Central Texas
See article pg. 7
October 2021
FREE!
s e o r e h r e p u S e Wher ! t i s i V o Come t
zap! Tjel Olson, D.M.D.
General Dentistry Limited to Children
Vernesha Lockhart, D.D.S.
Board Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist
Alex Piedra, D.D.S
Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist
Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S.
Board Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist
1121 Lake Air Dr., Waco, TX
254-772-8330
www.WacoKidsDental.com
Dyslexia Therapy Services for All Ages NOW PROVIDING: DYSLEXIA EVALUATIONS by a licensed dyslexia therapist DYSLEXIA THERAPY SERVICES SPECIALIZED READING INTERVENTION for all ages. Call for more information.
Speech & Language Therapy
Free Screenings
Medicaid and most insurances accepted.
Specializing in the treatment of: Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension Reading Deficits Language Deficits Stuttering Developmental Delays
Academic Tutoring Math Reading Study Skills Writing Spelling Comprehension
Tutoring services are performed by certified teachers and are conducted during or after school hours. Phone: 254-235-1850 Fax: 254-235-4879
info@therapygroupofwaco.com www.therapygroupofwaco.com
October Index by Category
Art Programs/Studios
Martial Arts
Baby Furniture
Museums
Practically Pikasso..............................................11 Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Children’s Clothing
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Consignment & Resale Shops
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18
Dance Studios
All That Jazz Academy of Dance.........................20 Expressions Dance Studio..................................18 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance............................5 Ignite Dance Company........................................14 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................22 Laurie’s Stepping Out Studio.............................16
Dental Care/Orthodontics
Dr. Stephen Brandt Pediatric Dentistry.............20 Route 32 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics....16 Smile at the World...............................................24 Temple Kids Dental.............................................23 Waco Kids Dental.................................................2
Education/Child Care
Central Texas 4C, Inc..........................................19 Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................18 First Baptist Waco Preschool.............................17 Harmony Science Academy Waco......................20 New Beginnings Learning Academy....................5
Events
2nd Annual Hay Barn Halloween Festival..........14 Deck the Halls Holiday Market...........................15 H.O.T. Fair & Rodeo.............................................12 Trinity at Badger Ranch Trunk or Treat..............21
Sports/Fitness
610 Fit Training Studio.......................................21 Woodway Family Center.......................................8 YMCA of Central Texas........................................21
Gymnastics & Cheerleading
Flips Gymnastics.................................................17 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance............................5 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness..............................8 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................19
Horseback Riding/Lessons
Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................21
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Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Historic Waco Foundation...................................14
Outdoor Play Systems
China Spring Country Store................................17
Party Planning & Supplies
Baylor University McLane Stadium....................22 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Dart’Em Up...........................................................9 Expressions Dance Studio..................................18 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................17 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance............................5 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................22 Little Land Play Gym...........................................22 Only Believe Parties & Play Center.....................20 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness..............................8 Practically Pikasso..............................................11 Skate Waco..........................................................19 Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................21 Sweet Dreams Slumber Parties..........................6 Tooty Tot Children’s Entertainment....................14 Urban Air Adventure Park....................................6 YMCA of Central Texas........................................21
Pets/Pet Stores/Grooming
Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21
Services
Because of You 3D/4D Ultrasound....................9 Bell County Public Health District......................20 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Forever Families..................................................10 Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union..................20 Neat as a Pin.......................................................20 Sign Gypsies........................................................21
Therapy Services
Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................18 Focus Behavioral Associates..............................20 Little Land Play Gym...........................................22 Rodgers Speech, Hearing & Educational Services...................11 Therapy Group of Waco.......................................3
Toys & Books
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................18 Zoe Books of Life................................................21
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Back to School Special No registration fee through October
for Fa mi
ly
Publisher: Michele Berger Creative Director: Jerri Denson Office Manager: Melissa Talbert Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure
4 Locations! 969 Marlandwood Dr., Temple, TX | 254.744.1842 403 N Bumblebee Dr., Little River Academy, TX | 254.982.0200 711 Lovers Lane, Gatesville, TX | 254.865.7380 213 N Central, Troy, TX | 254.982.0200 www.NewBeginningsLearningAcademy.com
Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696 Next Deadline October 5th For November & December Issues Contact us Phone: (254)723-3696 office@bergerpublishing.com
NEW Boys Only Tumbling Classes!
$49
FOR
4 WEEKS
Tumbling Classes
UNLIMITED CLASSES
PeeWee Tumbling (ages 3-5)
4 WEEKS
Find Our Dog Max Hidden Inside!
OF CLASSES FOR
$29
Purchase your trial online today! www.HeartofTexasCheer.com
254-666-7470
8081 Robinson Industrial Park Dr., Waco
Hooray For Family™ 2021. All copy, photographs and information contained herein is protected by copyright and is not to be reproduced. Publisher reserves the right to decline any advertisements.
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Let us plan your next sleepover!. Birthdays | Holidays | Just Because Sleepovers Our parties include: tents, air mattresses, bedding, fairy lights, table trays & themed decor. Our themes include: Boho, Gaming, Flamingo, Mermaid, Unicorn & Movie Night, with more themes on the way!
254.466.2319
@sweetdreamsslumberpartiestx
ACTIVATE AWESOME IN WACO! Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure park! Buy tickets online at: www.UrbanAirWaco.com
Featuring: Sky Rider • Ropes Course • Climbing Walls • Warrior Course Ultimate Dodgeball • Tubes Playground • Trampolines And More!
5701 W Waco Drive | Waco, TX 76710 www.UrbanAirWaco.com 6
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Featured Cover Spotlight 2ND ANNUAL HAY BARN HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL By Jessa McClure
Costumed kids and their families are welcome to visit The Exchange Event Center on Sunday, Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the second annual Hay Barn Halloween Festival in the charming town of McGregor, TX. “Last year we had 30 different businesses and groups that signed up to set up a booth and give out candy or prizes. We even had a dentist that brought toothbrushes,” said Cassie Thomas, Event Center Manager. Between 500 and 700 people attended the festival last year, and Thomas hopes that the number of people taking advantage of this free event will continue to grow each year. “It’s an outdoor trunk-or-treat event with appearances by the fire department and food trucks and an indoor carnival with lots of vendors,” she said. Area businesses and organizations have helped to make the event a must-see Halloween experience, with free hot dogs, giveaways, and even full-sized candy bars. Not only is the festival set up to provide maximum fun, but it is also organized to be a safe event that families can feel good about attending. “We are able to run everyone through the front door and serpentine them through the building and out a different door to allow for a safe experience,” Thomas said. “We have enough room inside to social distance families, and we provide masks if anybody wants them.” The Exchange Event Center is a 3.5-acre property that contains a 15,000 square foot main hall and a 1,200 square foot private center. It can be rented by the hour or by the day for anything from birthday parties to bridal showers to high school reunions. “We have plans to renovate a jailhouse building and to add an open-air pavilion to the property in the near future,” Thomas said. The Exchange Event Center is located at 300 S. Jefferson Avenue, McGregor, TX 76657. To find out more about the property, visit www.exchangeeventcenter.com or contact Cassie Thomas at (254) 236-8400.
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WORLD-CLASS TRAINING FACILITY AND STAFF! CHEER - TUMBLE - FITNESS
After School Programs Birthday Parties Open Gym: Fridays - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 907 E. 13th Ave., Belton (across from Summer Fun)
254-939-9900
www.powerhousecheer-fitness.com
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You Make the Memories, We’ll Do the Work! All blasters, darts, gear, yard sign, setup & pick up included!
Birthday Parties Church Events Team Building After School Programs Field Trips
Reserve Your Fall Birthday Party or Event Today!
MOBILE UNIT RENTAL PACKAGE: $325 Up to 20 participants | Referee additional
www.DartemUp.com @dartemup-waco
RESERVE TODAY! 2548366124
Like & follow us for a chance win a party package! @dartemup.waco
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FOREVER
FA M I L I E S
Community partners helping local children find a brighter future
By Lindsay Liepman
Sable-Ann, Joseph “JoJo” and Promise are a fun-loving, close-knit sibling group with an unbreakable bond. They are hoping to find a forever family that will keep them together and help them thrive.
Photo by Melissa Fontenette-Mitchell
Sable-Ann, who is the oldest of the trio, loves the outdoors and all things princess. JoJo is the middle child of the group. He has a great sense of humor and loves to make new friends. He is also a natural musician and loves animals. Promise is the happy, bubbly, baby of the bunch. She loves to sing and dance and can’t wait to go to school like her siblings. These special kids would flourish with a structured home and a fun-loving family. Pets are definitely a plus as well. Sable-Ann, JoJo and Promise will bring so much joy and light to their forever family. If you think you could provide what these kiddos are looking for, or if you’re interested in learning more about adoption, go to www.heartgallerytexas.com. MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
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254-776-2200
Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
4310 West Waco Drive (in Brazos Place Center)
www.practicallypikassowaco.com
RODGERS
Speech, Hearing & Educational Services
Institute of Language, Literacy, Reading & Math Connecting the Sounds of Language for Stronger Communication & Reading
Patient Care Emphasis
Autism Dyslexia Language Delays & Deficits Hearing Impairment Oral Expression Reading Deficits Articulation Alternative Communication
Is your child having trouble with reading, sounding out words or comprehension?
We Can Help!
Now Hiring Speech Therapists! Reading programs to fit your child’s needs Speech Therapy | Oral Motor Training Ca Most Insurance Accepted
254-526-8255
ll About Your Child’s Program Today!
www.rshes.com | 2201 South W.S. Young, Ste. 112A, Killeen, TX | 1612 Austin Avenue, Suite B, Waco, TX
Follow Us to Find Events Activities and Family Fun! @hoorayforfamily
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Fall into the new school year mentally & physically prepared! Family Martial Arts
THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!
Martial Arts for All Ages Starting at 18 Months!
Mention this ad and receive a FREE 30-day V.I.P. Pass!
Two Locations! 7005 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX 254-772-KICK (5425) (across from Hollywood Theatre)
10201 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 254-836-0999 (across from McDonalds)
www.familymartialartsoftexas.com Photo by Brigham Mayyeld Photography
Children’s Entertainment
Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters
254-338-3524
kidspartiesandmore@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Lyrical Hip-Hop Creative Movement
Ages 2 yrs. & up Competition/performance company Master teachers
DANCE COMPANY
254-235-2332 7500 Woodway Dr., Ste. 105 14
www.ignitedanceco.com Email: Lezley@ignitedanceco.com
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Register Now for Fall! Ballet . Tap . Jazz . Pointe
“Quality Dance Training with the Patience Your Child Deserves”
Cell: 254-744-1310
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254-772-7551
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No Registratio n Fee!
First Baptist Preschool & Parent’s Day Out
4 Large Playgrounds • State-Licensed • Field Trips • Chapel 6 Weeks - Pre-K • Christian Curriculum Texas School Readiness Certiication Full-Time Programs - 7:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Parent’s Day Out Preschool - Tues. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Summer Camp for Children Completing Pre-K & Kindergarten
254-756-6933
FLIPS
GYMNASTICS
Quality Gymnastics for All Ages
Enroll Now for Fall Classes! 28 Years in
Waco!
500 Webster
www.fbcwaco.org Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips
www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150 Local Company with Great Service
Give the Gift of Endless Play!
www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com
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Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom Musical Theatre
Resale Boutique
Be a
Shop with us! We pay CA$H or CREDIT on your gently used baby equipment • bouncers • pack & plays cribs • high chairs • and so much more! We accept baby clothes up to a child’s size 20 and maternity clothes!
AS K A BO U T O U R L OYA LT Y P RO GRA M!
4316 W. Waco Drive 254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd., Woodway www.expressionsdance.studio
next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us!
Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America
www.smartypantswaco.com
~ Habla Espanol
Where our children’s future begins!
Bosque Valley Children’s Services We serve children at home, in daycares, Head Start centers, or our conveniently located clinic.
Child Care Center Now Offering Drop-In Services Call for more information.
Speech & Language Therapies Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy *Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.
2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX 18
254-235-2430
www.bvchildrensservices.com
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“Community Choices in Children’s Care”
Want their feet on the right path for school readiness? Now Accepting Applications for Enrollment & Employment for the 2021 -2022 school year. Early Literacy Program | Texas School Ready Participant Applications may be submitted online for enrollment at: Paulette.Jeter@ct4c.org, for employment at: Terra.Scott@ct4c.org, or to the lock box at the locations listed below.
“We are committed to building stronger Central Texas communities, one child and family at a time.” Head Start is a Pre-School program for ages 0 - 5 years (including prenatal moms), also including children with disabilities. Head Start es un programa de Pre Escolar para las edades de 0 - 5 incluyen a niños con discapacidades.
www.CentralTexas4C.org
Services provided: Social Educational Dental Nutritional Health Disability
Main Office, Temple: 504 N. 5th St. Temple: 1100 S. 33rd St. Killeen: 802 N. 2nd St. Belton: 501 E. 4th Ave.
254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-215-3790
NINJAZONE
ENROLL NOW For boys & girls ages 3 - 11 254-776-6248 800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX
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buy the apples
Let
so you can buy the other things she needs.
PREK TO 5TH GRADE Campus Tours Now Available! 254-751-7878 1900 N. Valley Mills Dr.. Waco, TX
Call your local WIC today! Temple Killeen Copperas Cove Fort Hood 254-778-1511 254-526-2033 254-547-9571 254-532-8680 www.bellcountyhealth.org
“Look straight ahead and FOCUS your eyes on what lies before you.” Proverbs 4:25
Seal out tooth decay. Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available
Our MISSION is to serve and support the behavioral needs of children and adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral disorders through center-based, home-based, and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
254-690-3380
1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com
www.focusbehavioral.com | (254)732-2262
Re R Yea gi ou r st n ra d tio Superior Training Budget-Friendly n! ALL THAT JAZZ
Register Now for Fall!
Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com
Killeen
254.634.7722 16125 Fort Hood St. Killeen, TX 76542
Waco
254.751.1622 7500 Imperial Dr. Waco, TX 76712
Parties Events Camps Classes Ages 3 - 9 254-313-1038 174 Midway Center Woodway, TX 20
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www.OnlyBelieveParties.com
A yard greeting rental service that helps you CELEBRATE all your events & occasions in a BIG WAY! IT’S SO SIMPLE!
1 2 3
Find a reason to CELEBRATE!
www.signgypsies.com Lesley Winget, Owner
RELAX & ENJOY your occasion!
signgypsieswaco@gmail.com
254.709.5203
610 Fit Training Studio Empowering you to BE STRONG through faith & fitness
Aerobics Personal Training Small Group Personal Training Nutrition Coaching
Visit Our Website to Book Your Field Trip! Pumpkins for Sale! Birthday Parties Riding Lessons Fall Fun Days
See our website & Facebook for open times & events! www.sliceofheaveneducationalfarm.org 17851 FM 1123 Holland, TX 254-220-3734
254-216-1020
www.610FIT.com
Baby Stuff for Less!
254-265-6237
4600 Franklin Ave., Waco onceuponachildwaco.com
Life Lessons for Liile Readers Anti-bulllying Consideration for others Education
Exotic Pets Pet Supplies Grooming Boarding Birthdays
Party with the Animals! Call to book your party today! Chentell Merriman, Author 254-289-6113
600 S. Valley Mills Dr., Waco
www.zoebooksoflife.org
254-420-2577 www.CrittersExoticPets.com
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Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition
Register for Fall Today! Ballet Tap Jazz Hip Hop Contemporary Modern Musical Theater Dance/Drill Team Prep Mommy & Me Ballet Boys Hip Hop & Tap
Scheduled 2-hr. Play Sessions Little Learners Classes | Parents’ Night Out Sensory Art Classes | Play Groups Spring & Summer Camps | Birthday Parties Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy *No waiting list!
Ages one - adult
(254) 776-1797
Award Winning Dance Studio
Waco 254-572-8890
1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX
www.jsodwaco.com
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Temple 254-231-3752
4311 S. 31st St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX
Visit our website to schedule! www.littlelandplaygym.com
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EVERY CHILD
Tjel Olson, D.M.D.
General Dentistry Limited to Children
Manuel Marien, Jr., D.D.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist
Alex Piedra, D.D.S
Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist
Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist
254-771-5701
2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX
www.TempleKidsDental.com
Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted
Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist
254-773-8028 | 2027 S. 61 ST, Ste. 111 | Temple, TX