind, it’s just an ence,” she explained. extension of her military service.

Another distinctive aspect of the boutique is the fact that like “So to me, doing this, I’m still serving the ladies by keeping her jewelry, everything is one of a kind. She picks each and every them looking good.”

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Back row: Tonya Jarvis, Tiffani Foxx, Rowena Miller; Middle row: Terri Covington, Paula Golden; Front row: Sonya White, Kelly Graham, Tanya Cosper, Tina Smith

Covington Real Estate Inc. 2324 North Main Street, Belton 254-939-3800 | covingtonsells.com

Terri Covington opened Covington Real Esate, Inc., a family-owned business in 2003 with the mission of offering the highest quality service and promoting excellent relationships with clients, agents and the community.

“I am intimately involved in the personal and professional lives of the agents,” Covington said. “We are like family.” Covington takes pride in the fact that 90 percent of the agents have professional designations and 80 percent have held leadership positions with the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors.

Cochran, Blair & Potts

221 East Central Avenue, Belton | 254-939-3333 | find us on Facebook The motto for Cochran, Blair & Potts helps tell its story: “Texas’ Oldest and Finest Department Store.”

Ashley Potts, an owner of the landmark business that’s been serving Central Texas since 1869, works hard to carry on the tradition of outstanding customer service and offering “a product that will last.”

“Unlike big-box department stores, we have the advantage of personally buying the merchandise that we sell and have firsthand knowledge of what our customers want,” Potts said. “People like the history of our store and its capability of keeping up with the evolving market.” The business has prospered by having many dedicated employees through the years, such as Sandra Chaney, the current office manager. Potts said Chaney “goes above and beyond to make our business operations run smoothly and efficiently.”

Now in its seventh generation of family ownership and management, Potts said the business has deep roots in the community. “We have been here for the community for 146 years and will be here for years to come.”

The store is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

It is closed Sunday.

“We are accessible during and after business hours,” Covington said, adding there is an agent on duty evenings and weekends.

“Our agents stay on top of the transaction from beginning to end in a professional way,” Covington said. “These ladies are full-time Realtors.”

The women on the Covington Real Estate team include: Paula Golden – Paula has her GRI designation and is a longtime supporter of the Bell County Youth Fair and Rodeo. Raised in Belton, she is passionate about helping clients achieve home ownership.

Rowena Miller – Rowena is a Broker Associate. She is mom to a fantastic middle schooler and serves on the Belton Education Enrichment Foundation (BEEF) board. She is dedicated to excellence in all aspects of real estate.

Tina Smith – Tina is past president of the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors and was the Realtor of the Year in 2008. She is the TBBOR military affairs chairman. She enjoys living at Lake Belton and fishing.

Tiffani Foxx – Tiffani enjoys working with builders and representing clients looking for new homes. She is involved in firefighter’s association and was formerly in law enforcement.

Sonya White – Sonya is a HUD homes specialist. She is experienced in working with investors and enjoys hunting with family.

Tanya Cosper – An Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Tanya likes to represent buyers and sellers. She also enjoys riding horses and hiking with her family.

Kelly Graham – Most of Kelly’s real estate experience has been working with military families. She grew up in a military family and enjoys being “Mimi” to twin boys.

Tonya Jarvis – Tonya is committed to hard work when representing her clients. She is a former small business owner and stays active supporting local youth sports, especially her daughter’s softball team.

Covington said the agents are involved in a variety of community activities – only a few of which are noted here. “My agents give back to the community by serving on boards, commissions and committees to improve where they live and work.

“

We pray together, respect each other and love what we do. I believe our clients can sense that unity of spirit.

”

Terri Covington, owner

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Gretchen Williams

254-699-9050 | centexharpist.com When a bride and groom plan their wedding, they often strive to express the uniqueness of their love through music to create an unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests. This is where Gretchen Williams of Harker Heights enters in.

Williams has been playing the harp for over 50 years. She plays for every venue imaginable, including weddings, showers, grand openings, and memorial services. She has harped for the March of Dimes, played with both choirs and symphony orchestras, and currently teaches harp to several students in the Central Texas area who have gone on to become harpists in their own right.

Many of Williams’ clients have expressed their appreciation for her distinctive sound through testimonials, saying: “Your music added so much to the marriage ceremony…It added a certain elegance and calmed my nerves.”

Gretchen Williams, Harpist

CAPPOLINO, DODD, KREBS, LLP

3604 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Suite 104, Temple | 254-778-4357 | Txtriallaw.com Valerie Farwell knows how to win in the courtroom.

Farwell is an attorney with Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP, a leading Texas personal injury law firm.

“Every law firm in Texas needs a Valerie Farwell,” said senior partner John Roark. He should know. He’s a double board certified trial lawyer with 45 years of courtroom experience.

Farwell is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Association for Justice. She is licensed to practice in the U.S. District Courts in the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas as well as the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Farwell’s success and reputation have made her one of the top female personal injury lawyers in Texas.

Over the past decade with Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP, Farwell has successfully concluded cases worth many millions of dollars. Along the way, she also kept up her grueling schedule as mother of two schoolage children. She knows the value of hard work, and knows how to win in the courtroom.

Valerie Farwell, attorney

Adorn Refined Living & Decor

5293 South 31st Street, Suite 131, Temple | 254-295-0737 | Find us on Facebook Adorn Refined Living & Decor is Temple’s premier home furnishings & Interior Design boutique.

Established in 2013, Owner Jenny Arnold & her team, Shannon Winn, ASID & Betty McMillioan, accessorize and furnish some of the most prestigious homes in the Temple-Belton & Salado areas.

With a passion for refined and timeless design, Jenny and her team collaboratively create beautiful homes for many styles & budgets. She believes it’s the small things that make the difference, and her attention to details is of most importance when styling a home. Jenny states that “When styling a home, it’s important to see the project as a whole, ensuring continuity throughout, for a refined and structured environment.”

Through the years Jenny has developed a love of unique home furnishings, interior design and an appreciation for various design styles, which is reflected in the boutique. “I believe that each piece, no matter how big or small, brought into your home should be something you truly love, creating a home that’s unique and specific to your personal style. This is what makes a house become a home.”

Prior to opening Adorn, Jenny has worked side by side with husband Bobby Arnold, of Bobby Arnold Homes, designing and decorating for over 10 years.

Vicki Langan, owner (in back), and staff

Doctors Express

3614 S.W. HK Dodgen Loop, Temple (next to Cracker Barrel) 254-295-0117 | UrgentCareTempleTX.com Doctors Express Urgent Care Center in Temple offers a quick and convenient quality health care alternative for families and individuals.

“We treat every patient with respect and compassion,” said Vicki Langan, owner of the Temple Doctors Express office, which has been serving the community since 2009. “We serve our communities by providing the highest quality medical care in a quick and convenient manner.”

With a background as a CPA and executive management experience in the retail and service industry, Vicki and her husband, Pat, a registered nurse, decided to open a business that would help meet the growing demands in the healthcare industry.

Doctors Express is open seven days a week with no appointment needed. The office hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

There is always a licensed, board-certified physician, nurses, and X-ray technicians on site to provide services. Doctors Express provides care individuals and families can count on when their primary physician is unavailable and emergency care isn’t required.

“Patients are respected and treated as individuals – not just a number,” Langan said. Occupational Health and workers compensation services are available including DOT and preemployment physicals. Doctors Express is also an eScreeen collection facility.

Most major insurances are accepted, including Tricare, Scott & White, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare. Discounted self-pay rates also are available. As an additional convenience, Doctors Express offers a service that allows a patient to register online or on a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet, Langan said.

“The patient will know how quickly they will see the doctor and can receive text messages letting them know it is time to arrive at the office.”

Dr. Howell Davis is the medical director. Dr. Ryun Summers and Dr. Joshua Hull are full-time physicians on the Doctors Express Urgent Care team.

Licensed medical staff help provide patient care. They are Cathy Barnes, Alexandria Bustoz, Bailey Coleman, Tara England, Kim Faraoni, Pat Langan and Patricia Marquez.

Four X-ray technicians help provide information for diagnosis and treatment. They are Mike Langan, Maya Smith, Heather Smith and Kristie Weideman.

“

Patients come to Doctors Express to feel better. They come back again and again because they know we care.

”

Vicki Langan, owner

Jenny Arnold, Owner 46

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Central National Bank

First Texas Brokerage

938 Canyon Creek Drive, Temple 254-743-6900 | cnbtemple.com

5293 South 31st Street, Temple | 254-773-4400 80 South Main Street, Salado | 254-947-5577 efirsttexas.com

Central National Bank is a Community Bank, with roots that run over 35 years deep in this community.

Our customers find our friendly employees and exceptional customer service indicative of the same hometown bank atmosphere CNB was founded upon. Add to that a commitment to embrace technology as the ultimate enhancement to professional expertise and personal service, and you have a truly unique style of relationship banking at every level.

Mortgage services are a big part of what we do at CNB. Applying for a mortgage doesn’t have to be a difficult and puzzling process. At CNB we are committed to helping you find the right mortgage product to fit your needs. From rates to payments to deciding how much house is right for you, our talented staff of mortgage professionals can help you solve the homebuying puzzle so that you can make smart decisions.

You want Realtors that REALLY know the market – the houses, the neighborhoods, the schools, the values and the people. That kind of in-depth knowledge comes from living in the community year after year, going to church with neighbors, seeing people they know at the grocery store and being servants in community organizations.

The women Realtors at First Texas Brokerage are “all that” and more. They know their business and their community. They have earned the trust and confidence of generations – selling homes to parents and then to their children. They have worked with first-time homebuyers who later move into larger homes with their growing families, as well as helping empty nesters downsize.

Linda Gallaway, Senior Vice President, and Stacie Bratton, Vice President

Our experienced lending team will provide you with the resources, expertise and guidance you need to make the homebuying experience a good one.

CNB is proud of it’s women in business: Linda Gallaway, Sr. Vice President Stacie Bratton, Vice President Carey Doughty, Bank Officer

Josie Vargas, Bank Officer Cindy Gilleland, Lending Assistant Sylvia Quintanilla, Lending Assistant

Linnea Reyes, Personal Banker Cora Vargas, Teller Patricia Lechuga, Teller

Abby Dalton, Teller Courtney Greger, Teller

Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop

1404 South 31st Street, Temple 254-778-2242 | preciousmemoriesflorist.com

The Fish Bowl Pet Express 17 North 2nd Street, Temple 254-773-9971 | fishbowlpetexpress.com

Customer service is the key to success for Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop and The Fish Bowl Pet Express.

Seleese Thompson-Mann purchased the flower shop in 2003 with the mission to exceed customer expectations and deliver the highest quality floral and gift products. “We take pride in ourselves on prompt, efficient and personalized service the community can rely on for floral and gift needs,” she said. “Precious Memories researches the most current designs and trends to offer the best selection of products to our community.”

Seleese Thompson-Mann, owner After owning the flower shop for more than a decade, Seleese purchased The Fish Bowl Pet Express two years ago when she learned its owners were retiring and looking to sell the business. She had taken her son to the store since he was a baby. He later volunteered at the store and then was hired as a staff member. “We were thrilled with the opportunity to become a part of the downtown business area, and for my son, Grant, to pursue his passion of animals,” Seleese said. The Fish Bowl is the only independently owned retail pet store in Temple offering extensive selections of salt water and fresh water fish, exotics, reptiles, hand-fed birds and small animals. Seleese gives back to the community by sponsoring a variety of fundraising and morale programs, creating jobs and participating in the Temple Downtown Development project.

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MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

The women Realtors at First Texas Brokerage serve their community through a variety of organizations, Left to right : Teresa Mccoy, Angie Neas, Jennifer Kasner, Donna Gregory, Mona Fullmer, Brenda Hill, Dottie Shirley, & Sharon Schlaefer. Not pictured Cher Hislop such as Altrusa, the chamber of commerce, McLane Children’s Hospital, Hope Pregnancy Center, Feed My Sheep, United Way, Temple-Belton Board of Realtors, Community Choir and Newcomers Club. Over 235 years of being Bell County residents and almost 100 years of being Realtors makes the women Realtors of First Texas Brokerage who they are. Protecting your rights and knowing the real estate market is what makes them who you need when buying or selling a property.

The women of First Texas Brokerage are Teresa McCoy, Brenda Hill, Jennifer Kasner, Angie Neas, Mona Fullmer, Donna Gregory, Dottie Shirley, Sharon Schlaefer, Cher Hislop and Amanda James.

R.K. Bass Electric, Inc. 1200 E. FM 2410, Harker Heights 254-698-8751 | www.basselectric.com

“Designing, Furnishing and Installing Complete Electrical Systems since 1985” R.K. Bass Electric, Inc. is a local business owned and operated by Robert and Cheryl Bass. We opened the business to provide for our own family, and flourished by providing for our extended family, including our employees and the community. Our goal is to educate our employees so that they can in turn educate the community in the value of maintaining an energy-efficient home or business and provide them with quality electrical expertise.

The foundation of our business is based on Biblical principles, which plays a vital role in our business success. Our trained employees are honest and hard working, operating with integrity in all circumstances. They are responsive to each customer’s electrical concerns, handling all projects with care.

Women of R.K. Bass Electric, Inc.

R.K. Bass would like to especially recognize our female employees who make the difference in our business’ daily success, including Cheryl Bass, Linda Hutto, Vicky Cumba, Karen Glasscock, Dawn Ming, Larissa Gilbert and Angela Hardy.

We have worked in the community the past 30 years, and are experienced and trustworthy in all aspects of the electrical trade. We handle all types of electrical projects large and small, including hospital and military projects and commercial and residential projects. In addition, we are active in giving back to the community through volunteer work, a practice engrained in our company DNA since the beginning.

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends for emergencies.

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Clem Mikeska’s Pit Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse Country Chic Catering

1217 South 57th Street, Temple | 254-778-5481 | clembbq.com Anna Mikeska-Payne and Angela Mikeska-Conlan grew up in one of the best-known, most popular bar-b-q restaurants in Central Texas: Clem Mikeska’s Bar-B-Q Steakhouse & Catering.The business has been serving some of the best, most authentic Texas-style bar-b-q in the state for 50 years. Anna and Angela are carrying on the family business. The sisters both have degrees in restaurant and hotel management from Texas Tech University. Anna has worked in the family business since 1991; Angela since 1997.

They complement each other and have a great working relationship. As women and moms, they help each other maximize their family time. Anna and Angela share a work ethic. Their attention to detail and organization drives the operations and makes the business work. They set high standards and are perfectionists.

They have added new menu items that are geared to women, families and healthier choices, including fresh salads, salmon and chicken. They also “jazzed up” the catering business, adding “Country Chic Catering,” featuring unique drink stations, dessert stations and a “dressed up” serving buffet.

Angela Mikeska-Conlan & Anna Mikeska-Payne

Crotty Funeral Home

5431 West US Highway 190, Belton | 254-933-0900 | crottyfh.com Debra Crotty, owner of Crotty Funeral Home and Cremation Services, said the funeral service business is her “calling.” Crotty graduated from the Dallas Funeral Institute in 1996. Her first job as a funeral director and embalmer was at Harper-Talasek in Temple. She managed several funeral homes for Service Corporation International, including facilities in Temple, Taylor and Barlett. She also managed homes in Waco, Harker Heights and Killeen before starting her own business.

Crotty and her daughter, Jarrah, opened Crotty Funeral Home and Cremation Services in 2011. Jarrah graduated from the Dallas Funeral Institute in 2010.

Crotty is a “value-priced funeral home, structured to provide you with a dignified final arrangement for your loved one,” Debra Crotty said. “In order to keep our prices low, we maintain several characteristics that distinguish us from large, commercial funeral homes.”

Family ownership and a simple facility with a nice chapel helps reduce the cost for families. “It is of the utmost importance that all of our families understand that we work to provide simple dignified funerals for half of the expected cost. Our intention is not to compete in grandeur with larger, more expensive Debra Crotty, owner; Jarrah Crotty Shonewolfe, director funeral homes, but to save you from substantial expense.”

DocuMaxx A Document Solutions Company

306 East 6th Avenue, Belton | 254-939-3065 | documentsolutionshq.com Shelly (Clarke) Hatch of DocuMaxx was named the Temple Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Ambassador of the Year for 2014.

A Temple native, Hatch currently anchors the Belton DocuMaxx office. Now a Document Solutions Company, DocuMaxx boasts a long and excellent track record of outstanding customer service, and is committed to providing customers with the right solution at the best price.

Hatch plans to advance that standard of excellence as she helps local businesses reach peak productivity and efficiency.

Xerox sales agents like Hatch offer businesses the benefit of face-to-face, personal service backed by the resources, products and proven history of a world leader in office products and document management.

Shelly Clarke Hatch 50

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Tracie Jones, owner

Lucky Bebé

7410 West Adams Avenue, Temple 254-773-5426 | facebook.com/luckybebeboutique Like every successful entrepreneur, Tracie Jones, the owner of Lucky Bebe, saw a need and decided to fulfill it.

“I opened Lucky Bebe in 2013 because Temple lacked a place where a new mom or mom to be could go and shop for the things she needed for a newborn,” Jones said. “There was no place a mom could touch and feel the softness of a certain blanket, bedding or crib sheet, where she could handle and try out the pockets, size and shape of a diaper bag or sit and get the feel of the rocker she would be rocking her little one in for the next several years. I adore all things baby and children, and so it was a perfect fit for both me and the community.”

Lucky Bebe is not your average store, it is luxury. It caters to the finer things parents want for their little ones – the soft fabrics, the organics, the bamboo, the tried and tested and most importantly the trusted.

Jones attends the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas each year. I can try and test and manipulate and study the furniture, the rockers, the bassinets, the highchairs – all those things regulated by the government are there once a year at a big expo,” she said. “It is an opportunity for me to learn about the safety and standards of the things I will bring back to sell in my store.”

Lucky Bebe features a variety of products and takes pride in offering excellent customer service.

“I try hard to make shopping here a personal experience for each mom, grandparent, friend or co-worker that shops with us,” Jones said. “I learn the babies names, the little things that make

customers feel special like keeping in mind a certain nursery theme or birthday theme, a wedding that someone has coming up or a vacation I know a customer is planning.

Jones often does “a little personal shopping for as many customers as I can.”

The store features a registry service and complimentary gift wrap that is “beautiful for the customer to give and advertises for us as well. It’s a win-win,” Jones said.

Lucky Bebe is relatively small. Jones and Courtney Hendershot run the store on a daily basis.

“Temple/Belton and Harker Heights and even as far as Waco and Georgetown have been very supportive of us and we plan on being around for a long time to come,” Jones said. “Who knows, maybe we will be clothing not only your children but your grandchildren one day.

“Speaking of grandchildren,” Jones said, “I am often asked why the name Lucky Bebe? I have a little grandson, he’s 4 years old and he calls me Lucky. I call myself lucky and blessed every single day to have him in my life.”

“

I try hard to make shopping here a personal experience for each mom, grandparent, friend or co-worker that shops with us.

”

Tracie Jones, owner

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Christy Eastham Kianes, AAMS Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

2015 Birdcreek Terrace, Suite 105, Temple | 254-771-0196 As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Christy believes it’s important to invest her time to understand the goals you’re working toward before investing your money.

She attended Texas A&M graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. She began her career with Edward Jones in 1999 and has held the AAMS professional designation since 2006.

Her senior branch office administrators, Sue Connor & Lisa Vansa, have 18 years combined experience and are dedicated to providing their clients with the highest level of service possible.

At Edward Jones they are focused on you and believe relationships are key. In their view, meeting face to face builds strong relationships. All aspects of their business are aligned to help them better understand and meet clients’ unique goals.

Christy Eastham Kianes, Financial Advisor

Christy and her husband, Luis Kianes, live in Temple. They enjoy CrossFit, participating in community events, and spending time with their families and extended families.

Member FDIC

Healthy Success

3010 Scott Boulevard, Suite 104, Temple | 254-773-4900 shelleygiebelmd.com ipathealthysuccess.com renovopellets.com Established in 1996, Healthy Success features Dr. Shelley C. Giebel’s gynecologic services, including preventive care, as well as complicated gynecologic solutions with minimal invasion. Natural bio-identical pellets are also a featured service. “I have offered hormone therapies for over 28 years. Bio-identical hormone pellet therapy is the most effective, often life changing therapy, I have seen to date,” Dr. Giebel said.

Healthy Success offers a comprehensive weight-loss program with proven, lasting results. The focus is on the management and prevention of Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, Hypertension and elevated cholesterol, in addition to obesity. “These conditions are symptoms only and can often be treated effectively with diet alone,” Dr. Giebel said. “Every patient has laboratory testing prior and following the diet to confirm improvement or resolution of abnormalities.

Dr. Shelley Giebel and staff

Dr. Giebel said the staff is a big part of the success. “Our staff is what makes us unique. Tonya, Dolores, Jan, Holli, Sue and Clayton love making a difference in people’s lives daily.”

Estacia’s

Spanish Ranch Casa Collection

Home Furnishings and Accessories 320 South Main Street, Belton | 254-939-0000 | estacias.com Staci Schoepf dreamed of opening a home furnishing store in Belton for many years. She wanted to provide a place that would offer unique furnishings and accessories without having to leave Bell County.

Estacia’s opened its doors in April 2014 in Belton overlooking Nolan Creek.

Visit her home furnishing store, Estacia’s Spanish Ranch Casa Collection. Estacia’s offers a unique selection of rustic furniture, Spanish and Mexican decor, religious saints and statues, architectural iron featuring artist Jan Barboglio, ranch and western furnishings, including horse art and decor, cowhides, antler lamps and chandeliers, and a wide selection of other accessories.

Estacia’s now offers bridal registry, lay-a-way and design services.

Staci and her husband, Ronnie Schoepf, also own Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton. For more than 21 years, Schoepf’s has been serving fresh mesquite smoked barbecue to residents and Central Texas visitors. The restaurant also is the home of the Free Texas Summer Music Series. Ronnie and Staci stay involved in the community by supporting a variety of charities.

Top back : Sue Lockett; back row: Margaret Pleasant Jennifer Locklin, Carolyn Copeland, Shirley Gwyn, Frances Yerkes; Front row: Jeanne Mosbaugh, Ali Thompson

RE/MAX Temple-Belton 4016 South 31st Street, Temple 254-771-3633 | remaxtexas.com

RE/MAX Temple-Belton has been guiding home buyers and home sellers since the mid 1980s. Our office is located at 4016 South 31st Street in heart of South Temple.

With 22 full time Realtors, RE/MAX is continually recognized as the leader in the real estate market. Customer service -built on a foundation of drive, experience and education - is the cornerstone of RE/MAX success.

The RE/MAX track record, built over more than 40 years, is proof that a focus on the customer’s needs, backed by the ability to deliver, remains as important as ever. We specialize in selling single family homes, relocation properties, bank-owned and foreclosure properties. This requires keeping education to the highest level for the many changes in real estate regulations.

Sue Lockett, Owner & Manager of RE/MAX Temple-Belton, started her career in real estate in 1992. She quickly achieved her goal of being a top producer by giving outstanding service to her Buyers, Sellers and Investors through excellent service.

Ali Thompson has been helping Buyers/Sellers/Investors for the past 10 years. Personal service is #1 for providing excellent knowledge of the real estate market and contract management.

Close relationships and trust are developed for this important task.

Carolyn Copeland started her career in real estate in 2007 and has been aggressive in serving the Bell County residents. She enjoys the many facets of real estate but researching and finding just the right property for her buyers is her specialty.

Frances Yerkes, licensed in 2005, has worked the Temple Belton market before joining RE/MAX in 2014. A member of the TBBOR, Frances serves on the Social Committee of the Board. Her goal is to provide excellent customer service to her clients by showing integrity and professionalism.

Jeanne Mosbaugh was licensed in 2013. Specializing in residential sales, she enjoys working with both Buyers and Sellers. The challenge gives great satisfaction of succeeding when finding the perfect home for her clients.

Jennifer Locklin, recently licensed, has been a real estate technology trainer for the past 3 years and is pursuing a full-time career in real estate sales working alongside her husband. She is also a Certified MCE Instructor of courses approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission.

Margaret Pleasant, licensed in 2003, developed compassion, professionalism and personal service in her earlier years as a real estate agent. She has carried this theme throughout her successful career demonstrating to her clients her integrity and ability to offer the best of service.

Shirley Gwyn, Office Manager/Realtor, has enjoyed being involved in many phases of real estate since the early 70s including construction, appraisal, and legal. This experience has intrigued her more to better understand our real estate market and the service required to be successful.

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Halfmann Real Etate

PO Box 2421, Harker Heights | 254-760-1493 | Jubileehomes.net Catherine Halfmann’s passion for real estate began at an early age. She grew up in the business. Her father is Christopher J. Butler, owner of Jubilee Homes.

Catherine is the owner of Halfmann Real Estate, a company that specializes in new construction sales. She is the listing broker for Jubilee Homes.

Catherine received her real estate license at the age of 20 and started selling new homes. She then received a bachelor’s degree in management. She achieved her goal of getting a broker’s license in August 2010.

That’s when she started Halfmann Real Estate.

“I truly enjoy the homebuilding industry and I love helping buyers purchase a newly built home or constructing their dream home,” Catherine said. “I have been very blessed to work alongside my father, and assisting him in day to day tasks to keep Jubilee Homes running smoothly.

“You are invited to come take a look at the beautiful homes Jubilee Homes has to offer,” Catherine said.

“We will make the homebuying process an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”

Catherine Halfmann, owner

Joan Wright, REALTOR®

Sojourn Real Estate,1915 West Avenue M, Temple | 254-760-2746 | joanwrighttexashomes.com joancwright@msn.com

Joan Wright, the 2014 Top Agent at Sojourn Real Estate, is a lifelong resident of Bell County. She grew up in Temple, where she raised a family of her own before moving to Salado.

Her real estate career began more than 13 years ago at Joan Mikeska Realty, now Sojourn Real Estate.

She has seen the changes in the housing market and the Bell County landscape and worked tirelessly for her clients.

“I appreciate the confidence my clients place in me to help them buy or sell. I’ve been blessed to work with many amazing people and have made some lifelong friends,” said Joan, adding her clients helped her achieve the Top Agent honor at Sojourn last year.

Joan is a member of the Temple-Belton Board of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, the Texas Association of Realtors and the Texas Retired Teachers Association.

Joan Wright, REALTOR®

Joan and her husband, Mike, have two children and two grandchildren. They have enjoyed working with students through the CAC “Artists in Schools” program, teaching the art of “kite making” and amateur astronomy. Joan and Mike cherish the time that is spent with their granddaughters.

Off the Cob Popcorn

2102 SW HK Dodgen Loop #108, Temple | 254-239-5299 | Offthecobpopcorn.com Whether you are looking for something fun for a gift or just love popcorn, you are sure to find it at Off the Cob Popcorn.

Owned by Sherry Pierce and her children, Off the Cob has locations in Temple and Waco. It offers more than 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn.

“Dill Pickle is the most popular flavor,” Pierce said. “However, some customers have certain colors in mind, or perhaps want to match high school colors or college sports teams.”

The popcorn is sold in clear bags ranging from two to 275 cups and one-half to three gallon decorated tins with logos of sports teams or themes for various special events.

The business has locations in the Temple Towne Center in Temple and Lake Air Mall Shopping Center in Waco. It is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Dr. Melody Martin

Martin Hearing

4303 S. 31st Street, Temple 254-771-2611 | martinhearing.com In nearly four decades as a hearing professional, Dr. Melody Martin has transformed herself from a Baylor honor graduate into a nationally recognized business pioneer in the fields of speech pathology and audiology in the Central Texas area.

Graduating from Baylor University in 1975, Dr. Martin made her mark early in her career serving as chief of speech pathology and audiology in several local hospitals and agencies before launching her own private practice.

Establishing Martin Audiology in 1993, she was able to transform a small family practice into a large, award-winning audiology center with multiple locations throughout Central Texas. During this time, she also started a hearing foundation that provides new and recycled hearing instruments to hearing impaired people in need.

Ever-committed to maintaining her professional excellence in patient care, Dr. Martin enrolled in the Arizona School of Health Sciences audiology doctoral program and received a second doctorate degree in 2004.

Now, as CEO and co-founder of Martin Hearing, Dr. Martin is able to continue her renowned quality patient care with an emphasis on expanded treatment options in a solo private practice setting. At her two independent clinics she offers all of the latest technology from ten top hearing aid brands, not one franchised product. Treatment decisions

are made by Dr. Martin together with her patients and not dictated by a corporate bottom line. Invested in the community, Martin Hearing in Waco and Temple both offer free hearing aid cleaning, battery replacement and minor tune-ups. Since opening these locations, Dr. Martin and Martin Hearing have been voted as the areas best audiologist and hearing aid provider multiple times by readers of local papers, periodicals and in local web polls.

Nationally recognized as a top professional within her field, Dr. Martin has authored numerous articles in professional and trade journals, participated in several ground-breaking research studies, and served routinely as a guest lecturer at both junior college and university campuses.

As a hearing impaired advocate, she remains dedicated to community service on local, national and international levels, including annual mission trips to impoverished and remote areas such as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Appalachia. Dr. Martin has dedicated her life to helping the hearing impaired and to volunteering her time and professional skills in community service efforts including providing hearing care for survivors of the explosion in West.

Throughout her career as a hearing professional, Dr. Martin has established herself as a seasoned businesswoman and as a caring philanthropist who remains committed to giving every patient the very best hearing care available.

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Classic Catering and Rentals

802 South 47th Street, Temple | 254-778-8100 | classiccateringandrentals.com

Sara Irvine, Marilyn Burres, Nancy Kendrick, Becky Judkins

When Katie Hermann was 12 years old, she was featured as the Temple Daily Telegram’s “Cook of the Week.”As the owner of Classic Catering and Rentals, she’s still sharing her culinary skills with Central Texans and helping make events special.

Sojourn Real Estate, 1915 W. Avenue M, Temple 254-760-0007 (Sara); 254-760-9795 (Marilyn); 254-760-1881 (Nancy); 254-338-0692 (Becky) sojournrealestate.com

Classic Catering and Rentals is a full-service catering and rental business that has a reputation for excellence and elegance. Katie recently purchased the business. She said she has “a love of food service” and “making people relaxed and happy at their events.”

Sara, Marilyn, Nancy and Becky have the experience and skills to help Central Texans buy and sell residential property.

Sara Irvine is committed to serving buyers, sellers and the community. Since 1983 she has placed great value on her relationships with friends, customers and clients. Sara and husband Michael live in Temple and attend Temple Bible Church.

She enjoys cooking, reading and traveling when not at the office. Sara says she is associated with the greatest company ever! SaraIrvine.com Marilyn Burres was reared in Indianapolis and graduated from Purdue University (BA) and the University of Wisconsin (MS). She was an Army wife for 20 years, From left to right: Nancy Kendrick, Becky Judkins, Sara Irvine and Marilyn Burres reared four children, taught school for 25 years, and has been a Realtor since 2002. She represents buyers and sellers, and specializes in military families, transitioning older adults and those with special needs. Nancy Kendrick is known by her clients and associates as the “guru” of real estate. She has earned this title by being a dedicated Realtor since 1984. Her clients say Nancy is an honest, caring, professional that truly listens to them. If you have real estate needs, you can’t go wrong by choosing Nancy. “She makes house calls.” Becky Judkins is a retired Army wife of 23 years who was born and raised in Maine. She worked in a home decor boutique shop in Salado for 14 years. She is now fulfilling her dreams in real estate and is always available to assist in the journey of buying or selling your home.

A Temple native, Katie is a 1988 Temple High School grad who followed her passion for culinary arts. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Her mission is “exceeding our clients’ expectations.” Katie said that is accomplished by offering personal service and attention to detail.

Katie and her team have more than 60 years of experience in the catering and event business. Brandon Letson is the chef. John Mackrell is the rentals manager. Lacy Henry is the event designer.

Katie Herman, owner

Pain Relief Compound Creams

Denise Brooks Robertson, Compound Sales Representative 254-781-5048 | painreliefcc.com In September 2014, I found out about Pain Relief Compound Cream as an alternative to taking pain pills to relieve arthritic pain in my neck, shoulders, back, and knee. After experiencing stupendous results, I began telling others about this medication. I was invited to be a Compound Sales Representative in January 2015.

Medication compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients.

These physician prescribed, insurance accepted compound pain creams, can meet each patient’s unique pain management needs such as: Arthritis • Back Pain • Scarring • Sciatica • Neck Pain • Neuropathy • Sports Injuries • Tendonitis • Fibromyalgia, etc. This medication is covered by most major PPO insurance such as: Tricare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield for Federal Employees, Medicare Part D, etc.

CNL Construction

1900 E. Elms Rd., Suite 103-A, Killeen 254-213-4806 | allstarhomestx.com

Contact me to have a Compounding Prescription Form delivered to your doctor’s office or you can receive a Free phone consultation from a Telemedicine Doctor while in the comforts of your home.

“Design Unsurpassed and Built to Last” CNL Construction has been in business for the past 25 years, building and selling residential and commercial real estate. We opened our business to be a driving force in the growing communities of Killeen and surrounding areas, and have built our business by keeping the goal to build the best homes on the market with the highest quality at an affordable price at the forefront of our minds.

Through our many years of experience, we have constantly striven to perfect our craft and to make every transaction a smooth, stress-free process.

Denise Brooks Robertson, Compound Sales Representative

Arbor House Assisted Living

4257 Lowes Drive, Temple | 254-773-3081 | arborhouseliving.com Arbor House Assisted Living in Temple has been “giving new meaning to life” for individuals with dementia/ Alzheimer’s and their families since 2008.

“We are state certified in memory care, which refers to supporting people managing dementia-causing diseases like Alzheimer’s or Lewy Bodies,” said Executive Director Darlene Rodriguez. “Our expertise can be seen in our building design, which promotes a small family-style house that allows our residents to experience life in a simplified environment.”

CNL Construction builds one-of-a-kind custom homes with a uniqueness that shows in every stage of construction. CNL works flexibly with clients; we truly care about our clients and their homes, (left to right) Damita Moore, Elizabeth Parker, Judy Reisner and Shomahna Arthur listening to each client’s needs and providing the best service and experience for the future homeowner. We encourage clients to get inspired from our current projects or to bring us their own ideas.

Arbor House includes four home-like living spaces, each with a kitchen area, “neighborhood” dining area, a living room, a quieter family area that has a TV, private bedrooms and courtyards.

Providing a caring environment is the focus. Rodriguez said the facility employees a “person-centered approach, which we call the ‘best friends’ approach. Our care and caring is based on the relationship between the care friend and resident. We want every helpful act to be in the resident’s best interest.”

CNL Construction would like to recognize our female employees who make a difference in our company every day. These include Shomahna Arthur, administrative assistant; Judy Reisner, decorator; Damita Moore, Realtor, and Elizabeth Parker, owner/designer.

Get in touch with our Realtor, Damita Moore, at damitapre@aol.com to visit our new open house at 272 Fay Drive in the Swaida Subdivision in Killeen this summer. You are also welcome to stop by and see us Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends by appointment.

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Executive Director Darlene Rodriguez & resident Myrtle Anderson

The relationship between the residents and the “care friends” extends to supporting the resident’s family as well. “We are simply the best at what we do,” Rodriguez said.

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West Temple Orthodontics

207 Westfield Boulevard, Temple | 254-899-2500 | westtempleorthodontics.com Dr. Julie Sieh and Dr. Larrissa Cali are providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care at their practice, West Temple Orthodontics. Their patients know properly aligned teeth can make for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.

The first visit is free; there is no obligation. It will include digital X-rays, diagnosis and a treatment plan designed by Dr. Sieh or Dr. Cali.

West Temple Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces, tooth colored (ceramic) braces and clear tray aligners (Invisalign).

West Temple Orthodontics works with a variety of patients and cases. It provides care to children, teens and adults. From simple to complex care, the staff at West Temple Orthodontics will work to bring patients the smile they desire in a friendly and comfortable environment.

Dr. Sieh is a general dentist who has limited her practice to orthodontics for the past 12 years. Dr. Cali is an orthodontic specialist who has been affiliated with the practice for nearly three years.

Julie E. Sieh DDS, and Larrissa Cali DMD, MSD

Yummy Rummy’s

511 Lake Road, Suite 105, Belton | 254-613-4318 | yummyrummys.com Kari and LaVerne Rumfield set out to create a different kind of store when they opened Yummy Rummy’s in April 2013. “We saw a need in the area for a fun, family friendly shop that served not only homestyle lunches during the week but Yummy treats every day of the week,” they said.

The Rumfields wanted something other than just another modern yogurt shop and took a more vintage approach. The large seating area, board games, coloring books and a treasure box for children encourages families to spend time together while enjoying delicious treats. Yummy Rummy’s serves homestyle lunches on weekdays, along with healthy smoothies, frozen yogurt, desserts and vintage candy. They also sell customized candy jars as gifts and offer candy buffets for parties and weddings.

The business will move to a new location on Farm-to-Market 2305 next spring and will become a Dessert Bistro serving breakfast, lunch and dinner...along with a wide array of home-made desserts and frozen yogurt.

Kari & LaVerne Rumfield

Yummy Rummy’s is open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, and noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Each Tuesday, patrons can get a $2 FroYo if they bring in two nonperishable food items to donate to Helping Hands Ministry.

Wildflower Pet Salon

3446 Old Waco Road, Temple | 254-493-7832 | wildflowerpetsalon.com Wildflower Pet Salon is a place where your dog or cat will be pampered with natural products in a stressfree environment.

“Grooming is relaxing and rewarding,” said salon owner Michelle Urbanczyk. “When the end result makes the dog or cat feel so good they leave the shop proud and happy – and in some cases, relieved of pain – how great is that?” Urbanczyk uses all natural products, essential oils and aromatherapy to “create a safe, calm grooming experience for your pet, naturally.”

The salon does not have cages and personal attention is given to each client with grooming breed-specific and one pet at a time, by appointment. Pets are offered a safe, secure potty area, all natural, homemade treats and fresh water. They are allowed to stay and play in the salon until their owner returns. There are no all-day stays.

Hunter Rentals and Property Management

Hunter Rentals and Property Management 1503 W. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen 254-634-3311 | HunterRentals.com

“Your Professional Property Manager” After more than twenty-five years, former employees and REALTORS® Julie Martinez and David Gerke acquired ownership of Hunter Rentals & Property Management. Established in 1986, Hunter Rentals offers unique services and a high level of integrity, fairness and honesty. Their team includes some of the most experienced professionals in the business.

Taking care of their clients’ properties as if they were their own has always been their maxim.

Hunter Rentals is an organization that provides valuable property management services in the Fort Hood area to owners and investors, most of whom are in the military. Additionally, they provide clean, affordable and quality housing to military members and their families.

They seek to deliver the highest quality service using the most effective and efficient techniques to protect their clients’ investments. Hunter Rentals has among the highest standards of all property management offices. They are staunch property owner advocates, but are also committed to providing their renters with first class customer service and respect.

Their staff is friendly and professional, from leasing agents to inspectors to the maintenance crew. They have a great team of women and men who provide excellent service and truly care about each and every customer

and their property. The Hunter Rentals staff is comprised of two owner/ REALTORS®, an office manager/REALTOR®, three leasing directors, two maintenance coordinators, three full time maintenance technicians and two full time inspectors. Unlike many businesses, Hunter Rentals does not use automated phone services. When clients and customers call, they are able to speak with a real person.

One of the most important aspects of property management is the inspection process. They conduct joint move-in and move-out inspections with every renter and take hundreds of photographs to record the accurate condition of every property they manage. Maintaining high occupancy, keeping properties in good condition, and close communication with their property owners has been an integral part of their success and popularity among owners of investment properties.

With advances in the industry over the years, their services have expanded, allowing them to innovate and continue to be the very best in their field.

Hunter Rentals is always aware of current market conditions, economic trends and population changes, including troop rotations in and out of Fort Hood, making them highly effective property managers.

Hunter Rentals and Property Management is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I offer creative grooming to include nail polish, bows, bandannas, jewels, feather/flower extensions, nail caps and color,” Urbanczyk said. To help relieve the stress of the pets, music from a CD series called “Through a Dog’s Ear” is played in the shop.

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Gina Pence

552 East 2410, #B, Harker Heights 254-699-4999 | hhchamber.com Since, 1998, The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce has served the needs of Harker Heights citizens and the business community. The Chamber brings a business perspective to initiatives throughout Bell County, and works with local organizations and government entities to ensure that Bell County continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the State.

The Chamber serves, creates and promotes an environment for trade and commerce through strategic partnerships and advocacy to enhance the economic growth for members and our everchanging community. The Chamber focuses on economic prosperity, tourism, education and quality of life issues important to the entire area. In addition, the Chamber works toward providing business leadership for increased community development throughout Harker Heights.

The staff and I are honored to serve our community, and we want to encourage you to get involved.

For details, please contact gina@hhchamber.com, visit www.hhchamber.com or 254-699-4999.

Gina Pence, President and CEO

Sincerely, Gina Pence, President and CEO

So Natural Organic Restaurant & Market 706 Edwards Drive, Harker Heights 254-245-8571 | sonaturalmarket.com “We’re Serving Real Food” Founded in August 2013 by Owner/Manager Luvina Sabree, So Natural Organic Restaurant & Market is the only full-service veteran and family-owned organic restaurant and market in the area geared towards those seeking organic and diet-specific foods and meals made from scratch.

Voted one of the ten best restaurants in Bell County and in seven categories across Central Texas, the restaurant serves GMO-free, Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, a juice and smoothie bar and healthy meals for on the go. Our market carries local grass-fed beef on an order-only basis as well as specialty items. On top of great selection, we also cater and deliver.

We support local gardeners, farmers and ranchers whenever possible, using only fresh, natural organic food in our restaurant.

Visit us during our regular lunch and dinner hours, Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Luvina Sabree, Owner/Manager

Zooty’s

1401 South 31st Street, Suite I, Temple | 254-770-0904 | zootystemple.com Amy Thomas is the owner of Zooty’s, a gift shop that specializes in custom monogramming and embroidery services. A Temple native, Amy opened the shop in 2009 because she believes it is important to shop locally.

“It helps grow the economy and there is no other shop like Zooty’s in Temple,” she said. Zooty’s carries brands requested by her customers. Nora Fleming, Neon Buddha, Eleven Stitch, Beaufort Bonnet Company, and Votivo Candles are but a few.

“My mom always told me to add something ‘zooty’ to give it the final touch,” Amy said, explaining the inspiration behind her shop’s name. The staff of Zooty’s is happy to create gift baskets for graduation, weddings, Mother’s Day and any special occasion. They are known for their excellent customer service and their “do every- and anything attitude,” which includes wrapping presents for customers and taking packages to their cars.

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“We go the extra mile, and that personal service is from another time when people made time for each other,” Amy said. “Once customers walk in the door, they are ours for life.”Zooty’s is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday.

Laura Winckel

Laura Winckel

3006 Oakwood Dr, Harker Heights 254-681-8239 | qualityquiltsbylaura.com Hugs from Heaven Local “Quilt Angel” helps mourners celebrate life & create a legacy Laura Winckel, owner of Quality Quilts by Laura in Harker Heights, helps mourners memorialize their lost loved ones. Customers who have commissioned Winckel call her quilts “hugs from Heaven.”

What began as a hobby 25 years ago became a business in 2013 when Winckel’s mother, Lee Hodgson, gifted her a longarm quilting machine.

Hodgson had been admitted to the hospital by the time the machine arrived, so Winckel would share photos of the new longarm being assembled during hospital visits with her mother. Hodgson finally got to see the longarm in person when hospice wheeled her into Winckel’s home. Hodgson died a few weeks later.

“Her final gift changed my life, and it helps me change the lives of my customers,” Winckel said.

Winckel is no stranger to grief and mourning. In 1991, her 3-year-old daughter Sarah died from tuberous sclerosis. Today, she serves as a Stephen Minister, volunteer chaplain with Seton Medical Center, and a member of Community of Hope. She also ran a community grief support group in 2014. Winckel said combining her community outreach toward the grieving with her love of quilting was a natural progression.

What started out as making a few quilts for friends has turned into a flourishing business that has attracted local professionals who want to remember their loved ones. Winckel spends at least an hour with her customers during each initial consultation so she can learn intimate details about the person the quilt is meant to represent. Then, she goes to work, searching for the right fabric and incorporating old clothes in order to craft a patchwork story of the person’s life. While the majority of her business focuses on memorial quilts, she also makes heirloom quilts that celebrate major milestones such as weddings, anniversaries and births.

“These are more than just pretty bed covers,” Winckel said. “These precious quilts carry connections to our personal and cultural past. I love when a client comes into the studio, sees their quilt for the first time and says, ‘Oh yes, that’s my grandma.’ Nothing connects us to our heritage quite like the cozy warmth and craftsmanship of the heirloom quilts passed from one generation to the next.”

Additionally, Laura is an award-winning quilter, the director of membership for the Quilts of Valor Foundation and a board member for the Crossroads to Texas Quilt Guild. She also has plans to present seminars to grieving professionals, funeral directors and quilters throughout Texas.

For more information, visit www.qualityquiltsbylaura.com or call 254681-8239.

“Quilting is more than crafting for me. It’s about healing. It’s about love,” she said.

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Skin Deep Salon & Day Spa 220 Commercial Drive, Harker Heights 254-680-7546 | skindeepclinic.net

Becca Korte, owner of Skin Deep Clinical Skin Care, Salon & Day Spa, has graced this industry for the past 16 years. Her 14 year ownership of the spa has been awelcoming inspiration to many estheticians and spa technicians in the Harker Heights area. Skin Deep is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for each guest through exceptional service and technical excellence.

They will go the extra mile to accomplish this mission with passion, expert advice and the utmost professionalism and courtesy. For the past 13 out of 14 years, Skin Deep has been chosen as offering the “Best Skin Care” in the Kileen Daily Herald.

Becca would say her biggest achievement has Becca Korte, Owner been providing quality skin care for the Kileen, Georgetown, Copper’s Cove, Temple, and Harker Heights communities. The facility prides itself of servicing their clients with the services they need! Advanced education is paramount for the mission of the business.

Along with the most up-to-date technology and service equipment, Skin Deep has a solid marketing program complete with all the latest social media strategies, including their customized app. She is a “think out of the box” business owner.

During her spare time, Becca enjoys gardening, fishing, reading, and interior design.. You notice right away upon entering the business, that her taste and flair for décor is extraordinary.

Becca’s biggest supporter in her business ventures is her husband Brian. His constant love and support help Becca stay grounded and motivated. He also is the CFO.

Toyota of Killeen and Scion of Killeen 4001 E. Central Texas Expressway, Killeen 254-690-5800 | toyotaofkilleen.com | scionofkilleen.com “We Go the Extra Mile!”

Since 1969, Toyota of Killeen and Scion of Killeen have sold automobiles, parts and service with a mission to treat customers and fellow employees the way we would like to be treated. Paula Lohse, Dealer Principal, ensures that we put our customers first...always.

Vitalogy SKINCARE

800 W. Centex Expwy, Ste. 200, Harker Heights 254-213-0766 | vitalogyskincare.com “I love connecting with my patients! Skin conditions can be very troubling because they are so visible. I empathize with my patients and truly enjoy helping them feel better.”- Dr. Sulochana Bhandarkar

We want to take the hassle out of purchasing an automobile, and are willing to go the extra mile for our customers. In addition to providing the drivers of Killeen with a cornucopia of new and used vehicles, we at Toyota of Killeen are dedicated to all of your automotive needs. Namely, that includes helping you find the model that best suits your lifestyle and your budget through conversations with our sales consultants and Toyota lease and financing experts. Our service technicians are also available to carry out your model’s routine maintenance needs and to order vehicle parts as needed. Our clients have commented on the ease of conducting and closing business with us, as well as the honesty, care and compassion of our employees, who truly respect their time.

Passionate about serving her patients, Dr. Sulochana Bhandarkar is excited about opportunities to reach the people of Central Texas who are in most need of care. She also volunteers for numerous skin cancer screenings and health fairs throughout the world.

Originally from India, Dr. Bhandarkar earned her medical degree and completed her first dermatology residency from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Her Post-Doctoral Dermatology Research Fellowship and her second residency training in Dermatology were received from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Being trained in both India and in the U.S. gives me unique perspective on dark and fair skin and I enjoy seeing that diversity!”

We employ 60 people, each of whom has families that invest in and are a part of our growing community. We have sponsored many community events and organizations, including:

Dr. Bhandarkar has authored and published several peer-reviewed journal articles and has lectured on numerous dermatologic conditions including several board review courses for Internists. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.

Vitalogy Skincare has been serving patients in Central Texas since 2007. Dr. Bhandarkar practices at Vitalogy Skincare in the Harker Heights Medical Pavilion next door to Seton Medical Center just off Highway 190.

Dr. Sulochana Bhandarkar 62

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The women of Toyota of Killeen

• Turkeys for Troops • Vive Les Arts • TAMUCT • MCEC/Tell Me a Story • Food Care Center • Metroplex Hospital • Rollinsbrook Hospital • American Heart Association

• CTC Nursing Program • AUSA • KISD Education Foundation • Rodeo Killeen • Southwestern Cutting Horse Assoc.

• Women of Distinction/Girl Scouts • Silver Eagle Longhorn Council/Boy Scouts • YMCA • First Baptist Church • First United Methodist Church • American Cancer Society • Women at the Wheel • Adopt-A-Unit • GKCC • HHCC In addition, Lizzie Richardson, our Office Manager, won the Employee of the Year award in 2014 because she genuinely cares and goes way beyond the extra mile in caring for our employees and customers.

Toyota is the best-selling brand in the world and produces the most reliable, safest vehicles on the road today. We are proud of our brand and thankful for loyal employees and excellent customers. Truly, we are blessed and feel a responsibility to give back to a community who has given so much to us.

Feel free to visit us during our regular hours as well. Our showroom for new and used vehicles is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, our service center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have recently remodeled our entire showroom—come by for our Grand Opening Sale, beginning June 1 to receive the best deal on a new vehicle!

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Special advertising section

Special advertising section

5 Hills Lawn Care, LLC

Gerald Nunn Electric, LLC

Kempner 254-258-0403 | 5hillslawncare.com

410 N. Patterson Avenue, Florence 254-793-3539 | gnellctx.com

“Hire a Vet—Better Yet, Hire 2!”

“Lighting Up Central Texas”

5 Hills Lawn Care, which opened in March of this year, is owned and managed by Susan WilsonMaher. Having worked as a professional for over 20 years, I believed it was time to take control of how and when I worked. My goal is to offer the professionalism and dedication I have developed over the years to homeowners and businesses by caring for and maintaining their lawns.

Gerald and Linda Nunn opened their electrical contracting business in 2003. The Nunn’s quickly went to work for themselves, adding six new employees within their first six months of business and now employ over 25 employees.

Over the years, their policy of doing excellent work and providing outstanding customer service to their clients has paid off. They have done the electrical work for new construction of schools, fire stations, restaurants and electrical services throughout Central Texas. They are known for their quality workmanship, dependability, fair prices and for the help their service department provides.

I work with my husband, and together we provide the best service possible. We maintain open communication with our clients and make sure we show up when we say we will. Our dedication and attention to detail and our policy of being upfront and honest with our clientele is building us a strong business reputation.

Linda has 35 years of business management experience, and Gerald has 40 years of experience in the electrical field. They take pride in their company and are determined to be successful. Together, they make a great team.

We are open Monday through Friday, and will make up work on weekends for any time lost due to inclement weather.

Linda Nunn, Owner

Susan Wilson-Maher, Owner/Manager

John Lister, Inc., P.C.

L’Avventura Dolce, LLC (The Sweet Adventure)

2420 E. Hwy 190, Copperas Cove 254-547-0773 | johnlister.com

512-569-9218 | thesweetadventure.com | thesweetadventure@gmail.com

John Lister opened his business in 1977 after retiring from the Army to provide tax and accounting services to Central Texas. Nadine Feild, CPA began working for the firm in 1993 and became a partner in 2004. Feild has 24 years of experience, and Lister has 38 years in the business. Together, their mission has been to help clients maintain financial viability in the present while taking a proactive approach to achieving future financial goals.

“How Sweet it Is!”

Both Lister and Feild strive to give their clients the best service possible at a reasonable price while maintaining open communication with them. They establish close relationships with their clients and business owners, providing them the support they need on a daily basis. They have clients worldwide who have retained their services for years and have also recommended them to clients overseas and in other states.

Ramirez’ personal aim is to provide her guests a safe and relaxing way to simultaneously tour area wineries and different parts of Central Texas. More often than not, especially when guests are new to Central Texas, they are surprised to learn that Texas is among the top five wine producing states in the U.S. Central Texas alone is home to at least 10 different wineries within an hour’s drive.

L’Avventura Dolce means “The Sweet Adventure” in Italian. This is just the experience Owner and CEO Francesca Ramirez created for customers when she began her own business in 2011, conducting wine tours throughout Central Texas.

This summer, in addition to several winery and festival tours, The Sweet Adventure will be adding brewery tours and casino trips. Feel free to email them at thesweetadventure@gmail.com to be notified of upcoming events. Mention you saw The Sweet Adventure here, and receive 10% off your next tour.

Their hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Francesca Ramirez, Owner/CEO

Nadine Feild, CPA

Pepper Creek Realtors®

Keisha Moulton

P.O. Box 935, Belton 254-939-8200 | peppercreekrealtors.com

Independent Stylist, Stella and Dot 254-466-5848 | stelladot.com/texasgem18

Carolyn Bigham has been a licensed Realtor since 1970. Over the years she has honed her skills working with builders, land developers, surveyors, engineers and homeowner associations. Bigham opened her own real estate brokerage, Pepper Creek Realtors, in 2004. She no longer has a group of Realtors working under her, but gives personalized service to both buyers and sellers.

Hello, Gorgeous!

Keisha Moulton is a new independent stylist for Stella and Dot, a rapidly growing line of jewelry and accessories for women and girls. She began her business in February with a vision to provide personalized service to her clients, and is available for trunk shows by appointment any day and time of the week.

Bigham also works with a national referral company that gives both buyers and sellers a “leg up” when buying or selling. She is well versed in Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and Texas Vets loan products. She works with a network of lenders that helps provide the best loan fit for buyers.

The Stella and Dot collection, available exclusively through Moulton’s trunk shows and online site, includes fashion necklaces, bracelets, earrings and fashion rings, as well as purses and scarves.

Moulton believes in the quality and value of Stella and Dot pieces, which are versatile, ethically sourced and made of the finest materials.

Carolyn is a member of the Temple/Belton Board of Realtors, Ft. Hood Area Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. She holds a G.R.I. (Graduate of Realtors Institute) and is a Residential Military Specialist.

Carolyn S. Bigham, G.R.I. 64

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Their hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Women can incorporate the pieces into their own individual wardrobe with the added benefit of styling advice from Moulton herself. Through networking and personal connections, Moulton seeks to give every woman the means of styling her own life.

Keisha Moulton, Independent Stylist, Stella and Dot TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Guests paddle board in Lake Austin’s tranquil waters.

Relax and unwind

Lake Austin Spa Resort offers respite for busy career women

By Jessica Pearce Photos courtesy of Lake Austin Spa Resort and REBECCA PEARCE

L

ake Austin Spa Resort is a hidden oasis that offers a true getaway for busy women. Tucked away in a corner past a public park and hidden behind wrought iron gates, it looks out of place at first glance. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that its first impressions give way to secret treasures.

While the spa resort is for men and women, the majority of the guests are women from all walks of life, including businesswomen, retired women and girlfriends on retreat. It offers fitness classes ranging 66

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from yoga to Zumba, lake activities from paddleboarding to “hydro biking,” culinary experiences from vegetarian to fine cuisine, and guest speakers such as Billy Yamaguchi, celebrity stylist and author of “Feng Shui Beauty.” There is a smorgasbord of activities to fit every energy level and interest.

A career woman myself, I was ready for some relaxation and eager to experience all the resort has to offer, so I spent a weekend at the spa. Being so close to Mothers Day, I invited my mother, Rebecca, who heard about the resort long before I had. My mother, who works from home as a proofreader for several court reporters, said her job leaves her always “on call” to accept proofreading assignments as they come in. “For

me,” she said, “the resort’s rule about only using your cell phone in your room gave me permission to ‘unplug’ without guilt.”

Upon arrival, a concierge ushered us past the check-in desk to the dining room, which boasted a sweeping view of Lake Austin and its rippling tranquility not 50 feet away. Blending with the misty weather, a forest of trees on the opposite river bank shifted in variegated shades of spring green, creating a living watercolor.

We decided to eat lunch at the Friendship Table, a space available just for those who want to meet other guests and socialize. While we were the first ones to arrive at the table, Nancie Wagner soon asked to Continued TEXAPPEALMAG.COM

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Lake Austin Spa House is a welcome sight for guests who are seeking a respite from their daily lives.

join us. “I truly came to lose weight, to jumpstart that,” she said. “I’ve been to Miraval Resort in Tucson, but I like this so much better — the lush green just suits me.”

Wagner, who attended three workout classes that morning, leaving a rosy glow to her cheeks, said, “I walked back from my spa treatment at 9:45 last night and wasn’t afraid at all, even though it was pitch black.

There’s just a feeling of safety here.”

Activities Mom and I decided to take the culinary route and attend Executive Chef Stephane Beaucamp’s vegetarian cooking demonstration. Beaucamp, originally from Paris, came to Lake Austin because he needed a change in his life, he said.

After managing three restaurants and a catering business simultaneously from Los Angeles, he wanted to scale down his hectic schedule and spend more quality time with his son, who is now 12. “I wanted cleaner living — to be in nature and work in nature,” he said.

“All this,” he added, gesturing to the trees and the sky, “reminds me of so many areas in France.”

Beaucamp expressed his French philosophy seamlessly during his cooking demonstration. While deftly chopping Granny Smiths for his bright green Apple 68

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Executive Chef Stephane Beaucamp in the organic herb and flower garden, selecting flavors for his seasonal menu.

The dining room offers a warm interior that welcomes guests.

Spring Smoothie, he proffered life lessons without even blinking. “Whether wine or chocolate, eat slowly so your palate is satisfied from the quality of the food you are eating, not the quantity,” he said. “Try new ingredients in your recipes — be free to break out. We have one life, so you want to enjoy and eat and try.”

Still absorbing Beaucamp’s vitality, I met with Robbie Hudson, director of pro-

gramming at the resort for more than 25 years. Hudson began at the resort as a fitness instructor back when activities such as aerobic dance were cutting edge and yoga was eyed suspiciously as “out there.” Now she is in charge of all special events and programs, including guest speakers and full “culinary weeks” the resort hosts once a month.

“Some women want to be really active, and others want to truly relax,” she said,

explaining that different guests want different things during their stay. “This casual, nurturing environment allows people to do what they want. If you want to put your hair in a ponytail and not wear makeup, that’s OK.” Her statement had already been confirmed when we first arrived for lunch, where I spied women eating while dressed in spa robes with messy buns and an unruffled look of total nonchalance. This quickly dissipated any worries I had about being a writer among the group of people who enjoy the resort’s luxury. “It felt like the resort was an equalizer; you weren’t aware of people’s status or how much money they had,” Mom confirmed. “It isn’t untouchable here like a museum; you’re allowed to put your feet up.”

Continued

Vibrant poppies line well-maintained grounds.

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It still seemed a bit far-fetched to me that career women would automatically eschew electronics, ditch their bags, throw on matching robes and become part of the landscape. Hudson was quick to agree that real guest relaxation “has to do with time.” She said she encourages guests to stay a minimum of three days to begin to see a shift in their psyche, explaining that on the first day guests are dealing with the logistics of getting there and settling in. “The second day they tend to overprogram themselves with too many activities,” she said. “By the third day people become more discerning; they find that a trip to the hammock is equally as important as another workout.”

What really makes a difference for women, Hudson said, is to stay for a full week, taking in life at their own pace. The resort offers a “Power of 7” package tailored to each guest’s wants and needs. “You can see dramatic mental, physical, emotional and spiritual changes in seven days,” she said, adding that over time guests discover multiple ways to unwind and meditate.

“Anything can become a source of meditation. Hopefully, women here are getting to a place of ‘refilling their cup,’ treating health concerns, reestablishing or creating tools for their lives in the world,” she added.

“You learn to see the value of relaxation and look for where you can incorporate that into your daily life. Time is a luxury and a joy. We simply ask, ‘What would you do if you had more time?’”

Time to Unwind Tired myself, I longed for the kind of

This Luxury Lakeview guest bedroom comes complete with canopied double beds.

rest and replenishment Hudson described.

Late in the afternoon Mom and I checked into our cottage room, which at that point looked more than a little inviting. The rooms appear to be quaint bungalows on the outside with cushioned chairs overlooking the lake or garden, while inside they are as well-appointed as an English manor home.

Entering our room, the canopied beds beckoned invitingly, while the distressed mirror and floral wrought-iron sconces evoked an old-world feel. The bathroom was best of all. Conveniently created for two, it was divided into several separate areas. There was a large closet with matching white robes, a separate water closet with its own door, a mirrored vanity table with fresh flowers and

The Luxury Lakeview guest bathroom boasts well-appointed spaces.

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a chandelier, double sinks, and a curtainedoff shower area with a deep soaking tub and a skylight window to see the trees swaying in the breeze while you showered.

It was the little details the resort provided in our room that heartened us the most. Every guest is given a beautifully boxed lavender-scented candle tied with Wedgwood blue grosgrain ribbon. In addition, a coaster with an inspirational saying specific to each guest is placed on the nightstand. Mine read, “My work is deeply fulfilling; Today I give my best to that which I do, knowing that when one experience is complete, I am led to even more fulfilling and rewarding experiences.”

After checking into our room, we attended a wine tasting before dinner. The wine sommelier, a down-to-earth man in his 50s, encouraged us to guess the wine varietals we were sniffing and tasting, adding, “There are no wrong answers—be bold!”

While the entire group mostly guessed incorrectly, as the wines were unfamiliar to us, it did not matter. He displayed not a hint of condescension when he revealed the wine properties — only a sense of discovery, learning and interest.

Our dinner was an affair of understated elegance. We chose the roasted Cornish hen, tenderly treated with chamomile and hazelnut glaze and perfectly complemented by bright asparagus spears and cooked mushrooms. For dessert, we each had a small square of bittersweet chocolate cake with sweetened mascarpone cheese. The artfully prepared portion sizes at our meals

were smaller but no less satisfying. Satiated but not stuffed, we prepared for our evening spa treatments.

The spa staff, in consideration of how many other daytime activities are offered, recommended that we book our treatments following dinner so that we could be active during the day, then transition from a deeply relaxing spa experience to bedtime.

Mom chose a Muscle Tension Melt Massage, which soothes tight and tired muscles with arnica oil, a natural healing ingredient. Her masseuse was highly knowledgeable, not only in massage but in physical therapy as well. I chose the Olive Our Love treatment, which is specially designed for sensitive skin. Having fallen recently in a cave during a spelunking trip, I was looking forward to soothing my aching back and beginning to feel well again. By the end of my treatment, I felt the best I had since the injury.

Time Well Spent In the morning we slept in, reveling in the luxury of time. After waking, Mom went for a morning swim in the spa’s large, indoor lap pool built into a converted barn, while I went for a solitary morning walk, soul food for introverts like me. Vibrant red poppies made everything come alive, while sheer white blossoms swayed just off the beaten path. Traversing the brightly flowered grounds, I walked quietly up to some mallards, who quacked off grumbling, the male leading all in a straight line toward the water’s edge. I wandered out onto the lake deck to take in the view. The lake itself offered no pretensions, and responded to none — it simply was. This space made me feel normal, feel real.

Following our morning activities, we ate a breakfast of fresh berries with Greek yogurt and sand dollar-sized lemon poppy seed and quinoa pancakes with a side of crisp bacon, then we went our separate ways. I headed out to the organic herb and flower garden, where a young groundsman in a large straw hat offered a broad smile, eager to answer any questions I had.

While he watered the plants, I snapped off sprigs of “marigold mint,” lemongrass and lavender to sniff and taste. It is a strange thing for city dwellers like myself to eat leaves and shoots directly from the ground. The scent of thyme lingers on your hands long after you have eaten or pocketed your snippets.

One of the only “requisite” items the

A terraced path with flowers in full bloom lines guest cottages at the spa.

resort advises guests to bring is a book.

With mine in hand, I headed to the library directly off the garden. Surrounded by windows on three sides overlooking the outdoor pool, the lake and the garden, the décor was reminiscent of Jane Austen’s world. It was peaceful to be there by myself; I tried out every antique chair and brightly embroidered couch before finding the one most suited to my back and mood.

A beaded chandelier in the shape of an old-time sailing vessel hung suspended like a “ship o’ dreams,” suggesting the voyages the mind can take while reading a good book.

Rejoining for lunch, Mom and I ate in the spa’s Astor Café, a cheery space deco-

rated in shades of bright blue. After enjoying our meal, we went together to take pictures of everything we could lay our eyes on. There were so many things we did not get to try in our short stay, but I felt a closeness with my mother, enjoying a shared experience through a different pair of eyes.

While I directed, she photographed flowers, squirrels and the sprawling pecan trees arching toward the lake. The abundance of the trees and their roots reminded me of a verse in David’s first psalm that echoed why we were there in the first place: “She shall be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever she does prospers.”

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Back row, from left: Sarita Brown, Julie Thompson, Back row, from left: Chay Byrd, Remie Crisostomo, Judy Rivera Kristy Leonard, Tamika Galmore, Tracy Stoker, Merrie Nance, Sabrina Tyson, Meicha Hardeman, Front row, from left: Colleen Brady, Jamie Moore Shermain Simpson

Women play a visible and vital role in every step of the production of the Killeen Daily Herald and the Temple Daily Telegram. From the front office to the newsroom, business, advertising, production and post-production departments, women help the Herald and the Telegram serve readers, advertisers and the community.

Not pictured: Ana Tavai, Trudie Peacock, Peggy Gabbard, Donna Sypion, Sandra Boyer, Celeste Albritton

Front row, from left: Renee Blue, Shantel Cisero, Lesley Rodriguez, Cheriea Hines

Back row, from left: Ellen Villenueve, Jessica Pearce, Natalie Stewart, Nike Ogunbodede, Rolana Frank, Kristen Carmona Front row, from left: M. Clare Haefner, Catherine Hosman, Kiara Thomas.

Not pictured: Courtney Griffin, JC Jones, Rachael Riley, Jennise Colin-Ventura, Teresa Tankersley and Deb Moore.

Back row, from left: Susan Craig, Julie Nabours, Janice Gibbs, Alberta Munk, Rachel Lijewski Middle row, from left: Barbara Barrett, Mary Lopez, Belinda Menendez, Kendra Maness, Joann Harper, Courtney Bishop, Laura Palmer, Debra Saltsman, Jennifer Thompson, Rose Bretado, Natasha Thomas Front row, from left: Pattie Marek, Jane Moon, Barbara Spohn, Jeannie Williford, Edla Wilde, Sherry McWhiter, Deborah McKeon, Rosslee Black, Teri Zamora, Brenda Kelley.

Not pictured: Leesa Wilson, Lauren Ballard, Rosie Reyna, Lindsey Hernandez, Brenda Stephens, Deanna Burt

ADVERTISERS INDEX 5 Hills Lawn Care LLC................................... 64 Adorn Refined Living & Decor..................... 46 Aesthetic Surgery Associates..............................5 Allstar Homes................................................. 56 Arbor House....................................................57 Armed Services YMCA......................................5 Automax Superstore....................................... 40 Bass Electric.................................................... 49 Best Wishes..................................................... 69 Blind & Shutter Gallery..................................15 Brick City Martial Arts................................... 35 Cappolino, Dodd, Krebs LLC........................ 46 Central National Bank................................... 48 Central Texas Memorials................................ 35 Central Texas Workforce Center.......................5 Classic Catering...............................................57 Clem Mikeska’s Pit Bar B Q........................... 50 Cochran Blair and Potts................................. 44 Cornerstone Home Lending Inc.......................3 Covington Real Estate Inc. . .......................... 45 Crotty Funeral Home..................................... 50 Cyd West..........................................................17 Doctors Express...............................................47

DocuMaxx....................................................... 50 Dodge Country............................................... 66 Dr. Phillip Davis................................................9 Edward Jones/Eastham.................................. 52 Estacia’s........................................................... 52 Express Employment...................................... 66 Extraco Banks-Temple......................................76 First Texas Brokerage/Salado......................... 49 Freedom Jeep-Chrysler................................... 66 Gerald Nunn Electric LLC............................. 65 Giebel, Dr. Shelley/Healthy Success...............17 Giebel, Dr. Shelley/Healthy Success.............. 52 Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce.................................. 35 Gretchen Williams.......................................... 46 Halfmann Real Estate......................................54 Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce.................................. 60 Heights Lumber and Supply............................17 Hunter Rentals............................................... 59 John Lister CPA.............................................. 64 Keisha Moutlon-Ste........................................ 65 L’avventura Dolce LLC................................... 65 Lucky Bebe.......................................................51

Martin Hearing............................................... 55 Off the Cob Popcorn.......................................54 Pain Relief Compound Creams......................57 Paperdoodles................................................... 38 Pepper Creek Realtors.................................... 64 Precious Memories.......................................... 48 Quality Quilts by Laura...................................61 ReMax/Temple-Belton................................... 53 Skin Deep....................................................... 62 So Natural....................................................... 60 Sojourn/Joan Wright.......................................54 Sojourn/Sara Irvine........................................ 56 Susan B Mitchell Investments........................ 66 Texas Bariatric Specialists............................... 35 The Pink House.............................................. 38 The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar......................15 Toyota of Killeen............................................. 63 Union State Bank..............................................2 Vitalogy Skin Care.......................................... 62 West Temple Orthodontics............................ 58 Wildflower Pet Salon...................................... 58 Yummy Rummy’s............................................ 58 Zooty’s............................................................. 60

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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MAY 2015 | TEX APPEAL Women in Business

Extraco Celebrates Women in Business At Extraco, women mean business. Whether your needs include a loan, a new account, insurance, treasury management services, or a mortgage, Extraco makes the process easy from the moment you walk in the door. And they do it with a warm smile and friendly service.

Downtown Temple Financial Center 1st Row L-R Karen Marshall, Tammy Brown, Sherry Mitchell, Leslie Walsingham, Virginia Bracht 2nd Row L-R Chrystal Keating, Geri Havran, Eve Koblosh, Jessica Vanderveer, Misty Stock 3rd Row L-R Jo Ann Klepac, Estella Juarez, Jamelia Davis, Amanda Slaughter, Kathy House, Beckie Johnston, Rebecca Graves, Gabriele Clark, Tara Hetchler, Margaret Pearson 4th Row L-R Sylvia Pearson, Dee Dee Lancaster, Carol Clements, Cheryl Traudt, Stacee Gillians, Karen Wuest

South 31st St. Financial Center Bottom Row L-R Bethann Moore, Amy Dickerson, Vanessa Gonzalez, Melissa Mitchell, Lisa Winkler Back Row L-R Kathy May, Debra Estevez, Darlene Langley, Diana Breazeale, Leanette Walker, Kelly Yepma Absent Natalie Hetzel, Lynn Chaney, Danatta Walston, Bonnie Hatcher, Jessica Rivas, Renee Morris, Sandra Pontes

Belton Financial Center Bottom Row L-R Sarash Ortiz, Karen Wheeler, Danica Valdez Back Row L-R Rosa Rideaux, Lisa Eubanks, Megan Horan, Ginger Harvey Absent Keely Funk

Heights Financial Center

Killeen Financial Center

Bottom Row L-R Andrea Lucas, Amy Mongillo, Penny Hniguira, Ashely Smith Back Row L-R Sophia Walker-Hebert, Joanna Holt-Melton, Tracey Dukes

Bottom Row L-R Brenda Parker, Sarah Jones, Antoinette Bess, Jacque Newman Back Row L-R Sara Campbell, Shanne Joseph, Jen Peebles, Audra Allen

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