Hooray for Family Central Texas June 2022

Central Texas

June 2022

FREE!

See article pg. 7

Summer Camps & Activities Pgs. 9 - 16

SUMMER SMILES We strive to treat each patient as we would our own family.

SPECIALIZED CARE CUSTOMIZED FOR YOU Infant & Children Exams Sedation Dentistry Special Needs Patients

Vernesha Lockhart, D.D.S.

Board-Certiied Pediatric Dentist

Alex Piedra, D.D.S.

Board-Eligible Pediatric Dentist

Colleen Segall, D.M.D.

Board Certiied Pediatric Dentist

Schedule an Appointment Today! 254-224-6008 1605 Lake Success Dr., Waco, TX | www.WacoKidsDental.com

OF WACO

S UMMER C AMPS Register Today!

Camp Read - Grades PK - 3 Session 1: June 7 - 30 | Tues./Thurs. 9 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 3 p.m.

Session 2: July 12 - Aug. 4 | Tues./Thurs. 9 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.

An intensive four week summer reading camp for children grades PK-3rd that is conducted by master's level speech language pathologists and reading specialists. Camp Read targets reading fluency, phonological awareness, decoding, academic vocabulary and reading comprehension which are essential components for reading success. A pre-test is required and homework practice is essential.

Free Screenings!

Specializing in the treatment of: Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension Reading Deficits Language Deficits Stuttering Developmental Delays

Continue Progress Achieved During the School Year During the summer months, children may regress academically. Maintain their skills and academic progress achieved throughout the school year. We offer tutoring services throughout the summer. Tutoring is conducted by certified teachers, which reinforce skills your child has acquired during the school year. Building upon this foundation over the summer months positions your child for greater success when he/she returns to school in the fall.

Areas Targeted Include: Math * Reading * Study Skills * Writing * Spelling * Comprehension

Phone: 254-235-1850 Fax: 254-235-4879 7545 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76712 info@therapygroupofwaco.com | www.therapygroupofwaco.com

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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

500 Webster

www.fbcwaco.org

254.716.8337 Smile@SharlaKayPhotography.com www.SharlaKayPhotography.com | 600 Lake Air Dr. Waco, TX

@WacoBabyWhisperer

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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

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Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

Twelve years ago, Diane Castello visited a Painting with a Twist franchise in Austin and couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed the experience. She sipped on a beverage, learned how to paint a masterpiece, and let the stress of the day melt away.

“I didn’t think about work the whole time,” she said.

“I thought it would be a great service to women who needed a getaway.”

It wasn’t long before Diane and her husband Ken were setting up their own Painting with a Twist studio in Waco and bringing the joy of creativity to the people of Central Texas. The business has now been open for more than a decade and is still helping to create memorable moments for those who take part in one of its classes or events.

“We offer painting classes with acrylic paint on canvas,” she said. “We have a calendar that says what piece of art we’re going to do at each class. If it meets your liking, you can come down and participate.”

Whether you’re coming by yourself, with a group of friends, or a date, you will be given step-by-step instructions from a trained artist to create a masterpiece.

“We have access to about 17,000 different paintings,” Castello said. “The artists know how to develop the artwork and turnaround and reteach it.”

While Painting with a Twist Waco can be a great place for moms to get away, it is also a great location for your child’s next birthday party.

“The children have fun creating their paintings, and then while they’re letting them dry, they can open presents, listen to music or participate in a sing along,” the studio owner said.

And if you’re looking for a creative summer camp for your child, Painting with a Twist also offers a week of crafts, games, and movies one week in June and one week in July. “[Painting with a Twist] is a memorable place to make memories,” Castello said. “It’s a place to forget about your problems, create something beautiful and realize you really are an artist.”

For more information about camps, classes or private parties, visit the website at www.paintingwithatwist.com/waco, email studio61@paintingwithatwist.com, call (254) 304-4727 or visit the studio at 1621 N. Valley Mills Dr., Waco, TX 76710.

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G N I EN P DO N A GR

THE TUTORING CENTER Grades K - 12 Affordable Tuition One To One Instruction Guaranteed Results No Contracts READING MATH WRITING ALGEBRA 1 & 2 GEOMETRY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM STUDY SKILLS ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP SAT/ACT TEST PREPARATION

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT www.tutoringcenter.com

254-245-8717

3700 W.S. Young Dr., Killeen, TX 76542

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GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

FREE

Diagnostic Assesment PLUS

$100 OFF Enrollment

A $250 value with this coupon.

Not appplicable to SAT/ACT test prep. or OLH or with any other offers or promotions. Limited tme only.

Monday - Friday // 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. // Ages 6 - 18 Week-long camps begin June 13 and go through August 5.

Early drop-off 8 a.m. and late pick-up 5 p.m. available.

Design Camps

Now Enrolling!

Gaming Development Camps

Robotics Camps Coding Camps Young Coder Camps

www.icodeschool.com/waco141 // waco141@icodeschool.com 254-236-9909 // 8810 Woodway Drive, Suite 402, Waco, Tx 76712 C a l l 2 5 4 - 7 2 3 - 3 6 96 f o r A d ver t i s i n g In f o r m a t i o n

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Summer Camps & Activities

pOWERHOUSE

Summer Camp

› OPEN TO AGES › $130 PER WEEK › May 26 - aUG. 16 PRICE INCLUDES TWO 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. PRE-K AND UP WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS

gYM ACTIVITIES›

tRAMPOLINES | BOUNCY HOUSE | FOAM PIT CONTESTS | cRAFTS | FREE PLAY AND MORE! cAMPERs WILL NEED TO PACK A LUNCH DAILY. pOWERHOUSE WILl PROVIDE DAILY AFTERNOON SNACKS. 254-939-9900 907 E. 13th Ave., Belton

www.powerhousecheer-fitness.com

5 DAYS of SUMMER FUN! JUNE 6  10 | JUNE 20  24 | JULY 11  15 | 9 A.M.  2 P.M. $200 per camper

8 a.m. early drop-off available - $32 per week Lunch included - $24 per week Ages 4 - 12

Camps include:

Scavenger Hunts | Sports | Building Challenges | Water Slides T-Shirt | Awesome Swag | Cookout Lunch On Friday Cookout lunch includes entrée, chips, drink & cookie.

Please bring sack lunch Monday - Thursday Visit our website to register: mclanestadiumsummercamp.myonlinecamp.com

Birthday Parties Party with Field Access

Touchdown Alley Party

(Located in the heart of the McLane Stadium tailgating area)

Contact us for more information & pricing:

254-710-8104 or operations@mclanestadium.com 1001 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Waco, TX

www.MclaneStadium.com

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Summer Camps & Activities

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!

Waco 254-572-8890

1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX

Temple 254-231-3752

4311 S. 31st St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX

Visit our website to schedule! www.littlelandplaygym.com

FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Presents

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages

Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

29 Years in

Waco!

June 25 - 26 | 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips

www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150

For tickets call: Linda Haskett, Director 254-776-0707 or 254-715-5401 info@wacochildrenstheatre.org

Lee Lockwood Library & Museum 2801 W. Waco Dr., Waco, TX www.WacoChildrensTheatre.org

Family Martial Arts THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!

June 6 - 10 | July 11 - 15 | August 1 - 5 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Call for more information.

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

!

Open

All Summer

Summer Camps & Activities

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Kids Kamp an eclectic art studio

Ages 7 - 16 | 9:30 a.m - 12 p.m.

June 14 - 16 | July 11 - 15 | July 19 - 21 | July 26 - 28 June 7- Ceramics/Glass Fusion | June 9 - Handbuilding Klay Kamp June 21 - Ceramics/Glass Fusion | June 23 - Glass Fusion June 30 - Acrylic Canvas | August 2 - Ceramics/Glass Fusion August 4 - Acrylic Canvas/T-Shirt Tie Dye | August 9 - TBA Three-Day Kamps: $175 per student, per kamp One-Day Mini Kamps: $75 per student, per kamp Family discounts available Fee includes all materials, Kamp T-shirt, a daily snack, and lots of fun!

Spaces are limited OPEN Mon. - Fri. 1 - 9 p.m. | Sat. 12 - 9 p.m. | Sun. 1 - 6 p.m.

4310 West Waco Drive, Waco, TX

www.practicallypikassowaco.com

Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition

Register Now for Summer Camps!

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

Princess Camps - ages 3 - 6, 10 a.m.- noon July 11 - 15 | July 18 - 22 | July 25 -29

Diva Dance Camp (Jazz & Hip Hop) - entering grades 2nd - 5th 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 18 - 22

Broadway Bound Camp (Musical Theater Dance) Entering grades 2nd - 5th | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 25 - 29

5 Weeks of Summer Classes for Ages 1 - 10 | July 5 - Aug. 8

Thanks Waco!

254-776-6248

Voted Best Cheer Program, Best Place to Host a Playgroup & Best Birthday Parties!

800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX

(254) 776-1797

Award Winning Dance Studio

Owner/ Director: Natalie George Two Convenient Locations 7560 Bosque Blvd. & 6714 Woodway Dr.

www.jsodwaco.com

READING PROGRAM SIGNUP BEGINS MAY 31!

Join the Hewitt Public Library Reading Program this June & July to win prizes!

All ages are eligible to sign up for this FREE program. Keep track of how much you’ve read using our online tracker & earn badges in the process! It’s a great way to encourage yourself or begin a friendly competition with your family & friends.

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200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX 254-666-2442 | ww.cityofhewitt.com w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m

FOREVER FA M I L I E S Community partners helping local children find a brighter future

By Lindsay Liepman

Photography by Dunlap Portrait

Milous is a smart, friendly kid with a megawatt smile and a kind heart. He enjoys writing, playing football and reading. The 13-year-old would thrive in a structured environment where he could receive the love that he needs. Milous needs a family that shows him their love is unconditional so he can grow and thrive.

An encouraging parent who shows and tells Milous that he’s special, would mean the world to him. He is looking for a place to belong and with a supportive forever family, he will be able to discover that the world has kindness and goodness in it.

If you’d like to learn more about adopting Milous, go to www.heartgallerytexas.com MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

The Arc of McLennan County is dedicated to expanding opportunities, care, and support for persons and families impacted by intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities.

Children ages 5 - 22

After School Care | Summer Day Camp

Adults

The Opportunity Center

(a day program for adults on the autism spectrum)

Money Management | Social Groups | Counseling 254 756-7491

www.wacoarc.org

4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, TX

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Pony Parties

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!

A S K A B O UT O UR L OYALTY P ROGRAM!

4316 W. Waco Drive

Little Horses, BIG Fun!

Birthday Parties Bounce House Petting Zoo Special Events Riding Lessons Host your next party in our climate controlled arena!

Or, we can bring ponies to you!

Call to schedule an event or riding lessons.

next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us!

254-654-9481 www.smartypantswaco.com

Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom Musical Theatre

www.MelaniesPonyParties.com

12988 Moffat Rd, Temple, TX

Children’s Entertainment

Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters

254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd., Woodway www.expressionsdance.studio Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America

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254-338-3524

kidspartiesandmore@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254

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~ 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

254-235-2430

www.bvchildrensservices.com

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Seal out tooth decay.

Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available

254-690-3380

1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com

Parties Events Camps Classes Ages 3 - 9 254-313-1038 174 Midway Center Woodway, TX

www.OnlyBelieveParties.com

Four Locations!

Let

buy the apples

so you can buy the other things she needs.

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

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 20

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Waco’s Premier Character Company since 2015

Over 30 enchanting characters to choose from for entertainment!

We come to you, serving Waco and surrounding cities in Central Texas.

Parties Live Performances Public Appearances Family Fun Events In-house Seamstress All Occasion Alterations

Contact Haley (254)-644-2832 | ekingdomparties@gmail

Vacation Bible School Ages 3 - 5th grade June 12 - 16 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

254-772-4225

2 Ritchie Rd., Woodway,TX

Register for free online!

www.fullerheaven.com/VBS

Simply a Taste of Sweetness Kathy Tucker, Owner

254-644-4413

By Appointment Only

www.kakesbykat.com info@kakesbykat.com

Re R Ye gi ou ar st n ra d ti Superior Training Budget-Friendly on ALL THAT JAZZ

Summer Classes Begin June 13

Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com

Birthdays | Holidays Just Because Sleepovers

254-304-4727 1621 N. Valley Mills Dr. Waco, TX

Online Reservations at www.paintingwithatwist.com/waco

No job too small!

You name it, we do it.

A&D

Construction &Remodeling, LLC High-quality workmanship Free estimates & reasonable prices References available upon request | 254-230-2733

We Buy Gently Used Kids’ Stuff!

Our parties include:

tents, air mattresses, bedding, fairy lights, table trays & themed decor

254.466.2319 sweetdreamsk@yahoo.com @sweetdreamsslumberpartiestx

Clothing Toys & Books Footwear Baby Gear 4600 Franklin Ave., Waco | onceuponachildwaco.com 254-265-6237

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Local Company with Great Service

Give the Gift of Endless Play!

www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com

“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 22

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.

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254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-215-3790

We See All Smiles BRUSH

FLOSS

Tjel Olson, D.M.D. General Dentistry Limited to Children Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Manuel Marien, Jr., D.D.S. Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Alex Piedra, D.D.S. Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist

254-771-5701

2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX

www.TempleKidsDental.com

SMILE REPEAT

Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted

Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist

254-773-8028 | 209 Hilliard Rd. | Temple, TX