Central Texas
March 2022
FREE!
FUN!
See article pg. 7
Summer Camps & Activities Pgs. 12 - 15
Making
KIDS Smile
Tjel Olson, D.M.D.
General Dentistry Limited to Children
Vernesha Lockhart, D.D.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dentist
Alex Piedra, D.D.S.
Board-Eligible Pediatric Dentist
Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board-Certiied Pediatric Dentist
1121 Lake Air Dr., Waco, TX
254-772-8330
WacoKidsDental.com
OF WACO
S UMMER C AMPS Registration Begins March 1 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
March Index by Category
Art Programs/Studios
Museums
Baby Furniture
Outdoor Play Systems
Practically Pikasso..............................................12 Once Upon a Child..............................................11 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................20
Cakes
Kakes by Kat.......................................................20
Children’s Clothing
Once Upon a Child..............................................11 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................20
Consignment & Resale Shops
Once Upon a Child..............................................11 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................20
Dance Studios
All That Jazz Academy of Dance.2.......................0 Expressions Dance Studio...................................6 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................12
Dental Care/Orthodontics
Bellmead Kid’s Dentistry....................................22 Dr. Stephen Brandt Pediatric Dentistry.............21 Smile at the World...............................................24 Temple Kids Dental.............................................23 Waco Kids Dental.................................................2
Education/Child Care
Central Texas 4C, Inc..........................................20 Bosque Valley Children’s Services......................8 First Baptist Waco Preschool... 18 New Beginnings Learning Academy...................11
Events
Fish Kid at Heart Casting Competition Event Series.....................................................9 Hewitt Public Library Spring Event......................6 Sertoma Kite Festival...........................................8 Skate Waco Spring Break Skate Camp...............6 Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum Spring Break Round Up..................................5 Trinity at Badger Ranch Easter Egg Hunt..........21
Gymnastics & Cheerleading
Flips Gymnastics.................................................15 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................19 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................12
Horseback Riding / Lessons
Melanie’s Pony Parties.......................................16
Libraries
Hewitt Public Library.........................................6, 18
Martial Arts
Family Martial Arts..............................................13
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Historic Waco Foundation...................................16 China Spring Country Store................................18
Party Planning & Supplies
Baylor University McLane Stadium....................15 Dart’Em Up..........................................................19 Enchanted Kingdom Parties & Events................5 Expressions Dance Studio...................................6 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................15 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................12 Little Land Play Gym...........................................15 Melanie’s Pony Parties.......................................16 Only Believe Parties & Play Center.....................21 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................19 Practically Pikasso..............................................12 Skate Waco...........................................................6 Sweet Dreams Slumber Parties.........................11 Tooty Tot Children’s Entertainment....................16 YMCA of Central Texas........................................21
Photographers
Sharla Kay Photography.....................................16
Services
Because of You 3D/4D Ultrasound...................22 Bell County Public Health District......................21 Forever Families..................................................10 Neat as a Pin.......................................................21
Sports / Fitness
610 Fit Training Studio.......................................21 Woodway Family Center......................................11 YMCA of Central Texas........................................21
Summer Camps & Activities
Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................15 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................12 Little Land Play Gym...........................................15 McLane Stadium Summer Camp.......................15 Practically Pikasso Kids Kamp...........................12 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................12 Vanguard College Preparatory School...............12
Therapy Services
Bosque Valley Children’s Services......................8 Little Land Play Gym...........................................15 Rodgers Speech, Hearing & Educational Services..................................19 Therapy Group of Waco.......................................3
Toys & Books
Once Upon a Child..............................................11 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique..........................20
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for Fa mi
ly
Publisher: Michele Berger Creative Director: Jerri Denson Office Manager: Melissa Talbert Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696 Next Deadline April 5th For May & June Issues Contact us Phone: (254)723-3696 office@bergerpublishing.com
Waco’s Premier Character Company since 2015
Spring Tea with Fairies & Friends April 9 | 10:30 a.m. The Exchange Event Center 300 Jefferson Ave., McGregor, TX
Admission: adult $20, child $30 (additional child $25)
On the Cover: Baylor University McLane Stadium Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography
(sales tax will apply)
Find Our Dog Max Hidden Inside! Have brunch with indoor tea party fun & crafts with our Pixie Hollow Fairies. Sing, dance & hug with our Troll Queen & decorate cookies with Alice & your favorite Nanny!
Brunch Crafts Cookie Decorating For Tickets Contact Haley: (254)-644-2832 ekingdomparties@gmail
Hooray For Family™ 2022. 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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SAVE THE DATE
MARCH 19, 2022
Hop into the Hewitt Public Library
Spring Event
Free Children’s Craft & Pictures with the Bunny 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Stuff-a-Bunny Fundraiser Featured Speaker: Author Marsha Thauwald 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Spring Wreath & Basket Silent Auction ends at 4 p.m. CRAFTS
FUN
LIVE MUSIC
200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX 76643 | 254-666-2442 | www.cityofhewitt.com
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom Musical Theatre
150
March 7 - 11
254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd., Waco www.expressionsdance.studio
Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America
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Featured Cover Spotlight
By Jessa McClure
Central Texas kids can almost feel the sun on their faces and the turf of the football field under their feet because it’s almost time for another year of fun at the McLane Stadium Summer Camp. “We have built a reputation of being a friendly and fun environment where kids can come play while mom and dad are away,” said Brock Meckelborg, McLane Stadium operations and events manager. Meckelborg said he thinks the camp receives positive reviews because they have a structured schedule that is built around trying a little bit of everything. “It’s five days of summer fun where kids get to create artwork, learn about different subjects and have visits from different groups like the zoo and the Dr. Pepper Museum,” he said. Camp will take place in three sessions—Jun. 6-10, Jun. 20-24, and July 11-15. Each day will begin at 9 a.m. and go to 2 p.m. Parents also have the option to drop their children off at 8 a.m. for an additional fee. Another draw to the camp is water day at the end of each week. Kids get the chance to play on inflatable water slides on the field inside McLane Stadium and have a pizza party lunch. Along with a focus on entertainment and enrichment, the operations and events manager said the camp organizers are big on safety. “Communication with the parents is huge to us,” he said. “We do email updates, and we post on a private Facebook group (one for each session) where parents can see what their kids are doing all week.” The camp is still looking for guest speakers and sponsors to make the camp experience the best one yet. If you have a kid-friendly business and you’d like to be a part of the fun, contact Meckelborg at bmeckelborg@mclanestadum.com or (254) 710-8104. Spaces are already filling up for this engaging camp, so don’t miss your chance to sign your child up. Visit wwww.mclanestadiumevents.ryzerevents.com to secure your spot.
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E E R
The 14th Annual Sertoma Kite Festival
F
FREE kites for the first 100 children at the gate FREE Parking & Admission All Kinds of Kites Live Music
Heart of Texas Sertoma Club Visit our new website for details including a map to the festival.
Coupon good for
1 FREE SPIN ON THE PRIZE WHEEL A winner with every spin!
www.wacosertoma.org
~ 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 8
254-235-2430
www.bvchildrensservices.com
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9 A.M. - 12 P.M.
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FOREVER
FA M I L I E S
Community partners helping local children find a brighter future
By Lindsay Liepman
Caleb is a smart, funny and thoughtful teen looking for a loving and nurturing home with a “mother figure.” He loves one-on-one conversations and would thrive in a home that allowed him time be independent, but provided structure and routine. The 13-year-old is a great student with a high IQ and an impressive vocabulary. He would do well in an environment that challenged and enriched his mind. If you’re interested in adopting Caleb and helping him reach his full potential, go to www. heartgallerytexas.com.
MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
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Photography by Dunlap Portrait
Four Locations! 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, Flamingo, Gaming, Glamping, Mermaid, Movie Night & Unicorn, with more themes on the way!
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
254.466.2319 | sweetdreamsk@yahoo.com @sweetdreamsslumberpartiestx
At Once Upon A Child, we have all of the stuff your kids need at everyday low prices. We've got a great selection of gently used clothing, shoes, toys and gear for kids of all ages-from newborn to tween. Plus, we'll pay you on the spot for the stuff your kids have outgrown! 254-265-6237 www.OnceUponAChildWaco.com
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Summer Camps & Activities
Kids Kamp Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition
Sign Up Now for Summer Camps & Classes!
an eclectic art studio
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)
Call for more information
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
(254) 776-1797
Award Winning Dance Studio
Owner/ Director: Natalie George Two Convenient Locations 7560 Bosque Blvd. & 6714 Woodway Dr.
www.jsodwaco.com
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
Register Now for Summer Camps!
Thanks Waco!
254-776-6248
Voted Best Cheer Program, Best Place to Host a Playgroup & Best Birthday Parties!
800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX
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
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Summer Camps & Activities
Summer Camps & Activities
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FLIPS
GYMNASTICS
Quality Gymnastics for All Ages 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
Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!
*No waiting list!
29 Years in
Waco!
Temple 254-231-3752
Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips
Visit our website to schedule!
www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150
Waco 254-572-8890
1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX
4311 S. 31st St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX
www.littlelandplaygym.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
Pony Parties
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.
254.716.8337 Smile@SharlaKayPhotography.com www.SharlaKayPhotography.com | 600 Lake Air Dr. Waco, TX
254-654-9481 www.MelaniesPonyParties.com
@WacoBabyWhisperer
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 16
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12988 Moffat Rd, Temple, TX
Your One-Stop Resource for all Things Kids & Family! Activities & Classes After School Activities Enter to Win Events Calendar Newsletter Summer Camps Weekly Contests
www.HoorayforFamily.com
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First Baptist Preschool Story Times & Activities Resume in February
Registration Required Mondays: Baby Time (ages birth to 1 yr.) 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays: Toddler Time (ages 1-3) 10 a.m. Early Literacy (ages 3-5) 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays: Toddler Time (ages 1-3) 10 a.m. Early Literacy (ages 3-5) 10:30 a.m.
& 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
Please see the calendar on the Hewitt Public Library website to register and nd location due to early voting.
254-666-2442 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX www.cityofhewitt.com Local Company with Great Service
Give the Gift of Endless Play!
www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com 18
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RODGERS
Speech, Hearing & Educational Services
Is your child having trouble with reading, sounding out words or comprehension?
We Can Help!
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
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
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
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Re R Ye gi ou ar st n ra d ti Superior Training Budget-Friendly on ALL THAT JAZZ
Summer Classes Begin June 13
Resale Boutique
Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com
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!
Simply a Taste of Sweetness
4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli
Kathy Tucker, Owner
254-644-4413 By Appointment Only
Connect with us!
www.kakesbykat.com info@kakesbykat.com
www.smartypantswaco.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 20
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
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 16 | 11 a.m.
Easter Children’s Message Egg Hunt FREE Hot Dog Lunch Parties Events Camps Classes Ages 3 - 9 254-313-1038 174 Midway Center Woodway, TX
254-772-4225
www.OnlyBelieveParties.com
2 Ritchie Rd., Woodway,TX
www.fullerheaven.com
610 Fit Training Studio Empowering you to BE STRONG through faith & fitness
Aerobics Personal Training Small Group Personal Training Nutrition Coaching
Your child’s first dental visit should be between ages 1 & 2. Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available
254-690-3380
254-216-1020
www.610FIT.com
1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com
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
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We Make Smiles Shine Bright
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 2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX 254.771.5701 Fax: 254.771.5770 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 | 209 Hilliard Rd. | Temple, TX