Hooray for Family Central Texas April 2023

April 2023

20

FREE!

Years Serving

See article pg. 7

Summer Camps & Activities Pgs. 10 - 13

Hop on Over to Our New Location Hewitt Kids Dental, where we take Egg-cellent care of our patients!

Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board-Certiied Pediatric Dentist

Colleen Segall, D.M.D.

Board Certiied Pediatric Dentist

254-224-6008 | 113 Burnett Ct., Woodway, TX Schedule an Appointment Today!

Serving the Children of Central Texas 2

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OF WACO

Register Today !

Camp Read -Grades PK -3 Session 1: June 6 - 29 | Tues./Thurs. 9 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.

Session 2: July 11 - Aug. 3 | 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.

Camp Kindergarten -Grades PK -K Session 1: June 5 - 21 | Mon./Wed. 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Session 2: June 26 - July 12 | Mon./Wed. 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Camp Kindergarten provides children who are entering or just completing kindergarten an opportunity to develop and strengthen their social, vocabulary, math, pre-reading and listening skills.After this "mini-course" in kindergarten, your child will have a head start and be more confident on their academic journey. Children can participate in one or both sessions as they build on each other. Classes are very small. Only five children per group.

Pre and post testing will be completed.

Speech & Language Therapy Free Screenings!

Specializing in the treatment of:

Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension

Reading Deficits Language Deficits Stuttering Developmental Delays

Academic Tutoring 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 childfor 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 info@therapygroupofwaco.com | www.therapygroupofwaco.com

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Enjoy live music, fields of beautiful U-pick flowers, 20+ farm activities and our famous fresh squeezed lemonades & so much more!

Over 4 Acres of Beautiful Flower Fields | Pick & Purchase Your Own Flowers 10+ Beautiful Photo Op Spots | Beeline Mini Zip Lines | Barn Slides | Cattle Drive Barrel Train Rides Farm Animals to Feed & Pet | Jumping Pillow | Farm Market with Various Local Items & More

Use coupon code HOORAY23 for $2 off every ticket Follow us on social media for festival updates!

254-447-7422 | 7929 Heritage Parkway West, TX | www.WesternBelleFarm.com 4

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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

Presents

Baylor Spartan Stadion Weekend

Contact us Phone: (254)723-3696 office@bergerpublishing.com

For the rst time ever, Spartan is bringing their newly established 5K Stadion Race to McLane Stadium.

Get ready for a weekend full of fun and excitement t for the entire family.

Saturday, April 1, 2023 Races for adults & kids Purchase tickets at: www.race.spartan.com Hooray For Family™ 2023.

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.

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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The 15th Annual Sertoma Kite Festival Food Contests Music Activities All Kinds of Kites!

Heart of Texas Sertoma Club

Visit our new website for details including a map to the festival.

www.wacosertoma.org

Coupon good for

1 FREE SPIN ON THE PRIZE WHEEL A winner with every spin!

1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Come & go as you please.

Challenge yourself to code for an hour each month!

1st & 3rd Saturday of the month

Teen & Tween Manga & Anime Club Ages 10 - 18 1 & 3 Saturday of the month 10 - 11 a.m. st

rd

Watch Anime Discuss Manga with Friends Fun Anime & Manga themed Crafts

Teen Advisory Board Teen Leaders for Teen Programming Ages 12 - 18 3rd Tuesday of the month | 5 - 6 p.m.

2 - 3:30 p.m.

200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX | 254-666-2442

Sign up on our events calendar! www.cityofhewitt.com 6

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Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

If you have a budding artist at home, then the camps at Practically Pikasso in Waco, TX might just be the right activity to keep your little one active and engaged this summer.

Practically Pikasso is an eclectic art studio that specializes in paint-your-own pottery, glass fusion, and mosaics, and their camps are a great way for kids to get a taste of these art forms without a big investment.

“Our camps serve as an educational tool, but also as a way for families to get an idea of what we offer as a business,” said co-owner, Marie McClellan.

Children can choose from ceramics, glass fusion, or ceramics and canvas themed 1-Day Mini Kamps that begin June 15, or more immersive Three-Day Kamps that begin June 20. Both camps are for ages 7 to 16. One-day camps are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and three-day camps are from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Along with camps, the studio also offers birthday parties that include painting pottery.

“We have a number of packages available for birthday parties, but the most popular is the Animal Crackers package,” McClellan said. “[The Animal Crackers pieces] are small, friendlylooking figures that are challenging, but can be finished in the allotted painting activity time.”

Parents can also choose packages where party guests can paint their own sculpture tiles with themes like mermaids and unicorns or creative cups where children can paint their own oversized mugs.

“We’re open to individual picks as well,” she said. “If the parent wants to give the child a budget and let them choose their own piece, we can do that as well. Every piece has a price on the bottom.”

To book a party or sign your child up for an upcoming camp, call the studio at (254) 776-2200.

“We think registering over the phone allows parents to ask questions and get real-time answers so they can be satisfied that they selected the right camp for their child,” McClellan said.

But you don’t have to wait for a party or a camp to visit the studio. Practically Pikasso is open from 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays. The studio will also be open Tuesdays from 1 – 9 p.m. during summer break.

“We have wonderful customers, and the kids that come to our camps are great,” McClellan said. “It’s a happy place, a happy business, and people come here to be happy.”

For more information on Practically Pikasso and what they have to offer, visit their website at www.pikassowaco.com or visit the studio at 4310 West Waco Drive, Waco, TX 76710.

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Summer Camps & Activities

Summer Camps & Activities

FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages

Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

30 Years in

Waco!

Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150

The Children’s Soccer Experience

Waco | Temple | Killeen | Belton | Bryan | College Station

Ages 2 - 8 Soccer Shots Central Texas focuses on character development and skill building, and will help your child to improve their gross motor skills, socialization skills and self-confidence.

254-294-7864

soccershots.com/centraltexas

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Summer Camps & Activities

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 10 - 14 | July 17 - 21 | July 31 - Aug.4 Diva Dance Camp (Jazz & Hip Hop) - entering grades 2nd - 5th 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 17 - 21 Broadway Bound Camp (Musical Theater Dance) Entering grades 2nd - 5th | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | July 24 - 28

Thanks Waco!

254-776-6248

Voted Best Cheer Program & Best Place to Host Playgroups & Birthday Parties

800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX

www.txdynasty.com

(254) 776-1797

Award Winning Dance Studio

www.jsodwaco.com

Kids Kamp Three-Day Kamps

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

June 20 -22 | July 18 - 20 | Aug. 1 - 3

One-Day Mini Kamps Ages 7 - 16 | 9 a.m - 12 p.m.

June 15- Ceramics + Mosaics | July 12 - Ceramics July 26 - Glass Fusion | Aug. 7 Ceramics + Canvas 3-Day Kamp: $180 per student 1-Day Mini Kamp: $80 per student, per Kamp Family discounts available

OPEN Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 1 - 9 p.m.

Tues. Closed an eclectic art studio Sat. 12 - 9 p.m. | Sun. 1 - 6 p.m. www.practicallypikassowaco.com 4310 W. Waco Dr., Waco

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

Summer Camps & Activities 13

Family Martial Arts

THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!

June 5 - 9 | July 10 - 14 | July 31 - Aug. 4 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 Regal Jewel Theater)

10201 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 254-836-0999 (across from McDonalds)

www.familymartialartsoftexas.com

es!

venu to all

WACO, AUSTIN & SAN ANTONIO ATTRACTIONS USE PROMO CODE: HOORAY

at www.pogopass.com for 50% OFF today!

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

By Jessa McCLure

Hannah is a very playful, spontaneous, and outgoing 12-year-old girl. Like other kids her age, she likes to get her way at times, but she can be very thoughtful and giving. She likes to be involved in engaging activities that include playing games and riding her bike. Hannah enjoys being outdoors, but she also likes watching funny animal videos and the Frozen movies.

Hannah would be a great addition to a loving and caring family that will advocate on her behalf, be consistent, patient, and have a sense of humor.

Hannah

If you’re interested in adopting Hannah or learning more about adoption, visit www.partnershipsforchildren.org/heartgallery/hannah.

Photography by Dunlap Portrait MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Birthday Parties Date Nights Team Building

254-265-6237

4600 Franklin Ave., Waco www.onceuponachildwaco.com

1007 Wooded Acres Dr, Waco, TX Express Yourself...With the Art of Dance!

Four Locations!

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

254-776-1672

16200 Badger Ranch Blvd.

Woodway, TX

www.expressionsdance.studio

Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America

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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

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W D! NO ITE L OL LIM R S EN E I C PA

The Tutoring Center

S

*Offer ends May 1, 2023

Reading Math Writing Study Skills Algebra I

VS.

All ONE-to-ONE Instruction!

Geometry Algebra II Alg

254-245-8717 CALL TODAY for more information or to schedule your child's FREE testing appointment.

www.tutoringcenter.com

3700 South W.S. Young Dr., #111 Killeen, TX 76542

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Mobile Library

A library’s reach is far beyond its walls.

HPL on the Go will deliver services to the community that supports education, access to technology & workforce development in:

Schools | Businesses Nursing Facilities | Parks

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum & Library Services (Grant #LS-252486-OLS-22*) to the Texas Library & Archives Commission under the provision of the Library & Technology Act. (2023)

254-666-2442 | 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX | www.cityofhewitt.com 18

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HEAD START | ENROLL NOW Free Programs for Eligible 0 - 5 Year Olds Includes children with disabilities and pregnant moms

Early Literacy Program | Texas School Ready Participant

“Community Choices in Children’s Care”

Accepting applications for employment at: terra.scott@ct4c.org “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.CT4C.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: 800 Shady Lane #733

254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-939-9335

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

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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MONDAYS Baby Time (ages birth to 1 yr.)

Blended story time (ages 1 - 5)

TUESDAYS Toddler Time (ages 1-3) Early Literacy (ages 3-5)

3RD SSATURDAY Blended story time (ages 1 - 5) Please see website for times and location

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!

ASK AB OUT O U R L OYA LT Y P R O GR A M!

4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli 254-666-2442 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX www.cityofhewitt.com 20

Connect with us!

w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m

www.smartypantswaco.com

Re R Ye gi ou ar st n ra d tio n!

Superior Training Budget-Friendly ALL THAT JAZZ

Join us for the Easter Message, Egg Hunt, and FREE Hot Dog Lunch!

Dance into Spring!

Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop

www.wacodance.com

Children’s Entertainment

Never put a baby to bed with a bottle.

Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available

254-690-3380

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

Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters

254-338-3524 www.tootytot.com

www.facebook.com/tootytot254

Bosque Valley Children’s Services & Child Care Center Where our children’s future begins!

Speech & Language Therapies Occupational Therapy

*Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.

Child Care Center

Online Reservations at 254-304-4727 1621 N. Valley Mills Dr. Waco, TX www.paintingwithatwist.com/waco

Offering full-time and drop-in options 2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX 254-235-2430 www.bvchildrensservices.com

New Store Now Open!

227 N Hewitt Dr. Hewitt, TX

254-780-8065 | wacoballoonco@gmail.com Follow us to see our latest work @wacoballoonco

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG

at China Spring Country Store!

Check our our new clothing & accessories.

PLUS, baby chicks are here!

Local Company with Great Service

254-752-0777 | 9030 China Spring Hwy., Waco, TX | www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com

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

254-771-5701 | 2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple

www.TempleKidsDental.com

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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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