Hooray for Family Central Texas February 2023

February 2023

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FREE!

Years Serving

TEXAS DYNASTY CHEER & GYMNASTICS See article pg. 7

Photo by Photography by Cecy

Fall in Love with Our New Location!

We’ve Moved!

The new location is now Hewitt Kids Dental

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

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

Colleen Segall, D.M.D.

Board Certiied Pediatric Dentist

Serving the Children of Central Texas 2

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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

7545 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX

info@therapygroupofwaco.com www.therapygroupofwaco.com

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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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

Now Booking Family Portraits

www.ShellyTaylorPhotography.net | shellytaylor76@gmail.com 4

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Express Yourself...With the Art of Dance!

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

for Fa mi

ly

Publisher: Michele Berger Creative Director: Jerri Denson Office Manager: Melissa Talbert Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure

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

Birthday Parties Date Nights Team Building

Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696 Next Deadline February 6th For March & April Issues Contact us Phone: (254)723-3696 office@bergerpublishing.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.

1007 Wooded Acres Dr, Waco, TX

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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

The Tutoring Center

*Offer ends March 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

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

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Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

If your child has ever wanted to flip through the air, jump into a foam pit or train like a ninja, then Texas Dynasty just might be the place for them. With year-round classes, competitive programs, toddler tumbling and a Ninja Zone, there’s something for everyone.

Daniel and Kristen Saenz have owned the gym since 2006 and have years of experience in gymnastics and cheerleading. Cheer is what initially brought the two together at Baylor University in the early 2000s.

“I played all of the typical sports in middle school and high school – football, track, powerlifting. And then in college, someone knew I could do a backflip, and they said, ‘you should try out for cheer.’ So, I did, and that’s how I met Kristen. She was already cheering for Baylor,” Daniel said.

Daniel now coaches the Baylor cheerleaders, a position he’s held for the past 12 years. Kristen grew up participating in gymnastics and cheer and secured a spot on the Baylor Spirit Squad while attending college. Along with co-running the gym, Kristen is also an active member of the Junior League of Waco and has been volunteering for the organization for years.

After working for the previous owner, the couple took over what was formally Gynmastix and Cheer Unlimited, changing its name to Texas Dynasty. Since then, they have created the most comprehensive gym in the area. In addition to competitive and recreational gymnastics and cheerleading, Texas Dynasty also offers birthday parties, special events like Kids’ Night Out, as well as back handspring clinics, preschool playgroups, and gym rentals.

The couple wants every child, regardless of age or gender, to feel welcome to participate in their programs and events, which is why they started offering the Ninja Zone a few years ago.

“We noticed that the little brothers of our clients were anxious to be a part of the fun,” Daniel said. “They would be in the viewing room driving their parents crazy, so we gave them a place to exert some of that energy.”

The Ninja Zone includes an obstacle course that looks like a smaller version of what you might see on American Ninja Warrior with slanted steps, in-ground trampolines, climbing ropes and a warped wall.

“It’s cool because they can pretend to be a participant on the show while practicing in a safe environment,” Daniel said.

The gym has been awarded Best of Waco multiple times in several categories and is also the practice facility for the Baylor Spirit Squads and Baylor Gymnastics Team.

“There’s a place for everyone,” Daniel said. “Even if you don’t have any experience, you can jump into a beginner class, start with the basics and work your way from there.”

For more information about Texas Dynasty and what they have to offer, visit www.txdynasty.com, call (254) 776-6248, or visit the gym at 800 Schroeder Suite C, Waco, TX 76710.

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Tickets only $10 for individuals | *$8 per person for groups of 12 or more! *Additional school group discounts may apply.

Educational Tours Now Available

Come see the home of the Baylor Bears from a different perspective with a 90-minute tour!

McLane Stadium is also Central Texas’ state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue.

The tour includes:

Baylor Locker Room | Recruit Lounge | Post-Game Interview Room | Press Box | Presidential Level | Field

Birthday Parties at McLane Stadium 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

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)

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

TUESDAYS

Ballet Tap Jazz Hip Hop Contemporary Modern Musical Theater Dance/Drill Team Prep Mommy & Me Ballet Boys Hip Hop

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

Exceptional Dance Training

Ages one - adult

3RD SSATURDAY Blended story time (ages 1 - 5)

Award Winning Dance Studio

Please see website for times and location

(254) 776-1797 254-666-2442 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX www.cityofhewitt.com

www.jsodwaco.com

Four Locations!

NINJAZONE

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 10

ENROLL NOW For boys & girls ages 3 - 11 254-776-6248 800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX

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Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Register Now! . .

Ballet Tap Jazz Lyrical . Pointe

“Quality Dance Training with the Patience Your Child Deserves”

No Registratio n Fee!

254-744-1310

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 12

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

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

Start the New Year off strong with Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem & Self-Discipline!

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 Regal Jewel Theater)

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

www.familymartialartsoftexas.com Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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

By Jessa McCLure

Photography by Dunlap Photography

Amberlyn is a sweet and easygoing 14-yearold who makes friends wherever she goes.

She is intent on living in the moment and enjoying every experience as she grows up into a confident young woman. She loves reading, attending high school football games, and hanging out with friends. Amberlyn has taken up the guitar and is a budding musician. She loves to perform for her friends and hopes to someday have a career in the industry.

Amberlyn

An active family, who loves to have new food experiences, would be the perfect fit for Amberlyn. She would love to have siblings and a supportive family that encourages her goals and dreams. She would do best with a strong female caregiver who can stand beside her and advocate for her. She is highly motivated and independent, but also wants to share her life with a family she can connect with.

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

MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

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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!

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.

1st & 3rd Saturday of the month

2 - 3:30 p.m.

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

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

Local Company with Great Service

Stock Show Season is Here!

Come see us for a variety of blankets, halters, clipper blades and Show Day products!

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

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Resale Boutique

Be a

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages

Enroll Now for Classes!

Shop with us!

29 Years in

Waco!

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 ABO UT OUR LOYALTY PR OG RAM !

4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us! www.smartypantswaco.com

254-776-2200

4310 West Waco Drive (in Brazos Place Center)

www.practicallypikassowaco.com

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

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

Saturday, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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HOORAY 18

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Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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Children’s Entertainment

Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters

New Store Now Open!

227 N Hewitt Dr. Hewitt, TX

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

254-338-3524 www.tootytot.com

Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254

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

D Neint anc w o t e: Ye he ar !

Superior Training Budget-Friendly

Year-Round Rregistration!

254-265-6237

4600 Franklin Ave., Waco onceuponachildwaco.com

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

www.wacodance.com

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

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

Seal out tooth decay.

Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available

254-690-3380

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

Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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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

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4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, TX

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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 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