Hooray for Family Central Texas June 2023

C e lebrating 20 Year

Happy June!

Happy Summer!

Don’t be the last one to sign up for summer camps! It’s one of the most precious experiences a child can have, which is why camps are filling up faster than ever. Kids look forward to new friendships, new experiences and the freedom to choose. Get ready to hop into summer with our latest and greatest online guides. We’re always on the lookout for the most fun and exciting kid and family activities to keep you entertained all season long. From birthday party places to summer camps, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on any of the action – stay connected with our website, social media, and make sure you’re signed up for our e-newsletter to ensure that you’re in the loop with all the hottest events and happenings.

Hungry for savings? Save $$ eating out with our Kids Eat Free Guide that lists places to get free, or really cheap, kids meals every day of the week!

~

Advertising Information: Michele Berger

(254)723-3696

Publisher: Michele Berger

Creative Director: Jerri Denson

Office Manager: Melissa Talbert

Contributing Writer: Jessa McClure

Social Media: Elizabeth Senn

Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to far off places or taking your family on an adventure, then the Hewitt Public Library is the place for you this summer. The theme of their annual summer reading program is “Traveling Through the Pages,” and books are your ticket to exotic destinations.

Not only will patrons be able to find amazing locations inside the pages of the books on HPL’s shelves, but they will also get the chance to participate in travel-themed photo opportunities and pick up weekly craft kits.

“We will also have a large world map [inside the library] where patrons can mark the places they’ve traveled in a book or in person,” said HPL Director, Waynette Ditto.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. The library will also host performances by a creature teacher, a |magician, a Texas tall tales’ storyteller, and much more. These special events will take place in the library, at Mammoth National Monument, at the zoo, and at Hewitt and Warren Parks on Wednesday mornings all summer long.

Some of your child’s favorite characters will also make appearances at the library this summer. So, stop by and see Mickey and Minnie, Black Panther, Buzz and Woody, Paw Patrol characters Chase and Marshall, Elsa, Minions, Sonic and Knuckles, and Cinderella. Appearances will take place between June 6 and July 25, with visit times ranging from 10 a.m. to noon, and 5 to 7 p.m.

Not only will there be fun happenings at the library, but thanks to a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HPL’s programs can now reach the community outside of the library’s walls with the help of a new bookmobile called HPL on the GO.

“Bookmobiles are an important and perhaps the truest form of library outreach, as their role is to bring the library to the people,” Ditto said.

From the bookmobile, library staff will be able to create library cards, do small crafts, give away free books and library swag, and participate in many other engaging activities.

“We will be able to go to school-sponsored events, community events, as well as local block parties,” she said. “Through donated books, we can go into the community and deliver books to the areas that need them the most.”

The library director hopes that in the future HPL on the GO will become a full-service branch of the library that provides programming and all types of materials for patrons of all ages.

For more information about summer programming and the new bookmobile, visit www.cityofhewit.com, the Hewitt Public Library Facebook page, or call 254-666-2442.

A librar y ’s reach is far beyond its walls.

Summer Camps & Activities

FOREVER FAMILIES

Community partners helping local children find a brighter future

By Jessa McClure

This thoughtful, soft-spoken teen loves being outdoors hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature. He’s also a big fan of comic books and dreams of one day attending a Comic Con event. Virgil gets along well with his peers and enjoys playing sports.

The teen’s ideal forever family would show him unconditional love, while being patient and consistent. They would also give Virgil time to process his thoughts when engaging in conversation, supporting him through calm communication and one-on-one time. Virgil also loves animals and would love to join a family that has a pet dog or cat.

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

Photo by Latcham Photography

*Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.

Offering full-time and drop -in options