Homefront (July 2015)

A Fort Hood Herald publication | June 24, 2015

It’s moving season P4 | Stick holds memories P8 | More stores on post P10

| Homefront

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ Inside this issue ] Letters from the Homefront: It’s military moving season

Page 4

Financial Fitness: Preparing your kitchen for a move

Page 5

Financial Fitness: 4 tips to tackle college during a deployment

Page 6

Financial Fitness: What’s a fixed annuity and do I need one?

Page 7

On the Homefront: Walking stick showcases memories

Page 8

In the Classroom: Educators learn more about Fort Hood

Page 9

On the Homefront: More stores coming to Fort Hood PX

Page 10

What’s Happening: Upcoming area events

Page 12

On the Tube: “Ballers” aims to be winning sports-themed show

Page 13

Dining In: Time for turkey burgers

Page 14

Dining In: Festive pie for Fourth of July

Page 15

Vol. 8, Issue 6 | June 24, 2015 Homefront is a Fort Hood Herald publication.

Contact Us Editor: Jacob Brooks | jbrooks@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7468 Reporter: JC Jones | jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464 Photographer: Eric J. Shelton | 254-501-7460 Designer: M. Clare Haefner | chaefner@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7551 On the cover: Andrew Sanders, left, and Warren Sanders hold handmade walking sticks Friday at Central Texas College. Photo by Eric J. Shelton.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Homefront |

| Homefront

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

New neighbors: Summer brings return of military moving season ’

T

is the season of the moving trucks.

I’ve said this to my boys each summer for years, when military families are seen moving in and out of their homes.

Moving trucks pull up to houses, boxes and furniture are loaded onto the trucks, and then the trucks pull away.

Usually a few weeks later, more moving trucks show up, boxes and furniture are offloaded and placed into the houses, and the empty trucks pull away.

With this season we see our friends move away from our neighborhoods, only to be replaced with people who will soon be our new friends.

I remember the first military move I experienced, when forced to say goodbye to a friend. In 1990, I first hit the ground in the Fort Bragg, N.C., area, and spouses from my fiancée’s unit immediately took me in as part of their unit family.

His company commander’s wife let me borrow her wedding gown for our

Letters from the Homefront Karin Markert

wedding, a gorgeous piece I could have never afforded on my own.

As she was pulling out of her driveway a year later, on to their new posting, I became a sobbing mess of tears. Another friend wrapped her arm around me and explained, “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to saying goodbye.”

Years later, I had to teach this lesson to my sons. The first time we were at Fort Hood, they became close friends with two boys who lived on our street.

After their friends moved away, my boys wandered the house for weeks looking like lost puppies. They would walk past their friends’ old house on their way to school, talking about what they might be doing at their new post.

They didn’t make great friends with any other children until we moved to our next posting.

Each time we move, we are forced to uproot, move and then plant our roots down into new soil. We have to find new friends. Having lived at 15 addresses during my 24 years of marriage, I know this can be a difficult and tiring process.

Eight out of ten houses on our current street will turn over during this moving season. We will soon have eight sets of new neighbors. I’m already planning a small housewarming gift for each new resident with our contact information attached, as a gesture of friendship. Whether this is the new neighbor’s first time at Fort Hood or their fifth, hopefully this will help with

their transition to the area.

I’m hoping to reach out and make more new friends for myself. My boys are wondering if the families will include children the same ages as themselves.

We will chat with our new neighbors in our common area, walk our dogs together, visit with one another and chat about military friends we have in common. It will take time to meet the new neighbors and get to know them, but we will try to do so, just as we have at other posts.

It’s not easy going through this year after year, but it’s necessary. I will have to remind myself of this as I keep saying goodbye to my special friends, as they will be missed very much.

I’ll be thinking of them as they move, hoping their next neighborhood is warm and welcoming, and that they meet new friends, too.

Karin Market is freelance photographer, military spouse and a Herald correspondent.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ Financial Fitness ]

Homefront |

Get packing: Preparing your kitchen for a move

By Briana Hartzell Courtesy of USAA

There is potential for my family to move in early fall and even if we don’t, I am going to try to spend this summer tackling one room per month to ensure it is “move ready.” Confession: There are items still in boxes from when we moved here. I clearly can get rid of some things! Here is my plan to tackle my least favorite room to prepare for a move: the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the hardest rooms to get move-ready because it takes advance planning. You cannot use up all of your frozen pizzas and chicken breasts if you wait until the week of the move to start thinking about it. Here is my plan:

1-3 months prior

Begin to use your pantry staples.

Moving perishable goods is a gamble, especially in warmer climates. You can never be sure your canned goods weren’t sitting in a hot truck some-

where; why take a chance when you can use up what you have?

Inventory your freezer. If something has been in there for over a year, toss it. For the rest of the items, make a list and post it to the front of the refrigerator. That way, when you are planning meals, you can quickly asses the food you already have and plan accordingly.

All of those frozen vegetables are perfect for a frittata or stir fry.

Throw away everything that has expired (in my case, the cardamom I used for one dish and have had for who knows how many years).

Make a donation pile. This is the time to be brutally honest. If you have not used that mini donut maker or panini grill, give it away. Those are also great objects for a garage sale. You will be thankful not to bring along items you never use to your new house.

Pantry goods that have not expired and you know you will not use (like canned and unopened boxed goods) can be donated to your local food shelter.

Week of the move

Organize drawers (the drawer organizing trays are the best for moves).

Bag anything that could make a mess if the container was damaged, torn, ripped or squished. I bought a couple dozen gallon zip-top plastic bags to hold my spices, flour, sugars, bread crumbs, baking supplies, etc. It is better to be safe than sorry, and you can always reuse those plastic bags when you reach your new location.

Take detailed photos of the appliances you are going to move. Having proof of their “pre-move” condition and details about the make, model and serial numbers will be helpful in case they are damaged or lost in the move.

ample, wrap packing tape around your silverware divider to keep the utensils in place, then pop that into a zip-top bag labeled silverware so that when you arrive in your new home, no extra work needed — unwrap it and place it in a new drawer. I do the same for other utensil drawers, measuring cups, spatulas, tongs and grilling tools.

Put aside paper plates, plastic utensils, an all-purpose cooking pot, water bottles, appliances such as the coffee maker (optional, but this makes me less grouchy during the moving process), dishtowel, sponge, dish soap, hand soap and various all-purpose cleaners (to clean up after everything in the kitchen is all packed).

Day before

Day of

Place the contents of each drawer in a zip-top gallon bag; that way, when you unpack a box there won’t be miscellaneous kitchen pieces floating around in it. To be even more organized, label the bags by drawer and contents. For ex-

Anything left in your refrigerator or freezer can be given to the packers or friends you are saying goodbye to.

Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, blogger and mother to a toddler, who writes about military life at beingbriana.com.

| Homefront

[ Financial Fitness ]

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

4 tips to tackle college during a deployment

By Angela Caban Courtesy of USAA

Many military spouses consider the idea of going back to school during a deployment. I was motivated to complete something during my husband’s last 15month deployment. Call it my mission, if you may.

When I decided to tackle this big challenge, I didn’t think it would be possible. I was working full time and had an active 2-year-old running around. I ended up not only finishing — I was on the Dean’s list all of my semesters.

When I would think about trying to fit school and homework into my already overly stretched schedule, it would make me want to run to the nearest exit! The large number of military spouses who tackle this challenge every day and actually survive to graduate has been a great source of encouragement to me on days when I just didn’t think I’d make it to the end.

If you are in that spot and looking for some helpful advice, I’ve got some insight to share.

Here are four tips that helped me survive both college and graduate school during a deployment.

Money: Research financial aid and scholarships

My biggest obstacle for going back to school was money. When you are 18 years old and living at home with your parents, you don’t really tend to think about everything that needs to be paid on a day-to-day basis.

Working full time and having so many grown-up expenses really did scare me into thinking I would never be able to afford going back to school. Fortunately, with the help of financial assistance, grants, scholarships and payment plans, going back to school is possible for nontraditional students. I suggest you do some research on financial aid for military spouses.

Depending on the program you choose, there are various options out there. Don’t let the money factor scare you into not pursuing your goals.

When I would think about trying to fit school and homework into my already overly stretched schedule, it would make me want to run to the nearest exit! The large number of military spouses who tackle this challenge every day and actually survive to graduate has been a great source of encouragement to me on days when I just didn’t think I’d make it to the end.

The Military Spouse Education Initiative Facebook page features links to available scholarships and programs that can assist spouses with their education.

Time: Pursue flexible online learning

I have always been one to manage time rather well.

This time in my life I had to figure out how to fit a busy school schedule in with work, raising children and having a deployed husband.

Cue, online learning! Having the ability to go to school online ensures the nontraditional student has the time, flexibility and portability needed in our already busy lives. If you think you don’t have the

time for a traditional school, check out online schools.

There are so many military-friendly schools.

GIJobs.com features a section within their website highlighting military friendly schools.

Work: Schedule class, study and project time

It’s not just class time you need to make sure you stay on top of, you also need to remember to schedule the time weekly to study, complete projects and get all your assignments completed on time. Put the time on your calendar in advance and leave it there.

Treat it as you would a work or doctor appointment; don’t move it unless there is an extreme emergency.

Don’t worry, it’s OK to decline other events and activities in order to protect your personal education dates.

We all know military life tends to throw us a curveball or two.

Nozbe and Evernote are task management apps that allow you to schedule tasks, take notes and prioritize projects (just to name a few).

Taking care of you

When our lives and schedules get jam-packed, why do we tend to put our personal health last? We cut out very important things such as sleep, eating properly and exercising. When you take care of you, you perform better.

These shouldn’t be the things we cut back on, but the things we should remember to do a lot of. When you invest in your health the same way as your education, you are remembering why you’re working so hard to begin with. Make the time to eat well, sleep and exercise. Your body AND your brain will thank you.

Angela Caban is a military columnist and published author. Her husband, who was deployed in 2008, was one of the many soldiers impacted by the unprecedented activation of the Army National Guard. In 2010 she founded the Homefront United Network to provide assistance and family support through encouragement, educational articles and resources. She is dedicated to assisting National Guard and Reserve families with resources and ensuring no spouse or family member is left behind.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ Financial Fitness ]

Homefront |

What’s a fixed annuity and do I need one?

Courtesy of USAA

If you pull money out of a deferred annuity before age 59½,

If you expound on the virtues of annuities at your next dinner party, don’t count on all the guests jumping to join the conversation.

No, annuities aren’t the most exciting topic for cocktail chitchat, but they are worth talking about — especially when it comes to understanding how they can complement your overall financial plan.

Annuities are actually insurance products. It used to be that almost all deferred annuities were bought for estate planning purposes, said Joni Stahl, annuity product management director at USAA. But as employer pensions became the exception rather than the rule, consumers began buying annuities to provide guaranteed income in retirement.

Keep these things in mind: • Immediate annuities pay now.

Consumers who need access to regular

you could face federal tax penalties. Taking money out during the surrender period also can trigger charges from the insurance company. That’s why a solid understanding of how and when you can access your money is an important part of deciding how an annuity can benefit you. income should consider an immediate annuity, which takes a single, lumpsum premium and — you guessed it — immediately begins making payments for a set period of time or the rest of your life. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually.

• Deferred annuities pay later. If you buy a deferred annuity, your money stays in the annuity for a certain length of time called a surrender

period — seven or 10 years, in the case of USAA Life Insurance Company’s products — and then is guaranteed to pay out a defined payment amount, whenever you decide to begin receiving payments.

• You pay penalties for cashing out early. If you pull money out of a deferred annuity before age 59½, you could face federal tax penalties. Taking money out during the surrender period also can trigger charges from

the insurance company. That’s why a solid understanding of how and when you can access your money is an important part of deciding how an annuity can benefit you, said J.D. Livingston, annuity product management director at USAA. That said, annuities aren’t just for those close to retirement. As a retirement product, annuities can bring balance to portfolios with higher risk investments, Livingston said.

Fixed annuities offer several other advantages: • They are tax-deferred, which means the money you put in gains interest and you pay income tax on it when it’s taken out.

• Because they aren’t stocks, they pose minimal stock market risk.

• They provide guaranteed income that you will not outlive, and they can also provide payments to beneficiaries after your death, depending on the terms of your plan.

| Homefront

[ On the homefront ]

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Walking stick reflects soldier’s journey by jc jones Homefront magazine

C

hief Warrant Officer 2 Warren Sanders’ height is nearly matched by the 6-foot-tall wooden walking stick he carries.

The stick, though it can’t speak, tells the stories of his military career, as well as the many adventures he’s embarked on with his son Andrew.

As Sanders’ fingers make their way across the nearly-100 metal medallions and pins he’s tacked into the staff, the memories flood out of him.

Pins representing awards received throughout his 28-year Army career, unit patches and national parks, decorate the stick, and elicit stories of travels, adventures and accomplishments.

His favorite comes from a 2010 family vacation to Australia.

“It’s just a good way to record your memories.

Everything on here has a real specific meaning,” Sanders said.

Several other hand-carved wooden sticks also fill his collection, including a tall, twisted piece from an old honeysuckle vine.

The unique hobby of stick carving began with Sanders’ involvement in Boy Scouts with his son.

“I started it just to carry out and do hikes with. It was never really meant to do all this; it just kind of took off,” he said.

Since he was young, Andrew, now 20, said Scouting was the thing that bonded him to his father, and was a constant in the changing lifestyle of the military.

“It’s always been our common ground. We moved around because of the military a lot, but ever since first grade, all the way through high school, that’s always been our connection,” he said.

Most of the stick’s decoration comes from hiking trips the father-son duo took together.

“Over half that stick I was there for, so it’s nice to look at it. It’s memories,” Andrew said.

After three back surgeries, the studded staff now comes out for more than hikes. It goes just about everywhere with Sanders, a constant companion.

“I’m kind of tall and they don’t make canes to fit me. You can special order them, but I already had this one, so I just used it for my recovery,” he said. “I pretty much use it full time as my cane now. It really helps stabilize me, takes some of the weight off, especially when I’m standing.”

Carving and collecting the medallions also have been stress relieving for Sanders, who joined Fort Hood’s Warrior Transition Unit in January, and said it has been a good place for him to heal and think about what’s next.

He takes classes at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in hopes of becoming a high school art teacher after retiring from the Army.

BUy this photo at kdhnews.com ERic J. Shelton | Homefront

Andrew Sanders, left, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Warren Sanders hold handmade walking sticks Friday at Central Texas College.

Like Sanders, the stick may have more chapters in its future, more memories to tack onto its storied life.

“I think I’m kind of done with it, but I don’t know.

I say that and then I find other things to do with it,” Sanders said. jcjones@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7464

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ In the classroom ]

Homefront |

During Fort Hood visit, educators learn what military has to offer

By Courtney Griffin Homefront Magazine

Officials with U.S. Army Recruiting Command took time last week to show educators from across the country what the military has to offer.

“Most people think it’s the Army or college, but we want to let people understand it’s the Army and college,” said Thomas Bryd, public affairs specialist for the command and an Army retiree.

Dozens of educators from around the nation came to Fort Hood on Wednesday and Thursday to learn more about the many dimensions of military life and educational opportunities offered to future soldiers.

Pushing open the glass doors of Central Texas College’s administration building on post, Tina Ady, the dean of continental and Fort Hood campuses, gave her visitors a guided tour of the building and introduced them to the dynamic working relationship CTC has built with the military, one of the many avenues available to service members.

“Every time (soldiers) go to another campus, they usually had to transfer or split degree, and they come in with like five transcripts,” Ady said.

CTC is based on many military posts and has developed policies that accept a variety of military-based experiences and other credits to avoid that scenario.

They also help service members complete their degrees when deployed.

“It’s the best feeling when you can tell a student, ‘Yes, you aren’t starting from scratch,’” she said.

Tom Thomas, an educational specialist with the Oregon Department of Education, said the two-day tour he and others went on made it clear there were more roles in the military than just holding a gun.

The degree of job flexibility and the number of skills provided at zero to low cost were also impressive, he said.

“Some of the folks that were in medical careers changed from nonmedical paths to the medical areas,” Thomas said. “We talked to a couple soldiers on a panel ... many of them had to decided to work in one thing and then said, ‘Oh, well, this looks interesting,’ and then worked in another.”

The benefits extend beyond active-

BUy These photos at kdhnews.com Photos by Eric J. Shelton | Homefront

ABOVE: Educators from various higher educational institutions in the United States prepare to get back on their bus after touring Central Texas College’s Fort Hood campus June 18. BELOW: Tina Ady, dean of the Central Texas College Continental and Fort Hood campuses, talks to educators.

“It ties a lot into a lot of the things that I believe in: helping individuals become better than what they are,” Kok said.

Educators, like the ones who toured Thursday, will help change perspectives and translate the opportunities the military can provide to students, he said.

“In fact, the question that I asked today,” Kok said, was “before you came here yesterday, would you have recommended the Army to your son or to your daughter?”

While most of his visitors said no, after meeting soldiers and hearing more about the many educational and job opportunities provided, they changed their answer to a resounding “absolutely.” duty soldiers. They’re also offered to the Reserves, said Brig. Gen. Troy Kok,

the United States Army Recruiting Command’s deputy commander.

cgriffin@kdhnews.com | 254-501-7559

10 | Homefront

[ On the homefront ]

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Restaurants among big hits coming to post

BUy this photo at kdhnews.com ERic J. Shelton | Homefront

Brenda Burns’ eats food from Jimmy John’s during the grand opening of the eatery at the 19th Street Mini Mall at Fort Hood. Dunkin’ Donuts, which shares the same location as Jimmy John’s, also celebrated its grand opening.

By Jacob Brooks Homefront magazine

Gold star spouse Brenda Burns and her son Adrian sat in a new eatery on post earlier this month, enjoying something they used to have to drive to the Austin area to get: Dunkin’ Donuts.

Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts, which the Killeen area has been craving for years, has a new location at Fort Hood. The closest other Dunkin’ Donuts is in Round Rock.

Burns, from Kempner, comes on post a couple of times month to go to medical appointments, shop at the post exchange or grab a bite to eat.

“They’ve added some more things to the main food court,” she said. “It gives us something else to do — more things to look at.”

On Aug. 27, there will be a lot more to look at. That’s the scheduled opening date of Fort Hood’s newest post exchange. Army and Air Force Exchange Services officials are calling it the Fort Hood Mall. It’s bigger and will have more individual stores inside it than Fort Hood’s other two PXs: the Clear Creek Main Exchange and the Warrior Way Specialty Center.

The estimated $47 million new PX will be 265,000 square feet. In addition to a traditional PX, selling clothes, household items and more, it will feature numerous individual stores, including: Pro Image Sports, GNC, Game Stop, Rosetta Stone, Wandering Cowboy, MAC cosmetics. The new PX’s food court will have: Subway, Starbucks, Boston Market, Arby’s, Denny’s Express and Charlie’s, just to name a few.

It’s all part of an ongoing effort by AAFES officials to steadily improve and grow the service businesses on post, which now features 30 restaurants, 21 retail stores and 84 long-term concession shops, such as small game stores and barber shops, scattered around post, officials said.

“And that list is growing,” said Paula Gunderson, the general manager for Fort Hood Exchange, overseeing all AAFES operations on post.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts is at the 19th Street Mini Mall, right next to a

[ On the homefront ]

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Homefront | 11

BUy these photos at kdhnews.com Photos by ERic J. Shelton | Homefront

ABOVE: Dunkin’ Donuts employee Rhiannon Jackson, left, takes Cpl. Jamaar Crump’s order during the grand opening of the eatery at the 19th Street Mini Mall at Fort Hood. BELOW: Garrison Commander Col. Matthew Elledge speaks during the grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’ Donuts at the 19th Street Mini Mall at Fort Hood.

Jimmy John’s sandwich shop, which offers delivery on post. Both opened at the same time. Together, the new eateries are drawing about 900 customers a day, Gunderson said.

For single soldiers who live on post without a car, the new restaurants offer an alternative to Fort Hood’s dining facilities, which have limited hours.

That’s the case for Pvt. Keith Lovingfoss, a 3rd Cavalry Regiment soldier who arrived to post last month.

“An average private makes about $1,200 a month,” said Lovingfoss, adding he is trying to save up to travel to Arizona to see his girlfriend the next time he goes on leave. He said can’t afford a car note right now.

He said he was surprised to see the new restaurants when he came to the

If you GO

What: Dunkin’ Donuts and Jimmy John’s Where: 19th Street Mini Mall Weekday Hours: Dunkin’: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Jimmy John’s: 10 a.m. to midnight (Check stores for weekend hours).

To order a sandwich from Jimmy John’s: 254-213-1099 (The sandwich shop delivers on-post only.)

19th Street Mini Mall, not far from his barracks.

“I didn’t think they were going to have a Dunkin’ Donuts or a Jimmy John’s,” he said.

Now Burns and other fans of Dunkin’

Donuts can avoid traveling to Austin to get a “Dunkaccino” or a “glazed donut breakfast sandwich.”

“It’s more convenient, definitely,” said

Burns, who also ordered a sandwich from Jimmy John’s.

jbrooks@kdhnews.com |254-501-7468

[ What’s happening ]

12 | Homefront

Best Bets Killeen Parks and Recreation’s Hot Summer Nights movie series continues Friday with a screening of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” The PG-rated film lasts 81 minutes. Premovie activities start at 8 p.m. at the Killeen Amphitheater, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. Concessions for sale or bring your own, but no alcohol or glass containers. Call 254-5016390 or 254-501-8889.

Local Music Dirty Harry’s presents live music at 9 p.m.

Wednesdays. For ages 21 and older, no cover. Dirty Harry’s is at 206 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights (next to Kin Pin Tattoos). Call 254-680-6557.

Catch live jazz every Saturday from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Inn on the Creek in Salado. Call 254-947-5554 or go to www.inncreek.com.

The Dead Fish Grill at 2207 Lake Road in Belton presents live music many evenings.

Call 254-939-5771 or go to www.deadfishgrill.com.

Schoepf’s Bar-B-Que presents live music on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Next week, Brandon Rhyder with Scooter Brown Band performs. Schoepf’s is at 702 E. Central Ave., Belton. Go to www.schoepfsbbq.com.

The Scott & White Health Plan Hot Summer Sounds concert series continues Friday with a performance by the Sloppy Joe Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Miller Park, 1919 N. First St., Temple. Hot Summer Sounds is free and open to the public.

Concerts are every Friday through July 24.

Go to www.templeparks.com or call 254298-5440.

Farmers Markets

The Pioneer Farmers Market will be open in front of Tractor Supply Company on Central Texas Expressway in Killeen from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call Virginia at 254-423-5277.

Family Fun

Independence Day Celebration

July 4, 5 to 10 p.m.

Fort Hood plans live music, food, games and more fun during its annual celebration at Hood Stadium. The public is welcome to attend the free festivities, which end with a 30-minute fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music.

Hood Stadium is behind the Community Events and Bingo Center on Clear Creek Road.

For more information or special accommodations due to disability, call 254-286-5342 or go to www.hoodMWR.com.

Belton Fourth of July Parade

July 4, 10 a.m.

Since the 1850s folks from all over Texas have come to celebrate the Fourth of July in Belton. The parade This long time Belton tradition starts at 10 a.m. on Main Street at 10th Avenue, travels south on Main Street to Central Avenue, turns east on Central, turns left on Birdwell and ends on Fourth Avenue. At 11 a.m., enjoy a festival along Nolan Creek in Yettie Polk Park with a performance by Holly Tucker at noon. Enjoy food and games until 4 p.m. The PRCA rodeo caps off the evening at 7 at the Bell County Expo Center.

Yettie Polk Park, Central Avenue and Davis Street, downtown Belton.

Bell County Expo Center, 301 W. Loop 121, Belton.

For more information, go to rodeobelton.com or call the Belton Chamber of Commerce at 254-939-3551.

The Copperas Cove Farmers Market, 1506 Veterans Ave., VFW parking lot, Copperas Cove, is open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

The Water Street Farmers Market in Belton is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday downtown on Water Street in front of The Gin. Local vendors will have a variety of vegetables, foods and crafts.

The Harker Heights Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights, 850 W. Central Texas Expressway.

The Killeen Farmers Market is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays in conjunction with Food Truck Fridays at Green Avenue Park, 717 N. Second St. Call 254-501-7847.

Bars, Clubs Whiskey Business Bar & Grill presents karaoke Friday nights and live music Saturday nights. No cover needed for either night.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Whiskey Business is at 704B E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Killeen. (Next to Action Motors). Call 254-519-3764 or go to www. facebook.com/7WhiskeyBusiness7.

Every Monday “Panic on the Patio” with DJ Blazye at Club Rumours, 1507 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. No cover plus $20 all you can drink from 6 to 10:30 p.m. then party until 2. Call 404-829-4396.

Come out to All Bottoms Up, 1505 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd., Harker Heights, every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight for Open Mic/Open Jam. Call 254-699-0955 or go to www.facebook.com/allbottomsup.

Catch live music and other events at The Gin, 219 S. East St. in Belton. Go to www. thegin.net or text GINEVENTS to 96362.

Don’t miss live music at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at The Lounge Upstairs at The Range at The Barton House, 101 N. Main St., Salado. Call 254-947-3828 or go to www.therangerestaurant.com.

The Cultural Activities Center, 3011 N. Third St. in Temple, announces open registration for summer camps and classes with a variety of topics and age groups. Classes range from art for preschoolers, clay for all ages, sewing by machine, Hogwarts Express for the Harry Potter fans, theater camps for all ages, cooking classes, graphic design, Photoshop and more. For more information or to sign up, go to www.cacarts.org or call 254-773-9926.

For Children The Bell County Museum announces several events for the summer. The annual E.A. Limmer, Jr. Summer Camps will take place in July. The first is for ages 9-12 and is July 7-10. The second, for ages 6-8, is July 21-24. Each camp will focus on the Texas Revolution, Westward Ho!, transportation and black history. The fee is $30 per child and includes all craft activities and snacks.

Call 254-933-5243 or go to www.bellcountymuseum.org.

Clubs, Meetings The Killeen Civic Art Guild has open studio time from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and offers various workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays at the Killeen Arts & Activities Center, 802 N. Second St., Suite D 100.

Contact Jutta Mack at jmack1@hot.rr.com, call 254-466-4040 or go to www.killeencivicartguild.org.

Planetarium Several films are now showing at the Mayborn Science Theater at Central Texas College. For show descriptions, full schedule and ticket prices, go to www.starsatnight. org or call 254-526-1800.

Have upcoming events to include?

Email events@kdhnews.com. Items run as space is available.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ on the tube ]

Homefront | 13

‘Ballers’ aims to be rare sports series with winning game plan

By Greg Braxton Los Angeles Times

The record-breaking ratings accompanying the tsunami of recent sports blockbusters, from the NBA Finals to the Stanley Cup playoffs to the Triple Crown to the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout, proves one of life’s most undeniable truths — America is stricken with sports fever.

But despite the phenomenal behemoth of live athletics on TV, it’s a whole other ballgame when it comes to the prime-time scripted arena. Comedies and dramas set in the sports world during the last few decades have not had winning records.

Among the numerous losses are FX’s boxing drama “Lights Out,” USA Network’s football comedy “Necessary Roughness” and ABC’s baseball family comedy “Back in the Game” with James Caan. Even “The Bad News Bears,” a hit in theaters, struck out on the small screen. And despite its critical acclaim, “Friday Night Lights” never drew a large audience.

The new HBO show “Ballers” seeks to end the losing streak, counting on the current sports frenzy, sharp writing and the massive appeal of former wrestling star turned leading man Dwayne Johnson, a.k.a. “The Rock.” The series, which started June 21, centers on a former football player (Johnson) at a crossroads between getting his own life together and being a mentor to current football players caught up in the bling and adoration of the game.

“Ballers” joins two other sports-related series trying to score points with

Jeff Daly | HBO

Dwayne Johnson, right, and Rob Corddry in Episode 3 of “Ballers.”

viewers. Starz’s “Survivor’s Remorse,” about a young basketball star who signs a multimillion-dollar contract and moves with his family to Atlanta, has moved into its second season (LeBron James is an executive producer).

And DirecTV is taking its chances with “Kingdom,” which is anchored in mixed martial arts.

HBO is putting heavy muscle behind “Ballers,” aware that series anchored in sports are not always slam dunks.

“We went in knowing this is a high bar,” said Michael Lombardo, president of programming for HBO. “Given the amount of time sports spends in the collective consciousness of this country, it’s been an area that people have been less successful in mining on a fictional level.”

Robert Wuhl, who starred in and produced “Arliss,” a HBO series centered on a pro sports agent that became known for its cameos of famous athletes, said the many writers of sports shows do not fully develop characters and situations. They typically tell their stories from the point of view of the fan, “and the fan only cares about one thing,” Wuhl points out. “Winning and losing.”

“Ballers” packs more edge than most sports-related series. Filled with raunch, outrageous behavior, debauchery, women in bikinis and coarse language, “Ballers” plays like a revamp of “Entourage” spiced with flavorings from “Arliss,” which aired on HBO from 1996 to 2002.

The producers of “Ballers” empha-

size that even though the show is set in the world of sports, it is not a so-called sports series. There are no big games.

Even though the names of real teams are used (Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys), the majority of the action takes place off the field.

“It’s about the short life span of a pro player, where the highs are so high — the comps, the women, the lifestyle,” Lombardo said. “But the minute it ends, there’s no second act. And the show looks at how hard that is. There’s no rule book on how to deal with that.

It’s the journey of a man and his life after football.”

Lack of authenticity has been one problem faced by sports-related series.

For legal and practical considerations, fictional teams are used in most series, distancing the story from reality.

“Sports documentaries are more popular than ever,” said Courtney Cox, a former ESPN producer. “People don’t want to watch the fake version. When they see fictional team names, that’s the tip-off that it’s not real. There’s no connection to real life.”

“Ballers,” however, is set in NFL reality — the Miami Dolphins are prominent. Some of the outrageousness on-screen, including drug and alcohol use, may give league officials pause, particularly since the NFL is not involved with the production.

The makers of the series are hopeful that viewers connect with the euthenics of the hero’s emotional journey. “It’s not about playing ball, but we think football fans will love it,” Lombardo said. “We think football owners will love it.”

[ Dining In ]

14 | Homefront

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Crank up the flavor and moisture for a better turkey burger

By MELISSA D’ARABIAN

Matthew Mead | AP

The Associated Press

The turkey burger has become the healthy default of grilling season.

And that’s really not a bad call.

That’s because a 90 percent lean turkey burger (4 ounces) has only about 160 calories, yet still offers an impressive 20 grams of protein and just 9 grams of fat. Just don’t be tempted to buy leaner ground turkey. It may be fine in other recipes, but when making burgers anything leaner than 10 percent fat will produce tough, dry patties.

So for chili or taco night, feel free to grab that 93 percent or 96 percent ground turkey. There’s enough sauce to make up the difference. But burgers need some fat for flavor, moisture and tenderness. Even 90 percent ground turkey requires some careful handling in order to ensure a juicy, tasty burger. I have two tricks that are game-changers for your turkey burgers.

First, use an instant-read thermometer. You can get one for under $10 almost anywhere. This is money well spent, and not just for burgers. Unless you are very experienced with meat, use the thermometer to take the guesswork out of grilling. It makes it easy to know exactly when the meat has hit the desired temperature.

A turkey burger needs to cook to 165 F, but don’t let it go one degree above that! In fact, I take mine off the grill a degree or two early because meat continues to cook a bit after it comes off the heat.

Second, flavor the burger — both in the patty and with a topping. Turkey burgers are almost always better when they have a little flavoring in the meat. And then you also want to top them with something to add flavor and moisture, such as marinated summer peaches and goat cheese, which I stretched with some highprotein, low-fat Greek yogurt. This is a turkey burger your guests will love this summer.

Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.” http://www.melissadarabian.net

TURKEY BURGERS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND GRILLED PEACHES

Start to Finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4

1¼ pounds 90 percent lean ground turkey 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 medium shallot, minced, divided 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon turmeric Kosher salt and ground black pepper 3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, divided 1½ tablespoons white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 large peaches, sliced into ¼-inch rounds 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese ½ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt

Juice and zest of ½ lemon Vegetable oil, for brushing burgers 4 burger buns 1 cup arugula (optional) In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, hot sauce, half of the shallot, the cumin, turmeric and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining shallot, 2 teaspoons of the thyme, the vinegar and olive oil. Add the peach slices and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to an hour.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 teaspoon of thyme, the goat cheese, yogurt and the lemon zest and juice until smooth.

Refrigerate. Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

When ready to cook, heat a grill or large grill pan to medium-high. Divide the ground

turkey mixture into quarters and form each into a patty. Use your thumbs to press an indentation into the center of each patty.

Brush each patty with vegetable oil, then season on both sides with salt and pepper.

Grill the burgers for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked to 165 F at the center.

While the burgers are cooking, add the peach slices to the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Brush the cut sides of each bun with vegetable oil and grill for about 30 seconds per side. To assemble, set a burger on top of each bun bottom, then top with 2 tablespoons of goat cheese sauce, 2 to 3 grilled peach slices, and arugula, if using.

Nutrition per serving: 550 calories; 260 calories from fat (47 percent of total calories); 30 g fat (9 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 120 mg cholesterol; 660 mg sodium; 33 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 12 g sugar; 39 g protein.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

[ Dining in ]

Homefront | 15

Festive Fourth: Serve American Flag Pie at party

By Gretchen McKay

Gretchen McKay | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With its red-white-and-blue color scheme, this pie would be a perfect dessert for a July 4 picnic.

You may need an extra pair of hands to fill the crust — I had my daughter Olivia hold her hands in a “V” to create the blueberry wedge.

AMERICAN FLAG PIE

Pastry for a double pie crust, homemade or store-bought

For strawberry-rhubarb filling ½ cup sugar ½ cup pie filling enhancer (I used cornstarch) 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 cups lightly packed diced rhubarb, fresh or frozen 2 cups hulled, quartered strawberries, fresh or frozen For blueberry filling 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons pie filling enhancer (I used cornstarch) 2 cups blueberries, washed and drained 1½ teaspoons lemon juice White sanding sugar, for garnish Line a 9-inch pie pan with about 2/3 of pastry. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Make strawberry filling: Whisk together sugar, enhancer and salt and toss with rhubarb and strawberries. Set aside.

Make blueberry filling: Whisk together sugar and enhancer. Toss with blueberries, then stir in the lemon juice.

Fill a 90-degree wedge of pie shell with blueberry filling and the remaining 270degree wedge with strawberry-rhubarb filling.

Roll the remaining crust into a 10-inchlong rectangle about 3/8-inch thick. Cut dough, lengthwise, into 5 to 6¾-inch-wide strips.

Cut three to five 1¼-inch stars from remaining dough.

Place strips parallel to one another over the strawberry-rhubarb section, cutting any excess off the ends and pinching them to the edge of the crust. Place the stars atop the blueberry filling.

Brush stars, stripes and outer crust with water and sprinkle with sanding sugar, if desired.

Place pie on baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake for 30 minutes.

Reduce heat to 375 degrees and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, until filling is bubbling and crust nicely browned.

(I had to cover the pie with aluminum foil about half way through to keep it from over-browning, but it still got too dark. I

thing King Arthur either manipulated the image of the pie pictured on its website, or added the stars-and-stripes outer crust toward the end of baking.)

Remove pie from oven, and let cool for at least an hour before serving.

Yield: 1 pie.

Source: King Arthur Flour

16 | Homefront

Wednesday, June 24, 2015