Central Texas
January 2021
FREE!
See article pg. 7
New Year 365 NEW DAYS 365 NEW CHANCES
To 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-Eligiible Pediatric Dentist
Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S.
Board-Certiied Pediatric Dental Specialist 1121 Lake Air Dr., Waco, TX 254-772-8330 www.WacoKidsDental.com
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
January Index by Category Art Programs/Studios
Family Martial Arts..............................................13
Practically Pikasso..............................................16
Baby Furniture
Museums
Historic Waco Foundation...................................14
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................8
Outdoor Play Systems
Children’s Clothing
Party Planning & Supplies
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................8
Consignment & Resale Shops
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................8
Dance Studios
All That Jazz Academy of Dance.........................20 Expressions Dance Studio...................................5 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................15 Ignite Dance Company........................................14 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................19 Laurie’s Stepping Out Studio.............................17
Dental Care/Orthodontics
Bellmead Kid’s Dentistry.....................................6 Dr. Stephen Brandt Pediatric Dentistry.............20 Smile at the World...............................................24 Temple Kids Dental.............................................23 Waco Kids Dental.................................................2
Education/Child Care
Central Texas 4C, Inc..........................................16 Creative Learning Center....................................14 Bosque Valley Children’s Services......................8 First Baptist Waco Preschool.............................15 Think Learn Play..................................................21
Fitness
610 Fit Training Studio.......................................21 YMCA of Central Texas........................................20
Gymnastics & Cheerleading
Flips Gymnastics.................................................22 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................15 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................12 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................17
Hair Salon Kid Friendly
Shear Shenanigans.............................................22
Health Care
Hillcrest Pediatric Clinic......................................19
Horseback Riding / Lessons
Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................21 Urban Acres..........................................................5
China Spring Country Store................................18
Baylor University McLane Stadium.....................6 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Expressions Dance Studio...................................5 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................22 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................15 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................19 Little Land Play Gym............................................8 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................12 Practically Pikasso..............................................16 Skate Waco..........................................................12 Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................21 Spare Time Texas.................................................9 Tooty Tot Children’s Entertainment....................17 Urban Air Adventure Park...................................15 YMCA of Central Texas........................................20
Pets /Pet Stores/Grooming
Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21
Services
Because of You 3D/4D Ultrasound...................18 Bell County Public Health District......................21 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Forever Families..................................................11 Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union..................20 Mr. Handyman.....................................................12 Neat as a Pin.......................................................20 Sign Gypsies........................................................21
Therapy Services
Bosque Valley Children’s Services......................8 Focus Behavioral Associates..............................20 Little Land Play Gym............................................8 Rodgers Speech, Hearing & Educational Services..................................17 Therapy Group of Waco.......................................3
Toys & Books
Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................8 Think Learn Play..................................................21 Zoe Books of Life................................................21
Libraries/Story Times
Hewitt Public Library...........................................10
Martial Arts
4
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Modern www.hoorayforfamily.com Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom
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., Waco www.expressionsdance.studio
Owner/ Instructor Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certified Dance Masters of America
Advertising Information: Michele Berger (254)723-3696 Next Deadline February 5th For March & April Issues Contact us Phone: (254)848-8308
office@bergerpublishing.com
Horse Riding Lessons Year-round Horsemanship
Private sessions $45/hr. | Group session $35/hr. Fun
Horseback riding provides:
Positive Character Traits Physical Health Problem Solving Psychological Health Companionship Socialization A Return to Nature
On the Cover:
Age 6 years and up. Adults welcome too!
Think Learn Play Photo by Loved Memories Photography
254-339-0012 | 361-720-1033
Hooray For Family™ 2021. 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.
www.facebook.com/UrbanAcresRiding urban.acres@hotmail.com www.UrbanAcres.biz
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
5
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
6
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
www.MclaneStadium.com
Featured Cover Spotlight
By Jessa McClure
When quarantine began, mother of five and former teacher, Charra Burns realized that kids were going to be at home with little to no opportunities for hands-on learning. This realization sparked an idea to create educational sensory boxes that would offer children the chance to get their hands dirty with some learning fun. “I wanted a way to help kids get caught up [on their education] and give parents additional support,” Burns said. “The first thing that came to mind was mini lesson plans and activities, but I didn’t want to just provide pencil and paper. I wanted it to be fun.” With this idea in mind, Burns created her first two boxes for a business she named Think Learn Play. There was a robot and rocket-themed box and a box that centered around homemade slime. She later created a third box that included winter-themed activities. Right now, she is offering customized winter boxes on her website, www.thinklearnplay.com, that include activities based on grade level. She can also provide customized boxes for children younger than three or older than eight. These cost a little extra but can be tailored to your child and their specific learning needs. Burns is not only a mother and former teacher, but she also continues to provide tutoring services for children and distance learning support for those learning from home. “Sensory opportunities are a big deal in early education and the special education community, but these types of activities are great for any child,” she said. “They help preschool-aged kids develop fine motor skills and they allow older children to learn problem solving skills.” For more information about learning boxes or distance learning opportunities with Burns, visit www.thinklearnplay.com or give her a call at (254) 420-6504. Photos by Loved Memories Photography
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
7
~ 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 Enrolling! Speech & Language Therapies Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy 254-235-2430
*Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.
2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX
www.bvchildrensservices.com
Open Play | Parents’ Day Out | Parents’ Night Out Sensory Art & Music Enrichment Classes | Story Time Mom Groups | Music Exploration Classes Spring & Summer Camps | Birthday Parties
Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy *No waiting list!
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!
AS K A BO U T O U R L OYA LT Y P RO GRA M! Waco 254-572-8890
1201 Hewitt Dr. Ste. 107, Waco, TX
Temple 254-231-3752
4311 S. 31st St., Ste. 105, Temple,TX
Open 7 Days a Week!
4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us!
www.littlelandplaygym.com 8
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
www.smartypantswaco.com
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
9
10
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
Mariana also loves playing board games, running and collecting teddy bears.
Photo Courtesy: Maureen Petru Photography
Mariana
16-year-old Mariana hopes this will be the year she meets her forever family. Mariana is smart, outgoing and energetic. She loves painting and writing poetry and enjoys learning about Spanish, Geometry and Writing in school. She dreams of someday traveling to Mexico.
More than anything Mariana wants love and acceptance and a family that will be there for her for the rest of her life. She is open to families of all sizes and would like older siblings. Mariana would do best in a home where her parents would encourage her and provide structure and guidance. If you are interested in adopting Mariana or another Central Texas child, visit www.heartgallerytexas.com.
MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
11
We’ll take items off your to-do list, freeing up time for more family fun.
Problem Solved
254-523-6688 | www.MrHandyMan.com
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
12
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
Start the New Year off right 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 Hollywood Theatre)
10201 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 254-836-0999 (across from McDonalds)
familymartialartsoftexas.com Photo by Brigham Mayyeld Photography
We are a faith-based childcare facility, built with families and quality care in mind. Our goal is to partner with you, as a place kids can have fun and build the foundation for learning!
Serving ages birth - 5 years 405 Estates Drive, Woodway, TX
www.crossroadsclc.org
Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Lyrical Hip-Hop Creative Movement Ages 2 yrs. & up Competition/performance company Master teachers
DANCE COMPANY 254-235-2332 7500 Woodway Dr., Ste. 105
www.ignitedanceco.com Email: Lezley@ignitedanceco.com 14
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
254-776-2794
First Baptist Preschool
NEW Boys Only Tumbling Classes!
& Parent’s Day Out
Tumbling Classes
FOR
4 WEEKS UNLIMITED CLASSES $49 PeeWee Tumbling (ages 3-5)
4 WEEKS OF CLASSES FOR
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
$29
500 Webster
www.fbcwaco.org
Purchase your trial online today! www.HeartofTexasCheer.com
254-666-7470
8081 Robinson Industrial Park Dr., Waco
ACTIVATE AWESOME IN WACO! Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure park! Buy tickets online at: www.UrbanAirWaco.com
Featuring: Sky Rider • Ropes Course • Climbing Walls • Warrior Course Ultimate Dodgeball • Tubes Playground • Trampolines And More!
5701 W Waco Drive | Waco, TX 76710 www.UrbanAirWaco.com
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
15
Specializing in Ceramics & Mosaics
an eclectic art studio
OPEN: Mon. , Wed, Thurs, Fri. 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. 4310 West Waco Drive, Waco, TX www.practicallypikassowaco.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 2020 -2021 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 16
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.
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-215-3790
Register Now!
Ballet . Tap . Jazz . Pointe
No Registratio n Fee!
“Quality Dance Training with the Patience Your Child Deserves”
254-772-7551
Cell: 254-744-1310
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!
Reading programs to fit your child’s needs Speech Therapy | Oral Motor Training Most Insurance Accepted
254-526-8255
Call About Your Child’s Program Today!
www.rshes.com | 2201 South W.S. Young, Ste. 117A-1, Killeen, TX | 1612 Austin Avenue, Suite B, Waco, TX
Children’s Entertainment
Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters
Register Now!
Thanks Waco!
254-338-3524
254-776-6248
Voted Best Cheer Program & Best Place to Host a Playgroup
kidspartiesandmore@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/tootytot254
800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
www.txdynasty.com 17
Local Company with Great Service
Give the Gift of Endless Play!
www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com 18
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
HILLCREST PEDIATRIC CLINIC welcomes Brian Barkley, D.O., to our practice!
Teaching the "Joy" of Dance for Over 40 Years, a Waco Tradition Ballet Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip Hop Modern Musical Theater Dance/Drill Team Prep Mommy & Me Ballet Preschool Combo Age one - adult
Dr. Barkley is accepting patients at Hillcrest Pediatric Clinic 120 Hillcrest Medical Blvd. | Suite 100 Waco, Texas 76712
To make an appointment, please call 254-202-6100 www.hillcrestpediatrics.net
(254) 776-1797
Award Winning Dance Studio
Owner/ Director: Natalie George Two Convenient Locations 7560 Bosque Blvd. & 6714 Woodway Dr.
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
www.jsodwaco.com
19
Superior Training
D
Th T a at h nc ke e e ep gi : s g ft iv Budget-Friendly ing
ALL THAT JAZZ
Register Now!
Never put a baby to bed with a bottle.
Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com
Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available
254-690-3380
1201 South W.S. Young Dr., Killeen www.KilleenPediatricDentistry.com
Killeen
254.634.7722 16125 Fort Hood St. Killeen, TX 76542
254.751.1622 7500 Imperial Dr. Waco, TX 76712
Follow Us to Find Events Activities and Family Fun!
“Look straight ahead and FOCUS your eyes on what lies before you.� Proverbs 4:25
Our MISSION is to serve and support the behavioral needs of children and adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and other behavioral disorders through center-based, home-based, and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
www.focusbehavioral.com | (254)732-2262 20
Waco
@hoorayforfamily
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
Have you heard about Think Learn Play's sensory boxes? MATH READING ART
254-265-6237
4600 Franklin Ave., Waco onceuponachildwaco.com
Activities in the box: develop fine motor skills encourage problem-solving provide hours of fun with hands-on learning for ages 3-8 are based on grade level Charra Burns, owner www.thinklearnplay.com
buy the apples
Let
NEW! Family Membership $75/year for a family of four
Birthday Parties Field Trips Baby Showers Weddings Reunions Corporate Events Riding Lessons www.sliceofheaveneducationalfarm.org
254-220-3734
17851 FM 1123 Holland, TX
254-420-6504
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
610 Fit Training Studio Empowering you to BE STRONG through faith & fitness
Aerobics Personal Training Small Group Personal Training Nutrition Coaching
Exotic Pets Pet Supplies Grooming Boarding Birthdays
Party with the Animals! Call to book your party today! 600 S. Valley Mills Dr., Waco
254-216-1020
www.610FIT.com
254-420-2577 www.CrittersExoticPets.com
Life Lessons for Liile Readers Anti-bulllying Consideration for others Education
A yard greeting rental service that helps you CELEBRATE all your events & occasions in a BIG WAY! IT’S SO SIMPLE!
1 2 3
Find a reason to CELEBRATE!
www.signgypsies.com
Chentell Merriman, Author 254-289-6113
www.zoebooksoflife.org
Lesley Winget, Owner
254.709.5203
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
RELAX & ENJOY your occasion!
signgypsieswaco@gmail.com 21
DOUBLE the VALUE SAME LOW PRICE! NOW ONLY
39
$
WITH PROMO CODE: HOORAY
FLIPS
GYMNASTICS
Quality Gymnastics for All Ages
Enroll Now for Classes! 27 Years in
Waco!
Birthday Parties are Back! Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips
www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150 22
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
98 +TAX
A SMILE
TO LAST A
LIFETIME
Tjel Olson, D.M.D. General Dentistry Limited to Children Aaron Blackwelder, D.D.S., M.S. Board-Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist Manuel Marien, Jr., D.D.S. Board-Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist Alex Piedra, D.D.S. Board-Eligible Pediatric Dentist 2122 Birdcreek Dr., Temple, TX 254.771.5701 Fax: 254.771.5770 www.TempleKidsDental.com
w w w. H o o r a y F o r F a m i l y. c o m
23
Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted
Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist
254-773-8028 | 2027 S. 61 ST, Ste. 111 | Temple, TX