Hooray for Family Central Texas March 2023

March 2023

20

FREE!

Years Serving

AND SAT. 5/6 GATES OPEN @ 2 P.M. See article pg. 7

Spring into Our New Location!

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

Colleen Segall, D.M.D.

Board Certified 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

S UM M ER C A M PS

Registration Begins March 1 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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Hop Into Hewii Public Library Week of March 13 - 18

Friends of the Hewitt Public Library

Wreath & Basket Silent Auction Bidding March 7 - 18 Proceeds go to the Hewitt Public Library.

Join in on the EGGcitement & bid on fantastic prizes!

March 13 | 10 a.m. - Story Time & Easter Bunny Pics March 14 | 10 & 10:30 a.m. - Story Time & Easter Bunny Pics 4:30 p.m. - Crafternoon - Easter Eggs Craft March 15 | 4:30 - Spice Kits - Carrot Cake Recipe Curiosity Cart - Easter Collages

March 16 | 4 p.m. - Hour of Code - Spring Garden 4:30 p.m. - Curiosity Cart - Easter Collages March 17 | 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Community Pixel Art Puzzles March 18 | 10 a.m. - Story Time & Easter Egg Hunt 1:30 p.m. - Book Talk with Author Marsha Thauwald 3:30 p.m. - Silent Auction Ends

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

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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 6th 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 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

E E R

F

soccershots.com/centraltexas

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

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Coupon good for

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

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Featured Cover Spotlight

By Jessa McClure

Central Texans know McLane Stadium as the home of the Baylor Bears, but it is also a top-tier entertainment venue for some of the most exciting spring events in the area.

On April 1, the stadium will host the Baylor Spartan Stadion Weekend, which includes Spartan’s 5K Stadion race and kids’ races. Spartan is one of the biggest outdoor competition events in the world, and now they are bringing their races to Central Texas for the first time, thanks to a partnership with the stadium and the sports commission.

“The cool thing about this event is that it’s a 3.5-mile event with multiple obstacles throughout the course,” said McLane Stadium Director of Operations, Josh Bearden. “The event itself will take place on the field, in the concourses, bleachers, the South Plaza as well as Touchdown Alley. So, it’s really going to consume the whole stadium grounds.”

The race will be broken down into different categories for athletes of all fitness levels as well as kids. The kids’ division includes half-mile and one-mile races. “[Spartan] has only been to two other college stadiums, Penn State and Notre Dame,” Bearden said. “So, for us to bring them to Baylor University is a big win for us and the community as well.”

A few weeks after the Spartan event, the stadium will host the Bears & Bugs Fest, which features a massive crawfish boil and music festival on May 6.

“Imagine a large outdoor festival with live music throughout the day and a big crawfish boil from a vendor from Louisiana,” he said. “There will be multiple food trucks as well, and a kids’ zone set up inflatables, crafts, and other fun activities.”

Music includes live performances from Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Huser Brother Band, Kin Faux, Holly Beth, and more. The event begins at 2 p.m. on Touchdown Alley, which overlooks the Brazos River.

Tickets for both events can be purchased on the McLane Stadium’s website under the Calendar tab.

And when the stadium isn’t hosting big family events, they offer community members the chance to rent the field for everything from birthday parties to private events to church gatherings.

McLane Stadium is also open for public tours on Thursdays and Fridays and a few select Saturdays, and anyone can book a private tour any day of the week. All they need to do is click on the contact tab and submit an inquiry.

For more information about upcoming McLane Stadium events or other information, visit www.mclanestadium.com, call (254) 710-1000 or visit the stadium at 1001 S MLK Jr. Blvd, Waco, TX 76704

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Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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FLIPS

Kids Kamp

GYMNASTICS

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages

Enroll Now for Summer Camps & Classes!

Three-Day Kamps

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

30 Years

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

in

Waco!

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: $190 per student 1-Day Mini Kamp: $80 per student, per Kamp Family discounts available

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

an eclectic art studio

4310 W. Waco Dr., Waco

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

OPEN Mon. - Fri. 1 - 9 p.m.

Sat. 12 - 9 p.m.

Sun. 1 - 6 p.m. www.practicallypikassowaco.com

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

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

4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, TX

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

Register Now for Summer Camps!

Thanks Waco!

254-776-6248

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

800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX 12

www.txdynasty.com

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

(254) 776-1797 www.jsodwaco.com

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Award Winning Dance Studio

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 Call 254-723-3696 for Advertising Information

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HOORAY 14

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

By Jessa McCLure

Andrew is an outgoing, sweet, adventurous, and loving eight-year-old boy. He is very intelligent, articulate, and loves to make people laugh. He loves playing with Hot Wheels and kicking the soccer ball around. He also enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and playing his guitar. This sweet boy thrives on one-on-one attention and would do best with a family who can be patient and kind.

Andrew would benefit from a two-parent home and would enjoy older siblings that are positive role models. His forever family will need to be structured and consistent and spend quality time with him. Andrew will also benefit from an active and energetic family who enjoys doing activities together.

Andrew

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

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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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!

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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

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

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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A Great Smile Starts with a

PRIN RIN G SP cleaning

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

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