Bell County Living

Living HONOR ING THOSE W HO’ V E SERV ED The annual Boot Display at Fort Hood offers a way to remember and honor the military fallen.

Hometown Li v ing At Its Best

F e at u r i n g e l e g a n t S p a n i s h - s t y l e a r c h i t e c t u r e , i m m a c u l at e l a n d s c a p i n g a n d a b r e at h ta k i n g b a c k d r o p o f r i c h f i e l d s a n d s p r a w l i n g o a k t r e e s, L a R i o M a n s i o n i s t h e p e r f e c t f o r a m e m o r a b l e w e d d i n g o r e v e n t.

5 1 2 . 5 3 7. 5 1 74 | 2 5 4 . 8 3 3 . 7 6 7 0 |

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Contents

68 Faith & Community

Travel & Outdoor

12

34

Bloom Where You’re Planted Army wife Brooke Knight embraces the adventure of the military life and inspires others.

20

Giving Beyond Just Time Local Killeen Police Detective and animal lover, Tanya Lawson, makes it her personal mission year after year to ensure even the smallest of creatures has a full belly on Christmas Eve.

24

Opening Doors & Hearts to the Underserved The Body of Christ Community Clinic opened its doors to minister to those in dire need of medical services and dental care.

Best Kept Secrets: The Book Cellar Aptly named: The Book Cellar has all the hallmarks of being a bookstore from a bygone era, plus a whole lot of modern quirkiness.

42

The Great Outdoors: Spring Break Destinations Explore locally this Spring Break in beautiful Bell County.

Health & Wellness

52

Heart Health: One Risk Factor at a Time Seton Medical Center Harker

4 Bell County Living

60

A Sandwich and a Heart Full of Hope How does one go from eating out of a garbage can to Pepperdine University? An elderly couple hands you a paper bag lunch and a heart full of hope.

Venado Deer Contest Competitors from around the state of Texas compete in the Venado Grand Deer Contest, one of the biggest deer contests in Central Texas.

46

Heights hosted a Heart Health Luncheon on February 9th in honor of American Heart Month to offer information and create awareness about the symptoms of heart attack in women.

68

Warm Spinach and Artichoke Cups In the kitchen with Dietitian Carey Stites.

72

A Journey of Hope and Healing Kari McKown, Heather Field and Lauri Cole, co-owners and directors of Elite Therapy Center, were each called over a decade ago to serve children and families through physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Locally Yours We are a full service, community minded organization. If you are purchasing or refinancing new and used vehicles and recreational vehicles, we’re here to help!

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Contents Wedding

Business

80 About the Cover Since 2001 the Ft. Hood Memorial Boot Display event has helped people to heal, connect, remember and celebrate the lives of fallen soldiers. To see more pictures of this event turn to page 32.

Free Tax Service: Bringing Hope & Help to Central Texas Families The United Way of Central Texas’ annual VITA Program that began nine years ago to help low-income families file their taxes without exorbitant costs, and to take advantage of antipoverty tax credits.

88

112

Lacey Turner and Patrick Bergman started chatting and getting to know each other at a football game eight years ago and haven’t stopped since.

Home & Garden

122

Car Loans 101 Making the decision to purchase a car is an exciting step in anyone’s life. Here are some tips you should know before heading out for a test drive.

And the Winer is….

128

Nineteen years after starting the football program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Coach Pete Fredenburg and the 2016 Crusader team have finally come home with a national championship trophy.

102

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32 Fort Hood

Boot Display

70 St. Joseph & St. Mary Catholic Schools

138

126 Food Wine & Brew Fest

Texas’ Youngest Historic Home – A National Treasure The Wilson House was the first 20th Century common structure less than 50 years old to have ever been nominated for this prestigious recognition.

Mrs. Theresa Wyles, the principal of St. Mary’s, submitted a grant last school year for a new elective—Robotics class.

128 Hometown Happenings

St. Mary’s Robotics Class

Bird Creek Roofing Gives Back For Nate Navarro and his crew at Bird Creek Roofing in Belton, Texas, reaching out a helping hand into the community is as pinnacle to their business as making a sale to a new customer.

Education

94

Love Through the Ages: Young Love

Your Home: In A Whole New Light Freshen up your home simply by changing the light.

Central Texas 137

Christian School

From the Publisher

PUBLISHER

Red Fin Publishing

Justin & Hayley Six Kyle & Halsey Clark

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Justin Six

CREATIVE | DESIGN

enVision Creative Services

CONTENT DIRECTOR Hayley Six Hayley.RedFin@gmail.com CONTENT COORDINATOR Noel Betush

Noel.RedFin@gmail.com

B

ell County, we’ve missed you! We are happy to announce that spring has arrived and so has your new quarterly issue of Bell County Living. We work diligently to create a product that is fresh, creative and revives a new love for the place you call home—and that is just what we expect for this issue. We hope that through these stories, Bell County Living embraces the sense of the season and brings new life to the community we are so proud to be a part of.

We want to remind you to visit your website, www.BellCountyLiving.com, where you will find your magazine from cover to cover, as well as a business directory, article archives, and much more! We hope this resource helps you as residents stay connected and in the know on what has happened and what is happening in your own backyard.

This issue lacks nothing outdoors. You will have no excuse to sit at home during spring break after reading our Bell County’s “staycation” destination guide.

Turns out Bell County is a playground for those who find amusement in the great outdoors. However, if for you, spring break means curling up to a good book indoors, we have you covered as well. You will want to check out The Book Cellar, one of Bell County’s “Best Kept Secrets.”

Whatever your plans this spring break, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for up to date events and announcements you won’t want to miss.

We would like to thank all of our advertisers and local chambers for their continuous contributions and support. Please help us express thanks to them by shopping local. Their support helps us provide the magazine to you free of charge. Go by any advertiser’s location to pick up your complimentary copy.

We thank you for the opportunity to serve you these last few years and look forward to many more years to come!

We are so excited about all that is happening in your lives and we celebrate with you! 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

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

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekial 36:26

SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR Halsey Clark

Bell County Living Magazine Red Fin Publishing

www.BellCountyLiving.com 8 Bell County Living

PROOF READER

Hayley Six

PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Bickel Photography

Candid Images Photography Emily B Photography Jenny Lloyd Photography

Kaitie Marie Photography

Kay’s Photography & Design Ortiz Photography Ryan Yandel with UMHB

Yvonne Overstreet Photography

COVER PHOTO

Ft. Hood Boot Memorial Display Photo by Jenny Lloyd Photography

SALES

Jackie Hanke Justin Six

Kyle Clark

CONTRIBUTING Bobby Whitson WRITERS Carey Stites

Cassidy Horn Connie Lewis Leonard

Jessa McClure Karen Oakley

Laura Coats Martha Helton Peggy Purser Freeman Sally Grace Holtgrieve T.C. McKeown

CONTRIBUTORS Bobby Whitson with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union Carey Stites, Dietitian with Wellstone Health Partners Central Texas Christian School Harker Heights Chamber Karen Oakley with Elite Therapy Laura Coats with Amos Electric St. Joseph’s Catholic School St. Mary’s Catholic School University of Mary Hardin Baylor Bell County Living© is published quarterly by Red Fin Publishing.

www..redfinpublishing.com P.O. Box 1239 | Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 301-3828 All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher.

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

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Faith & Community SECTION

FAITH & COMMUNIT Y ADVERTISERS Bell Count y Museum……...…31 Cochran Blair & Pot t s…..…...19 First Baptist Belton……….….19 Ft. Hood Marketing & Adver tising…........................30 Grand Avenue Theaters.......30 Harker Height s Chamber of Commerce……..............….18 Helping the Hands that Feed

the Homeless…..................…31 Jenny Lloyd Photography.....23

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Faith and Community w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Bloom WHERE YOU’RE

Planted

By Jessa McClure Photos by Kay’s Photography & Design and provided by Brooke Knight

Army wife Brooke Knight embraces the adventure of the military life and inspires others.

T

he streetlights have been on for hours now as Killeen High School teacher and cheerleading coach, Brooke Knight, pulls into her driveway.

Even though she’s already spent several hours grading papers and helping her squad practice for an upcoming competition, she is already thinking about the next day and what she can do to better the lives of the young people she comes in contact with every day.

12 Bell County Living

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Knight’s husband, Jason, who works as an Army Space Operations Officer on Fort Hood, says his wife sometimes works longer hours than he does.

“She’s super passionate about what she does,” he said.

“It’s an inspiration to me, honestly. She puts everything into what she does, and it definitely shows.”

Jason calls his wife the hardest working person he knows, and said the Abilene native has always had a heart for people. Knight’s love for helping her fellow man began as early as her high school years, when the two became a couple.

“She did student council and all of those things, and she volunteered with Meals on Wheels all through college,” he said. “She’s always been really into volunteering.”

“Even if I don’t understand their situation fully, there’s just that common bond that other people just don’t understand.”

– Brooke Knight

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BELL County Living

It was through these experiences that Knight was able to get out of her comfort zone and use her own experiences to help others.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Abilene Christian University, Knight thought she would be headed to dental school. But, after some soul searching, she realized that this was not the path she wanted to go down.

“Everyone in my family is an educator,” she said. “So, I feel like I pulled away from that because I wanted to do something different. But, at the end of college I made the decision to pursue education instead.”

She admits that the transition to teaching wasn’t a smooth one, but sometime during her first year in the classroom she realized this was where she was supposed to be and what she was supposed to be doing.

It wasn’t long after her foray into the world of education that Knight’s husband entered the military.

He too had changed his mind about his career path, and needed to choose a different avenue to fulfill his life’s passions.

Soon the couple was being notified that they would be moving to an Air Force base in Germany. Having never left her hometown of Abilene, Knight was nervous about

her knowledge to help other wives. Knight was so good at what she did that she even won a volunteering award for her efforts.

She continued her community work when the couple moved to Oklahoma four years later, and then to the Fort Hood area when they arrived here two years ago.

“As a cheer coach, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do volunteer work,” Knight said. “We’ll do a lot of things for the community like making wreaths for veterans and participating in the Feast of Sharing with HEB. I really like being a part of those types of events, and plugging in where I can.”

The high school teacher said her work in the community helped distract her during her husband’s eight-month-long deployment.

“It’s definitely not an easy thing. But if you just immerse yourself in the things that you do, the things that matter to you, then it is easier,” she said.

Surrounding herself with supportive family and friends was also a great help during that time. Group events with other wives going through the same thing and taking advantage of available resources helped as well.

And now that the couple is stationed back in Texas, they are only a few hours from their families in Abilene. starting a new life overseas. But as they prepared for their move, a close friend gave them a decorative wall hanging that said, “Bloom where you’re planted.”

Although it seemed like a small gesture, Knight found great comfort in its words, and used that as a motto for her life as a military spouse.

“That just really stuck with me,” she said. “No matter where we go, it’s fun to kind of make that place home as best we can.”

She said instead of looking at moving to a new place every few years as a negative, Knight chooses to look at it as an adventure, and a chance to touch the lives of those in her community.

“I am always someone who likes to be involved in outreach,” she said. “Once I know where we’re moving, I start looking and digging into that place, and seeing what opportunities are available.”

While the couple was stationed in Germany, Knight learned everything she could about her new military life.

She took classes set up for new military spouses and used Hometown Living At Its Best

15

Not only does the science teacher want to inspire her students to step out of their comfort zones, but she also wants to encourage military wives to do the same.

16 Bell County Living

“I have been able to see them more often than when we were in Germany, so it makes deployment a lot easier,” she said.

Going through the rigors of everyday life without her husband has not only allowed Knight to relate to other Army wives, but it has also helped her relate to her students.

“I totally get what they’re going through. I’ve had to go through the same things,” she said. “Even if I don’t understand their situation fully, there’s just that common bond that other people just don’t understand.”

Knight’s husband said his wife is one of the best teachers and coaches he’s ever met, and she really cares about the success of each of one of her students. Her enthusiasm for encouraging the next generation is evident on the school’s website.

“My goal for this year is to help you stretch and grow as thinkers and learners, and to be come true scientists,” her class profile says. “I want you to leave my class at the end of the year with the tools you need to continue your successful journey and be active members of your community.”

Not only does the science teacher want to inspire her students to step out of their comfort zones, but she also wants to encourage military wives to do the same.

“Just get involved. Be a part of things even if you feel nervous or hesitant about putting yourself out there,” she said. “It’s at those events that you find the wives who have

been there before. They can provide that shoulder you need, the advice you need, and the uplifting you need to make it through.”

Jason Knight said his wife has not only helped other women get through tough deployments, but has also helped him stay strong during the ups and downs of life in the military.

“She’s really supported me through my whole career,” he said. “She’s really been the strength behind me.”

“She’s really been the strength behind me.”

– Jason Knight

Hometown Living At Its Best

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SAVE THE DATE - SATURDAY 09.09.17

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

________________________________________________

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

We love our customers, and as we continue our restoration into 2017, we’d like to invite you to stop by, say hello, and see how we’re modernizing with a bit of 1800’s flair

221 East Central Avenue | Belton, TX 76513 | 254-939-3333 www.cbandpotts.com

We love our community, and we’re glad to share it with you. With an active military ministry, and engaging activities for children, youth, college students, and adults, there’s something for everyone at First Baptist Belton.

Join us this Sunday as we seek to know, serve, and share Jesus in Central Texas and around the world.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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F&C

Faith and Community w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

Giving Beyond Just Time

By Rebecca Parvaresh Photos by Yvonne Overstreet Photography

L

ocal Killeen Police Detective and animal lover, Tanya Lawson, makes it her personal mission year after year to ensure even the smallest of creatures has a full belly on Christmas Eve. In 2012, Lawson noticed a dwindling food supply at the local Killeen Animal Shelter where she volunteered. “I asked the shelter manager where they got the food, and I was told the food comes out of the shelter’s budget,” Lawson explained.

“Because there are so many animals at the Killeen shelter they have to use a significant amount of the yearly budget on food instead of medical treatment or other important things. I thought if I made a big donation maybe it would help the animals and save a few lives.

The donation was given to Killeen Animal Services and I donated around

20 Bell County Living

2,000 pounds of food.”

Year after year, Lawson takes on the task of gathering at least 2,000 pounds of pet food to match the donations she made that first year. Normally, she handles all the fundraising and those who donated the first year continue to do so again and again. “I do my fundraiser each year at Christmas time,” Lawson said. “I usually start collecting donations (dog food, cat food, cat litter, bleach, laundry soap, and blankets) the day after Thanksgiving. I drop off the donation the week of Christmas. I usually do all the fundraising myself, but this year the After Hours Clinic helped so much, and I also had a large donation from Killeen Cause for Paws.

They are a local organization that fosters animals from the Killeen Shelter and does a lot of volunteer work.”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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In 2016, her donation boosted a whopping 2,600 pounds. She had so much donated that she was able to donate an additional 300 pounds to the Lampasas Animal Shelter as well. Those willing to give and assist her fundraising are spread across the country and across the globe thanks to social media. “Normally, I post the food drive on my Facebook page and people drop off donations to me or I pick them up,” Lawson detailed. “There was a request for me to do a Gofundme page so people far away could also donate. I usually get about $300 donated on the Gofundme page (every penny is spent on food or supplies). Once I even got a donation from Korea and Florida from people I don’t even know. People sharing my page and word or mouth is how I get all donations.

This year (2016) the After Hours Vet Clinic let me use the clinic for a drop off location. They gave me a huge surprise and matched every donation that was dropped off at their clinic. It is because of their generosity that my donation was so large this year.”

As a detective, Lawson admits that working with the animals on a volunteer basis is a great way to decompress from her day job. She hopes that the joy she experiences working in the shelter and providing these donations inspires others to reach out. “I work with animals in my down time because animals make me happy. Helping them gives me joy that I can’t find anywhere else. Each

time a dog or cat is adopted or sent to a rescue, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. Simply walking a dog or giving them a bath to help them look more adoptable is something the animals wouldn’t get without volunteers.

The workers are so busy that volunteers play a big role.

I hope my donation and collection of the items inspires other to volunteer and adopt. They can always use donations. People think the tax dollars pay for everything at the shelter because it’s city funded, and while that’s true, they only get a very limited budget. Once it’s gone it’s gone, so if they have to spend the entire budget on food or cleaning supplies they don’t have money to treat animals for minor things.”

For more info on the 2017 donations, follow Lawson on her Facebook page Police4Pets where announcements and updates will be made.

22 Bell County Living

jenny lloyd P H OTO G R A P H Y 832.454.7056

cfd

J E N N Y L LY O D P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M

E N G A G E M E N T • W E D D I N G • B R I D A L • M AT E R N I T Y N E W B O R N S • C H I L D R E N • FA M I L I E S • S E N I O R S E V E N T S • M I L I TA R Y H O M E C O M I N G S

F&C

Faith and Community w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

24 Bell County Living

Opening Doors & Hearts TO T H E U N D ER S ER V ED

BY MARTHA HELTON PHOTOS BY K AITIE MARIE PHOTOGR APHY

I

n 2008, a concerned Belton High School principal noticed numerous student absences.

Lack of access to quality medical and dental care for the uninsured and underserved was the reason. Together with ministers at First Baptist Church in Belton, a plan was birthed to fill that need. A non-denominational faith-based clinic eventually resulted as fourteen area churches joined together to serve Belton and Salado ISD districts.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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“Our facilities are first class,” said Donna Dunn, executive director. “Our patients deserve the best and we strive to give them excellent facilities to be treated. Our treatment rooms are on par with other area medical and dental clinics.”

The clinic is staffed by 130 volunteers made up of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, lab technicians, social workers, translators and office staff, with a salaried executive director at the helm. There also is a board of directors represented by the churches

26

BELL County Living

involved. Approximately 40 medical and 15-18 dental patients per week are seen and the clinic has had nearly 10,000 patient visits. The Belton/Salado community is greatly helped by reducing emergency room visits, thereby decreasing medical costs to taxpayers, insurance companies, and community hospitals.

Not only funded by area churches, since 2014 the clinic is generously supported by the Central Texas United Way and receives various grants. “A key component of our operating funds come from individuals who believe in what we are doing and help us with regular donations,”

“Our patients deserve the best and we strive to give them excellent facilities to be treated.”

shared Dunn. “We also solicit corporation donations and hold an annual fundraising dinner.”

In keeping with their spiritual mission--“to carry out the compassionate healing ministry of Christ by providing personalized quality health services to the medically underserved”-- there is no acceptance of any federal or state funding. “We are faith-based and do not want any restrictions on our ability to share the good news of Jesus Christ to our patients,” commented Dunn.

Spring boarding off the clinic’s spiritual mission, counseling services began two years ago. Patients are given tools to nurture their ability to develop and maintain their own quality of life.

Dental services are highly sought after; two dental treatment rooms opened initially and the need to expand quickly became apparent. “God blessed us by the offer of a building, debt free, just down the street from our original location,” said Dunn. A building campaign for renovation ensued. “The communities of Belton, Temple and Salado Hometown Living At Its Best

27

responded with love. In September of 2016 we opened a new six treatment room dental clinic, debt free, thanks to the generosity of central Texans and by the grace of God!” Area residents are invited to pray for the clinic and volunteer. Bilingual volunteers are always a pressing need.

Also, monetary donations of any size are welcome.

All involved give their heart and soul when they serve.

“We pray with our patients and we solicit prayer requests.

Before we see the first patients, we begin with a devotional and prayer,” said Dunn. “Our volunteers enjoy the ability to live out their faith.”

Log onto www.bodyofchristclinic.org for more information.

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BELL County Living

“In September of 2016 we opened a new six treatment room dental clinic, debt free, thanks to the generosity of central Texans and by the grace of God!”

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Easter_Egg_Hunt_Ad_17.pdf

1

2/16/17

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“We love to say yes”

Best in Class Digital Audio, Video & 3D Premium Leather Seating Reserved Seating Available Online Ticketing Full-Service Kitchen Cafe and In-Theater Dining Starbucks ® Coffee Blue Bell ® Ice Cream

Free medium popcorn Present this ad at your next visit to our theaters!

2809 Oakmark Dr. • Belton, TX 76513 • 254.939.5000

www .GrandAvenueTheater. com 30 Bell County Living

FEBRUARY 11 – MAY 20, Citizens at Last: Women’s Suffrage Movement in Texas and Changing the Face of Power, Women in the Senate, featuring a panel exhibit from Humanities Texas, Briscoe Center for American History and photographs by Melina Mara.

MARCH 25 - MAY 20, Harley Davidson and the Evolution of the Motorcycle, featuring photographs from the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI and motorcycles from local dealers and collectors.

JUNE 1 - AUGUST 12, From Swords to Plowshares: Metal Trench Art from World War I, exhibit includes examples of trench art from World War I. Tours of the Gault Archaeological Site in JUNE, JULY & AUGUST call the museum to sign up.

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

www.bellcountymuseum.org 201 N. Main Street Belton TX 76513 | 254-933-5243

Helping Hands that Feed the Homeless hosts an event each year to recognize the people behind the scenes that volunteer their time to help those in need.

SAVE THE DATE: 7th annual celebration November 4, 2017 | 5pm - 7pm 1721 E. Central Expressway Killeen, TX 76541 For more information call 360-481-9206 or Chairperson, Mrs. Ramirez 254-289-4065

100 vounteers from sixteen organizations were honored at the 6th annual celebration this past November If you’d like to get involved or make a donation, visit www.helpingthehandsthatfeedthehomeless.com

Hometown Living At Its Best

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HH

Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

FORT HOOD MEMORIAL BOOT DISPLAY The Fort Hood Memorial Boot Display has served as

a place to heal, connect, remember and celebrate the

lives of fallen soldiers. The boots have been displayed annually since 2001. Thank you for your service.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNY LLOYD

32 Bell County Living

Travel & Outdoor SECTION

TRAVEL & OUTDOORS ADVERTISERS Belton Feed & Supply…..…… 45 Bo’s Barn Dancehall………..….41 Don Ringler Autos………...…..45 Kay ’s Photography & Design…...........................…45 Or tiz Photography………....….40 Oscar Store………………..…….41 Temple Feed & Supply.......… 45

Photo by Kay’s Photography & Design

Hometown Living At Its Best

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O/T

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BELL COUNTY’S BEST KEPT SECRETS:

By T.C. McKeown Photos by Ortiz Photography & T.C. McKeown

The

Book Cellar

O

n the corner of Main and Central in downtown Temple, nestled in the basement of a building built over a century ago, sits an eclectic bookstore—one of those hidden-gems/last-of-a-dyingbreed types (you know, the good ones).

Aptly named: The Book Cellar has all the hallmarks of being a bookstore from a bygone era, plus a whole lot of modern quirkiness. Nearly every inch of the 3,200 square foot floor is covered in books, magazines, movies, collectibles, memorabilia, action-figures, comic books, and more.

34 Bell County Living

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Strictly speaking books: the Cellar is home to many out-of-print; first edition; and hard to find titles. As visitors enter the bookstore via the stairwell, they are sure to be entranced by—if nothing else—the sheer volume of inventory that the place has to offer. Big bookshelves litter the floor, forging enticing aisles for readers to stall out in. And if they’re anything like myself they’ll spend the remainder of their visit meticulously inspecting each and every spine, hoping to find their next adventure; next mystery; next romance; next whatever.

But I would advise you not to spend all your time hovering over the hardbacks. Be sure to check out the comic book section, too, because whether you’re a casual fan, an avid collector or neither—I think most would agree that the selection is impressive. From the totally obscure to the classics, this place has it all. Speaking of obscure (and, rest assured, there’s a lot of obscure stuff here) one of the most interesting items you may come across as you peruse the Cellar are the action figures.

Almost all of them are still in the original packaging, and the ones that struck me as being the most bizarre were a collection of figures from the infamous box office bomb, Waterworld.

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BELL County Living

(Fun fact: Mickey White, owner of The Book Cellar, actually has an interesting connection to Kevin Costner.

White allowed his horses to be used in the movie, The Postman, another box-office bomb.)

White, as you might imagine, is an avid collector himself—but his tastes tend to gravitate more towards historical artifacts and sports memorabilia, and the store shows it. Autographed jerseys and helmets sit encased in glass randomly throughout the store, and there’s quite a bit of Civil War knick-knacks strewn about here and there. However, White’s collection at his home is far more extensive he claims.

When pressed with why he has the bookstore, Mickey White says that it’s a part of his own history.

“I’ve been coming down here since I was a kid, and I got to know the then-owner Bob Jones very well,” White said. “And I told him years ago that whenever he decided to retire to let me know, and I would buy the place from him.”

Jones retired two years ago, and White made good on his promise. He’s been the proud owner ever since.

“It’s been a bookstore for a long time,” White informed me. “But we’ve tweaked it a little bit: we’ve

During prohibition, the basement served as a speakeasy—complete with hidden passages. added the collectibles and the comics and the action figures and all that.”

However, prior to being a book store, the basement portion of the building on Main and Central has a somewhat sordid history for being a rough-and-tumble dive bar. During prohibition, the basement served as a speakeasy—complete with hidden passages (I know, because Mickey White actually showed them to me).

Somewhere in the store (I won’t say where) there’s a secret door that you can jimmy loose, and behind that door is a dark, musty sixty-foot-long narrow corridor.

“Technically, the hallways were built as steam tunnels,” White said. But regardless of what their intended use was, the tunnels apparently came in pretty handy when the basement was a speakeasy. White said that if the police were to ever raid the place, patrons and servers could quickly race out of the building through these secret tunnels and slip away out onto the streets of downtown Temple.

After its days as a speakeasy, the basement turned into a legitimate bar. But according to White, it wasn’t the sort of place you wanted to be.

“We’ve actually had a guy come into the bookstore who showed us a bullet wound that he sustained here in this very building,” White said. “Yeah there were stabbings and shootings and a lot of bad stuff went down here.”

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White went on to say that he’s talked to older folks that have come in to The Book Cellar and they remember when it was a bar.

“They’ve said this was not the place to come for a drink, but if you did you better sit with your back against the wall and your eyes on the door,” White said laughing.

Due to the disturbing history of violence associated with the building, it may come as little surprise to you that The Book Cellar has a couple of resident ghosts.

There’s even a paranormal investigation team that has come out to The Book Cellar to confirm ghost activity.

“There are at least two ghosts that we know of—one is a man and the other is a little girl,” White said. “The little girl’s name is Abby and the man we just call Fred.”

White went on to describe some of the ghost activity he and others have experienced in the building: Jimmy Woffard, comic book expert at the Cellar, was working in the store one day when a customer became very upset believing that someone had come by and flicked the back of her hair. Woffard calmly tried to tell the woman that no one else was in the store and that he had been up at the front desk the whole time. But she didn’t believe him and thought someone was playing a prank on her, so she got even more upset and stormed out of the bookstore.

“We’ve had a lot of people in here that say they’ve felt like someone has passed by them, but they’ll look and no one is there,” White said.

When I asked White what sets The Book Cellar apart from its contemporaries, he had this to say: “There’s really no other bookstores in Temple. We’re it. And finding places where they sell comics and action figures is getting harder and harder.”

White is right. Besides a Christian bookstore and the Temple College bookstore, there isn’t another bookstore in Temple. And with retail giant Hastings going out of business this year, novelty book shops do indeed appear to be a dying breed. But bookstores in basements that used to be speakeasies and boast resident ghosts? That’s an even rarer breed. In fact, some might even consider The Book Cellar in a class all its own. I know I do.

38 Bell County Living

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA: If you live in Bell County and you’ve never visited downtown Temple, you are really missing out! It’s one of the most quickly growing downtown scenes in central Texas, and there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Here are some of my favorite places to enjoy:

O’Briens Irish Pub Maybe it’s the ‘McK’ in my last name but I’m a sucker for a good old-fashioned Irish pub, and this place is exactly that.

O’Briens has over 40 beers on tap, a great selection of spirits and a mouthwatering menu full of traditional Irish pub foods like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Plus, the pub has live music nearly every weekend.

In The Mood Ballroom Even if you have two left feet like me: rest assured, the dance instructors at In The Mood will set you straight. This adorable ballroom boasts roughly 6,000 square foot of dance floor, and is open for group or private lessons. It’s perfect for that unique date idea, to brush up on your dance moves or to even to get some exercise. Need a space to rent? This is it! Book your next party, prom, wedding or reception at In The Mood Ballroom.

Pignetti’s If you’re looking for a quaint, upscale, authentic Italian restaurant look no further. This place is famous for its wine selection, its ambiance, and of course, its incredible Italian cuisine. For a more atmospheric dining experience, be sure to sit outside on the patio.

A Taste of Thai Perfect for lunch or dinner, this is one of the best casual Thai restaurants in central Texas. Whether you choose the noodles, rice, or curry, Taste of Thai will surely have you coming back for more and telling everyone you know about it.

Wes’ Burger Shack Don’t let the name fool you: there’s more to Wes’ Burger Shack than just the delicious burgers. Everything on the menu is great, but be sure to get there early. This place gets packed in a hurry.

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B.J. Carothers | Harvested in Cottle County | It scored 170 2/8”

VENADO GR A ND

DEER

CONTEST

By Sally Grace Holtgrieve Photos provided by Belton and Temple Feed & Supply

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B

ell County used to lack a deer hunting contest. In 2004, Adam Lucksinger and the staff at Belton Feed and Supply decided to change that.

“Basically, a customer came in and said we ought to have a deer contest,” Lucksinger, manager of the store, said. “He said they had them down in south Texas and they were a lot of fun, but there weren’t any around here.”

The first Venado Grande contest had about 50 people sign up, Lucksinger said. The 2016 contest had about 700 sign up.

“We had nearly 200 deer brought in,” he said. “I believe it’s now the biggest deer contest in Central Texas.”

Competitors are allowed to hunt anywhere in the state and there are more than 25 different categories they could place in.

“Some are based on where the deer is harvested, like ‘best Bell County area buck,’” Lucksinger said. “Some are based on traits of the deer – most points, heaviest horns, longest drop tine, biggest eight point – and some are based on the characteristics of the hunter.”

They have a “youngest hunter” category and an “oldest hunter” category. This year the winners were ages 6 and 96, respectively.

“We have categories for female hunters and we have a husbands and wives category,” Lucksinger said. “Couples can combine their scores and compete against other couples. We also have a parent and child category – that was won by a mother and son recently.”

Participants can only place in one category. This ensures that everyone has a fair chance at winning, Lucksinger said.

“I like that it’s a local contest and that it’s very fair,” Mitchell Hill, this year’s winner of best Bell County low fence deer, said. “They really treat their contestants fairly.”

Hill, 24, has entered the contest every year since it began in 2004.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I enjoy it and I love hunting. When you have a chance to show off what you’ve worked hard for, it pays off, and I like the people that own the contest and run it.”

Canyon Carothers, 18, won best overall low fence buck this year.

Best Bell County low fence Deer 2016 | Mitchell Hill Harvested in Bell County | 162 1/8”

Lane Wolff | Buck harvested with a bow in Bell County | It scored 198 0/8” Hometown Living At Its Best

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Best Overall (low fence) Buck 2016 Canyon Carothers Harvested in Cottle County It scored 181 5/8”

“It feels pretty good,” he said. “I like the contest and hunting because it’s challenging in all aspects – physical and mental.”

An awards banquet is held at the Bell County Expo Center at the end of each season. The 2016 event had about 800 people attend, Lucksinger said. He emcees the event, and when he calls up the winners he talks about where their deer came from and how it was hunted as a large projector displays photos of the buck.

The top 12 overall high scorers receive personalized camouflage jackets, and winners of other categories get prizes such as a new rifle, a new bow, or an engraved hunting knife.

“The fun part for me through all these years is getting to hear everyone’s stories,” Lucksinger said. “A big part of the reason we do this is for hunters to share their stories.

When the hunt of a lifetime happens – something we all dream of – they get to share it with other hunters who will really appreciate it.”

44 Bell County Living

Game Day Event Awards Ceremony left to right: Ron Lucksinger, Adam Lucksinger, Lindsey Strait

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The Great Outdoors:

Spring Break “Staycation” Destinations in Bell County

46 Bell County Living

Photo by Kaitie Marie Pho

Photo by Kaitie Marie Pho

Explore locally this Spring Break in beautiful Bell County.

tography

Photo by Kaiti

tography

e Marie Photog

raphy

By T.C. McKeown

Ah, spring break. The crowds. The traffic.

The expenses. The chaos and the craziness.

Isn’t it sometimes easier to just stick around town and have yourself a nice little “staycation”?

— But, by all means, please don’t stay indoors when there’s so many neat places to explore around beautiful Bell County!

Don’t know where to begin? Let’s start with a tried-and-true spring break classic: the lake.

Bell County boasts two beautiful lakes, Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Lake Belton, each area complete with camping grounds, marinas, boat rentals, fishing spots, and much more.

Now, when it comes to lakes, I’m a marina Hometown Living At Its Best

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man myself as I used to work on one, and even still to this day, I love the feeling of stepping out on those weathered, wobbly floating decks. Bell County has three main marinas: Frank’s Marina on Lake Belton, Stillhouse Hollow Lake Marina, and Morgan’s Point Resort Marina (also on Lake Belton).

Frank’s Marina is just inside Belton Lakeview Park off of Lake Road. The park is fantastic for camping and has incredible amenities, such as picnic shelters, trails, a playground, waterfront sites, volleyball courts, and restrooms. The park is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who additionally are responsible for both dams and lakes in Bell County. In fact, Frank’s Marina dates all the way back to when the Corps of Engineers started crafting the iconic look that Belton is famous for today. In the early 1950s, Frank Smith sold hot dogs and ice-cold drinks to the engineers as they worked on the dam and the lake; this business venture eventually landed him with two businesses: one, a marina; the other, a restaurant. The marina still holds Frank’s name, but the restaurant is better known now as Dead Fish Grill, home to one of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Central Texas.

Morgan’s Point Resort Marina is owned by the quaint city of the same name. In 1997, the marina was destroyed by a tornado, but a year later they reopened and have been in business ever since. Both Frank’s and Morgan’s Point Resort Marinas sell gas and snacks.

Last but not least, Stillhouse Hollow Marina is a little bit farther out of the way, but it’s a hub for fishing enthusiasts, divers, kayakers, canoers, and paddle boaters.

Both lakes hold their own breathtaking views, and each has a variety of entrances. This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, but here are some access points to the lakes: • Rogers Park – this is one of my favorite access points to the lake. Rocky, pebble, and sandy beaches await.

There are even a few places around here to go cliff diving if you know where to look! Unfortunately, high waters and flooding can often leave this access point closed.

• Temple Lake Park – probably the most popular entry point to Lake Belton and easily one of the most beautiful. There’s just something about coming up on 48 Bell County Living

Morgans Point Marina, Photo by Amy Bickel Photography

the lake from FM 2305. It’s simply breathtaking!

• Live Oak Ridge Park – This is one of my two favorite places to camp in Bell County. This cozyfeeling park is pristinely maintained and it’s a great area to swim. Perfect for get-togethers.

Stillhouse Hollow Lake doesn’t have as many entry points as Lake Belton, but it’s a much smaller lake.

• Dana Peak Park – Earlier I said that Live Oak was one of my two favorite places to camp in Bell County. Well, this is the other one. With grassy, flat campground area, a peninsula that juts out far into the lake, forested trails in the surrounding area, and a mix of rocky and sandy beaches, this area is perfect for nature lovers.

• Stillhouse Park – Similar in feel to Temple Lake Park, this spot is great for taking in the view, swimming, and picnicking. While you’re there, be sure to check out Chalk Ridge Falls, a must-visit for any hiker and an often (regrettably) overlooked park with trails leading to a suspension bridge, cliffs, caves, and (yes, as the name would suggest) a waterfall.

• Union Grove Park – adjacent from Dana Peak Park

Stillhouse Hallow Lake, Photo by Kay’s Photography & Design

• and not nearly as travelled. This area is also ripe for nature lovers and tends to have a more secluded feel for campers.

(For a complete list of entry points for Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lake visit: http://tpwd.texas.gov) If you’re not a lake guy or gal (hopefully you’re still reading), Bell County still has a lot to offer spring breakers. Hopefully, you’ve kept strong with any New Year’s resolutions, and if losing weight or getting into shape was one of them for you, then I have a fantastic, fun sport for you to get into: disc golf. Born on school grounds and first played by students in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1926, this game was originally called Tin Lid Golf; however, at the height of Frisbee fever in the 1970s is when disc golf, as we know it today, truly gained its stride.

The game, as the name would suggest, is like playing a game of golf—but with Frisbees. (It’s important, however, that you don’t get just any plain-old Frisbee. There are specific, specially designed discs that are smaller and much more durable than your average Frisbee, and these are what true disc-golfers play with.)

There are at least two courses in Temple, and there is a large following of people who play at each park: Temple Lions Park and South Temple Community Park. Each spot has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

For example, South Temple Community Park is quite forested, which makes it challenging to hit your intended target, but often makes you the better player; whereas Lions Park has a much more open feel to it—beware though, there is a pretty good chance you’ll lose a disc or two here.

Photo by Kaitie Marie Photography

Again, this is a fun game for those trying to get in shape but hate the gym. Strap on your Fitbit because you’ll be amazed at all the steps you’ll get in.

Lastly, if you’re a person put off by perspiration or if going to the lake seems laughable – I may yet have an activity that’s right up your alley. Have you ever strolled through Salado? This town looks like it’s straight out of a movie with its picturesque shops and parks and sprinkled creeks. Seriously, it’s Mayberry on steroids. Salado is perfect for weekend getaways and even more perfect when you have a full week to slowly stroll through each and every little treasured nuance that the town has to offer.

There are parks, antique and specialty shops, art galleries, pottery studios, bookstores, restaurants, breweries, and wineries all oozing with charm and character.

So, just like the mom who’s offered a million things for her kids to do – I don’t want to hear anyone say, “I’m bored!” after reading this article. Seize the day! Seize the week! Seize your spring break, Bell County!

Photo by Kaitie Marie Photography 50 Bell County Living

Health & Wellness SECTION

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Heart Health:

One Risk Factor at a Time

By Cassidy Horn Photos by Jenny Lloyd Photography

“I am a 50 year old woman, I am mother of two, step mother of three, I have six grandchildren and one on the way,” Kimberly DeBurgos said.

“The type of heart attack that I had was the left anterior descending artery. That’s the one that the cardiologist calls the widow maker.

And there were no warning signs.”

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BELL County Living

Kimberly DeBurgos and Dr. Randy McCollough, MD Cardiologist

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DeBurgos suffered from a heart attack on January 1st, 2017. She was lounging on her porch in her pajamas enjoying the new year by talking to her best friend.

Because of previous issues with her trapezoid muscle in her shoulder, DeBurgos, a retired EMT, didn’t believe her husband when he suggested she was having a heart attack.

Coinciding with the holiday whose symbol is a heart, Valentine’s Day, February is also American Heart Month.

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights hosted a Heart Health Luncheon on February 9th in honor of American Heart Month to offer information and create awareness about the symptoms of heart attack in women.

“They asked me to give a 10-minute talk specifically about what my symptoms were,” DeBurgos said. “Because my symptoms were very abnormal. I didn’t have any chest pain at all. None. I also didn’t have that trouble breathing where people say it feels like an elephant sitting on their chest.”

Dr. Randy McCollough, MD Cardiologist and Carey Stites, Dietitian also spoke at the Heart Health

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BELL County Living

Luncheon. Stites said she presented a heart healthy snack for participants that included ingredients wonderful for cardiovascular health that benefit the consumer.

Participants were able to see how the snack was made, learn how the components relate to heart health, and try the snack afterward as well.

“I think it is amazing to be able to participate in the Heart Health Luncheon alongside other passionate health professionals to bring awareness about the importance of heart health to our community.” Stites also said she loved engaging with our community to offer them an opportunity to create balance and wellness in their own lives.

Dr. McCollough’s lecture explained what to do if you think you are having a heart problem, who to contact, and how to minimize risk factors. Visiting a cardiologist or family physician when signs of heart disease or risks are present is the best thing to do. But for those with no signs, preventing heart health risks and disease is a crucial step in personal health as well.

“The first thing of course is to do heart healthy things like watch your diet, your saturated fats, carbohydrates,

and avoid becoming overweight,” Dr. McCollough said.

“Regular exercise is also important and getting a lot of sleep, which is easier said than done. If you have heart problems be sure to follow up with your regular physician and cardiologist and take care of your risk factors.”

Controlling your risk factors include taking care of your diabetes, controlling your blood sugar, taking medicines, and if you smoke, working on quitting. The luncheon also educated those without a risk for heart problems how to recognize symptoms of a heart attack.

For participants or readers wanting to know more, Dr. McCollough suggested attending a health fair or another EMS program where the hospitals and fire department sometimes screen blood pressure and cholesterol.

“A lot of EMS here in town have programs where they teach people what they call hands-on-CPR and recognize when people do have symptoms so they can do bystander CPR,” McCollough said. “But the first thing we recommend is to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.”

McCollough also said the area hospitals have information on their websites and The American Heart Association is a great source for heart healthy tips as Hometown Living At Its Best

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well. The Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Heart and Vascular center offers diagnostic, interventional, advanced venous procedures, pacemaker and ICD implants, and electrophysiology studies, among other things to patients who suffer from heart disease or who have high risk factors.

To keep your heart healthy, Stites suggests engaging in lasting changes like maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring fat intake, cholesterol and sodium, as well as exercise. “Making healthy choices on a daily basis creates life-long habits which can keep your heart happy,� Stites said. “When I counsel patients with heart issues, we review their medical history and current cardiovascular issues. From there we create daily parameters to include total fat, cholesterol, and sodium intake based on their individual needs. In addition, we discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in physical

56 Bell County Living

Carey Stites MS, RD, LD, CPT Dietitian at Wellstone Health Partners

The Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Heart and Vascular center offers diagnostic, interventional, advanced venous procedures, pacemaker and ICD implants, and electrophysiology studies, among other things to patients who suffer from heart disease or who have high risk factors.

activity daily to improve cardiovascular health.”

Because doctors think Deburgos heart attack was caused by a genetic disorder, she also promoted learning about personal family medical history when it’s available.

“The only bad habit I had was smoking and I smoked my last cigarette 30 minutes before my heart attack, but I was also adopted. So being adopted you don’t know much of your health background even if you have reunion and have met some family members,” DeBurgos said. “Just a year ago, my half-sister on my mother’s side, she had known for a couple years that we had a genetic disorder, Factor Five Leiden, which is a blood clotting disorder. It took two years for her to bring it up.”

For patients like DeBurgos who have already suffered from heart disease, Dr. McCollough says a rehabilitation program is a great next step to take.

“If you had heart disease and after you’ve gone through treatment for it, we enroll patients in cardiac rehabilitation which is where they learn how to exercise safely, monitor vital signs, watch their diet, learn about symptoms of heart problems, what to do and who to call,” Dr. McCollough said.

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58 Bell County Living

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A Sandwich and a Heart Full of Hope

MelanieAnne Camp’s Story As told to Peggy Purser Freeman Photos by Amy Bickel Photography

I

was only 13. My mother just sat back and watched it happen. My stepfather was very abusive on all dimensions. One time after a beating, with blood dripping down my face, my mother told me if I wasn’t such a bitch these things wouldn’t happen to me.

Being an abused teen was rough. High school for me was a time of peace and quiet; a time to muster up enough courage to confront the monster waiting for me at the end of the day. I was learning how to survive through the night, not trying to learn algebra and spelling, or maintaining relationships. While my peers focused on SATs and college applications, I concentrated on hiding the bruises, masking the pain, feeding my drug addiction, and literally praying that I would live through the night. Moreover, I learned how to numb my constant pain with drugs.

60 Bell County Living

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I was in and out of child social services and foster care group homes by the age of 14. I was isolated, lonely, and afraid. And by age 15, I knew I was unwanted and unloved. Finally, after my stepfather’s third attempt on my life, Child Protective Services removed me from the home.

It was the late 80s when I entered foster care, and at that time the new evolving concept was “reunification.”

Thus, I would live in a group home for a few weeks/ months as a “break” and then be returned to/reunited with my family. Only to be beaten again and placed into another group home. This process went on for a few years until I aged out.

When I turned 18, I aged out of the system and became homeless simply because there were no opportunities for me. There were no transitional life skill programs or housing options at that time. There was not an educational voucher or trust fund option or foster care support groups. There was nothing. It was simple. If you were not reunified with your family, the state sent you off into the world to fend for yourself, which typically meant you became homeless. Unfortunately, not much has changed in some states.

I ended up living on Skid Row. My meals came out of a garbage can and at times I panhandled. I take heart in two facts: I never prostituted myself or fed my addiction while on the streets. Yet, my pain intensified. Being on the streets as a broken, abused teen is not easy. Words don’t truly describe the constant pain you feel in your body.

The cold, the anxiety, the tension, the noise, the fear—all create this new, harsh reality. It became a constant surreal battle. One minute I was searching for my next meal in a garbage can, and the next I was fighting off a rapist. And I knew in the end I would not win; I was worthless.

Society tends to treat you as if you are worthless.

Yet, they have expectations for you that are greater than your means. “Why don’t you just get up and get a job?”

Is getting a job as easy as it seems? There I was, dirty—a distinct smell of filth. My hands—dirty, my body—dirty, and there was no place to shower. I had no address, no telephone number, no ID, and I was 18 years old.

So many people never realize that along the way to becoming homeless, a person loses both their home and their dignity. There’s no community and no family.

62 Bell County Living

It’s only a matter of time before complacency sets in and anyone can begin to feel worthless. I knew I was unwanted and unloved, so adding worthless to the list was easy. However, one day the faith of an elderly couple made all the difference in my life.

Once a week, a church would provide brown bag lunches to those in the park. In the sack would be sandwiches, an apple, some toiletries, and a few dollars. I always went for the money, but one couple would sit with me for hours. What they said to me was far greater than anything I found in that sack lunch. The couple reminded me that there was a BIG PLAN for my life. Plans to give me a hope and a future, and if I seek it with all my heart I will find it. It was only a matter of time until I began

“One minute I was searching for my next meal in a garbage can, and the next I was fighting off a rapist. Then one day the faith of an elderly couple made all the difference in my life.”

to believe them, and in that I found my hope again.

When I found my hope, I regained my dignity and soon complacency was removed from my life.

Not only did this couple and their church believe in me, they helped me get off the streets. They helped me enter a shelter and I quickly gained new survival skills.

They taught me how to get a job, keep a job, and quickly leave a job. At times, they loved the unlovable and taught me that I was valuable.

Soon I was working full time, living in my own apartment, and secretly struggling with my addiction.

It wasn’t long before I headed off to college. I thought Pepperdine University would look at my application and laugh.

So how does one go from eating out of a garbage can to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California?

The answer: You believe! It was there I had my first opportunity to share my story and there I found my voice.

Throughout my story, I revealed that I was consumed with numbing my pain with drugs. My addiction coping strategies started as young as 11 years old. I was introduced to drugs by my mother. I have been 17 years

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sober, with several minor relapses. I will disclose that since 2011 I have been totally Set Free from all addiction and have traded unhealthy coping strategies for healthy ones. I have achieved a total weight loss of 200 pounds.

Following my graduation from Pepperdine, I entered the Social Work program at the University of Chicago. I had the honor to work on a pilot program with an esteemed Juvenile Court judge to create the first Transitioning Youth Court for those aging out of the foster care system.

My journey from being a broken, abused foster kid who aged out homeless, eating out of garbage cans, to being a small business owner has taken 25 years. And that little elderly couple, who first believed in me, never got a chance to see that the very things they invested in me are now that which I have built my life upon. They never got the opportunity to see that the very character I display, or the principles my company is founded on, are because of the examples they set for me. They never had the chance to see me graduate, hear me speak or see me walk down the aisle. They will never get a chance to read this article or see the success of my company. But 25 years ago, they believed. They simply believed that if they planted the seeds and watered the seed, then one day it would come to fruition. Their hope fed my hopelessness.

64 Bell County Living

“Their hope fed my hopelessness.�

Help When You Feel Hopeless

By Peggy Purser Freeman

M

elanieAnn Camp’s story happens every day in each and every community. Foster parents are few, social service workers are overwhelmed, and children fall through the cracks, perpetuating the problem. Today’s statistics show that one in every four aging-out-youth will be homeless within two to six months of leaving foster care and only 4% of those that age out will become successful, thriving members of society. Is MelanieAnn’s life a miracle? Is there hope for others? How can the general public help?

MelanieAnn Camp’s life is a miracle, but one she believes can be available for all. Over the years, MelanieAnn has consulted with and participated in the creation of several transitioning youth programs, including juvenile transitioning court systems in several states, and consulted with the Travis County Juvenile Transition Court - SYNCC. During her career, she has devoted time as an advocate, a public speaker, a university guest lecturer, a transitioning youth mentor, a caseworker, and a transitioning youth consultant for several non-profit agencies, universities, and state departments throughout the United States to inspire change that benefits the agencies, the clients, and the professional practitioners.

Recently, Ms. Camp was appointed as the Addiction Specialist of Bell County Juvenile Justice Center and works closely with the State Department.

There is hope. You can be Set Free from addiction if you are ready and willing. M.A. Camp Counseling would like to be a symbol of hope and source of education to the Bell County community. S.M.A.R.T. groups for adolescents and adults, Family Check-up Group Drug Awareness classes for parents and a Youth Coalition are a few of the available resources. M.A. Camp Counseling Services supports those struggling with addiction in their desire to stop using substances or food to cope with life stressors. The approach to recovery is tailored to the specific needs of the individual client. They offer a variety of substance abuse evaluations. They are SASSI certified, SBIRT certified, as well as a DOT-SAP provider.

You can help. Set Free: A Pathway for Change developed from Psalm 118:5: “In my anguish, I cried to the Lord and He answered by setting me free.” Set Free is the non-profit created to serve the community’s youth and their families. The purpose is to help those who are struggling with addiction and/or juvenile delinquency associated with addiction, regardless of their ability to pay. It focuses on youth and provides services for the youth community. Donations and group sponsorship are the very best way you can help.

Partnering with “Primed for Life”, a non-profit in Killeen, M.A. Camp Counseling works with agingout, transitioning youth to help those who have similar struggles as those MelanieAnn had. Set Free and M.A. Camp Counseling will provide the addiction services and mentorship programs for Set Free.

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65

512 DRAPER DRIVE | TEMPLE TX 76504 |

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

s whatiscommunity is allcommunity about. what is all about. is community what

is all about.

is what community is all about.

We’re proud to serve the friends

We’re proud We’re to serve the friends proud to serve the friends proud serve the friends and We’re families of toour community and families and of our community families of our community and families of our community with personal, compassionate care. with personal, compassionate care. We’re with personal, compassionate care. with personal, compassionate care. proud to serve the friends

and families of our community with personal, compassionate care.

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Cove 254-547-1275 COPPERAS COVE 254-547-1275 Killeen 254-634-2638 KILLEEN 254-634-2638 < Temple 254-773-3999 TEMPLE 254-773-3999

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66 Bell County Living

3/10/15 5:42 PM

3/10/15 5:42 PM

www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov

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Massages Skin Care Body Wraps Natural Nail Care Trendy Cuts 97% Naturally Derived Color • Couples Services

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H&W

Health and Wellness w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

In the Kitchen with

Dietitian Carey Stites

About Carey Stites MS, RD, LD, CPT

By Carey Stites Photos by Jenny Lloyd Photography

F

ebruary is Heart Health month, and what better way to incorporate good nutrition and great taste than with this healthy version of Spinach and Artichoke Dip! This recipe is not only easy to make, but loaded with nutrients and flavor, proving you do not have to compromise taste when cooking for your heart health.

68 Bell County Living

Carey Stites is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian working for Wellstone Health Partners in Harker Heights. Carey has been a practicing Dietitian since 2001 with experience in both outpatient and inpatient medical nutrition therapy and sports nutrition. She is also an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer. She has promoted health and wellness through presentations, classes and cooking demonstrations all over Texas.

Cardiovascular Benefits of the Recipe Components: Artichoke Hearts: A 2004 study by the US Department of Agriculture found that artichokes were one of the top vegetables in terms of total antioxidant levels.

They also contain vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Additionally, consuming artichokes has been correlated with reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels, calming inflammation in the body and improving blood flow. Artichokes are very high in fiber, which is crucial to help the body to rid itself of extra cholesterol,

Warm Spinach &

thus reducing the risk of heart disease.

Spinach: The vitamin C, beta-carotene, and other

Artichoke Cups

nutrients in spinach can work together to prevent

Ingredients:

For those who regularly consume spinach, heart health

• 12 wonton wrappers • 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry • 1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise with olive oil • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • ¼ cup finely chopped red

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 F. • Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.

• Place 1 wonton wrapper in each of the muffin pan cups.

• Bake for 5 minutes. Take muffin pan out of oven.

• Combine remaining ingredients.

• Spoon artichoke mixture into wonton cups.

• Bake 12-14 minutes or until filling is heating through and edges of wrappers are golden brown.

peppers • Cooking spray

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 artichoke cup, Calories: 60, Total Fat: 2.5 g, Sodium: 170 mg, Total Carbohydrate: 7 g, Fiber: 2 g, Protein: 3 g

cholesterol from building up in the blood vessel walls.

The nutrient components of spinach work to lower blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. can improve.

Red Peppers:

Red peppers are a good choice for heart

health as they are full of lycopene, which is not found in green peppers. They are also a source of cholesterollowering soluble fiber and powerful antioxidant vitamins A and C, which are good for heart health. Red bell peppers also contain various plant compounds associated with health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Garlic: According to The Journal of Nutrition, studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol, inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces blood pressure, and increases antioxidant status. Although garlic appears to hold promise in reducing factors associated with cardiovascular disease, more in-depth and appropriate studies are required.

Olive Oil:

The main type of fat found in all kinds

of olive oil is monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs).

MUFAs are considered a healthy dietary fat and may help lower the risk of heart disease by improving related risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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HH

Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOLS St. Joseph’s Catholic School and St. Mary’s Catholic School continue to provide excellence in education

through creative learning, hands on experience, and

dedicated and hardworking staff. Here are some of the wonderful things that recently took place.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL & ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL St. Joseph Catholic School students during the annual 9/11 Memorial Service.

Father Jonathan Raia, from the Diocese of Austin Vocations Office, visited the school and spoke to students about his life as a priest.

The 4th-6th grade students donated prayer blankets to Our Lady of The Angels Maternity Shelter located in Temple, TX.

Pep Rally

70 Bell County Living

Where dirt roads & diamonds meet!

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Waco Office 3425 Hillcrest Drive 866-753-0908 Hometown Living At Its Best

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Health and Wellness w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

A JOURNE Y OF

Hope and Healing

By Karen Oakly with Elite Therapy Center Photos by Jenny Lloyd Photography and provided by Elite Therapy Center

W

ebster’s Dictionary defines the word journey as both a noun and verb. (Noun) The act of traveling from one place to another; a trip. (Verb) To travel over or through.

Kari McKown, Heather Field and Lauri Cole, co-owners and directors of Elite Therapy Center, were each called over a decade ago to serve children and families through physical, occupational and speech therapies. Co-owner and

72 Bell County Living

occupational therapist, Kari McKown, MOT, OTR, and speech pathologists, Lauri Cole, M.S., CCCSLP, and Heather Field, M.S., CCC-SLP, have a long history of treating children with disabilities, intellectual challenges and behavioral disorders.

Together as professionals and friends, they decided it was time to take a stand in front, behind, and alongside families who needed healing. These three servant-leaders created Elite Therapy Center, founded on the principle of helping families on a

Owners of Elite Therapy: Heather R. Field, Lauri Cole and Kari McKown Hometown Living At Its Best

73

journey of hope and healing. Today they strive to serve the ever-growing need for pediatric therapy services in Central Texas.

Every family’s journey looks different. Kari, Heather, and Lauri work with physicians and patient’s caregivers to discover what type of journey they are on and how to best provide a therapy plan to navigate with strength, hope, support, and success.

Children who have disabilities, intellectual challenges, or behavioral issues travel a rigorous path requiring constant dedication, physical, and financial support.

Children served at Elite Therapy Center often face challenges in everyday living, who many aren’t aware, take concentrated effort. Tasks such as getting in and out of a wheelchair and vehicle, everyday hygiene, attending school, speaking and listening, and functioning in social settings can be regular areas of challenge for some children, teens, and young adults. The Elite Therapy Center team serves to build relationships and bridge opportunities to afford the best quality care.

74 Bell County Living

Kari McKown shared, “As owners, our friendship has spanned a decade built upon a passion for watching children with special needs succeed beyond what others thought possible. During the journey of founding Elite Therapy Center, I have also made lasting relationships with many patients who I have treated from birth through teenage years. One of my greatest joys is watching these kids participate in extracurricular activities like sports and school organizations and succeed despite their limitations.” Kari, Heather, and Lauri lead a team of over 60 therapists and administrative staff in an adventurefilled journey caring for patients from diagnosis to discharge.

The leaders on this journey are also the servants.

From top to bottom, families will see these women leaders lead by example through genuine acts of service.

The journey of hope involves management, insurance specialists, administration, physicians and therapists all working cohesively in their areas of expertise but also unconditionally lending a hand to meet the unique needs

Hometown Living At Its Best

75

of their patients. When walking through Elite Therapy Centers, families will hear laughter, determination, challenges and triumphs in the hallways as therapists treat patients and visit with the parents about their progress. Hope exists in every corner and healing stems from the relationships planted in the beginning and becoming deeply rooted over time. Heather Field says, “Relationships matter with everyone, but it’s not only a ‘simple connection’ we work for. We strive for a quality bond along the entire journey.”

Who does their expertise influence? The impact of serving so many families and treating the myriad of conditions and disabilities is sculpted by dedicated effort, encouraging influence, and skilled expertise. Angela Miller is Grandmother and caregiver to Isabella, who is treated for all three disciplines at Elite Therapy Center in Temple, Texas. She shared, “On our journey, we see Bella’s life being furthered and expanded and she isn’t limited to a narrow path because of her syndrome. She is going to be able to go where she wants to go. Everything

76 Bell County Living

“Seeing these children reach their full potential is such a blessing and something we strive for every day.”

– Lauri Cole

Angela Miller and her granddaughter Isabella

is a possibility with her!” Lauri Cole added, “Seeing these children reach their full potential is such a blessing and something we strive for everyday.”

Every family, every patient, every therapist, physician or admin specialist is on a journey. Whether people are walking as parents, grandparents, or caretakers with children who have special needs or simply need more; we are called to serve them. We are given hope on our journey and live out the healing results. Elite Therapy Center is established to uphold a reputation of clinical excellence with a personal touch for every family we can.

Kari McKown shares, “Working with these families and kids inspires me and gives me strength because theirs is contagious!”

“Relationships matter with everyone, but it’s not only a ‘simple connection’ we work for. We strive for a quality bond along the entire journey.”

– Heather Field Hometown Living At Its Best

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Call us to schedule a tour today!

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Better health starts here.

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A luxurious community focused on wellness and independence.

We specialize in Short Stay Rehab and offer Extended Care.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world of smartphones and other technologies, the ability to access information from anywhere at any time has become an important part of daily life.

That is why we have created CreatingBetterHealth.com. This website includes a comprehensive library of articles relating to health and wellness, as well as healthy tips, recipes and other resources designed to help you create your best health. It is smartphone friendly, so whether you are at home or on the go, CreatingBetterHealth.com is always available.

254.831.6200

1555 POWELL AVE. BELTON, TX 76513

WWW.CREEKSIDETERRACEREHAB.COM

C R E AT I N G B E T T E R H E A LT H 78

Bell County Living

ACCEPTING MEDICARE, MEDICAID, INSURANCE, VA CONTRACT, AND PRIVATE PAY.

Business SECTION

BUSINESS ADVERTISERS Amy Bickel Photography……92 Automax………………………..90 Edward Jones - David A .

Torquato……………........…….91 Ex treme Systems….………….86 First Communit y Title……….86 Germania Insurance –

Larr y Weiss Agenc y..............86 Gold Financial………….……..87 Greater Central T X Federal

Credit Union…………...........…5 Hof fpauir Auto………………….1 Land Exchange Abstrac t

Title…………………........……..90 Michael R. Lackmeyer……….91 SWBC Mor tgage……………..87 T TD Bookkeeping……………90 United Way………………..…...91

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Business

w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

80 Bell County Living

Free Tax Service Brings Hope, Help to Struggling Families in Central Texas

By Jessa McClure | Photos by Candid Images Photography

W

hen Frank Angione and his wife walk into Rose Hall in downtown Temple, they are greeted by friendly faces who already know their names. And even though they have come there to file their taxes, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the typical nervous look of a couple about to delve into hours of combing over receipts and W2s.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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Instead, they are given the opportunity to drop off their paperwork and come back to finish signing everything at a time when it is convenient for two working people.

This free service is the United Way of Central Texas’ annual VITA Program that began nine years ago to help low-income families file their taxes without exorbitant costs, and to take advantage of anti-poverty tax credits.

Along with community partners like Helping Hands Ministry of Belton, the McLane School of Business at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Central Texas Housing Consortium, Temple College and Fort Hood United Way, UWCT strives to solve community problems by providing programs like these that give struggling families a helping hand.

Last year the UWCT VITA volunteers prepared 839 free tax returns for people in Central Texas, and brought in over $1 million in refunds to the local community.

82 Bell County Living

“When we first moved to Temple, we were using [another tax service] and they were charging us a lot of money,” Angione said. “But when a friend of mine recommended the United Way, we went down there and checked it out. It has saved us a tremendous amount of money.”

Angione and his wife have used the service for years, and said it became even more of a help when unexpected illness left them buried under medical bills.

Mary Beth Kauk, director of marketing and volunteerism with the United Way of Central Texas, said the VITA program was created to help people who are struggling to make ends meet, and can’t afford costly fees.

“Too often, hardworking families and individuals face difficult decisions,” Kauk said. “A stack of bills on the table could mean a choice between buying groceries and keeping the electricity on. When tax season comes around, [it should be] an opportunity for many to get ahead.”

This is part of the reason why the program is free. It ensures that 100 percent of the tax refund goes directly to the customer.

Last year the UWCT VITA volunteers prepared 839 free tax returns for people in Central Texas, and brought in over $1 million in refunds to the local community.

The free tax service has also helped hundreds of families receive thousands of dollars with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This tax credit is considered the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most effective pro-work, anti-poverty tool.

The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for lowerincome, working people that encourages and rewards work and gives these families a stronger possibility of financial stability.

In 2013, more than 900,000 Americans were lifted out of poverty through this tax credit. And research shows that the EITC affects families far beyond the time of payout. In fact, according to the UWCT, studies show that the tax credit improves child health and academic achievement, increases the likelihood of college attendance and improves prospects for higher earnings when those children become adults.

VITA program volunteers are IRS-certified and knowledgeable in helping families take advantage of this and other tax credits, so that they can make the most of Hometown Living At Its Best

83

their tax refund. They have been so helpful in the past that they brought in more than $400,000 in EITCs to Central Texans last year, and helped to secure the financial future of some of the area’s most-deserving families.

“EITCs can supplement a working, low-income individual or family by 20 to 30 percent, lifting more working families out of poverty,” Kauk said. “A single mother of two who makes $18,000 can be eligible for a child tax credit and the EITC. In this example, considering both of those tax credits, she would receive a tax return of about $5,000.”

And if for some reason a family doesn’t qualify for an EITC, which is dependent on a recipient’s income and number of children, VITA volunteers are there to help find other ways to assist customers in getting the most out of their return.

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BELL County Living

Being able to bring low-income households the funds they need is one of the reasons, Katie Johnson began volunteering with the program two years ago.

“I get such joy being able to bless [these] families and individuals in helping them with their taxes and making sure they get the best return they can,” Johnson said.

Her role in the program is to be the second set of eyes on each return. She looks over each tax return to make sure there are no mistakes and that the client is getting the greatest return possible.

Johnson said she believes that the program provides a vital service to the community.

“Without this service, many people would end up spending half their tax return in fees for other tax prep services, or worse, not file at all and get fined,” she said.

Angione, who has come to know many of those who

“I get such joy being able to bless [these] families and individuals in helping them with their taxes and making sure they get the best return they can.” – Katie Johnson work with the program, said the volunteers are part of the reason he returns year-after-year.

“Everyone down there is so wonderful,” he said. “They go above and beyond what they need to do. I’ve called this gentlemen down there, Daniel, many times. He even called me just to see how I was doing this year even before I came down, which I thought was really special.”

The Temple man said he highly recommends that other Central Texans take advantage of the program. In fact, he believes so strongly in the validity of the service that he would even offer to drive someone there if he thought it could help them.

To qualify for the free tax service, you have to make less than $50,000, be a person with disabilities, be a senior citizen, or be a limited English speaking taxpayer.

To schedule an appointment at one of the UWCT VITA sites, call (254) 778-8616. Locations include First Baptist Church of Belton, Helping Hands Ministry, Rose Hall, First Baptist Church of Temple, and the Fort Hood United Way. Hometown Living At Its Best

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LARRY WEISS INSURANCE AGENCY INC.

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254-554-5252 • www.weissinsuranceagency.com 86 Bell County Living

4613 S. 31st St. | Temple, TX 76502 |

254-773-7750

PLANT YOURSELF A NEW HOME THIS SPRING !

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TX Vet | VA | USDA Rural Development | FHA | Conventional | FNMA HOMESTYLE® RENOVATION | FHA 203(K) LOAN PROGRAMS © 2016 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and conditions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to

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Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

Hometown Living At Its Best

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F

or most consumers, buying a car is the second most expensive purchase they will make, assuming they buy a home at some point in their life. The two are really not much different considering you are making a long term investment that serves a legitimate need and helps to maintain your quality of life. They also have the potential to cost you a lot more money than necessary if you don’t get your financing done right! Too many people spend entirely too much on the initial purchase of their vehicle, financing fees, and interest when they can educate themselves on the process. Here are 6 tips to help you get the best price and the best financing on your next vehicle purchase.

88 Bell County Living

Get financing BEFORE you visit the dealer

The dealer’s main job is to sell you a car, not necessarily give you the best financing. Many dealers get paid an extra commission if they also finance the car, particularly on new cars when the manufacturer also has its own finance company.

Even on used cars, many finance companies pay the dealer a “hold back” if the dealer finances the car purchase through them. This hold back can be over $1,000 per car if the dealer sells the car at a high enough price and can negotiate a high enough interest rate. This can result in the dealer charging you more than he would

have if you already had financing somewhere else.

You may not have gotten the best rate you can get if you haven’t already spoken to another lender. Check with local lenders, including credit unions, which offer loans that are 1% to 2% lower on average than conventional banks.

A 0% interest rate may be costing you more money!

Getting a 0% interest rate sounds like a great deal, but many people don’t qualify for it and you might have to have to give up a substantial rebate in order to get it.

If you qualify for the 0% interest rate, you should also qualify for your credit union’s best interest rates which are typically less than 3.0% on a new car at today’s current rates. At these rates, taking a $5,000 rebate on your new car purchase with a 3% interest rate loan actually saves you more money than a 0% interest rate without the $5,000 rebate. Here’s an example:

New Car Price

$40,000.00

$40,000.00

Tax Rate

6.25%

6.25%

Interest Rate

0%

3%

Term

60 mo.

60 mo.

Rebate

forfeited ($0)

$5,000.00

$ Financed

$42,500

$42,500

Payment

$708/mo

$668/mo

From the above example, you can see that paying a 3% interest rate and taking the $5,000 factory rebate has a monthly payment of $668 while a 0% interest rate without the rebate costs you $708 per month. That’s a $40 difference every month for 60 months saving you $2,400.

That 0% interest rate doesn’t look nearly as good.

Find all possible discounts/ deductions in advance

Many automakers offer additional rebates for students, current and former military personnel, and even certain membership-based groups. These discounts can be combined with each other as well as with the cashback rebates. Check the automaker’s website for these incentives in their “current offers” section.

Also, your trade-in (if you have one) can save you additional taxes and contribute to your down payment if you have equity in your current vehicle. Your loan officer can help you with all of these calculations prior to getting to the dealership as well as give you a value on your tradein to ensure you get a reasonable offer for it when you go to the dealership.

Be aware of additional fees/services

Dealers typically offer extended warranties, Gap Insurance, and maintenance agreements that they can add to the purchase price of your vehicle. Also, some dealers may charge additional finance fees in order to process your loan. Any of these fees may be beneficial to you, but be sure you know what you can get from your lender as well. These same products are offered by most lenders and typically cost much less at the credit union than at the dealer for the exact same product.

If all of this seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Your neighborhood credit union is here to make sure we give you the best options and answer any questions you may have concerning your next vehicle purchase. We want you to save money, because we are successful when our members are successful.

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90 Bell County Living

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Education SECTION

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BELL County Living

AND THE WINNER ISâ&#x20AC;Ś

By T.C. McKeown | Photos taken by Randy Yandell with UMHB

N

ineteen years after starting the football program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Coach Pete Fredenburg and the 2016 Crusader team have finally come home with a national championship trophy.

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“Having the opportunity to build the program presents you with the opportunity to build the foundation.”

– Coach Pete Fredenburg

“Having the opportunity to build the program presents you with the opportunity to build the foundation,” Coach Fredenburg said.

“When I took the job at UMHB, it allowed me the opportunity to really quantify everything that I really believed in and the things that I think are important to building a program.”

And the one thing that Coach Fredenburg says he kept coming back to were the deep-seated relationships that football can foster.

“You can’t hardly see it, you can’t touch it but the chemistry that exists on a team — that’s the formula we used to build our program. We recruited guys that really have a passion for the game and really have the characteristics of guys that you like to be around and that you enjoy coaching.”

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So, on a cold December night in Salem, Virginia, a close-knit team of passionate Crusaders stormed the 44th Stagg Bowl to win the national championship with a 10-7 victory over Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

“The reality is that we stayed true to our beliefs, and then to have that materialize in a national championship is truly one of the most rewarding things,” Coach Fredenburg said.

The game itself was incredibly defense-heavy, and although neither team scored in the second half, it was a nail-biter for many fans.

“I was glued to the TV,” said Stuart Platt, a 2008 alumni who was watching the game at his house with his family. “Sharing this victory with my 3-year-old son as we danced around the living room was priceless.”

Perhaps what made this win most meaningful is just how many times the CRU (as fans affectionately refer to the team) have flirted with clinching the national championship title. In the football program’s nearly 20year history, the Crusaders have advanced to the playoffs a total of 15 times, and they’ve played another time at the Stagg Bowl (the national championship game for Division III football).

“Again, that’s what makes it so special is that I was watching, as a freshman, the last time we went to the Stagg Bowl. I remember I drove thirty minutes to go

watch it at a friend’s house who had [the game] on cable,” Platt said. “Losing that game was heartbreaking, but I always knew we would make it back.”

Jon Wallin, Sports Information Director for the university, has been on board nearly since the inception of the football program.

“I wasn’t here the first year we had a football team, but what impressed me so much is how quickly everything fell into place. Coach Fredenburg hit the ground running – I mean they didn’t even have a field house or proper uniforms, but he went out and he recruited players,” Wallin said. “It’s been incredible to see the evolution, and it’s been incredible to witness how our program has become successful and maintain consistency with that success.”

In addition to winning the national championship, the UMHB Crusaders also shattered both school records and American Southwest Conference records by closing out the season with a perfect season: 15 wins and zero losses. In fact, in the past 4 seasons, the UMHB football team has only ever lost four games. That’s mind-boggling, especially when you think of it from a player’s perspective: imagine if you were an athlete and had only ever experienced losing a game just a few times in your entire college football career.

“Man it all seems so surreal,” said #28 senior linebacker Matt Cody, “but this wasn’t done in one season and the UMHB [football] team of 2016 doesn’t get all the Hometown Living At Its Best

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credit. This all started in ’98 with the original class — the guys who created the Code that we protect and to all the other men that came before us.”

The code that Cody talks about is that the players strive to be unselfish, passionate, physical, relentless, and prepared.

“Of course it’s amazing [to be on the national championship team] but what’s better is being a part of something bigger and that is this family of brothers that last a lifetime,” Cody said.

At the end of the year, Coach Fredenburg was awarded the American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division III National Coach of The Year.

“It’s a wonderful honor but there are so many students that have come through this program and helped established the kind of tradition that allows us to set standards like winning a national championship and that’s who shares in this honor,” Coach Fredenburg said.

“We believe that our program is more controlled by the players than the coaches. They have bought into what it takes to be a great program: the work ethic, the sacrifice, the dedication. They are the ones that monitor and set our expectations.”

The student athletes additionally won a host of awards this year including quarterback, Blake Jackson, being named Most Outstanding Player following the Stagg

In addition to winning the national championship, the UMHB Crusaders also shattered both school records and American Southwest Conference records by closing out the season with a perfect season: 15 wins and zero losses.

Bowl; tight end Zane Boles winning the Elite 90 Award earlier in the season; and defensive back, Baylor Mullins, being named to American Southwest Conference Fall Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams.

“Playing for UMHB is an honor. Not every kid gets the privilege to play here. So to put on this uniform, play in a stadium like we have, with the best fans ever cheering you on and being ranked #1 in the nation is something special. I’ve loved every minute of it,” said #32 senior defensive back Baylor Mullins. “Playing for Coach Fredenburg has been amazing; he is a great coach, but an even better man.”

In February, the university hosted a special celebration for the football team where visitors had the opportunity to meet the coaches and athletes, get autographs, and take photos.

“I got there about twenty minutes early and the lobby was already packed with people waiting for the doors to open — and about the time we were wrapping up, we still had probably fifty people in line wanting to get autographs and take pictures,” Wallin said. “To see the way the community has rallied around this program to show their support is incredible.”

As for the future of the football program, Coach Fredenburg says that his team is already gearing up for next year to win the national championship title again; and specifically, for future of Coach Fredenburg, he says: “It’s been an incredible joy for me and my family to be a part of this program and Mary Hardin-Baylor and I plan on being here as long as it keeps on being fun. When it becomes just a job I guess I’ll quit then.”

But after this kind of season, it’s hard to imagine that being anytime soon.

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EDU

Education

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ST. MARY’S

Robotics Class “The fact that these children get engaged and are learning at the same time is a teacher’s dream.”

By Connie Lewis Leonard Photos by Ortiz Photography

R

obotics is an exciting way to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges. Using creativity and problem solving skills, students design, build and program robots using the Lego Mindstorm kits. Working in teams of three, students fulfill roles of Manager, Builder and Programmer. The Manager ensures the requirements for the project are being met. The Programmer makes sure the robot does what it is intended to do. The Builder builds the robot to the specifications that are given. If a team has only two members, the Manager/Programmer does both jobs of overseeing and programming the project.

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Robotics classes and competitions are a popular trend around the state, and other schools in the Diocese of Austin have robotics programs. Mrs. Theresa Wyles, the principal of St. Mary’s, submitted a grant last school year for a new elective—Robotics class. Upon receipt of the grant, Jennifer Hassell met with St. Gabriel’s in Austin to see how they ran their program. The Lego EV3 Mindstorms kit is the ticket for a new program due to their provided curriculum and user friendliness.

A teacher who knows how to manipulate programs, play with Legos, and is experienced in technology and computers is ideal for a successful course.

Ms. Hassell says, “The first semester I had only 7th and 8th graders with a total of 23 students. This semester we opened it to the 6th graders and now have a total of 16 students. This semester we also opened up a Robotics II class that was strictly for 8th graders to give them a taste of the Lego League competitions that we are going to get into next year, and there are 5 students in that class.”

“The ideas that the children have are amazing. I love watching them talk me through what might have gone wrong and how they can solve the problem.”

Ms. Hassell was active duty Navy for 15 years.

Honorably discharged, she earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching in 2014. She has a Bachelor’s in Business Management and did the Alternative Certification Program through the State of Texas and UMHB. She has been teaching and subbing since 2012. She was hired at St. Mary’s Catholic School last school year as a substitute and fell in love.

“The curriculum, staff, and children make this a fantastic workplace. I love the fact I can teach students to problem solve and think outside the box,” says Hassell.

The beginning Robotics class is about getting the idea 104 Bell County Living

of how to program and build per instructions. By the end of the class, the students get to create from scratch.

When the students come to her about why the program is not working, she asks them about their wiring and programming and gets them to look at changes they can make to be successful. “The ideas that the children have are amazing. I love watching them talk me through what might have gone wrong and how they can solve the problem,” she says.

During the first semester this year in-class competitions were held to determine who could finish first and who could be the most creative when it came to the final projects. This second semester, the Robotics II class held more serious competition involved in a past Lego League competition of building a project that can go up the highest incline. The students get to be creative and have free reign over the building and programming of the project. They are then going to see who can have the biggest incline (max 90 degrees) for the project to go up.

The two teams have been building projects that the other team cannot see. Each team must develop their own ideas of how to get the robot up the 90 degree gradient. Next year, the students will be competing against other Lego Leagues throughout the state. The Lego Leagues are based on area, not necessarily districts.

Past Lego League competition themes include topics from outer space to neighborhood issues. The first international competition in 1999, titled “First Contact” focused on saving astronauts stranded in space. Inspired

by Mars Rover Mission, “Mission Mars” required robots to solve problems such as removing rocks from “solar panels” to gathering soil and rock samples. Some themes deal with limited resources, storms and earthquakes, improving the quality of life for seniors and the disabled, alternative energy, managing and recycling our trash, transportation and biomedical engineering utilizing robotics.

The teacher smiles as she talks about her students,

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“When I was in robotics, I loved to build with the Legos, trying to out build my teammates.”

—Trent Lockhart, 7th Grade “It is amazing to watch children use their minds to create projects with simple information. At one time I had students program a project that would go straight for 5 seconds, turn a 90 degree angle and go straight for another 5 seconds. That was the minimum. The students came up with Mars Rover look a likes, puppies, and then added a dance move or voice/music. They loved being in control and getting to create their own idea.” Trent Lockhart, a seventh grader at St. Mary’s says, “When I was in robotics, I loved to build with the Legos, trying to out build my teammates.” The fact that these children get engaged and are learning at the same time is a teacher’s dream. By the end of the class the kids want to know when they are going to make the robots fly, or swim, or what else they can get them to do!”

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BELL County Living

L ov e t h roug h t h e Ag e s

Young Love

By Sally Grace Holtgrieve Photos by Jenny Lloyd Photography and provided by Lacey Turner

L

acey Turner and Patrick Bergman started chatting and getting to know each other at a football game eight years ago and haven’t stopped since.

Turner, now 30, was in her senior year at the University of Texas. Her dad, an avid football fan, would come down for the games and often bring a sibling along.

Bergman, now 33 and a fireman, was part of a volunteer group that worked EMS at the football games.

The volunteers were stationed throughout the crowd to answer calls, and his station was by Turner’s seats.

“He probably talked to my dad more than he did me at the beginning,” Turner said with a laugh.

Bergman talked to Turner and her family about the game, their interests and lives.

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“It became a joke toward the end of the season,” Turner said. “Everyone would say to me, ‘look, he’s here again.’ We sat by the entrance, and even the lady who checked the tickets at the door was asking about it and egging him on to ask me out.”

At one of the final games, Bergman asked Turner for her number, which is what she had been hoping for.

“I’m a shy guy,” Bergman said. “For me to come out and ask for that… wow.”

They had a dinner date, but Turner was busy with her schoolwork during the day and her job as a security guard at a residence hall occupied her time during the evenings, so fitting in frequent dates was tough. She watched the front desk and walked the floors, and the job’s flexibility allowed for Bergman to visit while she worked.

They’d hang out, get to know each other, and Bergman would accompany Turner whenever she’d need to patrol the dark parking garage, much to her delight.

Christmas came around and Turner brought Bergman home for the holiday.

“At this point everyone in my family had met him except for my mom, who didn’t go to the games” Turner said. “She really liked him. She liked that he was already independent and had a career. He had his life together.”

114 Bell County Living

Turner spent the following spring semester at an internship in Livingston and the couple continued their relationship via long distance. They’d Skype and meet in College Station when their schedules allowed.

Turner’s internship involved working with high school kids and she discovered she had a knack for teaching math. She liked the rewarding feeling of helping students work out problems, decided that’s what she needed to be doing full time and went on to get her teaching certificate and Master’s Degree in Education.

Bergman was already working for the Killeen Fire Department at the time. Turner decided to spend the summer of 2011 with him while she worked on her certificate and babysat.

“I came for the summer and I never left,” Turner said.

“Every time I’d go home, I’d bring more stuff back (to Bell County) with me.”

They’ve been living together ever since, which has been, and often still is, a learning process, the couple said. Turner is now a math teacher at Academy High School.

As they established a life together, Bergman and Turner said they never felt rushed to get married.

“It’ll happen when it happens,” Bergman said of his outlook.

“We lived in the same house and shared money as equally as we could,” Turner added. “There wasn’t much that was going to change at that point.”

But then something did change.

In March of 2016, Bergman was diagnosed with brain cancer.

“That opened my eyes and I realized, ‘hey, might want to do something now, while I’m still here,’” he said.

“One of the doctors said ‘if you’re going to do something you might want to do it soon, because you have a couple of months that are for sure left.’ I had months and months of treatment to think about it.”

Bergman is currently on an experimental drug trial and the couple is waiting to see if that will help him, but he said his future is still unknown.

He proposed to Turner in November.

Turner’s family lost a box of valuables in a big move, and as a result she never had any baby photos. A friend thought it would be fun to do a “cake smash” photo shoot.

Bergman and the friend thought it would be extra fun to hide a ring in the cake, so they drove to Austin the night before the shoot, purchased a ring and dropped it off at the bakery.

The next morning Turner went with Bergman to a neurology scan. He’d had two brain surgeries in March and underwent radiation and chemotherapy until midsummer, when the cancer was deemed gone.

At the appointment that morning, the doctor told Bergman the cancer was back.

In March of 2016, Bergman was diagnosed with brain cancer.

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Turner immediately texted her friend and told her she couldn’t do the photo shoot, but Bergman said he wanted something good and happy that day, and that they should still do it, so they did.

When Turner realized something was in the cake, Bergman got down on one knee.

“I said, ‘let me see what that is,’” he said. “Then I said my spiel and asked her.”

The couple hasn’t decided on a date yet, but between firefighting, teaching and Bergman’s treatment schedule, they think summer will be best.

“We have a little bit in mind of what we want for the wedding,” Turner said. “No giant craziness, something small and here in Bell County.”

A lot of people already see Turner and Bergman as married, Turner said.

“Our friends see us as that,” she said. “I think it will still have a different feeling, so will being able to celebrate it. With everything going on… being engaged is not about trying to hurry up and get married and check that off – I’ve never felt that way – but it’s almost like the missing piece. The married part completes it and is this last piece saying ‘I really see that we support each other.’ Not that we didn’t prior to marriage, but it connects it all together.”

Bergman agreed that love involves support.

“I think the word love gets used a lot,” he said.

“It’s used in different phrases at different times, but to experience and see it is neat.”

Turner said the foundation of love is support, which has been tested for them this past year.

“We had no true ties when this all went down,” she said. “Either one of us could have said this isn’t what we want anymore. But to be able to fight through it all, work through it all, and to go from this extreme that we went through in March finding out about the cancer to where we are now – it’s only gotten stronger.”

“I think the word love gets used a

lot,” he said. “It’s used in different phrases at different times, but to experience and see it is neat.”

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H&G

Home and Garden

Bird Creek Roofing Owner Nate Navarro and his team Photo by Amy Bickel Photography

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Bird Creek Roofing Gives Back

BY REBECCA PARVARESH

F

or Nate Navarro and his crew at Bird Creek Roofing in Belton, Texas, reaching out a helping hand into the community is as pinnacle to their business as making a sale to a new customer. The two pieces go together to accomplish their mission of “Helping Texas Homeowners.”

“We felt it was a simple fit to work with Habitat for Humanity and liked what they were doing,” Navarro said. “When we approached them they were excited about it and we were excited to help out. I always tell our team, no one likes salespeople,

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so we veer away from approaching our business like a sales business and approach it by trying to help as many people as we can. We don’t just do work with Habitat, on the day Habitat for Humanity celebrates with the new family, they do a ribbon cutting and we will bring food and try to meet the people. We want to get to know them during the process.”

Bird Creek Roofing commits 3 free roofs a year to homes being built by the Habitat for Humanity.

They have worked with the Georgetown and

Fort Hood Divisions of Habitat for Humanity over the last 4 years and plan to continue connecting with the community in this way in the future.

“We admired the work Habitat did, saw they had need, and decided to do something about,” Navarro explained. “It is a great fit for our company. I would encourage everybody to serve their community in some way, for their own benefit (it will make you happy) and for the benefit of their neighbors and community. Giving is fun, and gives us much more meaning than simply existing to be profitable. It seems at times that most of us get caught up with the busyness of life, pursuit of money, and pursuit of pleasure. In fact, a popular idea in our culture is that pleasure is what brings happiness. I believe that what we all really crave is meaning, and because we are not very good at finding it, we settle for pleasure.

Being a giver is a great first step towards finding a life that has meaning.”

After years of working with non-profits in Austin, TX, Navarro knew that his roofing company would be set up from the beginning to stand apart by being missionbased. “Our goal is always to be a helper, a guide, and a trusted consultant for our customers. If we do our job right, the customer is happy, their home is restored, and we might have even gained a friend in the process.”

In the business model that Navarro intended, everybody wins from the homeowner to the roofing company that gets the opportunity to help out a fellow Texan in need of a sturdy, effective roof over their heads at night. Working together with Habitat for Humanity is merely an extension of taking that “everybody wins” mentality a step further in the community. “At Bird Creek Roofing our mission is ‘Helping Texas Homeowners.’ We believe that healthy businesses (and healthy people) should make an impact on the communities they serve, both by being good at what they do, and by lending a helping hand to those in need.”

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Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

FOOD WINE & BREW FEST With plenty of food, wine and brew, Harker Heights

Chamber of Commerce once again hosted an amazing event this past fall. The turnout was fantastic and

everyone enjoyed the live entertainment along with the many artists, breweries, food vendors, and more. We

canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food, Wine & Brew Festival set for September 9th!

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126 Bell County Living

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

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Building New Homes in Bell County since 1987 facebook.com/jubileehomestexas

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Texasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; You ng est H istoric Hom e

a National Treasure

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BELL County Living

THE WILSON HOUSE WAS THE FIRST 20TH CENTURY COMMON STRUCTURE LESS THAN 50 YEARS OLD TO HAVE EVER BEEN NOMINATED FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS RECOGNITION.

BY P E G GY P U R S E R F R E E M A N PHOTOS BY AMY BICKEL PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED BY WILSON ART

I

n a sleepy neighborhood in Temple, Texas, the youngest entry on the National Registry of Historic Places sprawls across a large lawn. When searching out this jewel, you will want to rethink your concept of “historic.” As you drive through the homes dating back to the 1950s, don’t look for stately turrets or gabled roofs.

There are no Roman columns or ornate gingerbread design. The Ralph Sr. & Sunny Wilson House Museum in Temple, Texas, the youngest home to receive this highly esteemed honor is a ranchstyle, single-family home. It’s easy to drive past the Wilson House – however, one glance inside and you will understand its historic value.

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In July 1998, the Texas Historical Commission awarded the Wilson House its National Landmark status, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant architectural structure. The Wilson House was the first 20th Century common structure less than 50 years old to have ever been nominated for this prestigious recognition.

As guests enter the Wilson House, they’re transported back into time. Bright orange, aqua blue, sunshine yellow, and olive green reflect off chrome and steel. The three-bedroom house opens to a living room, decorated with mid-20th Century modern furnishings. Geometric patterns of custom laminates in every color grace the walls like a giant ‘50s and ‘60s color wheel. These original laminates are used extensively throughout the house on kitchen counter-tops, cabinets, laundry room and bathrooms. Most laminates seen in the Wilson House were preserved from 1959 when Ralph Wilson built the home.

Known for revolutionizing America’s homes in the post-war years of the ’50s, and building a company that created High Pressure Laminate, Wilson pioneered the laminate industry. He first used it on school desks. In the 1950s, laminate was valued for its durability and decorative qualities. After selling his California company, 130 Bell County Living

As guests enter the Wilson House, they’re transported back into time.

New York design historian Grace Jeffers, a pioneer in plastics conservation and historic preservation, became interested in the Wilson House years later. She explained in interviews that one of her most outstanding achievements is her restoration of the Wilson House and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of Jeffers’ love for the Wilson House, her dedication, and drive to save it, the home was awarded National Landmark status as a significant architectural structure by the Texas Historical Commission in 1998 and earned the National Merit Award for Historic Preservation in 1999. Jeffers grew up in the laminate business. As a design historian, Jeffers wrote her Master’s paper on laminate. She shared her excitement in an interview: “I’ll never forget the moment I walked in the house. I was so shocked. The cabinetry and architectural details I was seeing right in front of me predated all of my research by five years. The use of laminate was innovative. People

Wilson began his search for the perfect fishing hole. He was soon lured back into the plastics field by friends needing his expertise. Because of contractual agreements from the sale of his California company, he moved to Texas to start over. He founded Wilsonart and quickly dominated the world’s laminate market.

By the time he designed and built his house, the company was looking for creative new ways to use laminate in the home. Built as his private residence, it also served as a model home for the company and a living lab where he tested the quality and durability of the products he manufactured. Designed as a hybrid ranch style, the Ralph Sr. and Sunny Wilson House features open interiors that wrap around a glass-framed back patio. The interior design of the Wilson House drew national attention because it features extensive use of decorative laminates in innovative applications, most of which had never before been seen in interior design until this time. The Wilson House was his home from 1959 until his death in 1972.

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“The Wilson House conveys to everyone that Ralph was ahead of his time and always looked to the future.” – Diane Zaremba

132 Bell County Living

would comment that ‘it didn’t feel plasticy. It feels happy.’

And it’s true, it’s like there’s a perpetual happiness here.

The brightness and quality of the colors have maintained over the years.”

Jeffers asked the Wilsonart to help her save the home, and then she worked to nominate the Wilson House as a place of historic value. “The use of laminate has exploded to every surface,” she explained. “This is the only house on the National Registry that was included because of its use of material in interior design. The kitchen countertops show a process where the laminate is bent and wrapped to form continuous curves from the top to the side edge of the counter laminate-clad built-in cabinetry in the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms—even in the shower.

The house also boasts some of the earliest undermount sinks in laminate tops – considered an innovation even today. While these types of installations are commonplace now, they were virtually unheard of in the late 1950s.”

Wilsonart purchased the home from Ralph Wilson’s widow in 1997 and restored it to its original 1959 appearance. All of the original laminate remains in excellent condition. While overly zealous remodeling done in most homes from this era destroyed much of its history of the modern design, Wilsonart has preserved probably the best example of early modern interior design. The Wilson House also showcases artifacts of the laminate industry as it has evolved over the decades and, even more important, it tells the story of this amazing, innovative man.

The home is a monument of great pride for people like Diana Zaremba, a thirty-five-year employee, who oversees the Wilson House. As Event Manager, she schedules and handles all tours for the house and maintains it as well.

The Wilson House has been a large part of her life for 35 years. She shared some of her favorite things about the house.

“The first time I saw the Wilson House was in 1985.”

Thinking back over the many tours and events, Ms. Zaremba recalled some of her favorite memories and quotes from people touring the Wilson House. “Ralph’s wife, Sunny, had hosted a luncheon for the ladies that worked at Wilsonart. I was amazed that Sunny lived in the house and had not updated the kitchen or bathrooms.

I’m so glad she left everything for all of us to enjoy. I

didn’t see it again until we purchased it and began work on restoring the house. Someone always has a story about the colors and designs they grew up with, saying, ‘This reminds me of my grandparents’/parents’ house.’”

Today, the house is open for tours Monday through Friday by appointment, and you need to make an appointment at least a week in advance. It is also used for corporate entertaining. The Wilson House is located at 1714 S. 61st Street, Temple, Texas. Call 254.207.7000 for more information about the tour. Visit Wilsonart for more information. When you’re there, ask Ms. Zaremba about her treasure trove of memories. She commented about having met Ralph Wilson. “The Wilson House conveys to everyone that Ralph was ahead of his time and always looked to the future.”

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WITH THE UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUILDER AND DESIGNER COUPLES ACHIEVE THE BALANCE THEY CRAVE!

Two year s ago it to , Jam life w es an ith th mod d Bro e ern f help oke C eel t o f onno A ever d hey c o r yday n. Ch r bui rave lt the lives e d r ished , and ir ho beca Follo a t he p me w ntiqu me a w th o e ith A p e lat part s we s of c rnold r est t o e o f lor th perfe the p rend Build at en ctly m lace s and ers a com they i x nd b area ed w pass now roug deve i t h their call h the ht lopm ome ent o . n

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Hometown Happenings w w w.BellCount yLiving.com

CTCS HAPPENINGS With the 2016-2017 school year well under way,

Central Texas Christian School has shown their “Lion

Pride” both in the classroom and out. Students of all

ages and across all grades have already participated

in numerous activities, some of which are highlighted below.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CTCS

Middle School Football

Senior Retreat

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Home and Garden w w w.BellCountyLiving.com

Your Home: In A Whole New Light

138 Bell County Living

By Laura Coats with Amos Electrical

A

s spring approaches, thoughts of spring cleaning and renovating seem to creep into the mind as well. We wash, scrub, declutter and reorganize, pleading with our homes to transform into a beautiful butterfly out of the ugly cocoon of winter. In the fray, we often overlook the simplest update - lighting. The way we see the world, including our homes, is greatly affected by the lighting in which we view it. By changing out a dated light fixture or replacing bulbs in an existing fixture, you can transform a room with minimal effort.

Take the dining room for example. It is the hub of socialization for many families, as we often gather in this area to dine and talk with friends and loved ones. The chandelier is at the center of the room and directly over the table.

An updated chandelier that complements your dĂŠcor and provides ample light in a warm tone subconsciously invites us into the area and tells our brains to wind down and enjoy. Meanwhile, the change also sets the room apart. It transforms into a whole new space by simply changing the centerpiece.

The quality of light we use in our homes must also not to be forgotten. Changing a fluorescent or incandescent light source to an LED light not only reduces your consumption, it also improves the quality of lighting. Using higher CRI, or color rendering index, makes wall paint look fresh and accent pieces look new again. It also reduces the amount of UV our eyes endure, and the risk

of mercury exposure is eliminated, making the change a healthy one as well.

As you seek to update your home, do not leave out this key element of design. Lighting can be one of the least expensive and most impacting changes you make this spring. Making a few small changes in fixtures, bulbs, or both, will help you see your home in a whole new light!

Using higher CRI, or color rendering index, makes wall paint look fresh and accent pieces look new again. It also reduces the amount of UV our eyes endure, and the risk of mercury exposure is eliminated, making the change a healthy one as well.

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Index of Advertisers Adorn...................................................................... 134 – 135 Amos Electrical.................................................................. 2 Amy Bickel Photography.............................................92 Arnold Builders................................................... 134 - 135 Automax............................................................................ 90 Bell County Museum.......................................................31 Belton Feed & Supply................................................... 45 Bo’s Barn and Dancehall...............................................41 Bradfield Properties...........................................124 - 125 Candid Images Photography.....................................101 Central Texas Christian School.................................108 Cinderella Couture Bridals.......................................... 118 Cloud Real Estate.......................................................... 136 Cochran Blair & Potts.....................................................19 Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home.............................. 66 Creekside Terrace Rehabilitation..............................78 Deane Electric & Air Conditioning..........................144 Don Ringler Autos......................................................... 45 Eco Blu Spa & Salon.......................................................67 Edward Jones/ David A. Torquato............................91 Elite Therapy Center......................................................67 Extreme Systems........................................................... 86 First Baptist Belton.........................................................19 First Community Title Co............................................ 86 Ft. Hood Marketing & Advertising........................... 30 Germania Insurance – Larry Weiss Agency.......... 86 Gold Financial Services.................................................87 Grand Avenue Theaters............................................... 30 Greater Central TX Federal Credit Union................. 5 Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce..................18 Heights Home Health.....................................................71 Heights Lumber & Supply..........................................140 Helping the Hands that Feed the Homeless..........31 Hewett-Arney Funeral Home......................................78 Hidden Falls Nursery & Garden Center................. 142 Hoffpauir Auto.................................................................... 1 Holy Trinity Catholic School..................................... 100 Hope Pregnancy Centers, Inc.....................................58 Inn at Salado....................................................................... 3 Jenny Lloyd Photography............................................23 J. Philip Davis Jr. DDS.....................................................71 Jubilee Homes................................................................ 127

Kaitie Marie Photography........................................... 141 Kay’s Photography & Design..................................... 45 Killeen Chamber of Commerce.................................... 8 Killeen Civic & Conference Center Convention & Visitors Bureau................................... 119 Land Exchange Abstract Title................................... 90 La Rio Mansion..............................................Inside Front Lily’s Cakees........................................................................ 3 Linnemann Realty.......................................................... 141 Mary Kay Bre’Layshia (Bre) Hodges....................... 119 Metroplex Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine........................................................ 9 Metroplex Health System.............................................78 Michael R. Lackmeyer, Attorney.................................91 Ocean Quest Pools........................................................... 7 Ortiz Photography......................................................... 40 Oscar Store.........................................................................41 Premier ER.........................................................................59 Rodney Dunn Real Estate Brook Fowler.....................................Inside Back Cover ROJO Salon & Boutique................................................71 Senior Care Western Hills........................................... 66 Seton Medical Center Harker Heights...Back Cover Shiloh Inn...........................................................................110 Smile Doctors................................................................... 10 St. Joseph Catholic School....................................... 100 St. Mary’s Catholic School........................................ 100 Stoney Brook....................................................................78 Surface Source Design Center................................. 127 SWBC Mortgage..............................................................87 Target Restoration........................................................140 Texas A&M University Central Texas.......................101 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance................................... 142 The Blind & Shutter Gallery....................................... 142 The Salon & Spa at Greenbriar................................... 111 Total Wellness TX........................................................... 119 TTD Bookkeeping Svc. Inc.......................................... 90 United Way of Central Texas........................................91 YOUphoria Day Spa & Salon...................................... 119 Your Travel Agent.......................................................... 118 Yvonne Overstreet Photography............................120

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