Hooray for Family Central Texas May 2021

Central Texas

May 2021

FREE!

FUN!

2021

See article pg. 7

Summer Camps & Activities Pgs. 11 - 19

Deep in the heart of Texas

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 www.WacoKidsDental.com

OF WACO

S UMMER C AMPS Register Today!

Camp Read - Grades PK - 3 Session 1: June 8 - July 1 | Tues./Thurs. 9 - 11 a.m. & 1 - 3 p.m.

Session 2: July 13 - Aug. 5 | 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.

Dyslexia Therapy Services NOW PROVIDING: DYSLEXIA EVALUATIONS by a licensed dyslexia therapist, as well as DYSLEXIA THERAPY SERVICES and SPECIALIZED READING INTERVENTION for all ages.

Call for more information.

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

May Index by Category Art Programs/Studios

Practically Pikasso..............................................12

Baby Furniture

Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................5

Children’s Clothing

Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................5

Consignment & Resale Shops

Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................5

Dance Studios

All That Jazz Academy of Dance.........................20 Expressions Dance Studio..................................11 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................17 Ignite Dance Company........................................15 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................19

Dental Care/Orthodontics

Bellmead Kid’s Dentistry.....................................8 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...........................................6 Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................22 First Baptist Waco Preschool..............................8 Think Learn Play..................................................21

Fitness

610 Fit Training Studio.......................................21 YMCA of Central Texas........................................20

Gymnastics & Cheerleading

Flips Gymnastics.................................................14 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................17 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................12 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................11

Horseback Riding / Lessons

Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................19 Urban Acres.........................................................19

Libraries/Story Times

Hewitt Public Library...........................................16

Martial Arts

Family Martial Arts..............................................13

Museums

Historic Waco Foundation....................................5

Outdoor Play Systems

China Spring Country Store................................22

Party Planning & Supplies

Baylor University McLane Stadium....................17 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Dart’Em Up..........................................................11 Expressions Dance Studio..................................11 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................14 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................17

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Party Planning & Supplies Cont’d

Joy’s School of Dance.........................................19 Little Land Play Gym...........................................14 Only Believe Parties & Play Center.....................19 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................12 Practically Pikasso..............................................12 Skate Waco..........................................................15 Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................19 Spare Time Texas.................................................9 Tooty Tot Children’s Entertainment....................20 Urban Air Adventure Park...................................14 YMCA of Central Texas........................................20

Pets /Pet Stores/Grooming

Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21

Services

Because of You 3D/4D Ultrasound....................6 Bell County Public Health District......................21 Critters Exotic Pets..............................................21 Forever Families..................................................10 Heart O’ Texas Federal Credit Union..................20 Mr. Handyman......................................................8 Neat as a Pin.......................................................20 Sign Gypsies........................................................21

Summer Camps & Activities

Baylor University McLane Stadium....................17 Family Martial Arts..............................................13 Flips Gymnastics.................................................14 Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance...........................17 Hewitt Public Library...........................................16 Joy’s School of Dance.........................................19 Little Land Play Gym...........................................14 Only Believe Parties & Play Center.....................19 Powerhouse Cheer & Fitness.............................12 Practically Pikasso..............................................12 Rodgers Speech, Hearing & Educational Services.................................15 Skate Waco..........................................................15 Slice of Heaven Educational Farm.....................19 Texas Dynasty Cheer & Gymnastics...................11 Trinity at Badger Ranch VBS...............................19 Urban Acres.........................................................19 Urban Air Adventure Park...................................14

Therapy Services

Bosque Valley Children’s Services.....................22 Focus Behavioral Associates..............................20 Little Land Play Gym...........................................14 Rodgers Speech, Hearing ��& Educational Services...............................15 Therapy Group of Waco.......................................3

Toys & Books

Once Upon a Child..............................................21 Smarty Pants Resale Boutique...........................5 Think Learn Play..................................................21 Zoe Books of Life................................................21

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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!

A S K A B O UT O UR L OYALTY P ROGRAM!

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

www.smartypantswaco.com

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 June 5th For July & August Issues Contact us Phone: (254)848-8308

office@bergerpublishing.com

On the Cover: Baylor University McLane Stadium Photo by Shelly Taylor Photography

Find Our Dog Max Hidden Inside!

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.

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“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

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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

Featured Cover Spotlight 2021

By Jessa McClure

A year full of pandemic restrictions has probably kept your kids indoors more than usual. The McLane Stadium Summer Camp wants to offer your kids the chance to not only get up off the couch and move in one of the coolest athletic facilities in the area, but they also want to give them a chance to try their hand at science experiments, crafts and field day games.

“We like to include any activity that will keep kids busy and entertained,” said Brock Meckelborg, McLane Stadium operations manager. “We’re all about having fun and not being too serious.”

Each session is a week-long, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Extended care hours are available so that parents who work can drop their kids off at 8 a.m. and pick them up at 4 p.m. Camp dates are June 14-18, July 12-16, and July 26-30.

Meckelborg said the best thing about the camp is that it is non-specific, so it gives children the chance to explore lots of different interests.

“A lot of camps around town are [specialized],” he said. “We don’t fit into a mold. Regardless of what your child likes, we’ll cover it.”

Campers could get the chance to experience everything from playing a round of kickball on the McLane Stadium football field to completing an obstacle course set up by D1 Waco to interacting with local policeman, firemen and animal experts from Cameron Park Zoo. Meckelborg said camp also includes several theme days like princess and superhero day, Disney day, and an Olympic themed day where children are encouraged to dress up and participate in corresponding activities.

Even though the camp is all about fun, camp organizers are also serious about safety.

“All of our counselors will wear masks, we will have hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the camp space including the check in and check out areas, and we will have our housekeeping staff deep cleaning and disinfecting every day,” Meckelborg said.

Camp activities will be done mostly outside so social distancing can be implemented, but counselors will also keep a close eye on the weather and make sure campers aren’t getting overheated.

“We’re going to have the same fun experience that they’re used to at McLane Summer Camps, and we’re still going to be safe and make sure your child is welllooked after as well,” he said.

Visit www.mclanestadiumevents.myonlinecamp.com or contact Meckelborg directly at operations@mclanestadium.com or (254) 710-8104 to find out more about camp and how you can register your child today.

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First Baptist Preschool

It’s Time for Spring Home Maintenance Call us for your indoor or outdoor needs!

& 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 We’ll take items off your to-do list, freeing up time for more family fun.

Locally owned & operated

Problem Solved 254-523-6688 | www.MrHandyMan.com 8

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FOREVER

FA M I L I E S

Community partners helping local children find a brighter future

Photo Courtesy: Marilyn Griggs Photography

Imani, Zoey and Kylon are three siblings with an unbreakable bond. They are looking for a forever family who will keep them together and nurture their close relationship.

Ten-year-old Imani is the big brother of the trio. He’s an active boy who likes to ride his bike, play outside, and participate in sports.

Nine-year-old Zoey is artistic and outgoing and loves socializing at the Boys and Girls Club and playing with dolls.

Five-year-old Kylon is a curious and energetic little brother who loves playing with his siblings.

An ideal family for this sibling group would be one that’s committed to providing structure and positive role models. Find out more about adopting Imani, Zoey and Kylon and other waiting children at www.heartgallerytexas.com.

MODERN MEDIA COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

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Summer Camps & Activities

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MOBILE UNIT NERF BATTLE RENTALS

RESERVE TODAY! 2548366124 Birthday Parties Church Events Team Building After School Programs Field Trips

Join us June 5, 3 -7 p.m. at McBrayer Park for FREE Nerf play at Lorena Chamber Day!

Includes all blasters, darts, jerseys, goggles & bunkers.

We bring it all to you!

Delivery, set-up & pick-up ALL included! *Referee additional

MOBILE UNIT RENTAL PACKAGE: $325

www.DartemUp.com

Register Now for Summer Camps!

Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Modern Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom

Thanks Waco!

254-776-6248

Voted Best Cheer Program & Best Place to Host a Playgroup

800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX

www.txdynasty.com

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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Summer Camps & Activities

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

Kids Kamp an eclectic art studio

Session 1: June 22 - 24 Session 2: June 29 - July 1 Session 3: July 13 - 15 Session 4: July 20 - 22 Session 5: July 27 - 29 Session 6: August 3 - 5 Class tuition $120 per student, per Kamp Family discounts available 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

Family Martial Arts

THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!

June 7 - 11 | July 12 - 16 | August 2 - 6 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

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

FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages 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

Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

Physical Therapy | Speech Therapy | Occupational Therapy *No waiting list!

28 Years in

Waco!

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! www.littlelandplaygym.com

Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips

www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150

Summer Camps & Activities

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Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Lyrical Hip-Hop Creative Movement

DANCE

Ages 2 yrs. & up Competition/performance company Master teachers COMPANY

254-235-2332 7500 Woodway Dr., Ste. 105

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

www.ignitedanceco.com Email: Lezley@ignitedanceco.com

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

Follow Us to Find Events Activities and Family Fun! @hoorayforfamily

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Summer Camps & Activities

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5 DAYS of SUMMER FUN! JUNE 14  18 | JULY 12  16 | JULY 26  30 | 9 A.M.  2 P.M. $175 per camper

2021

8 a.m. early drop-off available - $25 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

Heart of Texas Cheer & Dance Nationally-Ranked Competitive Cheer & Dance All-Star, Half-Year, Prep & Show Teams All Ages & Ability Levels

Tumbling Ninja Nerf Youth Cheer Prep All-Level Tumbling | Private Lessons Flight School | Youth Cheer Prep Specialty-Themed Pre-School Programs

Birthday Parties | Friday Night Fun Day Time Play Time Lock-Ins | Gym Rental Saturday Parents’ Night Out

254-666-7470

8081 Robinson Industrial Park Dr., Waco, TX

www.HeartofTexasCheer.com

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Summer Camps & Activities

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Starting in June

Mini Summer Camps Wed. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Morning snack & lunch provided Ages 3 - 9

Pre-Registration Required $40 per day Discount for 3-day registration Register at www.OnlyBelieveParties.com

254-313-1038

174 Midway Center Woodway, TX

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

Sign Up Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

Princess Camps - ages 3 - 6, 10 a.m.- noon July 5 - 9 | July 19 - 23 | July 26 - 30

Diva Day Camp - entering grades 2nd - 5th, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

July 12 - 16

Broadway Bound Camp - entering grades 2nd - 5th, 1 - 3:30 p.m.

July 19 - 23 5 Weeks of Summer Classes for Ages 1 - 10

Register TODAY!

June & July Summer Camps

Birthday Parties Field Trips Baby Showers Weddings Reunions Corporate Events Riding Lessons www.sliceofheaveneducationalfarm.org

254-220-3734

17851 FM 1123 Holland, TX

Award Winning Dance Studio

(254) 776-1797

Owner/ Director: Natalie George Two Convenient Locations 7560 Bosque Blvd. & 6714 Woodway Dr.

www.jsodwaco.com

Summer Day Camps

A fun, memorable experience. $250 per camper

4-day sessions

Ages 8 & up

Early registration by June 1 at discounted rate of $230.

REGISTER FOR FREE ONLINE  WWW.FULLERHEAVEN.COM/VBS 254-772-4225 | 2 Ritchie Rd., Woodway, TX

Camp hours: 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

June 14 - 17 | June 21 - 24 *Call or email to register.

Horseback riding provides: Fun Positive Character Traits Physical Health Problem Solving Psychological Health Companionship Socialization A Return to Nature

Year-round horseback riding lessons.

Private sessions $45/hr.

Group session $35/hr.

254-339-0012 | 361-720-1033

urban.acres@hotmail.com | www.UrbanAcres.biz

Ce l 28 ebr Ye at ar ing s!

Superior Training Budget-Friendly ALL THAT JAZZ

Register Now! Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop www.wacodance.com

“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

Your child’s first dental visit should be between ages 1 & 2.

Birth - 18 years Comprehensive Orthodontics Available

254-690-3380

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

Children’s Entertainment Killeen

254.634.7722 16125 Fort Hood St. Killeen, TX 76542

Waco

254.751.1622 7500 Imperial Dr. Waco, TX 76712

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 20

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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 Lesley Winget, Owner

so you can buy the other things she needs.

Call your local WIC today!

RELAX & ENJOY your occasion!

signgypsieswaco@gmail.com

254.709.5203

buy the apples

Let

Temple Killeen Copperas Cove Fort Hood 254-778-1511 254-526-2033 254-547-9571 254-532-8680 www.bellcountyhealth.org

We Buy Gently Used Kids’ Stuff!

Clothing Toys & Books 4600 Franklin Ave., Waco onceuponachildwaco.com

Footwear

Baby Gear

254-265-6237

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

Have you heard about Think Learn Play's sensory boxes?

MATH READING ART

Anti-bulllying Consideration for others Education

Chentell Merriman, Author 254-289-6113

www.zoebooksoflife.org

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

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254-420-6504 21

~ 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 254-235-2430

*Medicaid & most private insurances accepted.

2124 N. 25th St., Waco, TX

www.bvchildrensservices.com

Local Company with Great Service

Give the Gift of Endless Play!

www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com 22

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GROWING SMILES

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

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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 | 2027 S. 61 ST, Ste. 111 | Temple, TX