Bell County Living - Fall 2017

SUMMER FALL 2017 2017

LIVING DAY IN THE LIFE OF A

KILLEEN FIREFIGHTER

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

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Contents

About the Cover The cover photo is a few of our unsung heroes. To read more about Killeen firefighters, turn to page 10.

10 Faith & Community

10

Day in the Life of a Killeen Firefighter From South Africa to California to Japan, Sontian Morrell-Stinson now resides in Killeen, serving the community as a firefighter.

18

all over our communities.

A Day to Give Thanks On this Thanksgiving, it’s important that we remember to give thanks to God for blessing us more than we deserve and praying for our great country and its leaders.

4 Bell County Living

Downs But Not Out Bubba Knight was a blessing to his family and everyone around him.

Travel &Outdoor

56

Experience Salado

38

The Wheels Turn for Salado’s LoneStar eBikes You’re never too old for glow sticks and adventures that stretch deep into the night. The owners at LoneStar eBikes understand and

Spreading Kindness One Rock at a Time “Random acts of kindness” is an idea that is taking all forms, including painting, finding and rehiding rocks

24

30

Scottish Gathering and Highland Games Not only is the gathering a chance for Scottish clans from all over the U.S. to get together and share food, family and fun, but it also gives the participants the chance to celebrate their heritage.

Hogs for a Cause is a faith based nonprofit that turns invasive, wild pigs from local property pests into a filling dinner for those in need.

64

Weber’s Top 10 Hunting Tips To make this hunting trip the best yet, Todd Weber shares some tips to consider.

embrace this.

50

Hogs for a Cause

Education

68

Teachers Tell All: 20 Things Your Child’s Teacher Wishes You Knew There’s truly no profession that deserves a Tell All like teaching.

Hometown Living At Its Best

5

Contents Business

Wedding

76

102

84

Temple Temps: A Generational Legacy Valerie Vaden Jarosek, daughter of Nan Vaden, founder of Temple Temps, carries on the legacy of service and empathy that characterizes her family business.

From the moment they began a life together as two, throughout the busy years of raising four more lives, to having a household of two again – Tim amd Melissa McKeown have actively recognized the

Santa Paws Holiday Market

blessing that is each other.

The holidays are the purrfect time to give the gift of life to a furry friend in need.

Home & Garden

112

Health & Wellness

88

disruption of your life.

The Fast and The Furious: The health trend that's not slowing down

Warm Up Your Thanksgiving Table Reinventing the traditional Thanksgiving setting with unique pieces and personal touches that are straight from the heart and sure to create conversation around

Wellness Watch with Seton Medical Center Wellstone and Seton Medical Center Harker Heights are dedicated to timely and accurate diagnoses, continuously improving the safety and quality of care and providing the right care at the right time to reduce the

96

Love Through the Ages: Empty Nesters

the table.

120

Stagecoach Inn: Remaining True to History and Tradition The Stagecoach Inn has been a beacon of refuge, an enduring landmark in Texas.

It is presumed to be the longest operating hotel in the state of Texas.

Gluten-free, non-GMO, lowcarb, no-carb, whole food, raw food, keto, paleo. If you got a problem, yo, there's a diet to solve it. But, what if it's not only about WHAT we are eating, but also

120 Hometown Happenings

6 Bell County Living

WHEN we are eating it?

46 Salado Night Life

74 Central Texas

Christian School

94 St. Joseph’s Catholic School

From the Publisher

PUBLISHER

Red Fin Publishing Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Justin Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

GreenFox Marketing

CONTENT DIRECTOR Hayley Six Hayley.RedFin@gmail.com CONTENT COORDINATOR Jennifer Cabbage

Jennifer.RedFin@gmail.com

H

ello to the season that brings people together! We are so excited to share with you the fall issue of Bell County Living. Besides celebrating the cooler temps and a new school year, we are welcoming the time of year where communities, as well as families, come together for seasonal traditions with a heart of thanksgiving. Here at RedFin Publishing, we want to take a moment to give thanks to our men and women who serve in all aspects. We honor you.

With any new issue, we meet new faces and new businesses that are making Bell County a better place to live. In this edition you will read about the oldest Scottish festival in Texas that is happening on the grounds of the Salado Civic Center, November 10-12. You will also read about Tim and Melissa McKeown, recent empty nesters who say they have actively recognized the blessing that is each other after 34 years together. Finally, if you are a history buff, make sure to stop and read the article about The Stagecoach Inn, an enduring landmark in Texas, presumed to be the longest operating hotel in the state of Texas.

Bell County has been so gracious and accepting of us and we love to hear how you enjoy this publication! Besides picking up your free issue, be sure to keep up with us on the website and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

We couldn’t do any of this without the steadfast support of our local businessmen and women. Help us to thank our advertisers for their contribution to your local magazine by shopping local! Their involvement allows this publication to come free of charge to you. Go by any advertiser’s location to pick up your complimentary copy.

We are so excited about this season in your lives and we thank you for your tremendous support in this new journey in Bell County! We look forward to many more issues to come!

Until the next edition, wishing you many blessings,

Ju st in and Hayley Six Kyle and Hal sey Clark Justin.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 301-3828

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Halsey Clark

PROOF READER Hayley Six

PHOTOGRAPHERS Becky Stinehour of Candid Images Photography

COVER PHOTO

Emily B Photography Jenny Lloyd Photography Kay’s Photography & Design Rendez Photographyy Whitney Chilton Photography Photo by Rendez Photography

SALES Bruce Racioppa Justin Six Kyle Clark Lana Lorenz

CONTRIBUTING Andy Davis WRITERS Cassidy Horn Connie Lewis Leonard

Jessa McClure Leah Edwards

Martha Helton Peggy Purser Freeman Sally Grace Holtgrieve Todd Weber Tori Mortensen

CONTRIBUTORS Andy Davis with Belton Baptist Central Texas Christian School St. Joseph’s Catholic School Todd Weber with Weber’s Guns

Kyle.RedFin@gmail.com (817) 304-1044

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name.” Psalm 100:4

Bell County Living Magazine Red Fin Publishing

www.BellCountyLiving.com

Bell County Living© is published quarterly by Red Fin Publishing.

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Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein.

Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice.

8 Bell County Living

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DAY IN THE LIFE OF A

KILLEEN FIREFIGHTER

By Cassidy Horn Photos by Rendez Photography

From South Africa to California to Japan, Sontian MorrellStinson now resides in Killeen, serving the community as a firefighter.

“I was actually teaching sports in the San Francisco area and one of my clients was a fire fighter and he said ‘you know what, you need to be a firefighter,’” Sontian said.

“Which caught me by surprise and had no real clue what he was talking about. He started telling me about the fire department and how it all works. It has always been in the back of my mind and been an interest from then.”

10

BELL County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

11

Because of the difficulty of becoming a firefighter in the

“From there we go on to have breakfast which we all pool

Bay area, Sontian put the idea on the back burner and moved

our money in. We have some really great chefs and cooks

to Japan to teach English. When he got back to the United

that I am very, very grateful for. Then we run calls for the

States, he ran across an online advertisement for the Killeen

day. Sometimes that means a couple of calls for the day and

fire department, did some research, and went for it. Although

sometimes that means you barely get time to eat. I like the days

Sontian moved from South Africa to California 11 years ago,

where we run all day and sleep all night, which are rare.”

it was by chance that the pastor at the church his parents go

Since EMS and firefighters in Killeen work 24 hours on and

to knew a family in Killeen that Sontian was able to stay with.

48 hours off, Sontian says the schedule and the area appealed to

Now, since Sontian’s sister also lives in Texas, his parents are in

him. Within those 48 hours he has off, he can enjoy what else

the process of moving as well.

the area has to offer and the things a typical desk job might get

“I flew out from California to Texas to do the tests and

in the way of.

interviews and here I am. I am very, very happy I took the leap

“I really like the Austin area in particular and just this

of faith and did it,” he said. “I enjoy it here and it has been an

whole area because up toward Killeen you have a lot of nature

amazing opportunity to be here.”

and outdoors things and then as you go towards Austin you

Sontian’s typical day at Central Station, where he currently works since he is a newer recruit who will complete his first

have the big city side. There’s a bit of everything around here.”

Although the Texas heat and humidity, with the high 70’s

year in April, is to check the equipment on the ambulances

weather in February seems strange to Sontian who used to live

for the day, which includes making sure the oxygen is ready

in the mountains, on his 48-hours off he enjoys being outdoors

and making sure the vehicles are prepared in case of a big call.

riding his bike, going sailing, hanging out with friends, and

Clean up and daily tasks are next.

exploring the area. He says his 6’ 8” stature and South African

12 Bell County Living

Firefighter training focuses on teamwork during a search and rescue drill 14

BELL County Living

always makes a big difference in the day too to have someone say, ‘Thank you, I really appreciate it. That means a lot,’ because

We can go in and actually be the front line of helping people and making that small little difference has really made a difference in my life.

you don’t often get that.”

Working at the fire department, Sontain says his personal outlook and demeanor have become a lot brighter and he looks forward to his next shift. He even see’s the positive in going on call’s that aren’t actually emergencies and dealing with people who might not be grateful in the moment.

“At the firefighter, EMT level we are really just seeing individuals and sometimes we go on absolutely horrible calls where the people are obviously having a terrible day and it’s nice to know that you can be there and do a little something to help them. Maybe later they will be in a position where they can appreciate that,” he said. “Other times where it maybe it isn’t

accent have helped the process of meeting people in the

a life or death situation, but a situation where someone really

community, but he also has to watch his head around the fire

needs help, just seeing that you can really make a difference for

station.

that person that day, it means a lot to me.”

“I have an advantage of being very tall and having an accent which immediately gets a lot of jokes or a lot of curiosity.

Coming in a lot of people talk to me and they have been fantastically welcoming I would say. I’ve found in all of my travels that there are many, many kind people when you come to a new place who are happy to let you in and that is definitely what I have experienced here.”

When he lived in California and taught sports, Sontian taught windsurfing and kitesurfing in the summer and snowboarding and skiing in the winter, but says the pay wasn’t great and not knowing where he was going to be in six months was stressful. He then transitioned to a desk job in Japan and though it was extremely fulfilling and he loved living in Japan, it wasn’t very active.

“In working for the fire department, it satisfies all of those aspects for me. I have honestly felt so much more fulfilled,” Sontain said. “For the 24-hours I am working, especially when you’re on the ambulance, you can really see the difference you make. We can go in and actually be the front line of helping people and making that small little difference has really made a difference in my life.”

Though Sontain has never been inside a structure fire, his time on the ambulance and assisting with fires along with other various activities serve as stepping stones and learning experiences.

“I try to do my best and I get a lot of learning moments. It Hometown Living At Its Best

15

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SAVE THE DATE:

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November 4, 2017 | 5pm - 7pm 1721 E. Central Expressway, Killeen, TX 76541

A portion of the proceeds will go towards homeless children scholarships in the area.

For more information call 360-481-9206 or Chairperson, Mrs. Ramirez 254-289-4065

IN NOVEMBER 2016, 100 VOUNTEERS FROM SIXTEEN ORGANIZATIONS WERE HONORED AT THE 6TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

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18 Bell County Living

Spreading Kindness One Rock at a Time

By Sally Grace Holtgrieve Photo by Whitney Chilton Photography

K

ayla Bostick reacted like most to

paint rocks again. They kept painting and hiding,

discovering the Kindness Rocks project

and suddenly, the concept went viral locally. In May

while traveling on the West Coast. She

and June of this year, the Belton Rocks Facebook

decided to introduce the phenomenon to her

group went from 12 members to about 5,000 in

hometown Belton, but never imagined it would be

two weeks and continues to grow. They surpassed

the hit it has turned into.

9,000 members in September. Bostick said she never

“I fell in love with the idea of a community painting and hiding rocks,” Bostick said. “I told my

expected the trend to catch on this much.

“I figured it’d be something really neat for our

family, ‘this is crazy, but we should start a group

community,” she said. “But I didn’t expect it to

here.’ I started the Facebook page and we painted

grow to 9,000 people who also thought the idea was

some rocks. One was found, but then nothing

really cool. I think it did take to Belton really well

happened.”

because our community is so open, receptive and

A year went by, and then Bostick returned back

loving already. I grew up here and it’s always been a

home from college. She told her friends and family

positive place to be, so when a positive idea came, it

that she knew it sounded absurd, but she wanted to

was a hit.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

19

People from other cities in Bell County reached out to Bostick to inquire about starting their own Facebook groups, and soon Salado, Temple, Killeen and others had pages, too.

Tina Louis of Belton said it is relaxing and peaceful to paint rocks with her six-year-old daughter. She said it teaches her daughter patience and renews her own joy of creativity as an adult, plus it is extremely affordable.

“You can get rocks for free,” Louis said with a laugh. “I think it will be great having kids ask for rocks for Christmas this year.”

Louis and her daughter like to make “Jesus Rocks” to inspire others with scripture or uplifting messages.

“When we get out of the car, the first thing she asks is to find rocks,” Louis said. “That huge gasp for air when your children find a rock is priceless.”

Carla Hahn Clardy also likes to put inspirational

“My daughter fell in love with finding rocks after seeing a football (rock) on the turtles by the creek in Salado,” Kirsten

messages on her rocks. While she paints them, she prays for

Epoch Wigley said of her three year old. “It was the start of the

the recipients. One of her rocks said only “Joy” and brought

summer and we had never heard of this pastime. Our daily

the finder so much happiness she made it her profile picture.

routine became to hunt for these treasures from the time her

Others have written that the messages Clardy wrote were

daddy got home until it was dusk.”

exactly what they needed to hear that day.

Finding the right rock at the right time is a treasured truth of the initiative, according to many participants.

The excitement in the eyes of the toddler makes every moment worth it, Wigley said, adding that it was her own favorite activity of the summer because it was a family affair that got them outside for adventures so often. One day, after hunting for rocks around town, they decided to go to College Hill for a final stop. Wigley’s husband found a rock she believes was meant for him. It said, “Be the light for all to see.” When he turned the rock over, he saw it was from Snyder, Texas.

“Fourteen years ago his two brothers that are from Salado were killed in a car accident in Snyder,” Wigley said. “I don’t think any other rock found this summer meant more to him and it sits on our mantle now. For us, it shows a small rock can make a huge impact to the right person.”

Some re-hide the rocks they find after updating the Facebook group, while others keep a rock they consider particularly special and hide a new rock (or many) in the community to replace it. The first rock found is often fondly kept.

“My husband and I found our first rock when I was seven months pregnant with our son this year,” Haily Robinson said.

“We were going on a hike at Chalk Ridge Falls when something blue in a tree got my attention. At first I thought someone had put trash there, but taking a closer look, I found it was a rock

20 Bell County Living

with a quote on the back. I instantly looked it up and saw all the

countries of China, Thailand, Germany and South Africa,”

wonderful creations everyone had done. My husband was then

Callin said. “It was a great bonding experience.”

on a mission to find his own.”

The couple continued to hunt rocks until their son was born. They still have their first rocks and plan to keep them and tell the story to their son when he is older.

Elva Esparza Lopez walks five miles every evening to aid

Mardi Slagle Peaster is the marketing manager at the Killeen Mall and has embraced Kindness Rocks.

“We hosted two rock painting events at the mall in July, with about 175 people painting rocks,” she said. “We allow customers to hide their rocks in our common area of the mall,

in her weight loss goals. She said one evening she was really

and we see lots of families out hunting for rocks. I personally

struggling, then she came across her first rock. It said, “Life is

paint and decorate lots of the rocks and hide them in the mall.”

tough, but so are you!” She put it on a shelf in her bathroom

Elizabeth Matter-Whitfield said that as a retiree, the

and sees it every day. It reminds her that it’s all worth it, she

Kindness Rocks groups in the area have gotten her outside,

said, adding that she’s had a few family get-togethers since

walking and meeting new people instead of sitting inside and

where they all made rocks for others to feel inspired.

not doing a lot. She said she’s found a new hobby in painting,

People’s stories are as varied as the rocks they find. Kay Carrig Callin works with international au pairs and plans

hiding and hunting rocks.

“I love to see the reaction of others when they find a rock,”

monthly activities to help them experience American culture.

she said. “I get just as excited as a child when I find a rock, too.

In August, the group painted rocks together.

Painting and hunting was created to bring joy to others and it

“They painted designs that represented their home

has truly done this for me.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

21

Photographers Wanted!

If you or someone you know takes fantastic photos let us know!

Please submit a line of your portfolio or gallery to

Jennifer.RedFin@gmail.com

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A DAY TO GIVE THANKS

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love continues through all generations.

Psalm 100: 4-5

On this Thanksgiving, it’s important that we remember to give thanks to God for blessing us more than we deserve and praying for our great country and its leaders.

24 Bell County Living

By Andy Davis, Senior Pastor

F

or most of my life, Thanksgiving has been my favorite

goodness to us.

At this Thanksgiving

night.

Family is

2017, I recall the words of

a word that carries

holiday. As a pastor, I

Psalm 100: 4-5: “Enter His

deep meaning for all of

certainly understand

gates with thanksgiving

us. I acknowledge that not

the great significance of

and His courts with praise;

all have a happy family

Easter and Christmas

give thanks to Him and

life. I wish for all the joy

to every believer. But on

praise His name. For the

of family. Family is a

a personal level, I love

Lord is good and His love

“blood” word. Family is an

Thanksgiving because I do

continues through all

“adoptive” word. Family

not have the same church

generations.”

can also be a church word.

responsibilities as I do at

I am grateful to God

Blessed is the man or

Easter and Christmas. I

for His blessings, none of

woman who has a loving

am able to spend several

which I deserve. He has

church family.

days in a row with my

redeemed me through

family. At some point

Jesus. That means my

filled with meaning for

during the season, I know

sins are forgiven and I

most who read this.

that all of my children and

have been given the gift of

Why did God give me

grandchildren will have

eternal life. That calms my

the privilege of being

their feet under my table

soul on the most difficult

born in this country?

and we will together rejoice

of days and causes me to

I am American by the

and thank God for His

be able to sleep in peace at

providence of the Heavenly

“America” is a word

Father.

Freedom and liberty are words we cherish. We seem so divided at this time in our history. So, I pray for spiritual revival across our land. Revival is something only God can do, but I can pray for it and recognize that we need it. I also pray for a new sense of respect and unity. Not a unity that means we all vote the same way, but a unity that means we respect one another.

Therefore, in obedience to Scripture, I pray for our leaders---all of them.

-

Andy Davis

Hometown Living At Its Best

25

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Downs

But Not

Out Walking for Awareness

30 Bell County Living

BY CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GARY KNIGHT

C

urtis “Bubba” Knight was born on July

“My brothers and sisters share a very strong

25, 1954. At a follow-up doctor’s visit,

bond. Bubba has always been the center of our

the physician gave Mrs. Knight the

universe and the center of attention. It was

book Angels Unaware, written by Dale Evans

not until we were teens that we discovered not

about her disabled daughter. Upon completion

everyone has a sibling like Bubba. It was truly

of the exam, the doctor diagnosed Bubba with

then we realized we were the special ones to have

Down Syndrome. When the Knights asked what

a brother who displayed the kind of love and

they should do, this kind-hearted doctor merely

laughter that could only come from a special gift

said for them to take their son home, treat him

from God. We also knew this blessing was one

like any other child and he will be perfect in

that needed to be shared with others in the hope,

their eyes. That is exactly what they did.

with the confidence that others would see him

Gary Knight, youngest of five kids, said,

for who he was and not what he had.

Hometown Living At Its Best

31

“His personality glowed as bright as the day. Bubba loved his family, his faith, and his country. He rarely met a stranger, to borrow a phrase from Will Rogers. He was very open to ask your name and immediately follow that by saying, “I like you.”

I believe it was his way of acknowledging he sensed that you were comfortable being around him. After all, he provided comfort in all he said and did.

“One of Bubba’s many phrases was ‘Sunshine in the morning.’ It was his way to let you know he was looking forward to what the new day would bring. I realize he was and is the sunshine in my life and the life of my family. I awake giving thanks to God for this new day and the sunshine of His love that covers the earth. As the scripture reads in Psalm 30:5, ‘Weeping may endure the night, but joy (sunshine) comes in the morning.’

“I consider my parents to have found favor with God to bless them with such a special person. On March 6, 2017, in the comfort of his bed and surrounded by his parents and siblings, Bubba transitioned from this world to everlasting fellowship in

our heavenly kingdom. He was 62, 7 months and 9 days.”

Downs But Not Out (DBNO) was started by Gwen Tanner, who served as the director for 20 years. The event provides support to families, educates the community and lives up to the promise she made the day she left the hospital with their baby girl Aubriellen Elizabeth, their Breezy: Wherever God leads, we will follow. She lives her life according to the scripture, “When you have done so unto the least of these, you will be doing also unto Me.” The first walk held at Heritage Park in October 1995, in conjunction with the National Down Syndrome Society Walk in New York, had 75 family members walking the path, sharing a picnic meal on the grounds and enjoying the day. The decision was made to remove their affiliation with the NDSS Buddy Walk in 2011, as the NDSS began to use the walks for fundraisers. DBNO had never used the day to raise funds but to raise awareness. As a result, it became the Downs But Not Out Walk. All funds are used primarily to fund the walk and the other activities that day.

The walk has always been and will always be the feature event to highlight and celebrate the lives of these wonderful 32 Bell County Living

gifts from God. “Our vision is to participate in other local events to support other groups to raise awareness and promote acceptance of individuals with Down Syndrome and other special needs year round. We recently held our inaugural DBNO Golf Tournament leading up to the walk. The support from businesses and individuals was overwhelming, and we look forward to making this an annual event.�

Today in the US, twelve babies will be born with Down Syndrome. That does not include other diagnoses of mental, physical or developmental delay. Families will be given little or no information with the diagnosis to give them hope that their children will grow up and become happy, healthy and productive people in society. There is often little compassion, little acceptance and little interest in what happens after they leave the hospital.

The walk has always been and will always be the feature event to highlight and celebrate the lives of these wonderful gifts from God.

“We hope to help others see these special individuals are people with much to contribute to society by showing

Hometown Living At Its Best

33

strength, love and laughter. Further, we hope the families of

BBQ lunch is provided courtesy of the VFW Post 4008 and

these wonderful individuals will feel they are not alone in this

auxiliary. The fellowship is exactly what the term suggests: an

world and they can lean on the support of the community. As

opportunity for the community to gather as family, friends and

a result, the hosts, volunteers and supporters will receive a gift

neighbors sharing a common interest. At the end of the day,

of compassion, insight and peace in the knowledge they have

attendees may purchase ticket(s) for an opportunity to win an

given of themselves and attained a better understanding of the

item provided by local businesses and individuals. In the past

day—special people are truly special in every way.”

they have given away items like TVs, bicycles, gift baskets and

The logo is two ginger bread men that represent how we

gift cards. It is great fun and the attendees love it.

live in a cookie cutter world. When something is not exact

Anyone can volunteer by simply showing up at the

according to worldly standards, it is set aside, dismissed or

walk. They can work registering those attending the walk,

forgotten. However, in the eyes of God we are all perfect and

giving out t-shirts, snacks, drinks, assisting with the games

have a role in His perfect plan to draw us closer to Him.

and interacting with others to make them feel welcome.

The mission statement is to allow the children and adults

The Sponsorships come from businesses, civic groups and

who attend the walk to feel that it is a celebration of who they

individuals, many of whom know of someone, or they

are, not what they have. That the people who attend, family,

themselves have a child with Down Syndrome or other special

friend or neighbor, will help promote advocacy, awareness and

needs. “We have enjoyed the ongoing support of groups and

acceptance of those who deal with the label of special needs

organizations like Tanner Roofing, VFW Post 4008 of Belton,

every day.

Arby’s, Heart of Texas Independent Living Center, Longhorn

The fun includes DBNO T-Shirts, music, snacks, activities such as face painting and rock painting, jump houses, train

Motors and others.”

Sponsor groups can make contact through DBNO

rides and other games for children and adults to enjoy.

Facebook, email gknightDBNO@gmail.com or phone 254-760-

Following the walk around the perimeter of the park, a

0920.

34 Bell County Living

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES For over 148 years, we have enjoyed providing the best customer service and high quality merchandise to the Central Texas area.

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The Wheels Turn for Salado’s LoneStar eBikes

By Sally Grace Holtrieve Photos by Emily B Photography

Y

ou’re never too old for glow sticks and adventures that stretch deep into the night. The owners at LoneStar eBikes understand and embrace this.

When you arrive at the Salado shop for your Friday Night

Lights tour, you’re shown piles of glow sticks and other lightup jewelry to adorn your helmet and self with. Your eBike is already blinged out and ready for a test spin.

Most riders can’t help but shout with gleeful surprise when they pedal an eBike for the first time. This unbridled, initial reaction is one of the best parts of guiding tours, according to owners and staff members Mary Ford, Jay Ford, Nancy Martinez and Dan Martinez.

38 Bell County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

39

“It’s just like you’re ten years old again,” Mary says.

water - complete with a mermaid - while sharing stories about

An eBike is a bicycle with an electric motor, Mary explains.

Salado’s art and history.

The motor provides an assist that you feel on the first stroke of the pedal. Some bikes have throttles as well for extra push.

“The battery comes right out,” Mary says. “You can take it

From the historic Stagecoach Inn to the brand new Wings On Main, Jay also talks about what the varied businesses of Salado have to offer. Riders cross a bridge above Interstate 35

inside your house and plug it in, or take it inside a coffee shop,

as the lights whirr beneath before approaching Johnny’s Steaks

plug it in for an hour and then go another eighty percent on the

& Bar-Be-Que. Peering from outside in, the light and bar are

battery.”

warm and inviting, the people unaware of the riders passing in

You can also turn off the pedal assist altogether and ride it like a traditional bike. Some bikes have four levels of pedal

the night.

When there’s a football game in town, tours bike by the

assist while others have six. There are commuter or urban

field to wave at the crowd and cheer on the home team before

eBikes, mountain eBikes and even fat tire eBikes.

heading back across the interstate and into the quieter parts

After everyone is comfortable using the pedal assist and

of town. Jay verbally prepares the ‘biker gang’ whenever hills

throttle and moving at such a high speed with such little effort,

approach so that throttles can be engaged and pedal assist

the tour leaves the parking lot and heads into the night.

levels turned up. Atop one such hill, Jay points out Stone Creek

Jay encourages everyone to wave at passing cars and strollers as the tour heads into town. He likes to take intrepid riders across a bridge - complete with a troll - and down by the 40 Bell County Living

Settlement, a unique bed and Breakfast.

“They are all individual cottages for rent,” he says. “Each is a quarter size replica of a famous home from the south, all built

with reclaimed wood and done by the owners.”

After pedaling onward to admire large, beautiful mansions

“One of the cool things about Salado is that you never know where you’re going to find art,” Ray says. “There is a lot of

tucked along the winding streets, the tour pushes deeper into

public art all around, everywhere you go. This is one I always

the woods. With the enveloping wind and the stars above, you

like to find with people, because they just don’t think to look up

realize how little time is spent playing in the dark as an adult.

and around for art, but it’s there.”

You feel straight out of E.T., or Stranger Things.

The two hours go by even faster than the bikes at top speed.

As you cross a bridge so low you feel like you’re biking on

With your head full of facts and your hair full of wind, you

water, Ray gives insider tips on shopping for art and attending

return to the bike shop, already plotting when you can rent

the many events and festivals in Salado. He points out historic

eBikes again.

log cabins - more than 160 years old - and other sites that might be worth a second visit in the daylight.

“Do you hear something?” Ray asks the group as he stops

LoneStar eBikes rents and sells the bicycles and offers a variety of tours apart from the night tour.

The shopping tour leads groups to various stores, explains

along a side road. “I hear a purring ... or a growling ... oh my

what can be found where and helps people find what they’re

gosh, look up!”

looking for. Don’t worry, you don’t just bike by the stores - time

The tour guides all burst out laughing at reactions to the full size sculpture of a panther lounging on a tree branch directly above. A cherub lounges on the lounging panther.

is allotted for shopping.

The food, beer and wine tour can be tweaked according to each individual group’s preferences. If people are only

Hometown Living At Its Best

41

42

BELL County Living

interested in breweries, that can happen. If they don’t want to drink, more restaurants can be visited. All tours are customized on the spot to fit each unique group of bikers.

“The garden tour is interesting because we have a lot of master gardeners here in Salado that have created all these pocket gardens,” Mary says. “The history tour is fascinating because our little Salado has been a huge influence nationally, as far back as the 1800s.”

There’s even an off-road adventure, where bikers are taken to nearby Dana Peak Park to zip around the dirt trails on mountain eBikes. Helmets, locks and water are provided on every tour. The owners take keeping everyone hydrated and safe very seriously.

Mary and Jay opened the shop and tour company this summer. Dan - Mary’s brother - is shop mechanic and in charge of all things technical, and his wife Nancy is the customer service manager. Jay turned 50 this year, and originally, Mary and Jay wanted to go on a trip to celebrate. But Mary has multiple sclerosis and had to have emergency surgery

in January. Jay had been researching eBikes as an option for

The Fords agree that work is fun every day, with or without glow sticks.

efficient sightseeing on their trip and became fascinated with the concept in general. He took time off work to be with Mary as she recovered, and continued reading about the bikes.

Eventually they bought a pair and fell instantly in love with the hobby.

Meanwhile, Jay was also looking into opening his own business. He spent a lot of time talking to small business owners, business incubators and business school instructors in Bell County. He learned about recent Interstate 35 construction impacting Salado’s downtown, and the wheels began to turn, bike pun intended.

“There was an ‘ah ha’ moment,” Mary remembers. “We’d been to Salado a couple times - we were living in Temple then and we knew everything was too close together to use a car but too far to walk. But perfect for eBikes.”

The Fords’ new hobby and work goals melded together, and after a 70-page business plan and lots of work on behalf of getting start up money, they were able to open the shop in June.

They agree that work is fun every day, with or without glow sticks.

Hometown Living At Its Best

43

254-947-3858

113 N Stagecoach, Ste 1, Salado, TX

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We are enjoying being a part of our community and watching it grow!

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44 Bell County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

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HH

Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

SALADO NIGHTLIFE! Salado Nightlife is booming! With wine tastings, bike

tours, shopping, artistry exhibits, and more, you simply

can’t go wrong by heading over to enjoy a night out with friends. Never been before? A perfect time to check it out is every 4th Friday of the month during their Sip ‘n Shop event from 6-9pm.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BECKY STINEHOUR OF CANDID IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

46 Bell County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

47

Owner and director,

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Experience Salado w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

BELL County Living

By Jessa McClure Photos by Becky Stinehour of Candid Images Photography and provided by Salado Museum

he lively sound of bagpipes carries out through a cool, November afternoon as a group of traditionally dressed Scotsman and their clans walk with banners held high down Main Street in Salado, TX. The colorful parade is just one of the many events that make up the 56th annual Salado Scottish Gathering & Highland Games.

The event, which is sponsored and organized by the Salado Museum & College Park, is one of the biggest events of the year.

Not only is it a chance for Scottish clans from all over the US to

Not only is the gathering a chance for Scottish clans from all over the U.S. to get together and share food, family and fun, but it also gives the participants the chance to celebrate their heritage.

get together and share food, family and fun, but it also gives the participants the chance to celebrate their heritage.

This heritage runs deep in the Central Texas area. Major Sterling C. Robertson acquired land grants from Mexico in 1825 to bring 600 families to the area. Most of these families were of Scottish descent. These groups and their relatives met informally for years to celebrate their traditions and their new home in Texas.

Hometown Living At Its Best

51

And then in 1961, Mrs. Sterling Robertson, a descendant of

“We march from the museum to the Salado Creekside and

the Major, created a program to recognize the diversity of the

each clan carries a torch,” Patranella said. “We give a speech

area. To complete her vision she planned the first gathering of

about Scotland’s history, and then each clan steps forward and

the Scottish clans, and dozens of groups answered the call.

announce that they are there.”

“She had 40 clans that first year, and we’ve pretty much

The solemn event is followed by a fingertip supper and

had 40 clans ever since,” said Liz Patranella, Salado Museum

social hour at the museum where the clans can mingle and

Marketing Director.

share stories about their own family traditions.

This year’s festivities begin on Friday November 10th at 1

By 9 a.m. Saturday morning the festival is set up at

p.m. at the Salado Public Library, with a lecture by well-known

the Salado Civic Center grounds to welcome thousands of

radio host Ed Miller, who has a PhD in folklore and Scottish

spectators and Scottish enthusiasts from the surrounding

Studies and is originally from Scotland.

communities.

“He will tell the story of Scotland’s two largest cities in

Visitors can check out the Clan Village where each group

word and song,” Patranella said. “This is the first year we’re

has set up their own booths to provide genealogy information

having this event. Ed will also be entertaining at the Gathering

to anyone looking to connect the dots on their own family tree.

all weekend.”

There is also a food court and market where festival attendees

Friday evening at 6 p.m. the Scots will come together for the official Calling of the Clans. It is a reverent occasion that pays tribute to the coming together of the ancient Scottish clans

can sample Scottish foods like shepherd’s pie and shortbread, or purchase handmade Scottish goods.

Musicians will perform throughout the day with

to fight with Robert the Bruce for Scotland’s freedom in 1314 in

traditional Celtic tunes played on guitars, fiddles and a Scottish

Bannockburn.

accordion. And along with Scottish music, guests will also get

52 Bell County Living

the chance to see real Highland Games in action.

“These games started in ancient times, and some have even evolved into Olympic sports,” Patranella said. “These games are held all over the US and the world. These are actual athletic competitions with judges from around the country.”

Some of the events include Putting the Stone or Stone Toss, which is a lot like modern day shot put; tossing the sheaf, where athletes toss a sheaf of hay over a high bar; the hammer throw, the weight toss, and Tossing the Caber, where participants throw a 100 to 200-pound caber end-over-end and have it land with the bottom end pointing toward the contestant.

In addition to the athletes, bagpipers and drummers

While there is a lot to see and do that morning, the festival’s official opening ceremonies begin at noon with a Band and Clan Parade that travels north on Main Street and into the

and Highland dancers participate in their own individual

Civic Center grounds. Each year, bands and dance groups from

competitions throughout the day.

around Texas travel to Salado to be a part of this celebration of Scottish culture.

Patranella said these groups look forward to the parade every year, and the people of Salado look forward to seeing them as well. One band, from St. Thomas Episcopal School in Houston, was ready to attend the event when their school and music facilities were badly damaged in Hurricane Harvey.

“Thankfully, they have set up a program and are rebuilding,” she said. “And they will be able to attend this year.

We’re really pleased with that and we want to draw attention to them and let people know they can donate and try to help them rebuild.”

Not only is the event important to help raise money for those in need, it is also a chance for Central Texas residents to experience the Scottish culture firsthand.

“It’s always important to know where we come from,” Patranella said. “The meeting in Salado is very important to the people in the Scottish heritage community because it is like a family getting back together. That’s what the clans are. They’re families.”

Patranella thinks everyone should give the festival a try and bring their loved ones to the weekend’s events. They will get a chance to experience the music, food and fashions of Scotland, and on Sunday, kids can even try their hand at some of the Highland Games and watch a pet parade and costume contest.

“We invite everyone to come out to Salado the second week in November and celebrate all things Scottish.”

Visit www.saladoscottishfestival.com for more information.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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54 Bell County Living

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BOARDING, TRAINING, LESSONS, SALES

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O/T

Outdoor / Travel w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Hogs for a

CAUSE

By Sally Grace Holtgrieve Photos by Kay’s Photography & Design and provided by Hogs for a Cause

T

here are millions of hogs in Texas - more than in all the other states combined - but Dave and Kristine Haehn considered the

problem and saw an opportunity to feed people and share the Gospel. Â In 2010 Hogs for a Cause began at Fort Hood with Haehn and a group of soldiers hunting for pigs together. They quickly realized they could do more than eradicate hog populations for local landowners - they could also feed people.

The project became therapeutic to many of the soldiers.

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BELL County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

57

“I had a soldier tell me one day, ‘Dave, I don’t think I matter anymore,’” Haehn said. “This was after his face was literally

they just want an ear to bend. So what we do is use the meat to open up doors.”

taken off in an explosion in Iraq, he was on surgery number 25

Hogs for a Cause was giving away 50 to 60 thousand

when I met him, and he said, ‘I don’t think we matter anymore.

pounds of meat every year. Then, in 2014, state officials found

All we get to do is go to our formations in the mornings and

out about the project and informed them of Texas regulations

our doctors appointments; my military career is over.’”

for distribution of feral swine.

Haehn had that conversation as Hogs for a Cause was in the process of forming and it spurred him on.

“I wanted to try and reach these people where they were at,” he said. “Hogs for a Cause allowed them to get the focus

Haehn and his volunteers used to go out and hunt and process the hogs themselves, but now they are required to trap them live and take them to a processor.

“Because of USDA requirements, we have to bring them

off themselves and put the focus on something else, and their

in live to be inspected,” Haehn said. “There is also a minimum

attitudes started changing.”

requirement for animals that can be processed - eighty

He realized the healing benefits of selfless work applies to everyone and started encouraging the whole community to get involved.

“There’s a lot of people that are struggling,” Haehn said.

pounds.”

Before, all of the hogs captured could be turned into meat, but now only 20% meet the size criteria. It also costs about one hundred dollars to have a hog processed, so Haehn arranged a

“I’m not just talking about financially; I’m talking about

one-for-one swap where the processor keeps one hog per every

everything in life - people have all kinds of issues. Sometimes

Hogs for a Cause animal processed.

58 Bell County Living

“If we catch one thousand hogs like we did last year and take them to the processor, only 200 of them are large enough to be used,” Haehn said. “Then they get one hundred of them.

So out of one thousand trapped, we keep one hundred.”

The state does allow people to come to the Hogs for a Cause freezer trailer and pick up an animal; they just need to process it themselves. In true “teach them to fish” fashion, the organization has been hosting events where they teach people how to process meat. That way more can go directly to feeding people.

“But our numbers are nowhere near the demand,” Haehn said. “We get calls all the time, from food banks, homeless shelters, churches and an orphanage in Austin with about three hundred kids. We want to be able to meet that demand.”

Haehn dreams of opening a processing plant in Bell County. If Hogs for a Cause had their own plant, they could

When God opens up doors for us to share the Gospel with people, that’s the most rewarding.

keep about 80 percent of the pigs they caught and end up with five times more meat than they are currently donating.

Hometown Living At Its Best

59

The Process “A landowner will contact us and let us know they’re having a problem with hogs,” Haehn said of the trapping process. “We’ll go out and do a survey of the property, find where the animals are, pre-bait areas and put up a game camera to watch. The animals get conditioned with corn to come to an area and we gather information. Eradication is not an event, it’s a process.”

After learning how many animals are coming each night, Haehn erects an enclosure with pre-fitted panels. A smart phone camera and electronic gate are also installed and the motion detector on the camera sends a photo to Haehn’s phone each time something enters the enclosure.

“When the hogs are all in a group in the pen, I send a text back to the camera and it sends an electronic signal to the gate and the gate drops,” he said. “That whole system costs about four thousand dollars.”

One enclosure set up on a ranch in Gatesville has caught about 500 hogs over the past two years. Haehn’s goal is to raise funds for more enclosures and have a team of people constantly monitoring and moving them.

60 Bell County Living

The Purpose Haehn said he has always had a tremendous love for the outdoors.

“I also have a passion for sharing the story of Jesus Christ,” he said. “God gives us certain interests in our lives on purpose.

I take my two passions and use them to reach other people.”

Hogs for a Cause is a labor intensive ministry with long hours, Haehn said of the challenges. He currently has nine traps running and gets 300 to 400 picture text messages each night, many of which are just squirrels, rabbits and raccoons checking out the traps.

But the ability to fill people with food and faith makes it all worth it to Haehn.

“That’s the bottom line,” he said of the organization.

“When God opens up doors for us to share the Gospel with people, that’s the most rewarding.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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LOCK’S TAXIDERMY One-stop taxidermy for African and North American game as well as top of the line meat processing!

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O/T

Outdoor / Travel w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Weber’s TOP 10 Hunting Tips

By Todd Weber | Photos by Becky Stinehour of Candid Images Photography

W

hether you are a seasoned veteran to the hunting world or a brand-new license holder, there are always tips and tricks to the trade to be found.

• Taking snacks and water to your hunting sight can save time and energy.

• Have a camera available, especially if there are young or

When asked for some guidance on things to take on a hunt to

first-time hunters around, providing an opportunity to

make it considered the best hunt ever, Todd Weber of Weber’s

capture the moment in time.

Sporting Goods, Inc., had a few ideas to share to help make this

• Be aware of your surroundings and familiar with your

hunting trip the most comfortable, productive and memorable

location. If it is a new or unfamiliar spot, have a map

experience.

or plat of the land to ensure you don’t inadvertently trespass on someone else’s property.

• Equip yourself with the proper firearm for the game you will be hunting.

• Ensure that you have appropriate ammunition for the firearm, game, and the land on which you will be hunting.

• Seek out the best optics for the firearm and the area you will be sighting. Also consider bringing binoculars and/ or a range finder.

• Be prepared with appropriate clothing for the elements, including footwear, cold-weather gear and camouflage.

• Use cover scents. Apply to the hunter and the trail used to reach your hunting location.

• Using game calls can be very helpful to draw game to your target area. There are electronic, mouth, antler, or hand calls.

64 Bell County Living

• Take proper cutlery and storage for skinning and dressing your field game.

Hunting Season Dates for Bell County DOVE:

Sept 1-Nov 5, 2017

TURKEY:

Dec 15, 2017-Jan 7, 2018

FALL—NORTH ZONE Archery Only

Sept 30-Nov 3, 2017

Youth Only

Oct 28-29, 2017

DUCK:

Nov 11-26, 2017

Jan 8-21, 2018

Dec 2, 2017-Jan 28, 2018

Fall:

Youth Only Duck:

Nov 4-5, 2017

Nov 4, 2017-Jan 7, 2018

SPRING—RIO GRANDE NORTH ZONE Youth Only

Mar 24-25, 2018

GOOSE

May 19-20, 2018

WEST OF I-35:

Spring:

Mar 31-May 13, 2018

Light and Dark Geese Nov 4, 2017-Feb 4, 2018 Light Geese

Feb 5-Mar 18, 2018

WHITE TAIL DEER:

(Conservation Order)

(NORTH OF I-35)

EAST OF I-35: Early Canada Geese

Sept 9-24, 2017

Light and Dark Geese Nov 4, 2017-Jan 28, 2018 Light Geese

Jan 29-Mar 18, 2018

(Conservation Order)

QUAIL:

Oct 28, 2017-Feb 25, 2018

General Season

Nov 4, 2017-Jan 7, 2018

Archery Only

Sept 30-Nov 3, 2017

Early Youth Only

Oct 28-29, 2017

Late Youth Only

Jan 8-21, 2018

Muzzleloader

Jan 8-21, 2018

(WEST OF I-35) General Season

Nov 4, 2017-Jan 7, 2018

Archery Only

Sept 30-Nov 3, 2017

FOR MORE INFO VISIT:

Early Youth Only

Oct 28-29, 2017

tpwd.texas.gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/regs/counties/bell

Late Youth Only

Jan 8-21, 2018

Special Late

Jan 8-21, 2018

Hometown Living At Its Best

65

Chris Butler; GMB Owner

Catherine Halfmann

Broker Halfmann Real Estate, Inc

jubileehomes.net | 254.760.1493 PO Box 2421 | Harker Heights, TX 76548

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Co-pays. Deductibles. In-network vs. out-of-network. Out of pocket expenses. Confused about your health insurance coverage?

Call the navigators at 254-778-8616 For answers about insurance coverage, plans, and applications. www.UWCT.org

254.699.4600

The project described was supported by Funding Opportunity Number CA-NAV-15-001 from the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.

66 Bell County Living

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67

EDU

Education

w w w.BellCountyLiving.com

T E A CHE RS TELL ALL: Things Your Child’s Teacher Wishes You Knew

By Tori Mortensen

68

BELL County Living

A

s the daughter of a 36-year education veteran, I grew

Or perhaps we are on the other side of that coin. We

up listening to my saint of a mother attempt to talk

haven’t checked in on our child’s progress in weeks. We aren’t

at least one of her student’s parents off the cliff via

sure of the teacher’s expectations or what our child needs to

phone a minimum of three nights a week. Sometimes those

do to meet those expectations and we just hope our daughter

conversations ended in agreement and other times the

will learn to apply herself and “figure it out.” We count on

mother or father of a student had already decided his or

the teacher to teach our child to read at grade level and

her child’s teacher was wrong and nuts and there was just

control him in class and to make sure he’s good and ready for

no getting around it. Regardless, my mother was ever so

whatever state test it is they take this year. We take a comfy

supportive of “her kids” and their families, speaking always

seat in the back and let the teacher drive our child’s education

of a child’s great gifts and talents, rather than his struggles

by herself. Maybe we think we are doing the teacher and

and shortcomings. In her career, she played a direct role

our child a favor by staying out of the way, or maybe we just

in the graduation of hundreds and hundreds of at-risk

don’t know how to be involved in a way that leaves everybody

students… mostly in tandem with the efforts of great parents,

better off come May?

but sometimes in spite of parents’ efforts, and other times in the complete absence of any parental involvement at all.

Parenting school age kids is clumsy to say the least.

For many of us, it’s the first time we have really considered any influence or input from an “outsider” when it comes to

A well-meaning parent can be a teacher’s single greatest ally, a simple thorn in her side, the missing link or worse, she can be like a virus that spreads drama-filled, bad vibe germs all over the school.

How can parents be actively involved without being

our child’s well being. Sometimes that transfer of power is

awful and at the same time distant enough without

welcome, but often times we trip over it.

disappearing? What can we do to help our kids and their

We all know the feeling, the test paper comes home and the question/correct answer/grade, etc. just doesn’t make any

teachers succeed?

What is it teachers really want us to know? What would

flipping sense at all. We screen shot it and share it to validate

they tell us if we swore they could tell us the truth and that

our concern. We open the folder to find a color change and

we wouldn’t get offended? Well most teachers will tell you,

are convinced our child actually deserved parole for her

“There are no stupid questions.” So we just went right on

offense. Our son tells us what the teacher did about “such and

ahead and raised our hand and asked them. And in true

such” and we declare her certifiably crazy and commence to a

teacher fashion, they answered eloquently!

moms’ group text marathon to get to the bottom of what the heck happened at school today. Maybe we care too much, or maybe we just don’t know how to care in a helpful way?

1

Don’t always believe your kid! Get the full story before you start ranting, raving and losing your mind! 1. I am an adult. 2. I try my

best to be fair and unbiased. 3. I promise I have your child’s best interest

6

Any words of advice given by the teacher should be considered as advice from a professional who cares, not to be taken as a

sign that the teacher is against their child. Teachers generally have

at heart. With that being said, come to me and ask for the details that

their best interest at heart. Instead of listening, I think some parents

your precious pumpkin may have left out. - 3rd grade 9 years

react defensively. Anyway, that’s my two cents. - College Instructor

2

7

My nitty-gritty advice to a parent would be to not just let the teachers do all the “teaching.” If a teacher knows that a child

needs help on how well or how fast they’re reading, you need to

Just because we don’t do things the way mom would do it, doesn’t make it wrong. Kids need to learn to adjust to different

people and different styles of learning and authority. Also, please

also be working on that at home as much as we are working on it

stop texting your kid during class!! Just because they are texting

at the school. When a teacher assigns homework to a student, it’s

a parent doesn’t make it ok! They are still breaking a rule and

not because we want to take away from family time, it’s because

are distracted. If it’s an emergency, call the office! If it’s not an

we want them to practice areas in which they are struggling. - 3rd

emergency, wait until lunch or after school. - 9th grade, Special

grade 12 years

Education, 7 years

3

8

Your child will not live under a bridge because they made a B or even a C, likewise they are not necessarily headed to

Harvard because they make straight A’s. Teaching your child to

We do better when we have a good attitude about it. Whether it’s easy or challenging, fun or boring, a negative attitude keeps

us from doing our best and a positive attitude helps us achieve

respectfully talk to the teacher before butting in will go a long way

more. And a parent’s attitude about work, projects, school and

in teaching them respect. - English 17 years

teachers also encourages success or mediocrity. We all do better

4

when we are upbeat! - 1st grade, 17 years Take the time to read to/with your child; make it a priority. Your child is going to make mistakes and so am I. Accept this and trust

that things will be okay. - Multiple grades, 5 years

5

9

Let them LEARN from their trials and mistakes, not escape them!! You are only doing them an injustice if YOU steal their

opportunities to grow and learn as God has designed. That doesn’t

I wish mothers knew that every action has an equal reaction

mean you shouldn’t be a voice for your child... just use the mistakes

from their child. Every word they say that is negative (or

as teachable moments while they are young so that as they blossom

positive) affects their child. If you have an unsure home life, the child

into adults they have the tools they need to make better decisions -

is aware. If you have fights and think your child doesn’t understand,

5th grade, Science, 27 years

you are wrong. Not only do they understand what a fight is, they feel

10 11

like it’s their fault. I don’t care where you came from in life, try to be better for your child. Whether that is being more involved, more positive or making better choices. Be willing to make those changes so your child able to STAY a child and focus on things that a child should. - 4th grade, Special Education, 2 years

Please don’t be frightened when your child brings home a low grade.... you have to see failure before you see success!

My biggest advice to parents is to partner with their child’s teacher every year and work on building a positive relationship.

This makes communication so much easier throughout the year when issues may arise. I also think it’s important to join the PTA - it plays a major role in building school moral as well as helping teachers and students feel more supported. - 5th-6th grade, 4 years

12

Know that I went into education to love and nurture and build children because I was inspired by teachers in my

own life. Teachers who pushed me, who believed in me when I did not believe in myself. Who walked me step by step to learn how to

70

BELL County Living

solve problems, or at times walked away and let me fall on my face in a

and is bored, before you complain to the teacher and demand that

safe place to learn and grow. So thank you for trusting me with such a

she adjust the class’s plan to meet his specific needs, remember that

large responsibility. Since becoming an educator I have continued my

there are 20-30 other students in that class and instead consider what

education and understanding of children and curriculum as well as

YOU might do to enhance his education. If your child is struggling,

learning styles and culture, and laws and testing and poverty and.... well

consider what YOU might do to help him at home. We are there to

as much as I can get my hands on. All of this to help me as a teacher and

help and guide and assist, but his success ultimately depends on a

help your child as they walk into my classroom.

combined investment.

13

17

We as teachers are no longer just able to teach reading and math. I also get to teach social skills, guidance lessons, bully

conflict, and testing. It is kinda crazy. What I want you as a parent

The best reminder I would give parents is: teachers are advocates for their children; wait 24 hours or at the very least,

get a good night’s rest before sending a hateful email that attacks a

to do to help your child and to help me: TRUST ME!!!! Sorry do not

teacher. All of my students have been perfect angels, but I’ve heard

mean to yell, I just broke a classroom rule. School is your child’s job,

some teachers mention on occasion their students don’t always present

so let them do the work. Let them struggle and talk it out with you.

the full truth to their parents. It’s extremely rare, but I’ve heard it

Let it be hard. Life is hard. You doing their work for them does not

happens. - Secondary English, 13 years

teach them how to solve problems and to be successful. If your child

18

does not do their homework, let them get whatever the consequence is for not doing the homework. Do not do it for them. You are teaching them that there are no consequences for their actions. Another super

Don’t be a pain in the drop off line, morning OR afternoon.

That kid that causes problems/trouble in your child’s class

probably didn’t get a meal at home or love or Christmas presents. The

silly thing that is super simple that drives me crazy – Valentines.

teacher is probably aware and trying his/her best. Make sure your

Let your kids write the names of their classmates. This is their time

child knows how he/she is getting home everyday. DO NOT make

to practice handwriting, spelling, and a simple note-taking skill of

excuses for your child... I know it’s the hardest thing ever to see your

moving information from one document to another. No, it will not be

child suffer consequences, but it is more detrimental in the long run

as cute, no it will not be perfect or Pinterest -ready, but your child will

if your child never has to “learn the hard way.” DO NOT send Gogurt

have pride when they pass those cards out. They will enjoy the process

(or any food) that your kid can’t open by them self... just kidding but it

and help you next year when it comes time to create Valentines.

really would be nice. - 15 years

14

19

Your kindergarten student is very capable of entering the classroom, putting away their backpack and taking care

of business without your help. I love your child and I am doing

Honest, polite parents who are invested in their child’s education are highly appreciated by teachers and are never a

bother. I can’t tell you the nights of sleep I’ve lost worrying about my

everything I can to teach him/her to be a competent, capable,

students - not just their academic progress but their emotional states,

independent human being. When you do the job for them, you are

their worries and concerns, their health, their social difficulties. We

teaching them that they are not capable. - Kindergarten, 23 years

get to see a side of them that you might not get to see. We love them

15

and we want to work with you to help them succeed in every part of It’s NEVER a good idea to post your frustration or anger on social media. It WILL get back to the teacher even if the

teacher isn’t named and even if you aren’t “friends” with the teacher.

Someone will screenshot it and send it to him/her. Teachers are VERY protective of each other... you will become “that” parent. Just saying…

16

their lives. - Colorado teacher now in Texas, 1 year

20

Thank you for letting us have your child, thank you for trusting and supporting me. This is a really hard

job, and we cannot do it without our parents and their support.

Now go join your PTA and attend the PTA meeting. Volunteer

Your child is not more important than the other students. His

at your school, help make copies, cut out laminating, and help

needs and rights do not supersede the needs and rights of

read with kids. Get involved - education is the future to our

others, and most teachers are honestly doing their best to serve all

country’s success and boy howdy, we need some success.

students equitably. So, if your “gifted” child is not being challenged Hometown Living At Its Best

71

72 Bell County Living

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HH

Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

CTCS HAPPENINGS The school year is just beginning, but Central Texas

Christian School is already off to an amazing start! We’re looking forward to seeing what the rest of the 2017-2018 school year brings. Go Lions!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CTCS

CTCS Almuni and Senior Showing School Spirit

Salute to our Veterans Varsity Volleyball CTCS Tournament Chapmions

Seniors Paint Their Parking Spaces

Boy_s Cross Country Team

CTCS Varsity Cheer

74 Bell County Living

CTCS Varsity Football

Elem Chapel

254.742.7500

taking care of each other taking of each other aking care of each other taking care ofcare each other is what community is all about.

Ta k i n g c a r e of e a c h ot h er 512 DRAPER DRIVE | TEMPLE TX 76504 |

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Hometown Living At Its Best

75

BIZ

Business

w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Temple Temps: A Generational Legacy

By Leah Edwards Photos by Becky Stinehour of Candid Images Photography

M

others and daughters often share a special bond. But not all mothers and daughters share both a name and a business

Valerie Vaden Jarosek, daughter of Nan Vaden, founder of Temple Temps, carries on the legacy of service and empathy that characterizes her family business.

76 Bell County Living

together.

In 1995, Nan Vaden decided to launch into unknown entrepreneurial waters and create Nan Vaden’s Temple Temps, Inc., a temp agency for local employees. She and her husband, Jim, saw a need in the community to offer help to businesses seeking employees and individuals seeking employment. Her husband, who had retired, told Nan that he would help her as much as he could. “As long as it didn’t interfere with his golf game,” his daughter, Valerie, shared with a smile. Nan Vaden was keenly aware that Temple had a large pool of talent without the opportunity to make it accessible to local businesses, so she worked to fill that need in the community.

Hometown Living At Its Best

77

After eight years of experience working in this field at the

It was after Valerie completed her Master’s degree that she

local Manpower location, she had cultivated connections with

returned to central Texas. Valerie worked various temp jobs

many local businesses and people in the community. Though

through the company and then performed various roles at the

she was unsure about starting a business in her 50s, she far

office. Eventually, she came on full time in 2000. Valerie began

exceeded the expectations she had for herself and this local

learning how to place the citizens of Temple into employment

business. She wanted to create change and see those changes

roles. She then began recruiting businesses for those seeking

played out in the community around her. Her dedicated

employment and later became the office manager. By watching

commitment to the community truly benefited the city of

her mother strengthen and improve the community through

Temple and its residents.

each hire, her commitment to Temple Temps solidified. Both

Nan was also an active member of Temple’s Chamber of Commerce, serving as a member of Chamber Board, Committee Chair for Business After Hours and Committee

Nan and Valerie shared an office for two years together, and, overall, she and her mother worked together a total of 14 years.

It was only natural that Valerie would carry the torch,

Chair for Red Carpet Ambassadors. She was also a board

and she has taken over the family business with pride and

member of Keep Temple Beautiful and Central Texas Children’s

willingness to continue the legacy her mother left behind.

Center.

“I’m a numbers person. That’s where my mom and I shared a similar strength,” said Valerie. “But she was the talker of the family.” Nan had a gift of fostering relationships while Valerie focused on the numbers of the business.

“At chamber events, she was like a ping pong ball,” said her daughter, Valerie, about Nan’s social nature and talkative personality. “She lived for stuff like that.”

78

Bell County Living

In the same way that Nan felt about the workforce community being a family, she believed the Temple Temps team was also a family endeavor.

“It was locally owned and operated. My mom really stressed that we are a family. We have to be a unified family or we don’t succeed,” said Valerie.

The emphasis at Temple Temps has always been placed on those seeking employment. “If we didn’t have these people

walking in our door, we couldn’t be in business,” stated Valerie openly.

Temple Temps was first located on Thornton Lane. In 2002, they moved into a house with more space at 5th and Marlandwood. Eventually, Temple Temps found its home at 315 West Avenue M., in Temple, Texas where they have resided since 2010.

When Valerie was asked about why Nan was so good at what she built through Temple Temps, Valerie offered her thoughts. “Owning and running a business like this - you have to put on several hats. Everybody had a different story.

Sometimes my mom had to be a best friend and sometimes she had to be the mom figure.”

Though she passed away May 2014 and her husband, Jim,

She always believed everybody deserves a second chance. She never turned anyone away. She was always going to do all she could to get them on their feet.

She was a real advocate.

Valerie Vaden Jarosek on her mother, Nan Vaden

passed away in January 2016, the impact of Temple Temps still lives on, because Nan Vaden was a memorable part of the Temple community.

“My mom always hosted 4th of July parties, loved to shop and was a foodie,” Valerie shared. “She had this dog, a Yorkshire Terrier, named Mitzi. When I would call my mom, she would say- ‘Oh, I just got done doing Mitzi’s hair.’ The dog’s hairbows matched my mother’s outfits!”

Not only was Nan someone who loved fashion, food and fun, she also had the unparalleled quality of empathy and sharing a connection with others.

“She always believed everybody deserves a second chance.

She never turned anyone away. She was always going to do all she could to get them on their feet. She was a real advocate.”

“My mother never knew a stranger. She could walk up to the president of the United States or someone on the side of the street. She was just so comfortable and she was not judgmental.

She approached all types of people in the same way.”

Nan Vaden’s accomplishments are seen in the testimonies of various employees, partners and others she has helped over the years.

Jerquan Reed, an employee of Temple Temps, speaks highly of all that the company and Nan Vaden has done for him.

“Because of them, I always see chances to improve myself. Every job gives me experience: life experience or work experience or hands-on experience. They are always here for me when I need them. It has been three years, and I have come from nothing to a full resume. I’ve gone no more than three weeks without a job and that helps keep me out of trouble.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

79

Rick Vasquez, another thankful employee of Temple Temps

my hearing to testify and show support. All who testified had

said, “When I couldn’t find any work in Temple, I came to

positive things to say. But, one person said something negative

Temple Temps. I got hired immediately! I have learned that

about me, and I was sent to ISF for 90 days. Temple Temps

good employers tend to use temp agencies because they have

never gave up on me. They made a giant card that said, “We’re

that safety net. I launched a 10 year career through them. I was

here for you, and brought it to me. I still have that card! We

able to create a resume because of them!”

were in constant communication the whole time, which gave

One particular employee, Greg Johnson, has a long history with Temple Temps, and he openly shared his story.

“Coming to Temple Temps was one of the greatest things to

me strength to maintain and get through the process so I could get back to work. After the 90 days, I returned and the position I held was no longer available. So, they placed me somewhere

happen to me, one of the greatest things to get me back on track

else until it opened up again. I have been at that job ever since.

… Miss Nan Vaden believed in second chances. I worked for a

Over the years, I built a relationship with everyone at Temple

couple of weeks before the parole board pulled a technical and

Temps … When Miss Nan passed, I couldn’t help but think

put me back in jail. Miss Nan believed in me and did not like

of all she did for me. They helped me stay on track, and I can’t

that one bit. She, with other Temple Temps employees, came to

thank them enough!”

It was locally owned and operated. My mom really stressed that we are a family.

We have to be a unified family or we don’t succeed.

Valerie Vaden Jarosek

Hometown Living At Its Best

81

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82 Bell County Living

Low Cost Vaccination Clinics available twice a month. CALL FOR DATES.

AUGUST 24-OCTOBER 28, Bell County and WWI OCTOBER 21-NOVEMBER 30, Work, Fight, Give: Relief Posters from WWII SEPTEMBER 2-NOVEMBER 11, Quilts of Valor NOVEMBER 11-FEBRUARY 4, Dance Theater of Harlem Tours of the Gault Archaeological Site in OCTOBER, DECEMBER & FEBRUARY Call the Museum to sign up.

DON’T FORGET ON THE THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH join us for Discovery Day with Charley Chisholm, a fun, craft filled day of activities for children, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, free of charge.

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Hometown Living At Its Best

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BIZ

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BELL County Living

Santa Paws Holiday Market All I Want for Christmas is a Four-Legged Friend

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos provided by Ameristor Self Storage

L

ooking for the perfect Christmas gift? Mark your

unconditional, unreserved love we receive from our three

calendars for December 16th, from 10:00 am to 2:00

rescue dogs.

pm, for the third annual Santa Paws Holiday Market.

Santa Paws increases community awareness about

You can get those last minute gifts for your special two

the benefits of spaying, neutering, immunizing and

and four-legged friends and family. Participating vendors

microchipping pets. It is sad that many wonderful dogs

include Honor the Sacrifice, Perfectly Posh, G-Pa’s

and cats end up in shelters, unwanted and unloved. Many

Workshop, pet specialty food items and many others

people have the heart to love fur babies, but may lack

including jewelry, clothing and food.

the finances to pay full price for their pet’s health care.

Santa will be available for free pictures of children

Emancipet’s Killeen location receives all the vendor booth

and their pets. If some special person in your life wants

fees and proceeds from raffles, thereby providing low cost

a pet, what better time to grant their wish than the

spaying, neutering, immunizations and healthy pet visits.

Christmas season? Killeen Animal Shelter, School of Wags and Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center will have adoptable pets on site.

Rescue animals will love you with all their hearts,

Every animal deserves a fighting chance. Life is better with a dog. Don’t shop—adopt. Give the gift of love.

See you at AmeriStor Self Storage, 2010 E. Elms Rd. Killeen, TX 76542, on Saturday, December 16, from 10-2.

all the days of their life. They seem to know that their

For more information, contact Cathy Sweem at 254-628-

adopters saved their life. We have always had pets, but we

7600.

never experienced the depth of devotion and complete Hometown Living At Its Best

85

Children’s Speech Therapy, Occupational and Physical Therapy Services ABA, Counseling, and Specialty Programs

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Health and Wellness w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Wellness Wat c h with Seton

Medical Center

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos by Emily B Photography

Wellstone and Seton Medical Center Harker Heights are dedicated to timely and accurate diagnoses, continuously improving the safety and quality of care and providing the right care at the right time to reduce the disruption of your life.

“Mrs. Leonard, an abnormality appeared on your mammogram.” The words boomed in my ear, exploding through the phone, piercing my brain. “You need to come to the hospital for a follow-up, spot magnification mammogram.”

Denial: “There is nothing wrong with me. I eat right, exercise, I don’t feel any lumps, I’m only 43 and there’s no history of breast cancer in my family. There must be something wrong with the mammogram.”

88 Bell County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

89

The nurse convinced me I needed the follow-up exam, which showed abnormal calcifications. I met a surgeon, who performed a needle-localized biopsy the same week. I did not have cancer. However, I did have fibrocystic breast disease, ductal epithelial hyperplasia, microcalcifications and sclerosing adneosis, which the surgeon monitored closely through exams, mammograms and sonograms. Three years later I discovered a lump that could not be aspirated like some of the previous cysts. Because my doctor knew me, he didn’t waste time and was able to perform a simple lumpectomy removing the cancer with clear margins. Nineteen years later, I am alive and well, without undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Choosing to live by faith, not fear, I still have a mammogram every year followed by an exam with an oncologist.

Peggy Freeman, a friend and fellow Bell County Living writer, is currently recovering from a double mastectomy.

While going through routine well checks this summer, she was called back for a repeat mammogram. The 3D imaging and sonogram showed suspicious spots. A biopsy confirmed that Peggy had Intraductal Carcinoma Situ. Her doctor said he

Connie Leonard

wanted to be very aggressive, to get everything done right away.

Peggy Freeman

Having lost two sisters, a sister-in-law and several cousins to breast cancer, Peggy is thankful for the advancements in early detection and treatment. She has discovered that a nurse breast navigator is her best friend, holding her hand at the perfect moment. Blessed by the best doctors, early detection and treatment, she is also cancer-free without undergoing chemo or radiation.

Nancy Zegarra, M.D., is very proactive about all preventative screening and feels fortunate to work at Wellstone and Seton Medical Center Harker Heights (SMCHH) where the radiologists are very knowledgeable, efficient and communicative. She earned degrees from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. She completed her residency at the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin as well as a PreInternship Program at New York Medical College. Recently she completed training at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York and received a certificate to perform Acupuncture as well. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is a great asset to Wellstone and SMCHH. Dr. Zegarra said, “Internal medicine focuses not only on

90 Bell County Living

active disease processes but on preventative services. I use the US preventative task force guidelines for most preventative services, but for breast cancer I recommend screening from ages 40 -74; however, this varies in some patients at higher risk.

As a breast cancer survivor myself, I am very proactive about all preventative screening and feel fortunate to work at SMCHH where we have direct access to Texas Oncology.

“Breast cancer, the most frequent type of non-skin cancer, is the most frequent cause of cancer death in women worldwide. The majority of breast cancers in the United States are diagnosed as a result of an abnormal screening study, although a significant number are first brought to attention by a patient. Many patients may be asymptomatic and completely unaware of having breast cancer, so screening is important for early detection to facilitate early treatment and to reduce breast cancer related death.”

Doctor Zegarra is also a breast cancer survivor. “At only 33 years old, with no family history, I was diagnosed with Stage II invasive ductal breast cancer. I initially palpated

I knew logically what all the next steps were. As a patient, I

the mass while showering one day and promptly requested

was terrified about what was to come. Just last month I was

a breast biopsy from my physician. As an internist myself,

celebrating St. Patty’s Day with my friends and felt like I was on top of the world. It was like life was just starting. I finished residency, bought a condo in Austin, had a great job. And just

Shona Ahuja, M.D.

like that—in a two-minute conversation, my life completely changed. Now I was an oncology patient, now I was sick, now I have to worry about more than working and everyday life.

My life went from hangouts, spa days, and traveling to doctor visits, chemotherapy treatments and radiation. I will forever be grateful to all the capable, knowledgeable and compassionate physicians that took my case. I was reminded that there are so many wonderful caring people in this world—my patients, my coworkers and of course my family and friends who gave me the strength every day to remain positive and complete my treatments.”

Shona Ahuja, MD, the latest addition to Wellstone and SMCHH, completed training in Internal Medicine from University of Illinois, Chicago, in 2001, and has been practicing Internal Medicine for the last sixteen years. She said, “A key focus of my practice has been preventative medicine with special emphasis on cancer screening. As a physician not only do I customize individual cancer risk for patients but firmly believe in educating them, getting them involved in decision making about their health care. Having lost close family Hometown Living At Its Best

91

Nancy Zegarra, M.D. 92

BELL County Living

members to breast cancer seeing from close quarters the toll

Center and more. Modern Healthcare voted SMCHH as one

it takes on patients and their families, emphasis on women’s

of the Best Places to Work 2017. They are also an Accredited

health breast cancer screening is especially important to me in

Chest Pain Center, Joint Commissions accredited, are also

my practice.

working toward Primary Stroke and Total Joint Replacement

“Different experts have different recommendations for screening, and it can get confusing. I generally recommend

Accreditations.

Wellstone Health Partners is a large multispecialty

starting at the age of 40. It’s important to have that conversation

physician group affiliated with SMCHH. Their main medical

with your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of screening

building sits next door to the hospital and the two groups work

and decide, with your doctor’s help, whether to get screening

closely together. Some of the screening and monitoring services

and when. If you're under 40 but have a relative who got breast

offered by Wellstone and SMCHH include: mammograms, high

cancer at a young age, you should also talk to your doctor

blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetic retinopathy screening

regarding appropriate screening. Some women who are at high

(RetinaVue), continuous glucose monitoring, pulmonary

risk of breast cancer might need to begin screening at a younger

function testing, EKG’s, EMG’s/EEG’s, audiology services,

age, including women who:

hearing aids, allergy testing, sleep studies, colonoscopy and

- Carry genes that increase their risk of breast cancer, such as the BRCA gene - Have close relatives (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who got breast cancer at a young age “The main benefit of screening is that it helps doctors find cancer early, when it might be easier to treat. This lowers the chances of dying of breast cancer.”

SMCHH is an 83-bed acute care hospital, offering an array of services such as a Cardiology, Emergency Services,

men’s wellness.

Wellstone and SMCHH are dedicated to timely and accurate diagnoses, continuously improving the safety and quality of care and providing the right care at the right time to reduce the disruption of your life.

Everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer or other debilitating diseases and disorders. Early detection and treatment often make the difference between life and death.

Choose life. Watch your health and wellness.

Diagnostic Services, Orthopedic Surgery, a dedicated Women’s Hometown Living At Its Best

93

HH

Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Joseph's Catholic School had a great experience this fall as the eclipse passed overhead. Our

principal, teachers, and students were able to put on

some cool shades and see what all the fuss was about!

We also have kicked off a wonderful year with our

Grandparents Day and Patriot Day events! We cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds for us!

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

94 Bell County Living

jenny lloyd photography 832.454.7056

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Health and Wellness w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

The health trend that's not slowing down

By Tori Mortensen pparently there's room for yet another driver

decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad"

in the race for “Top Diet Trend of 2017,”

cholesterol. Additionally, IF may improve insulin

because the latest program making a name for

resistance, which, in turn, helps stabilize blood sugar

itself in nutrition, Intermittent Fasting, has pulled up to the starting line and the other guys in the mix are taking notice.

But health industry is in a pileup when it comes to

levels.

In one recent study, periodic fasting was linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and aging.

Some scientists seem to believe this is likely due to the

Intermittent Fasting. Less diet really and more eating

ways that it affects cell and hormone function. During

schedule, proponents of this clock- or calendar-based

the fasting phase, many cells die and stem cells turn on,

eating routine have created multiple styles which

which starts a regeneration process and gives rise to new,

encourage and restrict eating based on alternating times

younger cells, study author Valter Longo, PhD, recently

of feeding and fasting. According to recent studies,

explained in an interview with Health Magazine. "It

the Instagram influencers and lots and lots of fitness

sounds too good to be true, but it's not," he said.

bloggers, the results of Intermittent Fasting are pretty

Other data states that the prime health benefit of

darn great, including simple weight loss and vastly

fasting comes when the body puts itself in a natural state

improved health.

of ketosis (ketosis is yet another health buzzword and

Though the concept is highly contested in an industry that spent years convincing us that we MUST

could be a whole article in and of itself).

And yet another camp promotes an IF eating schedule

basically eat around the clock in order to achieve our

as a weapon in the body's struggle against a life filled with

health goals.

artificial light i.e having your days and nights mixed up,

Cue the Internet momentum and contention.

Touting benefits from Alzheimer's prevention

insomnia, daytime drowsiness.

Now, again, ask anyone who has a car in this fitness

to a complete immune system reset, from achieving

race and you will most certainly hear mixed opinions

advanced mental clarity to better mental health, multiple

(and even mixed explanations) of IF. Some individuals

studies claim fasting may not only improve your overall

have even been driven to come out in full force against the

health, but may even help you live longer.

trend and while others call it “The single most powerful

Some have shown that intermittent fasting may 96 Bell County Living

thing you can do for your body.”

I do not have a degree in nutrition, nor am I a doctor,

While others IFers eat the same number of calories as they

and you should totally ask one or both before you embark

would within a “normal” day, they simply eat them within

on any type of dedicated health journey. I am simply sharing

the restricted window. Almost all IFers choose mostly healthy

with you the experience I had during my trial run at the

foods during feeding periods, regardless of caloric goals

controversial intermittent fasting deal, which was a positive

because they DO value the benefits a quality diet provides.

one.

I fell somewhere in between, eating in a deficit some days and within regular calorie levels on others and generally eating a clean diet.

Lots of folks have been fasting since, well, The Beginning.

We hear it continually mentioned in the Bible as a spiritual tool used by those asking the Lord for direction, clarity, even blessings like protection and HEALTH. Most modern religions continue to honor the biblical practice of fasting

Most popular intermittent fasting plans can be grouped into 3 categories: Alternate day fasting, 24-hour fast followed by a 24-hour

in some way, with many recognizing it as possibly the most

non-fasting period. One can also choose to fast for 23 hours

powerful form of spiritual discipline.

with one meal per day.

From a purely medical standpoint, evidence shows that

Whole-day fasting specifies various ratios of fasting

fasting has been used throughout history and was one of the

to non-fasting days, such as the 5:2 diet, in which people

first forms of treatment prescribed by many early medicine

consumed 400–500 calories (women) or 500–600 calories

practitioners.

(men) during the 5 days of regular eating and 2 days of

We can even throw it back to the caveman days and recognize that a cave man would not have had access to a

fasting. During non-fasting days, the diet is regular.

Time-restricted feeding - daily fasting period with a

24/7 buffet of food and snacks. He would have likely filled up

shortened eating window of 3–12 hours. For example, one

only when he had a successful hunt, meaning there is some

form of TRF calls for fasting for 16 hours each day and eating

evidence that our bodies were not designed to eat around the

total daily calories during the remaining 8 hours, typically

clock day in and day out, but rather that we have conditioned

on the same schedule each day. This is the program I used

them to do so.

during my trial. I basically had my last meal at 5pm or 6pm

While fasting has been practiced for eons and almost anyone can pull it off, fasting is certainly not right for everyone. If done incorrectly, it could even result in harm to the body so again, consult your doctor and do some research before committing.

The plan worked well for me because I had experience with religious fasting, I am in good health and I'm already not a breakfast eater which makes it very manageable for me to string together a 16-hour fast (more on this later).

Another thing that got me geared up for this program is its simplicity. Pick one of the IF styles that works for you.

Eat when you are in feeding times. Don't eat when you are in fasting times.

Some IFers choose to limit overall calorie intake in order to put themselves in a calorie deficit promoting weight loss.

98 Bell County Living

and my first meal of the day at around 10am or 11am.

I can attest to the fact that during my trial I did My favorite thing about intermittent fasting is that

have periods of hyper focus and clear headedness. I did

you can do it anywhere! It doesn't require a fancy pants

lose around 7-10 pounds and some skin problems I had

organic grocery store be in your neighborhood. You won't

experienced for nine years were almost completely non-

need to bring your own containers or drink a shake or take

existent! IF gets bonus points for resetting my taste buds

a supplement or eat your food raw or measure and weigh

and allowing me to actually taste my food again. I could also

it unless you want to. In fact, there is really no meal prep

recognize when I was truly hungry and could literally feel the

required at all. You aren't required to do anything other

energy I was receiving from the food I ate, in a different way

than eat on the schedule which works best for you. Again,

than a sugar rush though, more like a food high. And I slept!

most successful IFers also subscribe to some sort of plan for

If you quit eating at around 6pm or so, come 10pm… you

healthy eating during their “feeding hours” which can be

may just happily put yourself right on to bed.

done anywhere these days!

There is also an amazing free app called Zero, which will

So, if you struggle with nighttime eating or sticking to complicated diet plans, inflammation, insomnia or just those

allow you to track your fasting goals right on your phone. I

last 5-10lbs, you may want to consider intermittent fasting

found this to be super helpful!

before you wave the checkered flag on your health.

The way I see it, if this type of stuff is speeding to the front of the pack in the minds of healthy lifestyle thinkers

Now to be clear, most IF subscribers are probably drawn to the plan for its weight loss claims, but studies showing the

and is also mentioned amongst the company of spiritual champs, maybe we should at least look at giving it a test drive.

laundry list of potential health benefits just can't be ignored.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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BELL County Living

Love T hrough the Ages: E mp t y Ne s t e rs

By Sal ly Gr ace Holt rie ve Photos by Jenny L loyd Photogr aphy

T

im and Melissa McKeown have and continue to cherish each day of their marriage. From the moment they began a life together as two, throughout the busy years

of raising four more lives, to having a household of two again they have actively recognized the blessing that is each other.

“There is a Bible verse that says ‘teach us to number our days,’” Tim said. “All throughout our marriage I have liked to count our days. October fourth will be 12,345 days together. Part of my testimony is that my dad died at 33 and my mom at 34. You never know how many days you’ll have, so you have to make every day

So teach us to number our days, T hat we may present to Y ou a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

count. We try to do that, with and without our kids.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

103

The McKeowns’ oldest son, Terrynce, is 30. Marshall is 28, Hannah is 24 and Rachel is 22.

It was really hard when Terrynce left home for the first time, Melissa said, because her identity was wrapped up in being a mom.

“Everything revolved around my kids, and so what I was left with was a very empty feeling when they left,” she said.

Tim agreed. He vividly remembered dropping Terrynce off at college. There was a strong twang of emotion the day he moved out, and that feeling returns any time one of the kids leaves again after a visit.

It’s the hardest when the first kid goes, the couple said, because you realize that they won’t all be at home forever, and one by one, they keep going until suddenly, the house is quiet.

Sometimes too quiet, according to Melissa.

“But then you get used to it,” she said. “I started enjoying getting reacquainted with my husband. For so long you’re just wrapped up in the kids and their events and where they need to be … so it’s like you have to reacquaint yourself with each other.”

Though the couple had to adjust to the new structure of life without children, they never felt like they’d grown apart, as they’d already been making an effort to maintain a connection that went beyond parenting.

“We always knew that someday the kids were going to go,” Tim said. “Whenever you’re in an empty nest, you could conceivably have more than half of your married life still ahead of you.”

Melissa said sometimes couples don’t know how to communicate and get along with each other after their kids leave, and that’s why it’s important to make time for each other with and without kids in the picture. Tim and Melissa do a lot of traveling together now, and they still enjoy planning a date night, despite always having the house to themselves.

The couple has been making time for each other for 34 years. They met at Weatherford High School, when he was 16 and she was 14. Tim was a reporter for the high school newspaper and conducting a poll. He walked up to Melissa in the cafeteria and asked her a question, and they haven’t stopped talking since.

It was a typical high school relationship, Tim said. They’d walk each other to class, attend homecoming and go to functions at their respective churches.

104 Bell County Living

“The first date I asked her out on, she said, ‘I can’t, I’m

The growing family lived in Brownsville about eight years,

going Christmas caroling with my church,’ and it was like,

during which they had their fourth child and Melissa utilized

ding, she’s a Christian,” Tim said. “God really blessed us in the

her degree in education and homeschooled the children.

beginning and all the way through.”

They married five years after meeting. Tim began working on his Master's degree as Melissa finished her undergraduate studies. To afford both of their schooling, they’d take turns attending classes. Melissa would go for a semester, and then Tim would go for a semester. They both worked, and in the

One day, an old friend called Tim and said his Killeen church’s education minister was retiring, and would Tim be interested in the position?

“I interviewed, and eight years later we’re still here,” Tim said.

The two youngest daughters finished high school in

midst of the six-year teamwork plan, had two children. It was a

Killeen, and both sons returned home after college for a bit. But

busy time.

now they’re all gone, and Tim sees that as a sign of success.

Once Tim had finished his Master’s at seminary school and

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “You did the best job as a

Melissa had her teaching degree, they moved to south Texas,

parent if your kids can be fully successful and exceed all your

where Tim worked at a newspaper while looking into starting

expectations in every way. Some parents hover over their

a church. They had their third child, and then a church in

children, but we’ve let them make their mistakes. We have to

Brownsville asked Tim to be their education minister full time.

sometimes help out, and will do that whenever necessary, but

Hometown Living At Its Best

105

we also let them go off and learn to be independent.”

The two youngest, especially, have said they feel like their parents provided a healthy balance of being involved enough but backing off sometimes, too, Tim said.

Since the kids have moved out, Melissa has been working as a full time teacher for Killeen Independent School District.

She also teaches Bible studies and generally keeps busy. She admitted that delving into a bunch of activities was absolutely

working full time, earning her Master’s degree and has made several mission trips both in the U.S. and internationally.

“It’s a busy house full of visiting, eating and fellowshipping,” Melissa said of the visits. “We also like to play board games and dominos.”

As far as the future goes, the couple is enjoying the process of transitioning into the role of grandparents.

“God is just really preparing us to take on that new role,”

to take the place of child rearing, and she feels she’s doing a

Melissa said. “We’ve only been in it about a year and a half, but

good job at staying productive, considering she’s tired and

we’re multiplying fast.”

satisfied by the end of each week.

The quiet of the McKeown house is still broken often enough. All four kids will come over for get-togethers, and

The couple also plans to keep traveling. They’ve now been on trips to Israel and Ireland without their kids.

“But of all the travels and stuff we get to do now, we’d still

continue to bring additions to the family with them. Terrynce

rather be with our kids,” Tim said. “If we had the option of one

and his wife Jaime have a one and a half year old boy and a

or the other, we’d rather always be with them. But since we

brand new baby. Marshall and his wife Samantha are expecting

can’t hover, we’re going to enjoy life, too.”

their first child, and Rachel is engaged. Meanwhile Hannah is

Hometown Living At Its Best

107

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108 Bell County Living

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BELL County Living

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Home and Garden w w w.BellCountyLiving.com

WARM UP YOUR THANKSGIVING TABLE

with Precious Junk

By Halsey Clark | Photos by Janzen Jackson Photography

T

hanksgiving is a time for showing love, giving thanks, and gathering together. Dora Bell and Vicki Benton of Precious Junk reinvent the traditional Thanksgiving setting with unique pieces and personal touches that are straight from the heart and sure to create conversation around the table.

“Junking” is the art of searching for bargains, collectibles, and lost treasures that speak to you. “Metal sings to me,” says Dora. She encourages you to find that piece that sings to you also. The ladies believe in the saying, “No junk left behind!” If you find something you love, go for it - you can always make it work.

Be open minded when you shop and enjoy your quest. Look for pieces with individual character. The joy of junk is in the story it tells. When decorating with old finds, imagine the history and time of the piece. Don’t forget to incorporate your own treasures to add a more personal touch. Some of the best junk you find may be in the bottom of your dresser drawers.

112 Bell County Living

Decorate to fit your unique style. Make conversation pieces. Whether it’s shiny, sparkly, old, or rusty, don’t be afraid to mix it all together. Decorating with junk is about forgetting the “norm” and having fun with the unexpected.

1 2 3

Create a centerpiece with a surprising focal point such as this rusty metal stove to serve as a backdrop for other elements.

Take a non-traditional approach and decorate with Pheasants instead of the expected Turkey.

Cotton and Pheasant feathers are a beautiful arrangement and a great alternative to the usual fall foliage. Incorporate color by using turquoise insulators.

Hometown Living At Its Best

113

4

Repurpose a lantern as a vase and find uses for mason jars. Add a personal touch with a family photograph in your centerpiece. Rusty chains add texture and interest.

5

Build a beautiful and rare table setting by mixing textures and dishes. Use bargain finds such as these vintage flutes and goblets that were purchased $2.00/dozen.

6

Reuse shiplap and metal scraps to cut and fashion your own chargers for a cost effective approach with a one of a kind look. When using repurposed wood and metal near food, make sure to polyurethane each piece.

7

Vintage movie film cans serve a new purpose, storing a hand written note or recipe.

114 Bell County Living

8 9 10

Recycle leftover freezer tins by transforming them into beautiful gift boxes for your guests. Place a small token inside, adorn with ribbon and add a gift tag or scripture.

Rusty springs serve as place card holders.

Rusty metal door hinges make for the perfect name plates to reserve seats. Add a name or message in chalk.

Hometown Living At Its Best

115

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118 Bell County Living

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Home and Garden w w w.BellCountyLiving.com

STAGECOACH INN Remaining True to History and Tradition

BY M ARTH A HELTON PHOTOS BY CODY GR AH AM

I

f you were tired and dusty from a long, sun-up to sun-down stagecoach journey during the late 1800s along the famous Chisholm Trail, most likely you would have refreshed yourself with a good meal and a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep at a certain renowned

hotel in Salado, Texas. Nearby, the beautiful Salado Creek, shaded by surrounding mature pecan and oak trees with both fresh and mineral water springs, was initially the stomping grounds for Native American Comanche Indians. Here, the Comanches would hunt bison and other wild game for their daily sustenance.

Hometown Living At Its Best

121

This hotel—Stagecoach Inn—has been a beacon of refuge,

Another account of its beginnings: W. B. Armstrong, one

an enduring landmark in Texas. It is presumed to be the longest

of the area’s first settlers, is credited with at least helping build

operating hotel in the state of Texas. It was a stage stop for

the hotel, and in some reports, opening the hotel. However,

travelers aboard Butterfield Stage Lines stagecoaches from 1860

a deed search indicates that he did own the hotel at a later

to 1890. The Inn has evolved and been renovated over the years

date. At any rate, it opened in 1861 and fourteen years later

to fit the times but still reflects its rich historical integrity and

the hotel’s name changed to the Lone Star Hotel. Sometime

charm. Most recently, it was closed for a year to update and

between 1894 and 1900 the name was changed to Shady Villa

present a refreshed appearance to travelers and loyal customers.

Hotel. In 1943, it was purchased by Dion and Ruth Van Bibber;

Over the years, the simple, somewhat primitive wood frame

they restored the building, added a more modern dining room

two-story building has changed hands, according to a deed

and kitchen to the rear and renamed it Stagecoach Inn.

search, at least 15 times.

Its actual beginning is a little murky. According to

Many varied and famous people are reputed to have found food and rest within its walls: Sam Houston, General George

the late MaryBelle Brown, a longtime member of the Bell

Custer, Robert E. Lee, Jr., cattle barons Shanghai Pierce and

County Historical Commission, on December 3, 1860, her

Charles Goodnight, and even outlaws Sam Bass and Jesse

great-grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Eubanks, purchased

James. However, the stories about such famous guests are

approximately 2 ½ acres for $100, designated for a hotel.

maybe just that--stories, according to historians. Historians

Purportedly, Eubanks opened the inn for business on January

use government documents, court transcripts, personal and

1, 1861 under the name Salado House Hotel. An advertisement

business correspondence, diary entries, articles in newspapers

in the Belton Independent, dated January 5, 1861, announced

or, in this case, hotel registries to establish fact; not much

the hotel’s grand opening.

evidence validates the Inn’s legendary guests’ visits.

122

BELL County Living

Even the historical marker placed in front of the Inn by the Texas Historical Commission tempers its words: “General Armstrong Custer, General Robert E. Lee and Cattle Baron Shanghai Pierce are among those who are thought to have stayed here.” Sam Houston is not mentioned on the marker; although legend has it that he delivered the anti-secession speech from the balcony of the hotel.

As for Sam Bass and Jesse James, they were wanted men on the lam known for hiding out at places like Enchanted Rock in Burnet County. Perhaps they checked into the inn for a bath, a hot meal, a drink or two and a good night’s sleep?

In keeping with tradition, the menu items Mrs. Van Bibber created 74 years ago are still offered today. There used to be no printed menu. Waitresses would recite the menu to diners--a tradition begun by Ruth Van Bibber. The menu included the Inn’s iconic hush puppies, tomato aspic, banana fritters and Strawberry Kiss. Over the years the restaurant gained national recognition for the originality of its country cooking and has been featured in the Ford Times, Time magazine and Life magazine. It even appeared on the prestigious Duncan Hines list of select restaurants.

Mr. Van Bibber was known for slipping a perfectly mixed and chilled martini to his best customers--on the house--since Salado was in a dry county. In 1960, the Van Bibbers sold the hotel to a nephew, William Bratton, who built the motel area, swimming pool, coffee shop and Longhorn meeting room at the back of the property facing Interstate 35.

In keeping with tradition, the menu items Mrs. Van Bibber created 74 years ago are still offered today.

This past summer, Stagecoach Inn reopened its doors for lunch and dinner following a yearlong renovation.

Developers Clark Lyda, Austin Pfiester, and David Hays collaborated with Austin-based La Corsha Hospitality Group, led by Founder and President Jeff Trigger, to restore the landmarked property--updating the building’s systems while repairing and maintaining the 1860-era structure’s historic charm. “Stagecoach Inn has been a sacred retreat for locals and travelers,” remarked co-developer Clark Lyda. He feels the renovation has “preserved the property’s history while improving its atmosphere of gracious hospitality.”

With Executive Chef Justin Holler in the kitchen, Stagecoach Inn stays true to its roots by offering a fresh take on the restaurant’s beloved classics. Holler collaborated with David Bull, Vice President of Culinary Operations of La Corsha Hospitality Group, creating a new interpretation of the famous menu at Stagecoach Inn that has endured through multiple generations. The 1861 hushpuppies with malted aioli, chicken fried steak with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans; and

124 Bell County Living

the iconic Strawberry Kiss with vanilla ice cream, meringue and strawberry are among the classics they showcase on the menu.

Additionally, as a part of the update, Stagecoach Inn introduced a new a la carte menu. Featured newcomers are the deep fried bacon with onion jam and Texas toast; tomahawk pork chop with black-eyed peas, apricot peach jam and kale; and slow smoked beer can chicken, green beans, herb butter and tobacco onions.

There is one break from tradition--the menu is not recited by your server; printed menus are handed out for perusal. The Stagecoach Inn’s 75 renovated guest rooms and additional meeting and event spaces will reopen in spring 2018.

With its 150-year plus history, the Inn has undergone different owners and updates but one thing is sure: both locals and tourists come back to Stagecoach Inn because of all it embodies--its history, its heritage, its beautiful, small town setting, its food and its alleged legendary guests.

Hometown Living At Its Best

125

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Index of Advertisers Alton D. Thiel, P.C............................................................63 Ameristor Self Storage Climate Controlled..........67 Amos Electrical.................................................................17 Arnold Builders.........................................................110-111 Automax.............................................................................67 Aztec Pet Hospital..........................................................95 Bell County Living....................................................22, 87 Bell County Museum......................................................83 Belton Feed & Supply................................................... 119 BJ’s Flower Shop............................................................ 119 Bobby Whitson for Bell Co. Commissioner.......... 44 Bo’s Barn and Dancehall...............................................16 Budget Blinds...................................................................26 Candid Images Photography..................................... 54 Central Texas Christian School...................................72 Cloud Real Estate.............................................................. 2 Cochran Blair & Potts....................................................35 Cove Plumbing.............................................................. 100 Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home...............................75 D&L Unique Creations...................................................36 Deane Electric & Air Conditioning........................... 116 Elite Therapy Center......................................................87 Emily B Photography..............................................28-29 English Maids....................................................................73 Family Pet Clinic..............................................................82 First Baptist Belton........................................................23 First Community Title Co............................................ 118 First Texas Brokerage................................................. 100 FSG Fine Jewelry........................................................... 48 Ft. Hood Marketing & Advertising............................35 Geico....................................................................................82 Germania Insurance – Larry Weiss Agency...........73 Gold Financial Services.................................................82 Grand Avenue Theaters.................................................17 Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union..................... Inside Front Cover Heights Home Health................................................. 100 Helping the Hands that Feed the Homeless..........16 Hewett-Arney Funeral Home.....................................101 Hidden Falls Nursery & Garden Center................. .66 Hoffpauir Auto.................................................................... 1 Hope Pregnancy Centers, Inc.....................................27 Indian Motorcycle of Ft. Hood................................. 128 Jenny Lloyd Photography............................................95 J. Philip Davis Jr. DDS....................................................87 Jubilee Homes................................................................. 66

Kay’s Photography & Design........................... 108-109 L. Carole White, DVM................................................... 126 Land Exchange Abstract Title...................................101 Leader One Home Loans............................................ 44 Linnemann Realty.......................................................... 119 Lock’s Taxidermy.............................................................62 Lonestar eBikes.............................................................. 48 Metroplex Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine.................................................... 9 Metroplex Health System.............................................95 My Giving Tree Gift Shop.............................................36 Ocean Quest Pools........................................................... 7 Paperdoodles....................................................................22 Premier ER........................................................................ 86 Rendez Photography.....................................................73 Rodney Dunn Real Estate/ Brook Fowler.....................................Inside Back Cover Salado Chamber............................................................. 45 Salado Creek Riding Club............................................55 Senior Care Western Hills............................................75 Sente Mortgage...............................................................27 Seton Medical Center Harker Heights...Back Cover Shiloh Inn........................................................................... 117 Small Cakes.......................................................................36 Small Friends Child Care............................................. 48 Smile Doctors..................................................................... 5 Snickelbritches................................................................ 49 Soujourn Real Estate................................................... 126 Sudden Changes Salon.................................................36 Summers Mill Retreat & Conference Center.........55 Surface Source Design Center.................................. 118 Susan Marie’s................................................................... 49 SWBC Mortgage..............................................................83 Target Restoration..........................................................26 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance.....................................67 The Attic Self Storage..................................................101 The Dog Spot.................................................................. 48 The Salon and Spa at Greenbriar................................ 3 The Shade Shop..............................................................55 Timeless Upscale Consignments.............................. 49 The Sugar Shack............................................................. 49 United Way of Central Texas...................................... 66 Visiting Angels.................................................................23 Webers Guns.....................................................................63 Wells Gallery.....................................................................55 Zooty’s.................................................................................22

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